Mahinog lauds local police for outstanding achievements

Mahinog Police Station 

THE Municipal Council of Mahinog recently commended the municipal police station for their unrelenting efforts in making sure that the municipality is a very safe place to live.

The award was given to members of the Mahinog Police Station after the flag raising ceremony on Monday. 

Authored by Hon. Erlindo G. Bequilla, chairman of the committee on peace and order, fire and public safety, the resolution was signed by Vice Mayor Rogerio C. Acle and approved by Mayor Alex R. Jajalla.

Police Inspector Lemuel S. Sabanal

“Through the relentless efforts of the Mahinog Police Station under Police Inspector Lemuel S. Sabanal, Chief of Police, the peace and order situation of the whole municipality remains undisturbed, peaceful, safe to live and do business,” the resolution states.

The MPS has been active in their police community relations activities which include earthquake drill, random check points, law enforcement enhancement seminars, barangay peace action team trainings, symposium regarding child related laws, illegal drugs and illegal gambling, including tree planting activities, and feeding program.

Through heightened police visibility, a handful of crime incidents were only recorded.

“Maximum police visibility was observed through the beat patrol system which aims to deter criminality within the municipality,” the resolution states.

“Crime incidents were constrained at the lowest level due to the crime prevention efforts undertaken by the said police station with the participation of the local government unit, other government agencies and the community in the campaign against criminality,” the resolution notes.

“The accomplishment of Mahinog Police Station under Police Inspector Lemuel S. Sabanal is another proof that the police is doing their best to ensure the safety and protection of the residents,” the resolution states.

“This recognition of the exemplary performance of Mahinog Police Station under Police Inspector Lemuel S. Sabanal, Chief of Police will surely uplift the morale of the personnel of the said police station,” the members of the municipal council said.

President Aquino signs into law Mahinog National High School II

PRESIDENT Benigno Aquino III has signed into law a bill establishing a national high school in barangay Poblacion in the municipality of Mahinog, province of Camiguin to be known as Mahinog National High School II.

Camiguin Congressman Pedro P. Romualdo, the principal author of the new law, said the Chief Executive has inked Republic Act 10234 or Mahinog National High School II law last October 29, 2012.

He said the new law responds to the clamor from parents and community leaders to provide free public secondary education to our young students in Mahinog and in the peripheral barangays of Guinsiliban as well as Mambajao.

RA 10234 shall take effect 15 days after its publication in any newspaper of general circulation. The new law is already posted in the Official Gazette. http://www.gov.ph/2012/10/29/republic-act-no-10234/

Earlier, the Municipal Council of Mahinog passed Municipal Ordinance No. 2011-136 to acquire or whenever necessary expropriate the private properties owned by Grace & Josefina C. Kempis, Luz Densing and Prudencia Vivares all located in Poblacion to be used as school site for the proposed Mahinog National High School II.

Under the new law, the Secretary of the Department of Education was directed to include in the Department's program the operationalization of the Mahinog National High School II and the funding of which shall be included in the annual General Appropriations Act.

Mahinog declares award-winning choreographer as adopted son

Harold B. Antallan

MAHINOG, Camiguin – Award winning choreographer Harold Beldas Antallan is now an adopted son of the municipality of Mahinog in the Province of Camiguin.

This was after the Municipal Council of Mahinog unanimously approved on Monday a resolution declaring the Lanzones Festival acclaimed choreographer from Surigao City as an adopted son of Mahinog.

The resolution which was authored by Councilor Rey Lawrence K. Tan was attested by Vice Mayor Rogerio C. Acle and approved by Mayor Alex R. Jajalla.

The move was in recognition of Antallan’s achievement for bringing the municipality of Mahinog to four champion titles and hall of Famer of Camiguin Lanzones Festival.

“For the fame and honor he brought to the municipality as trainor and choreographer to our contingents, he deserved to be declared an adopted son of the municipality,” the resolution said.

“The Municipality is very grateful for the services he extended as a choreographer of Mahinog for five years since 2008 up to the present and during these years that he trained our contingent we always won in the Lanzones Festival,” the resolution noted.

“He has made every Mahinognon really proud and happy,” the resolution added.

