‘Gayyem ti Umili’ BONIFACIO LACWASAN Jr to pursue ‘Barangay Muna’

Gubernatorial candidate BONIFACIO CALDE LACWASAN Jr, 60 is one among 12  children of  father Bonifacio  Lacwasan Sr  and mother Felomina  Dagiw-a Calde of Pingad Sabangan, Ankileng Sagada and  Bila of Bauko. He married Jonaliza Batang-oy Sapki of Bontoc, Mountain Province and Mayoyao Ifugao. They are blessed with four children. He finished   Bachelor of Arts major in Economics at San Sebastian College in Manila and took a Diploma course on Good Governance and Development at the Development Academy of the Philippines (DAP).

Candidate for governor  Bonifacio Lacwasan is currently the governor of Mountain Province since 2016. He served as vice governor from 2013-2016 having ran unopposed; and elected vice governor in 2010-2013.  In pursuit of public service, Governor Bonifacio Lacwasan surely must have learned well from his father the former mayor of Bauko, Bonifacio Lacwasan Sr.  And for this has learned well that development starts from the basic local government unit which is the barangay.

Currently ex officio member of the Sangunian Panlalawigan, he authored the increase of provincial aid to the newly  created barangay of Pudo, Natonin; and the increase and institutionalization of provincial aid to the barangay from P1,000 to P5000.

For his flagship program, Barangay Muna from Barangay ti uMuna, financial and technical support has been persistently given to 144 now 145 barangays of Mountain Province.  This he pursues in his bid as Governor for Mountain Province. Barangay Muna traces its beginnings when Lacwasan  served as barangay captain of Otukan in 1997 having started with the amount of P1,000 given as aid to barangays as per local government code. 

He championed the position of Punong Barangay when he ran unopposed in his hometown at barangay Otukan Bauko Mountain Province from 1997 to 2007. He also was the President of the Liga ng mga  Barangay municipal chapter and president ;Liga ng mga Barangay – Mt Province chapter. He started off as Punong barangay  of Otukan Sur  of  Bauko in 1994- 1997.

Then  barangay chairman, Lawasan worked for the increase of aid to barangay to Php 2, 000.00 in the succeeding year. Having been elected as President of the Liga ng mga Barangay then, Lacwasan  authored and lobbied for a resolution that doubled the amount to Php 4,000 in 1999 to 2001. The aid became Php 5,000 in 2001 by virtue of Provincial Ordinance No. 25 of  2002.  This  amount stayed till 2010.

As Vice Governor in 2010-2013, financial assistance to the barangays increased to Php 10,000 each through Provincial Ordinance No. 120  and increased to Php 15,000 in 2013 then further increased to Php 20, 000 in 2017.  The financial assistance to the barangays dubbed, “Provincial Aid to Barangays,” will now be P25,000 as institutionalized by Provincial Ordinance No. 294.

Also as vice Governor, he increased the Aid to Day Care Workers from  P2,500.00 to P2,800.00 as provided by Provincial Ordinance No. 290; and increase in the monetary award to centenarians from P20,000 to P30, 000 per Provincial Ordinance No. 315.  Six centenarian-entries were validated, honored and given incentives.

As Vice Governor, he institutionalized the provincial aid to the federation of senior citizens in the provincial chapter; institutionalized the provincial aid to boy scouts and girl Scout. The newly opened Provincial Disability Affairs Office was created to serve the plight of persons with disabilities during the governorship of Lacwasan.

The Halfway House serve as processing center for former rebels. Rebel surrenderers’ monthly honorarium was raised from P5,000  to P5,500 under the Rebel Returnee Livelihood Program with 27 beneficiaries. Emergency assistance was given to 433 individuals in crisis situation, to 27 victims of disasters and to 11 victims of military encounters.

As member of the Board of Trustees of Mountain Province State Polytechnique College (MPSPC), Governor Lacwasan opposed the increase of tuition fee in 2010. This to jibe with today’s free college tuition fees by the government.

AWARDS

With his exemplary performance in barangay-based concerns, Lacwasan was awarded Gawad Barangay Awardee of the Liga ng mga Barangay sa Pilipinas in 2002.

He  was recognized  as Ambassador of Peace of the Interreligious and International Federation of World Peace; and given certificate of recognition as Founding Member of the barangay federation of World Peace. He was also given certificate of appreciation as facilitator for participatory  development approaches for  governance and mIllenium development goals.

