LTO-12 Director Arlan Mangelen: RISING ABOVE

Embarking on 3-point policy agenda – good governance, documented transaction and quality accomplishment – as key to better serve the public

By Anthony S. Allada

AS he assumed office more than a year ago, many cast doubts on the integrity, sincerity, qualities and capabilities of Datu Arlan Mangelen to be appointed as the regional director of Land Transportation Office in Central Mindanao.

For one, Mangelen’s youthfulness and being a rookie at the LTO may be a factor that he could not bear the pressure from his colleagues who serve the government agency almost half of their lives. And here comes this 39-year-old man so new to this post to be at the helm, taking charge of the region’s transport sector.

But he proved his critics wrong.  Applying the excellence and competence he showed when he was an election officer and a congressional chief-of-staff back then, he instituted the needed reforms to make the LTO 12 to be at par from other LTO regional offices and to better serve the transacting public.

Mangelen embarks on a three-point policy agenda – GOOD GOVERNANCE, DOCUMENTED TRANSACTION and QUALITY ACCOMPLISHMENT — to effect change and institute reforms under his stewardship.

GOOD GOVERNANCE

The first policy agenda is good governance. He defines good governance as work excellence in law enforcement, transparency, administrative and operational reforms.

While having an inspection of its roster of employees, the new LTO director found irregularities and discrepancies when he found that retired employees and even dead ones were still at the list and receiving salaries.

“Kaya ang ginawa ko, pina-scrap ko talaga yun at pina update ko yung roster natin sa ating employees. Hindi pwede i-tolerate yun,” he said.

And, he also made it clear that the LTO-12 has no room for fixers. Allowing them is to add more fees for the transacting public since fixers are the ones who jack up the fees even in double.

“Huwag nating bigyan nga problema mga kababayan natin kasi karamihan sa kanila mahihirap din,” he said.

Moreover, Mangelen sourced out funds to construct a conference room to cater their district meetings and other conferences to save them time and money in holding these gatherings outside their office.

Aside from that, he initiated the purchase of an 8-hectare land to be constructed next year with the new LTO regional office to become a one-of-a-kind ONE-STOP-SHOP, where an area will be set aside for actual driving to applicants.

“We have no other purpose here but to the convenience of our transacting public and to serve them well,” he said.

Two months ago, Mangelen introduced the “I-Report sa LTO-12” stickers in PUVs, which encourages commuters and motorists to report any violation by those involved in public transport service.

This plan to establish SMS hotlines  came after Mangelen received so many complaints such as smoking while driving, extremely loud sound systems, shaded license plates, and many others.

“This is in response to the clamor of several commuters. Public utility vehicles need to be compliant not only regarding government standards but also on keeping our streets and travel orderly ” he said.

To submit a report, according to the direction on the stricter, a complainant needs to text his or her full name, plate number of the vehicle, and the nature of violation and send this to 09152988092 or 09051964660.

DOCUMENTED TRANSACTION

The second policy direction is documented transaction. The LTO director said that all transactions at their office should be documented. This came to his attention when its main office in Manila required them to submit some important documents but they failed to comply because records were found.

That’s why, he issued a directive to make an inventory and established a room for the safekeeping of files and documents.

The personnel of the records section should see to it that all files are in place and in order for ready reference when they are needed.

Aside from that, they should also be careful to receive documents from transacting public especially when those were tampered or fake.

QUALITY ACCOMPLISHMENT

Last policy agenda is quality accomplishment. Accomplishment is but normal for a government agency which has a day-to-day transaction with the public. But it should be a quality one. For Mangelen, quality accomplishment means meeting the requirements to have a real quality accomplishment.

He humbly admits the lack of proper skills trainings for his enforcers. That’s why, he encouraged them to join trainings to enhance their skills and knowledge on law enforcement and other must-know to be more effective and efficient in dealing with the motorists.

Administrative staff are also allowed to participate these trainings for the same purpose and are told to re-echo their learnings to their colleagues.

Mangelen is a believer of team work where quality accomplishment can only be achieved if everyone is  a team player. With his leadership, he sees to it that his guidance to his men would inspire more quality accomplishments.

OTHER PROJECTS

The young LTO director would not just let his enforcers do their jobs without securing the benefits they should get in line of their work.

Like the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines, LTO enforcers are soon to get their hazard pay for risking their lives in dealing motorists in the streets.

Besides, those employees who might be facing charges over their jobs can avail the services of their legal department

Mangelen said aside from their usual work, LTO-12 personnel are also involved in civic action activities as well as participating in medical and dental missions initiated by other line agencies of the government.

There are also times when there is a calamity, they get the consensus of their personnel in providing cash and in kind assistance to the affected victims.

Some district offices still in manual will soon be computerized. The LTO-12 has 19 district offices in six cities and six provinces.

 

 

The man named JV Ejercito

San Juan Rep. Joseph Victor (JV)  Ejercito is an epitome of an excellent young public servant, always concerned with the interest of his compatriots, over and above his personal political career. His phenomenal governance as Mayor of San Juan for nine years, along with his conviction to make a difference in the lives of the masses has shown a new type of public servant.

Since he assumed the public spotlight, JV believes that he is called upon to serve and make a positive difference in the lives of the Filipino masses, especially on the youth. His JV Ejercito Scholarship Foundation has already benefited 1,000 college scholars as of this writing. He also helped in addressing the health problem of his constituents in San Juan by distributing Medicare para sa Masa (Philhealth Insurance) and the San Juan Health Card. Along with various youth organizations, JV is tirelessly helping the youth in their pursuit for a better future.

