Convergence in Davao Norte pushes through amid heavy rains

DAVAO DEL NORTE - Intermittent rains failed to stop basic government services in flooded areas in Tagum City.

Hundreds of eager residents did not flinch from the downpour, as they came in droves to swarm the lavish social and medical services rolled out by the capitol's convergence for peace and development program in Barangay San Agustin.

Governor Rodolfo del Rosario personally led the launch of this year's one-stop caravan of services catering to far-flung communities.

"We are here to deliver plenty of services at your own doorsteps," the governor said, to the jubilation of the crowd who were waiting for their turn to avail of the medical, surgical, dental, laboratory, legal, and agricultural services, among others assistance.

Lending support to the governor were Vice Governor Victorio Suaybaguio, Board members Raymond Joey Millan, Shirley Belen Aala and Vicente Eliot, Mayor Rey Uy, 1003rd Infantry Brigade Commander Col. Buenaventura Pascual, 60th IB Commander Col. Lewellyn Binasoy and provincial police deputy chief Sr. Supt. Jessie Estrada.

The governor explained that through the convergence initiative the province has localized the government’s peace process, in support of President Benigno Aquino’s goal of attaining peace by 2016.

The Provincial Government started out the convergence program in 2011, successfully fusing the resources of the Capitol with the peace and development outreach program of the Philippine Army, along with the support of the Philippine National Police and other agencies.

Around 100,000 indigents in remote areas of the province has so far benefitted from the breakthrough strategy that has revolutionized the local government’s anti-insurgency drive in the province.

The activity was the first among 27 missions slated for geographically isolated and depressed areas in the province this year.