BASIS OF NOMINATION

HON. EDWIN J. PIANO

OLONGAPO CITY COUNCILOR

THE SEARCH FOR 2009

THE OUTSTANDING COUNCILOR OF THE PHILIPPINES

BASIS OF NOMINATION

A former Subic Bay employee who championed the rights of his fellow Filipino workers, Edwin Piano is one of the pioneer volunteers who protected and preserved Subic Naval Base when the Americans left seventeen years ago. He was one of the pillars who fought for the creation of the Subic Bay Freeport and eventually served as Administrative Officer of the Transportation Department of the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority (SBMA).

First elected into office as city councilor in 2001 he was voted back by the local electorate in 2004 and 2007, proof that Olongapo residents are satisfied with his performance. Mr. Piano displayed an uncanny ability to detect the needs of the times and demonstrated ability to respond in ways that will benefit his constituents.

His concern and his vision for the welfare of his city and its people are clearly manifested in the Resolutions and Ordinances he filed in the Sangguniang Panlungsod, whether principally-authored by him or co-authored with a colleague. Mr. Piano presently holds the record of having authored the most number of significant Resolutions and Ordinances in Olongapo City Council. He also have the most number of committee chairmanship such as ways and means, telecommunications, organization development and personnel matters, labour and employment, and information technology. All stipulated under Resolution No.3 Series of 2009.

Believing that a Councilor’s duties go beyond mere legislative work, Mr. Piano has proven that he is a hands-on public servant by assuming responsibilities that have direct impact on the welfare of his community.

Among the pertinent Resolutions, Ordinances and initiatives introduced by Mr. Piano to improve the lives of city residents and make governance more effective, are the following:

TELECOMMUNICATIONS

“One Province, One Rate” Policy. He was responsible for the passage of a telecommunications resolution that enjoined telecommunications firms to adopt a “one province-one rate” policy that removed undue long-distance call charges. The un-relentless persuasion he applied to the telecom firms paved the way to adopt the policy. This means that residents of Olongapo, Zambales and Subic Bay Freeport can now make province wide landline or LL plus calls minus the extra charges.

2005 R – 11 - A RESOLUTION REQUIRING IMPLEMENTATION AND ENFORCEMENT OF ONE RATE, ONE PROVINCE POLICY AS MANDATED BY THE NATIONAL TELECOMMUNCIATIONS COMMISSION (NTC) MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR NO. 14-7-2000 TO PUBLIC TELECOMMUNCIATION ENTITIES CONCERNED

The resolution led to the deregulation of the city’s telecommunications sector and ended the long-time monopoly of existing provider who capitalized on the exclusivity clause of their permit to operate in the area. As a result of this resolution, new major telecom players such as Globe Innove, Digitel, PLDT, Smart, SunCell, and others expressed interests in putting-up their businesses in the city. This augured well for the establishment of Call Centers which for the longest time have shield away from operating in Olongapo-Subic because of its non-compliance to the redundancy requirement. This also paved the way for a free choice of service providers to both business sector and the consumers. To date, four Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) and Knowledge Process Outsourcing (KPO) have registered in the Freeport with major BPOs such as Sutherland Global Services expected to start operation by November of this year.

Kagawad Piano (third from right) poses with the executives of Sutherland Global Services. His authored resolution paves the way for the said American Telecommunication firm to establish business in Olongapo-Subic.

Subic-Clark Interconnection

2009 R – 29 – A RESOLUTION ENDORSING THE INTERCONNECTION OF TELECOMMUNICATIONS FACILITIES OF SUBIC-CLARK-TARLAC GROWTH CORRIDOR.

2009 R - 116 - A RESOLUTION ENJOINING ALL TELECOM SERVICE PROVIDERS IN OLONGAPO CITY, SUBIC BAY FREEPORT AND ZAMBALES TO IMMEDIATELY IMPLEMENT THE NATIONAL TELECOMMUNICATION COMMISSION MEMORANDUM CIRCULAR 09-07-2007 OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE INTERCONNECTION OF LOCAL EXCHANGE CARRIERS.

As part of the Central Luzon Growth Triangle, both Subic and Clark are envisioned to complement each other. Since roads such as the Subic-Clark-Tarlac Expressway and other linkages between the two special economic zones are being built, telecommunication facilities should likewise follow suit to facilitate transactions. With this objective, Mr. Piano authored a resolution whose intend is for the removal of additional charges on phone calls to and from Clark and Subic. This will enhance the flow of communication between investors from both sides minus the extra costs.

INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY

Through legislation and actual implementation, Mr. Piano has harnessed the benefits of Information Technology for a faster, easier access to data information, and more efficient conduct of transactions with the city government.

Kagawad Piano shows to his colleagues and city department heads how a computerization project will efficiently benefit local government transactions.

