Second chance for youth to run for special SK elections in 2019

Youth leaders at the barangay level have been given another chance to serve their neighbors and make a difference in their communities with the holding of Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) special elections early next year.

Iligan City Representative Frederick Siao said that  the barangays must have complete SK councils because they are the ones authorized by law to budget, approve, and spend the mandatory 10 percent allocation of each barangay’s general fund.

In a memo dated Dec. 20, the DILG issued the guidelines for the filling up of vacant SK posts through succession and special elections. READ MORE HERE.

 PHOTO CREDIT: Facebook  

Baguio barangay activates anti-bullying committee

As the issue of bullying came up anew in the news, Baguio City's biggest village, Barangay Irisan, has activated a sub-committee focused on the protection of children from various dangers like bullying.

Barangay Irisan, with a population of over 30,000, has organized children aged nine to 14 to be directly involved in the Sub-Committee on Bright Child (SCBC) under the Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC). READ MORE HERE.

DILG Region 6 holds meet to prevent corruption in barangays 

To support and ensure the effective implementation of the advocacy on the prevention of corruption at the barangay level, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG)-6 conducted a Regional Roll-out Orientation on Barangay Advocacy on the Prevention of Corruption for selected Civil Society Organizations in Western Visayas.

The CSOs are recognized by the department as third-party monitors and partners of the local government units in promoting good governance particularly in active community participation, transparency, responsiveness and accountability. according to Raniel Reel Matorres, a focal person of a barangay advocacy group.  READ MORE HERE.

San Fernando Barangay Health Workers get e-bikes 

Barangay health workers or BHWs in the City of San Fernando on Thursday, December 27, received e-bikes from City Councilor Angie Hizon as part of her commitment to improve the services of health workers.

The distribution included 37 units of e-bikes for the city’s 35 barangays. Each barangay received one e-bike with barangays Caululut and Dolores receiving two e-bikes each in relation to their respective area and population size. READ MORE HERE.
 

Sarangani barangay and tribal leaders asked to help implement national gov't.-funded projects   

The local chief executive of Malungon, Sarangani has called for barangay and tribal leaders to brace themselves for the implementation of newly-funded projects under the national-government’s PAyapa at MAsaganang PamayaNAn or Pamana program.  

Mayor Maria Theresa Constantino, in a recently-held Ancestral Domain and Community Development Planning Forum, directed local leaders to be responsible for all the selected project executions in all the 31 barangays of the municipality, hoping that these become valuable and useful in uplifting the standards of living of not just the indigenous peoples (IPs), but all of the locals, as well. READ MORE HERE.

 

Angara seeks fixed salaries for barangay execs

Senator Sonny Angara vowed to pursue legislation that would make barangay officials as regular state employees who are entitled to fixed salaries and benefits in recognition of their role as frontliners of government service.

He said it is time to recognize and to give importance to the services of barangay by giving them enough and appropriate salaries and not just honorarium. 

Angara is the chairman of the Senate Committee on Local Government and author of Senate Bill No. 2097, or the proposed Magna Carta for Barangays. READ MORE HERE.

 

Pampanga barangay tanods and other community workers honore

"You are the unsung heroes of the province."

This is what Vice Governor Dennis 'Delta' Pineda told barangay peace keepers and community workers during a recent assembly of Barangay Bantay Bayan and Nanay Community Workers (NCWs) held in two separate events in Lubao town and Bren Z. Guiao Convention Center (BZGCC).

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO), under the leadership of Governor Lilia 'Nanay' Pineda, recognized the efforts of the Bantay Bayan members and NCWs in maintaining the peace and order situation and disaster preparedness in their respective areas. READ MORE HERE.

Pampanga barangays receive P1.2M livelihood aid

The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) has provided various livelihood assistance to the marginalized sectors in Lubao, Pampanga.

The beneficiaries of PHP1.2 million worth of livelihood assistance distributed here Wednesday were opersons with disabilities (PWDs), fisherfolk, farmers, and ambulant vendors. READ MORE HERE.

Pangasinan barangay hosts shelter for abused women and children

Abused women and children in Bayambang, Pangasinan now have a temporary shelter as the Abong na Aro (House of Love) situated at Barangay Wawa here was inaugurated on Thursday.

The Abong na Aro is a project of the Local Council of Women (LCW), headed by Mayor Cesar Quiambao's wife, Mary Clare Judith Phyllis “Niña” Jose-Quiambao. It will be operational in the first quarter of 2019.  READ MORE HERE.

Bulacan cites 172 cleanest barangays for 2018

The provincial government of Bulacan has cited 172 barangays in the province, which excelled in their efforts to maintain cleanliness and orderliness throughout the year.

