BENEFITS GALORE!

One card goes a long way for Ivatans

 

“We get an average of 50 applicants a day,” texted Michael Martin, Chief of Staff of the District Office.

Michael is referring to the applicants who line up for the Privilege ID Card that Congressman Diasnes

issues to all who want to avail of several services and benefits. If you haven't been to the District Office

but have seen the CDO overflowing with people, then you know why. The computerized ID system is a

scheme in which the applicant fills out an Information Sheet. After the CDO staff has reviewed the sheet,

making sure all required data have been written down, the applicant's picture is taken.

 

Making the ID takes only 2 minutes. But this cannot be done due to the horde of people in the office each

day.  Hence, applicants are asked to return on a scheduled day to claim their Ids. “Why do you need all

these information?” asks one elderly applicant.  Since he can hardly read due to advance age, Azineth

told him to just say the information needed and she wrote them on his form.

 

Why all those information are needed is because the data

generated are analyzed and used as basis in formulating

programs and services.  An example is the program for the

elderly.  Once the final data on the number of elderly men

and women will have been drawn, the Congressman can

put into action his plan for them.

 

Dr. Joel Diasnes, Officer for Health Services, is waiting for

the final number of hypertensive and diabetic Ivatans because

he will then execute the long-planned program for them. 

These include free medicines, monitoring system, and other

special activities. The number will also determine the extent

of work to be given to the Rural Health Workers who will provide support to these people.

 

Finally, the District Office can manage the system of distributing items if they have sufficient information

about families. While there may have skeptics when the ID System was first introduced, it is now a

“must have” possession of every Ivatan who wants to enjoy certain privileges.