PAGPADAYONG PAGKUGI NI KONSEHAL ZULUETA SA PAGPAAMBIT UG MGA PROYEKTO SA SYUDAD

Ni: Grace E. Dignadice

Agig suporta sa mga kabaranggayan, kapurokan ug pampublikong tulunghaan sa atong siyudad, mapadayonong gi-implementar ni Konsehal Alan D. Zulueta ang gma proyekto pinaagi sa iyang Social Reform Agenda (SRA) – MBN nga pondo. Ug gain, bisan man sa kagamay sa maong pondo, gipaningkamutan sa atong maabtik nga Konsehal nga makapaambit ngadto sa katawhan sa Tagum pinaagi sa pagbahinbahin sa mga proyekto. Inubanan ni Konsehal Reynaldo T. Salve, mao kini ang ulahing taho sa mga serbisyong gipaabot ni Konsehal Zulueta:

• Dose (12) ka corrugated G.I. sheets alang sa rehabilitasyon sa purok center didto sa Purok 4-C, Bermudez, Barangay Apkon
• Napulo (10) ka plastic chairs ug tulo (3) ka office tables alang sa mga lumulupyo sa Barangay Bincungan
• Usa (1) ka water dispenser nga magamit ngadto sa barangay hall sa Barangay Cuambogan
• Sa Barangay La Filipina usa (1) ka 21 – inch colored television set para sa mga estudyante sa La Filipina Elementary School ug jetmatic pump alang sa taga Purok 6, La Concepcion
• Sa Barangay Madaum usab, usa (1) ka 21 – inch colored TV alang sa Garinan Elementary School
• Usa (1) ka Detecto weighing scale alang sa Col> Saludares Elementary School sa Barangay Magdum nga magamit sa pag-monitor sa maayong panglawas sa ilang mga tinun-an.
• Sa Barangay Mankilam: construction materials alangs a Purok Villa Patricia; Adopt A School Scholarship Program para sa kabus nga mga estudyante sa TaguM City National Comprehensive High School; siyam (9) ka rolyo nga cyclone wire ug upat (4) ka gallon nga pintura alang sa pagkumpuni sa school facilities sa Union Elementary School ug; isa (1) ka 21-inch colored TV nga adunay kalakip nga DVD player alang sa barangay hall
• Singkwenta (50) ka plastic chairs alang sag mga lumulupyo sa Barangay Nueva Fuerza
• Sa Barangay Pagsabangan, usa (1) ka divider – cabinet kalakip ang usa (1) ka 21-inch colored TV alang sa barangay hall
• Materials Recovery Facilities (MRF) alang sa Barangay San Agustin
• Alang ngadto sa Laureta National High School sa Barangay San Miguel, uas (1) ka 21-inch colored television set
• Duha (2) ka flashlights, pito (7) ka truncheon, napulo (10) ka handcuffs ug lima (5) ka tear gas alang sa mapadayonong magpalambo sa public safety sa Barangay Magugpo East
• Alang sa mga programa sa Barangay Magugpo North, biyente-kwatro (24) ka plastic chairs ug duha (2) ka plastic tables.
• Biyente-singko (25) ka plastic chairs usab alang sa Barangay Magugpo South
• Construction materials alang sa Tagum City Federation of Datus
• Mga light bulbs, street light brackets ug dugang monoblock chairs alang sa kapurokan sa siyudad
• Para sa mga pambublikong Elemtary ug High Schools; mga medalya alang sa ilang graduation rites; mga gamit pang-eskwela alang sa mga kabus nga mga estudyante ug ; napulo (10) ka gallon nga pintura alang sa Brigada-Eskwela nga programa

Mokabat sa P113,158.00 and kinatibuk-ang kantidad sa maong gma benepisyong natabang ni Konsehal Zulueta. Ug bisan pa man sa kadaghan sa iyang mga katungdanan isip opisyal sa atong local nga panggobyerno ug sa uban pang mga organisasyon, iyang gipaningkamutan nga mahatagan ug panahon nga makaambit sa pag-turn over sa iyang namugnang proyekto.

Aduna pay mga umaabot nga proyekto nga buot ipabenepisyo sa atong kugihan nga konsehal ug dako ang iyang tumong nga kining tanan mahatagan ug katumaran.