Computerization System – At this modern age of computers, he pushed for legislation to automate government transactions and records. The computerization of Unified Land Information System, Business Permit and Licensing, Real Property Tax Administration, Public Utilities, Hospital Information System and the Document Tracking System were all implemented during his watch as Chairman of the Committee on Information Technology (CIT) and because of the city mayor’s trust and confidence to Mr. Piano, he was appointed as Chairman of the Information Technology Board thru Executive Order 84 series of 2004 which gave him executive power to oversee the computerization projects. This is intended to effectively and efficiently facilitate doing business with the city government and ensure that records are properly documented, safe and easy to access when needed. This resulted to faster service, less inconvenience for transacting residents and streamlined the processing of documents.

CONTRIBUTION TO EDUCATION

In 2004, Councilor Piano authored Ordinance No. 36 which established the legal basis for the creation and operation of the city college which was named Gordon College.

Today, the school is a full blown college offering a number of courses the standard of which is comparable, if not better, than those in Metro Manila. Parents no longer have to worry being separated from their children only to study some place else and, needless to say, their budgetary concerns have been eased.

Accreditation of Gordon College’s Nursing and Midwifery School, Mr. Piano worked for the accreditation of the Nursing & Midwifery School of the city college with the Commission on Higher Education and the Association of Local Colleges and Universities (ALCU). As the most senior member (since 2001) of the Board of Trustees of the said college, his aim was to raise its learning standard so that students in Olongapo who could not afford to stay and study in Manila may receive the same quality of education associated with universities and colleges in Manila.

He likewise supported the computerization of the school from internet connections for use of the students to the registrar’s records and every facet of the institution’s transactions and academic operations.

Mr. Piano receives a Plaque of Recognition from Dr. Arlida Pame for contributing to the growth and development of the college. Gordon College acknowledges Mr. Piano’s quest for excellence in education. The tribute was given on 20 February 2009 during Gordon College 10th Foundation Day.

Information-Dissemination

Transparency in Sangguniang Panlungsod

Mr. Piano believes that information should be readily available to the public so he took it upon himself, at no cost to the government, to undertake the computer archiving of City Ordinances and Sanggunian Resolutions starting from when Olongapo was created in 1959 to the present. Now, students, researchers and other interested parties can easily have access to very important documents even in the comfort of their home, school or office, without going to the City Hall or Public Library. The http://www.sangunian.com/ with its full listings of the city’s ordinances and sanggunian resolutions, and its on-line availability of other pertinent documents, is a first among local government units. A thorough utilization of existing search engines will reveal that this project has not been fully replicated, although some have already started but not an LGU has gone to the full listing made by Mr. Piano for the City of Olongapo. Mr. Piano is actually offering to share this system to any LGU who is interested to implement the same and do away with exorbitant fees that contractors will charge the LGU to implement electronic legislation (eLegis) or Legislative Management Information System (LegMIS).

Three-in-One ID System using the Mobitron. An identification card installed with a built-in tracking system that can be used as valid ID by city residents such as drivers, vendors, government employees and other sectors who want to avail of it. This was put into use by the city government through a resolution initiated by Mr. Piano. Once swiped into a Mobitron device, it transmits information to a computer regarding, for example, how many traffic violations a driver has been ticketed for; or whether one has availed of a particular government service. The ID card also serves as a daily time record for government employees.

2007 R – 75 - A RESOLUTION RATIFYING THE MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT(MOA) ENTERED INTO BY AND BETWEEN THE CITY GOVERNMENT OF OLONGAPO REPRESENTED BY MAYOR JAMES GORDON, JR. WITH JIMEC GLOBAL HOLDINGS INC. REPRESENTED BY ITS PRESIDENT ARABELLA F. ULAYE REGARDING THE PTC2S-PUBLIC TRANSPORT COLOR CODED SCHEME, PATS-PUBLIC ASSISTANCE TRACKING SYSTEM, VMS-VOLUNTEER MANAGEMENT SYSTEM.

INCREASED CITY REVENUE

The Revenue Code
http://sangunian.com/Olongapo_City_Revenue_Code.html

2007 O – 64 - AN ORDINANCE REPEALING ORDINANCE NO. 81, SERIES OF 2002 AND PROVIDING FOR THE “OLONGAPO CITY 2007 REVENUE CODE”

To achieve development while in financially difficult times, Mr. Piano made major changes to the city’s revenue code which would make doing business for Small and Medium Enterprises (SME) easier without sacrificing the services that the city can give to its constituents where the funding source is from the city’s regulatory fees.

Material Recovery Ordinance. When Mt. Pinatubo erupted in 1991, it left in its wake tons of volcanic debris that covered the surrounding mountains of Olongapo which cascaded into the rivers during rainy seasons in the form of lahar. This caused river silts and clogged the city’s drainage system and eventually spawned massive flooding in the low-lying areas. The city used to spend millions of pesos to dredge the rivers and haul off volumes of lahar elsewhere.

