Monday, June 27, 2011
taga ibaan ako: The Doctors Are In
taga ibaan ako: The Doctors Are In: "One of the doctors who sent Ibaan kids to manhood. In span of two months, we've witnessed medical and dental doctors storming Ibaan to pr..."
The Doctors Are In: Ibaan Medical Missions
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One of the doctors who sent Ibaan kids to manhood. |
Last May, as part of summer traditions, doctors from University of Tomas headed by Beta Sigma Tau Fraternity and from Lipa City District Hospital brought Batang Ibaan a step closer to manhood through "Free Circumcision" held at Municipal Health Office.
All in all, there were 525 Batang Ibaan had themselves circumcised hassle free. All of them were also given free antibiotics and other medicines needed for them to recover from wounds they sustained.
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Circumcision gears being prepared. |
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A kid aching for manhood. |
Dra. Patricia Toreja, Mayor Danny Toreja's wife, and Dr. Noel Toreja, the youngest brother of the Mayor, also provided their services.
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A UP-PGH doctor giving lecture on kidney problems. |
Compared to other medical missions where doctors immediately go through checkup and treatment of patients, an orientation/seminar on how one can take care of their kidney, avoid kidney problems and proper medication when suffering from kidney illness is first conducted with participating patients. The patients were also allowed to ask questions in an open forum.
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Participating doctors in medical mission in connection with the celebration of World Kidney Month. |
"Kidney problems are not always that easy to detect. There are signs that we take for granted believing it's just a natural body reaction. Unknowingly, our kidney has gone worst until it's too late for us to realize. I myself learned a lot on this seminar. Thus, there is a need for more seminars on this issue. And I'm sure our doctors here are more than willing to grant our request", says Mayor Toreja.
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Dra. Pat, Mayor Toreja and Ibaan Administrator Rico Caringal thanking the doctor lecturer. |
June 26. The Municipality of Ibaan hasn't gotten enough of providing social services to Ibaenos. A bigger dental and medical mission was again held to close the month of June. And this time, almost a thousand Ibaenos benefited with pockets full of free medicines both for babies, young and adults.
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The Federation of Filipino Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. doctors and representatives. |
But what's so special about this is that, majority of true-blooded Ibaan doctors went out of their comfort zone and participated in the said event. A round of applause and appreciation are due to be given to them. They include Dra. Agnes Chua, Dra. Aurelia Miral, Dra.Felicitacion Samson, Dra. Fritzie Tenorio, Dra. Grace Guerra, Dra. Lily Austria, Dra. Marilou Banawa, Dra. Rowena Quitaua, Dra. Aida Madlangbayan, Dr. Sonny Claveria, Dr. Alberto Ambida, Dr. Bobby Austria, Dr. Rico Librea, Dr. Dennis Tenorio, Dr. Dioscorro Angelia, Dr. Nesty Bagsit, Dr. Orly Quitaua, Dr. Rogelio Panganiban, Dr. Romeo C. Bicol, Dr. Wilson Chua, and Dr. Mario Madlangbayan (other participating doctors names' will be added later).
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Doctors from Fernando Air Base getting their gears ready. |
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Everyone were also given free medicines. |
The full force of Municipal Health Office and Barangay Health Workers also extended their helping hand to assist the patients. They made an initial assessment of the patients, like basic checking of blood pressure, before referring them to participating doctors.
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Dentists at work. |
Some SB members also came to the event. However, they went home ahead of time before the end of the activity. Also, some dropped by at the later part of the day.
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Looking over the prescription. |
A private dentist's services costs around P300 at the least cost. While consulting fee may run from P500.00 to P1,000.00 already. If one will sum them up, it may amount to more than a million peso.
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Mayor Toreja handing the Plaque of Appreciation. |
The tandem of Mayor Toreja and wife Dra. Pat Toreja has been instrumental to these medical missions. Dra. Pat, being in the field of medicine, has made it easier for Ibaenos to avail these tremendous services. Thus, it's high time that they, together with the municipality of Ibaan, be recognized for their relentless efforts to be in the service of Ibaenos.
Photos for World Kidney Month Medical Mission
Photos for free circumcision.
Dental And Medical Mission Part I
Dental And Medical Mission Part II
Dental And Medical Mission Part III
Friday, June 24, 2011
taga ibaan ako: Tingga Itaas Road Under Rehabilitation
taga ibaan ako: Tingga Itaas Road Under Rehabilitation: "The digging just started three days ago. Millions of taxpayers' money are again about to go down the drain with the rehabilitation of Tin..."
Tingga Itaas Road Under Rehabilitation
The digging just started three days ago. |
Some three days ago, along with the advent of tropical storm Falcon, DPWH and the winning contractor started digging holes to break large sections of concrete pavements from the access road leading to Soro-Soro/STAR Toll to down hill slope of the road going to Sabang Bridge.
