BARANGAY HEALTH workers and nutrition scholars are getting an increase in their monthly honoraria to P5,000 from P3,000, Mayor Sara Duterte-Carpio announced last week during a Christmas gathering. Ms. Carpio said the increase is part of the local government’s intensified campaign to implement reproductive health laws, which is a major tool in alleviating poverty. The city government has also recently started distributing “Women’s Health and Wellness Kits,” which include instructional materials on family planning and referral slips for availing reproductive health services in the community centers. Lorna B. Mandin, head of the Integrated Gender Development, said educating the women on their health and reproductive roles is a means of empowering them. “By giving them proper information, women are given opportunities to make informed choices,” Ms. Mandin said. — Carmelito Q. Francisco

SECURITY
Meanwhile, the Davao Regional Police Office (RPO-11) has intensified its anti-crime campaign in Davao City for the Christmas season.“We will strengthen all police operations and will employ all our resources and manpower just to make sure that holidays will be peaceful and safe,” RPO-11 Director Manuel R, Gaerlan said. About 3,000 personnel have been deployed to help secure churches, shopping malls, ports, transport terminals, and other places of convergence. Aside from the police officers, force multipliers such as the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Teams (BPATs) have also been tapped. “We will also work hand in hand with the Department of Health, Bureau of Fire Protection, Local Government Units and other government agencies to minimize if not to stop firecracker-related incidents in Davao Region during the celebration,” Mr. Gaerlan said. He also urged the public to be vigilant at all times and report any suspicious bags, vehicles, personalities, and activities in their areas. — Carmencita A. Carillo

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