City News Page
LGU Covid-19 Response Teams Receive Anti-Covid Vaccines [ Thursday | 25th day of March, 2021 | 4 weeks ago ]
CITY OF SAN FERNANDO— About 300 members
of the Covid-19 response teams of this city received anti-Covid vaccines on
Thursday, March 25, 2021, at the Mini-Convention Hall, Heroes Hall.
The City Health Office utilized
the 940 vials of AstraZeneca and 81 vials of CoronaVac (Sinovac) that the
Department of Health handed to the local government unit on March 25.
CHO prioritized the vaccination
of the LGU’s Covid-19 response teams including the doctors, nurses, and
employees working in the Rural Health Units (RHU); Health and Emergency
Management Staff (HEMS); members of the Task Force Water, Sanitation and
Hygiene (WASH); Barangay Health Workers (BHW); Barangay Health and Emergency
Response Teams (BHERTS); and response teams of the City Disaster Risk Reduction
Management Office (CDRRMO) and City Social Welfare and Development Office
(CSWDO).
Before their vaccination, Mayor
Edwin “EdSa” Santiago thanked the medical frontliners for their heroic role.
“During the surge of Covid-19 in
2020, and even until now, kayo ang naging sundalo at nakikipaglaban sa kalaban.
Kayo ang naging sandalan ng siyudad sa napakahirap na sitwasyon kaya nararapat
lang na kayo ang unang mabigyan ng proteksyon ngayong naririto na ang bakuna,”
Santiago said.
“Ipinagmamalaki ko kayo at ng
buong siyudad. Hindi malilimutan ang inyong katapatan at serbisyo sa mga
Fernandinos at cabalen. Mabuhay kayong mga bagong bayani ng San Fernando,” the
mayor added.
All registered recipients of the
vaccine underwent thorough screening and counseling before vaccination to
ensure their health and safety. After vaccination, they were monitored in the
post-observation area in case adverse reactions or allergies develop.
If no adverse reactions or allergies developed,
individuals inoculated with the AstraZeneca will have to come back after eight
weeks for their second dose while those who received CoronaVac (Sinovac) shots
will have to come back after four weeks to get a second dose.
Dr. Carlos B. Mercado, City Health
Officer-in-Charge and one of the Incident Commanders of the Incident Management
Team, said there’s nothing to fear about the vaccines as he encouraged the
Fernandinos to register for the vaccination program of the LGU.
“Huwag po tayong matakot magpabakuna,
ito po ay hindi gamot sa Covid-19 pero ito po ay magbibigay proteksyon sa atin
upang maiwasan ang mga kaso ng severe at fatality. Kaya inaanyayahan po namin
ang lahat na magpa-rehistro at maki-isa sa programang pagbabakuna ng San
Fernando. Rest assured, ang CHO po kasama ang ating medical units ay
nakaantabay sa inyo sa entire process ng inyong vaccination,” Mercado
explained.
The local government targets to
vaccinate 1,021 frontliners in the LGU until March 28.
In the second week of April,
Mercado said, the DOH will give another set of vaccines. These will benefit the
rest of the frontliners in private clinics, dental clinics, and other medical
laboratories.
Mayor EdSa Reiterates Strict Health Protocols In Business Establishments [ Friday | 19th day of March, 2021 | 1 month ago ]
City of San Fernando Mayor Edwin “EdSa” Santiago convened on Friday mall managers, business establishment owners, event place owners, and restaurant owners of this city to seek their support anew in implementing strict health protocols in their premises.
“Gusto natin nakabukas tayo araw-araw but we have to find ways to balance our economy and response against Covid-19. Muling tumataas yung cases hindi lang sa San Fernando but in the whole country so there is really a need to heighten our health response,” Santiago remarked.
The Local Chief Executive advised business establishments to cooperate with the local and provincial government which released a new executive order for the strict implementation of quarantine guidelines.
“Help us. Help the City manage the situation by being on top with us. Ayaw nating bumalik sa dati. Ayaw nating mag lockdown ulit kasi it will immobilize us again. Kaya magsama-sama tayo at magtulungan sa di pa rin natatapos na labang ito,” the mayor said.
Dr. Carlos Mercado, City Health Officer-in-charge and one of the Incident Commanders of the Unified Command System, reiterated the existing quarantine guidelines of the City and the common violations of some establishments.
