Saturday, September 29, 2018

Tabaco City's Barangay Mariroc hosts P50M sanitary landfill


A 5-hectare sanitary landfill (SLF) facility will soon rise in Barangay Mariroc in Tabaco City next year, Mayor Cielo Krisel Lagman Luistro said Wednesday.

Luistro said the construction of the SLF facility would now comply with the government’s proper waste disposal program under RA 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act.


Luistro, in a phone interview, said the Dynamic Builders and Woodfields Consultants, Inc. was contracted to build the PHP50-million facility.


She said “construction work would start next month and the facility would be fully operational by July of next year.”
 
The Environmental Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources has issued an Environmental Clearance Certificate (ECC) to start the SLF construction project at Barangay Marirok, an upland village in Tabaco City.


In 2015, Luistro and Polangui Mayor Cherilie Mella Sampal were suspended by the Office of the Ombudsman for operating an open dumpsite in their respective localities.
 
Ombudsman Samuel Martires, however, lifted the suspension order last Sept. 3 and directed the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) to implement the recall order.


Martires, in recalling the suspension order, also asked for a review of the implementation of the waste disposal program under RA 9003.


The review would determine how capable are the local governments to finance and comply with the law in the setting up of sanitary landfill facilities in their areas of jurisdiction.


It would also define the role of the national government in assisting LGU in carrying out the waste disposal program.
As for the 3-hectare open dumpsite in Barangay San Antonio, which according to Luistro was already closed last year, the city government would pour in an additional PHP18 million for its rehabilitation.


She said that even before her suspension she has already complied with the order closing the open dumpsite on March 17 last year.


She said “when I received the order on March 2015 for us to close the 3-hectare open dumpsite I immediately scouted for an alternative area where we can build a sanitary landfill as compliance to the order.”


Meanwhile, Polangui Mayor Cherilie Mella Sampal, in an interview, said she is negotiating with Daraga Mayor Awin Baldo for the use of the Daraga Sanitary Landfill once the facility becomes operational next year.


She said that the open dumpsite in Sitio Barobo, Barangay Sugtad was already closed in compliance with the law.
 
Sampal said lack of resources in preventing them to build their own SLF which prompted them to negotiate with Daraga town for the use of their facility.


Polangui, in partnership with the EMB, is now conducting a waste analysis on 44 town villages as well as the business establishments operating in the municipality.


Sampal said the town collects six tons of garbage daily and these waste are segregated and goes to a material recovery facility. (Mar Serrano)

Source of News: Philippine News Agency  Photo credit: Facebook

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Friday, September 28, 2018

Poor barangays in Eastern Samar gets relief from poverty



The government's livelihood program dubbed Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP) under the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) alleviates poverty for Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in Hernani, Eastern Samar.

According to Denise Jo O. Glino,  Hernani Municipal Link, the DSWD is the reinforced commitment of the government to alleviate poverty and empower the disadvantaged sectors through the provision of appropriate interventions.


There are some 542  Pantawid Pamilya members and about 124 Modified Conditional Cash Transfer (MCCTs) beneficiaries in Hernani town.


Under the SLP, beneficiaries are given the option to register in either micro-enterprise development track or the employment facilitation track after participating in social preparation and capacity building activities.


Glino said they organized some 25 members in every barangay. Most recipients ventured into a micro-enterprise where they formed an association called “Bigasan ng Barangay". 


After the social preparation and capacity building activities, beneficiaries were given P10,000.00 for every member  which will serve as a capital for their micro-business.


Merlita V. Anos, resident of Barangay 4 also a parent leader, said when DSWD introduced the livelihood project in their barangay, she was inspired to join the organization, tried to participate in the activities actively and encouraged other residents to join the group for a chance to change their lives.


Their group opted to venture into a 'Bigasan ng Barangay.'
Anos immediately formed a group of 29 members from the 4Ps, the total capital they received was P290,000.00. The said money they used in the rice retail business which started on August 23, 2017.


Through her leadership and the group’s unity and perseverance, the livelihood project has grown into a grocery store.  Each member is able to earn dividends that help them slowly improve their quality of living.


Anos admitted, "Like any other livelihood association, ours encountered several challenges during the implementation of the project,” but added, "Somehow, we surpassed the challenges and emerged as better persons."


