by Rey Anthony Chiu
Tagbilaran City (29 May) — Lavishly decorated themed floats take the sidelines for the government’s development thrust caravans during the Philippines 110th Independence day.
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has recently directed key government officials to spearhead development thrust caravans across the country. Such is to showcase government presence in services to make the “people feel the sacrifices of [our] heroes, not by words but through deeds that give flesh to their visions.”
The celebration, which has been traditionally highlighted by simultaneous flag raising ceremonies, patriotic speeches and parades of themed floats would now be augmented by government service caravans, the president has directed, sources revealed.
Moreover, a showcase of government services or “Lingkod Bayan” activities complement the celebration, says Philippine Information Agency Secretary Conrado Limcaoco.
According to him, Lingkod Bayan activities have been into holding job fairs, cleaning and greening activities, social and health services dispensation, information and interaction with government service agencies concerned with education, health, agriculture, micro-financing, energy and housing, Limcaoco bared.
For the day, the President’s directive as revealed by Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye wanted the celebration to be that, which would “honor the sacrifices of our heroes, not by words alone but through deeds that give flesh to their vision.”
Bunye also pointed out that among the government’s programs and projects that will be showcased as part of the Independence Day celebrations are: livelihood assistance projects, housing projects, healthcare programs, feeding programs for school children, food security, distribution of Conditional Cash Transfer Cards, education programs, care for the environment, energy independence thrusts, among other pro-poor services.”
Reports also bared that Vice President Noli de Castro would lead the Kawit Cavite flag raising ceremonies while he would be highlighting the government’s housing programs.
For the government’s agriculture caravan, Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap takes a caravan to Nueva Ecija highlighting the department’s multi-town fertilizer, irrigation, education and training, loans, dryers and other post-harvest facilities and seeds (FIELDS) program.
Moreover, Secretary Jesli Lapuz would spearhead the caravan on anti-poverty programs through education in Batangas, where he would be distributing conditional Cash Transfer cards, independent sources revealed.
In some parts of the country, cabinet and government officials also put up activities themed on the environment while water cleanup and tree planting activities are included in the celebrations, says Malacanang in press reports.
In nearby Negros Island, which is currently the country’s biofuel and alternative fuel capital, energy officials put up a caravan on the government alternative energy thrusts, especially with the ereal threat of oil price hikes.
In Iloilo City, training vouchers will be distributed; while the Cebu City celebration will top bill health programs.
In Northern Samar and Dinagat Island will be highlighted pro-poor services; in Davao City, social services for Lumads; and in the Autonomous Region of Muslim Mindanao (ARMM), distribution of agrarian reform community projects.
In the Bicol Region, the spotlight will be on tourism, with a caravan showcasing the country’s natural beauty.
Meanwhile in Bohol, the Provincial Government is set to come up with appropriate ceremonies complementing the traditional flag raising ceremonies on the morning of June 12. (PIA)
