From zero to prosperity–The State of Brgy. 23

QUICK ASSISTANCE. Brgy. 23 chairperson Jay S. Ramos has instituted a quick relief system in times of disasters as they immediately distribute relief goods whenever a typhoon or other natural disasters hit the barangay. Also in the photo is Brgy. 23 kagawad Johnny Topinio.

By Brgy. Chairperson Primo Jay S. Ramos

(Starting this issue, The Ilocos Times will feature news from the region’s various barangays from time to time.  This is partly to help our barangay officials in informing their respective constituents on what they have done so far in terms of projects and accomplishments. And also to update other barangays on what the featured barangay has achieved and accomplished so far.)

                                                    

THE FIRST six months of my incumbency was worse that starting  from scratch—there was no office equipment in the barangay office, files and other important documents were not turned over properly, a transition team was not created by the outgoing barangay chairperson despite an order from the DILG, and top it all, no barangay fund was available.

This was worse than having hit by a calamity. This situation is only comparable to the very first day the barangay office was created. Not only was I dumbfounded, I was aghast. Being a former barangay chairperson myself before my foray to the Sangguniang Panlungsod, I knew—by heart—the duties, responsibilities and the frame of mind the post entails. And finding Barangay 23 in such a sordid state as I began my term not only confused my mind no end; it more so tore my heart to shreds knowing fully that my barangay mates do not deserve this. In fact, no constituency deserves this.

Faced with an insurmountable task and generally uncooperative former barangay officials, I—along with the new barangay kagawads and officials—were forced to make do with what we collectively have. We waded our way to the labyrinthine puzzle that was the annual barangay program for 2013. Documents started appearing on our barangay office’s makeshift desks every morning making us wonder not only who was putting them there but more so how they can enter a locked barangay office in the dead of the night. But we knew we needed the official files and documents and instead of changing the barangay office’s locks, we settled for not leaving any valuables and important documents in the barangay office to “accommodate” whoever it was who was dropping off files at night. In the end however, we never knew if it was a friend, foe or a sinister ghost who dropped those files off at night. Neither did we discover if all the pertinent files and documents have been given in the mode he/she choose. But as they say beggars can’t be choosers and being forced into that situation only strengthened our collective resolve to make everything right again for our barangay.

Some of the files and documents may have been turned over in this very unconventional manner but what we were still lacking office equipment, tables. materials and other things needed for the barangay office to operate. To overcome this, we have to become resourceful; but being resourceful also entails personal sacrifice—financial sacrifice at that.

Barangay permits and other similar documents need to be processed every day and since the barangay had unfunctional desktop computers—or any computer for that matter, non-readable printer, not even an office table, we needed to bring our personal gadgets just for the barangay to function. The barangay secretary, Jhing Baraceros brought her own typewriter and we brought our own tables just so we could work in the barangay office. Eventually, we all brought all the needed equipment at our personal cost so we can continue to serve our barangay mates.

The Oplan Dalus program is done regularly at Brgy. 23.

But the problems did not end there. Our weekly “Oplan Dalus” around the barangay was also affected as all cleaning equipment acquired and donated during the past administration all vanished. Even the barangay vehicle donated or purchased by the barangay were left dilapidated and needs major repair. But the clean-up program needed to be continued as this is the best way to battle diseases around the barangay. Left with no other option, we provided our own equipment and vehicle for the weekly clean-up program. And coupled by ingenious ways to create partnership with different private corporations—and aided strongly by both the city and provincial governments, as well as the Ilocos Norte Police Provincial Office—we have not only succeeded in the weekly clean-up program but have introduced various innovations not only to maintain cleanliness in the barangay but also to make it more environment-friendly.

It was an arduous task but I am thankful that volunteerism is not dead in our barangay. My barangay mates did not have second thoughts when I solicited their help. And it is for this that I am very grateful for their volunteerism that has made everything possible for our barangay.

Since then, we have made giant strides towards the progress and development of our barangay.

