6 villages in northern Neg Occ benefit from civic activities

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 4): 6 villages in northern Neg Occ benefit from civic activities

Residents of six far-flung barangays in northern Negros Occidental are benefiting from the 15-day civil-humanitarian activities spearheaded by Provincial Peace and Integration Development Unit (Pro-PIDU) dubbed “Marching for Peace, Serving the Countryside.”

After kicking off in Barangay Paitan, Escalante City Monday and going to Barangay Bandila,Toboso today, the government services will be brought next to Barangay Malatas, Calatrava, Barangay Bug-ang, Toboso; and Barangays Pinapugasan and Malasibog, also in Escalante City.

The activities are being supported by the Philippine Army through by 303rd Infantry Brigade headed by Col. Jon Aying and Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office led by Senior Supt. Milko Lirazan.

Residents of the six barangays can avail of services from the Provincial Health Office, Provincial Veterinary Office, Provincial Planning and Development Office, Provincial Social Welfare Development Office, Office of the Provincial Agriculturist, the Provincial Technology and Livelihood Development Center, among others.

Gov. Alfredo Marañon Jr. urged the people in these barangays to unite and cooperate with the government to fight poverty and hunger for a more progressive Negros Occidental.

On Monday, the governor distributed goods and medicines to Paitan residents. He assured Paitan village chief Richardy Pios Sr. during their dialogue that the provincial government will help in the construction of a water system and the renovation of three classrooms in the barangay.

The activity started that day with a march of Army and police troopers from Barangay Bato, Sagay City to Barangay Paitan to assess the situation of the people residing in these remote areas, and to be able to address their concerns through a civic activity.

Pios thanked the provincial government and other stakeholders for bringing the civic action activity directly to their barangay.

“I am happy that our barangay was visited by our governor together with the various organizations who make us feel that we are not forgotten,” he said.

For his part, Aying stressed the importance of multi-stakeholders approach in resolving armed conflict and promoting peace by bringing progress directly to the people.

“The march for peace and civic action is a chance to show the people that they are the legitimate force of the government and we are ready to protect them,” he added.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=541051