Congresswoman Baby Aline Vargas Alfonso visited the Municipality of Lasam on December 9, 2022 for several humanitarian reasons that gave joy to many Lasameños.
The party of Congw. Vargas Alfonso was composed of the Board Members of the Second District of Cagayan: BM Randy Ursulum, BM Archie Layus, BM Kevin Timbas, and Dr. Zarah de Guzman Lara, joined by LGU-Lasam officials headed by Mayor Dante Dexter A. Agatep.
Gift-giving and Relief Distribution
Gifts and relief goods were distributed to Agays of Sicalao, Peru, Cabatacan East and West. Held at the Peru Barangay Hall, the distribution-visit was a happy get-together with members of Lasam indigenous community. Some of them obliged to perform dances to entertain and thank the visitors.
The Agays from the nearby Abariungan Uneg and Ruwar barangays of Sto. Niño were also invited to the distribution.
Educational Assistance
The Congresswoman also handed out educational assistance to 1,300 deserving students of Lasam. Held at the Western Cagayan School of Arts and Trades (WCSAT) Gymnasium, each student received P3,000.
The educational assistance is a priority project of Congw. Vargas-Alfonso, in partnership with Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez, Sen. Grace Poe, Cong. Allan Ty, and Cong. Jojo Lara.
TUPAD Payout
Also during the WCSAT affair, Congw. Vargas-Alfonso officiated the payout of the latest Lasam TUPAD recipients which her legislative office facilitated.
Upon the initiative of Mayor Agatep and the local Public Employment Services Office (PESO), Lasam was among the municipalities recently granted with the most number of TUPAD recipients.
Each of the 400 TUPAD beneficiaries received P4,000. to compensate for 10 days of work wherein most of them took part in the bamboo reforestation project of the municipality. #
—Photos and reporting from Isabella G. Lozada
Mayor Dante Dexter A. Agatep, Jr. has accepted the 2022 Excellence Award for Governance and Leadership (EAGLE) for the Municipality of Lasam on November 17, 2022.
EAGLE is an Incentives and Awards Program for the Local Government Units of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Region 2 which also recognizes Mayor Agatep’s brand of leadership. The audit period covers both parts of his first and second terms as the duly elected Mayor of Lasam.
The regional awards is a precursor to the National Awarding of the 2022 Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) which will be held at the Manila Hotel next month. Both EAGLE and SGLG share the same criteria which assess 10 aspects of good local governance.
With the theme “Pagpupugay sa Pagbangon ng Lokal na Pamahalaan Katuwang sa Pagbabago at Maunlad na Pamayanan,” the regional EAGLE awarding had DILG Asst. Secretary for Special Concerns Odilion Pasaraba as guest of Honor.
DILG Region 2 Director Jonathan Paul M. Leusen, Jr. and Asst. Regional Director Elpidio A. Duruin, and other DILG regional and provincial officials graced the awarding ceremony held at the Grand Ballroom of Pulsar Hotel in Tuguegarao City.
The event was attended by all the municipal chief executives and the BEST barangay awardees of Region 2. #
The Municipality of Lasam conducted an orientation for its latest batch of TUPAD beneficiaries on November 15, 2022.
The Tulong Panghanapbuhay sa Ating Disadvantaged/Displaced Workers or TUPAD is a community-based package of assistance that provides emergency employment for displaced workers, underemployed, and seasonal workers.
In a simple ceremony, Mayor Dante Dexter Agatep, Jr., called on the new recipients to perform what is expected of them to earn this benefit and that they should put value to it. “It is a timely government benefit with the Christmas season coming,” he said.
He then acknowledged Congresswoman Baby Aline Vargas-Alfonso for working towards the latest TUPAD. He also cited the contribution of Lasam-LGU’s Public Employment Office (PESO) and other staff involved.
In the orientation facilitated by Municipal Budget Officer and PESO Chair Joe Rebultan, he called on the beneficiaries to get enlisted for the specific work that they would render.
The TUPAD beneficiaries are required to render 10 days of bamboo seedling preparation or transplantation of bamboo propagules. Others will participate in community services.
