Tagumpay Frontier 2016 October - December 2016 by Traitor Fork

Frontier Tagumpay

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VOLUME NO. X NO. 3 OCTOBER-DECEMBER 2016

G O V E R N M E N T

Service with

Compassion RESTORING HOPE, INCLUDING THE EXCLUDED GOT A SMARTPHONE?

RICH MULTIMEDIA CONTENT INSIDE!

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T A G U M

executive take Straight from the Mayor’s Desk

Restoring Hope, Including the Excluded My beloved Tagumenyos, We ended the year 2016 on a cheerful note. After all, it was a dawn of a new era for the City of Tagum, having inaugurated our iconic city hall during the first quarter of the year. Seen as symbolic by many, the new government center of Tagum is a towering landmark that embodies the aspirations of every Tagumenyo toward a better and bright future. 2016 also marks my 22nd year in public service for Tagumenyos. Looking back at my humble beginnings as a municipal administrator to becoming the city’s highest elected official, the task of building this city to what it is today is never-ending, and most of the time, is indeed very challenging. But there is one thing that stays true all throughout this year, and this is a principle I hold dear to my heart as a public servant: that our local government exists for the benefit of the people. Out from this principle, my mantra in public service is developed: Doing Best in Public Service: Action with Passion.

This is anchored on our desire to ultimately make our City as a City of People—a city that puts the welfare of Tagumenyos first. Judging by the magnitude of our programs, we can truly claim we are closely realizing that dream. This issue of Tagumpay Frontier highlights the notable programs we have implemented over the past years, as well as groundbreaking initiatives that provide a substantial link towards making this government work for the people. The string of our social services program, carefully implemented by our City Social Welfare and Development Office and the Social Service Unit, provides a better picture of how we care for all of our constituents, especially to those who have less in life. In this issue, we put the spotlight on the success of our supplementary feeding program which have rekindled the interest in learning among our kids. In these pages, the editorial team also gives you a hint of our Sagop Bata Quick Action Team as well as our Medical

THIS MAGAZINE IS NOW INTERACTIVE.

Assistance Program. We are also proud to report to you through this issue our programs on various sectors: for differently-abled, senior citizens, for our constituents rendered immobile, and for our homeless brethren. We look forward to 2017 with hope. In your times of need, the local government under my leadership will always be ready to serve with compassion. Rest assured that we will be guided always by what His Holiness Pope Francis said: “We must restore hope to young people, help the old, be open to the future, spread love. Be poor among the poor. We need to include the excluded.” And that is what we intend to do under a government of, by and for the people. Tagumpay!

Allan L. Rellon, dpa, ph.d City Mayor of Tagum

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October-December 2016

THE BUREAU NEWS + UPDATES

TO KEEP YOU IN THE LOOP

Trumpeting Tagum City’s good governance in Paris

Presenting the city’s new ambassadress of goodwill

Tallest in the Philippines

Mayor Allan Rellon was invited by the United Nations to share Tagum City’s best practices on open government during a summit of global leaders in Paris, France.

A teacher is the newest title holder as Tagum City’s Mutya, selected through an exciting search highlighting the Tagumenya grit and beauty.

Tagum City made history anew as it lights its Giant Holiday Tree - towering in 172 feet. It captured the hearts of many, including the national media which featured it on national TV.

FLIP TO NEXT PAGE

MORE ON PAGE 6

MAYOR ALLAN L. RELLON stresses a point during the round table conference in Paris, France during the Open Government Summit last December 9, 2016. He is among the four local chief executives invited by the United Nations to speak before the event.

MAYOR RELLON ADVOCATES FOR OPEN GOVERNMENT IN FRANCE

SCAN THIS CODE USING YOUR SMARTPHONE TO WATCH THE SPEECH OF THE MAYOR IN PARIS, FRANCE.

TAGUM CITY MAYOR Allan L. Rellon trumpeted the efforts of the City Government of Tagum and the Philippines in general in institutionalizing an open government as an effective anti-corruption measure during the mayors roundtable conference, one of the events held at the sidelines of the Open Government Summit organized by the Open Government Partnership and the United Nations in Paris, France. “Over the years, we have institutionalized reforms aimed at eradicating a culture of secrecy in government as an effective anti-corruption measure,” the local chief executive told global leaders gathered at the historic Paris City Hall last December 9, 2016 which is known worldwide as Anti-Corruption Day. Mayor Rellon, who is also the Executive Vice President of the League of Cities of the Philippines, stressed that these efforts that adhere to the principles of open government “play a crucial role in strengthening our democracy.” “The ACT Framework highlights the key principles that set our direction towards promoting efficiency and effectiveness in local governance,” he said, citing initiatives in 2

exacting accountability through technology and innovation, citizens participation and collaboration, and transparency. In his speech, Mayor Rellon cited the gains of institutionalizing the Philippine Government Electronic Procurement System, technologybased platforms such as social media that promotes accountability, the Full Disclosure Policy of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, as well as significantly removing the bureaucratic red tape. He also shared the national government’s bold statement in providing more public access to government documents that matter to the public, as enshrined in an executive order on the Freedom of Information issued by Pres. Rodrigo Duterte.

