Cervantes, Quirino, Suyo BnB Awarding

As early as 12:00 mn of Aug.19, 2010,the JCS Staff prepared for a long journey going to the three uplands of Ilocos Sur being the last leg of the BnB awarding, one of the unceasing commitments of the good-hearted SP Member and Founder of the JCS Foundation Inc., Jeremias “Jerry” Singson.  After all the staff had been picked up from their residences, the group once again met at the residence of Hon. Jerry C. Singson.  At 3:00 am, the convoy of 3 vehicles started for the trip headed by the energetic founder together with the Technical Working Group from the Gabriela Silang General Hospital for an inspection of hospital at the Municipality of Quirino, Ilocos Sur. 

Hon. Jerry Singson, JCS Founder During the open furom.

Since it was going to be a long journey, the staff slept along the rugged roads, interrupted by a stopover for a minor call of nature.  Indeed it was very refreshing and fascinating to view once again the waterfalls, thick fogs and the scents and sights of pine trees. 

The Staff arrived at the Municipality of Cervantes at 7:00 am.  The drizzle and the thick fogs resembled the atmosphere of the City of Pines, Baguio City.  The coolness of the town was complemented with the warm welcome of the very accommodating Dr. Winston Aguirre and the delectable breakfast served.  After the delightful treat, the Technical Working Group went ahead to Quirino, Ilocos Sur, the JCS Staff rested and the others strolled at the nearby market while waiting for the awardees to arrive.  Vice-Mayor Robert Elai joined the JCSF Chairman and the staff in the open forum held at the rooftop of the municipal building of Cervantes.  More than 60 guests had come to meet the advocate of the destitutes airing the needs of their respective barangays. 

 After the forum and the presentation of the 6 awardees were finished, the group proceeded right away to the Municipality of Quirino, the farthest upland town of Ilocos Sur.  And what a long and gruel some journey indeed traveling to the rugged, rocky high mountains of Quirino! 

The Mayor of Cervantes, Hon. Clifford L. Patil-ao and his staff met the whole group at almost 11am.  JCS joined the awardees and the Barangay Captains of the diff. barangays of Quirino.  After the rite and the meeting, palatable and mouth-watering feast-like lunch was served.  The seemingly tireless and dynamic SP Member JCS went ahead with the TWG of the GSGH to the Municipality of Suyo where the last BNB awarding was to be held at 3:00 pm. 

The JCSF Staff arrived at the Municipality of Suyo just in time the ceremony was about to start.  The Honorable Mayor of Suyo, Samuel B. Subagan Jr.  warmly welcomed the group headed by the vigorous proponent of the needy Jeremias ”Jerry” Singson.  The 13 BHWs finally became licensed BnB operators as they were awarded boxes of medicines for their Botika ng Barangay. Barangay Captains of the different barangays of Suyo, SB Members and municipal staffs and Suyo DOH Rep. Jaime Javillonar were around to witness the event. The ceremony ended at 4:30 followed by a snack. 

For more Cervantes photos, click on Cervantes
For more Quirino photos, click on Quirino
For more Suyo photos, click on Suyo

Sta. Lucia BnB Awarding

As early as 8:00 am of Aug.3, 2010 media men of NBN-4 and Ilocos Heritage Channel (IHC) and the JCS Staff met at the residence of the JCS Founder/Chairman Jeremias “Jerry” Singson to prepare themselves once again for an early travel going to the Municipality of Sta. Lucia. Ilocos Sur for the Botika ng Barangay Awarding spearheaded by the 1st Dist. Provincial Board Member. At 8:30 am, the whole JCS staff altogether headed southward and arrived at 10:00 am..

The kind-hearted SP Member Jerry Singson standing before the awardees of BnB, giving short briefing.

While waiting for the ceremony to start, the energetic SP member had a tete-a-tete with the charming Mayor of Sta. Lucia while the JCS staff helped in the arrangement of the boxes of medicines that was to be given to the awardees.