The wage payment of Php 4,000 for each of the TUPAD beneficiaries will be coursed through a money remittance service.
TUPAD beneficiaries should be over 18 years-old and senior citizens may only avail of it upon submission of a medical certificate as proof that they are physically fit to work. #
Inquire Now for New Business Opportunities
The Local Government Unit of Lasam has a number of infrastructure projects in the pipeline. Among these are the new Lasam gymnasium and the public market extension, and both are set to open next year.
New Lasam Gymnasium
While its official name is yet to be finalized, the opening of the 2,500-seater new Lasam gymnasium is earmarked for the 73rd Aldaw ti Lasam on June 13, 2023.
Lasam New Gymnasium as of October 26, 2022.
Photo by Mac Galindon
Some major events are already being planned to be held coinciding with, or immediately upon the inauguration of the new Lasam gymnasium.
These are audience-magnet sporting events like invitational basketball league matches, the Miss Lasam beauty pageant, and big-event assemblies conducted by Lasam-LGU, or by other public or private organizing entities.
Public Market Extension
Lasam Public Market extension as of October 30, 2022
The public market extension building was started pre-pandemic for much-needed additional market stalls.
The Lasam Public Market has growing patrons not only among Lasam residents but also from the bordering barangays of the nearby towns of Allacapan, Sto. Niño, and Flora, Ifugao.
The extension building is only lacking of partitions now. With budget allocation from the Lasam LGU's 2023 Development Fund, it will only take a month or two to complete the partitioning and painting works.
Thus, the market extension should be occupied by new stall-tenants by March 2023 when patronage begins to surge, due to increased economic activity during the harvest season.
Lasam Town Hall Expansion
Lasam Town Hall as of November 18, 2022.
Architectural perspective of the refurbished Lasam Town Hall
The refurbishment of the Lasam Town Hall is also nearing completion. The façade now faces north so the LGU offices at the imposing Lasam Town Hall building will have vantage views of the Natalged Park.
The third floor expansion is in full swing where it will accommodate additional offices, function rooms, a canteen, and a guest house.
Natalged Park Strip
With the Natalged Park becoming an epicenter of the town’s activities, a commercial strip alloted to spaces for One Town, One Product (OTOP); food stalls; souvenir shops; and similar others will be a new addition within the park.
The centerpiece will be the Natalged a Lasam Development Center, with a modest community library which will also showcase Lasam cultural artifacts, and where the youth could hangout and engage in worthwhile activities.
Lasam-LGU, through its Treasury Office, is now accepting business opportunity inquiries or reservations.
Finally, the Business Permit and Licensing Office (BPLO) is making business permit application and renewal more convenient through online application at this LINK .
You will have to upload your DTI, SEC or CDA registration, barangay business clearance, your CTC, and ITR, if you are renewing a business permit. #
Lasam youth leaders were convened by the Lasam Youth Development Office (LYDO) and Municipal Local Government Office (MLGO) last November 10, 2022 for an alliance meeting leading to the formation of the Local Youth Development Council (LYDC). The Lasam-LGU, headed by Mayor Dante Dexter A. Agatep, recognizes the vital role of youth leaders in community development.
Held at the Municipal Session Hall, LYD Officer-designate, Gerlyn Yang, opened the session by presenting the Lasam youth scenario, and rationale for the meeting. With the Sangguniang Kabataan, at least 14 youth groups, mostly the Supreme Student Governments (SSGs) of Lasam high schools were represented by their respective chairpersons and advisers. These youth groups come from:
Lasam Academy
Callao National High School
Nabannagan National High School
Sicalao Integrated High School
Western Cagayan School of Arts and Trades (WCSAT)
San Lorenzo Ruiz Educational Institute (SLREI)
Cagayan State University (CSU)
Pag-asa Youth Association, Inc (PYAPI)
Young People Church of God
The other youth groups that sent expressions of support for the formation of the Council were: Cabatacan National High School, Lasam Catholic Youth Ministry, Kabataan Kontra sa Droga Organization, and United Methodist Youth Fellowship.
