Barangay Captain and BPC of Abella Raise Concerns Over Ongoing Fiber Optic Cable Installation Without Proper Consultation

A consultative meeting was held on February 15, 2023, where Hon. Manuel Antonio Berja, the Barangay Captain of Abella, and the Barangay People’s Council (BPC) of Abella raised their concerns regarding the ongoing underground installation of fiber optic cables in their area. The project is part of the Philippines Nationwide Backbone Communication Fiber Optic Cable Route Project under the Philippine Fiber Optic Cable Network Ltd., Inc. (PFOCN) and occurs every midnight in the vicinity of Abella, causing confusion, distraction, and concern among the residents.

The meeting was attended by some members of the Naga City People’s Council (NCPC) board and the BPC Federation. Both organizations are known for upholding people’s participation and advocating for transparency, accountability, and participation in governance, making them an ideal venue to seek assistance. During the meeting, the Barangay Captain and the BPC of Abella emphasized that they are not against any initiative or project that aims to benefit the community. However, they stressed that proper consultation with the affected individuals and agencies must be conducted before any government project’s implementation. They believe that transparency and accountability are crucial in all government projects, including the installation of fiber optic cables. This was seconded by the attendees who discussed the importance of public participation in governance, particularly in infrastructure projects that significantly affect the community. They agreed that the barangay and the residents should be informed and consulted before any government project is implemented concerning their area.

The consultative meeting was a necessary step in addressing the concerns of the Barangay Captain and the BPC of Abella regarding the ongoing installation of fiber optic cables in their area. They expressed their hope that through the intervention of the BPC Federation and NCPC, the immediate and proper action would be taken to resolve the matter concerning the citizens. The attendees highlighted the importance of public participation, transparency, and accountability in all government projects, ensuring that the implementation of the project would benefit the community as a whole.

In conclusion, the Barangay Captain and the BPC of Abella have brought to light a significant concern regarding the ongoing fiber optic cable installation in their area. Through the consultative meeting and with the support of the BPC Federation and NCPC, they hope to clarify and resolve the matter while promoting public participation, transparency, and accountability in all government projects.

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NCPC Welcomes New Associate Members

The Board of Directors welcomed seven (7) new associate members during their regular board meeting on November 5, 2022. Kabataan Kontra sa Droga from Mabolo, Naga City; Triangulo Youth Movement from Triangulo, Naga City; AKHRO Balatas from Balatas, Naga City; Gryphon Fire and Rescue Volunteers; and the Boundary-Pathway-Railway Youth Organization from Mabolo, Naga City were approved for associate status under the NCPC’s Youth Sector. The Naga College Foundation’s Center for Corporate Responsibility Office was approved for the NGO Sector, while Naga City’s High Value Crop Producers were approved for the Farmers and Fisherfolks Sector.

Organizations that have complied with the NCPC’s accreditation requirements but have not yet received or are awaiting accreditation in the city are considered associate members. Regular members have the right to represent their organizations at NCPC and join the standing committees, local special bodies, task forces, and councils of the Sangguniang Panlungsod ng Naga. These organizations are those that were able to meet all the accreditation requirements for both the city and NCPC.

‘PAG-TEEN-DOG’: NCPC as CPNO’s Partner for the U4U Teen Trail Program

On the ninth year of the City Population and Nutrition Office’s (CPNO) conduct of the You-for-You (U4U) Teen Trail Program held last November 26, 2022 at Mac Mariano Elementary School, the Naga City People’s Council (NCPC), in cooperation with other youth partner organizations and individuals, took part significantly as facilitators and organizers. This partnership is in response to the CPNO’s Department Head, Ray-an Cydrick Rentoy’s request for NCPC’s assistance particularly in seeking 30 peer facilitators to oversee and administer the program’s activities.

In line with NCPC’s people empowerment mantra, members, staff, and directors of the people’s council expressed unwavering support in this salient program designed to protect, strengthen, and empower the valued children of the An Maogmang Lugar.

You-for-You (U4U) Teen Trail Program has existed in Naga City since 2015 and was usually held school by school. This is the premier year they explored the idea of bringing together 200 teenagers/youth from different schools and barangays in Naga City into one venue and made the participation more inclusive and cumulative. Through the extended efforts of the NCPC staff, members, and volunteers, they were able to meet and even surpassed the expected number of attendees to up to 235 teenagers/youth.

The program aims to deliver vital information to adolescents (aged 10-19) to prepare them for life by equipping them with knowledge on sexuality; skills on sound decision making, particularly about friendships, romantic relationships, education, and family; and effective ways to manage stress.

The program was composed of different parts held in different stations namely Teen Exhibit, Teen Chat, Teen Code, Teen Wait, and Teen Tunes, all with various interactive, informative, and fun activities that the children participants seemed to enjoy. All stations were overlooked by assigned peer facilitators handpicked by NCPC members and staff.

Despite time constraints and unprecedented concerns, particularly in the technical aspects, the program deemed successful in achieving its goals as conveyed in the participants’ quick feedback survey. Overall, the You-for-You (U4U) Teen Trail Program had a favorable outcome especially in terms of educating the participants and bringing together the city government, the people’s council, and all partner institutions and organizations, and the volunteers, all who gave time and worthwhile contributions.

