bayambang updates

Say 'No' to drugs!

2005-09-25T05:28:00.000+08:00

Mayor Leo de Vera (left) exhorts Bayambang students to spend their time in worthwhile activities, such as sports, and involve themselves in environmental projects, to avoid drugs. The anti-drug abuse seminar, which was held last July 8, 2005 at Aldana Gymnasium, PSU Bayambang Campus, was participated in by high school students from the Bayambang National High School, St. Vincent Catholic School and Pangasinan State University Laboratory High School.Officials from the Bayambang Police Station and the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency were also in attendance. Resource speakers were husband and wife team, Lemton and Vangie Agricola.

Rep. Satur Ocampo visits Bayambang

2005-09-23T14:17:00.000+08:00

Bayan Muna partylist Rep. Satur Ocampo visits Bayambang as guest of honor and inducting officer during the Induction Program of Parents, Teachers and Community Association (PTCA), Supreme Student Council and other school organizations at Bayambang National High School. The congressman also called on Mayor Leo C. de Vera at his residence. He was joined later by Mr. Cesar Ramos, BNHS officer-in-charge and Mrs. Amparo Parana, PTCA president.

LNU tree-planting at Amancosiling

2005-09-23T14:10:00.000+08:00

Students of the Lyceum Northwestern University in Dagupan City, in cooperation with the Office of the Mayor, plant trees in Barangay Amancosiling Norte as part of LNU's tree planting program. The activity was held last September 10, 2005, where some 100 LNU students of LNU participated. The activity was also supported by Amancosiling barangay officials headed byBarangay Captain Ranato Santos.

Sanlibo farm-to-market road

2005-09-23T14:01:00.000+08:00

Workers pour concrete mix in the P26-million farm-to-market road in Barangay Sanlibo. The project, which is now 75 percent complete, will ease the transport of produce from various barangays to the town proper.

Guardians

2005-09-05T08:49:00.000+08:00

Guardians International Inc. (GII), Bayang Sibuyas Chapter holds its regular meeting at Mayor Leo de Vera’s residence in Barangay Bical. Mayor Leo "Supremo" was promoted as GII Supreme Godfather Regional Chairman. The guest of honor and inducting officer was GII Supreme Godfather Abraham Jangao.

LNU graduation

2005-09-05T08:46:00.000+08:00

Mayor Leo de Vera graduates from the Lyceum Northwestern University after satisfactorily completing his Master in Public Administration degree. His thesis was "Five-Year Economic Development Program for the Municipality of Bayambang, Pangasinan” which spelled out his development plan for the town to make it more progressive and competitive. The mayor was among the few public officials in Pangasinan who successfully pursued graduate education.

Disaster preparedness

2005-09-05T08:42:00.000+08:00

Mayor Leo de Vera greets participants of the Disaster Management Training held last July 19, 2005 at Pangasinan State University – Bayambang Campus. The training was attended by the town’s 77 barangay captains, chiefs of Civilian Volunteer Organizations and principals and teachers of all the different schools. Mayor De Vera had emphasized the importance of upgrading the disaster-preparedness of the different barangays in preparation for the typhoon months.

Lakbay Aral '05

2005-09-05T08:36:00.000+08:00

Mayor Leo de Vera shares a light moment with the different barangay kagawad from Bayambang’s 77 barangays. The activity was the Association of BarangayKagawad (ABK) Lakbay Aral ’05 sponsored by the mayor last May 17, 2005. The barangay officials held a get-together at the 101 Beach Resort in San Fabian, Pangasinan.

LMP Manifesto

2005-08-04T13:41:00.000+08:00

M A N I F E S T O

We, the members of the LEAGUE OF MUNICIPALITIES OF THE PHILIPPINES, PANGASINAN CHAPTER, hereby pledge our unequivocal support to the administration of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, who is the duly elected President of the Republic of the Philippines.

We believe that Mrs. Arroyo has the mandate and the moral and intellectual capacity to lead our country. By her education, training and experience, we have no doubt that Mrs. Arroyo is equipped with the knowledge, skills and values to bring about the attainment of the developmental goals she has set for our nation.

