Gov’t offices in CV to strengthen programs

CEBU, Philippines - Regional offices of government in Central Visayas will enter 2017 with plans of strengthening programs to support the thrust and priorities of President Rodrigo Duterte.

Department of Education-7 Director Julieta Jeruta, said their goals for 2017 are "to effect accessible, quality, relevant and liberating education in all areas."

"We will focus on the provision of crucial learning resources like additional teaching and non-teaching positions; construction of additional classrooms and other physical facilities, school site, titling and acquisition, laboratories and equipment or facilities," she said.

DepEd has been busy with the transition phase of the implementation of the K to 12 Program.

Jeruta disclosed that the agency will hold curriculum enhancement where drug education will be infused beginning Grade 4, including gender and development and teenage sex education, and disaster risk reduction education.

She also said next year's planning and budgeting will be focused on "spending within the means; investing in the right priorities; and initiating programs and projects that will generate greater impact within the bounds of efficiency and effectiveness."

While confronted with issues, Jeruta said they will overcome any challenge by adopting smart strategies like shared governance where each stakeholder shall be made aware of his or her role to play; results-based leadership and management; inclusive education; and alternative delivery systems.

The Department of Health-7, meanwhile, will stick to its priority of providing efficient health services.

Regional Director, Dr. Jaime Bernadas, said the regional agency will aim for better health outcomes with focus on Sustainable Deve-lopment Goals, and the continuance of the Millennium Development Goals.

The agency will also focus more on reducing maternal and infant mortality and controlling, if not eliminating, infectious diseases and non-communicable diseases.

Addressing emerging diseases brought about by industrialization and efficient strategies to combat substance abuse will also be a priority.

DOH-7 also is seeking more equitable health care financing and financial risk protection, said Bernadas.

The agency also aims to develop more responsive health system through enhancing health facilities, and augmenting health personnel, among others.

Meanwhile, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority-7 will focus on the 17 priorities of its new director general and Secretary Guiling Mamondiong.

TESDA-7 Director Florencio Sunico, Jr. said the plans will be implemented through the two-pronged strategy in poverty reduction: global competitiveness and Technical-Vocational Education and Training (TVET) for social equity.

Sunico said specific actions or interventions include community-based training for marginalized sectors; barangay-based scholarship program; and linkage with industries, among others.

"For our own local concerns, we need more focus on meeting industry requirements, scaling up our TVET provision to higher level and strengthening enterprise-based programs," he said.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources-7, for its part, intends to gain more active participation from private entities and enhance the agency's seven priority programs.

These flagship programs include the Sustainable Integrated Area Development and Management; the environmental protection program; biodiversity conservation program and ecotourism; coastal and marine ecosystem program; land administration and management program; research and development program; and the Enhanced National Greening Program (ENGP).

"Year 2016 has been a very busy and successful year for the DENR-7. We have showcased good accomplishments in our programs region-wide," said DENR-7 Director Emma Melana.

She recalled Environment Secretary Regina Lopez's directive that environmental protection should be balanced with social justice by providing partner communities with equal opportunities at the same time environmental responsibilities.

Melana said the secretary has also announced tapping the knowledge and expertise of civil society organizations, which are often at the forefront of poverty reduction efforts and promotion of social justice, in the implementation of other priority programs of the agency.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government-7 also shared their plans for 2017 for the local government sector.

DILG-7 planning officer Rommel Correa cited five salient points the agency will focus on next year.

He said DILG-7 wants to ensure peaceful, orderly and safe communities by establishing mechanisms that will intensify the anti-drug campaign in the barangay level; and engaging community and strengthen barangay-based institutions so they can be mobilized effectively in the campaign against crime and illegal drugs and the rehabilitation of drug dependents, among others

The agency also seeks to push for transparency, accountability and effectiveness of local government units and search for new systems to boost governance in the country.

The agency will continue to assist LGUs in developing their capacity to attract business and investment for better employment opportunities for the people.

The agency also aims to strengthen local disaster preparedness and resilience and ensure adherence to environmental laws.

Lastly, Correa said, they would want to strengthen internal capacity by enhancing existing policies, systems, and procedures to support department operations and implementation of plans and programs.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development-7 also revealed the notable features of the agency's thrusts and priorities that is centered on the administration's socioeconomic agenda.

DSWD-7 planning officer Anthony Arsenal said the agency shares three subjects or areas from the 10-point agenda of the President.

He said the regional agency can contribute to the attainment of the investment in human development; improvement of social protection programs; and strengthened implementation of Responsible Parenthood.

"These national agenda shall be implemented by the department through its core values of respect for human dignity, service excellence and integrity," Arsenal said. (FREEMAN)