“Mahinog being a fourth time champion is a feat achieved by no other in the province in the 33 years of Lanzones Festival,” the resolution noted.

“Winning the Lanzones Festival this year is again the confirmation of what Mahinog is known for, the home of the champions and town of the best people,” the resolution noted.

“Giving his unwavering dedication, profound and high regard to the municipality, behooves upon us to adopt Harold Antillan as beloved son of the municipality of Mahinog,” the resolution said.

Antallan, blessed with creativity and talent, also won multiple championship titles in Paladong Festival in Hinatuan in Surigao del Norte 7^th times and in Sinulog sa Dapa in the municipality of Dapa in Surigao del Norte 5^th times.

Before he became choreographer of Mahinog in 2008, Antallan was the dance master of another Surigaonon choreographer Randel B. Ruaya when Fatima College of Camiguin dancers represented the province of Camiguin in the famed Sinulog Festival in 2006 and brought home the championship title in the free interpretation category.

Antallan, as choreographer, also became the grand prize winner for his contingents he handled in other major dance festivals like Bonok-Bonok Festival in Surigao City, Sangyaw in Tacloban, Kahimunan in Butuan City, Serong Festival in Dinagat Province, Lukaylukay Festival in Burgos, Surigao del Norte, Bakhaw Festival in del Carmen, Surigao del Norte, and many others.

In 2011 he also choreographed the Camiguin Cultural Group to the Pasundayag Northern Mindanao “Power 10” at Mall of Asia, Pasay City organized by the Department of Tourism.

Antallan finished his Bachelor of Science in Commerce major in Management and Bachelor of Science in Secondary Education at Northeastern Mindanao Colleges (Nemco), Surigao City.

Born and raised in Libuac, a barangay in Surigao City, Harold is the eight of nine children, whose family runs a fishing boat venture in their place.

In 2002 after a brief stint as high school teacher in Nemco, Harold focused on choreography. He quickly gained popularity after a contingent that he choreographed in “Banuahon Festival” in Mat-i, Surigao City won the grand prize.

“Before sa Mat-i daghan nakoy nadag-an wala lang nako na dumduman unsa to nga mga festival kay at that time nag focus paman ko sa pag skuyla,” Harold recalled.

He said he started doing choreography in 1997 when he was in college and the first contingent that he handled was his birthplace barangay Libuac in Bonokbonok Festival barangayanon category which was awarded second place, best in costume and street dancing.

With such a jump in popularity, a blogsite for Bonokbonok Marajaw Karajaw Festival described Harold Antallan as “one of Surigao's main weapon in the field of dance festival.” 
http://bonokbonokfestival.blogspot.com/2009/07/harold-antallan-next-val-lusada.html

“Murag kulba kaayo sa ako nga part kay main weapon man jud diay ko (laugh), Harold replied when asked about how did he feel being described as “Surigao’s main weapon in the field of dance festival”. 

“In short naka salalay sa ako ang mga umaabot nga kadungganan sa amo syudad in the field of arts, in my part as long as maayo pa ang lawas ug daghan pa mga maayo nga mga idea mo flash sa ako mind padayon pa gihapon ang pag hatag dungog sa ako syudad with God’s guidance,” Harold added.

Considered also as a “trend setter of festival” in Mindanao and Surigao, he said he worked under pressure just to live up to others expectations.

“Pressured sa ako part nga ang mga Surigaonon nag expect nga pag uli namo sa Surigao, we can bring home the bacon and that’s my promise to my beloved Surigaonon that we strive to bring pride and fame to our beloved city,” Harold said.

“Every year mag biyahe me paingun sa Camiguin start me sa alas dos sa kadlawon, since my house is around the city proper muagi jud me sa tunga sa syudad going to bus terminal, tulog pa tanan Surigaonon makig storya ko sa Surigao sa hunahuna nga ako e promise nga magdala me pag uli sa trophy usahay maka cry ko sa hilom while nag hunahuna,” Harold added.

Asked what is his technique of being an award-winning choreographer, Harold answered most of the important things are unity, hard work, dedication and Christ centered contingent.

He added time management is also an important thing because we have target dates to be accomplished.

