LGU Accomplishments - December 2020

GOOD GOVERNANCE

LGU Employees: "Thank You Mayor & Ma'am Niña!"

Noong nakaraang linggo ay naatasan ang Human Resource Management Office sa pangunguna ni Gng. Nora Zafra na ipamahagi sa mga LGU employees ang pamaskong regalo ng butihing Mayor Cezar T. Quiambao at Ma'am Niña Jose-Quiambao. Lubos siyempre ang pasasalamat ng bawat isa sa mga natanggap na mga libreng uniporme, ilang kilong bigas, at iba pang handog sa mga opisyal ng LGU at kani-kanilang staff. Mula nang pag-upo niya sa 2016 ay nakaugalian na ni Mayor Quiambao ang magdonate ng uniporme at iba pang mga gamit sa mga empleyado ng LGU.

LGU Year-End Assessment & Strategic Planning

Dahil sa pandemya ay minabuti ng pamahalaang lokal na magsagawa ng magkakahiwalay na 2020 Year-End Assessment at 2021 Strategic Planning kada LGU department, di tulad nang nakasanayang minsanan at lahatang pagpupulong. Ito ay upang hindi maging hadlang ang restriksyon sa pagkukumpulan sa pagrerebyu ng mga accomplishments kada department at unit sa taong 2020 at ang pagtatakda ng mga inaasahang output sa bawat kawani sa darating na taon.

LIVELIHOOD

Corn Husk Novelty Items

Nagtungo ang Agricultural Training Institute – Regional Training Center 1 sa Bayambang noong December 1-3 para sa “Barangay-Based Skills Training on Corn Byproducts Utilization: Processing Corn Husk into Novelty Items” na ginanap sa pangunguna ng Municipal Agriculture Office. Isa ang mais sa pangunahing produkto ng bayan, at sa pamamagitan ng programang ito ay magagamit na ang mga byproduct ng mga mais sa paggawa ng ibang produkto, marami pang mabibigyan ng trabaho para sa paggawa at pagbebenta nito. 

Pig Dispersal Project ng RC Bayambang, Nagpatuloy

Rotary Club of Bayambang continues to open opportunities for fellow Bayambangueños. Noong December 16, nagpatuloy ang Rotary Club sa pig dispersal project nito nang ang mga myembro ay magpamahagi ng alagang baboy sa mga napiling benepisyaryo sa Brgy. Hermoza. 

EMPLOYMENT

Thank You, Cong. Arenas, for TUPAD Program!

Maagang pamasko ang natanggap ng mga lokal na benepisyaryo ng programang Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers o TUPAD program ng DOLE, sa ginanap na turnover ceremony noong December 21 sa Balon Bayambang Events Center at Brgy. Dusoc. Ito ay sa pamamagitan ng advance na pasweldo sa kanila kahit na hindi pa natatapos ang labing-anim na araw ng kanilang napagkasunduang serbisyo. Ang programa ay pinangunahan ng Municipal Administrator, BPRAT, PESO-Bayambang at DOLE-Central Pangasinan. Bawat isa sa mahigit na 500 na benepisyaryo ay tumanggap ng P5,500, salamat sa pagdala ng programang ito sa Bayambang ni Congresswoman Arenas.

FINANCIAL ADMINISTRATION & TAXATION

Tax Bill Distribution 

Noong December 2, namahagi ng mga Tax Bill ang Assessor’s Office kasama ang Treasury Office sa mga barangay ng District 2, kabilang ang Bongato East, Bongato West, Iton, Manambong Norte, Manambong Sur, Manambong Parte, Pantol, Paragos, at San Gabriel 2nd.

Problema sa Informal Settlers ng PSU, Tinugunan ng Local Housing Board

Noong December 9, nagsagawa ng pulong sa Balon Bayambang Events Center ang Local Housing Board sa pakikipagtulungan ng Municipal Assessor’s Office at ng mga barangay officials ng Zone 6 tungkol sa lupa ng PSU-Bayambang Campus (PSU-BC) at sa mga informal settlers doon. Ito ay upang maisaayos na ang matagal nang di pagkakaunawaan ng dalawang kampo ukol sa property dispute sa lugar. Sa pagpupulong ay naging mediator ang Municipal Administrator, kasama ang Chief of Police, POSO Chief, Municipal Engineer, Municipal Assessor, at MPDC.

Final Briefing para sa Mangabul Claimants

Noong December 12 ay nagpatawag ng final briefing ang Assessor's Office sa Events Center sa lahat ng bona fide claimant farmers ukol sa awarding ng Mangabul Reservation lots para sa mga ito. Naroon si Mayor Quiambao at Sangguniang Bayan members, kasama ang buong pwersa ng Mangabul Task Force, na kumausap sa mga officers at members ng Federation of Free Farmers-Mangabul Chapter. Natalakay sa final briefing ang ukol sa preparasyon ng tax declaration, pag-check ng legitimacy of ownership, at pagtitulo ng CENR Office base sa inaasahang deklarasyon ng  Mangabul Reservation bilang isang alienable at disposable land. 

HEALTH 

RT-PCR Testing

Noong December 2, nagsagawa ang RHU I ng RT-PCR testing sa San Gabriel 1st Isolation Facility para sa mga naging close contact ng isang COVID-19 patient at ng isang person deprived of liberty. Pinapaalalahanan ang lahat na mayroon pa rin pong pandemya at kasalukuyan pa rin tayong nasa ilalim ng Modified General Community Quarantine, kaya't kailangan pa rin ng ibayong pag-iingat.  

Congrats, LGU-Bayambang Health Department!

Congratulations sa ating buong Health Department sa pagiging 5th place sa 10th Annual Provincial Health Summit and 2019 LGU Scorecard Awarding Ceremony noong December 10, 2020 sa Lingayen, Pangasinan.

4Q Blood Drive Yields 113 Bags 

Bago matapos ang taon ay nag-organisa ang RHU I at II ng isa na namang Blood Donation Drive noong December 14 sa Events Center, katuwang ang Region I Medical Center, Kasama Kita sa Barangay Foundation, at Local Council of Women. Kahit may pandemya pa rin ay may 113 bags ng dugo ang nakolekta. Ang mga blood donors ay nakatanggap ng libreng T-shirt mula sa Kasama Kita sa Barangay Foundation. Mayroon din silang karagdagang natanggap na limang kilong bigas mula kay Mayora Niña Jose-Quiambao.