And through her dedication to service, her determination to achieve her set goals, and her dynamic leadership, we are certain that this country can move again.

The present attempt by small forces to destabilize the government is negating whatever gains the present administration has achieved economically and socially.

We hereby strongly denounce any and all illegal and unconstitutional means to address the current political crisis because we believe that all these can be resolved through Constitutional processes.

We therefore call on all well-meaning citizens of the Republic to adhere to the Constitution and follow the rule of law. We also call for sobriety and allow the Constitutional processes to take its natural course in resolving the present crisis.

Pangasinan Mayors League

2005-07-26T21:27:00.000+08:00

League of Municipalities of the Philippines Pangasinan Chapter officers led by Binalonan Mayor Ramon Guico Jr. (third from left, seated) as President pose for posterity right after their election at the Pangasinan Regency Hotel in Calasiao town. Mayor Leo C. De Vera (behind Mayor Guico) was elected Secretary-General.

Only brave mayors face their visitors

2005-07-26T20:59:00.000+08:00

YOU know the brave mayors when you see them--literally, see them. With every local executive (well, "almost every", we must correct ourself, recalling the two mayors awarded by the Church in its Parangal para sa Mararangal ) and police officers' favorite social funding game, jueteng, gone for over a month now, mayors have made themselves scarce not only to roving bands of media men but also to their "needy" constituents.

No, we're not one bit personally affected by any local executive's hiding and disappearing acts having seen fit long ago not to join the "roving bands" we mentioned, except on invitation by some of these mayors, or on purely incidental visits with them or, as often is the case, on official business.

Many are the tales of "misencounters " with mayors by some media colleagues that we really feel awkward every time we meet them in office and perforce, have to introduce our self as "from the Media." So far, though, we've always been entertained by town officials on the rare occasions we went to see them, walang taguan.

But, to go back to our first line about "brave" mayors, one such unceasingly open and very visible mayor even in the post-jueteng era (?) is Bayambang's Leocadio "Boy" de Vera.

The legions of visitors he meets and entertains daily at his house in Barangay Bical, that town, save on days he's really on a trip (why, he doesn't even get sick, lucky fella!), easily shows he's no hide-n-seek chap like most of his fellow mayors these days. Really tough, really brave.

His "blessings" apparently do not come, let's rephrase that, do not depend on jueteng as a source. A close assistant of his told some of our colleagues who went to see him once that Mayor Boy believes it is in sharing his family's "blessings", however little in form or value, that makes a leader a leader. Why, he even cooks for his house callers!

Obviously, De Vera does not believe scrimping on or worse, hiding from one's social obligations to people during difficult times is the way to Heaven. Or, to a congressional seat?

Let there be more "brave" mayors! (Pangasinan Star, June 30, 2005)

Mayors all

2005-07-25T18:16:00.000+08:00

Mayor Leo De Vera (center) and wife Mila (second from left) pose for posterity with (left to right) Sto. Tomas Mayor Vivienne Villar, Calasiao Mayor Roy Macanlalay and San Carlos City Mayor Jolly Resuello shortly after the general membership meeting of the League of Municipalities of the Philippines Pangasinan Chapter hosted by Mayor De Vera at his residence in Barangay Bical.

Bayambang to receive financial grant from DA

2005-06-28T22:40:00.000+08:00

The municipality of Bayambang has been chosen as a recipient of a financial grant from the Department of Agriculture (DA) in Region 1, this was bared by Municipal Mayor Leocadio "Boy" de Vera Jr. of this town recently.

Mayor Leo Boy, as he is popularly known to his constituents, said that Bayambang has been very lucky as it has been awarded financial aid from the said national agriculture agency.

"Our municipality is indeed blessed to be picked by the DA. Bayambang is one of the five towns in Pangasinan to be given of this financial opportunity" he said.

Bayambang will receive some R1.5 million from the DA as financial assistance to the town’s farmers.

"We will purchase bags of fertilizers which will be distributed free to our farmers here," Mayor De Vera added.