Under JV’s leadership, San Juan had emerged triumphant amidst the economic and political crises besetting the nation. To date, San Juan has the lowest poverty incidence of 2.92% as stated by the National Statistics Coordinating Body, achieved a 200% increase in its revenue in merely four years, and recognized by the Commission on Audit as the best fiscally-managed municipality in the entire country. Despite being in the opposition, and not having received a single centavo or project from the current administration, San Juan likewise emerged as the country’s Most Progressive Municipality in 2006 as adjudged by the Commission on Audit. This is a feat which shows that JV has excelled as a good local executive, while being active in fighting for his principles by being part of different mass actions about various national issues. Because of JV’s sound financial management, San Juan is the only local government unit in the country to be given a AA credit rating by the Local Government Unit Guaranty Corporation, the highest rating among the local government units. Against all odds, JV emerged as one of the best, if not the best performing local chief executive as he spearheads San Juan’s “economic boom”.

JV, also as a successful “entrepinoy”, had managed to draw in local and foreign investors in San Juan. Thus, San Juan now is also known as the “Tiangge Capital,” generating a hefty tourist and merchandizing market that created an opportunity for more jobs for the people of San Juan and nearby towns. After introducing innovations thru computerization and making San Juan a business friendly community, an estimated P2 Billion worth of investments has poured in since 2001. This goes to show that the business sector in particular has given their full trust and confidence in the leadership of JV. As a result of San Juan’s Economic Miracle, thousands of jobs and opportunities have been given the youth in San Juan.

Now as Congressman of the city’s lone district, JV had elevated San Juan into a new booming city in the metropolis that enhanced his health campaigns by providing affordable medical and hospitalization needs, improving the local education system by establishing an affordable City College and promoting technical and vocational courses which provided livelihood programs, and an on-site housing program to the poorest of the poor in San Juan.

Driven by his idealist and nationalist nature, JV had established the first “Museo ng Katipunan” showcasing the Katipunan artifacts and a diorama that dramatized the “Battle of San Juan Del Monte”, the lone incident that sparked the Philippine Revolution. JV made sure that the San Juan will honor heroes and martyrs by establishing monuments and murals of Jose Rizal, Andres Bonifacio, Emilio Jacinto, Macario Sakay and now Leandro Alejandro.

If only JV had solely focused on his political directions, he should be called “Senator JV” by now. His strong showing in the pre-election surveys and the dominating victory of the United Opposition in the recently-concluded senatorial elections, among others, manifested a most likely resounding victory for “Senator JV”. But JV is not a man for himself. He gave way so that the opposition would be united and have a bigger chance of winning in the election. He sacrificed his personal ambition for the good of his party. JV Ejercito is a man driven by conviction, not by ambition.

JV has become not only a politician but a unique public servant that continues to inspire the Filipino youth to serve our country with honor and dedication. JV belongs to the new breed of public servants that puts the interest of the country above self. JV had been continuously upholding the principles of “bayan muna bago ang sarili” which makes him truly “A Man for Others.”

Lt. Gen. Arthur I. Tabaquero: The Team Builder

A soft-spoken person with a fatherly figure, one could not immediately notice that he is one of the top officials of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

In fact, Lt. Gen. Arthur I. Tabaquero, the commander of the AFP’s Eastern Mindanao Command, is a humble fellow and he is fond to mingle with his men and other people from all walks of life.

Tabaquero, a product of Philippine Military Academy (Makatarungan) Class of 1978, is a man of few words. He believes in the saying that goes, “actions speak louder than words.” He lets his deeds do the talking.

With less than a year after his assignment at Eastmincom on November 19, 2010, he has already proved his worth.

But he does not act on his own alone. He wants to involve everybody. He is a team builder himself. His initiative in tapping the help of government agencies and non-government organizations in improving military facilities is a thing that should have to be commended.

Just recently, the provincial government of Maguindanao through Gov. Esmael “Toto” G. Mangudadatu and North Cotabato through Gov. Emmylou “Lala” Taliño-Mendoza donated cash assistance for the improvement of the wards of the Camp Panacan Station Hospital.

Tabaquero also continued to look after the welfare of the soldiers and their respective families by providing them technical education, livelihood projects, among others.

Before being assigned at Eastmincom, he has a short stint at the National Capital Region Command. But this was before his more than years stay as commander of the 8th Infantry Division based in Leyte.

As division commander, he also initiated the renovation and construction of a lot of facilities, inside and outside the division headquarters, including the station hospital, training facilities, Welness Center and other sport facilities for the welfare and general well-being of the personnel.

Tabaquero is a well-rounded boss. His leadership improved administrative processes and support system of his field units in order to raise the level of morale of his men.

“We made them feel that we care for them. We took the responsibility of looking after their welfare and keeping their spirits high so that our soldiers are always motivated and inspired to perform their duties and responsibilities to he best of their abilities,” he was quoted as saying.

He also promotes the policy on transparency, especially on the utilization and management. “We embraced transparency to make sure that our limited resources are judiciously used to support all our administrative and operational pursuits which were geared for the accomplishment of our mission.”

P/Supt. Leonardo A. Felonia: His profile

 

Police Superentindent Leonardo Almirante Felonia hails from Arakan Valley, North Cotabato and was born on August 24, 1962.

He spent most of  his childhood days in his hometown until he joined the defunct Philippine Constabulary (PC) in 1986 with a rank of 2^nd Lieutenant after finishing his criminology course at the International Harvardian University in 1984.

Felonia took his masteral degree in 2006 at the Rizal Memorial Colleges with Master of Arts in Educational Management.

He is considered to be one of the most decorated police officers, after receiving numerous citations and awards including the Medalya ng Kasanayan, Medalya ng Papuri, Medalya ng Paglilingkod at PNP Badge of Honor.

He has also undergone several international trainings and workshops as well as local seminars.

Felonia spent most of his years in the police career in Davao City where he became a police station commander in almost all police stations of the Davao City Police Office.

Noticeably, his stint as station commander of the Sasa Police Station in 2003 earned him praises from his superiors when he led his men to neutralize a big-time drug syndicate. This accomplishment was the basis of his special/meritorious promotion from police chief inspector to police superentindent that came out in 2006.

Felonia is currently the regional chief of the Regional Intelligence Unit of the PNP’s Intelligence Group.