“Boses kan jovenes pakusugon, para sa mas maogma asin progresibong kumunidad.”

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FOSTERING TRANSPARENCY: NCPC organized the Public Presentation of LGU Naga’s AIP for year 2023

As one of their annual activities, Naga City People’s Council (NCPC) once again, hosted the Public Presentation of the Annual Investment Plan (AIP) for 2023 of the different offices and departments of the City Government of Naga last September 27, 2022 to October 10, 2022 at the Bicol Science and Technology Centrum.

A total of 57 departments and offices presented their year 2023 AIPs and for 10 days, the NCPC together with some invited interest groups, individuals, and sectoral representatives took part in the presentations by examining, analyzing, questioning, and giving comments and suggestions regarding the proposed budget and activities of the LGU offices. NCPC board of directors, secretariat office, members, and sectors all worked in collaboration with the department heads, LGU officials, and employees in preparation, implementation, and facilitation of all the public presentations.

The presentations were accessible in person, via Facebook live, and via ZOOM to accommodate a larger body of stakeholders.

To access missed presentations, visit Naga City People’s Council official Facebook account: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100070096235807

NCPC CHAIRPERSON NOMINATED AS THE NAGA CITY PRIVATE SECTOR REPRESENTATIVE

On September 9, 2022, NCPC Chairperson, Mr. Elmer “Nono” Sto. Domingo, Jr. took an oath as the Naga City Private Sector Representative for the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) Regional Development Council (RDC) 5 and attended the first Full Council Meeting at NEDA Regional Office 5, Arimbay, Legazpi City.

Mr. Sto Domingo, with his proven track record in socioeconomic development in Naga City, particularly in the NGO sector, has deservingly been nominated and was able to accomplish all necessary prerequisites for the position.

As one of the 15 private sector representatives, Mr. Sto. Domingo will be involved in crafting, preparation, evaluation, and approval of the regional development plans. Furthermore, this representation is especially helpful to the Naga City People’s Council for there will be a powerful and dependable voice speaking on their behalf at the National Economic and Development Authority.

PHILIPPINES’ 10TH RICHEST CITY VISITS THE NCPC

As of August 24, 2022, a group of nine Calambeños representing the Calamba City Vice-Mayor’s Office (VMO) as well as the TODA, PTA, Women, and Farmer’s organizations are currently lodged in Naga City for their 5-day “Lakbay-Aral” venture. Their main agenda, according to Mr. Gael of the VMO, is to study the Naga City People’s Council (NCPC).

The delegates themselves claimed that the City of Calamba, although among the top cities in the country economically, is weak in terms of services, as well as people’s involvement, empowerment, and participation. Which is why they have traveled for over seven hours, and dedicated two full days of their trip to learn from the city that has the richest experience in people’s council – Naga City.

The guests were first received in the conference room by Naga City Administrator, Elmer Baldemoro who welcomed them to the “An Maogmang Lugar” on behalf of Naga City Mayor Nelson Legacion. The supposed courtesy visit to the Mayor turned into an informal yet productive dialogue with Mr. Baldemoro and Ms. Francis Gladys Belmin-Abad, NCPC executive director, about how the NCPC was formed, how the council balances interests of each sector and how its members function in the council. The discussion further deepen as the members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod arrived headed by Vice-Mayor Cecilia De Asis along with city councilors Dodit Beltran, Omar Buenafe, Jose Perez, Salvador Del Castillo, Gayle Abonal-Gomez, Lito Del Rosario, and Oying Rosales.

Their hectic itinerary also allowed them to (1) observe an ongoing committee hearing and visit a few offices in the city hall; (2) converse with the head of the Urban Poor Federation, Mr. Danilo Ludovice; (3) have a luncheon meeting with the NCPC chairperson, Mr. Nono Sto. Domingo together with the NCPC board of directors; and; (4) participate in a round table discussion with the NCPC’s key officials, City Administrator Elmer Baldemoro, City Planning Officer Wilfredo Prilles, and Public Safety Officer Rene Gumba.

For their last day with the NCPC, they are most anticipated to visit the NCPC Secretariat Office, have an open dialogue with the sectoral leaders and observe sectoral activities to further familiarize them with the concepts, processes, systems, and organizational structures of a People’s Council.

OPISYAL NA PAHAYAG NG SEKTOR NG TRANSPORTASYON NG NCPC UKOL SA PAMBANSANG TIGIL-PASADA SA DISYEMBRE 4-5, 2017

“Ang Sektor ng Transportasyon na kabilang sa Naga City People’s Council (NCPC) ay hindi makiki-isa sa tigil pasada na gaganapin sa Disyembre 4-5, 2017.   Ngunit kami ay nakikiisa sa panawagan na ipagpaliban ang pagpapatupad ng pagpapalit ng aming mga jeepney at humanap muna ng mga katangap-tangap na “options” sa sinasabing “modernization” ng jeepney.

