CEBU, Philippines - At least 2,000 urban poor members from the different urban poor organizations in Talisay City joined the parade marking the start of the Urban Poor Solidarity Week (UPSW) yesterday morning.
The UPSW celebration, which, according to Presidential Proclamation No. 367 proclaiming every Dec. 2-8 days of the year as UPSW, is intended to “foster unity, dialogue and cooperation” among local government units, government agencies and non-government agencies and the urban poor sector.
Among the activities lined up for the week are a livelihood seminar on household technologies and meat processing, advanced leadership training, and an education tour.
After the parade, Governor Gwendolyn Garcia turned over five multicabs to barangays Pooc, San Isidro, Lawaan I, Lawaan II, and Tabunok.
Garcia said the multicabs are necessary for the barangays to carry out their functions efficiently during emergency cases or when patrolling streets.
She urged the barangays to be cautious and responsible when using the vehicles.
The governor, who attended the opening ceremony at the Talisay City Sports Complex, also turned over to the city government a tourist bus.
ABC president Charles Basillote, in an interview with The Freeman, thanked the governor for the support of the provincial government to the barangays.
“Nakita gyud namo kaming mga kapitanes kung unsa gipangga ni Gov. Gwen kami,” Basillote said.
Yesterday’s celebration was also attended by first district congressional aspirant Gerald Anthony “Samsam” Gullas and city officials. (FREEMAN)