 

 

Col. Leopoldo Galon Jr.: A dove among hawks

Col. Leopoldo Galon Jr. emphasizes the youth's role in "winning the peace" in Eastern Mindanao

Col. Leopoldo Galon Jr.: A dove among hawks

By Carmelle Marie Harrow

HE IS a peace advocate and a man of honor, a servant of God and country. At least, that’s how he describes himself.

Colonel Leopoldo Galon Jr. is one whom many may refer to as a dove, a peace-maker among armed men, in contrast to hawks in the military. His focus: the youth.

Urging the younger generation to become good citizens of our country Colonel Galon leads symposia to students from different schools as a part of the Youth for Peace Development Program here and in other parts of the region. Their mission is to educate students with what is happening in both the military and the communist side. They have been to schools inDavaolikeUniversity of SoutheasternPhilippines,SanPedroCollege,JohnPaulIIAcademyup to Surigao del Sur State University, St. Thaddeus College,NorthEasternMindanaoCollege, Notre Dame of Tulunan and to schools in Bukidnon.

“Nabibigyan sila ng sapat na impormasyon ahead of time to have an informed decision, ayoko yung white paper thing…kasi pag napasama sila sa isang organisasyong wala talaga silang alam, hindi na sila nakakpagtapos ng pag-aaral at masasayang ang kanilang kinabukasan,” Galon added.

Born and raised in Calamansig, Sultan Kudarat on October 1964, Colonel Galon graduated fromNotre DameUniversityinCotabatoCitywith a Bachelor in Science major in Civil Engineering in 1985.

Being a government scholar under Coconut Federation, he had his political awakening when Senator Benigno Aquino was killed.

As a student, he was a member of the League of Filipino Students (LFS) who rallied beside former President Corazon Aquino in dreaming for better governance in the country. Wanting peace for the country he loves he says, “I remember volunteering to campaign for President Cory, bringing placards that says ‘Sobra Na, Tama Na’ with the radio blasting songs that depict peace in the lyrics.”

Being an activist himself when he was still a student, Col. Galon says, “I want the youth of today to be an activist for the right reason at the right time, yung hindi ba sila naroromanticize and will be left to feel that it’s okay to be a revolutionary, tuloy nadi-distract yung kanilang studies.”

After graduating from college, he underwent the general classification for direct commissionship, an army battery test for engineers.

From the 300 applicants, he was one of the 23 chosen to train to become a soldier. It was also post Edsa Revolution when he was asked to go toManilato undergo a series of interview to identify his proficiency.

He was not assigned to the engineering unit when he became a junior officer in 1987 as a civil engineering graduate would have most likely been assigned to.

Instead, he became the Platoon Leader or the company commander of 64th Infantry Battalion under the Charlie Predator Company. His company was assigned in Panabo, Laak, andCompostelaValley, which were part of the undivided Davao del Norte, aside from Davao del Sur and Davao Oriental. His group was among the striker company that was asked to go to battle. “Na-assign din kaminoonsaCampAbubakar, pero binalik din kami dito,” Galon noted.

Colonel Galon took up Special Force Specialization Courses for Airborne and Explosive Demolition Course that made him excel as he has pre-knowledge on leadership and war fare tactics. Because of his command authority skills, the problem of land mines used by the leftist are easily solved.

With a slogan in his Infantry that “Everybody goes home”, they make sure that they all will be able to go home not like what happened to other soldiers after a fight that their dignity was lost after they are stripped off their uniforms and their service firearms.

“Gusto ko ang napasukan ko, may sense of adventure, I was also given a leadership command na bininigyan ako ng panahong makahalubilo at makausap ang aking mga tao…to be with them in happiness and in harm’s way,” Galon added.

In 2002-2003, he was called to serve the 54th Engineers Brigade in Manaog, Pangasinan, to help in the construction of roads and in rebuilding Pampanga, the lahar-stricken town.

“I wanted reform, yung concept ng reform sa units, di ko nakikita yun nung nandun ako, kaya umalis ako and rejoined the Infantry,” Galon said.

As a young soldier he was enraptured thinking of being in a war.

“Kalaban ko rin pala kapwa ko Pilipino, that’s what I never realized, kaya now I am doing things that will help my unit to reform and make sure the people in a town we have served will not experience any conflict between the military and instead consider us as friends and allies to change,” Galon said.

Busy with the military’s Bayanihan efforts, like tree planting and coastal clean-ups, he is also inclined to help the indigenous tribes by giving books to schoolchildren in boondocks, and helping with the Brigada Eskwela.

He’d also want to bring Operation Smile to the indigenous children who have cleft palates.

When not at work, he’s just an ordinary guy who loves buying collectible toys and memorabilia from fast food chains.

“May sense of accomplishment kasi pag nabuo mo, hindi ko na siya masyadong nagagawa ngayon pero if I have time I still look for collectible items in flea markets,” Galon added.

In college, he used to collect band posters and jingle magazines, as he loves to sing and play his acoustic guitar.

“Gusto ko talaga bumili ng bass guitarnoonpa, wala pang peranoon, pero ngayon na may pera na, wala naman akong time,” he said.

He lives by the serenity prayer and makes an effort to uphold it. Married to a doctor who is based in the National Capital Region (NCR), Colonel Galon wants to keep his family life private.

Rep. Guillermo Romarate:The David beating Goliaths in Surigao del Norte

Rep. Guillermo Romarate:

The David beating Goliaths in Surigao del Norte

This man can be likened to Biblical character diminutive David who toppled giant Goliath to the ground. Unlike what is written in the Bible, he defeated two Goliaths. But this was through local elections in the province of Surigao del Norte.

Second District Rep. Guillermo “Jun” Romarate won over former Surigao City mayor Alfonso Casurra in the May 2010 national and local elections and in the 2007 midterm elections he was victorious against former Surigao del Norte Governor Robert Lyndon Barbers.

In the 2007 elections, many are skeptical about the chances of Romarate when he was up against incumbent Surigao del Norte Gov. Barbers. Barbers has a name, Romarate has not. Some dismissed him as an alien (he was alleged to be from Ozamiz). Some are nastier. Accusing him of protector of smugglers and illegal activities.

