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→Gov’t inaugurates Spanish-backed peace & dev’t projects in Sorsogon
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==Sorsogon Initiatives beneficiaries urged to ‘own’ projects== | |||
*Source: http://www.opapp.gov.ph/news/sorsogon-initiatives-beneficiaries-urged-%E2%80%98own%E2%80%99-projects | |||
*Sunday, 4 March, 2012 - 10:59 | |||
:by opapp.gov.ph/news | |||
Gubat, Sorsogon, Mar. 4 – Local officials in this province urged communities to exert ownership and responsibility over development projects to ensure success in their implementation. | |||
Sorsogon Congressman Deogracias Ramos, Jr. called on the beneficiaries of the Sorsogon Initiatives to treat the projects as their own. “Many projects have been provided by the government but some don’t take care of them. I hope you will not ignore your responsibility,” he said during the recent inauguration of several infrastructure projects held at the Sta. Ana Elementary School in Sta. Ana, Gubat, and at the Barcelona Development Cooperative (BADECO) Operation Center for Peace and Development in Poblacion, Barcelona. | |||
Also present were Barcelona Mayor Manuel Fortes, Jr., Gubat Vice Mayor Sixto Estareja, Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Assistant Secretary for Programs Howard Cafugauan, Agencia Española Cooperacion Internacional para el Desarollo (AECID) Deputy Coordinator General Norberto Gomez De Liaño, OPAPP Director Eileen Jose and Colonel Felix Castro, commander of the 903rd Brigade, among others. | |||
Fortes, on the other hand, stressed the importance of partnership in the success of the projects that aim to boost peace and development conditions. “These will not be successful without the participation of the people." | |||
The role of beneficiaries was also emphasized by Jose. “Since the projects are community-driven, the labor force comes from the barangay. In fact, the farmers themselves worked on the rehabilitation of the irrigation system, while others were hired for the road construction.” | |||
A joint effort of OPAPP and the Department of Interior and Local Government-Local Government Agency (DILG-LGA), Sorsogon Initiatives aims to empower local communities through enhancing participation in local governance, and involving them in the preparation and implementation of peace and development projects. It is funded by Spain’s AECID. | |||
Among the newly-completed projects in Gubat include the widening and concreting of road in Sitio Apgo, and rehabilitation and expansion of 1.5-km Sitio Puro communal irrigation system. In Barcelona, projects include banana production sustainable agri-based enterprise program and construction of the BADECO Operation Center for Peace and Development, among others. | |||
Peace and development | |||
Underlining the P-Noy administration’s efforts of negotiating a political settlement with rebel groups while addressing poverty and poor governance, Cafugauan stated that “peace and development should go together.” | |||
“They should go hand-in-hand. We cannot separate one from the other,” he added. | |||
Cafugauan expressed hope that the projects will serve as a legacy for the next generation. On this, he mentioned the government’s PAMANA or Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (Peaceful and Resilient Communities) program which is being implemented in conflict areas, as well as communities covered by existing peace agreements. | |||
Big difference | |||
Fortes said he believes that the Sorsogon Initiatives projects, which cost P 20.5 million, have made a big difference in the lives of the beneficiaries. He added that somehow it has also restored the faith of the people in the government | |||
“The projects have given the people hope that the government is there to help. There is hope. Why should we fight the government?” he said, while touching on the longstanding problem of insurgency in their town. | |||
In Sta. Ana, 84-year-old Rodrigo Felicia related that farming has become more convenient now that the irrigation canals have been concreted and individuals have been assigned as water tenders. | |||
Councilor Vilma Espinida also said that the rehabilitated irrigation system has enhanced the relationship among community members. “There was too much water being wasted when the canals were not yet concreted. Due to the water shortage, people would get into dispute with each other. But now, everybody is happy because each has their own share.” | |||
Sta. Ana Barangay Captain Romulo Epino, on the other hand, shared how the newly-developed concrete road in Sitio Apgo provided convenience to many residents, particularly students, who used to walk kilometers to reach the town center. “Travel time is much shorter now. Farmers are able to bring their produce to the market without having to spend big when commuting.” | |||
In Barcelona, BADECO chair Lucy Bailon said that the construction of their operation center has freed them from the hassles of looking for a venue to accommodate 250 members during meetings and trainings. “Because of the project, we are able to hold meetings regularly,” she added. | |||
Rodrigo Estipona, a 25-year-old beneficiary of the community-based training on motorcycle and small engine servicing, related how the project gave out-of-school youths opportunity to improve their financial lives. “In the past, I would ask money from my parents. But now that I use my skills to earn, I’m the one who gives,” he said. # | |||
==Gov’t inaugurates Spanish-backed peace & dev’t projects in Sorsogon== | ==Gov’t inaugurates Spanish-backed peace & dev’t projects in Sorsogon== | ||
*Source: http://opapp.gov.ph/news/gov%E2%80%99t-inaugurates-spanish-backed-peace-dev%E2%80%99t-projects-sorsogon | *Source: http://opapp.gov.ph/news/gov%E2%80%99t-inaugurates-spanish-backed-peace-dev%E2%80%99t-projects-sorsogon | ||
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The inaugurated projects were undertaken through collaboration with the National Irrigation Association, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Municipal Agriculture Office, Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office and Municipal Planning and Development Office of the local government units. # | The inaugurated projects were undertaken through collaboration with the National Irrigation Association, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority, Municipal Agriculture Office, Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office and Municipal Planning and Development Office of the local government units. # | ||
==3 river control projects construction underway in Sorsogon== | ==3 river control projects construction underway in Sorsogon== | ||