BARANGAY NEWS AND EVENTS NATIONWIDE THIS WEEK June 16-22 2024

FEATURE STORY:  Cebu City barangay objects to renaming street by the city council

The name Spoliarium St. should stay.

This was the position of the Duljo-Fatima Barangay Council after the Cebu City Council approved an ordinance renaming Spoliarium St. to Mayor Eulogio E. Borres St. without prior consultation.

It also pointed out that the changing of the street name is not fitting as the late mayor was a resident of Barangay Pasil and not Duljo-Fatima.

The council approved on April 3, 2024 the ordinance authored by City Councilor James Anthony Cuenco. The barangay council then passed a resolution on April 11, opposing the ordinance.

Signed by Duljo-Fatima Barangay Captain Nobie Cabatino, the resolution reached the City Council last June 5.

The barangay council also asked the mayor to repeal the ordinance “for lack of basis and for not conforming with the guidelines” for the renaming of streets as laid down by the National Historical Commission (NHC).

Spoliarium St. spans a total of 586 meters in length, with the greater portion within the jurisdiction of Duljo-Fatima.

NHC guidelines

According to the barangay council, the ordinance contravenes the provisions and prohibitions in the revised guidelines promulgated by the NHC on the naming and renaming of streets, public schools, plazas, buildings, bridges and other public structures.

“Hispanized and foreign terms should be retained if they have attained a degree of historical significance and have been sanctified by usage,” the NHC said.

The NHC further said that “no place should be renamed if the present name has attained a degree of historical association and has developed an importance of its own.”

Spoliarium St. got its name from Juan Luna’s painting, “Spoliarium,” which depicts the aftermath of gladiatorial combat in ancient Rome. The painting symbolizes the oppression and suffering experienced by the Filipino people under Spanish colonial rule.

The barangay council said that because of its cultural importance and significance, Spoliarium St. has been listed on the website Cebupedia.com, Google Maps and the Cebuano Studies Center as one of the notable streets in Cebu City.

Procedure

Cuenco, in a message on Sunday, June 9, said standard procedure on naming or renaming city-owned roads requires referrals only to the committee on laws and the Cebu City Cultural and Historical Affairs Commission.

Cuenco said both bodies endorsed the draft copy of the ordinance and said it has met all the requisites stipulated under the existing guidelines.

“The committee on laws did not require that the barangay concerned be consulted as it was ably represented by the ABC (Association of Barangay Councils) president who sits in the SP (Sangguniang Panlungsod) which presupposes that the barangay concerned was duly informed,” said Cuenco.

He also said the ordinance was not rushed into passage since it took more than six months of deliberation before it was passed on mass motion by City Council.

But Cuenco understood the sentiments of the barangay.

“I will adopt an open mind in case one of my colleagues will sponsor a new ordinance repealing mine. I believe that someone else should file it because I was the author and sponsor of the assailed ordinance,” he said. 

(SOURCE OF STORY: SunStar Cebu) https://www.sunstar.com.ph/cebu/duljo-fatima-brgy-council-dont-rename-spoliarium-st  PHOTO CREDITS: You Tube; Google Map 

Davao City barangay execs facing complaint over 'stolen ayuda' 

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on Friday assisted a Davao City resident in filing criminal and administrative charges against two barangay officials for allegedly stealing a portion of her cash assistance. 

DSWD Field Office-11 Regional Director Vanessa Goc-ong and Anne Villarin jointly executed a complaint affidavit before the local Office of the Ombudsman in the Davao Region. 

The DSWD said that the chief of Barangay Sinawilan and a barangay kagawad admitted in an interview with Brigada News FM Davao that P8,500 was deducted from the P10,000 cash aid to Villarin.   Read more at:                                               https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/topstories/regions/910112/barangay-execs-facing-complaint-over-stolen-ayuda-in-davao-city/story/?utm_source=ground.news&utm_medium=referral

Makati City barangay chair suspended 

The Makati City Council has unanimously passed a resolution suspending for 12 months Barangay Magallanes Chair Jose Mari A. Alzona for abusing his authority when he withheld the salaries of two barangay workers without due process.

In City Resolution No. 2024-048, the council suspended Alzona for improperly withholding the salaries of administrative aides Sarah Jane M. Cama and Robert P. Sunga without proper notice and without seeking an explanation for absences.

