IMAGE OF THE DAY

Department of Public Works and Highways officials of Zamboanga Peninsula led by Regional Director Pedro Herrera (3rd from left), Assistant Regional Director for Maintenance Operations Sharif Madzmo Hasim (2nd frm right), and Assistant Regional Director for Construction Operations Jorge Sebastian Jr. (2nd from left) launch the PGMA job creation/roadside maintenance program in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay. Also in photo are Zamboanga Sibugay Rep. Belma Cabilao (3rd from right), District Engineer Warfilo Militante (right) and Assistant District Engineer Rogelio Villafuerte (left).

DPWH-9 launches PGMA’s roadside maintenance program in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay
text & photos HADER GLANG

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) regional office 9 on Monday launched its job creation program/roadside maintenance under the “Programang Pangtrabaho ni Pangulong Gloria” in a ceremony held at Roderick’s Resort in Taway, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay.

About 350 road maintenance workers from the cities of Dapitan, Dipolog, Pagadian, Isabela (Basilan), and provinces of Zamboanga Sibugay and Zamboanga del Norte attended the launching, which was graced by Zamboanga Sibugay Rep. Belma Cabilao and with the presence of some local officials.

In her message, Cabilao, a close political ally of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, admitted that the job generation program of the President is not really sufficient to address the economic problem of the participants but in one way or another it can help their families.

In an overview of the “Programang Pangtrabaho ni Pangulong Gloria”, DPWH Regional Director Pedro Herrera said that the job creation/roadside maintenance program is launched nationwide except the NCR, Region 6, Central Luzon and Region 4.

One of the mechanics, Herrera said, the district engineer of each province would hire one person for every 3.5 kilometers. “The program is only an additional to the regular maintenance of roads for about four months, which is undertaken by DPWH.”

Meanwhile, DPWH Assistant Regional Director for Maintenance Operations Sharif Madsmo Hasim reminded the participants to do all they can to go forward with even greater dedication to their work. “Let’s us not be laxed in our work,” he said.

The Office of the Presidential Adviser for Job Creation (OPAJC), which was tasked to head a task force created to oversee and coordinate the implementation of the program, is also the lead implementing agency. DILG, LGUs and DSWD are also tasked to strictly monitor the implementation of program.

Workers hired for the road maintenance program began their work on May 15, 2006. They will handle road and drainage maintenance activities in strategic areas near airports, commercial districts and other areas, conducive for business.

The launching of the infrastructure-based employment-generating program – Batch I -- is in cooperation with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), and Philippine National Police (PNP).

It is a part of the 10-point agenda program of President Arroyo aims to generate labor and employment by way of creating new jobs and livelihood opportunities for underprivileged family members and out of school youths. (ZS)