For almost two years now, I have been serving the barangays and the city as the head of office. A few years back,I was just taking it lightly because,I was not the head then and I believed above all,its the head's responsibility and accountability. I was more of a happy go lucky lady then, but mind you I also did my job. The only difference is, I am now more serious.
Being the head of office is not easy, contrary to what many may think. They believe the head is just their to sit and command but that is not true. Leading a group of intelligent and young people will sap anybody's energy..varied personalities.. outlook in life, principles, values could even be a greater responsibility than accomplishing what was set to be done.
My ultimate goal as head is to create an impecable image of the office in my area through the department's programs... that the LGUs would see the critical role that the department play in their administration... THAT THE LGU.. needs the services of the office.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Baguio City Executives learning the ropes of barangay governance
Becoming a chief executive is not an easy task contrary to what many think, neither does public service. In today's world, the dynamics of local governance has become complex coupled with increasing demands for quality service that councils have to be "on their toes" at all times.. barangay governments are the frontline service delivery structures established by the central government for the people. As these executives go through a series of capability building interventions from April to May 2008 to capacitate them to manage their communities for the next three years... my department is hopeful that as they traverse the road for which they were installed for, they do it with wisdom, commitment, passion and love for people.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
Baguio City Local Government Month Celebration
The Igorot leaders from this northern part of the country were raring to go for autonomy, everyone was talking of a separate autonomous region in the Cordilleras, this they said is an opportunity for the indegenous people to get their identity, more development and a better place for everyone. But the people of the Cordilleras thought otherwise, thus, only one province voted for it. A few believed then that autonomy can bring forth better lives for the people of this region. I am thankful though coz were it not for the move for an autonomous region, I would not have been able to get into government. Sometime in 1989, I was a lucky animal to be at the right time and place when the Cordillera Administrative Region was just established and I got hired with the Department of Local Government. A few months after, On October 10, 1991, republic act 7160, otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991 was signed into law givng more powers and authority to local governments. It gave them wider horizon aimed at empowering them to chart thier own destiny. I call this "Independence Day", because this was the day that the local governments got freed from the clouts of the central government. Decentralization was at its peak. The central government was undergoing a lot of adjustments as powers were devolved to the local level..
17 years after, as we look back through the years, we need to assess the gains of decentralization. How did we fare in the implementation? have LGUs improved? Did the devolution of powers and authority brought better lives to the people? have we improved as a people? a community? as a country? I let you be the judge of that.
On October 10, 2008, the City of Baguio commemorated the signing into law of the Local Government Code. This was spearheaded by the DILG City Field Office. I wanted the city government and the barangays to celebrate this day because I believe that if there was anything that they should celebrate, this is the local government month and day, simply because, they were born on this day... the day that central government weaned them.. the day the LGUs were finally set free.
Working with local governments specifically with the city of Baguio and its barangays is very exciting and challenging.. infact its very colorful. When I started with the department in 1989, I didnt appreciate much the work I was doing for the Department not because it was boring but coz it was purely administrative. But sometime in 2002, when I joined the city field office, I began to appreciate the work we do.. I begun to see challenges.. opportunities. I began to love the work... meeting people, networking, mentoring but most of all, I love being just the DILG. It's not an easy task, neither is it an idle one, contrary to what many may believe. Of course it all boils down to choices.. I can choose to be idle or to be on the go.. either way I will still get paid as all government employees do.. but i chose the latter one.
There is no better work than working with the local governments...
17 years after, as we look back through the years, we need to assess the gains of decentralization. How did we fare in the implementation? have LGUs improved? Did the devolution of powers and authority brought better lives to the people? have we improved as a people? a community? as a country? I let you be the judge of that.
On October 10, 2008, the City of Baguio commemorated the signing into law of the Local Government Code. This was spearheaded by the DILG City Field Office. I wanted the city government and the barangays to celebrate this day because I believe that if there was anything that they should celebrate, this is the local government month and day, simply because, they were born on this day... the day that central government weaned them.. the day the LGUs were finally set free.