The two cases were consolidated and the council’s Committee on Laws, Rules, and Ethics held a hearing where evidence was submitted and testimonies were heard from the two complainants and the respondent.  

 Read more at: https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1951945/makati-suspends-barangay-magallanes-chair#ixzz8dIRADDhz

26 out of 30 Pasig City barangays now drug-cleared

The local government of Pasig City on Saturday announced that at least 86.67 percent of barangays in the city are already considered drug-cleared with the involvement of the Eastern Police Distict (EPD).

In a statement, EPD director Police Brigadier General Wilson Asueta said that as of recently, 26 out of 30 barangays in Pasig have been declared drug-cleared by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA).

“We anticipate the remaining four barangays to achieve drug-cleared status sometime this month,” Asueta said in an interview with DAILY TRIBUNE.                               Read more at: https://tribune.net.ph/2024/06/15/over-80-pasig-barangays-drug-cleared 

Kalinga barangays urged to boost community job opportunities with PESO program

Tabuk City, Kalinga – The Public Employment and Services Office (PESO) conducted a consultation workshop with barangay officials on June 6, 2024, regarding the integration of employment-related projects, activities, and programs (PPAs) into their Annual Investment Program (AIP).

The AIP is the yearly portion of the Local Development Investment Plan. It includes all the resources needed for the PPAs of the local government, covering both capital expenses and regular operating costs.

Baldo Garnace Jr. from the CPDO discussed the basics of barangay development planning. He said that it serves as a basis for higher local development councils to integrate barangay priority projects.                                                   Read more: https://baguioheraldexpressonline.com/peso-urges-blgus-to-prioritize-employment-related-programs/

FEATURE STORY: Waste recovery program launched in Metro Manila barangays

A waste recovery and recycling campaign has been launched across the metropolis through the partnership between Coca-Cola Beverages Philippines Inc. (CCBPI), the local bottler of the global beverage brand, and the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA).

This partnership merges CCBPI’s “Tapon to Ipon: Basta Klaro, Panalo! Program” with MMDA’s Mobile Material Recovery Facility (MMRF) project, dubbed “Recyclable Mo, Palit Grocery Ko.”

During a four-month pilot period, community members can exchange various recyclable materials for commodities or grocery items.

MMDA’s MMRF program now serves as a collection channel for used clear PET bottles of any brand, as well as Coca-Cola returnable glass bottles and crates, which are equivalent to points that participants can exchange for Coca-Cola products.

Bringing communities together to foster strong collective action, the partnership is also launching the Tapon to Ipon: Barangay Contest in over 20 pilot areas.

This contest will recognize the top three barangays that collect the highest volume of clear PET bottles, Coca-Cola glass bottles, and crates. The winning barangays will receive prizes to fund and develop their sustainability initiatives, with a focus on waste recovery and recycling.

“Our partnership with MMDA enables us to reach more barangays and households, as our ultimate goal is to leave a lasting positive impact on the solid waste management systems currently available to communities,” said lawyer Juan Lorenzo Tañada, vice president for corporate and regulatory affairs of CCBPI.

“This collaboration is a first for CCBPI, and we are truly grateful and excited to be working with MMDA, with whom we share common goals for sustainability, proper waste management, and creating a circular economy,” Tañada said. (Source of story: Daily Tribune)

PHOTO CREDIT: MMDA/Fb 

Palawan Liga ng mga Barangay President proposed holding session on Pag Asa Island on Independence Day

The President of the Provincial Chapter of the Liga ng mga Barangay and who is also an ex-officio Member of the Palawan Provincial Board proposed recently to hold the Board's regular session on Pag-asa Island in the West Philippine Sea (WPS). 

Provincial Liga President and Board member Ferdinand Zaballa said that the proposal is to coincide with the June 12 Philippine Independence Day celebrations. 

Zaballa said their holding of a session in Pag Asa is intended to underscore the country’s sovereignty over the maritime territory that China has been aggressively claiming as its own.

Zaballa proposed that they hold their session jointly with the Sangguniang Bayan of Kalayaan on June 12.

“Pwede tayong magkaroon ng joint session with the SB of Kalayaan, kami naman sa Liga ng mga Barangay, magkakaroon din kami ng activity,” Zaballa said in a privilege speech.

“What a better way to embolden our activity as a bold statement of our territorial integrity na gawin natin ang celebration sa WPS sa Araw ng Kalayaan — Araw ng Kalayaan sa Munisipyo ng Kalayaan,” he said.

