To distribute notebooks; Magpale wants exemption from DILG rule

CEBU, Philippines - Acting Governor Agnes Magpale has finally decided to distribute the notebooks with the images of provincial officials led by suspended Governor Gwendolyn Garcia.

However, Magpale still has to seek clearance from the Department of Interior and Local Government to proceed with the distribution without violating its existing policy.

In a letter dated May 24, 2013 addressed to Secretary Manuel “Mar” Roxas through DILG-7 Regional Director Ananias Villacorta, Magpale requested for exemption from the application to Memorandum Circular No. 2010-101.

Promulgated on Sept. 23, 2010, the DILG “prohibits the inclusion of names or initials and or images or pictures of government officials in the billboards and signages on government programs, projects and properties.”

Magpale informed DILG officials that the Province of Cebu has in its possession around a million notebooks intended for distribution for grade school children.

These notebooks were purchased and acquired prior to the suspension of Garcia.

Magpale expressed concern that the school materials might go to waste if not distributed to the intended beneficiaries.

“Since the opening of the school year is barely two weeks from now, prudence dictates that these materials should be distributed so as to make them useful for our public school children in Cebu Province,” said Magpale in her letter.

Magpale told reporters that to cover the names and faces of the provincial officials will cost P4 each using acrylic paint, per sampling done by the Provincial Engineering Office.

“P4 million nasad, maka-build nata og classroom ana, sayang kaayo,” Magpale said.

Magpale hopes to get a reply from the DILG anytime so that the school materials will be distributed immediately.

She said that the distribution shall be coursed through the Department of Education rather than through the mayors so that these will reach schoolchildren faster. —(FREEMAN)