Arthur Cedric Michael Jacob Caballes

DILG-7 empowers youth in BATARIZ program

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Filipino hero Dr. Jose Rizal—then 18 years old—wrote a poem entitled A La Juventud Filipina for the youth to hold their heads high and make use of their talents and abilities using the iconic line: “Kabataan ang Pag-Asa ng Bayan.”

A century and four decades have passed, and that part of the poem still ripples thru generations, keeping us reminded of the youth’s crucial role in shaping the future of the nation.

Driven by the desire to empower the youth and give them the rightful voice thru improved participation in social issues and local governance, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-7 under the tutelage of its dynamic leader, Regional Director Leocadio Trovela, came up with an initiative dubbed us Batang Kapariz ni Rizal (BATARIZ).

The Regional Office inked a partnership with the Knights of Rizal, Ramon Aboitiz Foundation Inc. (RAFI) Center for Leaders, and the National Youth Commission for the launching of Dir. Trovela’s brainchild project.

In October 2022, over 200 student leaders gathered in Lapu-Lapu City for Batch 1 of BATARIZ three-day camp that is centered on youth leadership training. The youth leaders participated in activities and discussions that aimed to hone their leadership skills, improve knowledge of local governance, and enhance appreciation of Philippine history.

The schools that were represented were the University of Southern Philippines-Foundation (USP-F), University of San Carlos (USC), University of Cebu (UC)-Main Campus, UC-LapuLapu and Mandaue Campus, Cebu Normal University (CNU), Cebu Technological University (CTU), University of the Visayas (UV), Cebu Institute of Technology-University (CIT-U), and the Southwestern University (SWU)-Phinma.

The community youth leaders were from Cebu Province, Cebu City, Mandaue City and Lapu-Lapu City.

After the camp, the BATARIZ volunteered to help the government in repacking relief goods for the affected families of Typhoon Paeng.

They also geared up in the simultaneous launch of Buhay Ingatan, Droga’y Ayawan (BIDA) program for Visayas on November 26, 2022, at the Plaza Independencia in Cebu City.

The next month, Batch 2 of BATARIZ took place with over 150 youth leaders. This time, the University of the Philippines, and youths from Negros Oriental and Bohol joined the activity, together with a new set of participants from various schools and community leaders in Cebu.

“Be reminded of our role and responsibilities as youths in our respective communities. Dream and strive to reach your potential by harnessing skills and talents for the betterment of oneself and contribute to the progressive development of our countrymen,” said Trovela in his message.

DILG-7 then organized the Bangon Kabataan Journalism Workshop for student journalists from December 14 to 16, spearheaded by the region’s Information Unit. The resource speakers were DILG-7 personnel who formerly worked for local media.

Participants were from Silliman University and Negros Oriental State University (NORSU) of Negros Oriental; Holy Name University of Bohol; and seven schools from Cebu, namely: CIT-U, SWU-Phinma, CNU, UV, CTU, UC and USC.

DILG-7 celebrates 29th Local Government Month

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-7 held a series of online activities in October in line with the nationwide celebration of the 29th Local Government Month.

DILG-7 has prepared six activities for the year’s anniversary that is anchored on the theme “Strengthening Good Local Governance towards Sustainable and Resilient Filipino Communities.” The regional office undertakes these commemorative activities in observance of the month-long celebration and as a commitment to the Memorandum Circular No. 2020-126 issued by the DILG Central Office.

The activities include unveiling of of LG Code 29th Commemorative Plaque, online Quiz Bowl Challenge for all the participating LGUs, webinars on Katarungang Pambarangay, sharing of best practices on COVID-19 Plan, knowledge sharing with information officers in Central Visayas and media practitioners, and webinar on Localization of Executive Order No. 70 and Retooled Community Support Program – End Local Communist and Armed Conflict.

On October 9, DILG-7 Director Leocadio Trovela and Assistant Regional Director Maria Loisella Lucino led the kickoff activity of the region’s month-long celebration.

The month of October is celebrated as the Local Government Month, the second week of October as the Local Government Week, and the 10th day of October as the Local Government Day in pursuant to the Presidential Proclamation 63, s. 1992. The celebration also commemorates the enactment of the Local Government Code of 1991.

