Husay balangay 2012 by Euly Enrique

Husay Balangay Technical Working Group Zaldy Masangkay, NBOO Simeon Garcia, NBOO Levesita Daumar, NBOO Elizabeth Castro, NBOO Esmeralda Daphne Purnell, LGA Apolinar Diana, LGA Euly Enrique, LGA Hannah Lyda Mannag, LGA LGA Technical Management Team Silvestre Barrameda Jr. Myra Gialogo Arturo Morales III Edited by: Jasmine Sabrina J. Rombaoa Cover Design: Iris Igrobay Layout by: Gary Paulo B. Mercado

â&#x20AC;&#x153; Islands of good practices to an archipelago of good governance through the balangay.â&#x20AC;?

ISSN 1655-7328 Husay Balangay Kalipunan ng mga Malikhaing Pamamaraan at Karanasan sa Pagpapaunlad at Pamamahala ng mga Barangay 2012 Edition Articles may be used for education and training purposes only. When using articles from this compilation, the credit line â&#x20AC;&#x153;Articles from Husay Balangay Kalipunan ng mga Malikhaing Pamamaraan at Karanasan sa Pagpapaunlad at Pamamahala ng mga Barangayâ&#x20AC;? should be mentioned somewhere Compiled and published by Local Government Academy 8th and 9th Floor Agustin I Building, F. Ortigas Jr. Rd, Ortigas Center Pasig City, Philippines With Financial Support European Union Strengthening LGRCs as Harmonizing Mechanism for Effective Local Governance Project

TABLE OF CONTENTS Good Governance and Anti-Corruption Grupong Katuwang Brgy. Sto. Cristo, Angeles City

Information Technology-Based Barangay Operations System Brgy. New Banicain, Olongapo City

Hinun-anon sa Barangay Brgy. Tambaliza, Ilo-ilo

Human Development and Poverty Reduction Special Endowment for Education and Development (SEED for Success) Brgy. Pulung Cacutud, Angeles City

Parista Barangay Defense System Multi-Purpose Cooperative Brgy. Parista, Lupao, Nueva Ecija

Anak ni Isidro Community-Based Rehabilitation Center Brgy. Bagumbayan, Pililla, Rizal

Barangay Gulayan Tungo sa Kalusugan Brgy. Tadlong, Sagay City, Negros Occidental

Developing Communityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Productivity Through Livelihood Program Brgy. Cupang, Muntinlupa City

Literacy Program Brgy. Dalig, Antipolo City

Barangay Bakery Project Brgy. Macasandig, Cagayan de Oro City Human Development and Poverty Reduction

Brgy. Improgo, Banga, South Cotabato

Green Revolution Brgy. Libas, Hinunangan, Southern Leyte

Livelihood Programs Brgy. Don Jose, Sta. Rosa City

School on Wheels to Relevant Education Access Program (SOW to REAP) Brgy.Tagapo, Sta. Rosa City

Economic Development D’yario Bags Brgy. New Zaniga, Mandaluyong City

Security, Justice and Peace Mobile Barangay Public Safety Offices Brgy. Holy Spirit, Quezon City

Effective Implementation of the Katarungang Pambarangay Program Brgy. Kauswagan, Cagayan de Oro City

Katarungang Pambarangay Brgy. Bailan, Pontevedra, Capiz

Environment Materials Recovery Facility Brgy. San Miguel, Lubao, Pampanga

From Ugly Duckling to a Beautiful Swan…Barangay San Marcos’ Journey to Ecological Solid Waste Management (ESWM) Brgy. San Marcos, Isabela

Barangay Vegetable Garden Nursery Brgy. Bantug, Roxas, Isabela

Solid Waste Management Program Brgy. Horsehoe, Quezon City

Ecological Solid Waste Management Program Brgy. Bagumbahay, Quezon City

Happy Soil Technology Thrives Brgy. Philam, Quezon City

Ecological Solid Waste Management Program Brgy. Dalig, Antipolo City

100

Save the Mother Earth Program Brgy. Lingsat, City of San Fernando, La Union

105

Solid Waste Management Program Brgy. Macasandig, Cagayan de Oro City

110

Marine Sanctuary Brgy. Calag-itan, Southern Leyte

114

Solid Waste Management Program Brgy. Francisco Homes Yakal, San Jose del Monte, Bulacan

118

Save Maningning Project Brgy. Sta. Ana, Taytay, Rizal

122

Adopt a Lot, Sagip Kalikasa, Sagip Kabuhayan Brgy. Tagapo, Sta. Rosa, Laguna

127

Best Sanitation Practice Brgy. Tagabase, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur

130

“The beginning is the most important part of the work”.

- Plato

One of the most difficult parts of a project is the beginning. It is quite difficult to start with something. Sometimes we get hesitant. We fear that we might fail at the beginning. We are too conscious of what might happen next. This kind of attitude pulls us down. This kind of attitude keeps us from progressing. Taking chances can help us move on. It helps us move forward. Taking chances started the 32 projects featured in this edition of Husay Balangay. Husay Balangay is a publication that showcases the best practices in barangays all over the Philippines. The goal of this publication is to inspire other local governments to begin, innovate and create good practices with their respective barangays. The barangays showcased in this publication spearheaded projects categorized in five governance areas – good governance and anti-corruption; human development and poverty reduction; economic development; security, justice and peace; and environment. The Local Government Academy, in partnership with the National Barangay Operations Office, organized the Husay Balangay Project by compiling these barangay best practices and selecting the submissions that are worthy for publication. The selection of featured barangay best practices was based on the following criteria – participation (community ownership transparency, accountability, and free from corruption), sustainability (with continuing mechanisms), impact to the life of the people in the community, innovation (pioneering creativity, continuing improvement), and replicability.

As you would read the projects featured in Husay Balangay, you will be inspired on how all of them started out small. All projects started by beginning to address current societal issues. All of them had difficult beginnings; however, each barangay strived to continue the project that they started. Making them proud of their success and worthy of having their project published for this edition of Husay Balangay. This simple attitude of beginning makes these barangays extraordinary. These small beginnings just show how good their barangays are, samakatwid ipinapakita ang Husay ng kanilang Barangay.

“There are two mistakes one can make along the road to truth…not going all the way, and not starting.” - Buddha

Grupong Katuwang: A Purok-Based Development Council of Brgy. Sto. Cristo, Angeles City Barangay Sto. Cristo is one of the 33 barangays of the City of Angeles. Bounded in the north by Barangay Lourdes Sur East and Salapungan in the South; Barangay. Sto. Rosario, in the East; Barangay Mining and Pulungbulu; and Brgy. Lourdes Sur in the west. It has a total population of 5,950, of which 2,353 are registered voters, with 16 precincts and total number of households of 870. With a land area of 1,536 square kilometers, Barangay Sto Cristo is categorized as one of the smallest barangays of the City. It was known in the 50’s as Patirik-tirik (a kind of bird that dwells in the fields of sugarcane that was planted then abundantly by farmers), a cemetery and burial place for the less privileged, and was later on was named Sto. Cristo, the patron saint of the community. Good governance is the result of a barangay management’s respect of transparency, accountability, honesty and establishment of responsive and effective system. In April of the year 2011 the Barangay Council enacted and approved a resolution , the establishment of a Community Purok – Based Peoples Organization in all of the eight puroks in the barangay. Its objective is to strengthen the people’s participation in charting and planning their concerns and social opinions, comments and suggestions, regarding issues and demands. This was named GRUPONG KATUWANG.

It is headed by a president, a vice-president and committee representatives in the sector of business, youth, the Senior Citizens, women, and academe. The Barangay Kagawad and purok leader in charge of the area serve as counsel and representative of the Punong Barangay and the Barangay Council. This group holds meeting before the last regular session of the Barangay Council, which is the last Friday every month. Output and results are then transmitted by the purok leaders and become a part of the session agents for their resolutions. Groupong Katuwang becomes the corner stone of disseminating programs, projects and other information related to their social welfare and developments. Each purok is also given opportunity to conduct their own Purokbased Community Development Council planning in the barangay. Because of this program, the barangay has a more comprehensive, responsive and effective Barangay Development Plan for Annual Investment and the Good Governance. Each of the Purok leaders and constituents are empowered to lead their â&#x20AC;&#x153;The community small communities and sustain the development in their area. The community members developed a sense of members ownership in their area and has become more active in supporting barangay activities. developed

a sense of ownership in their area...â&#x20AC;?

Vital to sustainable development of a barangay are its people. Without their support and participation, good governance cannot be achieved. They should not just be beneficiaries but partners in responsive and effective governance. As a great man addressed, â&#x20AC;&#x153;and that government of the people, by the people, for the people should not perish from the Earthâ&#x20AC;? people should be empowered and take part in government projects. Barangay Santo Cristo, Angeles City, Pampanga Punong Barangay Efren Dela Cruz Documenter: Carlito M. Castro Contact Information: (045) 6247455

Brgy. New Banicain, Olongapo City: Information Technology-Based Barangay Operations System Banicain is a barangay of the highly urbanized Olongapo City in the province Zambales in Central Luzon which is part of the Luzon group of islands. Banicain had 6,991 residents by the end of 2007. System of documentation in barangays used to be manual. Such filing system is inefficient, slow and susceptible to red tape. This used to be the problem of Brgy. New Banicain, Olongapo City. However, they came up with a system to help them in governance. The Information Technology-Based Barangay Operations System of Brgy. New Banicain improved the systems and procedures in the delivery of frontline services. The System computerizes and links the records of barangay inhabitants, registered voters, Lupong Tagapamayapa, and issuance of barangay and business clearance. The interlinking of the records made barangay administration more effective and efficient. Customers requesting barangay and business clearance do not stop to bring ID pictures anymore as the System is linked to a digital camera and the ID pictures are taken for free. This lessened the requirements and costs for acquiring such documents. The database generated by the System is also a reliable reference for law enforcement agencies such as the PNP and NBI for crosschecking purposes. The System simplified the frontline services therefore improvised efficiency. It now requires less time to process

requests for said documents. It is also easier to track how much the barangay generates in terms of fees because the system pre-numbers the clearances it produces. Anyone will just refer to the reference number to know how much fees are collected. Only bonafide residents and businesses with no derogatory records are granted barangay clearances because of the reliability of the regularly updated registry inhabitants contained in the System. Transparencies in all the procedures in the System are guaranteed by greatly lessening if not â&#x20AC;&#x153;... by greatly eradicating graft and corruption and earning public lessening if not trust. More people are now getting barangay clearance from the barangay instead of trying to eradicating graft get one from the neighboring barangay. and corruption Since graft and corruption are eliminated and more people are acquiring clearance from the

and earning public trustâ&#x20AC;?.

barangay, greater income is generated. This income is used to augment funds in delivery of public services, thus improving the quality of the life of the residents. The practice is easy to sustain and replicate. It only needs a computer where the System shall be installed and the records kept. However, it is important that the Barangay Secretary is computerliterate as he will be the one to administer the system and make sure that the records are updated and maintained. Barangay New Banicain, Olongapo City Punong Barangay Ernilizar Batapa Documenter: Emmanuel Villanueva Contact Information: (047) 6110382

Brgy. Tambaliza, Ilo-ilo: Hinun-anon sa Barangay

The people have the right to voice out their thoughts about the barangay. They also have the right to hear what the barangay has in store for their community. Brgy. Tambaliza, Ilo-ilo has come up with Hinun-anon sa Barangay to address these needs. This forum which aims to promote participation, transparency and accountability in governance and prevent graft and corruption is fully supported by CSOs and NGOs spearheaded by ICODE NGO and Civil Society Organization for Rural Development (CONCORD). Punong Barangay Rolinda De Julian, initiated the move to hold the Hinun-anon in Barangay Tambaliza, as a process to widen participation of residents in all programs and activities of the barangay such as: (1) Barangay Development Council Meeting â&#x20AC;&#x201C; where prioritized projects are identified with maximum participation from all sectors of the community; (2) Budget Preparation - where budget allocations are determined with peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s participation and approval by the Sangguniang Barangay thru an appropriations Ordinance; (3) Policy/Decision Making - where resolutions and ordinances are ratified by the Barangay Assembly; (4) Planning - where the formulation of Annual Investment Program (AIP) is done with valuable participation of residents; and (5) Evaluation & Monitoring - where programs, projects and activities implemented are strictly monitored and evaluated by stakeholders in the community.

Aware of the fact that the Sangguniang Bayan of the municipality is set to pass and implement its own ordinance pushing Hinun-anon, Punong Barangay De Julian made it happen in her own barangay. With sincerity and excitement, she pushed through with the program, in her belief that this activity will transform the mindset of her people from obscurity to civic consciousness and cooperation resulting to a lighter load for Barangay Officials. She further believes that the development of her barangay is a shared responsibility and that is why she said that responsibility does not rest solely on her â&#x20AC;&#x153;... transform the mindset of shoulders and the her people from obscurity to Sangguniang Barangay but also on the civic consciousnessâ&#x20AC;? shoulders of each and every Tambaliza residents. She wants to prove to the whole world that genuine peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s participation is a catalyst for change and that the involvement of people shall be the main reason for them to have that sense of ownership of all the projects and initiatives implemented in their barangay. This forum is the first of its kind in the Municipality of Concepcion, innovations implemented by PB De Julian, made it even more unique from the rest of public forums held in the municipality in the sense that: (1) a monitoring team composed of various sectors of the barangay tasked to closely monitor all programs and projects of the barangay has been formed through resolution; (2) a Full Disclosure Bulletin Board is displayed in a conspicous place in the barangay during and after the forum; and (3) a resolution was passed designating ICODE NGO and CONCORD as facilitators of the forum.

The Hinun-anon sa Barangay employs very simple steps and methods to effectively carry out the forum. These involves the creation of committees from among the members of CONCORD, tasked to facilitate the proceedings. From the same group the panelists are selected to ask questions regarding issues and concerns, screening committee is formed to screen questions to ensure that only relevant question and issues are submitted and those questions which are below the belt, and a time keeper is appointed to ensure that time limits are observed by all participants. Moderators are appointed to guide panelists and participants in the conduct of the forum. The mechanics of the forum are strictly followed to ensure the quality of discussion and to arrive at a consensus, and draw up the commitments of the participants. The Hinun-anon sa Barangay has created an atmosphere of transparency in the sense that this activity promoted maximum participation among residents and their awareness regarding the accomplishments of their elected and appointed barangay officials, programs and projects for implementation, issues and concerns affecting them, and Annual Investment Program (AIP) and Revenue Collection are widened. The forum also serves as a venue where residents can clarify issues and submit suggestions that they think would improve their community.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;... promoted maximum participation among residents and their awareness regarding the accomplishmentsâ&#x20AC;?

Since this public forum is relevant to good governance, the Sangguniang Barangay led by Punong Barangay Rolinda de Julian approved an ordinance institutionalizing Hinunanon sa Barangay in Brgy. Tambaliza. The said ordinance will ensure the sustainability of the project. And with the support of ICODE NGO and CONCORD, Hinun-anon will be part and parcel of Barangay governance in Barangay Tambaliza. This practice has been replicated in two barangays of the Municipality of Concepcion, namely Brgy. Macalbang on October 28, 2011 and Brgy. Plandico on November 24, 2011. With the holding â&#x20AC;&#x153;...democratic of the forum in said barangays, the transformation space created of Barangay Officials and the residents was evident in the way they handled controversial issues and by the Hinunquestions raised by their respective residents. The anon gave a apparent democratic space created by the Hinunanon gave a lot of positive reactions from the lot of positive residents who are now free to air their grievances and concerns without fear of repercussions. Some kagawads for example are no longer afraid to face and answer complaints after they have experienced how it is done in the Hinun-anon.

reactions from the residentsâ&#x20AC;?

Proof that Hinun - anon is a laudable project is the Plaque of Recognition awarded to Brgy. Tambaliza by the Municipal Mayor of the Municipality of Concepcion on October 24, 2011 and ICODE NGO, a strong supporter of the activity on September 22, 2011.

Using Hinun-anon sa Barangay as a tool to carry out their plans and programs, PB Rolinda de Julian and the Sangguniang Barangay of Brgy. Tambaliza can effectively get their message across and ensure that implementation of programs, projects and activities are free of irregularities for the good of their barangay.

Barangay Tambaliza, Concepcion, Iloilo Punong Barangay Rolinda de Julian Documenter: Carlito O. Carrera Contact Information: 09395032408

Brgy. Pulung Cacutud, Angeles City: Special Endowment for Education and Development (SEED for Success) In the course of 1999 Barangay Development Council meetings, it has been noted that the school drop-out cases increases every year primarily due to family financial burden of the citizens in Brgy. Cacutud. The out-of-school youths in the community are most likely driven to become street children, young parents, juvenile delinquents, and victims of child exploitation. PB Antontio Trinidad, then a kagawad and an advocate of quality education filed a Barangay Ordinance,t entitled Special Endowment for Education and Development (SEED), to address this concern. The ordinance was unanimously approved by the Sangguniang Barangay. The project gave hope to the less fortunate youths of the barangay, since it was designed to benefit 100 high school and 20 college students. The implementation of this program was temporarily derailed when the City Government declared it illegal on the ground that the barangay has no power particularly granted solely to higher LGUs under RA 7160. Ultimately, the legal basis in enacting this ordinance was upheld with the issuance of DILG Regional Legal Opinion No. 23 dated November 23, 2002. Since 2000 up to present, the barangay automatically appropriates budget as prescribed under Section 4 of Barangay Ordinance No. 06-01s of 2001.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The

The council is very objective in the selection process by choosing only the qualified and deserving applicants through a screening committee. Payment of matriculation or tuition fees for the scholars shall be directly addressed to the school concerned. seed of

success sown... already produced hundreds of graduatesâ&#x20AC;?.

The seed of success sown by the Sangguniang Barangay of Pulung Catacud, Angeles City has already produced hundreds of graduates. Since the author of the SEED Ordinance was elected as Punong Barangay in 1997, the slots for college scholars increased from 20 to 50 slot.

The SEED was considered one of the Best Practice on Barangay Governance in Angeles City and received a Certificate of Commendation from DILG Angeles City for their innovativeness. Today, a number of barangays in Angeles City are in the process of adopting this program in their barangays.

Barangay Pulung Cacutud, Angeles City, Pampanga Punong Barangay Antonio Lauc Trinidad Documenter: Ruchelle Semsem Contact Information: (045) 8933199

Parista Barangay Defense System Multi-Purpose Cooperative

Parista is a barangay of Lupao in the province Nueva Ecija in Central Luzon. The barangay houses a population of rebel returnees who pledged allegiance to the government. These rebel returnees wish to have a normal life as they start serving the National Government. The Mushroom Production Project of the Barangay Defense System Multi-Purpose Cooperative PBDS-MPC in Brgy. Parista, Lupao, Nueva Ecija showcases the bayanihan spirit. With the objective to help rebel returnees and sympathizers start a new life, the military through the 71st Infantry Battalion helped organize the community. The Cooperative was formed on April 16, 2007 with 98 initial members. Through technical assistance provided by the DTI, the SMED Council of Nueva Ecija, DAR, the DOLE and the Central Luzon State University, who taught the pioneer members the latest mushroom technology, and using seed money of P55,000.00 for spawn production, the Cooperative ventured into mushroom propagation, starting with 2,000 fruiting bags. To conserve its resources, the Cooperative built the needed growing huts and gathered sawdust and rice straw â&#x20AC;&#x201C; raw materials for growing mushrooms - through bayanihan. PBDS-MPCâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s thrust is also to provide livelihood assistance and skills generation and development for its members as they are integrated back to the mainstream of the society. In a report by DOLE

Regional Director Leopoldo De Jesus to Labor Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz, the cooperative was already a previous recipient of the DILP in 2008. The cooperative was given an initial capital assistance for their mushroom production, a project which eventually became a sustainable livelihood for the cooperative through the joint efforts of the regional DOLE, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the 81st IB7ID of the Philippine Army (PA), Brgy. Parista, and the municipal government of Lupao. Today, the Cooperative supplies mushrooms to the Public Market and malls in nearby San Jose City, and is visited by future growers from other towns and provinces as far away as Bataan, and became a venue for skills training. Some 25 families are benefited by this Project, deriving a net average monthly income of P5,000 to P6,000. Recognized by the DTI as “One Town, One Product” of the municipality of Lupao, it was adjudged “Outstanding Enterprise for the Year 2010” by the DTI and the SMED Council of Nueva Ecija, and received the “... provide “SME Star Rising Award” under the Micro livelihood Enterprise Category – the first ever recipient in Nueva Ecija of this award. On September 28, assistance 2011 a Kiosk was opened to cater several dishes and skills of mushrooms.

generation and

development for its members” 14

The municipal government of Lupao has pledged more assistance for the project in recognition of its potentials as a major livelihood undertaking for the people of Lupao.

