BONTOC, Mtn. Province – The provincial government is a lucky recipient of a one hundred million pesos from Director Nathaniel Lacambra of the Department of Labor and Employment, Cordillera Administrative Region for the implementation of the TUPAD program in the province.
The regional director was here during the program for the turn-over of the Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Dis-advantaged/Displaced Workers (TUPAD) fund.
Another P104 million will be forthcoming, according to him. He said that other municipalities have also their own allocations of undisclosed amounts. Except that he said the amount of P10 million was allotted for Bontoc.
“This is, referring to the assistance, the answer of the department to the displacements of workers brought about by the COVID pandemic”, he said.
If there are any others not covered, the congressman has also an allocation, and the municipalities have their own, meaning there should be enough funds for the needy.
Earlier in the program was the launching of the history book being prepared for publication by the Provincial Historical Committee composed of employees with writing abilities.
“The book is a sequel of the New Mountain Province history book published more than a decade ago during the time of Governor Maximo Dalog. This new book chronicles the profiles and histories of the province and municipalities from 1967 when the province started operation as a separate and distinct province from the old mountain province up to 2020.
The municipal profiles, however, are to be subjected to validations by the Municipal Planning and Development Offices and the municipal mayors before finalization and publication.
“We will be leaving a legacy for the next generation not to forget their past”, the governor quipped.
Governor Bonifacio Lacwasan, Jr, in his message, included appreciation to the DOLE through the regional director for the funds and its timely release. It was learned P54 million was granted last year, and this year, P101 million was allocated.
Please relay our felicitations to Secretary Silvestre Bello and the rest of the agency for the assistances to the province.
Along the line of the theme this year, “MP @54: Moving on Amidst the Challenges of COVID 19,” he urged the people to be vigilant and cooperate in this fight against COVID 19.
“May our faith in the risen Lord help us move on despite the hardships that we are currently experiencing”, he said.
Congressman Maximo Dalog, Jr, gave also a message that centered on the theme. He urged the people to help the leaders in the simplest way of wearing masks and face shields. The government leaders can not do the fight alone.
“We need the participation of everyone”, he pleaded.
The keynote speaker, Col. Ruben Andiso, the Provincial Direcxtor of the Mountain Province Police Office, centered his message on two points; the war on COVID 19 and the other is on the communist terrorist groups.
He elaborated on the strategies on COVID 19 as the acronym BIDA solutions and avoid touching MEN and instead follow WOMEN.
BIDA means Bawal ang walang masks, Isanitize ang mga kamay, Dumistansyo ng isang metro, at Alamin ang mga patakaran and avoid touching MEN which means Mouth, Eyes and Nose and instead follow WOMEN which stands for Washing of your face with soap and water, Obey directives such as wearing face mask and face shield, Move away from crowded places, Exercise regularly, and Never ignore warning signs or symtoms.
He urged the people to observe and practice the health protocols as articulated by the DOH and the other agencies composing the national IATF.
He stressed that “we should be humble”; with humility we adapt to the new normal and we will survive. The fight againts this COVID 19 needs the cooperation of everyone, yourselves, the families, and the neighbors.
For the communist insurgency, he said that the government may not be perfect but a revolution is not the solution.
Other personalities who attended the virtual celebration are the members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, Vice Governor Francis Tauli, Congressman Maximo Dalog, Jr, Assistant Regional Director Sixto Rodriguez, Bontoc Acting Mayor Eusebio Kabluyen, Mayor Marcial Lawilao, and heads of offices of the provincial government.**Roger Sacyaten
