Page 25 - 2nd Edition

MOST OUTSTANDING MAYOR AWARD 2021

DISASTER PREPAREDNESS
Carmen sits along the Pacific coast in the east of Mindanao.
Although the inner barangays are protected by the Diwata
Mountain Range, the coastal community is continually at risk
during typhoon season. On the other hand, the upland barangays
are constantly threatened by landslides in times of heavy rain.

In 2018, the LGU, assisted by DENR-MGB, conducted
Vulnerability and Risk Assessment Mapping and Data Gathering.
This provided the LGU with scientific data to identify the most
high-risk barangays and come up with a more targeted action
plan. That same year, the Municipality of Carmen formulated
PEACE AND ORDER its 10-year Local Climate Change Plan for 2019-2029 and
Carmen is generally peaceful despite the known existence the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Plan for 2019-2024.
of armed groups in the highlands. Mayor Jane believes that This initiative was trickled down to the barangays through the
constant community consultations are important to understand formulation of the Barangay DRRM Plans of all 8 barangays
the problems of the rural folks and to discourage them of Carmen. The LGU also gathered community volunteers and
from joining anti-democracy organizations. A multi-sectoral trained them in various disaster response skills like Basic Life
Municipal Task Force (MTF) was established, led by the Municipal Support and First Aid, Fire Fighting, and Fire Rescue.
Mayor, which spearheaded the Barangay Consultations
for Peace and Development. Other LGU-led peacekeeping As of July 2021, the Municipality of Carmen is a recipient of
initiatives include the launching of the Retooled Community the Gawad KALASAG Seal from the NDRRMC and OCD.
Support Program and the institution of the Community Forum
for Peace and Development.

The LGU also implemented the Community-Based Drug
Rehabilitation Program in support of the national directive
against drug abuse. In line with this, the 4Ns Group for Persons
Who Used Drugs (PWUDs) was organized. 4N stands for
“Nasayop, Nibangon, Nagmalamboon, ug Nagmalipayon.” This
initiative aims to ensure the smooth reintegration of individuals
who have decided to leave their destructive and unhealthy vice.
COVID-19 RESPONSE
Although it is a relatively secluded municipality, Carmen
did not escape the reach of the Covid-19 virus. As of August
4, 2021, Carmen has identified a total of 248 confirmed cases
with 2 deaths and 226 recoveries. At the onset of the pandemic,
Mayor Jane ordered the tightening of border controls in the
municipality in coordination with the neighboring towns. The
LGU also implemented safety protocols for the returning Locally
Stranded Individuals and OFWs.

To this day, Mayor Jane is tirelessly pushing for the vaccination
of the local population.

Mayor Jane lives by the motto of her UP Phi Delta Alpha
sorority - “Prudence and dignity in all actions.” It is these same
words that continue to guide her in her life as a public servant.
Carmenanons are indeed blessed to have such a humble,
efficient, and principled Mayor. As one IP Datu puts it, Mayor
Jane is like a diwata sent by the ancestors to lead Carmen to its
destined bright and prosperous future.

23