Barangay Parista, Lupao, Nueva Ecija Punong Barangay Dominador V. Costales Documenter: Blesilda E. Velilia Contact Information: 09061567262

Brgy. Bagumbayan, Pililla, Rizal: Anak ni Isidro Community - Based Rehabilitation Center Pililla is a first class urban municipality in the Province of Rizal, Philippines. According to the 2000 census, it has a population of 45,275 people in 9,001 households. Pililla is just few kilometers away from Tanay, Rizal. It is surrounded by farms, small mountains, planes and trees. Its nearby provinces are Laguna and Quezon. Brgy. Bagumbayan is one of its constituting barangay located at the central vicinity of the town proper. It is a fast developing barangay and now the seat of governance of the municipality. It is also known for housing the municipalityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s prime of education system like the state university which is the University of Rizal System Pililla Campus, primary, and secondary institutions. The Anak ni Isidro- Community Based Rehabilitation (ANICBR) Center intends to cater persons with disability or any impairment that hinders their capacity to perform or function to their day to day activities. It is adopted by Brgy. Bagumbayan as its pioneering project to support the need of persons with disabilities within the area and is now at Pililla Veteranâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hall located at M. A. Roxas St. corner Mla. East Road, Brgy. Bagumbayan, Pililla, Rizal. The Center is located in a 30 sq. meter foot structure wherein the War Veterans Organization Members conduct their activities.

Since the location of this community is 57 km. away from Manila, wherein most of the services for rehabilitation can be obtained, many persons with disability or in need of therapeutic intervention cannot afford to obtain and sustain the need. The project is designed to cater to persons with disabilities who cannot afford to avail therapy intervention from private clinics and practitioners. Most cases that benefited from the CBR center are patients who suffer from stroke, cerebral palsy, fractures, rheumatoid arthritis, adhesive capsulitis, low back pains and other related conditions that contribute to the limitation of functions of an individual. It is also intended to provide remedial classes to children with learning difficulty and developmental delays through the volunteer day care teachers. The ANI-CBR Center provides therapy services like occupational therapy and physical therapy. It also gives reflexology and therapeutic massage to those in need. A cognitive stimulation class entitled â&#x20AC;&#x153;Head Start Programâ&#x20AC;? that provides children who are with special needs and especially those with learning difficulties or retardation and with developmental delays. Counseling and caregiverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s education were also given to patients and other persons in need. Most of the patients with various different conditions were examined and evaluated by a volunteer medical doctor in a monthly basis. The project which is only on its first year of operation had served indigent persons with disabilities and limitations to their functions, and was guided with its objectives which are as follows: generally, to provide basic therapeutic services to persons in need of therapeutic intervention and provide education to caregivers and families, and also to educate the public to prevent further disability.

Specific objectives are: (1) to provide basic therapeutic intervention to persons who are in need; (2) to facilitate proper knowledge and approach of the condition and their disability; (3) to educate volunteers on the different approaches and treatment strategies; (4) to educate family members and caregivers on the condition and the disability of the patient; (5) to provide information to the public on how to prevent in acquiring disability and other condition that may lead to further disability or impairment; (6) to provide counseling to patients, families and to those individual who are in need. With its existence, the ANI CBR Center had served almost 60 regular clients and several walk-in patients that seek therapeutic intervention. It has been also a venue for various related programs such as pre-vocational and livelihood trainings, bloodletting programs and other programs that support the needs of the clients and also their families.

The center started with the initiative of their Barangay

Captain who is a registered occupational therapist and his friends who are physical therapists and reflexologists. Through the help of the Sangguniang Barangay of Bagumbayan, Pililla, Rizal, by explaining the needs and benefits of this project to the council, it was approved unanimously through a Resolution No. 2010-07 dated August 1, 2010 allowing the establishment of Community Based Rehabilitation Center at Brgy. Bagumbayan. The project was initially funded with a minimal amount of Php 5,000.00 to start with its operation. The volunteer therapists agreed to operate 3 times a week on MondaysWednesdays-Thursdays from 8:00 am â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 12:00 noon, wherein patients from the vicinity of Brgy. Bagumbayan and other nearby barangays

drop by at the clinic to seek therapeutic intervention. Sustainability of the operations came from the efforts of its volunteers to ask donations from their friends and other stakeholders to support the needs for intervention like alcohols, blood pressure apparatus, cottons and oils and many others. Lists of donors and their corresponding donations were reported every time the clinic celebrates special occasions like Christmas Party and Anniversary. They were invited as a means of gratitude with their good deeds. As of today, with its continuing service and operation, ANI – CBR Center was admired by some of the local barangay officials who expressed their intention of replicating the setup to their respective barangays. Negotiations are still hanged-up until finalization of the process of putting up alike was placed into final. Private individuals, local organizations and even foreign NGO’s visited the center for adoption and affiliations.

“...helps the patients gain strength and sense of worth to continue living functionally”

ANI – CBR Center can be considered as one of the best practice and a pioneering innovation in this barangay, since it is the only and first community based rehabilitation center that is operated and sustained by the local government of Brgy. Bagumbayan and also a self- supporting center that operates with the initiative and help of its stakeholders from the community. It operates with the help of seven volunteers, two occupational therapists, two physical therapists, two nurses, two resident visiting medical doctors and a psychologist. Volunteers whole heartedly lend their time and knowledge and skills

to provide appropriate intervention to those in need. They also exchange ideas and thoughts and even techniques to uplift their skills and knowledge in dealing with their patients and help them improve its present condition. By providing therapy and other related services like medical missions, bloodletting and pre- vocational and livelihood trainings helps the patients gain strength and sense of worth to continue living functionally. It also served as a venue to help their family members gain additional skills and opportunity that can be used for additional source for a living.

Barangay Bagumbayan, Pililla, Rizal Punong Barangay Dindo Martinez Abueg Documenter: Josephine Ramiriez Contact Information: 3409332 / 3403627

Brgy. Tadlong, Sagay City, Negros Occidental : Barangay Gulayan Tungo sa Kalusugan: Brgy. Tadlong, Sagay City, Negros Occidental Brgy. Tadlong is one of the 25 barangays of Sagay City, Negros Occidental. It is located 11 km. from the city proper with a total land area of 1,904.45 ha. It has a population of 3,005 based on the 2010 actual survey and a total household of 646. As a rural barangay, it can be considered as a depressed community where most of its residents are laborers in sugarcane farms while some engage in small farming and livelihood projects. Since most households survive with a minimum income, malnutrition has become a perennial problem in the barangay. In 2007 it has 107 malnourished children and ranked 2nd among 25 barangays in malnutrition prevalence rate. In 2009, it decreased to 48 children however it ranked 2nd again in 2010 with 59 malnourished children because of some families that migrated to the place. There were also some newborns that have birth deformities. In late 2009, Punong Barangay Roberto S. Hecita, Jr. started to cultivate 2.5 ha out of the 15.20 ha of land that the Sagay City Government purchased at Brgy. Tadlong. With the permission of former mayor, now governor, Hon. Alfredo G. Maranon, Jr., PB Hecita cultivated the land with his own personal money. Among his expenses included PhP 25,000.00 for cultivation and development of the 2.5 ha, PhP 5,000.00 for the seeds and fertilizers and PhP 20,000.00 for daily cultivation and nursery. His first harvest produced not less than one ton of corn, three tons of squash, 50 kilos of cucumber, 55 kilos of pechay,

37.5 kilos of ampalaya, 29.16 kilos of eggplant and other vegetable products. Corn and other produce were used for the daily feeding program while the rests of the harvest were sold at the local market and Bacolod City. The income was used to sustain the daily feeding program from Monday to Friday. The daily feeding costs more or less PhP 1,000.00, wherein not only the identified malnourished children were the beneficiaries but also those children from the underprivileged that totals to more or less 100 being fed daily. The usual menu prepared for a day are: 10 kilos of corn, 3 kilos of beef/chicken liver, 2 kilos of monggo, malunggay and some other corn products locally known as “alupi” and other delicacies cooked by the parents of the malnourished children and the Barangay Nutrition Scholar (BNS).

“... Ensures access of barangay residents to healthy food”

During the feeding program, vitamins were also provided to malnourished children. The fund was taken from the income earned by the barangay gulayan. Furthermore, the income augmented the other expenses of the BNS, like the transportation cost in getting the fresh milk ration of the city government, the Pabasa expenses and other advocacy endeavours.

Another notable strategy that ensures access of barangay residents to healthy food is to make vegetable available in every sarisari store in the barangay at a minimum price like the squash which is being sold at PhP 5.00 per kilo. Other vegetable in the gulayan were also given for free to the indigent residents to supplement their food consumption.

The PhP 50,000.00 personal contribution of Hon. Hecita has immensely improved the nutritional status of the children in the barangay. He allocates PhP 1,000.00 for the daily feeding for more than a year a already starting June 2010 up to the present. Meaning, the barangay has already spent more than PhP 240,000.00 for a yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s feeding program. It has indeed sustained the nutrition program of the barangay while the income also continues to sustain the cultivation and production of the gulayan. This effort has caused the drop in the rate of malnourished children from 59 in 2010 to 16 children in the month of January 2011 with the absence severely malnourished children. From rank 2 in 2010, Brgy. Tadlong dropped to rank 20 out of 25 barangays in malnutrition prevalence rate. Hon. Hecita is not a wealthy politician. He is just an ordinary person with a heart of a servant leader. He is sincere, honest and has a vision for his people. Sharing his blessings improves the nutritional status of the children at the same time he gains the trust and respect of his constituents. His sincerity to serve his people especially those in need has gained full support from his barangay kagawads, appointive officials and above all the people.

Barangay Tadlong, Sagay City, Negros Occidental Punong Barangay Roberto Hecita, Jr. Documenter: Maria Nove A. Mejica Contact Information: 09081648947/ 09182242230

Brgy. Cupang, Muntinlupa City: Human Development and Poverty Reduction “Developing Community’s Productivity Through Livelihood Program” Brgy. Cupang is one of the nine barangays of Muntinlupa City. It has a land area of 5.370 sq km with a projected population of 74,560 (for 2012). It is one of the barangays in the city lying along Laguna de Bay. Brgy. Cupang started its livelihood project dubbed as “Pera sa Water Lily” in 2007. The project was the initiative of Punong Barangay Celso C. Dioko to address the problem of water hyacinths clogging the Alabang-Cupang River and invading the Laguna de Bay. Water crammed full of these plants is not good for the fishing industry not to mention that these plants are perfect breeding ground for mosquitoes. The project started with an initial capital of PhP10,000.00 provided by the barangay. The project is manned by 13 trained female barangay staff led by a livelihood coordinator designated by the barangay. These women are in-charge of the production and marketing of the finished products. The water lilies are delivered to the livelihood center by residents interested to earn extra income. The barangay pays PhP 0.50 per fresh stalk and PhP 1.00 per dried stalk. A banca load of plant is paid by the barangay at PhP 300.00 per banca. The stalks are dried and processed then turned into bags, slippers, caps, placemats, headbands and decor. When the demand for the products is high, the processing of stalks is sub-contracted to residents, mostly women.

The project became an effective channel for these residents to be productive, increase their income, and make them self reliant. Since 2007, four years after the livelihood project has been established, more or less 400 community members have been benefiting from this barangay project, the breakdown of which as follows: 13 female barangay staff presently managing the program; about 100 women as harvester of waterlilies and sub â&#x20AC;&#x153;... an contractors; 40 to 50 male employees of Bantay Lawa effective as harvesters; 100 students and unemployed residents as harvesters and subcontractors; and 100 fishermen as channel harvesters. for these The livelihood project succeeded in providing additional income to above-cited community residents helping them make both ends meet. Mostly benefiting from the project are women from the depressed areas of the barangay who used to gamble, gossip and quarrel

residents to be productive, increase

among themselves during their extra time. The project has not only solved the presence of these invasive plants in their income, waterways and the lake but has been provided a promising and make livelihood venture for Brgy. Cupang residents. It also them self became the fishermenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s additional source of income. When the catch is low, they resort to reaping of waterlilies. reliantâ&#x20AC;?. The continuous harvesting of waterlilies likewise helps in the prevention and control of dengue in the barangay. Incidence of dengue is one of the main concerns of the barangay. As of November 2011, nine former barangay staff involved in the operation of the livelihood program has successfully established their respective businesses. These businesses surely help generate employment.

The project was self-sustaining. From the PhP 10,000.00 initial capital, the livelihood project has already been making an average annual net profit of about PhP 120,000.00. The barangay has been continuously enhancing the skills of the women operating the project on designing, marketing, treatment of water lilies, lamination â&#x20AC;&#x153;...advancement etc. through attendance to various trainings and seminars spearheaded by DOST, DTI, of the workerâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s etc. to further improve the quality of their skills and products. From baskets, their products have now expanded to other useful items like knowledge bads, slippers, caps, placemats, headbands, to make the and decor.

products globally competitiveâ&#x20AC;?.

The barangay did not have a difficult time marketing the finished products. Caritas Manila is a regular customer of the barangay and the same is being displayed/sold in their bazaar. Residents are also welcome to sell finish products through consignment basis. A Japan-based former resident of the barangay is introducing/selling the product specifically slippers in the Japanese market. Aside from the finished products, the center has been doing good business selling raw materials to other manufacturers. Presently, they are delivering stalks husks (processed water lily stalks) to a manufacturer in Valenzuela City. The stalk husks are used by said the manufacturer as material for making wallpaper. The center is now equipped with two units of high speed sewing machine, one unit of manual sewing machine, and other equipment needed in the production. All the equipments and materials needed

have been acquired out of the profit gained. The barangay has entrusted the overall management of the livelihood project to the 13 barangay staff with minimal assistance from them. The barangay government continuously researches for the advancement of the worker’s “...uplifting the skills and knowledge to make the products living condition of globally competitive.

the marginalized

Regular inventory and audit are being sector within the done to ensure that the operation is being handled well. The Punong Barangay is being barangay”. furnished with monthly financial report to keep him updated of the status of operation of the project. This livelihood project has been a source of pride for the Barangay Government of Cupang. The success being enjoyed by the barangay with the implementation of this noble endeavor has measured up with the thrust of uplifting the living condition of the marginalized sector within the barangay. It is with great prestige that among the nine barangays of Muntinlupa, only Brgy. Cupang has a flourishing and well-sustained livelihood program.

Barangay Cupang, Muntinlupa City Punong Barangay Celso Dioko Documenter: Bernadette Ferino Contact Information: 8506474/ 8503259

Brgy. Dalig, Antipolo City: Literacy Program Brgy. Dalig is bounded on the north by Brgy. San Jose, on the east by the town of Teresa Rizal, on the south by the Town of Angono, Rizal and on the west by Brgy. San Roque. The barangay is approximately 2- kilometer distance from the City proper and 20 kilometers from the Provincial Capitol. The barangay can be accessed from down town via Circumferential Road, Antipolo-Teresa Road, M.L. Quezon Extension and Barangay Mahabang Parang, Angono Rizal. Its total area of 406.48 ha represents 1.05 percent of the entire land area of the City of Antipolo with a population density of approximately 11,800 inhabitants per square kilometer.

To further improve the literacy among its constituents, Brgy.

Dalig launched a multi-faceted literacy program. Each face of the project has different techniques used to promote literacy among the constituents of Brgy. Dalig. The project on literacy through Alternative Learning System (ALS) aims to help decrease, if not totally eradicate the drop-outs in both elementary and secondary levels and to increase the retention rate in the formal education system. It caters to the basic literacy needs of children, youth and adults who have dropped out from the school due to poverty. The barangay also has a project on literacy through Information Communication Technology (ICT). At todayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s stage of development, and with the increasing state-of-the-art technology, Brgy. Dalig

introduces the Information Communication Technology (ICT) to respond to the rapidly changing needs of the present governance. A literacy for the Pre- Schoolers was also launched. Brgy. Dalig also believes that a child deserves the best care and attention on the family and community levels. Towards this end, Brgy. Dalig established six day care centers; all are properly illuminated and ventilated. The barangay scrutinizes the qualification, training, and accreditation of the barangay day care workers and the standards for the implementation of the total development and protection of children program. Since education leads to livelihood, Brgy. Dalig linked literacy to its livelihood program. The Barangay Government of Dalig has now prioritized an improved business climate, infrastructure development, and public-private partnerships. Investment in human capital and social protection is another critical pillar addressed by the Government to improve the livelihoods of the poor. To begin with, Brgy. Dalig Government researched the practices in the community (or, why it is the way it is), determined what the constituents want to change (by comparing our barangay to similar cities/ states/countries and finding the best practices on that issue), choose a specific policy to advocate for, and advocate for a change. Those who are most privileged are more equipped to make sense of and use information that they have access to. If you want information access because you want a better informed citizenry and a fairer society, you must start embracing the importance of information literacy and the need to provide infrastructure to help people build these skills. Information literacy forms the basis for lifelong learning. It is common to all disciplines, to all learning environments, and to all levels of education. It enables learners to master content and extend their

investigations, become more self-directed, and assume greater control over their own learning.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;... embracing the importance of information literacy

and the need to provide The community is infrastructure to help

also part of implementing people build these this project. Active involvement of LGU and skillsâ&#x20AC;?. people in the community particularly the youth was encouraged. The barangay established partnership, coordinative linkage and networking with various sectors of civil society and lead agencies of the government. Visual documentation for evaluation and monitoring was done since the project should be well documented and shared with other practitioners for policy planning and formulation. Brgy. Dalig has developed its own pool of trainors to augment the training needs in livelihood, and financial management. Lady kagawads were sent to Technological Livelihood and Resource Center (TLRC) for training and accreditation. Without livelihood, there is little hope for real change. The Barangay livelihood program seeks to help many recipients of other programs by training them with marketable job skills that will better equip them to become self-sufficient. Alleviated clientelesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; way of living enhanced their learning capability and reduced the number of illiterate in the barangay. To eradicate poverty and improve the standard of the stakeholders lives, entrepreneurial skills have enabled a number of learners to establish

income-generating projects. In addition, improvements in literacy have led to changes in general life styles and behavior of participants. More citizens of Brgy. Dalig are now able to independently conduct their business. To sustain the project, budget was allocated to pursue basic computer education for the out-of-school youth and adult citizens through adoption of information communication technology for community empowerment. Construction of Community Learning and Resource Center, Day Care Centers and additional school houses that is geared towards accelerating delivery of basic services. In order to ensure the sustainability of the program, there is a need for sector-wide and cross-sectoral support, including support from political leaders at all levels, employers in the private and public sectors, government agencies, youth and womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s organizations and donors. Brgy. Dalig was one of the recipients of ICT Tools and technological devices to be used in NFE. UNESCO-SEAMEO also conducted training to barangay personnel to enhance the learning abilities of participants in the use of ICT Tools for Community Empowerment through the NFE. Brgy. Dalig was able to establish its linkage with UNESCO through SEAMEO-INNOTECH.