The awarding rite started with an opening prayer followed by and introduction of guests by the Mayor of Sta. Lucia. The energetic founder of JCS Foundation then briefed the awardees of their newly found business, and its proper management. 2^nd District SP Member Hon. Chita Cordero also attended the awarding rite, giving the newly licensed BnB operators’ encouragements and inspirations with the hope of alleviating their livelihood and financial burdens through cheaper medicines.

Also present during the in awarding were the Barangay Captains of Sta. Lucia, SBM Committee on Education Head Hon. Simeon Salgado, Commitee on Health Head SBM Sotero Avila, Suyo DOH Rep. Jaime Javillonar, Sta. Cruz DOH Rep. May Bernardine Belardo and DOH regional Rep. Pharmacist Imelda Calmada. After the ceremony, lunch was served and the staff left at 1:oo pm..

For documentation purposes, NBN-4 and IHC had taken video footages to be aired in the local tv stations in Ilocos Sur.

For more Sta. Lucia photos, click on Sta. Lucia

BnB Awarding (Sta. Cruz)

The much-awaited awarding of Botika ng Barangay has finally come. As early as 7:30 in the morning of July 29, 2010, the JCSF Inc. headed by the Chairman and Provincial Board Member Jeremias C. Singson headed to the Municipality of Sta. Cruz, Ilocos Sur to officially hand in the medicines to the BHWs of the aforementioned town.

JCS Foundation Inc. Chairman and 1st District Provincial Board Member Hon. Jeremias C Singson together with Sta. Cruz Mayor Teresita Valle, RHU Staff, Brgy. Captains and BnB Awardees from the different barangays of Sta. Cruz, Ilocos Sur, held on July 29, 2010 at the newly built Civic Center.

They arrived at the venue at 9:00 just in time the participants started to enter the newly built Civic Center, which is still on its finishing stage. The group was warmly welcomed by the Honorable Mayor Teresita Valle. The awarding ceremony started with an opening prayer by Ms. Hercula Diaz, a BHW from Brgy. Pidpid, Sta. Cruz followed by the singing of the National Anthem led by Ms. Vanessa Aposen, Brgy. Captain of San Pedro, Sta. Cruz. A welcome speech and inspirational message was delivered by the Honorable Mayor Teresita C. Valle. The well-loved and kind-hearted first district Board Member Jeremias Singson shared the information on BnB Operations to the Awardees.   The 49 BHWs finally became licensed Operators as the 49 sets of medicines were finally and officially handed to them. Barangay Captains were also present to witness the awarding rite together with the Committee on Health SBM Milweda Chavez. Dra. Elalin Javillonar, the Municipal Health Officer, and RHU Staff Consolacion Jimeno, Ruth Dapeg, Pilipora Cortez and Petra Galano joined the awardees and guests in their picture and video taking together with Ms. Imelda Calmada, the Supervising Pharmacist of BnB.   NBN Staff, Marlyn and Kelly, and IHC Staff Mirasol had documented the event and will be viewed on NBN 4 and Iloco Heritage Channel.        For more Sta. Cruz photos, click on Sta. Cruz

BnB Training (Sta. Lucia & Suyo)

Provincial Board Member Jeremias Singson spoke before the BHWs from Sta. Lucia and Suyo, Ilocos Sur during the BnB Training held on July 27, 2010 at Sta. Lucia Municipal Hall.

Two of the last few towns that had undergone Botika ng Barangay training seminar were the Municipalities of Sta. Lucia and Suyo, Ilocos Sur.  Early morning of July 27, 2010 at 7:30 a.m., Provincial Board Member Jeremias “Jerry” C. Singson, Founder of JCS Foundation Inc., led his staff southward heading to Sta. Lucia where the training seminars be held together with Suyo.  They arrived at the Municipal Hall at 9:00 a.m. just in time the seminar was starting.  The Municipal Staff and the Honorable Mayor Estrella F. Hernaez cheerfully and delightedly met them. 

