smiles magazine

A Quarterly Magazine of theCity Government of Naga

Bicol, Philippines

ISSN 2094-9383

Vol. 6, No. 2 | April - June 2015

JOHN G. BONGATCity Mayor

NELSON S. LEGACIONCity Vice Mayor

ALEC FRANCIS A.SANTOS

Editor

JASON B. NEOLASenior Writer

RAFAEL RACSO V. VITAN Layout and Design

ANSELMO B. MAÑOWebsite Administrator

FLORENCIO T. MONGOSO, JR. REUEL M. OLIVEREditorial Consultants

JOSE B. PEREZALLEN L. REONDANGA

PAUL JOHN F. BARROSATechnical Advisers

LUDIVINA V. ASENCEALBERT F. CECILIO

Editorial Assistants

CECILIA A. AMPARADOCirculation

This quarterly magazine is published by the

City Government of Naga, thru the Ciy Publications Office

with editorial office at City Hall Compound,

J. Miranda Avenue, Naga City 4400 Philippines

Tel: +63 54 473-4432Email: [email protected]

Web: www.naga.gov.ph

PHOTO BY XERES RAMON GAGERO

WHEN OLD MEETS NEW:

A Google Trekker operator walks by the facade of the Peñafrancia Shrine, capturing in high resolution the church’s details. Once processed, the images taken will allow future potential tourists to explore this and other attractions in Metro Naga via Google Maps’s Streetview feature.

The “Naga SMILES to the World” logo is composed of the two baybayin characters, na and ga.

Na, shaped like a mountain, provides a strong foundation for the Narra tree which grew abundantly along the Naga River while a zigzag line denotes the majestic Malabsay Falls.

Ga, shaped like a farmer’s plow, is symbolic of the Nagueño’s agricultural roots and hardworking personality.

The baybayin Naga characters rest on a wave-like element which represents the Naga River and the serpent, which is read in Sanskrit as naga.

This new branding for Naga, launched in 2010 by the dynamic Bongat administration, envisions a more livable city that is world-class.

3 Mayor Bongat delivers 5th State of Our City Report

9 Our Lady of Lourdes Infirmary: Addressing the need for accessible healthcare

11 City Health Office spearheads anti-rabies campaign

12 PWDs celebrate NDPR Week, Mabini’s birthday

13 City Hall innovates SPES to hire more beneficiaries

15 Forging new frontiers: Ateneo celebrates 75th year

17 Naga highlights Filipino Chinese friendship day with acrobatic, dance presentation from China

T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S

19 Science Explorer visits Naga

21 Bicol Science and Technology Centrum turns 20

24 Celebrating a life worth living: Commemorating Jesse Robredo’s 57th Birth Anniversary

27 Outstanding citizens honored in 2015 Mayoral Awards night

43 Salingoy Art+Group (SAG) Art exhibit every Month

45 Ateneo launches Bordado’s book

47 BLGF lauds Naga’s high revenue generation

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The “An Maogmang Lugar“ logo is an attempt to capture Naga as we want it to be – a city that is progressive and yet environment-friendly, where the people freely participate in the day-to-day affairs of the government, and where culture and arts are flourishing.

The stylized design of “NAGA” represents the city’s aggressive march towards modernization and progress. The sky-blue background, the Narra tree, and the Naga River represent our people’s desire for an ecologically-balanced community.

The ring of people surrounding the entire design shows the Nagueños’ participatory mechanism which is part and parcel of the city’s way of doing things. It also shows the people’s concern and unity in everything that is good for the city.

Today, the city, as Maogmang Lugar, aims to portray more than a happy place but a happy people who are the true beneficiaries of everything good that is happening in the city.

T A B L E O F C O N T E N T S

48 Naga’s top 2014 taxpayers named, hailed

49 Celebrating a meaningful partnership: MEPO, NAMASFED mark NCPM’s 4th year

53 Development allies in Metro Naga set up Negosyo Center

55 Red Cross trains first aiders in Isarog

57 Happy Youth Movement in Naga (HYMN) launched

58 Build hope, build a nation

59 CYOs go through planning, leadership integrity training

61 Naga honors outgoing Army commanding officer, welcomes incoming one

62 LGU Naga’s ASBU undergoes training on roadside inspection

63 SP HIGHLIGHTS: Water is Life: The Panicuason Dilemma

65 SP NAGA WEBSITE: (sp.naga.gov.ph / spnagacity.com)

67 The Birth of the Employees Union

69 City Accounting Office hailed for auditing operations

71 Necrological Services for Dr. Joaquin ‘Chito’ Perez, Naga City Councilor

73 Leni, nagseguro nin bilog na suporta sa Team Naga

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Saying that Nagueños have every reason to be optimistic, City Mayor John G. Bongat delivered last June 16 his fifth “State of Our City Report” since assuming office in 2010, with the assurance

that more good things will come because of the people who continue to trust his administration’s focus on good governance and basic services delivery commitments.

Speaking before guests from various sectors of the community at the 95th regular session of the 11th Sangguniang Panlungsod at Naga City People’s Hall within the City Hall compound, Bongat reported on the city government’s latest accomplishments.

Some of the salient points of his report:

MAYOR BONGAT

DELIVERS 5th STATE

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By JASON B. NEOLA

PHOTOS BY XERES GAGERO

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Health Services

For the health sector, Bongat reported that in addition to the Naga City Hospital, which for the longest time has been the mainstay of providing accessible health services by the city government, the Our Lady of St. Lourdes Infirmary in Barangay Carolina has recently been completed.

“Did you know, for instance, that in 2014, the Naga City Hospital served around 119,000 in- and out-patients, which represents around 62% of our projected population of 191,000? Surely, that number will improve once the infirmary becomes fully operational to serve the city’s East Highlands, the mayor said.

He said that the infirmary is a flagship Bottom-up Budget (BUB) project in 2013 when the program was launched by the national government. It has a combined P13M funding – P10 million from BUB coursed through the Department of Health, augmented by a P3M local counterpart. He thanked the Pasia family of Carolina, for donating the lot where the new facility sits.

He said health services will further improve, with the upgrading of the NCH, as well as the long overdue expansion of the Bicol Medical Center which is now underway. The BMC is working full time on its eight-storey 800-bed general ward building, with an approved budget of P409.6M. When completed, the BMC modernization project will feature two other five-storey buildings: an ER complex and a medical arts building.

Housing and the Urban Poor

Last year, with technical assistance from the Urban Nexus project of the German government, and in partnership with the Bicol College of Applied Sciences and Technology (Biscast) and the Bicol unit of Habitat for Humanity, the city government had completed half of the 48-unit Naga City Employees Housing Project in Barangay Del Rosario, mainly benefiting workers from the nearby Naga City Abattoir and the Veterinary Office.

The project is a successful attempt to build typhoon-resilient low-cost housing. And when the 213-khp winds of Typhoon Glenda came in July, they largely passed their litmus test with minimal damage. It is hoped that the rest will be completed within the year, and jumpstart the bigger phase 2 of the project, once Bicol Habitat is able to takeout the completed units from the Home Mortgage Development Fund (HMDF) after going through a lengthy process of land titling and subdivision of titles with the Land Management Service of the DENR, which literally took months, the mayor disclosed.

“Why is this important?” the mayor asked and answered his own question.

“One, it gives our Housing and Settlements Development Office (HSDO) the critical and necessary experience in directly managing a housing project, something we never have done before since the Kaantabay sa Kauswagan (KsK) program was launched in 1989. And two, it gives us another template for the KsK: one that is not solely focused on providing affordable home-lots to the poorest of our urban >>

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Livelihood,Employment, and Human Development

In the economic front, the country’s top property developers have given the city their vote of confidence. Following the lead of SM, Gaisano along Panganiban where a host of new businesses have risen, is opening soon. Robinsons Land

of the Gokongwei Group is set to enter the picture and has drawn up plans for a mixed-use development at the corner of Roxas Avenue and Almeda Highway. They will start constructing their 3-storey mall, with state-of-the-art cinemas, 2 hotels and one BPO building, employing thousands during its construction and start of operations. Vista Land is reported to be acquiring the property beside GSIS to put up its own mall just beside its 1,000-unit Camella Homes project in Barangay Del Rosario.

Bongat also bared that Naga, as the urban core of Metro Naga, broke into the “Next Wave Cities” rankings in 2013, emerging as one of the country’s top 10 BPO destinations, paving the way for the entry of the BPO industry in the city. Naga now has four IT parks/centers, three of them coming over the past two years alone—all developed by local businessmen. These now house IBM which is continuing to expand its non-voice or back office operations, and call centers Concentrix and Stellar.

All this made Naga the third Most Competitive City in the Philippines in 2014, sparking the creation of thousands of new jobs for fellow Nagueños, and the Number 1 city, out of 144 nationwide, in government efficiency.

To provide more meaningful jobs especially for semi-skilled workers, the city leadership is now in negotiations with a Japanese firm to anchor the city’s first-ever PEZA-accredited industrial park. If the BPO industry in Naga is catering to mostly college graduates or skilled labor force, the export processing zone that the Bongat administration is pushing to be developed in Naga will absorb young people, who are unskilled, but will become employable. More jobs mean more income to families, higher purchasing power, higher revenues for local industries, and of course higher revenues for the city.

poor, but a complete house-and-lot package that we can offer to households that are slowly able to rise above the poverty line. Because quite frankly, urban poverty is not characterized by a single mass of less well-off families but by segments which the upwardly mobile can progressively scale, depending on how they seize emerging opportunities. Let us not look far: our City Hall employees who benefited from the project are also urban poor; they deserve help and we should be able to calibrate the HSDO’s programs depending on the need.”

He said it is in this context that his office has launched a program called “Ginhawang Nagueño” that seeks to comprehensively address the needs of families living in least economically resilient communities (LERCs) of Naga. “We have defined them as households belong to the informal settlers sector; who do not have access to basic necessities like potable water, electricity and sanitation (CR); and whose parent-members do not have stable gainful employment. In partnership with civil society organizations like Gawad Kalinga, our response will also be comprehensive, and we will marshal the various city government programs on health, education, livelihood, water and energy to complement what our partners can offer – over and above the usual home-lot that KsK provides.”

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Peace and Order and Public Safety

The mayor said that in terms of public safety, Naga continues to have an effective Public Safety Office (PSO) that has been at the forefront of responding to emergency situations in the city. For instance, over the last 12 months, the emergency response

services unit of the PSO has responded to a total of 1,170 cases all throughout Naga. Of the total, 497 (or around 34%) were trauma cases, 81% of which are due to vehicular accidents. Medical emergencies totaled 579 cases (49%), on top of 82 OB cases (7%), with the balance distributed among transport cases and other types of emergencies.

In partnership with the Philippine National Police (PNP) office in the city, PSO actively implemented traffic rules and regulations under the Task Force Ordinance campaign and apprehended a total of 11,305 traffic violators. In addition, it mediated a total of 92 complaints from the riding public against erring public transport drivers. And using its own CCTC network, monitoring through strategically mounted cameras within the city captured 93 vehicular accidents, 5 snatching incidents, 4 fire and other various crime incidents, all were reported to concerned agencies for assistance and disposition.

Of course, these local efforts must be matched by the same degree of resoluteness, commitment and innovation by the local PNP, the mayor underscored. “Notwithstanding recent spate of high-profile incidents that impelled us to tighten foot and vehicle patrols in key areas, particularly the Magsaysay Leisure district, we continue to have a relatively peaceful city compared to other Philippine urban centers.”

But he said this is not enough. “We need to make sure that in terms of perception and reality, a peaceful Naga is felt by each and every citizen, resident and guest of our city. We hope to finally have a permanent PNP city director that we will work with to deliver on one of the key foundational elements of our ‘Maogmang Lugar’ vision: a city where everyone can walk our streets at night unafraid.”

Cleanliness and Environmental Protection

It has taken some time, but the Integrated Naga River Revitalization Project (iNRRP), meant not only to preserve the river but also to enhance its tourism and economic value, is starting to fly.

Through the efforts of Rep. Leni Robredo, the DPWH is now working on the project’s flood control component with firmed up funding of close to P500M over the last two years, with provision for more to complete its riverwalk component next.

“These, of course, dovetails with our own effort to protect Naga from recurring floods that in the context of climate change, are expected to become more regular and intense. For instance, the San Francisco storm drainage that we have completed has dramatically alleviated what used to be flood prone areas along Ateneo Avenue and its environs. This year, our City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council has authorized the construction of an entirely new storm drainage line that will divert flooding directly to Bicol River via Bagumbayan Norte-Queborac-Abella,” the mayor disclosed.

He said that together with the eventual closure of the Balatas dump, investment in wastewater treatment at the Naga City People’s Mall, and the possibility of establishing a vacuum sewer system- in partnership with the private sector and the National Sewerage and Septage Management Project (NSSMP) of the DPWH- if the studies being done under the Urban Nexus project show they are viable and practicable– the city can surely look

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forward to a more vibrant Naga River.“Of course, every Nagueño resident

should do his/her part, especially those living beside the river. Along this line, I would like to salute the efforts of private academe and civil society advocates under the Sumaro sa Salog (Sulog) campaign to encourage citizen ownership of our common effort to revitalize Naga River. This, after all, should be everybody’s business, not of government alone,” the mayor said.

He added that to complement these developments and mindful of the tenet that “An Maogmang Lugar” ultimately should be measured by the quality of life of the people, the city government has embarked on a P400M capital investment program for 2015, which the Sangguniang Panlungsod approved. The package will allow the city government to clean up the Balatas dump, rehabilitate the area, and provide a permanent solution to our solid waste disposal problem– which will result in the more productive use of the surrounding areas that will necessarily accelerate its development.

Transparency, Accountability, and Good Governance

From 2010 to 2014, City Treasury records show that an average of 1,334 new firms, mostly local, had been set up in Naga each year. The Office of the Building Official reports construction of an annual average of 122 new commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings during the same period. A conservative total of P6.2B in private investments

poured into the local economy over the past 4 years during Bongat’s first and second terms as mayor of Naga.

As a result, Naga continues to be the undisputed top-notcher in local revenue generation, recognized by no less than the Bureau of Local Government Finance, whose central office published the Iskor ng ‘yong Bayan LGU Performance Scorecards last year. This year, it was further reaffirmed by the regional office of the BLGF when it congratulated Naga yet again “for registering the largest contribution to the total revenue collection of all cities in Bicol for 2014.” Naga’s take of P555.8M accounts for 44% of the total P1.3B collection, leaving the rest to be divided among the six other cities in the region.

Taken together, along with gains in education, arts, culture, and sports, we are seeing a more robust and vibrant local economy that will bring about an inclusive economic growth not only for Naga, or Metro Naga, but for the entire region as well, the mayor stressed. “Surely, these are the fruits of the city’s investment in good urban governance that we have cultivated and grown to greater heights,” Bongat concluded.

He added, “Moreover, these developments prove that once local and national leaders get their act together, synergy – where the sum total is greater than its parts, or one plus one is greater than two in plain speak – will happen and become the proverbial rising tide that will lift all boats. This is in line with one of the planks of our ‘Maogmang Lugar’ vision: to bring about people-centered development through growth with equity.

