Datu Tumanggong residents in Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay had something to smile about yesterday – August 21. It is not about the holiday or rest day that any office person would be pleased about, but it’s about the services and assistance that came their way that day.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office IX led by Director Zenaida Arevalo joined other government and public offices in providing services to residents of Tungawan, Sibugay yesterday.
About three thousand individuals of Datu Tumanggong barangay and other neighboring areas attended the ‘Bayanihan’Civic Action (CIVAC). The activity was an initiative of Sibugay Governor Wilter Palma in partnership with the 6th SFBn Command. The multi-sectored affair was held at the grounds of Datu Tumanggong Elementary School. Topping the services availed by the residents were the Medical and Dental missions which were carried out through the support of the Provincial Health Office.
Programs and services
Aside from the medical and dental services, a team of lawyers from the Provincial Government were also present to provide legal assistance. Mothers and young couples trooped to the National Statistics Office booth to apply for pertinent documents such as Marriage and Birth certificates. Fees for applications were waived as earlier discussed by Gov. Palma with Tungawan Mayor Randy Climaco during the briefing at 6th SFBn.
Recipients of DSWD family packs went home with smiles on their faces hugging close to them their packs containing rice, canned goods and other basic commodities. DSWD 9 gave out 1,020 family packs to the poorest families in the barangay while ABS-CBN Foundation also handed some toys and other goodies. 
Young boys and teen-aged males availed of the free circumcision and hair cut services while preschool kids and toddlers sumptuously ate their share of the nutritious meal offered to them during the feeding session conducted by the local government unit.
Brief Program
Excitement and curiosity was etched on the faces of the barangay residents as they witnessed the opening ceremony that morning which was graced by Congresswoman Ann Hofer, Gov. Palma, Director Arevalo and some dignitaries from the Office of the President on Peace Process (OPAPP) and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
Speaking in the local dialect, Governor Palma assured the people of the local governments’ continuous engagements with residents which he hoped to be a proof of his earnest support in addressing ‘difficulties’ in the said area. A team from the Provincial government is set to visit the municipality next week for the distribution of notebooks to preschoolers and elementary students. Gov. Palma revealed other initiatives are being done to ensure peace and development in the said municipality. The LCE was speaking in context with the priority of the government in sustaining peace in the area considering that Datu Tumanggong is also home to the MILF group. Hoping for amity and transparency in governance, he underscored the need for communication to ensure good relations. This, he said, will pave the way for further development and progress in the area.
PAMANA projects
Forty Million pesos from Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan Fund (PAMANA) is expected to be poured in Sibugay. Gov. Palma said the funds will be used to finance infra and other social welfare projects. Rubber remains to be the top produce of the region, thus exploring on how to acquire a better variety (like the one produced in Malaysia) is being considered by the province.
Other groups from the private and media sectors include ML Lhuiller, Philippine Business for Social Progress,Philippine Medical Society, Zamboanga Times, TVI Resource Development, Inc., DXIR-FM, Radyo Lipay and ABS-CBN Sagip Kapamilya.
Currently, there are 171 Pantawid Pamilya beneficiaries in Datu Tumanggong alone. Out of the number, forty availed of a capital seed fund from DSWD’s Sustainable Livelihood Program. Six varied infra projects were implemented under the KALAHI-CIDSS benefitting majority of the residents of the barangay.### (NZB)
You must be logged in to post a comment.