A total of 382 beneficiaries received
hygiene kits while their barangays received emergency generator sets
from various government and volunteer groups during the Ugnayan sa
Barangay held in Barangay Utap, Sta. Rita, Samar on November 4, 2020.
The “poorest of the poor” as certified
by the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Officer (MSWDO) likewise
received toys for their children, courtesy of the Office of Civil
Defense, Office of the Presidential Assistant, DSWD through Director
Marie Angela Gopalan, Fraternity of Eagles, Philippine Army, United
Coconut Planters’ Bank, and Senator Bong Go, among others.
In all, there were 11 beneficiaries from
Barangay Hinangutdan, 48 from Old Manunca, 98 from San Agustin, 110
from Binanalan, and 109 from Tagacay.
Brigadier General Wilbur C. Mamawag,
assistant chief of the 8th Infantry Division, together with Office of
Civil Defense Regional Director Lord Byron Torrecarion, turned over the
six generator sets for use during emergencies. The portable generators
are a symbol of hope, noted Mr. Torrecarion as the presence of light
exudes optimism among people.
Sta. Rita Mayor Joven Tiu, Vice Mayor
Engr. Tiu, members of the Sanggunian, and department heads were present
during the event, which served to support the implementation of the
Retooled Community Support Program (RCSP). The National Intelligence
Coordination Agency (NICA) showed a briefer intended for parents warning
against the deceptive recruitment of youths by the New People’s Army.
For Punong Barangays Anacleto Canete Jr.
of Hinangutdan and Geronimo Igso of Binanalan, the generator sets are
timely and appreciated as these will extend a better quality of life to
their residents. This was echoed by Arturo Mamaril, a senior citizen
farmer from Barangay Tagacay, who said the hygiene kits are welcome
assistance that were unexpected.
Regional Director Karl Caesar R. Rimando
of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) who
initiated the activity together with other agency heads, recognized the
Office of the President, Office of Civil Defense, Philippine Army, the
Fraternal Order of Eagles, Bureau of Fire Protection, Philippine
National Police, NICA, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology,
Department of Agriculture, UCPB, DSWD, LGU Sta. Rita, members of the
media, and many others for their invaluable contribution to the
activity. The event was organized as part of efforts for the Retooled
Community Support Program (RCSP) to promote a just and lasting peace in
the region by 2022. (Content reposted from Philippine Information Agency)
IN PHOTO: Sta. Rita, Samar welcome marker. Photo from Google.