To avoid draining the city’s resources, Mr. Piano authored an environment-friendly, non-destructive quarrying ordinance allowing the private sector to collect accumulated volcanic sand for use as construction material from the city’s rivers for a fee. Aside from creating an additional source of revenue for the city government, the project minimized flooding while at the same time opened possible business opportunities.

MASS LAND TITLING. Councilor Piano being a member of the Mass Land Titling Taskforce assisted his constituents to realize their dream of having the land where they are living become officially theirs and documented by a land title, since, when the project started, only 10% of the city’s land is titled. At the same time, the city government also gained from the sales tax and related fees that people paid to formalize their ownership of the land.

2006 R – 224 - A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT WITH THE WINNING BIDDER OF THE GIS, LAND MAPPING AND OTHER REVENUE GENERATING ACTIVITIES FOR THE CITY

2006 R – 196 - A RESOLUTION AUTHORIZING THE CITY MAYOR TO ENTER INTO A MEMORANDUM OF AGREEMENT AND MEMORANDUM OF UNDERSTANDING WITH LAND ADMINISTRATION AGENCIES SUCH AS REGISTER OF DEEDS, DEPARTMENT OF ENVIRONMENT AND NATURAL RESOURCES, NATIONAL MAPPING RESOURCE INFORMATION AUTHORITY AND NON GOVERNMENTAL ASSOCIATIONS SUCH AS GEODETIC ENGINEERS ASSOCIATION, SAMAHANG BUKLOD NAYON, INC., SAMAHANG PINAGPALANG KOMUNIDAD NG OLONGAPO, INC. AND OTHER SIMILAR ORGANIZATIONS RELATIVE TO THE CITY’S APPLICATION FOR A GRANT WITH THE INNOVATION SUPPORT FUND (ISF) UNDER THE LAND ADMINISTRATION AND MANAGEMENT PROJECT PHASE 2 (LAMP2) FUNDED BY THE AUSTRALIAN AGENCY FOR INTERNATIONAL DEVELOPMENT (AUSAID)

ENVIRONMENT-FRIENDLY REVENUE CODE

Environment provisions were aptly included in the code which envisions a future if Olongapo being one with nature.

ORDINANCE NO. 45, SERIES OF 2005
TITLE: AN ORDINANCE PRESCRIBING FEES FOR QUARRYING OPERATINGS AND RELATED ACTIVITIES THERETO.

The purpose of this Ordinance is to:

a) Regulate quarrying/dredging operations in the territorial jurisdiction of the City of Olongapo and charge just, reasonable and affordable administrative, processing, inspection and monitoring fees to sustain effective implementation of this Ordinance;

b) Rehabilitate the city's river system;

c) Partially solve flooding problem in low lying areas;

d) Create additional roads to provide alternative access for residents near the river systems thereby easing traffic congestion in its peripheral roads; and

e) Resolve the perennial spontaneous combustion and fly/mosquito infestations problem in the city's landfill.

TAX ORDINANCE NO. 22 SERIES OF 2007
This Ordinance shall be known as the “Olongapo City 2007 Revenue Code”

Section 3D.10 Operation Cost - The cost of material extraction when the city’s dredging machine is utilized will be charged at a rate of actual operational cost plus the depreciation cost of the machine including its peripherals and accompanying buck hoe, loaders and dump trucks if utilized for the operation. The rates under this provision shall be based on the equipment rental standard used for government projects.

Revenue generated from this section shall be used to maintain the embankment of the city’s river system.

Telecom Board. Mr. Piano was the principal author of City Ordinance No. 24 Series of 2004 which created the Telecom Board. The body is tasked to monitor the construction of Telecom Cell Sites within the jurisdiction of Olongapo and the issuance of related permits. When before, Telecom companies just built cell sites without paying regulatory fees to the city government, now they are required to do so and are obliged to settle local fees and taxes of existing infrastructures before getting the nod to proceed with the project. This gave the city government substantial source of revenue.

HEALTH CARE

2007 O - 46 - AN ORDINANCE PROVIDING FOR ANNUAL PHYSICAL AND DENTAL CHECK-UP OF OLONGAPO CITY GOVERNMENT EMPLOYEES

Aware of the meagre salaries of ordinary government employees, Mr. Piano pushed for a legislation providing for a free annual medical/physical and dental check ups to all city government employees, including those with temporary status and on contractual basis. This lead to the city giving free medical and dental to jeepney/tricycle drivers and teachers.

SKILLS TRAINING and EMPLOYMENT GENERATION

While outside of the confines of the session hall, Mr. Piano continues to serve the people of Olongapo in various capacities. A tireless and dedicated public servant, he shares his expertise and ideas to whatever task is at hand to improve the lives of his constituents and help them realize their aspirations.