Unang-una ang ating jeepney ay bahagi na kulturang Pilipino at kung ano mang modernisasyon na gagawin dapat ay may pagsaalang-alang dito.    Kelan man hindi po kami tumututol sa modernisasyon ng transportasyon ngunit kailangan munang liwanagin at lagyan ng malinaw na parametro ito upang mabigyan ng pagkakataon ang mga lokal industriya na makasabay ng mga lokal na samahan ng transportasyon sa pag-“modernize” ng mga jeepney at hindi lamang iilan na maaring maging monopoliya.

Nananawagan din po kami sa pamahalaan na muling pag-aralan ang pag phase-out ng mga jeepney na mahigit ng 15 taon sa pamamasada.   Totoo po na sa ganitong taon ng pamamasada hindi maitatatwa na may mga dapat ng palitan ngunit meron din na higit ng 15 taon ngunit parang bago pa rin dahil sa maingat na pag-gamit at pag-ayus ng operator at ng driver.   Baka maaring pong tingnan na maglagay ng isang independent na grupo na mag-assess kung paano i-modernize (palitan ng buo, palitan ang makina, ayusin ang katawan o mga accessories) ang bawat sasakyan hindi palitan agad ang lahat. Kung ganito ang gagawin, titigil ang galaw ng bansa dahil karamihan ng pagkilos ng mamamayan ay nakasalalay sa jeepney. Hinihingi rin po namin ang konsiderasyon na ang tulong pinansiyal sa pag-modernize ng jeepney ay hindi lamang idaan sa mga kooperatiba kung hindi sa mga indibidwal din po na operators at may ari ng sasakyan. Marami na po tayong karanasan sa kooperatiba at alam natin na hindi madali magpatakbo nito.  Maganda po ang kooperatiba pero hindi dapat pangkalahatan.

Hinihingi po namin sa pamahalaan, lalong-lalo na sa Lokal na Pamahalaan ng Lungsod ng Naga, ang suporta sa panawagan na ito na maipaabot sa mga kinauukulan na mga nasyonal na departamento at mga opisina para sa kanilang konsiderasyon.”

NCPC BOD APPROVES TRANSLATING THE NCPC OFFICE INTO PEOPLE EMPOWERMENT AND PARTICIPATION CENTER

The year 2017 marks the 19th year of the Naga City People’s Council as the recognized and most active partner of the Local Government Unit of Naga that is responsible for pushing institutional reforms in the city’s government structure.  This however in accordance of the City Ordinance 95-092 or the Empowerment Ordinance which institutionalized participatory government process and bestowed powers upon the NCPC representatives to constructively engage and participate in the decision making process of the local committees, boards and councils.

To ensure a continuous and meaningful participation of the CSO, the NCPC board together with the staff convened on November 18, 2017 to finalize the organization’s direction for 2018.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The board finally approved and passed the NCPC resolution no. 17-028 which include the renaming of NCPC office as the People Empowerment and Participation Center since the program is focused on empowerment and participation.

The said Center will focus on operation, management and maintenance of social media platform for social accountability and inclusive governance.  Furthermore, NCPC shall continue its capacity development program for CSOs and the provision of venue and facility for organizational and strengthening activities.

NCPC to Spearhead Consultation Dialogue on the Cutting of Trees in Naga City

Photo Credit: Inquirer.net

Due to the current and emerging issue on the cutting of trees in Naga City wherein the Department of Works and Highways (DPWH) has executed for the completion of its road widening project, the Naga City People’s Council (NCPC) shall sponsor a Dialogue-Consultation on the Development Direction vis-à-vis Sustainable Direction of Naga City on September 25, 2017 at People’s Hall, City Hall Compound, Naga City at 1:00 in the afternoon to clarify  issues related to the road widening project and cutting of trees.

The said issue which have been raised in several meetings of NCPC shall involved various stakeholders including concerned government agencies to ensure that participatory approach in finding solutions at all times will be observed. Furthermore, the activity shall provide venue to generate possible alternative means in balancing development and environmental stability in the City of Naga thereby shed light should the same issue be encountered in the future.

 

 

 

 

 

 

NCPC Participates in the International Conference of OGP

The Naga City People’s Council through its Executive Director, Mr. Johann de la Rosa, was among those invited by the Open Government Partnership (OGP) as presenter during  the International Conference on Open Government for Improving Public Services in Asia held at the Asian Development Bank (ADB) in Ortigas, Manila last August 18, 2017.

Mr. De la Rosa discusses NCPC’s current engagement in the Department of Education Computerization Project (DCP) .  He also  presented the Philippine Initiative of Citizens Participating in Governance (CPAG) which was established through the  Computerization Program of  the Department of Education (DepEd) in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).  New guidelines on developing open government commitments for public service delivery and guidance and resource materials from partners was discussed by OGP while ADB and UNDP provided input on their ongoing projects respectively.

The Open Government Partnership (OGP) was launched  in 2011 to provide an international platform for domestic reformers committed to making their governments more open, accountable, and responsive to citizens.  OGP likewise is a unique multilateral partnership initiative that works with governments and civil society together, to improve government transparency, accountability and responsiveness to citizens.