Davao Norte expands convergence program

BUOYED up by the great success of the convergence initiative, Governor Rodolfo P. del Rosario directed all frontline offices of the Capitol to allot a big chunk of their budget to expand the program throughout Davao del Norte.
The Provincial Government launched the flagship Davao del Norte Convergence for Peace and Development program last year, together with the armed forces and the police, in order to bring basic government services to depressed villages of the province.
A flurry of community health and social services, among other interventions, benefitted over 10,000 indigents in eight far-flung, underserved barangays on the second semester of 2011.
The barangays include Gupitan in Kapalong town; New Cortez, New Corella; Binancian, Asuncion; Cabadiangan, Talaingod; Datu Balong, San Isidro; Patrocenio, New Corella; Sitio Igang, Palma Gil, Talaingod; and Mamangan, San Isidro.
Aside from health services, the outreach activities also include programs and projects on food-based nutrition intervention, food sufficiency, program, livestock dispersal, inland fishpond development, bio-diversity and agro-forestry development, as well as seminars on youth leadership and peace and development.
In pursuit of his human-centered strategy, known as the P.E.O.P.L.E. agenda, Gov. del Rosario has required the frontline offices of the province to take a consolidated approach in implementing their regular programs this year through the convergence initiative.
“In this way, we are putting a clearer face to our human development efforts,” he said.
The innovative peace-building program replaced the Capitol Caravan of Services implemented during the previous term of the governor, which also brought basic services only at the doorstep of all the cities and municipalities of the province. [NOEL BAGUIO]