SP Highlights: Livelihood Assistance to the Bakwits

Atty. Nelson S. Legacion Vice Mayor, Naga City “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?’” -Martin Luther King Jr.- It is a saddening and horrible narrative of our modern Philippine history that one of the bustling cities of the south, Marawi City, is now under siege by terrorists. It is unfortunate that, after more than two months since the Marawi siege has started on 23 May 2017, the battle between the Philippine government and the Maute Group is still on-going. As a result of this crisis, many of our Filipino brothers from Marawi scurried away from their city and migrated to other places. Some of these evacuees (colloquially called ‘bakwits’), comprising of 28 families, are now in the City of Naga. On 27 July 2017 (Thursday), Mayor John Bongat together with some SP members and department heads of the city were able to talk to them personally. They narrated their heartbreaking stories and the difficult conditions they are currently in. Anyone will plead for help in such a situation. And, the City Government of Naga is here to answer to their pleas. Nagueños are known for their benevolence and liberality that they will not turn away in extending assistance to fellow Filipinos who are in need. Our Maogmang Lugar is built not on selfishness but on selflessness. It is our custom and tradition to look out for the betterment of our kapwa. Thus, the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Naga, per motion of Councilor Vidal P. Castillo, passed Resolution No. 2017-358 authorizing the release of P200,000 for the livelihood assistance to the 28 families who are now in the City of Naga. This aid will be in the form of a loan to be administered by the Metro Naga Public Employment Service Office (Metro PESO). It is similar to the existing program of the said office that is always available for enterprising Nagueños. We believe that it is better to “teach a man to fish and feed him for a lifetime,” rather than “to give a man a fish and feed him for a day.” Further, by providing the Bakwits a source of their daily living, we are not only giving them a chance for a new life, but also offer them an opportunity to contribute to the economic growth of our city. Tarabang po kita sa pag-tao nin bagong pag-asa sa mga katuod niato na naapektaran kan giyera sa Marawi.