2-Day Training for MLGUs and Orientation on RA 9184 Empowers LGU Jagna in Efficient Procurement

By Bern Condor
The Local Government Unit (LGU) of Jagna recently organized a comprehensive two-day training and orientation session on RA 9184, the Government Procurement Reform Act. This important event took place at Lenny’s Function Hall in Bunga Mar on May 22- 23, 2023. The training was attended by LGU Jagna Procurement Staff, Bids and Awards Committee (BAC) members, LGU Jagna Voucher makers and Barangay Procurement Officers, all eager to enhance their knowledge and skills in procurement practices.
The training sought to provide participants with a deeper understanding of the provisions and guidelines outlined in RA 9184. This legislation is instrumental in fostering transparency, competitiveness, and accountability in government procurement processes. Recognizing the significance of adhering to these regulations, the LGU Jagna took proactive steps to ensure that its procurement practices meet the highest standards.
The training sessions were led by a highly esteemed resource speaker, Mr. Samuel Penales, an expert in procurement practices. With his extensive experience and profound understanding of RA 9184, Mr. Penales shared invaluable insights and practical advice to the attendees. His expertise served as a guiding beacon for the LGU Jagna, enabling them to streamline their procurement procedures effectively and ethically.
In a remarkable show of support, Vice Mayor Teofisto Pagar Jr. and Municipal Administrator Teresa Gina Ranan graced the event. Their presence symbolized the unwavering commitment of the LGU Jagna’s leadership, including the hardworking Local Chief Executive, Hon. Joseph A. Rañola, to promote transparency and accountability in government procurement. Vice Mayor Pagar and Municipal Administrator Ranan reiterated the importance of upholding the highest standards in procurement processes, aligning with the LGU Jagna’s vision for efficient and ethical governance.
The two-day training at Lenny’s Function Hall proved to be an excellent platform for knowledge sharing, allowing participants to delve into the intricacies of RA 9184. LGU Jagna’s procurement staff and BAC members gained comprehensive insights into the various stages of the procurement process, including planning, bidding, evaluation, contract award, and contract management. The orientation also emphasized the significance of fair competition and obtaining the best value for public resources.
The participation of Barangay Procurement Officers was an essential aspect of the training and orientation. It underscored the LGU Jagna’s commitment to cascading knowledge and fostering collaboration at the grassroots level. By involving these officers, the LGU aimed to create a robust network of professionals well-versed in RA 9184 within each barangay, ultimately enhancing procurement practices throughout the municipality.
As the two-day training and orientation came to a close, the LGU Jagna expressed its heartfelt appreciation to Mr. Samuel Penales for his invaluable insights and guidance. They also extended their gratitude to Vice Mayor Teofisto Pagar Jr., Municipal Administrator Teresa Gina Ranan, and the honorable Local Chief Executive, Hon. Joseph A. Rañola, for their unwavering support in empowering LGU Jagna’s procurement staff and officials.
The 2-day training and orientation session on RA 9184 marked a significant milestone in the LGU Jagna’s journey toward efficient and transparent procurement practices. Armed with newfound knowledge and guided by the principles of RA 9184, the LGU Jagna is poised to make remarkable progress in their procurement procedures, ultimately benefiting the entire community they serve.

Launching of Balanced Fertilization Strategy Project and Seed/Fertilizer Assistance in Jagna

By Chreeve Sividan
The Local Government Unit of Jagna headed by Mayor Joseph Rañola, in collaboration with the Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office 7, organized the Launching of the Balanced Fertilization Strategy Project. It also included the ceremonial turn-over of Seeds and Fertilizer Assistance, as well as the provision of LGU Free Organic Fertilizer for the 2023 Wet Season Cropping. The event took place on May 13, 2023, at Jagna Business Center’s Atrium.
During the previous Wet Cropping season in 2022, the Municipality of Jagna conducted a field trial on the Balanced Fertilization Strategy. The season-long training involved 41 farmers from 4 irrigators associations. This initiative aimed to offer farmers alternative, cost-effective farming technologies to address the rising prices of commercial fertilizers. Known as “abonong swak,” the field trial enabled farmers to observe the growth and yield performance of rice crops under various combinations of organic and inorganic fertilizers.
The study’s results demonstrated that incorporating dagami and processed chicken dung, along with reduced levels of chemical fertilizer, could still yield significant harvests at minimal cost. Encouraged by these findings, the LGU allocated funds to purchase organic fertilizer for the mass adoption of the Balanced Fertilization Strategy across 500 hectares of rice production areas in Jagna. This implementation is scheduled for the upcoming 2023 Wet Season Cropping. Additionally, the seed and fertilizer assistance program provided by the Department of Agriculture will complement this initiative, ensuring its successful and sustainable implementation.
The event also serves as an opportunity to recognize the contributions of partner national agencies, such as the Department of Agriculture, in uplifting the economic conditions of Jagnaanon farmers through various development programs through the office of the Municipal Agriculture led by Wendy Galero.

