HERNANI EASTERN SAMAR: THE POOREST MEET THE RICHIEST

HISTORY

Hernani was founded around the year 1850 by a settler from Guiuan, Samar name Miguel “Totoy Yadawon” Candido. Formerly called NAG – AS (derived from the name of the river located southeast of the town proper), the settlement is nestled in a flat terrain facing the vast Pacific Ocean.

The diligence and determination of the early settlers propelled the rapid growth of NAG –AS. For a short period of time, tracks of cultivated lands planted to varied agriculture crops thrive in the verdant plains of the infant settlement. Its stable economic base is complemented by the abundance of domesticated animals and aqua – marine resources. Reliable accounts also disclosed that early Chinese Traders paid periodic visits to Nag – as to trade their merchandize or barter with native products such as copra, cereals, rootcrops, dried fish, wooden carvings, herbs, fruits, etc.

Nag – as reach the epochal point of its development when it was made a regular and independent municipality as embodied in a Royal Decree issued by Spanish Government – General Rafael Echague on January 4, 1864. The royal fiat also mandate to change the old name Nag – as to Herani.

Hernani was at the height of its progress and prosperity when a tragic event occurred. On October 12, 1897, giant tidal waves struck the poblacion. The tragedy claims more than 300 lives and the terrible waves destroyed the public buildings and houses including the newly – built stone church. The destruction and misery wrought by the tragedy compelled the survivors to resettle in a more secured place about one – half kilometer north of the abandoned town. This site is now the present Poblacion.

Right after the Philippine – American war, the political status of Hernani was reduced into a barrio under the jurisdiction of Lanang (now Llorente). In 1912, its status as a municipality was restored but the seat of local government was transferred to Pambujan (now General MacArthur). However, in 1926 the municipality of Hernani regained back the township by virtue of an Executive Order issued by then American Government – General Leonard Wood.

PROFILE

Socio – Economic Profile

Brief Historical Background
The municipality of Hernani was established as a regular and independent municipality of January 4, 1864 by virtue of a Royal Decree signed by Spanish Government General Rafael Echaque. Right after the Philippine – American War, its status as a municipality was reverted to a barrio. However, in 1926, Hernani regained back the township by virtue of an Executive Order issued by American Government General Leonard Wood.

Political Subdivision and Geographical Location
Hernani is a coastal municipality is located in the southeastern part of the province and atmost equidistant to the prime municipality of Borongan (capital town, 52 kilometers to the north) and the southern municipality of Guiuan(56 kilometers).

It is bounded by the North by the municipality of Llorente, on the south by the Municipality of Gen. MacArthur, on the East by the Philippine Sea (the western fringes of the Pacific Ocean), on the West by the mountain ranges of Llorente.

The municipality is divided into thirteen (13) barangays. Four (4) barangays are within the Poblacion (Brgys. 1, 2, 3 and 4). The coastal barangays are Batang, Canciledes, Carmen, Garawon, Nagaja, Padang, and San Miguel while San Isidro and Cacatmonan are upland barangays.

Hernani is classified as a fifth class municipality (November 2001)

Demography
Population – 7,642 (2000)
Growth Rate – 1.12
Population Density – 163 p/sq. km
Sex Ratio – 109
Literacy Rate – 92%
No. of Households – 1,412
Unemployment rate – 8%
LFPR – 61%
Youth Dependency Ratio – 78.5%
Old Age Dependency Ratio – 10.2%
Dominant Religion – Roman Catholic

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTIC

Geographical Location

Hernani is situated at the southeast portion of the province of Eastern Samar. It is almost equidistant to the province premiere municipalities of Borongan (capital town; 52 kms. to the north) and the southern municipality of Guiuan (54 kms).

The municipality is bounded on the North by the municipality of Llorente; on the East by the Philippine Sea (the western coastal fringes of the Pacific Ocean); on the South by the municipality of Gen. Mac Arthur; and, on the West by the mountain ranges of the municipality of Llorente.