“One week before the final finished na tanan… 3 am nako mag sleep while on the period of mounting the choreography para maka plan unsa napud ako e apply for the next rehearsal. Just like a teacher mag lesson plan gyud,” Harold explained.

Asked being a 4th time champion what it did for him and for the municipality as well, Harold answered:

“Speaking on a personal note, winning is always a sweet achievement and great source of pride,” he said.

“I guess same goes for the town of Mahinog, for CSMPHS and the students,” he added. He said it is because he believes that that for the past four years “our collective efforts, hard work and determination have fostered discipline, unity and friendship among all sectors involved, the local officials, the school, the community, and the trainors alike."

Antallan said Mahinog is already his second home not only because of the good response of the participants to him but also the warm support of all Mahinognons.

Harold Antallan is working with the following production assistants: Assistant Choreographer - Cyril Biasong; Dance Masters - Jayson Villarante, Lester Culdora, Jackpol Casinillo, Gino Sagrado; Musical Director - Jaymar Villarosa; Assistant Musical Director -  Dondick Taliman and Benjie Seraspe; Liaison Officer - Vergelio P Dy; Writer -  Junnar "Ybong" Garrido; Make Up Artist- Mutya Caballes.

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.

Camiguin’s first zipline set to rise in Mahinog

Site development plan for the zipline project in Benoni Lagoon

in the town of Mahinog, Camiguin

Mahinog, Camiguin – J and A Fishpen and Restaurant announced it will open a three-lane zipline this coming December in Benoni Lagoon here.

This was learned from Apolinario B. Alambatin of J and A Fishpen and Restaurant during a project presentation at the Municipal Council Session presided over by Vice Mayor Rogerio C. Acle this morning Sept. 19, 2011.

Alambatin said this will be the first zipline in the island province of Camiguin and this can be found in municipality of Mahinog.

The zipline has a distance of more than 700 meters from station 1 to station 2 that will cross over a lagoon, the first zipline in the region across a body of water, which makes the ride even more exciting.

An additional 360-meter zipline is also being eyed in same area.

Meanwhile, the municipal council here passed a resolution endorsing this project seen to boost tourism industry in the island province of Camiguin especially in the town of Mahinog.

Mahinog holds public hearing on proposed new revenue code

THE Sangguniang Bayan (SB) Committee on Ways and Means is fast tracking the passage of the proposed Municipal Revenue Code of Mahinog in a bid to update the existing tax code which was last passed in 1992.

Yesterday, a public hearing attended by more than 200 participants representing various sectors was conducted at the municipal gymnasium to gather public input on the proposed revenue measures which are needed to spur local growth.

Councilor Jonard B. Labadan (above photo), SB Ways and Means Committee Chairman, stressed the need to pass a new revenue measures because it has already been almost twenty years already that the municipality is operating with the old one.

“In 1992, we are the first municipality in Camiguin that was able to come up with a model revenue code, and now we are left behind because we are the only municipality in the province to have been unable to update it,” Labadan told participants at the hearing.

He added Mahinognons are still fortunate because for almost 20 years fees and charges in Mahinog have remained unchanged and are even considered minimal compared to other local government units in Camiguin.

At the public hearing, municipal treasurer Judith P. Baita (above photo) presented the salient provisions of the proposed Revenue Code of the Municipality of Mahinog.

Baita said the proposed revision includes ten percent (10%) increases of the rates in the existing 1992 revenue code as allowed by Republic Act 7160 otherwise known as The Local Government Code of 1991.

Under the code, local government units are authorized to adjust their tax rates once every five (5) years but such adjustment should not exceed ten percent (10%) of the rates fixed under the code.

Baita stressed it has been 3 times, or more than 15 years, that LGU chose not to take the opportunity to adjust its tax rates, then it is high time now “to awake from long sleep” and pass a new revenue code in order to keep pace with the changing times.

Dr. Perla J. Garot, a participant from the business sector, said tax amendments are appropriate as long as the money is spent properly and it is also important that during the public hearings taxpayers should be made to understand how tax money is used.

Mayor Alex R. Jajalla, in a statement, said the new revenue measures is needed to finance more developmental projects as he assured that every centavo of money collected form local taxes will be judiciously used for the purpose it was collected.