SP BAURA IN SYNERGY WITH OTHER GO’S AND NGO’S

By: Alma A. Quisado and Lisame B. Bago

The City government of Tagum through the City Council adopted the Minimum Basic Needs (MBN) approach to strategically eradicate poverty and supplement people’s need. Each member of the city council help each other and share resources by identifying first the needs of the constituents and thereby meeting the needs of the residents.

Many problems were identified such us, unemployment, lack of education, lack of access to potable water, absence of a compost pit, poor school and office facilities, inability of children to get pre-school education in day care centers, malnutrition, having households without backyards, lack of toilets, and inability of couples to practice family planning and many others.

Armed with this information, City Councilor Mylene Baura earnestly help barangay constituents to provide what they need. Proper assessment and validation for each solicitation thereby creating MBN projects that would fulfill the necessities. Different Barangays were served with the following projects as of Year 2009. Such as

1. Magugpo North Day Care Center – One (1) TV and One (1) DVD
2. Magugpo Pilot Imelda Elem School – (1) TV
3. Barangay Magdum – One (1) Nebulizer
4. Tuition fee for the Hearing Impaired Students
5. Barangay Nueva Fuerza – (12) Monoblock Chairs
6. Purok Liwayway – (20) Monoblock Chairs
7. Municipal Trial Court – (1) Printer
8. Public schools of Tagum City – School Supplies
9. Garinan ElemSchool – One (1) DVD
10. Barangay Bincungan – Twenty (20) Monoblock Chairs
11. Magugpo UCCP Christian School – One (1) TV and One (1) DVD
12. Barangay West Day Care Center- Supplemented a Feeding Program.

On the other hand, in response to the growing cases of Violence committed against women and their children, the Four L (4) Lady Local Legislator’s League of the Philippines headed by Kgd. Baura together with its working force from the CSWD Office lead by Nora H. Lupiba, City DILG Director Eliza P. Mendoza and the Tagum PNP forefronted by P/INSP Gretchen R. Sinco and SPO3 Anjenette Tirador formed a synergy with its advocacy program, Stop Cylcle of Violence to help address the said problem. Ignorance of the law excuses no one, a statement that we should always remember, SP Baura significantly emphasized the role and rights of women and their children in the family, any form of violence is not acceptable to the society thus proper information dessimination is the primary objective of the working group to eliminate hostility and in order to have a harmonious relationship. A total of 10 barangays were already conducted up to present starting on March 2009 marked as Women’s Month and will continue its advocacy program to recognized women as full and equal partners of men in development and nation building.

In addition to, the office of Coun. Baura, in close coordination with the multi-sectors and different agencies at the national and local levels among government service providers, private and public sectors, NGO’s, professional associations and academic institutions has conducted a training and workshop on ECCD Four (4) Gifts of children, for the LGU’s heads of offices and core personnel with child welfare programs & services. It is also known as Early Childhood Care and Development ECCD law, a law that state to promote the rights of children for survival, development, participation and protection, with full recognition of the nature of childhood and its integrative and sustainable growth that involves. SP Baura highly consider and reciprocates to any programs for the benefit of the children and to achieve a child friendly city.

NAGKAHIUSANG MGA KONSEHAL SA TAGUM SA PAGPANGHATAG UG KOMPYUTER

Ni: Rae Karen P. Joseph
Gikalipay ug dako sa opisina sa Municipal Trial Court in Cities (MTCC) - Tagum City nga gipangulohan Ni Atty. Arlene I. Lirag -Palabrica sa dihang tulo ka konsehal ang nag apud apud ug pagpanghatag ug tulo (3) ka kompy cuter diha sa ilaha gumikan sa ilang hangyo nga matabangan sila arun mapadali ang matag-adlaw nila nga bulohaton sa mga nagkalaing-laing mga kaso sa dakbayan sa Tagum ug sa uban pang lugar. Wala mag makuli sa pagpanghatag sa maong gamit sila Hon. Raymond Joey D. Millan, Hon. Vicente C. Eliot, Sr. ug Hon. Cyril Leonard L. Muring. Pormal kining gi turn-over diha sa ilang opisina niadtong Mayo 5, 2009. Bincungan Brgy. Kapitan Norma C. Fuerzas midawat sa mga medisina inubanan sa iyang mga empleyado ug staff ni Konsehal Millan. Sa lain pang bahin nanghatag sab ug mga Medisina si Konsehal Millan pinaagi sa iyang MBN program, naningkamot siya na mahatagan ang mga programang panglawas diha sa Barangay Bincungan nga pormal pud kining gidawat ni Kapitan Norma C. Fuerzas.