The seminar started with an introductory speech by the beloved Mayor Hernaez.  An advocate of the poor, Honorable Jerry Singson briefed the attendees the duties and responsibilities of BnB Operators as well as its Do’s and Don’ts.  Thirty-three (33) BHWs from Sta. Lucia and thirteen (13) from Suyo, altogether joined themselves for this free training.  This seminar was conducted by Suyo DOH Rep. Jaime Javillonar and Sta. Lucia DOH Rep. May Bernardine Belardo, and supervised by DOH Rep. Pharmacist Imelda Calmada.  SBM Simeon Salgado who heads the Committee on Education, and SBM Sotero Avila of Committee on Health were also present in the training.  During break time, 2^nd district Board Member Honorable Chita Cordero also joined them and gave words of encouragement to the BHWs. 

After the snacks provided by the Honorable Mayor, the Staff immediately left for Vigan City, Ilocos Sur. 


For more Sta. Lucia & Suyo photos, click on Sta. Lucia & Suyo

BnB Monitoring

One of the priority projects of the Provincial Board Member Jeremias C. Singson, Chairman and Founder of the JCS Foundation Inc. is the Botika ng Barangay.  As almost all of the municipalities of Ilocos Sur had benefited from this charitable service, it doesn’t end thereafter.  It will continue to exist and through consistent monitoring, BnB Operators are assured of continuous assistance from the Government and the JCS Foundation.

Center for Health and Development Representatives from the Regional Office, led by nurses Francisco de Vera and Mrs. Mila Onias, together with Ms. Bella, arrived at JCS Office at 9:00 a.m. of July 08, 2010.  They had asked the assistance of Board Member Jerry C. Singson through his staff to go with them for a spot monitoring of the Botika ng Barangay in various towns.  So in behalf of the JCSF, off the group went.

The monitoring team first visited the Rural Health Clinic of Magsingal, Ilocos Sur of which Dra. Rachel Tolentino is the Rural Health Officer (RHO).  Ms. Tessie Onias and Ms. Nora Pajela were then assigned to accompany and guide us in our monitoring.  The first Botika ng Barangay they checked was in Brgy. San Ramon, which is operated by Margie Tomaneng who opened last March 05, 2010.  The medicines were well kept and neatly displayed.  Saleable medicines in their Barangay were Metformin and Ascorbic Acid. Next drop-off point was Brgy. Baccar.  Botika ng Barangay Operator, Anastacia Nolasco happily met them at her home where the medicines were displayed.  Her saleable items are Mefenamic Acid, Amoxicillin, and Paracetamol.

Since it was already lunch break by the time they finished the monitoring Magsingal, Ms. Tessie and Nora treated them to an appetizing lunch in a restaurant in front of the Bell Tower, where they were served with one of the best “laing” they ever tasted.  After lunch, they proceeded right away to the Rural Health Clinic of San Ildefonso, Ilocos Sur. DOH Rep. Aiza Viloria and Ms. Pureza Bajo accompanied them to Brgy. Bungro operated by Francisco Palomares and Brgy. Belen operated by Ms. Mely Taclas-Tapiceria.  The medicines were neatly displayed and organized in a glass-covered cabinet.  Saleable medicines were Mefenamic Acid, Amoxicillin, Paracetamol, and Carbocisteine.

The last town they kept an eye on was Sto. Domingo, Ilocos Sur.  Rural Health Officer Dra. Lourdes Ingan – Guzman warmly met the staff and asked one of her staff Nena Lobara to accompany them.  They kept track on BnB Brgy. Nalasin Sto. Domingo operated by Mrs. Abigail T. Javier.  Of all the Botika ng Barangay visited, theirs is the most organized and the cleanest.

To sum it all, the staff is happy to find out that throughout the years that the BnB was established, many residents have truly benefited from this good will service of Board Member Jerry C. Singson and the Government.  Rest assured, continuous monitoring of BnB Health Operators provide safe and cheap medicines for the residents.