Municipal Council of Mahinog adopts its own official seal

THE Municipal Council of Mahinog today approved its own official seal that carries the local legislative body’s mission and objective as an institution.

In an ordinance authored by Vice Mayor Rogerio C. Acle, the seal represents the authority of the Sangguniang Bayan as the law making body of the municipality and is used to authenticate its own official documents.

The official seal of the Municipal Council (Sangguniang Bayan) of Mahinog and its meaning:

The perimeter of the seal contains the words "SANGGUNIANG BAYAN" and "MAHINOG, CAMIGUIN”. The YELLOW in the background symbolizes Sunshine.

THE THIRTEEN (13) STARS represent the thirteen barangays that constitute the demographic profile of the municipality of Mahinog.

THE SUN stands for a brighter day and our burning desire to build a better town for the present and for future generations.

THE GAVEL depicts the proper order and decorum in the session hall and the authority of the Sangguniang Bayan as the law making body of the municipality.

THE MEN, THE ROSTRUM, AND THE MICROPHONE stand as a symbol of open discussion and free communication of ideas towards building a better Mahinog. The gesture of raised hands stands for “Victory” in line with the Council’s motto “Talk less, act more”. It also stands for unity of purpose in which we agree to remain united despite our differences of opinion.

THE BOOK is a symbol where ordinances and resolutions passed by the Municipal Council are written to promote the welfare of its inhabitants. It is this body of written law upon which the rule of law, not the rule of men, rests.

1948 is the year the municipality of Mahinog was founded and the first municipal council was convened on July 1, 1948.

Municipal Council approves new raffle ordinance

Konsehal Rey Lawrence K. Tan

Mahinog, Camiguin - THE Municipal Council here approved on Monday an ordinance that would regulate the operation of raffle in the municipality.

Under the new measure authored by Councilor Rey Lawrence K. Tan, raffle may be conducted only by a charitable and public welfare organization.

Accordingly, this ordinance would now restrict private individual from holding raffle in the municipality.

Tan said this ordinance came after a bungled raffle in the municipality that victimized a number of people who purchased raffle tickets, but there were no winners. The said raffle was conducted by a private person.

Tan stressed a raffle regulation was needed to safeguard the people against scam.

R.A. 7160 otherwise known as the Local Government Code of 1991 gives the city and municipal mayors authority to regulate the holding of activities for charitable and welfare purposes within their respective jurisdiction. Such activities may be in the form of benefit shows or dances, bingo socials for charity, raffle draws and similar activities.

The new ordinance makes it unlawful to conduct or operate a raffle in the municipality unless said raffle has been covered by a permit issued by the Municipal Mayor.

The ordinance further provides that raffle permit shall be issued only to organizations that operate without profit to their members.

The ordinance imposes a fine from a minimum of P500 to a maximum of P1,500 or imprisonment of not more than twenty days or both.

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.

Business operating without permit could face fine and confiscation

Vice Mayor Rogerio C. Acle, Presiding Officer, 18th Municipal Council of Mahinog

AN ORDINANCE introduced by Vice Mayor Rogerio C. Acle was finally approved by the Municipal Council of Mahinog to penalize businessmen who operate their enterprise without the necessary business permit.

The measure will be transmitted to the Office of the Municipal Mayor for approval.

The penalty ranges from a fine of P1,000.00, confiscation of goods to closure.

Under the said ordinance, a business license issued by the municipal mayor is required before any person can operate their business activity.

For existing business establishments, they must secure such permit not later than January 31 each year.

Failure to secure the permit within the prescribed period, a penalty of P1,000.00 shall be imposed.

Any business that continues to operate without Mayor’s Permit and without paying the fines imposed in the ordinance shall be ordered closed by the Municipal Mayor.

If the operator still disregards the closure order, the Mayor shall issue an order to the Chief of the Local PNP to seize or confiscate any goods or instruments used in the said business establishment.

The local PNP that will seize or confiscate the said business establishment shall be assisted by two Barangay Council members. In the absence of the two barangay officials, two members of the Barangay Tanods in that particular barangay shall assist the local PNP.

The local PNP members who seize or confiscate the said instruments shall record in the Police Blotter Book the particulars of the seizure/confiscation and the two Barangay Officials or the two Barangay Tanods shall sign the page of the Police Blotter Book in which the particulars thereof were written.