“Staying true to the words enshrined in the Paris Statement, local governments shall remain an important force in the fight against corruption,” he concluded. Mayor Rellon is one among the four mayors around the world invited by the United Nations to speak in this roundtable moderated by Elisaeth Bleier of Transparency International Colombia. Global leaders gathered in Paris from December 7-9, 2016 for this biennial event to secure concrete commitments in promoting transparency, empower citizens, fight corruption and harness new technologies to strengthen governance. (Louie Lapat)

LGU TAGUM FUNDS TRIBAL EMBROIDERY LIVELIHOOD PROJECT The City Government of Tagum granted Php800,000 to the Tagum City Federation of Barangay Tribal Council as a livelihood assistance for the Tribal Dress Embroidery and Business Development Services last September 26, 2016. “Dakuwa yang kanami pag-uma saan sang proyekto nang mga bagung utaw, (We are so thankful for this project for the youth members of the tribe,)” said City Tribal Chieftain Datu Romeo O. Dansigan. The endowment will benefit ten trained IPs (5 men, 5 women) from Brgy. Canocotan who will produce high quality, commercial embroidery that can be sold to customers. They will also accept orders for those who want customized designs. The said project will make use of modern technology in the form of an embroidery machine. This method is not only known to be easier, but also cheaper compared to the Pianayan or the tribal design cross stich. Aside from catering to the increasing demand in customized tribal design, the embroidery shop will also be tasked to supply the primary need of IPs in terms of tribal dress design. The Tribal Livelihood Project will offer services such as Pianayan design for dresses, which can also be purchased as stand-alone and plans to venture in embroidery for polo shirt logos, caps, school neckties, uniforms, pants, towels, and many more. This is in consonance with the Culture and Employment components of the city’s EAGLE WINGS Program. (Mj de Castro)

TAGUM CITY NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL, represented by principal, Dr. Judith P. Onlos, pose with DepEd bigwigs led by Sec. Leonor Briones during the Brigada Eskwela Awards at McGill Luce Auditorium inside Siliman University in Dumaguete City recently. Edwin Lasquite

Tagum schools win big in DepEd’s Brigada Eskwela Awards AT LEAST TWO SCHOOLS based in Tagum City grabbed national accolades in the National Brigada Eskwela Awards of the Department of Education held in Dumaguete City, with Tagum City National High School (TCNHS) besting other topcaliber schools in the country after it was elevated to the Hall of Fame of the said search that recognizes best practices of schools during the conduct of the annual National Schools Maintenance Week. This year marked the third time for TCNHS to win the search’s top prize, after consequently winning in years 2014 and 2015. Union Elementary School, meanwhile, was also adjudged for the second time as top winner in the Best Implementing School for exceptional school category. No less than DepEd Sec. Leonor M. Briones handed the said recognition in a fitting ceremony held November 29, 2016

at McGill Luce Auditorium inside Silliman University in Dumaguete City. The team from Tagum that received the award included Mayor Allan Rellon, DepEd Schools Division Superintendent Nelson Lopez, Councilor Atty. Eva Lorraine Estabillio, Councilor Rey Cyril Alba and several staff from DepEd and the City Government of Tagum who were instrumental in pooling resources during the conduct of the week-long Brigada Eskwela last May. Mayor Rellon expressed this is a solid proof of the ingenuity of Tagumenyos to be innovative and resourceful in meeting the necessary requirements for repair and renovation of important school facilities ahead of the opening of every school year. On his part, the local chief executive assured the continued support of the local government not only to TCNHS and Union ES but to all schools through the School Improvement Maintenance Task Force, a special group under the local government that oversees the repair and rehabilitation needs of public schools. “This means our help to schools extend beyond the Brigada Eskwela,” Mayor Rellon said. (Louie Lapat)

KNOW LGU TAGUM’S ASSISTANCE TO SCHOOLS DURING BRIGADA ESKWELA

MAYOR ALLAN RELLON leads the turnover of the embroidery machine for the Livelihood Development Program to the Tagum City Federation of Barangay Tribal Council. Leo Timogan

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TAGUM HOSTS LCP’S STRATEGIC PLANNING MAYOR ALLAN RELLON who serves as Executive Vice President of the League of Cities of the Philippines, stresses a point during one of the strategic planning workshops of the LCP held in Tagum City. Leo Timogan

BEFORE CONVENING for their league’s general assembly, at least 18 mayors who are officers of the National Executive Board of the League of Cities of the Philippines converged here for their group’s series of strategic planning workshops last November 16-17, 2016. The two-day workshop was successfully hosted by the City Government of Tagum through the leadership of Mayor Allan L. Rellon who also serves as the league’s ExecutiveVice President. The primary goal of their workshops is to set the league’s targets for 2017 which were then presented to their colleagues during their 68th General Assembly held in Davao City. Helping them craft their targets is the Ateneo School of

Government and through the leadership of the league’s president, Mayor Edgardo Pamintuan of Angeles City, Pampanga. The City Government of Tagum also showcased Tagum’s best practices in local governance to the visiting mayors who also visited the city’s top destinations. All of them were impressed with how things are being run in Tagum, as shared by one of the tour guides of the local chief executives during their tour in the city. Aside from attending the strategic planning, they also graced the formal lighting of the city’s Giant Holiday Tree and the Grand Coronation Night of Mutya ng Tagum City 2016. (Louie Lapat)

TAGUMENYO TEACHER WINS MUTYA NG TAGUM CROWN

Miss Febbie Faith Ramos (center) is a picture of grace after being crowned as Mutya ng Tagum 2016. Leo Timogan

TAGUM’S BRIGHTEST and most beautiful young women competed once again for the city’s highly-anticipated Mutya ng Tagum last November 17, 2016 at the New City Hall of Tagum. Twenty-one year old stunner from Barangay Magugpo East Febbie Faith Ramos bagged the sought-after title where she wowed the crowd with her beauty and brains. An educator by profession, she also

bagged the Best in Talent, and Best in Project Proposal. As part of the tradition of the pageant on adopting an advocacy during one’s reign, Ms. Ramos will work on the Intensive Collection of Biodegradable Wastes for Vermiculture which yields to produce organic fertilizer. The titleholder also hopes for the successful completion of this project in her barangay so she could propose a city-wide implementation.