Barangay Dalig, Antipolo City Punong Barangay Catalino M. Leyva Documenter: Thelma S. Candare Contact Information: 6303092

Brgy. Macasandig, Cagayan de Oro City: Barangay Bakery Project by the Barangay Women Development Council The growing population in the rural areas increases problems affecting women and children in Brgy. Macasandig, Cagayan de Oro City. Hence, there was a need to establish Macasandig Barangay Women Development Committee that hopes to address the immediate concerns of those neglected sectors of the community â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the rural women and children. The organization will serve as an avenue in empowering rural women and children through effective social and economic services. The establishment of the Barangay Bakery Project was similar to a woman about to give birth, she cries in deep pain but as soon as her child is born, she rejoices greatly. They started from scratch with the support of PhP 50,000.00 worth of bakery equipments from an NGO, Canadian Executive Service Organization (CESO), with an active support from the Barangay Local Government Unit of Macasandig, assigning to them an area with corresponding Memorandum of Agreement where the bakery is established as counterpart. To insure that all transactions have transparency, all income derived from the products and services of the bakery are posted in the book of accounts of BDWC, properly audited and deposited in the bank. It regularly conducts monthly board meetings and special meetings, when necessary, to keep its members abreast on what is happening to their programs. Membership assembly is held twice a year.

All members are given equal protection from their jobs and reminded of their duties and accountabilities. Barangay Women Development Council Board of Directors embraces high standard in their production may it be in the bakery or their eatery, from the taste, to sanitation, and even to the affordability of the prices. For this reason, the bakery’s Torta de Oro is one of the popular products of Cagayan de Oro. To guarantee that there will be no form of corruption, an inventory is being done daily basing from their reports of gross development of corruption, an inventory is being done daily based on their reports of gross development of the “The bakery of the bakery. Being a member of barangay has greatly this program does not only entail jobs among members contributed to the but they are also enjoying the life of its residents” benefits it gives among others aside from the fact that they are learning from what they are doing and may have the chance of having their own. The success of the project can be traced from the hard labor of about 300 plus unemployed mothers who are active members of Barangay Women Development Council clustered into 15 chapters. Five of the pioneer members already acquired their own baking equipment, started their own business, and employed some of their chapter members. The bakery of the barangay has greatly contributed to the life of its residents, especially to the BWDC Members. Firstly, “Torta de Oro” is very affordable, twice lower than the branded kind. Children and adults, both crave for its taste, thus making it in demand in parties, assemblies etc. “Torta de Oro” was also one of the two products of the City of Cagayan de Oro showcased in the recent 2011 ONE

BARANGAY ONE PRODUCT held in the World Trade Center, Pasay City on October 14-18,2011 and earned Brgy. Macasandig a Plaque of Appreciation. The bakery regularly produces an average of 500 pieces of torta daily and also makes the best and delicious baked and steamed siopao which are available at low prices. Bakery sales are more or less PhP 10,000.00 daily. Aside from the torta that the bakery produce they also have the best and delicious baked and steamed siopao and “Putong Bisaya” which the people can buy also at a very affordable price. Naturally, the sales of the bakery boomed as the demand increases that its sales rise up to PhP 10,000.00 daily. But the most important effect of this project is the knowledge it has imparted to the members, that five of the pioneering members already acquired their own baking equipment and started a business of their own. They also employ some of their chapter members which mean wider range of income earning women. The Bakery Project which the Barangay has been actively supporting managed and operated by unemployed housewives/ women, become the road to successful and business-minded housewives/women.

“...Bakery Project...road to successful and business-minded housewives/women”.

The Barangay Bakery Project is sustainable for it is managed by the Barangay Women Development Council of Brgy. Macasandig. It is managed and operated by and among the unemployed housewives/ women of the barangay, thus, any change of administration can never affect its operation for the project has its separate personality. Also, it has been operating for more than three years and we could say that it is financially stable and progressing that they are even looking forward to open another project as the fruit of this project. Housewives are mostly mothers and mothers nurture their families in the same way that these women nurture the project as they profit for the good of many and their families. At present, there are already five active members managing their own homemade “Torta de Oro,” about three bakers will follow, awaiting funds from the soon to be established BWDC Cooperative. College students from St. Mary’s Academy in Carmen, Cagayan de Oro City had sent four batches of students enrolled in Culinary Arts in three successive years to learn how to bake “Torta de Oro” for free. Economics Students from Xavier University – Ateneo de Cagayan had their Official Job Training (OJT) at the Barangay Bakery. Members of the Rural Improvement Club (RIC) of Clarin, Misamis Occidental observed the livelihood projects of Macasandig BWDC. Members of the BWDC of Brgy. Lumbia, Cagayan de Oro City observed the projects of Macasandig BWDC. Members of the BWDC of Brgy. Balulang Cagayan de Oro City observed the Bakery Project of Macasandig BWDC. The members of the BWDC of Municipality of Villanueva, Misamis Oriental visited the Livelihood projects of Macasandig BWDC.

The project has earned the Plaque of Appreciation from the recent 2011 ONE BARANGAY ONE PRODUCT held at World Trade Center, Pasay City and a recipient of various commendations from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

Barangay Macasandig, Cagayan de Oro City Punong Barangay Aaron M. Neri, Sr. Documenter: Nikko J. Pontipedra & Vilma Uyguangco Contact Information: (088) 8573329 /8577837

Brgy. Improgo, Banga, South Cotabato: Human Development and Poverty Reduction Brgy. Improgo nestles in a low altitude area in the North Eastern corner of the town proper of Municipality of Banga, Province of South Cotabato. This place is strategically located along the river banks of Banga River. Brgy. Improgo only owned 27 ha parcel of land and considered to be one of the smallest among the 22 barangays of this Municipality. During the early years of settlement, this narrow strip of land was remarkable being a vantage point for the first market site of the town, a place for traditional barter for the common folks. Important events and occasions were held here such as traditional Fiesta and the grandest New Year festival joyfully joined by all people.

Later, as a result of modernization and expansion necessary

for the rapid progress and the rise in the volume of agricultural production, the market was transferred to a more spacious and appropriate area. Being situated along the banks of Banga River, Improgo is a low level area with the constant threat of flooding. Every time rain pours heavily, some of the roads are impassable to heavier trucks. This piece of land was threatened by soil erosion due to massive uneven flows of water and it gets narrower by meter or two every year. The land area of about 27 ha is of residential status. Most of the lots are occupied thus infrastructure projects are currently difficult to implement due to lack of required area for construction. Various programs and projects are being done such as; bamboo and vetiver planting came to realize through the initiative of AVLADA and in cooperation with the households along the river banks, pandan

propagation is strongly upheld by the Women Sector, tree planting as annual activity of the Sangguniang Kabataan, and Barangay Initiative program such as, installation of river control and hurdle. These project plans and activities are made possible through a series of resolutions and ordinances. With these endeavor, unnoticeably “Mini Forest” existed. Through the passing of time the pandan plant vastly proliferated well along the river banks and based on analysis and observation, pandan is of great help in preventing soil erosion and other unexpected nature’s wrath. The strong support for municipal administration’s “Matahum and Matinlo” project inspires everyone to push for a more stringent Environment Charter in Banga. With its utilization and advantage, the Council had passed a resolution to continuously plant pandan within the river banks, thus, with the unified effort of the community and its local leaders, employment among unemployed women and out of school youth were extended and delivered right through their own homes, as pandan varieties had many uses, poverty in this community decreases. We are making our disadvantages an asset of this locality. Since everything found in this place seems to be “undersized” this never hinders us from dreaming big and walking up in making our every dreams come true. This is a clear indication that the officials of our barangay are striving to “...dreaming big and provide our basic need. walking up in making our

every dreams come true”

Pandan Festival was created two years ago. This event is being celebrated during the Foundation Anniversary of Brgy. Improgo, Banga, South Cotabato. The initial festivity made a huge impact not only to the “Improgoans” but also made a big sound to the municipality itself. Being the first to celebrate a unique fiesta in the

Municipality of Banga made the local leaders carry a responsibility to think more and share ideas for the Pandan Festivalâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s success. It was not really easy back when it was commemorated; as the festival speaks for itself the Barangay Council find it very hard to sustain the position. An assortment of suggestions was held at hand just to cope up with the demand of making the festival more meaningful and well celebrated. Some of the great ideas that made a huge impact in the celebration was the Resolutions and Ordinances that are being passed and approved to plant pandan inside the households of every families, A Run for Pandan was apprehended last May 18, 2011, this cause is for the â&#x20AC;&#x153;This innovation propagation of more pandan plants opens up doors along the river banks. Trade Fair was of opportunity installed to showcase the handicrafts being intricately made by the Women and a window Sector such as bags, cellphone holder,

of a progressive

mats among others. Mouthwatering community.â&#x20AC;? pandan flavored cakes and pastries were among the pioneering products prepared by the local pastry-cook, these are just among the uses and benefits of the varieties of pandan, an annual search is participated by the local designers for the best haute couture design made of pandan. These are just a pretty little start, and yet we are looking forward for a brighter Pandan Festival to come. By virtue of Presidential Decree No. 86 Improgo became a struggling barangay, common, ordinary and average. Now on its 38th founding anniversary, Brgy. Improgo seems to be rare, precious, valued and loved. Local Government of Improgo is trying its best to reflect and

act big even if they were being called diminutive. Today Brgy.Improgo is living its desire to extend basic services especially the reduction of poverty among its population to the best of the peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s potentialities. The barangay has a small Internal Revenue Allotment, but fortunately it has citizens who are rich with talents and capabilities, a community that is affluent with competence, and leaders who are abundant with passion for community service, leaders who are catalysts of change. Undeniably, Brgy. Improgo is neither an agricultural nor an economic haven. The place is purely residential, but through the efforts of the local leaders and the community itself, they surely hit the mark. With the present unexplained condition of the environment, the barangay is also experiencing deterioration with regards to environmental issues. The fact that Brgy. Improgo is situated along the river banks threatened the Barangay Council because almost 15 percent of the households are located near the banks. Through the collaborative efforts of the previous elected officials, Brgy. Improgo had been granted a concrete dike by the national government to protect the concerned citizens. Pandan Festival is now on its third leg, and yet the barangay is so eager to showcase again the richness of the locality. This innovation opens up doors of opportunity and a window of a progressive community. Different sectors found in the barangay as spearheaded by the Festival Committee had already passed a resolution from the Department of Tourism that Pandan Festival be included on the list of Provinceâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Festivals. This is one of the ambitious moves that the community of Brgy. Improgo made, but the community still believes that trying something that is appropriate doesnâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t harm everyone. The Barangay officials were delighted by the enthusiasm of every participating groups. Such initiative will surely mean a perfect

representation of what Barangay Council and the people of Brgy. Improgo are all about. Indeed through unity and dedication to work, Brgy. Improgo will be a well-developed and progressive community in the Municipality of Banga.

“...citizens were able to make a big difference and are upholding excellence and transcending progress for our people’s sake”.

Progress could be very hard to achieve if there is no unity within a certain community. Brgy. Improgo is blessed with congenial people and peace advocate leaders who are the masters of this barangay’s progress and achievement. Barangay Improgo’s local government unit is living with its desire and aspiration to uphold its mission and vision as an instrument in bringing the basic services to its populace. Finally, Brgy. Improgo is just diminutive, it is only a dot on the municipal map and yet the citizens were

able to make a big difference and are upholding excellence and transcending progress for our people’s sake. Their tagline strongly speaks for their vision, “Progreso Barangay Improgo.”

Barangay Improgo, Banga, South Cotabato Punong Barangay Minda A. Estepar Documenter: Roman Carlo D. Blando Contact Information: (083) 2391517

Green Revolution: A Garden to Kitchen Approach of Brgy. Libas, Hinunangan Southern Leyte A place once known in the 1970s and the 1989s as the Imelda Settlement, a project funded by the national government in cooperation with the German Government and implemented by the Ministry of human Settlement, and named after former First Lady, Imelda Romualdez Marcos, the place is located in a fertile plane right at the foot of Mt. Bod around 15 kilometers away from the town proper of the municipality of Hinunangan, Southern Leyte. It was envisioned to become a model community in the area, in the sense that development efforts were not anymore centered in the urban areas but corruption, particularly in the housing project and livelihood programs made it more poverty-laden In 1982 when Typhoon Besing struck hard in this place and in 1994 when strong earthquakes shook the municipalities of Saint Bernard, San Juan, Anahawan, Hinundayan and Hinunangan, almost all government-made houses in this settlement site collapsed leading to the immediate death of some inhabitants, more particularly children; hence, residents were forced to abandon their homes and live in makeshift shelters. What made their agony worse is that, the underground communist movement was so strong at that time; this condition made life more miserable to the people of Brgy. Libas, as the residents were bullied around. Their lives were in a constant state of fear and helplessness.

Hunger was a common experience in every household almost every day because they can’t go to their respective farms to gather food, they were afraid that they might be a victim of crossfire or misencounter from the rebel and the government forces. This condition was only augmented, thanks to Red Cross and the DSWD that periodically distributed rice and sardines to them. Due to such, most families thought that migration to the lowland barangays and to urban centers were the answer. Hence, almost half of its residents abandoned Brgy. Libas.It was only in 1990s when the communist movements weakened and eventually died down that they started returning to their former residence. For those residents who had nowhere to go except to face the challenges at home, it took them more than two decades (1969 up to 1994) to live in terror and havoc wrought by armed revolution initiated by the New People’s Army (NPA). Today, after experiencing all these miserable years, the people of Libas are now busy fighting again for another revolution, this time they are fighting for the Green Revolution.

“...backyard gardening is of great help in providing nutritious food for every household in the community”

The Green Revolution is a movement purposely designed to ensure that all people of Brgy. Libas have access to food they need at all times . Its focus is on the 97 households to grow or gather its own food or earn money to buy enough food to provide adequate nutrition for all its members, irrespective of gender or age all throughout the year. Its main strategy used is the Garden to Kitchen Approach. The idea reveals that backyard gardening is of great help in providing nutritious

food for every household in the community, because if one wanted to cook something to eat he can easily gather vegetable or root crops in the garden and cook it in the kitchen. Knowing the status of the government housing project in the area, the barangay was blessed with 40 units of duplex type structures housing 80 households granted by the Gawad Kalinga Foundation. With the turn of events of event and with this program in place, the former war-torn site is now a place of peace and abundance. The barangay established linkages with the Municipal Agriculturist Office and the Gawad Kalinga Coordinator for joint efforts in project conceptualization and project implementation. Barangay assemblies, seminars and consultation were likewise conducted. Expenses were minimal. The municipal government of Hinunangan assisted in the marketing aspect by establishing a barangay â&#x20AC;&#x153;bagsakanâ&#x20AC;? center in the poblacion area. After three years of implementation, the people of Libas have realized that vegetables and root crops were high value crops; thus, instead of planting it only in their front yards and backyards they are now busy doing medium scale vegetable and root crop farming in their lands located in the nearby mountainous areas. As of today, they are now one of the major suppliers of root crops, banana and vegetables in the municipality of Hinunangan and neighboring areas. The program increased the income of the people from PhP 45,000.00 in 2005 to PhP 66,000.00 in 2008 thereby increasing the chances of families that could send their children to school. At present, there are 90 children that are studying in elementary, 27 in high school and one in college, when before the families could hardly send their children to school.

High prevalence of malnutrition was also experienced before the project, but after implementation of the program there is now only one child malnourished from five children reported before. It also improved the lifestyles of the poeple, before the program, there was only one motorcycle in the area, going to and from the poblacion area, as a mode of public transport. Today, there are about 10 individuals who own these units, considered very precious in a remote barangay where there is no public transport. Today, there are no incidents of crime reported to the authorities. The people have made it a point to keep themselves busy with their work of growing plants, particularly root crops and vegetables. The absence of crime or criminality in the area can be attributed to the presence of the program aimed at providing the people an environment of peace and prosperity. The strong LGU support of the program and the cooperation among the people of Libas has made implementation easier and smoother. The presence of the program and the benefits the people have derived therefore have restored the people’s faith and pride in themselves. When before the families would suffer from hunger, demeaning their self-worth, now the problem on hunger is just one own’s backyard “...increasing the away. On the other hand, the chances of families income they derive from selling the vegetables and root cropos in that could send the town or nearby municipalities their children to is used by the families to send their children to schools and to school”. buy other necessary items for their family’s needs.

When this program was started, it took some time for the Gawad Kalinga social workers, the barangay officials, Gawad Kalinga Village officials and the municipal agriculturist to convince the people to participate in this program. The people were hesitant to take part in the program. The people were hesitant to take part in the program mostly because they were made dependent on the food assistance extended to them by the Red Cross and the DSWD in the past, aside from the fact that they do not know what their contribution or participation would be like; but constant prodding and explanations about the program made them realize that after all, the program made them realize that after all, the program was envisioned or created for their own good. A manifestation of the people’s strong support of the program is by having a front and backyard garden in every household, communal fresh prawns and Tilapia ponds, a communal garden, a mushroom culture garden and nursery. All these were made possible through active people’s participation. The residents of Brgy. Libas were made to contribute as a way of counterpart, their labor from the funds expressly set aside for the building of “...improved the these projects from the program coming from the joint undertaking by the Gawad lifestyles of the Kalinga Foundation and the barangay.

poeple”

The present peace and order situation of the barangay which is having a zero crime rate in 2008 is also a strong indication that people’s empowerment is already inculcated in the minds of the people, all of them participate in the peace and order program of the barangay. The program in itself was manifested by the residents’ attitude towards their actions. They have pride in themselves for what they have and what may be accomplished because of their participation and cooperation

in the implementation of the program. They have developed a sense of ownership which is indicative of the continuing success of the program. The barangay officials and the Gawad Kalinga village officials have made it a point that in every activity they jointly undertake involves all household heads if not all the members of the family to participate in the planning stage which is crucial in every undertaking. Likewise, community members have participated in the implementation and monitoring of the projects. The people volunteer in all activities of the barangay. The sense of volunteerism stemmed from the residentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; sense of ownership and strong leadership of the implementers of the program, the officials of both the LGU and the Gawad Kalinga Village. One of the innovations introduced by the program is providing a space for every household in the communal garden of the barangay for the members to till. The household heads then were called to a meeting and were given the specific area to work with. The purpose is to encourage the residents to do their part wherein all the members have the chance to work with the lot during their vacant time. In this manner the household head who refuses to participate will be forced to work or be compelled to because his wife and children will encourage him to help them in the gardening. Aside from that they will be a center of attention if only their lot will remain uncultivated. Regular monitoring of the garden is everyoneâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s responsibility. The members who were found not doing their work are constantly being reminded to do their part. There are also persons who are always on the lookout for the maintenance of the communal areas, the purpose of which is to maintain the high quality growth of plants.

“... source of additional food in the kitchen that is helpful for their health and can also provide them additional income to the

One distinguishing characteristic if you visit this place is the beautification they made in front of their houses, that instead of planting ornamental plants, they planted okra, eggplant, alogbate, onions, ampalaya, camote tops and many more. Thus, the plots made way into a beautiful garden of Brgy. Libas and a source of additional food in the kitchen that is helpful for the community’s health and can also provide them additional income to the family.

family”.

Every Saturday of the week, the families showcase their agricultural produce near the barangay hall. The venue serves as a flea market wherein people from neighboring barangays and towns went there to buy. The residents are also regularly taking part in the town proper’s “tabo-an,” a venue where all goods are brought from different places of the municipality to be sold there. They gather their produce and brought to be sold to the people. The barangay also tapped the help of the municipal agriculture’s office. The residents were made to understand the concept of growing healthy vegetables and root crops, aside from growing tilapia and prawns in the communal ponds. They were also treated to lectures on how organic fertilizers would be of utmost help to them, since inorganic fertilizers are expensive; this program advocates the use of organic fertilizers.

For the organizational aspect, one of the secrets of the success of this program is the periodic prayer meeting they conducted every week headed by the barangay officials and Gawad Kalinga village officials. The prayer meeting afterwards serves as the forum wherein all the members are given their time to share their stories and the difficulties they may have experienced in his participation in the program. The barangay officials in turn and the residents themselves would come up with solution, or would try to resolve the matter right then and there. The prayer meeting serves mostly two purposes; it does not only strengthen their faith in God but also makes their relationship with each other more cohesive. To ensure the sustainability of the program, every year the barangay budget has allocated a certain amount intended for the purchase of vegetable seeds and tools to be used by the residents. Also part of the sales of the vegetables and tilapia and/or prawns was given to their Gawad Kalinga village organization â&#x20AC;&#x153;The sense for the purchase of other planting materials.

volunteerism

Aside from that, the program is already institutionalized by the Office of stemmed from the the Municipal Agriculturist wherein residentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; sense of regular visits are conducted by ownership and strong agricultural technicians to this leadership of the barangay to conduct more seminars in order to provide additional inputs to implementersâ&#x20AC;? the farmers. More so, this program is already included in the budget of the office of the municipal agriculturist in the Municipal Government in Hinuhangan ready for replication to the other barangays of the municipality.