The mayor said that the financial help to the farmers is in line with the beneficial program of President Arroyo on agriculture.

"I believe President Arroyo has a big heart for the farmers,’’ Mayor De Vera added.

He also said that the distribution of free bags of fertilizers to the farmers in the 77 barangays here will be of great help and will lessen the financial burden encountered by the farmers because the cost of fertilizers went high recently.

Mayor De Vera has expressed his full support to all the programs and projects of PGMA.
"She’s a real performing President,’’ he said.

The grant, he added, will enhance productive gains uplifting the livelihood of the farmers in Bayambang.

"Farming will surely get a big boost here,’’ he said. (Manila Bulletin, June 28, 2005)

2,000 displaced jueteng personnel from Bayambang

2005-06-26T20:19:00.000+08:00

At least 2,000 jueteng kobrador, kabo and rebisador from Bayambang town may have been displaced when the illegal numbers game ceased operations two months ago as a result of the expose of Archbishop Oscar Cruz.

Mayor Leocadio de Vera said he learned of this figure when former jueteng personnel came to him by groups to ask for help because “they have been jobless and they have children to feed and send to school.”

“I really pity them, especially because it was enrolment time. Some of them even asked me if they can do our laundry, or cook for us,” De Vera said.

He said that the jueteng personnel from this town, who were scattered all over the Ilocos Region serving different jueteng operators, used to earn at least P300 a day.

“Now, they came home, but they have nothing for their livelihood,” De Vera said.

He also said this town’s economy suffered a slump because people do not have money.

“Nobody is buying goods now. Nobody is buying new shoes, new children’s clothes. That’s why even the small traders are affected. And if there is now economic activity, then no revenue goes to the municipal government,” De Vera said.

He explained that the reason there is a high number of jueteng personnel from this town was because the franchise holder of the small town lottery (STL) in the mid-1980’s came from this town. STL, an experimental numbers game during the time of President Corazon Aquino, was supposed to have replaced jueteng.

“But STL obviously did not prosper and the employees ended up being absorbed by jueteng operators because they already have the experience,” De Vera said.

De Vera said that with this situation, the government should now start collecting taxes from the Catholic Church to be used as special fund for displaced jueteng workers.

“I think this is what we should do now, and the Church should be supportive,” De Vera said.

He added that the Church should also sit in the fund management body to help identify livelihood projects for the displaced jueteng collectors.
“People are now hungry because they have no livelihood. I hope the Church will do its share in alleviating the situation,” De Vera said.

Support for GMA reiterated

2005-06-23T22:43:00.000+08:00

Mayor Leocadio C. de Vera Jr. of this municipality has reiterated his full support to the administration of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who is embroiled in the jueteng issue and the wiretapping controversy.

De Vera said President Arroyo is a lady with a strong leadership and this was proven during the past several years. "Many attempts to destabilize her administration have been initiated but failed because the people supported her."

He said that topics toward the progress and development of the nation must be the priority of the Senate and House of Representatives, instead of spending too much time and attention to the jueteng and wiretapping issues.

De Vera said the allegations are being used by some elements to destabilize the administration. "Why not wait until 2010 when the term of President Arroyo ends."

He added that "Biskeg Ya Pangasinan" (Strength of Pangasinan), a powerful political group of which he is the executive vice president, although with members belonging to different political parties, are united and solid behind President Arroyo and support her "Strong Republic" thrust.

As secretary general of the Pangasinan Mayors League, De Vera said he has asked all mayors in the province to support the programs and projects of President Arroyo. "Let us bring her administration closer to the people." (Manila Bulletin, June 23, 2005)

Smooth class opening assured

2005-06-02T22:39:00.000+08:00

Mayor Leocadio "Boy" de Vera Jr. of this town and Department of Education (DepEd) officials here have assured the smooth opening of classes on Monday, June 6.

De Vera has asked public school teachers in the 77 barangays here not to deny enrollment to poor students "It is the right of every child to learn and obtain education."