Election time came and to the surprise of everyone, Romarate beat Barbers by a mile.

Now in 2010, many are saying Romarate’s feat is a fluke (“tsamba lang.”) They were able to say this because they are parading incumbent Surigao City Mayor Casurra. If it is in boxing, Casurra is undefeated, and undisputed king of Surigao, having won as councilor, vice mayor and mayor three times.

For the Romarate haters, this could be it. Surigaonons will definitely vote for their own.

Like in 2007, the issue of Romarate not being a pure Surigaonon is resurrected. This is very evident in the campaign poster of Casurra which banners “My Congressman, kay Surigaonon man” (My Congressman because he is a Surigaonon).

Also, the issue of Romarate’s link to the criminal underworld is again highlighted.

This is it. Romarate is finished.

Casurra was enjoying an early lead in Surigao City and the Romarate haters are rejoicing. However, just like in 2007, the votes in Tubod town, Romarate’s came in. It was a whooping 6,000 plus vote lead, just like in 2007.

It was certainly a knockout punch sending Casurra down the canvass, hard.

Then came, the votes from Bacuag town, the bailiwick of an ally, Mayor Orquina-Cebedo. It gave Romarate a 3,000 votes plus. Casurra was not able to recover.

And so, after the smoke cleared, Romarate was again declared the “undisputed, the undefeated two time champion of the world” in a Michael Buffer style.

Robert Lyndon Barbers, Alfonso Casurra. They are political heavyweights. And they tasted their first defeats from Guillerno Romarate.

The braveness of Romarate in facing the political heavyweights in Surigao del Norte is simply amazing.

His answer to the people’s unselfish support to his candidacy is to initiate a lot of projects for his congressional district – from giving thousands of Philhealth cards to construction of school buildings, road rehabilitation, among others.

Romarate top health benefactor in Caraga

Romarate recently made history as the first high-ranking government official to breach the 30,000 mark as sponsor of Philhealth cards being distributed to indigent families either in a congressional-wide or province-wide scale categories in Caraga Region. The feat earned for him the distinction as the top health benefactor from among the five provinces in the region, it was learned.

Official records from the Philhealth Caraga Regional Office revealed that Cong. Romarate were able to subscribe and distribute 34,000 Philhealth cards to indigent families in the second congressional district of Surigao del Norte which covered the towns of Alegria, Tubod, Mainit, Placer, Bacuag, Gigaquit, Claver, Taganaan, Sison, San Francisco, Malimono and the City of Surigao. He earmarked more than ten million pesos from his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) for the largest health benefit coverage in the region’s medical history.

Rodrigo Ariar, Philhealth provincial head of Surigao Del Norte, explained that a Philhealth card given to a single family would usually benefit five members of the household. “So, if we multiply 34,000 by 5, we simply have 170,000 people as direct beneficiaries of the health care program of Cong. Jun Romarate”, Ariar concluded.

Romarate explained that his massive distribution of Philhealth cards to thousands of poor beneficiaries reflected his rare concern for the health aspect of his constituents believing that progress would only start rolling with a healthy people behind it. For him, the true wealth of a nation is its healthy people – apparently putting emphasis, in a large-scale context, to the popular saying “health is wealth”. He stressed that his distribution of the health cards was non-political or had no emphasis on the political affiliations of the recipients.

Kitaotao: The Manobo homeland

 

Kitaotao: The Manobo homeland

During the Spanish regime, a Manobo Tribe in Bukidnon, headed by Datu Tayaotao, was known among its neighboring settlements for his bravery and leadership.

When the Spaniards invaded Cotabato, in one of their drives to expand their colonial control over the Philippines, Datu Tayaotao was called upon for help by one Datu Muslim.

The combined forces of the Muslims and Manobo successfully repulsed the Spanish operation.A feast was declared by the Muslim chief to honor and thank Datu Tayaotao and his men.

During the feast, which is celebrated every 24^th of September, the Muslim chief offered his only daughter to Datu Tayaotao to be his wife, as a reward and to strengthen the bond of the two tribes.

The wedding took place at Datu Tayaotao’s enclave, followed by a three day feast.

The Muslim Datu, overwhelmed by the gaiety and lavishness of the celebration, proclaimed and called Datu Tayaotao as Datu Kitaotao, the chief of the land of wealth. After his death, the locality was named after Datu Kitaotao.

Places of Interest

Quarry Cave

Harboring a unique ecosystem is the Quarry Cave located at the East Poblacion of Kitaotao, some 2 kms from the center of the Poblacion. The cave network is one characterized by abiotic components of water and the speleothems, such as stalactites, formed continually inside the cave. The cave is a rare kind. It is composed of several interconnected passages and has several ingress and egress which ranges from .60 meter to 19.10 meter in width, and from 1 meter to 6 meters in height.

Seagull Valley Mountain Resort

The untamed beauty of nature is readily experienced at Seagull Valley Mountain Resort where the resort facilities of swimming pools, benches, and day and overnight cottages are decorated with a sprawling garden of beautiful flowers. One is enveloped by its cool breeze, fresh air, and early morning or late afternoon fog while breathing in the spectacular sights seen from the viewing area; or from taking the mountain trail; or from trekking to the spot, some distance from the resort where the pristine waterfalls is nestled. Seagull Valley Mountain Resort is located at Barangay Lorega, Kitaotao; also about an hour and a half’s ride away from Davao City.

Kipilas  Falls

Covered with growth forest is Kipilas Falls located some distance from the Sitio Paraiso proper of Barangay Lorega, Kitaotao; along the Davao-Bukidnon National Highway. It measures 150 feet in height is 150 feet and 2.5 meters in width, and has a discharge of approximately 3.0 cubic meters per second.

 

MUNICIPAL OFFICIALS

MAYOR:              RAFISURA, Rodito B.

VICE MAYOR:   GAWILAN, Lorenzo, Jr. A.

COUNCILORS: GUMAHIN, Rey R.

ABUCAYAN, Edwin P.

UBANAN, Joel G.

