Aimed
at addressing the immediate needs of affected communities
through the simultaneous and convergent delivery of social
and economic services by various government and non-government
agencies, the HELP (Health, Education, & Livelihood
for Progress) Humanitarian Program caravan went to Basilan
and took the road to Tipo-Tipo and Sumisip recently.
Gov.
Hja. Jum J. Akbar said, “this Humanitarian HELP Caravan
had long been overdue. This was supposed to be launched
last October or November of last year, but because of the
unforeseen events—the sudden assassination of my late
husband, Congressman Wahab Akbar, this activity was put
to several postponements.”
Atty.
Jose Lorena of the Office of the Presidential Adviser on
the Peace Process (OPAPP) proudly announced that “the
entire government is here as mandated by President Gloria
Macapagal-Arroyo” through Administrative Order No.
192. He said the President was optimistic that peace is
possible in Mindanao through aggressive poverty alleviation
programs. “Basilan now is a priority for development
of national government,” Lorena revealed.
At
the closing program at the Querexeta Formation Center in
Isabela City, Gov. Akbar praised the contingent from national
and local groups for doing a great and noble job in Tipo-Tipo
and Sumisip. She felt elated that Basilan is not alone,
that Basilan is blessed with the efforts from the national
government and the President to get rid of illiteracy and
poverty in Basilan.
She,
however, asked the contingent to continue doing this at
least every quarter and to keep it sustainable. Nevertheless,
she thanked everyone involved for the sacrifice, time, and
care given to Basilan.
Head
of Mission, DepEd USec. Ramon Bacani said that as lead agency
of the education cluster, the department fully supports
the province of Basilan especially on the goal of peace
and development. He further revealed that the cluster will
distribute certain commodities, such as text books, packages
of rice for the food-for-school program, among others.
Good
news for teachers who were not successful in the Licensure
Examination for Teachers but scored at least 70-74%, “they
will be given a special permit to teach for 3 years and
during that period the said teacher will have to work hard
to pass the exam in order to qualify for a position after
3 years.” DepEd also promised to assist teachers in
the review classes to ensure teachers pass the exam.
The
DepEd also allocated some P12-million funds for reconstruction
efforts and construction of school buildings for the entire
province. The Alternative Learning program for the out-of-school
youth will also be strengthened. (By Rene V. Carbayas /PIA-BASULTA)
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