March 27, 2023 – City officials attended this week’s Learning Barangay Week (LBW) at Barangay Munting Batangas.

The program began with warm greetings from Brgy. Captain Ms. Apolinaria Taguimacon and Sangguniang Panlungsod Member Councilor Ricardo Magpantay.

A message was also heard from Vice-Mayor Vianca Lita V. Gozon who asked for everyone’s continuing active participation in the city’s programs and projects as it helps ease the workload in the city government. She also highlighted the need for environmental protection, even in simple things like turning off the lights and water when not in use.

Meanwhile, Mayor Francis Anthony S. Garcia shared the good news as the city government, through the City Agriculture Office, identified a two-hectare Kaanib lot which can be used by residents of Brgy. Munting Batangas to plant and grow their vegetables. He also encouraged them to make use of the newly-established health center in their barangay, stating that a Smart LED TV will be provided to Our Lady of Lourdes Elementary School as an additional online learning tool for students. Mayor Garcia also mentioned projects that are in the pipeline that will benefit Balangueños, such as the construction of access roads and the plan to establish a solar farm.

The city government, through CEEDO OIC Ms. Tarra Ann Pagdanganan, also recognized Mr. Romnell Valen M. Arangel for being a topnotcher (3rd) in the 2022 November Agriculturist Licensure Examination. Mr. Arangel was a product of Iskolar ng Bayan and is now working at the city government.

Next came the turnover of the two-hectare Kaanib lot and the distribution of farming equipment, baskets for women, and trash bins facilitated by City Agriculturist Ms. Nerissa Mateo. Brgy. Munting Batangas also gave away prizes through a raffle draw for their residents.

Mayor Garcia, along with Committee Chairperson on Women, Children, Family, Senior Citizen, PWD, and Social Welfare Councilor Ma. Liza A. Vasquez and City Social Welfare and Development Office Head Ms. Lalaine de Leon also sat down with senior citizens to listen to their requests and suggestions.

In the last part of the event, Mayor Garcia, CMO Head Ms. Abigail Tan, and DILG-Balanga LGOO Ms. Jomar Cruz consulted with barangay officials to hear their ideas and recommendation on how public service can be improved at the barangay-level.

Also present to show their support were ABC President Ernie Nisay, Bureau of Fire Protection Balanga, Barangay Technical Advisers, teachers and students of Our Lady of Lourdes Elementary School, and barangay officials of the city’s various barangays.