NALA, Villarosa P.

DACILLO, Rey Q.

SALINIO, Fidel T.

GAWILAN, Monte A.

TUMINDOG, Moreno G.

 

Serbisyong Totoo, Lala’s way

North Cotabato Gov. Emmylou “Lala” J. Taliño-Mendoza

Serbisyong Totoo, Lala’s way

AT the young age of 39, the petite but charming Emmylou “Lala” J. Taliño-Mendoza is standing tall as the second-ever lady governor of North Cotabato among the 21 governors who served the province since the time of undivided Empire Cotabato .

The first woman provincial governor was Dr. Rosario Diaz, who was first appointed in 1986 EDSA Revolution and elected in 1988. She finished her three terms as the province’s chief executive.

For her part, Lala is not actually bothered by the “men empowerment” at the capitol. More so, that in the 2010 national and local elections, she is facing the comebacking three-term governor Emmanuel “Manny” Piñol.

Piñol is considered to be a seasoned politician as he started as a municipal mayor of his hometown M’lang and later became a governor. His entry in politics opened the door for his other brothers to get elective positions – two of them became mayors while the other one was elected as a congressman.

But in the past elections, things did not go well with the Piñols after Lala overwhelmingly won over Manny while another lady and neophyte politician, Nancy Catamco, defeated incumbent second district Bernardo “Jun” Piñol.

            The “Lala” magic seems to be working on this determined young woman, whose parents molded her to embrace politics as a public service.

Born to parents Carmen mayor Rogelio T. Taliño and former mayor Noemi J. Taliño, she started his political career as Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) chair of Barangay Poblacion in Carmen town at the age of 20.  She eventually became the SK Provincial Federation President of North Cotabato for the period 1993-1996, as such, became an ex-officio member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

            In 1998, she became a Senior Member of the Sangguniang Panlalawigan First District) of the Province of Cotabato. She authored the Gender Code of Cotabato Province.

She became a member of the House of Representatives representing the 1st Legislative District of the Province of Cotabato.

First elected to the said position in 2001 and was the youngest district representative of the Province of Cotabato to the House of Representatives. She was re-elected to the same position in the May 2004 and May 2007 elections.

In the past 14th Congress, she is a member of the Commission on Appointments, Vice Chairperson of the Committee on Legislative Franchises and also a member of the following House Committees: Dangerous Drugs, Inter-Parliamentary Relations & Diplomacy, Labor & Employment, National Defense & Security, Mindanao Affairs, Ways & Means, Women & Gender Equality.

 

She is an alumna to the International Visitor Leadership Program (IVLP) on “American Foreign Policy: Trends of the New Administration” on September 14 – October 2, 2009 by the United States Department of State Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs.

Lala earned her undergraduate degree of Bachelor of Science in Accountancy from the Ateneo de Davao University. She took up Bachelor of Laws thereafter.

Having grown up in Kidapawan City, she studied at the Notre Dame of Kidapawan for Girls from 1978 up to 1989 for her elementary and secondary education.  She is married to Rep. Raymond Democrito C. Mendoza of the TUCP Party List and mother to Ma. Alana Samantha and Emilio Ramon.

            Lala’s campaign in the gubernatorial race is mainly anchored on “SERBISYONG TOTOO” program that got the overwhelming support of the vast majority of her constituents. That’s why, upon assuming into office, she did not fail her people to experience what she really meant about her battlecry.

            According to her, “Serbisyong Totoo” is to reach the remotest villages in the 17 municipalities and one city of the province, to bring the government closer to the people. As of this date, almost all municipalities were already visited by the governor together with her co-active government officials like Vice Governor Gregorio Ipong Jr., congresswoman Catamco, first district Rep. Jesus Sacdalan, board members, municipal mayors and partners TUCP’s Rep. Mendoza and Rep. Angelo Palmones of the AGHAM Party-List.

            “Serbisyong Totoo” has evolved into a program of governance anchored on transparency, accountability and citizens’ participation with strong political will.

 “It is time that we put spirit in our drive to deliver genuine public service to all Cotabateños and what better vehicle than Serbisyong Totoo,” the governor was quoted as saying during the program’s launching on December 15, 2010 in capitol pavilion in Amas, Kidapawan City.

No less than Civil Service Commission 12 Director Grace B. Saqueton lauded the governor’s initiative to come up with a very unique way of governance.

Speaking on the rationale of Republic Act 9485 or Anti Red Tape Act (ARTA), Saqueton lauded her and the provincial leadership for coming up with Serbisyong Totoo whose mission statement is apt with the policy direction of ARTA – to promote integrity, accountability, proper management of public affairs and public property as well as to establish effective practices aimed at the prevention of graft and corruption in the government.

“Serbisyong Totoo” to bring gov’t to farthest barangay
With the launching of “Serbisyong Totoo” to one of the remotest barangays in Cotabato province last January 27, Governor Emmylou “Lala” Taliño-Mendoza underscored that the main objective of her administration’s “Serbisyong Totoo” is to bring government programs and projects to the barangays.        

Before a crowd close to one thousand villagers of Barangay Libungan-Torreta, Governor Taliño-Mendoza announced the various development programs that the provincial government intends to implement in the area such as introducing new food preservation technology on fish and road rehabilitation going to Libungan-Torreta, the farthest barangay in Pigcawayan.

The Governor also stressed the good working relationship between her and Vice Governor Gregorio Ipong and the board members which serves as an important key in the realization of the many plans and programs of the provincial government under her leadership.

Ibrahim Raman, the town’s municipal administrator who represented Mayor Roberto Blasé, admitted that they were overwhelmed to know that Libungan-Torreta is the venue for the launching of “Serbisyong Totoo” in Pigcawayan.

We are very happy because this will pave the way for more development in the remotest barangay of Pigcawayan, where in the past years we thought of it as “unimaginable” in Muslim communities, he said.

Libungan-Torreta is a Muslim community, where residents are 100% Maguindanaoans whose sources of income mostly come from fishing.

