Gov Marcos is proud many women won in barangay, SK elections

Ilocos Norte Governor Imee Marcos, in her Bulgar column, said she is proud that many women won in the recent barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections.

The Ilocos Norte poliitko said this proves that voters see the potential of women to lead their communities.

“In fairness, marami-raming sa mga kabaro nating kababaihan ang winner sa katatapos lang na Barangay at SK Elections. Siyempre, nakaka-proud naman talaga na makita ang mga girlalu friend natin na makapaglilingkod sa ating mga barangay,” (In fairness, there are more women than usual who won in the recent Barangay and SK elections.  Of course, it's a source of pride for us to see our women friends serving in the barangays.) Marcos said.

Marcos said women have the “motherly touch” when it comes to leadership.

“Huwag naman sanang ikasama ng loob ng ating boys sa barangay dahil mas organisado, disiplinado at mahaba ang pagtitimpi at pasensiya ng kababaihan. Maga­ling din sa pagba-budget ang ating mga kabarong babae lalo pa at talagang kayang-kayang i-budget ang pera kahit kakarampot lamang ang mayroon,” ("I just hope our boys in the barangays will not take this in a negative way because women are more organized, disciplined and patient. They're also good in budgeting even there's not much to budget with,") she explained.

(Reposted from Politiko North Luzon. Photo credit: Facebook.com/Imee Marcos.) 

Bacolod electric coop holds barangay information campaign

Central Negros Electric Cooperative, Inc. conducted an Information, Education and Communication (IEC) Campaign through a “Pulong-Pulong Sa Barangay” on May 29 at the Bacolod Tay Tung High School Gym.

District 3 – Bacolod Central, covering Barangays 17, 18, 19, 20, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30, 31, 32, 33, 40 and 41, was the pilot district for the conduct of the said activity.

The “Pulong-Pulong Sa Barangay” for the said district, which was attended by 1, 050 member-consumer-owners, was made possible through the efforts of Bacolod Central Board of Director Jojit E. Yap in coordination with the Barangay Captains.

The activity served as a venue for the thorough IEC of the Issues on Referendum which was discussed by CENECO Consumer Services Division Chief Roel C. Venus, Organization of Member-Consumer-Owners (MCOs) that was tackled by Institutional Services Department Manager Lolita L. Jayme, and the Sanitation of Membership Masterlist which was deliberated by Coop Promotions Section Head Ma. Luisa P. Parroco. The MCOs were also invited to the forthcoming Annual General Membership Assembly (AGMA) on June 30, Saturday in the same venue. Raffle prizes were also given away after the meeting.

Further, prior the conduct of the “Pulong-Pulong Sa Barangay”, a Barangay Consultation with the Barangay Captains and Kagawads of 18 barangays was held on May 28 at O’ Hotel.

This initial “Pulong-Pulong Sa Barangay” will form part of the series of dialogue with consumers that CENECO will be conducting for its thrust to inform, educate, and empower MCOs.*

(Reposted from: Negros Daily Bulletin. Original title: CENECO conducts 'Pulong-Pulong sa Barangay'. 

SMART teaches barangay seniors to be tech-savvy

Seniors of Brgy 672 in Paco, Manila and senior high students of Adamson University continue learning about technology, smartphones, mobile data and apps in the #SmartMillenniors program.

For Lilia Cos, a senior citizen from Manila, life has not been quite the same since she first discovered how to use a smartphone and social media.

“After that first session, I kept on using Facebook. I asked my kids and my grandkids to help me learn more about it,” said Nanay Lilia, one of the seniors who joined the latest Smart Millenniors session in Brgy 672 in Paco, Manila.

“Millenniors” is a play on the words “millennials”, who are known to be tech savvy, and “seniors”. The goal of the program is to teach technology to the elderly, specifically about smartphones, mobile data and social media.

In the first two sessions, the seniors learned about the basics of smartphones and mobile data, and were assisted by senior high students from Adamson University in setting up their Facebook accounts and uploading selfies, creating group chats on Messenger and searching for their favorite shows and videos on YouTube.

“Being able to use Messenger is a big help. With it, I can talk to family members abroad, and my friends in Laguna and Cavite. We can chat even if they’re far away,” Nanay Lilia said. “Just last night, I was up late because I was talking to my siblings in Japan and Germany. It was so fun—no matter where they are, as long as we are in one group chat, we can talk about the same things,” she added.

For Adamson student-volunteer Marielle Tuazon, being able to teach senior citizens about technology was an exciting and enlightening experience.

“I think seniors often feel left out. Their grandkids are always on their phones, they don’t talk. With this program, I hope we’ll be able to help them connect better, not only with their grandchildren, but with their other relatives as well,” Tuazon said.

Her classmate Shun Camannong agreed. “This is a big help for them to be closer to their families and stay connected with them, even if they are separated by long distances,” he said.

Patience, understanding key

For Tuazon and Cammanong, patience and understanding are key elements in facilitating learning among seniors.

