ILIGAN CITY (PIA)–National government agencies and the private sector brought various services and programs closer to the residents of Barangay Mandulog, a hinterland barangay in this city.
The Department of Labor and Employment Lanao del Norte introduced Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers and the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program, which are flagship programs of the government designed to address unemployment and provide livelihood opportunities to marginalized sectors.
The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) also launched the Free Wifi Program, providing internet bandwidth to the barangay in partnership with Multifactors Sales, which provided the access points. DICT also introduced other programs, such as social media marketing training for farmers and entrepreneurs and educating residents on cybersecurity awareness to prevent online scams and hacking incidents.
With the internet in the barangay, the Department of Trade and Industry shared information about the registration of businesses that are accessible online. On the other hand, St. Peter’s College will conduct computer literacy classes for barangay officials, police personnel stationed in the community, and residents.
The Iligan City Police Office Station 6 also iterated their commitment to maintaining peace and order in the area. They also seek support from the community to coordinate with them if they observe suspicious activities or individuals in their vicinity.
Furthermore, the Livelihood and Entrepreneurial Agriculture Program in Iligan also offered assistance to local farmers through the “Adopt a Farmer” program, which aims to provide support and guidance to farmers in learning agricultural techniques and facilitating their access to markets.
Eagles Pharmahealth provided complimentary medical consultations, distributed medications, and conducted cholesterol and hemoglobin tests.
Some residents of Barangay Mandulog, Iligan City inquire about the “Adopt a Farmer” program of the Livelihood and Entrepreneurial Agriculture Program in Iligan. (ADD/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)
Eagles Pharmahealth provides medical consultations, medications, and cholesterol and hemoglobin tests. (ADD/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)
Moreover, the Mindanao State University-Iligan Institute of Technology WE CARE Extension Program will also conduct a pre-system admission and scholarship examination review for the students who seek to enroll in the university.
Residents expressed gratitude for the various services and programs offered to their community.
For Hermalyn Paran, the free Wi-Fi access is helpful in connecting with relatives and in the education of their children. She also brought her child for a check-up, expressing gratitude for the support received in their barangay.
“Napakalaking pasasalamat ko sa inyo dahil sa inyong tulong na makakatulong sa amin, lalo na sa mga estudyanteng walang sapat na kakayahan. Isang magandang tulong ito para sa amin. [Thank you very much to all of you because you will be able to help us, especially the students who are struggling and have limited means. This is a great help,” said Saima Yusof, who is a former overseas Filipino worker who returned to her community due to the pandemic.
Yusof is hopeful to start anew with the training programs of the government and plans to start a business.
The Iligan Chamber of Commerce and Industry Foundation, Inc. (CCIFII) initiated the “Ronda Barangay” program along with government agencies and private partners encompassing health, education, technological access, agriculture, and business mentorship programs.
“Kining Ronda Barangay, was conceptualized last year. Tungod sa paglibot-libot sa mga barangay, nakita nato ang mga kakulangon. Nauna jud ang hinterland barnangays kay sila ang underserved, unserved barangays ug layo kaayo sila [This Ronda Barangay was conceptualized last year due to our visits around the barangay, which revealed the shortcomings. Particularly, the hinterland barangays were notably underserved and located far away],” said CCIFII President Reggie Punongbayan.
Moreover, CCIFII was recently awarded as the Most Outstanding Chamber in Mindanao for City Level during the 49th Philippine Business Conference and Expo. (LELA/PIA-10/Lanao del Norte)
