BTECH Senior High School Joins PaSaKalye 2016

BTECH Senior High School Students in street dance mode.

Baliwag Polytechnic College Senior High School fielded fifty (50) of its grade 11 students to participate the celebrated Pasko Sa Kalye (PaSaKalye) last December 14, 2016. PaSaKalye is a Christmas street and mass dancing contest, one of the most-awaited segment of Paskong Pasko sa Baliwag 2016. 

Social Sciences instructor, Mr. Armie V. Verde, choreographed BTECH's entry. The routine showcased the students' creativity, inventiveness and environmentalism. It made use of recovered waste materials to highlight Baliwag's heritage sites and unique products. Among tourist attractions of the town, the clock tower of Baliwag and San Agustin Church were featured. While among its multifarious products, the famed buntal hat was featured.

BTECH's entry was very good. But there were schools which fared better. ACLC Baliwag eventually bagged the grand prize for the high school and college level. It was the first time for BTECH to join the PaSaKalye. Winning it, although hoped, was not a primary goal. BTECH's primary goals were:  (1) to contribute to the efforts of the local government unit in making Baliwag, Bulacan a bankable tourist attraction site during Christmas season; (2) to expose the Senior High School students of BTECH to the art of street dancing and en masse performances; and (3) to develop, among BTECH students, self confidence and camaraderie. 

BTECH will join again next year.

Peace and Order Issues Priority in Baliwag, Bulacan

There are many peace and order issues that needed to be addressed at Baliwag, Bulacan, however, due to limited resources, there is a need to prioritize. Here are the top three priority issues.

Priority Issue 1: Prevalence of Crimes Against Property - Theft, Carnapping, Robbery

Since 2015, the crimes against property, specifically theft, robbery and carnapping had been prevalent in Baliwag, Bulacan. These crimes had been happening due to acute sense of deprivation among some citizens of Baliwag, Bulacan. It has affected the population, especially the victims or property owners. There were 128 recorded cases of thefts in 2015 and 39 in 2016. There were 50 recorded incidents of carnapping in 2015 and 29 in 2016. There were 58 recorded incidents of robbery in 2015 and 22 in 2016. The perpetrators may develop the habit of repeating the same acts if left unpunished. Deterrence of these types of crimes means security of property owners.

Priority Issue 2: Prevalence of Crimes against Persons - Murder, Rape, Violence Against Women and their Children

Since 2015, the crimes against persons, specifically murder, rape and violence against women and their children had also been prevalent in Baliwag, Bulacan. These crimes had been committed on various reasons including: for gain, revenge, elimination, jealousy, lust of killing, assertion of power, peer pressure, alcohol and drug influence and exaggerated sense of masculinity among some lawless citizens of Baliwag, Bulacan. It has affected the population, especially the families of the victims. There were 25 recorded cases of Murder in 2015 and 24 in 2016. There were 24 recorded incidents of Rape in 2015 and 22 in 2016. Although the crime rate lowered, the perpetrators may develop the habit of repeating the same acts if left unpunished. Deterrence of crimes against persons means security of life and limbs.

Priority Issue 3: Prevalence of Crimes involving Illegal Drugs

Since 2015, the crimes involving abuse of illegal drugs, specifically methamphetamine and marijuana had been prevalent in Baliwag, Bulacan. These crimes had been happening due poverty, anxieties, depressions or other mental illnesses, peer pressure, boredom, etc. among some citizens of Baliwag, Bulacan. It has affected the population, especially the victims of the addicts. There were 335.58 grams of methamphetamine seized during drug operations in 2016. While there were 17.04 grams of marijuana seized during drug operations in 2016. The perpetrators may develop the habit of repeating the same acts if left unpunished. Deterrence of these types of crimes means safety of the community.

The Peace and Order Situation of Baliwag, Bulacan

I. Crimes and Disorder

Baliwag, Bulacan is generally, a very peaceful Municipality. Peace reigns and crimes are intermittent if not isolated. The citizens, in general, are peace-loving people and have high respect for the law, peace and order. However, despite the great efforts of the municipality to avert crimes, the harmonious living condition in Baliwag is once in a while disrupted by crimes perpetrated by some lawless elements. In 2016, Baliwag, Bulacan registered 24 incidents of murder, 4 incidents of homicide, 17 incidents of physical injuries, 22 incidents of rape, 22 incidents of robbery, 39 incidents of theft and 29 incidents of carnapping. In recent times, the crime of carnapping is alarmingly on the upsurge.

