VOLUME I, ISSUE 1 MAY - DECEMBER 2017 bags SGLG twice in a row

The Local Government of Bayog under the management of Mayor Leonardo L. Babasa, Jr. received the Seal of Good Local Governance from the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) for the second time

last November 29, 2017 at Manila Hotel, Tent City, Manila.

Bayog is among the 448 LGUs all over the country, 28 are provinces, 60 are cities, and 359 are municipalities who have proven their worth to grab the 2017 Seal of Good Local

Governance. Other municipalities in Region IX who also received the SGLG were Labason, Manukan, Piñan, and Siocon from ; Imelda, , and Tungawan from ; and Bayog, , , Molave, Ramon Magsaysay, San Pablo, and Vincenzo Sagun from . “Hopefully, we will be a Hall of Famer next year if everybody will continue to do their part in this LGU,” Mayor Left to Right: Mario A. Baterna, LGOO VI-DILG, Mayor Leonardo L. Babasa‟s statement when he presented the seal to the LGU Babasa, Jr., Vice Mayor Celso A. Matias, together with Arnel F. officials and rank-and-file employees. Gudio , Provincial Director of DILG Zamboanga del Sur. Bayog holds Leadership Summit

The Local Government Unit of Bayog in Development and Interpersonal cooperation with the 44IB, Philippine Army held Communication. a Youth Leadership Summit on October 18-21, On the other hand, the 2017 at the Municipal Gymnasium, this participants were grouped to Municipality with the theme “Strengthening compete for various contests Agriculture thru Organic Farming towards like Literary and Musical Con- ASEAN Development”. test, Disk Gardening and Land- The summit was attended by 240 scaping, Sweet Potato Pro- participants of the municipality, 5 from each cessing, Coconut Dehusking, barangays, and from secondary schools and JH Coconut Grating, Organic Cerilles State College Bayog ESU. Beverage Making, and Duck Mayor Babasa gave his message of Meat Cooking, Quiz Bee and support which stresses his desire to prepare the The Search for Mr. & Ms. 4H youth in his municipality as good leaders 2017. especially in the field of agriculture. Guests of honor and Lined up activities during the 3-day speakers during the summit were summit were lectures and some contests. These LTC Jonathan P. Obena, INF lectures are delved on the following topics: (GSCV) PA, Commanding Officer, Family and Community by DepEd, Deception 441ID, PA, LTC Marces T. Gayat, INF (GSC) PA, Acting Chief of Staff Strategy of NPA and Bayanihan by 44IB, PA, The for Personnel, G1, PA, LTC Virgilio Role of the Youth in the Disaster Management Top to Bottom: Mayor Jun Babasa during the Opening Program; the participants; C. Hamos, Jr., INF, (GSC) PA, by the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and LTC Jonathan P. Oena, INF (GSC) PA, Commanding Officer, 53IB, 1ID, PA Management Office (MDRRMO), and Leadership Commanding Officer, 44IB, 1ID, PA. respectively. 2 ABANTE BAYOG NEWS May-December 2017

THE LCE’S CORNER As we begin with 2018, I am happy to recognize not only the growth and development that lies ahead of us but also the tremendous opportunities for our people to come together to continue making Bayog a great place.

Two years ago, we have been awarded by DILG for 100% compliance for the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG). This commitment was fully supported by all sectors. I am proud to say that we have achieved this goal and we have met it again for 2017. We have built a strong foundation for our municipality while delivering the level of service that our people expect. Congratulations for everyone’s involvement.

We have many exciting new events and endeavors planned for 2018. Also the LGU is consistently committed to maximizing your access to municipality information and our ability to hear from you. This newsletter, our radio station and Facebook page are important tools – a gateway “We have built a strong to LGU services that provides new opportunities for interaction and involvement.

foundation for our We are shaping the future we want for our beloved Bayog. municipality while Continue to join us on this journey as we move towards prosperity and a greater opportunity. Dissemination delivering the level of Abante na ta sa Bayog!! service that our people

expect.” LEONARDO L. BABASA, JR., MBA, CPA Municipal Mayor DTI opens Negosyo Center

