Palarong Pambarangay

IN THE grand scheme of life, sports are entertainment. They have no real impact on stocks, politics, peace versus war, or the world at large. But, sports bring people together, camaraderie in its purest form.

Sports can simplify a person’s focus, as one gets completely absorbed in the game, and for a few minutes, cheering for a one’s own team is all that matter. In short, sports can give a person something to focus on to release all one’s cares of life momentarily.

It is for this reason that the Liga ng mga Barangay – Baguio Chapter headed by its president Hon. Joel Alangsab, will be holding the Palarong Pambarangay for barangay officials, particularly from the punong barangay down to the barangay kagawads and to include the barangay secretary and treasurer. The sports included in the palarong pambarangay are chess, darts and bowling tournament.

The Darts Tournament will be held on March 16 and 17, 2013 at Phoenix Bar and Dart Pub located at the New Palangdao Building, General Luna Road, Baguio City. The tournament includes fixed doubles and singles. Fixed doubles will be: 501 best of 3 winners bracket, and 701 single game losers bracket. Singles will be: 501 best of 5 single knock, finals: best of 7. The players must conform with the dress code for the tournament which is the collared shirt, long pants, and closed shoes. The players are likewise required to bring their own dart pins. Interested participants who are qualified may register at the Liga Office, Office of Hon. Joel Alangsab, City Hall on or before March 15, 2013. A maximum of five players per barangay will be allowed to register.

For the Chess Tournament, FIDE laws on active “30” will used. The tournament format shall consist of a nine-round Swiss-system. The registration will be until Friday, March 8, 2013. Every barangay will be allowed a maximum of five players.

The Bowling Tournament shall be open to the twenty (20) barangay districts of Baguio with each team composed of nine players. Each district must submit their entries, duly certified by the district coordinator, to the Liga Office on or before March 8, 2013. The tournament will be held at the Olympian Bowling Lanes along Mabini Street, Baguio City.

Hon. Alangsab expressed that this is just one form to promote camaraderie among the barangays officials, and that their participation are highly enjoined. With the multifarious tasks of the officials in their respective barangays, perhaps this event is very timely to give them a momentary break from their tasks and functions in the barangay.

The Anti-Child Abuse Network (ACAN) held the Orientation to Service Providers on Laws for the Children In-Need of Special Protection last February 26, 2013 at the City Hall Multi-purpose hall.

ACAN, being a network is composed of a variety of private and public offices and agencies, among others, the City Social Welfare and Development Office, SP Committee on Social Services, Department of Education, the Baguio City Police Office, Liga ng mga Barangay-Baguio headed by Hon. Joel Alangsab, and other private institutions.

The whole day orientation covered lectures involving the following topics: Republic Act 9775 (Anti-Child Pornography Act of 2009) and Republic Act 9995 (Anti-Photo and Video Voyeurism Act of 2009) which was discussed by Atty. Maria Nenita Opiana. House Bill 5496 (Anti-Bullying Act of 2012) was discussed by Atty. Ruth Bawayan. Republic Act 9208 (Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003) was discussed by Atty. Ruth Bernabe.

The BCPC Coordinators of the barangays likewise participated in the said orientation to provide them with the knowledge on these laws in relation to the conduct of programs and activities on child protection in their respective barangays. The police officers and other children’s welfare advocates likewise participated to strengthen the implementation of applicable laws with regards children’s protection. This year’s ACAN Chairperson is CIDG-CAR Regional Director PSSupt. Bartolome Bustamante.