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Pro-Duterte Brgy. captains in Calinan stage rally opposing PI
A protest rally was held last Friday organized by barangay captains of the third district of Davao City to oppose a people’s initiative (PI) signature campaign to amend the Constitution......»»
Calinan District residents protest vs disguised Cha-cha
Residents from the 19 barangays in Calinan District rallied against the disguised People's Initiative for Charter Change in a protest held on January 19, 2024. Organized by the barangay captains, around 100 individuals from each barangay gathered at Rizal Park, chanting Dabawenyos are not for sale and expressing their disapproval of the alleged cash-for-signature scheme. The protest emphasized the residents' desire for fairness and a better government approach, rejecting the notion of exchanging signatures for money. Participants, including both young and old residents, voiced their opposition to the charter change, with the youth expressing concerns about power-hungry officials. Even 75-year-old Rosminda Amarilla joined the protest to question the need for change after numerous presidents have governed without such alterations. The rally, which included a motorcade and drew approximately 300 participants, received disapproval from Congressman Paolo Pulong Z. Duterte and Congressman Isidro Ungab, who alleged that the signature campaign was orchestrated by leaders of the Pwersa ng Bayaning Atleta (PBA) Partylist. As of the latest update, PBA Representative Margarita Atty. Migs Nograles has yet to release a statement on the matter......»»
Polong’s wife is Davao’s barangay association head
The wife of Davao City First District Congressman Paolo Duterte, January Duterte, is now president of the city’s Association of Barangay Captains which gives her a seat in the Davao City council......»»
DOH records 4 more fireworks injuries before New Year
The health department urged mayors and barangay captains to organize community fireworks displays to prevent injuries related to fireworks......»»
Illegal cockfights: Zamboanga del Norte mayor, 5 village execs dismissed
The mayor of Sindangan town in Zamboanga del Norte, four barangay captains and a village secretary have been dismissed from the service over illegal cockfights......»»
2 village chiefs shot dead
Two barangay captains were shot dead in separate incidents since Friday......»»
Newly-elected barangay chairman in Region 9 hurt in gun attack
Gunmen seriously wounded in a gun attack on Saturday morning the chairman of the largest barangay in Guipos, Zamboanga del Sur who was to aspire for the presidency of the Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) in the municipality during a local selection process slated on December 15......»»
Zamboanga, Tarlac village chiefs slain
Two barangay captains in Zamboanga City and Tarlac were killed in shootings in the past two days......»»
Rep. Duterte donates motorcycle equipment to boost brgy police
First District Representative Paolo Pulong Duterte has donated motorcycle equipment to boost the barangay police in the first district. The equipment, which includes a police siren with a PA system and mic, front blinker, beacon light, front crash guard stainless, and pole stand stainless, was turned over to barangay captains for use by their barangay police. The turnover ceremony took place at the Office of the First Congressional District in Davao City. This initiative is part of Rep. Duterte's ongoing efforts to support the barangays in his district, which have included providing ambulances, multi-purpose buildings, fire stations, and evacuation centers. The donation complements the Davao City Government's provision of 55 motorcycle units to the Davao City police. The use of motorcycles will enable the barangay police to patrol their areas of responsibility more effectively and enhance general security. Rigo Duterte, the son of Rep. Duterte, expressed gratitude to the barangay police for their dedication and emphasized that the new equipment will strengthen their ability to prevent and respond to street crimes......»»
Davao City BSKE results: familiar names lost, but another Duterte enters politics
Ibuyan, Apostol, Ungab, and Abella are familiar names in Davao City local politics yet the first three lost their reelection bids as barangay captains, while Abella failed his comeback for barangay captain, in Monday’s Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan Elections. Yet, another Duterte made it into local politics......»»
