THE 20th City Council, in its regular session, presided over by Vice Mayor Jocelyn "Bebot" Rodriguez, has enacted an ordinance authorizing Mayor Rolando A. Uy to sign the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the implementation of the community outreach program of Northern Mindanao Medical Center (NMMC) – Department of Pediatrics at the Child Development Center (CDC) in Barangay Carmen in collaboration with the City Social Welfare and Development Department (CSWD).
In his letter to the City Council, Mayor Uy emphasized that the program immerses pediatric residents-in-training in serving preschool children two to five years old. This includes conducting formal assessments at the CDC to ensure developmental milestones are met.
Under the MOA, NMMC will provide regular health services adhering to the Integrated Management of Childhood Illness (IMCI) program, emphasizing health promotion and disease prevention.
It will also facilitate developmental assessments for children showing potential delays, conduct family surveys, organize community-based activities such as health lectures, screenings, and vaccinations, and refer children to subspecialty clinics when needed.
The program also serves as a platform for community-based research to enhance outreach initiatives.
The city government, in turn, commits to supporting NMMC’s activities by evaluating intervention outcomes, ensuring data accessibility, assisting in vaccination and screening programs, and providing necessary logistical support for research and outreach efforts.
The ordinance was reviewed and endorsed by the Committees on Health, Nutrition, and Health Insurance, chaired by Councilor Maria Lourdes S. Gaane, and on Laws and Rules, chaired by Councilor Edgar S. Cabanlas.
THE joint Committees on Senior Citizens, on Trade and Commerce, and on Labor and Employment, respectively chaired by Councilors Yevonna Yacine B. Emano, George S. Goking, and Jose Pepe S. Abbu, recently discussed the proposed ordinance integrating Senior Citizens and Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) in the workforce through capacity building and provide tax incentives to business entities employing them.
During the meeting, Councilor Emano, author of the proposed ordinance, said this will encourage senior citizens and PWDs who are willing to work and physically fit to be employed in any establishments.
According to Mr. Adrian Nagac, president of Cagayan de Oro Federation of Senior Citizen Association (CAFESCA), senior citizens should be hired with qualifications, passed health requirement and subject to certain rules and guidelines.
Mr. Douglas Dabatian, head of the Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA), lauded the initiative, saying it will help seniors enhance their skills and give them the opportunity to earn extra income on top of their pension.
CITY COLLECTION CONCERN
Section 8 of the proposed law provides that incentives in the form of business tax discount shall be given to private business establishments that will hire seniors and PWDs.
For her part, Assistant City Treasurer Divina Dablio told the committee that this may affect the city’s tax collection since the computation for local business tax is based on the gross sales.
“I commend this ordinance, but this should also be strongly supported with legal provisions that will support the impositions,” she stressed.
The proposed ordinance will be referred to the City Legal Office for its legal opinion.
Updated: Dec 3, 2024
HAVE you ever stopped to imagine what it would feel like to be caught in the middle of a disaster alongside your beloved pet? The mere thought of such situation sends chills down the spine.
In one of the recent fire incidents in the city, a video garnered around thirty thousand views on Facebook showing BFP helping a dog cool down with water, as it was nearly trapped in the fire. The comments were filled with appreciation for the rescuers and concern for the welfare of the dog.
It's moments like this that serve as a powerful reminder of just how vulnerable our pets are in the face of unforeseen calamities.
Pets, for many, are not just companions but integral members of their families. In light of the recent events, the proposed Animal and Pet Welfare in Times of Disaster Ordinance of Vice Mayor Bebot Rodriguez becomes increasingly crucial.
This forward-thinking ordinance not only acknowledges the profound emotional bond between Kagay-anons and their pets but also recognizes the necessity for concrete strategies to safeguard our pets’ well-being during emergencies.
Anchored on the Philippine Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010 and the Animal Welfare Act of 1998, which mandates the local government to enact local laws or ordinances that will protect the welfare of animals, VM Bebot’s proposal ensures the rescue and well-being of pets, livestock, and other animals during disasters, which the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDDRMO) will oversee.
In the course of committee hearings for her proposal, lack of shelters for pets in crisis was revealed. Responding promptly, a committee motion urged the City Veterinary Office to align the existing "Animal Control and Welfare Ordinance of Cagayan de Oro" with VM Bebot's proposal. Dr. Perla T. Asis, the City Veterinarian, positively responded by submitting proposed amendments, integrating and synergizing the ordinances for the welfare of our pets.
This collaborative effort introduces crucial provisions, including safeguarding animals in Disasters, establishing the Animal Rescue Center in Cagayan de Oro, enforcing anti-rabies measures, and instituting mandatory pet registration.
Although the proposal has yet to be formally approved as an ordinance, the city council and relevant offices are taking significant steps to not only safeguard animal well-being but also cultivate a more compassionate approach to emergency preparedness.
Disaster doesn't discriminate, and neither should our response. VM Bebot's proposal is a step towards strengthening the overall effectiveness of disaster response efforts in our city, ensuring that in times of crisis, no one – human or furry – is left behind.