Maribojoc Undergoes Disaster Risk Reduction & Management Planning-Workshop

Members of the Sangguniang Bayan (SB), department heads and heads of offices of the local government and all punong barangays of Maribojoc underwent a two-day Disaster Risk Reduction & Management Planning-Workshop.

The two-day training that started last Tuesday with lecturers from the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) held at the SB Session Hall of the Maribojoc Presidencia.

Provincial Civil Defense Officer Florenda L. Gaviola and Deputy Operations Officer Engr. Verneil B. Balaba of OCD RO7 gave a comprehensive presentation on the processes and strategies to prepare for emergency and rescue operations. The training team also gave well-established guidelines for disaster risk management, assisted by OCD staff Ammelie Rose G. Taga-an.

Significant topics, such as ‘A review of the country’s Risk Profile’ and ‘Preparedness for Typhoons, Floods and other water-related Calamities,’ were discussed on the first day. Later in the afternoon, the participants underwent a workshop on the formulation of a sustainable Disaster Risk Reduction Management Plan (DRRMP) & Contingency Plan.

The second day centered on the deliberation of the workshop outputs, the OCD lecturers emphasized the accuracy of reporting emergency and rescue incident over and above having the knowledge on basic measures in mitigating disaster effects and apply them when need arises.

Also discussed were the basic principles of Incident Command System or ICS, a standard, on-scene, all-hazard incident management system that can be used by all DCCs/emergency response agencies and a disaster response Command and Management structure.

Subsequent plans are the reorganization of the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (DRRMC) and the creation of the Barangay DRRMC. The Liga ng mga Barangay (LnB) in their next regular meeting will schedule the dates of re-echo trainings to be participated in by barangay council officials and members of the Barangay Development Council.

Even before the implementation of Republic Act 10121 or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act of 2010, the local government of Maribojoc already organized the Maribojoc Emergency and Rescue Unit (MERU) through Executive Order No. 3, series of 2010 signed on March 1, 2010 by Mayor Leoncio B. Evasco, Jr.

MERU is composed of the following: Chairperson – Local Chief Executive; Coordinator/head of secretariat – Municipal Disaster Coordinating Council Action Officer; Members – Chief of the PNP Maribojoc Police Station, Maribojoc Fire Station Chief, Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator, Municipal Health Officer, Municipal Engineer, Liga ng mga Barangay President, SK Federation President and representatives from the Volunteer Fire Brigade and Volunteer Paramedics. #

LGU Maribojoc Conducts Stakeholders’ Development Forum

January 13 was a red-letter day for Maribojoc as the local government initiated a Stakeholders’ Development Forum at the Dr. Abundio Echavez Memorial Sports and Cultural Center in Barangay Poblacion.

Municipal Vice-Mayor Fructuoso F. Redulla, Jr. welcomed all stakeholders to the one-day affair that centered on the presentation of the town’s sectoral targets for 2011. Chief Administrative Officer Oscar Francisco E. Valles presented the town’s 2007-2010 Development Highlights and MPDC Engr. Maria Nenita R. Chiu discussed the 2011-2016 Comprehensive Development Plan.

Mayor Leoncio B. Evasco, Jr. expressed during the forum that the local government has to continue to put into action the various de¬velopment plans that came about because of participatory-governance. He emphasized the complete involvement and cooperation of all barangay and provincial leaders for government to be effective in governance.

In attendance during the first-ever development forum for change were guest of honor and first district Congressman Rene L. Relampagos, first district Provincial Board Members Yul M. Lopez and Benjie Arcamo and ‘Tatay’ Billy Tongco who represented Provincial Governor Edgar M. Chatto.

Cong. Relampagos said he was looking forward to working with the local government of Maribojoc who has been consistently putting its best foot forward in all its endeavours. Tongco, for his part, said that LGU Maribojoc and the provincial government led by Governor Chatto share the same vision for the people of Bohol and he reiterated that everyone has to work hand in hand.

Board Members Lopez and Arcamo were thankful for the invitation extended by Mayor Evasco to them. They shared that the provincial government is in the process of formulating its own Executive Legislative Agenda and there is much to learn from the Maribojoc experience.