On leaving PDP Laban
On Friday, 20 October, I submitted my resignation as the Secretary-General and as a member of the PDP Laban Party. In my resignation letter, I expressed my utmost gratitude to former President Rodrigo Duterte, our party chairman, for the trust and confidence conferred during my incumbency as the PDP Laban Secretary-General. I served the party under him with loyalty and delivered on the duties and responsibilities assigned to me. As a contributing opinion writer in this newspaper, I want to express my opinion on matters concerning national issues affecting ordinary Filipinos without being tied to the political stand of PDP Laban. I was always for nation-building. I believe that after the political season, we can discuss political, economic, and social matters in a manner that is not corrosive but beneficial to our country’s economic well-being. I believe that the incumbent knows their pact with the Filipinos and that they will fulfill it in a manner befitting the proud Filipino class. All of these are written in our Constitution. It is very important for us to support the incumbent, especially when they have a clear political mandate. It is not about the personalities but about protecting our institutions of leadership, like the three branches of our government. This is the only way to have a truly strong republic and attain economic growth. There is this one hypothesis that institutional weaknesses caused by political instability may have been one of the huge reasons why we have left the boat to industrialization. (Jeffrey G. Williamson & Emmanuel S. de Dios, 2014. “Has the Philippines forever lost its chance at industrialization?” Philippine Review of Economics, University of the Philippines School of Economics and Philippine Economic Society, vol. 51(2), pages 47-66, December.) The hypothesis is that perennial political instability and legitimacy crises hinder investment and growth. Between 1983 and 1986, the economy plunged. Then came the Edsa revolt. There was political instability, too, in the incumbency of President Cory Aquino, given the seven coup attempts. Further political instability in the 2000s because of the question of corruption led to another revolt to replace President Estrada. However, questions of PGMA’s legitimacy led to mass rallies and attempted coups- political instability. The political instability during the 1990s prompted investor services to grade the Philippines as a “high political risk” from 1984 to 1991. The timing of the political uncertainties was unfortunate, too. It coincided with the spillover and relocation of Japanese manufacturing to Southeast Asia; Malaysia, Thailand and Indonesia benefitted but not the Philippines. As a result, Foreign direct investments to Thailand from 1987 to 1991 were USD 24 billion, while the Philippines only had a measly USD 1.6 billion for the same period. It is clear to me that political stability is the path to economic growth. To not undermine the institutions created under our Constitution. Confidential Funds I wanted to elaborate on my stand regarding the issue of confidential funds in local government. I hope Congress will tackle this not to find fault or to blame anybody but to craft a law prohibiting the practice of it. Giving the discretion to local executives to appropriate confidential funds in their favor is inimical to the interests of the Filipinos. LGUs earn revenues from taxing landholders, however small. It will be similar to the Philippines in the 1800s, with small farmers paying tributes to their Spanish conquistadors without explaining where the money was going. This is why Filipino farmers refused to work on their lands, prompting the Spanish friars to wrongfully brand the Filipinos as indolent. The practice of confidential funds will create dynasties and tyrants at the local level, and soon, even the barangay captains will appropriate for themselves confidential funds. They will claim they have the same rights as their mayor since they maintain peace and order at the barangay level. It is absurd and unjust. It will plunge us into chaos. The elections will be dirty and bloody. Confidential funds in the LGUs will not bring us peace and order, only greater income inequality and poverty. Congress must act. Our nation’s well-being is at stake. The post On leaving PDP Laban appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Training modules for winning BSKE candidates eyed
ILOILO CITY — The Department of the Interior and Local Government in Western Visayas — through its Local Government Regional Resource Center — is crafting training modules for the soon-to-be elected Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan officials. “So, currently that’s our intervention here in Region 6 in partnership with Iloilo Science and Technology University. This is a project with the Local Government Academy since the development of the module involves not only the implementation in Region 6 but this involves the implementation of the whole training nationwide,” said Christian Nagaynay, chief of the DILG Local Government Capability Development Division. He narrated that they started with the conduct of a needs assessment among 3,000 respondents who were asked about their needed competencies to deliver and perform their functions. “For us to test whether the modules we developed are effective and ready for rollout. In case there are changes based on the comments of our barangay captains, then we will incorporate them before its implementation,” Nagaynay said. Representatives from the Local Government Academy will join the first run to also check on the module. The post Training modules for winning BSKE candidates eyed appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
