Saturday, November 10, 2007 Villages better equipped to prevent Marianeth cases By Grace L. Plata
BARANGAY councils hold the key to preventing tragedies, like that of 11-year-old Marianeth Amper, who took her life because of despondency over her family's dire financial straits.
This is according to Councilors Angela Librado-Trinidad and Edgar Ibuyan in separate phone interviews Friday.
"Dapat man gud sa barangay level naa na statistics (Barangays should have the statistics) and database so we will know the situation and agencies like the CSSDO (city social services and development office) can make actions on the matter," Trinidad said.
Ibuyan, a former barangay captain, however, believes it is the residents' lack of information that makes them believe they can get no government assistance.
"Daghan man ta ug programa ba pero kana rang kusog maminaw ug radyo o mubasa ug newspaper ang nakabalo. Ang kasagaran tao, abi nila wala na gyud sila'y maduulan kay wala man sila kabalo unsay mga proyekto (We have many programs, it's just that these are known only to people who always listen to radio news and read newspapers. Most people believe they do not have anyone to run to because they are not aware that there are projects for them)," Ibuyan said.
He added that there is a need to embark on an awareness campaign to inform people of social service projects in the city and barangay levels.
"Parehas aning among gibuhat sa Bankerohan. Naa mi help desk sa barangay arun nga makatubag sa ilang pangutana kung asa nga ahensya sila dapat muadto nga makatabang sa ilang mga problema (Like in Bankerohan, we have a help desk in the barangay hall where residents can inquire which agency of government they can approach for help)," Ibuyan said.
The help desk also answers queries on the Social Security System, PhilHealth, and other social service agencies and, according to Ibuyan, this is something that every barangay needs. Ibuyan was the barangay chair of Bankerohan before he was prevailed on by City Mayor Rodrigo R. Duterte to run as city councilor last May.
Meanwhile, a number of City Council members collectively agree that the child's death is a failure of the community as a whole.
"This is a tragic loss. It's hard to imagine extreme poverty that exists in our midst that drives such a young person to an extreme measure. I am ashamed as a city official to witness this tragedy. Her death is our collective responsibility," Councilor Peter Laviña said.
"Davao City claims to have in place policies and programs that place children's rights its priority. In fact, we pride ourselves as the most child-friendly city. The incident indicates that we have failed Marianeth," Councilor Leonardo Avila III also said Friday.
Trinidad, however, said the incident clearly illustrates how the government continually robs the Filipino children of their rights to basic needs such as food, shelter, clothing, and education.
"While this is a sad incident for the Dabawenyos, this should also inspire us to speak for, rally behind, and continually struggle for their rights," Trinidad said.
According to Ibuyan, the incident should serve as a wake-up call for the whole community.