“It is also important that you want them to learn, so you can really connect with them and help them,” said Tuazon.

“Always stay respectful and not be quick to judge them,” said Camannong. “Like us, they are also always looking for new things to learn to improve their lives. Listen to what they’re saying, and be open to their questions,” he said.

Indeed, Nanay Lilia is looking forward to more learnings. “I hope the future sessions bring even more knowledge,” she said. “I know there is still much left to learn.”

The Smart Millenniors program is part of Smart’s efforts to make technology more inclusive and accessible to more Filipinos.

Apart from the pilot session with seniors in Brgy 734 in Paco, Manila last year, the Smart Millenniors program was also held in Cebu last month with members of the Philippine Association of Retired Persons, in cooperation with EduStudio and Coalition for Better Education.

"We are getting closer to our goal of making Internet truly for all, as more seniors participate in the Smart Millenniors program,” said Smart Public Affairs head Ramon Isberto. “As the world becomes increasingly digital, we are working to make sure that nobody gets left behind.”

“With this program, Smart is reiterating its commitment to bring digital learning to everyone, no matter their age,” said Stephanie Orlino, Smart Community Partnerships senior manager. “We look forward to partnering with more communities for this initiative.”

(Reposted from SMART Communities.  Original title: Barangay seniors unlock joys of Messenger, YouTube in Smart Millenniors program. Photo Credit: Smart Communications)

Tarlac gov turns over new barangay halls

Tarlac Gov. Susan Yap has led the inauguration of newly-constructed barangay halls and “Kusina ng Kalinga” projects to her constituents.

The local chief executive, along with other local officials, turned over three barangay halls in Camiling and one in Gerona.

She said it is necessary to provide “decent work space” for the frontliners of government service.

“Counting on our barangay leaders to deliver compassionate and efficient service,” she added.

Yap said the provincial government also gave three centralized kitchens in various elementary schools in Bamban, Paniqui and Victoria.

“So far six ‘Kusina Ng Kalinga’ have been built to ensure that underweight and malnourished children get the right nutrition,” Yap said.

(Reposted from Politiko Central Luzon. Original title: Gov. Yap turns over new barangay halls, centralized kitchens to Tarlaqueños. Photo credit: Facebook/Susan Yap)

Barangay realty tax shares questioned by Cebu councilor

Cebu City Councilor Raymond Garcia wants the City Treasurer Office (CTO) to release a breakdown of the share of real property taxes (RPT) that the barangays received.

Garcia said he asked for the breakdown after learning that Barangay Kamputhaw did not receive their share for about four months already.

In a letter to Acting City Treasurer Veronica Morelos, Garcia said the failure or refusal to disclose the information he is asking is a violation of Republic Act 6713 or the Code of Ethical Standard for Public Officials and Employees and other related laws.

“I am respectfully requesting your office for a breakdown of the amount received by all the barangays of the City of Cebu pertaining to their share in the proceeds of real property taxes collected by the City, from January 2018 until the present,” the letter read.

Garcia gave the Office of the Ombudsman-Visayas a copy of his letter.

The councilor earlier asked his staff to ask the City Accounting Office (CAO) about it but was told that they are still waiting for the directive of Councilor Margarita Osmeña.

“So I just asked for the status of all the barangays because they might be experiencing the same problem as Kamputhaw,” Garcia said.

The RPT share is an important fund source for the barangays, especially for smaller barangays, since it augments their share from the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA), which is their main source of funds.

In a separate interview, Morelos said they have yet to distribute the barangays’ share of the RPT since the City Accounting Office has yet to submit the vouchers to her office.

“Although we have the money already, it will be the accounting office that will process the vouchers,” she said.

Morelos clarified that their only role is to release the funds to the barangays once the vouchers are ready, and they would do so once all the requirements are complete.

“Why would we deprive the barangays of their share if the documents needed are ready. That RPT share is really for them, we don’t need to hide it,” she said.

(Reposted from SunStar Cebu. Original title: Garcia seeks explanation on barangays’ realty tax shares.)

Bataan barangay officials pledge drug-free communities

By Mar Jay S. Delas Alas

A drug-free community will be the top priority of the newly-elected barangay officials from Balanga City and Pilar town as they were officially sworn into office.

 The oath taking ceremony was led by Governor Albert Raymond Garcia with Senator Joseph Victor “JV” Ejercito. 

 Bataan 2nd District Representative Jose Enrique Garcia III was also present during the event to stand as witness.

Officials from the 25 barangays of Balanga City took oath in front of Mayor Francis Garcia while those from the 19 barangays of Pilar town took theirs in front of Mayor Alice Pizarro.

In his message, Governor Garcia urged the officials to support President Rodrigo R. Duterte’s drug on war campaign which would significantly solve majority of reported crimes.

“To all barangays which are not yet declared as drug-free, I hope the newly-elected officials would pay attention to the illegal drug issues in your area so 100 percent of the 237 barangays here in the province can be cleared from illegal drugs,” Garcia said.