Bayog DTI Negosyo Center (NC) was officially launched last November 6, 2017 after the blessing and ceremonial cutting of ribbons by Local Chief Executive, Hon. Leonardo L. Babasa and Maria Socorro Malate-Atay, Provincial Director, DTI-Zamboanga del Sur; assisted by Ms. Pamela Matias Peconada, Chairman-Bayog Chamber of Commerce. It is located at the Municipal Government Center of this town. In a brief overview of the center, M. S. Atay said “Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) services can now be accessed as fast as 15 minutes processing time. She further stated that the center will also serve as a link between our local businessmen to business financing institutions, maintains daily Left to Right: Pamela M. Peconada, Chairman Bayog Chamber of Commerce, Maria Socorro Malate-Atay, Provincial Director DTI ZdS, posting on prices of natural rubber based in Singapore, etc. Mayor Jun Babasa and Vice Mayor Celso A. Matias. Therefore, in the microcosm, the services that a businessman needs On the other hand, Mayor Babasa thanked becomes readily available. the DTI for this endeavor in making this LGU as partner in serving the small and medium enterprise and micro business enterprise for they will no longer have travel to City just for the business registration. He expressed his 101% support of this program.

“We have great desire that Bayog‟s economy will grow with the support of the private sectors; kay dili man kita tanan ang nag bu-bo og pohunan dinhi kung di ang mga private sectors”, He added. Moreover, the launching was attended by the local officials of this municipality together with LGU department heads and some personnel from DTI-

Zamboanga del Sur. Blessing and ceremonial cutting of ribbons of Bayog Negosyo Center. 3 ABANTE BAYOG NEWS May-December 2017 Bayog is Outstanding Rice Achiever in the country

Department of Agricul- Mayor, Leonardo L. ture named Bayog as one of the Babasa, Jr., on behalf of our fifteen (15) Outstanding Munici- town received the award on palities and Cities in the country May 23, 2017 at the Philippine through the 2016 Rice Achievers International Convention Cen- Award. ter (PICC), Pasay City. He was This is the second time accompanied by Ms. Nora A. that the Municipality got the Paredes, Municipal Agricultur- same distinction in 2012. ist, Ms. Edwina E. Caray, Agriculturist II and Ronilo Mag- tortol, Agricultural Technologist who were also recognized as Outstanding Agricultural Exten- sion Workers (OAEW). This is the result of the Left to Right: Mayor Leonardo L. Babasa, Jr., Nora A. Paredes, collaborative efforts of every- Municipal Agriculturist, Edwina E. Caray, Agriculturist II, and Ronilo body. The Farmers Field School Magtortol, Agricultural Technologist. established in our clustered barangays, the distribution of High Yielding Technology Adaptation (HYTA) seeds, the conduct of Rice Crop Management(RCM) for the proper application of fertilizer, and etc. All of which we have employed to our agricul- ture sector is a part of our 10 point agenda, the „LETS GO SHADES”, Mayor Babasa said. On the other hand, Bayog received P1M worth of project and cash prize of P20K for each OAWs. The other 14 winners are Luna in Apayao, Solsona in Ilocos Norte, Santiago City in Isabela, Victoria in Tarlac, Pila in Laguna, Paluan in Occidental Mindoro, Ligao City in Albay, Valladolid in Negros Occidental, Talibon in Bohol, Hinundayan in Southern Leyte, Lala in Lanao del Norte, Hagonoy in Davao del Sur, Lambayog in Sultan Kudarat, and Prosperidad in Agusan del Sur.

Bayog Street Dance Team is Champion

Bayog Street Dance Team (BSDT) bags the grand champion during the Megayon Street Dance Competition held last September 13, 2017 at Dao, Pagadian City.

The team was composed of 101 LGU Bayog scholars consequently enrolled at the JH Cerilles State College (JHCSC) Bayog External Studies Unit, trained by Mr. Fil Am Canillas with Mr. Pablito A. Matias, MEEO, as the Manager.