BnB AWARDING (Nagbukel, Burgos & Sta. Maria)

June 24 - JCS Foundation spearheaded by Vice Governor Jerry Singson, once again led his staff and media men to the Municipality of Nagbukel, Ilocos Sur at 9:30 a.m. The awarding rite was opened and emceed by the Municipal Secretary, Mr. Ernesto Corrales. Acknowledgement and welcome speech was addressed by no less than the beloved Mayor of Nagbukel, Hon. Timoteo Cabrera. He expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the dedicated Vice – Governor for his unbroken vows of humanitarian services.

Twelve (12) Barangays were benefited with twelve (12) sets of medicines, which eventually opened as BOTIKA NG BARANGAY.

Also present in the event were Municipal Health Officer, Dra. Marichelle Racca Yang-ed and Department of Health Representative, David Zaragoza.

After fifteen (15) minutes, the JCS Group once again hurried their way to the Municipality of Burgos. Hon. Mayor Nathaniel “Boy” Escobar and Hon. Vice Mayor Riolita Balbalan led the group to the Civic Center, where the awarding rites be held.

The ceremony begun with an opening prayer by Ms. Zita, followed by a welcome and acknowledgement speech by Hon. Vice Mayor Balbalan. The honorable mayor Escobar Nathaniel also whole-heartedly thanked the energetic Vice Governor Jerry Singson for his boundless support. The generous JCSF founder vowed to donate more tables and chairs for the Day Care Centers of Burgos, which spectators and recipients on the awarding rite cheerfully applauded.

Twelve (12) BHWs now licensed BnB Operators were awarded with twelve (12) sets of medicines. Also present to observe the event where DILG Officer Atendido, PNP Chief Villalon, Barangay Captains and Sangguniang Members. After the awarding the sumptuous lunch was served at the residence of the honorable Mayor.

The last town the JCS Group presented the award for the day was the Municipality of Sta. Maria. The event started at 2:00 p.m. with an opening prayer followed by an inspirational talk by the beloved Mayor Edgar Florendo. Before presenting the award, Vice Governor Jerry Singson once again reminded the beneficiaries their responsibilities as BnB Operators as well as the consequences in case of mismanagement. The presence of Vice Mayor Adriano Villanueva, Municipal Health Officer Roselyn Barassi, Sanguniang Members were also acknowledged during the awarding rites. Twenty (20) sets of medicines were handed to the twenty (20) BnB Operators.

The eventful two (2) days of awarding was testified and documented with the full video coverage of NBN 4 by Mrs. Marlene Ragasa and Kelly: and Ms. Mirasol of Iloco Heritage Channel.

Of the 32 towns and 2 cities, only the Municipalities of Sta. Lucia and Suyo has not yet avail this humanitarian service. Two (2) barangays from Santiago and another two (2) from San Esteban will altogether undergo the seminar with the trainees of Sta. Lucia and Suyo given the scheduled date and time.

This advocacy of the Vice – Governor will not end hereafter. Botika ng Barangay , Medical Mission, Day Care Centers and Kaw-es ti Balligi will go on perennially as long as needed and requested .As a lifelong commitment to the province of Ilocos Sur, with open arms, the sympathetic and generous Vice Governor will whole-heartedly provide the needs of the indigent with the assistance of the government.

BnB AWARDING (Santiago & San Esteban)

After a series of training and seminars conducted at various municipalities in the province of Ilocos Sur during the month of June comes the awarding. Almost 99% of the total Municipalities had undergone this training and subsequently became beneficiaries of one of the priority projects of Ilocos Sur Vice - Governor Jeremias “Jerry” Singson, the Botika ng Barangay.

The last awarding of BnB was last March 04 and 05, 2010. Among the municipalities benefited were San Emilio, Lidlidda, Banayoyo, Caoayan, Bantay, San Vicente, Sto. Domingo, Magsingal, San Juan and Sinait, Ilocos Sur.

