Jagna Local Chief Executive Takes Swift Action to Ensure Food Safety Following Calamay Viral Video

Jagna Local Chief Executive Takes Swift Action to Ensure Food Safety Following Calamay Viral Video
By: Cherry Amor S. Galanido

In the fast-paced world of social media, the most unexpected things can go viral, and recently, a customer’s experience with unexpected purchasing expired calamay has taken the internet by storm. This peculiar incident not only highlights the power of online platforms but also sheds light on the importance of food safety and responsible consumer practices.

This concern has triggered a rapid response from our Local Chief Executive, Hon. Mayor Joseph A. Rañola, emphasizing the need for strict implementation of ordinances to safeguard public health. JaSMED Unit and DTI Negosyo Center immediately scheduled a meeting with the maker of the calamay product and conducted a thorough assessment of the facility. The goal of the discussion is to gather information for the sake of transparency, accountability, and corrective measures. Assessment of the immediate actions taken by the responsible party after the discovery of expired products was also discussed. Findings were reported back to Mayor Rañola and he ordered an urgent and thorough inspection of all Calamay production facilities to assess compliance with food safety regulations.

Recognizing the broader implications of food safety, the local chief executive extended the enforcement measures to include all food-producing organizations within the jurisdiction. This encompassing approach ensures a comprehensive strategy to prevent similar incidents and protect the buying public.

To properly address the issue, a meeting was called on January 10, 2024 which was duly attended by members of Jagna Calamay Makers and Vendors Association (JACAMAVEA), Presidents Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), Barbecue Stall Owners, and representative of the Senior Citizens Painitan. The said meeting aims to reinforce existing ordinances and regulations to ensure the production and distribution of food products adhere to health protocols and standards and prevent the recurrence of such incidents. The meeting was called by JaSMED Unit with heads of department such as the Provincial Sanitation Office, Municipal Health Office, DTI Negosyo Center, Municipal Planning and Development Office, PNP Women and Children’s Desk, Tourism Investment and Promotion Office, and our Municipal Administrator provided decisive actions to reinforce existing ordinances and regulations to ensure the production and distribution of food products adhere to health protocols and standards. Stringent penalties will be in place for those found violating food safety regulations. These penalties may include fines, suspension of operations, and even legal action in severe cases. Implementation of rigorous quality control measures shall also take effect immediately to ensure that Calamay products and other local food products meet safety standards. The conduct of stricter inspections of production facilities to identify and rectify potential issues promptly shall commence on January 12, 2024, by the health authorities of the municipality.

The swift and decisive actions taken by Mayor Rañola reflect a commitment to prioritizing public health and safety and rebuilding trust among consumers and stakeholders. By addressing the issue head-on and extending enforcement measures to all food-producing organizations, Jagna can collectively work towards establishing a robust and resilient food safety framework. This inclusive approach plays a pivotal role in maintaining high standards of food safety, fostering trust among consumers, and sustaining a healthy community.

THE BATTLE FOR BILLIONS IN BARANGAY FUNDS

Zoilo ‘Bingo’ Dejaresco III
December 6, 2023

IT was US Congress Speaker Tim O’Neill who first famously said “that all politics is local.” One meaning in the Philippines of that statement is that all nationally elected politicians depend on the barangay leaders to get themselves elected.

Theoretically, as the family is also the basic unit of society, barangays also form the most basic structure of government, the smallest entity. Unfortunately, like in their bigger political structural counterparts, most barangay elections here are characterized by vote buying, intimidation and cheating. Why?

The fighting and the enmity are intense at the barangay level since all the electorate know one another so well, many of them blood relatives or related by affinity. But what for, really, is this intense animosity for? Let’s start with the barangay budget.

Unlike before, when barangays were at the mercy of the town kingpins for fund allocation for socio economic projects, today the law mandates that 20 percent of all national taxes should be given to barangays, automatically.

Further, the Supreme Court had earlier ruled that henceforth the national allocation for barangays will not only include internal revenue taxes but all taxes to include franchise fees and customs duties. The budget “to die for” in the barangays, therefore, has, by and large, been at the crux of the matter.

In 2021, for instance, 20 percent of the National Tax Allotment was a whopping P139 billion to be shared by only 41,939 barangays. The rest of the 23 percent goes to the 82 provinces and 126 cities and 34 percent to the 1,488 municipalities in the country.

People in Metro Manila may be shocked why a lowly barangay councilman, for example, would spend P1,000 per voter in a constituency of 5,000 people, which translates into P5.0 million when his salary is a lowly P25,000 per month or P300,000 a year, or less than a million for one term of three years (gross of taxes).

The answer to the million-dollar question often lies in the “fruits of corruption” that will follow in the implementation of the projects accorded under the P139-billion kitty for barangay spending. Let’s face it: the graft at the barangay level is just a microcosm of what goes on in the town, congressional, provincial and national levels with some exceptions.

So, wonder not why Philippine elections even at the barangay level could be one of the most expensive in the world, bar few. There is so much vote-buying. Taking advantage of the poverty of the people—at 20 percent or 2 of every 10 is below the poverty line threshold.

Vote buying results consequently into projects which are overpriced or done with inferior materials leading to substandard infrastructure and buildings and services since the politicians have to not just recoup their “election expenses” and prepare for the next polls but also to have a “return on their investment.”

