Mayor Alex R.Jajalla bares gains, plans for final term

Mayor Alex R. Jajalla delivering his 3rd  inaugural address

July 8, 2013, Mahinog, Camiguin - Mahinog Mayor Alex R. Jajalla rallied Mahinognons to work with his administration with "combined commitment and action" as he bared plans for the municipality in his third and final term in office.

The mayor expressed this in his inaugural address at the inaugural session of the 19th Municipal Council (Sangguniang Bayan) on July 8, 2013 at the SB session hall.

Full text of his Inaugural Speech:

Distinguish members of the 19th Municipal Council of Mahinog headed by the Honorable Vice Mayor Rogerio Cagas Acle, their family members, barangay captains, heads of national and municipal departments and agencies, friends, ladies and gentlemen, good morning!

In my two terms as your local chief executive, the cohesive efforts of the executive and legislative departments resulted to seamless execution of programs and projects for the municipality, precisely, the reason why we have livelihood projects for cooperatives and people’s organizations, we have protected our land and seascapes, increase collection of revenues, just compensation to LGU-paid workers, the LEXs Clean Mahinog Program manned by the Sanitary Police (SAPOL), the jobs and revenue generated by our tourism projects: Mantigue Island Nature Park (MINAP) and the Queobe Eco Park and Training Center, the downstream services of tourism prominently MAMSA, the local education assistance program for the youth, social pension program for the elderly and PWDs, and the health care and protective services we rendered to all Mahinognons.

Manifesting that we are trudging the right track, we are recipient of numerous awards as benchmark of exemplified quality of services and hard work we rendered to our constituents such as the Seal of Good Housekeeping; the Most Outstanding Sangguniang Bayan in Region X for 4th to 6th Class Municipalities - Local Legislative Award of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Philippine Councilors League (PCL); and Regional Winner and National Nominee – Gawad “Kalasag” Search for Excellence in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management and Humanitarian Assistance 2012 – Best Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council – 4th to 6th Class Municipality; to name a few.

And who can forget our triumph on skills, creativeness and beauty mostly excelled by our youths: the Miss Buahanan; multiple Champion – Tableau and Street Dancing Competitions during Lanzones Festival; and the long list of awards in singing, dancing, cooking, sports and even the recognition of our barangays in the province-wide Inter-Barangay Kalanrakas sa Kabataan.

Thank you so much Vice Mayor Roger and the Sangguniang Bayan members for your cooperation and support in the development and promotion of good governance towards improving living conditions of our people. I extend further my heartfelt gratitude to the department heads and their staff and the barangay captains for their unequivocal backing to this administration.

Riding on the momentum of successful run of A.L.E.X. acronym, the third edition is now unveiled to be branded again as A.L.E.X. 3 Development Agenda with A – stands for Agriculture and Fishery Development; L – Local Government Excellence, Livelihood and Local Economy; E – Environmental Care and Eco-Tourism; and X – eXpress Delivery of Basic Services for Social, Health and Security of the People.

Let me present to you a glimpse of the thrusts and development direction the A.L.E.X. 3 Development Agenda will undertake for the next three years.

A - Agriculture and Fishery Development

Partnership with cooperatives and people’s organization will be pursued to address food security and unemployment problem as main emphasis of Local Poverty Reduction Action Plan for funding under the Bottoms Up Budgeting with projects include goat and native chicken production, ornamental and organic vegetable production and the provision of access to the agricultural areas through the farm-to-market roads. That is aside from sustaining the intervention on livestock production and animal protection through insemination, animal vaccination and treatment services as well as crop production.

For the Coastal Resource Management Program, we will improve the bio-diversity of the seven (7) Marine Protected Areas (MPAs) through coral reef enhancement and sustained seaborne patrolling and surveillance to increase fish catch. We will exhaust other alternative livelihood for our fisher folks and maximize the potential of Taguines Lagoon as experimental area for new marine species and introduce for production to our fisher folks to ease fishing pressure in our MPAs and municipal waters in entirety.

L - Local Government Excellence, Livelihood and Local Economy

To professionalize the delivery of public services and good governance, Strategic Performance Management System or SPMS will be introduced for the improvement of individual employee efficiency and organizational effectiveness that will result to clients’ satisfaction. This is in addition to strict adherence to the Full Disclosure of Local Budget and Finances, and Bids and Public Offerings.

Efforts in collecting revenues from traditional sources be intensified with the effectivity of the revenue code and widen the base for sources of income by opening new income generating projects so that collection will increase and efficiency rate will soar.

Priority infrastructure projects that the LGU will push are public transpo terminal in barangay Benoni and the jump off point to Mantigue Island in barangay San Roque. It will ease up traffic and congestion in both areas on top of generating revenue for Mahinog.

E - Environmental Care and Eco-Tourism

Initiatives like enforcement of environmental and sanitation laws, coastal clean up and tree planting to upkeep the environment together with our partners, the barangays, NGOs, volunteers and students, will be sustained. Tree planting activity be expanded to the river banks and spring sources to help protect the danger zones and ensure sustainable supply of potable water to Mahinognons.

Full implementation of LEXs Clean Mahinog Program is a must for us to live in a clean and orderly environment and self impose prerequisite to dispose our garbage to the sanitary landfill in Benhaan, Mambajao managed by the Provincial Government of Camiguin.

Without let up, the Mahinog Business Development Office (MBDO) focuses its effort to enhance the facilities and services of existing economic enterprises, Mantigue Island Nature Park, Queobe Eco Park and Training Center and Taguines Lagoon Aqua Sports Facility. That is aside from developing the Katunggan Park in Queobe area, the potential of mariculture in the same area and Taguines Lagoon and the land acquisition phase of Macao Spring. Aggressive marketing promotion is inevitable to concretize our share of tourist arrivals in Camiguin. This is in the name of investment and employment generation and increase income to the LGU to lessen IRA dependency.

eXpress Delivery of Basic Services for Social, Health and Security of the People

Social service providers have their sight in implementing the 4Ps program, the AICS and Death Aid financial assistance, livelihood programs, supplemental feeding and day care center services. Expansion of Social Pension Program to elderly and person with disability be pursued.

The Municipal Health Office will work on the accreditation of lying-in facility, implementation of maternal care package and new born screening and the expansion of TB-DOTS area for National Tuberculosis Program.

For our youth, we have the Local Education Assistance Program or LEAP, the SPES program and Extended Government Internship Program (E-GIP). We will exhaust our energy to acquire the affected lots, as the home of Mahinog National High School II.

The vanguard on security, the Philippine National Police and the Bureau of Fire Protection, will be hands on in securing our constituents 24/7 along with the MDRRMC and the volunteers of Mahinog Response 143. Securing our people is must, thus the importance to form a composite rescue group for commission during emergency.

