DSWD provides food assistance to families affected by El Niño
by Jamila M. Taha
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – In aid for the continuing effects of El Niño in the region, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) here sends out food assistance to the affected farmers across the provinces of Bukidnon and Misamis Oriental.
This is in support to the efforts and requests of local government units (LGUs) that declared their areas in a “state of calamity”. Based on the list provided by the LGU there are about 24,374 farmers, forest workers, farm laborers and fisher folks affected by the calamity, of which 22,247 are from the areas of San Fernando, Kibawe, Kitaotao, Cabanglasan, Lantapan, Quezon, Valencia, Talakag and Malaybalay City Bukidnon, the remaining 2,127 are identified from Claveria, Misamis Oriental. To this date, 3,776 families have already receive a total of 10,850 Family Food Packs while 7,306 families are expected to receive the same number of food packs this month. The other 13,292 families are still on the process
of validation as to their eligibility for assistance. The Family Food Packs contains rice and ready to eat foods. “We want to ensure the public that the department has Family Food Packs and cash assistance readily available for any disaster response," says Virginia Cardona, Disaster Response focal. “The effects of the calamity drastically affected the livelihood of the farmers and we believe other agencies of the government and even the civil society groups have also reached out and extended their aid," she adds. The department as the lead agency for social welfare and protection will continue to be vigilant and vigorous in addressing related issues.
DOLE 10 culminates women month, supports gender development by Mildred E. Dablio
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The Department of Labor and Employment, Regional Office No. 10 (DOLE-10) celebrated the Women’s Month, with the theme, “Kapakanan ni Juana, Isama sa Agenda,” through a culmination program on 29 March 2016 at its WODP Training Center, DOLE-10 office, Cagayan de Oro City..
“As one of the agencies on gender advocates, DOLE-10 is always in support towards the gender and development to its employees and its customers,” DOLE-10 Regional Director Raymundo G. Agravante said during his opening message. Meanwhile, senior labor and employment officer, Criste Perfecto agreed with director Agravante, “On behalf of my female co-workers, we would like to thank the leadership of the equality and opportunities given to us for our developmental and professional growth.” Symbolic crown coronation was led by Agravante as tribute towards all the women in the office for their unwavering support and contribution towards public service. DOLE-X ladies felt like queens and princesses for the day for the appreciation given. Preceding the program was the thanksgiving of the first quarter birthday celebrants and despideda or
bon voyage gesture of the employees to their outgoing Assistant Regional Director Albert E. Gutib who is the OIC regional director of DOLE Regional Office No. XII and mediator-arbiter, Atty. Evelyn R. Ramos, as OIC regional director of DOLE Caraga Region. Incoming OIC-assistant regional director and former OIC-chief administrative officer, Lucila S. Pulvera led the prayers for the outgoing DOLE-X officials. “We pray them the happiness and all the blessings from the Almighty will be with them in their next journeys in life,” Pulvera said. “This tribute is also our heartfelt gratitude of all their valuable contributions they have imparted to all of us in the office,” she added. Even with these changes, director Agravante assures the public that the services of DOLE will continue to advance towards inclusive growth to all, as part of the agenda of the Aquino III’s administration.
4ID honors wounded soldiers for gallantry CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – The 4th Infantry Division, Philippine Army honored the 11 wounded soldiers who are confined at Camp Evangelista Station Hospital, April 12, 2016, for their gallantry in action while fighting the NPA extortionists in Northern Mindanao and Caraga regions.
In a very simple ceremony, MGen Benjamin R Madrigal Jr., 4ID commander, pinned the Wounded Personnel Medal (WPM) to these soldiers, eight are regular soldiers while three are CAFGU Active Auxiliaries. MGen Madrigal said, “I am honored to give these awards to our gallant soldiers who fought bravely with the enemy of the state. You may have suffered wounds during the hit of the fight but you brought honor to the whole Armed Forces especially to the Filipino people whom you dedicated your service. Congratulations!� To the people in this side of Mindanao, for each soldier who wound or dies while in combat means many families could enjoy a peaceful living but another family may lose a father and a husband. However, this
is our commitment. It is the love of our country what fuels each soldier to remain steadfast and continue its constitutional mandate to protect the Filipino people and secure every community, said Madrigal. WPM is awarded to members of and civilians employed by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) who are injured or killed in combat with the enemy. He also said wound or dies while in combat means many families could enjoy a peaceful living but another family may lose a father and a husband. However, this is our commitment. It is the love of our country what fuels each soldier to remain steadfast and continue its constitutional mandate to protect the Filipino people and secure every community. (4ID/PA)