The role, therefore, of the city’s leadership is to hold fast and true to its fundamental obligation to bring about social justice, so that those who have less in life can and will benefit from these exciting, positive developments. This is the reason why on top of all these developments and plans for the future, my administration does not lose sight of its obligation to the less privileged in our community.

We have every reason to be bullish, not only about Naga’s future, but in delivering on that basic governance commitment – because Team Naga which you have always trusted, has been doing precisely that for the last two and half decades since the time of my predecessor, the late Mayor and DILG Secretary Jesse M. Robredo.”

PHOTO BY SYLRANJELVIC VILLAFLOR

7 APRIL - JUNE 2015

Education, Arts, and Culture and Sports

Mayor Bongat likewise said that Naga now has the most vibrant business process outsourcing in the Bicol Region, a testimony to the qualify workforce that schools in Naga are producing.

The mayor added that the city government’s pitch that convinced IBM and later Concentrix to open its doors in Naga highlighted Bicol and city’s unique advantages in human resources. Bicol has the 6th highest number of tertiary level institutions among the 17 administrative regions in the country, and 7 of the region’s universities are in Camarines Sur, and 3 of these 7 are located in Naga and are recognized by CHED either as Center of Excellence or Center of Development in the fields of Information Technology, Business Administration, Entrepreneurship, and Teacher Education.

IT training in Naga starts at the elementary level, including public schools with funding support from the Naga City School Board. Likewise, all universities and colleges in the city offer IT-related degrees which have strong industry linkages, including pioneering ones like Ateneo de Naga’s bachelor degree program in animation, supported by animation courses in high school.

Bongat said that the very strong and prominent role of private educational differentiates Naga from others, which has been able to access more resources from public coffers.

Nonetheless, the mayor added that because of his administration’s belief that the city government can do more, the City College of Naga was institutionalized, offering certain technical and vocational courses like midwifery. “Our own city college seeks to address these gaps, and equalize opportunities, particularly for students from low-income households who cannot afford a private school education.”

PHOTO BY XERES GAGERO


PHOTO BY RANDY VILLAFLOR

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OIC Chief of Hospital Vito “Butch” C. Borja, M.D., of Our Lady of Lourdes Infirmary.

OUR LADY OF LOURDES INFIRMARY: A 24/7 emergency and outpatient medical facility. Photo shows drivers Joseph Panganiban (left) and Andy Veridiano.

The facility was inaugurated in April 24, this year with a full inventory of hospital supplies, equipment and apparatus that the Department of Health (DOH) requires for an infirmary.

“The DOH imposes strict compliance in the requirements. That is the reason why it takes more than two months for the city

government to operationalize the infirmary,” City Health Officer Vito C. Borja explains.

A P10 million budget was allocated by the DOH for the infirmary’s construction, where the city government also spent P3 million more for the improvement of road leading to the facility and the initial procurement of medical supplies, air-conditioning units, Doppler, emergency lights, oxygen units, wheeled stretchers, standby generator, and other equipment.

The infirmary has fully air-conditioned Labor Room, Delivery Room, Recovery Room, all doors and windows are shielded with screen, with male and female wards, male and female comfort rooms other than those intended for patients, labor room, emergency room, nurses’ station, OB ward, recovery room, delivery room,

Providing Nagueños in far-flung villages with accessible healthcare facilities, the city government of Naga under the stewardship of Mayor John G. Bongat has established a health facility that is only about 5 to 7 minutes from

the upper barangays of Panicuason, Carolina, San Isidro, Pacol and Cararayan.

Built on a 2,802 sq. meter lot at the foot of Mt. Isarog in Barangay Carolina, the Our Lady of Lourdes Infirmary serves as an emergency and outpatient medical facility and as a birthing center, as well.

OUR LADY OF LOURDES INFIRMARY:

ADDRESSING THE NEED FOR

ACCESSIBLE HEALTHCARE

By JASON B. NEOLA

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9 APRIL - JUNE 2015

The Infirmary’s Chief Nurse Nilda Beldad.

pharmacy and CSR.With a 12-bed capacity and

an ambulance, the infirmary, which now operates 24/7, is manned by 30 medical staff under the control and supervision of the City Health Office (CHO) with Dr. Borja as OIC Chief of Hospital.

Emphasizing the importance of an infirmary in a rural area, Borja said more lives would be saved “since patients or victims of accidents can immediately be treated without having to bring them to hospitals situated farther in downtown.”

Borja disclosed that Mayor Bongat has also stationed a rescue team in the infirmary, who will act as first responders when emergency situations occur in the area.

Establishment of the infirmary was made possible after the Sangguniang Panlungsod passed and approved a resolution authorizing the city mayor to negotiate for the donation of land by the family of land owner Tony Pasia. Another resolution

was passed authorizing the mayor to negotiate with DOH Bicol Regional Office, thru Dr. Nestor Santiago, who was at that time the DOH regional director, for funding assistance in the construction of the facility.

Attending doctors who are working in shifts are Dr. Borja, Dr. Joframel Paz, Dr. Jimmy dela Viña, Dra. Tess Imperial, Dra. Eula Formalejo, and Dra. Ruth Dy.

Ma. Christine Bermundo RN (left) and Janet Villegas RM.

APRIL - JUNE 2015 10

who is bitten can become a carrier and can, in turn, infect the people around them through contact with saliva.

Naga City Health Office Assistant City Health Officer, Dr. Joframel V. Paz, explained that the best thing to do after being bitten by a dog or a cat is to wash with running water the wound with soap for around ten minutes then head to the nearest bite center. He also advised against consulting quack doctors and employing superstitious remedies.

“Alisin na yung practice na dalhin sa albularyo [kung kinagat] at dalhin agad sa pinaka malapit na bite center. Alam na naman ng mga health worker namin sa bawat barangay yung first-aid sa taong nakagat ng aso bago dalhin sa bite center,” he explained.

He also added that dog or cat owners should make sure that their pets undergo vaccination which is being provided in the barangays for free.

Paz said that while rabies cases in the city are far from alarming, he assured that his office remains to be steadfast in its drive to make the city a rabies-free community.

Paz and Onsa agreed that a rabies-free environment is attainable if everyone will always be together in this campaign.

“Every time na may nakakagat ng aso (o pusa), kahit hindi nila relative or kung kakilala lang nila, ilista nila sa barangay heath station o sa barangay health center para yung health worker mismo matulungan sila at maturuan sila kung saan sila pupunta,” Onsa stressed.

HEALTH representatives from this city’s 27 barangays attended the Naga City Health

Office’s seminar and forum on rabies prevention last May 20.

City Epidemiology Surveillance Officer Divine Onsa explained that the event was not only in response to the increasing rabies cases reported but is part of a continuing campaign to eliminate the disease among pets, specially dogs and cats, in the city’s barangays.

“Actually, hindi naman yung reason [kung bakit] kami nag patawag ng meeting dahil nagkaroon ng case yung Naga, yun nga sa barangay Cararayan. Talagang gusto lang namin dagdagan ang advocacy para sa mga barangay” said Onsa.

Representatives from the City Hospital and the Naga City Health Office discussed the health risks and effects, which could be fatal, if rabies infection is left untreated. The talks also included first-aid measures that need to be taken if someone is bitten by an animal or pet that may be a carrier of rabies.

Rabies is an infectious disease found in the saliva of common house pets like dogs and cats. A person

C I T Y H E A L T H O F F I C E

SPEARHEADS ANTI - RABIES CAMPAIGN

RABIES RESPONSE & CONTROL

By MAOLIN S. MACATANGAY

PHOTOS BY JOSE COLLERA

DOG owners have their pets vaccinated with anti-rabies in Barangay Concepcion Pequeña. The activity is being undertaken in a regular house-to-house vaccination being conducted in the city’s 27 barangays. Photo below shows Jaime Halcon Jr., (left) designated chief of Regulatory and Livestock Division of the City Veterinary Office, gives a pup a shot of anti-rabies.

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PWDS CELEBRATE NDPR WEEK,

MABINI’S BIRTHDAYNEARLY 3,500 persons with disabilities (PWDs) in the city’s 27 barangays will be

celebrating the 37th National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week on July 17-23, this year, with high hopes that “the event would further stimulate public awareness on disability issues and concerns.”

Anchored on the theme “Health and Wellness Opportunities for Persons with Disabilities toward an Inclusive Development for All, the weeklong celebration will also be participated in by pupils from the Naga City Special Education (SPED) Center and HELP Learning Center Foundation.

The centers, being run by the city government of Naga, provide special education to children with exceptional needs and children with autism.

Christopher Molin, head of the Persons with Disability Affairs Office (PDAO) here, said partners from public and private sectors will also be in attendance to the holding of various activities which will culminate at the event center of SM City Naga.

“Right now, we are considering the holding of different activities which will highlight the promotion and protection of the rights and privileges of PWDs as well as their significant contribution in the achievement of economic growth and nation-building,” Molin said.

The NDPR Week is a presidential proclamation issued by former President Joseph Estrada, which declares the 3rd week of July as the National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week. The decree also said that the event shall culminate on the birthdate of the sublime paralytic, Apolinario Mabini on July 23 each year.

In Manila, the National Council for the Welfare of Disabled Persons is planning to conduct an interfaith/ecumenical prayer, ribbon cutting of health fair/festival, livelihood fair, and photo exhibits as part of the event’s kick-off activities.

A quick look of Manila NDPR events: Training for hearing impaired individuals and coping skills training for parents of children with disabilities will also be held including developmental games for children and Boccia tournament.

Simultaneous satellite registration of PWD voters, health and wellness for parents of children with disabilities, forum on accessible tourism for PWDs, seminar on the benefits and privileges for PWDs, seminar/training on disaster risk management, wreath-laying ceremonies on the birthdate of Apolinario Mabini, cultural show/musical play, handog sa mga may kapansanan sa araw ng kaarawan ni Apolinario Mabini, family day, orientation on the prevention of drug addiction, skills exhibit of PWDs, and Quiz Bee contest for secondary students with disabilities.

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MOLIN acknowledges the participants from different subsectors of PWDs.

VISUALLY-impaired Francis Ken Madrigalejos awed the

crowd with his talent.

The SPED students perform a dance number.

RELATIVES and friends gather to show their support for the PWD sector.

THE empowered PWD sector from the city’s 27 barangays.

By JASON B. NEOLA


CITY HALL INNOVATES SPES TO HIRE MORE BENEFICIARIES

THE ability and long experience of the city government to innovate programs has allowed the implementation of the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES)

here to cover a greater number of beneficiaries.This, as Mayor John Bongat hopes to help more

financially challenged families who are determined to send their poor children to college.

SPES, which is created thru RA 7323, is a joint partnership initiative by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and LGUs nationwide. It offers poor but deserving students who are in tertiary, vocational or technical schools, as well as out-of-school youths with ages from 15 to 25 years old, the opportunity to work in government agencies or any participating private entities for specific period for them to earn money or corresponding allowances that they will use in their next enrolment.

By JASON B. NEOLA

Rep. LENI ROBREDO congratulates the 285 young individuals for meeting the criteria of the city government’s SPES program being undertaken every year in partnership with the DOLE.

Metro PESO Manpower and Dev’t Center Head Roderick Reforsado orients SPES beneficiaries on different tasks that they are going to undertake.

Applicants to the SPES program wait their turn at the Metro PESO.

Metro PESO Head Reuel Oliver briefs the young ones about the nature of the program.


CITY HALL INNOVATES SPES TO HIRE MORE BENEFICIARIES

RA 7323 helps these poor but deserving students pursue their education by providing them an avenue for employment during summer and/or Christmas vacation when there are no classes.

This year, the city government will hire more students, surpassing last year’s number, aside from those who will be employed and paid by the local government and DOLE. Sixty percent of the salaries will be shouldered by the LGU while 40% by the national government agency.

Under the 60-40 sharing, the city government has allocated P1.5-M for the salaries of 200 students at P327 per day. DOLE’s counterpart is P800,000. Furthermore, the city government has put out an additional P500,000 to pay the salaries of additional 100 students, where this specific commitment is no longer covered by the mandated 60-40 sharing with the DOLE.

All the 300 SPES beneficiaries were split into two categories: 250 students in “Earn for Enrollment (E4E)” component, and 50 more in “Learn and Earn (L&E)” component. This first group were employed from April 6 to May 5 while those in the second batch were hired last May 6, and will serve until June 5.

Also included in the L&E is a group of another 50 students (third batch) who are employed to work for 3 hours during daytime, to be able to attend their classes at late in the afternoon or night time, until the month of September 2015.

Used as basis by the city mayor in hiring the third batch of students is Republic Act 9547 which strengthened and expanded the coverage of RA 7323. Section 1 of RA 9547 provides that “students enrolled in the tertiary, vocational or technical education may be employed at any time of the year.”

“Under the expanded measure, we would be able to assist a greater number of our poor but deserving students as they plan to pursue their education,” says Bongat, whose administration is pursuing multi-pronged programs that aim to train the youth to become productive and responsible individuals.

Encouraging the youth to further hone their abilities and competencies is one of Mayor Bongat’s primary concerns for the sector who are being accommodated and trained to actively participate in charting the city’s future. The youth are also being given chance to learn up close and personal how the city government works and operates by allowing them to work hands on with the regular city officials and employees through the SPES program.

Roderick Reforsado, head of Metro PESO Employment and Manpower Development Center, said the students were employed by the city government based on their skills and proficiencies, and the courses where they are enrolled vis-à-vis the job vacancies available.

“These students who were hired under SPES are given different tasks in the city government, like computer encoders, computer technicians, and workers for IT-related jobs, land propagators, and office assistants,” says Reforsado.

MAYOR Bongat and the members of the City Council welcome the SPES beneficiaries as dependable partners of the city government workers.


ATENEO celebrates Forging new frontiers:

75 th year

SINCE 1940, the Ateneo de Naga University has strived to continue its mission to seek and build the Kingdom of God (Primum Regnum Dei) by educating the youth who come and pass through

its iconic four pillars. Not even the Pacific war that broke out a few years after it was founded nor the darkest days of Martial Law and the heights of student activism, nor the impending closure of its gates when it reached financial breakdown in the early 80s could deter the men and women who through the many years of victories and defeats have made Ateneo de Naga University, a stronghold of Jesuit education in the Bicol Region, an educational landmark in the county today.

It is to be noted that many of the Jesuits who were assigned in Naga became pioneering scholars and trailblazers in their respective fields. Known for their deep spirituality and concern for the underprivileged, these Jesuits also exemplified what historian Danilo Gerona called “a tradition of academic excellence.” Fr. Frank Lynch, SJ who eventually became the founding director of the Institute of Philippine Culture in Ateneo de Manila University started his sociological investigations in the many towns of Bicol, particularly in Canaman and in Iriga; Ramon Magsaysay awardee for Arts and Culture, Fr. James Reuter SJ, and the Cathedral Players, composed mostly of local priests and nuns are best remembered for their travelling theater productions; the much revered Fr. James O’Brien SJ intimated his high school students to develop a deep love for Bikol by asking them to collate and retell the many folk stories and songs from their respective localities. These vignettes, he and his students would compile, eventually became the classic anthology entitled The Historical and Cultural Heritage of the Bikol People, an indispensable Bikoliana. Fr. Francis Dolan, SJ and Fr.