Sangguniang Kabataan Federation Chair Jerwin Manuel presented the 2023 Local Youth Development Plan. He later reiterated the importance of consultative meetings between barangay SKs and the Youth Council for Lasam-LGU to be responsive to the needs of more youths. He shared also with the group the Council’s anti teen-age pregnancy campaign as a response to rising cases of teen-age pregnancies in Lasam.
MGL Officer Reenie Heidy Tollo for her part discussed the role of youth leaders in community development, with the following priority areas of concerns: education, livelihood, health, disaster management, climate change, HIV-AIDS, drug abuse, solid waste management and environmental protection.
Some of the those present shared their school youth program best practices:
Mr. Mark Jelico Rodillas of CSU Campus Student Council shared their Material Recovery Facility (MRF) which addresses environmental protection. For Sicalao Integrated High school, Ms. Teresita Sorita shared that they conduct clean up and tree-planting drives at Sicalao Highest Point and Sirok ti Rangtay, both of which have been frequented by visitors lately.
Mr. Anthony Baccay of WCSAT shared their health program for students—providing simple breakfast after they have noticed that some of their students come to school with empty stomach. Ms. Arlene Jurado of Callao National High School also related similar health concern—that some of their students are under-nourished.
SB Lilibeth Barut del Rosario delivered a closing remarks enjoining the youth leaders to take part in the activities addressing various youth concerns and emphasizing their role in education. She also called on the youth leaders to act as warriors against cyberbullying.
"Youth development is among the priority programs of Lasam-LGU as the youth sector is an important segment of our community. Our youth-related programs helped us clinched the first SGLG award recently accorded by the DILG to Lasam-LGU," she concluded.
While the Local Government Unit of Lasam is still not over with the jubilation of being stamped its first Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) by the Department of Local Government (DILG), the municipality is also being recognized for two specific programs carried out by their respective local agencies.
National Awardee for Anti-Drug Abuse Campaign
Also accorded by the DILG through its Anti-Drug Abuse Council (AVAC) is the National Award for Lasam-LGU's anti-drug abuse programs this 2022. Among these are the diligent watch of local Philippine National Police (PNP) force, to the various sports programs that the Lasam-LGU has been supporting to provide healthy distractions among sports-savvy constituents.
For the second time that the DILG has audited the LGU's anti-drugs programs, Lasam has garnered a perfect score, a far cry from its 85% rating in 2021, although this was a welcome recognition then.
This recognition attests to the fulfilment of the Natalged a Lasam Goal Pillar (NLGP) for a Drug-free municipality.
Mayor Dante Dexter A. Agatep, with key Lasam-LGU officials, are set to accept both this year’s SGLG and AVAC awards at the DILG Awarding Ceremonies scheduled on December 13 and 14, at the Manila Hotel.
Fully Compliant in Disaster Preparedness
Lasam-LGU’s disaster preparedness and humanitarian assistance programs are in placed and have just been confirmed to be "Fully Compliant" by the 22nd Gawad KALASAG (Kalamidad at Sakuna Labanan, Sariling Galing ang Kaligtasan) of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC).
The 22nd Gawad KALASAG Seal for Excellence in DRRM and Humanitarian Assistance for the Local DRRM Councils and Offices category for Lasam-LGU is a testament to the fulfilment of the Natalged a Lasam Goal Pilar (NLGP) for Emergency preparedness and response.
Lasam-LGU's disaster preparedness is evident from the Municipal advisories posted on the Lasam-LGU Facebook page, to the disaster rescue simulation contests, lectures, and drills that the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (MDRRMO) regularly undertakes.
The Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (MDRRMC) of Lasam is headed by Mayor Dante Dexter A. Agatep, with the able assistance of the MDRRM Office, headed by Rudey Urian, Jr. #
— Alfred Ursua
The Natalged a Lasam Reading and Storytelling Caravan uses materials with animal themes to engage young constituents.
Edited January 28, 2023
After the Session 1 pilot in Alannay and Callao last year, the Local Government Unit of Lasam is bringing the Natalged a Lasam Reading and Storytelling Caravan to more barangays this 2023. The Caravan kicked off in Callao on November 26, 2022 and Alannay on December 3. Mayor Dante Dexter A. Agatep himself read some pages of a storybook to school children in Alannay on the day before his 50th birthday.