“It’s so surreal, it still feels like a dream,” she gushes. This was Ramos’ first pageant. A jam-packed Atrium of the New City Hall stood witness to the successful event as organized by the City Tourism Office. This marks the first time that the pageant was held at the city’s new government center. Magugpo South’s Gay Anne Jomarie Duque was named as the Mutya ng Kalikasan (1st runner up), Mankilam’s Bai Rhea Daffodil Dilangalen as Mutya ng Turismo (2nd runner up), Madaum’s Lovely Faith Martos as Mutya ng Karunungan (3rd runner up), and Cuambogan’s Leslie Joy Bernarte as Mutya ng Kaunlaran (4th runner up). The Mutya ng Tagum City is organized to further the City’s environmental agenda which is part of the EAGLE WINGS Program of Mayor Allan L. Rellon. Political bigwigs witnessed this year’s event, from the leader of the government’s legislative chamber to mayors of different cities who converged in the city for the strategic planning of the League of Cities of the Philippines. (MJ de Castro)

WATCH THE HIGHLIGHTS OF MUTYA NG TAGUM CITY 2016

OUTSTANDING COOPERATIVES FETED IN MAYOR RELLON’S GAWAD PARANGAL IN TIME for this year’s nationwide observance of the Cooperative Month, several outstanding local cooperatives from various sectors of Tagum City were recognized by the Local Government Unit during the conduct of Mayor Allan Rellon’s Gawad Parangal last October 22, 2016 at the New City Hall Atrium. Now on its third cycle, the bestowment of such award is a way of rekindling the spirit of cooperativism and recognizing the inputs of the cooperatives -- be it micro, small, or medium-sized -- to the city’s swift development. For the Gender Equality and Mainstreaming Award, the Tagum City Employees Cooperative (TACECO) won in the medium category with Tagum City National High School Teachers Cooperative (TCNHSTC) for the small category and TC Women’s Livelihood Cooperative (TCWLC) for the micro category. TCWLC was also recognized as this year’s Most Outstanding Cooperative (micro category) together with Davao Integrated Resource Cooperative (small category) and Visayan Village Tagum Rural Waterworks and Multi-service Cooperative (medium category). Coop leaders were also given equal share of the ceremony’s limelight through the conferment of the Most Outstanding Cooperative Leader Award, which was received by Edilberto P. Concha, Ebus D. Sandukan, Jr. and Evelia R. Sator, Ed. D in micro, small and medium categories, respectively. Also joining the roster of winners are Pagsabangan Farmers Irrigators MultiPurpose Cooperative (PAFIMCO) and Concept Chain credit Cooperative (C4) after seizing the awards, both in micro category, for Leadership and Management Excellence and Most Involved Cooperative, respectively. The annual Gawad Parangal is still part of EAGLE WINGS development thrust of Mayor Rellon under the agenda of NGO, GOs, Pos and Cooperative Development. In his speech, the local chief executive acknowledged the significant function of the cooperative movement especially now that the era for globalization yields a fast-phased socio-economic shift that every policy maker and community developer should have attention with. Recognizing as well its direct effects to the lives of Tagumenyos, Mayor Rellon vowed to put more premium in coop development to keep the fire for cooperativism burning in the city of Tagum. (Roy Banias)

LGU Tagum, gov’t workers union ink collective negotiation agreement IN ACCORDANCE with the provisions of the 1987 Philippine Constitution which grants the government workers the right to self-organization, collective bargaining and negotiation, the City Government of Tagum has finally entered into a Collective Negotiation Agreement (CNA) with the Tagum City Government Employees Union (TACGEU) on October 3, 2016 at the New City Hall. The CNA for 2016-2019 was forged by the parties involved in view of its aim to improve the terms and conditions relating to the employment of the city government’s workforce, promote a just, humane, equitable and harmonious working environment, ensure maximum productivity and guarantee health, safety and service in the interest of labor management relations. In mutually agreeing to formally enter into a CNA, the local government of Tagum, under the leadership of Mayor Allan Rellon, has recognized the TACGEU as the sole and exclusive negotiating representative of all its rank-and-file employees occupying positions listed under the approved Plantilla of Personnel with Salary Grade 22 and below, with the exclusion of the Department and Assistant Department Heads, Co-Terminus Employees, Elected Local Officials and Casual, Contractual & Job Order Employees. Under the CNA, the TACGEU has, among others, the right to participate in the formulation of policies, plans and programs that may affect the rights, benefits and duties

of its members and this may be achieved by having a representation to the city government’s Promotion and Selection Board (PSB) and such other committees prescribed by the law or Civil Service Commission- issued rules and regulations. The select officers and members of the employees union will also be granted by the LGU with a paid time-off and will be considered to be on Official Business during days where they will necessarily attend meetings, labor management conferences, seminars, grievance meetings, symposia, and the like, provided that delivery of public service will not be hampered, and subject to the LGU policies and standards. The LGU will also grant two selected personalities of the union with Official Travel as well as shoulder half of the expenses that will be necessarily incurred during their attendance to local, national and international workers education programs, seminars, meetings, conventions, conferences and leadership trainings and such other activities held outside of Tagum, provided that these activities will be limited only to twice a year. As a reciprocal obligation, the TACGEU commits itself to provide support in the implementation of the rules and regulations of the City Government of Tagum, especially its austerity measures to regulate and save expenses incurred for travel, communication, transportation, utility, and supplies and materials, among others. (Richi Gulle)