PCL-Gapo signs BIDA covenant
The Philippine Councilors League-Olongapo City chapter signed a Covenant with the Department of the Interior and Local Government to express their support and commitment to President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr.’s vision of a drug-free society. DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos welcomed the support of the PCL and underscored the vital role of all sectors of society — national government agencies, local government units, religious organizations, civil society, academe, and the private sector — in the whole-of-nation approach to ending the drug menace. “While our police, NBI, and PDEA are catching drug traffickers, we are addressing the root cause of the problem. We are all working together,” Abalos said during the PCL Week celebration in Olongapo City. “That is what BIDA is all about. It is not only about supply reduction but also about demand reduction,” “This fight is for our children, and we are going to approach it the right way,” he added. Among those who signed the BIDA Covenant were Olongapo City Mayor Rolen Paulino Jr., PCL Olongapo Chapter President and National Secretary General Gina Gulanes Perez, Olongapo City officials and barangay captains, and PCL members from Region 3. During the event, Abalos also urged LGUs and the councilors to wage a war not only on drugs but also on poor nutrition and stunting, as statistics show that one out of three Filipino children suffers from stunted growth. He shared his “best practices” from his term as mayor of Mandaluyong City, when he launched programs targeting the nutrition of pregnant mothers and interventions in the first 1,000 days of a child’s life for optimal development. His initiatives earned the city the highest award conferred to an LGU, the Nutrition Honor Award. The post PCL-Gapo signs BIDA covenant appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
BIDA program gains support from Philippine Councilors League-Olongapo
The government’s anti-illegal drugs advocacy campaign program Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan or BIDA got a big boost as the Philippine Councilors League- Olongapo City chapter signed a covenant with the Department of the Interior and Local Government expressing support and commitment to President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s vision of a drug-free society. DILG Secretary Benhur Abalos welcomed the support of PCL as he underscored the vital role of each sector of society — national government agencies, local government units, religious organizations, civil society, academe, and the private sector—in the whole-of-nation approach to put an end to the drug menace. “Habang nanghuhuli ang ating mga pulis, NBI at PDEA, inuugat natin ang problema, gumagalaw tayong lahat. That is what BIDA is all about. It is not only about supply reduction but also about demand reduction,”Abalos said during the PCL Week celebration in Olongapo City. “Itong laban na ito ay para sa mga anak natin, and we are going to approach it the right way,” he added. Among those who signed the BIDA Covenant were Olongapo City Mayor Atty. Rolen Paulino Jr., PCL Olongapo Chapter President and National Secretary General Gina Gulanes Perez, Olongapo City officials and barangay captains, and PCL members from Region 3. During the event, Abalos also urged LGUs and the councilors to wage a war not only on drugs but also on poor nutrition and stunting as statistics show that 1 out of 3 Filipino children are stunted. He shared his best practices during his term as Mayor of Mandaluyong City when he launched programs targeting the nutrition of pregnant mothers and interventions in the first 1000 days of life of a child for optimum development. His initiatives earned for the city the highest award conferred to an LGU - the Nutrition Honor Award. “What is important is we are all here right now. The government cannot do it alone. Everyone has a role here. Ang importante gawa, hindi salita,” he said. The post BIDA program gains support from Philippine Councilors League-Olongapo appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Tolentino wants stiffer punishment vs. abusive domestic help employers