MEGAPHONE, DVD PLAYER, MESH NETS UG MEDICAL EQUIPMENT NAHATAG PINAGI SA MBN FUNDS NI KOSEHAL JOEDEL T. CAASI

By: Bob Q. Otaza

Naka dawat ug megaphone ang Purok Country Homes sa Barangay Mankilam, Tagum City. Dugay na kining gi handom nila didto aron magamit sa ilang mga aktibidadis sa matag karon ug unya. Busa dako kaayo ang pasalamat kang konsehal Joedel Caasi didtong dapita sa mga kaigsoonan ilabina gayod ang mga opisyales sa purok.

Samtang ang Laureata National High School iya usab gi hatagan sa DVD Player aron magamit sa maong tulunghaan. Mismong ang Principal nga si Mr. Jeffrey Villarosa ang midawat sa opisina ni Hon. Caasi sa maong player aron magamit sa Records Section and Functional Reading Center. Ang kugihan nga konsehal wala gayod mag makuli sa pag-abot sa maong gamit. Pinaagi sa iyang MBN program naningkamot gayod sa pagpalit sa mga gamit sa eskwelahan . Matod pa ni konsehal Caasi bisan unsa ka gamay sa pondo basta e prioritize ang gikinahanglan kaayo sa mga tao, mapuslan ug mabulokon ang sangputan kay kini tinuoray man pag serbisyo. Dili pa lamang dugay naghatag ug mga pukot (mesh nets) usab si Hon. Caasi sa mga taga coastal barangays sa Liboganon ug Bingcungan alang sa ilang panginabuhian o livelihood. Haduol kini sila (mga gagmayng mangingisda) sa iyang dughan, matud pa ni Caasi.

Bulan sa hunyo 2009 nakadawat usab ang Honey Club of Davao Ragional Hospital sa mga 20 boxes of strips and lancets medical equipment alang sa pagkuha ug glucose blood sample. Kung mahinumduman nato ang Honey Club usa ka Accredited Non Government Organization(NGO) upat na ka tuig ang milabay. Ubay-ubay ang miembro niini nga dunay sakit sa diabetes. Ang suporta sa City Government nag padayon niining usa ka sector sa atong komunidad diin si Konsehal Caasi nag tan aw gayod sa kaayohan sa panglawas. Himsog nga katawhan, himsog usab ang siyudad, dugang pang sulti ni konsehal.

Dako ang kalipay sa mga hingtungdan nga na hatagan sa ilang mga gikinahanglan. Matod pa sa atong halangdong konsehal “basta alang sa mga katawhan nga lumulupyo sa syudad iya kining gi paningkamutan mahatagan bisan sa mga gagmayng mga butang nga maka tabang kanila. Bisan sa personal o purok, barangay nga mga request sama sa kawayan o bamboo sa iyang kaumahan sa walay pagpihig iya kining gihatag sa atong katawhan.