AT 172ft, TAGUM’S HOLIDAY TREE IS THE TALLEST IN THE PHILIPPINES

TAGUM CITY burst into countless colors, festive music and euphoric smiles as the most awaited Giant Holiday Tree came into life last November 16, 2016, gravitating thousands of spectators from all walks of life and giving the holiday season here a magical kick-off. Towering at 172-ft, this year’s iconic holiday tree is the tallest since the tradition of building giant Christmas trees started here in the city and is now erected parallel to the New City Hall, Tagum’s other massive infrastructure. The ten-layered holiday tree symbolizes the ten-point EAGLE WINGS development thrust of the city government under the leadership of Mayor Allan Rellon. On top are 23 gleaming stars that represent the 23 barangays of Tagum and one star representing the strong unity that is evident in the whole city. Also adorning the attraction are 74 decorative abstract frames of birds, trees, stars, flowers, and snowflakes, all lit up with 3,457 sets of LED rice bulbs and 5,400 meters of rope lights. For this year, the city government allotted at least P2.4 Million pesos to put up the Giant Holiday Tree and the decors surrounding the New City Hall and JV Ayala Avenue. Meanwhile, Mayor Rellon stressed on his speech that the holiday symbol is built to highlight the lasting unity cherished by every Tagumenyo from all faith – be it Christians, Muslims or Lumads. He also reminded the crowd watching the ceremonial lighting that in this year’s parochial fiesta and holiday

celebration, they should nurture the spirit of giving and togetherness. Moreover, he guaranteed to the Tagumenyos that the city government will always include their voice in the fulfillment of their mandate, saying “kung sa tingin niyo ay meron pa kaming hindi natutupad in line with our thrust text us, approach us, remind us, at ito po ay aming tutuparin.” Aside from the formal lighting of the Giant Holiday Tree, song and dance performances also treated the audience during the program, which was highlighted with a five-minute fireworks display. Children were also taken by surprise as the city government officials played as Santa Claus by giving gifts and treats to them. Officials from different government units also witnessed the official lighting of the holiday tree as an extra salvo to this year’s national strategic planning of the League of Cities which are expected to be attended by 40 Mayors across the country, being Mayor Rellon as the Vice-President. This significant holiday event jumpstarted the weeklong festivity of Tagum, with the grand coronation night of Mutya ng Tagum slated on November 17 and the parochial fiesta of Christ the King on November 20.. (Roy Banias)

SCAN THIS CODE TO WATCH THE REPORT AIRED ON 24 ORAS OF GMA NEWS ABOUT THE GIANT HOLIDAY TREE

October-December 2016

#HASHTAGUM THE BIGGEST STORIES YOU NEED TO KNOW

MOVING AID Mayor Allan L. Rellon interacts with differently-abled children who were given brand-new wheelchair by the local government.

Beyond the Siren Call: Rescuing the future

Enabling the differently-abled

8 in October

When the siren starts to shout at 10 PM, the Sagop Bata Quick Action Team begins a seemingly audacious job: to rescue the future of children.

The City Government of Tagum proves once more to be the champion of people empowerment through the creation of Persons with Disabilities Affairs Office.

Review the eight events that took place last October 2016 during the 8 in October event of the City Government of Tagum.

MORE ON PAGE 11

SNAPSHOTS/PAGE 16

BEATING THE ENERGY GAP Kindergarten fellows enjoy their free lunch.

HOT LUNCH! ENERGY GAP, micronutrient deficiency and the need for triple-boost advantage are few of the many child-health issues sensationalized by commercial products nowadays that are likely designed to exclaim the necessity for its patronage, but its messaging seems not to be effective for parents of kindergarten kids here in Tagum City. Since 2011, kindergarten pupils in the 94 Child Development Centers (CDC) operated by the local government in Tagum are enjoying delectable weekdays as the City Social Welfare and Development Office has been successfully implementing its Supplementary Feeding Program – a recipe to fight malnutrition and dish up quality pre-school education. The program design is simple. For 5 months straight or exactly 120 weekdays, the children will be fed with free and nutritious meals to be cooked personally by their parents in the CDC’s kitchen in order to improve their nutritional status. This was also done to effectively aid their interest in learning since it is a known fact that nobody learns with an empty stomach. The parents, meanwhile, will follow the strict menu provided to them by the CSWD as recommended by the Department of Social Welfare and Development in preparing the ‘hot lunch’ for the day. “We chose the parents to cook the meal for the children because we know how a parent or a guardian prepares food for their kids, it is in the most delicious and nutritious way possible,” said Ms. Sally Balili, RSW, focal person of the feeding program. Ms. Balili also highlighted that the keen participation of parents is a result of the series of Enhanced Parents Effectiveness Service (EPES) 8

Seminars conducted by CSWD prior to the launching of the feeding program in every cycle. Now that the program is on its sixth cycle and has produced successful results year after year, the budget set for its implementation ballooned to 10,105,560 pesos compared to the first cycle’s 5,754,000-peso allocation, thanks to the generous funding of the DSWD. In 2016 alone, the program benefitted a total of 6,371 kinder kids in all 23 barangays of Tagum City. Notably, on the beginning of the program CSWD recorded 42 children as severely underweight but after the 5-month feeding scheme the number dramatically dropped to six (6) or barely 0.0 9% of the entire number of beneficiaries. The records for obese children also showed positive changes. From 11, the number of children scaling this weight declined to two (2) or an equivalent of 0.03% of the population. On the other hand, the percentage of kids having normal weight significantly increased from 94.38% to 97.79%. According to Ms. Balili, the positive results of the program can be credited to the close coordination of the parents and the day care teachers; the sincere support extended by the City Government of Tagum under the leadership of Mayor Allan Rellon; as well as the constant monitoring of the Technical Working Group of this program in each Child Development Center. Aside from maintaining or improving the health conditions of the beneficiary kids, the program also contributed in lowering the cases of absenteeism among the pupils, with the tasty meals that entice them to go to school every day. Interestingly, the program also reported the attenuation of junkfood

NUTRITIONAL

STATUS 51 (0.91%)

UNDERWEIGHT

SEVERELY UNDERWEIGHT

AFTER

49 (0.87%) 11 (0.2%)

2016

WO RDS BY R OY B A N I A S

174 (3.08%)

2015

Daily Free Meal aids learning among Tagum’s kindergarten fellows

BEFORE

UNDERWEIGHT

SEVERELY UNDERWEIGHT

consumption among these children. Another accomplishment emerging on the implementation of this program is CSWD’s 100% effective utilization of the allocated budget in every year as evidenced by full liquidation and the audit performed by the Commission on Audit which the Regional Office of DSWD considered as an action worthy for replication. “The Supplemental Feeding Program is a foundation for these kids to know proper and good nutrition and a support to their formative education,” expressed Ms. Balili. She underscored that the incorporation of healthy foods to the learning of the children is crucial to their holistic growth and a stepping stone into their individual academic success, as she pointed out that “ang batang healthy ay matalino sa klase.”