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Jack Phelan, SJ are two of the most beloved spiritual directors assigned in Naga.

The alumni of the university particularly the high school department is humbled to have produced a roster of civil servants, NGO workers, cultural advocates, religious, and professionals in various fields that includes the Jesuit Fr. Joaquin Bernas, a well-acknowledged (+) Senator Raul Roco, (+) former DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo, lawmakers Salvio Fortuno, Luis Villafuerte, Sulpicio Roco Jr., and James Jacob; incumbent Naga City local officials, Mayor John Bongat, councilors Nathan Sergio, Gabriel Bordado, Gregorio Abonal; veteran actor and musical director Jaime Fabregas; media practitioners and creative writers like (+) Ramon Brillante, (+) Ramon Tolaram, (+) Nick Prieto, Ernie Verdadero, Jose Perez, Conrado de Quiros, Tito Valiente, Frank Peñones Jr., Greg Castilla, Luis Ruben General, Alvin Yapan, Victor Dennis Nierva, Marco Lopez, and J. Pilapil Jacobo, among others.

Today, in celebration of its 75th founding anniversary, the university administration through a committee headed by Dr. Alfredo Fabay, Academic Vice President, together with Dr. Noel Volante, Director of Ateneo de Naga Center for Arts and Culture, and faculty, staff, students, and alumni spearheaded a series of events to begin what will be a yearlong celebration for this year 2015.

A School of Interiority

Last June 5, 2015, the university community began the celebration with a solemn concelebrated mass


presided over by Most Rev. Rolando Tria Tirona, OCD, DD, Archbishop of Caceres, together with Fr. Tony Moreno, SJ, the provincial superior of the Society of Jesus, Philippine Province and Fr. Primitivo Viray, Jr., SJ, president of Ateneo de Naga University. Other Jesuits previously assigned in Naga also graced the occasion. Among the attendees of the holy mass are the members of the board of trustees, local officials headed by Mayor John Bongat and the students, staff, parents, alumni, benefactors, and faculty of the university.

In his homily, the archbishop recalled the many upheavals the community has endured and challenged the university to continue to tread the path of wisdom, faith, and charity. He added that this path could be navigated if one nourishes a spiritual interiority, a term popularized by his religious order. Being a Carmelite, the archbishop acknowledged the tremendous influence of the Ignatian spirituality to Saint Teresa of Avila.

Inauguration of the Grade School Building

After the Mass, the archbishop together with some members of the academic and administrative council proceeded to the Fr. Raul Bonoan Campus in Barangay Pacol, Naga City for the blessing and inauguration of the Grade School Building. Dr. Lydia Goingo will assume the office of the school principal.

Commemorative Stamps, Wrist watch and Guestbook

Hon. Ma. Josefina De La Cruz, the Post Master General and Hon. Federico Frayna, Area Director for South Luzon and Bicol presented the commemorative stamps to the Father President. In turn, Fr. Viray handed over the souvenir frames of these commemorative stamps to the members of the Board of Trustees as a token of friendship and gratitude for their continuing service to the university. The souvenir frames are for sale alongside with the souvenir folder. The souvenir folder contains the First Day Cover. This “First Day Cover” becomes a collector’s item when duly signed by the issuing/releasing group like the Ateneo de Naga University and the Philippine Postal Corporation.

The commemorative wristwatch produced by Tomato Time, a Manila-based company engaged in trading and retailing of apparel, accessories, and fashion lifestyle products was also presented to the public. Proceeds from the sales of commemorative stamps and wristwatch will go to the General Scholarship Funds.

City Parade

A parade at the city’s main streets marked the afternoon’s revelry. With representatives from Grade School, High School, Colleges, and institutional offices, the parade featured Ateneo de Naga’s milestones through the years.

Musical Concert

The Supreme Student Government invited the student body and alumni to attend the musical concert held in the evening of June 5. Among those who performed were the High School’s Samahan ng mga Atenistang Tumutugtog at Umaawit (SATU), Ateneo Golden Calvalry, the Ateneo Dance Club (high school and college) and some college (rock) bands. Highlights of the musical concert were the performance of Jim Paredes, a member of the Apo Hiking Society and the Manila-based band, Hale.

75 Books from Ateneo de Naga University Press for Ateneo@75

The youngest university press in the country today will release 75 new titles in celebration of the 75th founding anniversary of the institution. Grand launch is scheduled on February 2016. Re-established in 2012, the university press has published several award-winning titles and works of the Ateneo alumni. These coming months, a series of book launching will happen in Ateneo. Some of these titles include Bikol Magis: Through Childhood Days and Youthful Years edited by Greg S. Castilla and Raul F. Borjal. The collection features the works of Honesto General, Juan O. Villegas, Juan S. Gonzales, Ricardo M. de la Torre, Monico V. Jacob, Benjamin Milano, Manuel Aureus, Vicente Ll. Ramirez, Fr. Fruto Ll. Ramirez, Nicol Miraflores, Danilo Borjal, Jose Victor de Jesus, Filomeno Aguilar, Allen Nidea, Gabriel Bordado, Luis Ruben General, Tito Valiente, Carmela Fetil-Caringal, Margarita Felipe Fajardo, Karlos Jerome N. Llorin, Gelacio Dt. Rivera III, Christian James Castro, Imelda Cledera-Rodriguez, Jay Salvosa, and Kristiana Michaela Embate.

Jesuits in Bikol

A special commemorative issue on the Jesuits in Bikol will be published by the Bikol Studies Journal. The issue will be edited by Dr. Rebecca C. Torres, the dean of the Graduate School.

New Frontiers for Ateneo de Naga University

With the establishment of the Grade School Department and the continuing professional growth among its members, the university continues to participate in the development of the youth and the strengthening of the Jesuit-Lay collaboration. The university upholds the value of academic researches with maximum impact to the local and global communities. Social involvement programs, which tackle on the complex issues of policy making, civic participation, environmental restorations, and cultural education remain to be of utmost priorities. The new education reforms in the country today is seen as an opportunity for growth and renewal among the members of the community, and it is expected that by 2020, the university will realize the CORPLAN it has drafted as a blueprint for its members to live up to the call of the spirit to move towards new frontiers.


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THE Chinese Acrobatic and Wushu Art Troupe perform gravity defying moves that keep the audience at the edge of their seats.

In celebration of the 40th anniversary of the Philippines-China diplomatic relations and Filipino-Chinese Friendship Day, the Chinese Acrobatic and Wushu

Art Troupe will be in town to delight the local audience with a colorful and amazing acrobatic and dance presentation dubbed, ‘Thousand Years’ Sentiment; A Shared Dream’ on Friday, June 12, at the Jesse M. Robredo Coliseum.

With this presentation, a friendly cultural exchange, notwithstanding the territorial dispute obtaining between China and the Philippines, the local government’s interest is to keep up the hope for peace and friendship. “Pinapahiling kan China an saindang marhay na diplomatic relations between the Chinese and the Filipinos,” says Mayor John Bongat.

This light and entertaining show of China’s culture through splays of color and gripping movements is one of the many examples that there are efforts for peace between the two nations. In fact, Mayor Bongat expressed that

Naga highlights Filipino Chinese friendship day with acrobatic, dance presentation from China




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Naga City OFFICIALS and their families enjoying the variety of presentations prepared by the Chinese Acrobatic and Wushu Art Troupe.

TRADITIONAL Chinese yoyos used in an elaborate dance number that mesmerizes and delights the audience.

NAGA CITY’S celebration of the Filipino-Chinese Friendship day, highlighted by the Chinese Acrobatic and Wushu Art Troupe’s performance, was a rousing success.

the Naga City’s partnership with the Chinese Embassy goes way back and discussed how Shishi City, Naga’s sister City in China, sponsored the local government’s learning visit to China. “Ito [Shishi City] ngani baga nag sponsor sa’to na magduman sa China [para sa lakbay aral],” he said.

The Naga City Filipino Chinese Community were the ones who offered to do the presentation for the Nagueños and would be doing it for free. “Maswerte kita ‘ta iyan [Thousand Years’ Sentiment; A Shared Dream] po mahalun baga. Kung minsan duman sinda sa Resorts World sinda pero digdi, libre lang,” Mayor Bongat shared.

The Chinese Acrobatic and Wushu Art Troupe would only be performing at two locations in the Philippines, Naga City and Metro Manila, according to Allen Reondanga

of the City Events, Protocol and Public Information Office.

The acrobatic presentation which will feature interpretations of China’s diverse culture will be open for general admission, especially those from the academe, as well as officials and personnel from different government and private offices and establishments.

The special presentation is organized by the Foreign Affairs of the Republic of the Philippines, the Embassy of the People’s Republic of China, and the City Government of Naga under the joint efforts of Mayor John G. Bongat, Vice Mayor Nelson Legacion, and Rep. Leni Robredo.


THE Science Education Institute (SEI) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) conducted a “Technology Transfer Roadshow” in the Naga City from

June 15-17, 2015 in line with the celebration of the Bicol Science and Technology Centrum’s 20th foundation anniversary and the commemoration of the city’s 67th Charter Anniversary.

Science Explorer, the country’s first and only mobile learning facility, showcased and imparted science and technology learning to selected public elementary and high schools in Naga.

Equipped with new science modules on basic programming and internet for research, a team from the DOST – SEI, together with various young scientists from the University of the Philippines and DENR, imparted to public

elementary and high school students lessons

focused on information and communications technology (ICT) through an interactive teaching/workshop and unique experiments on various other learning modules such as river geology, mangroves, polymers, food science, water rocketry, puzzle mathematics and storm science.

Science Explorer is expected to address the lack of science laboratory equipment in schools and is envisioned to continue to bring

The Science Explorer Mobile Bus

S C I E N C E EXPLORER v i s i t s N a g a

INSIDE the bus with SEI Team Leader Ivan Roblas.

Participants pose with SEI’S Young Scientists.


School, Triangulo Elementary School, Camarines Sur National High School, Tinago High School, Carolina National High School, Cararayan High School, Naga City Science High School, and the Naga City School of Arts and Trade. Four (4) two-hour sessions per day (30 students per session) running from 8AM to 5PM were held, benefitting a total of 360 school children and fifteen teachers.

Students were treated to very interesting lectures inside the IT Mobile Bus and then made to apply and actually conduct experimentation of what has been learned.

The team from Science Education Institute headed by Ms. Ruby Cristobal, Chief Science Research Specialist, took care of the materials and snacks of the participants as well as the travelling expenses of their staff. The activity was successfully implemented because of the support and assistance of Mayor John G. Bongat, City Administrator

WATER ROCKET Launching Activity.Pupils ENJOYING practical

APPLICATION of their experiment.

effective, yet fun and easy ways of learning science for students in the hope of persuading the youth to go into science vocation or take science-oriented courses in

college. With information technology now a popular profession, and with high demand IT related jobs, the Science Explorer’s activities are also projected to teach the students skills and basics about programming.

Beneficiaries of the 3-day roadshow were students aged 10-16 years old, or from grade IV pupils

to 4th year high school students coming from randomly selected public elementary and high schools in the city. Schools invited were Naga Central School I & II, Mac Mariano Elementary School, San Rafael Elementary School, Jose Rizal Elementary

Florencio T. Mongoso Jr., as well as the Local School Board headed by Hernani Suron and DOST Cam. Sur led by its Provincial Director, Ms. Patrocinio Felizmenio.

Students queuing to REGISTER and ENJOY science education.

STUDENTS with their teachers and SEI facilitators.

WAITING for their turn.

PUPILS enjoying practical application of their experiment.


After a series of meetings between 1991 and 1994, a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between DOST, represented by then DOST Sec. Ricardo T. Gloria and the city government of Naga represented by former city mayor and DILG Secretary, Hon. Jesse M. Robredo, formally and officially documented the establishment of a regional science center called the Bicol Science Centrum (BSC) and later renamed Bicol Science and Technology Centrum (BSTC).

On June 15, 1995, BSTC was established as a pilot project of the DOST where a science center is established outside of Manila. It is the first of its kind as a Regional Science Centrum initiated and operated by a Local Government Unit.

From 1993 through 2008, DOST has provided a total of P8,368,485.00 in Grants-In-Aid financial assistance for the procurement of various science interactive exhibits and equipment, establishment of science galleries, construction of

First opened to the public in 1995, Bicol Science and Technology Centrum has grown through the years to become a popular destination for educational tours of schools and students coming from around the Bicol Region and the nearby province of Quezon. From a mere single gallery since it started operation, BSTC now has seven (7) science galleries showcasing various kinds of interactive exhibits and equipment that impart science learning valuable to the students’ unquenchable quest for knowledge and information.

BSTC today is the longest existing and the only active Science Centrum in the country operated by a local government unit and is the only science center in the Bicol Region.

JUNE 15, 2015 marked Bicol Science and Technology Centrum’s 7,300 days of meaningful existence.

By NESTOR VILLANEA

A brief history of the BSTC

As reported by the Association of Science and Technology Centers (an organization of all Science Centers worldwide), the year 1992 posted the largest gain ever when nineteen (19) science centers opened in that year worldwide. From 1989 through 1995, an average of thirteen (13) science centers opened each year and a number have expanded existing buildings, opened new facilities or new branches or broken ground for a new museum

In the local scene, Naga City faces the challenge of technological advancement as a major key to progress. Recognizing the importance of science and technology as a catalyst for progress and development, the city government of Naga, together with the Department of Science and Technology, conceptualized the institution of a regional science center in Naga to help provide a way for the Bicolanos to encourage and improve S&T learning.

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BICOL SCIENCE and TECHNOLOGY CENTRUM turns20


the BSTC building, and conduct of science forums and seminars. For its part, the city government of Naga donated a 2,000 square meter lot located at the city hall compound where the BSTC building was constructed and provided the Centrum with an annual budget for its personal services and maintenance and operating expenses. The City government also enacts and approves city resolutions and ordinances which serves as a directional framework and guide for the legal and smooth operation of the Centrum.

BSTC – A Non-Formal, Interactive Learning Environment

At the Science Centrum, one may ask– “students are having fun exploring the galleries and playing with the exhibits, but are they learning anything?”

Informal learning which occurs in Science Centrum that complements formal classroom education, involves a process as well as an outcome, a means of active engagement with actual experience and learning acquired. To measure knowledge gained and document what happens in the informal learning environment of the BSTC is challenging because the evidence for learning outcome is often unquantifiable and is not seen as the same time as the experience.

Performance in formal classroom education is geared to the achievement of pre-determined targets and driven by a pre-imposed curriculum and where level of

learning is measured numerically by a standard grading system. By contrast, informal learning offered by the Science Centrum typically requires no syllabus and the learning pathways followed are normally determined by the visitors themselves. Verifying the learning of Centrum visitors, thus, depends on recognizing the output that are attained along the process and on understanding that the learning process and knowledge gained are similarly significant. Learning may involve the development or deepening skills, knowledge, understanding, awareness, values and ideas that may lead to positive change and the desire to learn more.