Senator Francis Tolentino on Thursday said he would craft a new law to amend Republic Act 10361, or the ‘Batas Kasambahay’ to constitute stiffer penalties against abusive employers. In a television interview, Tolentino, who chairs the Senate Committee on Justice and Human Rights, said the penalty for any violations of the provisions of the law is “too small.” “The Kasambahay Law is good but I think it has to be amended. Even the fine is just P10,000 for the violations being done by the employers,” he said. “So, I would look at strengthening the law further and making it not just a turf of the Department of Labor and Employment but also include the Department of the Interior and Local Government because barangay captains should have their own databases,” he added. The Senate panel on Justice and Human Rights on Wednesday conducted an investigation into the alleged physical and mental abuse of Elvie Vergara, a domestic helper from Occidental Mindoro. Vergara went blind after long years of serving the family of Jerry and France Ruiz, who allegedly tortured her. “Perhaps, if we really made focus on our OFWs (overseas Filipino workers) working abroad, domestic helpers, there should be a local bureau or agency in charge of domestic helpers. Not just for the purposes of hotlines but for purposes of really educating, not only the domestic helpers themselves but also the employers on their responsibilities,” he said. Tolentino also proposed the creation of a “special court” that would handle cases involving domestic helpers. “I would suggest that… this is not too much since I sit in the Judicial Bar Council, that there should likewise be a special court to handle cases involving domestic helpers,” he said. According to the lawmaker, who is also a lawyer, the Supreme Court could assign a special court per region to hear cases of domestic helpers. “It will draw more inspiration, perhaps awareness, greater awareness on the part of domestic helpers as well as inform the employers that indeed the law can reach them wherever they are,” he said. The post Tolentino wants stiffer punishment vs. abusive domestic help employers appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Go continues push for countryside development
Senator Christopher “Bong” Go has initiated several key infrastructure projects in Catbalogan, Samar in line with his commitment to help pave the way for development and progress in the area through continued collaboration with the local government led by Gov. Sharee Ann Tan. The senator’s support in these initiatives as vice chairperson of the Senate Committee on Finance was highlighted by his presence during the Adlaw han Barangay 2023, a significant part of the Samar Day Celebration, on Friday, 11 August. One of these activities is the opening of the Tandaya Hall in Catbalogan City where Go participated in the ribbon-cutting ceremony together with Samar Governor Tan, Vice Governor Arnold Tan, BHW (Barangay Health Worker) Partylist Representestive Natasha Co, Catbalogan City Mayor Dexter Uy and other local officials. The inauguration was also witnessed by 24 mayors and vice mayors together with their councilors, and 951 barangay captains and their kagawads. Go was also instrumental in the construction of the New Catbalogan City Hall, a new Sports Complex, and the Lagundi-San Andres Access Road. These projects, all under construction, are poised to bring in unprecedented benefits to Samar. The new City Hall will provide a modern hub for governance, streamlining public service and administrative functions. The Sports Complex will offer recreational and athletic opportunities, fostering community engagement and youth development. The Lagundi-San Andres Access Road, once completed, will significantly improve connectivity within the region, reducing travel time, boosting local trade, and enhancing the transportation of goods and services. Last Saturday, 12 August, the senator reasserted his dedication to enhance the country’s ability to withstand disasters following the onslaught of typhoon “Egay” in various regions in Luzon. Go has previously introduced Senate Bill 188, also known as the Department of Disaster Resilience Bill, with the goal of creating a specialized agency devoted primarily to disaster risk reduction and management. This legislation aims to consolidate disaster management efforts to improve the Philippines’ ability to deal with future calamities efficiently. In another development, Go provided assistance to 27 fire victims at the Senior Citizen’s Building in Barangay Pojo, Bugasong, Antique also Saturday, even as he continued to advocate for better fire prevention efforts to ensure the safety and security of communities. The post Go continues push for countryside development appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Bong Go cites crucial role of barangays in nation-building
Emphasizing that empowering the barangays is the foundation of a strong and resilient nation, Senator Christopher “Bong” Go highlighted the indispensable role of barangay leaders in shaping communities and driving progress at the grassroots level in his speech during the Liga ng Barangay of Zamboanga City General Membership Assembly and Barangay Congress held at Makati Palace Hotel on Thursday, 27 July. Go first expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the barangay leaders for their tireless efforts toward uplifting their respective communities. He acknowledged their unwavering dedication and service, which often went unnoticed amidst the larger national issues. “Ako po’y nagpapasalamat sa ating barangay officials sa lahat ng inyong serbisyo sa bayan. Hindi po natin mararating kung asan tayo ngayon kung hindi dahil sa inyong sakripisyo,” said Go. “Ang tema