DAR Samar employees launch UN’s Millennium Development Goals
By Ninfa B Quirante
Tacloban City (18 October) -- More than a hundred employees of the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) led by the Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer (PARO) Ma. Fe Malinao launched “Stand Up Against Poverty, Stand Up for the Millennium Development Goals!” on its flag raising ceremony on October 16, 2006.
DAR joined the nationwide celebration in support to the UN’s MDG to eradicate poverty and hunger, topping the list of priorities, so cited DAR’s Information officer Teresa Tijol in a talk with PIA.
Other MDG goals include achievement of universal primary education; promotion of gender equality and empowerment of women; improvement of maternal health; combat of HIV-AIDS, malaria and other diseases; environmental sustainability and development of global partnership, the lady information officer informed.
Tijol added that the employees wore white tops and white bands that symbolize the global fight against poverty and hunger. The employees then recited the pledge to help end poverty and hunger. They also sang with the CD playing the MDG theme song which cited that everybody has a part in the fight against poverty.
Fr. Roland Cajigas, the guest speaker described poverty not only as an economic crisis but a crisis of dignity and value. He added that this cause could also be a war on corruption and laziness, being the roots of poverty. He cited that corruption has long been in our system.
It was learned that the Philippines is one of the 191 member states of the United Nations that has adopted and committed to the 8 MDG. PARO Malinao said, DAR will continue to become a staunch ally and advocate of pushing for the realization of MDG. As such, activities have been organized year-round if only to show the world that DAR’s vision is towards the attainment of the same development goals. (PIA-Samar) [top]