With his administration as chief executive, Mountain Province LGU was awarded the Seal of Good Housekeeping given by the Department of Interior and Local Government  (DILG) during his early Provincial leadership in 2016 and 2017. Mt Province’s Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) got  2^nd place in the regional Gawad Kalasag  awards in same year of 2016, first place in 2017 in the regional level and 3^rd place in the national level in 2017 and 1^st place in the regional Kalasag awards given by the National PDRRMC and Office of Civil Defense. 

The  Provincial Agriculture and Fisheries Council category was won by Mountain Province PAFC during the 2018 Gawad Saka Regional Awards.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS TO CONTINUE

Under  the  program, “Barangay Muna,” Lacwasan implemented Special Programs. Seventy (70) barangays and civil society group beneficiaries were assisted through the provision of equipment and supplies in the amount of P3.6 M. For 2019, the PLGU has earmarked 4.46 M for its assistance to barangay development projects.

The Mountain Province Student Financial Assistance Program (MPSFAP) has benefited 600 students. The provincial government will continue to provide financial aid in the amount of P4,000 per semester. In the Special Program for the Employment of Students (SPES), employed 143 students last year during the summer term.

In the Provincial overseas employment program or OFW loan program., assistance was given to 16 OFWs in the total amount P1,775 M for 2018.  This 2019, alloted P4 M for OFWs pending their compliance to requisites.

In 2018, the Provincial Government allotted 1.5M to help alleviate the plight of farmers in this maize-producing municipality. The Paracelis Corn Feed Mill Management Committee was created to assist the Provincial Governor in the establishment, operation, management and sustainability of the Paracelis Corn Feed Mill as a viable economic enterprise; and allotted P1.5M for the sustainability of the enterprise and for its operations to finally commence.

The Provincial micro,small and medium enterprises (MSME) Development Council in 2018 through the focal person conducted photoshop, label and product, profile-making workshops,  Ekat weaving and extraction of dye from natural products with P300,000 for MSMEs to help in their worthwhile endeavors.

The PLGU entered into a Memorandum of Agreement with the Department of Trade and Industry  and with the Bontoc Market Vendors Association. This turned the former Mountain Province Pasalubong Center into a One Town One Product (OTOP) Hub to showcase and promote our local products with P250,000 funding from the DTI. Further assistance from the Provincial Government of P55,000 was given as financial aid to IMPAKABSAT Trade Fair for booths’ registration.

ACCOUNTABLE GOVERNANCE SHALL PURSUE

Budget for the fiscal year 2019 in the total amount of P841, 880, 562  was  programmed with the Annual Investment Plan and Provincial Development Investment Plan by the Local Finance Committee. The Provincial Treasurer’s Office reports a revenue collection of P779.4 M in 2018 over its target of P772.4M. The PTO was able to exceed its target by P6.8 million. By December 2018, the total collection increased to P783, 362, 496.

The Provincial Assessor’s Office reports a  significant increase in the assessed value  in real properties in the amount of P43.9M from 2017 to 2018. A significant  assessed value of newly discovered real properties was noted in the amount of P22 million.  .

Last 2018, the Provincial Accounting Office was adjudged by the Association of Government Accountants of the Philippines (AGAP) as Outstanding Government Accounting Office for calendar year 2017 during the AGAP week-long national convention held in Iloilo City . Only three of the 181 provincial LGUs qualified for the national awards - Mountain Province, Albay and Quirino.  Mountain Province was the lone awardee from CAR.

With his able supervision of the PDRRMC, assistance was channeled to the victims including  recovery operations for the victims of tragic landslides in Dantay, Bontoc and in Ha’-rang, Banawel, Natonin due typhoons Ompong and Rosita. The Mountain Province-Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Emergency Operations Center was maintained and operational for 24 hours. The following were conducted by PDARRMC: conduct of risk assessments, vulnerability analysis and other science-based technology and methodologies on 4 different occasions in the province; training of emergency responders on 26 various courses, installation of 7 signages on landslide and flood prone areas in the capital town. Also, the PLGU in partnership with DOST, installed 3 units of Flood Warning Devices in 3 flood prone areas in Bontoc; The PDRRMC) of Mountain Province was a national finalist for the 2017 Gawad Kalasag Award under the Provincial DRRMC category; and the Best PDRRMC in the regional level for 2019.