ng pagtitipong ito, ‘Leaving a Legacy in the Barangay, Fulfilling Exemplary Leadership by the Way of Conscientious Governance’ ay napapanahon at napakahalaga. Sa panahon ngayon na marami tayong kinakaharap na pagsubok, mahalaga na patuloy tayong magtaglay ng responsableng pamumuno para sa ating mga barangay,” he continued. Go emphasized the significance of local governance and how it directly impacts the lives of ordinary citizens. He reiterated that effective governance starts at the grassroots level, and barangay leaders play a pivotal role in fostering a sense of unity, camaraderie, and cooperation among community members. As the senator delved into the challenges faced by barangay leaders, he expressed his commitment to working on legislation that would bolster their capabilities and support their initiatives. Go highlighted the need for increased funding, better resources, and comprehensive training for barangay officials, equipping them to handle the diverse needs of their communities. As a member of the Senate Committee on Local Government, Go is pushing to further empower barangays as the fundamental governing units in communities. He cited that one of his advocacies is to enhance public service delivery and bring the government closer to the people. Go has filed two proposed legislative measures to support and acknowledge the hard work of barangay officials and health workers. The first one, Senate Bill No. 197 or the Magna Carta for Barangays, aims to grant similar treatment to barangay officials as regular government employees. Under the proposed bill, the Punong Barangay, members of the Sangguniang Barangay, the Sangguniang Kabataan chairperson, the barangay secretary, and the barangay treasurer will be eligible to receive salaries, benefits, allowances (such as hazard pay, representation, and transportation allowance), 13th-month pay, and other perks that regular government employees enjoy. The proposed measure also empowers the Sangguniang Barangay to determine the appropriate number of permanent barangay tanods during their administration, with appointed tanods entitled to honoraria, allowances, and other benefits. Go's motivation behind reintroducing the Magna Carta for Barangays is to improve the general welfare of barangays and their residents, elevate the economic and social status of barangay officials, and provide every barangay with the basic facilities for decent, healthy, and comfortable living. “Alam n’yo mga barangay captains, you are superstar in your own right sa inyong lugar. Ang authority malaki talaga ang inyong papel sa lahat, sa peace and order, sa basic services, delivery of goods, at lahat. Ako matagal na ako, galing ako sa ibaba, diyan ako sa city hall sa Davao noon,” said Go. “Full support po ako sa inyo, kung anong maitutulong ko sa mga pasyente ninyo, tutulong ako. Ang pakiusap ko lang sa inyo huwag n’yo pong pabayaan ang mga mahihirap nating kababayan, ‘yung mga helpless and hopeless nating kababayan na walang malapitan kung hindi tayo pong nasa gobyerno,” he added. Go's advocacy also extends to the indispensable role of barangay health workers (BHWs) who act as the first point of contact for healthcare in their communities. To ensure fair compensation and benefits for these front liners, he introduced SBN 427, also known as the Barangay Health Workers Compensation. The proposed bill recognizes the invaluable contributions of BHWs in delivering primary healthcare services, raising health awareness, and safeguarding the well-being of the community. It aligns with President Ferdinand Marcos, Jr.’s call to prioritize the welfare of BHWs, especially given their significant contributions during the nation's fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. Go firmly believes that prioritizing such measures will not only acknowledge the crucial role of BHWs but also guarantee fair compensation and adequate protection for them while fulfilling their duties. He lauded the dedication of these health workers, particularly in remote areas, where they play a vital role in providing medical assistance to communities without easy access to doctors. “Mayroon lang akong isi-share sa inyo, sana po ay maalala ninyo ito sa mahabang panahon. Minsan lang tayo dadaan sa mundong ito. Kung ano pong kabutihan o tulong na pwede nating gawin sa ating kapwa, gawin na po natin ngayon dahil hindi na tayo babalik sa mundong ito. Ako po ang inyong Senator Kuya Bong Go, patuloy na magseserbisyo sa inyong lahat. Dahil ako po ay naniniwala na ang serbisyo sa tao ay serbisyo po ‘yan sa Diyos, serbisyo kay Allah. Maraming salamat. Mahal na mahal ko po kayo,” Go concluded. On the same day, Go distributed assistance to disadvantaged students in Biñan City, Laguna, and to fire victims in Cavite City. The post Bong Go cites crucial role of barangays in nation-building appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Ombudsman orders Lobo, Batangas’ mayor, vice mayor file counter-affidavit
