BAGUIO CITY – The city’s 128 Punong Barangays were briefed on what to expect this year during the first official  meeting with Mayor Mauricio Domogan at the city hall multi-purpose hall last week.

                Foremost on the concerns brought up was the P30M funding from the 20% development fund, pegged for priority projects in the barangays.

                 The mayor verified reports on equal distribution of said funds which would amount to a measly P275,000 per barangay. The amount would not be enough to complete a project thus a priority list should be followed, through a P2M allocation per city council member, the mayor said.       

                Not all barangays will be given funds, as distribution should be guided by the local government code, the mayor clarified. Congressman Bernardo Vergara through Mayor Domogan, however has assured the barangays of an additional P30M from his funds; still to be used for priority projects.  

                Priority projects are the city’s drainage and sewerage, including the city camp lagoon. Whatever is lacking, “iremedyo tayo,” the mayor said. If needs be, the next projects would be allocated funds in 2012, he added.

                The mayor also regarded the agreement between and among the PBs as the fruit of “good teamwork and cooperation,” as with the “beauty of unity.”      

                During the forum, Mayor Domogan urged the PBs to comply with garbage segregation and to require their constituents to do so. Said efforts would contribute to less expenses for the hauling of garbage to Capas, Tarlac while reminding them of the Feb. 2 inauguration of the garbage facility at the Irisan dumpsite.

                The Punong Barangays were also reminded by Alou Meneses of the Alay Sa Kalinisan (ASK), of the Clean and Green contest as judging has started, up to Feb. 14, the awarding date. The Clean and Green’s roadside beautification project should have project sustainability in order to gain the nod of the judges and win the Fifty Thousand Peso prize, Meneses said.

                In addition, criteria for judging the barangay cleanliness contest was also stated, which includes; recycling and re-use of junk materials, garbage segregation, streetsweepers’ responsibilities, canal and waterway cleanliness, left-over garbage, burning of garbage, orderliness of public utility wirings, and noise pollution in general.

                Dr. Rowena Galpo of the Baguio Health Department gave a briefing on a more improved conduct of the Pasadang Pambarangay as to; medicines, diet counseling, spiritual counseling, first aid and simple basic life support guidelines.

She also informed the group of the Pasadang Pambarangay’s need for additional manpower and volunteers, as “volunteer fatigue” is being felt; special needs for senior citizens and persons with disabilities; Philhealth services for the public; information and education campaign for health concerns; free multivitamins, screening and immunization at health facilities, and the presentation of preventive and interactive consultation before curative services.

                Veterinary and Department of Agriculture concerns are included during the Pasadang Pambarangay, Dr. Galpo said.    

Legal concerns were presented by City Legal Officer Carlos Melchor Rabanes while accounting procedures and matters were addressed by City Accountant Antonio Tabin.

                As for the tourism concerns, Mayor Domogan himself was informed that 2010 proved a good year for the business environment. Baguio Country Club was fully booked for the first time in many years, it was learned, as with other establishments; and the crime rates went down according to police authorities.

                On the other hand, the barangays are being called on by City Veterinarian Brigit Piok to have their constituents’ dogs be vaccinated. This is due to an intensified drive for a rabies free Baguio. Free vaccines were given by the department of agriculture. Pet owners are invited to bring their pets to the City veterinarian’s office at Slaughter house compound. Or barangay officials may schedule with the Vet office for a mass vaccination in their barangay.

                The offer is good until supplies last, so it will be on a first come, first serve basis, City Veterinarian Piok said.   –juliegfianza