To formulate the details, I cause the issuance of Executive Order No. 18, series of 2013, directing agencies concerned to prepare the final perspective of A.L.E.X. 3 Development Agenda in two months’ time subject for presentation to this August body and for us to embrace it as LGU Mahinog’s Executive-Legislative Agenda or ELA.

With our combined commitment and action, with Gov JJ and Congressman XJ at the helm, and the unequivocal support of the Sangguniang Bayan members headed by Vice Mayor Roger, I am optimistic that we can improve the lives of Mahinognon and a progressive municipality ahead.

God Bless Mahinog! Lungsod Ko, Garbo Ko, Mahal Ko!

Maayong Buntag sa tanan.

Mayor Alex R. Jajalla delivers State Of the Municipality Address (SOMA)

Mahinog Mayor Alex R. Jajalla delivering his SOMA

Full Text of the State of the Municipality Address (SOMA) delivered by Mayor Alex R.Jajalla during the 65th Mahinog Charter Day Celebration on July 1, 2013 at the outdoor stage in front of the municipal hall.

In my inaugural address delivered at the opening of the Regular Session of the 18^th Municipal Council of Mahinog commencing my second term on July 5, 2010, I have outlined my priorities dubbed as A.L.E.X. 2 Development Agenda with A – stands for Agriculture and Fishery Development; L – Local Government Excellence, Livelihood and Local Economy; E – Environmental Care and Eco-Tourism; and X – eXpress Delivery of Basic Services for Social, Health and Security of the People. Together with the Sangguniang Bayan of Mahinog, A.L.E.X. 2 Development Agenda was adopted as the Executive-Legislative Agenda (ELA) of the Municipality of Mahinog.

Using the A.L.E.X. 2 Development Agenda as outline, I now render my State of the Municipality Address to update you on what transpired during my second term and to propose programs, projects and policies for the next three (3) years as your graduating Municipal Mayor.

Agriculture and Fishery Development

Agriculture and Fishery Development steered by the Municipal Agriculture Office focus their intervention on livestock production, animal protection, rice and corn production and fishery. For the period CY 2010 to 2013, it recorded an annual average of 258 heads swine insemination with confirmed pregnancy of 190 heads and produced 1,387 offspring. Animals vaccinated for the last three (3) years recorded an annual average of 837 heads anti-rabies for dog, 660 heads anti-hog cholera for swine, and anti-hemorrhagic septicemia for 45 heads of carabao, 102 heads of cattle and 147 heads of goat. As to treatment of different livestock species, around 627 heads were dewormed, 336 heads were castrated while 943 were treated mostly prescribed with drugs and biologics purchased by the clients.

Rice farmers in the municipality were recipient of hybrid and certified seeds producing  an average yield of 3.42 metric tons per hectare. Average yield of corn amounted to 2.5 metric tons/ per hectare with 74.3 metric tons annual production for the 30 hectares area planted.

Backyard tilapia, mussel and seaweeds production were sustained while mangrove reforestation was enhanced from 2 to 5 barangays in CY 2012 by planting around 20,000 seedlings.

 

LGU Mahinog partnered with nine (9) People’s Organization for the implementation of different livelihood projects under the Community Fund for Agricultural Development (CFAD) of the Mindanao Rural Development Program amounting to 2.5 million pesos. Projects include production of eggs, mussel, sea urchin, organic-based rice, ginger, banana and sweet potato with the participatory process, barangay LGUs and the beneficiary groups provided counterpart for these projects.

Under the Coastal Resource Management Program, we established three (3) new Marine Protected Areas (MPAs), namely: Tupsan Pequeňo, Catohugan and San Jose-Hubangon, increasing the number of MPAs to seven (7) in the entire municipality. Initial bio-physical assessment of these MPAs shows improve marine bio-diversity that leads to increase fish catch.

Part of enhancing the biodiversity of the MPAs, the municipality fabricated and installed Artificial Coral Reef in four (4) marine protected areas funded by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources amounting to PhP 300,000.00.

Protection of Municipal Waters was sustained by seaborne patrolling and surveillance through the operations of Coastal Law Enforcement Action Network (CLEAN).

Professionalizing the boat services in ferrying tourists to Mantigue Island from barangay San Roque and vice versa is on top of our priority with the Mantigue Island Motorboat Association (MAMSA) as service provider. Together with their Assistant Boatmen and the Eco-Paddlers and Tour Guides of Taguines Lagoon Aqua-Sports and Recreational Facility, we capacitate them with skills on tour guiding, frontline service and customer’s handling for clients satisfaction. For CY 2012, MAMSA recorded 3,432 trips servicing 15,581 passengers with an increase of 21.92% and 15.56% increase over CY 2011 figures.

Thanks to the personnel of Municipal Agriculture Office and the Camiguin Coastal Resource Management Project for these initiative.

Local Government Excellence, Livelihood and Local Economy

To excel on good governance, the municipality strictly adheres to the Full Disclosure of Local Budget and Finances, and Bids and Public Offerings by posting these documents in publicly accessible places and in the web-based view called portal.

Parallel to our adherence to the Full Disclosure Policy, we strengthened transparency, sound internal control and credibility to all financial transactions through examination and review of receipts and disbursements, internal audit function, recording completeness and availability of accounting information when needed. In addition, Citizen’s Charter is in full effect as well as the conduct of periodic monitoring of Anti-Red Tape Law.  

The able officials and regular employees of the local government were compensated with the full implementation of the Four Tranches Monthly Salary Standardization of Local Personnel with the last tranche implemented this year. Same goes with the municipality’s job-order workers receiving escalated compensation now receiving a daily wage of 270.00 pesos.

Preparation of Annual Budget is within the budgeting calendar from the preparation, authorization, execution and accountability phases of the budget and duly approved by the Local Sanggunian and declared operational by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

Recognition goes to the offices of Municipal Local Government Operation, Municipal Accountant, Municipal Budget Office, Human Resource & Management and Planning & Development.

Let me share with you the comparative statistics on the Revenue Generation Performance when I assumed office in 2007 during my first term up to CY 2012 level. Real Property Tax collection in CY 2007 amounted to PhP 931,330.98 while in CY 2012 amounted to PhP 1,661,597.08 or up by 178%. Business Taxes in CY 2007 is PhP 625,943.74 while in CY 2012 amounted to PhP 1,190,915.62 or 190%. Collection of Fees and Charges, from CY 2007 amounting to PhP 1,520,509.83 decreased to PhP 1,118,417.64 in CY 2012 when LGU Mahinog turned over the operation of Benoni Port to the Philippine Ports Authority.

Innovative enough, we overcame it through establishment of tourism projects and recorded a whooping increase of income from PhP 193,334.87 in CY 2007 to PhP 1,965,788.32 in CY 2012 or 10 times in six year period.   