DILG-7 and partners hold “Dambana ng Bayan” online series, launch Kalayaan e-newsletter

Aimed to espouse patriotism and faith amid this pandemic, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-7 and its partners organized two “Heal As One For Pilipinas: Dambana ng Bayan” forum series and launched the Kalayaan Digital Newsletter.

On June 29, DILG regional officials and employees in Central Visayas joined first “Heal As One For Pilipinas: Dambana ng Bayan” organized by Rizal-Blumentritt Pamathalaan Academy, Disiplina Muna Project Management Office, and DILG-7.

Rizal-Blumentritt Pamathalaan Academy founding member Consolacion R. Alaras discussed the “DENR and DILG Sacred Prophetic Role in the Pandemic” and “In the Fullness of God’s TIme: Sacred Prophetic Politics in the Philippines”, while DILG Public Affairs and Communication Service Director Marlo S. Guanzon spoke on “Disiplina Muna in the New Normal” and DILG-7 Director Leocadio T. Trovela talked about “DILG-7 in the Prophetic Duterte Presidency”.

It was followed by the second “Heal As One For Pilipinas: Dambana ng Bayan” online forum with the theme “Advocating Positive Change Through Effective Mass Communication and Community Engagement in the Digital Age” on July 13.

Information officers of local government units in Central Visayas, DILG-7 city and provincial directors, regional division chiefs and employees, field officers, and focal persons attended the forum.

Key speakers were Rizal – Blumentritt Pamathalaan Academy President Atty. Rafael A. Morales; DILG Assistant Secretary For Community Participation and Barangay Affairs Roosque B. Calacat; The Freeman Newspaper Online Editor Joeberth M. Ocao; Prof. Alaras; and Director Trovela.

Highlighting the forum was the official launch of the Kalayaan Digital Newsletter. It is a byproduct of the collaboration of partner institutions Rizal-Blumentritt Academy Pamathalaan, The Freeman, DILG-7, and Disiplina Muna-PMO.

Committed to continue the advocacies of advocacies of KKK’s Kalayaan Newspaper, the Kalayaan E-News aims to advocate positive change through promoting real and inspiring stories on the ground that will help shape the public perception on relevant issues, thus stirring people into action.

For more updates, you may visit our website http://dilgregion7.net/kalayaan/ , official Facebook page Kalayaan E-News and Twitter account @KalayaanENews .

“Dambana ng Bayan” forum now on its 3rd series

As the new expanded partner institution for the Kalayaan E-Newsletter, the Knights of Rizal, to be represented by Sir Edison A. Delos Angeles, KCR, will talk about the “Heroic Life of Rizal” and deliver a message of support to the digital newsletter.

Committed to continue the advocacies of advocacies of KKK’s Kalayaan Newspaper, the Kalayaan E-News aims to advocate positive change through promoting real and inspiring stories on the ground that will help shape the public perception on relevant issues, thus stirring people into action.

We invite everyone to join us this historical event thru this link via Google Meet: https://bit.ly/Kalayaan3

For more updates, you may visit our website http://dilgregion7.net/kalayaan/, official Facebook page Kalayaan E-News, and Twitter account @KalayaanENews./GML

As the new expanded partner institution for the Kalayaan E-Newsletter, the Knights of Rizal, to be represented by Sir Edison A. Delos Angeles, KCR, will talk about the “Heroic Life of Rizal” and deliver a message of support to the digital newsletter.

Committed to continue the advocacies of advocacies of KKK’s Kalayaan Newspaper, the Kalayaan E-News aims to advocate positive change through promoting real and inspiring stories on the ground that will help shape the public perception on relevant issues, thus stirring people into action.

We invite everyone to join us this historical event thru this link via Google Meet: https://bit.ly/Kalayaan3

For more updates, you may visit our website http://dilgregion7.net/kalayaan/, official Facebook page Kalayaan E-News, and Twitter account @KalayaanENews./GML

Kalayaan e-newsletter launched during 2nd “Dambana ng Bayan” forum

Information officers of local government units in Central Visayas, DILG-7 city and provincial directors, DILG regional division chiefs and employees, field officers, and focal persons join the second “Heal As One For Pilipinas: Dambana ng Bayan” online forum on July 13, 2020.

The forum carried the theme “Advocating Positive Change through Effective Mass Communication and Community Engagement in the Digital Age”.