Presently, Anos claims that their business is quite improving.
The SLP is a community based capacity building program that tries to improve the socio-economic condition of poor Filipinos by facilitating opportunities for development and aims management of resources viable for micro-enterprise and employment facilitation.  (Samuel D. Candido)

Source of news and photo:  Philippine Information Agency

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Remote barangays in Aurora Province benefit from UP-Berkeley project


The joint research project of the UP-D and UC Berkeley enables basic calls and text at a fraction of the cost versus traditional commercial cellular networks. 

The initiative entitled “Village Base Station-Connecting Communities through Mobile Networks” or VBTS-CoCoMoNets bested 236 other entries from 28 countries across Asia to grab the ISIF Asia Awards 2018, a program supporting creative internet solutions to development needs in the Asia Pacific to achieve positive social and economic development.
 
VBTS-CoCoMoNets’ project leader Dr. Cedric Angelo Festin from UP College of Engineering’s Department of Computer Science and project investigator Dr. Eric Brewer from UC Berkeley’s Electrical Engineering and Computer Sciences, together with their team, will receive a cash prize amounting to USD3,500 or PhP185,500.
 
The VBTS-CoCoMoNets addresses the lack of mobile phone access by establishing community cellular networks (CCNs) in rural sites in the Philippines. The CCNs is a low-power, low-cost 2G base station that enables users to make basic calls and text in areas that traditional commercial cellular networks cannot reach.
 
To date, the following remote barangays in the Aurora province are benefiting from the VBTS-CoCoMoNets: barangay Dikapinisan, sitio Diotorin in barangay Dibayabay, barangay Dibut, and sitio Limbok Sabang in barangay Umiray These sites, nestled in the Sierra Madre mountains facing the Pacific Ocean, are home to some members of the indigenous peoples of the province. Two more CCNs are expected to be established by the end of the year.
 
Aside from the cash prize, the winners also bagged a travel grant to the 2018 Internet Governance Forum (IGF) in Paris, France on November 12 to 14, 2018. The project will also be featured as part of the Seed Alliance Awards ceremony on November 13, 2018.(Merlina Hernando-Malipot)

Source of News and photo: Manila Bulletin/PCARI

Wednesday, September 26, 2018

Negros Occidental barangay chiefs, Army officers meet in peace forum


Some 19 barangay captains all from Himamaylan City, Negros Occidental met with officers and enlisted personnel of the 62nd Infantry Battalion of the 3rd Army Infantry Division yesterday at the City Hall.

Lieutenant Colonel Egberto O. Dacoscos, Commanding Officer of the unit, together with Lt. Col. Antonio Tumnog (INF) PA-Bde Ex-O, 1Lt. Maria Allein U. Veluz (FS)- AS7, 1Lt. Dexter N. Seragon (FA) PA-CO, BCoy, 1Lt. Raymond D. Jmaisal- CO, CCoy attended the Association of Brgy. Captains (ABC) meeting.
 
President of the ABC, Brgy. Captain Benjamin Jose Sian of Brgy. III- Poblacion presided the meeting.
 
Topic discussed was about the ongoing CSP deployment in Brgy. Buenavista, Brgy. Carabalan and Brgy. Mahalang.
 
Prior to the discussion proper, Lt. Col. Tumnog gave a background to all brgy. captains about the propaganda of the terrorists group CPP-NPA and how they exploit issues to influence and create an organization that will go against the government.
 
In addition, a video about the Peace Rally in Negros Occidental was presented to show that the NPA group already succeeded in organizing sympathizers.
 
Company commanders of Bravo and Charlie companies presented an update regarding their CSP effort in the areas of Buenavista, Carabalan and Mahalang. Such presentation gave emphasis to the insurgency of the terrorist group that was being traced up from history.
 
After the update, an open forum was conducted wherein Brgy. Captain Cherrie Hope M. Belarga of Su-ay suggested to all other brgy. captains that they should give their full support through giving information to the law enforcement agencies and investigate if necessary whenever there are suspicious groups in their areas.
 
Other barangay leaders also showed their active participation by asking questions.
 
Lt. Col. Dacoscos highlighted and shared about the incident that happened at Panciao, Manjuyod showing the merciless acts done by the CPP-NPA Terrorist group wherein the barangay captain was killed in the midst of his service and loyalty to his people. In order to prevent same incident to happen again, all barangay leaders present in the meeting were reminded that they should give their full support to the government.
 