During the 2018 Gawad Parangal para sa Kalinisan at Kaayusan ng Kapaligiran (KKK) sa Barangay held Thursday at the Bulacan Capitol Gymnasium here, the awardees were given certificates of recognition and PHP20,000 for the 14 first placers; PHP15,000 for the 56 second-placers; and PHP10,000 for the 102 third-placer barangays. READ MORE HERE.

DILG may fill up vacant LGU posts including the position of punong barangay

When a local government official, from the governor down to the punong barangay, is unable to perform his physical duties for legal reasons such as leave of absence, overseas travel, and suspension, the next highest ranking official shall take over.

President Duterte has issued Administrative Order No. 15 giving the Department of the Interior and Local Government the power to fill up certain temporary vacant positions in local government units to prevent paralysis of government operations. Read more here.

Photo credit: Presidential Photo/simon Celi

 

Bulacan SK Federation President killed in car crash

The president of the City Federation of Sanggunian Kabataan was killed in a car crash in Barangay Sto. Niño, Plaridel, Bulacan early dawn Monday, December 10, 2018. .

 Mark Paolo SD. Manaysay, 24, who is also ex-officio councilor of Malolos City, was dead on-the-spot after his Toyota GT86 two-door sports car (plate NEL 86) smashed into a row of houses and parked passenger jeepneys before crashing into a steel gate. Read more here.

 

Barangay Nutrition Scholars to be deployed in 2019 in San Jose, Negros Oriental

The Municipal Nutrition Committee (MNC) of San Jose, Negros Oriental, under the leadership of Mayor Mel Nick S. Logronio, is set to deploy fourteen Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNSs) to all barangays as an answer to the town’s malnutrition problem.

This is to ensure that nutrition services are delivered up to the farthest families in every barangay and to improve the nutrition situation of the municipality. Read more here.   

 

Bacolod barangay hall asked by fire marshal to vacate premises 

Barangay 8 in Bacolod City is facing the possibility of nowhere to go when the notice to vacate by Bureau of Fire Protection becomes effective.

SunStar Bacolod reported that the lot, where the barangay hall is situated, is owned by the provincial government and BFP is planning to rehabilitate its building, so it is requesting the officials to vacate including the 18 houses in the area. Read more here.

 

Catanduanes barangay mirrors the good and ugly side of its local tourism - Editorial

A local online news periodical in the province, the Catanduanes Tribune in its recent editorial says that "there's good news and bad news" in its local tourism.

Apparently, it is referring to the well-attended reopening of the popular Binurong point last December 5, 2018 as the "good news".

For the "bad news",  it says that it has to improve its facilities to keep the visitors safe and sound during their brief stay on the island.  Read more here.

 

Punong barangays in Caraga Region holds summit on good governance in Butuan

The Department Interior and Local Government recently organized a Summit on Good Governance to boost awareness of the punong barangays, especially the newly-elected ones about the current administration’s campaign against illegal drugs, criminality, corruption, violent extremism and federalism.

A total of 1,270 participants from the different barangays in the region attended the summit.  Read more here.

 

Like and Share us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter.  

 

Davao City's Barangay Sibulan declared an organic area

An ordinance declaring Barangay Sibulan in Toril District as an agricultural organic area and for other purposes was approved on its third and final reading in the city council Wednesday, December 12.

Along with its passage was the proposal to give incentives to those who will convert to organic agricultural practices instead of penalizing them.

“Instead of penalties, incentives scheme nalang para medyo positive and atoang approach to motivate them (Instead of penalties, we offer incentives to make it a positive approach in motivating them),” committee on food and agriculture executive assistant Kristine Datanagan told reporters.

Davao City Councilor Marissa Salvador Abella authored the incentives which could be in the form of awards and financial support to individuals, farmers and schools that would pursue and promote organic farming.

The said incentives will be detailed in its Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR).

The penalty was first proposed to be P1,500 for first offense, P3,000 for second offense and P5,000 for third offense. However, Dayanghirang and some of the councilors objected the penalties to be imposed.

Item 1364 was on its third and final reading last month when Councilor Danilo Dayanghirang questioned the feasibility of an organic agriculture policy in the barangay. Hence, the ordinance was relegated to second reading since there are still amendments proposed.

Meanwhile, Interface Development Interventions (IDIS) executive director Chinkie Golle said on a text message to SunStar Davao yesterday that they are happy with the approval of the long-awaited declaration of Sibulan as organic zone.

“Regarding the incentives, it is commendable because we want to encourage more farmers to convert to organic farming. It’s a positive way of implementing the ordinance than imposing policies,” she added.

