30 June 2009
Dear Kailian,
Kablaaw!
I am proud to report to you the accomplishments of my 2nd year in office as one of your Provincial Board Members in the 7th Sangguniang Panlalawigan of the Province of Ilocos Norte.
LEGISLATION
First and foremost, as your local legislator, I filed another nineteen (19) draft provincial ordinances this past year. I am happy to inform you that nine (9) of my proposals were enacted into law.
For the welfare and protection of our youth, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan, headed by Vice-Governor Windell D. Chua, approved Provincial Ordinance No. 30-2008, imposing fines to parents of minors caught operating motor vehicles; Provincial Ordinance No. 32-2008, regulating the sale of inhalants, particularly paint thinners, solvents, adhesives and rugby to minors; and Provincial Ordinance No. 37-2008, regulating the registration and use of airsoft guns in the province.
To help our indigent brothers and sisters in need of blood, we increased the province’s financial assistance to the Blood Handling Fee Fund of the Philippine National Red Cross through Provincial Appropriation Ordinance No. 45-2009, also known as the Blood Samaritan Ordinance of 2009.
To repay our fellow Ilocano Balikbayans who have been giving so much of their resources to the community, the Sangguniang Panlalawigan passed Provincial Ordinance No. 42-2009, more popularly known as The Balikbayan Benefits Ordinance of 2009.
And in the matter of increasing local revenue in order for the Provincial Government to serve you better, we revised the Ilocos Norte Revenue Code (Provincial Tax Ordinance No. 01-2008), which took effect 1 January 2009.
Other proposals, which are still pending in the committee-level, include the creation of an Ilocos Norte People’s Council, imposing a tax for the usage of disposable plastic bags, granting additional benefits to Barangay Micro Business Enterprises, prohibiting patient dumping, granting a special leave to employees for their business transactions, and allowing free admission to senior citizens at the Rizal Park,
I also drafted sixteen (16) resolutions. Among the nine (9) approved were resolutions expressing support for Senate Bill 2404—creating the Health and Education Acceleration Program (HEAP) Corporation, SB 3014—strengthening the National Cultural Commission for Culture and Arts, SB 2923—constituting a Constitutional Convention to amend the 1987 Constitution, HB 4244—protecting the Red Cross emblems, and SB 2357—the Anti-Video Voyeurism Bill; urging first-time voters to register for the 2010 National Elections; and, requesting the Supreme Court to designate a Small Claims Court here in the province.
I enclose a list of my legislative accomplishments for year 2008-2009 (Annex “A”) for your perusal and review.
PROGRAMS
Second, from July 2008 to June 2009, with the help of various government agencies and the private sector, we were able to organize a number of activities, which I hope benefited our constituents.
A. Japan Skills and Technology Transfer Program – With the help of Ocean Bridge and Arc Foundation (OBAF) and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), trained selected individuals for 3-year internship/skills training (i.e. electronics, welding, painting, etc.) in Japan. As of 30 June 2009, 6 have been deployed to Japan, while 2 are awaiting their deployment in October. Most of the trainees come from Bacarra.
B. Adult Legal Education Seminars – Together with the U.P. Law Center - Training and Convention Division, we organized adult legal education seminars for barangay officials and lupon members under its Popularize the Law Program (POPLAW). Topics include the Local Government Code, the Katarungang Pambarangay Law, the Anti-Violence Against Women and Children Act, and the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act. For 2008-2009, we held seminars in Vintar and Sarrat.
C. Inmate Skills Training and Livelihood Program – In cooperation with the Ilocos Norte Provincial Jail (INPJ) and TESDA, gave a welding machine (with materials & equipment) and are in the process of providing skills training to inmates of the INPJ for them to fabricate trash cans, road signs, window frames, and other steel products for use of the community.
D. Additional Saguip Maestra Teachers – Sponsored additional teachers to teach in public elementary schools not covered by the Saguip Maestra Program. Beneficiaries of this program include Sta. Maria Elementary School in Laoag City and Gubang Elementary School in Vintar.
E. Vocational Course Scholarships – Sponsored poor but deserving students to study Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW II) and Care Giver courses in INCAT, PrimaCare and Takuat Training Center.
F. On Campus Voter Registration – In cooperation with the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and Youth Vote Philippines, we organized on campus voter registration for college students. Held one in Mariano Marcos State University – Batac City last February 2009. Will conduct similar registration in Northwestern University, Divine Word College of Laoag and Northern Christian College this coming July - August 2009.
G. Sports Clinic – In cooperation with the Amateur Softball Association of the Philippines (ASAPHIL), the Ilocos Norte Sports Development Council (INSDC) and the Department of Education (DepEd), we organized a sports clinic for softball players and a seminar for coaches and umpires. The 3-day event, held on 12-14 June 2009 at Marcos Stadium, was participated by over 150 coaches and close to 50 players.
H. Sports Equipment - Courtesy of the Philippine Sports Commission, we are giving various sports equipment to schools and youth organizations. Early recipients include the Piddig South Central Elementary School, the Cavit-Araniw Elementary School and the Ilocos Norte Provincial Jail.
I. Bikes for the Barrios – With the help of Wheels 4 Life Foundation, we gave twenty-five (25) bikes to poor but deserving high school students living in far flung barangays for their use in commuting to and from school. Recipients include students living in Adams and Dumalneg.
J. Tourism Promotion – Winning photos of the Zoom IN photo contest were used to produce 2009 calendars, which promoted Ilocos Norte tourism.
K. Medical Mission - Together with the Gov. Roque B. Ablan Memorial Hospital, the U.P. PGH and the Office of Rep. Roque R. Ablan, we conducted a medical and dental mission in Brgy. Davila, Pasuquin last 7 June 2009.
L. Feeding Program – Sponsored a two (2) month (for July-August 2009) feeding program for elementary school students in Carasi.
M. Natural Family Planning Program – As acting chairman of the Population Development Committee, with the assistance of the Population Commission (POPCOM), conducted reproductive health seminars in schools and barangays around the province; and with the help of the INPJ Women Inmates, we manufactured menstrual cycle bead necklaces for distribution to married couples.
PROJECTS
Finally, of the Seven Hundred Fifty Thousand Pesos (PhP 750,000.00) entrusted to me by Gov. Michael Marcos Keon from the Provincial Development Fund (July 2008 to June 2009), much was used to support barangays projects. Assistance came in the form of cement, G.I. sheets, plywood, grass cutters, mountain bikes, monobloc chairs, gasulettes, and tents, among others. I enclose a record of all my disbursements (Annex “B”) for your information.
It is an honor and a privilege to represent the People of the 1st District of Ilocos Norte in the 7th Sangguniang Panlalawigan. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to do so.
I look forward to serving you in this last year of my 3-year term.
God bless the People of Ilocos Norte!
Very truly yours,
(signed)
Kristian R. Ablan
Laoag City, Ilocos Norte
Annex A
Annex B
