Silago MTF-ELCAC leads Serbisyo Caravan, grand pulong-pulong for 3 upland barangays

From the Philippine Information Agency (Sep 29, 2020): Silago MTF-ELCAC leads Serbisyo Caravan, grand pulong-pulong for 3 upland barangays (By Marcelo Pedalino)

BRGY. CATMON, Silago, Southern Leyte, Sept. 28 (PIA) -- The Municipal Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (MTF-ELCAC) spearheaded a gathering of various government agencies in this remote village, delivering basic health services, then listening and responding to issues the people raised.

The convergence effort held on Friday, Sept. 25 was called “Serbisyo Caravan and Grand Pulong-Pulong,” and it was participated by several national line agencies like TESDA, DOLE, DTI, BFAR, DOST, PCA, DENR, DA, PhilFIDA, NICA, DILG, DOH, representatives from the academe, and PIA.

Also present were officials and heads of offices of Silago LGU headed by Mayor Pacita Almine, chair of the MTF-ELCAC, and provincial offices such as the Provincial Agriculture Services Office (PAgSO) and the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Management Office (PENRMO).

Elements of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Philippine Army were also around, the former headed by PLt. Col Paulito Sabulao of the PNP’s community affairs unit, and the latter led by BGen. Zosimo Oliveros, commander, 802nd Brigade, and Lt. Col. Roberto Obaob, commanding officer, 14IB, 8ID.

People from the neighboring barangays of Imelda and Katipunan, and the host barangay of Catmon, along with their respective officials, availed of the free medical consultation with free medicines, dental, tooth extraction services, tuli or circumcision, the rites to manhood of young children, and free haircut for the young and old.

During the dialogue, questions aired by leaders of the youth, women, and farmers’ organizations in the three barangays mostly centered on more opportunities for livelihood, skills training, small irrigation project, and higher market price for swine.

In response, DOLE shared updates on upcoming livelihood with the Bayanihan 2 law, TESDA announced upcoming courses on electrical installation and farm field school, while provincial agriculture personnel vowed to coordinate with a regional or provincial buyer for higher price of live pigs, and to help follow-up a resolution for a water-impounding project.

In her closing remarks, Mayor Pacita Almine thanked the various agencies for their swift action in her call for assistance, especially in “bringing the government closer to the people in the three barangays.”

She also thanked all the people “for coming here, for your cooperation and support, and for believing in our government.” (ldl/mmp/PIA-Southern Leyte)

https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1054433