Zaballa urged the secretariat of the Sanggunian to make arrangements for their travel to Pag-asa Island. He added that with the intricacies of the travel going to Pag-asa Island, they could request for assistance from the Western Command.

Board Member Ryan Maminta, meanwhile, reminded that they need to coordinate with national government agencies, particularly the National Task Force on West Philippine Sea.

Aligning himself with Zaballa’s proposal, Maminta said they need to go through proper channels.

“Right now, there are policies that the national government has implemented that we need to adhere to for us to be able to do what we want and bring everyone on the same boat before we arrive at a decision to go there,” he said.

To facilitate the plans smoothly, he proposed to create a special committee to be composed of Board Members and a representative from the governor’s office “to have a politico-legal effect in our travel and to conduct activities in Kalayaan Island.”

Board Member Winston Arzaga recalled that he had proposed the same plan in the past but it did not materialize.

“But during those days, that proposal did not get enough traction. So hopefully, this would be done (this time),” Arzaga said.

He also agreed with Maminta’s proposal to create a small committee to facilitate the proposal.

“This is not a small matter because it has security implications. Close coordination with Wescom is necessary so early preparations should be made,” he said, adding that going to Pag-asa Island bringing a large contingent is “not a picnic”

“The entire world is watching and perhaps it is the best time to be serious and come out with a very good resolution while we are there. So if we gather enough quorum, that will be very historical because for the first time, the Provincial Board will be exercising its legislative authority right there where the action is,” he explained.

Zaballa said that aside from the proposed visit to Pag-asa Island, the Liga ng mga Barangay also has lined up a series of activities regarding the issue of WPS. He said for their scheduled gathering on June 17, they have invited experts to discuss issues and concerns on WPS.

On top of the list of invitees is former Supreme Court Justice Antonio Carpio.

“May representative galing sa Zambales who is my colleague sa Liga ng mga Barangay na ganito rin yung kanyang mga isinusulong,” he said.

Moreover, he said they will also be conducting information and education campaigns to further raise the awareness of the youth.

“We also have programs to make a bold statement na itong ipinaglalaban natin na WPS ay hindi makalimutan (ng mga kabataan). Kung napapansin natin, alam nila ang WPS pero ano ba talaga ang ipinaglalaban natin?” he said.

Board Member Rafael Ortega Jr. also said there have been moves to encourage the youth through the Sangguniang Kabataan for information campaign.

“Sa bayan ng Aborlan, yung ating mga SK ay isinama natin na hindi lang puro basketball o palaro ang adbokasiya, bagkus ay yung pagbibigay ng impormasyon at kaalaman tungkol sa issue ng WPS sa ating mga kabataan,” he said.

“Hiniling na rin natin sa DepEd at CHED na isama sa curriculum ang pagtuturo sa mga estudyante tungkol sa issue ng WPS upang mas maintindihan nila kung ano ang kahalagahan at present situation sa WPS,” he added. Text and Photos: Palawan News.

Small kids in remote Masbate barangay taught how to read in the "mother tongue"

 

During their spare hours when not occupied with their household chores, eight mothers in Barangay Tugbo in Masbate banded together to attend to the education of their children as well as their own.

One of them, Erlinda Cabarles, is mother to a brood of seven children. She rises early in the morning and while her family is stll asleep, she cooks, cleans the house and prepares for the day. 

A barangay nutritionist by calling, she is among these mothers who chose to work together under the ABC+ Project: Advancing Basic Education in the Philippines project of the DepEd in Partnership with USAID and RTI International, an independent non-profit research institute together with Asia Foundation, also a nonprofit international development organization. 

The project aims to improve learning outcomes for children in the early grades.

One of the mothers, Erlinda Cabarles, is a parent leader of the Neighborhood Parent Support Group (NPSG). She enjoys reading with her daughter.

The eight women are among the neighborhood parent support group members (NPSG) of Barangay Tugbo in Masbate, an out-of-the-way coastal town of the province. The nearest urban center is a 30-minute tricycle ride away.

According to PhilAtlas, children aged 14 and below make up the biggest share of the population of Tugbo which is at 40.5 percent. About 45 percent of the employable people is out of work,  and school officials say most can neither read nor write.

This is what these NPSG women tried to solve, whose own education are mostly at elementary level.  With the help of their barangay, they made the initial move to call for volunteers to be trained. 

