Capiz social services programs found on track with MDG
by Jemin B. Guillermo
Roxas City (19 October) -- Better and broader social services for the underprivileged have become the priority programs and projects of the local government here.
These poverty relief programs are consistent with the Millennium Development Goals (MDG), which the Arroyo administration is working on.
The Philippines is on track to meet the MDG targets to cut poverty substantially by 2015 on the back of rising incomes, more jobs, better schools and broader social services, Malacaņang said.
Consistent with said goals, Capiz Governor Vicente Bermejo said that since 2001, the province has been maintaining the sale of cheaper but quality and branded medicines in all government hospital pharmacies in Capiz.
Under said drug management program dubbed as Presyong Tama Gamot Pampamilya under its Parallel Drug Importation (PDI) project, the province did not only significantly save in the procurement of medicines through the pooled procurement system but has helped Capiceņos to save approximately P47 million.
Accordingly, the province has invested in health financing program that responded to the need of poor Capiceņos in paying the cost of their hospitalization.
Governor Bermejo disclosed that the province, in partnership with the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), has so far covered about 14,000 indigent families under said program with a total investment of P 4 million.
In addition, some 75 poor but deserving college students have also availed of the scholarship program of the province.
Known as Viable, Innovative College (VIC) scholarship, the program which started in 2002, has helped more incoming college students who are enrolled either in the field of nursing, agriculture, fishery or information technology.
The scholarship program does not only give a chance to students to finish their chosen course but also offers them opportunity to get employed for one year after graduation in the provincial government.
With its strong fiscal management wherein the province is generating more revenues but spending less, more social services for Capiceņos are expected to be addressed.
Incremental collections are not only earmarked for infrastructure but also for public elementary and secondary education, health insurance premiums, environmental conservation and agricultural modernization - all of which form part of the MDGs, Malacaņang disclosed.
Meanwhile, the Administration continues to intensify its poverty relief programs such as the Botika ng Bayan and Tindahang Bayan, DSWD's food for work program, DA-ATIs farm and fishery family extension program, CDA's cooperative thrusts, and Microfinance schemes. (PIA) [top]
