The canvassed votes cast in 36 precincts in the municipality resulted in the following winning local candidates:

Abrenilla, Fortunato R. – Mayor

Virtudes, Bonifacio Jr. J. – Vice Mayor

Members of the Municipal Council

Virtudes, Bonifacio Sr. G.

Jamora, Maricris V.

Lloren, Rodrigo B.

Virtudazo, Derrick C.

Ocio, Leonardo Jr. A.

Cabrestante, Alberto Jr. A.

Cagulada, Cesario M.

Pielago, Arnoldo D.

The May 13 election in the town was generally peaceful.

To date, the JaMGGo has accomplished much for the people. It has already visited the 33 barangays giving lectures to residents on the aims of the movement. It has organized motorcades that ply the national, provincial and barangay roads campaigning for its vision. Tarpaulins and signages “Kon imo kaming paliton, dili ka namo pili-on!; We are not stupid. We don’t sell votes.” have sprouted all over the town that signified the vision of JaMGGO.

JaMGGO has convinced the local politicians and candidates to adhere to the vision of JaMGGO. It has conducted 3 dialogues where the May 2013 local candidates have converged with JaMGGO to talk about their support to fight fairly and cleanly. The local candidates have signified their support to the movement thru a video presentation for the people. They have also agreed to focus on each of their platforms so the people may be able to weigh their choices to become informed voters.

The JaMGGO has encouraged students to participate thru writing a letter to their parents not to vote on candidates who engage on vote buying.

On April 20, a candidates forum was conducted at the Jagna Municipal Plaza organized by the JaMGGO. Majority of the local candidates were present to take the opportunity of informing the people of their platform as well as answer questions on governance from the audience. A huge crowd gathered to hear what the candidates have to say.

On May 5, 2013 an Ecumenical Prayer Rally for a clean, honest and peaceful election was held supported by all the other religions in Jagna and the people. It was a showcase that Jagna needs change. Change for a better future especially for the children.

JaMGGO was also actively supporting the COMELEC during the final testing and sealing of PCOS machines. They were present all throughout the duration of the testing and sealing making sure that no untoward incident happens during this critical time.

Finally, the attainment of the Damgo sa JaMGGO will be measured this May 13. As to what happens to the vision remains to be seen. But the JaMGGO believes that they have done their part in educating the Jagnaanons. A move has been started and hopefully with the grace of the Almighty it will be cultivated and reinforced each election until all the Jagnaanons will realize the benefits of a clean, honest and peaceful election.

Election Officer Rolan Dominic J. Amora facilitated the briefing reminding the participants of the procedures to be observed in the polling centers, the do’s and don’ts during election as well as the newly-implemented rules of procedure within the polling centers.

Mr. Amora emphasized on the rights of watchers vis a vis the responsibilities of BEIs. He outlined the arrangement inside the polling centers and reminded the participants on the process and procedures to avoid problems during the conduct of election.

On May 8 final testing and sealing of 36 PCOS machines still went smoothly despite a problem with a PCOS machine. The activity exactly started at 9:20 AM and ended at 1:00 PM. All BEIs, supervisors, support staff were present. PCOS technicians, watchers and mock voters were also present during the activity.

Election Officer Amora did personally see to every aspect of the activity. From the opening of the machines to the problems encountered with some PCOS machines to answering questions of the BEIs to the sealing and securing of the sample ballots after the mock polls.

Held at the Jagna Central Elementary School, the activity was supported by Mrs. Delfina Ola-a, district supervisor. Parish priest and JaMGGo organizer Monsignor Alberto Uy was present supporting the COMELEC.

Spearheaded by the Municipal Agriculture Office, the municipal launching of Proclamation No. 494 “Declaring The Year 2013 As The National Year of Rice And Directing the Department of Agriculture To Lead Its Celebration” was done. Attended by presidents of the different irrigators’ associations, representatives of civil society organizations, punong barangays, municipal officials and employees, representatives from the Provincial Agriculture Office the launching obtained the commitment of the attendees to support the goals of the National Year of Rice thru signature support. The goals of the NYR 2013 are to achieve rice self-sufficiency

Signature support for 2013 National Year of Rice and its goals of increasing rice production and public awarenes on responsible consumption.

and promote awareness on responsible rice consumption.