Being a Human Resource Development Specialist, Mr. Piano wholeheartedly shared his God-given gift to improve and uplift the lives of his constituents by giving them the required knowledge, skills and ability to qualify for jobs or pursue their ambition and have decent future in their chosen career.

Skills Training Program – Mr. Piano heads the Olongapo Skills Training Center which trains the unemployed and out-of-school youth in various skills and turn them into productive citizens who are globally competitive by equipping them with the requisites for landing jobs in the various companies and locators in Olongapo and the Subic Bay Freeport as well as overseas. Based on manpower computerized tracking system that the Center staff created, more than 7,000 workers have found gainful employment in welding, shipbuilding, computer, including languages (Korean, German). Majority of those who completed training as welders are now currently working at Hanjin Shipbuilding Company, one of the world’s largest shipbuilding companies which has its shipyard in Subic.

Kagawad Piano gives hands-on training to participants of the Skills Training Development Program.

ABS CBN NEWS features the preparation of Olongapo for the Guam Buildup project.

Jobs Fair – Mr. Piano created the On-Line Jobs Matching Service http://www.jobs.subicbay.ph/ and/or http://www.jobs.olongapo-subic.com/ where job seekers in the city can find a list of job openings and mailing lists. It also provides useful data and private access to branch exchanges.

Councilor Edwin Piano tours SBMA Administrator Armand Arreza and Olongapo City Mayor Bong Gordon to the www.jobs.subicbay.ph website while job seekers line-up at the on-line registration booth during the job fair.

INNOVATION – With the task of training thousands of youths but with meager funding, Mr. Piano needed to come up with the solution of imparting the all important skill in welding: the eye – hand coordination. A steady hand is an ultimate necessity if a worker intends to produce high quality welds. But the prohibitive cost of consumable welding electrodes, mild steel plates for practice and the cost of electricity could drain funding and eventually stop the training program, a situation more costly and will deprive those who wish to learn the trade and thus, making their dreams of becoming a shipbuilder unrealized.

The opportunity is within reach but the stumbling block appears insurmountable that as a leader, Mr. Piano must think fast and come up with an effective yet cost-efficient solution to the problem.

He utilized today’s latest tool to look for solution… the internet, and learned that advanced nations are now using a VIRTUAL WELDER TRAINOR. An offshoots of flight simulators which already saved hundreds of lives not to mention immeasurable cost savings to both the airline industry and the military.

But the Virtual Welding Trainor invented in the U.S.A. was so expensive that only the U.S. Navy and U.S. Army were able to afford it.

Mr. Piano studied the concept behind the US invented virtual welder trainor and using his long years of experience in the trade (himself started as a welder in the Ship Repair Facilities (SRF) of the former US Naval Base), adopted a local version at minimal cost but with the same effectiveness as proven by the more than eight thousand trainees who have used it.

Photo shows Mr. Piano’s innovative approach to developing the eye-hand coordination of trainees: The Virtual Welding Trainor. It saved the government hundreds of thousands of pesos because it does not use consumable electrode and metal plates. It also runs in 12V DC power thereby eliminating the humongous electricity consumption cost.

But it was not only savings that made Mr. Piano’s invention worthwhile, the trainees were able to practice as long as they like minus the hazards of smoke, burns, and eye strain. It even made the training enjoyable so that after they had gained the skill and confidence, proceeding to the actual arc welding became easier.

Photo shows job fair participants trying out the Virtual Welder Trainor. It’s always a big hit during jobs fair that it made job seekers realize that welding trade is not as hard as they first thought; thereby allowing them to enroll in the free training program and becoming shipbuilders themselves. Videos of this invention can be seen at you tube and in ABS-CBN channel 2 and ANC News where it was featured.

TESDA Kabalikat Awardee. His effective management of the City Skills Training Program has been acknowledged by TESDA. Mr. Piano was chosen as a regional and provincial winner and was a runner-up for the national category.

Guam Task Force – As head of the Guam Task Force, Mr. Piano closely coordinates with his Guam counterparts regarding the employment of Olongapo’s skilled workers to that part of American territory. It is expected to require huge manpower for the expansion of the U.S. military facility there which was brought about by the transfer of the U.S. base from Okinawa, Japan to Guam.

To date, Mr. Piano’s office is deluged with applications from former base workers who will be given hiring priority in the ongoing Guam build-up while fresh graduates from the City Skills Training Program are being prepared for deployment next year.

A website http://www.guam-ofw.com/ and a mailing list were created by Mr. Piano to regularly update those who are interested in this Guam project. An on-line registration was created benefiting applicants from far-flung places.

Councilor Piano (right) and Mayor Gordon meet with Guam military officials and Governor Felix Camacho (far left) to discuss manpower requirements for the Guam Buildup.

