Two villages in this city are now shifting to renewable energy.
Barangays Bulaon and Panipuan have signed a memorandum of agreement (MoA) each with a provider of solar power system to illuminate their areas using renewable energy.
Mayor Vilma Balle-Caluag, who introduced the project to San Fernando barangay councils, witnessed the MoA signing between the villages and Majestic Synergy Ventures, Inc. on Friday at their respective Barangay halls. READ MORE
BARANGAY NEWS AND EVENTS NATIONWIDE
Three barangays in Batangas installed with solar-powered water supply system. The Department of Public Works and Highways in Calabarzon (Region IV-A) has announced the completion of three solar water system projects in Batangas province that are expected to provide residents with reliable supply.
In a phone interview on Thursday, engineer Jehela Roxas, head of the agency's 4th District Engineering Office (DEO), shared details about the integration of solar power technology into water systems in Barangay Castillo, Padre Garcia town; Barangay Catandala in Ibaan; and Barangay San Guillermo in Lipa City.
He said the projects were funded under the General Appropriations Act of 2023 at a total cost of PHP10 million. The care and maintenance of these facilities are supervised by the respective beneficiary barangays. READ MORE
Mandaue City barangay site of new Super Health Center (Cebu Philippines October 19, 22024) THE Mandaue City Health Office (MCHO) hopes to begin construction of the Super Health Center in Barangay Centro by the end of 2024 amid delays in the bidding process.
Dr. Debra Catulong, head of MCHO, told reporters on Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, that the project, a collaboration between the Mandaue City Government and the Department of Health (DOH), aims to provide better healthcare services for residents.
“The bidding process is still ongoing, which has caused delays, but we are pushing to start construction this year,” she said, expressing concern that any further delay could impact the center’s opening, initially targeted for 2025. READ MORE
Comelec suspends plebiscites and other special polls to give way to Barangay, SK and other elections scheduled in 2025. The Commission on Elections has temporarily suspended the holding of plebiscites and the special Sangguniang Kabataan polls until December 2025 to give way to next year's three elections.
The Comelec en banc decided to reschedule these to focus on preparations for three elections in 2025: the midterm polls, the Bangsamoro parliamentary elections in May and the Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections.
The poll body has described 2025 as a "super election year," according to state-run news agency Philippine News Agency. READ MORE
Training on pili nut production held in Barangay Gamot in Albay. To diversify agricultural products and boost market potential, members of the Gamot, Luya, Dalogo Farmers Association (GALUDA FA) in Polangui, Albay, completed successfully a training on the research and development of pili nut-based products.
The one-day session, organized by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) of Albay, was held at their office in Barangay Gamot, Polangui.
In a statement, Maria Eugenia M. Alteza, DAR-Albay Provincial Agrarian Reform Program Officer, highlighted the agency’s commitment to empowering farmers by encouraging them to not only improve their agricultural practices but also to explore innovative ventures that can open better economic opportunities. READ MORE
Barangay treasurer found guilty of malversation of public funds by the Sandigan Bayan. The Sandiganbayan has denied the appeal filed by a barangay treasurer and affirmed the Baguio regional trial court (RTC) in finding him guilty of four counts of malversation of public funds in connection to the cash prizes of a 2011 Sangguinan Kabataaan (SK) sportsfest.
In a 27-page decision written by Associate Justice Ronald Moreno dated September 17, the anti-graft court’s third division found Barangay Camp 7 treasurer Rommel Beltran guilty and affirmed a prison term of up to 10 years.
“He shall also suffer the penalty of perpetual disqualification from holding any public office,” the court said. READ MORE
Former barangay kagawad says Chinese POGOs were in Cagayan de Oro as early as 2018. Former Barangay Councilor Engr. Elmer Cotiamco has confirmed a significant influx of Chinese nationals in Barangay Cugman since his tenure began in 2018.
Cotiamco revealed that these Chinese individuals, aged between 20-35, frequently visited his spouse’s parlor, often accompanied by interpreters for grooming services.
In an exclusive interview of Bombo Radyo’s Zona Libre Program, Cotiamco admitted that the local council was initially unaware of a POGO (Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator) hub operating within the Alwana Business Park. READ MORE
Art expression walls proposed in every Baguio City barangays. City Council, during last Monday’s regular session, approved on first reading a proposed ordinance designating an art expression wall or walls in each of the city’s one hundred twenty eight barangays and providing guidelines for the said purpose.
Under the proposed ordinance authored by Councilor Leandro B. Yangot, Jr., each barangay shall designate an art expression wall in its jurisdiction that those interested in using or painting something on the said wall must first coordinate with the concerned barangay for proper scheduling of activities to prevent chaos.