Judging from the experiences in Brgy. Libas this program can easily be replicated by other barangays, what they need only are dedicated barangay and village officials working hand in hand, who are willing to share their precious time to their constituents, political will and above all strong faith in God.

Barangay Libas, Hinunangan, Southern Leyte Punong Barangay Documenter: Contact Information:

Brgy. Don Jose, Sta. Rosa City: Livelihood Programs

Brgy. Don Jose, situated at the City of Sta. Rosa, Laguna, is an urbanized community wherein industrial and commercial establishments are very visible and cater a lot of job opportunities among its residents. However, due to the global economic recession that surmounted for the past years, the workforce in the said industrial establishment had implications on this. And thus, most of the residents felt the effect of the said recession. This is how Barangay Chairman, Hon. Joes Joel L. Aala had visualized that the unemployed mothers at home can be of help to their husbands to sustain their familyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s need for everyday living. And thus, livelihood program at Brgy. Don Jose started in September of 2008. Livelihood opportunity programs are community-based programs designed to help low-income families start their own business. The programs are designed not only to provide service or donate materials but also to empower and encourage local communities to take pride into their work, to be self-sufficient and to provide for themselves. In coordination with the CSWD of Sta. Rosa which provided resource persons of every livelihood program the knowledge they impart to our residents. Below are some specific livelihood opportunity programs that empower communities with their work and were taught to the interested residents who were eager to learn and to earn from it.

Different livelihood programs were conducted such as: chocolate making program, siopao and puto pao making program, liquid and powdered soap making program, processed meat making seminar, cologne and perfume making program, reflexology program, fashion accessories program, cosmetology program, paper weaving program, and facial and foot spa program. This was the started Livelihood Community Based Program at Brgy. Don Jose. Materials of each programs needed were provided by the Barangay Chairman to boost the morale of the residents who wanted to learn and not to exert money from their own pocket to be able to start on their chosen programs.

“... livelihood opportunity programs that empower communities... were taught to the interested residents who were eager to learn and to earn from it”.

As the residents of the barangay learned their chosen programs and ventured on it, success stories of how they earned money and helped augment family’s income arose. More so, they put up an organization wherein they will be the resource persons to others who wanted to learn and earn money through these programs. In a short span of time, despite the thought of adversities and the “ningascogon” attitude that might take place, stability of the programs and organization of the livelihood in the barangay is now evident. Not only they had concentrated on the said programs but fortunately, they embarked on other programs through their initiatives, knowledge and

skills on programs that require scrap/ recycled materials to render and cater other products that can be of use and eco-friendly. Other programs followed after the first wave of livelihood programs. The Barangay Chairman initiated a paper charcoal making program wherein used papers or even dry leaves can be made into charcoal. This is more affordable and eco-friendly than the usual charcoals. In order to make use of the papers that are collected from other households, and instead of using the usual beads that are quite expensive to use as materials, accessories made out of paper beads was also the idea of paper beads making program. Tin can of soda were also made as ashtrays in one of the livelihood programs. Since other cities/municipalities had adapted the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Balik Bayong Programâ&#x20AC;? where plastic is strictly prohibited to be of use in commercial establishments, basket weaving is definitely the in-demand business nowadays. The said weaved baskets that are being done in the barangay is made out of scrap materials and was not only made as baskets but moreso as fashionable bags, purses and among others. As the Livelihood Organization of Brgy. Don Jose had ventured into newer heights and progressed, they were invited to attend symposiums and other trade fairs to sell their products at Enchanted Kingdom, Nuvali, CCT Tagaytay and City Hall of Santa Rosa. With these experiences, they were able to sell their products not only for retailers but moreso, wholesalers that make their business out of the products.

The Livelihood Organization at Brgy. Don Jose has now gone through greater heights. Though it had been a tough road that took its toll in stabilizing the organization, through the help of Barangay Chairman the barangay exerted much effort in making the organization progressive and indeed, the livelihood programs are not only visible to the organization but moreover to the mothers that serve as housekeepers had started it right in their homes.

Barangay Don Jose, Sta. Rosa City, Laguna Punong Barangay Jose Joel L. Aala Documenter: Contact Information: (049) 5410730

School on Wheels to Relevant Education Access Program (SOW to REAP) Believing that education is the best tool for human development and poverty reduction, the barangay administration of Brgy. Tagapo, Sta. Rosa, Laguna started off by providing the very basic learning encounter among pre-schoolers who, due to financial constraints and remoteness of abode, are unable to enroll at the Brgy. Day Care Center. Thus, the birth of School on Wheels (SOW), a program which brings the school to children who cannot come to school. With the help of the BNS, the BHW and a regular teacher and an aide classes are held in borrowed multipurpose halls, garage or make-shift tents in four farflung areas.

The SOW to REAP aims at human development towards

economic stability via a long term plan of providing opportunity for early childhood education/daycare exposure among children of indigent families as their tool for holistic development toward productive citizenry and a short term plan of information dissemination on health and, child care and livelihood among their parents particularly mothers, to provide them with means for selfreliance and effective parenthood. The eclectic method of teaching resorted to by Teacher Lea Alverez allows play-learn activities for the younger set of pupils (3-4 years old) and fand preparatory work for the first time kindergarten students who are being prepared for admission to grade one of the following school year, in consonance with the mandatory kindergarten education of the DEPED.

The REAP component of the program benefits the parents and guardians while the children attend their class. Aside from BNS/ BW who provide the feeding and monitor the weight gain of their wards, parents and guardians of students benefit from the “... providing routine information dissemination on health and proper child care. Livelihood lectures and demos are done on opportunity schedule.

for early

The first step is the assessment of locations in all six puroks of Brgy. Tagapo to identify which areas have the concentration of families who are unable to send their children to the Barangay Day Care Center. In July 2010, with the help of the Barangay Nutrition Scholars, the enlistments of children aged 3-5 in the area who have not yet attended the day-care class is made possible. Mrs. Menue Batitis and Mrs. Priscilla Paradina established the five areas where classes can be held together with the number of pupils who can avail of the program, which is a follows:

childhood education”

PUROK Purok 6 – A Purok 6 – B Purok 3 Purok 2

PLACE Ramos Compound Daang Nia Farmview Subdivision Amihan Village Tiongco Subdivision Total:

PUPILS 20 33 18 22 15 108

Meanwhile, Barangay Chairman Bartolazo wrote to several establishments such as SM Foundation, the Scholastic Inc., and National Bookstore for instructional materials, and the Nestle Philippines and Monde Nissin for their donation for the feeding program. For their part, the Library Club formed by several students

of Holy Rosary College donated notebooks that they recycled from old materials. The SOW to REAP is responsive to the present and future needs of Brgy. Tagapo, a characteristic of good governance. “ It brings the The project reaches out to indigent families. It brings school to those the school to those who have no means to come to school. It provides children with physical, mental, and who have no social foundation as well as the values and morals of means to come society needed to prepare them for individual success in their future life. These children, when further educated to school”. will contribute to the economic wealth, social prosperity, and political stability of society as they land in better jobs. Soon they will form the next generation of leaders, of strong families and a strong community. Another mark of good governance is the best use of resources at one’s disposal while meeting the needs of society. As Brgy. Tagapo addresses the educational needs of its indigents, the Barangay Captain, a teacher by profession uses her innate and acquired skills in teaching to man the project. She has also developed a “Notebook Project” participated in by students of Holy Rosary College. This project provides the indigents with notebooks gathered from the previous year. All the blank notebook pages are collected, neatly compiled, and created into a recycled notebook. For the instructional materials of SOW to REAP, the participants of the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES), are tasked to make handouts, worksheets and other teaching materials from used folders, cardboards, and cartolinas. Such noteworthy projects like SOW to REAP have to be assured of sustainability, thus, the Barangay Chairman resorted to the following measures: request the Sangguniang Barangay for resolution

to increase the allocation for the SOW to REAP; invite volunteers from among the retired teachers to handle some day-care sessions; request business entities/companies to include SOW to REAP among the recipients of their corporate social responsibility benefit; make a call to all schools within the barangay to replicate the recycling of notebooks; encourage of summer job student participants to help in the production of instructional materials; and provide incentives to parents who show the most dedication and participation in the project.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;... innovative is the creativity it has fostered in the use of existing resources to advance the community and

The decisions were reached and their implementations are made in accordance with the prescribed rules and regulations of the locality. The participants in the SOW to REAP receive a meager amount of remuneration, however the sense of fulfillment and civic responsibility give them the drive to carry on with their noble task.

Transparency is the basis of good governance and the first step in fighting corruption. With the quality of life clear and attainable objectives, donations of its peopleâ&#x20AC;?. from the industrial and commercial sectors of the municipality like SM foundation, National Bookstore, Nestle Philippines, and Monde Nissin are availed. The Scholastic Inc., a book a company situated outside of the municipality of Sta. Rosa also donated books realizing the significance of the project. All donation received whether in cash or kind are readily apparent as the projectâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s schedule in teaching the children their ABCs. On the other hand, the parents and guardians are regularly given ideas on proper childcare and

livelihood ideas. Incurred expenses are recorded dutifully and are open to the public. All donations are properly accounted for and are evident in the success of the program. There is definitely no mismanaged fund. The objectives of SOW to REAP may not be the first of its kind in as much as there are other institutions geared towards the education of the indigents in other communities. Much more, its innovativeness may not be in the donations given by the participating enterprises. But what makes the project innovative is the creativity it has fostered in the use of existing resources to advance the community and the quality of life of its people. The creativity appears to be a catalyst in advancing education of the indigents through the support of students (from Holy Rosary College) as they are exposed to the reuse of old notebooks; of summer working students as they are made to busy themselves for a cause; and the teacher volunteers as they teach not only the pupils, but also their pupilsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; parents and guardians. And in these activities, the principle of accountability is exercised. The collaborative efforts of the different participating groups are simply but a response to the needs of the barangay as initiated by the program. And in the execution of their response, they benefit the entire community. They become willing to devote a significant part of themselves to regenerate a part of the community. As the project enforces its need to achieve its goal and as the participants perform the delegated duties, accountability of all parties sink in. The interplay of each partyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s contribution spells the success of the program.

Barangay Tagapo, Santa Rosa City, Laguna

Punong Barangay Marrieta D. Bartolazo Documenter: Concecpcion T. Dimaranan Contact Information: 09175018158

D’yario Bags: Art of Hope Livelihood Project of Brgy. New Zaniga, Mandaluyong City The program was originally designed as an environmental program to solve the garbage problem in the barangay. However, the Bags for Life program of Brgy. New Zaniga, Mandaluyong City proved the Filipino saying “may pera sa basura.” Before the project was implemented, some of the mothers from the barangay used to spend hours on “tong-its” or “mah-jong” while their children are in school or sleeping. Other mothers used to work part time sorting out charcoal and are paid for doing such for PhP 20.00 per sack. The D’yario Bagsnot projecrt only cleaned the barangay of its garbage, but also gave the residents a more productive and income generating activity. The project is designed to enable non-working or part-time working mothers and even fathers become productive members of the community by affording them with training opportunities in a newly-conceptualized enterprise that can bring forth economic, social and environmental benefits. The livelihood project is financed by the barangay which works like a cooperative. The workers produce the raw products, the barangay buys these products and the barangay employs another assembly line of workers to finish the bags. The Livelihood Directors market the products. Incentives are given to those who can produce the quota for the week. The Office of the City Mayor orders at least 10 bags per week as the products are being given out to guests and visitors.

The project and practice seeks to: (1) develop the individual through the learning of new skills gained with training in the field of producing goods; (2) alleviate poverty by affording an avenue to earn income; (3) enhance economic development in the community by providing opportunities to make its products become competitive in any given market; and (4) help in the solid-waste, ecological as well as environmental management through a recycling process. The main objectives of the project are: (1) to enable nonworking mothers to take part in acquiring skills through training on a new concept of making product lines through assembly-line process; (2) to afford members of this production organization earn decent and reasonable compensation for their work and involvement in the enterprise; (3) to instill a new regimen of discipline “... transform in the production line in order to come out with quality results and products; (4) to bring forth a potential the products in the open market and make these

source of garbage

competitive products taking into account the quality of each item with added values of artistic design tacked into each and junk – product; (5) to ensure sustainability of the enterprise with the advantage that the basic paper materials needed will newspapers – never run out of supply; (6) to showcase collaboration into beautiful with other institutions, like the Center for Mental Health, Women‘s Correctional Facility and City works of art”. Jail, Churches and Non-government organizations, by tapping manpower resources therein to contribute valuable work inputs for each product produced; (7) to help alleviate waste/garbage problems through the recycling of newspapers, magazines and telephone directories and (8) transform these recyclable newspapers, magazines and telephone directories into useful items.

Sometime in February of 2011 the D’yario Bag Making was brought to the attention of PB Edwin Cruz of New Zaniga by his wife, Liza Cruz, who happened to be the Barangay Nutrition Action Officer of said barangay. Mrs, Cruz presented the whole project – training expenses (trainor, kits, materials), duration of the training and the future of the said livelihood project. The main factor that made PB Cruz approve the project was the ecological issue in helping solve the garbage problem. PB Cruz approved the project and appointed Mrs. Cruz and Ms. Gerlyn Lagleva, NGO of the Barangay, to become the Livelihood Directors. The trainer, Ms. Lulu Ocampo, held 15 training sessions for the project. The graduation ceremony took place towards the end of March and was graced by Mrs. Alexandria Gonzales, wife of Cong. Neptali Gonzales as most of the participants were members of the Green Ladies Movement, the socio-civic arm of Cong. Gonzales. After which, the project was launched before Mayor and Mrs. Benhur Abalos during one of the Monday programs at the City Hall. The D’yario Bag Making is one of the best practices incorporated in Mandaluyong City’s solid waste management program. Whenever the City entertains guests who will review their ecological success, PB Cruz is asked to present the livelihood program. To the amazement of everyone on how barangay shows how they are able to transform a potential source of garbage and junk – newspapers – into beautiful works of art. The D’yario bag has participated in various trade fairs, notable of which was the Congressional Spouses’ 3-day Trade Fair at the World Trade Center. It was featured in July 9, 2011 issue of the Inquirer, and on November 12, 2011, Mrs. Cruz and Ms. Lagleva were interviewed

live on Dr. Carl Balita’s Radyo Negosyo on GMA 7’s Tele-Radyo.

“...it has transformed

The D’yario Bag is recognized by Ms. Menchie Abalos, First Lady of Mandaluyong City and CNAO, as an exclusive livelihood program for New Zaniga. The very reason is so that if the city needs to order the products, it will order from Brgy. New Zaniga.

the lives of many people... to become productive, meaningful and filled with opportunity”.

The project has trained 50 people who made 2,000 pieces of handbags to date. The project gained PhP 500,000.00 of gross sales. Due to this program a trained citizen may have an average income of PhP 1,500.00 a week if s/he is able to produce at least 15 bags. PB Edwin Cruz coined the term “BAGS FOR LIFE” to the livelihood program. “For Life” because it has transformed the lives of many people – the workers, the inmates, the Mental Health patients and wheel chair patients – to become productive, meaningful and filled with opportunity.

Barangay New Zaniga, Mandaluyong City Punong Barangay Edwin Cruz Documenter: Liza Cruz Contact Information: 5335438/0915771325/09228434898

Brgy. Holy Spirit, Quezon City: Mobile Barangay Public Safety Offices Brgy. Holy Spirit was created through Batas Pambansa Blg. 546 enacted on April 10, 1942. The barangay has jurisdiction over 322 hectares of mixed commercial-residential areas. It has 27,000 estimated household and 130,500 populations of which 46,500 are registered voters. Its barangay government has a total of 378 personnel employed, thus, given PhP 43 million as budget. Brgy. Holy Spirit is ranked as the third largest barangay and recipient of various awards on waste management, environmental sanitation, peace and order management, and barangay justice system administration. To assist the barangay Public Safety Officers working on 24/7 duty, Barangay Chairman Felicito A. Valmocina strengthened the support groups such as Purok Leaders and Tanods. With the alarming situation in Commonwealth Avenue, Quezon City which is also known as “Killer Highway,” where dangers to motorists and pedestrian are imminent, and result to deaths, the Mobile Barangay Public Safety Offices were installed at Commonwealth Avenue – San Simon – COA overpass approach, BF Road – Batasan Road – Sandigan overpass approach, Holy Spirit Drive – Ever overpass approach, and Commonwealth Avenue corner Samonte street. The Mobile BPSO offices create awareness among illegal elements and violators, such as reckless drivers, that there are such monitoring schemes/gadgets within the immediate vicinity. The pedestrians before the mobile offices’ creation were afraid to use the overpass due to fear of holdups, and instead take the risk of crossing the

â&#x20AC;&#x153;... pedestrians can have peace of

highway that resulted to accidents and deaths.

Today, with the presence of mobile offices pedestrians are more confident and secured to mindâ&#x20AC;?. use the overpass. These facilities are manned by volunteer tanods which keep on guard most especially at night time when criminal elements are most active. As a result, signs of relief from possible accidents are felt and pedestrians can have peace of mind using the overpass. The police force assigned in the area is also happy that they now have partners to enforce laws on public order and safety in three of the busiest areas of Quezon City. These facilities are manned by volunteer tanods who keep on guard most especially at night time when criminal elements are most active. As a result, sigh of relief are felt that pedestrian can have peace of mind. These Mobile Offices were inaugurated with the presence of Mayor Herbert Bautista expressing appreciation to the initiative of Holy Spirit leaders. The BPSO Operated 24 hours daily including Sundays and Holidays. It is responsible in the apprehension of major offendors including the interception of almost PhP 600 million worth of shabu which led to the awarding of a plaque of appreciation by the Philippine National Police.

Barangay Holy Spirit, Quezon City Punong Barangay Felicito A. Valmocina Documenter: Juan Jovian Ingeniero Contact Information: 4411997/ 4308723/ 9279613

Brgy Kauswagan, Cagayan de Oro City: â&#x20AC;&#x153;Effective Implementation of the Katarungang Pambarangay Program.â&#x20AC;? Brgy. Kauswagan is the third largest barangay in the City of Cagayan de Oro in terms of area and fifth in terms of income. It is approximately 2.5 kilometers from the city of Cagayan de Oro. National Statistics Office showed that Brgy. Kauswagan has a population of 32,720 in August 2007 and with an annual population growth of 2.2 percent it has an estimated population of about 35,500 and has a household population of about 7000 in 2011. With the present population and people coming from different sectors and levels of society there is a need to have an effective system of handling disputes, should conflict arise between and among individuals in the community. The Lupong Tagapamayapa created by PD 1508 and strengthened by RA 7160 was enacted to serve as a vehicle in resolving disputes at the community; to decongest cases in court and also for the speedy administration of justice. In order for the administration of barangay justice to be efficiently and effectively served, the Punong Barangay of Kauswagan appointed citizens who were willing to serve. They came from the various sectors and are people known for their probity, credibility and impartiality. They are retired professionals from private and or government institutions; such as teachers, executives, and from the labor and religious sectors, though few are still active in their profession. The members of Lupong Tagapamayapa of Brgy. Kauswagan was constituted by the Punong Barangay as called for in Section 399 (C)

of the Local Government Code. The list of the prospective members of the Lupong Tagapamayapa was posted in three conspicuous places in Brgy. Kauswagan for a period of three weeks, calling the people to participate in the selection process by way of giving their opposition if any from the list and/or recommended any constituent who they found fit to the task. After the lapse of three weeks, should there be no opposition to the proposed appointments, within a period of ten days the Punong Barangay appoints those in the list he deemed suitable to the position. The list of appointed members remained posted in the three conspicuous places in the barangay within the duration of their term of office. The proceeding for Amicable Settlement in the Lupong Tagapamayapa shall be open to the public and informal; provided, however, under Section 414 also of the LGC the Lupon Chairman or the Pangkat Chairman, as the case may be, may moto propio or request of a party, exclude the public from the proceedings in the interest of privacy, decency or public morals. Aside from this the community participates through questionnaires asking the disputants as to their satisfaction in the way their problems are handled by the Pangkat members. In addition the Sangguniang Barangay in order to expand the community participation empowered the zone presidents to preside over insignificant disputes involving residents in the zone. In order to serve the constituents it also hears cases at the zone where both the complainants and the respondents reside so that the public may also observe. In order to safeguard payment of cases from possible nonissuance of receipt the Lupon Clerk enters the amount to be paid by the complainant as advised by the Accounting Clerk. Official receipt

number is then reflected in the Summons or Notice of Hearing for the signature of the Lupon Chairman.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;...created impact on

All payments made by the obligated party in the Settlement Agreement when it becomes due and demandable are paid directly to the Office of the Treasurer with corresponding Acknowledgement Receipt for safekeeping ready for the aggrieved party to collect at any time.

the life of the people in the community by coexisting peacefullyâ&#x20AC;?

