|
Wednesday, June 25, 2003
Anti-poverty group vows to help Happy Hallow folks
By May Anne Cacdac
THE National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) has committed on Tuesday to improve the quality of life of residents in the city by launching the Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan (KALAHI) program at the Happy Hollow barangay.
The launching coincided with the 5th founding anniversary celebration of the NAPC.
NAPC Undersecretary Susan Abaya led the different regional line agencies in delivering to the residents of Happy Hollow the good news of benefits that come along with the KALAHI program.
"Through the initiative and desire of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to alleviate poverty and promote sustainability in the country, we are initiating reforms and launching different services that will enhance the quality of life in this barangay," Abaya said.
Reforms include the conduct of validation survey of ancestral domain claim by the Regional Technical Division of the National Commission on Indigenous People; segregation of Happy Hollow from the Camp John Hay reservation; issuance of individual land titles; planting of vegetation fencing and the construction of an irrigation system.
The John Hay Management Corporation through representative Lyza Pagano-Calde said that CJH is committed to process the segregation of 14 barangays in the city relative to one of the conditions set by the City Council before the development of the former US military base was approved.
"However, this can not be done immediately. There are processes that we have to follow. Relative to this, the JHMC, the NCIP and the city government are set to meet sometime next week to fully discuss the matter," Calde added.
NCIP Regional Director Lailene Gallardo also committed to fast track the titling of valid land claims once the barangay is segregated from the CJH reservation. "We are thankful that a meeting has been convened for the different concerned agencies to clarify issues regarding the awarding of lots to the claimants."
Meanwhile, the National Irrigation Administration has already allotted an initial P500, 000 for the irrigation system of the barangay with the Department of Agriculture committing to put up a school fruit library.
The Department of Health, led by Regional Director Dr. Teresita Bonoan pledged to provide services on nutrition and family planning, basic sanitation and the establishment of a Botika sa Barangay, in coordination with the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes. The PCSO already brought an initial P10, 000 worth of basic medicines to the barangay last month.
Division of City Schools Supt. Dr. Philip Flores said that the DepEd is willing to provide vocational courses to the residents of Happy Hollow. "We can only provide so little but we are committed to provide quality services to your barangay."
Livelihood and employment services include skills training on weaving, baking and food processing to be facilitated by the Departments of Science and Technology, Trade and Industry, Agriculture and Labor.
Major infrastructure projects in the KALAHI area include construction of a farm-to-market road, tramline, footbridges, erosion control measures, waiting sheds, improvement/widening of existing road, provision of street lights, establishment of a mini park, provision of street lights and enhancement of the communication system in the barangay.
Abaya said that with the cooperation of the different government line agencies, corporate entities and the local government units, fighting poverty in the country could be achieved. "Let us preserve the integrity of the past while ensuring a brighter future for all of us and especially for our children."
(June 25, 2003 issue)
Want Sun.Star news on your mobile phone? Click here.
Write letter to the editor. Click here.
Join the Sun.Star message board. Click here. |
|
[ return
to top ]
[ home
]
|
LOCAL NEWS
BUSINESS
OPINION
SPORTS
LIFESTYLE
FEATURE
|