Source of news: SunStar Davao
Photo Credit, image of Davao Councilor Marissa Abella: Philippine News Agency


Like and Share us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter. 

Baguio City barangays urged to do round-the-clock emergency drills

THE City Government of Baguio is requesting local barangay officials to coordinate with the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (CDRRMC) to conduct day and night emergency drills for disasters in the barangay level, create emergency plans, and procure first aid kits and equipment for the purpose.

This is condensed in Resolution Number 353, series of 2018, passed by the City Council and signed by Mayor Mauricio Domogan.

It is based on a resolution introduced by Senior Citizen Offical For-A-Day (Scofad) Councilor Loreto Calderon during the Scofad session on October 1 this year in celebration of Senior Citizen’s Month.

The resolution states calamities and disasters strike in every corner of the world and that these are often unexpected by their very nature, leaving little time, if any, to prepare.

The resolution stressed the need to further pre-empt, secure and evaluate the disaster response of the city and barangay, being the frontline agency to residents, as well-prepared plans and action can spell the difference between safety, injury or death of people in the community.

Soure of news: SunStar Baguio
Photo credit, image of Baguio City Senior Citizens: Philippine News Agency

All Bacolod punong barangays like automated barangay clearance system

A hearing for the proposed ordinance urging all 61 barangays in this city to adopt the automated barangay clearance system and integrate with the city’s Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO), in coordination with the city’s management information technology and computer services (MITCS), has been set.

Taculing barangay captain Lady Gles Pallen, also Liga ng mga Barangay president who authored the proposed ordinance, said she will set the committee hearing next month after it was approved on the first reading last month.

Pallen said based on Section 9(e) of Republic Act 10032, or an act promoting ease of doing business and efficient delivery of government services, all government offices and agencies including local government units (LGUs) shall, when applicable, develop electronic versions of licenses, clearances, permits, certifications or authorizations with the same level of authority as that of the signed hard copy, which may be printed by the applicants or requesting parties in the convenience of their offices.

She added that computerization, technological improvements and innovative methods allows public services to be delivered more effectively and expeditiously, meeting the needs of the citizenry through an integrated and convenient way.

“The adoption of an automated barangay clearance [system] in every barangay is a clear manifestation of the city’s intention to promote the general welfare of the inhabitants in the barangays,” Pallen stressed.

She said, if the ordinance is approved, all barangays shall install computer software for the automation of the barangay clearance all across the city.

Source of news: Panay News
Photo credit, Image of Punong Barangay and Bacolod Liga President Lady Gles Pallen: Facebook


Like and Share us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter. 

Imee and Bongbong want better benefits for the punong barangay

"Ang gusto namin ni Bongbong, noon pa namin pinupursige na magkaroon at least, ng mga benepisyo ang kapitan."

Thus said Ilocos Norte Gov. Imee Marcos as she acknowleded the hardships of barangay officials.

Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos vowed to pursue legislations that would give appropriate salary and benefits to all barangay workers.

Speaking before barangay officials in Bacolod city, Marcos said that barangay workers in the provinces headed by the chairmen or “Kapitan” are the frontline of public service but are not receiving justifiable compensation.

She cited that many barangay chairmen has been in public service for 2 up to 4 decades from being a kagawad but does not enjoy even health benefits.

At the very least, Marcos said barangay chairmen should have a salary same as other permanent government employees complete with benefits including separation pay, retirement pay, and insurance.

Highlightimg the hardships of barangay chairmen, she explained that the government is always requiring the barangay to implement various laws on peace and order, crime solutions, anti-drug campaign, health service, sanitation and other social services with little compensation.

“Lahat ng aking BADAC (Barangay Anti Drug Abuse Council) hindi natutulog sa kaka-buy bust, kasi kailangan present ang kapitan. Pag anti-littering campaign andyan naman yung kagawad in-charge of education, kapag senior citizen yung social service na kagawad,” she said.

Though barangay workers’ services are considered as volunteerism, Marcos said the actual work are “kayod kalabaw”.

Marcos then also challenged the barangay officials to fight for their rights and she will do everything to alleviate their plights.

Source of news: Journal online
Photo credit: southluzon.politics.com.ph


Like and Share us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter.

QC barangay health centers to be modernized

The Quezon City government wants to modernize the city’s barangay health centers by adopting a scheme where doctors can make medical consultation even without being physically present with the patient.

Vice Mayor Joy Belmonte said “there is a certain technology wherein a doctor is assigned to three to four health centers but he is not physically present in those health centers.

Through modern technology, Belmonte said the doctor just needs a big television screen, where nurses may secure relevant medical data about the patient.