Addiction to unlawful and prohibited drugs is also a perennial problem in the Municipality. Methamphetamine and Marijuana were sold like hotcakes in the streets. In 2016, a total of 335.58 grams of methamphetamine and 17.04 grams of marijuana were seized by the Philippine National Police and 166 drug addict suspects were arrested in 97 drug-related operations.

A. Effects and Implications

In general, when crimes are not addressed and criminals are not punished, the offenses may be repeated, which may eventually endanger the harmonious living in Baliwag, Bulacan.

B. Causes

In Baliwag, Bulacan, just like in many parts of the country, crimes and other offenses have no singular cause. Causes vary from one particular offense to another. Murder, for instance, may be committed for gain, revenge, elimination, jealousy and lust for killing. The offense of rape may root from power play, peer pressure, alcohol and drug intoxication to misplaced sense of masculinity. In general, crimes may spring from the acute sense of deprivation among citizens.

C. Responses and Capacities of the Baliwag and other stakeholders.

The Municipality of Baliwag, Bulacan addresses the issue directly and indirectly. Hitting the issue head-on may mean drafting, filing and prosecuting cases against the accused; passing and implementing Municipal Ordinance establishing Community Police Action (COMPACs); issuance of orders establishing roving beat patrol and mobile checkpoints; procurement and installation of CCTV cameras. 

Hitting the issue indirectly may mean a program for awareness campaign which includes conduct of seminars, lectures, fora and distribution of leaflets about crimes, corruption, violence against women and children. It may also mean the conduct of lectures, training and deployment of Barangay Peacekeeping Action Teams (BPATs) and the renovation of detention cells especially the center for women and juvenile delinquents.

The upsurge of the crime of carnapping in the Municipality of Baliwag shows the capability of the Municipality to prevent and control crimes and ensure the safety and security of the people had been tarnished. Hence various police operations and innovations had been undertaken by the PNP Baliwag to preempt, minimized and neutralized these criminal elements who undertook these nefarious activities. However, these criminals have become more fluid, divergent and presently more technologically advanced. This made it difficult for the law enforcers to completely stamp out criminality.

II. Road and Vehicle Safety

Being one of the old Spanish-era towns in Bulacan, Baliwag have narrow streets which are not suitable to large modern vehicles. As the municipality is on the verge of becoming a city, there is an upsurge of vehicles plying to and fro the municipality. The narrow roads become inadequate to meet the transport needs of commuters. Large vehicles plying and parking in the streets of the town caused blockage and clogging of traffic flow and eventually result to road accidents. Recklessness is still high in Baliwag, Bulacan. 

In 2016, the PNP Baliwag recorded 12 incidents of reckless imprudence resulting to homicide; 77 incidents of reckless imprudence resulting to physical injuries; and 337 incidents of reckless imprudence resulting to damage to property.

A. Effects and implications

The imprudence may be repeated, being left unpunished. Society may be imperiled.

B. Causes

The usual cause of reckless imprudence, in general, is lack of foresight and lack of skill on the part of the offender.

C. Responses and capacities of Baliwag and other stakeholders

One of the reasons why road accidents happen is that drivers, even without qualifications, are granted drivers' licenses. Thus, one of the effective responses to address the issue is through strict implementation of traffic rules and requiring the drivers higher qualifications before licenses are issued. 

The local government unit of Baliwag, Bulacan also spearheads the formulation, approval and implementation of an inter-agency coordination procedures on road traffic accidents management to avert unnecessary deaths due to road traffic accidents. For long-term solution, Baliwag, Bulacan included in its investment plans, the construction of more roads to avert heavy traffic situation especially along Benigno Aquino, Sr. St.

The conduct of seminars, lectures, fora and distribution of leaflets to create public awareness is also effective in minimizing road traffic accidents. Prompt drafting and filing of cases against the traffic rules violators served as effective deterrence.

