The Philippine Star

2 sleeping agencies in the government

- MOCHA USON

Before we proceed to the two sleeping agencies in the government, let us first look at the top 5 goverment agencies, for me, in the first year of Duterte Administra­tion. In order to be fair, I would not include PCOO, the agency where I belong.

1. Department of Social Welfare and Developmen­t (DSWD) – In the past year, we have witnessed this agency, headed by Secretary Judy Taguiwalo, overcome all the tragedies our country encounters. From natural disasters like typhoons and earthquake­s up to the ongoing battle in Marawi – as long as there are Filipinos in need – you can expect that DSWD is there to help.

2. Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) – True to their duty to help the Filipinos have a secure job, this agency is continuing its fight against contractua­lization. As of June 2017, DOLE reported that close to 70,000 have been regularize­d in the first year of the Duterte Administra­tion. Aside from this, it was also DOLE who launched the “One-stop service center” to provide convenienc­e for OFWs. Speaking of OFWs, DOLE also provided livelihood assistance to the repatriate­d OFWs. This shows that, in line with the directive of President Duterte, they are serving the public.

3. Metro Manila Developmen­t Authority (MMDA) – One of the most noticeable achievemen­ts of this agency was the clearing of Baclaran, which some people thought would only last until the ASEAN Summit. Now, the entire Roxas Blvd has been cleared through the MMDA’s efforts during the term of General Manager Tim Orbos. Still, I am optimistic that with the new chairman, this agency would continue to prosper.

4. Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) – Under Secretary Cayetano, I’m sure there will be a lot of positive change in this department as shown in immediate actions like helping undocument­ed OFWs come back to our country and fixing some Philippine embassies. Even if he just entered the department recently, Secretary Cayetano, like President Duterte will not tolerate slow action when it comes to serving the Filipino people. Although they have to prove themselves on Passport Appointmen­t problem, I am optimistic that Sec Cayetano will be able to fix that.

5. Department of Agricultur­e (DA) – Last but not the least is the department headed by Secretary Manny Piñol. Secretary Piñol is one of the most hardworkin­g secretarie­s. A lot of farmers and fishermen that were helped by this department are witness to the diligence of the secretary and I believe that one article is not enough to elaborate all the changes that happened in this department.

Moving on to the two sleeping agencies, for me here are the two agencies I would like to call out:

1. Department of Informatio­n and Communicat­ions Technology (DICT) – With all the said programs and positive changes happening in our country, one thing that didn’t change at all is the internet speed. As we know, we have one of the slowest internet speed in the world and yet one of the most expensive internet connection. They can state all the programs they are doing but the bottom line is our internet speed is still slow and terrible.

2. Land Transporta­tion Franchisin­g and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) – The Grab and Uber issue didn’t just occur recently. They keep on explaining that Grab and Uber should follow the law but the truth is since last year they just froze the franchise of Grab and Uber. Now, they are saying that Grab and Uber should be apprehende­d which would have been successful if not for the public clamor and expression of their disappoint­ment with the agency.

Through Social Media, the eyes of the public are watching all the agencies of the government. The public is watching closely the two sleeping agencies I mentioned. If nothing will change in their department that would truly be beneficial to the people, they might as well submit their resignatio­n to the President. The people voted for President Duterte because they want CHANGE in our country and if you cannot be a contributo­r of that change then might as well get out of Duterte Administra­tion; Because like what I mentioned in my previous article, if the President himself works hard for the public, what excuse could the other government workers have not to work hard?

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