SB tackles "Mandatory Fraffic Code"

The Sangguniang Bayan is set to pass during session on August 2 a "Mandatory Traffic Code" of Bayambang. Councilor Gerardo DC Flores moved for the approval of the measure.

Authored by Councilor Angelito DC de Vera, the proposed code aims to regulate traffic on public streets, highways or thoroughfares and improve the traffic system in general in this town.

In its explanatory note, the proposed code recognizes "balanced, adequate and disciplined transportation system" as "one of the factors to the economic growth and development of an urban center like Bayambang." But, it notes, vehicular traffic in the town, particularly along its thoroughfares, has greatly worsened as a result of the increasing population, the economic and business boom, and the increase of motor vehicles.

A dry run of the traffic scheme has shown favorable results, the explanatory note also explains.

The pending measure reclassifies the town's roads into major and minor, designates one-way and two-way streets, and specifies the types of vehicles that can use certain thoroughfares.

Likewise, the legislation designates parking areas, prohibited parking areas, and pay-parking areas (and fixes fees to be paid by vehicles availing of the latter).

For public vehicles, the code also designates loading and unloading zones.

For safety on the road, the code sets the speed limits depending on the type of thoroughfares and requires all drivers and operators of for-hire utility vehicles (mini-buses, tricycles, and jeepneys) training on how to be better drivers and defensive drivers.

Penalties are provided for violations of the code.

The code entrusts the enforcement of its provisions and the National Traffic Code to the town's Philippine National Police Station. It deputizes the Traffic Management Group and qualified personnel authorized by the mayor.*

Extensive public market improvement underway

To put order and smoother conduct of business, several improvements are currently being implemented.

This was reported by Engr. Eddie A. Melicorio, head of the Municipal Engineering Office during the first ever joint executive-legislative meeting held at the newly-inaugurated Legislative Building last July 19.

The first project is the building of a two-storey carinderia section. The second project the Municipal Engineer mentioned is the establishment of a bagsakan or a terminal for wet products such as meat, poultry and fish and vegetables from the highlands.

The third project is primarily supplementary to the bagsakan but also convenient to vendors in and customers of the public market.

An access road will be constructed for deliveries to the food terminal. It is basically a one-way for vans and light trucks. The exit point is through and beyond the bagsakan, the river control dike, which will also e improved for the purpose.

In a related vein, Engr. Melicorio also revealed plans for the lighting of the principal road in the poblacion. He said the lighted streets will deter unsavory nocturnal incidents.

Without saying, this will also attract entry of investors to Bayambang.*

Renewal of public market lease contracts starts

Renewal of contracts of lease over stalls at the public market of Bayambang has started.

This was learned from Renato L. Veloria, Jr., Licensing Officer-Designate of the Office of the Municipal Treasurer which processes the contracts in accordance with the Tax Ordinance of Bayambang and other related ordinances.

So far, according to Veloria, forty contracts have been completed. He, however, added that many more are either pending signature of the municipal mayor or undergoing staffwork (checking documentary requirements, payments and performance records of the leassees).

Meanwhile, the local government under Mayor Ricardo M. Camacho and Sangguniang Bayan have issued separate appeals to all leassees to renews their contracts as soon a possible, otherwise the remedies are available under applicable local laws, including closure of the stalls they occupy, may be resorted to.*

LGU renews drive on proper disposal of solid waste

Mayor Ricardo M. Camacho has ordered renewed intensification of the drive for proper solid waste disposal in the poblacion area and in the barangays.

This renewed campaign follows up implementation of the Municipal Anti-Littering Ordinance of 2000 and the Comprehensive Solid Waste Management Ordinance of 2008, both enacted by the Sangguniang Bayan pursuant to Republic Act No. 9003, otherwise known as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.

The local government opened the new drive with distribution last month of copies of a four-page Isang Quick Guide sa Solid Waste Segregation sa Bayambang pamphlet.

The reading material contains the important provisions of the applicable laws, including the penalties and sanctions provided for violations thereof. Audio announcements from roving vehicles supplemented the distribution of the reading materials.