From July 2005 to December 2010 or for the period of five years and a half, there were 2,021 cases filed in the Office of the Lupong Tagapamayapa. Of the 2,021 cases, 1,739 or 86 percent were amicably settled and only 280 cases or 14 percent were sent to court. With the performance of the Lupong Tagapamayapa it can be seen that it created impact on the life of the people in the community by coexisting peacefully; their conflicts being settled at the community level. The members of the conciliating panel also impart virtues to the disputants during conciliation proceedings. This surely helped reduce crime rate in the community. According to Chief State Prosecutor Jovencito Zunio, when invited to speak before the Barangay Officials and Lupong Tagapamayapa at the Provincial Capitol in La Trinidad, Benguet sometime in November 2006, ordinarily a case filed in court would cost PhP 9,000.00. If this is the case as the Lupong Tagapamayapa of Kauswagan had settled 1,739 cases in five and a half years at PhP 9,000 per case then the project saved PhP 15,651,000.00 for the government. With the foregoing savings had this been given to the local government of Kauswagan in terms of livelihood project it would have changed the lives of the people, particularly the marginalized.

In order for the present practices of the Lupong Tagapamayapa of Brgy. Kauswagan to be sustained, the present and previous administration organized the lupon members into an association. The fact is that the previous administration had organized the lupon into Tigpasiugda Alang sa Panaghiusa Ug Kalinaw (TAPUK) translated in English as Advocates for Unity and Peace. This is an SEC registered organization which objective is to promote unity and peace among the people in Brgy. Kauswagan and the barangays in the city of Cagayan de Oro. It also provides information in Katarungang Pambarangay Law and Special Laws, such as: RA 9262, RA 7610, and RA 9344. The present administration under the leadership of Hon. Pedro D. Balite also organized the present set of Lupong Tagapamayapa into an association called Kauswagan Lupon Members Association (KALMA) which by its acronym means â&#x20AC;&#x153;temperance.â&#x20AC;? The two organizations will soon work together for a community project that would contribute to the growth and development not only in Brgy. Kauswagan but also other barangays in the City of Cagayan de Oro. In addition, the Lupong Tagapamayapa has its own building where mediation and conciliation proceedings are held. It also conducts continuing education in the Katarungang Pambarangay Law including Conflict Management. To sustain the project the Sangguniang Barangay of Kauswagan extended financial and moral support and other incentives to the members of the Lupong Tagapamayapa.

Barangay Kauswagan, Cagayan de Oro City Punong Barangay Pedro D. Balite Documenter: Hermelando A. Bautista Contact Information: (088) 8501723/ (08822) 729920

Katarungang Pambarangay: A viable alternative dispute-resolution mechanism Brgy. Bailan, Pontevedra, Capiz Brgy. Bailan is one of the 26 barangays in Pontevedra, Capiz. It is located in the intersection of the present pathway to four major routes to the towns of Pontevedra, Panitan, Maayon, and President Roxas. It has an area of 222 hectares, approximately 3 kilometers from the Poblacion (Town Center). As of 2011, it has an estimated 615 households, with a total population of about 3,985. Because of its strategic location, it is becoming a progressive place where business, trade and development are thriving. It has a State University, the Capiz State University, a District Hospital and Municipal Agriculture Office of Pontevedra as well as the Municipal Agrarian Reform Office. : The barangay houses a proliferation of private business establishments catering not only to Bailanians but also to those who come by from the neighbouring municipalities as well. The Lupong Tagapamayapa or Lupon, is a peace-seeking committee created by law in Barangay Bailan; composed of Punong barangay as Chairperson of the Lupon and 12 competent community members (mostly with doctoral degree) selected by the Punong Barangay, and likewise possess integrity, impartiality, independence of mind, sense of fairness and reputation for probity. The Lupong Tagapamayapa or Lupon, loosely translated is a peace-seeking committee created by law in every barangay. It shall be composed of Punong Barangay as Chairperson of the Lupon and

â&#x20AC;&#x153;... is in addressing the right

10 to 20 members which the former shall select and appoint. The Lupon is selected by the Punong Barangay.

When the Punong Barangay is unable to settle a dispute, the case is referred to a panel of three Lupon Members (the Pangkat) for conciliation or arbitration. The Pangkat members are selected by the societal the parties, or if the parties cannot agree, chosen development by lot by the chairman of Lupon. From July 2009 to December 2010, the Lupong Tagapamayapa progressâ&#x20AC;? received a total of 52 cases which were subjected to mediation process. All the cases submitted for mediation in the barangay were 100 percent settled by the Punong Barangay with the assistance of the Lupon Tagapamayapa using their innovation techniques and methods practiced in settling disputes in the barangay. There were no cases put forth in the Lupon that has been repudiated, dismissed, certified or reoccurred, securing the effectiveness and the

causes which translates to

efficiency of the mediation process employed by the barangay. The Lupon Chairman through the Lupon Secretary, with the help of the assistant Lupon Secretary should make sure that the prescribed forms are always available. Katarungan Pambarangay (K.P.) forms from the filing of the complaints to the time when the case is filed to the court. All the complaints filed will be properly listed in the logbook by the Lupon Secretary containing information as to date of filing the complaint, the case number or docket number, name and address of the complainant and the respondent, the nature of the case and date of filing.

The members of the Lupon conduct a regular monthly meeting every last Sunday of the month, to provide a forum for exchange of ideas among its members and the public on matters relevant to the amicable settlement of disputes, and to enable various conciliation panel members to share with one another their observations and experiences in affecting speedy resolution of disputes. It has its own separate office for the facility of the cases being mediated, equipped with a computer unit for the fast and easy reproduction of KP forms. Transparency is demonstrated by the conduct of Barangay assembly, pulong-pulong and house visitation. One of the topics tackled is the Implementation of the Katarungang Pambarangay Laws. During the said assembly, the Barangay Council, presented accomplishment and financial report, including the donations made by the businessmen, civil society organizations, peoplesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; organizations for the maintenance of peace and order. Posting of barangay budget and other barangay financial documents were made in prominent places. The Lupon, with the help of barangay officials, Tanods and Purok Leaders distributed flyers and pamphlets of the KP to the people of the barangay. The Lupon Members assigned to every purok conduct orientation among their respected puroks about the functions and processes of the KP Flowcharts in settlement of cases in vernacular are mounted on the wall for further understanding of the procedures followed in resolving these cases. KP trainings initiated and conducted with funding support from either barangay, city and province, and other agencies. The following seminars were as follows: implementation of Barangay Protection Order, R.A. 9262 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Violence Against Women and Children and R.A. 9344 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Juvenile Justice and Welfare System and

Enhancement Training on the KP Laws, Skills on Managing Conflicts and Orientation on the Use and Filing of the KP Forms. The major impact of the Brgy. Bailan Lupon Tagapamayapa is in addressing the right causes which translates to the societal development progress to with: (1) decreased number of cases filed, (2) improvement of Peace and Order, (3) economic growth - increase in number of business establishments provides job opportunities; and (4) development of people, general attitudes and values, shaping them into law abiding citizen. Competent Lupon Members are assigned to their own Purok to facilitate the quick resolution of cases or disputes that arise in their own purok. Mediation proceeding are held at the nearest Purok Centers to facilitate the attendance of both parties. To sustain the project, higher filing fee is charged in case of recurrence of cases to be filed. Free service vehicle for the parties to and from, the venue of settlement to ensure 100 percent attendance and punctuality of the parties concerned. Relevant government agencies are being coordinated to help solve the cases being settled by the Lupon such as DENR, DSWD, DA, DAR and DILG of the like. The Lupon has initiated their own livelihood projects where they provided seed money or capital to fish vendors of the barangay. The Lupon believes in the idea that when the people has an honest and clean livelihood, this uplifts their way of living which solves some cases put forth in the Lupon such as non-payment of debts, thefts and the like.

ADOPT A BARANGAY-sisterhood barangay, wherein Brgy. Bailan conducted coaching hands on training to neighboring barangay in which criminality and violence is a problem. Another innovation that the Lupon has implemented is the Plant a Tree Policy wherein for every settled case, the respondent is required to a plant a tree. This is done to symbolize their willingness and desire to change or reform which has helped in maintaining the zero percent repudiated or recurrent cases. This is also parallel to the advocacy of the lupon in upholding the clean and green program of the barangay as well as in helping to minimize global warming. In 2011, Brgy. Bailan of Pontevedra Capiz was adjudged both as the Regional and National Champion as the MOST OUTSTANDING LUPONG TAGAPAMAYAPA for 1st -3rd class municipalities under the Lupon Tagapamayapa Incentive Awards. Barangay Bailan, Pontevedra, Capiz Punong Barangay Vicente B. Dangan, Jr. Documenter: Mary Ann D. Bulaque単a Contact Information: 09399398902/ 09997193355

Materials Recovery Facility of Brgy. San Miguel, Lubao, Pampanga

Brgy. San Miguel, Lubao, Pampanga takes pride in showcasing its Materials Recovery Facility. Located at Purok 2 of Brgy. San Miguel, the said facility is of big help in solving the barangay’s garbage problems and enhancing the solid waste management in the barangay. Organic fertilizers and charcoal briquettes are being done and produced at the MRF. These environmental products were introduced to the public to create an environmental awareness by utilizing waste materials to generate a renewable resource. People can re-vitalize the soil without using commercial fertilizer. The organic compost is a soil conditioner made from biodegradable agricultural and household waste, with nitrogen, potassium and phosphorous value, long term effect on soil, plant growth stimulant, renewable resource and environment-friendly. From waste to energy products, they can create a good quality charcoal without cutting a single tree nor a single branch. Charcoal briquettes are “uling” made from coconut and bamboo wastes: 100 percent organic, renewable resource, burns hotter, lasts longer, smokeless, and environment-friendly. The importance of these charcoal briquettes include reduced cutting of wood, and generation of livelihood for people “... resulted to a and communities willing to produce cleaner and healthier the briquettes. It also mitigates carbon

environment”. 75

dioxide emission as these briquettes give out a clean flame. It is also an answer to the LPG crisis. The barangay officials of San Miguel, headed by Punong Barangay Angelito Bansil are very eager to sustain this project, with the yearning to make this project a legacy of the present administration. The program of segregation and collection has significantly reduced the volume of garbage in the barangay, which resulted to a cleaner and healthier environment. The said “... instilled... the program has also opened opportunities for value of discipline employment and income like the hiring of personnel to operate the shredding machines and the initiative as well as the briquetting machines. Most importantly, these activities not only raised to do their part in awareness and increased knowledge, but making Barangay also changed attitudes and practices. The San Miguel a better people in the community have instilled in themselves the value of discipline and the initiative to do their part in making Brgy. San Miguel a better place to live in.

place to live in”.

From wastes, charcoal briquettes or “uling” are made and are being sold at an affordable price. The proceeds become part of the income of the barangay. Likewise, the organic fertilizers made from household wastes are also being sold to farmers at cheaper prices. In the surroundings of the MRF, different vegetables were also planted, making use of organic fertilizers which are produced from the MRF.

Some are being sold to the barangay constituents, while some are being eaten and enjoyed both by the laborers and the barangay officials themselves. The earnings from these end-products are added to the payment of salaries and wages of the laborers in the MRF.

Barangay San Miguel, Lubao, Pampanga Punong Barangay: Angelito Bansil Documenter: Wilfredo Mallari Contact Information: 09287888709/ 09999948676

From Ugly Duckling to a Beautiful Swan… Barangay San Marcos’ Journey to Ecological Solid Waste Management Brgy. San Marcos, Isabela is an eastern village of the town that has been ravaged by years of undisciplined and uncontrolled dumping of wastes coming from the different barangays. Roads were made as drop-off points of sacked waste materials and salvage victims, posting serious health threats to its community. Moreover, its people have developed the “I don’t care” attitude, making the task of cleaning up very near to an unreachable stage. In 2000, Sangguniang Bayan Member Napoleon Hernandez Jr. and Liga ng mga Barangay President Alvarado Raiz led the barangay officials to a history turning trip to Sta. Maria, Bustos, and Angat towns of Bulacan to observe the pioneering towns in the field of solid waste disposal. As the barangay officials learned of the mechanized system employed in the said municipalities, the Isabela Green Ladies Organization threw their support to a budding solid waste management program, leading to the creation of an advocacy medium to awaken the senses of the people in the municipality. In 2002, Hernandez assumed office as the Barangay Captain of San Marcos and he continued the campaign on waste management to his barangay. He launched an extensive information and education drive to combat the worsening problem on garbage disposal. As a result, his barangay was adjudged as the provincial champion in the search for model barangays for solid waste management contest of then Department of Education Culture and Sports.

The project aims to make Brgy. San Marcos a garbage – free, safe haven for its constituents. Harurot, considered one of the devastating cyclones in decades did not spare the San Marcos, bringing ugly destruction in the barangay. However, Barangay Captain Hernandez led the community of San Marcos to rise up to the challenge by turning the waste generated by the typhoon into something useful for their solid waste management program. Then after Harurot, everything went smoothly in the implementation of the program. Hernandez spearheaded the “... continuing cycle campaign on proper waste disposal - a way of life for his through proper identification of wastes and segregation at source. Today, every barangay”. household has its own compost pit while each Purok maintains their own Materials Recovery Facility (MRF), nursery, gulayan, herbarium, and hazardous waste vault, a special storage system to isolate potentially damaging waste materials. Even with the Ecological Solid Waste Management (ESWM) Act of 2000 employed, Hernandez led the barangay council in the adoption of more barangay ordinances on ESWM, putting more specifications and guidelines for his constituents. Thus, the “no-burning” of waste ordinance is strictly implemented in this barangay. Barangay Captain Hernandez initiated the use of different technologies for compostable wastes which he learned from the different EWSM Seminars that he attended. The barangay people are now utilizing the micro-organism called the “Trichoderma”, a bacteria which hastens the composting of biodegradable wastes, while others placed the “African Night Crawler”, a species of earthworms, whose eating habits could turn the waste to fertilizer in shorter period.

Another innovative approach in Brgy. San Marcos is the organic pig pen project of the barangay and the Rural Improvement Club. Instead of the usual cement floor, the pig pens are excavated one meter deep then filled with a mixture of rice hull (locally known as ipa), carbonized rice hull, soil and salt. This mixture serves as the bedding that absorbs the manure as well as the urine of the animals. It does not exude the familiar foul odor that the community especially the neighbors would complain about, even if the pigs don’t get bathed at all throughout their life. The pig pens are not washed at all as the practice in conventional piggeries. This has become an added attraction of the barangay and a venue for visitors who are visiting the barangay. Inspired with the slogan “May Pera sa Basura”, Barangay Captain Hernandez thought of an income generating project out of the factory returnable from the MRF. The proceeds from the sales of recyclable materials are used for loans for the members of the Rural Improvement Club and other barangay entrepreneurs. Barangay health worker Emelita Hidalgo loaned from the earnings to augment her “Dried Tilapia, Adobo Flavor” product. Nelia Pascual and Perlita Lopez, won the raffle from the earnings of the RIC collection of recyclables and started their banana chips industry. Mr. Manuel Perez, meanwhile, has increased his production of tiger grass brooms from his loaned amount from the earnings of recyclable materials. The barangay also maintains a fishpond and a gulayan sa barangay, both are made possible with the revenues from the ESWM program. One of the plans of Hernandez was to advocate the love for the environment among children in the barangay. Like a miracle, the advocacy spread like a wild fire opening acceptance and support for the ESWM campaign. Junior ESWM Enforcers - a group of young individuals in the barangay was organized to police their environment.

The journey that this barangay took to emerge from an ugly duckling to a beautiful swan so to speak is truly inspiring. And this journey on ESWM does not end on the feat received by the barangay according to Hernandez. It must be a continuing cycle - a way of life for his barangay. It was indeed an arduous undertaking to make the barangay a garbage-free, safe haven, but it is also rewarding to see the results of all uphill struggles.

“ The journey that this barangay took to emerged from an ugly duckling to a beautiful swan so to speak is truly inspiring”

This barangay was declared as the National Winner on the 2nd Nationwide Search for Model Barangays for Eco-Waste Management System 2006-2007-Category B. The barangay won P500,000.000 from the said competition. Because of this feat, the residents have also become more aware in disaster preparedness and management. San Marcos’ was also adjudged as 2nd placer National Gawad Kalasag Award Best Barangay Disaster Coordinating Council. Also born from the ESWM program is the zero-rabies program of the barangay, wherein only in San Marcos where you can’t find any stray dog. The project has also been replicated by other barangays. In 2006, the barangay grabbed the 1st runner up in the First Municipalwide Search for Model Barangays and Hall of Fame Award on ESWM implementation in 2007 and 2008.

Barangay San Marcos, San Mateo, Isabela Punong Barangay: Napoleon M. Hernandez, Jr. Documenter: Kathleen L. Aquino Contact Information: 09175742377/ 09176665563

Bare and Idle Lot – Now a Barangay Vegetable Garden Nursery The barangay plant nursery of Brgy. Bantug, Roxas, Isabela used to be an unproductive lot. The idea of putting up a barangay nursery sprung out from a vision of converting idle lands in the barangay into productive lands. Before the project begun, the 300 square meters idle land – with concrete fence adjacent the barangay hall – had been an eyesore. Slowly, it became a throwing field of garbage. It started to occupy a bigger space in the barangay; as it is located along a busy street, it is noticeable. This already caught the attention of Punong Barangay Antonio S. Hui even before elected as the chief executive of the barangay. So upon his assumption, the conversion of this idle land into something productive is up on his sleeves. He talked to the owner and laid out his plan of putting this piece of land into something productive. Both arrived to ink an agreement between the barangay government and Mrs. Ligaya Macatuno, a well-known business woman in the barangay. Prior to its productive use, several observations were recorded for the project. Vegetable gardening can rarely be seen among backyards in the community. A number of malnourished children were recorded in the barangay day care center. Tanods in their duty hours sit idly in the barangay government center. These observations were useful in formulating the project.

The agreement was brought out during the first barangay assembly called upon immediately after PB Hui has sworn into office. Barangay Kagawad Magelyn O. Murao, Committee Chair on Environment discussed lengthily the whole idea. To become productive and beneficial, vegetables will be grown in the then idle lot. Municipal agriculture office will provide the seeds. The lot shall be maintained by a gardener with the help of volunteer workers who are on-duty such as the barangay tanods and barangay health workers (BHWs). Harvest shall be dependent on the growth of the vegetables. Mr. Rufino Cabico, a resident of the said barangay and farmer, will be the caretaker of the barangay nursery. The method of distributing vegetables and seedlings will be on a first-come-firstserved basis but importantly, on-the-need basis. The caretaker will get a copy of the list of the barangay

â&#x20AC;&#x153;The whole system of feeding the daycare pupils came as a way of life for them as well as the parents who are commissioned

residents profile as basis for the simple interview, like how many are th ere in the family of the recipient, as or scheduled to determine the volume of vegetables and seedlings to do the to be disposed off. The quantity of seedlings to be cooking.â&#x20AC;? distributed will be used for family consumption only. In return, as a matter of showing co-ownership to the project, there shall be monitoring system to check whether the seedlings were planted and grown in the backyard of the recipient. During the conduct of Operation Barangay Linis â&#x20AC;&#x201C; a representative of the household will render or participate in community service in the barangay nursery either by weeding out grasses or planting new seedlings.