COUN. ENTING ELIOT A Certified Mediator Conciliator

by : Evelyn Eliot-Perez

The passage and approval of Republic Act No. 9285 formally institutionalized the Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) system which serves to promote the speedy and impartial administration of justice. The landmark of this RA 9285 has given more relevance to the mediation function of the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), which provides for the recognition of cooperative conciliator-mediator as well as the recognition of ADR trainer in order to have a broader participation among cooperators and other cooperative in the implementation of this noble ADR system. The significance of this mediation is aimed at helping bring the spirit of mediation to every human being who wants to learn how mediation can work. It brings new hope and aspiration; thus enhance more cooperative to be empowered, imbued with values that encourage them to preserve, to get involve and be innovative. The City Cooperative Development Council headed by the newly elected Chairman Coun. Vicente “Enting” Eliot participated in and successfully passed the written and practical assessment of the Three Level Certificate Course on Basic Mediation for Practitioners in Cooperative sector convened and conducted by Phil-IDEAS in coordination with the Cooperative Development Authority - Offices of the Secretary and the ADR Program Oversight Committee. This was co-facilitated by Faculty Members & Mediation Practitioners of Philippine Mediation Center (PMC) –Philippine Judiciary Academy (PhilJA) of the Supreme Court of the Philippines. The facilitators assessed and evaluated the participants and determined who were qualified to participate in Level II and so on. To become a Cooperative Mediator/Conciliator duly recognized by the CDA, one must have successfully completed an eighty (80) hour-credits representing the 3 Level Courses under CDA MC 2007-09. It is done on ladder to suit the need of primary & secondary coops; coop councils and local legislators on cooperative. The 1^st level requirements of a 24-credit hours was held last April 3-5, 2009 at the Eagle’s View Hotel, this city. The 2^nd level requirement was done last April 18-19, 2009 at T’boli Hotel, General Santos City. And to complete the Basic Course, the 3^rd level was held at Kapalong Cooperative last April 25-28, 2009. The said course conducted the following topics: for Level 1: Module 1-3 Basic Appreciation on ADR-Mediation on Focus, Mediation Communication & Mediating & Managing Negotiations; Level 2: Module 4-5 Handling Disputes (inputs, case studies & exercise) & Assessment (written & practical exam) and the Level 3: Module 6 Internship Program. After which the Joint Culmination cum Graduation ceremony of graduates of Regions XI & XII was done last May 3, 2009 at Grand Ballroom, Crown Regency, Davao City. This memorable endeavor was graced by no less than the CDA board of Administrators Chairperson Lecira V. Juarez.The Pledging of Commitment to the Mediation Service also highlighted the event.Coun. Eliot is very grateful that he is now a certified mediator conciliator in our locality. He expressed his utmost gratitude to the Local Chief Executive Hon. Rey T. Uy for his never-ending support to the City Cooperative Development Council.

PAG-AMPING SA KINAIYAHAN…

By: Francis Xavier Miranda

Parish of Christ the Eucharistic King Lectors’ Group conducted tree-planting activity last June 20, 2009 at the New City Hall vicinity

Niadtong gabii sa Marso 28 niining tuiga, gipahigayon ang usa ka oras nga pagpapalong sa mga suga sa mga lumulupyo sa siyudad sa Tagum. Gisubay kini sa gitawag nga Earth Hour 2009, kung diin ang tibuok kalibutan nagkahiusa sa panawagan sa pagpalong sa suga sa sulod sa usa ka oras. Ang maong panawagan gipaagi sa usa ka Resolusyon nga giduso ni kagawad Remitar nga naga-awhag sa tanang Tagumenyo sa pagsuporta sa usa ka mahinungdanong paagi sa pag-amping sa atong kinaiyahan. Ang pagpalong sa suga adunay dakong kalambigitan aron mapaubos ang pagbuga sa Greenhouse Gas sa atong kalibutan nga maoy hinungdan sa pag-usab-usab sa atong panahon karon, nga gitawag nila’g Climate Change.

Ang maong buhat gisugdan niadtong tuig 2007 sa usa ka siyudad sa Sydney, nasud sa Australia pinaagi sa ilang mga programa aron sa pag-amping sa k
inaiyahan. Kini nakapukaw sa atensyon sa tibuok kalibutan og niadtong tuig 2008, Tres Siyentos Sitenta’y Uno (371) ka mga siyudad sa trenta’y singko (35) ka mga nasud ang nagpahigayon og pagpapalong sa ilang mga suga para sa nagkahiusang panawagan nga maghimo og mga lakang para tubagon ang problema sa pausab-usab nga panahon og pagtipid sa enerhiya.

Agi’g paghinumdum, niadtong Hunyo 7 tuig 2008 unang gipasa ang usa ka Resolusyon pinaagi ni Kagawad Remitar aron sa pag-awhag sa mga residente sa tibuok siyudad sa Tagum sa pagpalong sa mga suga subay sa pag selebrar sa “World Environment Month” og sama sa maong tumong gihimo pud ang maong panawagan dili pa dugay niadtong Marso 28, 2009 subay pud sa “Earth Hour 2009”

Kahinumduman sa tibuok siyudad sa Tagum nga pipila lang ang misuporta sa maong kalihokan sa unang higayon niadtong tuig 2008, apil niini ang maihap nga dagkong establisyemento sa komersyo, gobyerno, relihiyoso, og sa pribadong sector. Sama sa maong tumong, sa ikaduhang higayon niadtong Marso 28, 2009, mapasalamaton kaayo kita kay ubay ubay pud ang misalmot sa maong tawag og maingon nga nahimong malampuson ang maong panawagan.