Hernani is accessible through the following major road links:

Manila – Matnog – Catbalogan – Buray – Borongan – Hernani road sections;
Tacloban – Buray – Borongan – Hernani section
Tacloban – Basey – Quinapondan – Hernani road section
Guiuan – Gen. MacArthur – Hernani road section

Land Area

Hernani has a total land area of 49,429,728.99 square meters (49.42 square km.) or 4,942.97 hectares classified as follows:

Alienable and disposable (A&D) – 26,045,866.89 square meter

Built – up area (square meter)
Residential – P221, 045.77
Commercial – 8,050.97
Institutional – 116,404.14
Roads – 180,790.1

Total – P526,292.98

Agricultural
Coconut – 22,619,892.1
Rice – 1,845,642.2
Palawan – 707,137.81
Other use – 346,901.0

Total – 25,519,573.91

Timberland
Protected Forest – 8,814,966.60 square meter
Production Forest – 14,568,895.39 square meter

Subsequently, the municipal acquire an additional land area (approximately 1.38 square kilometer) out from the settlement of the boundary dispute versus the municipality of Gen. Mac Arthur bu virtue of a Sangguniang Panlalawigan (SP) Resolution No. 65 passed and adopted on May 3, 1993. The legislative action further settles the southern municipal boundary along the Pinasuan Creek about10 kilometers away from the Poblacion.

Climate and Rainfall

The climate of Hernani is closely identical to the provincial classification. Generally, Eastern Samar falls under the second climate type according to the Corona System of the Philippine Climatic Classification. This is characterized as having no dry season with a very pronounced and maximum rainfall period. Maximum monthly rainfall pours in November to January during the northeast monsoon and trade winds.

Rainfall is evenly distributed in the province with an average of 353.70mm, precipitation per month. November to January are the wettest months while July to September is the driest. The area is relatively cooler with temperature ranging from a minimum of 24.4 degrees Celsius. The coolest month is February and the warmest is August.

Although the province lies in the dreaded “Typhoon Belt”, at least two (2) typhoons are being felt in Hernani every year.

Topography and Drainage

Like most of the municipalities in the province, the contour profile of Hernani is relatively varied. Generally, its topography is categorized as flat, rolling, gently rolling, and steeply sloping ranges. It has an elevation ranging from 2 to 275 meters above sea level.

Being a coastal town, the entire Poblacion and the six (6) southern barangays are considerably flat to gently rolling terrain. The mountainous section extend towards the southwestern portion, while areas situated to the north and the central south are the hilly segments.

LIST OF OFFICIALS

List of Municipal Key Officials and Their Responsibilities

1. Hon. Edgar C. Boco

Municipal Mayor

2. Hon. Cesar G. Tagon, Sr.

Municipal Vice Mayor

Sangguniang Bayan Members:

HON. ARTURO MENDOVA
HON. MARCOS ABALOYAN
HON. IMELYN MONTERO
HON. MELQUIADES CONSULTADO
HON. GENELYN ABOLENCIA
HON. JULIE HABAGAT
HON. CONCHITA GENILO
HON. WILMAR CANDIDO

Liga Ng Mga Barangay President:
HON. PACIANO OROCAY JR.

SK President:
HON. ELSA CANDIDO

Melba C. Dingal – SB Secretary
Fidel B. Corral – Mun. Planning and Development Coordinator
Adelfo B. Abella – Municipal Budget Officer
Sylvia E. Almazan – Municipal Accountant
Marvin Lacdao, MD – Mun. Health Officer
Ramon I. Antipolo, Jr. – Municipal Treasurer (OIC)
Engr. Samuel A. Calventos – Municipal Engineer
Charito C. Aberia – Municipal Civil Registrar
Oda M. Loste – Municipal Assessor
Danilo B. Codillo – Municipal Acgricultural Officer
Rufilo L. Coles – Mun. Soc. Welfare and Dev. Officer (MSWDO)
National / Provincial Government Agency Officials
Leo Candido – DepEd School District Supervisor
Roseller Abletes – OIC-Secondary School Principal (HNHS)
Maria Cristina Catudio – COMELEC Officer
Marvin Calumpiano – Mun. Local Gov't Operations Officer
Susan Monteclaro-Municipal Agrarian Reform Officer
Nier America – Chief of Police (PNP)
Dean Moratal – Revenue Collection Officer (BIR)
Alicia M. Habagat – Coconut Development Officer(PCA)
Francisco A. Alday – Postmaster (Philpost)