III. Emergency, Crisis Management and Fire Safety

In Baliwag, Bulacan, the primordial emergency challenges were mostly typhoon, heavy rains, flooding, landslide, epidemics and other fortuitous events. In 2016, five destructive fires broke out in some barangays but these were immediately abated. While on October 19-20, 2016, super typhoon Lawin lashed the northern Philippines, Bulacan, including Baliwag is under signal number 1. 

A. Trends in emergencies experienced in the locality 

Like many towns in the Philippines, Baliwag, Bulacan also experienced epidemics such as dengue, HIV, tuberculosis, among others. On fire incidents, in 2016, five destructive fires broke out in some barangays but these were immediately abated.

B. Effects and implications

Diseases such as dengue, HIV, tuberculosis, when uncontrolled may be disrupt harmonious living in Baliwag, Bulacan. Fire incidents must be eradicated to as to save the Municipality from unnecessary loss of lives and property.

C. Causes

Typhoon, heavy rains, flooding and other fortuitous events are acts of nature. However, with the present technology, the destructive effects of acts of nature can be minimized, if not totally avoided. Diseases such as dengue, HIV, tuberculosis, etc. may be caused by dirty environmental exposures, unhealthy habits and practices. Incidents of fire, on the other hand, may be caused by criminals, like arson, or recklessness.

D. Responses and capacities of Baliwag and other stakeholders

In order ward off the dangers of fire, Baliwag, Bulacan and the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) conducts fire safety inspection, fire awareness campaigns and fire drills. BFP must also upgrade its fire fighting capabilities, train fire auxiliaries, fire volunteers and other BFP multipliers. Maintenance of fire trucks and formulation, approval and implementation of an inter-agency coordination procedures on fire response management are also sine qua non.

To deter the crime of arson in Baliwag, Bulacan, BFP must calibrate the fire investigation and intelligence training of its investigators. Together with the Prosecutor's Office, BFP must promptly draft and file cases against persons accused of arson.

To reduce the negative impact of fortuitous events such as typhoon, heavy rains, landslides and flooding, Baliwag, Bulacan, through its Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO), must formulate, approve and implement a comprehensive municipal risk reduction plan which may contain an inter-agency coordination procedures on disaster management. MDRRMO must also conduct disaster awareness programs, such as but not limited to the conduct of seminars, lectures, fora and distribution of leaflets to better prepare the citizens of any upcoming disaster.

On the part of the local government unit of Baliwag, Bulacan, it must proactively spearhead the repairs and maintenance of roads and flood control system, power supply and other infrastructure assets of the Municipality to better prepare for any fortuitous events. The Municipal Health Unit must initiate programs and projects to address health issues of the Municipality in case of disaster.

Baliwag, Bulacan Strengthens Public Service Delivery, Eyes for Seal of Good Governance for 2017

Mayor Ferdinand V. Estrella challenged the Municipal Department Heads to unite and support him in attaining Serbisyong May Malasakit.

The Municipality of Baliwag, Bulacan strengthens its public service delivery by assessing its 2016 department accomplishment reports and calibrating its 2017 department targets. This was revealed during the department heads' locked-in meeting held at the conference room of Baliwag Water District, Baliwag, Bulacan last January 12-13, 2017.

The Municipality is also eyeing for a Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) for 2017. This is the articulated aspiration of the present administration and is viewed not only as measure of excellent local governance but more importantly as an assurance that all departments are delivering quality services. Thus, the 2017 department targets shall be anchored on the SGLG and city-hood aspirations of the Municipality.

SGLG is an initiative of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) which monitors and awards Local Government Units with good performance in internal housekeeping specifically in the areas of: (1) good financial keeping; (2) disaster preparedness; (3) social protection; (4) business friendliness and competitiveness; (5) environment management, and (6) peace and order.

Mr. Jayfie Nasarro, the Municipal Local Government Operations, presented the 2016 DILG assessment report to explain why Baliwag, Bulacan failed to belong to the elite list of SGLG awardees. Only five (5) municipalities in Bulacan made it.

I'm focused on making Baliwag, Bulacan, an SGLG awardee. But beyond the award is enhanced services to the people, the Baliwageños deserved excellent service, Mayor Ferdinand V. Estrella expressed. This is also in pursuit of the Mayor's battle cry: Dapat Serbisyong May Malasakit! The hardworking Mayor calls on the Department Heads to unite and work together to achieve a better municipality.