Usa sa mga importanteng buhaton sa tawo aron maampingan ang kinaiyahan mao ang pagtanum og mga kahoy. Pinaagi niini suyupon sa mga kahoy ang mga dautang element nga makadaot sa tawo ug nagadaot sa atong kahanginan. Busa niadtong Hunyo 20, 2009, sayo sa kabuntagon, gipundok ni Kagawad Remitar ang grupo sa mga magbabasa (Lectors’ Group) sa Parish of Christ the Eucharistic King, diin usa siya sa mga miyembro, diha sa dakong luna kilid sa ginahimo nga New City Hall sa siyudad sa Tagum aron sa pagtanum og mga kahoy. Kini gihimo agi’g pagtabang sa kinaiyahan bisan sa ginagmay nga pamaagi, para mapanalipdan ang pag-grabe sa polusyon sa atong kahanginan nga mao unya ang magdala sa atong tanan sa kaalautan kung kita dili magpakabana niini.

Gawas niini, adunay plano si Kagawad Remitar nga awhagon ang ubang nagkalain-laing relihiyosong pundok aron sa pagbuhat usab sa nasugdan na nga pagpananum, aron unya puhon, kun dili man nato mapaayo ang kahimtang sa atong kinaiyahan, sa atong mga pagpaningkamot, ato man lang mapataas pa ang kapuslanan niini.

KALINGA NG GOBERNADOR AT LIGA NG MGA BISE MAYOR NG DAVAO DEL NORTE

by: Jalmaida L. Jamiri, MPA

For the past two years, the partnership of the Office of Governor Rodolfo del Rosario and the Vice Mayors’ League of the Philippines Davao del Norte Chapter remains steadfast as more and more programs and activities are initiated and increasing numbers of constituents from the eleven Local Government Unit in the entire province of Davao del Norte are benefited on these numerous endeavors collaborated and spearheaded by the two offices under the Kalinga ng Gobernador at Liga ng mga Bise Mayor ng Davao del Norte Program. Brigada Eskwela 2009 did not just come and go without some form of support being proffered to the schools coming from the Kalinga ng Gobernador at Liga ng mga Bise Mayor ng Davao del Norte Program. For the City of Tagum, Vice Mayor Allan Rellon ensures that these supports are actually received by the intended beneficiaries.

GALLONS OF PAINTS FOR SCHOOLS

During the FPTCA Meeting on May 12, 2009, not only did the 38 public schools in the City receive school supplies for their indigent pupils, but they also brought with them at least a gallon of top brand white latex and/or enamel paint. Budget of which was sourced out from the Office of Governor del Rosario under the Aid to VMLP Program. 52 gallons of paints were turned over by Governor Rodolfo del Rosario himself assisted by Vice Mayor Allan Rellon and the public officials present, for the beautification and maintenance of schools during the weeklong Brigada Eskwela. On his message, Governor del Rosario expressed his pleasure that VMLP was able to initiate this endeavor for the Kalinga ng Gobernador at Liga ng mga Bise Mayor ng Davao del Norte Program and told the rest of those present that he is glad to be a partner of the schools in this common endeavor, the Brigada Eskwela 2009 for that matter. He further assured the school administrators that this will not be the last time that a support will be given from his office and VMLP. The governor stayed until the end of the meeting and principals and administrators were indeed given the chance to talk to him personally and discuss several issues concerning them.

CLASS RECORDS AND LESSON PLAN FOR TEACHERS

If the indigent pupils have their school supplies and the schools have paints for their beautification and maintenance, our beloved teachers are not forgotten for they too have something from the Kalinga ng Gobernador at Liga ng mga Bise Mayor ng Davao del Norte Program. Class Records and Lesson Plans were distributed to all public elementary and secondary school teachers in the entire province of Davao del Norte. For the City of Tagum, Vice Mayor Allan Rellon himself went to the 38 public schools and turned over bulks of lesson plans and class records intended for the teaching force of each school. Even teachers of Public Preschools and Day Care Centers also received the same items. There is a total of 1, 178 public school teachers and 82 Day Care Center Teachers who all received a piece of Class Record and Lesson Plan. The items may not cause much but words of thanks and appreciations coming from the teachers were enough to conclude that it’s not the cost that counts but rather the fact that they were remembered.