Couple Lota and Gaudioso Manalo, the mayor and vice mayor, respectively, of Lobo, Batangas, have only ten days to file their counter-affidavit over their graft complaint filed by a construction firm. The Ombudsman released an order dated 19 June, giving the couple only ten days from receipt of the copy of the complaint to file their respective answers. Failure to present their counter-affidavit within the said period will be deemed a waiver of their right to submit controverting evidence. It will also pave the way for the Ombudsman case to proceed the case. The complaint filed by Efren Ramirez Construction Corporation alleged that the couple violated Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act and the Anti-Red Tape Act by refraining from acting on his application for the renewal of the existing business permit and other permits, which are necessary for its operation. They were accused of conspiring with Leandro Canuel, the Municipal Treasurer. The construction firm alleged Malobos of seeking grease money in exchange for the renewal applications. These allegations occurred right after their victory in the May 2022 polls, the firm claimed. After the firm turned down the demand, the couple reportedly began sending letters to coerce them into paying the unconscionable fees despite their legal objections. According to the firm, Mayor Manalo granted the dredging operations to another firm without public bidding. She was accused of fabricating resolutions supposedly passed by the municipal council and barangay captains, denied afterward by the councilors and barangay officials. The complainant argued that it has the appropriate permits from the relevant national government agencies, specifically the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, to undertake the dredging operations on the municipality’s river. Moreover, the firm claimed it also complied with other requirements, leaving Mayor Manalo no grounds but to grant the permit. The company manifested that Ombudsman should suspend the couple to ensure the impartial conduct of the investigation. The post Ombudsman orders Lobo, Batangas’ mayor, vice mayor file counter-affidavit appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Elections without politics
Contrary to what many foreign nationals and even Filipinos themselves believe, partisan politics is prohibited in the synchronized barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan elections in the Republic of the Philippines on 30 October 2023. No less than Filipino lawmakers themselves have advised the people against engaging in partisan politics during the barangay and SK elections, citing the prohibition against it under the Omnibus Election Code and Section 93 of the Local Government Code of the Philippines. Under Section 93 on Partisan Political Activity, it is stated that, “No local official or employee in the career civil service shall engage directly or indirectly in any partisan political activity or take part in any election, initiative, referendum, plebiscite, or recall, except to vote, nor shall he use his official authority or influence to cause the performance of any political activity by any person or body.” He may, however, express his views, on current issues, or mention the names of certain candidates for public office whom he supports. Elective local officials may take part in partisan politics and electoral activities, but it shall be unlawful for them to solicit contributions from their subordinates or subject these subordinates to any of the prohibited acts under the Omnibus Election Code. To be elected on 30 October are 42,027 punong barangay or chairmen and 294,189 barangay councilors or kagawad, and the same numbers for the SK chairmen and councilors or kagawad. The barangay election shall be non-partisan and shall be conducted in an expeditious and inexpensive manner. No person who files a certificate of candidacy shall represent or allow himself to be represented as a candidate of any political party or any other organization and/or group. The barangay is the basic political unit that serves as the primary planning and implementing unit for government policies, plans, programs, projects and activities in the community, and as a forum wherein the collective views of the people may be expressed, crystallized and considered, and where disputes may be amicably settled. No person shall be eligible to be a barangay official unless he is a citizen of the Philippines, a registered voter, and an actual resident of the barangay for at least six months immediately preceding the election; able to read and write, and on the date of the election is at least twenty-one years of age. A German national asked: Is the barangay captain a politician? A barangay captain or barangay chairman is the highest elected official in a barangay, the smallest level of administrative division of the Philippines. Also within the barangay are sitios and puroks or sub-divisions of the barangay. The barangay captain does not belong to any political party, nor allow himself to belong to any of them to serve their interest. He works for and serves solely the interests of his constituents within the village. Another foreign national asked: Is a barangay political? A barangay is a political unit but the behavior, official actions and motivations of its leader are not partisan. The chief officials and officers of each barangay are the punong barangay, seven sangguniang barangay members, the SK chairman, a barangay