Tuesday, 12 January 2010

PIA Dispatch - Tuesday, January 12, 2010

PGMA sets to lead 4Ps cash cards distribution to beneficiaries in Siargao Island

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is set to lead the distribution of the cash cards to 1,833 household beneficiaries of “Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program” 4Ps on Friday in Dapa town, Siargao Island, Surigao del Norte province.

The Chief Executive will be assisted by Surigao del Norte Rep. Francisco T. Matugas, Dapa Mayor Peter (Boy) Ruaya and Northeastern Mindanao Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Regional Director Mercedita Jabagat during the distribution of cash cards.

Caraga region 4Ps focal person Wilma B. Geralla said the 4Ps Set 1 beneficiaries who are set to receive the cash cards came from the 12 barangays of the town.

The total amount that will be disbursed in that island town rose to P5 million

Meanwhile, this poverty reduction program of the government had disbursed at least P178,705,000 to household beneficiaries in Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga region).

To date, the 4Ps Set 1 and Set 2 program in Caraga region have already assisted at least 73,016 household beneficiaries, said Geralla.

4Ps is a poverty-alleviation strategy by the national government which provides cash grants to the poorest households in the country.

The program invests on human capital primarily focusing on the improvement of health, nutrition and education of children aged 0-14 years old. The beneficiaries will have to comply with the required conditions of the program to continue receiving the grants and remain in the program.

Mrs. Arroyo is also set to inaugurate P41.211 million Socorro Feeder Port in Socorro town, Surigao del Norte.

The opening of this port will further enhance the public access, especially both foreign and domestic tourists, to various tourism areas in Bucas Grande Island where the famous Sohoton cave is located, said Northeastern Mindanao Public Works and Highways Regional Director Dr. Evelyn T. Barroso.

Mrs. Arroyo is also expected to grace the blessing of the newly-renovated Sto. Nino Parish Church in Dapa town. (PNA)