Further, persons qualified and approved by the barangay to paint on the said walls shall use non-toxic lead-free and water-based paints. READ MORE
Cebu City barangay gets new ambulance. Acting Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia, along with Councilor Jaypee Labella, recently led the turnover of a brand-new ambulance to the officials of Barangay Apas. The ceremony took place at the Plaza Sugbo Grounds, marking a significant step in enhancing the barangay's capacity for emergency response.
The handover of the ambulance underscores the City Government's commitment to equipping local barangays with the necessary tools to effectively respond to medical emergencies and disasters.
Acting Mayor Garcia emphasized that this initiative is part of the city’s broader mission to improve public health and safety services at the grassroots level, ensuring that communities have quick access to emergency medical care. READ MORE
Mercury leak detected in QC barangay. Toxic watchdog group BAN Toxics recently detected mercury leakage from a stockpile of busted fluorescent lamps stored in a barangay in Quezon City. Following a series of consultations by the group with barangays around the Quirino Memorial Medical Center (QMMC) for the Philippine Healthcare and mercury Wastes Management Project (PHCWMP), officials from Barangay Blue Ridge A informed BAN Toxics about their stockpile. READ MORE
Ilocos Norte barangay chairman shot dead outside his home. San Nicolas, Ilocos Norte—Barangay Chairman Francisco Bagay Jr., 45, was shot and killed outside his home in Barangay 5, San Silvestre, on the evening of 20 September 2024. Despite the immediate response from local police, details surrounding the motive for the attack and the number of gunshot wounds remain unclear.
According to a report from the llocos Norte Police Provincial Office, Bagay was sitting in the garage of his house when an unidentified man approached and shot him several times.
The suspect quickly fled the scene on a motorcycle driven by an accomplice. READ MORE
6 barangay residents in Palawan lost at sea found in Tawi-Tawi. The six residents of Balabac who went missing during the height of the southwest monsoon’s onslaught have finally returned home to Barangay Mangsee, reuniting with their families on Saturday, September 20.
The six individuals were reported missing due to adverse weather conditions while attempting to recover their boat, which had been displaced by rough seas on September 16.
They were rescued by the Philippine Coast Guard’s multi-role response vessel (MRRV 4403), BRP Malapascua, from Tawi-Tawi province after being swept away by strong waves. They were handed over to the PCG vessel by FV Queen Bee Star. READ MORE
1.3 km. floodwall cum recreational linear park spans three Valenzuela barangays. More than just a recreational spot, the Valenzuela Boardwalk plays a vital role in flood control. Acting as a barrier, it helps protect the city from potential flooding caused by water flow from neighbouring Meycauayan. Valenzuela Mayor Wes Gatchalian emphasised this dual purpose, stating, “Ito pong boardwalk natin ay hindi lamang pasyalan, kung hindi ho ay proteksyon para sa ating mga barangay” (This boardwalk is not only a recreational spot but also protection for our barangays).
To celebrate the boardwalk’s opening, the city held its inaugural "Valenzuela Walkathon," which saw around 200 senior citizens participating. The event also featured a free go-karting activity for children aged 4 to 7, making the boardwalk an exciting new spot for all ages.
At night, the boardwalk transforms with ambient lighting, making it even more enchanting. Whether you’re looking to enjoy a morning jog or a peaceful evening stroll, this new park offers a refreshing escape from the city's hustle. READ MORE
Suspended Iloilo City barangay chief seeks P100,000 damages from critics. San Isidro, Jaro barangay captain Ronela Juaneza has asked the City Council to dismiss for want of merit the complaint over alleged irregular release of barangay public funds.
In her 15-page answer, Juaneza also sought moral and exemplary damages totaling P100, 000 from the complainants for filing the complaint meant to “suit their whims and caprices and to harass” her administration.
“Instead of helping her and guiding her new administration, the old administration officials who are also her barangay kagawad are adamant about watching her fail. Like a fish in the fishbowl, her young administration is put to the test,” read Juaneza’s reply through her lawyer, Karen Edaniel. READ MORE
ABOUT BARANGAY REPORTER
Barangay Reporter is an online newsletter in blog format dedicated to reporting barangay news and events nationwide. Sent by email to readers, it is published primarily for barangay officials who could benefit from the useful ideas and information contained in every issue. It was founded in 2014 by the Publisher/Editor, Mauricio I. Miranda Jr., a Makati-born and raised business executive and consultant who strongly believes that strong barangays are the foundations of a strong nation. Upon retirement from the corporate sector, he immersed himself for 3 years as a volunteer ‘Lupon’ member in a barangay in Rizal where he is residing, to study and understand how barangays function.
Contributors are welcome to submit manuscripts in Word or WordPad format on barangay-related stories on best practices in barangay governance and development. Just write to the Publisher/Editor at brgyreporter@gmail.com. or call tel. 0968–8549256 for more details of manuscript submission guidelines.
“The success of the government is in the hands of every barangay” - Gen. Eduardo Año (Ret.), Former DILG Secretary
