"You started from scratch, yet you are able to implement your poverty reduction programs based on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) with great satisfaction…I am impressed and I consider yours as the best!" his excellency Alistair MacDonald, head of delegation of the European Commission to the Philippines, told the local officials of Jagna.
MacDonald was in Jagna in the morning of October 16 for a post-project visit on the Localized Monitoring System of the MDG- -the Jagna Experience.
It was part of the European ambassador's three-day visit in Bohol for the Eco-Budget Conference held at the Bohol Beach Club and site visits to European Commission-assisted projects including those in Jagna.
Lloren showed to the ambassador, a power-point presentation on Jagna's MDG Progress Report during a meeting at the Capt. Goyo Caseñas Hall, after which five project beneficiaries gave testimonies on how the poverty reduction projects had made their lives better.
One Placido Sajol of barangay Mayana represented the upland farmer-beneficiaries of the on-going organic vegetable production program, while one Flordeliza Bayron represented the rural women's group engaged in ginger production and processing.
Deeply touched and impressed, MacDonald commended Lloren's effort and commitment to make the lives of the Jagnaanon better.
"It is important that you have knowledge of the condition of the people and the problems they encounter. The next urgent thing to do is to have focus on issues to be prioritized and the last essential point is to have determination and vigor to achieve the remaining goals of the MDGs….Nevertheless, your efforts must be accompanied by our support and from the support of other linkages," MacDonald said.
A brief open forum followed the interaction between the hosts and the European delegation.
Then, the mayor made the presentation of tokens of appreciation culturally symbolic by sharing Jagna's coffee table Commemorative Book, basketful of original calamay and other delicacies to the ambassador.
Jagna was one of the three pilot municipalities of Bohol in the European Union-funded MDGs in 2005.
Committing to achieve eight goals (MDGs) by 2015, the MDGs aim to reduce extreme poverty and hunger, provide universal primary education, promote gender equality, reduce child mortality, improve maternal health, halt the spread of HIV/AIDS, ensure environmental sustainability and develop a global partnership for development.
In March 2006, the MDG Book on Bohol Experience was launched in the three pilot municipalities including Jagna.
In last week's visit, the European delegation also experienced that warmth of Boholano hospitality when a short welcome program at the municipal hall compound was offered to them amidst the late morning drizzle.
Jagna Parish Priest Msgr. Orencio Jubac, E.V. led in the opening prayer, while Vice Mayor Teofisto Pagar Sr. and Romina Sta. Clara welcomed them.
The Colegio de la Medalla Milagrosa (CMM) Drum and Lyre Corps played a festive music and beat, while the selected LGU-Jagna employees rendered a cultural dance presentation entitled "TABO" which amazed the ambassador.
A five year-old day care pupil, Keith Charles Galiguer represented the early childhood development group, while a Grade six pupil of Canjulao Elementary School, Ma. Murielle Maghuyop represented the Eco-Savers Club. One Howard Sedavia, who was accidentally amputated of his two arms, represented the differently-abled group.
--published by the Bohol Sunday PostLinkback:
https://tubagbohol.mikeligalig.com/index.php?topic=5869.0
Topic: European Union exec commends Jagna, Bohol LGU (Read 1233 times)