"Authorized and voluntary fees may be collected after enrollment and upon the capacity of the parents," he added.

De Vera has been vigorously pursuing his program on education here, particularly for the poor. "Education plays a vital role for the progress and advancement of a community. It is a wealth that cannot be stolen from its beholder."

"Education is the key to one’s success in life. That is why I am encouraging parents to send their children to school as elementary and secondary education are free in public schools here," De Vera said. (Manila Bulletin, June 2, 2005)

Bayambang bikefest unfurls April 6

2005-03-15T20:55:00.000+08:00

A CASH prize of P41,000 plus trophies are at stake in the Bayambang bikefest slated to unfurl April 6 in conjunction with the celebration of its town fiesta.

Top guns in Philippine cycling with a maximum of 70 contestants will participate in the road race dubbed as "Bayambang Cycling Classic" a.k.a. Tour de Tercero Distrito.

Spearheaded by the dreaded Pagcor Trade Team and steered by 2004 Tour Pilipinas titlist and 1996 Marlboro Tour king Victor Espiritu, 68 other elite riders from Pangasinan and nearby provinces including those from Manila are expected to participate.

Mayor Leocadio de Vera Jr. said the race starts at 10 a.m. in front of the Municipal Hall passing the towns of Basista, San Carlos City, Calasiao, Sta. Barbara, Mapandan, returns to Sta. Barbara, Malasiqui, then back to Bayambang.

The cyclists have to traverse the same route twice with an approximate total distance of 168 kilometers. De Vera also said the winner pockets the P7,000 top prize with trophy. First and second runners-up earn P5,000 and P4,000 respectively, and also with trophies. Fourth placer net P3,000 while fifth finisher receives P2,000. Sixth to tenth placers is worth P1,000 apiece, and all survivors bring home P200 each.

"The annual Tour Pilipinas is around the corner, so we have to expose the riders-especially our locals-to sharpen their skills for the coming big race.

Hopefully, the event will help them gauge their worth or how far they can go and at the same time earn little amount for their cycling necessities," de Vera said.

"Cycling event is one of the highlights of the town's festivities this year." (Sun.Star Pangasinan Daily, March 15, 2005)

Manila-based doctors to hold medical mission

2005-03-04T22:44:00.000+08:00

Mayor Leocadio C. de Vera Jr. said yesterday that a group of Manila-based doctors will conduct a medical mission to treat tuberculosis here.

De Vera disclosed this at the Manila Bay Breakfast Club where he was the guest speaker on February 18 at the Casino Español in Ermita, Manila.

The medical mission will be conducted for free by a group of doctors led by Dr. Buenavida A. Crisanto, an active member of the Philippine Coalition Against Tuberculosis (PCAT).

De Vera thanked Crisanto for pledging to conduct the medical mission that will benefit his constituents. "We welcome the group led by Crisanto. I believe their mission here will be successful."

He said that providing a preventive health program, which promotes good nutrition, cleanliness, and sanitation, particularly on solid waste management, is one of his top concerns for the welfare of his constituents, thus, medical missions are regularly scheduled in the 77 barangays of this municipality.

To help the medical missions where dental services are a part of, De Vera said he has ordered the municipal health office here to disseminate proper information on the prevention of illnesses and common health disorders.

De Vera said medicines are given free to all patients during medical missions. Money used to pay for these come from De Vera and donations. (March 4, 2005)

Town's waste management program launched Monday

2005-02-14T21:00:00.000+08:00

Hundreds of residents will flock to the Municipal Hall grounds here Monday to welcome the launching of the town's "zero waste management" program.

Mayor Leocadio C. de Vera said all sectors in this town would be involved in the project "to make the program workable and achieve a level of making this municipality a clean place to live in."

"In the implementation of the program, there shall be no fees to be charged, whatsoever, to people concerned, whose cooperation is needed to make this cleanliness campaign successful," said de Vera.

The educators group has already initiated advocacy for the project by launching ecological management at the Pangasinan State University (PSU) compound last Saturday.

Student-performers of the PSU staged various presentations to accentuate the importance of ecological and waste management in the community.