 As of April this year, Bataan has the most drug-cleared barangays in Central Luzon with 58 drug-free barangays as declared by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency.

 According to Garcia, illegal drugs are the root of most crimes reported in the country.

 “About 85% to 90% of all crimes are drug-related. So if we can address this issue, we could solve majority of the crimes,” the governor furthered. 

 Newly-elected barangay officials all over the country are set to assume office on July 1.

(Reposted from Philippine Information Agency News.  Original title: Balanga, Pilar brgy officials pledge drug-free community. Photo Credits: Mar Jay S. Delas Alas)

Pampanga barangay wants to split into two

By Ian Ocampo Flora

Officials here are now moving to have the House of Representatives and the Senate approve the proposal to partition Porac's Barangay Pio into two separate villages.

The demarcation of the proposal would separate the Pio Model Community, the resettlement area for the victims of Mt. Pinatubo eruption in the 1990s, and the old Barangay Pio.

The residents consist of people from the town’s eastern villages that were ravaged by lahar as well as a few lahar affected residents from Santa Rita. The resettlement community and the old village had been at odds over the political and administrative aspects of the two communities.

The Porac Model Community outnumbers the residents of the old community which means that the resettlement area can overpower the old community in terms of election results potentially directing administrative preference for the community.

Mayor Condralito Dela Cruz told Sun.Star Pampanga that the old residents of Pio feel left out of the current set up. With the population between the two communities at a ratio of three to one, the residents of old Pio would like to have the community to stand on its own, according to Dela Cruz.

Dela Cruz added that the separation of the two communities would benefit both communities and will provide for proper distribution of resources. The proposal has been forwarded to the House of Representatives.

Just recently, town officials have asked the help of Senator Paolo Benigno Aquino IV to move the proposal in the Senate.

(Reposted from SunStar Pampanga.  Original title: Porac wants Barangay Pio split into 2 villages.)

Bong Go urges barangay execs to practice good governance

Special Assistant to the President Christopher “Bong” Go on Monday congratulated newly-elected barangay officials in Tarlac and urged them to be fully committed to good governance.

He also called on the local officials to stamp out drugs and corruption in their respective communities during their term of office.

“Now you are all part of government, the Duterte administration is requesting that you to strengthen your dedication to good governance and fight against corruption in your jurisdiction,” Go said in his speech after the mass oath-taking ceremony of local executives from the 511 barangays of Tarlac.

The ceremony, which coincided with the 145th founding anniversary of Tarlac province, was held at the Tarlac Christian College gymnasium in Barangay Culipat, Tarlac City. It was attended by top provincial officials led by Governor Susan Yap and Tarlac 2nd District Rep. Victor Yap.

The mass oath-taking of around 4,000 newly-elected barangay officials was also the first in the country that was attended by a high-ranking Malacañang official.

Meanwhile, Go told the newly-elected barangay officials not to lose the trust of the people who voted them into office and show them that they really deserve the trust bestowed on them by the community.

“You should appreciate the trust and love that are given to you by your villagers. It’s now time for you to show that you deserve their trust),” he said.

The Palace official also reminded them of the important role they play as the forefront of the government in nation-building.

“As government officials, you have an important role to play in the progress and orderliness of our constituency. If we all strive for the good of our communities and not only of ourselves, the Philippines would be more progressive),” Go said.

Go urged the newly-elected barangay officials to support President Rodrigo Duterte’s campaign against illegal drugs, corruption and criminality.

“We are determined to uplift our quality of life and to correct the way the government is being run with the help of the three-point program of the Duterte Administration,” he added.

“The aim of the three-point program is to fight the problem of illegal drugs, corruption and criminality. President Duterte knows that if the three main problems are resolved, it would have a positive effect on our society,” he said.

“The assistance of local officials goes a long way. You know who are into drugs in your village. That’s why we should support the program of the President against drugs because nothing comes good out of it and would destroy families),” Go said.

Go also cited President Duterte’s all-out campaign against corruption, where even his closest friends and supporters were not spared.

“In cases of corruption, the President is doing all he can. Even his friends, relatives, or anybody who supported and campaigned for him, when they are involved in corruption, are dismissed from government,” he added.

“For him,the interest of the country should come first rather than the interest of his friends. That’s how the president acts, I know him,” Duterte’s long-time aide said.

Go also told the newly-elected local officials that uplifting the lives of the Filipino people is a paramount concern of the President, and called on them to continuously support the programs of the national government.

“The President has no other dream but for the good of every Filipino. The President loves you. I love you,” Go said.

After his speech, Go, a skilled basketball player, engaged in a friendly three-point shootout and a scrimmage with members of the Tarlac police force. Present during the shootout were basketball greats Kenneth Duremdes and Dondon Hontiveros.

Still in his basketball uniform, Go then proceeded to the Diwa ng Tarlac where he briefly met with all of the province’s mayors, vice mayors and councilors before rushing back to Malacañang to attend to some urgent matters.

(Reposted from Manila Times under the title Go urges Tarlac execs to practice good governance.)