April 13,2013 Mercado Conducts Tree Planting, Feeding Program, Medical Mission On His 62nd Birthday Celebration By Quirico

M. Gorpido,Jr.

Maasin City, Southern Leyte-Former Congressman Roger G. Mercado, now newly-elected incumbent Governor of this province has celebrated his 62nd pre-natal day by conducting tree planting, feeding program and medical-dental mission in brgy. Combado here recently.

Tree Planting

According to Diego Credo of the Governors Office,1,000 plus acacia mangium seedlings were planted in brgy. Bugo. The activity was participated in by some capitol and city employees, Barangay Captains and Kagawads and concerned individuals.

This is part of the effort of the provincial government, it was learned, in the protection of the environment. Governor Mercado also encouraged the inhabitants of other municipalities of this second province of Leyte Island to plant forest trees in their vacant lots as part of the measure to alleviate climate change that is now affecting the Mother Earth.

Feeding Program

In his short speech the birthday celebrant, prior to the feeding of 300 children, urged the barrio folks to be united in every meaningful and productive endeavor that they might be involving themselves to make it more successful.

Mercado likewise admonished them to pray for the Almightys help and guidance in improving their individual situation. They must also be patient and industrious in everything they do for the sake of their families welfare.

Addressing to parents he emphasized the importance of acquiring good education for their children and not to give in to any negative impression from them. He pointed out that parents know well what is good for their children, than the children themselves, who still lack the wisdom and understanding of the great importance of finishing vocational or college courses.

The Governor also underscored the importance of cleaning their surroundings as hygiene and sanitation will help prevent the spread of diseases in the neighborhood.

With one reported child fatality caused by dengue virus in Combado, Mercado strongly enjoined all the barangay dwellers, not only in Combado, but also other barangays of this city, to turn upside down all flower vases, old tires,, jars,all unused water containers and anything that can hold stagnant waters to avoid the dengue-carrier mosquito Aedis Egypti from laying their eggs.

Before the distribution of the Bundle of Joy(food for work) to 162 4Ps members, they have first engaged in cleaning the areas esteros.

Medical-Dental Mission

For those who have health problems and tooth pains,a medical-dental team composed of doctors, nurses and aids were stationed at the nearby school rooms of the spacious Maasin City High School. Some adults and children were having some tooth extractions with free medicines, while other older people have their blood pressure checked.

Adopted Barangays

Earlier, brgys Combado, Asuncion (Pacu) and Bilibol were declared by Mercado as the provincial governments adopted barangays.

Asked by the local media what differs them from other 67 barangays of this city? He confessed they are near to my heart. He said, barangays Combado, Asuncion and Bilibol need more concern of the provincial government based on the inhabitants condition and geographical location.

He said that in Asuncion, a fund of P1.5M was set aside for the integration of Elementary and High School. While in brgy. Mambajao (next to Pacu), construction of phase one Evacuation Center was not yet completed. Funds are still waiting to be released for the phase 2 tasks.

He also intimated that whenever there are financial aids to various barangays, the 3 aforesaid barangays will be given the priority.

Mercado further said that those living near the coastal shores in the 3 adopted barangays can be relocated in brgy.Lib-og,if they so desire.

During his birthday the following day, some Maasins Barangay Captains,Kagawads,heads of provincial offices, some SP members and municipal Mayors, selected guests and the press were among those who were present at the Capitols Mini Forest where the celebration was held until the late afternoon.

Earlier, the Governors birthday was capped with musical entertainment from the harmonious blending of two Southern Leyte entertainers, singer-teacher Jenny Senoc Remis-Alila of Limasawa Island and 2009 Leyte Idol Grand Final Champion Brian Moldes Gilles who is also an incumbent Councilor of Padre Burgos. For engagement in musical entertainment either for wedding, anniversary, birthday, despideda party and other forms of social gatherings, you may call/contact cp. No.0935-858-7947(Jenny) or cp. No.0906746-3977(Brian).(Quirico M. Gorpido,jr.)Mercado Conducts Tree Planting, Feeding Program, Medical Mission On His 62nd Birthday Celebration