Although it's uncertain whether it's still part of the project, construction of open canals at the upper portion of the road from Tingga Bridge has also started.
For almost 20 years, the road has been servicing the motorists since its construction connecting Ibaan and Batangas City the concrete. However, due to tear and worn, as well as overloads provided by trucks, the road has cracked a lot and has gone down the ground from its original designed level.
The road that serviced motorists and commuters is now about to become a history. |
If everyone can remember, the long concrete road connecting Ibaan and Lipa City was also dug and constructed with a new one. Evidently, everyone can say "what a big waste of money".
With the said road construction, motorists can expect a slow down on their way in and out of Batangas City. And with the rainy season on the lose, no one can tell how long the project will burden the motorists and commuters and as to when it will be finished.
This is where your money go. |
Managed by Department of Public Works And Highways, the project is awarded to JASMIG Construction at the hefty P12.6 M.
New Road Standard
A new standard for national road pavement thickness has been adopted by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), which aims to ensure quality and longer life span for national roads and highways.
DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson said the standardized pavement thickness will prevent the early deterioration of roads due to overloading.
The DPWH has launched a campaign against overloaded trucks and vehicles in Metro Manila, after studies show these contribute to the early wear and tear of roads and highways.
Based on a department order, the thickness for the new construction and rehabilitation or upgrading of Portland Cement Concrete Pavements from now on shall be 280 mm.
The road's frequent visitor. |
CESAL is the primary criterion used for the selection of the appropriate design of roads, which is dependent on the daily average effect of each vehicle type passing on the pavement.
For pavement rehabilitation works using the crack and seat method, a minimum thickness of 260mm is prescribed for the new pavement that will be constructed on top of the deteriorated pavement.
Singson said a minimum thickness of 50 mm is prescribed for overlaying works. But on grounds of economy, pavement thickness of more that 50 mm will be considered only if the cost of the asphalt pavement of such thickness is less than the cost of a 230 mm thick concrete pavement.
The department order further states that on both pavement types, the thickness of pavement will be verified from pavement design analysis using the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials (AASHTO) method as contained on the DPWH Design Guidelines.
New road standard should be used with this this road's replacement. |
For pavement width, the minimum width of the carriageway shall be 6.70 meters, while for rehabilitation or upgrading works involving at least 500 meters, the minimum width of the carriageway to be adopted shall be 6.70 meters (source info).
More photo.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
taga ibaan ako: Amang Magsaysay: The Man I Don't Recognize
taga ibaan ako: Amang Magsaysay: The Man I Don't Recognize: "Cong. Magsaysay at International Environmental Forum. If you're going to take a look on the board, Ibaan is all too lucky -too lucky to h..."
Amang Magsaysay: The Man I Don't Recognize
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Cong. Magsaysay at International Environmental Forum. |
Belonging to 4th District in the Province of Batangas, definitely we'll have one. And right now, we have Cong. Dong Mendoza. Then in last year's election, Ibaan adopted 3 more partylist groups -AGAP, 1CARE and AVE. They all substantially indebted to Ibaan for having a seat as Congressman in the House of Representatives. And from all of them, there's one I don't recognize. It's Cong. Amang Magsaysay of AVE Partylist.
AVE Partylist at Ibaan Tulong Edukasyon Distribution of scholarship grants at Ibaan District Hall, Ibaan Central School. |
Cong. Magsaysay happened to watch Saske's video. I believe he get attached with Saske immediately. Mr. Amang, through different channels sent someone to the kid's house handed some amount to help the family thread an extra mile for the kid's life. I was not able to meet Mr. Amang. But we posted our gratitude to the man for what he has done.
Amang arriving at Ibaan District Hall . |
After couple of months, Taga Ibaan Ako got another case. A young girl having problem with her blood. The girl has been suffering from some blood irregularities, and just like Saske's case, her parents could hardly afford to support her medical needs. Than again, through friends of friends, he again saw the girl's video. This time, he asked from someone he can deal directly regarding the girl's situation. A week later, an emissary was standing before the girl's house to hand Cong. Magsaysay's help and assistance. From that point, it appeared to me that this man has a soft spot in his heart for kids.
Cong. Amang on his speech to Ibaan scholars. |
Minutes after the program has started, I was called outside to take photo of the man. I rushed outside with aching ankle and tried to capture every line of his face. Entering the District Hall, Mayor Danny Toreja, Vice Mayor Sixto Yabyabin, Dr. Lumbera Magnaye and others extended their hands to Cong. Magsaysay to welcome him. The respect was evidently given to the AVE Partylist Representative.