The Philippine Team for the Guam Buildup poses for a picture. The team includes Consul General Palala and heads of DOLE, POEA, OWWA, TESDA and Olongapo LGU

Photos show Mayor Gordon and Councilor Piano huddle with Senator Guthertz (right photo) and Dante Jimenez (left photo) during the Guam Industry Forum last April 24 to May 1, 2009. The Forum tackles the impending transfer of US Military Base from Okinawa, Japan to Guam, USA. Around 8,000 US Marines and 10,000 dependents have to be relocated to Guam by 2014. In addition, US Navy, Air Force, Coast Guard, and other armed services together with their dependents and additional personnel will also be deployed. A $20B funding is reportedly allocated for the build-up. Around 20,000 workers are needed to accomplish the task.


NGOs and Other Important Activities/Achievements

Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP). Mr. Piano is an active member of the BSP and is the Vice Chairman of the city’s James L. Gordon Council. He teaches young scouts in Olongapo on proper radio communications and thus, BSP Olongapo consistently emerges as champions during jamborees-on-the-air (JOTA) and jamborees-on-the-internet (JOTI). Mr. Piano is able to maintain regular global linkages with other youth and scouts.

Councilor Piano with the Boys Scout of the Philippines., Olongapo Chapter.

MOA Signing to Save the Environment with Thailand Scouts

Radio Club as Volunteer Workers. As director of the Ulo ng Apo Radio Club www.DX3UNA.com and Chairman of Olongapo Telecom Board, Mr. Piano has tapped its members to get involved in civic activities. Through radio communication, Radio Club members relay and exchange information and situationers in times of accidents and calamities and alert authorities on the matter.

The communication group has been of valuable service by helping authorities track down on where assistance is needed, which place needs evacuation or who needs rescuing. Mr. Piano is at the forefront of such humanitarian efforts.

BARANGAY CONSULTATION. Mr. Piano conducts regular visits to the city’s 17 barangays to check the implementation of city ordinances, whether these are working according to the legislators’ intention or there are flaws that needed amendment. At the same time, he also hears out the problems and grievances of residents and later tries to find ways by which the city government could act on the matter.

Public consultation being a major part of legislation and public service, Councilor Piano sees to it that he personally talks to his constituents to give them relevant informations and hear their requests and opinions on matters at hand. Photos show Councilor Piano with barangay officials and residents.

REGULAR RADIO REPORTING. To further ensure that his constituents are updated on what is happening in the Session Hall, Mr. Piano partnered with a local radio station DWGO, 1008AM, in order to provide a regular program which tackles newly passed resolutions and ordinances. The program gives the populace a chance for their positions on the matters being deliberated at the Sanggunian to be heard and given consideration before its passage. He created a website www.oictv.blogspot.com where all discussions in the said radio program are saved, ready for review in case his constituents missed the live radio report.

Issues being tackled in the sanggunian and recently passed resolutions and ordinances are being discussed regularly by Councilor Piano at local radio station to ensure that residents are aware of the developments in the city. He created an online virtual television channel http://oictv.blogspot.com/ using youtube and onetruemedia so that those who missed the live report ca still be updated using the internet.

ON-LINE NEWS. Olongapo Subic Bay News. As webmaster of a local on-line news http://www.olongapo-subic.com/ and http://www.news.subicbay.ph%2Cmr/. Piano provides information on what is happening in and around Olongapo City, this is updated daily or as the news happens. He also created an Internet-based Community Television www.oictv.blogspot.com where videos of what’s happening in the city can be viewed. An on-line discussion board ensures that what the people wanted to say is being heard.

ON-GOING PROJECTS

EDUCATION AND MANPOWER DEVELOPMENT: Audio and Video Streaming and a Campus Radio to continue and enhance cyber-skills-development, foreign language training, and open college system. Cost of Project P40,000.

ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION

An Ordinance creating Waterways Monitoring Task Force which will advocate preservation of rivers and bays both in Olongapo and Subic.

Authored 2009 R – 94 - A Resolution enjoining LGUs, SBMA and NGOs around Subic Bay to participate and support the creation of Subic Bay Waterways Council to monitor rivers and major drainage outfalls going to Subic Bay, and to make people realized that Subic Bay’s pristine water is seriously threatened by the community’s continuing indifference, dumping waste in their localities.

Equipment needed: Water pollution monitoring devices (Turbidimeter, pH Meter, Fecal Coliform kits, etc). Seed money: P60,000.
http://www.epa.gov/OWOW/monitoring/ ,http://www.crcwater.org/wqmanual.html

In view of the aforementioned accomplishments and on-going projects as Councilor with a string of Ordinances that led to the empowerment of his constituents through employment, education, information technology development, health care coverage and the removal of constraints to enjoy the benefits of modern telecommunications by abolishing monopoly in the local telecommunications sector;

In lieu of his efforts that paved the way for more efficient and transparent transactions between the city government and the taxpayers, generating additional revenue for the city coffers, streamlining the bureaucracy and on-line information dissemination as well as creating an accessible archive for public documents;

For bringing the government closer to the people by regularly conducting dialogues with the local populace and acting on their complaints and making sure that pertinent ordinances are attuned with the needs of his constituents as what councilors ought to do;

For living up to the ideals of a public servant who goes beyond his mandated duties to further serve the interest and welfare of his community;

We hereby submit the nomination of Councilor Edwin Piano to “The Outstanding Councilor of the Philippines 2009.”