These pieces of information include but not limited to the vital signs of the patient where the doctor may then give instructions on what the patient needs to do or to take.

“It is time to innovate the barangay health centers in the city to efficiently address various health problems and concerns,’’ Belmonte said.

She expressed her frustration over the lack of doctors in the Quezon City health centers prompting her to come up with a plan to modernize medical consultations through virtual checkup. “That way, the doctors can give advice to several health centers to several patients all at the same time,” she added.

Belmonte said they are encouraged to consider the idea since the technology is now being used by other cities in the Philippines as well as in other neighboring countries.

“It’s time for a change. It’s time to think out of the box,” Belmonte said.

In the meantime, Belmonte said her team is still planning and studying the program carefully.
Belmonte also sees the need to address the lack of official data on the health status of residents which makes the city ill-equipped in providing programs for the people’s needs.

“I want the city to gather official data because as of the moment, we all know that there is none. And when it comes to health data—how many people are in need, how many people die every day, what are the usual causes of death, and statistics when it comes to mortality, morbidity, pregnancy rate—we will not know what programs we are supposed to give to our people without that data,” she added.

She also disclosed that data gathering will start in the first six months of 2019,

“I have already allocated P20 million for us to have a data gathering component so there will be some personnel who will ask the people about their health conditions and any other concern,” the vice mayor said.

Belmonte also stressed her vision of launching more Barangay Health Management Councils to provide adequate medical support to the wider range of population in the city..

“Dapat ngayon lahat ng barangay mayroon nang Barangay Health Management Council because after interacting a lot of the people of our city, nakita natin na ang pangunahing concern nila ay ang kalusugan kung kaya ang kailangan nating lahat ay paigtingin ang ating kampanya patungkol sa kalusugan sa antas ng komunidad (All of the city’s barangays should have a Barangay Health Management Council since after meeting a lot of the people I discovered that their primary concern is about health. So that is why I see the need to upgrade the delivery of public medical service),’’ Belmonte stressed.

“This institution, the Barangay Health Management Council, could address all the health concerns of our people,” she added.

Belmonte assured that “all of the city’s health concerns can get proper attention with proper planning, thinking out of the box, innovating ideas, and consulting the best practices of our LGUs (local government units) and our health management councils.”

Source of news and photo: Manila Bulletin 

Like and Share us on Facebook. Follow us on Twitter.

Cagayan de Oro LIGA prexy worried over plan to arm barangay officials

THE president of the Liga ng mga Barangay in the city yesterday expressed apprehensions over the possibility of the government arming barangay officials, pointing out that it was a serious matter.
 
“Allowing barangay officials to possess firearms is not a joke,” said Councilor Yan Lam Lim.
 
A Roman Catholic priest and a ranking police official at Camp Alagar also expressed apprehensions, saying that the plan of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) to arm barangay officials can be abused.
 
Although, he did not question the DILG’s order, Lim said strict regulations and rules should be in place before the government allows barangay officials to arm themselves. 

He said those who would be armed should undergo proper trainings, seminars and orientations, and everyone should be subjected to background checks and psychological examination.

He said he was also worried that the guns would be used for illegal activities.
 
But Lim said organized barangay officials in the city would likely issue an “expression of support” to the DILG plan because the village officials think they need guns for protection against criminals.
 
Personally, said Lim, he is in favor of the plan but stressed the need for strict rules and regulations.
 
Msgr. Rey Monsanto, vicar general of the Roman Catholic archdiocese in Cagayan de Oro, frowned over the DILG plan, adding that some people tend to become abusive and dangerous when armed.
 
Monsanto also pointed out that many barangay officials have been linked to “narco politics,” and arming them would only give law enforcers more headaches.

Supt. Surki Sereñas, police spokesman for northern Mindanao, said he was also worried that abuses involving barangay officials would increase.
 
But Sereñas said he trusts that the DILG would come out with measures to avoid abuses.
 
He pointed out that there are many requirements before a citizen can secure a permit to own a gun.

He said said the move of the DILG is welcome but the government should be strict. (Joey Nacalaban/Lito Rulona)

Source of news: Mindanao Gold Star Daily
Photo credit: Cagayan de Oro News 


Like & Share us on Facebook and Twitter

DILG warns barangay officials to stay away from partisan politics

An official of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) on Wednesday warned barangay officials to refrain from engaging in partisan politics and favoring certain candidates in next year’s mid-term elections.

“You cannot bar local candidates from entering and organizing in your local communities,” DILG Undersecretary for Barangay Affairs Martin Diño said during the first Provincial Anti-Crime and Peace and Order Forum in Pangasinan.

