Palace official urges executives to learn participatory democracy from Antique experience
by PS Mabaquiao
San Jose, Antique (16 November) -- "If we want to learn participatory democracy, Antique has many good practices to offer," said Assistant Secretary Raul N. Banias, Presidential Assistant for Panay and Guimaras during the "Executive Briefing" held recently in the province at Pinnacle Suites and Functions, San Jose.
Asec. Banias said that to achieve a successful poverty alleviation program, it should involve the basic sector the poor, women, farmers, and fisherfolks among others. It should give voice to the poor by empowering them through alliance building / networking and providing them venue to take part in poverty alleviation efforts.
Governor Salvacion Z. Perez recently hosted the "Executive Briefing" a project of the Office Presidential Assistant for Panay and Guimaras, Philippine Information Agency and the Regional Association of National Government Executives (RANGE) aimed at converging resources and programs of national government agencies and local government units towards responsive bureaucracy and improvement of the quality of life of the Filipinos.
The Executive and Legislative Agenda (ELA) of the province was presented by Juliana O Cepe, Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator to the Regional Directors to put program of national government agencies in harmony with the identified needs and priorities of the province.
During the open forum, the regional directors expressed positive reactions to the ELA of the province, saying that the priority programs of Antique are in tune with the thrust of the national government. Asec Banias in like manner pledged to support the projects of the province and in fact mentioned some funding sources for various programs.
Asec Banias further said that we could hear news about positive economy, which means more resources for the development programs. "We are happy that the RANGE is active as they are the instrument that could bring the resources to the countryside to make the people feel the impact of the gains in our economy."
Meanwhile, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has a series of meetings with leaders of various sectors, including political and religious groups in a move to forge a national consensus on ending political violence and poverty.
Stressing the need for unity to move the country forward, the President said that for the sake of the nation let us all unite and pray. She bewailed that too much politicking was undermining the government's gain in the fight against poverty and the delivery and enhanced socio-economic services for the poor. (PIA) [top]