Almost at the tail end of his project BnB awarding, the most recent was on June 23 and 24, 2010.  At 9:00a.m., Ilocos Sur Vice Governor and JCS Foundation Chairman and his staff and some media men from NBN 4 and Iloco Heritage Channel headed their way to the municipality of Santiago. They went directly to the residence of Hon. Mayor Joselito Mendoza, the venue of the awarding rite.

The good-natured Mayor started the ceremony with words full of thanksgiving and gratitude for the endless assistance provided by the Vice Governor. The energetic JCSF founder in return gave words of encouragement to the BHWs. He then handed them 22 sets of Medicines. The newly licensed BnB operators gratefully thanked the Vice – Governor for his endless contributions to the Municipality of Santiago.

DOH Rep. Ms. Gloria and other staff of RHU were also around to witness the event.

After snacks were served at 11:00 a.m., the JCSF Group went straight ahead to the Municipality of San Esteban, where the Hon. Mayor Chester Elaydo warmly welcomed the Vice – Governor and Staff. During the awarding ceremony, the good mayor personally thanked the Vice Governor for his incessant aid to the town of San Esteban. Nine sets of medicines were awarded to the newly proclaimed BnB Operators.

The awarding of both municipalities was documented under the full TV coverage of NBN-4 and Iloco Heritage Channel.

BnB Operators' Training (Quirino & Cervantes)

In behalf of Vice Gov. Jerry C. Singson, the JCSF Staff and three from the Department of Health Regional Office, started to travel to the upland municipality of Cervantes at 4:30 a.m. on June 16, 2010 for the next Botika ng Barangay Training to be held together with the town of Quirino.

In spite of the grueling trip going to the upland due to the steep zigzag roads, they were still captivated by the delightful sights of the thick forest trees, rushing of the waterfalls and refreshing scent of pine trees. At 8:00 a. m., the JCS Group arrived at the Municipal Hall of Cervantes and was led right away to the Office of the Mayor, Hon. Ben Maggay, who warmly welcomed and served the staff with delectable breakfast.

At 9:30 a.m., Botika ng Barangay Seminar started at the rooftop of the Municipal Hall Building. The honorable Mayor initiated the forum followed by the seminar, which was facilitated by nurses Mr. Francisco de Vera Jr., Ms. Stephanie Consolacion and Ms. Zita Catbagan of Legal Office from DOH Region I.

Of the 16 participants in the seminar, 6 BHWs from Cervantes joined the training as an additional to the already existing 11 Botika ng Barangay actively operating in Cervantes, and 10 Botika ng Barangay trainees from Quirino will soon operate thereafter.

The training seminar ended at 1:00 p.m. followed by an appetizing lunch hosted again by the good-natured Mayor of Cervantes.

BNB Training Santiago

The Municipality of Santiago led by Honorable Mayor Josefino Miranda and Vice – Mayor Virgillo Passion once again joined their efforts to strongly support the advocacies of the compassionate Vice – Governor Jerry C. Singson, also the Chairman of the JERRY C. SINGSON FOUNDATION INC. by letting the Barangay Health Workers of the different Barangays in their town to avail the free training seminar of Botika ng Barangay and with the participation of Department of Health Regional Office. 

The training was held at the ABC Hall, back of Civic Center of Santiago, Ilocos Sur.  As the seminar started at 10 o’clock in the morning, the participants cheerfully welcomed the arrival of Vice- Governor Jerry C. Singson and the JCSF staff.  Initially he shared pleasantries and jokes with the trainees then briefed them the proper management of running the business and the pros and cons of BNB Operation.  After the energetic Vice – Governor was finished, DOH representatives, Minerva Fernandez and Provincial BNB Coordinator, Laura Rhea proceeded the seminar assisted by the Rural Health Staff, Wilma Elepanta and Ms. Marlene. 

The good Mayor of Santiago hosted a lunch for a Vice – Governor Jerry Singson and his Staff. 