secretary and a barangay treasurer. Are officials of the 42,027 barangays considered government employees of the Republic of the Philippines? Yes, absolutely. The punong barangay, sangguniang barangay members, the KB chairman, the barangay secretary and the barangay treasurer are regular government employees and, as such, are entitled to fixed salaries, alliances, insurance, medical and dental coverage, retirement and benefits. The SK was created in 1975 to train and develop the youth into a strong workforce to serve and protect the homeland. There are lingering voices of dislike for the KB. In fact, many barangay captains find them unnecessary, a nuisance, and a waste of huge amounts of money. Their abolition would be a boon to the thousands of villages in the entire country, they say. The post Elections without politics appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»
Tereso Panga: PEZA’s homegrown leader
By combining his excellent communication skills, commitment to serving his country, and his long experience as a government executive, Tereso O. Panga, director-general of the Philippine Economic Zone Authority, has distinguished himself as a public servant. His recent appointment to this top post in an agency that has contributed significantly to the coffers of the national government affirms the confidence of the current national leadership in his excellent record, high acceptance of his fellow workers in the bureaucracy, and, most importantly, his credibility in the trade and industry sector, the number one partner of PEZA in pushing development forward. Tereso joined the Philippine government armed with an educational background that has proved vital toward his understanding of human nature, whether he is dealing with executives of multinational companies that are locators in economic zones or their workers. At the University of the Philippines, he first graduated with a BA in Comparative Literature and then obtained his master’s degree in Industrial Relations. “Since my father was a judge, I wanted to take up Law. I was told that the best prelaw course was AB English since one needed to be both articulate and proficient in writing. I eventually majored in Comparative Literature.” Among his professors were the legendary masters of language like National Artists Franz Arcellana and Jimmy Abad, Thelma Kintanar and Nieves Epistola. He found UP both challenging and rewarding. He adapted to the rigors of academic life, he said, “owing to my strong educational foundation first at the Naga Parochial School, and then Ateneo de Naga.” Strong-willed in a quiet way The Pangas, he said, “are original families of Bicol, particularly Camarines Sur in Iriga town, where the superstar Nora Aunor grew up. He admitted to singing a little, but not with the same intensity as that of his golden-voiced townsman. Coming from Pili town, he swore by Pili being a favorite of his. The basic trait that stood him in good stead “in UP and in future challenges,” he said, “is my being a Bicolano. Born and raised in Bicol, I am strong-willed, resilient, and yet determined. But in a quiet way.” Asked if it also meant being feared, he said, “Well, just spicy, which can be fierce, but wonderful like laing (taro leaves stewed in coconut oil and garnished with red hot chili).” The fourth among eight children of a judge, six of whom graduated from the University of the Philippines, he recalled being a “playful child, but at a young age, I was already into music. I loved playing the guitar and keyboards, but it was all by ear or ‘oido.’” To balance his artistic inclination, he also engaged in sports — chess and table tennis. Not much of a student politician, he nevertheless became president of one organization. His twin brother and another brother were officers of the student government, “so it would not look good if I became an officer too.” In UP, he joined the Upsilon Sigma Phi in 1986. He also became active in UP Ibalon, an organization of Bicolanos, and the Psychology Society of UP. When it came to campus politics, he supported the Tugon party. While he earned good grades, despite giving more than ample time to his extracurricular activities, he felt he could have done better. “By any standards, I don’t think I did well as a student because I extended my stay for another year.” “My Waterloo was Math,” he confided. “I had no need for Math in my BA English course but I was hoping to shift to Economics. The hardest subject for me was Math 17.” A good writer While he was exposed to creative writing, he learned more about how to do business letters. “Of course, I wrote my thesis,” he emphasized. Fast forward to the future, he joined an Aboitiz- sponsored pilot class at the Development Academy of the Philippines that was attended by undersecretaries and assistant secretaries where he was the most junior. To his credit, his capstone paper on aquamarine and renewable energy, a pioneering venture in ecozone development, was declared the best. It was an achievement that he attributed to his exposure to composition writing at UP. Not much of a student politician, he nevertheless became president of one organization. Later, he would make his own reports and speeches, while reaching out to the various