There was a clear desire to learn, but the biggest barrier was often the language. With the support of USAID via ABC+ program, reading materials in the Minasbate language were developed and distributed to all elementary schools. 

The books, now in their mother tongue, are available in the schools and provided to their children.

It took another woman, Kagawad Maria Cris Cos, who lobbied for her district to have a space where children could read. She attended a few learning sessions and decided they needed a place they could call their own.

So a Barangay Learning Center was put up which also functions as the main space for the NPSG. 

For two hours, the children read. They’re free to ask about words, stories, or everyday life. They work their way up on meanings, enunciation, and critical thinking, day by day, story through story.

Today, the women pitch in to teach up to 30 students, and even their husbands have joined the project to help children love reading which led to interest in reading to spread. 

Rose Sese, another NPSG member, says they are not just teaching reading—they are teaching the love of it. “We don’t want the kids to read, we want them to want to read,” Rose says in mixed Filipino and English.

The most surprising improvement is that it changed their relationship at home.

 “Reading was really bonding for me and my kids. We got closer at home. Because here, you really have to be friendly with the children so the environment is lighter,” she says.

By starting at home, the Tugbo NPSG earned the backing of DepEd and the local government. Their wish is that other mothers realize that they have the opportunity to do the same.

Erlinda says the impact grew beyond the confines of an educational setting. 

“I improved myself and the children here around us because before, they would just spend their time loitering around,” she says just fresh off a reading session.

The community action of NPSG demonstrates the importance of partnerships and shared accountability between families, schools and communities to build conducive learning environments.

Moving on. The mothers have broached the idea of tapping publishing houses for printing books and nearby private sector to provide resources. 

The mothers can now see a future where education is not a privilege like it was for them but an accessible right. 

Erlinda says that “As long as we’re here, our weekends will continue. This will go on as long as we’re able. As long as the children keep showing up, the learning center will go on,” 

Starting in a small sitio in Barangay Tugbo, the learning gap is soon closing because strong women took the lead together.

For Imelda Viterbo, another NPSG member, it is the children’s keen interest in learning and reading that motivates them to pursue their work. 

“Our first priority will always be our children’s literacy,” Imelda said.

The story of Barangay Tugbo is a story of women coming together, supporting each other and amplifying their voice as literary champions.

IN UPPER PHOTO:  Kagawad Maria Cris Cos, Committee on Education Chairperson, discusses the ABC+ program with parents from Tugbo.

The original version of this article appeared in BusinessMirror

Cagayan de Oro City barangay bags Most Child Friendly Barangay award

Barangay Kauswagan in Cagayan De oro City crowned Most Child-Friendly Barangay

In a recent ceremony held at the picturesque Chali Beach Resort and Conference Center in the city, Barangay Kauswagan was given the highest recognition as the Most Child-Friendly Barangay among the city's 80 barangays.

The award gave importance to the relentless efforts of the barangay in promoting child welfare, proving the importance of community-driven initiatives in nurturing and protecting the well-being of children.

Taking home the prestigious title of the Most Child-Friendly Barangay, along with a cash prize of P120,000, a trophy, and a seal, Kauswagan's story is a testament to what communities can achieve when they prioritize the well-being of their youngest members.

To the organizers of the Pasundayag and Oro Kasanag Awards, this highest award and achievement underscored the importance of nurturing future generations of children. Barangay Kauswagan emerged as the beacon of hope and commitment towards child welfare in Cagayan de Oro. 

Nurturing Tomorrow's Leaders Today 

Barangay Kauswagan's journey to the pinnacle of child-friendliness wasn't an overnight success. It was the culmination of years of dedicated efforts in creating a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment for their children. 

Its initiatives span various critical areas of child welfare and development including adolescent health, nutrition, child-friendly facilities, and leadership. It's this holistic approach that not only clinched them the top honor but also special awards for their remarkable contributions to adolescent health and nutrition. 

In the ceremony other child-friendly barangays such as Barangays Canitoan and Cugman placed as runners-up, with Canitoan additionally being recognized for their 'Outstanding Adolescent Health Facility'. This clearly shows a growing trend among communities to give importance on comprehensive child welfare programs.

Reinforcing Child Rights and Protection

Making it through 24 other qualified barangays competing for the highest award is not an easy task, reflecting the common desire llective drive towards reinforcing child rights and protection. Barangay Patag received accolades for its 'Outstanding Innovation in Addressing Learners At-Risk of Dropping Out', showcasing innovative approaches to keep children in school. 

