Enhanced Justice on Wheels program launched in Calbayog

Deputy Court Administrator Nimfa Cuesta-Vilches (5th from the left) and Mayor Reynaldo Uy (4th from the left) as they led ribbon-cutting which launched the Enhanced Justice on Wheels Program in Calbayog. Also in photo are (l-r) Judge Felipe Maglana, Judge Myrna Clemens, Judge Lolita Mercado, Executive Judge Reynaldo Clemens, Judge Sibana Usman and Judge Romeo Tagra.

Mayor Reynaldo Uy with Deputy Court Administrator Nimfa Cuesta-Vilches, Executive Judge Reynaldo Clemens and Judge Romeo Tagra.

Mayor Reynaldo Uy was invited to the launching of the Enhanced Justice on Wheels Program (JOW) which was held at the grounds of the Calbayog City Sports Center. The affair was graced by Deputy Court Administrator Nimfa Cuesta - Vilches.

In his message, Mayor Uy commended the Supreme Court for the program. "The simple bus transformed into a courtroom" will undoubtedly benefit the especially poor sector of society who are facing problems in the courts. That it's not only a symbol but an actual proof of bringing justice close to the people.

For her part, DCA Vilches said that she is happy to have Calbayog as "launch site" for the Enhanced Justice on Wheels Program in Samar Island. She thanked Mayor Uy and other LGU officials for the support in the launching program; and for providing doctors during the medical and dental mission for the Calbayog jail inmates. She noted that the number of cases in the courts, especially commercial cases is an indication of progress in the city. 4,299 inmates have released under the program since it was re-launched in 2008. And in today's JOW program in Calbayog, 63 inmates were released.

Chief Justice Renato Corona, Justice Antonio Nachura and Court Administrator Midas Marquez were not able to make it because of a Supreme Court en banc session that day.

Mayor Uy delivering his message

Executive Judge Reynaldo Clemens introducing DCA Vilches

DCA Nimfa Cuesta-Vilches delivering her message.

Judge Felipe Maglana delivering his closing remarks.

DPA Vilches and Mayor Uy as they witnessed an actual hearing inside the Justice on Wheels bus. In photo are Executive Judge Reynaldo Clemens, Interpreter Rhea Ricafort and Stenographer Elissa Abanilla.

Prosecutor Avelino Basco, Atty. Vivelyn Monsanto, Stenographers Lilian Muñoz and Elissa Abanilla with accused Ramon Asis who was provisionally released during the hearing. 62 other inmates were released that day.

Procurement Service Sub-Depot opens in Calbayog City

Mayor Mel Sarmiento leading the ribbon-cutting ceremomy. Also in photo are (l-r) Maj General Arthur Tabaquero, Councilor Regina Rabuya, DBM-8 RD Imelda Laceras and Procurement Service Director Estanislao Granados.

The Procurement Service Sub-Depot at the Calbayog City Sports Center

The opening of the Procurement Service Sub-Depot in Calbayog was among the last official functions of Mayor Mel Sarmiento. Let me give you a report by my friend Ninfa B Quirante of the PIA.

Procurement Service subdepot opens in Calbayog City

Catbalogan City (25 June) -- The Procurement Service Regional Office 8 under the supervision of the Department of Budget 8 opens its third sub-depot in Calbayog City on June 24, 2010.

Located in the new Calbayog City Sports Complex, the depot will sell 300 most common office supplies.

Fr July Gaddi blessed the government procurement service depot with scores of government workers and media in attendance.

"I am thankful to DBM for believing in Calbayog, " Mayor Mel Senen Sarmiento said in his welcome remarks.

He stressed that he wanted to purchase quality office supplies without necessarily going to the tedious work of checking the quality, exact number and the prices.

With the sub-depot in their midst, the government agencies are then assured of quality and reasonably priced office supplies.

"The Calbayog sub-depot is strategically located and can serve, Catbalogan, Catarman and other LGUs, " stressed Sarmiento.

Mr Estanislao Granados, Procurement Service Director in the Region graced the launching along with Ms Imelda Laceras, DBM 8 Regional Director.

Director Granados surprised everyone when he addressed the crowd in fluent Waray, claiming later that he is from Leyte.

The director also revealed that since he is retiring, his attendance in the Calbayog event is his last public appearance.

Calbayog Sub-depot is the 10th provincial depot while there are 12 regional depots, accross the country, according to Director Laceras.

Both Laceras and Granados emphasized that Government offices are mandated by law to purchase office supplies in the depot which is now more accessible.

Atty. Isagani Togonon was assigned to lead the sub-depot along with some six Calbayog City employees deployed by the city government.

Laceras said that Procurement Service in the Region's biggest customer is the army as Samar island houses the 8th Infantry Division (8th ID)and three or four battalions.