Working with local governments specifically with the city of Baguio and its barangays is very exciting and challenging.. infact its very colorful. When I started with the department in 1989, I didnt appreciate much the work I was doing for the Department not because it was boring but coz it was purely administrative. But sometime in 2002, when I joined the city field office, I began to appreciate the work we do.. I begun to see challenges.. opportunities. I began to love the work... meeting people, networking, mentoring but most of all, I love being just the DILG. It's not an easy task, neither is it an idle one, contrary to what many may believe. Of course it all boils down to choices.. I can choose to be idle or to be on the go.. either way I will still get paid as all government employees do.. but i chose the latter one.
There is no better work than working with the local governments...
Sunday, March 30, 2008
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
Association of Barangay Kagawads
Joel Roldan, was elected President of the Association of Barangay Kagawads of the City of Baguio by a landslide. Together with him were his VP Posadas, Board of Directors: Myrna Garcia, Evelyn Balisong,
to be continued)
to be continued)
Saturday, March 22, 2008
My Thoughts........
When I first took my seat as acting city director of DILG Baguio, I had mixed emotions, sad that my mentor and friend is leaving, happy that finally, I am given the opportunity to prove my worth, apprehensive that I may not be worthy of the trust and confidence of higher ups. Afraid that I may not measure up or to be at par with the accomplishments of my predecessor or that I may fall short of the expectations of the people who are depending on me for guidance. Suddenly, I felt the weight of the responsibility given to me, it was like I was carrying the world on my shoulders. Anxiety hit me. My only consolation then was that, I knew many before me has taken the seat or a similar one and many for sure experienced what I was going through but in the end, they did good. I remembered the adage that goes this way "If others can, why can't I? or if others cant, I can". That night I prayed that GOD continue to hold my hands and we both take this life's journey together. I was reminded of what my mother used to tell me a long time back "God, will never give you something that you can not carry" "everything that happens is god's will and it happens for a purpose". As a child I believed in "destiny" and still do, that everything that happens do happen because it was destiny and it was meant to be. It's the route to that DESTINY that man can make changes but the end is still the destiny made for you.
Similarly, events of 2008 were all in accordance with GOD'S WILL. During the early months of 2008, I assisted in the conduct of the Liga ng mga Barangay pre elections and election activities. I was determined to stay just on the sidelines, be an expectator and watch the event happen. But circumstances has it that I need to play my role and make things happen and so I did.
I was a witness to the pains, joy and sorrow of the contenders for the Liga presidency of Baguio, friendships broken, betrayal of close friends, loyalties bared, uncertainty and discovering the "true colors" of people around. Relatives went against each other. Confusion and doubt clouded the minds of the Punong barangays, it was truly a difficult time for them, as they struggled within theirselves..in their hearts to stay morally upright and protect their integrity or to bend and join the majority. But it was likewise a good time for some, as they enjoyed the privileges accorded them. It was the time that they learned to know who is who and whom to trust and not to. The tension among comrades was so intense and distrust creeped in, in their hearts.. they seem to believe that this is no time for trust. No one said anything to anyone.. CODE OF SILENCE.. contenders were sizing each other up as the game took its upward turn, sleepless nights, anxiety and uncertainty were all part of it, these were small prizes for becoming the next liga president. It was likewise a difficult time for me not because of the work it entailed but of the doubts of all the contenders that was thrown my way. I didnt blame them neither did I understand why until recently, when a friend of mine took pains to explain and make me percieve it at a different angle, did I begin to discern their reason. I was caught at the middle then and i am supposed to stay at the middle becoz that was what was expected of me... but I had my preference all along. Destiny and fate played its part.
I thought my work was done but I was wrong, I suddenly realized there was more to be done, more to look forward to and more horizons to discover. I and my friend started the ball rolling, there was so much to be done, so many things to think about. We had to do our part, to pave the way for DESTINY to set in, and we did.
I learned so much and gained a lot of acquaintances, and a one true friend. It was one experience I wouldn't have wanted to miss.