According to Mayor Abrenilla achieving rice self-sufficiency is very ambitious which entails a significant investment from the government as the Philippines is not naturally irrigated a major requirement for rice production. However, the mayor said that it can be done as long as rice productivity increases by employing innovative techniques to increase yield coupled with responsible consumption and changing the eating habits of Filipinos. The mayor said that changing the psyche of every Filipino is a major step towards achieving the goals of NYR 2013 and he is in full support of Proclamation No. 494.

A ceremonial distribution of foundation seeds from Philrice was done. The Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) distributed four

Mayor Abrenilla distributes foundation seeds to farmer-irrigator association presidents.

varieties (NSIC Rc 160, NSIC Rc 218 SR, NSIC 240 and NSIC 238) to the irrigators associations. The four varieties have been tested by the rice technicians of the MAO to be suitable to Jagna as rice is location-specific.

The NYR 2013 advocates “Thank a farmer today” and “Farmers are living heroes”. Farmers feed the whole nation but they are not recognized. They work hard to till the farms to be able to produce more for the whole nation. It is deserving that this 2013 National Year of Rice they will be recognized. Truly they are heroes breaking their bones for the benefit of all Filipinos.

The newly-constructe OSCA building at the back of DYJP

second semester of 2012 after the LGU appropriated funds for its construction, the OSCA was continuously worked on by the Municipal Engineering Office (MEO) force. Thru the diligent follow up of the OSCA Federated President Engr. Cruza Bagatsolon they now have a spacious place to transact their concerns, socialize with one another and exchange a lifetime of experiences that have made them wise.

Mayor Fortunato R.Abrenilla prodded the MEO for the immediate completion of the project so that the senior citizens will be comfortable in their own office. He said that the office will afford the SCs a venue for updating each other and for reinforcing friendships that were kept at bay when everyone was busily tending to their everyday living. “Now is the time to sit back, relax and reminisce the times past, be active to continuously feel young and free from worries”, Mayor Abrenilla said in his message. He encouraged the senior citizens present during the blessing and inauguration to not only come to the office to transact business but stay there and engage each other in stress=free conversations.

On her part, Engr. Cruza Bagatsolon thanked the mayor for heeding their call and providing them with their need of an office after so many years of lobbying. She said that the senior citizens office is a requirement based on the law but it still depends upon the support of the administration if their clamor will be answered. She said that on behalf of the senior citizens she is thankful for the completion of the office of their own.

Sajulga

Last March, a Jagnaanon successfully hurdled the Philippine Military Academy’s rigorous mental, physical and character training. Junrey S. Sajulga graduated on March 17, 2013 belonging to Pudhang-Kalis Class of 2013 of the prestigious military academy in the country. According to 2^nd Lieutenant Sajulga Pudhang-Kalis means “sacred sword” to the Tausugs. It also stands for “Puso’t Dangal ng mga Kawal ng Lahing Nagkakaisa”.

Lieutenant Sajulga is the youngest child of Benjamen Sajulga and Felixberta Salaum. He was born on July 23, 1988. He spent his elementary years at Jagna Central Elementary School and went to Central Visayan Institute Foundation (CVIF) for his high school education. He took up BS Accountancy at the Jose Rizal University and on his last semester decided to take the PMA examination at Mapua. Only a few days to his graduation, on April 1, 2009 he entered the Philippine Military Academy as a plebe. April and May for plebes is summer camp. It was the start of another 4-year course and training at the PMA for this young and determined lad.

Jagna’s 4^th PMAer after Col. Casenas, Col. Triumph Dominic G Bagaipo and 2^nd Lt. Austin John Jamora, who happens to be Lt. Sajulga’s classmate in high school, will be joining the esteemed halls of the Philippine Navy Marines on April 14.

The general objective of the training is to develop the competency of BHWs as educators, community organizers and primary health care providers. The objective in detail includes providing knowledge on health to BHWs; to capacitate the BHWs to: provide basic health care at the community level, impart knowledge on health to family members in the community and organize the community on health activities.

Course content includes roles and functions of BHWs, safe motherhood, women’s health, health care to children, integrated management on childhood illnesses (IMCI), other communicable diseases and non-communicable diseases (NTP,STD/AIDS), environmental sanitation programs.

Rural Health Unit 1 is headed by Municipal Health Officer Dr. Arnold Dasio M. Cagulada and RHU 2 is headed by Dr. April Ann M. Alpas.