RESCUING THE FUTURE SAGOP BATA QUICK ACTION TEAM ALWAYS ON THE GO IN SAVING CHILDREN-AT-RISK W O R D S

B Y

R O Y

B A N I A S

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RESCUED CHILDREN get schooled by a police officer. Photo courtesy of PNP Tagum

WHEN THE CLOCK hits ten in the evening, the center of Tagum City is enveloped with a blaring sound, so loud that it reaches the outskirts, to remind the young people, especially the minors, who are enjoying the urban nightlife that it’s time to go home. At the same instant, one team embarks on a mission of roaming the hushed streets of the city to save children and youngsters who are still not beneath the security of their roofs and are exposed to dangers they least expect. The group is called Sagop Bata Quick Action Team (SBQAT), an interagency task force formed by Mayor Allan L. Rellon through an executive order which is responsible in ensuring that no children and youth in Tagum City are to become victims of risks caused by the absence of parental guardianship and other prejudicial conditions. The SBQAT is comprised of select personnel from the City Social Welfare and Development Office, Philippine National Police, Security Management Office, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and other local agencies. The ten-o’clock siren is their signal to patrol the sleeping streets of Tagum and confirm that the set curfew period, which ends in 4 a.m, is properly observed by the minors. “But we don’t just focus there,” said Geraldo Marfe, SBQAT’s team leader. “In

protecting the welfare of our children, the curfew hours are not just the period that we take action.” He emphasized that day in, day out the group is always on the go in rescuing children who are at risk and keeping them at their best wellbeing as pursuant to the City Ordinance no. 383, otherwise known as the ‘Comprehensive Welfare Code for the Children of City of Tagum’ that was passed in 2009. From July to December in 2016, the team rescued 381 children, 219 of whom belong to the 11-15 years old age bracket. Records also show that more than half of the rescued children are Out-of-school Youth. Curfew defiance, having 306 violations, is the highest among all categories reasoned for rescue followed by theft with 18, public disturbance with 14 and the snuffling of vulcaseal with 13 children committing. According to Mr. Marfe, who also acts as the focal person for street children of the CSWD Office, the primary reasons why children are wandering in the streets during the night and sometimes perpetrating

delinquent acts include dysfunctional families, peer influence, internet addiction, and culture and environment disorientation. Currently, the SBQAT has two stations where they hold the rescued children and give them proper shelter for the moment -- one at the PNP Substation in Brgy. Magugpo South and the other at Brgy. La Filipina. After making certain that the children are properly clothed and fed, members of SBQAT will conduct a one-on-one counseling with them to encourage their digression from delinquency. When the day comes, the team will personally deliver the children to their homes and will also give their parents proper counseling. One project seen to boost the operation of SBQAT is the million-peso Children’s Center being constructed at Brgy. Magdum. This project is funded through the collaboration of the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the City Government of Tagum. The project will cater more rescued children thereby enlarging the ripples of benefits brought by the social welfare intervention of SBQAT. This will also bolster Tagum’s continuous pursuit as a child-friendly city, hallmarked by the Seal of Child-Friendly Local Governance conferred by the Council for Welfare of Children (CWC) last 2016. Through these efforts and programs, Tagum City will soon have streets that are illuminated not just with the thousand rays of lampposts but also with the bright future awaiting the children far from risks.

TO THE RESCUE Focal persons of the Social Services Unit of the City Mayor’s Office are happy to serve those in need.

IN SICKNESS AND FOR HEALTH

When the health once-treasured plummets, the LGU Tagum’s Medical Assistance Program can be anyone’s lifesaver WO RDS BY R OY B A N I A S

THINK ABOUT HEALTH and maybe what will go first to your mind is not the wealth it is said to bring but the fortune you are bound to spend for its upholding. But fortune is not at hand for everyone, which is why when illnesses come empty pockets will be giving you greater pain than the disease you are to embattle. Fortunately, in moments like this Tagumenyos have something to run to as the Local Government of Tagum remains persistent in giving its constituents a program that assists them in their medical needs all throughout their struggle. Through the medical assistance program dubbed as Kaagapay Pang-Medikal Program that is managed by the Social Services and Gender and Development Management under the City Mayor’s Office, Tagumenyos can ask for financial and medicine subsidies as well as referrals to medical centers and other organizations that also offer similar medical assistance to help ease the burden brought by health maladies they are experiencing. In Davao Regional Medical Center, a station for 10

the assistance program was placed by the LGU to cater patients admitted in the said hospital. To avail the financial support, with amount that depends on the patient’s medical case, the family member or any representative of the patient needs only to present the yellow card provided by the DRMC to claim the assistance in form of a guarantee letter, which will be honored by the medical center in lieu of cash to defray the patient’s laboratory, medicine or other hospital expenses. Everyday more than 50 individuals go to the station to take advantage of the program. In 2016, a total of 7,431 DRMC patients benefitted the medical assistance, having received an aggregate value of 4.7 million pesos. For this year, at least 5 million pesos will be furnished by the city government in the operation of the Kaagapay program. The Social Services Unit as headed by Ms. Anthonette Leones also extends sizeable financial aid to Tagumenyos who are undergoing expensive medical treatments such as chemotherapy and dialysis through the constant fiscal support of

national party lists like Anak Mindanao (AMin), Yakap and Agri Partylist. The funds provided by these big political organizations will be used also in assisting needy patients who are admitted in private hospitals. Meanwhile, for Tagumenyos who are prescribed to buy medicines but can’t afford to do so, the Social Services Unit also gives free medicinal drugs. Ms. Grazelyn Lauren, Focal Person of Kaagapay Program, said that anyone can avail the free medicines as long as there is the supply and that the individual brings the prescription of the doctor. Ms. Lauren also emphasized that their unit, as per mandate of Mayor Allan Rellon, never hesitates in helping Tagumenyos who are going through one of the discouraging moments in their life. She stressed that the city government is one with the patients in the fight to end their suffering. Certainly, the Kaagapay Pang-Medikal Program is a part and parcel of the EAGLE WINGS vision of making the entire Tagumenyo populace healthy and wealthy.

