Strengthened private sector involvement proves the Bohol model for public-private partnership works. Four years running now, Joni and Friends International Disability Center has distributed wheelchairs, walkers, and forearm crutches to Stimulating Therapeutic Activity Centers (STAC) in the province.

Gov. Edgar M. Chatto who met the delegation led by Lilibeth Sy on Monday afternoon expressed his gratitude to the organization and its donors for patronizing Bohol in its program for persons with disabilities.

Tuesday morning, the governor accompanied the group to the STAC in Ubay to distribute 6 wheelchairs, 10 walkers, and 1 box of forearm crutches as well as school supplies to beneficiaries in the center.

Along with the distribution of mobility aids, the organization trained beneficiaries on maintenance of the specialized wheelchairs.

Ubay STAC Head Ryan Culajao conveyed heartfelt thanks in behalf of beneficiaries who have been given the gift of easier mobility.

The group is also delivered wheelchairs, walkers, and crutches in the STAC centers in Tagbilaran City, Jagna, and Tubigon this week.

Chatto encourages the involvement of private sector in public service, himself an advocate of empowering the marginalized sector, having alloted resources for the construction of the Stimulating Therapeutic Activity Centers (STAC) in Tagbilaran City and Tubigon when he was in Congress.

He has also heavily supported the causes of the Bohol Crisis Intervention Center and the Bohol Federation of Disabled Persons, Inc, among others.

During the brief courtesy call of the delegation from the Joni and Friends International Disability Center, the group also discussed with Chatto possibilities of expanding its programs to include Gulayan sa Paaralan training and seeds distribution, as well as capacity building in livelihood generation.

Joni and Friends is a non-profit organization based in California, USA supported by donors who want to reach out to people affected by disability around the world.

After the distribution in Poblacion, Ubay, the governor proceeded to the barangays of Biabas in Ubay and San Jose in Mabini to formally open milk collection centers under the Comprehensive Health, Agricultural Technologies, and Tourism Opportunities partnership program of the Provincial Government and the Philippine Carabao Center (PCC). The program empowers local sectors through the development of community-led carabao-based dairy enterprises as a means for sustainable livelihood, increasing income and enhancing health and nutrition of the people.

Chatto also led the distribution of financial assistance to victims of the buhawi incident in Jagna. He was joined by Office of the Provincial Social Welfare and Development (OPSWD) Head Mita Tecson. Jagna Mayor Fortunato Abrenilla and Vice Mayor Exuperio Lloren were also present as financial assistance from the Provincial Government were handed out to 42 affected families in Barangay Can-upao, 43 affected families in Bunga Mar, and 2 families each in both Ipil and Cantagay.

Families who lost their homes to the calamity received P7,000 each, while families whose motor boats were destroyed were given P5,000. Families whose homes were partially damaged received P2,000 while those whose motorboats were partially damaged received P1,000.

Immediate help had also been extended to the victims on the same day the buhawi hit the town. Thanks to the quick action and combined efforts of the Telephone and Radio Systems Integrated Emergency Response (TaRSIER 117), the Provincial Government, the DSWD, DILG and LGU Jagna. (Leah/EDCOM)