They should not be deceived by the issues being propagated by the anti-people and anti-peace terrorist group. They should be reminded who are the real enemies and that the legitimate soldiers are always ready to bring peace and progress, he said.
 
Dacoscos added that, “We are of peace and not on threatening others. It is our dedication to service and duty that push us to do risky things like this. Your full support is highly needed in order to meet the objective of winning peace because we cannot succeed if only our organization puts endeavor for this. This is a collaborative effort.”(62IB)

Source of news and photo: Negros Daily Bulletin

Tuesday, September 25, 2018

Barangay officials urged to reach out to constituents via social media


Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Officer-In-Charge Secretary Eduardo M. Año enjoined barangays to utilize the social media, particularly Facebook and Twitter, to inform and remind residents of the barangay activities.

Barangay officials are urged as early as now to drumbeat public awareness and generate participation of their constituents particularly to the upcoming Barangay Assembly in all 42,044 barangays in the country on October 14.


“Social media is far-reaching and nowadays most Filipinos get news and public advisory online. Use this platform as we now embrace e-governance,” he said in a news release issued Monday.
He also urged the public to attend Barangay Assembly in their communities as their “right and responsibility.”

The conduct of Barangay Assembly is mandated by Republic Act No. 7160 or the Local Government Code which states that it should be conducted “at least twice a year to hear and discuss the semestral report of the barangay concerning its activities and finances as well as problems affecting the barangay.”

Año reminded that barangay officials’ failure to hold a Barangay Assembly can be a case for administrative complaint that may be filed by a concerned citizen or governmental or non-governmental entity before the Sangguniang Panlungsod or Sangguniang Bayan or to the Office of the Ombudsman.

“To the public, make use of your right to have an interface with your barangay officials on issues that affect your community. To barangay officials, ensure maximum participation and meaningful discussion with your constituents,” he said.

Aside from using social media, Año encourages barangays to do medical or dental mission and cultural presentations to garner higher attendance in Barangay Assembly.

Barangay executives are also told to post or hang Barangay Assembly posters or banners in conspicuous places in the barangay like the barangay hall, plaza, main streets, transport terminals and market or talipapa.

As for DILG field officers, Año directed them to urge barangays to live stream their Barangay Assembly through Facebook Live and post pictures and videos of the assembly in various social media platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram using the hashtag #barangayassembly2018 on October 14.

Recognizing exemplary barangays
Meanwhile, DILG spokesperson, Assistant Secretary Jonathan E. Malaya, disclosed that the DILG through its National Barangay Operations Office (NBOO) will be showcasing exemplary barangays.

DILG field offices have been directed to identify before October 5 a barangay in their jurisdiction that is not included in the list of drug affected barangays of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and has created or reorganized its Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council (BADAC).

Its BADAC must particularly have a Committee on Operations and Advocacy and an Auxiliary Team. It should have also allocated a substantial portion of barangay's annual budget for anti-illegal drugs programs, projects and activities. It must have established Referral Rehabilitation Desk with a designated duty officer.

“The DILG recognizes that in the exercise of general supervision over local governments, acknowledgment of good performing local government units have a multiplying and motivational effect for others to do the same or do better,” Malaya said.

The theme of the Barangay Assembly on October 14 is “Nagkakaisang komunidad tungo sa Mapayapa, Maunlad at Matiwasay na Barangay”.

Barangay Assembly is held every last Saturday of March and second Sunday of October based on Proclamation No. 260. (DILG PR)

Source of news and photo: Philippine News Agency

Zamboanga Del Norte barangay site of peanut processing center project



A groundbreaking ceremony was held recently at Barangay Goin, Liloy town by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) for the construction of a peanut processing center.

This will be implemented through the Village Level Farm-focused Enterprise Development (VLFED) Project which will benefit some 85 members of Goin Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Multi-Purpose Cooperative (GARBEMCO).

The groundbreaking ceremony was led by Regional Director Julita A. Ragandang, Assistant Regional Directors lawyer  Ramon Madronal, Jr. and Engr Agnes Maata with Mayor Roberto L. Uy, Jr. of Liloy town.