Sponsored by the Cotabato Health Insurance Program, the launching activity which started even before the provincial officials arrived included parlor games and giving of toys and slippers for children which benefited almost 500 children, food assistance for senior citizens with 250 recipients, free haircut for boys, and free consultation led by the Integrated Provincial Health Office.  Corresponding medicines were also given to every person who submitted to a medical check up.

The same launching was also conducted in Midsayap Pilot Elementary School in the afternoon of January 27 where hundreds of students joined in various Palarong Pambata prepared for the said activity.  Kids were also given toys and shirts while adults received rice, caps, and shirts also.

Elementary pupils from Grades 1 to 6 of the host school showcased their talents before the provincial and local officials with folk dances which impressed the governor who has been advocating Filipino culture, tradition, and values in schools through dances and games and not just facts and theories in academic classes.

Governor Lala was joined by Vice Governor Ipong, 1st District Board Members Shirlyn Macasarte, Eliseo Garcesa, Celestino Rapacon, and Ernesto Concepcion who were also the same board members, except for Board Member Macasarte, who graced the launching in Pigcawayan.  Board Member Vicente Sorupia also attended the launching in said town. 

Vice Governor Ipong, who also gave a message on both occasions, expressed delight over the conduct of said activities in different barangays especially in remote areas “because this is an opportunity for us to visit and see for ourselves the real situation and need of the people in the area,” he said.

The vice governor is also hopeful that Cotabato barangays especially the farthest will surely obtain the development they dreamed for.

The launching of “Serbisyong Totoo” in Midsayap which was sponsored by the Provincial Accountant’s Office  is the culmination of a series of launchings conducted in local government units since December last year.

Serbisyong Totoo transcends politics

Speaking before a crowd of municipal and barangay officials, senior citizens, students, teachers, and children at the barangay hall of Aringay, Kabacan, in yesterday’s launching of “Serbisyong Totoo” Governor Emmylou “Lala” J. Taliño-Mendoza explained that her program of governance embodied in “Serbisyong Totoo” transcends politics.

“I am privileged to serve you and with your cooperation and support, we will be able to transform our province into a truly progressive and peaceful place that our children and their future children can be proud of,” Gov. Mendoza said.

“Let us mend differences and work together even if we belong to different political parties.  We have one people to serve and one mission to accomplish,” the lady governor stressed.

Barangay Captain Adam Wagia thanked Gov. Mendoza for choosing Aringay as the venue of the “Serbisyong Totoo” launching for Kabacan and pledged support for the lady governor’s advocacy program.  He said that even if Aringay is 80 per cent populated by Muslims, they maintain a harmonious relationship with the Christian residents comprising of Ilokanos, Ilonggos and Cebuanos.

Meanwhile, Vice Mayor Policronio Dulay who also read Mayor George Tan’s message, praised Gov. Mendoza for bringing “Serbisyong Totoo” in Kabacan and for her commitment in improving the lives of Cotabateños.

The launching of “Serbisyong Totoo” in Kabacan was facilitated by the Cotabato Provincial Hospital led by Dr. Joel Nelton V. Sungcad and staff in coordination with the local government unit of Kabacan.

Toys were given to the children while the senior citizens received rice packs.

Serbisyong Totoo –  a ray of hope

With wide smiles on their faces, the residents of Sitio Lebpas of Barangay Tuael, Pres. Roxas and Barangay Natutungan, Matalam, Cotabato consider Serbisyong Totoo as a ray of hope amidst hopelessness. 

For them, the visit made by Governor Emmylou “Lala” Taliño- Mendoza recently  to launch “Serbisyong Totoo,” her advocacy program of governance is a manifestation of government’s sincerity in delivering genuine public service especially to the underprivileged.

Braving the ride on a “bangka” or small narrow boat powered by gas motor and unmindful of the scorching heat of the sun, the lady Governor led the group of provincial and local officials, chiefs of offices, employees, officials and personnel of the Armed Forces of the Philippines to Sitio Lebpas for the people there to know that the provincial government of Cotabato truly cares for them.

The team travelled more or less five hours at the Rio Grande de Mindanao (Pulangi River) going to Sitio Lebpas and back from Barangay Tawan-tawan, Carmen where the team assembled for jump-off in the morning of December 23, 2010.

The launching activities were co-sponsored by the municipalities of Pres. Roxas and Matalam, Office of the Provincial Veterinarian and the Provincial Engineering who also led in the parlor games prepared for the children.

In her message during a brief program, Governor Lala expressed her deep concern over the plight of people in the barangays who are, more often than not, neglected when it comes to government programs and projects.

The governor assured that during her term as governor she wants all programs and projects of the provincial government to be accessible to all barangays and that those who are truly in need can benefit from them.

She even urged barangay officials and all residents to be united for the easy and fast facilitation and implementation of the various provincial government programs and projects.

As a reaction,  Tuael Barangay Captain Daniel Puntongan and Natutungan Barangay Captain Esmael Balah for their part, thanked the governor and the provincial officials for the support given to their barangay and for the gifts they received for Christmas. Both wished for the success of the advocacy program of the provincial government.

The governor brought with her a medical team which rendered free consultation and gave medicines, rice for the senior citizens and various gifts of toys for children 10-years old and below were given by Governor Lala. Free haircut for children and adults were also provided.

Sitio Lebpas does not have electricity yet.  As a personal gift, the governor donated one generator set for the use of the community.

Meanwhile in Natutungan, Matalam,  the governor assured that the provincial government will help in the construction of their barangay hall.

Sitio Lebpas, Tuael and Natutungan both received P5,000 each as an aid from the Provincial Government of Cotabato.

 

 

God’s instrument in government service

2^ND DISTRICT REP.  NANCY CATAMCO:

God’s instrument in government service

Her life … her journey … her vocation.

There could be nothing happier when a mother saw and heard her new-born baby cry on the evening of June 19, 1969 that Luzviminda and Proceso Catamco named her NANCY.

Living in Kidapawan, now a city, in the province of North Cotabato, Nancy grew up rather pretty quickly, having to face poverty and disappointment, a reality which she compensated with the braveness of a dream.