The seized/confiscated instruments shall be deposited for safe keeping at the Office of the Local PNP.

The operator has the right to repossess his/her seized/confiscated items or instruments upon payment of the prescribed penalties within the period of six (6) months from the date of confiscation.

The Mayor shall dispose the unclaimed seized/ confiscated items or instruments after six (6) months from seizure thru auction to be facilitated by the Office of the Municipal Treasurer and the proceeds shall accrue to the general fund of the municipality.

The purpose of the ordinance was to crack down on unlicensed business establishments and at the same time maximize local sources of revenues for the municipality.

The explanatory note to the ordinance says unlicensed business establishments poses undue competition to those establishments which has complete business requirements and are religiously paying their taxes.

Notice of Public Hearing

A CONTINUATION OF PUBLIC HEARING will be held by the Committee on Transportation of the Sangguniang Bayan of Mahinog on a proposed Ordinance introduced by Hon. Erlindo G. Bequilla requiring Single Motorcycle for Hire (Habal-Habal) to operate in the municipality of Mahinog to be covered with insurance good for at least two (2) passengers in addition to the driver and the unit.

This public hearing will be held on Thursday, July 14, 2011 starting at 9:00 am at the Sangguniang Bayan Session hall.

You and all interested persons are invited to attend this hearing and provide written and/or oral comments and ask questions concerning the proposed ordinance.

Your presence will be highly appreciated in aid of legislation.

Very truly yours,

REY LAWRENCE K. TAN

Chairman, Committee on Transportation

Approved:

ROGERIO C. ACLE

Municipal Vice Mayor/Presiding Officer

Municipal Council to hold public hearing on motorela fare hike

Councilor Rey Lawrence K. Tan

A public hearing will be held by the Committee on Transportation of the Sangguniang Bayan of Mahinog on a proposed motorela fare increase filed by the Mahinog Motorela Operators and Drivers Association (MMODA).

The committee is chaired by Councilor Rey Lawrence K. Tan.

In their petition, the petitioner MMODA alleged:

The price of petroleum products continue to increase.

The existing fare rate/matrix was approved in 2008 when the premium gasoline was still P45.00 per liter.

Today the price of premium gasoline is P61.00 per liter more or less.

The continuing increase of oil price greatly affects the income of drivers and can no longer suffice their family's needs.

This public hearing will be held on Wednesday, April 13, 2011 which will begin at 9:00 am at the Sangguniang Bayan session hall.

According to Tan, all interested persons are invited to attend this hearing and provide written and/or oral comments and ask questions concerning the fare increase.

New bridge to open, to be named after JICA

MAHINOG, Camiguin - IN a few days, motorists can already pass over the new Hubangon-Bugwak bridge.

After a year of reconstruction, this bridge which was badly damaged by typhoon Nanang in 2001, is about to open.

This project is part of the P495 M Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) assistance to the Philippines for the reconstruction of damaged Hubangon bridge and construction of two Sabo dams in barangay Puntod.

In grateful recognition of Japan's aid, the Municipal Council recently passed a resolution to request Congressman Pedro P. Romualdo to file a bill in Congress to name the new Hubangon-Bugwak bridge as “JICA Bridge.” The resolution was authored by councilor Rey Lawrence K. Tan.

Municipal officials said JICA's financial grant is the single biggest assistance given by the Japanese government to the Philippines to assist the province of Camiguin cope with disaster after the 2001 typhoon Nanang that killed more than two hundred people in this island province.

Naming this bridge for JICA, according to the same official, symbolizes how much the people in Camiguin recognize the long standing friendship between the Philippines and Japan and the greatest financial contribution Japan gave to the province of Camiguin in addressing disaster risk reduction and environmental issues.

Councilor warns vs. influx of hogs in Camiguin starting to affect backyard raisers

Councilor Liberato E. Babanto

MAHINOG, Camiguin – A town councilor here expressed alarm that if situation will remain that big time hog traders from mainland continue to supply and dominate the local market, the province’s swine industry will be affected and can eventually kill the livelihood of local backyard hog raisers in this island province of Camiguin.