Centrum visitors generally come in groups and the visit frequently entails a significant exchange of collective experiences and conversation, an opportunity for social interaction and self-expression. Expressing an experience and the related ideas that flow from it is an important mechanism for understanding. Exchange of ideas and discussion among members of the group provides hierarchy for learning that builds from observation through contextualization to interpretation While schools bring to the table ways of conceptualizing science as a coherent and systematic set of practices and ideas, BSTC conveys ways of making science accessible, collaborative, tangible, easy and joyful. We draw on our visitors’

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BSTC PROGRAMS, PROJECTS AND ACTIVITIES:

I. Gallery Exhibits and Teaching/Interactive Hands-On Experience/Group Tours

a. Main Gallery – Interactive Science and Math Modelb. Sci-Art Cubbyhole for Toddlers and Pre-Schoolersc. Gallery on Lights, Colors and Shapesd. Environment Gallerye. National Scientists Galleryf. Space Galleryg. KidSmart Early Learning Centerh. Optical Illusion Gallery

II. Education – Non-Formal Science Enrichment and School Programs

a. Science students/teachers seminars, workshops, lectures and film showingb. Youth Science Fortnight c. Science Camps/Science Club activitiesd. Commemorative and Special Eventse. Computer Literacy Program

III. Outreach Program

a. Science-On-Wheels Travelling Exhibitionb. Summer Science Fun-Filled Family Dayc. Stargazing activitiesd. Planetarium Viewinge. Information Drive/Education Campaign

IV. Promotion/Membership Scheme

a. BSTC Science Boardb. BSTC Membership - Institutionalc. Linkages - Foreign (former member - Association of Sc. & Tech Centers) - National (Science Centrum Ass. Of the Phils.) - Regional (RP-STEP) - Local (Naga City School Board)d. Marketing, Advertising and Promotional Campaign

V. Administration

a. Acquisition and maintenance of interactive exhibits and equipment and establishment of science galleries and facilities

b. Staff training and development/observation tours/ staff meetingsc. Building and ground maintenanced. Fund Generation -Regular appropriation -Sponsorship/Financial Assistance

At the BSTC, we

Value:

1. The importance of non-formal Science Education in regional development

2. We provide an interactive learning environment Characterized by fun, adventure, creativity and self discovery

3. We deliver responsive, appropriate science and technology Programs and services4. We believe that our clients (students, teachers, non-students Science enthusiasts, other visitors) deserve to be provided

with Quality education on Science and Technology through continuousIntroduction of new interactive exhibits, equipment, science galleries and facilities

5. We value and recognize everybody’s effort and contribution towards Progress and development

Service Strategy:

1. Instill interest, awareness and consciousness in the different areas of science through presentation of interactive exhibits demonstrating simple science concept or principle

2. Furnish students/visitors with updated and upgraded computer programs and information technology

3. Promote understanding and appreciation of astronomical phenomena through planetarium viewing and stargazing activities

4. Provide books and other reference/research materials on science, mathematics and technology

5. Help in the psycho-motor development and tickle the young minds of children through interaction with specialized play materials

6. Initiate and provide conducive venue for science forums, seminars and educational film showings

7. Actively conduct regional information and education campaign and outreach programs

8. Initiate and maintain partnership and association with line agencies, science centers, regional and international, for the promotion of science and technology education program

Key Customers:

1. Students 5. EducationOfficials2. Teachers 6. Non-Students3. Science Enthusiasts 7. General Public4. City Hall Offices 8. Other Private Groups/

Institutions/Line Agencies/LGUs

visual, spatial, and temporal qualities to build a student’s sense of connectedness, relevance and salience of science in ways other learning settings cannot. We have often been drawn to work in a relaxed and informal setting precisely because of this unique qualities and because of the distinction of the way science is taught in classrooms and the way we believe it is experienced in the real and actual interactive learning environment where students explore and discover, wonder and comprehend, frolic and enjoy, learn and apply.

As a regional interactive learning center, BSTC is progressively putting itself as valuable resource for information on science and technology and its social implications. With its organizational strength directed to the academe, family and community needs.

The latter may take the form of new fields of studies or themes to cover, new audiences to serve, additional partners with which to develop alliances, fresh multi-media approaches for greater S&T impact, but generally all of these aspects are being explored to better

sustain our mission of enhancing public understanding of science. The challenge is for us to create compelling experiences on subjects of importance and in ways that will encourage visitors to look upon BSTC as a resource for life-long learning.

With the encouraging assurance of support and expressed plans for expansion and development from the highly-spirited City Mayor, Hon. John G. Bongat, BSTC is optimistic it can craft essential approaches or instructive tools to ensure optimum learning and readily achieve its mandate of promoting non-formal S&T education and the encouragement of public appreciation of science.

So much has still to be done. Boundless are the spectrum of opportunities yet to be tapped. Unyielding and responsive we shall be to the challenges laid before us. Rest assured our cherished teachers and students, we will continue to strive to grow to serve you even more. We will continue to work together to remain in the mainstream and intellectually active to satisfy your unquenchable thirst for knowledge. This is just but our simple way of showing our deep gratitude to the people who gave us the reason to be here.

HON. John G. Bongat and Hon. Nelson Legacion and members of the SPO receiving a plaque of recognition from DOST’s Ruby Cristobal, Chief Science Research Specialist, recognizing Centrum’s unwavering advocacy of promoting science and technology in the Bicol Region.



The TSINELAS WALK and BIKE for Jesse kicks off the city’s celebration of the late mayor’s bith anniversary. The people of the city continues to show respect and gratitude to Jesse Robredo for everything he’s done for Naga.

The late Jesse M. Robredo did his best to live an ordinary life despite the position he holds in office. He was remembered

for ordinary things like how he took his family out for dates, for joining the Voyadores as they worship Ina, for taking walks along the City in his flip-flops or tsinelas, and a lot more. They may have been ordinary activities, but these activities are some of the things that made Jesse Robredo and extraordinary man.

Last May 27, Naga City celebrated late mayor Jesse M. Robredo’s 57th birth anniversary. Here, the Nagueños remembered Jesse s one of Naga’s most beloved sons and as one of its most beloved leaders.

The event began with a Memorial Mass at Eternal Gardens where the late mayor is buried. Mayor John Bongat, the Naga City officials, and the different city offices were one with the Robredo family as they commemorated the life

Jesse Robredo lived. Soon after

CELEBRATING A LIFE WORTH LIVING: COMMEMORATING JESSE ROBREDO’S 57TH BIRTH ANNIVERSARY

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CONGRESSWOMAN Leni Robredo posses with Naga City Officials as well as other offices and sectors alongside the Jesse Robredo bust.

the mass, the city officials presented floral offerings to Jesse’s burial site. The offering was led by Mayor Bongat and was followed by representatives by the different offices of the city.

Jesse Robredo’s birth anniversary continued at City Hall grounds where his new monument was unveiled. A bust of the late mayor now stands watching over the place he held dear. Mayor Bongat and Congresswoman Leni Robredo each gave speeches dedicating the bust to the Nagueños.

“To the people he (Jesse Robredo) walked the streets of Naga with, the people he celebrated with, the people he played with, and the people who knew him both personally and generally, this bust is humbly dedicated to them” said the mayor in his speech, emphasizing that the monument is not only a gift to Jesse but also for the city and its people. He also reiterated one of Jesse’s famous quotes, ‘the most important ingredient in leadership is character’, saying that the late mayor helped mold him into the man and leader he is today.

Congresswoman Leni Robredo began her speech by thanking the Naga City government for its gift to the late mayor adding that she was surprised seeing the bust outside because she mentioned thinking that it would only be positioned in City Hall’s lobby.

“Nangalas ako pag abot ko ngunyan, huna ko po yaun lang sa lobby [su monumento]. Ka’ng nahiling ko digdi, nagirumduman ko su saro’ng conversation mi ni Jess kang mga primerong taon palang na alkalde sya... Igwa baga dya’ng monumentong na su ‘unknown soldier’. One time


Congresswoman ROBREDO signs and hands out copies of “Matino at Mahusay”, a book on the late Jesse Robredo’s good governance practices and Tilling Fields, which was authored by Gabriel Bordado, Jr.

po, tig papapintahan nya yan, garu first term nya palang- Ang hapot nya samu, ‘nuarin man daw ako magkaka monumento’ng arog kayan?’ and ngunyan, garo ang simbag ‘uyan na’,

(I was surprised when I arrived because I thought the monument would be placed in the lobby. When I saw it here, I remembered one of the conversations Jess and I had when he was only a couple of years in office. There is a statue here called ‘the unknown soldier’. One time, he was having it painted some time during his first couple of years as mayor, and he asked us ‘I wonder when I’ll get a monument like that?’ and today the answer is, ‘there it is”) shared the congresswoman with the audience smiling at her story.

The unveiling of Jesse Robredo’s monument was followed by the presentation of two books; Matino at Mahusay, Jesse Robredo best practices written by multiple authors, and Tilling Fields by Gabriel Hidalgo Bordado Jr. 57 copies of the two books were given away to symbolize Jesse Robredo’s 57th birth anniversary. Congresswoman Robredo said that the release of the books were perfect because the author of ‘Tilling Fields’ was the late mayor’s best friend, adding that the two have been best friends long before she and Jesse met. It was only appropriate that the two books were presented together, said the congresswoman.

Afterwards, congresswoman lead a meeting on the updates of the Naga River Development Council, talking about the progress the city has had when it came to cleaning the river. It was followed by a luncheon meeting with the media on political issues. Jesse Robredo’s 57th birth anniversary ended with a Sanggawadan Day where Naga City officials headed by Mayor John Bongat distributed school supplies and sacks of rice.

Jesse Robredo’s birth anniversary allowed the Naga City community to celebrate as one family. In keeping the memory of Jesse Robredo alive, we are also keeping his visions and his character alive for the rest of the Nagueños to emulate, and when we do that, we are not just keeping him alive, we are also fulfilling his dream for the city and for the Nagueños.


Thirteen outstanding women, six gentlemen, a multi-awarded college department, and two private establishments were honored last night, June 17, during the conferment rites for

the prestigious 2015 Mayoral Awards.Naga Mayor John G. Bongat in his welcome

message said, “Once again, at this glorious moment, on the eve of the celebration of Naga City’s 67th Charter Anniversary, we are conferring these awards to our best citizens who have brought honor, pride, and glory by the exemplary achievements they have shown in their chosen fields that contribute to the enhancement of Naga’s growth and development.

Before handing down the awards, the city mayor also paid tribute to the people of the city – the Nagueños – whom he said is the source of his strength in steering his beloved city toward good governance and responsive public service and the reason why Naga has become what it is today –progressive and happy.

Among this year’s awardees are: Department of Digital Arts and Computer Animation of the Ateneo de Naga University for the Juan Q. Miranda Award, the city’s highest mayoral awards, for producing some of the country’s top animators that are now serving companies and media networks since it was established 15 years ago as a regular college department that pioneered in offering a four-year Bachelor of Science in Digital Illustration and Animation.

For the Leon Salim Aureus Award, the second highest award, the recipients include the three women founders of Bigg’s Inc. which placed Naga in the map of exciting food destinations, a multi-awarded digital animator, and a many-times winner of Palanca Awards and several other literary awards who happens to be a columnist of this paper promoting Bicol arts and language

A complete list of these awardees and their achievements are found on Page 10 of this issue.

Held at Magdalena Hall of New Crown Hotel in downtown Naga, the awarding rites was attended by the awardees’ family members and friends, city and barangay officials, guests, and school executives. The awardees received plaques, medallions, and cash incentives.

By JASON B. NEOLA

Outstandingcitizens honored

in 2015 Mayor al Awards night

The four major awards are named after the city’s famous leaders.

The Juan Q. Miranda Award, which is the highest city award, is named after the father of the City Charter of Naga. A former guerilla leader, then Rep. Miranda authored House Bill 1255 which was enacted as Republic Act 305 after it was signed by President Elpidio Aquino on June 18, 1948, or 67 years ago.

The Leon S. Aureus Award, the second highest award, is named in honor of the first Mayor of Naga as a chartered city. Appointed by Pres. Quirino, he accepted the gargantuan task of governing and restoring the city from the ravages of World War II, during which trying times he also served as executive officer, the second highest ranking post, in the Tancong Vaca Guerilla Unit.

The Jesse M. Robredo Youth Award is of course named after the former mayor of our city and secretary of the Department of the Interior and Local Governments who is widely hailed as a servant leader who redefined pro-people politics and good governance.

The Lt. Delfin C. Rosales Award is named after a young brave soldier who plunged into a hail of Japanese bullets to save a wounded comrade. This award is conferred to a Naga citizen for extraordinary acts of heroism, valor, and civic duty, including acts of honesty.

This year, the Awards Committee- composed of private citizens who represent different sectors, such as and women, arts, culture and history, the professional sector, media, and city government- introduced the Special Community Award conferred on two private establishments that have directly contributed to the economic progress and development thrusts of the city government. They were honored for giving something without expecting anything but the welfare of their fellow Nagueños, especially those who direly need help.

Then there were the Mayoral Recognitions which were given this year to 10 Nagueños for their outstanding achievements in sports, education, and for placing in the Top Ten of different professional licensure examinations.

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In behalf of my fellow city officials and the people of the City of Naga, let me take my hats off to the thirteen (13) women, six (6) men, a college department, and two (2) private establishments that we are honoring today.

I congratulate the Mayoral Awards Committee for hurdling the difficult task of picking out the best of this year’s Nagueños from among the list of 30 names that have been nominated for this prestigious award. Once again, at this glorious moment, on the eve of the celebration of Naga City’s 67th Charter Anniversary, we are conferring these awards to our best citizens who have brought honor, pride and glory by the exemplary achievements they have shown in their chosen fields that contribute to the enhancement of Naga’s growth and development.

I am beaming with joy, pride and satisfaction in joining you to recognize and emulate the good things that our fellow citizens have been accomplishing in our collective drive to make Naga what it wants to be; a happy place bursting with pride, unity and camaraderie, dynamism, and prosperity.

It is because of our people that over the years Naga has become the best place to come home to because our city, which is one of the country’s most competitive urban centers, is worth our dreams, energies and passion. Needless to say, it is our people which are the source of my strength as your public servant. Fittingly, these awards, apart from the mayoral recognitions and the Special Community Award that we are conferring today, have been etched in the names of our beloved modern-day heroes: Miranda, Aureus, Rosales, and Robredo.

This event, which is meant to highlight achievements, celebration and appreciation, also speaks loudly of the human spirit at its finest as it brings to the fore three very important elements that make us Nagueños truly a proud people: 1) respect that is given to someone who is admired for making a difference in the lives of other people; 2) good reputation, or character that radiates to set good example to other people, and 3) high moral standards.

Message from the Mayor

2015 Mayoral AwardsSS

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The

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JUAN QUERUBIN MIRANDA AWARD

This Mayoral Distinguished Award is the city’s highest award named after the Father of the City Charter of Naga. As Member of the House of Representatives of the Philippines representing the then First District of Camarines Sur (there were only two districts in the province then) shortly after the war, Rep. Miranda authored House Bill 1255 which was signed and enacted as Republic Act 305 on June 18, 1948 by President Elpidio Quirino.