As the project is simple it will yield immediately and it will be greatly free. Everyone can have a glimpse of the project is located along busy street.

“... households having their

As had been a matter of policy under PB Hui’s administration, day care pupils of the barangay freely come to school without share of a paying any cent. A budget to this effect has been appropriated in the barangay annual budget. vegetable Even the meal allowances for the pre-school garden in their children are included in the budget as part of the own backyard.” feeding program of the barangay. Recognizing the benefits of eating vegetables especially for growing children, every Wednesday is “gulay day” for daycare pupils. The meal prepared is made up of vegetables freshly picked from the vegetable garden. As noted, there were malnourished daycare pupils during the time PB Hui was still a barangay kagawad. Now that he is the young punong barangay and adapted the barangay nursery as a system of the barangay government this problem has been addressed. The whole system of feeding the daycare pupils came as a way of life for them as well as the parents who are commissioned or scheduled to do the cooking. The greater impact of this project is extended to households having their share of a vegetable garden in their own backyard. Seeing the advantages of having their own garden has motivated them to put up and maintain their own. Aside from the unending increase in basic commodities nowadays, one’s convenience is also considered. One can freely pick-up any kind of vegetable he wants for his meal especially for households still living with their school children.

The project is not a novel idea. In fact, it is one among the usual project among barangays, but this one is a pioneer activity in the barangay. A number of vacant/idle lots have now been planted with anything that can be useful in the neighborhood, mostly vegetables. And the residents embraced with passion the project as it has been observed that backyards are now teeming with vegetables. Before it can reach other barangays for replication, the barangay has been established in household premises. Majority of the households in the barangay have their own vegetable garden while others are still on the process of building their own. Those families without their gardens yet are the ones catered by the barangay nursery nowadays. And if there is anything good out from this project is the fact that the municipal agriculture office runs to the barangay nursery for assistance in case there no stock of seedlings. This simple project which has been practiced or can be established in any other barangays, in fact had reduce poverty among household beneficiaries and contributed to the healthy lifestyle of everyone and to the overall efforts of human development. The barangay nursery has been up for more than one year. It was conceptualized in December 2010 and from records, harvest is continuous depending on the growth of the various plants and it is still producing. It also has benefitted 186 households and counting. It is still being maintained by Mr. Cabico, who is being paid by the barangay, as well as the barangay tanods and BHWs as part of their duty. Yearround, the nursery has been planted with swamp cabbage (pechay), eggplant (talong), okra and squash (kalabasa). Vegetable vines are also available such as alugbati, bataw, and sigarilyas. Malunggay trees are also grown around the corners as they easily grow and mature and

have been one of the mostly used ingredients for the feeding program of the barangay. The nursery also has some fruit-bearing trees such as mango, jackfruit, guava, and kamias, and herbal plants such as ginger, oregano, and kutsay which are also for the use of the constituents. Through the project, Brgy. Bantug became true to its name â&#x20AC;&#x201C; the most famous barangay in the province of Isabela as it is awarded Outstanding Barangay under the DILG LGU Incentives and Awards for CY 2011.

Barangay Vegetable Garden Nursery Punong Barangay: Antonio Hui Documenter: Avonne D. Halago Contact Information: 0935 249 1158

Brgy. Horseshoe, Quezon Cityâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Solid Waste Management Program Brgy. Horseshoe is one of the 38 barangays of District IV, Quezon City. It has 2,200 households and a population of more or less 16,000. Although it has predominantly upper class population, Brgy. Horseshoe has its share of depressed/ IFS constituents, numbering about 350 families. Too much concentration of population in National Capital Region (NCR) has created a gargantuan garbage disposal problem. Intense human activities in the NCR also creates wastes that has become almost unmanageable, thereby creating a strain not only in the health and safety of the people but also to the financial resources of the city. In 2005, Punong Barangay Josefina Ang of Brgy. Horseshoe envisioned a garbage-free barangay. Setting her vision into motion, she facilitated a meeting with the of the Homeowners Association, religious sector, and school and Parents/Teachers Association, in crafting a Solid Waste Management Program (SWMP). The result was the 2005-2015 Brgy. Horseshoe Solid Waste Management Program. The program calls for all residential, institutional, commercial and industrial establishments to segregate their wastes into four categories: (1) recyclables, (2) compostable, (3) residuals, and (4) bulky waste. Initially, residents in the depressed area and in the main road were not included in the program. However, due to its success, all households in the barangay are now included in the program.

A “NO SEGREGATION, NO COLLECTION POLICY” was strictly imposed by the barangay. The Barangay Solid Waste Management Committee, in coordination with the Quezon City Environmental Protection and Waste Management Department, formulated a system of separate collection for specific type of waste. Brgy. Horseshoe hired personnel as “Eco-Aide” to perform the following functions: (1) collect biodegradable and non-biodegradable wastes for composting, re-using, and recycling; (2) conduct process of composting; (3) conduct final sorting for re-using and “... envisioned recycling; and (4) record the daily weights of volumes a garbage-free of waste materials. For lack of funds to hire sufficient number of Eco-Aides, the barangay tanods also barangay”. doubles as Eco-Aides. The Barangay Solid Waste Management Board assigned one personnel per called Street Coordinator, who automatically becomes a member of the Barangay Solid Waste Management Core Group. The Street Coordinator was tasked to perform the following functions: (1) inform the residents on their respective area of responsibilities regarding the program; (2) monitor and report progress of the program; and (3) conduct regular meetings. A memorandum/ communication was issued to all households of the barangay, commercial and industrial establishments, schools, churches, hospitals, and public or private markets operating in the barangay to ensure that they are well-informed of the program. A barangay vehicle with a public address system keeps reminding all stakeholders about the program. A community meeting per street or area was regularly conducted to explain the program and to receive feedbacks, comments and recommendations from stakeholders. The Barangay Solid Waste Management Board and members of the

Core Group were likewise responsible in disseminating information materials during small gatherings like birthdays, baptism, etc.

“... resulted... continuing In 2002, the Quezon City government passed an ordinance increase in financial providing for financial incentives for incentives” barangays with successful Barangay Solid Waste Management Program. Any marked decrease in garbage hauled by the City’s Environmental Protection and Waste Management Department is rewarded with financial incentive. The decrease in the garbage trucks sent to Brgy. Horseshoe resulted to a likewise continuing increase in financial incentives awarded to the barangay by the Quezon City Government, from PhP 462,000.00 in 2007 to PhP 500,000.00 in 2010. The neary two million pesos incentives awarded to the barangay in the past four years was in turn used to increase the barangay’s social services to their constituents.

Barangay Horseshoe, Quezon City Punong Barangay: Josefina Ang Documenter: Contact Information:

Brgy. Bagumbuhay, Quezon City Experience: Ecological Solid Waste Management Program Brgy. Bagumbuhay is one of the 142 barangays of Quezon City. It has a total land area of 53.54 hectares and a population of 6,507 as of August 1, 2007. It is a typical barangay in a highly-urbanized city, with common problem on pollution and garbage as the barangay is located in the Central Business District of Quezon City. Brgy. Bagumbahayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Ecological Solid Waste Management Program is recognized by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for its commendable waste management program. It was conceptualized by the barangayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s former Punong Barangay, Raulito Datiles when he first assumed his post as Punong Barangay in 2002. Today, as one visits the barangay, one can never imagine that long ago the barangay has problems on its garbage disposal. When he started his term as Punong Barangay, PB Datiles identified the common problems that his constituents want to be addressed. Through a survey, he found out that solid waste disposal has been one of the major problems of the area. In order to solve the problem on waste, the former Punong Barangay embarked on a project that will seek to address the perennial problem encountered not only in Brgy. Bagumbuhay but in other barangays as well. He also concluded that the problem on garbage disposal is not a political problem but a social problem.

The former Punong Barangay exerted effort to systematize the garbage collection. The barangay designated a large drop-off points a few streets behind a grocery store. Four areas have also been set up as collection point, and for each area an ecology aide is tasked to manage the collection of garbage to be likewise transported to the identified drop-off point. PB Datiles conducted dialogues with the residents to explain to them that solving the garbage problem is not merely the sole responsibility of the barangay leaders but rather a collaborative effort of the barangay residents. He also emphasized that residents play a major role in the segregation of their wastes. A resident allowed the barangay to use his vacant lot to build a Materials Recovery Facility (MRF). It was a 300 sq. meter private lot which was “... reduced then full of garbage. To increase barangay residents’ awareness and momentum in the first instance, volume of waste barangay tanods were utilized and dispatched to and financial collect segregated waste from households.

savings”.

Some of the results of the project are the reduced volume of waste, and financial savings. With the conceptualization of Bagumbuhay’s Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Program that managed both biodegradable and non-biodegradable wastes of the barangay, there was a decrease in the number of trips of garbage truck made – collecting trash from 10 to 4.5 times a week in 2002. 52 percent of its wastes did not end up in dump after the successful implementation of the law. Two years later, garbage collection fell even further to 1.5 trips a week when the barangay acquired additional composting drums. The barangay also strictly enforced the policy of segregating wet, dry and biodegradable and non-biodegradable wastes and these were brought to an ecology center wherein the collected wastes were processed and recycled. Some of the biodegradable wastes were sold to junk shops, some were turned into organic outdoor floor tiles and cement blocks,

and others were converted to compost fertilizers. The oversupply of compost fertilizers presented another opportunity for PB Raul Datiles to begin a new project, the Bagumbuhay Urban Gardening Project and generated income for the barangay and provided livelihood for its constituents. Through a City Ordinance – QC Ordinance No. 1203 which was launched in 2002, 50 percent of the barangay’s savings through its waste management program would go directly to the barangay. In 2006, an incentive rebate from the city government amounting to PhP 1.2 million was received by the barangay. The cash incentives from the city government was used to finance the construction of the barangay hall and its adjacent facilities such as pre-school, a coffee shop, a fitness gym, multi-purpose covered court, and ecological parks including a butterfly sanctuary and an aviary. The barangay has also constructed its composting facility with pulverizer for residual or nonbiodegradable waste and a styrofoam oven which treats and neutralizes styrofoam products. Brgy. Bagumbuhay has earned extra income by selling compost, recyclables and paving tiles. The barangay can produce about 800-1000 kilos of compost per week and 70-80 percent of their biodegradable wastes (kitchen wastes) were sold to piggery as food. The barangay eco-police , who are low ranking and were pootly paid, are given their share of their income from the scheme. Through the “Basura Mo, Ipalit Mo,” residents gain certain points every time they give their biodegradable and recyclable wastes to the eco-aides and they can exchange their points in the barangay hall for items such as rice, medicine, and laundry soap, among others. Each household is given booklets where they record the number of times they redeemed their points. 30 families from the indigent sector of the barangay have

â&#x20AC;&#x153;... transparency and participatory decision-making and community mobilization can be an effective means to achieve

been given job of collecting waste, cleaning it and cutting it into small shreds which will be brought to the barangay and sell it for PhP 25-30 per kilo. The shredded residual waste is mixed with other materials for the manufacturing of tiles.

Barangay personnel overseeing an efficient solid the collection and facilitation of waste management Bagumbuhayâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s solid waste used to be hardened drug addicts and programâ&#x20AC;?. snatchers in the area. Thus, one can say that the project uplifted the status of the people in the barangay. A decrease of about 70-75 percent in the number of health patients suffering from diarrhea, typhoid fever, and other waste-related diseases after the implementation of the program in Bagumbuhay was reflected in the report of the barangay health clinic. The Brgy. Bagumbuhay Ecological Solid Waste Management Program can easily be replicated by other barangays or even higher LGUs in the country. Good governance through transparency and participatory decision-making and community mobilization can be an effective means to achieve an efficient solid waste management program. To date, Brgy. Bagumbuhay is always being visited by other barangays and higher LGUs not only in Metro Manila but in other regions. Almost every day, the barangay proudly welcomes a number

of visitors, mostly local officials from other regions, civil society organizations, other institutions, students, and even media. Former PB Raul Datiles has also been invited to numerous forums, dialogues and seminars to share his experience on how he managed to cure urban blight in Bagumbuhay. The Ecological Solid Waste Management Program of the barangay has been featured in numerous TV programs here and abroad. In 2009, PB Raul Datiles was one of the recipients of the Civil Service Commissionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Lingkod Bayan Award.

Barangay Bagumbuhay, Quezon City Punong Barangay: Roel T. Golimlim Documenter: Leah B. Peralta Contact Information: 3877490/4330221

Happy Soil Technology Thrives in Brgy. Philam Brgy. Philam is a small conspicuous barangay, bounded by West Avenue and EDSA, founded in April 15, 1955 by the Philippine American Life Insurance Company with a land area of 45 hectares and a total population of 6,000. In 1992, before the Payatas tragedy and the declaration of the Solid Waste Management Act, the Philam Ladies Auxilliary Brigade acting on mere foresight responded to the worsening garbage crisis in Quezon City by embarking on a simple but ambitious plan to encourage residents to segregate bio-degradable waste and nonbiodegradable waste within Philam Homes Subdivision. In the year 1999 building on the same segregation principles pursued by PHAI-LAB a Barangay Multi-sectored Solid Waste Management Committee (SWMC) was formed. Within one year, the Brgy. Philam MRF was opened (June 2000), uncannily a month after in July 2000 the Payatas tragedy occurred. In the wake of the garbage crisis the Barangay Solid Waste Management Committee of Philam aggressively developed and pursued a program of Solid Waste Management that to this date now boasts of an estimated 85 percent compliance. On October 4, 2002, Brgy. Philam passed Ordinance No. 01S-2002 formally creating the Ecological Solid Waste Management Committee which was chaired by Punong Barangay Jose A. Diaz. This was followed by the passing of Ordinance No. 02-S-2003 Prohibiting Indiscriminate Littering and Dumping of Waste. The plan was to

meet the City Government requirements and then lay the groundwork for the future expansion of Brgy. Philam Solid Waste Management Programs (SWMP). The Solid Waste Management Plan was anchored on just one important mission and this is to achieve important essential solid waste management goals to help achieve environment sustainability. The Technical Staff of EPWMD headed by Mr. Manny Rios made a two-month study of the practice of the generated Solid Waste and came up jointly with SWMC. The customized scheme on segregation and proper disposal that fitted the needs of Brgy. Philam. Before the SWMP was implemented the City Government dispatched 12 trucks a week to pick up mixed solid waste, now only six trucks a week are presently dispatched. This significant reduction resulted to substantial savings by the City Government. To motivate other LGUs in implementing their own Solid Waste Management Programs former Mayor Feliciano Belmonte Jr. Passed an ordinance granting Savings Incentives to deserving barangays. The SWMP serves as the framework which aims to establish and implement Brgy. Philam policies for Solid Waste Management within its jurisdiction. The SWMP also serves as a guide for the future growth of the Barangay’s Solid Waste Management system which includes a waste collection and disposal scheme and MRF or Eco-Center. Waste Segregation, Reuse and Recycling collection services are implemented for business “... strategy to establishments and single/multi-family dwellings (Simut Basura Program and help achieve No Segregation No Collection Program). environmental Close coordination and participation of the Philam Homeowner Association sustainability”.

is done through Purok Leaders, PHAI Street Sweepers, Barangay Parks Development and Beautification Personnel and Environmental Police

The barangay started the operation of our composting facility using the Happy Soil Technology with two Rotary Drum Composters and environment and one Hammermil in June 2000. To lesser incidents of fully utilize the capacity of the two composters the SWMC conducted illnessâ&#x20AC;?. orientations to homeowners, and residents and kasambahays to cooperate with the barangay by delivering their food waste in pails (distributed by the barangay) rather than plastic bags, preferably everyday and not older than two days to reduce foul odors generated by spoiled food waste. Due to the increased delivery of food waste to the facility (especially during the Holiday Season) the barangay ordered additional composters and at present the facility

â&#x20AC;&#x153;... resulting to a healthy home

employs six composter units. The facility now produces about 12,000 kilos per month of pure organic fertilizer as no soil is used. MRF/ECO-Center Operations is also called Kitchen Waste Composting using Happy Soil Technology. This technology is used to produce pure organic fertilizer. Brgy. Philam follows the following method: (1) registration, (2) delivery and weighing of food waste, (3) login of quality and weight of food waste, (4) mixing with coco-dust and lacto bacilli, (5) hammer-milling of mixed waste with coco-dust and lacto bacilli, (6) transferring from hammermill to the rotary drum composter, (7) processing of mixed materials for five days, (8) harvesting

of finished product, and (9) curing of harvested final product. The Solid Waste Management Plan describes a strategy to help achieve environmental sustainability. The plan has two main parts: the comprehensive plan required by the City Government coordinated with the EPWMD, and the strict implementation of Brgy. Philam Solid Waste Management Plan under Barangay Ordinances No. 01S-2002 creating the Ecological Solid Waste Management Committee and Ordinance No. 02-S-2003 Prohibiting Indiscriminate Littering and Dumping of Waste. With the daily delivery of foul smelling food waste to the ECOCenter, the infestation of flies, rats and cockroaches was significantly “... 85 percent decreased, resulting to a healthy home environment and lesser incidents of illness. The barangay also initiates compliance to activities such as Community Clean-up Days, Park Cleanthe current Up Day, and distribution of pails and fertilizer to community members who religiously bring their food waste to the ECO-

Solid Waste Management

Center. The Children’s “Go Green” Club was founded in March 2009 and has since then sponsored environmental awareness activities for children 12 years old and Scheme that below. To mention one of the activities was the 2010 is being theme “Earth Day is Everyday” where children were implemented”. treated to storytelling, face painting, and competed in a contest on designing their own Eco-Bag. Back in 2008 the barangay has also initiated and encouraged barangay residents to limit their use of plastic and instead use an Eco-Bag when buying items at the supermarket.

The Environmental Protection and Waste Management Department of Quezon City has conducted training and have deputized Brgy. Philam BPSO as Environmental Police authorized to issue violation tickets. With the possibility of facing sanctions from the City Government barangay residents have religiously complied with the scheme as well. To showcase the efficacy of the fertilizer produced at the EcoCenter the barangay converted several idle areas of the Brgy. Philam Park into Organic Gardens, the produce form these gardens are distributed to marginal community helpers such as the sweepers, EcoBoys and BPSO or â&#x20AC;&#x153;Tanods.â&#x20AC;? The barangay now proudly enjoys about 85 percent compliance to the current Solid Waste Management Scheme that is being implemented. In the next five years however, Brgy. Philam hopes to achieve a higher percentage in compliance.

