CITY OF SAN FERNANDO—Some 1,200 scavengers from different parts of the province here, received their identification cards, uniforms and cash allowances provided by the provincial government headed by Governor Lilia G. Pineda on Friday, held at the Pineda Sports Complex in Barangay Concepcion, Lubao.
The identification cards would not only upgrade their status and be recognized in the community but could serve as Philhealth cards as well, under the Point of Care program of the Capitol.
Their beneficiaries would also enjoy a no balance billing to any district hospital of their choice.
“If among you or any of your family members got sick, you can use those cards as your passport to any of the district hospitals. Just show to the hospital staff your i.d.’s and you can fully enjoy a free medical check-up with no balance billing”, Pineda said.
This and more, the lady governor is adhered to her promise to uplift the lives of the scavengers and employ their other skills for them to enjoy a higher standard of living.
“Many of you may have skills in the construction and you could work as construction workers also. So you won’t be scavengers for life”, Pineda added.
With this development, the provincial government and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan are now working on the ordinance that would include scholarship programs for the scavengers’ children from high school to college regardless of their academic performance.
Governor Pineda also ordered the assessment of those who do not have a house of their own to determine who among the scavengers need further assistance.
This, as way of showing appreciation to the members of Pampanga Junkshop Federation and Mangangalakal ng Pampanga, in their contribution and which serve as partners in the segregation of waste in the material recovery facilities under the solid Waste Management program of the local government.
By Maribel U. Singca