FUNCTION OF OFFICIALS

MUNICIPAL MAYOR
1. Determine guideline of the Municipal policies and be responsible to the SB for the program of government
2. Exercise general supervision and control over all programs, projects, services and activities of the municipal government
3. Enforce all laws and ordinances relative to the governance of the municipality and exercise of its corporate powers provided for Sec. 22 of the Local Government Code, implement all approved policies, programs, projects services and activities of the municipal government.
4. Initiate and maximize the generation of resources and revenues and apply the same to the implementation of development plans, program and objectives and priorities as provided for under section 18 of the LGC, particularly those resources and revenues programmed for agro-industrial development and countrywide growth and progress.
5. Ensure the delivery of basic services, provision of adequate facilities 6. Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and functions as may be provided by law or ordinance.

VICE-MAYOR
1. Presiding Officer of the SB and sign all warrants drawn on the municipal treasury for all expenditures.
2. Subject to Civil Service laws, rules and regulations, appoint all officials and employees of the SB except those whose manner of appointment is specifically provided in RA 7160
3. Assume the office of the municipal mayor for the unexpired term of the later in the event of permanent vacancy
4. Exercise the powers and perform the duties and functions as may be prescribed by law or ordinance.

SANGUNIANG BAYAN
1. Approve ordinances and pass resolution necessary for an efficient and effective municipal government.
2. Generate and maximize the use of resources and revenues for the development plans, program objectives and priorities of the municipality with particular attention to agro-industrial development and countryside growth and progress
3. Subject to the provisions of Book II of RA 7160, grant franchises, enact ordinance authorizing the issuances of permits and licenses or enact ordinances levying taxes fees and charges upon such condition and for such purposes intended to promote the general welfare of the inhabitants of the municipality.
4. regulate activities relative to the use of land, buildings and structures within the municipality inorder to promote the general welfare
5. Approve ordinances which shall ensure the efficient and effective delivery of the basic services and facilities 6. Exercise such other powers and perform such other duties and functions as may be prescribed by law.

MUNICIPAL TREASURER
1. Advise the mayor, the SB and other local and national official concerned regarding the disposition of the LGU funds and on such relative to public finance.
2. Take custody and exercise proper management of the funds of the LGU concerned.
3. Take charge of the disbursement of LGU funds and such other funds the custody of which may be entrusted to him by law or other competent authority.
4. Inspect private commercial and industrial establishments within the jurisdiction of the LGU concerned in relation to the implementation of tax ordinances, pursuant to the provisions of RA 7160.
5. Maintain and update the tax information system of the LGU.
6. Exercise such other power and perform such other duties and functions as may be prescribed by law or ordinance.

MUNICIPAL ASSESSOR
1. Appraise all items of real property in accordance with law and conduct ocular inspection to determine if all properties are properly assessed.
2. Install and maintain a real property identification system. 3. Keep a record of all transfer, mortgages, bonds and annotate on the face of the Tax Declaration and FAAS.
4. Cancel assessments in case several assessments have been made for the same property except the one property made and eliminated from the assessment roll of taxable property, those which have been destroyed.
5. Maintain and update tax map.
6. Prepare and update ORF and PRF and all records of assessments.
7. Issue Certified copies and real property assessment records. 8. Make monthly reports, annual reports and submit copies to official concerned
9. Conduct general revisions of real property every three years.

MUNICIPAL SOCIAL WELFARE AND DEVELOPMENT OFFICER
1. Execute and implement policies and programs established by the program bureau and renders administrative decision on the matter within the delegated authority.
2. Maintain cooperative and harmonious relationship with other entities and agencies, private and public in promoting social welfare development within the area of jurisdiction.
3. Supervise Social Workers, Welfare Aides and administrative staff in the performance of their duties, assign work loads to ensure equitable and proper distribution to personnel and evaluate their performance.
4. Conducts regular supervisory conference (individual, groups as well as community discussions) for staff development and more effective program interpretation.
5. Supervise reporting and management of office to meet target goals.
6. Conducts orientation, on the job training and supervises field placement of social work students for skills development for efficient delivery of services.
7. Responsible in carrying out welfare programs within the area of coverage.

