EDITORIAL

NGO’s And PO’s Must Address Poverty

by Ernesto T. Solidum

            The Weekly Kapihan discussed the topic, “Role of Civic Organizations in Community Development” held at NVC Carmen Hotel just recently. Guests are Dr. Arnold I. Jayme, Pres. Rotary Club (RC) of Kalibo; Mr. Chem Aldecoa, Pres. Aklan Ati-atihan Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Mr. Patrick Masangcay III, Pres. JCI Aklan Kalantiao Jaycees; Mr. Ricky I. Molo, RC of Metro Kalibo; Atty. Antonio Tabang, RC of Metro Kalibo; and Dr. & Mrs. Santamaria, RC of Kalibo.

            Dr. Ambrosio R. Villorente cited invaluable services of civic organizations in touching peoples’ lives and creating livable communities through committed services and goods.

            The Rotary Club of Kalibo is now on its 48^th year since it began serving the needs of the community, said Dr. Jayme. We have six organizational thrusts namely: a) peace and order, b) disease prevention, c) economic upliftment, d) maternal and child health, e) basic education and literacy, and f) water and sanitation. However, due to limited resources, RC Kalibo is concentrating on the last 3 areas of concern.

            “Daja Norte, Banga is our beneficiary barangay on potable water, level II costing P1 million. MOA signing was done between Brgy. Council of Daja Norte and RC of Kalibo regarding operation and maintenance of said facility. Some 200 households benefit from the donation of RC of Evergreen, Colorado, USA. A minimal fee of P10.00/month/family is collected to defray maintenance expenses,” said Dr. Jayme.

            Dr. Jayme confided that RC Kalibo will start the next nutrition feeding program in Brgy. Fatima, New Washington after its successful stint in Daja Norte, Banga. The target is 50 1^st and 2^nd degree malnourished kids to be cared and fed in a Barangay Health Center for 90 days. The daily budget is P500.00, 6 days a week. Pre weighing and post weighing evaluations are done by Nutritionist assisted by Barangay Nutrition Scholar. Meanwhile, a medical and dental team treats kids and their families for common illnesses, supply medical drugs and multivitamins.

            Still on health care we have 350 children who have fully restored smiles and self-confidence. Harelip cases are often traced to poverty but majority have completed their elementary education. RC of Kalibo is presently calling on new registrants for next batch of surgical operation scheduled for January to February 2015. Parents are requested to register their kids 1-6 years old with RHO, DRSTMH, or Aklan Medical Specialist Center.

            The Rotary Club thrust on basic education is to adopt one of the Elementary Schools in Libacao as a model implementor of K+12 project. This would mobilize our members who are experts in the teaching profession said Dr. Jayme.

            Atty. Tabang who is past Pres. of Aklan Chapter Integrated Bar of the Philippines and RC of Kalibo said that Rotarians live by its mission to render service above self. Its avowed mission is human and infra development where the government fails to deliver goods and services. This gap is a reality taken care of by civic societies. RC renders free legal assistance especially to poor folks.

            Those in need of prosthetics may confer with Mr. Molo who as Pres. of Metro Kalibo has secured one for Manuel Aldecoa. A victim of typhoon Yolanda whose leg was amputated because of gangrene complication. Another case is presently processed for a kid from Estancia, Kalibo. A prosthetic or artificial leg costing P100,000 but is secured through donations by Samaritans. Mr. Molo, an accomplished visual artist and instructor at Northwestern Visayan Colleges is a beneficiary of a prosthetic leg donated through Ms. Megs Lunn.

            Mr. Masangcay stated that JCL’s mission is to provide development opportunities that empower youth to become leaders and responsible citizens. The organization, brainchild of Atty. Allen S. Quimpo, has been involved in typhoon Yolanda food relief, and medical assistance. It donated mosquito nets and solar lamps. It was also successful in hosting Presidents’ Academy Conference wherein 119 past Presidents all over the country came to Boracay in October 2013.

            The Aklan Ati-atihan Chamber of Commerce and Industry sponsors projects and activities that support Aklanon interest and needs. It financed delegation of furniture makers to Cebu City, Mutya ng Pilipinas contestant, campaign against STL, gave food and relief to typhoon Yolanda victims, sponsors annual food court during Aklan Foundation celebration and donates one sack rice per month to PNP Provincial headquarters, said Mr. Aldecoa.

            It is very unfortunate that civic organizations are tainted with controversy arising from bogus NGO’s of Janet Lim Napoles. That this malpractice dates back to 1997 and continued until 2013 where P10 billion of tax-payers’ money was misused stinks to high heavens. In advanced countries like the US, Japan, France, and Germany, it does not need lengthy overblown criminal litigation but a speedy dispensation of justice. No one is above the law is a basic tenet of democratic societies. It is indeed ironic that PNP convoys and imaginary illnesses are contrived by the accused to public expense. Outside of prison cells 7 out of 10 pinoys die without seeing a doctor.

            Aklans’ economic life must be considerably improved if we are mindful of UN Millennium Development Goals. This can be done by strengthening manufacturing and agro-fishery industries. DTI has an ingenious plan to develop geotextile made from coconut husks which are in big demand abroad. Aklan has 46,500 hectares of coco land and products like ropes, twine, textile nets, foam insulation, particle board, and potting material for ornamental plants could be produced. Other important products are coco water, coco vinegar, coco sugar and virgin coconut oil. It is unfortunate that RC of Kalibo and Aklan Chamber of Commerce and Industry do not consider above problem a priority. It is common knowledge that the root of the problem of Philippine society is poverty. Lately, it has spawned mutant animal species like DAP and PDAF.

            Civic organizations have a crucial role in rendering public service through volunteerism. Many of their noble deeds go unnoticed since it is only the people who have been helped that are most vociferous. For their humanitarian effort, we give our heartfelt congratulations. /MP