The year-end assessment, critiquing and subsequent target setting was spearheaded by the Municipal Administrator Enrique V. Tagle and ably facilitated by Ms. Arlene G. Pascual of the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO). Ms. Clarinda Ofelia D. Guanzon and her team served as the secretariat.

The Municipal Administrator, Mr. Enrique V. Tagle, in a critiquing mode. Behind him is the LGU's Finance Cluster.

Today is a Beautiful Day to Tie the Knot, Best Wishes Daniel and Marielle

Today, January 14, 2017, Marielle made her father cry. She found the man, Daniel, who will take good care of her for the rest of her life and she is truly happy. Her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Orlando and Melody Rollan, hesitantly walked down the aisle with their daughter to give her away to a man named Daniel whom they met just a few years back. As they approached, Daniel was teary-eyed, and he gave his new father a long reassuring hug. His parents, Mr. and Mrs. Danilo Canono, were behind him witnessing their little boy transforming into a man of the house. Oh how the years rolled by!

Marielle and Daniel were both waiting for this moment all their lives. They are both professionals, responsible and mature daughter and son to their parents. Today, both are in the best versions of themselves as they faced the altar of the Our Lady of Lourdes Parish Church in Angeles City. Marielle is a belle in her lace ball gown wedding dress. And Daniel is a debonair in his ivory white tuxedo. They then took each other's hand and were in tears as they appeared before the solemnizing officer to exchange vows.

And today, at 3:00 P.M., before the altar of God, Marielle and Daniel took each other as wife and husband. And they promised to be true to each other in good and in bad times, in sickness and in health and to love and honor each other, till death do them part. And this new beginning was witnessed by all their relatives and friends. All the witnesses will soon be their second parents and they assume a new name: Ninong and Ninang.

And today is a beautiful day. The sun briskly shines like it's no ordinary day. Thin white clouds covered the skies like angels singing joyous hymns of praise. And all close friends and relatives, from all over the country, don in beautiful formal wears and rushed to Angeles City to meet and greet Marielle and Daniel on their new beginning, together. Oh what a day!

Today is a Beautiful Day to Tie the Knot, Best Wishes Daniel and Marielle!

Baliwag, Bulacan Streamlines Procurement Processes

Baliwag Municipal Administrator, Mr. Enrique V. Tagle, emphasized the importance of formulating a Municipal Project Procurement Management Plan (PPMP).

The Municipality of Baliwag, Bulacan streamlines the Municipal procurement processes by coming up with a Project Procurement Management Plan (PPMP) for 2017. During the Department Heads' meeting held on January 9, 2017 at Bulwagang Gat Mariano Ponce, Bahay Pamahalaan ng Baliwag, Bulacan, the Municipal Administrator (MA), Mr. Enrique V. Tagle, ordered the Departments to formulate PPMPs. Well-formulated PPMPs facilitate planned, coordinated and well-spaced public procurement and thus avoid splitting of contracts and rushed purchases. 

There must be good procurement planning so as not to jeopardize the Bids and Awards Committee (BAC), MA Tagle said. He also sits as the chair of the BAC. There shall be no short cuts in any procurement process, he ordered. He also bewailed the upsurge of last minute procurement requests in the last quarter of the fiscal year 2016. We have to project our needs wisely and prioritize, he continued.

On the other hand, Engr. Nemencio De Leon, the Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator (MPDC), asked the Department Heads to give the BAC a one-month leeway to process any requested procurement. The BAC, with all the legal requirements imposed under Republic Act 8194, needs at least one month to process procurement requests. Engr. De Leon is a seasoned BAC member.

The Municipality of Baliwag, Bulacan aspires to be one of DILG's Seal of Good Local Governance awardees in the Province of Bulacan. It is also preparing for its eventual conversion into a City. Way to go, Baliwag!  

MPDC Engr. Nemencio De Leon asks the Department Heads to request for procurement of items at least one month before its intended use. 

A productive afternoon discussion with the Municipal Department Heads.

Selfie with Public Employment Service Office (PESO) Head, Ms. Jen Marcelo.