Mahinog gets 15 new trash bins from MCC

MAHINOG, Camiguin - More than 15 garbage containers have been received by this municipality from Mambajao Credit Cooperative (MCC) as part of its commitment to provide a greener, healthier, more cost-effective waste management system for the province of Camiguin.

The donation was also in support of the Lex’s Clean Mahinog Program of this municipality.

The municipal council on Monday passed a resolution to express the municipality’s appreciation and gratitude to Mambajao Credit Cooperative (MCC) for such donation.

The donation does not only help produce a clean environment, it also establishes a sense of civic mindedness towards environment, Councilor Liberato E. Babanto, the resolution's principal author, said.

It also raises people’s awareness to keep our town clean and pleasant place to live in, the resolution added.

The council said MCC definitely deserves commendation and appreciation for their concern to care for and protect our environment.

Mahinog to ink agreement with all towns in Camiguin for construction of sanitary landfills

A CLUSTERED sanitary landfill to be operated by the Provincial Government of Camiguin for the five towns in the province will soon be established in barangay Benhaan in the municipality of Mambajao, reports said.

As this developed, the Municipal Council today gives its authority to Mayor Alex R. Jajalla to sign a memorandum of agreement among the provincial government of Camiguin and other four towns in the province for the construction of a common sanitary landfill.

Republic Act (RA) 9003, or the Ecological Solid Waste Management law, requires all local government units to shut down their open dumpsites and establish a sanitary landfill.

The landfill will replace the traditional open dumpsite which is environmentally hazardous. The law requires that solid waste must be segregated before these are brought to the sanitary landfill.

The municipality of Mahinog is still using open dumpsite which is the subject of several closure orders by the DENR.

Mayor Alex Jajalla admits continued operation of dumpsite poses danger to public health and environmental hazards in host communities.

The mayor also says closure of the existing open dumpsite and the adoption of sanitary landfill is an urgent priority for this local government as part of its solid waste management plan.

“This is part of our consistent campaign to protect the environment,” he added.

In Mahinog, its open dumpsite is located in sitio upper Kinabkaban in barangay San Roque.

Officials said establishment of sanitary landfills is expensive and maintenance may not be affordable for low class LGU like the Municipality of Mahinog.

Hence, the provincial government’s move to construct a cluster landfill that will serve the five towns including Mahinog was highly welcomed by the municipality, since this will finally solve the town’s problem of finding a final disposal site for solid wastes.

Once realized garbage collection and disposal processes are made easy and financial requirement can become less burdensome for each municipality, local officials said.

Mahinog SaPul nabs 23 violators in August

THE Mahinog Sanitary Pulis (SaPul) has apprehended a total of 23 persons for violation of Lex's Clean Mahinog related ordinance in August, this year.

Romulo Saligumba, SaPul Chief Operating Officer, disclosed in his monthly accomplishment report to Municipal Mayor Alex R. Jajalla that SaPul apprehended a total of 23 violators for various violations of municipal ordinance as follows: 5 illegal parking; 1 unloading at non designated area; 1 overnight parking; 6 smoking in public places; 2 selling copra without permit; 5 peddling at non designated area; 3 peddling fish without sanitary permit.

Under Municipal Ordinance No. 2007-094, law enforcers shall, on apprehending violator, issue a citation ticket in duplicate, the original copy of which to the offender, the duplicate to the municipal treasurer.

The offender shall settle the fine within 72 hours from receipt of the citation ticket to the municipal treasurer, otherwise the case shall be forwarded to the Provincial Prosecutor for filing of the necessary charges in court.

Fines for the said violations are as follows: P100.00 for the first offense; P150.00 for the second offense; 200.00 for the third and succeeding offenses; or revocation of license to operate in case a violator is a business establishment, or imprisonment of not less than ten (10) days nor more than thirty (30) days, or both such fine, revocation, and imprisonment at the discretion of the court.

If a violator is a corporation, firm or other entity, the penalty shall be imposed upon the president, manager, director or person responsible for its operations. If in case the violator is unable to pay his pecuniary liability, he/she shall be made to render community service for the period of one (1) day for each offense committed.