“Age restrictions. Sa loob ng establishments mahigpit pa rin po nating ipinagbabawal ang mga bata at matatanda. Sa inspections namin, ito po ang naging common violations ng mga establishments. Huwag po kayong matatakot o mapapagod mag-remind sa mga customers ninyo na isuot ang kanilang face mask at face shield. Kung tumanggi sila, pwede ninyong palabasin. Kayo po dapat ang masusunod sa loob ng establisyemento ninyo,” Mercado explained.
For the safe conduct of public events, all mass gatherings will also need to pass through the Incident Management Team for clearance.
“We still discourage illegitimate mass gatherings. All mass gatherings dapat mag-secure muna po sila ng permit o clearance from the IMT [Incident Management Team]. Ito ay para ma-regulate po nang maayos at ligtas ang mga pagtitipon and walang ma-breach na protocols especially the imposition of 50 percent capacity,” Mercado said.
The City Health Officer said in the past few days, they have recorded most of the Covid-19 infections from unregulated and illegitimate mass gatherings.
Santiago and Mercado were joined by Raymond Del Rosario, City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Officer and one of the Incident Commanders of the Unified Command System; Ching Pangilinan, City Tourism Officer; Joseph Garcia, Business License and Permit Division Officer; and, Elenita Ordonio, Department of Trade and Industry Pampanga Provincial Director.
CSF Intensifies Vaccination Campaign In Barangays [ Thursday | 18th day of March, 2021 | 1 month ago ]
The City Government of San Fernando is intensifying its efforts to
provide essential information about COVID-19 vaccines in grassroots level as it
started vaccination program “town hall” this March.
The
information, education, and communication campaign (IEC) serves as the City’s
venue for dialogue with Fernandinos to answer questions and concerns about the
vaccination program.
Dr.
Cheriane Canlas, of the City Health Office (CHO) and program manager, said the
program will encourage Fernandinos to support the government’s vaccination
program amidst mounting issues and concerns.
“Layunin
ng aktibidad na ito na mabigyan ng tamang impormasyon ang mga tao tungkol sa
mga bakuna kontra COVID at upang mawala ang kanilang takot at mahikayat silang
magpabakuna sa panahong sila ay maaaring mabakunahan,” explained Canlas.
Apart
from the discussion on age and health condition requirements for the vaccine,
the town hall also features public “frequently asked questions,” including the
correct information about side effects and risks of the vaccines and the
expected roll out of actual vaccination program in the city.
Canlas
cited that while the government has identified qualified recipients of the
vaccine, the town hall meetings are open to all residents.
“Target
po na mabigyan ng kaalaman ukol sa COVID-19 vaccination program ang lahat ng
mamamayan na nais mabigyan ng kaalaman ukol sa programang ito upang mawala ang
takot at pangamba sa ating komunidad,” she added.
It
was also discussed that, by June, the City expects delivery of vaccines for
40,000 to 50,000 people, with healthcare workers, front line personnel, and
senior citizens as priority groups.
Aside
from the town hall meetings, the City implements manual and online procedures
of COVID-19 vaccination survey that are administered by the CHO through the
barangay health workers and other partner offices.
CHO said they are
steadfast in conducting IEC campaigns and surveys to fully acquire the stand of
Fernandinos on this vaccination program, prior to the actual vaccination
activities.
CSF Healthcare Workers First To Receive Anti-Covid Vaccines In Pampanga [ Monday | 15th day of March, 2021 | 1 month ago ]
CITY
OF SAN FERNANDO--About 400 healthcare workers of the Jose B. Lingad Memorial
General Hospital (JBLMGH) in this city received anti-COVID-19 vaccines on
Monday.
Mayor
Edwin “EdSa” Santiago expressed his gratitude to the national government for
including the province of Pampanga in the priority list of its vaccination
rollout program.
“Ang
siyudad po ay natutuwa at nagpapasalamat dahil, sa buong probinsya, mga
healthcare workers dito sa ospital ng San Fernando ang mga unang nakatanggap ng
bakuna. Bigyan po natin ng tiwala ang bakuna at ang pamahalaan po natin na
ginagawa ang lahat para bigyan tayo ng panlaban sa sakit,” the local chief
executive remarked.
The
Central Luzon Center for Health Development (CLCHD) allocated more than 4,000
Sinovac vaccines for the healthcare community in the province and JBL as the
priority hospital.
