CITY OF TABUK, Kalinga — Labeling it as ‘Duterte gifts’, Presidential Spokesperson Secretary Harry Roque Jr yesterday unwrapped fresh Malacanang-sponsored legislations to the people of Kalinga on the celebration of the province’s 23rd Founding Anniversary and 2nd Bodong Festival here.
Roque, who was the guest of honor and speaker, said President Rodrigo R. Duterte was one with the farmers in the country in their clamor for free irrigation service fees, hence his signing last February 2 of Republic Act No. 10969 or the Free Irrigation Service Act. This law provides for free irrigation to farmers who own up to eight hectares of land.
In the province, at least 16,000 rice farmers benefit from the new law.
To parents of students enrolled in state colleges and universities, Roque informed of the college free tuition program, which he said allows children from low-income families equal opportunities to education.
The program applies to Kalinga State University (KSU).
Under the Duterte government, indigent patients are no more deprived of quality health care but are now priority beneficiaries of government Universal Health Care Service, Roque stressed.
In the province, thousands of indigent families are enrolled in PhilHealth under the premium sponsored scheme by both national and local governments.
To help address prevailing malnutrition rate among growing children, Roque announced the near approval of the Free Lunch Aid to children enrolled in government kindergarten and elementary schools.
He also aired the full support of the President on the move towards genuine autonomy by people of the Cordillera like what people of Mindanao desire on the Bangsamoro Basic Law.
After the opening program, Sec. Roque held the first Malacanang presscon in Kalinga, where he addressed issues and concerns raised on the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN), Dengvaxia, rice crisis, federalism and autonomy, fake news, Canada helicopter deal, Kuwait OFWs and war on drugs. (PIA Kalinga)