Mahinog LGU intensifies measures against coconut theft

New members of Mahinog Sanitary Pulis (SaPul) recently took their oath of office before Mayor Alex R. Jajalla. Among the functions of SaPul is to enforce anti coconut theft ordinance in addition to their primary responsibility to implement the Lex's Clean Mahinog Program

BEFORE you harvest coconut or sell copra in Mahinog, get a permit from the barangay of origin. Said permit would be issued by the barangay captain to prove you are the lawful owner of coconuts being harvested or sold.

This is contained under Municipal Ordinance (MO) No. 8-1988 as amended by MO No. 2008-110 that the Municipal Government of Mahinog is vigorously implementing right now.

The ordinance requires anyone to obtain first a permit from the barangay captain before harvesting coconut. The measure was aimed at both deterring coconut thieves and helping law enforcement identify stolen coconuts or copra once brought to the market or found in anyone's possession.

In an executive order, Mayor Alex R. Jajalla in effect had authorized the Sanitary Pulis (SaPul) to enforce the ordinance in addition to their primary authority to implement the Lex's Clean Mahinog program.

The mayor said this move is in answer to earful of complaints from coconut owners who had been complaining of low harvest from their plantation due to thievery.

"Without a special measure to address this problem, coconut will remain as it has been in the past the favorite resort of thieves," he added.

In applying for a permit, applicants have to disclose the following: name of declared owner of the property; address; location of property; approximate no. of coconut trees to be harvested; date of harvest, among others. The applicant shall pay a permit fee to the barangay treasurer in the amount of Twenty Pesos per harvest.

The municipal government has worked closely with copra buyers to ensure that individuals who sell copra to them has a permit earlier secured from the barangay captain.

According to the ordinance, it is the responsibility of copra buyers to report to authorities if seller has no permit. Failure to do so shall be the ground for the revocation of business permit. In case buyer has no business permit, he/she shall be penalized by a fine of One Thousand Pesos or imprisonment of ten days.

Any person without a permit found selling, transporting or possessing coconut or copra shall be fined One Hundred Pesos or imprisonment of not more than ten days for the first offense; Two Hundred Pesos or imprisonment of not more than twenty days for the second offense; Three Hundred Pesos plus confiscation of coconut or copra or imprisonment of not more than sixty days for the third and succeeding offenses. This is apart from the appropriate crimes penalized in the Revised Penal Code.

According to the mayor, the implementation of this ordinance will surely benefit coconut farmers aimed to improve their income and living condition.

Camiguin steps up drive against dengue; Mambajao tops list of dengue cases, Mahinog, Catarman second

THE Provincial Health Office (PHO) recorded a total of 100 dengue cases all over the province covering January to June this year, a far cry from the 22 cases recorded in the same period last year, or a total of 91 cases reported by the end of 2009.

Mambajao tops the list with 58 cases followed by Mahinog and Catarman with 17 cases, 7 from Sagay and 1 from Guinsiliban, latest report shows.

The report showed that 58% of the cases monitored for the first half of 2010 were reflected on the month of January.

Although there is increase of dengue cases in Camiguin, the figure is still lower when compared in other parts of the region.

With these reported cases, health officials in the province have strengthened its dengue awareness drive giving emphasis on the prevention aspect.

The target group includes Barangay Captains, the Sangguniang Bayan Chairman on health, School Principals and Head Teachers, Sangguniang Kabataan Chairman, Civilian Volunteer Organization (CVO) members and spouses of the Barangay Health Workers (BHW’s).

The first set of orientation was conducted in Mambajao starting August 11 and will continue until all 58 barangays in the province will be covered.

Meanwhile, the Municipal Government of Mahinog vigorously implements "Lex's Clean Mahinog Program" to promote a clean and healthy environment to avoid the spread of the disease.

Mayor reorganizes sanitary police, picks former barangay executive to lead

Saligumba

IN an effort to maximize its efficiency, Mayor Alex R. Jajalla recently ordered the reorganization of the composition of the Sanitary "Pulis" (Sapul), the enforcement arm of the Lex's Clean Mahinog Program.

Under Executive Order No. 15-2010, the mayor named Romulo Y. Saligumba, a former barangay captain of Hubangon, as chief operating officer of the Lex's clean Mahinog.