LEON SALEM AUREUS AWARD

The second highest award is named in honor of the first Mayor of Naga as a Charter City. Appointed by Pres. Quirino, he accepted the gargantuan task of governing and rehabilitating the city from the ravages of World War II, where Aureus served as Commander Miranda’s executive officer and the second highest ranking officer of the Tangcong Vaca Guerilla Unit.

JESSE MANALASTAS ROBREDO YOUTH AWARD

Introduced in 2013, this award is named after the former Naga City Mayor and Interior and Local Government Secretary who is widely hailed as a servant-leader. The award recognizes the Nagueño youth, individual or group, who strives and perseveres in living the “tsinelas” type of leadership and the kind of governance that the dynamic and charismatic mayor had been widely known for.

LT. DELFIN C. ROSALES AWARD

Launched this year, this award is named after a young brave soldier who plunged into a hail of bullets fired by Japanese soldiers to save a wounded comrade. This award is conferred any citizen of the city for extraordinary acts of heroism, valor, and civic duty, including acts of honesty worth emulating.


Filomeno V. Aguilar, Jr.

is an outstanding academician and social scientist. He was the Class Salutatorian of the Ateneo de Naga High School 1972 and went on to finish Management Engineering in Ateneo de Manila, cum laude. He received his Master of Science in Economics from the University of Wales in Swansea, United Kingdom. Aguilar earned his Ph.D. from Cornell University. His scholarly works have been recognized in the U.S, Asia and the Philippines and been given awards. One of these was his research work done in the Cornell University, which was acclaimed for its outstanding contribution to Southeast Asian studies. His book Maalwang: Family, Overseas Migration, and the Culture of Relatedness received the Outstanding Book Award from the National Academy of Science and Technology. Aguilar has taught in the National University of Singapore and the James Cook University in Australia. He is former Director of the Institute of Philippine Culture and was Dean of the School of Social Sciences till the school year 2015. He was Chair of the Technical Panel on General Education, Commission on Higher Education, Office of the President till this

year. He was President of the Philippine Sociological Society

and Chair, Board of Trustees of the Philippine Social

Science Council. Presently, Aguilar is a Full Professor of the Department of History, School of Social Sciences, Ateneo de Manila University and Chief Editor, Philippine Studies: Historical and Ethnographic Viewpoints. Jun Aguilar is a Nagueño.

GUEST SPEAKER

The Chairperson: Jose V. Barrameda, Jr.

Mayoral Awards 2015Board of Judges

MR. JOSE V. BARRAMEDA, JR.Chairperson

DR. ELNA N. CHIAVice Chairperson

MR. ANTONIO A. AMPARADOMS. RUBY JANE L. BANDOLA

MR. TITO G. VALIENTEMR. ROY B. SAN RAMONMR. GILBERT ALBEROMR. REUEL M. OLIVER

MR. ALLEN L. REONDANGAMembers

MR. JOSE B. PEREZSecretariat


Established in year 2000, this college department is the first in the country to have offered a four-year Bachelor of Science in Digital Illustration and Animation that for over fourteen years now has produced and continues to produce some of the nation’s top animators servicing companies and media networks. Its students have won without fail each year the top prizes in digital illustration and animation competition from the major award-giving bodies in the country. In all its triumphs, the men and women for others of Ateneo de Naga University have become men and women for the City of Naga as they bring to the world outside the name of our city, gracing and gilding the old settlement by the river with their excellence in the new global technologies.

Department of Digital Arts and Computer Animation

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AWARD

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These three dynamic ladies have become legendary icons in the burgeoning food industry of the Bicol Region because of their exemplary achievements and unending pursuit for excellence. Heeding the call of their hearts, these three Nagueñas in 1983 bravely set out on a journey that puts Naga in the exclusive map of exciting food destinations, defining the Bicolano taste and promoting good business practices while providing quality jobs to fellow Bicolanos and becoming one of the top business taxpayers in the city. Its 15 branches located in key areas in Bicol and in Southern Luzon are proofs of these three amazing women’s excellent business sense and unequalled innovation in the highly competitive fast food industry.

Ma. Teresa B. Buenaflor, Ma. Carmen G. Manjon, Consuelo C. Bichara

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Omar. P. AguilarThis Nagueño animator has made impressive contributions to the development of the Philippine

animation industry. His “Ang Maogmang Lugar” won as Best Picture during the 2014 40th Metro Manila Film Festival New Wave Animation Category even as he was hailed as the Emerging Artist of the Year in Animahenasyon 2014 – The 8th Philippine Animation Festival held last November 28, 2014 in Makati City. A former student who is now an instructor at the Ateneo de Naga University, he also distinguishes himself as an animator who encourages his students to take on more meaningful and relevant projects, such as those that seriously touch on disaster preparedness and proper waste segregation, or those that carry significant and timely socio-cultural and spiritual themes.

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Kristian Sendon Cordero

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Described as an enfante terrible of Bikol contemporary writings, Kristian continues to make Bikol “visible” in various works that he is pursuing, both as an academic and as a creative. He is now recognized as a laurelled poet and fictionist, and received major literary awards, which include the Don Carlos Memorial Awards in three categories: poetry, fiction and essay; two National Book Awards; the Madrigal Gonzales Best Book Award; the NCCA Writers Prize, and the Maningning Miclat Poetry Prize. To date, he has authored five collections of poetry, and has edited several anthologies, including “The Naga We Know.” Lately, he has indulged himself in filmmaking, directing Bicol independent films.

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CanticosApat na Boses

(UST Publishing House) finalist, Best Book of Poetry in Bikol

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Labi(Ateneo de Manila University Press)finalist, Best Book of Poetry in Filipino

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Edwin Elarde CambaSS

As an exemplary student leader at the University of Nueva Caceres, he serves his fellow students and the community with a strong sense of volunteerism that prepares him to become a future servant-leader. As a student, he manages to balance his studies and his extra-curricular activities, both inside and outside of the campus that enables his various youth and school organizations to carry out their community development projects and advocacies with commendable results. By dedicating his talents and leadership skills, this young man is making a difference and becoming socially involved for the greater interest of his fellow citizens and the community in which he lives.

As a simple tricycle driver, he shows to us the values of honesty, good character and civic duty by returning large sums of money and a lap top left by passengers in his vehicle. His humble beginnings as a hardworking family man who barely survives to raise a family and send his children to school make this award even more significant and heart-warming.

John Paul Amata Taday

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JESSE M. ROBREDO

YOUTH AWARD

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PO2 Marie Eleanor Jacob Seman

PO1 Celine Jane Berja Sarmiento

Proud of their badge and heeding the call of duty, these two police women bravely and gallantly wrestled with and successfully subdued an armed criminal using motorcycle who is also known to be a drug dependent, resulting to his arrest and the eventual filing of charges against the suspect.

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ROSALES AWARD


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She is one of Metro bank’s Ten Outstanding Teachers of the Philippines (Elementary Level) for 2014. Her inspiring community service and involvement, strong character, and remarkable professional accomplishments make her one of the country’s best mentors that we look up to as models not only for her fellow educators but for the community, as well.

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Anna Bella F. Abellera

Alyssa Mary John P. Abanes

She placed 6th in the National Licensure Examination for Social Workers given by the Professional Regulations Commission in 2014. A Dean’s Lister, she also served as 2014 Naga City Youth Mayor by topping both the oral and written examinations in the selection of Naga City Youth Officials during that year.

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Jeera Belarmino De Los Angeles

She placed 6th in the Licensure Examination for Teachers given by the Professional Regulation Commission last September 2014. She graduated Cum Laude with Academic Distinction at the Ateneo de Naga University.

He placed 10th in the Librarian Licensure Examination (National Level) given by the Professional Regulation Commission last April 2014. He is now working as Librarian 1/Indexer at the Ateneo de Manila University.

John Lyndon T. Amaza



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Candace Faye I. Caalim

Arianne Pearl I. Caalim

Representing the country, she won two (2) Silver Medals in Rapid and Blitz Chess at the age of 9 years old during the 15th Asean+Age Group Championship held in Macau, China last June 2-12, 2014.

Representing the country, she won the Silver Medal in Standard Chess at the age of Six (6) years old during the 15th Asean+Age Group Championship held in Macau, China last June 2-12, 2014.




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Marie Elaine Abad-Florece

She placed 4th in the Guidance Counselor Licensure Examination given by the Professional Regulation Commission in Manila last August 2014. This is the first time that a Bicol-based school has produced an examinee in the Top Ten ever since the PRC ran its first Licensure Examination in Guidance and Counseling last August 2008.

She placed 10th in the Licensure Examination for Teachers given by the Professional Regulation Commission last September 2014. She graduated Cum Laude with Academic Distinction at the Ateneo de Naga University.

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Gellie Ann S. Lomaad




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Rudy V.Vivo

Tessa Nickaela San Felipe Noora



She placed 9th in the Licensure Examination for Teachers given by the Professional Regulation Commission last September 2014. She graduated Magna Cum Laude at the Ateneo de Naga University.

In recognition of his more than ten (10) years of selfless dedication and passionate service to the Deaf, the Philippine Association of Interpreters for Deaf Empowerment, Inc. bestowed on him the 3rd Golden Hands Awards. As a Master Teacher at Naga Central School II SPED Center, he has helped raise public awareness on the education of special children that despite their handicapped conditions they still can be educated, become productive and accepted by our society.


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Two (2) parcels of land covering an area of 1,000 and 3,277 sq. meters, respectively, were donated by this family-owned realty corporation to be used as the site of the now completed city government-operated Our Lady of Lourdes Infirmary in Barangay Carolina, Naga City. Such act of generosity has put to reality the city’s thrust of bringing health services and facilities closer to the constituents, particularly to the poor and needy in Barangay Carolina and its other neighboring upland barangays.

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C. Pasia Realty, Inc.

Metroland Properties and Management Corporation (LCC Group)

This private establishment as partner for Naga’s social progress and development, has donated to the City Government a piece of land with an area of 28, 818 square meters located in Sitio San Rafael, Barangay Cararayan, Naga City. As provided for in the Deed of Donation, such piece of land shall be used solely and exclusively for the housing needs of the underprivileged, poor, and homeless residents of the city.

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AWARD

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AWARD


Art every Month

Inspired to make a difference, Salingoy Art Group has persevered to continuously come up with activities that will not only increase art and culture appreciation among the public but also open doors

of opportunities for Bicolano artists. These undertakings come in various forms of yearly events such as workshops, on–the–spot sketching, group exhibits both in Naga and Manila and active participation in national art competitions. They also take time to implement their projects for their advocacies concerning street children, health, and environment.

However, this 2015 is particularly unique as members have started conducting solo exhibits at the Naga City Art Gallery. “We are hoping to draw people’s attention to attend and buy artworks of local artists and most importantly we want everybody to shine”, the group cited with enthusiasm when asked about what they hoped to achieve. They also mentioned that this plan was given birth two years ago and because the group has been very busy with their projects, they decided to finalize it only in December 2014.

At present, the show of Hermel Alejandre, whose artworks celebrate the inspirations of Picasso, brings a colourful and festive mood at the gallery giving off a notable contrast to the previous exhibit of Jing Sta. Maria in June which conveyed meanings and expressions through the simplicity of lines wrapped in minimal colors and patterns. Their differences give each other an identifying mark which makes art a rather interesting picture of individuality and being. Both are aware that their works may have varying impacts on their guests but hopes that their art pieces communicate their message in a succinct and relevant way.

After these two exhibits, the people have still more to look forward to as there will be five promising artists from Salingoy who will showcase their creativity this year from August, October, November and December. Starting off with Nitz Penera, followed by Richard Perez, Sylene Sabino and Rommel Perez, they all said that their gratitude and excitement to share both fuels them to passionately pursue their art.

Having known how intensely they have submitted themselves to their creative and noble pursuits, indeed, these talented Bicolanos deserve support from everyone who wish to contribute to the flourishing culture and arts in the city that happily smiles to the world.

By SYLENE SABINO


A graduate of the University of the East School of Music and Arts, Jing, as he is popularly known, describes his journey as an artist as both exciting and challenging. His description comes from a blend of experiences that have shaped him to become who he is now as a friend, a father and a man who is constantly seeking to contribute to the community’s greater awareness on culture and arts.

Over the years, what motivates him also continues to bring out his most creative side. This become subjects that vary from day to day; it could be a spark of an idea, an unforgettable imagery of nature or even a memory somewhere in the depths of his

thoughts. Nonetheless, all these inspirations come from a wide array of elements which he described as extensions of himself.

However colorful his imagination is, his style presents an undisturbed simplicity exemplified by the use of lines, minimal colors and understated patterns both in paintings and sculptures. This approach made him a finalist in the 2014 GSIS National Art Competition - proof that his is an art that stands out from the rest despite limited presence of expression.

Content as he is, he still dreams to discover techniques that will add to his identity and gain the favor of the public. For now he is grateful that his lines have stretched this far, enabling him to achieve mastery in life and its creative dimensions.

Jerome Sta. Maria

“What art can create, it can destroy”.


The Ateneo de Naga University Press (ADNU Press) publicly presented the book of City Councilor and former City Vice Mayor Gabriel Hidalgo Bordado Jr. alongside the books of

established and award-winning authors Luis Cabalquinto and Marne Kilates.

Entitled “TILLING FIELDS”, the book compiles Bordado’s selected essays and poems published in major national newspapers and magazines.

According to the foreword written by lawyer Maria Leonor Gerona Robredo, the representative of the third district of Camarines Sur and the widow of the revered Secretary of the Interior and Local Government Jesse M. Robredo, “ the book encompasses several pieces that perfectly articulate and bring to light dilemmas, agonies,

policies, ponderings, hopes, despairs, dreams, longings, wonderings, and poignancies in a writing style that can easily be identified with Gabby – rich in vocabulary but understandable and accessible both to ordinary persons and those in the uppermost echelons.”

Bordado was Robredo’s vice mayor for two consecutive terms (2004 – 2007 and 2007 – 2010).

He worked with the former mayor and DILG Secretary for a quarter of a century, serving

as his secretary, city information officer, and acting city administrator. It is but

natural, therefore, that six essays on the late Secretary are included in the book.

“Many would fault Gabriel Hidalgo Bordado Jr. for supposedly living in the shadows of Jesse M. Robredo for decades. Some would go far by saying that my devoted

friend and colleague Gabby had exerted so much time and effort for

my husband that he failed to blaze his own trail,” Rep.

Robredo also wrote in her foreword.

She averred, however, that “as someone who has known Gabby for

ATENEO LAUNCHES

BORDADO’S BOOK


TURN-OVER: Ateneo de Naga University President Fr. Primitivo Viray Jr. turns over copies of “TILLING FIELDS” to City Councilor Gabriel Hidalgo Bordado Jr. as Mayor John Bongat, Luis Cabalquinto, and Marne Kilates look on.

long, I take offense with the undue criticism. Yes, he had been supportive of my husband. But he has achieved so much on his own and has had a distinguished career as city administrator, vice mayor and councilor. Jesse had been a successful chief executive partly because of him. To say otherwise is a disservice to a man who has authored and co-authored pioneering city ordinances and who has been one of the brains behind some of the best practices in governance that have put Naga in the map.”