The 8th ID commanding general, Maj General Arthur Tabaquero was present along with 20th Infantry Battalion Commander Jose Narciso. (PIA-Samar)

Courtesy Call by the GTZ Team

Vice Mayor Ronald Aquino as he welcomed the GTZ Team

Vice Mayor Ronald Aquino, together with some SP members met with the German Technical Cooperation or GTZ Team earlier today at the City Mayor's Office.

The team was composed of Mario Donga and Olaf Neussner, both GTZ Disaster Risk Management (DRM) Consultants; and Allen Molen, Program Adviser, DRM Environment and Rural Development Program.

They were on hand to brief the City Officials on the 3-year Urban DRM Project for the City of Calbayog which was recently approved by the German Ministry of Economic Cooperation (BMZ).

The team was in Cabayog for data-gathering the pre-planning workshop aimed at defining the areas of cooperation in line with the overall objectives and outputs of the project in preparation for the Partner Workshop in Tacloban this coming October 29, 2009.

Present at today's meeting were Councilors Ina Rabuya, Danny Bernate, Noel Sermense, Jonas Montealto and Benjie Dean. Also on hand were Environment Officer Joe Raz, City Planning and Development Officer Gil Lentejas, City Agriculturist Adela Ocenar and DILG City Director Valente Bajet.

Mr. Allen Molen giving some info on the project.

Team leader Mario Donga

DILG City Director Valente Bajet (right) with (l-r) Mr. Olaf Neussner, Mr. Mario Donga and Mr. Allen Colen.

Calbayog Pilot Material Recovery Facility to be inaugurated today

The 2.9 million-peso JICA-funded Calbayog City Pilot Material Recovery Facility (MRF) will be inaugurated today. Mayor Mel Sarmiento and Vice Mayor Ronald Aquino will lead the officials and guests in the ceremony. JICA Philippine Office Representative Makoto Iwashi and JICA Project Team Leader Takshi Goto are expected to be in attendance. Also invited to the affair are the Mayors of the the Municipalities San Isidro (Northern Samar), Sto. Niño, Almagro, Tarangan, Gandara, Sta. Margarita, San Jorge and Matuguinao. The Calbayog MRF which is located in Brgy. Payahan (motorpool) is one of the only three MRFs which JICA constructed in the Philippines, the other two are located in the Cities of Sagay and Davao. Today's MRF blessing will be followed by the Ecological Solid Waste Management Technical Training.

Responsible Parenting Movement in Calbayog

Mayor Mel Senen Sarmiento signing the Responsible Parenting Movement MOA with Popcom RO-8 OIC Elnora Pulma. Looking on is City Population Officer Ruben Adona. (Photo by Henry Puyat)

Mayor Mel Sarmiento as he received the check from Popcom RO-8 OIC Elnora Pulma. Looking on are (r-l) Brenda Tan, Assistant City Population Officer; Ruben Adona, City Population Officer, Loida Gonzales, Popcom RO-8 Accountant and Aurora Alve, Popcom RO-8 Information Officer. (Photo by Henry Puyat)

On March 5, 2009, the City Government of Calbayog became the first Local Government Unit in Region 8 to enter into an agreement with the Commission on Population for the localized implementation of the Responsible Parenting Movement (RPM).

The Memorandum of Agreement was signed in simple ceremonies at the City Mayor’s Office. The MOA signatories were Mayor Mel Sarmiento and Commission on Population RO-8 OIC, Elnora Pulma. The MOA signing was followed by the ceremonial turn-over to the LGU of a check amounting to more than 1.6 million pesos from the Commission on Population. That money will be used for the implementation of the program in Calbayog.

RPM will be promoted through “Barangay Classes” among resident couples. For the year 2009, the program is aiming for 1,700 couples from various barangays in Calbayog. Its lead implementing agency is the Population Office and will be supported by the City Social Welfare and Development Office, the City Health Office and the City Agriculture Office.

RPM is being implemented in compliance with the directives of President Gloria Arroyo. It advocates the natural family planning program and is one that says "a 100% no to artificial contraceptives".

The Urban Poor Solidarity Week

The City Government recently spearheaded the Urban Poor Solidarity Week 2008. The activity which was anchored on the theme "Urban Poor Empowerment: The City's Vision for Sustainable MDGs Localization", was graced by the presence of HUDCC Secretary-General, Undersecretary Lucille Ortile.

A good number of Officers and Members of 54 Homeowners Associations (HOAs) and the beneficiaries of Caramel and Tomalon subdivisions participated in the parade and solidarity which capped the week-long event.

Here are some pictures from the day's activity.

Mayor Mel Sarmiento with Usec Lucille Ortile as they welcomed the parade participants.

Mayor Sarmiento with Usec. Ortile as they visited the San Policarpo resettlement site

The City Mayor with the HUDCC Usec at Carmela Subdivision.

For more pictures, please check this link.