LGU Bayog recognizes DCWs

To recognize the Workers‟ Week Celebra- of the DCWs. contributions of Day Care tion on June 23, 2017 at At present, there Workers (DCWs) who the Municipal Government are 45 DCWs who provides substitute parental Center. manned the 33 daycare care and early childhood The week-long centers in this Munici- education to young kids in celebration was in pality. the Daycare Centers of the consonance to the national Municipality, LGU Bayog week celebration for the thru its Municipal Social Day Care Volunteers. It Welfare and Development was filled with learning Office (MSWDO) led the activities designed to National Day Care enhance the teaching skills 4 ABANTE BAYOG NEWS May-December 2017

New NCDC is turned-over to Bayog Newly constructed National Child Development Center (NCDC) was turned-over to LGU Bayog on July 24, 2018 after the blessing and ceremonial ribbon cutting which was witnessed by municipal officials and LGU department heads together with some DepEd-Bayog personalities. It is located at the municipal government center, just right beside the Rural Health Unit. NDC, commonly known as Bulilit Center (BC) is a joint flagship project of the Early Childhood Care & Development (ECCD) Council The newly constructed National Child Development Center (NCDC) in the and LGUs Municipality of Bayog, Zamboanga del Sur. particularly the mayors of the of ECCD activities specifically on health, nutrition and municipalities most especially early childhood education through the and cities. It is Early Learning Program and Family Support Program. BCs goal is to introduce best practices of the a ground-level Cutting of Ribbon of the new NCDC headed by Hon. Leonardo integrated childhood care development services to 0-4 venue of the L. Babasa, Jr., Municipal Mayor, together with the Municipal years old children in the community and serves as a c o n v e r g e Officials, Department Heads and representative from the ECCD laboratory for conducting research and innovations implementation Council. about ECCD that will promote the continuing education and/or professionalization of ECCD service providers, thus it also acts as a resource center for the community to enhance parenting skills and capabilities. These centers are equipped with furniture and fixtures, manipulative learning materials, story books and posters, musical instruments, arts and craft materials, hygiene and toilet bath kits and equipment.

ATI spearheads training to DILG orients Barangay 4Hers Chairpersons Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) Regional Training Center-IX in coordination with Bayog LGU spearheaded a 3-day Training on Gender and Development (GAD) to 31 4Her‟s Mentors from this town on June 13-15, 2017 at the Municipal Government Center.

Resource persons were Glo Ann Darunday, Sandra L.

Usob, Sitti Norjana U. Pala, Gloria D. Magtortol, Elvis O. Dablo Orientation on Local Development Council and Strengthening on Entrepreneurship for the Youth, Vice Mayor Celso A. Matias Comprehensive Development Plan. for LETS GO SHADES Program of Bayog, SB Member Cerilo B. Department of Interior and Local Government Carcueva on CSO Registration and Accreditation and Meriline B. (DILG) gave orientation to the 28 barangay chairpersons Locson, Provincial Planning Development Officer-Zamboanga del of this municipality on Local Development Council Sur for Project Proposal Writing. (LDC), and Strengthening Comprehensive Development

Moreover, the objective of this training is to equip the Plan (CDP) last October 12, 2017 at the Session Hall, participants with the knowledge, skills, and attitudes in Municipal Government Center. It was facilitated by Mr. nd strengthening 4H Organization and sustaining its activities Mario A. Baterna, LGOO VI-DILG, Cluster Head, 2 correspond to entrepreneurial undertakings. District, Zamboanga del Sur. 5 ABANTE BAYOG NEWS May-December 2017 Bayog observes Elderly Filipino Week

To give tribute to the Dance plus the Search for Out- elderly Bayoganons this Local standing Senior Citizens Organi- Government Unit celebrated the zation 2017. Elderly Filipino Week last It is said that elderly October 3, 2017 at the Municipal Filipinos are very important Gymnasium with the theme: member of the society that “Pagkilala sa Kakayahan, Ambag need support and protection, so at Paglahok ng mga Nakakatanda that they can live a productive Participants gathered at the Municipal Gymnasium in observance with the Elderly Filipino Week on October 3, 2017. sa Lipunan”. and happy life. It was attended by at Presidential Proclama- the nation. It also aims to address the issues con- least 1,700 seniors (pensioners tion No. 470 mandates the cerning the older people sector. and non-pensioner) from the 28 annual celebration of the Elderly Furthermore, Mayor Leonardo L. Babasa, Jr. barangays of this town who were Filipino Week to give in his message during the program urge the seniors much entertained to the various importance to the roles of the to be participative in all activities of their respective contest after the program prop- senior citizens in helping build barangay. er like Vocal Solo, Balak and NCAA conducts dance workshop to Bayog teachers The National Commission on Culture and The Arts (NCCA) in partnership with LGU Bayog conducted a 3-day Workshop on Philippine Folk Dances on October 13-15, 2018 at the Municipal Gymnasium to 167 participants from private and public teachers, dance trainers and other dance enthusiasts of this Municipality and neighboring towns. Resource speakers were Ms. Ms. Sevieh Zamoras-Hamoy, Member, National Committee on Cultural Education-NCCA and Mr. Odysso Oyales, Member, National Committee on Dance-NCCA. With them were eight (8) dance demonstrators from Melengas Dance Ensemble of Pagadian City National High School. Free discussion, demonstration of methods, and practical application of skill were employed during the workshop to facilitate fast and easy Dance Demonstrators and participants of the 3-day NCCA Dance workshop at the gym. learning of the dances taught during the course. The participants were grouped into six to perform dances like Beneracion, Jota de Medelin, Ba Ingles, Balse, Gayong-Gayong, and Jota Palcana during the Closing Program. Meanwhile, the organizer of the said activity was IndakJEF9506, Bayog National High School dancers from 19195-2006 organized by Ms. S. Hamoy.