Key speakers were Rizal – Blumentritt Pamathalaan Academy President Atty. Rafael A. Morales; DILG Assistant Secretary for Community Participation and Barangay Affairs Roosque B. Calacat; The Freeman Newspaper Online Editor Joeberth M. Ocao; Rizal – Blumentritt Pamathalaan Academy founding member Prof. Consolacion R. Alaras; and DILG-7 Director Leocadio T. Trovela.

Highlighting the forum was the official launch of the Kalayaan Digital Newsletter. It is a byproduct of the collaboration of partner institutions Rizal-Blumentritt Academy Pamathalaan, The Freeman, DILG-7, and Disiplina Muna-PMO.

Committed to continue the advocacies of advocacies of KKK’s Kalayaan Newspaper, the Kalayaan E-News aims to advocate positive change through promoting real and inspiring stories on the ground that will help shape the public perception on relevant issues, thus stirring people into action.

For more updates, please like our Facebook page (Kalayaan E-News) and Twitter account @KalayaanENews./GML

SIQUIJOR REMAINS COVID-FREE

Siquijor sets the record in Central Visayas for remaining COVID-free since the start of the pandemic.

This can be attributed to the strong sense of discipline of the Siquijodnons and the continued strict implementation of community quarantine protocols in the province, among other reasons.

Department of the Interior and Local Government-7 Director Leocadio Trovela commended the elected officials and the entire community who observe the #DisiplinaMuna advocacy despite the challenges and limitations posed by the quarantine guidelines.

The #DisiplinaMuna advocacy campaign is the brainchild of DILG that aims to rebuild the culture of discipline among Filipinos as a means of fostering people’s participation towards sustainable development and maintenance of peace and order.

In response to the ongoing pandemic, local government units (LGUs) created their respective local Inter-Agency Task Forces with technical working group that will help ensure compliance and observance to national directives and policies against COVID-19.

BEST PRACTICES

PROPER MANAGEMENT AND ACCEPTANCE OF LSIs and ROFs

All LGUs in Siquijor implemented health protocols in handling the Returning Overseas Filipino and Locally Stranded Individuals (LSIs) upon their arrival at the port until the completion of the 14-day quarantine at the identified quarantine facilities.

Personnel from the Rural Health Unit of the Municipality of San Juan conduct Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) among LSIs and OFWs who have finished the 14-day quarantine period.

In Larena, three Sub-Task Group Forces adopting the Triangle Defense composed of the Health Team, LGU OFW Desk, and Disaster Risk Reduction Management Team were formed to streamline the management of ROFs and LSIs as well as outgoing patients.

Each team is tasked to ensure that these persons are properly facilitated, monitored and profiled based on local health protocols and existing guidelines of the Inter-Agency Task Force and DILG.

MASSIVE CONTACT TRACING

Discipline keeps 6 barangays in Cebu City free from virus

In a city considered as a COVID-19 “hotspot,” six mountain barangays in Cebu City remain to be uninfected by the dreadful virus since the start of the pandemic.

Cebu City, which has 80 barangays, is the only city placed under enhanced community quarantine in the country from July 1 to 15 due to its rising number of confirmed cases.

According to the Cebu City Health Department, the virus-free barangays are Agsungot, Buot, Mabini, Sinsin, Sudlon 1, and Tagbao as of July 11.

Maintaining the untarnished record of these barangays is a shared responsibility of the government and its people, said Sudlon 1 Punong Barangay Dante Tabucal.

PB Tabucal cited some of the efforts of the barangay which include proper information dissemination, strict implementation of quarantine community protocols, random roving of barangay tanods, strict implementation of border control, and the laudable practice of discipline of the residents.

“We are doing our best to implement national and local protocols. My constituents are well-informed about these protocols,” he said.

Buot Punong Barangay Richard Bacayan agreed with the sentiments of PB Tabucal.

Barangay Buot has implemented stricter border control to keep non-residents from entering its borders.

It also strongly enforced the mandatory wearing of face masks and other health protocols.

Tabucal attributed the zero COVID case in his barangay to the remarkable cooperation and discipline of the people amid the limitations posed by the quarantine protocols.

DILG Cebu City Officer-in-Charge Atty. Ian Kenneth Lucero lauded the efforts of these COVID-free barangays for protecting themselves from the virus.

