UNDP inks partnership w/ Biliran LGUs

NAVAL, BILIRAN, Philippines — The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the eight local government units of Biliran province formalize their partnership for economic development during a ceremony held at the Capitol in this town last June 16.

Kawayan town Mayor Rodolfo Espina, Sr., president of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines-Biliran chapter, thanked the UNDP for extending help to the people of Biliran who were ravaged by typhoon Yolanda. He and the mayors of the eight towns in the province wished for a lasting partnership with UNDP.

The UNDP then turned over 18 computer sets with printers, nine hard drives and another nine UPS. Each of the LGUs, including the provincial government, was allocated with two units.

Eden Garde, UNDP-Philippines project manager for typhoon Yolanda, in her message during the signing and turnover rites, assured all stakeholders that her agency will continue to assist them in the development aspect. "We hope for long-term fruitful partnerships," she told the mayors and provincial officials.

Dario Cubelo, UNDP area coordinator, also announced the donation of two radio repeaters in addition to the communications equipment given by the agency, with the establishment of a technical working group. "All equipment and the computers will be for disaster risk reduction management usage, including trainings," he said.

UNDP has been also responsible in the province's cash for work program, sawmill station and two farm tractors used rotationally by an LGU needing them at a time, he said.

Other UNDP personnel, who attended the event, were Leslie Wright, Sudhir Khumar, Ross Hardy and Errol Merquita.

Joining them were Provincial Board Member Brigido Caneja, Mayors Susan Parilla of Naval, Lorenzo Reveldez Jr. of Culaba, Doming Agajan of Almeria, Grace Casil of Biliran, Elding Macorol of Maripipi, Gemma Adobo of Cabucgayan and Eulalio Maderazo of Caibiran, and Sofronio Dacillo, Jr, of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office. — (FREEMAN)