Increase of collection was made possible with the updating of the revenue code, general revision of real properties and expansion of operation of economic enterprise mainly the tourism projects. 

My gratitude to the men and women of the Treasury and Assessors offices.

Infrastructure pursued comprises of the completion of 1.7 million peso Restaurant at Queobe Eco Park and Construction of Drainage Canal in Quezon Street amounting to PhP 315,000.00.

We started filling up the proposed Public Transpo Terminal in barangay Benoni and the Jump off Point to Mantigue Island in barangay San Roque. Almost all municipal roads are concreted with funds courtesy of the late Congressman PPR and Gov JJ.

Thank you so much for your unending support although we will always need your backing especially of Congressman XJ.

Senators Migs Zubiri and Chiz Escudero shared their PDAF for the Improvement of Mahinog National High School Building and Improvement/Rehabilitation of Mahinog Public Market and Comfort Room shelling out PhP 500,000.00 each.

Thank you so much gentlemen senators and the Municipal Engineering Office who manned the implementation of these infra projects.

Environmental Care and Eco-Tourism

The municipality together with the barangays, different organizations, volunteers and students regularly conducts coastal clean-up and tree planting particularly in Mantigue Island and mangrove areas in Queobe, San Miguel and San Roque. Species planted include bakhaw propagules, betaug and coco dwarf in Mantigue Island.

As part of our efforts to protect the environment, vital component on environment sector, disaster risk reduction and climate change were embraced in the updated Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP). Mahinog leads the other municipalities in the province in updating the CLUP being adopted by the Sangguniang Bayan of Mahinog last February 15, 2013 and endorsed to the Provincial Land Use Committee (PLUC) for review and then for approval by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Camiguin.

As concrete example to take care of our environment, we facilitated the relocation of our friends living in Mantigue Island and Queobe mangrove area. Thank you so much for the families who understand. Our action was vindicated when the honourable magistrate of Mahinog MCTC ruled last December 7, 2012 in favour to LGU Mahinog against those who refuse to leave Mantigue Island.

To lessen IRA dependency, Mahinog Business Development Office (MBDO) was commissioned as economic enterprise of LGU Mahinog operating the municipality’s tourism projects. MBDO banks its operation to generate income from Mantigue Island Nature Park (MINAP) and Queobe Eco Park and Training Center. MBDOs total revenue for CY 2012 amounted to PhP 2,072,545.00 with MINAP generating PhP 1,603,272.00 or 77.36% mostly coming from store operation, environmental fees, and rentals of facilities and gadgets such as glass boat, snorkel, picnic shed, among others. Of the amount Queobe Eco Park contributed PhP 469,273.00 or 22.64% whose income derived from restaurant and training center operation, catering and agricultural products.

MBDO employed 18 individuals for MINAP and 13 persons for Queobe bringing a total of 31 individuals employed aside from hiring personnel on-call during holidays and peak season. As to number of visitors in Mantigue Island, 19,700 visited the place with local tourists account to 17,166 or 87.14% and the remaining 2,534 individuals or 12.86% are foreign tourists. The 19,700 arrivals is 114% higher compared to 17,263 arrivals in CY 2011.  

This year will be a banner year for MBDO with the figures seems to be favourable in the first 5 months of operation. Queobe Eco Park leads with income amounting to PhP 490,386.00 compared to CY 2012 income of PhP 469,273.00 or 104% above the target while MINAP accomplished 65% with PhP 1,040,102.00 income compared to CY 2012 income of PhP 1,603,272.00. So far MBDOs accomplishment is pegged at 74% with a total income of PhP 1,530,488.00 compared to last year’s PhP 2,072,545.00 to think that figures considered covers only five months, January to May 2013.

Just this summer, MBDO's newest baby, the Taguines Lagoon Aqua Sports Facility opens and will have its share of contribution to the revenue generation efforts of Mahinog LGU. For the period March to May operation, total income derived amounted to PhP 55,888.00 with our fisher folks from Benoni taking a pie which is the main aim of the project providing them alternative livelihood.  

Kudos for the job well done by Team MBDO. Thank you CCRMP & New Zealand Government.

eXpress Delivery of Basic Services for Social, Health and Security of the People

Social service providers focus their efforts in implementing the 4Ps program with 784 beneficiaries with amount involving 2 million pesos and 56 families benefited from the AICS and Death Aid financial assistance. 112 elderly benefitted from the Social Pension Program amounting to PhP 672,000.00 aside from provision of 157 OSCA and 112 PWD identification cards. Our children were not left behind being recipient of supplemental feeding aside from sustaining the operation of the 14 Day Care Centers.   

The Municipal Health Office attained zero mortality rates on infant and maternal, 100% cure rate on national tuberculosis program, 100% Vitamin A supplementation and deworming under the Garantisadong Pambata Program.

To house our medical workers and better facility to render medical services, the 3 million pesos Lying-In Facility funded under the Health Facility Enhancement Program of DOH, will be turned over anytime next month ready to cater Maternal Care Package for Philhealth members.

Expected to be delivered in the coming weeks is a new ambulance facilitated/funded by the Provincial Government and Department of Health. Thank you Gov JJ.

For our youth, an education package now known as Local Education Assistance Program or LEAP assisted 491 individuals since 2008 with 407 considered non-graduates and 84 youths graduated. During summer period, jobs were offered under the SPES program and Extended Government Internship Program (E-GIP).

Thank you social sector group – workforces of MSWDO, MHO, SB Committee on Education and my staff from Mayor’s Office.

The vanguard on security, the Philippine National Police and the Bureau of Fire Protection, are hands on in securing the constituents in times of emergency. In fact they extended their services during the flash flood in barangay San Roque caused by Habagat on July 26, 2012 with their personnel together with volunteers of Mahinog Response 143/MDRRMC conducted rescue operation.

Securing our people is must. The municipality refurbish the communication center operated by Mahinog Response 143, acquired one (1) unit dumptruck, and purchased rescue paraphernalia’s to be used during disaster. Construction of MDRRMC Office is on-going.

The successful conduct of People’s Day bringing the services at the doorstep of the people by touring the 13 barangays in Mahinog together with the service providers, the local and national departments, and injecting the Citizen’s Charter, highlighted the caption eXpress Delivery of Services to the people.

My appreciation to PNP Mahinog, BFP Mahinog, Mahinog Response 143, MLGOO and the MDRRMC.

Legislative Services

The Sangguniang Bayan under the leadership of our Vice Mayor, the Honorable Rogerio C . Acle is always cooperative and supportive to the Local Chief Executive in the development and promotion of good governance towards improving living conditions of our people.