The book consists of 38 essays and poems spanning the period from 1974 – when Bordado was just a student at the University of the Philippines at Los Baños and Diliman – up to 2015.

Dr. Jose Wendell P. Capili, Assistant Vice President of the University of the Philippines and a distinguished writer himself, contended that “wonderful things can be said about TILLING FIELDS – Gabriel Hidalgo Bordado Jr. ‘s language is clean, clear, and accessible … What makes the collection worthwhile is that Bordado articulates from a very solid Bicolano subject position, very well arguing that the regional may also be truly national. Easily, Bordado fills in a gap, as he offers a renewed insight about what it takes to be Nagueño, Bicolano, and Filipino”.

Bordado emerged as the top city councilor of Naga City in the 2013 local elections after forgoing his nomination as the official Liberal Party candidate for Representative of the Third District of Camarines Sur, giving way to Atty. Leni Gerona Robredo “to preserve party unity and protect the legacy of the late Secretary Jesse M. Robredo.”

He was the city vice mayor of Naga City for three consecutive terms (2004 – 2013). Under his watch, the Sangguniang Panlungsod ng Naga was cited by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) as one of the top 3 city councils in the entire country. He also introduced the Quality Universal Elementary Education in Naga (QUEEN), later renamed as the Quality Universal Education Empowerment in Naga.

As city councilor (1995-2004), he authored legislative measures leading to the creation of such

institutions as the Metro PESO, the Naga City Investment Board, the Integrated Livelihood Master Program, the Naga City Council for Culture and the Arts, and the GalingPook award-winning Productivity Improvement Program (PIP). He co-authored the “Kaantabay sa Kauswagan” (Partners in Development) Urban Poor Development Program, and i-Governance Ordinance which institutionalized the Naga City Citizens’ Charter (now adopted in all government offices throughout the Philippines). In his fourth term (2013 up to the present), he facilitated the introduction of reforms in the budgeting process both at the city and barangay levels. He also co-authored the creation of the City of Naga Power Commission (CNPC) and the City College of Naga (CCN).

Bordado studied at the Calabanga Central Division Pilot School, the Ateneo de Naga, the University of the Philippines at Los Baños and Diliman, and the Pamantasang Lungsod ng Maynila. In 2013, he graduated with the degree of Master in Development Management and Governance at the UP College of Public Affairs and Development (UP CPAf) under the auspices of the UPLB – DILG – Local Government Academy scholarship program.

He took non-degree courses at the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) and at the Lee Kwan Yew School of Policy of the National University of Singapore (NUS) with full funding support from the World Bank Institute and the Singapore government. He also linked up with the University of British Columbia in Vancouver, Canada through a special program of the Ford Foundation.

In his spare time, Bordado writes poetry, feature articles, and book reviews. Several of his poems had been anthologized in two books printed by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA). Eight of his book reviews won in the essay writing contest sponsored by The Philippine Star. His feature articles had been published by the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Bulletin Today, ThePhilippine Star, and Malaya, among other periodicals.

Councilor and former Vice Mayor Bordado is married to Dr. Georgina Junsay Bordado, the first female president of the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA). They have three children: Marian Gabrielle, George Gabriel VII, and Elizabeth Ann.

FOREWORD: Representative Leni Gerona Robredo wrote the foreword of “TILLING FIELDS”


The regional office of the Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF)

in Legazpi City commended the Naga City Treasurer’s Office and the Naga City Assessor’s Office for their exemplary performance in revenue generation and collection.

City Mayor John G. Bongat, on the other hand, was lauded for being the key person in the city’s aggressive tax campaign that resulted to improved delivery of basic services.

Last year, the city mayor was also cited by the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) for his leading role in supporting the agency’s tax collection drive within his area of jurisdiction.

BLGF OIC-Regional Director Florencio Dino III handed the mayor a certificate of recognition for the city government “for registering the largest contribution to the total local revenue collection of all cities in the Bicol Region” for 2014.

The city was able to collect in business and real property taxes the total amount of P555.76M which represents 43.98%, or nearly half of the total P1.26B collection of Bicol cities. This means that the remainder of 56.02% were shared by total collection of the 6 other cities.

BLGF LAUDS NAGA’S HIGH REVENUE

GENERATIONBy JASON B. NEOLA

It was noted that Naga City’s collection was even higher than Albay’s collection of P490.78M for the same period. Albay is region’s top performing revenue collector among the provinces. The amount represents 25.92% of the P1.89B accumulated collections of the 6 Bicol provinces.

Meanwhile, the BLGF also cited City Treasurer Gregoria Nilda B. Abonal “for her continuing efforts on local revenue generation, thereby enabling the city of Naga to register such a feat.”

In an interview, Abonal thanked the city’s taxpayers for paying their taxes promptly and correctly. She added that she is not resting on her laurels as her office will be pushing for more serious information dissemination on tax collection campaign by November, this year, in close coordination with the City Events, Protocol and Public Information Office (CEPPIO).

Her office was also commended for being rated ‘very good’ in the LGU Fiscal Sustainability Scorecard. The office’s performance on this field was evaluated by the Department of Finance (DOF).

The scoreboard is a summation of scores from the Key Result Areas of Revenue Generation Capacity, Local Revenue Growth and Expenditure Management, largely based on the timely and accurate submission of the electronic Statement of Receipts and Expenditures (eSRE) being monitored, reviewed and approved by the BLGF.

City Assessor Ramon R. Albeus was also given the same recognition for sharing his efforts on local revenue generation.

The awards were given last May 7, 2015 during the 2nd Quarter Regional Conference of Bicol Treasurers and Assessors in Legazpi City.

TAXPAYERS queue for efficient and orderly transactions at the City Treasury Office.

PAYMENTS for permits, taxes and miscellaneous fees are given separate areas manned by accommodating staff.

The VOUCHERS and payrolls section where papers are expeditiously processed.


SHORTLY after delivering his State of the City Report at the People’s Hall, Mayor John G. Bongat, along with the other city officials, led the awarding of recognition plaques to the city’s

top taxpayers for 2014.A total of 130 top taxpayers which

include private firms (local and national), individuals, banks, and corporate establishments received recognition from the city government.

The top 10 taxpayers under the corporation category were: SM Prime Holdings, Inc., Mainstream Business, Inc. (SM Dept. Store, SM Business Center, etc), Supervalue, Inc. (SM Supermarket), Caleb Motor Corporation (Mitsubishi dealer), Fremont Foods Corp. (2 Jollibee branches), and Golden Arches Dev. Corp. (2 McDonalds branches), San Miguel Brewery, Inc., and SM Appliance Center.

Owners and proprietors of local businesses dominated the individual taxpayer category. Five of the 10 individual taxpayers own sales and distribution businesses, four own and manage restaurants. The top

Naga’s top 2014 taxpayers named, hailed

TOP TAXPAYER. Mall Manager Wesley Villanueva (in striped shirt) of SM City Naga receives from city officials led by Mayor John Bongat and Vice Mayor Nelson Legacion the plaque for SM Holdings, Inc. as Top Taxpayer under the Business Tax National Corporation category.

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individual taxpayer, on the other hand, owns one of the largest groceries in the city.

Combined, the top 10 corporation taxpayers contributed P47.94M to local taxes, with the top 10 individual taxpayers adding another P4.33M.


MEPO, NAMASFED mark NCPM’s 4th yearBy JASON B. NEOLA

AFTER the thanksgiving mass which was celebrated by Fr. Ramil Pajenago, Mayor Bongat gladly congratulates all those who exerted their efforts to improve the NCPM operations. “The reward for a good work is more work to achieve,” the mayor says as he hinted that the job for ideal NCPM is far from over. A

community of empowered and responsible vendors, stallholders and market personnel working together to sustain a dynamic, competitive, safe and clean environment that will meet the demands of the buying public.

That describes how the Naga City People’s Mall (NCPM) operates today after it started a makeover in 2011 and continues to carve a name for itself.

“NCPM’s growth merits a celebration, acknowledged as it is as a collective undertaking of Mayor Bongat, our office, the transient vendors and stallholders that is why we had a festive event,” says Ramon J. Florendo, market superintendent and head of Market Enterprise and Promotions Office (MEPO).

NCPM’s 4th anniversary celebration started last May 1, this year, with various events organized and merrily participated in for the whole month by members of the Naga Market Stallholders Federation that comprise the

Celebrating a meaningful

partnership


FR. Albert Balderas shares a light moment with NAMASFED members.

SARI-SARI SECTION president Maria Onquit (left) assists MEPO’s Helen Briones in preparing the breakfast table.

TRANSIENT VENDORS, MEPO PERSONNEL AND

OFFICERS OF NAMASFED HAPPILY RELISH

THE IBOS, SUMAN, PUTO AND OTHER

TRADITIONAL KAKANIN DURING THE “PAMAHAW

KAN BANWAAN” HELD AT NCPM’S ACTIVITY

CENTER.

CLEANLINESS

Having a reputation then to be one of the dirtiest public markets in the region, NCPM now exudes an ambience of well-orderliness. Today, it has its own waste management and disposal system.

Aside from the strict implementation of the 5S principle on housekeeping methodology and workplace organization (sort, set in order, shine, standardize, and sustain) in all the 1,731 stalls and corners of the NCPM, MEPO also operates and sustanins three segregation sites installed in all the three levels of the facility.

Before garbage and waste find their way to these segregation sites, concerned stallholders sort them and accordingly dispose of them to trash cans intended for either biodegradable or non-biodegradable items.

Each segregation site has a conveyor which carries and moves the garbage from their location down to the materials recovery facility (MRF) which is located at the back of the NCPM where a garbage truck regularly passes by to pick them up.

28 sections of the Naga City People’s Mall (NCPM), including the transient vendors, 10 porters association and parking men now numbering about 1,114 and 800, respectively.

The Awards Night & Grand Socials, and the selection of Dancing King & Queen at the NCPM Activity Center culminated the month-long event on May 31.

The strong partnership with vendors and members of NAMASFED, according to Florendo, continues to deliver significant results on various MEPO campaigns that aim to improve the operations and services of the NCPM.

“The collaborative efforts made us get closer to our vision that by 2019 the NCPM shall be the center of excellence of a well-managed social enterprise in the country and a lucrative local government economic enterprise,” says Florendo.

Specifically, the partnership has brought discipline among stallholders and vendors and encouraged cleanliness and security within the premises. It also encouraged business development initiatives to allow small and micro entrepreneurs to increase their sales and profits.

A GROUP of market-goers crowded the MEPO to avail of free sako bags. The giveaway is part of MEPO’s advocacy campaign to discourage the public from using plastic bags. Right photo shows MEPO’s Joel Pitalio and Vicky Enriquez ready the distribution of sako bags.


SING like Angeline Q or Eric S. Stallholders, their sons and daughters vie in the video challenge entitled the Search for Pwede Na & Pwede Pa Singing Idols. BEER PLAZA. A fun-filled night, a perfect bonding moment was enjoyed by MEPO

personnel and their friends at NCPM. Photo shows MEPO’s Glenda Gonzales and her co-employee Vicky Enriquez. Right photo shows MEPO’s Jesse Robles (left), Sheila Mancera (right), NAMASFED’s Regina Peñero (center).

N A M A S F E D S P O N S O R E D

The campaign was boosted by the conduct of Mercadong Malinig, Negosyo Masarig campaign which is aimed to make NCPM more presentable and well-maintained. It has helped a lot to promote the culture of orderliness and cleanliness within the premises of the market.

BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT

MEPO is also conducting a series of undertakings aimed to help stallholders increase their sales and profits. Resource persons or groups with know-how on retail and production industry conduct business counselling among the stallholders and vendors.

Seminars, for instance, allow to learn about modern food and fish processing with lecturers from BFAR and Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and other business enterprises.


The PARTICIPANTS composed of MEPO personnel, divided into color-coded four sub-teams.

TIRED but INSPIRED. After the team building exercises which consists of ball games and traditional sports competitions.

MEPO head Mon Florendo gives inspirational message to MEPO personnel on the importance of working as a TEAM.

The rehabilitation of the fresh fish section with the construction of watercourses along its 113 stalls to prevent the floor from getting wet and watery all the time was part of Bongat’s plan to improve the business transactions in NCPM, including the construction of more entrances and hallways in its first and second floors.

SECURITY

Notwithstanding the decline on theft and robbery cases, MEPO also set up well-placed surveillance cameras and closed circuit television. Around P800,000 was spent for the purchase and installation of the cameras in the mall’s strategic points.

In 2010, a year before Mayor Bongat created MEPO and rebranded the Naga City Public Market to Naga City People’s Mall, there were 57 incidences of snatching reported and 54 stalls ransacked by thieves.

In 2013, MEPO recorded 16 incidents of snatching and 7 cases of ransacked stalls. From January to July 2014, seven cases of snatching and 6 ransacked stalls were reported.

The figures slumped dramatically in the following years because of the active responses from the NCPM security force and support given by vendors and stallholders.

Leading these gains and achievements is the continuing increase in MEPO revenues. A record-high P27,494,509.90 revenue collection was reported for the period of January-July 2015 alone. This is a far cry from the P20.4M collected in 2014 and P12.5M in 2013 (for the same Jan to July period?)

During the 4th year celebration, 14 MEPO employees were honored for their meritorious services. They were: Ofelia Benosa, Ma. Victoria Enriquez, and Rosalio Santos (administrative section); Nelson Peña (collection section); Gemma Tud and Joegar Lacostales (maintenance section); Eliezer Misolas, Ronaldo Botor, James Michael Amelano, Ricardo Castro Jr. and Alberto Alberto Jr., Jose Alzaga, Reynaldo Bolofer and Reinhard Joseph Estrella (security section).

PHOTOS BY Clark Belano, Sheila Mancera, Glenda Gonzales, and Rolly Santos

TEAM BUILDING AND WORK ENHANCEMENT

PROGRAM PARTICIPATED IN BY MEPO PERSONNEL.


AGo Negosyo Center will soon be operationg in this city to further boost the undertakings of micro, small and medium enterprises (MSMEs), arguably one of the country’s

strongest economic drivers.In 2014, Naga was named as the country’s 3rd

Most Competitive City and No. 1 in government efficiency by the National Competitiveness Council of the Philippines.

A Negosyo Forum held here last Thursday, June 25, was attended by representatives from different public and private entities in this city and from neighboring municipalities within the Metro Naga area, with Sen. Benigno ‘Bam’ Aquino IV as guest of honor and speaker.

Gilbert N. Albero, president of Metro Naga Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MNCCI), underscored the MSMEs major contribution in the improvement of the country’s employment level, adding that “almost 70% of employment generated is from the micro and small enterprises.”

The meeting was organized by MNCCI in partnership with the Baao Parish Multi-Purpose Cooperative and TRIAS, a Belgian non-government organization which extends funding assistance to micro and small entrepreneurs and marginalized farmers and fishers in poor communities in Southeast Asia.

