Excitement is evident from the faces of the locals of the hinterland communities in the municipality of Lupon as the provincial government of Davao Oriental brought basic government services through the Nagkakaisang Lingkod-bayan ng Davao Oriental – Sitio Outreach Caravan on September 8-9, 2021.
CLUSTER TIOMBOCAN
The first day of the caravan took place at Sitio Tiombocan, Brgy. Marayag where 228 families from the four (4) sub-communities – Purok Matigdao, Purok Cabugayan, Purok Bislong and Sitio Tiombocan – benefitted from the scores of different services and interventions brought by various government agencies.
The sitio has been one of the priorities of the provincial government as it is one of the farthest communities and was once infested with the Communist terrorist group New People’s Army.
Given the distance from the town center and the challenging trail in order to get to the heart of the sitio, it was easy for the rebel group to infiltrate the community and influence the people to get their support.
According to the barangay chairperson of Brgy. Marayag, Helen Manggub, it is a new experience for the people to see government officials and feel the government’s presence.
Vice-Governor Nino Sotero L. Uy, Jr. represented Governor Nelson L. Dayanghirang in turning over social, economic, and medical services to the people. He was accompanied by the former Board Member and concurrent Technical Consultant to the Governor, Daud Linsag and Gender and Development Focal Person Gerwin Quinones.
CLUSTER CALATAGAN
One hundred fifty (150) families were provided with basic government services in Sitio Calatagan, Purok Kabutungan, Purok Pangyan, Purok Crossing, and Purok Bangol on September 9.
In a simple ceremony attended by no less than the Governor himself, the residents were encouraged to take part in the peace campaign and in achieving the goal of ending the communist armed conflict by “eliminating the breeding ground of the insurgents which are the hinterland sitios.”
Governor Nelson L. Dayanghirang also told them how he never tried to visit the sitio before, and it was due to the fact that it used to be a territory of the insurgents. However, due to the efforts of the provincial government and the cooperation of the people in the community, the insurgency problem in Sitio Calatagan has weakened and ended.
SERVICES OFFERED
Due to the growing number of active COVID-19 cases in the province, the number of participants was lessened to maintain minimum health protocols. However, basic services were still handed over to the residents of the concerned sitios.
The Provincial Health Office and Provincial Capitol Clinic offered free medical check-up and gave free medicines. The 701st Kagitingan Brigade of the Philippine Army in coordination with the 66th Infantry “Kabalikat” Battalion conducted “Operation Tuli” for young boys; while free haircut service and hot meals distribution were in charge to the Philippine National Police.
The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) delivered social services to senior citizens, distributed assistive devices for Persons with Disabilities, and gave away sports equipment for the youth and food packs for each household.
To provide additional sources of income to farmers, the Provincial Agriculture Office distributed vegetable seeds and other farm inputs.
The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) conducted an advocacy campaign on disaster preparedness and precautionary measures against COVID-19 pandemic. They also gave away free emergency bells and first-aid kits.
The Provincial Veterinarian’s Office offered free vitamins, medicines and antibiotics for pets and livestocks.
ADDRESSING THE PROBLEM OF COVID-19 PANDEMIC
Beyond simply delivering services and pushing for genuine peace and development, the caravan also served as an opportunity for the province’s health frontliners to educate the people of the threats of COVID-19 and to encourage them to take part in the BIDA+ Campaign that highlights the observance of the minimum health protocols and the importance of vaccination.
Davao Oriental Provincial Medical Center’s Chief Nurse, Catherine S. Pizarro said there is no reason to fear in getting vaccinated because it is directed at protecting the people against the worst effects of the virus.
Even the Governor encouraged the people to sign up for free vaccination so as to protect themselves, and warned them not to believe in rumors.
Present in the 2-day caravan were the province’s partners in peace and development 701st Kagitingan Brigade Commander COL Oliver C Maquiling, 66th Infantry Kabalikat Battalion Commander Lt. Col. Julius Munar, NLD-BOC Focal Person and Provincial Agriculture Office Head Rotchie M. Ravelo, PCR Officer of DOPPO PMAJ Ronel Tesorero, Chief of Police – Lupon PMAJ Nelson Violan, and Lupon Councilor Edna Bote. By Shaye Dacles | Photos by Eden Jhan Licayan