Verily, political positions often offer the most lucrative compensation—legal and, mostly, illegal ones. Politics is big business.

‘No vote buying’ crusaders

AWARE of this perennial vicious cycle, one priest in Manga district in the city of Tagbilaran of Bohol, (a native of the same district) used the pulpit in the last barangay polls to expound on the ills of vote buying and challenged all candidates to sign an agreement not to ever engage in vote buying and, thereby, reduce the cost of getting elected—and, therefore, lower the threshold for graft so as to recoup their “poll investment.”

The priest, Fr. Gerardo ”Jingboy” F. Saco, also asked his parishioners to surrender to him all sample ballots with an attached bribed money and the church will reimburse such bribe money. Not only that, but the sample ballots will also be posted in the church bulletin so people will know who the vote-buyers in their locality are.

Throughout the last week of the poll campaign, the priest went around the locality with his bullhorn reminding all against about their agreement to end all vote buying.

Fr. Saco succeeded in the sense that there was no single vote buying during the election although sadly 40 percent of the voters did not bother to vote anymore to express their disappointment that they did not receive their usual “inangayan”—or bribe money from both sides of the political fence as they were used to in the last.

Jagna, Bohol, Mayor Joseph A. Rañola, in cooperation with the Catholic Church and civic minded citizens, launched a “no to vote- buying” slogan. They mayor even reportedly returned wholesale vote buying money from higher officials to influence their poll decision at the barangay level.

For the first time, Jagna had no vote buying in their elections.

The two cases above showcase, therefore, that no matter how ingrained in the system the age-old symbiotic relationship is -between vote buying and graft, a strongly resolved citizenry headed by their spiritual and political leadership can turn the tide and win the day for democracy.

If we consider elections as the bedrock of our democracy, the example of the two above are worth emulating and replicating nationwide.

https://businessmirror.com.ph/2023/12/06/the-battle-for-billions-in-barangay-funds/?fbclid=IwAR12ma6Z194R7CuXGtnt6gS9cShNsKU8LIk9y3ZAl4i6NmGGhq2mVDnflvk

DANCING THROUGH TME: MAYOR JOSEPH RAÑOLA’S BALLET REUNION UNVEILS CULTURAL LEGACY

In a captivating blend of artistry, nostalgia, and cultural richness, Mayor Joseph Rañola, the esteemed Mayor of Jagna, recently orchestrated a unique gathering that transcended the realms of governance. This mini-reunion not only brought together individuals of diverse talents but also delved into a shared past where the world of ballet intertwined with civic leadership.
Mayor Rañola, a former Classical Ballet Dancer, graciously opened the doors of his artistic journey, weaving a narrative that spans the stage and the political arena. His dance steps, once fluid on the ballet floor, have now found resonance in the intricate dance of leadership.
Accompanying him in this reunion were luminaries of the ballet world. Ms. Hazel Sabas, a Fulbright award Scholar and Asian Cultural Council Scholar, illuminated the gathering with her experiences as the former Principal Dancer of Ballet Philippines and a distinguished choreographer. Adding to the ensemble was Ms. Lobreza Trottier, a trailblazing Former Ballet Coach/Teacher at Jody Marshall Dance Company in Singapore, a Former Company Artist at Philippine Ballet Theatre, and a dedicated Ballet Instructor and owner Bohol Dance School. The quartet was completed by the presence of Mr. Victor “Vic” Madrona, a fellow former Ballet Dancer turned Ballet Instructor.
As the day unfolded and the final notes of their collective stories echoed through the cultural center, it became clear that this reunion was a tribute to the interconnectedness of diverse careers and the lasting impact of shared passion. Mayor Joseph Rañola and his esteemed guests left an indelible mark on the heart of Jagna, reminding us that the dance of time is a tapestry woven with threads of heritage and artistic expression.

LOOK | MAYORS UNITE FOR GOOD GOVERNANCE: LEARNING SESSION ILLUMINATES NATIONAL BUDGET, DIGITALIZATION, AND ANTI-CORRUPTION STRATEGIES

In a significant event held at the Luneta Room of B Hotel on November 24, 2023, mayors from across the nation congregated for a Learning Session on pivotal subjects—National Budget, Digitalization, and the ongoing battle against corruption in Local Government Units (LGUs). Mayor Benjamin Magalong of Baguio City spearheaded this initiative, extending gratitude to Mayor Joseph Rañola of Jagna, Bohol, who played a significant role as a resource speaker.
Mayor Rañola, known for his exemplary governance in Jagna, Bohol, was invited to share his insights and experiences during the Learning Session. His expertise in navigating the complexities of the National Budget, spearheading digital initiatives, and implementing robust anti-corruption measures made him a valuable addition to the lineup of resource speakers.
Mayor Magalong expressed his appreciation for Mayor Rañola’s presence and acknowledged the importance of collaborative efforts in advancing good governance.
The focus of the Learning Session extended beyond theoretical discussions, delving into practical strategies and success stories. Mayor Rañola, in his engaging presentation, highlighted Jagna’s innovative approaches to managing the National Budget, embracing digital solutions, and implementing anti-corruption initiatives that have significantly benefited the local community.
The Learning Session concluded with a sense of inspiration and renewed commitment among mayors to implement the knowledge gained in their respective municipalities. An acknowledgment of the collective responsibility to foster good governance, drive digital transformation, and stand united against corruption for the benefit of the citizens they serve.