24 Barangays of the Municipality of Santiago had delegated a total of 39 BHWs including 3 from San Esteban, Ilocos Sur, to be trained as BNB Operators.  The seminar ended at 2:30 p.m. 

BnB Operators' Training (Sta. Maria, Nagbukel & Burgos)

Three days after June 7 Botika ng Barangay training, another Botika ng Barangay Training was held at Sta. Cruz, Ilocos Sur, another series of training was conducted at the function room of the municipal hall of Sta. Maria, Ilocos Sur last June 9, 2010 with the participating town of Sta. Maria, Nagbukel and Burgos.

This was materialized by Ilocos Sur Vice Governor Jeremias C. Singson, Chairman and founder of Jerry C. Singson Foundation Inc. in coordination of the Department of Health Region I.

The seminar started with the inspirational talk by no less than the beloved mayor of Sta. Maria Hon. Thelma “Emma” Florendo, DOH Representatives Milagros Desierto & Meredith San Jose. Hand in hand DOH Reps. conducted the training with Imelda Calmaga, a pharmacist in Ilocos Training And Regional Medical Center. Ilocos Sur Vice Governor Jerry C. Singson together with his JCS Staff joined the participating delegates of the three municipalities. Aside from giving encouragement the hardworking Vice Governor also tackled on the responsibilities of a BNB operator, its rewards and incentives of a running this business.

A soon to be operator Ms. Leonida Aquino of Barangay Baliw Laud, Sta. Maria one of the beneficiaries of the recently JCS Gallstone Operation at the Gabriela Silang General Hospital held last April 18-22, 2010 came in to personally thank the good hearted vice governor.

The total attendees were 84 broken down as follows:

1. Sta Maria 39
2. Nagbukel 14
3. Burgos 29

Snacks were served at 10:30 am and the seminar ended at exactly 12:00 followed by a lunch hosted by the good mayor.

BnB Operators' Training (Sta. Cruz)

June 7, 2010, seminar training of Botika ng Barangay was held thru the joint efforts of Ilocos Sur Vice Governor Jeremias C. Singson and the municipality of Sta. Cruz, Ilocos Sur.

Held on the shady garden plaza of the said municipality, Dra. Ella Javillonar, Municipal Health Officer shared her ideas and knowledge on the operations of Botika ng Barangay. Department of Health Representative, Minerva Fernandez, Ms. Laura Rea and Zereda Dig-anan conducted the training assisted by Rural health midwives Mr. Alejandro Buchina, Filipina Cortez, Ruth Dapeg, Consolacion M. Jumino and Eda Lozadas. JCS staff Nenita Alamar and Blandy Onza were also present in the seminar.

Open forum was also done to give the operators and their assistants more informations on the Botika ng Barangay Operations.

47 of the 49 barangays participated the training. 97 attendees were present including three from the town of Banayoyo.

The training started at 9 in the morning and ended at 1 in the afternoon. A sumptuous meal was served through the courtesy of Dra. Ella Javillonar.

Simultaneous BnB Awarding

The municipalities where beneficiaries underwent seminars and provided with medicines are the upland municipalities of San Emilio, given 7 BnB sets; Lidlidda, 1 set; and Banayoyo, 6 sets in the 2^nd District on March 04, 2010, and in Metro Vigan are Caoayan, 17 sets; Bantay, 23 sets, and San Vicente, 4 sets.  On March 05, the beneficiaries are the 1^st District municipalities of Sinait, 12 sets; San Juan, 20 sets; Magsingal, 20 sets; and Sto. Domingo, 5 sets.

Joining the BnB awarding were DOH Representatives Ms. Laura Rea, Ms. Aster Pasion, Ms. Minerva Fernandez, Ms. Beverly Ramos and Regional Coordinator Francisco isko’ de Vera with the Regional Staff.

Sanguniang Bayan Members and Brgy. Captains welcomed Vice Governor Jeremias “Jerry” Singson and beneficiaries especially BnB operators were properly briefed regarding the management of said projects.