Meanwhile, Barangay Balulang was commended for its 'Exemplary Work in Maintaining Records and Registry of Children in Conflict with the Law', an essential aspect of child protection. These awards gave emphasis to the many efforts needed to create environments where children can thrive, free from the barriers that impede their growth and development.

A Decade of Advocacy and Achievements

This event marked the 10th  year of the Search for the Most Child-Friendly Barangay, a testament to Cagayan de Oro's firm commitment to being a child-friendly city. The decade-long journey has seen various barangays implementing and innovating programs that safeguard and promote children's rights. It's a movement that has grown in strength and scope, influencing communities to evaluate and enhance their practices towards child welfare. The ceremony is not just a recognition of the achievers but a celebration of the collective efforts and the shared vision of nurturing the leaders of tomorrow.

As the 40,239 people of Barangay Kauswagan takes pride in the honor given by the award , the journey doesn't end here. The accolades serve as a reminder of the work that lies ahead in sustaining and building upon these efforts. 

For the residents of Kauswagan and the other participating barangays, the awards are a symbol of hope and a call to action. They symbolize the possibility of change when communities come and work together to prioritize the welfare of their children to ensure a brighter future for them.  (Source:  BNN)

Baguio City barangay transforms street to creative artists hub

ART NOOK  In a bid to rejuvenate Baguio City’s creative landscapes across its 128 barangays, young artists initiate Project 2600, which empowers local artisans and transforms barangays into vibrant creative hubs just like the pilot area in Barangay Camdas. —Photo from Carlito Dar 

Enterprising residents of Barangay Camdas in the City of Baguio set up shop recently at one of their least busiest streets last week to pilot a program that would help boost the creative economies of Baguio’s neighborhoods. 

A cooperative group, the Baguio Arts and Crafts Collective (Bacci), had been encouraging community weavers, tattoo artists and waste recycling afficionados to sell their products along one of the streets of Barangay Camdas as part of a “social experiment” that would determine the viability of converting interior Baguio villages into community art markets. 

A movement called Project 2600 headed by Arvin Molintas and a member of the cooperative, partnered with livelihood consultant Mobile-Oriented Valuable Entrepreneurship to bring incentives and benefits to Baguio artisans, many of whom still operate in the underground economy.

Project 2600 intends to develop “Creative Nooks,” or display and marketing hubs for craftsmen in the city’s 128 barangays.

Many elements came into play to make the project a success:  The coop, the barangay and city government units and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) all worked together to support the project like in helping secure special business permits to legitimize cultural artists in the informal sector and to provide them with periodic seminars and workshops on financial management as well as to tap donors for equipment essential to their crafts.

Molintas said Project 2600 also engaged various sales platforms, including online trading spaces, to draw the attention of national and foreign customers to authentic artisans in smaller communities and helped the city government and DTI identify and profile the city’s artisan population.

Creative City

Baguio was recognized in 2017 as the country’s first metropolis in the World Creative Cities Network of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO).

The UN organization recognized the “folk art expressions” in the city’s silver craft, woodcarving, tattooing, and weaving. 

Creative cities are defined by how much their art, culture and traditions have contributed to their economic growth.

Project 2600 planned to engage not just the village of Camdas but also the neighboring barangays of Dizon Subdivision; the East, Lower, Middle and West Quirino Hills; Pinget; and Happy Homes, or the Old Lucban.

He said a weaving community thrives in Camdas and East and West Quirino Hills, while Lower Quirino Hills “creatives” have focused on “more innovative art forms.” 

Micro-entrepreneurs in Happy Homes invest in food products and other crafts; Pinget artisans produce homemade products like soaps and perfumes; and Dizon Subdivision has tailors who currently produce household rags.

“We don’t want them to settle with rags, so learning from the innovations made by fashion designer Rajo Laurel, we have asked them to generate bags from rags, so it is important we provide them with sewing machines,” he said.

With Camdas as the first community to undertake Project 2600’s “social experiment,” Princess Urduja Street will become the trading space for formerly unlicensed and home-based enterprises, Molintas said.

The stretch of road leads to the project’s first Creative Nook at Camdas’ multipurpose hall, involving members of the art group Pasakalye and other independent artists.