De Vera said the "zero waste management" program is in line with President Arroyo's desire of keeping the country clean in accordance with Anti-Littering Law or Republic Act 9003.

He disclosed that to make that the law is enforced, the mayor has initiated the holding of a weekly symposium on the matter.

"We have started the forum as early as December last year to allow every barangay head to share his or her ideas on maintaining cleanliness in their respective community," de Vera said.

In line with this, Municipal Councilor Crisostomo Bato authored a resolution containing the necessary penalty for violators of the provisions of the "zero waste management" program.

Under the proposed resolution, violators who were caught for the first offense would be detained within six hours aside from he or she would be required to pay a penalty of P200 or to render four hours of community service.

For the second offense, violators would be asked to pay a penalty of P300 or suffer imprisonment of not more than two days, or both as the local court deems necessary.

Those who could not afford to pay the penalty would be asked to render eight hours of community service.

Offenders who may be caught for the third time would be asked to pay penalty charge of P1,000 or suffer imprisonment of a maximum of two months, or both the court deems necessary.

Those who could not afford to pay the penalty would be asked to render 32 hours of community service within four days. (Sun.Star Pangasinan Daily, Feb. 14, 2005)

Civilian volunteers trained

2005-01-17T22:47:00.000+08:00

Mayor Leocadio de Vera Jr. of this municipality sponsored a two-day training and seminar for the benefit of civilian volunteer organizations (CVOs) here last month with the support of Pangasinan Representative Gener D.C. Tulagan.

De Vera said 1,250 persons attended the free seminar from the 77 barangays of this town last December 28-29.

He said topics tackled during the training include peace and order, zero waste management, livelihood, and cleanliness and beautification.

The Biskeg Ya Pangasinan (Strength of Pangasinan) executive vice president said that Superintendent Pedro Austria of the Philippine National Police Criminal-Investigation and Detection Group (PNP-CIDG) and Superintendent Jose de Vera, Bayambang police chief, discussed tactics and strategies on how to perform intelligence work effectively. "These CVOs have been tapped as partners in maintaining peace and order in this community."

De Vera and Tulagan gave free accident insurance as well as uniforms, two sets of handcuffs, and water jugs to the CVOs.

In addition, De Vera said the seminar is important to keep Bayambang a very peaceful and orderly municipality.

Speakers during the two-day seminar were Melba Bravo and Dinah Palisoc of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and local officials. (Manila Bulletin, Jan. 17, 2005)

Mayor cited for assistance

2004-11-09T22:48:00.000+08:00

People of this town thanked Mayor Leocadio de Vera Jr. here for the educational assistance he extended at the opening of the second semester of this schoolyear.

De Vera has granted scholarships to poor but deserving college students here who are studying at the Pangasinan State University-Bayambang campus.

He has set education as one of his top priorities for the welfare of his constituents. "It is a key to one’s success in life."

De Vera said that granting scholarships to interested students is a fulfillment of a mission he started. "Kasiyahan ko na makatulong sa aking mga kababayan (I am pleased to help my constituents)."

According to him, PSU Bayambang is known as an educational institution for teachers but it is now offering nursing.

De Vera emphasized that nursing students in higher levels can obtain their training at the Bayambang District Hospital which is an effective training ground for nurses with its modern medical equipment. "The administration of the hospital is remarkable and I believe nursing students can be well trained here." (Manila Bulletin, Nov. 9, 2004)

Town pushes cityhood bid

2004-10-28T22:46:00.000+08:00

Mayor Leocadio "Boy" de Vera Jr. here said yesterday that this town is pushing its bid for cityhood.

"We are in the process of preparing the necessary documents towards the cityhood of this municipality," he said.

De Vera said Bayambang, a first-class municipality, has the potential to become a city. "It has been the goal of the local government to exert all efforts for the cityhood of our town."

He has asked Pangasinan Rep. Generoso D.C. Tulagan to help them pursue their cityhood aspirations.