“Sa
ngayon ang na-receive namin ay 846 vials last Saturday and we will be receiving
the 3,274 additional vaccines maybe by tomorrow or next day. Bale, not less
than 4,000 po yung naka-allocate sa atin. So, we hope to inoculate at least mga
30% ng healthcare workers sa buong province depending sa allocation,” explained
Dr. Montserrat S. Chichioco, JBLMGH chief.
Chichioco
was the first healthcare worker to be inoculated with the Sinovac vaccine.
“Hindi
po siya masakit at mapanganib tulad ng sabi-sabi. Ang importante lang po sa
bakuna ay kaalaman at huwag maniwala sa sabi-sabi lang. We base it on Science.
Huwag matakot sa bakuna dahil lahat po ng bakuna iisa lang ang goal nyan—ang-ma
prevent ang pag-spread ng infection, ma-prevent po yung severe infection and of
course ma-prevent po yung death,” Chichioco said.
Santiago
also assured Fernandinos that the vaccine will be administered to the priority
groups—healthcare workers and front liners first, then senior citizens, down to
the general population.
The
local government already realigned its COVID-19 Local Task Force and its
responsibilities to focus on the rollout of the vaccination program. The LGU
started its COVID-19 vaccination survey thru paper-and-pen and online
procedures with the use of QR Code and Electronic Immunization Registry.
It
is currently in talks with pharmaceutical companies for the preparation and
purchase of vaccines.
The
vaccine rollout was part of the massive campaign of the Department of Health
dubbed as ‘Resbakuna: Kasangga ng Bida’ which kicked off on March 01, 2021,
with the first vaccine dose administered in the Philippine General Hospital
(PGH).
The
national government targets to vaccinate 70 million Filipinos by the end of the
year following the prioritization framework.
City Tourism Launches ‘WomEntrepreneur’ Trade Fair [ Monday | 15th day of March, 2021 | 1 month ago ]
CITY
OF SAN FERNANDO--To promote livelihood and
empowerment for women, the local government here thru the City Tourism and
Investment Promotion Office launched the “WomEntrepreneur” trade fair on
Thursday.
Located
at Connery Walk Shophouse District Capital Town, Capital Road, Barangay Sto.
Nino, the trade fair runs from March 11-13.
City
Tourism Officer Ching Pangilinan invites Fernandinos and cabalens to come and
visit the outdoor trade fair as a way to enjoy and take a break while
supporting local products and services.
Dr.
Leticia Yap, Chairperson for the Council of Women San Fernando and Soroptimist
International of Pampanga Past Federation Director also graced the event to
show her support to all women entrepreneurs.
As
still part of the city’s Women’s Month celebration, another fair will be
conducted next week in partnership with Waltermart San Fernando to promote more
than 30 women exhibitors.
Giant Lantern And Tourism Center To Rise In Former Paskuhan Village [ Monday | 15th day of March, 2021 | 1 month ago ]
The
City Government of San Fernando is stepping up its game towards sustaining its
brands as the country’s “Home of the Giant Lanterns” and “Christmas Capital” as
it is set to develop a center which will showcase the centuries-old tradition
of giant lantern making.
On
February 4, 2021, in time for the City of San Fernando’s 20th Cityhood
anniversary celebration, the City Government, along with the SM Development
Corporation (SMDC), held the official groundbreaking of the Giant Lantern and
Tourist Information Center at the former Paskuhan Village here.
The
two-storey building, which has a total floor area of 500 square meters, will
sit in a 5,000-square meter land area donated to the City Government by Premier
Central, Incorporated (PCI), a subsidiary of SM Prime Holdings Corporation.
“The
project that we have today is more than just a building or infrastructure. Mas
nakikita po natin ito sa mas malawak na perspektibo, isang bunga ng ating
trabaho na pagbuklurin po ang ating mga komunidad sa pamamagitan ng pagbuhay
muli sa ating kultura at tradisyon,” said Mayor Edwin “EdSa” Santiago.
Further,
Santiago shared that the building will house an exhibit space, a museum,
pasalubong shop, library and archives center, an office for the City’s tourism
department, and a conference room.
Meanwhile,
the remaining portion of the land area will be built with an amphitheater that
could hold different activities.
According
to City Engineer Anele David, the construction of the center and amphitheater
will be free-of-charge and will be shouldered by the said private firm.