MORE AWARDS

With  Governor Lacwasan’s  general supervision, the concerted efforts of all health providers from the provincial level to the barangays, the municipal LGUs, hospitals, and health organizations were recipients of 40 major and special awards during the 2018 Regional Gawad Kalusugan Harmonized Awards Ceremony held at the Baguio Country Club last November 2018.

Among the 19 major and 21 special awards are the Provincial Capitol as  the recipient of the 2018 Red Orchid Award for its sustained advocacy and policies on the promotion of a 100% tobacco-free environment. The province also received a plaque of recognition for sustaining a malaria free province status (CY 2010 – 2018). Mountain Province was also recognized for holding a 10-year no human rabies record, thereby, Mountain Province  among the only three CAR provinces with no human rabies cases for five years. The Provincial Health Office (PHO) of Mountain Province was also recognized for its steadfast support and outstanding commitment to the implementation of the family planning program and of the responsible parenthood and reproductive health law. 

In health advocacy, the Provincial Health Office was awarded for its Outstanding and Innovative programs on health education and promotion. Through maternal, neonatal, child health and nutrition program, saw the distribution of 1,331 mother and child books given to pregnant women. Ferrous Sulfate tablets were also distributed to curb anemia among pregnant and postpartum women. The amount of P3 M for the Health Insurance Program and another P500,000 for the SABATA ( Sabangan Bauko Tadian) Og-ogbo.

SOCIAL SERVICES TO PURSUE

Governor’s Lacwasan’s able supervision of  Provincial offices  made good results.

The District Hospitals.  - Bontoc General Hospital, Barlig, Besao and Paracelis District Hospitals- performed well given the significant decreases in the number of hospital clients.  In 2018, were 1, 674 patients served despite the only four existing dialysis machines. Ten more dialysis machines came from DOH for use by the Bontoc General Hospital.

           The Medical Assistance Program tapped the KABAYAN Party List for their support. Since the MAP’s implementation in June 2018, around 100 client availed of the MAP fund in the amount of P700, 000 at three accredited government hospitals - Luis Hora Memorial Regional Hospital, Bontoc General Hospital and at the Baguio General Hospital.  For 2019, KABAYAN Party List has allotted P10M-worth infrastructure projects each for Paracelis and Bauko.  

         The Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office worked for the protection of children, youth and women through the existence of functional centers to cite the Sumyaan Center that accommodates victims-survivors of violence and abuse serveD 8 clients needing temporary shelter and other basic needs. Through the Child-Minding Center, gave custodial care to 18 children; 231 Day Care Workers were given incentives aside from their honorarium and 11 Day Care Workers were assessed and were endorsed to DSWD-CAR for accreditation. Financial assistance was also provided for the rehabilitation of 6 Children in Conflict with the Law (CICL) as counterpart of the provincial government.

           The PLGU provided assistance in the conduct of provincial, regional and national athletic meets. During the CARAA last February, 388 students took part in the week-long sports competition in Abra. Of these, 21 were selected  to join the Palarong Pambansa where they won one gold medal in throwing, one silver and one bronze medals in contact sports. As a result of our performance in last year’s CARAA,the amount of P1 Million  purposely allotted  for  the training of athletes and coaches. Moreover, the amount will cover for the hiring of eight trainers for athletics, wushu, wrestling, table tennis, pencak silat and gymnastics. For 2019,  5M was allotted as aid to CARAA and other Sports Development Programs. Also, another P 300,000 was approved for additional assistance for the training of athletes.

The provincial government allotted P3M from the Special Education Fund for two infrastructure projects and a separate amount to pay the services of non-teaching personnel distributed in the different schools in 2018. For 2019,  the provincial government earmarked the amount of 18.4M for  education support services program, scholarship program, sports and scouting programs and activities, basic literacy programs and students employment program.

The Provincial Peace and Order Council and the Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PPOC & PADAC) conducted a Drug-Free Choral Fest to promote anti-drug campaign and training of trainers on enhancing life skills in drug and other substance abuse prevention; case settlement between Salapadan, Abra and Sadanga and conduct of the Search for Best Lupong Tagapamayapa.