The Natalged a Lasam Storytelling and Reading Caravan is LGU-Lasam's own response to a recent World Bank study on learning poverty that identified Philippines as among the poorest in Asia in terms of reading ability. Learning poverty is defined as the percentage of children aged 10 who cannot read or understand a simple story. This is evident with the reported dismal performance among elementary pupils of Lasam, post Covid-19 pandemic.
The Caravan aims to engender the interest of the participants in reading—a basic literacy skill—by conducting storytelling sessions.
Facilitated by a tandem of a reading specialist and a storyteller, each storytelling and reading session will be an intensive, interactive, and technology-aided learning opportunity.
The organizers, who are literacy and reading advocates, intend to engage learners and stir their imagination with animated characters and stories relatable among children.
Only 15 pupils per grade will participate in two separate sessions, and will culminate in a final session with a living book speaker to inspire participants in their quest for knowledge.
The Caravan is conducted as a literacy development undertaking towards the establishment of Natalged Library and Youth Development Center, wherein storybooks will be provided. A book report and reading chain mechanism will be used to determine the outcome of the Caravan.
With three sessions per barangay, the Caravan will also initiate young constituents on the use of the community library that LGU-Lasam is putting up in 2023.
Both the reading and storytelling caravan, and the establishment of the community library and youth center, are geared towards the Natalged a Lasam Development Goal Pillars (NLDGPs) for Academic Excellence and Access to Health and Social Welfare programs.
The Caravan is upon the initiative of SB Lilibeth Barut-del Rosario, Chairperson of Committee on Women, Family, and Social Welfare, who is an educator, and a reading advocate herself.
The Municipal Health and Nutrition Office will also participate in the Caravan as this is a "feeding the body and mind" community development program. #
– Alfred Ursua
The TESDA-Lasam Institute of Technology vloggers with LIT Officer Abigail Philamer A. Aguinaldo accepting their prize from Mayor Dante Dexter A. Agatep, SB Diocelyn B. Damatac and other officials after sweeping the grand prize and special awards in the first food and travel vlogging contest organized by Lasam-LGU.
The winners of the first “Kakaibang Lasam Food and Travel Vlog Competition” were finally revealed in the awarding ceremonies held early evening of November 4, after it was repeatedly postponed due to successive tropical disturbances.
Organized by the Lasam Municipal Tourism Office, with full support of the Mayor's Office, the contest was participated by students representing the high schools and higher educational institutions of Lasam.
The food and travel vlogging contest recognizes video blogging as a new approach or medium in culture and tourism promotion and is the brainchild of Municipal Tourism Officer Elmer A. Acierto. He launched the contest in observance of Tourism Month last September.
In the ceremonies hosted by Acierto himself, the video blog entries were first shown on the big screen at the Natalged Park. Then the winners were announced, as follows:
Grand Prize — TESDA-LIT, winner of a cash prize of P 10,000 and trophy. You can watch the winning vlog HERE.
Second Prize — Sicalao Integrated High School, winner of a cash prize of P 6,000 and trophy
Third Prize — Lasam Academy, winner of a cash prize of P 5,000 and trophy
Fourth Prize — San Lorenzo Ruiz Educational Institute (SLREI), winner of a cash prize of P 4,000 and trophy
Consolation prizes of P 1,000 each were given to Western Cagayan School of Arts and Trades (WCSAT) and the Cagayan State University (CSU-Lasam).
Mayor Dante Dexter A. Agatep together with SB Diocelyn Damatac, Chairperson of Committee on Culture, Tourism and Arts, SB Lilibeth Barut-del Rosario, SB Emmanuel Agatep, SB Rowell Constantino and SK Federation Chair Jerwin Manuel handed out the cash prizes and trophies.
Special recognition for Best in Video Editing, Best in Musical Scoring, and Vlogger of the Year were also awarded to TESDA-Lasam Institute of Technology.
The Cagayan State University snagged the Best in Videography award.