Barangay Philam, Quezon City Punong Barangay: Jose A. Diaz Documenter: Contact Information:

Ecological Solid Waste Management Program of Brgy. Dalig, Antipolo City Waste and garbage dump could be found anywhere; waterway was not even spared from the garbage build up. This was a challenge that was instilled in the hearts of the officials of Brgy. Dalig, Antipolo City from the very beginning. The barangay implemented RA 9003, otherwise known as the Ecological Waste Act of 2000 to address the garbage problem. This National Law was localized through the Dalig Ecological Solid Waste Management Program (DESWMP). The Barangay Council pursued a longer vision to waste reduction through effective and economical elimination of waste. However, limited resources left many in doubt and considered it an impossible task. With its intent to resolve this environmental concern, Brgy. Dalig made every problem an opportunity for improvement and resorted to plan out and come up with a comprehensive approach for an efficient and effective waste management and collection. The general objectives of this program were as follows: (1) to manage the 20 tons of waste generated everyday; (2) to convert garbage to an income-generating project of the barangay; (3) to turn 50 percent of garbage into recyclable, 30 percent to compostable and the remaining 20 percent to residual waste; (4) to educate the people in managing and reducing domestic waste; (5) to utilize all possible and available resources; (6) to establish cooperation, linkages and networks with NGOs, private sector, LGUs and agencies and the National Government; (7) to institutionalize the Dalig Ecological Solid Waste Management Program through a barangay ordinance;

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and (8) to create the Barangay Dalig Solid Waste Management Committee that will serve as the technical and implementing arm of Daligâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s ESWMP.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;... The local government also established linkage and networking with the lead groups responsible for the maintenance of the

In 2003, Brgy. Dalig created the Ecological Solid environment for financial Waste Management Committee and other assistance. through Barangay Ordinance 2003-34a to act as the technical and implementing arm of the program. Improvised makeshift Material Recovery Facility (MRF) was constructed through the use of the inhouse personnel and the augmentation of small amount of funds from the 20 percent development fund of the city. The local government also established linkage and networking with the lead groups responsible for the maintenance of the environment for financial and other assistance. Materials for the said project were acquired by the local government. One mini dump truck was assigned to the Dalig Solid Waste Management Services (DSWMS) to service the 1,278 households participating in Eco-Waste program. Tools for composting such as mixer/spade, sprayer shredding machine, and grinding machine were used for the operation. Empty sacks were also used for composting bio-degradable waste. Information dissemination about the project was also launched for the community to learn more about the DSWMS. Gabay ng Mamayan Action Center (GMAC), the authorized information assistance of Brgy. Dalig, provided leaflets relating to recycling, composting and proper disposal of household waste in compliance with R.A. 9003. Posters on waste segregation were placed in visible

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places to inform the passers-by. This step was done to make sure that people and regular pedestrians are informed of the waste management project. The community was also informed and encouraged to actively participate in the said program. Brgy. Dalig adopted the theory and practice published by the RMPFI, where effective enforcement of Ecological Waste Management must work and satisfy the three basic requirements namely, persuasion, compulsion and sanction. The utilization of MRF saved an approximate of three cubic yards of sanitary landfill space for every ton of garbage converted to recycled materials. At least 50 percent of garbage collected from households was brought to the MRF to be treated for recycling, 30 percent underwent composting process, and 20 percent to residual waste. Starting in their homes, residents learned to segregate their waste to recyclable, compostable, and residual. Dalig engaged in the business of Vermi Composting, starting with two kilos of African Night Crawler and growing them to 60 kilos. Job opportunities were given to those who are unemployed. Pulverized plastic bags (sando bags) were utilized to make paving â&#x20AC;&#x153; Educating blocks which were used in the landscaping and the people beautification of San Antonio Parish Church in Brgy. Dalig.

increased awareness and participation

among stakeholders.â&#x20AC;?

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The DESWMP led to the formulation and enactment of a total of thirteen barangay ordinances and two city ordinances addressing environmental issues and concerns. The Barangay Government of Dalig continually shared its best practice with different

barangays in the province, other provinces, and private and public agencies as the program had been recognized by DENR, EMB and National Solid Waste Management Commission. While it is important for the success of any program to have the right structure, strategy and sufficient budget, the aspect that translates great plans into action is political will. Dalig officials found out that the solution was not to treat the problem as a waste but as a resource. Educating the people increased awareness and participation among stakeholders by introducing new strategies in waste disposal. The discipline through awareness and concern for cleanliness and environmental protection is a lifelong and priceless benefit that cannot be measured by any amount of money. To sustain the program, DSWMS expanded its operations in recycling and composting from a total of 1,278 households to 4,500 households actively participating. The barangay and DSWMS continued to work closely together and engage in recycling and composting process that would eventually contribute to the city’s effort in preserving the environment. To strengthen the program, the collected garbage was brought, sorted and recycled at the Dalig MRF. The harmonious partnership with the Homeowners Association of Maia Alta Subdivision resulted to the formation of a non-government organization, the “Dalig Solid Waste Management Services (DSWMS)”. Crown Asia Properties Inc. donated a 320 square meters of land and through a barangay resolution, funds in the amount of PhP 1,275,000 was granted by the City Government for the construction of the expanded MRF in Maia Alta Subdivision.

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In this practice, Brgy. Dalig was recognized by National Solid Waste Commission as a Pioneering Barangay in the privatization of the Solid Waste Management Program, and by the Rizal Provincial Government for having the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Best Practiceâ&#x20AC;? in the implementation of Solid Waste Management Program at the Barangay Level last 2009.

Barangay Dalig, Antipolo City Punong Barangay: Catalino M. Leyva Documenter: Thelma S. Candare Contact Information: 630 3092

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Save the Mother Earth Program: Through Proper Solid Waste Management of Brgy. Lingsat, City of San Fernando, La Union Uncollected solid waste, and esteros and streets with garbage, these were the common sights in Brgy. Lingsat, San Fernando City, La Union. This was noticed by the barangay officials, thus inspired them to come up with a waste management program which caught the attention of the city and provincial leaders of San Fernando, La Union. Brgy. Lingsat is 3 kilometers away from San Fernando City proper, La Union. It is adjacent to Brgy. Dalumpinas Oeste in the north, Brgy. Dalumpinas Este in the east, Brgy. Carlatan in the south and the West Philippine Sea in its west. It has a span of 196.51 hectares of land area. The main businesses in the barangay consist of construction shops and services, schools, internet cafes, boarding houses, and apartments. Brgy. Lingsat launched the â&#x20AC;&#x153;Save the Mother Earth Programâ&#x20AC;? as compliance to the provisions of the Local Government Code of 1991 and Republic Act 9003, otherwise known as Solid Waste Management Act of 2003. The barangay initiated and intensified solid waste management program that aims to address the problems of the community on improper waste management and disposal. Along with its program on solid waste management was the establishment of the Lingsat Material Recovery Facility (MRF) on February 26, 2004. The MRF served as the drop-off center for biodegradable and nonbiodegradable waste so that only residual waste shall be disposed to the

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engineered sanitary landfill of the city. In line with the project, the Sangguniang Barangay enacted an ordinance requiring all households and establishments for a segregation-at-source, and the no-segregation-no-collection policy, imposing penalties for violation. The barangay likewise encouraged the door-to-door personalized waste collection by volunteers, and for residents to personally bring their solid waste to the MRF. These ordinances developed ownership and accountability to the program, aside from paying a minimal monthly maintenance fee. Brgy. Lingsat also organized a Solid Waste Management Brigade composed â&#x20AC;&#x153;... The of the Sangguniang Barangay, Barangay Health Workers, Sangguniang Kabataan, Waste Collectors, representatives barangay initiated and from Non-Government Organizations and Peoples Organization, and concerned residents. These groups intensified were trained on the proper handling and management of solid wastes, and were responsible for the solid waste intensified information campaign and training of

management program that aims to

address the problems of the community on improper waste management and disposalâ&#x20AC;?. 106

the residents on solid waste management. With the favorable response of the residents, there were a positive turn-out of collected biodegradable wastes, thus recycling and composting projects were initiated. The segregated biodegradable materials collected went directly to the MRF for composting. The in-house care taker of the MRF and the eight waste collectors were then trained on the process of composting using additives such as chicken manure, saw dust, carbonized rice hulls and hagonoy (abundant plant species in the area).

The produced soil conditioner, which are certified as fortified by the Department of Agriculture Field Unit 1, are now being distributed to residents practicing organic backyard gardening. Soil Conditioner produced in the MRF also generates income to the barangay. These are sold during agri-aqua trade fairs and to visitors from as far as Cotabato City who visit the barangay to learn about their best practice in waste management. Although income from composting is very minimal, it encourages the residents to compost and utilize the product. To further increase and sustain the enthusiasm and participation of the residents and compliance to the ordinance on segregation-atsource, Brgy. Lingsat launched an annual â&#x20AC;&#x153;Search for Model Zone and Model Households Practicing Proper Waste Management and Recycling.â&#x20AC;? The search taps the creativity of the residents in coming up with innovative measures in recycling their solid wastes. More and more residents were encouraged to engage in backyard gardening using their composted biodegradable wastes, especially because they were provided by the barangay with vegetable seeds and seedlings, thus increasing the food supply of the households and for additional income in selling their produce. Funds for the purchase of the seeds and seedlings were sourced out from the sales of the recyclable materials collected in the MRF. The uniqueness of the Save the Mother Program Through Proper Solid Waste Management of Brgy. Lingsat lies on the dedication and commitment of the leaders and the community to the program. The program was able to harness not only the internal resources of the LGU in terms of manpower and support of the stakeholders but also the support of the City Government. Womenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Groups were tapped to initiate the cleaning and beautification of the MRF area and vicinity. Youth organizations were responsible for the cleaning and

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beautification of the streets. The Save the Mother Earth Program further increased the awareness of the residents on their responsibility in the protection of the environment. Notably, the ordinance on solid waste management strictly implemented provided a mandate for the residents to manage their own solid waste and voluntarily pay minimal maintenance fees.

â&#x20AC;&#x153;... The uniqueness ... lies on the dedication and commitment of the leaders and the communityâ&#x20AC;?

To sustain the program, there is a continuous technical supervision and financial assistance provided by the city government. The success of the program has resulted in the clustering of the three barangays â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Barangays Dalumpinas Oeste, Pagdaraoan and Carlatan for a clustered solid waste management. A joint resolution was then signed by the barangay officials of the said barangays signifying their intentions to be clustered in the collection of their solid waste. A technical working group was created for the clustered barangays with members coming from the clustered barangays and representative of the City Mayor. The TWG was created to implement and monitor the clustering and see its viability for the replication of the other barangays of the city. With the existing clustering, the City Government of San Fernando is subsidizing the yearly cost of fuel, and other operating expenses of the two (2) garbage trucks of Barangay Lingsat which are being used in the collection of wastes of the 3 baranagys in the amount of PhP 504,000.00.

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Aside from the sales of recyclables, the following are the monthly counterparts from each cluster member: Brgy. Dalumpinas Oeste (PhP 2,000.00), Brgy. Lingsat (PhP 20,000.00), Brgy. Carlatan (PhP 8,000.00) and Brgy. Pagdaraoan (PhP 5,000). The â&#x20AC;&#x153;counterpartingâ&#x20AC;? scheme provided in the Memorandum of Agreement signed by the Local Chief Executive of the clustered barangays. The pilot clustering of the three barangays in coordination with the City Mayor has considerably taken a leap on the ecological solid waste management in the City of San Fernando. Today, barangays of the city are now responsible for the management and collection of their solid waste through the clustering approach. The best practices of Brgy. Lingsat have gained local and national recognition. From its awards as the Provincial and Regional Nominee in the Lupon Tagapamayapa Incentive Award and award for being the Most Outstanding Barangay Peace and Order Committee of the City of San Fernando, Brgy. Lingsat has now continuously reaped several awards for its program on Save the Mother Earth. In 2008, the barangay was conferred as the Model Barangay with the Best Sanitation Practice. On the same year, the barangay was conferred as the National Winner on the 2nd Nationwide Search for Model Barangays for Eco-Waste Management and eventually for initiating the cluster approach on solid waste, was also awarded as the best cluster during the Nationwide Search for Model Barangay for EcoWaste Management System.

Barangay Lingsat, City of San Fernando, Province of La Union Punong Barangay Alejandrino C. Mondina Jr. Documenter: Angelita R. Gongora Contact Information: (072) 888-6919/ (072) 888-2165 / 19178900573

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Solid Waste Management Program: Brgy. Macasandig, Cagayan De Oroâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Door-to-Door Garbage Collection Macasandig is a suburban barangay situated one kilometer away from the heart of the city. Its eight square kilometers of land area is home to 3,896 households, various commercial establishments, and offices from private and government institution. For the past five years, the barangay registered unprecedented economic growth and increased in population to a total of estimated 30,000. The volume of garbage disposed by its populace need an effective Solid Waste Management Program (SWMP). Hence, the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) was established in 2008 having Sitio Tibasak as its pilot area and later on covered the whole barangay in garbage collection. Republic Act 9003, otherwise known as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000, requires all government units, particularly the barangays in the countryside, to undertake a move in solving the garbage problem. To enforce this, City Ordinance No. 8975-2003 was passed and mandated for the segregation of waste at source and that waste shall be primarily segregated and managed at the barangay level according to whether compostable, recyclable or reusable, with the barangay to promote and encourage the involvement of non-government organizations (NGOs) and peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s organizations (POs). The barangay, then, organized its Ecological Solid Waste Management Committee.

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Despite limited funds, the barangay planned and identified the site of its MRF. The Barangay Council has negotiated with a charitable land owner, the Velez Family, who allowed the barangay to lease a hectare of their land to Sitio Tibasak. Then, the barangay selected participants to the “Community Eco –Aid Training Course,” a Solid Waste Management and Urban Agriculture Seminar at the SEARSOLIN, Xavier University, Cagayan de Oro City, on July 21-25, 2008. The training was financially supported by the Ecopolis Program, International Development Research Council (IDRC) Canada. For the implementation of the program, the household garbage is collected by three motorelas and three dump trucks twice a week, through door-to-door system, and brought to MRF for segregation. The biodegradable waste is processed to produce Vermi-cast which are used for the constituents’ vegetable production. Non-biodegradable wastes are sold to scrap buyers.

“The constituents are willing to pay the garbage fees considering the prompt doorto-door service of the garbage

Fees from garbage collection and sales from scraps with the rest of the income of the barangay are being reported during the Barangay Assembly and are posted with detailed figures in the Barangay Bulletin Board for general information and transparency. For the past three years, a total of PhP 642,565.00, garbage fees alone, was collected.

collection”. 111

Barangay Ordinance No. 003-Series 2008 was passed to collect garbage fee of PhP 10.00 per month (PhP 120.00 per year), per household for the door-to-door garbage collection. All payments are issued with corresponding official receipts by the appointed Barangay Cashier. Payments are well documented for ready reference and to avoid double payment. The constituents are willing to pay the garbage fees considering the prompt door-to-door service of the garbage collection. During the years when the garbage collection was handled by the City Government, there was no certainty as to the schedule of the garbage collection. With the implementation of the SWMP of the barangay, along with its regular door-to-door garbage collection schedules, the residents are assured “The of prompt collection of their wastes. Schedules biodegradable were announced through “recoridas,” meetings and flyers so that the constituents are wellwaste is informed. The sustainability of the prompt

processed to produce Vermicast which are used for the

door-to-door garbage collection and the practice of segregation at source greatly help towards a pollution-free and odor-free community.

The SWMP has provided an array of benefits to the people of Brgy. Macasandig. constituents’ The biodegradable wastes being processed to vegetable produce Vermi-casts are used for vegetable production by residents of the barangay. The production”. Solid Waste Management Program has offered employment to 10 MRF workers. Apart from the health and safety of the community, one can say that the project has greatly benefitted the barangay.

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The project serves as a model to different sectors outside the community. In fact, visitors came to see the MRF and observe the SWMP of the barangay. Some of the visitors were: barangay officials of Brgy. Lumbia, Pagadian City; Japanese Students from SOKA University of Tokyo, Japan; Macasindig Elementary School; NSTP students of Xavier University, Cagayan de Oro City; staff of the City Public Services Office; etc. The program gave the barangay several citations such as Most Clean Barangay 2011, by the City Government of Cagayan de Oro; and Award of Excellence in Local Governance, by DILG. The program is sustained with the existence of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 (RA 9003), the Waste Management Segregation Ordinance of Cagayan de Oro City (City Ordinance No. 8957-2003), the Barangay Ordinance No. 003-Series of 2008 authorizing a garbage fee of PhP 120.00 per year per household, and the existence of the MRF and other waste management facilities. Also, the City Government has recently issued Executive Order No, 076-2011 ordering the creation of Barangay Solid Waste Management Committee, which Barangay Macasandig already have. The “Segregation at Source Program” started in December 2011. More information drives will be made for the promotion of the practice of “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” in preparation of the environment and for sustainable development.

Barangay Macasandig, Cagayan de Oro Punong Barangay: Aaron M. Neri Documenter: Nikko J. Pontipedra & Vilma Uyguangco

Contact Information: (088)8573329/8577837/09059632742

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Marine Sanctuary of Brgy. Calag-itan, Southern Leyte Fishing is one of the major sources of income of Brgy. Calagitan, Southern Leyte. Residents of the said barangay feared losing the marine resources because of the rising number of population and the rampant practice of illegal fishing. After a time, the once simple anxiety of a few became felt by many as the fish catch declined and became scarce pushing the local leaders of the barangay to take action. In the intention of preserving what’s left while enhancing the marine resources, driven by the distinct Filipino “Bayanihan” spirit, the joint forces of the barangay officials, residents, and partner institutions took part in the establishment of the 15.5 hectare Calag-itan Marine Sanctuary. The said project was conceptualized on November 23, 1999 and is presently benefitting the thousands of residents of Brgy. Calagitan, Southern Leyte. The Calag-itan Marine Sanctuary is an idea initiated by the local officials of Brgy. Calag-itan, one of the forty barangays of the Municipality of Hinunangan, Southern Leyte. As of 2010, Calag-itan has a total household number of 267 and a population of 1,106, of which 40 are registered fisher folks and 255 are registered farmers, who all enjoy the beneficial returns of the sanctuary. The stakeholders aim to pursue the project and have it inherited by the future generations. No further mention of objectives on report. As they initiated the program, the barangay officials started by laying the legal grounds for the implementation of the project. They passed an ordinance establishing the fish sanctuary, including the delineation of total area of the sanctuary. They then established

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linkages with government and non-government offices with technical expertise related to the marine life and fishery such as the Municipal Agriculturist office, BFAR, SLSU, VSU and GTZ/ giz). Then after, the local government barangay held “... passed assemblies, orientations, seminars, and consultation an ordinance with the residents. These are hosted to inform and establishing educate the constituents of the barangay.

the fish Once the program has been prepared, a “BantayDagat” outpost was established near the sanctuary. The sanctuary” barangay hired “Bantay-Dagat” personnel that conduct patrol around the sanctuary round the clock, whole year round. Strict implementation of the fish sanctuary ordinance including the implementation of existing fishery laws was performed by the barangay. Research partners conduct periodic study of the condition of the corals and number of fishes in the sanctuary. The barangay also conducts regular consultation of the stakeholders for feedback. Today, the once barren sea water is now full of blue darling multi-colored corals and fishes. As of September 2011 survey of BFAR in this sanctuary ears the following in terms of Catch Per Unit Effort (CPUE): for net – 7.5 kg of fish per hour; for gill net – 1.1 kg of fish per hour; for hook and line 0.2 kg fish per hour; and for spear fishing – 0.8 kg of fish per hour. Underwater assessment of the project performed by BFAR in 2010 showed positive results: from 52.08 percent (2004) to 70 percent (2010) of the sanctuary area is already covered with hard corals, this marks a 17.92 percent increase in a span of six years. There have been recorded 15 families of fish found in the sanctuary. The bigger fishes are Grouper (Lapu-lapu), Snapper (Abagauan), Sweetlips (Panapsapan), Rabbit Fish (Bawis), Surgeon Fish (Mungit), Parrot Fish (Uwapay and Uhawan), King Mackerel

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(Tangigi), Caesionide (Solid or Dalagang Bukid) and aquarium species such as Butterfly, Morest Idol, Angel Fishes, and Damsel fishes and commercial fishes. Increased number of commercially important reef associated organism like the cucumber, sea horse, giant clams, and lobsters. As observed, fishermenâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s harvest has increased, thereby contributed to increase in income. Believing the importance of mangroves in fish breeding grounds, the barangay officials, fisher folks and residents of Brgy Calag-itan started the rehabilitation of the barren half-hectare of the once-mangrove area located in the fish sanctuary. Today mangroves sprawl along the coast of the sanctuary. This fish haven has also become a tourist attraction in the area, especially for fish feeding experience. Community education on the mutual dependency relationship between the flora and fauna has gone a long way in the locality. Residents learned and took full responsibility of their role in preserving the environment for their basic survival and future security. The Marine Sanctuary was established after the ratification of Barangay Resolution No. 8 series of 1999 enacting the Barangay Ordinance creating the â&#x20AC;&#x153;... took full responsibility Calag-itan Fish Sanctuary of their role in preserving and Fishery Reserve Area. the environment for their A corresponding Municipal Resolution No. 289, series of basic survival and future 2000 was consequently passed approving the aforementioned securityâ&#x20AC;?. barangay resolution. These two local legislative measures provided for the legal existence of the project and assurance for continuity and protection. As usually expected, the barangay ordinance clearly stipulated the parameters governing the marine sanctuary,

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specifically the penalty section. And for a period of almost 12 years, this sanctuary is still alive and going strong. Due to the success of this project, the neighboring Brgy. Biasong has replicated the project and started to establish their own in 2003. Brgy. Calag-itan also received the Galing Pook Award in 2005 for the Trailblazing Category. This is in recognition of Brgy. Calag-itan innovated practice where-in the people empowered to manage their resources.