“Ang
lote at gusali po ay ipinagkaloob sa atin ng ating katuwang na kumpanya kaya
ang partisipasyon po natin sa tuwing makakatanggap tayo ng donasyon ay ang
maintenance at operation expenses. Sa construction naman po ay magsasagawa tayo
ng monitoring sa compliance nila sa ating mga alituntunin,” David explained.
For
her part, City Tourism Officer Ching Pangilinan said that the new building will
become an image of the original Paskuhan Village.
“In
keeping true to its legacy and as part of our Kapampangan heritage, through our
City Mayor, we were able to get a donation for the property. With that, kahit
na wala na yung Paskuhan na dati nating kilala, mabubuhay muli ito sa isang
panibagong paraan, mas contemporary, at mas akma sa panahon na ito na hindi
nakakalimutan yung kasaysayan at tradisyon natin bilang Fernandinos,”
Pangilinan said.
On
July 2, 2020, the City Government and PCI formally signed a deed of donation
for the said land area and two projects as part of the amicable settlement
between the firm and the City.
This
served as a “go signal” for the City Government and SMDC to begin the
development in the area, including several meetings for the building’s design
and details and the planning for its groundbreaking.
“The
future Giant Lantern and Tourist Information Center will become a beacon for
Filipinos and the rest of the world to witness the glitter and beauty of your
city, your rich heritage and culture, and the Fernandinos’ ingenuity, artistry,
and craftsmanship,” said Jose Mari Banzon, SMDC President.
Following
the groundbreaking ceremony, the SMDC will now begin the primary steps in
construction and the Giant Lantern and Tourist Information Center is expected
to be launched before the year ends.
City Peace And Order Council Cites 2020 Accomplishments [ Monday | 15th day of March, 2021 | 1 month ago ]
The
City Peace and Order Council (CPOC) of the City Government of San Fernando
highlighted notable accomplishments of its members for the year 2020 during a
meeting held on January 27, 2021 at Heroes Hall.
Presenting
before the council’s chairperson, Mayor Edwin “EdSa” Santiago, along with Vice
Mayor Jimmy Lazatin and other officials of the council, key members of the CPOC
imparted the successful implementation of their programs, projects, and
activities (PPAs).
These PPAs aimed to promote and maintain peace
and order in the city, as werl as to contributie to the COVID-19 response of
the City Government.
According
to Santiago, the accomplishments of the groups in peace and order aspects were
and will be of big help in attaining safety and economic recovery in the city
amidst the current pandemic.
“Pagdating
sa layunin natin na makamit ang kaligtasan at economic recovery, napakahalaga
po ng peace and order situation ng isang lugar. Maipo-promote lang po natin ang
safety kung tayo mismo ay pina-practice ito at magkakaroon lang po tayo ng
business o investment activities kapag nasa tama ang sitwasyon ng kapayapaan at
kaayusan sa isang lugar,” explained the City Mayor.
The
City of San Fernando Police Station (CSFPS), according to Lieutenant Colonel
John Clark, chief of police, conducted at least 60 operations where more than
130 individuals were arrested in the campaign against illegal drugs, illegal
gambling, and loose firearms during the last quarter of the year.
From
March to September 2020, during the implementation of community quarantines,
CSFPS arrested at least 200 individuals in over 100 anti-drug operations.
Clark
said the city police continue operations including the implementation of
quarantine protocols; information, education, and communication campaign;
establishment of police assistance desks in public places; and, conduct of
foot, mobile, and motorcycle patrols.
City
Public Order and Safety Coordinating Office (CPOSCO), on the other hand,
recorded 18,625 violations to local ordinances involving 17,720 individuals
(5,483 Fernandinos and 11,877 non-residents) from January to December 2020.
CPOSCO
chief Louie Clemente and Supervising Administrative Officer Joselito Ortaliz,
Jr., in their presentation, noted that most of the violators were caught either
“not wearing helmet,” “disregarding traffic sign,” or “driving without driver’s
license.”
Philippine
Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), for its part, shared that as of the current
month, 10 barangays of San Fernando have been declared cleared from illegal
drugs trade.
Of
the 25 drug-affected barangays, 23 were identified as “moderately affected”
while two were considered “seriously affected”.
PDEA
also shared that two operations leading to the confiscation of suspected
illegal drugs were conducted in the city for the year 2020, netting an
estimated street value of at least P9 million.
Apart
from its accomplishments, the CPOC also tackled the planned projects including
the erection of new stations for the CSFPS, CPOSCO, Bureau of Fire Protection,
and a PDEA “Balay Silangan.”