Similarly, events of 2008 were all in accordance with GOD'S WILL. During the early months of 2008, I assisted in the conduct of the Liga ng mga Barangay pre elections and election activities. I was determined to stay just on the sidelines, be an expectator and watch the event happen. But circumstances has it that I need to play my role and make things happen and so I did.
I was a witness to the pains, joy and sorrow of the contenders for the Liga presidency of Baguio, friendships broken, betrayal of close friends, loyalties bared, uncertainty and discovering the "true colors" of people around. Relatives went against each other. Confusion and doubt clouded the minds of the Punong barangays, it was truly a difficult time for them, as they struggled within theirselves..in their hearts to stay morally upright and protect their integrity or to bend and join the majority. But it was likewise a good time for some, as they enjoyed the privileges accorded them. It was the time that they learned to know who is who and whom to trust and not to. The tension among comrades was so intense and distrust creeped in, in their hearts.. they seem to believe that this is no time for trust. No one said anything to anyone.. CODE OF SILENCE.. contenders were sizing each other up as the game took its upward turn, sleepless nights, anxiety and uncertainty were all part of it, these were small prizes for becoming the next liga president. It was likewise a difficult time for me not because of the work it entailed but of the doubts of all the contenders that was thrown my way. I didnt blame them neither did I understand why until recently, when a friend of mine took pains to explain and make me percieve it at a different angle, did I begin to discern their reason. I was caught at the middle then and i am supposed to stay at the middle becoz that was what was expected of me... but I had my preference all along. Destiny and fate played its part.
I thought my work was done but I was wrong, I suddenly realized there was more to be done, more to look forward to and more horizons to discover. I and my friend started the ball rolling, there was so much to be done, so many things to think about. We had to do our part, to pave the way for DESTINY to set in, and we did.
I learned so much and gained a lot of acquaintances, and a one true friend. It was one experience I wouldn't have wanted to miss.
Friday, March 21, 2008
Liga National Board elections
BAGUIO CITY Liga ng mga Barangay (LnB) Chapter President Joel A. Alangsab is one of the newly elected member of the National LnB Board of Directors. With him is CALOOCAN City Liga ng mga Barangay (LnB) national President Ricojudge “RJ” Echiverri as the newly-elected LnB National President. Other elected officers are: Exec. Vice-Pres. Mannix Ortega; VP for Luzon Atty. Edmon Abesamis; VP for Visayas Jen Salcedo; VP for Mindanao Edwin Elorde; Sec. Gen. Atty. Jesse Cruz; Auditor Irene Ong; and Board of Directors Alvin Feliciano, Joel Alangsab, Bernard Pacana, Claudet So and Floro Esguerra. Also in photo is outgoing president James Marty Lim. The election was held in historic Manila Hotel.
Joel Alangsab, a baguio boy takes his oath of office with CALOOCAN City Mayor Enrico “Recom” Echiverri. With him is the newly-elected Liga ng mga Barangay. National President Ricojudge Jan Vier Echiverri and other liga officers after winning the January 29, national liga elections held at Manila hotel.
National Liga Elections
Councilor Joel A. Alangsab, one of the five Liga ng mga Barangay (LnB) of the
Alangsab landed second from among 22 candidates coming from various provinces and cities with a resounding 87 votes out of 113, a mere 5 votes away from the number 1 contender. The LnB national board were elected in January 29, 2008 at the Manila Hotel, elected at large:
President : Ricojudge Jan Vier M. Echiverri
Exec.Vice President : Mannix Ortega, Jr.
VP for
VP for Visayas : Jen Salcedo
VP for
Sec-Gen : Jessie Cruz
Auditor : Irene Ong
Board of Directors : Alvin Feliciano
Joel A. Alangsab
Floro Esguerra
Claudit So
Bernard Pacana
The national officers were elected from among the highly urbanized cities and provincial liga ng mga barangay Presidents all over the country. They are either sitting down as ex-officio members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod or Sangguniang Panlalawigan. In the same manner that municipal federation presidents are sitting as ex-officio members of the sangguniang bayan.