From the period 2010 up to present, the Sangguniang Bayan (18^th Municipal Council) has enacted thirty one (31) Municipal Ordinances which includes Marine Sanctuary Ordinances, Lex’s Clean Ordinance, An Ordinance Exercising Eminent Domain over the Acquisition of Lot for MNHS 2, Anti-Noise Ordinance, Manpower Skills Registration Ordinance, Business Processing and Licensing (BPLS) Ordinance and Watershed Protection Ordinance, all of which provide intense impact for the betterment of the community.

Aside from their legislative obligations, it is noteworthy to state that the Sangguniang Bayan members gave voluntary financial support to people in need. Their efforts demonstrated a character of goodwill which promotes true public service.

This year is a significant episode for the Sangguniang Bayan as they passed two landmark legislations. These are the ordinance providing for an Ecological Solid Waste Management Program of the Municipality of Mahinog that will ensure the protection of public health and environment of our Municipality and the Comprehensive Zoning Ordinance of the Municipality of Mahinog that will guide, control and regulate future growth and development of the Municipality.

In addition, the 18^th Municipal Council has approved and passed three hundred ninety three (393) functional resolutions that are necessary in the advancement of the well-being and enrichment of the living standard of every family in the municipality.

In the performance of their basic duties, the Sangguniang Bayan completed One Hundred Twenty One (121) Regular Sessions and conducted Fifty Seven (57) Committee Meetings and three (3) Special Sessions for scrutinizing significant issues in the municipality.

As benchmark of the exemplified quality of services and hard work we rendered to all Mahinognons, we have received the following awards: 

Seal of Good Housekeeping for CY 2011 looking forward for the same award this year, the SGH for CY 2012;

For the legislative body, 2010 Most Outstanding Sangguniang Bayan in Region X for 4^th to 6^th Class Municipalities (Local Legislative Award) of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Philippine Councilors League (PCL);

First Runner Up 2012 Most Outstanding Sangguniang Bayan in Region X for 4^th to 6^th Class Municipalities;

Regional Winner and National Nominee – Gawad “Kalasag” Search for Excellence in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management and Humanitarian Assistance 2012 – Best Local Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council – 4^th to 6^th Class Municipality;

Top Performer on Real Property Tax and Economic Enterprise for CY 2010 Revenue Generation Program given by Department of Finance Region X;

2012 Most Outstanding Bulawanong Barangay Development Program Municipal Committee;

2012 Best Faith Achiever;

National Awardee for Orally Fit Child (Day Care Category) Benoni Day Care Center given by DOH in February 2012;

 Regional Awardee for Exceptional Accomplishment for Attaining 100% Result in the First Round of the Internal Rapid Coverage Assessment for All Barangays in CY 2011;

Accorded with CRM Certification Levels 1 & 2 by the DENR Region X;

Champion, Provincial Fire Olympics Competition (CYs 2012 & 2013) during BFP Day Celebration.

This representation is recipient of the following awards:

Exemplary Public Service Award as Most Outstanding Municipal Mayor and Advocate of Good Government and Exemplary Public Servant of the Philippines CYs 2011 and 2012 given by the Press Media Affair Center;

Regional Awardee for Police Community Relation CY 2012 given by Philippine National Police Region X;

Regional Awardee for Active Support and Cooperation to the BFP (CYs 2011 & 2012) given by the Bureau of Fire Protection Region X.

Manifesting our beauty, skills and creativity, not only in public services that LGU Mahinog excelled considering the following achievements as facilitated by the Municipal Tourism prime movers:

Miss Buahanan 2011 – Ms. Charmaine R. Soldevilla

Champion – Tableau Competition Lanzones Festival (4-time winner CYs 2009 to 2012)

Champion – Street Dancing Competition Lanzones Festival (2-time winner CYs 2011 & 2012

Champion – Music Showdown Lanzones Festival (2-time winner CYs 2011 & 2012)

Champion – Diwata Showdown (CY 2011)

Champion – Battle of the Heads (CY 2012)

Champion – Battle of Singing Champions (CY 2012) Ms. Jonita Sanchez

Champion – Singing Ambassador (CY 2012) Mr. Alejandro Rayon 

And the long list of awards in cooking, dancing, sports and Inter-Barangay Kalanrakas sa Kabataan in CY 2012.  

Truly, MAHINOG, the home of Champions.

However despite these achievements, we still have a lot of things to do. We want our Lying-In Facility accredited; the MCR Office as Serbilis Outlet using Batch Request Entry System (BREQS); Special Rescue Unit group created; Auction Sale of Unusable Items; the Development of Katunggan Park, Public Transpo Terminal in Benoni and the Jump Off Point to Mantigue Island in San Roque and the enhancement of facilities of existing tourism projects.

For poverty alleviation, on hand are the programs and projects identified under the CYs 2013 and 2014 Local Poverty Reduction Action Plan – Bottoms Up Budgetting.      

These are some of the programs and projects we will pursue in my third and last term to be packaged again under my name, A.L.E.X. 3 Development Agenda.

The continued harmonious efforts and unified action of our team, Gov JJ, Congressman XJ, SB members headed by Vice Mayor Roger and of course all Mahinognons, I am optimistic our effort to meet basic services and delivering tangible results that improve people’s lives and remain deeply committed to advancing Mahinog to new heights and a better place to live is not farfetched.

God Bless Mahinog! Lungsod Ko, Garbo Ko, Mahal Ko!

Maayong Buntag sa tanan.

Mahinog thanks Japan for flood control projects

(Mayor Alex R. Jajalla delivering his welcome remarks at the inauguration ceremony)

MAHINOG, Camiguin, January 9, 2012– Town mayor Alex R. Jajalla expressed gratitude to the Japan government for the construction of P568-million worth of flood control projects at the inauguration ceremony here in barangay Pontod on Satuday.

“On behalf of the municipal government and the people of Mahinog, I wish to convey our endless gratitude to the Japanese government through Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) represented today by His Excellency Akio Isomata, Minister for Economic Affairs, Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, for extending its assistance in the completion of two Sabo dams and reconstruction of heavily damaged bridge that would help save lives and property particularly in the Municipality of Mahinog," the local chief executive said.

(The Embassy of Japan’s Minister for Economic Affairs, Mr. Akio Isomata delivering his remarks at the inauguration ceremony)

It can be recalled that Camiguin was hit by massive flash flood triggered by typhoon “Nanang” in 2001 that left untold death and destruction in various parts of the island province. The hardest hit was barangay Hubangon in the municipality of Mahinog.

Jajalla said with traumatic experiences after the flood, people were afraid every time it rains hard.

“The mere thought of knowing a tropical storm is coming, sends shivers down the spines of many people, especially in barangay Hubangon, the hardest hit during Nanang.”

“We were too scared every moment it rains very hard. We felt insecure and nervous, fearing the worst flood was to hit again,” Jajalla said.