Certain
resolutions are set to be created by the officers, marking the first step in
realizing these projects, together with other partner agencies of the
government.
Also
present during the activity were City Administrator Atty. Atlee Viray and
Marites Quillope, council head secretariat and City Local Government Operations
Officer.
COVID-19 Vaccines, Socio-economic Recovery Among Mayor EdSa’s Plans In 2021 [ Monday | 15th day of March, 2021 | 1 month ago ]
“Our
vision and mission remain consistent. But, since we are still under the
COVID-19 pandemic, we will prioritize our health response and focus on
reinvigorating our economy and help Fernandinos recover.”
Thus, said
City of San Fernando Mayor Edwin “EdSa” Santiago after being asked about his
plans for the year 2021, the final year of his mayoral term.
Santiago vowed
to strengthen the city’s health response and push socio-economic recovery.
“Wala
tayong babaguhin sa mission at vision natin pero following the rules because of
the pandemic, ang direksyon natin for 2021 is response pa rin. Ang laban sa
COVID-19 pa rin pero sinasamahan natin ng mga magagandang programa,” he
said.
The city
government will allocate ten million in response to the Emerging and
Re-emerging Infectious Diseases, including the possible purchase of COVID-19
vaccines.
“Yung balak natin sa
bakuna is in collaboration with the national government, provincial, and
private sector. Pero ang siyudad naman nag allocate
tayo ng fund na ten million, and meron din tayong mapagkukuhanan from our
calamity fund and 20% annual investment fund just in case na talagang kailangan
ng bakunahan natin ang ating mga kababayan,” the mayor said.
“Ang
national lang ang makakapag go signal nyan kasi meron pang mga procedures from
FDA [Food and Drug Authority at DOH [Department of Health] and we have to
follow that,” he added.
Furthermore,
the local chief executive stressed his strong will to reinvigorate the city’s
economy after the pandemic thrown it into a tailspin.
“Ang
recovery dalawa yan. Una, economic recovery, kasama natin ang private sector
dito para patuloy ang kalakalan at pamumuhunan nila. We want to help them
especially yung mga nano, micro o small entrepreneurs. Pangalawa, social
recovery, ito yung pagtulong sa ating mahihirap na mamamayan para sagipin sila
sa kahirapan. Sa mga programang sosyal tulad ng sustainable livelihood,
employment, cash grants, local pension, at iba pa. May pandemya o wala, tuloy
tuloy yan,” Santiago remarked.
The city
government did not stop in its infrastructure projects to develop growth
centers and economic zones around San Fernando.
In the
proposed 2021 plan, the local government is set to fund Programs, Projects, and
Activities (PPAs) which Santiago believed would generate economic activities
and job opportunities for Fernandinos.
This
includes the Rehabilitation of the City Market Plaza; the Smart City Program
(Phase II, expanding/upgrading C3 facilities); the Construction of permanent
isolation facilities; and the Construction of multi-purpose building (logistics
and support services) at the Civic Center.
Santiago underscored
the role and contributions of different sectors, organizations, and even
ordinary Fernandinos in the city’s success.
“Ang
siyudad ay nagpapasalamat sa ating mga kababayan, mga pribadong sektor, at
iba’t-ibang organisasyon na sa gitna ng pandemya ay nakikipagtulungan pa rin sa
gobyerno. Lalo ang ating mga frontliners, medical workers, working committee at
yung mga tumutulong po sa atin. ‘wag po sana tayong magsawa dahil ang
tinutulungan po natin ay ang bukas ng ating mga kabataan na siyang magtutuloy
kung ano man ang naumpisahan natin ngayon. Kaya kung ano man ang nagyayari sa
siyudad, kung ano man po ang tagumpay natin, ito po ay para sa ating lahat,”
the mayor ended.
Santiago further
calls for cooperation and unity among the Fernandinos to carry out the city’s
mission and vision towards becoming a safer, more resilient, vibrant,
technologically driven, and more responsive and inclusive city.
CPOSCO Enforcers Now Equipped With Body Cameras [ Monday | 15th day of March, 2021 | 1 month ago ]
The
City Public Order and Safety Coordinating Office (CPOSCO) is stepping up its
protection and transparency efforts for its law enforcement operations as it
launched new gears for its enforcers—top of the line body worn cameras.