Cong. Amang handing certificate of recognition to one of the Tulong Edukasyon grantees. |
It turned our that he's accommodating 25 Ibaenos as scholars where his AVE Partylist is giving P10,000.00 every semester to qualified students. And for a year, that's around P500,000.00 already! And AVE Partylist is on all out support to Ibaan's Tulong Edukasyon Program.The Muncipality of Ibaan gave away 45 scholarship grants. It may be just a half of what Ibaan provided, but 25 more Ibaenos got a sight of light at the end of the tunnel.
Cong. Amang at the blessing of Brgy. Bago's new Barangay Hall. |
After all speeches have been made, the Certificates of Recognition were officially given to the grantees. Just like a protocol, pictorials followed next. A short chat with everyone, tables and chairs were then packed up. I thought that's going to be the end of the day for me. But I was told there's one more event that the Congressman is headed to. Cong. Magsaysay, Mayor Toreja and others are to attend Brgy. Bago's new Barangay Hall.
Cong. Amang with Ibaan Mayor Danny Toreja cutting the ribbon for the new Barangay Hall. |
Reaching Brgy. Bago's new Barangay Hall, formalities were made. Hands were again extended to and from everyone. The priest arrived, and the blessing of the new Barangay Hall was made. After which, a short program ensued. While taking photos, I still have my ears to what the speakers are telling on the microphone. And from all of the personalities called in front of the group, one usual and common line cut across my senses.
Cong. Amang Magsaysay of AVE Partylist. The proud adopted son of Ibaan. |
The applause were deafening. But they have reasons to be at that mood. Who would not appreciate what Cong. Magsaysay has done for Ibaan? And for that day alone, I can no longer say I don't recognize Amang Magsaysay. He should be recognized.
Amang Magsaysay is not an Ibaeno. But has shown compassion to this town. Everything, from the time his name came to my knowledge, up to the day Brgy. Bago adopted him, I say he's worthy of every recognition we can afford him.
How about the other Congressmen of two other party lists? I guess it's them that I don't recognize.
Saturday, June 18, 2011
taga ibaan ako: Ibaan Municipality and AVE Partylist Distribute Sc...
taga ibaan ako: Ibaan Municipality and AVE Partylist Distribute Sc...: "Tulong Edukasyon beneficiaries and their benefactors. For a long time, the Department of Education has been keeping their statistics of n..."
Friday, June 17, 2011
Ibaan Municipality and AVE Partylist Distribute Scholarhip Grants
Tulong Edukasyon beneficiaries and their benefactors. |
But taking a seat on other side of the table, there's actually a more pressing issue that has been slowing down getting the Filipinos educated. And that is poverty. Whatever angle and however people may look at it, it leads back to the point of facing a blank wall. And it's shadow somehow also gets in the way of Ibaan youth.
A Quarter Mile
Based on the statistics presented by DILG's Local Governance Management System, as per data collated by DepEd, Ibaan has only 25% of its total college students being able to finish tertiary education. This includes those taking up two-year, four-year and five year course. And looking deep into it, poverty remains the blocking wall for others to obtain their diploma.
Weaken by the sad plight of Ibaan's educational performance, the Municipality of Ibaan implemented the program "Tulong Edukasyon" concentrating on providing scholarship grants in the form of financial assistance to deserving indigent college students who can't afford to support their schooling.
In his speech, Ibaan Mayor Danny Toreja admitted being weakened by the said rating. For such, his administration has allocated and is granting P10,000.00 every semester to qualified beneficiaries. With the help of Vice Mayor Sixto Yabyabin and members of Sangguniang Bayan, will be allocating each year certain amount for the said program so as to bridge the gap between poverty and the beneficiary's dream to acquire higher education.
This year, the Municipality has identified 45 scholars from different barangays. Out of which, majority are incoming freshmen. College students who are already at higher year level were also accommodated.
Tulong Edukasyon Program is actually one of Mayor Toreja's Social Agenda that was created in collaboration with Sangguniang Bayan headed by Vice Mayor Sixto Yabyabin and Paul John Chua, Chairman on Committee On Education.
"We are banking on these young generation's dreams. Thus, there is a need to support them. And hopefully, we can breakaway from the stigma of having low rating in terms of college graduates", Mayor Toreja said.
"What you are receiving are not my money. Neither Cong. Magsaysay's money. You are to spend the people's money. Make a good use of it. Study hard and make Ibaan proud. This is not only for yourselves, but also for Ibaan", he ended.
Coun. Chua promised to take the lead in filing the resolution at Sangguniang Bayan every year to secure assurance of its implementation being the Chairman of Committee of Education. |
According to Vice Mayor Yabyabin, Tulong Edukasyon was initially drafted during their Executive Legislative Agenda Conference. After being shown of Ibaan's rating, they immediately pursued on how the said program can be implemented. Different local government agencies attention were called to identify the possibility of allocating funds for the program. And with the increase on the municipality's revenue collection, the municipality is optimistic that they'll be able to provide continued support to deserving beneficiaries.