He said after the project was in place, people can now sleep very well.

“Now with the huge Sabo dam in place, people will now feel safe and assured of safety as we will no longer fear being hit by flood as we know this dam is designed to control flooding, or lessen flood damage in low lying areas,” the mayor added.

(Upper Sabo dam site at Pontod, Mahinog, Camiguin)

Jajalla also acknowledged Governor Jurdin Jesus M. Romualdo and Congressman Pedro P. Romualdo for giving their best effort from conception to completion of this important project that will play a very important role in Camiguin's economy and disaster risk reduction management campaign.

(Minister Isomata (left) receiving plaque of recognition from Camiguin Congressman Pedro P. Romualdo and Governor Jurdin Jesus M. Romualdo while DPWH Secretary Rogelio L. Singson looks on)

“This project will not only provide the community for safer living condition; it will become an asset for greater economic productivity in this beautiful island of Camiguin,” Jajalla said.

“The new bridge that we also unveil today is more than just a bridge that links the entire province. This is, indeed, a bridge to the highway of opportunity that would drive trade and commerce, trigger local economy and generate job creation in the entire province,” the mayor added.

(The Embassy of Japan’s Minister for Economic Affairs, Mr. Akio Isomata (2nd from left), assisted by DPWH Secretary Rogelio L. Singson (3rd from left), Camiguin Congressman Pedro P. Romualdo (4th from L), Camiguin Governor Jurdin Jesus M. Romualdo (5th from L) and Mahinog Mayor Alex R. Jajalla (6th from L), unveil the inaugural marker during the inauguration ceremony of the the P568-million sabo dam and bridge projects at barangay Pontod in the municipality of Mahinog recently)

Jajalla stressed though this project is a major achievement to celebrate, much work still remains to ensure that people are safe and better lives are achieved.

“After this project, more long-term and sustainable development approaches are still needed to be done,” he stressed.

“The issue on climate change must be tackled urgently, with fresh perspective, in the light of rapid climate change that led to an increase in natural disasters that hit most parts of the country this year including the massive flooding that hit Cagayan de Oro and Iligan recently.”

“We will continue to lobby developed country governments like Japan to show more urgency in dealing with climate change and continue to provide additional grant aid projects related to climate change,” he said.

The local chief executive expressed hope that JICA will return back to Camiguin for more development assistance projects that will improve the quality of life among Camiguingnons.

“His Excellency Minister Isomata, with thankful hearts, kindly convey our endless gratitude to your government and your people for making these projects possible."

"In the meantime, the people of the municipality of Mahinog will look forward to welcoming you back soon,” Jajalla concluded.

For his part, Isomata said that Japan will continue to help “in whatever way we can” to help Filipinos better prepare for natural disasters.

“This project reaffirms the continued commitment of Japan to extend cooperation in minimizing threats of disaster and we will continue to help Philippines in whatever way we can," he said.

However, he reminded the public not to become complacent with the project, but remain vigilant and prepared for disaster.

"Disaster happens when everybody is just about to forget it," he stressed.


Aside from Minister Isomata (6th from L), the inauguration was also graced by DPWH Secretary Rogelio L. Singson (5th from L), Camiguin Governor Jurdin Jesus M. Romualdo (7th from L), Camiguin Congressman Pedro P. Romualdo (4th from L), Ms. Sachido Takeda (8th from L), Senior representative of the Philippine Office of Japan International Cooperation Agency, Mahinog Mayor Alex R. Jajalla (2nd from L), among others.

Investigation into ship grounding sought

Shuttle Ferry 1

October 4, 2010 - The Municipal Council of Mahinog today called for an investigation as to why MV Shuttle ferry 1 ran aground in Benoni channel past 1 p.m. yesterday, October 3.

This after Councilor Rey Lawrence K. Tan delivered a privilege speech at this morning's session of the municipal council, calling for a legislative action to avoid repetition of yesterday's incident.

MV Shuttle Ferry 1, a roll-on roll-off passenger and cargo vessel owned by Asian Marine Transport had just left the Port of Benoni and was headed Balingoan when the incident happened, according to Councilor Tan.

"All the passengers were safe," Tan said. "All the passengers were rescued by ML Hijos," he added.

He said a sister vessel MV Shuttle Ferry 11 all the way from Balingoan towed the grounded ship back to the port of Benoni, where rolling cargoes carried on the grounded ship were to be unloaded.

Tan

He said all the passengers suffered more than inconvenience and that passengers with their rolling cargoes (vehicles) had to wait until 8 p.m. to be finally transported to port of Balingoan.

In a resolution moved by Councilor Erlindo G. Bequilla, chairman of the committee on public order and safety, seconded by Councilor Jonard B. Labadan, the council called the Maritime Industry Authority (Marina) to suspend MV Shuttle Ferry 1's operation for the meantime until the investigation is complete.

The resolution stated there is a need for Marina, the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) and Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) to conduct an investigation as to the cause of the grounding to avoid similar incident in the future, which could endanger the safety of the riding public.

The council also called on Marina and other agencies to impose sanctions necessary against shipping company to avoid repetition of the incident.

"We believe that, as a matter of standard operating procedure, MV Shuttle Ferry 1 should not be allowed to operate for the meantime until the authority determines the cause of the incident," the councilors said in a two-page resolution.

The vessel will also have to be inspected to determine its seaworthiness, if the safety management system was followed and whether or not damage was done on the environment, the resolution added.

Ships are following the International Safety Management Code to ensure safety at sea and prevent damage to the environment.

The resolution was addressed to Marianito D. Mendoza, Regional Director, Marina, Regional Office X, Phase II, Port Area, Cagayan de Oro City.

Efren B. Bollozos, Port Manager, Port Management Office, PPA, Port Area, Macabalan, Cagayan de Oro City.

Commodore Eduardo B. Gongona, Commander, Coast Guard Districts Northern Mindanao (CGDNM), Corrales Extension, Macabalan, Cagayan De Oro.

Homer Jajalla to speak at Regional Symposium on Volunteerism

July 14, 2010 – Homer R. Jajalla, Founder and Immediate Past Chair of Mahinog Response 143 will speak at the Regional Symposium on Volunteerism sponsored by the Philippine National Volunteer Service Coordinating Agency (PNVSCA) in cooperation with the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), July 15, 2010, at Pearlmont Inn, Limketkai Drive, Cagayan de Oro City.

He will speak on the topic "Mahinog Response 143: Volunteerism is Love in Motion."

Mahinog Response 143 was the 2006 Regional Qualifier and National Contestant to the Search for Outstanding Volunteers. The SOV honors volunteers and volunteer organizations for their exemplary performance and dedication to volunteer work. It is spearheaded by the PNVSCA in close coordination with the NEDA.

