CEBU, Philippines - Two Cebuano have been appointed by President Benigno Aquino III as sectoral representatives in the National Anti-Poverty Commission.
Teresa “Tessie” Fernandez and Linda Paracueles were congratulated by the members of the Cebu City Council for their appointment to the NAPC. Councilor Alvin Dizon said the two hold the rank of a commissioner. Fernandez, wife of then Cebu City Administrator Francisco “Bimbo” Fernandez, represents the women sector while Paracueles, head of a homeowners’ association in Barangay Apas, will represent the urban poor sector.
Fernandez used to be the chairperson of the Cebu City Women and Family Affairs Commission from July 2003 to July 2011.
She is also the executive director and founder of the Lihok Pilipina Incorporated, a foundation of women and their concerns.
Paracueles on the other hand was acknowledged for her efforts to protect the rights of her members against the eviction order issued by Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia. Paracueles leads a group of homeowners occupying a province-owned lot.
Both Fernandez and Paracueles are supporters of the Liberal Party. In fact, Paracueles actively campaigned for then Cebu City councilor Hilario Davide III when the latter ran for governor in the last elections.
NAPC is a government agency tasked to find ways on how the government can help the underprivileged. - (THE FREEMAN)