This was further reiterated by Coun. Chua who promised to take the lead in filing the resolution at Sangguniang Bayan every year to secure assurance of its implementation.
AVE's Share
Cong. Amang Magsaysay, AVE Partylist representative, for his part also gave away scholarship grants. With his Partylist directly representing the education and educators sector in the Congress, he finds it to be an imperative obligation on his part to give his share.
Although not specifically from Ibaan, Cong. Magsaysay still and also provided P10,000.00 scholarship grants to 26 more Ibaan beneficiaries. And every year, as he has uttered when called for some words on stage, he will be working closely with Mayor Toreja so as to keep the program running.
He also promised to remain at par with whatever the Municipality will give to deserving college students.
And end of his speech, he compared the Philippine's Independence Day to a glimpse of better future being granted to scholars.
"Today is Independence Day. Today, we celebrate our freedom. But more than that, today is the day you get a hold in your hand the key to be free from poverty. Do not waste this opportunity. You are lucky to have this. Give importance to what you have now", he said.
A Doctor's Advice
Dr. Lumbera Magnaye, Batangas State University's President, was also invited as guest speaker to the said event.
(From left) Cong. Magsaysay's wife, Dr. Lumbera Magnaye, Mayor Danny Toreja, Cong. Amang Magsaysay and vice Mayor Sixto Yabyabin. |
Dr. Magnaye also gave an overview of what her school can offer. She gave assurance to Mayor Toreja and Cong. Magsaysay that will perpetually coordinate with them to provide updates on the student's academic performance.
One of the beneficiaries receiving her Certificate of Recognition as Tulong Edukasyon Grantee. |
Passing Mark
The students may have seen a sigh of relief receiving said scholarship grants. However, the grant comes along with the responsibility of acquiring and maintaining a grade of 2.5 or 83%. A mechanism will be set up to to check on the progress of the student during the duration of the scholarship.
The students on the other hand will have the discretion to choose what school they'll attend. On the condition that they will inform the Office of the Mayor for proper coordination with the school.
The Tulong Edukasyon grantees are the following:
Tulong Edukasyoon Grantees' proud parents with their benefactors. |
1 Agravante, Richel T.
2 Anastacio, Julie Anne R.
3 Andal, Bryan S.
4 Bagui, Marjorie A.
5 Banawa, Abegail M.
6 Bathan, Diannara M.
7 Bathan, Roldan V.
8 Bruel, Emilyn E.
9 Bueno, Pamela Camille T.
10 Cabatay, Paul Jasper D.
11 Catapia, Angelica C.
12 De Castro, Imee
13 De Leon, Mirah Kristel V.
14 Esguerra, Jessa Marie
15 Gomez, Joanne E.
16 Guerra, Kristine Anne M.
17 Guerra, Wilma C.
18 Hernandez, Jessica
19 Javier, Krizzia R.
20 Jimenez, Justine Rowe M.
21 Loizaga, John Carlo
22 Magnaye, Juvy Anne R.
23 Moncawe, Michael V.
24 Portugal, Apolinario A.
25 Portus, April J.
26 Punzalan, Laarni Luzette T.
27 Quinay, Christine C.
28 Quinere, Aileen D.
29 Rabino Jr., Ernesto J.
30 Rabino, Neil Anthony V.
31 Ramos, Charmaine R.
32 Ramos, Maycel R.
33 Real, Cristy R.
34 Real, Jaycel M.
35 Sabillo, Dianne G.
36 San Jose, Jada Kate R.
37 Semira, Princess Jane D.
38 Sierra, Maryknoll L.
39 Tabuco, Mary Anne Joy P.
40 Tanyag, Erika M.
41 Tenorio, John Albert L.
42 Tiemsim, Mae Ann P.
43 Torres, Regine R.
44 Uri, Tristan Von R.
45 Villones, Marjay S.
AVE Partylist Scholars
1 Arpon, Desiree P.
2 Bautista, Maricris T.
3 De Castro, Mickee Nicole V.
4 De Castro, Razel B.
5 Delgado, Merelyn A.
6 Dingle, Jessica N.
7 Duno, Arrah Mae D.
8 Fortus, Kaye Ann A.
9 Guerra, Diane P.
10 Hernandez, Precy D.
11 Locaba, Sheila M.
12 Loterte, Sonny B.
13 Madlangbayan, Christelle M.
14 Maputi, Ma. Rhonabel A.
15 Mendoza, Jenny V.
16 Montalbo, Jomari B.
17 Ongjoco, Lenz Jefferson P.
18 Patalay, Marrien M.
19 Perez, Abegail H.
20 Perez, Romar P.
21 Ramos, Joy Anne T.
22 Reyes, Alvin G.
23 Reyes, Drandel Arlen P.
24 Sumalabe, Kristine Ivy M.
25 Tibayan, Jennifer G.
26 Valencia, Arjay B.
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