NUMBERSPEAK

7,431

Number of patients admitted in Davao Regional Medical Center who were given financial assistance in 2016

5 MILLION Kaagapay Pang-Medikal Program’s budget for the year 2017.

5,112

Number of Tagumenyos who availed the free medicines given by the Social Services Unit in 2016.

PAKIKIRAMAY PROGRAM

The City Government of Tagum continues to extend a helping hand to Tagumenyos during one of the saddest moments of their lives as it remains to fortify the Pakikiramay Program. Previously called Pauper’s Program, the project has been running for years and provides a dignified burial for people who are indigent or those who lack resources to pay for one.

Empowering the PWDs

LGU Tagum gives voice to its PWD constituents through the creation of Persons with Disabilities Affairs Office

WORD S BY ROY BANI AS

tories about lost opportunities are somewhat familiar to hear among differently-abled personalities. Most of these stories are about how they were deprived from the bright chances that they can use to improve their lives and well-being, as it should be for them. However, these stories are no more to be heard in the City of Tagum as the local government took a remarkable move to empower them, giving them the chance to rewrite their stories, either individually or collectively. This time, the theme is Tagumpay. The City Government of Tagum made a bold step in empowering its PWD constituents by creating the Persons with Disabilities Affairs Office (PDAO) through the City Ordinance No. 737 that was passed early in 2016. The PDAO is a special agency directed to formulate and implement policies, plans, and programs that promote the welfare of the PWDs in the city, as provided in R.A No. 7277, otherwise known as the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons. Despite being the youngest among all offices in the Local Government of Tagum, PDAO has already positioned itself in the utmost delivery of public service. Mayor Allan Rellon,who is vocal about his support to the PWD community had allocated enough budget for the operation of PDAO – a crucial step in making the PWDs a part of the business of governance. Leading the list of PDAO’s projects is the Disaggregated Data Profiling in all 23 barangays of Tagum City to account the total number of PWDs here and classify them according to their sector: communication, ortho, learning, visual, psycho-social and intellectual disabilities; thereby establishing a clear basis for the implementation of programs and

activities that best suit their specific needs. For 2017, PDAO had already lined up series of activities such as skills trainings, sensitivity seminars, Paralympics, and an extensive training in making project proposals for PWD officers. Aside from livelihood assistance, PDAO also trailblazed the creation of associations in every PWD sector so that members can devise projects that go well with them and that they can take full advantage of, which will be implemented by PDAO, itself, with funding assistance from the city government. The City Social Welfare and Development Office, as headed by Ms. Nora Lupiba, also allocates ample budget for persons with disabilities as part of their pursuit for an inclusive development. Including in their services is the bestowment of free wheelchairs, crutches and canes to PWDs and the scheduling of strings of capability-building seminars all year round. The creation of PDAO is just one of the gifts bestowed to the PWD community in 2016. It can be recalled that the local government also enacted an ordinance last year requiring all movie houses in Tagum to grant PWDs with free access to their cinema outlets every Thursday. PDAO Officer Loreto Sasam, meanwhile, sees the creation of the affairs office a strong start in amplifying the voice of PWDs. Even if it is still on its onset, Mr. Sasam believes that the PDAO has already made an impact to the lives of the differently-abled Tagumenyos. He expressed that to have a public office that represents them in the mainstream society is already a success for persons with disabilities. Indeed, another story of Tagumpay.

THE SERVICES EVERY TAGUMENYO MAY AVAIL INCLUDE: Financial Aid worth P2,500 Casket Hospitality Kit (biscuits, coffee and sugar) Flower Wreath Coffin Stand Set of Chandeliers Two candle stands Guest Sheet with Stand Internment Board Funeral Car The Social Services and Gender and Development Management Unit and the City Social Welfare Development Office have also partnered with Rubio Memorial Service and Tagum Funecare to provide affordable funerary service to the people of Tagum City.

HOUSING AND RESETTLEMENT PROGRAM: BREAKING GROUNDS FOR A HAPPY LIFE

WORD S BY RI CHI GUL L E

THE HOUSING and resettlement program of the city government of Tagum started several years ago to stem the blighting presence of informal settlers who were already illegally forming their own communities in government and privately owned properties. These families, most often than not, would be severely affected when violence ensued from eviction from the lands they were illegally occupying. Not only that, but the local government also had to deal with several homeless families who settled along locations that were classified as danger areas like shorelines, riversides and creeks. In order for the LGU to protect the overall wellbeing of the city’s homeless families as well as underprivileged communities of informal settlers who were disinclined to vacate their illicitly- occupied spaces, while at the same time ensuring the rights of the owners to their real properties, the City of Tagum implemented its housing program that is geared towards improving the quality of life of those affected by the conduct of relocation activities. The relocation sites of the city government typically and adequately provide these families with access to basic services or facilities that include, but are not limited to, power and electricity, potable water, sewerage facilities as well as access to primary roads and transportation facilities. However, there are quite a few numbers

