by: Flor Jackson, PIA Biliran
Naval, Biliran (February 29) – The provincial government of Biliran led by Goveernor Rogelio Espina, the national government agencies (NGAs), non-government organizations (NGOs) and other groups participate in the People’s Government Mobile Action (PGMA) Caravan today, February 29 in Biliran Province.
The PGMA Caravan is one of the pro-poor projects of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo through the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR) led by Hon. Remedios “Matin” Petilla, PAGCOR Vice-President for PGMA Programs on Social Development in coordination with the provincial government of Biliran through Gov. Espina.
According to Jun Oliva, Information Officer of the provincial government, the venue of the Caravan will be at the Naval Institute of Technology (NIT) gymnasium and in other areas within the NIT campus instead of the original plan to hold it at the capitol grounds because of the unpredictable weather condition.
Biliran has been experiencing rainy days for over two weeks now and it might just affect the smooth flow of the activities of the caravan.
The activities today will be started with a thanksgiving mass to be officiated by Msgr. Filomeno Bactol, Bishop of Naval.
After the mass, the one-stop shop services of the participating agencies and groups will immediately follow.
While the activities of the caravan are going on at the NIT campus, the surgical mission at the Biliran Provincial Hospital (BPH) will continue until all surgical patients are served and operated on today which is the last day of the mission.
A medical and dental mission will also be held today at the NIT main library at the Andaya Building.
A blood letting campaign with NIT students and the general public will also be conducted inside the NIT campus.
In order to provide an avenue for the Biliranons to be employed, a Jobs Fair will be conducted as part of the caravan.
Five placement agencies from Manila are participating in the activity namely: the Treasure of Hope International, Incorporated; Pacific Mediterranean International Manpower Agency, Incorporated; 10th Story Placement Agency, Incorporated; Unijobs International Manpower Services Corporation and the Mother’s Way Overseas Manpower Specialist Corporation.
The provincial youth conference to be undertaken at the NIT Hostel conference room will form part of the activities of the Caravan.
The Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) conducted a four-day skills training starting February 26 until today, on various skills that will help trainees earn more income after completion of the training.
The skills training are focused on motorcycle repair, cooking and baking, haircut and hairstyling and massage.
Part of the services they offer to the Biliranons today is the free assessment for Call Center Agents (PRO-SPEAK) and free assessment for Personal Computer Operation NC II.
For its part, the Land Transportation Office (LTO) will offer their E-Patrol services to the Biliranons which include driver’s license renewal, issuance of student’s permit and renewal of motor vehicle registration.
The Dpeartment of Agriculture through the Office of the Provincial Agricultural Services (OPAS) will distribute planting materials and vegetable seeds and Certificates of Awards (Bagsakan Center) to Balite Marketing Corporation of Kawayan town.
The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources will distribute fishing gears and tilapia fingerlings to identified recipients.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will award Certificates to Operate to 15 Tindahan Natin Operators. Likewise, it will award Accreditation Certificates to the Provincial Crisis Center and the Cabucgayan Day Center for Senior Citizens.
The Food for School program rice distribution to Day Care children will also be undertaken by the DSWD.
On the other hand, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) will award 100 land titles to identified beneficiaries in the province.
The Department of Health (DOH) will distribute boxes of medicines and will award Certificates of Training to Botika ng Bayan Operators.
The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) will distribute aromatic and ornamental coconut seedlings.
For its part, the provincial government of Biliran through Gov. Espina will distribute farm inputs like planting materials, coffee, mango, banana and vegetables. Likewise, it will distribute materials for fish sanctuaries and fishing gears to identified recipients.
Early Child Care and Development (ECCD) checks will also be distributed to the beneficiaries.
Livestock such as carabao, swine, goat and turkey and Dagdag-Puhunan checks will be given out to identified beneficiaries.
Schools and Barangays will be awarded financial assistance and the 4-H Club in the province will be awarded computer units.
The municipalities of Kawayan, Almeria and Cabucgayan will be awarded generator sets and multi-cab units will be awarded to Barangay Cabungaan in Naval town and Barangay Bunga in Cabucgayan.
Some 60 government agencies, NGOs and other groups will be joining in today’s caravan day.
