Government Programs Benefit Cebuanos

Cebuano beneficiaries whose lives improved because of the national government programs expressed their gratitude during the recent visit of President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III in Cebu.

Beneficiaries of the government’s major programs implemented in Cebu gave a testimony during Aquino’s visit yesterday.

Speaking before over a thousand crowd at the Secretary Cerge Remonde Activity Center here, 52-year old Lauriana Olaguir narrated how she learned and earned from venturing into the handloom weaving industry.

The machine was part of the Shared Service Facility (SSF) of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

Olaguir was proud to say that their produced textiles are now found in major malls, boutiques, and souvenir shops.

Pantawid Pamilya parent leader Judy Jane Antipuesto expressed her delight that her children are now assured to finish education until college due to the Expanded Pantawid program.

Aquino, in his speech, cited the voluminous increase of Pantawid beneficiaries since 2010, reaching 150,000 this year.

The coverage of Pantawid, Aquino said, is now expanded until college education for children of beneficiaries.

Meanwhile, all sitios in Cebu province are now fully energized based on records from the National Electrification Administration (NEA).

“There are now 2,100 sitios in Cebu that are energized, accomplishing 100 percent target of the electrification program,” Aquino said.

Another major program are the skills training programs under the Technical Education Skills and Development Administration (TESDA).

“Forty two percent of the graduates of TESDA have jobs waiting before they even graduate,” Aquino said.

He also mentioned major infrastructure in the province such as the MactanIsland Circumferential Road, the construction of the new airport passenger terminal building, and Sergio Osmeña Boulevard.

Lastly, Aquino also thanked the Cebuanos for supporting him all the way in the “Daang Matuwid” goal.

Argao is the home of former chief justice Hilario Davide Jr., father of incumbent Governor Hilario Davide III, and the late former Press Secretary Cerge M. Remonde.

It was also in this town that Aquino launched his presidential campaign in the province six years ago. (rmn/fcc/PIA7-Cebu)