LGU, Quiambao Family Donates P55M Medical Equipment & Supplies 

Ang LGU at ang pamilya Quiambao, sa pamamagitan ng Kasama Kita Sa Barangay Foundation, ay nag-donate ng iba't-ibang medical supplies at equipment na nagkakahalaga ng humigit-kumulang na P55M sa Urdaneta District Hospital, Bayambang District Hospital, Pangasinan Provincial Hospital, at Region 1 Medical Center.  Sa tulong ng MDRRMO at RHU II, ang mga nasabing donasyon ay matagumpay na naipamahagi sa mga nasabing ospital noong December 16 at 17.

Dr. Fernandez, Outstanding Filipino Physician for 2020

Pinarangalan si Dr. Henry Fernandez bilang Outstanding Filipino Physician for 2020 sa isang online ceremony na idinaos ng Philippine Medical Association at Junior Chamber International Senate Philippines noong December 19. Ito ay bila pagkilala sa kanyang mahabang panahon ng pagsisilbi sa mga kababayan bilang isang duktor ng bayan na walang kapaguran sa pagtulong lalo na sa mga mahihirap.

EDUCATION

Salamat MCTQ sa Nursery Books!

 Tuwang-tuwa ang mga Child Development Learners (CDLs) sa donasyong aklat ni Mayor Cezar T. Quiambao. Ang higit 2,000 na "Mathemagic" nursery books ay inumpisahan nang ipamahagi sa kanila sa pamamagitan ng kanilang mga Child Development Workers. Kasabay nito ay ang distribusyon din ng Early Childhood Care Development (ECCD) Checklist galing sa MSWDO. Ang ECCD Checklist ay ginagamit para sa monitoring at assessment ng mga characteristics ng bawat bata.

Mayor CTQ, Nagdonate ng mga Kagamitan sa Modular Learning

Sa Quarterly Meeting ng Local School Board (LSB) sa ilalim ni Dr. Rolando Gloria noong December 9 sa Niñas Café, nag-donate si Mayor Cezar Quiambao sa mga guro ng DepEd Bayambang District I at II ng mga equipment at supplies bilang pagsuporta sa bagong sistema ng edukasyon na modular learning. May 26 na laptop, 26 na printer, 13,000 reams ng coupon bond, at apat na Risograph machines ang naipamahagi gamit ang pondo ng LGU at Special Education Fund, kasama na rito ang donasyong sahod ni Mayor Quiambao. Tinatayang limang milyong piso ang kabuuang halaga ng mga donasyong gamit, na makakatulong upang mapagaan ang pagtuturo ng mga guro sa araw-araw.

Library Information Services Month 2020

Noong Lunes ay tinanggap ng mga nagwagi sa Digital Library Logo-Making Contest ng Bayambang Municipal Library ang kanilang napanalunang premyo. Ayon kay Municipal Librarian Leonarda Allado, ang nanalong entry ay gagamitin bilang official logo ng Municipal Library para sa mga opisyal na transaksyon nito.  Ang patimpalak na ito ay parte ng pagdiriwang ng 30th Library Information Services Month 2020. 

OTHER SOCIAL SERVICES

Pa-Noche Buena sa Quarantine Facility

Sa tulong ng POSO at MDRRMO na naka-duty sa gitna ng Kapaskuhan, ang ating butihing Mayor, Dr. Cezar Quiambao, ay nagpahanda ng isang simpleng noche buena para sa lahat ng nasa quarantine facilities ng LGU upang may pagsaluhan ang mga ito sa pagdiriwang ng Pasko.   

Drive-Thru Breakfast for a Cause 

Noong December 6, naging panauhing pandangal sina Vice-Mayor Raul Sabangan at Councilor Martin Terrado II sa isang Drive-Thru Breakfast for a Cause na isinagawa ng mga lokal na NGOs sa St. Vincent Ferrer Prayer Park kabilang ang MANGOs, Reaction 166-Animal Kingdom Base Radio Communication Group, Xtreme Riders Club Pangasinan, at Bayambang Bayanihan Lions Club Intl. Ang nalikom na salapi sa fund-raising project na ito ay para sa kanilang mga proyekto tulad ng Bahay ni Juan Project, isang housing project para sa mga indigent na residente ng bayan.

Pamaskong Handog sa 77 Barangays

Noong mga nakaraang linggo, sa pangunguna ni Vice-Mayor Raul Sabangan at mga Sangguniang Bayan members, nilibot ng Team Quiambao-Sabangan ang 77 na barangay ng Bayambang upang maghatid ng munting pamaskong handog. Ang handog na bigas, face shield, face mask, at kalendaryo ay galing sa Kasama Kita sa Barangay Foundation at pamilya ni Mayor Cezar Quiambao. Hatid din ng team ang mensahe ng pag-asa at ang naisin na masaya pa rin nating sasalubungin ang darating na Pasko at Bagong Taon sa kabila ng pandemya.

Pamaskong Handog sa Kabataan 2020 

Year 18 na ang tradisyunal na Pamaskong Handog para sa kabataang Bayambangueño! Ngunit sa halip na magtipon-tipon sa Events Center gaya ng nakagawian, ipinamahagi na lang ng mga Child Development Workers sa kani-kanilang barangay ang mga nasabing Pamaskong Handog na bigay ng Kasama Kita sa Barangay Foundation. May 2,816 child development learners o daycare pupils ang nakatanggap ng mga regalo na naglalaman ng face mask, loot bag na may laruan, at food pack.

NGOs Give Gifts to CWDs

Sa kasagsagan ng Pasko ay naghatid ng tuwa at saya ang iba't-ibang NGOs ng Bayambang katuwang ang LGU sa mga batang may kapansanan na nakatira sa iba't-ibang barangay. Kabilang sa mga naglibot ang Bayambang Municipal Association of Non-Governmental Organizations, Reaction 166-Animal Kingdom Base Radio Communication Group, Xtreme Riders Club Pangasinan, at Bayambang Bayanihan Lions Club International. Kasama rin sina Vice-Mayor Raul Sabangan at Councilor Philip Dumalanta.