MAO Camelo Rizano

Agriculturist Camelo Rizano were recently awarded the National Rice Achievers’ Award in Pasay City as part of the 2^nd Agri-Pinoy Rice Achievers’ Awards conferred by the Department of Agriculture. Cecile A. Opada and Melyndre J. Galve are rice technicians at the Municipal Agriculture Office. Cecile has served as rice technician since 2007 while Melyndre started in 2010.

Melyndre J. Galve

These two rice technicians have faithfully served the farmers in the town by implementing national and local programs for the benefit of the Jagnaanon farmers.

Jagna being an agricultural town has adopted national programs and new technologies to boost rice production. The LGU has also implemented its own programs in support of the national programs. The LGU’s support to this goal as well as the farmers’ open adoption of innovative technology is very instrumental and achieving annual goals on rice production within the town.

Cecile and Melyndre are working on the implementation of all the programs and

Cecile A. Opada

projects of the Department of Agriculture (DA) and the Rice Production and Enhancement Program of the Municipality, Cecile is conducting Rice Research and Development for a newly improved certified rice especially the glutinous rice varietal trials in support of the calamay industry in Jagna. Melyndre conducts trainings to farmers on strengthening irrigators associations, conduct of farmers field schools, technology demonstrations, financial management trainings to farmers.

Cecile and Melyndre complement each other in the conduct of their tasks making it effective and beneficial to the farmers.

Mr. Camelo Rizano was among the municipal agriculturists awarded for successfully implementing the rice programs of his office. Mr. Rizano has been open to programs introduced by the national, regional and provincial agriculture offices. He has implemented local initiatives to boost the adoption of farming technologies in the town.

The Agri-Pinoy Rice Achievers’ Awards was created by the Department of Agriculture through the national rice program to thank the famers as well as the provincial and municipal officials and agricultural extension workers for continuously exerting efforts to contribute to boosting national rice harvest.

The awardees received a plaque and Php 20,000 cash incentive.

The winner of the National Gawad Pamana ng Lahi municipality category is Carmona, Cavite while the other national finalist is Anilao town in Ilo-ilo.

There were four awards given namely: 2012 Lupong Tagapamayapa Incentives Awards; 2012 Gawad Pamana ng Lahi; Galing Pook Awards 2012 and the 1st Jesse Robredo Leadership Award.

DILG Secretary Mar Roxas; Galing Pook Foundation Vice-Chairperson Ma. Lourdes Fernando and Landbank of the Philippines President and CEO Gilda Pico were the honored guests during the awarding ceremony.

The Municipality of Jagna became the Regional Gawad Pamana ng Lahi Awardee for 2012 which qualifies it for the National GPL. The criteria of the National GPL includes Regional Gawad Pamana ng Lahi winner within the past 2 years or within the current year; validated LGPMS OPI average of 4.31; consistent Silver or Gold Seal of Good Housekeeping Awardee within the assessment period  and any National Awards on Governance.

With Mayor Fortunato R. Abrenilla during the conferment ceremonies were Atty. Lerma Abrenilla, the mayor’s wife; Engr. Gerry Araneta, MPDC and Mrs. Brigida Aceron, budget officer.

BURST. The first burst of water from the PVC pipe symbolizes the commencement of water service at barangay Can-upao. (Lyndon John Cuarteros)

The JWS included in its plans the tapping of additional water source and is on its first step which is the acquisition of permit to extract from the National Water Resources Board.

New and bigger PVC pipes were installed during the rehabilitation. Funding for the rehabilitation came from the monetary awards received by the town of Jagna for winning for two consecutive years the Seal of Good Housekeeping Award (2011 and 2012), Regional Gawad Pamana ng Lahi Award (2012), P500,000 from Governor Edgar Chatto and other countrywide development fund sources.

To provide water service to barangay Can-upao before their fiesta celebration on April 4-5 , Mayor Abrenilla had to pull some strings considering budgetary constraints. On March 15, 2013 at 5:00 PM finally the very first “buswak sa tubig” from the installed PVC pipes was witnessed by the Barangay Council of Can-upao headed by Barangay Captain Edcel Tutor and the people of Can-upao; Mayor Fortunato R. Abrenilla and Mr. Mer Ebojo, representative of Governor Edgar Chatto cut the ceremonial ribbon and Rev. Fr. Basilio Auxtero blessed the project.

The waterworks system in Can-upao will cater to sitios Lutao and Kandagit where tapping to households will start on March 18. Other sitios not yet to be serviced within their households will be provided jetmatic pumps.