by Sentinel Times Research Staff June 19, 2021 Tagkawayan chief Executive Luis Osc...
June 19, 2021
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| Tagkawayan chief Executive Luis Oscar "Carlo" Eleazar (Photo from his FB Page) |
TAGKAWAYAN, Quezon - TRUE to his word to strive to uplift earning opportunities for local coconut growers and their families, Tagkawayan chief Executive Luis Oscar "Carlo" Eleazar broke ground for construction of a P17-million virgin coconut oil extraction facility in a bid to join the burgeoning global market for the high-value extract that generates hundreds of millions of pesos in exports and domestic sales.
Mayor Eleazar cited that virgin coconut oil production remains a sunshine industry, growing by leaps and bounds over the years as expert findings show more and more beneficial and curative qualities of virgin coconut oil.
Eleazar noted that extensive research demonstrated that virgin coconut oil can be "a frontline defense against viruses and other micro-organisms that pose hazards to human health."
He added that with Tagkawayan taking to the production of virgin coconut oil, "we are one with the efforts to improve and safeguard human health, apart from generating job opportunities for our kababayan."
The Eleazar initiative gained full support from Quezon 4th district Representative, Dr. Helen Tan, Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) Administrator Benjamin R. Madrigal, Jr., and the Land Bank of the Philippines that provided the seed money for the project.
'Mula sa taumbayan, para sa taumbayan'
In an interview with Sentinel Times, Eleazar cited that the endeavors that local government are undertaking are "inspired by the people, since most of the ideas in sound governance come from people's aspirations. People's aspirations touch off inspiration for responsive, responsible government. Sabi nga natin, ang pagbabago ay mula sa taumbayan, nagiging pagbabago para sa taumbayan."
Since the outset of his term, Eleazar has made efforts to touch base with Tagkawayan's 45 barangays, their leaders, and common residents-- and to see for himself the conditions of road projects that need repairs, or upgrades.
"Nakikinig po tayo sa kanilang mga karaingan at kailangan sa pamumuhay-- sa ganyan po tayo bumubuo ng mga gagawing hakbang, maliit o malaki man, para sa kanilang kapakanan," he added.
Thus, the Eleazar leadership was able to formulate specific uplift projects including a field school for farmers for the production of high-quality seeds to bolster crop yields in local farms.
Too, he has collaborated with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to carry out the Livelihood Assistance Grant (LAG) in providing P10,000 each to solo parents, persons with disabilities, and their dependents, and 4P graduates.
The LAG program, according to Eleazar is meant to provide start-up funding for the needy to get back on their feet and start out modest means of livelihood.
Eleazar, by his admission, likes to work on the ground, to feel the pulse of communities and the people, and to be attuned to what needs to be carried out for their welfare and weal.
Such work style has given rise to the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) providing needful training and jobs for tertiary school students of Tagkawayan.
Aside from jobs in the Tagkawayan LGU, SPES grantees were also tapped to serve as encoders in the Eleazar move to fit out Barangay Disaster Resiliency Information System (BDRIS) aimed at responsive reportage and response to untoward occurrences that can benefit both individual residents and their communities.
Irrigation and crop growth boosters
In the full grasp of working conditions in grassroots communities, the Eleazar leadership has set aside P1.5 million from the municipality's supplemental budget for the ongoing irrigation project and the construction of a community center, including roadworks in Barangay Victoria.
Tagkawayan records show that the funding came from savings incurred in the 3rd and 4th quarters of 2020 and the 1st quarter of this year.
The savings also funded the procurement of P1-million fiberglass boats and concreting of roads from the barangay hall leading to the harbor of the coastal village.
In Barangay Casipalan, 200 sacks of fertilizers (100 sacks of urea, and 100 sacks, complete fertilizer) were given out as an aid to local farmers.
Too, Eleazar announced that the local government is also setting aside funds for the construction of a solar dryer in the area that can greatly benefit corn and rice growers at post-harvest.
Eleazar has also ventured into market development with his wife and Soroptimist International leader Rachel Eleazar for the marketing of hand-woven tiger grass brooms (walis tambo) produced by residents of Barangay Mapulot.
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