Meanwhile, De Vera thanked Tulagan for initiating development projects here such as the construction of barangay roads, schoolbuildings, gymnasiums, and multipurpose centers.

The energetic local chief executive stressed that all infrastructure projects implemented by
Tulagan in this town have been very beneficial to Bayambang folk.

"My constituents are very thankful to Tulagan for his sincere concern and untiring efforts in undertaking such projects towards the progress of this town," De Vera said. (Manila Bulletin, Oct. 28, 2004)

Mayor cites DPWH exec

2004-10-19T22:43:00.000+08:00

Mayor Leocadio “Boy” de Vera Jr. of this municipality cited Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region 1 (Ilocos) Director Fidel Ginez, project director of the Agno Flood Control System Office (AFCSO), for initiating anti-flood measures for this municipality.
De Vera requested Ginez to conduct an inspection of an area in Barangay Hermosa here, at the back of the Hermosa-Pangdel High School, that was affected by floods and erosion spawned by a typhoon. “The flood heavily affected 100 meters of the Agno River bank.”

The mayor also said that the erosion destroyed houses, trees, as well as other properties in the barangay. “I believe the concerned agency (AFCSO), through the leadership of Ginez, will help a lot to prevent more erosion in a typhoon.”

It was learned that during the inspection personally conducted by Ginez, he recommended that boulders be placed along the riverbank.

De Vera was assured by Ginez that AFCSO will find ways to allocate funds for boulders in the riverbank to prevent erosion.

The workaholic mayor thanked Ginez on his concern over the flooding and erosion. (Manila Bulletin, Oct. 19, 2004)

Town ups anti-drugs drive

2004-10-10T22:47:00.000+08:00

Mayor Leocaldo "Boy" de Vera Jr. of this municipality has intensified his campaign against illegal drugs for the welfare of his constituents here.

De Vera stressed that his crusade on dangerous drugs never stopped and has been undertaken continously to safeguard his constituents from being victimized by drug dealers coming from outside of Bayambang.

The three-term mayor emphasized that his fight against prohibited drugs has been very successful with the support of his people since his first term as mayor of this town.

"Tuloy-tuloy ang laban ko sa ipinagbabawal na gamot, ito ay salot sa bayan at dapat puksain," he said.

De Vera added that his anti-illegal drugs program includes information dessimination and symposium and regular dialogues with students and barangay residents on the bad effects of illegal drugs.

The energetic mayor also said that a sports development program has been initiated also to combat prohibited drugs. "This contributed effectively to my total war against illegal drugs," De Vera said.

De Vera cited the Bayambang police as well as barangay officials for their efforts on the program. "They are very vigilant and courageous in apprehending anyone caught involved in illegal drugs." (Manila Bulletin, Oct. 10, 2004)

Talk on transport coops

2004-09-23T22:45:00.000+08:00

Mayor Leocadio “Boy” de Vera Jr. of this town, in his desire to help transport groups here organize themselves as transport service cooperatives, is personally sponsoring a one-day seminar to achieve right information on cooperative matters.

De Vera has coordinated with the newly organized and approved Metro Urdaneta Transport Service Cooperative by the Office of Transportation Cooperative (OTC) led by Chairman Jaime Domdom under the Department of Transportation and Communications (DoTC) to initiate this free seminar.

The energetic mayor learned that the transport service cooperative based in Urdaneta City has some members in Bayambang who can assist in organizing a transport service cooperative in this town.

De Vera said that the OTC will conduct the seminar on Cooperative and Education and Transport Operations for the benefit of the existing transport sectors here.

He has been encouraging the transport associations here to form themselves into transport service cooperatives which will uplift their socio-economic condition.

De Vera stressed that aside from improving their livelihood, they will be recipients of various development projects from the government as soon as they become a transport service cooperative (TSC).

The workaholic local chief executive emphasized that once formed as a TSC, they will be partners of the government in the nation’s building of a strong republic as envisioned by President Arroyo.