The mayor also named Rufino Q. Llanto as first deputy; Ernesto S. Uyhamco as second deputy; Henry B. Ramirez; Antonio A. Daraman; Florelyn B. Ladesma; Genelen S. Gumera; Jowilyn P. Portrias; and 2 members from the PNP to be designated by the mayor, as members.

Lex's Clean Mahinog, an integral part of the A.L.E.X. 2 development agenda, is a program that instills into the minds of the people the values of cleanliness, cooperation, volunteerism and the concern for the environment, including health and safety.

A.L.E.X is an acronym for A- Agriculture and fishery development; L- Local government excellence, livelihood and local economy; E- Environmental care and Eco-tourism; X - eXpress delivery of basic services for social, health and security of the people.

Under the same Order, the Sapul was given the primary responsibility and authority to enforce Municipal Ordinance No. 2007 – 094, otherwise known as the Code of Cleanliness, Sanitation and Solid Waste Ordinance of the Municipality of Mahinog; and the ordinance against coconut theft.

The Sapul will conduct regular patrolling and monitoring activities at public places, streets, residences and business establishments to check on the compliance of the ordinance and issue citation tickets to the violators, among others.

Morever, the mayor also designated the office of the sanggunian secretary to act as Sapul secretariat, which shall handle its administrative, technical and liaising activities.

A.L.E.X. DEV AGENDA PLANNING WORKSHOP

Municipal Agriculturist, Dr. Willy P. Lobido presents plan for agricultural productivity sector that will introduce organic farming and goat dispersal program to the farmers during a planning workshop by the members of the Technical Working Group created by Mayor Jajalla to formulate a master plan of operations for the 4point A.L.E.X. development agenda held at the SB session hall. After a month-long brainstorming, the TWG has completed the plan and is now being finalized for prioritization and fund sourcing.

Info drive for “habal-habal” operators held

July 21, 2007 –The Committee on Transportation under the chairmanship of Councilor Rey Lawrence K. Tan conducted a seminar and information drive for “habal-habal drivers operating within the municipal bounds, with the topics on municipal traffic ordinance, regulatory fees, law enforcement action and good manners, grooming and etiquette on serving passengers. The seminar was held at the SB session hall and was attended by about 80 habal-habal drivers.

Councilor Valentin F. Babanto in behalf of the committee, welcomed the participants and stressed the importance of the seminar which is to educate the drivers on basic road courtesy and their compliance of regulatory permits from LGU.

On the other hand, Mayor Jajalla stressed the safety of both motorists and riding public is the primary intention of this seminar. He also recognized the important role of habal habal sectors in the town’s tourism drive as they are in the frontline that give right information and best services to tourist and visitors.

Other speakers with their topics were MPDC Ben Paderanga -A.L.E.X. Development Agenda; SB Secretary Homer R. Jajalla -Municipal Traffic Code; Treasurer Judith Baita -Collection of Regulatory Fees and Penalties for Violators; PINSP Richard Catipay -Law Enforcement Action, and; Coun. Manolo Tabamo -Quality Service, Good Grooming and Etiquettes.

The commitee is set to conduct a second batch of the same seminar for motorela drivers. (Homer R. Jajalla)

Info drive for “habal-habal” operators held

July 21, 2007 –The Committee on Transportation under the chairmanship of Councilor Rey Lawrence K. Tan conducted a seminar and information drive for “habal-habal drivers operating within the municipal bounds, with the topics on municipal traffic ordinance, regulatory fees, law enforcement action and good manners, grooming and etiquette on serving passengers. The seminar was held at the SB session hall and was attended by about 80 habal-habal drivers.

Councilor Valentin F. Babanto in behalf of the committee, welcomed the participants and stressed the importance of the seminar which is to educate the drivers on basic road courtesy and their compliance of regulatory permits from LGU.

On the other hand, Mayor Jajalla stressed the safety of both motorists and riding public is the primary intention of this seminar. He also recognized the important role of habal habal sectors in the town’s tourism drive as they are in the frontline that give right information and best services to tourist and visitors.

