PGMA to launch projects, distribute checks in Aklan
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will inaugurate today, August 7, the newly-completed P40-million River Revetment Wall Resting on Cut-Off Wall project and distribute conditional cash grants and livelihood assistance to indigent residents in Libacao, Aklan.
Aklan Governor Carlito Marquez said local folks are all eager to meet the President after she inaugurates the river revetment wall which is part of the multi-million Aklan River Control Project.
He said the President’s presence is a testament to the administration’s effort to check the conditions of the major infrastructure and government-assisted livelihood projects for the welfare of hinterland residents in the province.
“President Arroyo is very much concerned with the welfare of the people here and we are thankful for that. In her visit, we will not be asking her anything unless she will be asking us to do certain projects,” he said.
Libacao Mayor Charito Navarosa said funding for the 1,280-lineal-meter River Revetment Wall Resting On Cut-Off Wall project came from the World Bank-Local Government Fund for Development.
The project, which passes through the riverbank of Barangay Poblacion, is expected to prevent flooding during heavy downpours, he said.
Although it was started on June 1, 2007, the initial structure of the project has been damaged after typhoon Frank hit the province last year. It was continued without additional cost and was completed last June 15.
After the inauguration, the President will formally launch the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps), a poverty alleviation program of the administration which is being implemented by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).
During the program, the remaining 1,796 beneficiaries in 12 barangays or equivalent of 800 families will receive subsidies of P500 to P1,000 each per month.
Last July 22, the first batch of 806 household beneficiaries coming from 12 barangays in Libacao also received their cash subsidies.
The cash grants amounting to P3,842,000.00 cover subsidies for the months of May and June this year.
Under the 4Ps, a household beneficiary will receive as much as P1,400.00 for a maximum of three children that includes P500.00 a month for nutrition and health expenses and P300.00 a month per child with a maximum of three children per household for educational expenses.
Also, Pres. Arroyo will award some P2.6 million worth of checks to seven people’s organizations (POs) in Aklan that were tapped by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) to undertake its Upland Development Program (UDP) in the province.
The distribution of checks will form one segment of the Climate Change activity spearheaded by the DENR that will be held in Libacao town.
Aklan Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Planning Officer Merlyn Aborca explained that the fund that will be turned over today represents the second release of the P16 million fund that was allotted for the UDP implementation in the province.
The first release was around P700,000 which was representative of their 15 percent mobilization fund.
In addition to the distribution of checks President Arroyo will also witness the presentation on Solid Waste Management, Reforestation and Coastal Management by Secretary Lito Atienza and briefing on Climate Change by Presidential Adviser on Climate Change and Global Warming, Secretary Heherson Alvarez.
President Arroyo is expected to set foot in Libacao, Aklan around 3 p.m. and will fly to Cebu after her series of engagements in the province. (PNA)