The total project cost is about P439,200 with a counterpart from the local government unit of Liloy. 68% of the total amount will be shouldered by DAR while  the remaining 32% will come from the LGU-Liloy.

The VLFED Project aims to produce peanut products compliant with the Food and Drug Administration-Licensed to Operate (FDA-LTO) and create additional livelihood opportunities for the farmer beneficiaries who have limited capital and don’t have sufficient income.

As a manifestation of their total commitment of support for the implementation of the project, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) signing also took place during the  ground-breaking.

Among the signatories of the MOA are DAR-9 Regional Director Julita Ragandang, Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer II Arturo Soria, DTI-Zamboanga del Norte Provincial Director   Maridel Dengal, DOST-Zamboanga del Norte head   Merilyn Cadag,  VLFED Point Person Eva Soropia, GARBEMCO Chairman Roberto Callao, Liloy Mayor Roberto L. Uy Jr., and Goin Barangay Chairman Hilario Años.

The MOA signing was witnessed by other DAR regional and provincial employees, DTI and DOST employees, municipal and barangay officials, employees and GARBEMCO members. (Alfonso T. Ruda)

Source of news and photo:  Philippine Information Agency

Monday, September 24, 2018

A brawl and reports of vote-buying mar Marawi barangay, SK elections

 

A brawl and reports of vote-buying marred the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections here on Saturday, as the polls finally pushed through after a postponement in May. 

In a polling center in Barangay Lumbac Madaya, police had to fire warning shots to break up a fight among supporters of competing candidates. 

Voting was momentarily suspended as authorities addressed the situation and was resumed immediately after those involved were arrested.

A group of election observers called Citizens Coalition for ARMM Electoral Reforms said the incident was nothing compared to past election violence in the area.

"Now, at least we are sure the shots were all coming from the authorities and none from the civilians," an observer said.

A civilian was also, meanwhile, held for questioning after he was found with campaign flyers with P20 bills attached to them. The civilian denied buying votes but has yet to explain to Commission on Elections (COMELEC) officials.

The Board of Election Inspectors (BEIs) and authorities hope to finish the voting before nightfall as there are no lights inside the polling place.

Elections for areas most affected by last year's siege were held in the Sagonsongan Elementary School, a temporary learning center inside the shelter for internally displaced persons (IDP).

Police and military personnel were deployed at the entrance and exit points of the school, and near the voting centers. 

Marawi is currently under rehabilitation after the five-month siege between state forces and Islamic State-linked terrorists in the area left the city in shambles and thousands of residents displaced.

Source of news: abs-cbn news.  Photo credit: Philippine Information Agency

Sunday, September 23, 2018

New barangay officials in 5 Antique towns completed orientation


The orientation of newly-elected barangay officials is now completed in five municipalities of Antique, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) reported.

Cherryl P. Tacda, DILG-Antique director, said in an interview on Friday, that the three-day program began in different venues in the province last Sept. 15. These are the towns of Barbaza, Laua-an, Sibalom, Culasi, and Tobias Fornier.

She said the participants were organized in batches and composed of 100 to 120 barangay officials, including their secretaries and treasurers.

The DILG targets to finish the orientation by October or November in the province’s 18 municipalities.

She said the activity is very important for barangay officials as it orients them how to come up with their own internal rules and procedures, to reorganize and make functional the different councils and committees, such as the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council, how to appropriate their budget, and to activate their advocacies and information gathering.

The output, she said, is also the plans and programs for the first 100 days of the barangay captain and other officials.

The barangay officials, who assumed their posts last June 30, are expected to report their accomplishments for the first 100 days during the synchronized barangay assembly on October 14.
She said she is expecting a 100-percent participation of the province’s 590 barangays in the assembly.
Tacda said they have already informed the newly elected barangay officials to prepare for the assembly after receiving Memorandum Circular (MC) 2018-151 for the conduct of the assembly this second semester of 2018.

“We hope all the barangays in the province would participate in this synchronized activity nationwide,” Tacda said, adding that barangay assembly is held twice a year.

“We also encourage the constituents to take time to participate because it would be an opportunity for them to hear the plans, ongoing projects, and even the financial statement of the barangay,” she added.

Meanwhile, if it is not really feasible for the barangays to join the synchronized assembly, they can have it after a day or two.

Source of news:  Philippine News AgencyPhoto Credit: Annabele Petinglay

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