Gwen calls youth to fight vs. vandalism

CEBU, Philippines - Governor Gwendolyn Garcia met with barangay captains and youth of Minglanilla town yesterday and called them to action against the problem of vandalism in the town.

Garcia urged the 32 members of the anti-graffiti youth organization of the town, most of them previously vandalism suspects, to recruit more members who will help counter vandalism.

“Kamo’y soldiers against graffiti. Ang magpadayon ug vandalize mao’y soldiers ipadala ngadto sa Afghanistan or Libya,” Garcia told the youths in jest.

“Psychological studies show na hugaw ang lugar kung asa tong naay pinakakurekong ug utok, but if limpyo ang lugar, ang mga tawo buotan kay limpyo man ang huna-huna,” the governor said as she tasked the youth to lead the town in the campaign against vandalism.

Barangay captains also urged the children to convince other youths, especially those who are gang members, to participate in their cause. The group was also encouraged to take note of those who continue to deface public and private property so barangay officials can deal with them.

Manolo Delgado, Association of Barangay Captains president and Tungkil, Minglanilla, barangay captain, said the filthiness of the town brought about by vandalism prompted them to organize the group last April.

“But still, there are a lot of things to do kay limpyohanan pa ang ubang barangay. Uban barangay wa pa kalihok kay kulang sa budget,” he said.

Delgado said they are currently encouraging the barangay captains, with the approval of Garcia, to use carbide in removing graffiti from the major highways of the town. They will then proceed with cleaning the inner barangays.  (FREEMAN)