Bayog PNP holds Taphang CONGRATULATIONS to the following LGU Bayog Philippine National Police (PNP) of Bayog employees who successfully completed their Master’s Municipal Station (MPS) headed by PSInsp Glenn Degree at Saint Columban College, Pagadian City Pollescas conducted “Taphang” in our municipality last October 2017: Mary Rose A. Elardo, Master in last June 2017. “Taphang” is a nationwide PNP Business Administration; Jocel O. Loriche, Master in Program for clearing drug-listed dependents. Public Administration; and Telvir L. Deocades, Master in Public Administration.

PNP personnel of Bayog MPS also went to offices to conduct “Taphang” 6 ABANTE BAYOG NEWS May-December 2017 Bayog Rescue Olympics gets more support

Bayog Rescue Olympics 2017 It was the 3rd time that Local M16) – BDS, Basic Defense System with the theme “Sa Panahon ng Disaster Risk Reduction and Competition – BDS. Sakuna, Laging Ligtas ang May Alam at Management Office (LDRRMO) of Facilitators were LDRRMO Handa” gains more support from this LGU held the same activity. personnel under Mr. Abraham P. stakeholders. It was held on Competitions held and Capayas with Cesario G. Samong III, December 12-13, 2017 at the participants were Knot Tying – WBH, Roreyn S. Pelangco, WBH, Municipal Gymnasium attended by at Elementary pupils, High School (HS) Municipal Health Office, and some th least 1,500 participants (Barangay students and BDS, Human Carry – personnel from 44 IB, Philippine Army. Emergency Response Team/BDS of HS and BDS, First Aid Rescue and the 28 barangays, elementary and high Transportation – Elementary pupils, school students, Task Force KKK and Assemble and Disassemble (M14 & NGOs of this Municipality). LGU Olympics Part II gains remarkable success

LGU Olympics Part II gains teams composed of LGU officials Astillero, PDO III); 2nd runner-up – remarkable success which commenced and rank-and-files, job order em- Yellow FAMily (coordinators: Hon. last October 20 and concluded on ployees and barangay officials. Horace Paul T. Anlap, Engr. Jeremias E. December 20, 2017, the awarding Florida, MPDC, and Theody A. Matias, The Blue JAGuars was ceremony which was held at the Admin Officer IV); and followed by declared as the overall champion Municipal Gymnasium. Red Flashers (coordinators: Hon. (coordinators: Hon. Junel P. Bacbac, Godofredo T. Compacion, Melly G. Games played were Arsenio B. Cabilin, MCR and Dr. Madamba, MBO, and Engr. Diosalde M. Badminton (category Male double and st Gretchen A. Dubric); 1 runner-up Lumasag, Mun. to the SB and Lito A. category Female double) and Volley- – White Spikers (coordinators: Hon. Babao, Mun. Assessor); Green Hornets ball (category Male A, category Male B Teofisto B. Deocades, Pablito A. (coordinators: Hon. Ernesto C. Yagos, and category Female) by eight (8) Matias, MEEO and Renie U. Turn to Page 7 7 ABANTE BAYOG NEWS May-December 2017