The
cameras were presented during a simultaneous operation of enforcers on January
20, 2021 in different critical areas for road and traffic violations in the
City of San Fernando.
During
the operation, CPOSCO Supervising Administrative Officer Joselito Ortaliz, Jr.
said that safety is the primary intention of wearing body cameras among traffic
enforcers.
“Ang
mga body-worn camera ay isang malaking proteksyon para sa ating mga enforcer na
kung saan mababantayan natin ‘yung mga nangyayari sa kalsada, kabilang na yung
interaction nila sa publiko lalo na, isang metikulong proseso ang apprehension
sa mga violators natin,” Ortaliz explained.
He
added that the cameras will be of big help in fulfilling the enforcers’ duties
as models of discipline and transparency for the public.
“Dahil
sila ang tagapagtupad ng batas, kailangan sa sarili nila mismo ay may disiplina
rin. Sa pagkakaroon ng body camera, magkakaroon ng monitoring ang ating
tanggapan sa mga aktibidad ng ating mga enforcer,” he added.
For
the initial phase, the City Government purchased 14 units of body worn cameras
with 2.4-inch display, 180 degrees rotatable lens, 1080p high definition video
output, and battery life that can last up to 10 hours with continuous
recording.
For
the next edition of procurement, the CPOSCO shared that it plans to add at
least 30 units until it completes the provision of cameras for all its more
than 120 personnel.
For
his part, Mayor Edwin “EdSa” Santiago expressed his utmost elation for this new
project, stating that the City is gradually achieving its goal of being a smart
and technology-driven locality.
“Nais
ko pong ipahayag ang aking pagkatuwa dahil, unti-unti, nakakamit natin yung
adhikain natin na maging smart at technology-driven city, dahil sa bagong
proyektong ito ng ating CPOSCO. Pero ang pagiging smart at technology-driven
city ay hindi lang makukuha sa pagkakaroon ng mga high-end na kagamitan, kung
hindi dapat maayos din ang pamamalakad at paggamit sa mga ito ng ating mga
tauhan na manggagaling naman sa kanilang disiplina,” Santiago said.
Since
the units also have built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth features, the cameras will be
linked to the City Command and Control Center in San Isidro, to supplement to
the existing hundreds of closed-circuit television or CCTV, bullet, and PTZ
(pan, tilt, zoom) cameras.
This
explains that the cameras will not only be used in capturing the enforcers’
transactions with the public but also for capturing responses to different
incidents occurring along major roads and thoroughfares.
Meanwhile,
CPOSCO Operations Officer John Marvin Gervacio extended his gratitude, on
behalf of his fellow enforcers, to the City Government for providing them new
gears.
“Gusto
po naming magpasalamat sa ating lokal na pamahalaan sa pagbibigay sa amin ng
mga kagamitang ito. Sa tulong po nito, masisiguro yung safety at fairness sa
aming mga nanghuhuli ng violators at siyempre, yung mga mismong violators din,”
Gervacio said.
The
CPOSCO will be handling the daily collection of camera footages from the
enforcers to undergo extraction, review, and archiving procedures.
For
the period of January to December 2020, the CPOSCO recorded a total of 18,625
violations from a total of 17,720 violators, 5,843 of which were identified as
Fernandinos while the other 11,877 were non-residents.
CSF Eyes Enhanced Public Service With New Vehicles [ Monday | 15th day of March, 2021 | 1 month ago ]
The
City Government of San Fernando purchased at least 50 new vehicles for its
offices and attached agencies as it intensifies its responses on health and
peace and order aspects, along with other priority programs.
During
a ceremony held on February 22, 2021 at Heroes Hall grounds, Mayor Edwin “EdSa”
Santiago, Vice Mayor Jimmy Lazatin, and heads of offices graced the blessing of
the vehicles, led by Rev. Fr. Homer Policarpio of the San Fernando archdiocese.
The
vehicles include ambulances, buses, motorcycles, trucks, pickups, and vans.
Santiago
said the vehicles will help the City achieve a more mobilized delivery of
programs on health, peace and order, disaster risk reduction and management,
and environment.
“Sa
isang lokal na pamahalaan, napakahalaga po ng mobility. Napakahalaga na mabilis
nating naidadala ang mga serbisyo sa ating mga kababayan. Ngayong may mga
karagdagan tayong mga sasakyan, na bago pa, mas mapapabilis po natin ito,” he
said.
Engr.