In a privilege speech he delivered at the municipal council session this morning, Councilor Liberato E. Babanto proposed for a regulation on trading and entry of hogs in Camiguin.

He said local hog raisers can not compete with mainland hog traders due to the high cost of inputs prevailing in the island province.

He observed since the influx of stocks from mainland, backyard pig farmers have hard time to sell their pigs to local meat vendors who opted to buy stocks from mainland traders since they offer much lower price.

Present farm gate price of pig from local backyard raisers is P95 to P100 per kilo. But in order to compete with the mainland traders, local farmers are forced to drop prices way below production cost.

“This is a very big concern and government needs to do something to address the plight of small hog growers in the province," Babanto said.

“Before, it is easy to sell live pigs since there are many buyers even coming from nearby provinces and there were even times when supply of local hogs deeply declined,” he said.

“Today, local hog farmers now have difficulty to sell their products to the local butcher since they prefer mainland hogs due to lower price,” the councilor lamented.

But despite this, consumers have still wondered why meat prices in the local market have never gone down.

The issue was referred to the committee on agriculture to come up with possible recommendation to address the concerns of backyard hog raisers.

Committee to hear plea for moratorium on issuance of "motorela" franchise

UNIQUE DESIGN: This type of motorela with two-forward facing seats is found in Mahinog , Camiguin. Motorela, which came from the word “motorcycle” and “caretella,” is a motorcycle fitted with a two wheel cab operated to render transport services to the general public for fee. It can accommodate up to eight passengers.

NOTICE OF PUBLIC HEARING

Notice is hereby given that on October 18, 2010, the Mahinog Motorela Operators and Drivers Association (MMODA), filed with the Sangguniang Bayan of Mahinog resolution no. 1 entitled:

“A resolution requesting the Honorable Members of the Sangguniang Bayan of Mahinog, Camiguin to suspend the issuance of franchise to new motorela applicant for the period of three (3) years effective January 2011”

In the said resolution, MMODA alleged, among others, the following:

1. The members of the association firmly believed that the number of motorela units currently operating are sufficient enough to serve the riding public;

2. Aside from motorela operation there are other type of public vehicle that operate within the franchise area like jeepneys, multicabs and habal-habal.

The Committee on Transportation chaired by Hon. Rey Lawrence K. Tan has set the above resolution for public hearing on the following schedule:

December 1, 2010 Wednesday at 9:00 A.M. to 12:00 P.M. at SB Session Hall.

Any person who may be adversely affected by the above proposed measure may file a written petition at least three (3) days prior to the hearing stating (1) the petitioner’s name and address; (2) the nature of the petitioner’s interest in the subject matter of the proceeding, and the way and the manner in which such interest is affected by the issues involved in the proceedings; and (3) statement of the relief desired.

All other persons who may want their views known to the Committee with respect to the subject matter are invited to attend the public hearing on the above scheduled date and comment thereon at any stage of the proceeding pursuant to the rules of the Sangguniang Bayan.

Done this 23rd day of November, 2010.

(Signed)

ROGERIO C. ACLE

Municipal Vice Mayor

Presiding Officer

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.

Councilors dismayed over shipping company's irregular schedule between Benoni and Balingoan

THE Municipal Council of Mahinog under Vice Mayor Rogerio C. Acle recently passed a resolution expressing its dismay over Asian Marine Transport's irregular ferry schedule between Benoni and Balingoan.

Councilors observed that ferry schedules between Benoni and Balingoan have become more irregular these days, raising serious concern by the local officials.

According to the resolution, several complaints have been made regarding Asian Marine Transport/Shuttle Ferry's irregular voyage schedules ranging from delay of the original schedules to cancellation of trips due to various reasons like alleged mechanical trouble of the ships, or less number of passengers.

Councilor Jonard B. Labadan

Councilor Jonard B. Labadan, who authored the said resolution, said the shipping company's irregular sailing schedule, without prior notice, is causing great inconvenience to the passengers and could bring negative impact on the island's tourism economy. The resolution was co-authored by Councilor Liberato E. Babanto and unanimously approved by all members of the local legislative body.

The Municipal Council called on all concerned government agencies, like the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA), Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) and Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) to address this problem and give sanction, if warranted, against errant shipping companies.

