City bares initiatives aimed to meet MDGs
The Iloilo City Government yesterday joined the global call in response to the world’s shared targets to achieve the United Nation’s Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) that seek to alleviate poverty, a press release from City Hall said.
City officials and stakeholders attended the launching of exhibit dubbed “Stand Up, Take Action, End Poverty Now” at the second floor of Robinsons Place, which will run until Friday.
The photo exhibit highlighted the city’s initiatives and endeavors to strengthen MDGs promotion and a manifestation of collective efforts towards the achievement of anti-poverty goals locally, Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog said.
“Fighting poverty requires a holistic approach of providing much-needed and sufficient basic social services especially to the poor. We are focused on giving quality public education to our children, adequate health care and housing provisions to our people and transforming an environment-friendly community,” he said.
In terms of Goal 2 or achieving universal primary education, Iloilo City is a pilot site of 57-75 campaign of multi-national companies that aims to improve pupils’ performance in English, Science and Math subjects of the National Achievement Test.
Several reading comprehension and literacy projects and supplemental feeding programs for schoolchildren are also in place with help from private donors.
In terms of Goal 4 and 5 or reducing child mortality and improving maternal health, the city has established community-based care facilities and refurbished health centers and clinics in barangays to make it accessible and convenient to constituents.
For Goal 6 or combating HIV/AIDS and other diseases, the city is also implementing an active anti-STD/HIV/AIDS campaign to safeguard public well-being and safety from such growing health concern.
In terms of Goal 7 or ensuring environmental stability, the city is conducting clean-up drives, beautification activities, and solid waste management program. Also in the works are Calajunan dumpsite’s conversion to a sanitary landfill and clearing of obstructions at Iloilo River to create ecologically-friendly environs.
Furthermore, the city is gaining grounds in providing housing and livelihood opportunities to indigents through land-banking and collaborations with non-government organizations, international funding agencies and globally-known Gawad Kalinga to push nation-building advocacies for the less fortunate.
The city has also established various linkages with public and private international organizations which is aligned with Goal 8 or developing a global partnership for development.*
