By Alma L. Tingcang
TUNGAWAN, Zamboanga Sibugay -The municipal government of Tungawan in partnership with the 6th Special Forces Battalion of the Philippine Army and other stakeholders successfully conducted a civic action program in Barangay San Vicente here.
Mayor Randy A. Climaco said the activity was aimed at delivering basic services to the marginalized sector, the indigenous communities of Barangay San Vicente, Sto. Niño, Upper Tungawan, Lower Tungawan, and Langon.
With the theme, “Hawak Kamay, Walang Iwanan Tungo sa Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran,” local residents availed of free medical and dental consultations, Operation Tuli, Ear-Piercing, and haircut, among other services. Free medicines were also given to local residents.
The Department of Agriculture, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Education, Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, Philippine National Police, 6th SF Battalion and other stakeholders conducted an information drive of government programs and projects.
A total of 3,000 fruit trees and other seedlings were turned-over to the barangays, including vegetable seeds and other relief goods.
The officers and men of the 6th SF Battalion, together with representatives of Atro Mining Company and TVI Resource Development Philippines, Inc., and LGU employees conducted tree planting activity in Barangay San Vicente, About 500 seedlings were planted on that day.
The civic action program, according to Mayor Climaco was organized to show government concern over the marginalized sector following President Benigno C. Aquino III’s “Walang Iwanan” (Nobody leaves anyone behind) principle, the driving force of his administration.
This activity also imbeds in their mind and heart the primacy of peace and development to reign in the community, as government services trickle down to the grassroots and people feel the ‘inclusive growth’ envisioned by the government.
It can be recalled that Tungawan town used to be a ‘danger zone’ because of lawless elements operating in the area. However, unified efforts of the local government unit, PNP, AFP, other stakeholders, and vigilance of the local residents who want peace to reign in their land finally paid off, eventually ushering in development in the area.
The civic action was supported by Governor Wilter Yap Palma thru Dr. Ulysses J. Chiong, chief of the Integrated Provincial Health Office who led the medical team.
