Senator Edgardo Angara. INQUIRER file photo
MANILA, Philippines – Senator Edgardo Angara called on local government officials to focus on environment, water and sanitation, which he said were three important areas of development.
“I encourage our local leaders to push for programs aimed at addressing environmental challenges, food security and water supply,” said Angara.
The statement came as part of his message at the MOA (memorandum of agreement) signing and launching of “The Outstanding Councilors of the Philippines (TOCP)” on Thursday.
“Climate change has become one of the greatest challenges to human development. If this is not addressed, it would have serious negative consequences for the country’s sustainable development. We need leaders who can respond to these challenges,” said Angara.
He also noted the importance of prioritizing water and sanitation projects especially in the poorest and waterless towns nationwide.
“Thirty-four percent of Filipinos have no access to potable water that’s why we have a high incidence of water-borne diseases,” the Senator said.
“We should not be deprived of our right to clean, safe and adequate water,” Angara added.
Likewise, Angara said that food supply should also be a priority, noting that 37 percent of the Philippines’ population were undernourished.
“Students’ growth and formation will be stunted if we will not provide the right kind of food they need. Our local leaders, therefore, should heed this call and raise food productivity in their own locality,” Angara said.
The TOCP, established in 2006, is awarded to top councilors every three years.
This year marks the third search for outstanding local government leaders. The TOCP is given through the partnership between the office of Senator Angara, the Junior Chamber International Philippines and the Philippine Councilors League.
Angara pledged to give a P1.5 million grant for each of the 10 councilors who would be selected for this year’s TOCP search which would be announced March 2013.
Previous TOCP awardees include Jorge “Bolet” Banal who is now a congressman representing the 3rd district of Quezon City and incumbent Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog.
Katherine Evangelista