LGU-Owned Gasoline Pumping Station Raises the Bar for Sustainable and Effecient Fuel Service

By Jesster Montederamos
The LGU-owned gasoline pumping station in the Municipality of Jagna has indeed set the standard for sustainable and efficient fuel service. The facility has become a benchmark for other local government units (LGUs), with a team from the city of Bislig, Surigao del Sur, visiting on May 10, 2023, to learn from its success.
Municipal Administrator Teresa Gina Ranan welcomed the Bislig team on behalf of Mayor Joseph Rañola and emphasized the importance of having an owned gasoline station, especially during emergencies when heavy equipment needs to function. She also attributed the project’s success to the strong political will of Mayor Joseph A. Rañola.
The Jagna LGU-owned gasoline pumping station serves as an example for other LGUs to follow, providing a reliable source of fuel while demonstrating a commitment to the welfare and development of the entire environment. The facility’s success is a testament to the Local Chief Executive’s strong political will and dedication to providing high-quality and sustainable services to their constituents.
Aside from the LGU-owned gasoline pumping station, the Bislig team also visited Eco-Park Tubod Mar to witness the first high-tech Material Recycling Facility (MRF) in the province of Bohol. This visit further emphasizes Jagna’s commitment to sustainable and eco-friendly solutions, serving as an inspiration for other LGUs to follow.
Overall, the LGU-owned gasoline pumping station and the Material Recycling Facility showcase Jagna’s efforts towards sustainable development. These initiatives are essential in ensuring that communities have access to eco-friendly energy and waste management solutions.

LGU Mabinay of Negros Oriental Visits Jagna for Bench Marking

By Bogex Luna
The officials from LGU Mabinay, headed by Mayor Ernie T. Uy, visited Jagna on May 4, 2023 for benchmarking purposes. The visit aimed to witness the high-tech Material Recycling Facility (MRF) located at the Eco-Park, which is recognized for promoting sustainable waste management practices.
LGU Jagna officials headed by Vice Mayor Teofisto Pagar Jr. warmly welcomed the LGU Mabinay officials at Goyo Hall, where they were provided with a quick orientation of the LGU-owned MRF’s operations. Municipal Administrator Teresa Gina Ranan and Engr. Peter Jamero also assisted the LGU Mabinay officials during their visit to the MRF.
The municipality of Jagna is proud and grateful to the leadership of Mayor Joseph Rañola in which Jagna has become a benchmarking spot for other municipalities. The MRF’s advanced technology enables efficient and effective segregation of recyclable materials, which impressed LGU Mabinay officials during their visit.
The benchmarking visit was a significant success and demonstrated the importance of cooperation and collaboration among LGUs in promoting sustainable waste management practices.

Jagna Launches Chikiting Ligtas 2023 join the Big Catch up

Ma. Liezel Salada Sanguenza
Jagna has launched a nationwide supplemental immunization campaign called “Chikiting Ligtas 2023” to vaccinate children against Measles, Rubella, and Polio. The campaign aims to vaccinate children aged 0-59 months against these vaccine-preventable diseases for a month-long activity.
The vaccination teams headed by Municipal Health Officer- Dr. Shaira Lyn Cagulada and Doctor to the Barrio (DTTB/RHP)-Dr. Benigno Abcede, supported by the Local Chief Executive, Hon. Mayor Joseph Achacoso Rañola, has vaccinated 209 children with the Measles-Rubella (MR) vaccine and provided Vitamin A supplementation to 224 children in Barangays Tejero, Calabacita, and Mayana.
This catch-up vaccination approach would not have been successful without the strong support of the respective Barangay councils, BHWs, BHERTs, and the active RHU staff. Together, let us ensure that no child is left behind, and every child in the Philippines has access to life-saving vaccines.

PROVINCIAL NUTRITION EVALUATION TEAM VISITS JAGNA FOR MONITORING AND EVALUATING MELLPI PRO 2023

By Maida Virtudazo
Monitoring and Evaluation of Local Level Plan Implementation Protocol (MELLPI Pro) is an annual monitoring activity conducted to assess the efficiency and effectiveness of local governments in planning and implementing local nutrition programs, as well as to evaluate the performance of local-level nutrition program implementers using the MELLPI Pro tool. The tool assesses six dimensions that comprise a rationalized and effective nutrition program management system: (D1) Vision and Mission, (D2) Nutrition Laws and Policies, (D3) Governance and Organizational Structure, (D4) Local Nutrition Committee Management Functions, (D5) Nutrition Interventions/Services, and (D6) Change in the Nutritional Status in the LGU.
The evaluation team is composed of interagency members of the Provincial Nutrition Committee and/or their representatives, headed by Ms. Beatrice Rafols, RND, who were warmly welcomed by Mayor Joseph Rañola, Nutrition Committee Chairman. The team also visited two barangays in this municipality, namely Brgy. Kinagbaan and Brgy. Cambugason.
The highlights of the monitoring evaluation included the desk review of documents pertaining to the implementation of nutrition programs and interviews with implementers. The activity was concluded with a presentation of initial findings at the SB session hall, with the presence of our Vice Mayor-Engr. Teofisto Pagar Jr., Budget Officer-Brigida Aceron, MSWDO-Alma D. Acera, RSW, Acting MNAO-Maida Bertumen-Virtudazo, RND, BNS Federated President-Leonarda B. Cuadra, and DepEd Jagna District Nurses-Leila Namoc, Marie Jane Gulle, and Jena Boniao.
Overall, the MELLPI Pro monitoring activity serves as an important tool to assess the performance of local governments in implementing nutrition programs and to identify areas for improvement. It also encourages transparency and accountability among nutrition program implementers and promotes the attainment of better nutrition outcomes in the community.