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).

Hidden talents of Cotabato barangay residents revealed

The Department of Trade and Industry's One Town, One Product (OTOP) program has opened doors to many micro, small and medium-scale enterprises (MSMEs) all over the country including the province of Cotabato.

PHOTO CREDIT: PIA Region 12

In the province, the program has played a significant role in improving small businesses and changing the lives of their owners.

Like in the case of Sherile Velasco of Barangay Kalasuyan in Kidapawan City and owner and manager of the Art of Velasco who shared the impact of being a recipient of the DTI program.

She said that with the OTOP Program of the DTI, she was exposed to skills training and seminars that enhanced her capabilities to start and manage her own business.

Her business, The Art of Velasco, located in Kidapawan City, is a souvenir shop where the public can purchase different souvenir items and customized handicrafts.

Velasco described the OTOP program as a life-changing intervention.

She added that yes she have the determination and skills, but it was the program that helped her to elevate her products to a new level and to think big.

Meanwhile, Shiela Livera, owner of SJC Food Products in Kidapawan City, said DTI deserves to be given a "perfect score" when it comes to the impact of its programs on beneficiaries.

If I were to rate DTI’s assistance from one to 10, it would be a 10 because the SJC would not have been recognized without the DTI, she pointed out.

Livera said that through the various trainings she attended under the OTOP program, she was able to improve the packaging and labeling aspects of her products, particularly their best-selling "Kape Kidapawan."

Explaining in Filipino, "the packaging of our products greatly improved; you wouldn’t be ashamed to market them, she said, recalling how she used to pay P500 to P600 before just for the layout outsourcing of her products’ labels.

Velasco and Livera are just two of the many beneficiaries of the OTOP program in the province of Cotabato and the entire Soccsksargen, whose lives changed because of the DTI's initiative and determination to help MSMEs improve their businesses to be competitive and on par with the others in the country.

Through the OTOP program, both business owners said their income has gained traction over the years. The Art of Velasco now earns P300,000 to P400,000 annually, while SJC Food Products’ Kape Kidapawan is earning a profit of P23,000 to almost P30,000 per month.

Until now, DTI has continuously sent them to exhibits and fairs, enabling them to create and strengthen linkages with potential markets. (Source: Philippine Information Agency)

33 barangays in Angeles City to get a garbage truck each

In a recent meeting with the Punong Barangays of Angeles City, Mayor Carmelo Lazatin Jr. turned over 33 garbage trucks for each of the 33 barangays in the city.

PHOTO CREDIT: FB Page of Mayor Carmelo Lazatin Jr.

During the meeting, the Mayor also discussed the schedule of the distribution of the garbage trucks.

Each of the trucks from the city government goes to every barangay to help them solve the solid waste management problem in their respective communities.

“This will be a huge comfort and relief not just to the barangay officials but more to the Angeleños, in order to maximize our city’s resources for the waste collection,” according to Mayor Lazatin. 

Aside from the turnover and distribution of the trucks, the mayor also discussed the drug situation in the city and asked the barangay officials to adopt the drug-free workplace policy in their respective barangays.

This includes random and mandatory drug testing for all barangay officials and personnel. (Barangay Reporter)

New barangay hall inaugurated in Cotabato City

A new barangay hall  was recently inaugurated and officially handed over to the local community in Barangay Biniruan, Poblacion 9, in the City of Cotabato.

This project was made possible with the initiative of Mayor Bruce Matabalao and the support of the BARMM Ministry of Interior and Local Government (MILG)

Photo Credit: Facebook 

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The BARMM MILG officials and local government saw the importance of working together in accomplishing the project for community development, despite the many challenges they encountered.

The ceremony signals a new chapter for Barangay Biniruan where transparency, efficiency, and the sense of determination will guide those who work in the barangay.

The construction of the new barangay hall do not only reflect the able stewardship of the current administration but the aspiration of every citizen of Cotabato who seek a better future for themselves. (Barangay Reporter)

STUDY: 'Barangay Officials - The Backbone of Local Governance in the Philippines’

The HKPH Public Opinion and Research Center, in collaboration with the Asia Research Center based in Hong Kong, has recently conducted a comprehensive nationwide study on barangay officials in the Philippines.

This study brings to light the critical role these officials play in the country’s administrative framework. Responsible for maintaining local peace and order, barangay officials work closely with law enforcement agencies to ensure the safety and security of residents.

Additionally, their pivotal role extends to delivering essential social services, including health, education, and welfare programs, significantly impacting the lives and well-being of community members.

In a national independent survey conducted from November 3-10, 2023, a substantial level of satisfaction was observed among Filipinos regarding the integration of barangay officials into local government units.

Approximately 70% of respondents expressed contentment with their roles and contributions to the governance structure of the Philippines, underscoring their importance in addressing community needs and expectations.

In a significant endorsement of leadership within this sector, Eden Chua-Pineda, the National President of the Liga ng mga Barangay sa Pilipinas, received robust support from barangay officials nationwide.