He said their attitude and discipline towards responding to this pandemic should be replicated in other areas of the city.

DILG-7 Ties Up with The Freeman, Rizal-Blumentritt Pamathalaan Academy, and Disiplina Muna PMO

Inspired by the commitment to continue the advocacies of Katipunan’s Kalayaan Newspaper in this day and age, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-7 decided to come up with the Kalayaan digital newsletter aiming to uphold the very purpose of the publication that once stood for liberty and democracy amid the colonial rule.

It seeks to provide a powerful channel towards achieving positive change through accurate reporting and promoting real stories on the ground that will help shape the public perception on relevant issues, thus stirring people into action similar to how Kalayaan Newspaper impelled our forefathers to free themselves from colonial exploitation.

DILG-7 believes that a collaboration with trusted partner institutions namely The Freeman, Rizal-Blumentritt Pamathalaan Academy, and Disiplina Muna Project Management Office bearing the same thrusts and principles will help attain these objectives.

The Freeman has been the longest running newspaper in the Visayas and Mindanao and the third oldest in the country. Since its humble beginnings in 1919 and despite the challenges of the digital age, it remains to be a champion of press freedom and purveyor of truth, whether in print or online. The paper continues to be independent and free from any influence, thus gaining the unrelenting trust of the public for 100 years and counting.

Rizal-Blumentritt Academy, on the other hand, is aimed to fulfill the vision of Dr. Jose Rizal and Czech Republic Patriot Dr. Ferdinand Blumentritt towards an international order based on moral sacred foundations. It also lives up to Rizal’s aspiration for the country to gain freedom from its oppressors. It likewise espouses the principle of God-centered governance, with the hope to unite all Filipinos in prayer.

Meanwhile, Displina Muna is a nationwide advocacy campaign of DILG that aims to revive the culture of discipline among Filipinos as a key for sustainable development and maintenance of peace and order. Its pillars are road clearing; disaster preparedness and resilience; anti-smoking; ease of doing business; liquor ban; environmental or tourist spots cleanup; and functionality of Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Councils.

DILG-7 and its partner institutions will formally ink their collaboration through a covenant signing during the official virtual launch of Kalayaan digital newsletter on July 13, 2020./GML

1ST “DAMBANA NG BAYAN” SERIES LAUNCHED

The Rizal-Blumentritt Pamathalaan Academy, Disiplina Muna Project Management Office and Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG)-7 launched the first “Heal As One For Pilipinas: Dambana ng Bayan” forum series aimed to espouse patriotism and faith amid this pandemic.

DILG regional officials and employees in Central Visayas joined the online forum on July 29, 2020.

The key speakers were Rizal-Blumentritt Pamathalaan Academy founding member Consolacion R. Alaras who talked about the “DENR and DILG Sacred Prophetic Role in the Pandemic” and “In the Fullness of God’s TIme: Sacred Prophetic Politics in the Philippines”, DILG Public Affairs and Communication Service Director Marlo S. Guanzon for “Disiplina Muna in the New Normal” and DILG-7 Director Leocadio T. Trovela for “DILG-7 in the Prophetic Duterte Presidency”.

The second “Dambana ng Bayan” forum will be conducted on July 13, 2020 with the theme “Advocating Positive Change through Digital Media”./GML

PROPHETIC HERITAGE SITE UNVEILED

Officials inaugurated the University of the Philippines Covenant Monument deemed as the 2018 Prophetic Heritage Site on February 14, 2018.

The Covenant Monument symbolized the commitment of leaders and citizens to national unity, prosperity and peace. It was envisioned to realize the prophetic vision of Dr. Jose Rizal that Philippines will prosper once moral redemption is achieved.

Present were UP President Alfredo E. Pascual, Rizal-Blumentritt Pamathalaan Academy President Rafael A. Morales, retired UP Professor and head organizer of the UP Covenant Monument Consolacion Alaras, and then DILG National Barangay Operations Office Director and now DILG-7 Director Leocadio T. Trovela.

They were also joined by representatives from the Office of the President, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Department of Interior and Local Government, Department of Foreign Affairs, and House of Representatives among others. /GML (Photo courtesy of Philippine News Agency)

Author: Arthur Cedric Michael Jacob Caballes