MEHTCA Officer Mary Annie Jabines, MHO Dr. Rey Perpetuo Belderol, DSWD Officer Loreta Pusta, Municipal Fire Marshal Insp. Romeo B. Almiñe, BFP, OIC-Chief of Police PInsp. Homobuno Sayon and DepEd Maribojoc District Coordinating Principal Alberta Patulin presented the targets for Social Development Sector.

MAO Maria Eva Bolasco and MaCLED Officer Jaime Ll. Mabilin discussed Economic Development, while Engr. Raul Bernard Jabines explained the Infrastructure and Public Utilities Development Sector. Felix Dumandan discussed the sector on Environment Protection and Preservation Sector, and LAMP Adjudicator Moises Descallar and SB Secretary Cesar Campos, CPA, presented the Governance and Administration Sector.

Also present during the development forum were representatives from DTI, GTZ, DOLE, DENR, BFAR and people’s organizations, as well as MLGOO-DILG Ted Mascariňas, all barangay captains and members of the Sangguniang Bayan.

Local cultural collectives from barangays Lincod and Punta Cruz gamely entertained the forum participants with their short plays. LGU Events Coordinator and Manager Reynaldo ‘Liling’ Villas was the master of ceremonies.

International Film ‘Amigo’ Premieres in Bohol

The international movie ‘Amigo’, formerly ‘Baryo’ and filmed entirely in Bohol, will premiere in Tagbilaran City on February 9 at the ICM Screenville 1.

The John Sayles’ saga of a slice of Philippine-American War in 1900 has been getting rave reviews in film festivals abroad, such as in Toronto, San Sebastian (Spain), London, Los Angeles and Argentina.

Amigo, cited as a movie that traces the roots of American war policies, offers not only a visual treat but an educational experience as well on a forgotten era of Philippine history.

This international film introduces some 80 Boholano talents who play supporting roles (6 of whom with name characters) as villagers or guerrillas, and provide able support to an international cast that includes some award-winning Hollywood actors and veteran Filipino thespians.

Amigo shows many natural and heritage sites in Bohol, particularly the rice fields, forests and river views of interior villages of Toril, Maribojoc, the Clarin ancestral house in Loay, the Basdacu cave in loon, a scenic filed in Corella, a part of the San Agustin Church in Panglao and a hanging bridge in Antequera.

Film director John Sayles, producer Maggie Renzi and some of the film’s cast led by veteran Joel Torre will attend the premier screening.

Part of the proceeds of the screening will go to the Baryo Amigo Project, a continuity project aimed at developing crafts and encouraging sustainable livelihood activities to help support the large farming and fishing communities in the film sites, as well as set up a learning center for young villagers.

Evasco Calls on Renewal of Commitment for Maribojoc

Mayor Leoncio B. Evasco, Jr., called on all barangay captains, sangguniang kabataan chairpersons, sangguniang bayan councilors, local government department heads and employees to renew their commitment for genuine public service in Maribojoc.

During last Monday’s convocation, Mayor Evasco said, “Let us start the year with very good vibes among ourselves and work collectively for the good of our people notwithstanding our political affiliations. I am open to working with everyone who is willing to work for the betterment of the people of Maribojoc.”

“I am confident our town will continue to be recognized for its sound fiscal management and performance, law-abiding town mates, and being the greenest municipality in the province,” he added.

Mayor Evasco was fortunate to witness the unification of two Maribojoc associations during his visit to the USA last November 2010. He proudly announced to the body that Maribojocanons abroad have pledged their support to the programs and development plans of the town and donations will start to pour in. “All we have to do is to continue what we have started,” Mayor Evasco said.

Municipal Vice Mayor Fructuoso ‘Tusoy’ F. Redulla, Jr. also cheered the barangay leaders for supporting the initiatives of the local government on livelihood and skills’ trainings. “Public service is balanced service, thus, let us serve with commitment,” he added.

Chief administrative officer Oscar Francisco E. Valles, during his opening message, pointed out that in Maribojoc little good things add up. Present during the convocation program was the whole sangguniang bayan body who gave also inspirational messages.