Everyone believes in something. Some people believe in helping others. Cong. Manuel “Chiquiting” Sagarbarria of the second district is one such man. Through his Health, Education, Livelihood for Progress (HELP) program, thousands of Negrenses, even those from outside of the second district, have availed of assistance under this program.
The HELP program turned one year old last week. Already, this is acclaimed by beneficiaries as something that they really need.
People’s Health is number one in the list. Health is wealth, as the saying goes, and that good health paves a way for progress and success. To this end, Chiquiting has been providing free medicine. Well, there are limits.
For one, the budget for the medicine is only P100,000, which comes from the Congressman’s personal funds. All one needs to do to avail of this assistance is to present the prescription from the doctor. A pharmacist, Vilma Villegas, is assigned in his District office and she buys the medicine from the leading drugstores in the City, and she also dispenses the medicine.
Other than free medicine is the financial assistance given to those in dire need, especially in emergency situations.
Second in the list is Education for all. The Chiquiting Kami Scholars are sent to the various campuses of Negros Oriental State University. Tuition is free at NORSU so his scholars receive cash allowances to cover their daily travel expenses, educational materials and other school needs. His continuing scholars have reached 339, whereas there are 191 new scholars thus far. The Chiquiting Kami scholars are poor but determined students, who have a strong desire to finish their college studies.
Third in the list is Livelihood. This program aims to provide alternative sources of income to families in order to augment their basic needs. Women are grouped according to their skills and talents such as sewing, beauty care services, vegetable growing and selling, baking and pastries making. There is also a program on food manufacturing and other home industries. This is to train men and women in various communities to live decent, healthy and progressive lives.
HELP is all that we need. Thank God the Congressman has these in mind as a flagship program. Leadership opportunities come and go, but what is important is that the accomplishments one made while in that sacred position would live for years. It is the foot prints of good works that one leaves behind that is worthy of emulation
__________________________________
Author’s email: rrm.vergo24@gmail.com