Quezon Street is no entry for vehicles coming from Benoni

NO ENTRY. Vehicle coming from Benoni like this motorela as shown in this picture is prohibited from going straight towards Quezon Street across a blind curve

THE Municipal Council of Mahinog presided by Vice Mayor Rogerio C. Acle on Monday approved an ordinance to declare Pres. Manuel Quezon Street as no entry street for vehicles coming from Benoni and to install a no-entry sign in the area.

Councilor Erlindo G. Bequilla, who is the principal author of Municipal Ordinance No. 2010-028, said this road section along St. Michael's Church is considered accident-prone area because it is located right across the intersection and blind curves.

"We will pass this measure now rather than waiting for accidents to happen," Bequilla said in sponsoring the measure at the plenary session.

Under the ordinance, no vehicle coming from Benoni side shall enter Quezon Street except emergency vehicles like the police, ambulance and fire in emergency situation.

Also exempt from the ordinance are vehicles coming from Mambajao side and from upper section.

The ordinance was endorsed by the transport groups and several other local organizations who said the decision is a welcome move towards promoting road safety in the municipality.

During the committee meeting conducted by the Committee on Transportation chaired by Councilor Rey Lawrence K. Tan, the committee also recommended to prohibit loading and unloading at the road section immediately before and after the curve.

The committee observed that loading and unloading at the blind curve next or across to the entrance of Columbia St. Michael's Parish High School (CSMPHS) is dangerous, considering the distance between the curve and the school gate is too close.

Motorela and public utility vehicles from Benoni may unload at the right shoulder in front of Mahinog Central School immediately before the school gate. Students and pedestrians are advised to practice safe crossing habits before entering/crossing the street.

Present during the said committee hearing were Lybbie R. Balasabas, President, Habal-habal Riders Association; Efren R. Absuelo, Camiguin Van Operators; Narciso L. Abian, President, Sr. Citizens Association; Gene R. Ranalan, Mahinog Motorela Operators and Drivers Association; Rosario M. Vinan, Principal, Mahinog Central School; Romulo Y. Saliguma, Sanitary Pulis (SaPul) Chief Operating Officer; Arlino C. Arca, President, Market Vendors Association; Anita C. Estrobo, President, Mahinog Central School PTA; Engr. Rico L. Ranara, Municipal Engineer; Sr. Maria Corazon S. Basadre, Principal, CSMPHS.

The Ordinance was co-authored by Councilors Rey Lawrence K. Tan, Merlito G. Abao and Valentin F. Babanto.

Mahinog SB joins calls to defer brgy, SK polls

Coun. Rey Lawrence K. Tan speaking from the podium during the session of the municipal council

STRESSING that holding of two elections in the same year is "unhealthy" to economic growth and political stability, the Municipal Council of Mahinog presided by vice mayor Rogerio C. Acle on Monday passed a resolution calling to defer the barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections set on October this year to October 2012.

Several measures have been filed in both the Senate and House of Representatives seeking to postpone the October this year synchronized barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) elections.

Among the measures is House Bill No. 238 authored by Camiguin lone district representative Pedro P. Romualdo.

The committee on suffrage and electoral reforms in the House of Representatives is set to start August 18 hearings on these proposals.

In House Bill No. 238, the resetting of barangay and SK elections is called for to give enough time for Comelec "to focus on finishing its job on automation elections and attend to various protest cases."

According to the resolution authored by councilor Rey Lawrence K. Tan, the resetting of elections will save the country from huge election expenses and for the new administration of President Aquino to be able to focus on keeping the economy and political transition in order.

The councilors said the country has just experienced the May 10, 2010 elections and the people in the barangay are still recovering from serious divisiveness caused by the recently concluded elections.

The resolution also noted that while elections are essential elements of democracy, holding of two elections in the same year will not be healthy to economic growth and political stability of the country.

Outstanding lupons, councilors and brgys recognized

Best-performing lupons, local councilors, and barangays were recognized last April 8, 2010 by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region 10.

In a celebration of local autonomy, 20 local government units brought home trophies and cash prizes as regional winners of the Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentives Award (LTIA), Galing Barangay (GABAY) Awards and Local Legislative Award, respectively.