Realizing her family cannot just live on hardship, she took stride on her education “so I can get a job and support my family.” And the help of good-hearted individuals and close family friends attended Nancy’s school needs, her hopes edging high to support her family and land a decent job of her dream. But a mere dream is not an escape from the bitterness of poverty – the trauma of hard life and low self-esteem. Finishing high school and landing a job will not suffice … Nancy wants to be a promising lawyer. If you spend five minutes with her, you will know that.

Sponsorship and scholarship for her elementary and high school years and into college learned for her the value of caring about people. But for the millions of children without a caring sponsor, they may never believe that they are capable of anything, that they are uniquely cre ated by God and precious in His eyes. For her, she wants her future warm and certain.

Nancy’s educational hurdle brought her to the limelight of success, graduating with academic honors, including awards in the extra-curriculars, both in the elementary and secondary levels.  She obtained her baccalaureate in Bachelor of Arts, major in Philosophy and English, from the Ateneo de Davao University in Davao City and earned some units in the College of Law.

Young entrepreneur

Following formal education, Nancy had to strive further, battling the tougher stream – facing the realities of life. She started her post-education journey towards the fulfillment of her destiny, remaining vibrant and strong as she ventured another phase of life – being an employee.

With guts to rid off the bondage of poverty with a vision to alleviate her family’s economic condition, Nancy struggled as a government employee then moved to a private company. She wasted no time, plunging into small business after office hours to augment her daily needs and her siblings … never stopping on her dreams for more and she continued for something more.

Through the years, she has lived life consciously, looking on what the world can offer,  always open to possibilities, until the moment came to go beyond the four walls of the office and cruise the path for something more – the challenge in Manila.

Hard work, determination, fervent hope, and prayers indeed earned for Nancy the peak of success. She has overcome the many encumbrances and challenges, problems and discouragements. She never gives up or turns her back, but facing the odds with faith, courage, and strong will to survive.

But Nancy never forgets to look back from where she came. She is a humanitarian, doing charitable works through the foundation she has built. She gently touches lives through her exemplary and considerate moods. She portrays the aura of love, sharing the blessings bestowed on her by the Almighty.

Wanting to the least of her brethren, she helped the less fortunate but deserving children go to school, that the Indigenous People’s Council of Elders baptized and renowned her as “BAE,” bestowing the name “BAEROWON MANGODSA,” which means “compassionate provider.”

Truly, such is evident in Nancy’s personality — being compassionate to people and being a reasonable provider that gained for her the confidence of the people and friends, may it be in business or otherwise.

Journey toward change

Rudy Estrella, a columnist in one of the national dailies in the country, once wrote: “Nancy represents an Obama-like platform of change; a need for a change that we should believe in and a change that is everybody’s fight.” The same was echoed in North Cotabato when the populace has craved change, one that is of genuine development.

Nancy’s journey towards her campaign for change came not as easy. She was unfamiliar, her name not known to everyone, especially in the far flung areas of her district in the province. Some politicians stook to comment she is nothing in politics and was never marked as a threat. Her capacity to lead was questioned and even her personhood was mistreated through black propaganda stacked against her.

Nancy faced the loud lips a challenge, untainted by apprehensions of  being a possible political foe, daring the summons to fight for good. This was then the beginning of another uphill, another chapter in her life — becoming a public servant.

From entrepreneurship to public service

What is less traveled by many successful businessmen has been traversed by Nancy, gathering individuals in the know-how of politics. She discerned, prayed a lot, and asked guidance from God. She always shared her prayers with: “Lord, if this is a personal ambition … don’t let me.”

Her prayers gained support from the people she met and talked with. It was as if the people felt the magic, many perceiving to be God’s intervention on their behalf that she leads in the campaign for change.

Convinced of the calling, Nancy  formed her own political machinery and community organizers throughout the district to help her spread the noble intent of  serving the voiceless constituents and those hungry for genuine reform and development, retorting the notion of being the unknown.

Making her known to the people was a matter of time, her name spreading fast and gaining positive reactions from the many respondents who accepted her by heart. A lot of people somehow saw light in the person of Nancy in their quest for a politics of change.

Long before the national and local elections, Nancy took the trips for barangay consultations and sectoral/organizational meetings. If not feasible, her pool of speakers did it for her as her able representatives introduced her name and development agenda, the framework carved from the “voices” and “pleadings” of the masses. The realities from the ground pounded even more her will to represent the masses’ pleas, to lead them with pride and dignity.

She then framed the acronym NANCY, deriving from it the five-point program of development:

“N” for nutrition and health, which she felt the previous representation failed to look into given the backdrop of undernourishment among many children and the elderly who have been denied access to health care despite claims of economic gains in recent years.

“A” stands for agriculture and infrastructure as wanting for human and food security among the thousands of folks.

The second letter “N” represents her program in nurturing education as a value which she and the many deprived value so much. It is her vision that every child shall be sent to school, that every child shall have equal access to good and quality education.

“C” is for community and environment, anchored on the preposition that an empowered citizen or a community at large can achieve the needed growth and development in order for a country to compete in a globalized world. Her advocacy to care for the environment has become strong as it is confronted today to abate global warming and tame climate change.

“Y” represents youth empowerment … that the “youth is the hope of our fatherland,”  asserting: “We have to start with the young, to inculcate in them the `culture of peace,’” a way by which juvenile delinquency can be maimed.

N.A.N.C.Y, as a development agenda and an arm for reform, has its corresponding programs and a project that hopes to shape a better future for the constituents and that will guide the government in its capacity to steer growth and development of communities.

Fulfilling a promise?

But then she left a promise to a friend to forego the plan for a seat in Congress.

Early that morning, she knelt and asked the Lord: “Is this a personal ambition, Lord? Why you did not allow me?”  Nancy sensed that God, maybe, will not give her the answer right and then, but she knew He will, always believing that whatever is God’s will, it has to be done.