Eden Chua-Pineda, the National President of the Liga ng mga Barangay

Garnering an impressive 80% performance rating, Chua-Pineda’s tenure has been marked by commendable leadership and effective policy implementation, despite the varied challenges across different regions.

Additionally, the Liga’s membership, exceeding 42,000, has voiced strong support for the continuation of Chua-Pineda’s leadership following recent barangay elections. This level of backing highlights her effectiveness, policy implementation skills, and overall impact on local governance in the Philippines, reinforcing her credibility and the organization’s unity under her guidance.

Moreover, the role of barangay officials extends to being first responders in natural disasters and emergencies, contributing significantly to risk reduction and damage mitigation. They also play a vital role in fostering local economic development, supporting small businesses, and creating employment opportunities at the community level.

Furthermore, their involvement in public administration enhances community engagement and participation in governance processes, ensuring that the voices of community members are adequately represented.

The performance evaluations of barangay officials are vital in maintaining accountability and transparency within local governance. These evaluations serve as a foundational tool for building trust and confidence among community members, ensuring officials are directly answerable for their actions and decisions.

By identifying areas that require improvement, these evaluations also enhance service delivery efficiency, aligning services with community-specific needs.
Additionally, performance evaluations are key to capacity building and policy implementation, identifying training and development needs that lead to targeted capacity-building programs.

These programs enhance officials’ skills and professionalism and assist in refining local and national policies, making them more responsive to local contexts and needs. Continuous performance checks also promote good governance, encouraging officials to consistently uphold fairness, integrity, and public interest.

In conclusion, the study and subsequent survey findings underscore the indispensable role of barangay officials in the Philippines. Their wide-ranging responsibilities and significant impact on services make them a cornerstone of the country’s administrative system.

Regular assessments of their performance ensure they meet their responsibilities efficiently and transparently, aligning with national objectives and local community needs, reflecting their critical role in the fabric of Philippine local governance. (Source:  The Manila Standard)

25,000 community gardens established under PBBM’s “Kalinisan Day” campaign

 MANILA -- From eight gardens implemented in 2023, there are now 25,000 barangays with community gardens in the country under the “Kalinisan Day” campaign of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.

An urban community garden in Taguig City. Photo by: Spot

This was bared over the weekend by Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Undersecretary Chito Valmocina who said that this was part of the accomplishments of the “Kalinisan Day” campaign which was launched on January 6 through Memorandum Circular 41.

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Through this program, the barangays are enjoined to have community gardens, which will be planted with eighteen vegetables as inspired by the song “Bahay Kubo” while the barangays are expected to giveaway seedlings to their constituents.

Funding for the project will come from the respective barangay’s budget instead from the national government.

Valmocina said that urban farming of fruits and vegetables will help address food security issues, aid poverty, and alleviate the impact of global warming

“Kasi po ang kadugtong nitong paglilinis ay iyong pagtatanim ng mga gulay. [A]t iyong pagtatanim ay napakalawak po ang maso-solve na problema niyan – iyong kalinisan, kagutuman, kahirapan, kalusugan, kalikasan, climate change at saka global warming,” Valmocina said.

He said the DILG sees the need to sustain the clean-up drive campaign of the Marcos administration to ensure the non-stop implementation of the “Kalinisan Day”. “Dapat continuous iyong paglilinis na ginagawa ng mga barangay. Alam natin na iyong ginawang memorandum circular ng ating Pangulo ay para talagang tutukan at saka talagang i-maintain,” Valmocina said.

Valmocina said the DILG led 42,000 barangays; 1,700 cities; and 82 provinces in carrying out the community cleanup drive that included community gardens and fisheries.

He also lauded the local government of Quezon City for having 1,200 sites of vegetables, encouraging every community to emulate the initiatives as he emphasized that planting such crops is economical and promotes a healthier lifestyle.

“Ang kinakain po talaga ngayon ng mga mahihirap puro noodles, noodles at saka sardinas kasi iyong ang mura,” Valmocina said.

“Lahat po ng sektor ay talagang ini-encourage dito kasi ang unang makikinabang dito ay senior citizen, mga kabataan. Kasi ang daming malnourished sa atin, bihira na iyong kumakain ng gulay. So ito po ay talagang malawak at mahabang pagpapaliwanag kung paano natin ma-encourage iyong lahat ng sektor para talagang ipakita natin bakit sa ibang bansa nagawa nila lahat iyong pagtatanim ng mga fruit-bearing na iyan; iyong gulayan, talagang in-improve nila,” he added.

Valmocina assured the DILG is aggressively working towards a cleaner and healthier community for all as directed by President Marcos.

“Ito pong aming ginagawa ngayon ay talagang pinapakita namin sa Malacañang, sa ating Presidente na talaga seryoso ngayon at lahat ng agency ay talagang minu-monitor po,” he said.

President Marcos has said community development encompasses not just cleanliness as it also includes “children’s welfare, crime prevention, climate change adaptation, capacitating institutions to resolve local disputes, community health and nutrition, commerce and trade.” (Original Story from PIA)