Local Sanggunians who excelled in legislative actions (laws and ordinances) which contributed to the attainment of desirable socio-economic and environmental outcomes were awarded that day under the Local Legislative Award.

Top prize went to the local legislators of Iligan City as Outstanding Sangguniang Panlungsod under the Highly Urbanized Cities category, while local legislators of Valencia City won under the Component Cities category.

Outstanding Sangguniang Bayan awards under the 4th-6th Class Municipalities conferred to the local councilors of Mahinog, Camiguin while local legislators of Mambajao, Camiguin won under the 1st-3rd Class Municipalities categories.

Other LGUs with Outstanding Sanggunians were: for Highly-Urbanized Cities category Cagayan de Oro City (1st Runner-up), for Component Cities category El Salvador City (1st Runner-up), and for the 1st-3rd Class Municipalities category Lugait, Misamis Oriental (1st Runner-up).

Local arbiters of Barangay Bugo of Cagayan de Oro City, Barangay Kalasungay of Malaybalay City, Barangay Liboran of Baungon, Bukidnon, and Barangay Poblacion of Libertad, Misamis Oriental emerged as the regional winners of LTIA under the Highly-Urbanized Cities, Component Cities, 1st-3rd Class Municipalities and 4th-6th Class Municipalities categories, respectively.

On the other hand, best-performing barangays were also recognized under the Galing Barangay or GABAY Awards. GABAY recognizes the best performing barangays and aims to strengthen good barangay governance and stimulate innovations in the barangays.

For this year, Barangay Suarez and Barangay Ubaldo D. Laya both of Iligan City were the Regional Winners under the Highly-Urbanized Cities Urban and Rural Barangays categories,respecti vely. Meanwhile Barangay Aglayan of Malaybalay City and Barangay Catumbalon of Valencia City were the Regional Winners under the Component Cities Urban and Rural Barangay categories, respectively.

Misamis Oriental Governor Oscar Moreno appreciated the giving of such awards to the local officials as initiated by the DILG, saying that “this isn’t only mere contests or competitions but others will be benefited from the best practices emerging from these outstanding local government units.”

DILG Undersecretary for Local Government Austere Panadero affirmed the Governor’s message saying that with effective teamwork the job will be easier and productive, especially for the sanggunians. He also mentioned that the good performance of the GABAY awardees is a concrete manifestation that local government devolution works.

“This award to the barangays also proves that indeed there are heroes among us who continue to work hard for their constituents.”

LTIA, GABAY and Local Legislative Award are part of the DILG’s Local Government Unit Awards program that recognize the local officials and the barangays who did well in exemplifying good local governance at the grassroots level.

According to Undersecretary Panadero, the DILG, as part of its legislative agenda, will continue to present to Congress the Department’s budget which includes certain budget for the barangays and the lupons in order to give the two entities adequate support, especially trainings and incentives for the lupons.

Also present during the awarding ceremony were Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Constantino Jaraula, City Councilor Ian Mark Nacaya, Philippine Councilors League Region 10 President Librado Abesamis, Liga ng mga Barangay Regional President Arsenio Kho, Jr., DILG-10 Regional Director Loreto Bhagwani, Assistant Regional Director Ananias Villacorta, Liga ng mga Barangay Provincial and City Chapter Presidents, PCL Board of Directors, and DILG-10 field commanders.

Director Bhagwani is proud to bestow these awards to the winners as these gave honor and pride to the performing the barangay and local officials, while inspiring others to also strive for excellence in local governance. (DILG Press Release)



The Sangguniang Bayan of Mahinog led by Vice Mayor Rogerio C. Acle (7th from left) personally receives the award as regional winner and national finalist of the prestigious Outstanding Sangguniang Bayan Award for 4th-6th Class Municipalities recently at Dynasty Court Hotel and Restaurant in Cagayan de Oro City. In this photo: Cagayan de Oro City Mayor Constantino Jaraula (5th from left), DILG Undersecretary for Local Government Austere Panadero (6th from left), Philippine Councilors League Region 10 President Librado Abesamis (4th from left), Liga ng mga Barangay Regional President Arsenio Kho, Jr. (2nd from left) - Photo by Homer R. Jajalla