Barangay Calag-itan, Hinunangan, Southern Leyte Punong Barangay: Servillano L. Labrador Documenter: Joel C. Dagcutan Contact Information: 09125811575

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Solid Waste Management Program: Brgy. Francisco Homes Yakal, San Jose Del Monte Brgy. Francisco Homes Yakal, San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan is a relatively small barangay in terms of population and land area. Just like majority of Local Government Units, Francisco Homes Yakal used to face the perennial problem on proper waste segregation disposal. To finally put an end to this problem, the Barangay Council implemented the Solid Waste Management Program (SWMP) in 2002 and established the Multi-Purpose Cooperative of Francisco Homes Yakal, San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan. They attended series of orientations and seminars and joined series of Lakbay aral hosted by the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (ENRO). Such exposure to model LGUâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s equipped the barangay officials with the necessary knowledge to implement the program in their jurisdiction. Through the able leadership and strong political will of the Punong Barangay supported by equally strong willed and cooperative Barangay Kagawads the projects were started. Coupled with the intense encouragement of the City ENRO, the barangay established their own Material Recovery Facility (MRF) which reduced the wastes disposed at the Open Dumpsite of the City. Inspite of the several issues encountered prior to its implementation, the project is now hailed as one of the barangay best practices in the province of Bukacan.

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The goal of this cooperative translates into the following specific objectives: to operate its own MRF; training and skills enhancement of the members regarding waste recycling; for the cooperative to pay â&#x20AC;&#x153;... installation and the garbage collectors or eco aides from its sales of recycled products and fertilizers and operationalization pay the other administrative costs of the of their own barangay hall like water and electricity; to composting increase the number of regular and associate members of the cooperative to complement center which the operations of Barangay Yakal Solid produces organic Waste Management.

fertilizer from

To ensure its success, the biodegradable stakeholders of this project acquired education through on-site visits, conducted wastesâ&#x20AC;&#x153; several trainings and workshope for its personal, enacted legislation, and ensured institutional support. The barangay council made sure that all their constituents understood the project through a persuasive Information-Education Campaign. Presently, 85-90 percent of the population is practicing waste segregation in their own households. The barangay is also operating its own Materials Recovery Facility with trained eco-aides. They have also installed their own Composting Center which produces organic fertilizer from biodegradable wastes and is sold at PhP 10.00 per kilo. The Yakal Multi-Purpose Cooperative resulted to institutionalization of garbage collection four times a week â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Tuesdays for non-biodegradable wastes, Thursdays for biodegradable wastes,

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Fridays and Saturdays for marketable wastes; and having trained eco-aides in charge of waste collection and giving the commensurate amount for marketable wastes collected per household who are members of the Multi -Purpose Cooperative as their additional capital contribution. The cooperative also resulted to the installation and operationalization of their own composting center which produces organic fertilizer from biodegradable wastes sold at P25.00 per pack containing two kilos; production of recycled products like banana and pineapple vinegars, flowers from candy peel, beads and cassava chips; organization of the Yakal Multi-purpose cooperative which aside from its main objective of savings and loan services to members also supervises the final sorting of non-biodegradable wastes into hazardous and non-hazardous, recycling of recyclables and marketing of finished products; and establishment of a functional Food Depot through availment of a P300,000.00 loan by the Multi-purpose cooperative from the City loan assistance program paid monthly with P50,000.00 balance as of today. The Yakal Multi Purpose Cooperative which was registered on September 2004 also produces items like banana and pineapple vinegar, flowers from candy peel, beads and cassava chips. The cooperative has a total of 442 members, all of whom are barangay residents. The four eco-aides collect the segregated wastes then weigh marketable wastes, apply the commensurate amount and add the amount to the capital share of the owner member. Today, the Cooperative has a total asset of PhP 849,118.36.

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Since the implementation of Barangay Yakal Solid Waste Management program, many LGUs from all over the country had visited the city with the objective of replicating the two programs in their respective areas. Further, such good practice received many awards from the City, Province, Region and National government.

Barangay Francisco Homes Yakal, San Jose del Monte, Bulacan Punong Barangay Wiliam Doctolero Documenter: Catheirne Manalastas Contact Information: 09175506530/ 09228957920/ (044) 7961286

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Brgy Sta. Ana, Taytay Rizal’s Save Maningning Project For the past 30 years, the image of the Maningning Creek to the minds of the people depicts an image of water lily-infested water, foul odor creek and even a dumpsite to some. Even with the Sangguniang Barangay hall just residing beside the creek, past government officials’ minds were covered with cynicism which in turn, developed to the feelings of apathy of the people within the barangay. There had been no serious or sustainable efforts of reviving the creek, not until the engineer and an environmental advocate assume the local chief executive post. According to Chairperson Joselito T. Calderon, the creek “has been a haven to all in the past 30 plus years. It was where our mothers used to do their laundry, where our fathers catch fresh water fishes and where I personally learned how to swim.” These words are Chairperson Calderon’s inspiration in reimagining the creek, with the belief that the creek is a clear reflection of the Sangguniang Barangay in many aspects. To jumpstart the project, a series of Kapihan were conducted with the residents near the creek and with some Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) and People’s Organizations (POs). Kapihan sa Barangay are literally morning coffee sessions wherein issues within the barangay are discussed as it also serves to be a venue for public consultation and community planning. Responding to the call are some NGOs based in the municipality of Taytay spearheaded by the Center

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for People’s Empowerment and Community Development “With all (CPECD), the St. Vincent Foundation and the Christian these people Foundation for the Children and Aging (CFCA). Various working POs also played a big role as Angat Kalikasan, Lingap Buhay, Sta. Ana Youth Club, and the Mabuting Taytayeno Movement together, participated in the planning of an effective, efficient and various ideas sustainable project. The movement, comprising of the aforementioned organizations and some other and innovations volunteer students from local schools has now had been been named, the “Save Maningning Movement”.

created”

With all these people working together, various ideas and innovations had been created for the realization of a cleaner and better Maningning Creek. The Save Maningning Project entails four major aspects that were considered for the overall development of the creek which are the: (1) regular clean-up drives together with residents and organizations; (2) installation of Bokashi balls technology; (3) tree plantings in areas around the creek; and (4) engineering solutions The Save Maningning Movement has already initiated four major clean up drives for the creek in cooperation with the Sangguniang Barangay. Through this clean up drives, the creek got rid of solid wastes as volunteers have been able to collect hundreds of kilos of garbage. An ordinance had also been enacted to prevent people from throwing garbage to the creek. These clean up drives gathered at least 500 volunteers coming from the movement and some other concerned citizens and barangay employees. The Saint Vincent Foundation, an active member of the movement, had introduced a technology which originated from Japan and was proven to help in filtrating dirt from the water and for cleaning

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the creek in many ways. The Bokashi balls, which are made from clay, EM solutions and other chemicals, are dropped off the waters after days of preservation. This technology helps “... the creek is now in filtering dirt in the river and in compacting reaping its harvest as the loose soil on the river bed, getting rid of the “burak” underneath. It also serves as it surprisingly affects food to fishes, inviting them to stay around the many facets the area. To date, the Sanguniang Barangay together with the Movement has been able to of the barangay’s install 1,200 Bokashi balls along the creek.

governance”

With the goal of strengthening the river bed and grounds beside it, the project aims to plant as many bamboo trees possible for the overall development of the creek. To date the Sangguniang Barangay, through the donated bamboo tree seedlings of the Laguna Lake Development Authority, has been able to plant at least 30 bamboos on the side of the creek and another 30 in areas near the creek. Various plants and vegetables were also planted in the rip raps, providing food and livelihood to residents in the area. Finally, to give the project a sustainable solution, Chairperson Calderon, a Civil Engineer by profession, had proposed to implement some engineering solutions for the physical rehabilitation of the creek. To be able to provide a long term and sustainable solutions to the creek, Chairperson Calderon proposes the engineering solutions that will address pertinent problems of the creek. This includes, dredging of some portions of the creek to prevent flooding in majority of the streets in the barangay, repair and construction of rip raps, additional bridges and waterways connections and a Maningning Park that will add attraction to the site.

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Striking the balance between People’s Development, Economic Development and Environmental Development has been the project’s main thrust as adapted from Chair Calderon’s governance framework. With this in mind, the creek is now reaping its harvest as it surprisingly affects the many facets of the barangay’s governance, including its climate change adaptation and mitigation efforts, good governance initiatives, people’s participation, economic competitiveness with the end goal of uplifting the lives and empowering its people. Since the start of the project, flood has already been reduced (and even eradicated) in areas near the creek. Children from all around the municipality now spends time every afternoon catching fishes as “Martinikos” and “Hitos” are now prevalent. The consultation initiated by the Sangguniang Barangay and the practice of transparency (in “... they terms of financial donations on bulletin boards) gained the recycled to trust and participation of the people. The water lilies collected from the creek also served as livelihood to some residents as the Sangguniang Barangay bought water lilies from them for PhP 8 per kilo, on which they recycled to other useful products which now serves as a source of income for the barangay.

other useful products which now serves

as a source of the participation of the income for the inspires the movement to barangay”.

More importantly, residents near the creek continue its effort in reviving the creek. The Department of the Environment and Natural Resources- Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) had also committed to include the creek in their Adopt-an-Estero project, gaining the pledge and support of some private entities which include, the Management of SM Malls and of Parco Taytay branch.

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;... the participation of the residents ... inspires the movement to continue its effort in reviving the creekâ&#x20AC;?.

Today, the Sanggunian is already working on the conversion of non-hygienic septic tanks to a hygienic one in households alongside the creek. Surprisingly, the cooperation and participation of these families are outpouring as they also pledge to do their share in protecting the creek. Various local legislations had already been passed, pledging their support and expressing their commendations for this initiative. Several barangays within the municipality had already been creating their own efforts of cleaning their creeks, understanding that the clearing of these waterways should be a collaborative effort. Barangay Sta. Ana, Taytay, Rizal Punong Barangay Joselito T. Calderon Documenter: John Tobit Cruz Contact Information: 7066332/ 09058741303

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Brgy. Tagapo, Sta. Rosa, Laguna: Adopt a Lot, Sagip Kalikasan, Sagip Kabuhayan The fast-paced urbanization turned the rice fields of Sta. Rosa into factories for manufacturing. In line with these industrial changes other fields were turned in to subdivisions and villages. Some of these subdivisions reside in Brgy. Tagapo. As the number of subdivisions rises more lots are left vacant because some lots have not been bought or have not had any house built on yet. There is a great number of unoccupied lots in Brgy. Tagapo, thus, people were encouraged to throw their garbage on these vacant lots. Because of such actions, stray animals tend to play with the garbage and insects tend to infest the garbage filled vacant lots. The said activity made the community members, especially the children, vulnerable to diseases such as dengue. Due to the emerging problem, the barangay came up with Adopt a Lot, Sagip Kalikasan, Sagip Kabuhayan. This project aims to promote care for the environment and the health of the constituents. It also aims to introduce income generating activities for the members of the community. The barangay formed an independent group to head the program. The GREENREVS is the committee formed to coordinate with the barangay and head the Adopt a Lot, Sagip Kalikasan, Sagip Kabuhayan project. An ordinance was passed for the legality of the project. Then, the vacant lot owners were consulted about the status

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â&#x20AC;&#x153;... promote care for the environment and

of their land. The constituents were also given education on the health risk of their current practice.

The barangay encouraged community participation for the project. In fact, in 2009 there were 46 participants coming from the residents, Home Owners and POs. Linkages were also formed through this project as the barangay received support from CENR, DA, CHO, Toyota and SM Malls. These linkages supported the project in terms of education and material needs such as tools and seedlings.

the health of the constituentsâ&#x20AC;?.

The constituents became more engaged as the project was launched as a competition. More people joined the program. Thus the barangay also introduced the organic means of planting. The program ran for a whole year. Different activities such as monitoring, evaluation and educational forums were done to keep the program running. The objective of the barangay for such activities is to instill the program to the stakeholders lives and make it part of their schedule. A Materials Recovery Faciity (MRF) was also acquired. The MRF produces the organic fertilizers from the compostable waste that the community brings in. From this facility, the barangay was able to produce organic fertilizers that the constituents use and sell as well. Due to its successful implementation, the community received the program well. In fact it was re-launched on February 10, 2011 and have recieved greater acceptance from the constituents. From 46 participants almost doubled to 83. 20,000 sqm of vacant land has been turned to a vegetable garden that uses compost fertilizer. In fact, the program has contributed to the governmentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s feeding total with 5,708

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pieces of cocorbit and fruit bearing, 5,286 kilos of leafy vegetables and 2,880 bundles of vine vegetables. Good governance has helped in the implementation of the project. Despite the urbanization, Brgy. Tagapo has become a site for organic farming. The community recieved citations for Adopt a Lot, Sagip Kalikasan, Sagip Kabuhayan. They received City level 1st place, Pinaka sa Sakahan ng Masa Contest in 2009 and 2010; Best Model Farm in 2009 and 2010; Hero of the Environment Award 2011; and other citations. Recently, the City of Sta. Rosa received a First Crown Maintenance Award from the 2011 National Nutrition Awarding Ceremony on October 25 for the said project and School on Wheels, both brought by Brgy. Tagapo.

Barangay Tagapo, City of Santa Rosa, Laguna Punong Barangay Marietta D. Bartolazo Documenter: Joey Mejino Contact Information: 09175018158/ 09209253795

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Brgy. Tagabase, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur: Best Sanitation Practice

Brgy. Tagabase is a river-bound barangay, which has a land area of 1,200.78 hectares. It has a total population of 835, with 119 households. Currently, the barangay has an Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) of Php 713,574, of which the barangay funds its priority projects namely: water system, health and sanitation, Gawad Pangulo sa Kapaligiran implementation, and Proper Solid Waste Management Program. Tagabase can be reached through a pump boat passing the Ojot River or via an all weather road through jeepney or a motorcycle. Though it is a remote barangay with a 14 kilometer distance from the town proper, Brgy. Tagabase is one of the cleanest, greenest and disciplined barangays in the Municipality of Esperanza. Environmental governance being one of the thrusts of the barangay government, different projects was undertaken and much effort was invested towards this direction. Because of limited funds, activities that involve active community participation and cooperation that donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need big budget became the backbone of program implementation. Guided by National laws such as PD 856 (Sanitation Code), the local Sanggunian passed ordinances that would facilitate the implementation of a comprehensive environmental program. The Barangay Solid Waste Management Plan (BSWMP) was crafted on August 5, 2010. Committees were organized for specific purposes; one of these is the Barangay Ecological Solid Waste Management

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Committee (BESWMC) which is tasked to oversee the implementation of the Proper Solid Waste Management Program. A Clean and Green Taskforce which is an enforcing body of the Solid Waste Management Program was also created. Consistent with the R. A. 9003, the residents of the barangay has been practicing segregation at waste. Every household has separate and labeled garbage receptacles. The policy â&#x20AC;&#x153;The intensive on anti-littering and no open burning of garbage is being strictly enforced in the barangay. information and Compost pit is a requisite in every household. The communication BSWMP made possible the construction of the two campaign barangay Material Recovery Facility (MRF) that serve as storage areas for recyclable waste. Income generated conducted by from the recyclable waste served as additional funds for the barangay the barangay. However, only a few recyclable wastes government and can be generated from the MRF because of the aggressive advocacy that made household other volunteers

members aware of the possible income to paved the way to be earned from recyclable materials. Due to inaccessibility from the town proper, (two rivers, a well informed the Agusan and Ojot Rivers have to be crossed before community reaching the barangay) collection of residual waste or of people the non-biodegradable waste is not feasible. To address this problem, the barangay designated a portion of the who actively barangay site, which is far from the community and the participate bodies of water, to serve as containment area. The BESWMC and the Clean and Green taskforce assist the Municipal Clean and Green Taskforce in the monitoring of violations against municipal ordinances

and support government programsâ&#x20AC;?. 131

and conduct regular household inspections. First offenders are issued with the 1st citation ticket which serves as a warning and violators will then have to undergo an orientation on the program. A better comprehension of the solid waste program is the goal rather than the imposition of penalties. Repeat violators are imposed with penalty in the amount of 200 pesos.

“ The firm commitment of the leaders in the barangay, active community participation, capable technical assistance... paved the way to a strong and successful environmental governance”. 132

With regards to the Sanitation Program, massive information and education campaign towards the importance of the use of sanitary toilets was conducted. Since the barangay is surrounded by rivers, the residents before did not feel the need for sanitary toilets, opting to use the Ojot River for their bowel movement. However, due to the strong advocacy of barangay officials and volunteer workers, the residents adopted the norms. They choose to use what is called a “Batang seal” locally known as “antipolo” for convenience as these involve easy flushing. Moreover, many could not afford to buy a water sealed toilet bowl. The barangay then took the initiative to make water sealed toilet bowls and distributed these to the indigents for free, to ensure that every households will have sanitary toilets. This effort, along with Barangay Ordinance No. 05 of 2010 penalizes households with no sanitary toilets and the “Zero No Toilet” resulted to the 100 percent households with sanitary toilets. In addition, a public toilet was constructed for use especially during special occasions with big crowds.

On the Greening Program, Brgy. Tagabase exerted efforts to keep the barangay. The utility worker of the barangay is designated with the grass cutting duties within the perimeter of the barangay and the tree lined thourough fare (from tree planting activity). To sustain the communal garden and the cleanliness of “... the public places, each kagawad donated from their community is honorarium for the salary of an additional utility worker. This was agreed upon by the council. Per also motivated agreement also during the barangay assembly, the to have their community conducted a regular general “pahina” every after 1st Saturday of the month after the regular purok meeting. From the start until the present, there is always a 100 percent attendance to this activity not just because of the penalty of PhP 50 pesos that will be imposed on nonattending residents but moreso because everyone is motivated to contribute in maintaining a clean, healthy and ecologically balanced environment.

own flower

gardens and fenced areas for beautification and security purposes”.

In addition to the combined efforts of the community in making the barangay clean and green, the Local Government Unit of Esperanza also distributed subsidized vegetable seeds to every household with malnourished children. The community espouses the principles of FAITH (Food Always in the Home) and all households are encouraged to have their own backyard gardens, both vegetable and herbal gardens. Aside from these, the community is also motivated to have their own flower gardens and fenced areas for beautification and security purposes. This is supported by Barangay Ordinance No. 5 series of 2010 (Good Health and Sanitation). Violators are subject to

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a penalty not exceeding the amount of PhP 500 for the 3rd or habitual offenders. Monitoring on the compliance to the said ordinance is done through a quarterly evaluation by the barangay health workers. All these endeavors collectively led to a change in the behavior of the Tagabasehanons. The intensive information and communication campaign conducted by the barangay government and other volunteers paved the way to a well informed community of people who actively participate and support government programs. Because of a well implemented environmental program, there is an evident decrease in the prevalence of illnesses in the barangay. The declining rate of health illnesses brought about by improper health and environmental sanitation, was recognized by the Department of Health (DOH) as evidenced by being adjudged No. 1 in Caraga Region in the Search for Barangays with Best Sanitation Practices and No. 7 in the National Search for Barangays with Best Sanitation Practices (National Level). Brgy. Tagabase was also heralded by the Provincial Government of Agusan del Sur thru its GPK Program as 2nd Placer Cleanest and Greenest Barangay of the Province. The firm commitment of the leaders in the barangay, active community participation, capable technical assistance from the MENRO, MHU and DILG and the system of giving incentives to exemplary implementors balanced by strict enforcement of legislation paved the way to a strong and successful environmental governance. Barangay Tagabase, Esperanza, Agusan del Sur Punong Barangay Editha C. Seraspe Documenter: Latiffah M. Medalla Contact Information: 09474438523

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