VICE President Sara Duterte wants the Office of the Vice President to eventually have its own permanent office to negate the need to look for a new place after every national election.
Her spokesman, Reynold Munsayac, yesterday said the OVP having a permanent “home” would be beneficial to the government because it will bring “stability and reduced cost in office operations considering that future Vice Presidents would no longer need to rent temporary offices to house their staff.
“The OVP aims to establish and construct a permanent home and office for succeeding vice presidents and the OVP personnel,” he told a media briefing at the OVP’s new rented office in Mandaluyong City.
Former vice president Leni Robredo held office at the Quezon City Reception House in New Manila throughout her six-year term but Duterte decided to move the OVP to Mandaluyong City.
“Also, OVP employees will not be uprooted every time a new vice president is elected,” Munsayac said. “This will enhance efficiency in the delivery of social services to the people.”
Munsayac also reported the OVP, in less than a month, has processed claims for medical and burial assistance amounting to more than P16.5 million and already released more than P7.4 million to qualified recipients.
He said the social services were extended to intended beneficiaries through the OVP main office in the NCR and its six satellite offices located in different provinces.
Munsayac said the OVP also intends to open additional satellite offices to expand the reach of its social services programs to more marginalized communities.
He said the OVP will also launch “Mag Negosyo Ta-day” livelihood program “to provide inclusive financial empowerment to women and members of the LGBTQ sectors.”
“This program will definitely stimulate economic activity, generate employment and spur economic growth. Qualified beneficiaries will be entitled to a grant of P20,000 capital and will undergo basic business management training to engage in ventures like livestock sari-sari stores, goat dispersal, native chicken and meat processing,” he said.