The Cordillera Provincial Presidents are: Hon. Cesar Dickly of Kalinga, Hon. Donato Pacito of Benguet, Hon.Artemio Gonayon of Apayao, Hon.Theodore Lacwasan of Mt. Province and Hon. Allan Cutiyog of Ifugao, all ex-officio members of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of their provinces and Ryan Luna of Abra
Thursday, March 20, 2008
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Honorables treated Dishonorably?
I am basically a restless animal clothed in human finery. There is so much passion inside that needed to be unleashed... the passion to achieve what i set to do and do it perfectly. I don't claim to be a perfectionist neither do I admit to be a pessimist but definitely am an optimist thus, i often look forward to better days, good opportunities and brighter tomorrow. So at dawn of March 12 I left Baguio for the Philippine Councilors League (PCL)national assembly and elections. I was curious to find out how the distinguished legislators all over the country conduct themselves as compared to members of other leagues. My office has been assisting all the local leagues for years now but I haven't had the interest until recently, triggered probably by my love to be with people and the fact that I had one good experience with one of the leagues not to mention that I was invited by one of the national contender for the presidency.
We arrived in Manila in high spirits, I was with the gentlemen legislators of Baguio, it was a great experience being with them and listening to their recounts of the past, present and what is to be.
I expected a well organized event but to my dismay, it was as chaotic as the gulf war... councilors were made to wait a day for accommodation only to be turned back with "there is no room available". Even those who paid in advance were treated similarly. Why collect in advance if you can not ensure that everything is pre-arranged before the arrival of delegates? There were no instructions on what to do upon arrival at the Trade Center, The queues in the registration, ID, food and kit booths were a mile long. Some of the delegates from Baguio sat on the booth assigned to them with no one to assist them. I had to find a way to assist them get their IDs, food stubs etc to somehow ease the pressure. You can hear people grumbling and frowning, hungry and didnt know where to get their food.
These are legislators from all over the archipelago who opted to exercise their rights of suffrage and put in place the next set of officers of the PCL. They took time from their hectic schedules to support the organization who should treat them with decency and dignity. These are respected people in their communities, people of integrity, people looked up to by their people. These are people who deserve the "red carpet" treatment.
One good thing with these legislators was that, they acted honorably despite the dishonor accorded them, some went to nearby hotels, some to relatives. All hotels nearby were occupied. I spent the night at a hotel way off from the election site, luck was with me.. after scouring most of the hotels in that block of Manila I found one that was good enough for me, thanks to a friend.
We lost in the elections, but we came home victorious.. we know better now. My friend told me "god has something better for our friend who lost" and I agree with him, maybe god wanted them to take a different route.. it was destined not to happen or it could have happened. One thing is sure though, they know better as my lady friend said "evelyn, i know better" whatever she meant, only she knows, I can only assume.
To the honorable councilors! try to do it better next time or rather revise your constitution and by-laws to limit the voters for the national officers. Remember that you are spending peoples' money to conduct your activities, let's limit it to the barest.
To the Liga ng mga Barangay, I salute you for a well-organized national elections!! I never saw one big activity like yours so well-managed and run... you deserve a commendation.
We arrived in Manila in high spirits, I was with the gentlemen legislators of Baguio, it was a great experience being with them and listening to their recounts of the past, present and what is to be.
I expected a well organized event but to my dismay, it was as chaotic as the gulf war... councilors were made to wait a day for accommodation only to be turned back with "there is no room available". Even those who paid in advance were treated similarly. Why collect in advance if you can not ensure that everything is pre-arranged before the arrival of delegates? There were no instructions on what to do upon arrival at the Trade Center, The queues in the registration, ID, food and kit booths were a mile long. Some of the delegates from Baguio sat on the booth assigned to them with no one to assist them. I had to find a way to assist them get their IDs, food stubs etc to somehow ease the pressure. You can hear people grumbling and frowning, hungry and didnt know where to get their food.
These are legislators from all over the archipelago who opted to exercise their rights of suffrage and put in place the next set of officers of the PCL. They took time from their hectic schedules to support the organization who should treat them with decency and dignity. These are respected people in their communities, people of integrity, people looked up to by their people. These are people who deserve the "red carpet" treatment.