The symposium is part of a nationwide advocacy on volunteerism, as mandated in Republic Act (RA 9418), otherwise known as the “Volunteer Act of 2007,” institutionalizing volunteerism as a strategy for national development and international cooperation.

The forum highlights include presentations on; a) Volunteering for Rural Development: The Volunteers Act of 2007 (RA 9418), b) The National Volunteer Service Program in the Philippines, and c) Volunteering Experience in Region X, among others.

Inaugural and State of the Municipality Address of Mayor Alex R. Jajalla

Inaugural and State of the Municipality Address of

Mayor Alex R. Jajalla

Delivered at the opening of the Regular Session of the 18th Municipal Council of Mahinog

5 July 2010

Thank you. Thank you very much. Vice Mayor Rogerio C. Acle, Members of the 18th Municipal Council, Barangay Officials, Heads of Office of local and national agencies, ladies and gentlemen.

I want to begin by thanking everyone, all our leaders and supporters and my family, who in one way or another helped all the administration candidates get elected to the municipal government of our town, Mahinog.

The people of Mahinog made history in the last elections. 81-83 percent of Mahinog voters voted for Gov. JJ Romualdo and Cong. Pedro Romualdo, and the entire administration candidates had won an overwhelming mandate in the last May 10, 2010 elections.

Based on the record, Mahinog garnered the highest percentage of voter turn out for the administration candidates among the five municipalities of Camiguin.

The unprecedented result for all the administration candidates in the last election is a testament of the people's satisfaction of what we have accomplished in the last 3 years.

Thank you so very, very much.

After a hard fought and successful campaign it's now time to get to work and, more importantly, work together to achieve what our constituents sent us here to do.

So I stand before you today to deliver a state of the municipality, to propose programs and policies and how we will continue to make this happen in the next 3 years.

In 2007, during my inaugural address, we charted a new course for our municipality that will enable us to be the kind of municipality where residents take pride in their hometown, and take good care for our own town.

For that we adopted the slogan, "Mahinog, our town, our pride, we care."

I outlined the direction and agenda we would be working on. So, in 2007, we set forth a four-point plan, which I acronym as the A.L.E.X. agenda:

Agriculture and Fishery Development;

Local government excellence;

Enabling people with livelihood opportunities, and;

Xpress delivery of basic services.

We have taken steps to keep that promise.

In the area of agriculture and fishery development

Through the municipal agriculture office, we implemented the animal artificial insemination program to upgrade our local breeds and increase production for our commercial and backyard pig farmers. This program is widely adapted by our pig farmers due to its economic benefits. A total of 669 pigs were inseminated resulting to the production of 3,690 quality pigs in 2009.

We also have our animal dispersal and re-dispersal program for carabao, cattle, goat and swine. So far, over 50 beneficiaries were served for this program.

To ensure animal health and raise productivity, our municipal agriculture office conducted its animal vaccination program twice a year or as need arises. Over 4,000 animals of various kinds have been vaccinated from the period 2007-2009.

For rice production, from 106 hectares of our land being planted with rice, we produced over 2,500 metric tons of rice from 2007-2009.

In 2008, 94 farmers covering 95.5 hectares availed of our Fertilizer and Seeds Subsidy Program.

Unfortunately, in 2009, the production had declined due to heavy rains which brought much damage to our rice areas.

For other crops, there was a time that corn production went up to 50 hectares but declined due to high costs of inputs forcing farmers to shift to cassava production which would only require less capital.

Along with agriculture is coastal resource management to ensure balanced and sustainable food security for our people.

We are blessed to receive P5 million grant in aid from the New Zealand Government to rehabilitate our marine resources and alleviate the living conditions of people in our coastal communities. This project is part of the Camiguin Coastal Resource Management Program that started in 2007 up to 2012.

Thank you New Zealand Government, the Provincial Government and National Government for this financial assistance.

Through this program, we already established our own municipal coastal resource management (CRM) office and developed the capabilities of our CRM staff headed by Engr. Sospes Leo Tabuan, Engr. Benito C. Paderanga and our technical working group.

We conducted series of participatory socio economic and habitual assessments in nine (9) coastal barangays resulting in the coming up of a trend diagram and maps.

We already delineated our municipal waters and passed Municipal Ordinance No. 2008-103, an ordinance defining the boundary of the municipal waters in the municipality of Mahinog.

We have established and strengthened 4 marine and fish sanctuaries in Mantigue, San Roque, Benoni and Binaliwan, with another more in the works in Tupsan Pequeno, Catuhogan, Hubangon and San Jose.

Thank you Councilor Kaiser Abao for sponsoring the ordinance and the 17th Municipal Council headed by vice mayor Roger for supporting it.

Towards coastal resource management and climate change adaptation and mitigation, we conducted regular coastal clean up and tree planting activites in Mantigue island.

Thank you government workers, students and others concerned groups for partnering with us for this endeavor.

To minimize or stop illegal fishing activities in our municipal waters, we strengthened the Bantay Dagat operations through the creation and active support of our "Coastal Law Enforcement Action Network" or CLEAN, which resulted in the apprehension of 6 groups of fishermen for violation of our fishery ordinance.

Thank you councilor Tabamo, our CLEAN chairman, PNP, our deputized fish wardens and other volunteers for helping us in this concern.

We passed an ordinance that regulates scuba diving and related activities and collects fees for such activity.

Thank you again 17th Municipal Council for supporting it which resulted in increased revenues for Mahinog.

We organized and operationalized the "Mantigue Island Motorboat Association" or "MAMSA", who provides ferry boat services that run between San Roque and Mantigue Island. With this, we were able to improve our ferry services, regulate rates of fees and give attention to passenger's safety.

In the area of local government excellence

Working together to keep Mahinog growing means a local government that has a legacy of innovation and excellence.

We begin first on our finances. We have achieved increased revenue income and receipts for the past 3 years. From P26 million when I took office in 2007 our municipality's income reached P34 million as of December 2009.

We maintained a balanced budget. We have not cut major services. We have not raised local taxes during the past three years.

Despite decrease of our collection from Benoni port in line with the presidential directive to stop collecting fees in Benoni port to cut transport cost for the Super Region Nautical Highway, we are still able to hit our tax collection target and cover up the losses.

Our municipal treasurer Judith Baita; budget officer Apolinaria Babanto; accountant Leonardo Ucat and planning and development coordinator Ben Paderanga of the Local Finance Committee are the key contributors to this success. Sa inyong tanan, daghang salamat.

A better life in Mahinog begins with cleanliness.

During the past 3 years, we have created a model for cleanliness built on resourcefulness, cooperation, volunteerism and the concern for the environment, health and safety. In June 25, 2008, we launched "The Lex's Clean Mahinog." We implemented Municipal Ordinance No. 2007-094 otherwise known as the "Code of Cleanliness, Sanitation and Solid Waste Ordinance of the Municipality of Mahinog.