Michael Quizon, Jr., City General Services Officer, explained that the vehicles
were purchased using different fund sources of the City Government, through a
process of procurement.
“Sa
pagbili ng mga sasakyan na ito, gumamit tayo ng iba’t-ibang sources. Mayroon
tayong ginamit sa general funds, peace and order funds, at calamity funds
natin. Compliant din at sumusunod tayo sa batas kaya idinaan natin sa
procurement process ang pagbili sa mga ito,” Quizon said.
As
the Philippine National Police is one of the major recipients of this project,
Police Colonel Thomas Ibay, Pampanga Police Provincial Office Director, said
the vehicles will directly contribute to police response and visibility.
“Natutuwa
tayo na naghandog ng mga bagong sasakyan ang [lokal na pamahalaan] sa CSF
Police natin. Napakalaking tulong ng mga ito dahil magagamit natin ito sa
police response at police visibility natin. Panawagan naman din natin sa mga
kapulisan to practice yung pangangalaga sa mga equipment dahil makakatulong ito
sa pag-enforce ng mga batas natin,” he said.
On
the other hand, as the City continues to combat the COVID-19 pandemic, City
Health Officer-in-Charge Dr. Carlos Mercado also expressed his delight for the
new ambulances which will be used by the Health Emergency Management Staff
(HEMS) and San Fernando Rescue Unit (SAFRU).
“Dalawang
karagdagang ambulansya po yung ating natanggap ngayon at ang mga ito po ay
malaking tulong sa ating COVID-19 response. Bilang mayroon po tayong sariling
isolation facility, mas mapapadali po yung pag-transfer at pagbibigay serbisyo
natin sa ating mga pasyente. Maliban po diyan, regular din ang operasyon ng
ating HEMS at SAFRU na 24/7 na aktibo upang mag-responde,” he shared.
As
part of government policy, all vehicles have undergone proper registration and
insurance processes by the Land Transportation Office and Government Service
Insurance System prior to the turnover to ensure the safety and protection of
the units and the drivers, as well.
Also
included in the roster of recipients among the offices and attached agencies
were the City Public Order and Safety Coordinating Office, City Engineer’s
Office, City General Services Office, and Bureau of Fire Protection.
Cayetano, Mayor EdSa Call Support For ‘biking Culture’ [ Monday | 15th day of March, 2021 | 1 month ago ]
Cycling
advocates and public servants Senator Pia Cayetano and Mayor Edwin “EdSa”
Santiago called on the public to support their advocacies in promoting cycling
for health and safety purposes, especially now that the country is facing a
pandemic.
Cayetano,
on Friday, launched her program “Bike For Hope – Pilipinas in Action” in the City
of San Fernando, where the senator awarded brand new bicycles and safety gear
sets to 10 Fernandino frontline personnel.
The
official turnover of the bicycles was held at The Forum at The Orchidarium in
San Juan, this city. Mayor Edwin “EdSa” Santiago, Vice Mayor Jimmy Lazatin, and
City Government department heads accompanied Cayetano in the event.
The
advocacy, Cayetano said, aims to ease the struggle of frontliners when going to
work—walking or commuting—and to keep them safe and healthy.
“The
advocacy aims to extend support to medical frontliners and essential workers
leading various community programs to contain the COVID-19 pandemic across the
country,” she said.
Included
in the roster of beneficiaries from the city were barangay health workers,
social workers, street sweepers, traffic enforcers, and utility and
administrative staff.
In
his message, Santiago stressed that the city has been adapting a
“bike-friendly” culture for years now, citing that the program is very
significant for Fernandinos.
“Noong
ako po ay gumagawa pa ng mga ordinansa, mga ilang taon na ang nakalilipas, isa
sa mga batas na binigyan nating prayoridad ay ang pagtatatag ng bicycle lanes
sa Siyudad.
Ngayon
po, we are creating more parks sa ating siyudad and we make sure na bawat isa
po sa mga parkeng ito ay may bike lane,” Santiago said.
The
City Mayor urged the public to support this legislation, through the use of the
city’s existing bicycle lanes, adding that the City Government is also open to
hear the public’s voices in the aspect of adding the number of bicycle lanes in
the city and improving the existing ones.
Cayetano
called on the public to support her latest legislation, Senate Bill No. 1582,
or the Safe Pathways Bill, which is a huge gift for the biking community. The
bill has hurdled second reading in the Senate.