Pamaskong Handog ng LGU sa CWDs

Noong December 28 and 29, 120 na children with disability (CWD) mula sa iba’t=-iang barangay ang tumanggap ng gift packs mula sa Kasama Kita sa Barangay Foundation at school supplies mula sa STAC-Bayambang.

TOURISM, CULTURE AND ARTS

Rizal Day 2020

Noong December 30 sa may Rizal Monument, nagdaos ang LGU ng komemorasyon ng Araw ni Rizal sa pangunguna ni Vice-Mayor Raul Sabangan at mga Sangguniang Bayan members. Dito ay sinariwa ang kadakilaan ng ating pambansang bayani, partikular na ang kontribusyon nito sa pulitika at panitikan. Sa okasyong ito ay hinimok ang lahat ng Bayambangueño na tularan ang mga nagawang kabutihan ni Rizal: ang pag-aalay ng sarili para sa ikauunlad ng bayan. 

PEACE AND ORDER & PUBLIC SAFETY

Thank You Smart sa T-Shirt at Signages

Nag-donate ang Smart Communications ng daan-daang T-shirt para sa mga rehistradong tricycle drivers sa bayan noong December 21, salamat sa pakikipag-ugnayan sa kanila ni Councilor Banjamin Francisco de Vera. Kasabay nito ay ang pag-upgrade ng Smart sa mga signages ng Balon Bayambang Tricycle Terminal. Ang donasyon ay itinurn-over kay Councilor De Vera ng mga kinatawan ng Smart Communications, at nakatakdang ipamahagi ito sa mga drivers sa Tricycle Terminal.

Rehabilitation Program for Drug Surrenderers

Bawat Bayambangueño ay binibigyan ng pagkakataon na magkaroon ng mas maayos at magandang pamumuhay, kaya naman sa pagtutulong-tulong ng RHU, PNP-Bayambang, at Kasama Kita sa Barangay Foundation, Inc. ay inorganisa ang Community-Based Drug Rehabilitation Program sa Bayambang Events Center noong December 2 upang tulungan ang mga drug surrenderers na tumigil at lumayo sa bisyo para sa mas mabuting kinabukasan para sa kanila at sa kanilang mga pamilya.  

MADAC Recovery and Wellness Program

Noong December 29, nagsagawa ng Wellness and Recovery Program ang Municipal Anti-Drug Abuse Council sa pangunguna ni Col. Norman Florentino, Dr. Paz Vallo, at MLGOO Royolita Rosario. Muling nangaral si Col. Florentino sa mga reformists ukol sa mga dahilan ng pagkalulong sa ilegal na droga. Ang mga nagsipagdalo ay nakatanggap mula kay Mayor Cezar Quiambao ng libreng medical check-up, dental services, haircut, at ilang kilong bigas.

Mga Magnanakaw, Tiklo sa POSO

Sa magkahiwalay na insidente noong December 7 at 9, hinuli ng POSO personnel sa ilalim ni Col. Leonardo Solomon ang dalawang lalaking may dalang sako na may lamang sari-saring grocery items matapos silang nakitang lumalabag sa umiiral na curfew.  Napag-alamang taga-Brgy. Bituag, Urbiztondo, ang mga salarin, na umaming ninakaw ang mga grocery items sa pamilihahang bayan. Isang 28 anyos na babae mula sa Brgy. Sancagulis ang sumunod na hinuli dahil sa pagnanakaw ng assorted meat products. Ang mga suspek at nakaw na items ay kaagad na itinurn-over ng POSO sa pulisya.

LTOPF Caravan

Nagsagawa ang Regional Civil Security Unit 1 ng PNP ng isang License to Own and Possess Firearm & Firearm Registration Caravan sa Events Center noong December 17-18 sa tulong ng Bayambang Municipal Police Station at iba't-ibang departamento ng LGU. Malaking tulong ito sa mga lokal na gunowners dahil hindi na nila kailangang magtungo pa sa Camp PBGen. Rafael T. Crame, Quezon City, para sa aplikasyon at renewal ng naturang lisensya.

AGRICULTURAL MODERNIZATION

Post-Evaluation Survey of Farm Machineries

Nag-conduct ng post-evaluation survey ang Municipal Agriculture Office at Municipal Agriculture and Fisheries Council sa mga recipients ng farm machinery ng taong 2018, 2019, at 2020. Sila ay naglibot sa Brgy. Bacnono, Duera, Nalsian Sur, Telbang, Dusoc, Tamaro, Bongato West, Warding, San Gabriel 1st, at Malimpec para mag-inspeksyon, at napag-alamang karamihan sa mga farm machinery ay operational.

BFAR Beneficiaries Receive Cash for Work 

Tinanggap na ng 12 benepisyaryo sa Brgy. Warding ang kanilang sweldo para sa Cash-for-Work program na inihandog kamakailan ng Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources para sa kanila. 

Anti-Rabies Drive Goes to Cadre Site at Tococ East

Patuloy ang antirabies drive ng Municipal Veterinarian at ng kanyang team sa mga barangay. Sa nakaraang mga araw, sila ay nagbakuna ng mga alagang aso at pusa sa Brgy. Cadre Site at Brgy. Tococ East.

Monitoring of Cornfields 

Nagmonitor ang opisina sa mga maisan sa Brgy. Sancagulis upang imbestigahan ang posibleng pagsalanta ng fall army worm sa barangay. Sila ay nag-install ng lure traps upang makakalap ng datos ukol sa naturang peste.

Nag-conduct din ng monitoring and validation ang opisina ng mga recipient sa District 7 ng Asian corn mula sa Department of Agriculture-Regional Field Unit 1 Corn Banner Program matapos mapabalita ang weak growth performance ng mga itinanim na mais sa distrito.

Processing of Corn and Rice Production Loan  

Samantala, patuloy ang pagproseso ng tanggapan ng MAO, kasama ang Special Economic Enterprise at Bayambang Poverty Reduction Action Team, para sa corn at rice production loan ng LGU ng mga farmers na nag-avail nito. Sa kasalukuyan ay mayroong 298 loan applications ng local farmers ang pinoproseso, at marami sa mga ito ang aprubado na.

ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

Confiscation of Defective Weighing Scales

Patuloy ang monitoring ng Public Market sa mga timbangan sa palengke at pagkumpiska sa mga nakikitang depektibong weighing scale. Pinaalalahanan din ang publiko na mayroon tayong Timbangang Bayan sa gitna ng Meat Section kung nais ma madouble-check ang nabiling paninda.

Public Market Clearing Operation

Noong December 2 ay nag-clearing operation ang staff ng Office of Special Economic Enterprise upang linisin ang mga nakahambalang na paninda sa Pamilihang Bayan at panatilihin ang kaayusan sa lugar base sa napagkasunduang demarcation line. Kinakailangang panatilihin ang disiplina sa lugar upang patuloy na maging maaliwalas ang pamamalengke ng ating mga mamimili.

INFRASTRUCTURE DEVELOPMENT

Narito naman ang mga latest update sa infrastructure projects ng LGU:

Completed: Core Local Access Road in Langiran 

Ongoing: Construction of Canopy for PNP-Bayambang Station 

Core Local Access Road in Brgy. Malimpec

Core Local Access Road in Brgy. Ambayat 2nd

BayWad, Pinulong Ukol sa DPWH-NSSMP 

Noong December 23, pinulong ng LGU, sa pangunguna ni Mayor Cezar T. Quiambao at ng mga Sangguniang Bayan members, ang Bayambang Water District upang talakayin ang programa ng DPWH na National Sewerage and Septage Management Program. Sa ilalim ng programa, nakatakdang sagutin ng DPWH ang 50% ng gastos sa paggawa ng isang maayos na sewerage at septage system sa bayan ng Bayambang. Dito ay dumalo ang lahat ng myembro ng Board of Directors ng BayWad sa pangunguna ni General Manager Francis J. Fernandez.

ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION

Proposed 10-Year Solid Waste Management Plan

Sa pangunguna ni Mayor Cezar T. Quiambao at ng buong ESWM Office, matagumpay na dinepensahan ng LGU Bayambang ang 10-Year Solid Waste Management Plan sa DENR-Regional Office 1-Environmental Management Bureau. Ito naman ay agad na inaprubahan kaya asahan na magkakaroon ng mas maayos na sistema sa pagtatapon, pangongolekta at pag-aayos ng mga basura at pagpapanatili ng kaayusan ng kapaligiran. 

DISASTER RESILIENCY

Improvement Works at San Gabriel 1st Isolation Facility 

Puspusan ang pagsasaayos ng MDRRMO sa San Gabriel 1st Isolation Facility upang masigurong malinis ito at maayos para sa mga pasyente roon. Ongoing ang pagsesemento sa daan, pag-repair ng perimeter fence, pagrepair ng canopy sa may entrance, at iba pang improvement works sa pasilidad.

Radio Communication Tower Perimeter Fence 

Kasalukuyan ding ipinapagawa ng MDRRMO ang perimeter fence para sa radio communication tower nito upang masigurong ligtas ang pasilidad sa anumang banta sa seguridad.

Validation ng Nasalantang Kabahayan

Patuloy ang MDRRM Office, kasama ang Engineering Office, sa isinasagawang validation ng mga nasirang mga bahay dahil sa nagdaang bagyong Ulysses. Inaasahang mabibigyan ng tulong ng MSWDO ang mga nasalanta matapos ang validation work.

MDRRMO Goes to Isabela for Relief Operation

Noong December 18, bumyahe patungong Sta. Maria, Isabela, ang MDRRMO, RHU, MSWDO, at Budget Office upang dalhin doon ang mga relief goods na nakalap para sa mga nasalanta ng Bagyong Ulysses. 

P1.5M na Ayuda mula kay Sen. Imee

Noong December 16-17 sa Events Center at Royal Mall, naghandog ng P1.5M cash na ayuda si Senadora Imee Marcos sa LGU, at ito ay ipinamahagi sa mga lokal na magsasakang apektado ng nakaraang Bagyong Ulysses sa pamamagitan ng programang Assistance to Individuals in Crisis Situation ng DSWD. May 322 na magsasaka na inassess ng Agriculture Office mula sa listahang isinumite ng mga barangay ang nakatanggap kada isa ng P4,500 na cash. Ang natirang P51,000 ay inilaan na medical assistance para sa 17 katao, na nakatanggap ng P3,000 cash kada isa mula rito.

AWARDS

Special ADAC Awards 2020

DILG-Pangasinan congratulates LGU-Bayambang for sustaining its drug-free status in year 2020, as part of the Special Anti-Drug Abuse Council Awards or ADAC Awards 2020! Thanks to our Municipal Anti-Drug Abuse Council especially PNP-Bayambang, under PLtCol. Norman Florentino!

ICTO, Wagi Ulit sa Digital Governance Awards 2020 

Muling nagwagi ang ICT Office ng mga parangal sa ginanap na 2020 Digital Governance Awards ng Department of ICT noong December 11:

Champion – Best in LGU Internal Process Category for Integrated LGU System

2nd Place – Best Customer Empowerment Category for Market System with Handheld Device and Collection System

Finalist – Best in Business Empowerment Category for Business One-Stop-Shop with Queueing System

Editorial - December 2020 - Ating Tularan si Rizal

Ating Tularan si Rizal

Ang Disyembre 30, 2020 ay ika-124 anibersaryo ng pagkamartir ng ating pambansang bayaning si Dr. Jose Protacio Rizal sa Luneta. Ito naman ang pang-apat na taon ko ng pangunguna sa selebrasyon ng Araw ni Rizal bilang alkalde ng Bayambang, at hanggang ngayon ay di ako nagsasawang gumising ng maaga para rito. Marahil ay nahalata niyo na sa puntong ito na mataas ang aking paghanga kay Rizal -- sa kanyang pag-ibig sa bayan, sa kanyang marubdob na hangaring makita ang mga Pilipino na maging malaya at maayos ang pamumuhay.