A total of 245 persons including business establishments were cited by our Sanitary Pulis (SAPUL) for committing various offenses under our cleanliness and sanitation ordinance. This includes littering, urinating and spitting in public places, absence of garbage receptacles in business establishment and vehicles, households with no toilet and septic tank, displaying of fish outside designated areas, drying of palay and washing of vehicles along the street, and illegal parking. Citation tickets were also issued to persons who smoke in public places or outside designated areas. The program resulted in the significant improvement in the people's awareness and participation towards the value of cleanliness, health and environmental protection.

One of the best ways to gauge whether Mahinog has changed in terms of cleanliness is to look around and compare Mahinog 3 to 5 years back.

Thank you vice Roger who is the action officer of Lex's Clean Mahinog. Thank also goes to councilor Valentin and councilor Tabamo for sponsoring this ordinance and the entire 17th Municipal Council for supporting it. To municipal health officer Dra Nenet, all department heads and of course to our Sanitary Inspector and Sanitary Pulis or "SAPUL" for helping me make Mahinog clean and beautiful.

To sustain this program, we will intensify the Sanitary Pulis in the next 60 days. We will also strengthen and expand the Lex's clean program in other barangays.

In my inaugural address in 2007, I called for serious attention to Mantigue island. That is to restore and preserve the once rich marine resources of this island.

First of all, we have to relocate all illegal settlers and make the island no man's land to pave the way for its total restoration. In November 2008 we launched the "Mantigue Island Burias Shoal Development Program".

As of May 2010 there are significant successes in this area. From 41 families who lived in Mantigue island, 21 families have already relocated, either to our resettlement site in Benoni or other location of their choice.

We released over P200,000 as cash assistance package to nineteen families who volunteered to relocate.

But there are still 21 families who refused to relocate until now forcing the local government to file legal actions against them. We have not changed our cards. We will not waver with our resolve to restore Mantigue and by all means prohibit permanent residence and structure in the island.

We established a nature park in Mantigue island and equipped it with amenities such as canteen, fast food, comfort rooms, picnic sheds, dive shop, security outposts, mooring boys, paddle boat with viewing glass and, forest trail, scuba diving and snorkeling facilities.

We provided livelihood opportunities to the relocatees. We organized a group of women to serve as food preparers, while other men also served as tour guides to our visitors. I am happy that these people have earned additional income and helped their families financially.

We also provided additional livelihood income to 19 motorboat operators, 19 assistant boatmen and 10 canvassers, all of them were organized by the local government unit to provide transport service for our visitors.

From January to May 2010 alone, influx of visitors to Mantigue island already posted 7,518, higher compared to 10,116 visitors for the whole year of 2009.

We already collected over P300, 000 environmental fees from visitors in Mantigue island for the period January to May this year, higher compared to only P289, 000 for the whole year of 2009. We expect to collect over P1 million by the end of 2010.

The rise of visitors in Matingue is attributed to our continuing drive to restore and protect the island’s eco system, a move that attract tourists to visit.

The coming years will also see significant additions to our recreational facilities in Mantigue like additional tourist facilities, solar energy, interpretative learning center, staff house and park office, restaurant and coffee shop, permanent terminal and docking area and stock enhancement of abalone and sea urchin.

We will also work for the declaration of Mantigue island as critical habitat for Hawksbill turtle. I will ask the 18th Municipal Council to pass a resolution for this measure.

Mantigue island is not the only area in the Municipality where we are working to develop. We have the ten-hectare Queobe Eco Park overlooking a serene Benoni lagoon. This is a rustic complex of lodging facilities also managed by our municipal development office under Doc Willy Lobido and the able park manager Luz Odchigue Babanto.

From January 2009 up to present, we already earned revenues totaling P181, 000 from this lodging facility. We are about to complete the construction of the training center and administration building. Construction of additional three (3) detached cottages are almost complete.

Thank you Doc Willy, our municipal business development officer for making this project possible. Let me also give credit to the Local Finance Committee composed of the Municipal Treasurer, Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator and the Municipal Budget Officer for implementing the program "Empowering LGU In Development Program (ELDP)" that resulted in the creation of the municipal business development office to take charge of the emerging tourism and economic enterprise of the municipality and increase our local revenue.

Still under local government excellence, the municipality's thrust to provide quality public service, and transparency has been strengthened with the launching and implementation of our own Citizen's Charter. This is our way of putting "people first," and our sincere endeavor in getting the services of the municipal government done as quickly as possible. I

once again enjoin all our local government workers to be more responsive and accountable to the people. Let's be more helpful, more courteous, more quick in performing our job.

The office of the Sangguniang Bayan, under the leadership of Vice Mayor Rogerio C. Acle, remained steadfast and supportive of the overall development agenda of the municipality. As a concrete proof, the past 17th Municipal Council was awarded as the Most Outstanding Sangguniang Bayan in Region Ten by the Department of Interior and Local Government.

To me, the award was more than a recognition of the dedication and hard work of our Sangguniang Bayan: it is a pride of the whole people of Mahinog.

Another local government excellence, Mahinog also won the tableau and street dancing competition in 2009 Camiguin Lanzones Festival.

Under the program "Enabling People with Livelihood Opportunities"

In response to poverty reduction, through the municipal social welfare office under Mrs. Merlyn Bucton, we provided livelihood assistance to poor families who demonstrate entrepreneurial aptitude and skills.

In 2007, a group of 20 poor beneficiaries from barangay Poblacion, Benoni, Hubangon and Catohugan were given cash assistance in the total amount of P40,000.00 under the Faith Gardening Project.

Likewise, a seed capital of P12,000.00 was given to eight (8) individuals from San Roque for their cook and food vending project in Mantigue island.

We also provided skills trainings for 56 women members from Poblacion, Benoni and San Roque for Meat Processing and Peanut Processing in coordination with DTI Provincial Office.

Through our initiative, a total of P621,000 livelihood assistance was also given by DOLE to various associations and individuals as follows:

San Roque Fishermen Association P295,000 for their 3 units pump boats for ferry services and fishing; Owakan Rural Improvement Club- P40,000 for their "Instant Salabat Production"; Hubangon Women's Association- P80,000 for their "Seaweeds Food Processing"; Mahinog Food Handlers Association- P70,000 for their "Native Kakanin Production."

Thank you director Allan Macaraya and public employment service office (PESO) manager Mrs. Elvera Capagngan.

We also have our Local Education Assistance Program or LEAP for the poor and deserving students. From 28 students who availed in 2007, we now have over 150 scholars who enrolled in Mahinog National High School and Tupsan National High School.