VOLUNTARY MANUAL LABOR

Aside from the school supplies, paints, class records and lesson plans that were distributed, Vice Mayor Allan Rellon also spearheaded in organizing groups of volunteers coming from the Army Reservists of 1102 Community Defense Center and BSP Rover Scouts of Tagum City who actually perform manual labor during the duration of Brigada Eskwela on May 18-23, 2009 in several schools in the City.

Army Reservists Vice Mayor Allan Rellon, being the Battalion Commander of 1102 Community Defense Center, 1^st (DAV) Ready Reserve Battalion, 11^th Regional Community Defense Group of Army Reserve Command of Philippine Army, organized and led the 40 uniformed army reservists who, in the spirit of volunteerism, got actively involved in the weeklong Brigada Eskwela by helping in various maintenance works in several schools such as repainting of classroom walls, roofs, benches, and hall stage; repair of broken furniture and armchairs; cutting stubborn grasses; construction of pavements, among others.

Even the Group Commander of 11^th RCDG, COL FLORANTE O ISLES INF (GSC) PA shared in the same intention and joined the group throughout the entire duration of voluntary work and claimed and performed his share of workloads side by side with CAPT ALLAN RELLON. Together with City Councilor and ABC President Alfredo R. Pagdilao, COL ISLES assisted Vice Mayor Allan Rellon in the distribution of school supplies to indigent pupils in Rizal I Elementary School. The sight of army reservists working together with civilians for a common goal is something new that our schools can now look forward to for the Brigada Eskwela in the coming years. It will also be a good avenue to change the negative impressions of civilians towards military men who are usually associated with war and danger. The volunteer army reservists of 1102 CDC were not able to go through the entire week of Brigada Eskwela since their assistance were requested to help in the control of the crowd and retrieval of victims of the landslide in Pantukan, Compostela Valley on May 19, 2009.

BSP ROVER SCOUTS

Being the 1^st Council Vice Chairman of the BSP Tagum City Associate Council, Vice Mayor Rellon initiated the organization of Rover Scouts to make an active participation in the Brigada Eskwela 2009. He called for a coordinative meeting to all Rover Scouts on May 5, 2009 at SP Session Hall to orient them on their participation in the upcoming event. Team leaders were delegated and school assignments were identified as well as the tasks that would be performed on these schools. Vice Mayor reiterated once again, that being scouts are not just about wearing their uniforms and participating in jamborees or camps but rather it is about going out to the community and living out the spirit of volunteerism….making an active participation on a common endeavor for the good of the general public.

There were a total of 65 Rover Scouts who were scattered in nine schools in the city and helped out in various school maintenance works such as painting of fences, trimming of grasses, cleaning the classrooms, among others. Some of the scouts did not only volunteer in one school but in several schools as well…so much for the spirit of volunteerism. Brigada Eskwela is not just about preparing the schools for the opening of classes in June but it also unites the community to share and give out something for a common purpose… for the betterment of our students. It provides an avenue for the community to carry out and live out their social responsibility and as such become an active partner in the development of the community. With the Brigada Eskwela, it once again upheld the spirit of Bayanihan… which we Filipinoes are known for…setting a good example before the eyes of the new generation.

VICE MAYOR RELLON FULL SWING SUPPORT TO BRIGADA ESKWELA

by: Jalmaida L. Jamiri, MPA

Being an educator himself, the unmitigated support of Vice Mayor Rellon to the education sector could not be questioned nor debated. The City Vice Mayor has always been consistent in providing assistance or backing up, in his capacity, endeavors initiated for the development and welfare of our students and advancement of the education system in the locality, in general.

The recently concluded Brigada Eskwela 2009, an annual nationwide endeavor organized by the Department of Education in preparation for the opening of classes in June, which was conducted from May 18-23, 2009 has not gone without Vice Mayor Rellon interjecting an act of support to the schools in the City of Tagum. Even before the requests for support from various schools reached the table of the City Vice Mayor, he has already allocated a portion of his SRA MBN Allocation and has planned out initiatives to lend a hand prior, during and after the conduct of Brigada Eskwela in the 38 public schools in the city.