Accomplished and current projects of Brgy. 23, Laoag City

1. Cleaned up the horrible, odorous open mini-dumpsite located at the back of the barangay hall and adjacent to the Day Care center and conversion of the area into a mini-garden-playground.

2. To sustain and maintain a better environment we implemented rigorously the oplan-dalus program through the following schemes:

a)      All barangay officials – elected and appointed – including Pantawid members are required to participate in our environment (waste management) and beautification program.

b)      The scheme of implementation is based on a scheduled action plan; groups are divided into three units and alternatively work on a weekly basis every Saturday; on the last week of every month all officials together with local volunteers work together to implement the same.

c)      As a reminder campaign for a clean barangay, we posted 12pcs tarpaulin (3’ x 8’) printed with environmental slogans hanged along strategic areas and major streets of our barangay.

3. Improved our Lupong Tagapamayapa  by the following implemented systems and procedures:

          a.) Established an appropriate office so as to properly and professionally settle cases filed

b.) Strictly imposed a monthly meeting for seminars/updates on the familiarization of settling barangay cases.

c.) implemented new innovations in order  to be able to settle cases speedily and provide both a hard copy and electronic copy for proper documentation and safekeeping of records per cases filed.

4. To ensure visibility and promote peace and order, we have innovatively established eleven (11)  tanod on the block outposts. These existing structures like the mini sheds are converted temporarily during the night as an outpost and staging area for our barangay tanods doing their regular rounds.

5. Implementation of our disaster risk reduction action plan through the following:

a.) We have scheduled mandatory in-house trainings/seminars on disaster preparedness

b.) Establish an alternative evacuation area within the premises of the barangay hall

c.) We required all members to voluntarily be ready at all times to prevent further destruction of lives and property

Laoag City Mayor Chevylle V. Fariñas during her Agserbi 24/7 program at Brgy. 23 with Brgy. 23 chairperson Jay Ramos and kagawad Arnel Ganotisi and Andy Macugay.d.)Identification of high risk areas during calamities

7. Implementation of our waste management action plan through the following:

a.) establishment of a component material recovery structure that generates awareness to our constituents of the relevance of managing their waste disposals such as proper segregation and classification of waste for collection and disposal.

b.) A constant awareness campaign on waste management has now become part of all our conferences and assembly meetings.

FEEDDING program for Day-Care Center pupils of Brgy. 23

8. To enhance our child protection plan, aside from the barangay’s regular feeding program for our daycare pupils, we have involved private individuals and institutions to contribute and/or sponsor our barangay feeding program activity. Now on its second year, the Tumaneng family feeding program has greatly improved the well-being of some of our marginalized children. Also, for two consecutive years groups of students from NCC and DATA CENTER have sponsored the same. Another private institution located in our very own barangay- KINETIC HUMAN DIVISION CALL CENTER – has supported our feeding program.

9. As part of our 2014 investment plan, we have provided the following to deserving recipients:  medicines, relief goods, fertilizers and other related basic needs.

Message of the Barangay 23 chairperson Jay S. Ramos

Greetings of peace!

When I assumed office as your Bgy Chairperson, I had envisioned our community as a progressive, transparent and people oriented community. Towards this end, we have led by example tasking myself and all our bgy officials to be transparent and accountable in all our actions. Apart from efficiently and effectively delivering the basic services to our constituents, I believe that such transparency and accountability is needed to inspire our constituents to all contribute to the welfare of our community.

Through active volunteerism, you, the residents of Bgy23 have empowered yourselves to both actively participate and support our programs. You are now reaping the benefits of that involvement, a clean, peaceful and progressive community. This is how society should be; government and the people working together to make their community a better place.

I thank you all for your support. Rest assured, this administration is committed to serving you with dedication and innovation. We also ask for your continued support for all of our barangay programs. After all, we are all the beneficiaries of such continued cooperation. 

Together let us continue our efforts for a better barangay, our community, our home.