Thank you councilor Tabamo for sponsoring this measure.

Under the LEAP, we also provided books and learning materials for 14 day care centers. On youth and child care, we provided basic child care program through the Day Care Service wherein the LGU provides for the honorarium of 14 Day Care Workers. For three years, we spent P408, 00.00 for these services.

Meanwhile, the youths were organized and provided with value formation, leadership trainings as well as dressmaking and gardening through the 2009 Summer Youth Camp in Hubangon.

Express delivery of basic services

This must be one of the most important services of any agency. Social, health care, education, agricultural and the like are the basic services that are already enjoyed by the constituents of Mahinog.

Our municipal health office has provided free consultation and distributed medicines especially to persons in real need.

During the People's Day Program in 2009 alone, a total of 3,500 individuals were given free medical services which includes free consultation and medicines.

Through assistance from Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office, over 1,500 individuals availed free medicines during our People's Day Program.

Our municipal social welfare office has "AICS" or Assistance to Individual in Crises Situation and Death Aid to surviving relatives of the deceased. Over 50 families who are in dire financial need were given immediate cash assistance under the Local Special Fund.

We also provided death aid assistance to 24 families who suffered much due to loss of their loved one.

Our municipal agriculture office has distributed fertilizers and other farm inputs.

These are laudable programs that need to be sustained. Moreover, programs pertaining to livelihood that include cash assistance in the form of interest free - loans may still be granted to would be borrowers. This has already been done by the municipal social welfare office through “SEA Loan Program”. However, more strict monitoring of repayments should be made this time to ascertain the return of capital which may be availed by other or next borrowers.

We will encourage our populace to engage in agriculture or agri-based business with technology to be provided by our own technicians. But of course, problems may be encountered when harvests or productions are plenty. This is due to the absence of post harvest facility, more particularly, cold storage. Acquisition of mini storage equipment is a necessity to preserve those consumable harvests, such as fruits and vegetables. This will then minimize damages or business loss. The LGU will have this facility availed by the producers or entrepreneurs in rental basis and at affordable rate. This, in turn, will generate additional revenue for Mahinog.

Our "People’s Day Program" has to continue. This is the effective means of letting the constituents know of the program, projects and activities of the municipal government, even once a year. Through the People's Day Program, people can avail of the services offered by our municipal government right at their door steps especially the basic services – social and health care. People can also pay their taxes to the municipal treasurer without spending extra fare. Problems on real properties and assessments are being addressed by the municipal assessor's office under Mrs. Gerlita Yamit. Technologies are likewise let known or shared to the people by other agencies of government such as Department of Science and Technology as well the other services and information from SSS, NSO, DILG, DAR, DENR, TESDA and others.

Over the last year, Mahinog's Police Force has worked to improve public safety in all of our neighborhoods. Crime, disorder and drug addiction will not be tolerated and we will make sure that our streets are generally peaceful, safe and secure for everyone in Mahinog.

As we are continuing our vigorous campaign against coconut theft, I am happy that coconut owners are now able to enjoy a bountiful harvest of their coconut and earned more income. We will intensify more efforts towards this campaign.

Based on municipal ordinance, we did not allow videoki establishments to operate in residential areas beyond 10:00 in the evening, to maintain peace and tranquility in the community.

On the other hand, as part of our responsibilities for better service and protect the people, we were able to secure one unit brand new patrol car and additional one unit fire truck from the national government.

We will soon inaugurate the P4.8-million two (3)-storey sophisticated PNP building in Mahinog.

Thank you Congressman PPR, Gov. JJ for helping us able to acquire these projects and vehicles.

I wish also to thank the "Mahinog Response 143" for continuing to provide free communication, rescue and emergency care to the municipality. In recognition to their dedication and services to the community, this group has been awarded twice as Regional winner for Gawad Kalasag Award which is an award for excellence for voluntary and humanitarian assistance.

I am also working hard to create the necessary infrastructure for business growth and success of Mahinog residents and families.

Allow me to recite a few of the development projects funded by 20% development fund in 2009 that are completed or still on going:

Concreting of the access road to dumpsite; Construction of CLEAN command post in Binaliwan; Construction of multi purpose pavement in Benoni; Fabrication of citizen's charter counter;

Concreting of habal-habal terminal; Concreting of shouldering in front of Mahinog public market; Concreting of PUJ and motorela loading and unloading area; Landscaping enhancement of municipal hall ground; Completion of municipal garage;

Concreting of Benoni housing and resettlement site; Construction of 3 units detached cottages at Queobe eco park; Construction of dive shop at Mantigue island; Improvement of barangay road in Jang and Tacangon;

Improvement of Rizal Park lightings; Completion of Queobe eco park and training center; Vegetation control and excavation of drainage canal at San Isidro, Tupsan Pequeno, San Roque, Poblacion and Catuhogan.

Thank you Engr. Rico Ranara and municipal engineering office for implementing these projects.

The concreting of all our municipal streets is almost done and complete. We will continue to work with Congressman Romualdo and Governor JJ Romualdo for the total completion of all our municipal streets in the next 3 years.

I will also work with vice mayor Roger and the 18th Municipal Council to ask our congressman and governor for funding assistance for the opening of alternate roads starting at the back of Mahinog Central School going to Letican or Binaliwan to help decongest traffic during festivity and big events in the town center and accelerate business growth in the whole municipality.

For our personnel workforce, we implemented 3 sets of salary increases during my first term. The first was 10% increase that took effect in July 2007, the second, again 10%, in 2008. The third increase took effect January of the current year, to implement the first trance of salary increase pursuant to the salary standardization law or Republic Act 6858.

Through this law, we will assure all our local government workers that you will continue to receive salary increases every year… until 2013.

For our casual and contractual employees, when I took office in July 1, 2007, we were able to increase their daily wage rate from P170.00 to P190.00. In 2009, we increased it again from P190.00 to P210.00, and again starting this year we have implemented another salary hike from P210.00 to P218.00.

I have outlined my program for Mahinog over the last three years and allow me to lay them before you once again.

This, again, will be packaged under my name ALEX. Since this is my second term I want to call it A-L-E-X 2.

A is Agriculture and fishery development

L is Local government excellence, livelihood and local economy

E is Environmental care and Eco-tourism

X is eXpress delivery of basic services for social, health and security of the people.

In the next 30 days, I shall call for the holding of a Strategic Planning and Visioning Workshop. The results of this workshop will determine the courses of action this administration will take in the coming months and years under the A.L.E.X 2 Agenda.

As I have been thinking for the future of Mahinog, I have been reminded to one of my favorite quotes from Henry Ford:

“Coming together is a beginning; Keeping together is progress; Working together is success.”

I look forward to many successes in the next 3 years. Thank you. God bless you.

God bless the Municipality of Mahinog.