NOMINATING COUNCILOR EDWIN PIANO TO TOCP 2009

2009 R - 96 - NOMINATING COUNCILOR EDWIN J. PIANO TO THE 2009 SEARCH FOR THE TEN OUTSTANDING COUNCILORS OF THE PHILIPPINES

EXCERPTS FROM THE MINUTES OF THE REGULAR SESSION OF THESANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD OF OLONGAPO, HELD ON JULY 22, 2009 AT THE CITY HALL.

PRESENT:

Hon. Cynthia G. Cajudo - - - City Vice-Mayor & Presiding Officer
Hon. Gina Gulanes-Perez - - - City Councilor
Hon. Rodel S. Cerezo - - - “ “
Hon. Sarah Lugerna Lipumano-Garcia- - “ “
Hon. Edwin J. Piano - - - - - “ “
Hon. Angelito W. Baloy - - “ “
Hon. Aquilino Y. Cortez, Jr.- - - - “ “
Hon. Anselmo A. Aquino- - “ “
Hon. Elena C. Dabu- - - - - “ “
Hon. Jonathan G. Manalo- - - “ “
Hon. Cheenee F. Hoya- - SK Federation President

ABSENT:

Hon. John Carlos G. Delos Reyes- - City Councilor
Hon. Carlito A. Baloy - President, Liga ng mga Barangay


RESOLUTION NO. 96
(Series of 2009)

A RESOLUTION NOMINATING COUNCILOR EDWIN J. PIANO TO THE 2009 SEARCH FOR THE TEN OUTSTANDING COUNCILORS OF THE PHILIPPINES

WHEREAS, Philippine Councilors League (PCL) in partnership with Junior Chamber International (JCI) is conducting an annual search for the Ten Outstanding Councilors of the Philippines (TOCP);

WHEREAS, Councilor Edwin J. Piano has time and again proven his dedication to public service, having been elected three times by his constituents;

WHEREAS, Councilor Edwin J. Piano, a distinguished public servant, served with full dedication and integrity with numerous importantlegislations passed which he authored and under his sponsorship;

WHEREAS, as the Chairman of the Committee on the Telecommunications and Chairman of the City’s Telecom Board, he is instrumental in the implementation of “One Rate, One Province”, thruthe passage of Resolution No.11, Series of 2005, wherein residents of Zambales, Olongapo and Subic Bay can now call each other without the extended area service and long distance charges. Presently he is focusing on the implementation of telecominterconnection which will surely benefit not only his constituents but also the residents of Zambales;

WHEREAS, among his other significant legislations are the passage of the 2007 Revenue Code, relevant environment provisions, free annual medical and dental check-up of Olongapo City Government Employees, Creation of Telecom and IT Boards, and numerous computerization projects of the city such as Geographic Information System, RPTA and Unified Land Information System;

WHEREAS, in his enthusiasm to help his constituents, Councilor Piano spearheaded the establishment of the Olongapo Skills Training Center which aims to make Olongapeños more globally competitive by providing free skills training that resulted to more than seven thousand workers being hired by Hanjin Shipbuilding Company, and more are gaining employment up to the present;

WHEREAS, Philippine Councilors League - Olongapo City Chapter, recognizes his achievements and nominates Councilor Edwin J. Piano for the Ten Outstanding Councilors of the Philippines Award;

NOW, THEREFORE, with the unanimous accord of the Members of theSangguniang Panlungsod present;

RESOLVED, AS IT IS HEREBY RESOLVED, by the SangguniangPanlungsod in session assembled To Nominate As it Hereby Nominates Councilor Edwin J. Piano To The 2009 Search For The Ten Outstanding Councilors Of The Philippines

Let copies of this Resolution be furnished the Junior Chamber of Commerce, Philippine Councilors League, DILG and Councilor Edwin J. Piano, for their information and record.

APPROVED UNANIMOUSLY, July 22, 2009.


CYNTHIA G. CAJUDO
City Vice-Mayor & Presiding Officer


GINA GULANES-PEREZ JOHN CARLOS G. DELOS REYES
City Councilor City Councilor
(Absent)


RODEL S. CEREZO SARAH LUGERNA LIPUMANO-GARCIA
City Councilor City Councilor

EDWIN J. PIANO ANGELITO W. BALOY
City Councilor City Councilor

AQUILINO Y. CORTEZ, JR ANSELMO A. AQUINO
City Councilor City Councilor


ELENA C. DABU JONATHAN G. MANALO
City Councilor City Councilor


CARLITO A. BALOY CHEENEE F. HOYA
President, Liga ng mga Barangay SK Federation President
(Absent)


ATTEST:


ELFLIDA S. SALMON
Council Secretary


APPROVED BY HIS HONOR, THE CITY MAYOR ON______________________.