Kahanga-hanga si Rizal lalo na sa kanyang paggamit ng panunulat upang lumaban sa mga mapang-aping mananakop, sa pagsasakripisyo ng sarili para sa bayan at kababayan. Ako ay natutuwa nang madiskubre ko mula kay DepEd Region 1 Education Program Supervisor, Dr. Johnson P. Sunga, ang ating naging panauhing pandangal sa SingKapital 2020, na ang Bayambang Municipal Library ay may kopya ng dalawang rare books: ang salin ng "Noli Me Tangare" at "El Filibusterismo" sa salitang Pangasinan. 

Si Rizal ay pinatay ng mga Kastila sa edad na 35, isang edadna maituturing pa ring edad ng kabataan. Itinuturo ni Rizal na hindi hadlang ang edad sa pagkakaroon ng masidhing pag-ibig sa tinubuang lupa. Ano man ang edad, edukasyon, at katayuan sa buhay -- kahit na sino sa atin ay may kapasidad na ialay ang buhay sa bayan, sa pamamagitan ng mga produktibong gawain na ikaangat ng marami, pagsisilbi sa mga kababayan ng walang pasubali at puno ng abilidad sa anumang larangan, lalo na roon kung saan ginalingan ni Rizal: sining at kultura, siyensiya at teknolohiya, industriya, serbisyo publiko, bilang isang estudyante, o bilang isang miyembro ng pamayanan. 

Dahil sa buong tapang na paghayag ng katotohanan upang makalaya sa hulagpos ng pagkaalipin, ngayon ay masasabi nating hindi namatay si Rizal ng walang saysay. Huwag sana nating balewalain ang pamanang ito ni Rizal sa ating bayan magpakailanman. Bagkus ay gawin nating isang ating tungkulin ang protektahan ang kalayaang ipinagbuwis niya ng buhay, ang gampanan ang ating kanya-kanyang tungkulin sa abot ng ating kakayahan, hindi lang para sa ating sariling kapakanan, kundi sa pangkalahatan.

Ating tularan lahat ang mga naging magandang ehemplo ni Dr. Rizal, di lamang sa salita kundi pati sa gawa, sa pagkakaroon ng prinsipyo sa kabila man ng banta sa ating pamilya, ari-arian, katayuan, o mismong buhay; sa pagkakaroon ng adbokasiya na handa nating pangatawanan habambuhay, katulad ng kalayaan ng ating bayan, karapatan ng mga naaapi, o paghayag ng katotohanan. 

Wika nga ni G. Sunga sa kanyang naging talumpati, sana ay dumating tayo sa puntong wala nang isang martir na magbubuwis ng buhay, sapagkat ito ay hindi na kinakailangan pa.

(Talumpati ni Mayor Cezar T. Quiambao sa Araw ni Rizal 2020)

LGU Awards 2020

•    2019 DILG Seal of Good Financial Housekeeping, January 31, 2020.

•    PESO Bayambang, Top Performer in 3 Categories during the Regional PESO Congress 2020 in Clark City, Pampanga

- Regional Winner, "for having the Highest Number of Participants Covered" in Career and Employment Coaching in 2019

- Winner for 1st to 2nd Class Municipalities "for having the Highest Number of Participants Covered" in Career and Employment Coaching in 2019 

- Winner "for having the Highest Number of Institutions Covered" in Career and Employment Coaching in 2019.

•    ESWMO Bayambang Qualifies for P200,000 Grant for Hazardous Waste Containment from DENR-Environment Management Bureau Regional Office No. 1 on June 4, 2020

•    Certificate of Appreciation for Municipal Cooperative Development Office from the Cooperative Development Authority-Region 1 "for the invaluable support and assistance in supporting the 1st online registered cooperative in 2020 as well as their assistance in promoting cooperative as a tool for poverty reduction" and Certificate of Recognition for the initiative and support services provided to cooperatives especially during the COVID-19 pandemic through the MCDO -- both on the Regional Cooperative Month Celebration, October 16, 2020

•    5th Place, 10th Annual Provincial Health Summit and 2019 LGU Scorecard Awarding Ceremony, December 10, 2020, Lingayen, Pangasinan

•    2020 Digital Governance Awards of Department of ICT, December 11, 2020

Champion – Best in LGU Internal Process Category for Integrated LGU System

2nd Place – Best Customer Empowerment Category for Market System with Handheld Device and Collection System

Finalist – Best in Business Empowerment Category for Business One-Stop-Shop with Queueing System

•    ADAC 2020 Awards - Drug-Cleared Status Sustained

LGU-Bayambang sustained its drug-free status in year 2020, as part of the Special Anti-Drug Abuse Council Awards or ADAC Awards 2020, thanks to our Municipal Anti-Drug Abuse Council especially PNP-Bayambang, under PLtCol. Norman Florentino.

• RHUs, Winner in DOH Writing Contest 

Bayambang' Rural Health Units, winner in the online writing contest by the Department of Health-Center for Health and Development Region I to highlight the LGU best practices in the implementation of Measles, Rubella, and Oral Polio Vaccine Supplemental Immunization Activity (MR OPV SIA) campaign in November 2020, with the title "Conquering the Battlefield as One Army"; awarded online December 29.

 

• CMCI 2020 Awards
 

LGU-Bayambang, #1 in Government Efficiency, #3 in Infrastructure, #3 in Resiliency, and #4 in Overall Competitiveness for 1st and 2nd Class Municipality Category in Region I and 62nd place overall nationwide, plus Early Bird Award “for submitting the first complete entry in the competition” during the Department of Trade and Industry's  Cities and Municipalities Competitiveness Index (CMCI) Awards 2020, given January 18, 2021, San Fernando City, La Union.

 

What’s Up with This Year’s Paskuhan?

What’s Up with This Year’s Paskuhan?
by Noellah Jeannica R. Macam

Christmas in Bayambang gets happier and happier every year.

Just as the noteworthy animated display seems overwhelming enough to appease our holiday yearnings, it is but one of the multitudes of entertainment stations Bayambang has to offer for Paskuhan 2019. With the latter encircling the main idea, “Christmas is for children and for children at heart”, its main premise in Bayambang Municipal Plaza keeps true as the center of enjoyment for people of all ages.

