By CMDacoro, Albay PIO   LEGASPI CITY — The Sangguniang Panlalawigan ng Albay (SPA) has approved the city ordinance for the establishment of Barangay Reading Centers in all barangays of Tabaco City. This was accomplished through the passage of Provincial Resolution No. 1310-2024, which declares as valid and operative City Ordinance No. 8-051 s. 2024 of Tabaco City, titled “Creating Barangay Reading Centers in All Barangays of Tabaco City and Appropriating Funds Thereof, Subject to Applicable Laws, Rules, and Regulations.” The ordinance was authored by ABC President and Board Member Hisham B. Ismail. The establishment of these centers is in line with Republic Act No. 7743, otherwise known as “An Act Providing for the Establishment of Congressional, City, and Municipal Libraries and Barangay Reading Centers throughout the Philippines, Appropriating the Necessary Funds Therefor, and for Other Purposes.” Barangay Reading Centers serve as vital community hubs, fostering literacy and promoting lifelong learning among residents and learners. This initiative will help address the educational and cultural needs of Filipinos, contributing to national development.

By Rachel Magday Highlighting a crucial advancement in social services for the region, Government Attorney Jose V. Gambito and Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Regional Director Lucia Alan led the blessing and inauguration of the new Social Welfare and Development satellite office on September 2. The new office is strategically located on the ground floor of the Dumlao Stadium, within the Nueva Vizcaya Sports Complex. The new office replaces the previous location at the Provincial Capitol, providing a more accessible and spacious environment for both staff and clients. During the event, Gov. Gambito emphasized his commitment to continue collaborating with the national government in delivering assistance to the people of Nueva Vizcaya. “Our goal is clear: no Vizcayano will be left behind when it comes to government services,” he stated. “We will work tirelessly to ensure that every individual in need receives the support they deserve.” In his message, Gambito also urged the Social Welfare and Development office staff to maintain a cordial and welcoming attitude toward their clients. “Compassion and understanding are essential in our line of work. I encourage all of you to foster a friendly environment for those who seek our help,” he added. During the inauguration, Regional Director Lucia Suyu- Alan made a request to Governor Gambito to consider relocating the 4Ps (Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program) office to the Dumlao Stadium as well. She proposed that this move would create a one-stop shop for social services, streamlining assistance for the community. Governor Gambito immediately approved this request, further enhancing the office’s capacity to serve the public effectively. The event was also graced by the presence of Bayombong Mayor Antonio Sergio G. Bagasao, PSWD Officer Flordelina C. Granada, and Mr. Lopito Valdez, who represented the office of the Congresswoman. The DSWD satellite office will continue to offer a wide range of services, including social welfare programs, disaster response efforts, and community assistance. This newly enhanced facility is expected to significantly boost the efficiency and effectiveness of these critical services, ensuring that the community’s needs are met more effectively while providing a more comfortable environment for clients seeking assistance.

By Danny Estacio   TAYABAS CITY, Quezon – City Health Office (CHO) has chosen as a benchmarking site of being the Top Performing Konsulta Package Provider within the Quezon  Primary Care Provider Network (PCPN). City Mayor Lovely Reynoso- Pontioso said that many awards have been recieved that prove the city health office of being highly significant and impactful. The inter-primary care provider network are came from South Cotabato, Bataan and Baguio City led by Atty. Mauro Anthony Cabading, Dr. Francis Sarmiento, III. , Dr. Edwin M. Orina, of Philhealth  region 4A, and personnel of the Integrated Provincial Health Office of Quezon that conducted the said benchmarking activity on Tuesday September 3. Mayor Pontioso is with City Health Officer Hernando Marquez, Program head Joanne Durante-Hachaso and OIC-Tourism Officer Koko Pataunia welcomed the bench markers.          

By: Dante M. Salvaña   SUBIC BAY FREEPORT— The Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT) has officially launched the eGovPH app and at the same time kicks-off the eLGU system for the province of Zambales, in a ceremony held at the Subic Bay Exhibition and Convention Center in Subic Bay Freeport zone, on September 03. According to June Vincent Manuel S. Gaudan, Director IV, Government Digital Transformation Bureau, ” The initiative is part of the DICT’s mission to promote digital transformation across the country by improving the efficiency and accessibility of government services. Part of the eGovPH app aims to integrate and streamline all local and national government services into a single, user-friendly platform, enhancing the government experience for every Filipinos.” “The eLGU system on the other hand combines all Local Government Unit services, including permits, contributions, clearances, and payments into one unified system” Gaudan said. Both the eGovPH app and eLGU system are designed to address current challenges in government services by making transaction faster, more secure and more convenient for citizens. These projects aims to foster a more transparent, efficient and responsive government, aligning with the goals of Republic Act No. 11032, the “Ease of doing business and efficient government service delivery act of 2018.” “The eGovPH app and eLGU system represent significant advancements in the digitalization of government services. These initiatives will help local communities and citizens accomplish their government transactions digitally, saving time and resources” Gaudan added. These systems will enable local and national government agencies to handle transactions more efficiently and secured, improving service delivery and fostering a more transparent government. The event was attended by local chief executives, heads of different government line agencies and stakeholders and culminates in the signing of the Commitment Wall to formalize the partnership between the local government units and the DICT.