The Baganihan Hall in New Lucena, Iloilo, served as the backdrop for an impactful gathering on October 20, 2023, where 65 individuals from various sectors converged for an Inter-Agency Dialogue. The participants included Brgy. Officials, CSO Representatives, LGU Heads led by Mayor Seville, DSWD Regional Office, Pinili Development Cooperative, and representatives from the LifeBank Foundation & Rural Bank.
The event commenced with a warm welcome from Ms. Analiza Pacheco, the master of ceremony, who set the tone with a prayer led by Ms. Andrea Leonar. Following this, Sir Willy Labaro, the CIT Chairman, delivered a welcoming message. Subsequently, Ma’am Anne provided insights into the SEA Project, a partnership with the New Lucena LGU, and Ma’am Os discussed the rationale behind the activity.
The main highlights unfolded with the presentation of the CSO Workshop Output from 11 Barangays, covering sectors such as Senior Citizens, PWDs, Farmers, Women, Youth, Solo Parents, ERPAT, Transportation, Education, and Health. Each sector was represented by dedicated individuals who shared their concerns and achievements.
The subsequent dialogue session involved key figures such as Atty. May Rago Castillo, Ma’am Yvanee Gimeno, SB Jocelyn Espia, Mayor Liecel Seville, and representatives from various agencies responding to the raised issues and concerns.
Noteworthy concerns and responses include:
- Provision of Medicines, Vitamins, and Maintenance:
- Atty. May clarified the guidelines, emphasizing that DSWD provides medicine, while the Municipal Health and Department of Health handle maintenance for Senior Citizens.
- Not Enough Social Pension:
- Atty. May attributed the issue to budget constraints rather than selective distribution.
- Requirements to Avail Medicine:
- Atty. May detailed the necessary documents, adding that DSWD can assist with hospital bills.
- 20% Discount Implementation:
- Atty. May urged reporting non-compliant establishments to DSWD with penalties enforced.
- Need for Livelihood:
- DSWD and LifeBank Foundation expressed readiness to support CSOs through proposals and coordination.
- Honorarium for Volunteers:
- DSWD provided seed capital under sustainable capital.
- Teenage Pregnancy and Social Media Addiction:
- Suggestions were made for SK and Brgy. Officials to facilitate talks and training sessions.
- Transportation Concerns:
- SB Jocelyn advised submitting concerns in writing to the Sangguniang Bayan for clarification.
- Farmers’ Issues:
- Resolutions were recommended to the Mayor’s office for agricultural concerns.
- Infrastructure Projects:
- Mayor Liecel assured support with proper documentation for farm-to-market roads and other initiatives.
The dialogue concluded with participants expressing their gratitude and hope for continued collaboration. Mayor Liecel Seville emphasized the productivity of the event, urging CSOs to uphold trust and support for programs initiated by LifeBank and SEA. The success of this Inter-Agency Dialogue lies in the shared commitment to addressing community concerns and fostering sustainable development in New Lucena.