Starting with the OGs from year one, enveloping Paskuhan’s centerpiece are multifarious food stalls and bazaars that make food trips and Christmas shopping a lot more convenient and affordable. The former flourishes with two long rows of food stations offering a variety of food choices – from native street foods, Asian snacks, shakes, quick meals, and other twists to common commodities – that will surely fill anyone up. Meanwhile, the latter offers an assortment of toys, ready-to-wear merchandise, and countless accessories, making up for perfect gifts sold at reasonable prices.

And while magnificent Christmas lights and colorful parols have since turned Bayambang a glistening diamond during nighttime, enhancements parallel to this year’s Disney theme have taken this year’s theme to a more grandiose level. For instance, the mini-playground has been transformed into a Toy Story-themed amusement park, alongside the train station adorned with the influence of Frozen. The once-steady fountain area by the park’s main entrance plunged in the world of The Little Mermaid, with a loop of gleaming fishes serving as its unique crown.

But wait, there’s more: sprinkled along the plaza are multiple standees or photo booths where anyone can be their favorite Disney characters. As if that doesn’t seem enough, don’t worry – for TGIF fever is intensified in Paskuhan 2019, gathering awe-inspiring mascots in a parade of Disney characters every Friday afternoon. As a bonus, the persons behind the wonderfully portrayed characters are no other than fellow Pangasinenses themselves – local talents embodying creativity and ingenuity.

Behind the sparkle is the primary aim of upholding the town’s present status – progressive, full of hope brought about by the positive changes, and resolute in its fight against poverty. But despite Bayambang’s ceaseless march toward prosperity, gratitude towards the Lord Almighty who graced such enormous event is prioritized above all, with faith anchored on constant prayers to our patron Saint Vincent Ferrer.

Indeed, there are no bounds when it comes to joy brought about by Christmas time – especially in a blooming town like Bayambang. After all, its citizens never fail to fulfill their nature for which they are highly-acclaimed – happy and content with the place where the best things happen.

 

HUWARANG PAMILYA: The CASTAÑEDA family of Manambong Sur, Bayambang, Pangasinan

HUWARANG PAMILYA: The CASTAÑEDA family

of Manambong Sur, Bayambang, Pangasinan

 

With their humble dwelling and simple lifestyle, the Familia Castañeda of Manambong Sur, Bayambang, Pangasinan, may look like a typical beneficiary of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), but as they say, looks can be deceiving. Getting to know the members more deeply reveals how their journey out of poverty, so far, is nothing ordinary, considering the circumstances.

The father, Robert Castañeda, 46 years old, works mainly as a farmer, planting assorted vegetables including onion, tomatoes, chili, etc., together with other fellow farmers on somebody else’s plot of land. The mother, Ann Marie Lasquite Castañeda, 44 years old, works as a dressmaker.

They have four children, all girls: 18-year old Zsarhia Yvoune, 13-year old Rhoan Mae, 11-year old Camille Joy, and 10-year old Charree Gail. The youngest, Charree Gail, is a Grade 4 pupil at Manambong Sur Elementary School, while Camille Joy is Grade 6 in the same school. Rhoan Mae is Grade 8 at Bayambang National High School, while Zsarhia Yvoune is a freshman at the Pangasinan State University-Bayambang Campus for the academic year 2019-2020. The girls, especially Camille Joy, are doing well in their academic studies and extracurricular activities.

Family life

On a typical day, the Castañeda girls take turns in cooking, washing clothes, cleaning, and taking care of the backyard plants. 

The family members each strive to keep their dwelling sanitary and observe the law and local ordinances in dealing with their daily output of trash. They avoid burning their trash and segregate the biodegradables from the nonbiodegradables, especially the plastics. At the back of the house is a pit where the biodegradables are turned into compost.

To keep her family healthy, Ann Marie reveals that she makes sure there is sufficient daily serving of fresh meat or fish and vegetables and fruits. Their favorite dishes include pinakbet, monggo and adobong manok.

It is Robert’s policy that all members eat their meals at the same time, for he believes it is one simple way of keeping the family ties warm. They also attend Mass together and make it a point to eat out together from time to time whenever they can afford it.

How the family makes both ends meet

Today, Robert’s and Ann Marie’s collective earnings of about PhP4,500-5,000/month are not enough to make both ends meet. Fortunately, Robert has found additional work as the manager of a DSWD Sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP)-funded agricultural supplies store owned by Manambong Sur Farmers Association in their barangay, of which he is the President. The store sells fertilizers, pesticides, and other farm inputs. As President, Robert leads in the search for potential farmer-clients and in transacting with existing clients.

On the side, he is also a marketing agent for other farmers' corn, onion and other produce. He also earns extra bucks by entering into 'arawan' (per day) arrangements as a farm hand.

Ann Marie, on the other hand, is the Chairperson of the Masagana Sustainable Livelihood Program Producers Cooperative, and in this capacity, directs the operations of the only existing registered cooperative in Region I that is entirely composed of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program claimholders. The group makes and sells rags, bags, sofa covers, and other products.

In their own backyard garden are sili (green chili) plants awaiting to be harvested or other vegetable crops, depending on the season. Their yard is also planted to fruit-bearing trees: coconut, cacao, guyabano, etc. They are also into raising chickens. (The kids used to raise turkeys and ducks, too, until a kind of flu decimated all of them.) These little backyard activities somehow help in their daily sustenance.

Community involvement

It is remarkable how the couple deal with the different hats they wear because Ann Marie is also busy as a Parent Leader of DSWD in their area and, as though that is not enough, also the Parent-Teachers Association (PTA) President of Manambong Sur Elementary School for six (6) consecutive years. Among her achievements is heading the fund-raising campaigns that made possible the improvement of the school’s fence and the putting up of three comfort rooms, surely a testament to Ann Marie's convincing powers.

The couple also contributes in keeping the barangay's communal vegetable garden, which won in 2017 in a local gardening competition called Bio-Intensive Gardening Day. 

Robert is apparently no stranger to hard work and odd jobs, for he was once employed by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in 2015 as construction worker for six months in DSWD's temporary employment project ‘Trabahong Lansangan.’