JAMES GORDON, JR.
City Mayor


ATTEST:

DELFIN A. JUICO, JR.
Secretary to the City Mayor

TEN OUTSTANDING COUNCILORS OF THE PHILIPPINES

Project Profile;

The Outstanding Councilor of the Philippines (TOCP) Award will now become an annual undertaking of the JCI Philippines in partnership with the Philippine Councilors League. In its 1st year the Office of Senator Edgardo J. Angara has agreed to be the major sponsor of the project. The said award will join the two other flagship projects of JCI Philippines, namely The Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) Award and The Outstanding Policemen of the Philippines (TOPP) Award where over the years, both awards have become institutions, having developed a reputation for its selectiveness of outstanding young men and the men in uniform upon whom the award is conferred.

For 48 years, TOYM seeks to give recognition to young men and women whose selfless dedication to their profession or vocation has resulted in significant contributions to the welfare of their country men and our country at large, as well as to the advancement of their respective fields of endeavor. The awardees who have become light of the nation totaling 394 by now, is literally a Philippine “Who’s Who” in outstanding achievement in areas such as community service, the arts, literature, journalism, education law, politics, agriculture, science and technology, economics, banking, business, sports, government service, and other fields of endeavor. The TOPP has been successfully given for the last 39 years in recognition of the exceptional and outstanding achievements of our men and women in uniform rendered beyond the call of duty.

While this two other awards give recognition purely to humanitarian work, the TOCP Awards is uniquely given for outstanding leadership and excellent contributions to local legislation, governance and the nation at large. Its primary aim is for the recognition of the outstanding achievement of our nation’s councilors which have benefited significantly their constituents, the community and the nation. Likewise, it will also inspire others, especially the youth, with the recognition to these achievements and/or leadership of the awardees-leaders who have demonstrated vigor and innovativeness in tackling the problems of society and offering solutions. Moreover, the said award will also challenge and inspire councilors to become development-oriented and to excel beyond the ordinary.

As agreed by the proponents the general criteria for the search will be based on the principles as stated in the Jaycee Creed and the JCI organization on its goal and mission "to contribute to the advancement of the global community by providing young persons with the opportunity to develop leadership skills, social responsibility and fellowship for a positive change". This mission finds basis in the Jaycee Creed, which believes:

That faith in God gives meaning and purpose to human life;

That the brotherhood of man transcends the sovereignty of nations;

That economic justice can best be won by free men through free enterprise;

That government should be of laws rather than of men;

That earth’s great treasure lies in human personality; and

That service to humanity is the best work of life.

The Jaycee Creed, which is universal in its perception and exhortation, sees man not only in the light of what he is but what he can be. This precept proceeds from the principle that earth’s great treasure lies in the in the human personality, which must be developed in its wholeness. This recognizes with implicit faith that God gives its dimension.

The creed likewise exhorts man to hold on to the convention that government, which is man’s own creation, must conform with the demands of humanity; it should not therefore be of men but of laws—laws that are just, and promote the dignity of man and a better understanding among mankind, The Creed emphasizes also a measure that frees man in the pursuit of his enterprise, and must be therefore guaranteed economic justice.

“That government should be of laws rather than of men and that service to humanity is the best work of life.” It is in this context and spirit that the TOCP award was conceived. If it is idealistic, it is because man must have his idealism if he has to shape for himself a better future and a better world.

Objective of this Program;

1. To recognize the outstanding achievement of our nation’s councilors which have benefited significantly their constituents, the community and the nation;

2. To focus public attention and confer national recognition to these achievements and contributions.

3. To inspire others, especially the youth, with the recognition to these achievements and/or leadership of the awardees-leaders who have demonstrated vigor and innovativeness in tackling the problems of society and offering solutions;

4. To live the Jaycee Creed and consider the Jaycee Creed as a good measure of performance by the awardee/s.

QUESTIONS ABOUT THE NOMINEE

As part of the scrapbook, the nominator must answer the following questions about the nominee on a separate sheet. Indicate by number where each answer begins. Answers must be printed, double-spaced on standard A4 or letter-size bond paper. Be as brief and factual as possible.

1. Describe the career of the nominee. Please include background, scope of nominee’s work or activity and his resources in achieving his goals.

2. Narrate the nominee’s exceptional achievement or contributions in his/her constituents, community and the nation.

3. List quotations, statements of authorities, honors and awards received which evaluate his/her achievements or contributions.

4. Did the accomplishments of the nominee result in the advancement of the public good? Is it an outstanding contribution to public welfare and the nation at large? Does it promote interest in the youth, the general public and in nation building?