Albero said the facility will start operating in time for the opening of the 11th Bicol Business Week (BBW) on September 4, this year at the Naga City Hall and at the provincial office of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) here. Another center will also be put up within the Iriga City Hall compound on the same day.

Jay Ablan, Senior Trade and Industry Development Specialist of DTI-Camarines Sur, said that the Go Negosyo Centers will provide MSMEs with business registration

assistance, business advisory services, business information, and advocacy and

monitoring and evaluation of business processes.

Development allies in MetroNaga set up

Negosyo Center

By JASON B. NEOLA

MAYOR Bongat (second from right) converses with the beneficiaries of Grow Negosyo project during the holding of the Charter Day Anniversary Trade Fair at the City Hall compound.

The WHOLESALERS and retailers at the Naga City People’s Mall (NCPM), where businesses thrive well, making the NCPM a big source of revenue for the city government.

The NAGA CITY PEOPLE’S MALL: a major contributor in fortifying the fiscal robustness of the city coffers. In 2014, it perked up gross revenue to P54M, after it started to obtain major physical and operational development under Mayor Bongat’s administration.


“The Go Negosyo Centers will be linked to the Philippine Business Registry System (PBRS) to make it easier and faster for entrepreneurs to start and register their businesses at the local level, he said.

BBW is the biggest annual trade event in the region which is highlighted by a trade fair and state-of-the-art, as well as local products and services, seminars and trainings on different entrepreneurial skills and strategies, business matching and networking opportunities with various enterprises and businessmen from different Bicol provinces and even other regions of the country.

Aquino said the Go Negosyo Center that will rise here will be among the first 100 to be put up in other municipalities in the country. The young senator and namesake of his cousin-president was also in the city in November for the blessing and inauguration of refurbished Market Enterprise and Promotions Office, the renovated fresh fish section, and the Materials Recovery Facility, all at the Naga City People’s Mall.

Mindful of MSMEs’ role as key partners in nation building, the chairman of the Senate Committee on Trade, Commerce and Entrepreneurship said that it is only fitting that they be rewarded with facility that would enable

them to do more with regards to their entrepreneurial transactions.

Aquino said the establishment of Go Negosyo Center will allow small and micro entrepreneurs to obtain coordinative links with public and private institutions by providing the MSMEs with financing, marketing, and technology-exchange opportunities, as well as acquisition of equipment and tools by product manufacturers and processors.

Local entrepreneurs will also experience doing business-matching and networking, and other entrepreneurial transactions with other MSMEs in other regions thru the Negosyo Centers that are to be established in different cities and municipalities across the country.

The senator is targeting at least 500 operational Negosyo Centers nationwide by 2016 and 1,600 by 2019.

Mayor John Bongat, whose administration is lauded by the business sector for continuously supporting the flowering of MSMEs which his administration has actualized in his own GrOW Negosyo project, cited the importance of collaboration among those in government and private sectors in the operation of a productive Negosyo Center in the city.

Bongat told the forum that with the Negosyo Center, it is hoped that the most glaring and common problem of MSMEs, access to loan facilities and assistance, shall be filled in. The city mayor also said that the presence of the center can also help make entrepreneurs understand better how to improve their businesses.

THE micro and small entrepreneurs in the Grow Negosyo project of Mayor Bongat as mainstay in various trade fairs being held in Naga City and different regions across the country.


TRAINEES listen attentively to Philippine Red Cross trainors Joco Celebrado and Sharmaine Dimaiwat as they demonstrate proper techniques in administering first aid and basic life support during a training activity held for selected city government personnel and volunteers stationed at the Mt. Isarog Natural Park, one of Naga’s most popular tourist attractions.

MT. Isarog Natural Park and its majestic falls have gained popularity, drawing tourists throughout the years. More and more visitors from different places have come to hike up the

mountain or bathe in one of more than a hundred estimated waterfalls. With the increase in tourist arrivals comes the challenge for the City Government of of Naga to ensure their safety while in the area.

To address this problem, First Aid and Basic Life Support training was given to volunteers of the Mt. Isarog Guardians (MIGS), selected City Environment and Natural Resources Office (ENRO) personnel assigned at the national park, as well as staff and personnel of the Arts, Culture and Tourism Office (ACTO) last April 28 to 29, 2015.

The 3-day training, organized by ACTO and conducted by the Camarines Sur Chapter of the Philippine Red Cross, was facilitated by Joco Celebrado, Red Cross Safety Service Instructor, and Sharmaine Dimaiwat, registered midwife and a trained first aider. Ryan Ricerra was present on the third day to facilitate the examination to be given to the participants.

“The course is about emergency first aid which is really designed for lay rescuers or those people in the community who are willing to learn and want to help save lives of others” pointed out Celebrado.

On the first day the participants were given an introduction on first aid followed by a lecture about the different types of emergencies and respective proper first aid management. The afternoon session focused on bandaging where the participants were given free Red Cross bandages which they used to practice in learning the different kinds of bandaging for different types of emergency situations.

The second day saw participants attending another lecture, this time on proper Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation (CPR), followed by actual

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when needed. Because they are already trained, they will be a great help to the Red Cross since they know how to assess and respond to an emergency. The response will be faster rather than waiting for rescuers from other areas”, said Celebrado.

“Since they are here in Isarog and there are no hospitals or ambulance nearby all the time, as first aiders the lives they will save will be in good hands since they know how to handle the emergency. We expect for them that they could apply their learning in their work and everyday life so there will be no more casualties.” according to Dimaiwat.

“The purpose of our training is for the staff of ACTO, ENRO and MIGS to be trained with regards to first aid and basic life support. We usually accompany special media guests and official visitors who often engage in hiking, swimming or camping activities. I think it is necessary that we are capable of saving lives. It is much better if we are going to be trained by Red Cross given that they are one of the top organizations in the world,” stated ACTO Information and Education OIC Benjamin Jose De Asis.

demonstrations where the participants were paired and performed CPR on one another. Proper patient transport and a review of all the lectures was the afternoon agenda.

The last day of the training was reserved entirely for the participants’ evaluation where the trainees underwent three stages of assessment, namely: a written exam on the lectures and concepts of first aid, CPR and bandaging, and splinting. The concluding activity was a simulation where the participants were given the opportunity to apply all they learned throughout the training.

“The activity was a big help not only to tourists visiting Isarog but also to the community near the area and also to the volunteers on duty. It is a big help that they are aware of the emergency and at the same time they can apply their learning

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PHOTO BY RACSO VITAN

PARTICIPANTS to the 3-day comprehensive First Aid and Basic Life Support training conducted by ACTO and the Philippine Red Cross at Mt. Isarog Natural park pose for a group picture after surviving their practical assessment and evaluation.


TO raise productivity among the Out-of-School Youths (OSY), the city

government, under the leadership of Mayor John G. Bongat, launched its Happy Youth Movement in Naga (HYMN) last April 20 at the Naga City People’s Hall.

Created by Executive Order No. 2015-014 issued last March 3, HYMN aims to tap the potentials of OSYs divert their interests from wayward activities. Each of the 27 barangays of Naga City will have its own HYMN chapter with respective sets of officers.

Mayor Bongat underscored the important role of the youth sector that needs to be molded not only through the guidance of their home and school but also by the local government.

HAPPY YOUTH MOVEMENT IN NAGA (HYMN) LAUNCHED

Bongat explained that in line with the city’s Naga SMILES advocacy program, the movement envisions a generation of happy and productive youth.

HYMN, he said, will not simply be an organization but a movement that will encourage active involvement and dynamism among the erstwhile unproductive sector of the youth who will be guided to discover their skills and transform them into responsible and effective members of the community.

City Youth Mayor Ruby Jane Bandola expressed her gratitude and appreciation for the establishment of the HYMN program.

Ruel Barrios, head of the Lingkod Barangay Office (LBO), highlighted the vision and purposes of the program in mobilizing the youth to be functional members of the society.

HYMN aims to strongly support advocacies on (1) peace and order, (2) environmental protection, (3) sports development, (4) livelihood and (5) the arts.

By ARMIE B. GUNAY

PHOTOS BY SYLRANJELVIC VILLAFLOR

THE city officials underscore during the movement’s organizational meeting that HYMN, as a youth organization, commit itself to support the advocacies on peace and order, environmental, sports development, livelihood and the arts.

“A generation of happy and productive youth.” This is what Mayor Bongat envisioned when he created EO 2015-014 that gave birth to HYMN.

MAYOR John emphasizes the city government’s role to guide the young ones, specifically the OSY, to become productive individuals.

The PARENTS and the city government as partners.


basically explained that no matter how determined you are or how good your intentions may be, you can never do anything alone - only in helping one another out do we achieve something great.

Other parts of the sessions emphasized how important barangays were for the success of the organizations’ and the youth’s advocacy to help those in need and fish the nation out of its state of poverty. Participants were told that they were not born in a third world country or in a country riddled with despair, but that they were born to a country filled with different opportunities.

There were also workshops that gave participants a glimpse of the stories behind social entrepreneurship, leadership, the environment, first aid, and disaster preparedness. All of these were tailor fitted into a format that the young participants could identify with, particularly in respect to the communities they came from.

Aside from the different talks, discussions, workshops, and fora, the event also featured different activities that were specially created to foster camaraderie and teamwork between the different participants. These activities, although presented as games, allowed the participants a hands on feel on how they were to achieve their goals with the conference’s battle cry, ending poverty.

Talks on the existence of a ‘forever’ also sneaked its way into the events. However entertaining it was talking about love lost and love found, the participants confirmed that forever did exist. ‘May forever sa Dyos, sa Pamilya, at sa Bayan’, was an answer by one of the participants during the activity’s sharing portion. The answer evoked cheers and laughs but all were in agreement that the answer rang true.

Karen Aciso, one of the organizers, mentioned that the primary objective of the event was hope. She proceeded to explain that the nation is not a lost cause and that the youth pose great potential that could help create a nation where poverty and suffering are at kept minimum, if not completely eradicated. “Ang ating bansa kaya pa’ng iahon lalong lalo na ng kabataan”, she affirmed.

The city government of Naga, under the leadership of Mayor John G. Bongat, Barangay Walang Iwanan, and Gawad Kalinga are putting a prime on the youth

as the future nation builders and have resources in helping the youth understand and reach their true potentials through a recently concluded youth gathering in the city.

Last June 6 and 7, there three organizations headed the 2015 HOPE Conference at the Metro Naga Sports Complex, Brgy. Pacol, Naga City. The HOPE Conference is one of Gawad Kalinga’s programs where their partner organizations reach out to the youth and introduce them to their potential future with this year’s theme and goal “End Poverty.”

The event featured different sessions that were anchored on the youth’s role on the grand scheme of things. There were discussion like ‘Kabataan, Pag-asa ka ng Bayan’, ‘Barangay Walang’, ‘Lakas ng Bayanihan’, and the like. These discussions were conversational and provoked participation from the 300 or so participants.

Speaker Vic Bueneventura spoke highly of the of the youth’s role as the future nation builders. The phrase “maging pag-asa, ‘wag paasa” reverberated throughout the entire discussion which was repeated consistently to remind the participants of their responsibilities not only to themselves and for their families but to the entire country.

Another popular quote from the session “mahirap umasa kung mag-isa ka, kung wala ka’ng kasama” which

BUILD HOPE, BUILD A NATION

By MAOLIN S. MACATANGAYe

ONE block at a time. No matter how difficult the job, these volunteers do it for the betterment of others.

NO amount of help is too small. Different groups helping build new homes for GK beneficiares.



By JASON B. NEOLA

CYOs GO THROUGH PLANNING,

LEADERSHIP INTEGRITY TRAINING

CITY Human Resource Management Officer Huberto Ursua informs the 2015 City Youth Officials on the nature of tasks and responsibilities that City Hall employees perform during their leadership and capability building seminar.

VICE-MAYOR Nelson Legacion discusses important points with the youth officials on matters that define the nature, role, and duties of the Sangguniang Panlungsod during the same activity.

RESPONSIBLE leaders of society, ready to take on their role not only as youth leaders but as country’s productive citizens with the confidence and competence to take up headship roles wherever their

destiny will lead them.Such is expected of this year’s 45 City Youth

Officials who have completed the training-seminar that did not only equip them with knowledge about the basic concepts of leadership but also inspired them to become leaders themselves.

The 2-day leadership and planning seminar, which was conducted on April 18 and 19, this year, at the Naga City Ecology Park, also armed the participants with basic skills that will help them become good leaders that they want to be. They were also given insights on the fundamentals of running a local government unit as they fulfil their duties, roles and responsibilities as city youth officials.

The activity was jointly organized and conducted by executive committee of the City Youth Officials headed by City Councilor Ray-An Cydrick G. Rentoy and the Metro Naga Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MNCCI). Rentoy is also the chairman of the Sangguniang Panlungsod’s committee on youth and sports development and principal author of the Naga City Youth Code.


ALL SMILES. Amidst their busy day, this group of youth officials managed to strike a pose during their teambuilding activity at the Naga City Ecology Park in Barangay San Felipe. Photo shows (from L-R): Youth NCPC Program Director Diosa Dimaano, Youth BSTC Administrator Ralph Romeo Araño, Youth Agriculturist Jomari Sto. Domingo, Youth HRMO Rainey Mae Serrado, Youth CSWDO Jayzelyn Esguerra, Youth Councilor Jonathan San Juan, Youth Health Officer Pia Chavez, Youth Legal Officer Judy Ann Cepe, and Youth Treasurer Meja Folloso.

ANOTHER group of youth officials before the start of a game during the teambuilding activity which was held at the Naga City Ecology Park.

A group of teambuilding participants in a getting-to-know-each-other-better part.

A TEAM of YOUTH OFFICIALS helping each other in completing a jigsaw puzzle.

RENE Gumba of the Jesse M. Robredo Center for Good

Governance facilitates the teambuilding activity of the 2015

CYOs.“Through this [seminar] the attendees were able to learn and

understand the values of leadership, how they would be able to maintain a healthy working relationship and followership along with their fellow youth officials as emphasized in the teambuilding activity they have gone through,” Rentoy said.

The training-seminar’s resource persons were Mayor John G. Bongat who underscored the roles, duties and obligations of the executive branch, City Legal Officer Atty. Perfecto Bragais Jr. who discussed the 3 branches of government, and the Local Government Code. Mr. Huberto Ursua who tackled the organizational structure of the local government of Naga while City Councilor Greg Esteban Abonal imparted his knowledge on the basics of parliamentary procedure and resolution drafting.

Based on the activity’s training design prepared by MNCCI Director Atty. Remelisa Alfelor-Moraleda, the seminar adopted the Outcomes Based and Learner Centered Methodology which means that the educational activities conducted during the seminar are anchored towards intended learning outcomes and are learner-centered.

The approach ensures a meaningful learning experience for the participants, allowing them to learn life skills and values which they can apply not only in their activities as City Youth Officials but also in their day-to-day life as students and individuals.

Moraleda, who facilitated the workshop and the teambuilding activity along with Renee Gumba of the JMR Center on Good Governance, said that “at the end of the training, we can expect the participants to feel inspired, a mood that will lead them to become engaged individuals.”