of the informal family settlers who are unreceptive and reluctant of being relocated as they deem the relocation sites of the city to be considerably distant from their areas of economic activities. Thus, in order to answer this pressing concern, the city government has effected measures to guarantee that the relocated families will have access to various employment opportunities. The city also coordinates with other national agencies such as the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) of the Department of Agriculture (DA) so that these families will be afforded with post relocation assistance such as the various livelihood projects that are geared towards increasing the purchasing power of the housing program beneficiaries while empowering them into becoming members of a self-reliant and sustainable community. To date, the city of Tagum has catered a total number of 3,290 families who were already relocated to the city’s nine established resettlement areas that are spread over seven of its barangays. Of these families, 923 have already been awarded by the local government with ownership, or a semblance of it, to the lands they have already settled in. On the other hand, there are 7,253 walkin applicants coming from all 23 barangays of the city that have been inventoried and listed

for future validation and qualification to the housing and resettlement program of the local government of Tagum. With the City of Tagum enabling the informal family settlers to secure these parcels of land at an affordable cost, one that is based on the needs and financial capabilities of the beneficiaries, these resettled Tagumenyos who were once considered to be part of one sector that is marginalized, will now have their pride and dignity restored. The LGU also provides assistance in the organization of 1,063 tagged and validated informal settlers who are currently occupying privately owned lands to negotiate with the landowners for the option to sell the property to the actual occupants, and aids the group in obtaining a financing scheme through the city’s community mortgage program to purchase the property should the negotiation with the landowners become successful. Notably, the City Government of Tagum is poised to strengthen the capacities of its housing unit by the creation of a City Housing Division under the City Mayor’s Office. With this transformation, the remaining underprivileged and homeless Tagumenyos may experience the magnitude of the LGU’s seriousness in the implementation of its housing programs.

WHEEL TO AID:

A Moving Care WORDS BY ROY BANIAS

People held immobile for years are confined within the four corners of their houses and just let the day’s adventure pass through their hands. But now they are able to stroll in parks, enjoy the sunshine, go to a whole new escapade, and live life to the fullest after availing the free wheelchairs offered by the City Government of Tagum.

o brave the world means to be on your feet and defy the challenges that wait to beset you. But what if due to one unfortunate case or say the passing of time, you literally lose the ability to stand and move on your own would you still have the courage to continue conquering the odds? For Tagumenyo Diana Prado-Munzon, the answer is yes. Though her legs and feet no longer function after suffering from stroke back in 2015, she still has all the reasons to smile and continue living the life she had. And believe it or not, moving from one place to another is not a problem for her thanks to the wheelchair given to her by the City Government of Tagum under the program Wheel to Aid. The Wheel to Aid is a flagship program of the local government, under the leadership of Mayor Allan Rellon, which seeks to extend a helping hand to Tagumenyos who are impeded with their physical disabilities to walk normally or worst incapably. The program is anchored on giving free wheelchairs to individuals who have long-suffered immobility or have been bed-ridden as caused by accidents,

illnesses and old-agedness. The Social Services and Gender and Development Management Unit of the City Mayor’s Office, headed by Ms. Anthonette Leones, is the office managing the program. Mrs. Munzon is one of the many Tagumenyos the Social Services Unit had noted as worthy to become a beneficiary of Wheel to Aid. With a single picture and a request letter addressed to Mayor Rellon, Mrs. Munzon received her brand new wheelchair just days after sending such to the City Mayor’s Office. “Mao na requirements ra gihapon para sa uban,” said Mrs. Marlita R. Labian, Focal Person of the Wheel to Aid Program. “Sa mga nanginahanglan ug wheelchair, katong duha ra among ginapangayo kay dili mi gusto mahasol sila,” she emphasized. She also stressed that those who have little or no chances of recovery are the ones that the Social Service Unit will merit as beneficiaries of the Wheel to Aid Program. However, she expressed that those who will not be hitting the check mark as recipients of the free wheelchairs will be accommodated and be given assistance through the other programs of the

city government. In 2016 alone, close to 200 wheelchairs were distributed to Tagumenyos across 23 barangays of the city. Undeniably, the fair value of wheelchairs in the market is an adversary to the pockets of many as each one has a commercial value of six to seven thousand pesos. That is why for the Wheel to Aid beneficiaries, the support they received from the local government is a marvel they will cherish years after years. “Dako jud ug tabang ang wheelchair mao nga dako pod mig pasalamat sa gobyerno,” said Pastor Danilo Munzon, the husband of Ms. Diana. The local government has also taken the initiative of forging partnerships with some bigwigs in the national government, like House Speaker Pantaleon Alvarez and then-Vice President Jejomar Binay, to outsource donors for the program and not solely relying on its funds thereby increasing the number of beneficiaries. The Wheel to Aid is one of the mechanisms of the Local Government of Tagum in giving Tagumenyos, at all walks of life, a chance to move forward and soon after brave the world. 13

NO SENIOR CITIZEN LEFT BEHIND LGU Tagum commits full attention to Tagumenyo elders WORD S BY RI CHI GUL L E

THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT of Tagum has always put premium in forging partnerships with the different stakeholders of the city to strengthen and develop, as well as implement programs that will be beneficial to and experienced by all the members of the city’s communities. Thus, when the Philippine national government intensified its existing programs that will redound to the benefits of the senior citizens, the City Government of Tagum was among the many local government units which closely coordinated with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) to ensure that the elderly Tagumenyos, most especially those falling along the line of indigence, would really be able to enjoy the privileges that are rightfully meant for them, as prescribed by the laws enacted in the country. One of the programs that the city, through its office that promotes the social welfare and the physical well-being of the elderly, has since implemented following the mandate of the DSWD, is the Social Pension Program, wherein a P500- peso monthly stipend is granted to senior citizens aged 65 years old and older who neither have permanent