One good thing with these legislators was that, they acted honorably despite the dishonor accorded them, some went to nearby hotels, some to relatives. All hotels nearby were occupied. I spent the night at a hotel way off from the election site, luck was with me.. after scouring most of the hotels in that block of Manila I found one that was good enough for me, thanks to a friend.
We lost in the elections, but we came home victorious.. we know better now. My friend told me "god has something better for our friend who lost" and I agree with him, maybe god wanted them to take a different route.. it was destined not to happen or it could have happened. One thing is sure though, they know better as my lady friend said "evelyn, i know better" whatever she meant, only she knows, I can only assume.
To the honorable councilors! try to do it better next time or rather revise your constitution and by-laws to limit the voters for the national officers. Remember that you are spending peoples' money to conduct your activities, let's limit it to the barest.
To the Liga ng mga Barangay, I salute you for a well-organized national elections!! I never saw one big activity like yours so well-managed and run... you deserve a commendation.
Palarong Pambarangay On
The Liga ng mga Barangay (LnB), Baguio City chapter, kicked off its palarong pambarangay last April 12, 2008 with a parade followed by a program and lighting of the torch to signal the opening of the inter-barangay sports festival. The program was graced by Congressman Mauricio Domogan as guest of honor and speaker. The parade was led by the LnB president, councilor Joel A. Alangsab together with his Board of Directors: Benjie Macadangdang, Jun Orca, William Domogen, Rocky Aliping, Peter Busaing and Ulatan. Also present during the activity were the officers of the Association of Barangay Kagawads (ABK) led by its president Joel Roldan and Board of Directors Evelyn Balisong and Vice president Posadas.
Events for the palaro are: volleyball, basketball, darts, chess, bowling and many more which also commenced on the same day and will end May 16.
The awarding and culminating activity will be held on May 17, 2008, to coincide with the Celebration of the Barangay Day at the BCNHS Auditorium to be graced by the National LnB President, Ricojudge Jan Vier M. Echiverri.
The Palaro according to Councilor Alangsab aims to cement relationships between and among barangay officials, heal the wounds, mend broken spirits and ravaged hearts brought about by politics. He said its high time the barangay officials unite and strengthen camaraderie towards the development of the barangays in Baguio.
Events for the palaro are: volleyball, basketball, darts, chess, bowling and many more which also commenced on the same day and will end May 16.
The awarding and culminating activity will be held on May 17, 2008, to coincide with the Celebration of the Barangay Day at the BCNHS Auditorium to be graced by the National LnB President, Ricojudge Jan Vier M. Echiverri.
The Palaro according to Councilor Alangsab aims to cement relationships between and among barangay officials, heal the wounds, mend broken spirits and ravaged hearts brought about by politics. He said its high time the barangay officials unite and strengthen camaraderie towards the development of the barangays in Baguio.
Saturday, March 15, 2008
Saturday, March 1, 2008
CY 2008 Barangay Day forthcoming
The Liga ng mga Barangay (LnB) Baguio Chapter, will hold its BARANGAY DAY CUM AWARDING CEREMONIES on May 17, 2008 at the Baguio City National High School (BCNHS)Auditorium. The ocassion will be graced by no less than the LnB National President HON.RICOJUDGE JAN VIER "RJ" MALABANAN ECHIVERRI as guest of honor and speaker. The program will be highlighted by the Oath taking of the officers of the various organizations under the Liga: Association of Tanods, Barangay Kagawads and Lupon of the City of Baguio to be administered by Echiverri himself.
Baguio City Chapter President Hon.Joel A. Alangsab, together with his board of directors led the launching of the Sportsfest last April 12, 2008 with a kick-off parade and a short program at the Melvin Jones Grandstand. It was attended by 128 barangays in the city. (to be continuued
Baguio City Chapter President Hon.Joel A. Alangsab, together with his board of directors led the launching of the Sportsfest last April 12, 2008 with a kick-off parade and a short program at the Melvin Jones Grandstand. It was attended by 128 barangays in the city. (to be continuued
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