De Vera has invited all transport sectors here to be a part of this free seminar to know and understand the details on the transport service cooperative. (Manila Bulletin, Sept. 23, 2004)

Mayor airs support for austerity program

2004-09-21T22:41:00.000+08:00

Mayor Leocadio "Boy" de Vera Jr. of this town has expressed his full support to the austerity program of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo by directing all chiefs of office here to initiate cost-cutting measures.

De Vera also issued a directive that energy conservation should be properly observed to generate savings.

The energetic mayor said that all airconditioning units, computers, and lights are limited from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and switched off during lunch break.

De Vera also said part of the cost-cutting measures include the non-hiring of additional casual employees, no overtime services, and limited official travels and seminars.

He instructed all employees here to recycle office materials to help the local government cut down its expenses on office supplies.

De Vera said implementing austerity measures would not affect the delivery of basic services to his constituents. "Everything is going effectively and in implementing austerity measures, savings are expected to be generated, especially on electricity."

The three-term mayor stressed that the austerity drive of President Arroyo would be very effective with the active participation of local government units.

"We have to respond to her austerity call and help her build a strong republic for the benefit of every Filipino," De Vera said. (Manila Bulletin, Sept. 21, 2004)

Road to help municipality

2004-08-04T22:42:00.000+08:00

The ongoing R32-million farm-to-market road project being undertaken by the Asian Development Bank (ADB)Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), assisted by the municipal government here, will push the infrastructure development of this town, Mayor Leocadio “Boy” de Vera Jr. of this town said.

De Vera said that the project is about 11.2 kilometers and is from the boundary of Urbiztondo to here and its completion will be benefit residents, especially farmers.

“This will ease the problem of farmers in transporting their agricultural products to the market,” he said.

De Vera said the farmto-market road is a part of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s program for the welfare of farmers through the DAR.

“Mahal ni Pangulong GMA ang mga magsasaka at nais nitong umunlad ang kanilang mga kabuhayan, (President Arroyo looks after the welfare of the farmers and she wants their lot to improve),” he said. (Manila Bulletin, Aug. 4, 2004)

P26M Sanlibo farm-to-market road breaks ground

2003-04-23T21:02:00.000+08:00

Residents of Sanlibo village welcomed the start of the construction of the P26-million worth of farm-to-market road project in Sanlibo Agrarian Reform Community (ARC).

The activity marked the beginning of the realization of the long-time dream project of the Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries (ARBs) in the ARC.

The project under DAR-ADB aims to provide access to market to villages of Sanlibo, Idong, and Inanlorenza of ARC Sanlibo to pave the way for more economic opportunities.

Director Wilfredo B. Leano of DAR-Region I represented Secretary Roberto "Obet" Pagdanganan who was invited as the guest of honor.

In his message, he extended to the people Pagdanganan's apology for not coming over due to an appointment made earlier. Leano projected the image of the DAR Secretary as the governor of all governors, a gentleman whose hands are always reaching out, the champion of the farmers, the advocate of cooperativism, and a man of true action.

Further, he stressed what Secretary Pagdanganan has always been emphasizing that there is no successful agrarian reform without viably formed cooperatives.

He urged the officer of the CDA and the DAR personnel to give more attention to cooperatives.

"Maski gaano karami yung produksyon ng mga tao, kung hindi sila miyembro ng kooperatiba, kung sinu-sino lang ang bumibili, dahil wala tayong kapera-pera. It would be these usurers who will be benefited," Leano said.

OIC-PARO II Rolando S. Gamboa, who was likewise invited to grace the activity, said the Sanlibo ARC is one of the seven recipients of the Agrarian Reform Community Project (ARCP). The project is financed through loans from Asian Development Bank (ADB) under Loan No. 1667 PHI.

The objective of the ARCP is to reduce poverty through the provision of basic infrastructure facilities and development support to enhance agricultural production and provide greater opportunities for sustainable growth.

Mayor Leocadio C. De Vera said he is very grateful for the project, adding that the people should now wake up for its no longer a dream, but it's now a reality.

Enjoining their support for the accomplishment of the project, he said: "We've got the dream, now let's get it done." (Sun.Star Pangasinan Daily, April 23, 2003)