source of income, compensation or financial assistance/ support from relatives nor pension from the Social Security System, the Government Service Insurance System and Veterans Affairs. Distributed every quarter through cash payment at the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO), the pension serves to augment the daily subsistence and other medical needs of the city’s elderly who must also meet the additional eligibility criteria set by the DSWD, such as being frail, sickly or have disabilities. As of 2016, the CSWDO has catered to a total of 1,537 senior citizens aged 72 years old and older from the city’s 23 barangays, and spent the DSWD’s funds which amounted to P9.222 million. The Social Pension Program of the national lined agency, however, has its own bumps due to limited government funds, and thus cannot serve all the eligible senior citizens living in the city who have registered with the CSWDO specifically to become beneficiaries of the program. To ensure that more elderly Tagumenyos will be catered in the implementation of the Social Pension Program in Tagum, the legislative arm of the local government enacted City Ordinance No. 686 in 2014 where included in its provisions is the allocation of funds for the the social pension of those who fell short of being included in the DSWD’s list of beneficiaries due to the said lack of funds on the part of the national agency. Thus, pursuant to the Expanded Senior Citizens Ordinance of Tagum, the LGU has started the release of funds to the tune of P600,000 in 2016 to subsidize the pension of indigent senior citizens who, having met the standard criteria of the DSWD, still failed to be considered for the program due to non-availability of DSWD-allocated funds. This locally sanctioned

subsidy stands to benefit at least 100 economically disadvantaged beneficiaries who will receive the same amount given by the national government. Notably, the ordinance specifically provides that another set of 100 senior citizens will replace the previous set of qualified elderly Tagumenyos to ensure that all indigent senior citizens will be catered, provided that those aged 90 years old and older are given priority in their registration for the social pension program. The local government also strengthened the social services it offers to elderlies of the city through the implementation of the Mandatory Philhealth Coverage where all the senior citizens are covered mandatorily by the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP) of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth). Under this program, the elderly Tagumenyos shall be entitled to benefit packages prescribed under the NHIP and shall include packages such as inpatient hospital care, day/ambulatory services, TB-DOTS, animal bite package, malaria package, Outpatient HIV/AIDS treatment package, blood transfusion package, and special benefits for catastrophic cases (Z benefits), among others. To avail of these offered benefit packages, the senior citizens who must primarily be enrolled with the Philhealth as members of NHIP and in coordination with the local Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA), need not pay the premium contributions as these are already sourced from the proceeds of the Sin Tax Law. Still in the aspect of providing better social services for the senior citizens in the city, Tagum has recently increased the amount of its annual subsidy to the DSWD-operated Home for the Aged located at Barangay Visayan Village. From 100,000 pesos, the LGU has now started to allocate P200,000 for the establishment, which will be used to augment the funds necessary in the furtherance of specialized care for the abandoned, neglected and unattached older persons in the City of Tagum. Truly, the City Government of Tagum has taken the necessary steps in ensuring the welfare of its elders- a sector once neglected but is now included in the local government’s priority.

CHILD-FRIENDLY GOVERNMENT CENTER

A HAPPY PLACE FOR KIDS, WORRY-FREE TRANSACTION FOR PARENTS WO R D S BY R IC HI G U L L E

THE CITY GOVERNMENT of Tagum has been steadfast in its continued implementation of projects and programs that are deemed gender-responsive. These various undertakings promote the causes of women while at the same time ensuring that the male populace of the city do not get left behind. Thus, based on the above premise, the local government has initiated the implementation of a project that will stand to benefit both men and women who are actually part of the city’s transacting public. In 2016, the City of Tagum has commenced the construction of its first ever childminding center to cater to the Tagumenyos who, having no one to leave their children with in their respective houses, opted to bring their kids with them while they spend a good number of their time transacting with the different offices at the city hall. Implemented through the city’s Gender and Development Council, the project which cost is pegged at over 2.1 million pesos, is aimed at easing the taxing load shouldered by parents in relation to their looking out for their children while at the same time, going through their respective transactions or dealings at the city’s government center. This is done by temporarily allowing the parents to leave their children at the childminding center to be cared for by child minders who are employed by the local government. This is also in line with the advocacy of the local government in pushing for a childfriendly local governance that has already been recognized by the Council for the welfare of children. The center will be marginally different from the regular day care centers that are spread over the city’s 23 barangays in that it will be run solely for the purpose of providing

supplemental parental care. Expected to be completed before the end of the current year, the 98 sq. m. center located in front of the iconic City Hall will feature facilities that would bring optimum comfort for the children, such as play area, lounge, a reading section replete with bookshelves, a diaper changing station near the comfort rooms, and a breast feeding area with cribs. Notably, the local government unit of Tagum is also slated to build a second

childminding center which is to be located between the City Hall building and the Annex Building. This 4 million-peso worth infrastructure will have the same features as the GAD-implemented center but on a larger scale, considering that it will be built on a 200 square meter area. The implementers of the second project estimate that the center will be completed a hundred forty days following the commencement of its construction.

SOON TO RISE The Child Minding Center that is soon to rise side by side with the New City Hall will ease the taxing load shouldered by parents in transacting at the government center at the same time looking out for their young ones. The Child Minding Center features a nursing station, a play area, and a lounge. Artist’s Perspective courtesy of the City Architect’s Office.

1 UGMAD FESTIVAL 3 KAIMUNAN

2 SCOUTING MONTH To describe it as jampacked is an understatement, the month of October in Tagum City is more of an eruption of festivity, unity, awareness, empowerment and jubilation. True to its ‘Octo’ prefix, this month of 2016 is worth an eight-time blast of celebration.

SNAP SHOTS

4 PINK TAGUM

5 PAKARADJAN

6 COOP MONTH

7 CONSUMERS’ MONTH

8 RIDERS CONVERGENCE

October-December 2016

THE BRIEFING

BITE- SIZED FACTS FOR YOU TO GET THE WHOLE PICTURE

VALUABLE THAN A PEARL

PRACTICAL GUIDE TO LGU’S SOCIAL SERVICES

POSTSCRIPT

It’s harvest season once again for the City of Tagum as it garnered major awards that prove the excellence in local governance practiced by Tagum.

Get briefed on how to avail the different social services program of the local government. It can benefit you or your neighbor, so read!

The Editorial team makes its case as the LGU adopts the policy of Service with Compassion.

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