The arts business is volatile, so marketing areas like the Creative Nooks would be helpful for the local art trade, said Adeilada Guia, who used to produce the 10-foot-tall mandalas in 2022 when Session Road closed to traffic. (Source of Original Story: Inquirer.Net)

Cagayan de Oro Punong Barangay pushes for hi-tech barangays

By the BARANGAY REPORTER Editorial Team

Cagayan de Oro City Punong Barangay Anthony Atterviry III of Barangay 17, considered as the 'first smart barangay in the city', is pushing for making every  barangay in the city a high-tech barangay. 

In a recent interview with reporters, he discussed the advancements his barangay has achieved in terms of technology and transparency. 

Punong Baranay Anthony Atterviry III recently showed to 

reporters a cloud smart switch. He explained why  Barangay 17 is now a "smart" Barangay. Photo by Shiela Mae Butlig

He highlighted the implementation of AI closed-circuit television (CCTV) coverage throughout Barangay 17, which has not only resulted in a cleaner environment but also enabled monitoring of proper waste disposal.

“We can see who disposes of their garbage properly and who doesn’t,” he said.

In addition to free Wi-Fi accessibility for all constituents, Barangay 17 is currently in the initial phase of its barangay information system development.

He explained that the system allows his barangay to manage a database of residents, including personal details, health information, occupation, and educational status.

This way, the barangay can quickly respond to residents’ needs, knowing every vital information as to who they are, their illnesses, jobs, educational status and other relevant information for better barangay governance.  

The system also facilitates online access to indigency certificates and other clearances thus minimizing "red tape" for residents.

With the digital advancements in Barangay 17, Atterviry expressed support for Councilor James Judith’s proposal to livestream plenary sessions city-wide. 

He urged the city council to prioritize the installation of internet connectivity, citing the affordability of internet services in the present era.

“We should embrace digitalization to catch up with the rest of the country,” Atterviry pointed out. He concluded by urging the city council to take swift action in implementing internet connectivity across all barangays.

However, the proposed ordinance of Councilor James Judith to livestream the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) sessions in the city is meeting strong opposition from some of his colleagues despite his argument that the proposal promotes transparency in barangay governance.  

For them, his idea of mandatory Facebook livestreaming or broadcasting of SB-SK sessions needs further study.  

He argued that by utilizing social media platforms, barangay officials could promote transparency in barangay governance.  

Also, if residents are informed about what's going on in their barangays, participatory governance would be facilitated.

His proposed an ordinance that aims to mandate all 80 barangays in the city to broadcast each plenary session.

However, some of his colleagues in the city council, like Councilor Joyleen Mercedes Balaba, challenged the proposal, saying that the proponent may not have conducted thorough research.

Balaba questioned the feasibility of the proposal because not all the barangays in the city have internet connection so it's important to find out first which barangays have internet and which ones do not before proposing such an ordinance.

Two other councilors Edgar Cabanlas and Jose Abu pointed out the possible violations of local autonomy of the barangays since mandating live streaming may infringe on the autonomy of local governments and might be inappropriate.    

The proposed ordinance was ultimately referred to the Committee on Barangay Affairs, chaired by Councilor Alam Lim, and the Committee on Youth, chaired by Councilor Kenneth John Sacala.

Liga ng mga Barangay President, Councilor Yam Lam Lim, also doubts the viability of mandating live streaming of sessions in every barangay.  

Lim, who oversees all the Punong barangays in the city, argued that it is impractical to impose compulsory live streaming due to budget constraints in some barangays thus the importance of having a consultation with each barangay.

Looks like its only Punong Barangay Anthony Atterviry III who is in agreement with councilor Judith. 

With the digital advancements in Barangay 17, Atterviry expressed support for Councilor James Judith’s proposal to livestream plenary sessions city-wide.

He urged the city council to prioritize the installation of internet connectivity, citing the affordability of internet services in the present era.

“We should embrace digitalization to catch up with the rest of the country,” Atterviry pointed out. He concluded by urging the city council to take swift action in implementing internet connectivity across all barangays. 

Source of Original Story: https://mindanaogoldstardaily.com/archives/143197

Hundreds of baby turtles released to the sea in Bataan barangay

Hundreds of turtle hatchlings were released to the sea recently near the Sagip Pawikan Foundation hatchery in Sitio Fuerte, Barangay Poblacion, Morong, Bataan. 