publics of PEZA through Facebook and online media. To recall, he had begun his professional life in the office of then-Congressman Aping Yap of Tarlac. “I stayed for seven years and then moved to the office of his son, Victor, who was then Vice Mayor. We organized and managed social development projects benefitting families of former Hukbalahap commanders and foot soldiers.” It was while inspecting his company’s construction project, a bowling center along Roxas Boulevard, that he came upon the headquarters of the Export Processing Zone Authority. “I had heard already of this government office and its hardworking Director General, Atty. Lilia de Lima. She was the first DG. I walked in and I applied. They called me to take the exams and go through an interview.” In less than a month, he joined PEZA in 1998. Walking the talk He has been with PEZA for 25 years. While he describes his PEZA career as “going up through the ranks,” his rise had been quite swift. He started as a planning officer 3 and went on to become Assistant Division Chief for policy and planning. By then, he had earned units leading to his master’s degree at the University of the Philippines. In time, he passed the qualifications for the Career Executive Service office, one of the youngest of his rank, and soon went up to positions requiring more responsibilities. At age 30, became the zone manager for the Batangas Economic Zone. Next, he became Zone Administrator in Baguio where he stayed for four years. He was 34 years old. “It was the time when Texas Instruments was expanding. Our office facilitated the Big Ticket Project in Clark.” His next assignment was in Cavite where he occupied the concurrent positions of Zone Manager and Administrator. He was 38 and his post required dealing with 350 locator companies. It was not surprising that the Civil Service Commission included him as a finalist in its search for outstanding Civil Service Executives. He ranked second. Soon, he returned to the Manila office, this time as Deputy Director General of Policy and Planning in 2010. It was a post that would prepare him for the highest position in the agency. At first, he served in an OIC capacity until March this year, when he was appointed as Director General by President Ferdinand R. Marcos. Panga had the support of captains of industry, among them the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry bigwigs Sergio Luis Ortiz and George Barcelon, who expressed their belief in his leadership based on his accomplishments. It has indeed been a long way for the young man from Bicol who has preferred to be “low-key” and not one to make a spectacle of his career success. It is an attitude that, he said, “I inherited from my parents, who were both public servants.” His father was a provincial judge and his mother was a public school teacher. “My mother was particular about the discipline of her children.” In keeping with his unassuming attitude, his management style is anchored on “keeping it simple by walking the talk.” I would say it is more of a transformational leadership. Because I can walk the talk I don’t need to direct people. “So, when you want to achieve something, you lead by setting an example. The direction is also clear so there are no misunderstandings or misinterpretation of the goals and objectives of the agency.” “Let’s not get distracted. Let’s just focus on doing our work,” he once told the top officials of PEZA. “Even when I was the OIC, I was presiding over a board meeting composed of 10 full-fledged Undersecretaries. Thankfully, as an insider, and being home-grown, I know how to navigate. My edge is I did not need to have a learning curve.” As part of his job, he has been traveling to promote international investments in the country. “We are always on a trade mission, showing the rest of the world what we can offer. Many of those President Marcos talked to have signed up as locators.” Through it all, he has kept the lines between work and family life. He found a lifetime partner in a lady I met because we were both working in the same building on Quezon Avenue. Happily married He was 26 years old when he married his wife, Edna, a 23-year-old Bulakena who belongs to the politically prominent Pagtalunan family of Guiguinto town. At that time, she was working in an export company. “It was love at first sight,” he recalled. “I was the only suitor not afraid of her father who was a barangay captain. I’d bring a fighting cock for him when I was courting his daughter, even if I was not an enthusiast.” “As I got to know her better, I became more enamored because she was sweet and she knew how to cook. And to this day, she does soups very well, which I love.” All said by a man who has found fulfillment at home and in the office. He is special and has found his mission in life and for his country, which can be said of Panga. And this country, in turn, is fortunate to have such a man serving in an agency that contributes billions to the government coffers. Officials of such caliber, enthusiasm, zeal, and upright moral bearing make this country a better place to live in and a magnet for international investors. The post Tereso Panga: PEZA’s homegrown leader appeared first on Daily Tribune......»»