Batuhan gathers south's leaders

CEBU, Philippines -  Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) consultant Aristotle Batuhan launched his program “Abante Barangay” which aims to provide “better social services” for the Cebu City South District.

Batuhan, who also tendered a “Pasko sa Distrito” for the 34 barangay captains and other  barangay officials, women’s groups, youth groups and urban poor groups the other day at Cebu Grand Convention Center, refused to admit whether he is returning to the political arena.

“It is still very premature to say whether I will run again or not,” said Batuhan.

He is one of the private lawyers who will help the prosecution team which is composed of congressmen in the impeachment of Supreme Court Chief Justice Renato Corona that is expected to take off on January 15, 2012.

Batuhan ran for Congress during the 2001 and 2004 elections but lost in both races to former congessman Antonio Cuenco, who already announced his political comeback in the 2013 local elections.

Batuhan, a lawyer, resigned last October 15 as DOTC undersecretary for legal, administration and comptrollership tasked to review all big contracts entered into by the Arroyo administration.

Batuhan’s Abante Barangay includes feeding and nutrition activities for health. He explained that his feeding program is not the usual one-shot deal but a six-month program wherein malnourished children in grade one are weighed and fed for six months to see whether their health has improved.

He also has the Barangay Information Technology or the BIT program wherein the 34 barangays in Cebu South and some schools are given computer desktops to improve computer literacy especially among the youth.

Batuhan said the computers are also given to the barangays for use in their clearance system.

Third component is the Community Enterprise Development which aims to empower the communities through various enterprise and last is the development of sports and wellness in the barangays. — (FREEMAN)