Her movers, however, never gave up hope, looking on God’s way of touching Nancy’s heart to look over the people’s desire for genuine peace, reconciliation, and honest and good governance.

Nancy’s decision to fulfill her promise not to run in Congress sowed praise and appreciation. It portrayed the image of commitment and straightforwardness from a friend to a friend.

People’s rally

Things change, however. Her leaders continued to organize people, convincing friends and members of any organization that someday Nancy will accept the challenge and somehow   realize the “sacredness” of the calling to stand for the people. The efforts, time, and resources of  her movers and supporters were not in vain when, surprisingly, thousands of people from all walks of life showed an overwhelming support to the movement and battlecry: “Kausa sa Katawhan alang sa Pagbag-o ug Kalambuan.”

On September 19, 2009, eight months before the conduct of the national and local elections, the people have spoken. The crowd of more than 25,000 coming from the eight municipalities and one city of the 2nd district of North Cotabato gathered at the Kidapawan City plaza for just one purpose — to convince Nancy to continue her plan to run for Congress.

The crowd brought with them streamers and placards with only one message: “PADAYON, NANCY” with the expectation of response from the people’s challenge: “KUYOG TA!”

Amidst the enthusiastic and shouting crowd, Nancy appeared and with unexplained feelings started to taunt everyone’s heart as she was accompanied by the people to the center stage.

The event was the first to happen in North Cotabato, first in the history of the people’s lives who were there present. It was noted as “historical” not only in Kidapawan, where the event was held, but also in the history of politics in the province.

In her message to the roaring crowd, Nancy pronounced her line with pride and sincerity. “Yes, today, you can count me in the race for the congressional seat in the 2nd district of North Cotabato!” Again, the crowd yelled, clapping their hands in jubilation.

Nancy told them her decision to run did not mean that she turned her back from a friend and a brother, but rather a response to the appeal of the masses. By then, she realized the power of the people … on how overwhelming it is when people support an endeavor.

The series of events that drove Nancy’s journey in public service is always premised on    the proverb “Vox Populi, Vox Dei” (The Voice of the People is the Voice of God). This is the outcome of her discernment and the answer to her fervent prayers.

Dream revived

Nancy’s campaign for change has been reborn. Another chapter of her life, another page of her existence unfolded when she started her campaign trail all day and night. Her nomination as the official candidate for Congress in the 2nd district in North Cotabato ended speculations and uncertainties in the once muddled congressional race.

In an occasion at their residence where her supporters and friends had gathered, Nancy made everyone to understand that her candidacy incurs great responsibility, tailed by much sacrifices, saying: “Our campaign must not be, and should not be, more than another tired debate of false promises, drumbeat empty sound bites or useless arguments which address not a single Cotabateño concerned for their family’s security.” Nancy then vowed by expressing: “I won’t let you down!”

In every sortie, Nancy got an awe-inspiring crowd that made her strong no matter how tired she was. Her energy was always refreshed every time she met and mingled with people in the barrio. That’s why it was unbelievable for the people behind her, given the hustle and bustle of the campaign period, that she can push and make it through towards the end.

Nancy ably overcomes the dirty tricks and black propaganda employed against her. Not privy to the system of maneuvering politics, she took it as a challenge, a new milestone to crush. With a positive stance on the matter, she gained the assurance, trust, and confidence of the people.

Nancy’s “talagsa-ong hiyas” and her charm continued to overwhelm the people as she drew crowd easily. Her simplicity, sincerity, self-confidence, integrity, and determination worked well as her assets that brought her to the limelight of public service.

In giving people a renewed faith and hope in government service, Nancy ended up victorious against an incumbent and seasoned politician.

Building a better province

In the oath taking ceremony of the winning candidates in the whole province of North Cotabato, Nancy conveyed her way of governance, to quote:

“I am humbled and honored with this opportunity entrusted to me by the people of the 2nd district of North Cotabato. It is my prayer that as your representative, I may be able to deliver the services that people deserve in this province and demonstrate good governance in the face of challenges. I assure you of my unwavering commitment to serve, as well as, institute substantial change and transformation in governance processes and approaches. The direction of this representation will draw surely a different roadmap of public service, one that will ensure sustainability of community development initiatives, and not based on whimsical decisions and palliative programs to perpetuate political patronage. My office will always be in close coordination and partnership with the barangay, municipal, and provincial government to provide an enabling environment to our people that will empower them and encourage self-sufficiency. I am also encouraging all local officials and employees, as well as, national government agencies operating in the district, to work with utmost sincerity and teamwork in formulating and implementing government programs and projects. We must start to do away with unhealthy and divisive politics that we experienced in the recent years. As political leaders mandated by the majority of our people, we should start to look beyond our own interest and pay attention to what we can do for the welfare of our people. My representation will surely adhere to the governance principle of transparency, participation and accountability. Today, I am reiterating my pledge to the district during my campaign: my commitment to serve the district is like my commitment to my sons.”

Nancy challenged all the winning candidates that in the advent and throughout their administration they will all be one in helping build a better province.

After the occasion, Nancy has never failed to remember as she was joined by her two sons — Than-than and Bunsoy — in thanking God and accepting her new mission, her calling, her vocation – to be God’s instrument in government service. (Source: nancycatamco.com)

Mindanao Philsaga Foundation, Inc.

Mindanao Philsaga Foundation, Inc.

 

Vision

 

To seeing the Filipino people improve their quality of life by addressing the minimum basic needs of the people at provincial, municipal and barangay levels with special emphasis on education of the youth and protecting and improving the environment.

 

Mission

 

To alleviate the social, economic, health and education needs of the people at provincial, municipal and barangay levels by providing scholarship to the poor and deserving students by assisting them in their livelihood for their social and economic upliftment.

 

Goal

 

To provide the ultimate basic needs of the people residing in target areas (Agusan del Sur, Agusan del Norte, Davao del Sur, Davao del Norte, Davao City, Surigao del Sur) at all levels by 25% and assist them in maintaining this level.

 

Philsaga Mining Corporation (PSMC)

“A socially-responsible and environment-friendly company”