SCHOOL SUPPLIES FOR INDIGENT PUPILS

Considering the financial crisis that the world is facing today, which so affects even those who are abundant in life… the daily struggle of our less fortunate constituents to keep abreast on the demands of their daily needs would indeed be considerable. As such, a total of Php 108, 113.10 from the Vice Mayor’s SRA MBN Allocation were spent to procure school supplies for the indigent pupils in the entire City of Tagum. A total of 2, 085 indigent pupils were able to avail of these free school supplies given in various occasions.

IDENTIFIED BY SCHOOLS

Last May 12, 2009, in preparation for the upcoming Brigada Eskwela 2009, the Regular Monthly Meeting of the Federation of Parents Teachers Association held at DepEd Conference Hall, Energy Park, Tagum City embarked upon the preparations to be made of every school for the Brigada Eskwela 2009. The said meeting was attended by school administrators and principals, PTA Officials, Barangay Officials, Brigada Eskwela Coordinators and various stakeholders for the upcoming activity.
In line with the “Tabang Eskwela Project of Vice Mayor Allan Rellon”, a total of 1, 455 sets of school supplies were distributed to 31 public elementary schools and 7 public secondary schools in the City of Tagum. Recipients of these supplies were pupils from all grade and year levels identified as indigent by the school administrators. School Administrators, PTA Officers and Brgy. Officials were beaming with smile as they received the school supplies being turned over to them by the Vice Mayor himself together with no less than the Provincial Governor Rodolfo del Rosario and City Councilors Maria Lina F. Buara, Raymond Joey D. Millan, Reynaldo Salve and Francisco Remitar, also gracing the said occasion.

In behalf of the PTCA officials and school administrators, Engr. Gilbert S. Mambulao, FPTCA President, was most gracious as he extended his warmest thanks and appreciation to the Elected Officials for being present in the meeting and for the assistance given to the schools.

These supplies were augmented with the school supplies being sponsored by the City Councilors were was also distributed on the same occasion.

WALK-IN INDIGENT PUPILS

The distribution of free school supplies did not just end on what was distributed during the PTA meeting. As the start of classes was approaching, walk in indigent pupils coming from the different puroks in the City, accompanied by parents or just by themselves, marched and walked up the stairs of the SP Building, even during weekends, with anticipation that they would be carrying notebooks or papers or ball pens when they go down the building.
Some were still panting and obviously were from a days hardwork when they entered the office of the City Vice Mayor. Anticipating this scenario, the City Vice Mayor prepared for this wave of constituents and indeed, was able to distribute supplies to a total of 355 walk in indigent pupils. The school supplies being distributed may just be minimal but the smile and gratitude seen in the eyes of these pupils and on some parents were priceless as they say their words of thanks especially to the City Vice Mayor upon receiving the items.

SULONG DUNONG SCHOLARS

A total of 72 packs were also distributed by the City Vice Mayor to his Sulong Dunong Scholars. Sulong Dunong Scholars are pupils from elementary and secondary schools coming from the 23 barangays of Tagum City who are identified as indigent by the Barangay Officials and deemed qualified to be sent to school and whose school expenses are shouldered by the Office of the City Vice Mayor through its SRA-MBN Allocation - Sulong Dunong Scholarship Program.

These Sulong Dunong Scholars also receive counseling and tutorial from the Office of the City Vice Mayor to further help them advance in their schooling. In return, some scholars allocate several hours of voluntary service to help out on some office programs and activities and even in office operations.


ASSISTANCE TO VARIOUS SECTOR

School supplies were also distributed to a total of 203 recipients when several Barangay Officials and Community Leaders sought the Office of the City Vice Mayor to be a partner and/or sponsor on their activities in their respective communities or sectors.

These recipients include the 39 Iskolar ng Barangay of Brgy. La Filipina, 50 pupils of Brgy. San Isidro, and 61 Madrasah pupils in Prk. Masagana, Brgy. Magugpo West. 20 participants of Seminar Workshop for Customary Law and Mansaka Dictionary Data Gathering and Reproduction and and 33 participants Parish Leadership Seminar-Workshop were also able to avail of these free supplies.

To widen the scope of assistance that could be provided and extended to the schools in the City during the Brigada Eskwela, the City Vice Mayor together with several offices and groups joined hands for a more active participation during the Brigada Eskwela.