He cited Section 389 (Duties and Functions of Barangay Officials) of Republic Act No. 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code, and reminded them of their role to promote the general welfare of the barangay and enforce all laws and regulations.

Diño also issued a stern warning to all local barangay officials that he will not hesitate to suspend and remove barangay captains who refuse assistance from national and provincial government offices.

“You (barangay captains and officials) cannot prevent the delivery of goods and services coming from the national and provincial government(s) in your respective communities because of personal political considerations. All I need is a formal written complaint from your constituents. I will ask the barangay captain concerned to explain to me within 72 hours why he or she refused to accept assistance from the national or local government offices,” he said.

The DILG official was reacting to reports that certain barangay captains have refused assistance from national and provincial agencies for their communities.

Diño reminded them that they are persons in authority and that they should not be beholden to their governor, congressmen or mayors, especially in the enforcement of all laws, without fear or favor from local officials.

In a statement, Diño told the barangay execs that he will suspend immediately barangay captains who failed to establish functional Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Councils (BADAC), submit an inventory of barangay office equipment, and liquidate funds.

He cited the continuing practice of issuing mere certifications in the liquidation of barangay funds.
He also cited the important and crucial role of barangay officials in protecting the environment.

“You are the front-liners in the delivery of government services in your communities. The DILG will establish barangay councils for the protection of our natural resources,” Diño said.

He also informed them that he will strengthen the gathering and dissemination of information by creating barangay intelligence and information offices.

He rallied all barangay execs in advocating for the passage of the long-overdue Magna Carta for Barangay Officials, which was proposed by then senator Nene Pimentel during the 14th Congress.

Under the proposed bill, all barangay officials will receive fix salaries and benefits from the national government. For instance, all Punong Barangays will now receive a fixed salary equivalent to that of a regular Sangguniang Bayan (Municipal) council member or approximately PHP40,000; the Barangay Kagawads will receive 80 percent or PHP40,000; SK chairpersons will receive 75 percent or PHP35,000 including, but not limited to, medical benefits and insurance.

Source of news: PTV News
Photo credit, image of DILG Undersecretary for Barangay Affairs Martin Diño : gmanetwork.com

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter

Naga's Most Child-friendly Barangay bested 26 others in city

As one of the highlights of the National Children’s Month Celebration, the City Government of Naga delivered the State of Our Children Report (SOCR) and Awarding of the 2018 Search for Most Child-Friendly Barangay Awards, Nov. 27 at the Avenue Convention Plaza, here.

This is consistent with Ordinance No. 2014-072 sponsored by City Councilor and Naga City Council for the Welfare and Protection of Children (NCCWPC) Co-Chairman Elmer S. Baldemoro, which strengthens the Barangay Councils for the Protection of Children (BCPC) in the 27 Barangays of the City of Naga by providing incentives through the institutionalization of the Most-Child Friendly Barangay Awards. The search was conducted from October 22 - 30, 2018.

Topping the award is Barangay Abella with a rating of 96.40%, followed by Brgy. Sabang, 2nd Place with a rating of 96%; Brgy. Carolina - 3rd Place with a rating of 94.10%; Brgy. Dinaga- 4th Place with a rating of 92.50% and Brgy. Bagumbayan Norte on 5th Place with a rating of 90.50%.
Recipient of the top awards received P1M, P700K, P500K, P300K, and P200K worth of projects and trophies, respectively.
Meanwhile, the 6th to 10th Place went to Brgys. Del Rosario, Calauag, Panicuason, Concepcion Grande and Igualdad, respectively, each received P100K worth of projects and trophy.
For Baldemoro, the Award is one way of giving recognition to the accomplishments of every barangay on the programs of the children.
“This is one way of expressing gratitude by the City Government of Naga, because Naga cannot be the Most Child-Friendly City without the support and cooperation of the barangays. The barangays have a big part on it,” Baldemoro said.
The implementation of the Search for the Most Child-Friendly Barangay Awards was spearheaded by the City Government of Naga thru the Naga City Council for the Welfare and Protection of Children (NCCWPC) headed by Mayor John Bongat as Chairman and Councilor Baldemoro as Co-Chairman.   (Jam Madrid)

Source of news and photo: Philippine Information Agency
In Photo:  Naga City Officials (top row) headed by Mayor John G. Bongat (4th from right) and Vice Mayor Nelson Legacion (5th from right) pose with the barangay officials of Barangay Abella, this year's top winner of the 2018 Search for the Most Child-Friendly Barangays Awards during the awarding ceremony held Nov. 27 at the Avenue Convention Plaza, Naga City.  

Follow us on Facebook and Twitter