MUNICIPAL AGRICULTURE OFFICER
1. Prepares Development Plan, in coordination with the Prov”l. Agriculture Office and MPDC that is in line with the DA
thrusts.
2. Monitors/supervise the implementation of the Agricultural programs/projects/activities in the municipality.
3. Review/appraise accomplishments of Agricultural Technicians at the end of the rating period.
4. Coordinates with other government and NGO”s in various activities for community development.
5. Submit feedback/reports to the Mun. provincial management on all activities undertaken in the field and all concerns RE: Agricultural Development.
6. Performs other duties as may be assigned by regional, provincial office and the local government.

MUNICIPAL HEALTH OFFICER
1. Plans the health program and activities.
2. Supervise the field personnel programs and projects
3. Consultation services, treatment and management of referred cases and emergencies
4. Conducts barangay visits and attend community meetings. 5. Coordinates with other sector as such as NGO’s, PO’s and other government agencies.

MUNICIPAL BUDGET OFFICER
1. Take charge of the budget office.
2. Prepare forms, orders and circulars embodying instructions on budgetary and appropriation matters for the signature of the mayor.
3. review and consolidate the budget proposals of different department and offices of the local government unit
4. Assist the mayor in the preparation of the budget and during the budget hearing
5. Study and evaluate budgetary implications of proposed legislation and submit comments and recommendations thereon
6. Coordinate with the planning and development coordinator in the formulation of the local development plan.
7. Review and consolidate all barangay budget proposals to include amendments, modifications and corrections in order that the same shall conform with existing laws and regulations 8. Exercise other functions as may be prescribed by law or ordinance.

MUNICIPAL ACCOUNTANT
1. Maintain the General Ledger and the journal
2. Account all collections and disbursements
3. Enters all vouchers in the journal
4. Make the trial balance and other supporting documents.
5. Performs such other duties and functions as may be provided for by law.

MUNICIPAL CIVIL REGISTRAR
1. Take charge of the office of the civil registrar.
2. Accept all registrable documents and judicial decrees affecting the civil status of persons
3. File keep and preserve in a secures place the books required by law
4. Transcribe and enter immediate upon receipt all registrable documents and judicial decrees affecting the civil status of persons in the appropriate civil registry books.
5. Transmit to the Office of the Civil Registrar-General within the prescribed period duplicate copies of registered documents required by law
6. Issue certified transcripts or copies of any certificate of registered documents upon payment of the prescribed fees to the treasurer
7. Receive applications fro the issuance of a marriage license and after determining that the requirements and supporting certificates and publication thereof fro the prescribed period have been complied with, issue the license upon payment of the authorized fee to the treasurer.
8. Coordinate with the NSO in conducting educational campaigns for vital registration and assist in the preparation of demographic and other statistics for the LGU concerned. 9. Implement R. A. 9048 and its implementing rules and regulations.
10. Performs such other duties as may be provided fro by law.

MUNICIPAL PLANNING AND DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR
1. Act as supervisor and take charge of the Planning and Development Office.
2. Formulate and integrate Economic, Social, Physical and other Development Plans towards Development of Local Government Unit.
3. Conduct Trainings/Seminars to Brgy. Level to evolve plans & programs for implementation.
4. Implement, monitor and evaluate the implementation of different Dev”t. program, projects and activities of the LGU in accordance with the approved Annual Investment Plans and Programs.
5. Prepare plans and programs & other activities/documents for the consideration of the Local Development Council.
6. Review and analyze the income & expenditures patterns and recommends Fiscal plans and policies and act as a member of the Local Finance Committee as provided under title Five Book II of RA 7160.
7. Promote peoples participation in the development planning and coordinate any line agencies.
8. Exercise supervision and control over the secretariat of Mun. Dev”t. Council, Mun. Technical working Group, Mun. PBAC and other functions as may be provided for by law.

EXECUTIVE ASSISTANT IV
1. Assist the Local Chief Executive in the establishment of polices and standard for the operations of the LGU pursuant to the programs of the government.
2. Assist the LCE in planning, administering, supervising and coordinating the activities of the department in the LGU and to act in behalf of the LCE relative to minor problems.
3. Prepare communications and other documents as directed by the LCE relative to minor problems.
4. Prepare communications and other documents as directed by the LCE.
5. Perform other functions and duties as directed by the LCE.

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Sunday, August 24, 2008

THE POOREST MEET THE RICHIEST

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