Early Christmas for Escalante City Senior Citizens

Indigent Senior Citizens of Escalante City have reasons to rejoice after receiving their social pension from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) on December 7, 2011 at the City Center. The stipend covering third and fourth quarters of CY 2011 was released through the DSWD Region 6, Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) and the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO). Ms. Juliet Calamba of the DSWD Region 6 together with OSCA Chairman Mr. Rogelio Prietos and Ms. Leah Juntarciego of CSWDO spearheaded the cash distribution to the 117 recipients. One hundred and seven (107) beneficiaries received three thousand Pesos (P3, 000.00) each whilet he remaining ten (10) collected six thousand pesos (Php 6, 000.00) each being retroactive as of January 2011 or from the First and Second Quarters. The later was approved after methodical deliberations with the Grievance Committee attesting to their qualifications. This Social Pension Program was an offshoot of the approved R.A. 9994, also known as the “Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010”. The act provides a monthly stipend of five hundred pesos (Php 500.00) to indigent Senior Citizens, given in a quarterly basis to augment their daily subsistence and other medical needs. The registration started in 2009 where needy residents of 77 years and older were surveyed by the DSWD. This was coordinated with the Escalante City Government through Mayor Beboy Yap. Documented inhabitants were evaluated so as to validate their situations. On the other hand, Mayor Yap expressed his profound gratitude to this very noteworthy undertaking. He hailed the program with the slogan Nakakatanda: Kaagapay sa Kaunlaran at Kapayapaan that really supported our elders. The thrust does not only sustain their basic needs but also to enjoy life to the fullest. (ECM)

Escalante City Councilors Receive Prestigious Awards

Three Escalante City Councilors received prestigious awards in different categories on December 1, 2011. Councilors Virgie A. Pastor, Santiago R. MaravillasandManolo P. Mendoza were honored in ceremonies at the CityState Tower Hotel in Manila.

The award was given by the Leaders Consultancy for Expertise and Excellence for their exemplary performance as local lawmakerswho authored several ordinances of any kind. It was also in recognition to their dedication and invaluable commitment for the genuine service to the people they served. In the same way, the awards were to appreciate theirknowledge ability as policymakers in the City of Escalante.

Councilor Pastor, Chairperson on Education, Culture and Values Formation, and Women, Children and Family Welfare, has sponsoredthe most number of ordinances not only for her concerned committees but relevant decrees as well for the betterment of the community. She received the LEGISLATIVE GOVERNANCE EXCELLENCE AWARD for sponsoring nineteen (19) ordinances; these exceeded the number of the required four (4) to qualify for the award. The award thus recognized her as a full-pledged local legislator.

Likewise, Councilor Maravillas prepared numerous ordinances specifically on appropriations, laws, rules and regulations.He alsoauthoredrulingson human rights, social justice and other significant edicts.He was furthermore awarded for having served as councilor for three (3) consecutive terms.

Councilor Mendoza as well received the credits for the invaluable services he rendered to the residents as a lawmaker for three (3) successive periods.


Giving of such honors are based by the award-giving body on the number of ordinances written either general or special, comprehensionon the local laws passed and devotion to the constituents they engaged in. These assets are not new to the Councilor-awardeeswho possess such abilities in helping others with perseverance and determination.