The judges for the major awards were Mr. Sonny Pacursa, Administrator of EXPLORE Lasam; Johanna Ria M. Simon VP of Tourism Council of Lasam; and John Roy Agcaoili, Blogger and HR Officer of La Flamme Bleue Center for Culinary Arts – Tuguegarao City.
The winners for special awards received gift packs and were judged by Karl Domingo, John Mark Salva, and Justine del Rosario, all qualified digital content enthusiasts of Lasam-LGU.
"Kakaibang Lasam Vlogging Contest" is aligned with the Natalged a Lasam Goal Pillar (NLGP) for Tourism and Cultural Development. # – Alfred Ursua
The Chair and the new members of the PLEB, which serves as the watchdog over the PNP, with Mayor Dante Dexter A. Agatep.
A new composition of the People's Law Enforcement Board (PLEB) was installed in a board meeting convened by Mayor Dante Dexter A. Agatep at the Municipal Conference Hall on November 3, 2022.
While the Chairmanship is retained by former Congressman and Governor, Atty. Edgar R. Lara, the new PLEB members are: Joann Kasten V. Asuten, SB on Peace and Order; Dominador T. Cortes, Jr., Association of Barangay Chairmen President; Levi I. Lacambra, Head of Civil Society Organization; Sylvia Castillejo, Representative from the Academe (represented by Emerita R. Gaspar); and Franklin R. Calso, Secretary to the Sangguniang Bayan.
The creation of PLEB for every province, city or municipality is mandated by the Local Government Code.
PLEB serves as an instrument to help assure that members of the Philippine National Police (PNP) shall, at all times, observe their sworn Code of Conduct.
The specific functions of the PLEB are as follows:
1. Hears and decides citizens' complaints or cases filed before it against erring officers and members of the PNP;
2. Issues clearances to retiring PNP officers and members; and
3. Coordinates with other government agencies especially on matters pertaining conduct of PNP officers and men.
The recomposition of the PLEB was initiated by the local chief executive given that previous members have already left the municipality. #
The Local Government of Lasam has just been awarded the Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) for 2022 by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG). This is the first time that the Municipality of Lasam, under the leadership of Mayor Dante Dexter A. Agatep, has satisfactorily met the metrics of excellence in local governance.
For a city, province, or a municipality to earn the SGLG, it should get satisfactory ratings in the following areas: Financial Administration; Disaster Preparedness; Social Protection and Sensitivity Programs; Business Friendliness and Competitiveness; Safety, Peace and Order; Environmental Management; Health Compliance and Responsiveness; Programs for Sustainable Education; Tourism, Heritage Development and Culture and Arts; and Youth Development.
The officials and staff of the Local Government Unit of Lasam are ecstatic and sentimental after learning they have clinched the award. The quest for SGLG entails thorough evaluation of records, reports, and other necessary documentations. Upon the instruction and motivation of Mayor Agatep, the respective heads of LGU-Lasam rallied together with their staff to prepare the requirements for evaluation and validation by the DILG, ensuring compliance with the specifics of the criteria mentioned above.
Rodel Urian, Head of the Municipal Planning and Development Office (MPDO), is particularly proud of this honor as his office is in charge with the orchestration and implementation of major LGU projects that are responsive to the needs of Lasameños, based on the Natalged a Lasam Goal Pillars, and aligned with the DILG programs. "I only half-expected this," he said grinning from ear to ear. The other department heads share the same sentiment, including the barangay chairmen, who are doing their part in good local governance and public service.
Mayor Dante Dexter A. Agatep has expressed his jubilation for Lasam being awarded the Seal for the first time and immediately congratulated and extended his gratitude to all Lasam-LGU officials and employees who have contributed to this accolade.
Cities, municipalities, and provinces aspire to earn a Seal of Good Local Governance for validation of their excellence in public service, and for the additional budgetary allocation an awardee stands to receive to be used for qualified projects and programs to benefit their constituency.
From the DILG list of SGLG awardees in the municipality category, Lasam is included among the 10 municipal awardees from the province of Cagayan. The other nine are Alcala, Allacapan, Calamaniugan, Gonzaga, Iguig, Lallo, Sta. Teresita, Sanchez Mira, and Solana. #
– Alfred Ursua