"The
passage of the bill is good news to the growing biking community all over the
country, especially in Pampanga, which is a favorite destination for bikers,
including myself, and a known training hub for Filipino athletes," she
noted.
Meanwhile,
Darryl Manaloto, one of the beneficiaries who is also a traffic marshal of the
City Government, said the new bike will cut his travel time going to his
workplace.
“Malaking
tulong po sa amin ang mga ibinigay na bisikleta, Dati na po akong gumagamit ng
bisikleta papasok ng trabaho pero luma na siya. Ngayong may bago po, mas
magiging safe at mabilis na po ang biyahe ko papunta sa trabaho. Kung dati po
ay umaabot 15-20 minutes ang biyahe, ngayon tingnan natin baka maging 5-10
minutes na lang,” Manaloto said.
To
date, Cayetano said, her group has already distributed at least 300 bicycles to
different cities, municipalities, and provinces in the country.
In
Pampanga, the Fernandinos became the second batch of beneficiaries, following
the first roll out of the project at the Rafael Lazatin Memorial Medical Center
or Ospital Ning Angeles in Angeles City.
CSF-LGU Presents Road Clearing Efforts, Hopes For High Ratings [ Monday | 15th day of March, 2021 | 1 month ago ]
The
Local Government of San Fernando is hoping to get high ratings for its road
clearing efforts.
This,
after the Department of Interior and Local Government Unit, inspected on
Thursday the city’s major thoroughfares, sidewalks, and some barangays to validate
the efforts and accomplishments of the city in clearing public roads of
obstructions.
Louie
Clemente, City Public Order and Safety Coordinating Officer, said the
validation was strict and challenging.
“Actually,
nag e-expect na nga tayo kanina na clear na sana lahat pero dahil napakalaking
responsibilidad ng clearing operation, mayroon pa ring nakitang obstruction ang
ating validators but they are just minor concerns like yung mga naka encroach
na bahagi ng tindahan, mga materials doon sa isang ginagawang bahay. Ico-comply
natin yun in two days,” Clemente explained.
“Another
challenge sa lokal na pamahalaan lalo na sa departamento namin yung
sustainability. Kami, kahit tapos na yung validation isu-sustain namin yung mga
efforts namin para hindi ito masayang and dapat ma-sustain dahil contributory
itong obstructions na ito sa flow of traffic lalo na kung tayo ay papunta sa
city proper,” he added.
Amidst
the thorough validation, Clemente stressed that the LGU still hopes to get high
ratings.
“We
are hoping that with all our efforts sana makakuha tayo ng mataas na marka. Ang
dati kasi nating marka diyan is really ‘high compliance’ so sana ma-sustain
natin yun bagamat napaka challenging ng naging validation kanina,” the officer
remarked.
Meanwhile, Clemente calls for the full
cooperation and discipline of Fernandinos after one civilian argued with the
officials during the inspection when asked to remove his illegally parked
vehicle off the road.
“Isa
sa mga gusto nating bigyan ng emphasis yung pakikiisa ng ating mga kasiyudad na
dapat maunawaan din nila na bahagi ito ng trabaho namin dahil may kauutusan ang
pamahalaang nasyonal. So sana makiisa at huwag idaan sa init ng ulo. Kami po ay
nakikiusap sa kanila na tumalima sa ipinaguutos ng lokal at nasyonal na
pamahalaan. Hindi naman natin maiiwasan na minsan may kaunting diskurso pero
sabi nga nila walang hindi napag-uusapan lalo na kung nasa mabuting pamamaraan
yung gagawin natin,” Clemente said.
DILG’s
final remarks will be based on the LGU’s ordinance, road inventory, road
clearing, displacement, rehabilitation, and grievance mechanism which the
CPOSCO completely presented before the panel on a sit-down discussion.
In
March, the DILG will release all the LGUs’ performance ratings for the
implementation of the road clearing program.
Marites
Quillope, City Local Government Operations Officer, further assured the DILG to
sustain the LGU’s efforts on road clearing operations from its major
thoroughfares, down to the barangays with the help of the barangay council.
In
July 2019, the DILG issued Memorandum Circular 2019-121, directing local chief
executives to clear roads within 60 days, after President Rodrigo Duterte told
mayors and governors to reclaim public roads as a solution to traffic.
And
in October 2020, the DILG issued Memorandum Circular No 145, directing for the
continuation of road clearing.