Barangay residents, volunteers, local government staff and employees of GNPower Dinginin Ltd Co., a coal power plant operating in the province all joined hands in releasing 270 hatchlings.

The turtles known locally as pawikan, is one of the seven species of sea turtles existing in the world, five of them can be found in the Philippines. 

Three of the turtle species — Green, Olive Ridley, and Hawksbill turtles — make the shores of Morong, Bataan their nesting sites.

Some of the baby turtles on their way back to the sea.  After 25 years, the mothers will be back in Barangay Poblacion in Morong, Bataan to lay their eggs and to hatch anew to continue the cycle. (Photos: Manila Standard) 

Barangay Poblacion, headed by its Punong Barangay Jerson Garcia, is a coastal barangay at the mouth of Morong River that connects to Batalan River.  It has a population of 7,329 persons based on the 2020 Philippine Census.

Barangay Poblacion hosts the Sagip Pawikan Foundation which oversees the hatchery operating in the area while GNPower Dinginin Ltd Co. a company operating a coal-fired power plant in Mariveles, Bataan, supports the Foundation.

GNPD considered the event as a significant milestone in its ongoing efforts to protect and preserve the province's marine biodiversity.

In July last year, the firm, which is part of the Aboitiz Power conglomerate, signed a three-year agreement worth P4.3 million with the provincial government of Bataan. 

Since the signing of the agreement, the breeding ground has released a total of 10,926 hatchlings from a total of 15,587 pawikan eggs conserved. 

The turtle hatchery program is part of GNPD's corporate social responsibility project which has already generated 158 pawikan nests from which 107 have already hatched and released into the wild. 

Gracing the event were Bataan 3rd District Rep. Maria Angela Garcia, Raphael de Leon of the provincial environment office, Sagip Pawikan Foundation president Arnold Mendoza, Poblacion barangay chairman Jerson Garcia, and GNPD assistant vice president for community relations Arcel Madrid. (Barangay Reporter) 

150 Valenzuela Barangay Health Workers get TESDA Training and Certification

The Valenzuela City Health Office, in partnership with Technical Education and Skills Development Authority or TESDA, conducted recently a Barangay Health Service NC II Training Certification to some 150 Barangay Health Workers (BHW) of various barangays in the city. 

The Certificates of Completion were given last January 29, 2024 at the Valenzuela City Auditorium..  

PHOTO CREDIT: SAKSI Balitang Totoo Ngayon

These 150 BHWs consist of  trainees in five batches who underwent a series of extensive training, lectures and demonstration from October to December last year.  The program aims to increase the knowledge and skills of the BHWs in the provision of health services in the barangays. 

Some of the skills that the BHWs acquired from the short course were applying basic first aid; working within a community development framework; implementing health promotion and community interventions and immediate response to emergency situations, among others. 

After completing the training course, BHWs were assessed by TESDA staff and were evaluated if they are eligible for the NC II Certification.

Mayor WES Gatchalian was happy about the outcome of the training because 100% of the trainees passed the TESDA assessment. 

He also shared his future plans for the Barangay Health Workers. He said that the ALS Building in Barangay Parada is being renovated because he wants to have a permanent school for the BHWs not only for Valenzuela but for the whole country. 

The trainees are happy too about the program. A 10-year BHW veteran from Barangay Coloong, Ms. Heidie Yongco shared the importance of being a BHW NC II certified.  

She said that the training helped in boosting their confidence especially when they are doing field work in the barangays. They're very thankful to Mayor Wes because they underwent this kind of training. 

Alongside the awarding of the NC II certificates, the City Health Office also recognized with Loyalty Certification the continuous satisfactory service of the BHWs who rendered 10, 15, and 20 years of service. 

Prior to this graduation, the first batch of 31 BHWs also graduated from the same course in 2023. 

The initiative was in partnership with the Synergeia Foundation and Johnson and Johnson. The City Government through its City Health Office are now planning the next batches of BHW trainees that will undergo the TESDA course to cover all the 326 barangay health workers in the City.

The unceasing support given to all the Health Workers reflects the commitment of the City Government to upholding the best quality, professional, and efficient health services to every family in the city.

Also gracing the event were Vice Mayor Lorie Natividad-Borja, City Health Officer Dr. Marthony Basco, BHW Medical Coordinator Dr. Michael Joseph Co, and City Barangay Nutrition Workers or  BNWs (Source: SAKSI).