5. Summarize the nominee’s most outstanding legislative and humanitarian efforts, how the nominee exemplified the line of Jaycee Creed that states, “that government should be of laws rather than of men and that service to humanity is the best work of life.”

AWARDS CRITERIA

1. The nominee is judged by his outstanding leadership and excellence in his contribution to the cause of his constituents, community and the nation at large. In essence, proof of nominee’s outstanding leadership and excellence in local legislation and the nominee’s outstanding contributions to community development constitute the basis for the TOCP Award.

2. Nominee must have complied with all the rules governing nomination such as citizenship, etc. contained at the back page of the official nomination form.

3. Nominee must be an incumbent councilor (1^st to 3^rd term or repeater) and must have engaged in local legislation with documented proof subject to verification by the TOCP Search Committee.

4. Nominee must have been engaged in contributing to the cause of his constituents for a substantial part of his/her public life with documented proof subject to verification by the TOCP Search Committee.

5. Only Filipino citizens (including naturalized citizens) are eligible for nomination. Nominees must not be a former TOCP Awardees (for subsequent awards).

6. These annual awards are given to recognize the men and women councilors who have proven themselves worthy of honor and emulations based on the following criteria:

a. Service to his/her constituents, to the community and/or to the nation (40 points)

b. Legislative excellence and integrity in their public life, including moral rectitude (40 points)

c. Leadership, innovativeness and pioneering spirit (20 points)

RULES GOVERNING SUBMISSION OF NOMINATION

1. Nomination for TOCP shall be open to all incumbent councilors whether 1^st termer to 3^rd termer or repeater. Any person or organization can nominate one or more individuals subject to the requirements stated below.

2. Nominations shall be made on the prescribed TOCP Nomination Form and notarized accordingly. All information therein shall be submitted in English, Tagalog or Taglish.

3. Nominees must sign the Nomination Form attesting to all facts stated therein; giving consent to the independent verification by the TOCP 2006 Search Committee and the subsequent publication of said facts; and indicating his willingness to attend the awards ceremonies if selected.

4. A certified true copy of the nominee’s birth certificate or any equivalent proof of date and place of birth should accompany the nomination.

5. Five (5) copies of the nominee’s picture (5” x 7”) black and white or colored should accompany the five (5) copies of the accomplished Nomination Form.

6. A one-page Executive Summary of the nominee summarizing the important facts and accomplishments as presented in the scrapbook shall accompany the Nomination Form.

7. The scrapbook shall be subject to the specifications as indicated in the Technical Requirements for Attachments.

8. An original or certified true copy of the nominee’s NBI Clearance Certificate should also accompany the Nomination Form.

9. All entries are to be mailed or personally delivered to the JCI Philippines Bldg., #14 Don Alejandro Roces Avenue, Quezon City on or before September 15, 2006. Mailed entries should be postmarked not later than the same date.

10. The TOCP Search Committee of the JCI Philippines shall be the operating body of the project and reserves the right to pass judgment or any issue that may arise in connection with the above rules.

11. TOCP Committee will review the entries to ensure that all technical requirements are complied with.

12. The Screening Committee, composed of a selected panel, shall conduct a preliminary selection of the nominees as finalist for consideration of the Board of Judges.

13. The Board of Judges composed of respected individuals shall select the winners. Their decision will be final and unappealable. They may opt to call the finalist for an interview as they may deem fit.

14. All data, information submitted in connection with the award will be accorded the strictest confidentiality.

TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS FOR ATTACHMENTS

1. The Nomination Form, together with all original attachments (documentary and supportive evidence) as required and necessary, for the nominee’s accomplishments, shall be bound together in the form of a scrapbook for submission.

2. The scrapbook shall not exceed the allowable outer dimension of 11” x 14” (Standard bond paper size)

3. Each page of the scrapbook should not be numbered. The first page should be used for the nomination form followed by the attachments required under the Rules Governing Submission of Nomination and followed by the answers to the Questions About the Nominee.

4. The scrapbook shall be limited to 30 pages only, including annexes that serve as reference or supportive evidence to the information provided in the scrapbook, the annexes must be properly labeled for ease of reference.

5. Two (2) additional copies of the scrapbook shall likewise be submitted and becomes the property of Junior Chamber International Philippines. All original documents and attachments shall be returned to the nominees.

CONTACT INFORMATION

Please send to the contact information below all requirements before an stipulated deadline to qualify your nomination for The Outstanding Councilors of the Philippines. For submission or inquiry regarding the search:

JUNIOR CHAMBER INTERNATIONAL PHILIPPINES

(Philippine Jaycees, Inc)

#14 Don Alejandro Roces Avenue, Quezon City 1103

Tel Nos.: (632) 3737907 to 09 Fax No.: (632) 3744138

Email: NOM@philjaycees.com Websites: www.philjaycees.com