On the Province’s  519  drug surrenderees,  the Provincial government allotted the amount of P1.75 M aid to peace and order programs in 2019 to help  curb  the proliferation of illegal drugs in the province. Last year,  the MATAGO program was launched to provide a community-based drug rehabilitation and aftercare services to those  who have fallen victims to addiction or substance-use disorder.

 And the Provincial Security Services Group (PSSG) continuously maintains a 24-hour security services within the vicinity of the PLGU .PSSG, for the return of the check of P150, 000.00)to the owner thru the PSWDO. 

The provincial agriculture office produced 17,410 Arabica coffee seedlings for sale, techno demo and for tree planting activities.. Also, 4, 496 assorted fruit tree seedlings have been propagated in which 773 of these were distributed to 11 individuals and 4 organizations. 12, 434 kilos of organic fertilizers have been produced.  In the Fishery Development Front, the OPAG dispersed 235, 500 tilapia fingerlings to 290 fisher folks in 6 municipalities. 

Under its animal health and regulatory management, 39, 070 animals and poultry were vaccinated, thereby, serving 4, 621 clients under its provision of vaccination, deworming and treatment of animals; 366 specimens were collected, examined and analyzed for 116 clients; and 34 shipping permits and health certificates were issued.

Under the PVO’s livestock and poultry production development program, 462 sows and 39 cattle and cows were inseminated serving 501 clients were served. 8,600 free range chicks were dispersed to 86 organizations and 8,353 free range chicken were dispersed to 230 farmers. In partnership with the DA Regional Office, we were also able to disperse 1,500 itik-Pinas and 1,500 free range chicken to 125 beneficiaries. In addition, 11 carabaos, 15 sheep, 16 goats and 24 native pigs from the DA were dispersed by the provincial government to 52 clients. We also dispersed 7,748 forage cuttings and 1,362 forage seeds to 343 identified clients; and This year, P 245,755.00 was remitted to the Provincial Treasury Office.

The Provincial Cooperatives Office continued supporting cooperatives and implemented 4 capability enhancement trainings that served members of 53 operational cooperatives in the province. Last year, 30 applications were processed under our Provincial Livelihood Program.

The Provincial Engineering Office  implemented  11 road section projects under special projects funded by PRDP, CGMP, CHARM and OPPAP amounting to P325M in 2018. A total of 21.63 kilometers was completed; 56 community projects like drainage canals, pathways, foot bridges and assembly areas were improved and constructed amounting to P17 M; seven projects in support to water facilities, health and sanitation amounted to P6 M; 10 Open Gyms were constructed inside school compounds amounting to P38.3 M; and 10 projects for the rehabilitation of typhoon damages amounting to P8 M.

To achieve a more developed local tourism industry, the PTO has done necessary undertakings: validation of tourist attractions province-wide, profiling and data collection as required in the tourism planning guidebook, in preparation for the crafting of the five-year provincial tourism development plan.

The Provincial Natural Resources and Environment Office (PNREO) is maintaining 12 provincial nurseries with 120,377 indigenous forest trees and fruit trees seedlings produced and 113,721 were distributed to LGUs and other institutions.

With Governor Lacwasan;s bid for governorship to continue, shall administer the  proposed budget for 2019 for projects worth 162 million pesos from DA. Farmers from the 10 towns of Mountain Province will benefit from the Special Area for Agricultural Development (SAAD) Program in the amount of P 47 million-worth of food production and livelihood projects.. 65 million pesos for farm to market roads; P19.4 million for technical support services; P18 million for agriculture machinery equipment; and  P13 million  for irrigation projects. This to include  a P2 million peso-worth of livelihood projects from the Office of the Presidential Assistance for Peace Process (OPPAP).

Special projects which are ongoing and/ or ready for implementation this 2019.  These are the  construction of the phase 2 of the Provincial sports complex with an amount of P20M;  reconstruction of the provincial capitol’s phase 1 with the amount of P28.3M; construction of Sagada High School Open Gym; and Construction of a Sports Center in partnership with MPSPC. 214 community projects in the total amount of P95.8M; and 30 projects for the rehabilitation, repair, reconstruction and improvement of typhoon damages and disaster mitigation measures in the total amount of P15.2 M from the PDRRM Fund.

Development starts in the barangay and this through the Barangay Muna program of Governor BONIFACIO C. LACWASAN JR. 

*Reference from SOPA 2019, sourced from PIO Office