Life before Pantawid Program

The couple has weathered so much more in the course of their marriage since they got enrolled as members of Pantawid. Before he became a managtaew (seasonal farmer-laborer), he took on several jobs in the city. Finishing only first year college, Robert has been a merchandizer, a picture frame factory worker, and a gas refinery worker. One time, he was forced to work overseas, in Qatar, as a piper for one year and six months to help his mother-in-law secure the land she had pawned. He had to give up the job after he suffered from arthritis.

On the other hand, Anne Marie, who also reached only first year of college, used to operate a small sari-sari store until she had to give it up when her second daughter was born premature and the family had to use the operations fund to pay for the hospital bill. It was, of course, a sad day for her, as the sari-sari store was the product of her great sacrifice as a domestic helper in Hong Kong before.   

Understandably, one of the hardest trials in their life as a family is the first daughter's unplanned pregnancy. Robert doted on her and had high hopes for her, but everything was suddenly dashed by that one big mistake. This is the reason why the Castaneda couple never fails to tell their three other daughters not to repeat the same mistake, as they emphasize how precious education is in reaching one's goals in life. "Yan lang ang aming tanging pamana sa inyo," they would advice. "If you do not want to end up like us, be sure to study hard." The couple said they were surprised that the eldest herself was the one who volunteers in reminding her younger siblings not to take the route she has taken because, according to her, it was a difficult, costly mistake.

Their secret to managing it all

The Castañeda couple is able to multi-task by applying the valuable time management lessons they have learned in the Family Development Sessions that they have religiously attended. “At first,” volunteers Robert, “nagtatampo ako sa asawa ko dahil ’di ko naiintindihan na ang pagiging Parent Leader at PTA President niya ay nangangahulugan ng sakripisyo sa oras sa pamilya. Paglaon ay naintindihan ko na rin noong ako mismo ay mainvolve sa Farmers' Association namin.”

Manambong Sur Punong Barangay Alain Lacerna knows the couple personally -- in fact, he addresses them as "kumpare" and "kumare." He attests to the kind of positive standing they have with his constituents. In fact, Lacerna shares that his kumare has been giving up her position in the PTA but the members were unanimous in protesting against her decision. This reflects the high level of trust she enjoys among her peers (fellow parents) and the school teachers.

In an interview, the couple does not hide the fact that their eldest daughter got pregnant at age 16, and this was a period of trial for the family. But the Castañedas were adamant in their decision not to let the unplanned pregnancy get in the way of her plan to pursue nursing. Next semester, she will be an incoming Nursing student at PSU.

How they spend their allowance

When asked how the couple makes use of the stipend they receive from DSWD, they say that every centavo is spent on the children's needs in school: bags, paper, uniform, snacks. "Malaking tulong po ang perang natatanggap namin bilang miyembro ng Pantawid Pamilya," Ann Marie shares.

Community activities

The Castañedas do not keep to themselves, not letting their socioeconomic status become a hindrance to socializing with the rest of the community, no matter their standing. During fiestas, they take part in entertaining visitors and attending the barangay fiesta program. They also participate in athletic competitions sponsored by the barangay. When the Punong Barangay announces a clean-up drive, they are also there to lend a hand. 

CONCLUSION

The Castañedas are a living testament that being a Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program claimholder need not be a badge of shame, that being financially hard-up can be taken as a challenge instead of a problem.

The Municipality of Bayambang is the 2018 National GAPAS Awardee in Microenterprise Development, and one crucial factor in its win is how the LGU, together with the Kasama Kita sa Barangay Foundation, Inc., lent a hand in making sure that the Masagana SLP Producers Cooperative venture thrive through the years. And in Bayambang's ongoing all-out War Against Poverty (Rebolusyon Laban sa Kahirapan), as embodied in Mayor Cezar T. Quiambao's Bayambang Poverty Reduction Plan (BPRP) 2018-2028, this Pantawid Pamilya family from Manambong Sur proves that the pernicious monster called poverty can be turned on its head and transformed into creative opportunities for wealth creation. (Photos: Jayvee Baltazar)

 

Jobs Close to Home: Meat Processing Mini-Factory in ANCOP Ville

 

Jobs Close to Home: Meat Processing Mini-Factory in ANCOP Ville

The experience of the national government in socialized housing in the past decades has exposed an Achilles’ heel of a problem. As the so-called ‘informal settlers’ gain new homes in a place in the outskirts of the city, they lose their jobs, so they end up going back to where they came from: the city’s underbelly and inner streets. As it turns out, even vagrants stay where they are because that is where their source of living is: the street. That is why the government, through the National Housing Authority, has taken steps to address the problem. One solution being implemented is distributing housing units (often with a minimal monthly due to give the occupants a sense of ownership and fulfilment -- and dignity) right where the poor live, as in the case of Makati Mayor Jojo Binay and Manila Mayor Lito Atienza building tenements along the Philippine National Railway tracks in their area. But apart from these, this strategy is immediately struck down by the lack of available space in the old centers of population.

There are a few successful resettlement areas, as in the case of the thriving community in General Trias, Cavite, but the sight of several unoccupied socialized housing facilities in many areas outside Metro Manila is haunting. Another solution, therefore, needs to be viable, and that is why at the outset, the socially conscious Catholic charismatic lay group Couples for Christ-Answering the Cry of the Poor (CFC-ANCOP) has envisioned their resettlement projects all over the country as a comprehensive creation of a true village – with a set of officials, a community center, faith life with long-term character-building program, scholarship for the kids, and most crucially, a source of livelihood.

This is the rationale behind the establishment of a meat processing facility by the Kasama Kita sa Barangay Foundation Inc. (KKSBFI) under Executive Director Romyl Junio at the CFC-ANCOP Ville in Brgy. Sancagulis, Bayambang, Pangasinan, a little village whose beneficiaries are members of the Department of Social Welfare and Development’s Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program. They comprise of 30 households whose respective income falls below the official poverty threshold.

 

Capitalizing on Filipinos’ penchant for processed meat products especially for breakfast, and with consideration of today’s increasingly fast-paced lifestyle, the ANCOP Ville Meat Processing Mini-Factory was built right within the vicinity. According to Junio, the construction period was from September 1 to November 20, 2019. “The facility cost is approximately P2,490,212, including the stainless steel cabinets, tables, and sink.”