Other speakers with their topics were MPDC Ben Paderanga -A.L.E.X. Development Agenda; SB Secretary Homer R. Jajalla -Municipal Traffic Code; Treasurer Judith Baita -Collection of Regulatory Fees and Penalties for Violators; PINSP Richard Catipay -Law Enforcement Action, and; Coun. Manolo Tabamo -Quality Service, Good Grooming and Etiquettes.

The commitee is set to conduct a second batch of the same seminar for motorela drivers. (Homer R. Jajalla)

Mahinog Public Market undergoes clean up, illegal structures cleared

MAYOR Alex R. Jajalla ordered a clean up operation of Mahinog Public Market and directed the Municipal Engineering Office to clear the market premises from illegal structures and makeshift extension that only hindered easy movement of market goers and vehicular traffic.

The gravity of the deplorable condition of the municipal market was brought to the fore after Coun. Manolo V. Tabamo delivered a moving privilege speech calling for the immediate clean up operation of our municipal market if only to maintain the good image of Mahinog as the gateway to the paradise island of Camiguin. The measure was then referred to the joint committees on health and public market chaired by Coun. Valentin F. Babanto and Coun. Jonard B. Labadan.

The joint committee, after a committee meeting, recommended for the regular sprinkling of water inside the market and nearby canals with the use of the firetruck from the municipal fire office and a regular inspection by the sanitary inspector to ensure that sanitary requirements are religiously complied by all stall holders. Immediately, upon request of the mayor, SF04 Heracleo T. Abian, Municipal Fire Marshall, conducted a sprinkling operation at the said market.

Coun. Tabamo observed that most of stall occupants have no garbage receptacles and under their tables filth abound and became breeding place of flies and insects. “There is a need to change the mindset of store owners and market goers alike towards the value of cleanliness and healthful environment,” the committee chairman of tourism said.

Under existing ordinance, stall holders are required to undertake the cleaning of their immediate environs and provide trash receptacles installed within their store premises.

“Health and sanitation is of paramount concern and I will not hesitate in enforcing ordinances that serve to the best interest of the people especially on health,” the mayor said.

He added, “market is essential in the soci-economic development of the town and, aside from being a trading center and a local economic enterprise that contributes LGU’s income, it also serves as a social inter-action center where exhange of ideas take place.”

“What our market looks like reflects very well our character and discipline as a people of Mahinog,” the mayor stressed. (Homer R. Jajalla)

Municipal Council approves measures for “Lex’s Clean Mahinog”

THE MUNICIPAL Council has approved in final reading the Code of Cleanliness and Sanitation Ordinance that will give legal muscles in the implementation of Lex’s Clean Mahinog Program, the Office of the Vice Mayor announced.

“We in the Municipal Council will do all we can to fast track the A.L.E.X. development agenda,” says Vice Mayor Rogerio C. Acle.

The LGU is set to conduct a massive information and education drive to the public before the ordinance is implemented.

The ordinance, which is a compilation of existing and supplementary ordinances pertaining to cleanliness and sanitation, will institutionalize the “tapat mo linisin mo” system, where every household and establishment is required to clean their immediate surroundings.

Acle said he was confident that Lex’s Clean Mahinog would gain favorable support among Mahinognons because all these are geared in making our town a more beautiful, comfortable and livable place a real showcase of Mahinog the gateway to Camiguin. “After all, these would give every Mahinognon a sense of pride for our very own town- to be a wholesome place to live in,” the vice mayor said.

In an official statement released to The Trumpet, Arlino Arca, president of Mahinog Market Vendors Association, said: “I applaud the LGU Mahinog especially Mayor Alex Jajalla for implementing without partiality, the dormant municipal ordinances pertaining to the public market. In doing so, criticisms are expected yet, I strongly concur to such move for it is beneficial to us vendors and buyers alike. Mabuhay ka A.L.E.X.”

Jacinta Pulvera, market revenue collector and a member of the composite team, said the program has gained positive result due to the cooperation of all vendors. “All vendors cooperated especially the proper arrangement on their respective area, eyesores, make-shift extension, illegal structures were cleared, tables and stalls were already used for the purpose it was leased, eateries using firewood were acted upon and store owners were also required to install garbage receptacles.” (Mahinog Information Office)