From Page 6: LGU Olympics Part II ……

Joemar L. Araneta , Mun. Accountant, Nora A. Paredes, Mun. Agriculturist); Orange CABaliers (coordinators: Hon. Cerilo B. Carcueva, Miguela B. Arnoco, Mun. Treasurer, and Mario A Baterna, LGOO VI-DILG); and Black YMC (coordinators: Hon. Ronilo A. Yamaro, Abraham P. Capayas, LDRRMO and Gloria D. Magtortol, MSWDO). The venue of the closing program was jam-packed with those who were eager to know who will emerged as the champion hence the night was also having more fun because of the Christmas Sayawit Contest participated by participated by LGU Teams combined with their respective JHCSC Team and the raffles of prizes.

Moreover, the awarding ceremony also included the Recognition of Board Passers, Outstanding Athletes and on the field of Journalism.

BAMEA goes to Bohol Bayog Municipal Employees Association (BAMEA) went to Bohol for a Study Visit and Best Practice Learning Exchange last October 26-29, 2017 composed of 101 rank-and-file employees led by Renie U. Astillero and Theody A. Matias, BAMEA President and Vice President respectively. The group went to observe the different municipalities of the province who successfully implemented their programs especially on the Ecological Tourism Management Program and Customer Service Excellence, which is the thrust of this LGU today. Meanwhile, Mayor Helen C. Alaba welcomed the group during their visit to Loboc Government Centre, then they were ushered to the town‟s Tourism Complex Theatre (TCT) for an orientation and open-forum on how the LGU governs and deliver their services that made them attain recognitions on Customer Service Excellence and Eco-Tourism Management Program; likewise Lingkod Bayan Award, Seal of Good Housekeeping, and Galing Pook Award. Aside from Loboc Government Center, BAMEA also went to see the different Eco Tourism Spots in the province like: Blood Compact Monument, Baclayon Church and Museum, Bohol Python and Wild Park, Floating Restaurants, Bilar Eco Park (Manmade Forest), Bohol Tarsier, Butterfly Sanctuary, Shiphauz, Chocolate Hills, Sagbayan Peak, Jardin Necitas (Bohol‟s Glowing Garden), Assumption of Our Lady Shrine, Parish Dauis, Hinagdanan Cave, Bee Farm, Dulaluan Beach Resort, then to ICM Mall before they moved to Tagbilaran Port to take a trip back home. 8 ABANTE BAYOG FEATURE May-December 2017

DISCOVER CAWA-CAWA TWIN FALLS

The Municipality of Bayog is not just a home of wonderful people, but a place of majestic scenery with destinations waiting to be discovered.

Situated in Barangay Lamare, one of Bayog‟s barangays, the Cawa-cawa Twin Falls can be reached by 15- minute motorcycle ride from the town proper and 30-minute hike from the barangay centre.

“Cawa” is a bisaya word for “cauldron”, a large metal pot used for cooking over an open fire. This is where “Cawa-Cawa Twin Falls” got its name.

As you walk through the forest, you can be amazed by a vast variety of plants and flowers in the place. You can hear the relaxing sound of the wild birds and animals hiding on the trees and behind the bushes.

Your journey to Cawacawa may be heart-stopping because of the rough road, but once you get there, it is truly worth it.

Waterfalls, like Cawacawa Twin falls, have impressive power and beauty of nature. Shimmering and fall- ing, breaking into a thousand shards of spray to the astonishing rock formation. Crashing water scares and at- tracts soul.

Experience and personally appreciate another beauty of nature.

ABANTE BAYOG is the official ABANTE BAYOG EDITORIAL BOARD Newsletter of the Municipality of Chairman: Hon. Leonardo L. Babasa, Jr., MBA, CPA Vice Chairman: Hon. Celso A. Matias Bayog, Zamboanga del Sur. Members: All SB Members

Departments Heads & Other Key Officials For your comments and suggestions,

EDITORIAL STAFF please see Ms. Bernadine A. Gabawan, Editor: Bernadine A. Gabawan, MPA Information Officer II at the Office of Writer: Ma. Elyza Gracilda R. Ponciano the Municipal Mayor or you may email Photographer: Val Winster M. Fausto us at [email protected] or Layout Artist: Liezel A. Matias check out Abante Bayog, our official Adviser: Virgilio Q. Zamora, MPA, LPT Facebook Page.