Of course, the villagers were amply prepared for the eventual turnover of the factory to their association, with the help of the Local Government Unit of Bayambang through the Bayambang Poverty Reduction Action Team under Dr. Joel T Cayabyab and in cooperation with Brgy. Sancagulis officials. On June 25, 2019, the settlers underwent an intensive 15-day training program in which they were equipped with the knowhow in running a meat processing facility.

The training program was launched at the Balon Bayambang Events Center where the 20 project participants selected -- mostly housewives -- lost no time in learning the basics of Food Processing and Management, including Training on Meat Processing and Management – chiefly the manufacture of skinless longanisa, tocino, and beef tapa. Dovie Q. Santillan and Dr. Margie DG. Marciano from TESDA-Pangasinan Training Institute served as trainors.

This was followed by an Entrepreneurship Seminar and then a course on Basic Bookkeeping and Accounting.

Also included in the training package was an inner work of character-building by instilling a sense of responsibility and business ownership among the resident-participants.

"All in all, the livelihood training package costs us (KKSBFI) an additional P100,000 plus P50,000 for the start-up capital," Junio revealed.

During the opening program, Vice-Mayor Raul Sabangan drove home the point by telling the trainees, “Ang programang ito ay isang daan upang bigyan kayo ng karunungan sa paghahanap-buhay, kaya sana bigyan ito ng importansya upang pag-asenso ay mabilis na makamtan.” Likewise voicing his support, the Chairman of the Sangguniang Bayan Committee on Social Services, Councilor Benjamin Francisco S. de Vera went philosophical with a most apt quote: ‘Give a man a fish, and you feed him for a day. Teach a man to fish, and you feed him for a lifetime.’

KKSBFI’s Junio also made the right choice of words of encouragement, when he pointed out, “Kailangan [tayo mismo ang] kumilos upang masugpo ang kahirapan, dahil limitado lamang ang tulong na maiaabot ng pamahalaan, at instrumento lamang kami upang kayo ay bigyan ng tulong.”

With the necessary knowledge and skills gained by the program participants, it is hoped that they will be able to establish and manage a sustainable micro-enterprise through the meat processing business, in which they could have a stable source of income. They will be able to earn for themselves, buy the necessary needs for their family, provide for the educational needs of their children, and be a productive member of the community. This, in the long term, will give them have a sense of hope and self-respect as they are able to get by in life without relying too much on the local government for support. 

The wives, especially, would not have to leave home and their children or suffer the long commute just to earn a decent income for their families.

(by Resty S. Odon, with Mark Espino and BPRAT)

Pantawid Members Experiment with Candle-Making

by Resty S. Odon

In a country that is 80% Catholic with a strong animist past, candles are an indispensable commodity. Ever since lighting a candle came to symbolize communion with Christ, candles have been used as prayer aids and ritual necessities during masses, baptisms, weddings, wakes, and funerals.

There is a common Filipino acrimonious expression, “Eh di magsolian na kami ng kandila!” (“We might as well return our candles!”), uttered during conflicts between families and friends, and this refers to the candles used during such major family occasions. “Ipagtitirik kita ng kandila.” (“I will light a candle for you.”) signifies one’s plan to pray for a person or his or her intention.

Even indigenous non-Catholic practices require candles, as in the case of making an atang (food offering) on the family altar and such native ‘healing’ practices as panag-tawas, panagparas, and panag-gaton.

Specialty candles on cakes – usually in the form of numbers – are routinely blown during birthday celebrations. The candle is especially in demand during All Souls’ Day when families visit their departed loved ones at the public cemetery and memorial parks, bearing flowers and artfully designed candles. Large religious gatherings and church corners devoted to popular religious icons would lose their solemnity without the sight of votive candles burning. As the candle smoke slowly rises to the heavens, believers attest that their ardent wishes and supplications are granted by the divine.

In the area of wellness, scented candles are also used to set a relaxed mood, as in spas and other places that offer massage and other pampering services.

Candles are also a big help every time there is a brownout or power outage. As the song said, “It is better to light just one little candle than to stumble in the dark.”

With all these in mind, the Kasama Kita sa Barangay Foundation Inc., headed by Chief Executive Officer Romyl Junio, has embarked on exploring the candle-making business in a trial run. Their main aim is to help provide an alternative livelihood option for members of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program in cooperation with the Local Government Unit of Bayambang and the Municipal Links of the Department of Social Welfare and Development-Regional Office I.

According to KKSBFI’s project focal person Clara M. Basco, the first thing they did was to partner with an established candle-maker in Bongato East by the name of Romer Rusell to serve as a partner and trainer. Rusell, she revealed, was a former employee of Liwanag Candles and after making it in his own, has gone on to supply candles in Divisoria, Manaoag, and even China.

The first trial run was conducted at Brgy. Amanperez, where the Pantawid members witnessed the process of manufacturing the product. The members found that, although the process is simple, you have to keep on practicing to perfect the technique, for the process is sensitive to such factors as time and temperature. Not hitting the proper temperature within a given timeframe will result in ‘half-cooked’ candles, while excessive heat can destroy the molding machine.

Basco reported that KKSBFI had its first taste of massive production during the unveiling of the St. Vincent Ferrer supported bamboo sculpture at the St. Vincent Ferrer Prayer Park in Brgy. Bani during the 2019 annual town fiesta. But she said it was during the archdiocesan Christ the King celebration at the same venue that they really went large-scale, producing 20,000 pieces of large-sized candles which were pegged at P10 per piece. The same size of candles in Manaoag, she said, is worth P17 each. All in all, the startup capital was P100,000, she said. However, due to the nature of the occasion, the candles were all distributed for free.

Other potential markets include the old St. Vincent Ferrer Parish Church, which has a large candle shed on the side for devotees of St. Vincent Ferrer, and its three offspring parishes, namely the Parish of St. Lorenzo Ruiz in Brgy. Wawa, Parish of San Isidro Labrador in Brgy. Carungay, and Parish of Santo Domingo Ybañez de Erquicia in Brgy. Sapang, together with all barangay chapels.

Basco said the Foundation is thinking of making value-added products by experimenting with candles with additional Señor San Vicente molding and that of other icons – again with Rusell’s technical expertise, and the resulting mold was manually colorized. She is also thinking about making floating candles and scented candles for other potential markets someday.