This month, the local government ordered a personalized information drive starting in 11 barangays --- Cadre, M. H. del Pilar, Magsaysay, Poblacion Sur and Zones I to VII.

The 11 barangays were divided among four teams who underwent orientation on solid waste management and  garbage segregation pursuant to the applicable laws. The four teams are headed by Rosema Caranto, Sheryl Cayabyab, Magno Bautista and Luz Cayabyab.

After the orientation, the four teams went house-to-house in their assigned barangays and explained to the residents the proper disposal of their solid wastes.

The information drive will be replicated in all of the barangays of the municipality.*

Mayor's office plus services to poor patients

To supplement the services rendered by the health department, the Office of the Mayor also extends related efforts to alleviate the plight of indigent patients and their families.

The office maintains at present two ambulances that ferry needy people --- sick or women on the verge of giving birth --- to hospitals and fetch them after treatment or giving birth.

Demand for services of the ambulances is such that they are seldom seen idle except in case of mechanical breakdown. But even when any one of them is out of commission, any of the service vehicles of the Mayor's Office takes its place.

In addition, the Mayor had assigned liaisons to negotiate with hospitals to bring fees within the reach of the poor patients.

In serious cases, the Mayor's staff prepares letters for his signature appealing for financial aid from the Philippine Charity and Sweepstakes Office or PCSO and other institutions to indigent patients. A liaison office handles this.*

36th 'Nutrition Month' marked

July is Nutrition Month. The celebration of the 36th edition of this annual event in Bayambang was under the auspices of the Municipal Nutrition Committee chaired by Mayor Ricardo M. Camacho and spearheaded by the Rural Health Unit under the leadership of Dr. Paz F. Vallo.

With Sa Pagkaing Tama at Sapat, Wastong Timbang na Bata ang Katapat as its theme, the celebration was ushered in morning of July 5 with a program at the municipal covered court. Dr. Maryknoll SinoCruz Catacutan, a specialist in pediatrics and herself a Bayambangueña, graced the occasion as guest of honor and speaker.

A number of activities were thereafter held:

1. July 13-16, 19-21: A lecture forum and demonstration for pregnant and post-partum mothers and mothers of severely-underweight and underweight pre-school children held in Barangays Wawa, Darawey, Pogo, Malioer, Buenlag I, Ataynan, Pangdel, Managos and Tatarac with the cooperation of DepEd PSU Nursing Department and Home Management Technology.
2. July 16: Supplemental feeding for a total of identified severely-underweight and underweight pre-school children in Buenlag I and Ataynan with the cooperation of MSWD and Kabisig ng Lahi (NGO).
3. July 13, 15, 16: Planting of fruit-bearing trees and seed distribution in Wawa, Pogo, Ataynan and Malioer with the help of the Department of Agriculture and LGU employees.

The celebration ended with a culmination program held under the aegis of the St. Vincent Catholic School.*

Youth Affairs: SKF Pres. Krizza turns 18

Krizza Anne Barrogo Camacho marked her  18th birthday last July 4 in ceremonies fit for an only daughter and youth leader who made her parents and every Bayambangueňo mighty proud.

Krizza, the hija unica of Mayor & Mrs. Ricardo M. Camacho (nee  Zenaida C. Barrogo), is president of  the Sangguniang Kabataan Federation of Bayambang.

An untiring youth leader, she capped her sterling performance so far by being cho¬sen one of the five national awardees as Outstanding Sangguniang Kabataan Federation President (Municipal Category) during the SK National Convention held October 28-30, 2009 at the national convention center in Subic, Zambales.
 
The colorful affair, highlighted by a cotillion, was held at the Star Plaza Hotel in Dagupan City, and attended by members of her immediate family, close relatives, associates in the SKF, friends, and select guests.

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Oh, to be 18!

To many young people, it is a happy point in their life: the start of enjoying rights, freedoms, and privileges members of the adult society have.

Krizza is surely happy turning 18, except for one trade-off: graduation from the SK. The law, however, allows her to hold over until her successor is chosen.

 
She has to move on and try to make a name in the adult society. But with her feats as SKF head, her parents’ guidance, and her townmates’ full support, she cannot fail.*