We benefited from livelihood program

CEBU, Philippines - Two barangay captains in Cebu’s fourth district claimed that there were livelihood trainings conducted in their respective barangays by representatives of the Technology and Resource Center.

Barangay captain Marilyn Calibquib of Malingin, Bogo City, said that 40 of her constituents benefited from the livelihood training, specifically basket-weaving.

Her statements run counter to the claim of Bogo City Mayor Celestino “Junie” Martinez Jr. that no one from his city benefited from the P7.8-million livelihood program from the Office of Fourth District Rep. Benhur Salimbangon.

“Dili na tinuod nga walay taga-Bogo nga naka-benefit ana,” said Calibquib.

Calibquib said that many other residents of the city have availed of the livelihood trainings.

Barangay captain Artemio Noynay of Curva in Medellin town also said that over a hundred of his constituents underwent training on sardine-making and food preservation.

“Daghan to ang nag training diri sa amoang barangay. Sobra to sa 100,” Noynay said.

This developed as the Office of Salimbangon will conduct its own investigation into the implementation of the livelihood training project in Bogo City and other areas in the district.

Joje Decal, chief of staff of Salimbangon, said in a press statement that they will coordinate with the TRC and verify the implementation of the livelihood training in Bogo City and other areas in 2008.        

Decal earlier emphasized that the congressman did not participate in the implementation of the livelihood training in Bogo City, Tabogon and other areas.

The Commission on Audit is verifying the claim of Martinez that they have not received any livelihood training from Salimbangon’s office despite being included as one of the beneficiaries.

The Salimbangons and Martinezes are political rivals.

According to the COA report, TRC records revealed that part of Salimbangon’s Priority Development Assistance Fund or pork barrel, P7.8 million was released to Aaron Foundation Philippines Inc. as payment for livelihood trainings, training kits and materials from March to May 2008.

Bogo City was included in the list of 576 beneficiaries trained from March to May 2008. Aside from Bogo City, other towns in the district such as Tabogon, Tabuelan, Bantayan, Daanbantayan, Medellin, San Remigio, Sta. Fe and Madridejos were also included.

Martinez, in his reply to COA, said none of his 29 barangays benefited from the said livelihood program. (FREEMAN)