THE City Government of Naga last April 27 hosted an honor ceremony for Lieutenant Colonel Joselito P. Pastrana, the immediate past commanding officer of the 9th Civil

Military Operations (CMO) Battalion, and offered a welcome reception for Lieutenant Colonel Lenart R. Lelina, the incoming acting commanding officer, at the Blue Room at the City Hall Compound here.

Mayor John G. Bongat and Vice Mayor Nelson S. Legacion, together with the members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod presented the Special Citation for Lt. Col. Pastrana for the excellent services and partnership extended to the city during his tour of duty as Commanding Officer of the 9th CMO Battalion.

Mayor Bongat expressed his gratitude to Pastrana, as well as to the personnel of the 9th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army for their leadership, initiative, professional ability and dedication to duty that contributed to the successful implementation of the various city government-sponsored activities and programs.

NAGA HONORS OUTGOING ARMY COMMANDING OFFICER,

WELCOMES INCOMING ONE

LT. Col. Joselito Pastrana proudly presents the plaque of recognition he received from Naga City Mayor John Bongat during the ceremony held in honor of the outgoing Army commanding officer. He is shown here with the city mayor, Vice Mayor Nelson Legacion and other city officials.

For his part, Pastrana thanked the city government under Mayor Bongat’s leadership even as he assured the Naguenos of his continuous assistance and support whenever he can.

During the same occasion, the city mayor handed to Lt. Col. Lelina as the new Commanding Officer of the battalion the ceremonial key to the city.

Representing Major General Yerson Depayso, Colonel Wilfredo Melegrito conveyed their appreciation of the special citation given, noting that Naga City is the first LGU to have initiated such civilian honor to an outgoing commanding officer.

In his closing message, Vice Mayor Legacion reiterated that the honor being given shows the high regard of the Cityof Naga to the services extended by the Philippine Army.

Lt. Col. Pastrana now assumes as Commanding Officer of the 42nd Infantry Battalion, the former post of Lt. Col. PH

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Members of the anti-smoke belching unit (ASBU) of the local government unit here have recently completed a 4-day training/

workshop that would arm them with effective knowledge and skills in managing a roadside inspection of motor vehicles that churn out smoke beyond the limits set by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

The training includes Bantay-Tambutso, one of the three subprograms (Bantay Tsimineya and Bantay Sunog-Basura) of the DENR’s Linis Hangin program, which is intended to sustain better air quality to protect the environment and the disastrous effects of climate change.

Led by City ENRO Chief Oscar Orozco, the team was also reoriented in handling roadside inspection of motor vehicles as deputized agents of the Land Transportation Office (LTO) which is tasked to check, apprehend and penalize smoke-belching automobiles.

LGU NAGA’S ASBU UNDERGOES TRAINING ON

ROADSIDE INSPECTIONARREST THE SMOKE BELCHERS

By JASON B. NEOLA

“Our anti-smoke belching unit was given lectures on the pertinent laws being implemented by the LTO, DENR-Environmental Management Bureau, and the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) that pertain to anti-smoke belching campaigns,” Orozco said.

Procedures on the proper apprehension and inspection of flagged-down vehicles and procedures on the correct handling of opacimeter were also taught in actual roadside operations in Legazpi City, where the training was conducted last April 27-30, this year.

Opacimeter is a machine that measures the toxic carbon content being emitted by gas-powered vehicles.


Water is life. It is an indispensable element in one’s living. No less than our Savior, Jesus Christ, thirsts when he was on Earth. Necessarily, it is the duty of any competent

government to ensure that its constituents are provided with adequate, clean and potable water.

Hence, when the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Naga received on 14 May 2015 a letter of His Honor, City Mayor John G. Bongat, calling for special session regarding the impending disconnection of water lines of the residents in Barangay Panicuason by the Metro Naga Water District, the city council did not think twice to convene and to act immediately on the matter. On 15 May 2015, we invited the Sangguniang Barangay of Panicuason and the management of MNWD.

During the special session it was found out that MNWD wrote a letter to the barangay council of Panicuason and its residents notifying them that the former is a holder of a water permit and that come 16 May 2015 it will cut off the water lines of the Panicuason Water System Association (PAWASA) which will thereby adversely affect the lives of the residents there. MNWD cautioned however that only those who have not yet requested subscription with them will experience water disconnection. They also yielded to the request of this representation and of the members of the city council to suspend the date of disconnection until 31 May 2015.

The relief, however, is temporary and a lasting solution should be explored and implemented. Evidences show that PAWASA is a barangay-based water system which establishment and operation started in 1970s. It sources its water from the Nabuntulan Springs. In 1997, however, MNWD was granted by the Natural Water Resources Board a permit to extract water from the same source. Per barangay council and residents, they had

no prior notice of the MNWD’s application for water permit. This is then the root of the issue as MNWD now tries to exclude PAWASA in the utilization of the Nabuntulan Springs by cutting off or disconnecting the water lines of PAWASA upon the further claim that MNWD owns the exclusive franchise to distribute water and collect fees in Naga City.

MNWD’s claim is, however, baseless. We invite its attention to Metropolitan Cebu Water Disctrict vs. Margarita Adala (G.R. No. 168914, July 4, 2007) where the Supreme Court struck down as unconstitutional Section 47 of P.D. 198 which vests an “exclusive franchise” upon public utilities, the same being clearly repugnant to Article XIV, Section 5 of the 1973 Constitution which is now Article XII Section 11 of the 1987 Constitution.

On 21 February 2014, the Barangay Council of Panicuason adopted Resolution No. 14-08 vehemently opposing the turn-over of the management of PAWASA to MNWD and to retain its jurisdiction

Water is life:The Panicuason

Dilemma

SPHIGHLIGHTS:


under the Sangguniang Barangay of Panicuason. The Sangguniang Panlungsod also received a copy on 3 November 2014 of the petition of the residents of Barangay Panicuason with the same tone as that of the stand of Sangguniang Barangay of Panicuason, contending that being impoverished the imposition of MNWD will be too cumbersome and prohibitive.

But, with the turn of events and with a threat of a lawsuit from MNWD, the Sangguniang Barangay of Panicuason passed Resolution No. 16, s. 2014. Though in May of this year, said resolution was withdrawn by virtue of Barangay Panicuason Resolution No. 2 CY 2015 entitled: “Resolution withdrawing the earlier resolution to turn over the operation of Panicuason Water System Association (PAWASA) to Metro Naga Water District (MNWD) and urging the city government to assist the Sangguniang Barangay of Panicuason to provide assistance in the reorganization of PAWASA and the obtainment of water permit in its favour.”

Given the condition obtaining, the 11th Sangguniang Panlungsod of Naga enacted Resolution Nos. 2015-185 and 2015-186. The first, sponsored by Councilor Gabriel H. Bordado Jr., authorizes His Honor, the City Mayor, to extend all necessary assistance to the Barangay Council and residents of Panicuason to re-organize the Panicuason Water System Association (PAWASA) and to obtain Water Permit in the latter’s favour. The second, sponsored by Councilor Mila S.D. Raquid-Arroyo, allows the City Legal Officer to conduct investigation and recommend to the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Naga appropriate remedy to ensure that the efforts of PAWASA to reorganize itself and apply for water permit will not be jeopardized by the plan of MNWD

to cut the water services in the said barangay.The decision of the city council is not difficult to

make considering that cutting the water lines of PAWASA will result to the deprivation of water to a number of residents. As to some who already have connections with MNWD lines but who were apparently compelled, they will be charged with water rates disproportionate to their purchasing power and, as a result, be deprived of access to safe, quality and potable water. Water is a resource that needs to be accessible, most especially to the underprivileged. If we allow the market system and the principles of laissez faire to operate without due intervention, quality of life of our people living at the margins of the city will be sacrificed and development thereat will be inequitable and non-inclusive.

In addition, the water being sold by MNWD comes from Barangay Panicuason. Section 18 of Local Government Code of 1991 provides that “Local government units shall… have an equitable share in the proceeds from the utilization and development of the national wealth and resources within their respective territorial jurisdictions including sharing the same with the inhabitants by way of direct benefits…” From this, utilization and development of water, being national wealth and resource, should be enjoyed by the constituency of Barangay Panicuason which has jurisdiction over its source – the Nabuntulan Springs. It is greatly unfair to think, therefore, that once MNWD takes over, they will be the ones shunned of the benefits from the resource they own.

The City Government of Naga always emphasizes that the most vital resource of Naga is its people. As we dream of a progressive city where all Nagueños are living happily, healthily, and productively, it is paramount that we ensure accessibility to clean and potable water.


The new website of the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Naga – sp.naga.gov.ph or spnagacity.com – is another manifestation

of our commitment and desire to bring closer the city’s legislative body to the people of Naga. It is a further step towards fulfilling the promise made to the Naguenos– to bring legislation into the realm and consciousness of the masses.

For our economic development and social progress to be sustainable and inclusive, we know that empowering and engaging the people in running the affairs of the city is vital. Indeed, much of our achievements– the projects, programs, and policies being praised by other local government units and award giving bodies– are due not only

to their effectiveness and efficiency in achieving their respective goals and objectives, but also due to the strong partnership between the public and private sector before and during their implementation.

SP NAGA WEBSITE: (sp.naga.gov.ph / spnagacity.com)

SPHIGHLIGHTS:


It is the hope of this representation and of the members of the 11th Sangguniang Panlungsod of Naga that the new SP website– sp.naga.gov.ph or spnagacity.com– shall be a tool to further concretize the strong partnership between the city officials and the citizenry of Naga. With every Nagueño’s help, we believe that we can realize the famous words of the beloved late President Ramon Magsaysay Sr. that “He who has less in life should have more in law.”

Re-engineered to become interactive, user-friendly, and modern (especially with the integration herein of the new trends in technology, such as the use of social media networks), we invite all our constituency to feel free to browse SP’s new website (sp.naga.gov.ph or spnagacity.com) and check the latest events, programs, and proposed and enacted legislative measures of the city council. Your comments and suggestions are very much welcome. You may also share them with your families, relatives, and friends.

The new website (sp.naga.gov.ph or spnagacity.com) is for our people – Nagueños who practice the essence of democracy not just through casting ballots but also in being participative and proactive in realizing their aspirations for themselves, their families and, most especially, for the city they love.

Makiaram. Magpartisipar. Mag-antabay.


The Birth of the Employees Union

CERTIFICATE of Registration Number 1847 of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and the Civil Service Commission (CSC) dated August 30, 2012 officially created and registered the Naga City Local Government Unit Employees Alliance

(NACILGUEA). Certificate of Accreditation No. 926 granted by the Civil Service Commission last November 11, 2013 elevated and granted NACILGUEA an Accredited Status, proof that the employees’ union has majority support of all rank-and-file employees, making it the official negotiating representative of employees, allowing it to enter into collective negotiations with the management.

The creation, organization and official establishment of a tangible and fully operational Employees Union in a Local Government Unit is another first of the many innovations introduced and pioneered by Mayor John G. Bongat.

Encouraged and supported by the city mayor, officers of the employees association together with the office representatives and in consultation with the Civil Service Commission and other recognized authorities in the field of unionism, worked together

By NESTOR VILLANEA

for the creation of an employees union for the enhancement and provision of employee benefits in addition to the regular and existing benefits currently being received by the workforce.

The employees association of city hall first started in October 14, 1985 when a group of cause-oriented employees– Lydio P. Leonardo, Estrella M. De Leon, Manuel P. Benito, Rodolfo Mañago, Amador D. Cuvin– came up with the idea of organizing the employees- grouped together, drafted, signed and approved Articles of Incorporation and after registering it with the Securities and Exchange Commission, emerged the Naga City Government Employees Association, Inc. (NACIGEA), the very first employees association of the city government of Naga. Among its objectives are: develop the spirit of cooperation, unity, volunteerism; greater sense of responsibilities and unselfish commitment for the promotion of the welfare of the city employees; and the formation of good public servants aware of their duties and responsibilities to God, Country and Men. NACIGEA continued to exist and operate under this core value, helping employees,

Step by painstaking step, the task is finally done!


organize and supervised implementation of programs and activities and served as link between the employees and the city administration.

Fast forward two decades later, the new set of officers– Prudencio Rodriguez, Marilou Palmaria, Nestor Villanea, Gladina Posugac, Salvacion Servidad, Laarni Nabua, Ofelina Benosa, Olga Rentoy, Estela Briñas and Rigoberto Ardeza– had to re-register the association with the Securities and Exchange Commission and this time NACIGEA was given a new name: Naga City Local Government Unit Employees Alliance, Inc. (NACILGUEA).

Renaming from NACIGEA to NACILGUEA was made obligatory by the Securities

and Exchange Commission as it was found out NACIGEA had been technically inactive after its registration has not been renewed for over five years, rendering its registration with SEC invalid and its membership with the commission cancelled.

The idea of converting the employees association into an employees union was floated and received, surprisingly, enthusiastic response from the members. The notion was greeted with optimism and employees were upbeat with the thought of them becoming members of a union that will, in their judgment, upgrade their status and bring them additional benefits. Mayor Bongat encouraged the officers to push through with the idea and immediately take action to facilitate organization for the eventual creation of the employees union.

And after thorough processes – meetings, general assemblies, drafting and ratification of the Constitution and By-Laws, filing of application for registration and finally approval of the registration– the Employees Union was born.

As a prerequisite before the union could commence a Collective Negotiation Agreement (CNA) with the City, it had to first file a Petition for Accreditation with the Civil Service Commission to obtain an “Accredited Status.”

After going through another lengthy process, Certificate of Accreditation No. 926 was formally granted by the Civil Service Commission to NACILGUEA last November 11, 2013. This momentous event ushered

the Collective Negotiation Committee composed by three (3) representatives from the city administration designated by the City Mayor and three (3) representatives from the union designated by its President into the negotiating table and officially forged an agreement for terms and conditions favourable to all Naga City Hall employees. Contract signing of the CNA, was done last February 2015. It shall remain in full force for a period of three (3) years, after which the negotiating committee shall then meet before the last sixty (60) days of the CNA for the purpose of entering into a new agreement.

Members of the union are rank-and-file employees of LGU Naga with salary grades ranging from 1 to 22. However, employees with salary grades 23 and above as well as those who cannot be members because of regulations set by their religious affiliations shall be entitled to the same benefits and privileges received by regular members provided they pay an agency fee set by the union.

Among the significant conditions negotiated and approved, in brief, are: workforce nutriment allocation of P5,000 per employee annually; access to housing benefits; burial benefits; the enhancement and implementation of the PRAISE and ESIAS programs; health and wellness program; employees career and social development program; and the provision of a union office among others.

In return, the union pledges and agrees to do the following as cost saving measures to help generate fund and increase savings: limited time usage for all electricity consuming devices and equipment; regulation and monitoring of water consumption; re-use and recycling of office supplies; vigilance in ensuring the proper use of street lights; support of the city’s revenue collection program and activities; adherence and support to the city’s other cost saving measures.

Prudencio V. Rodriguez III PresidentHuberto I. Ursua Vice-PresidentAnselmo B. Maño SecretaryGladina S. Posugac TreasurerOlga C. Rentoy Asst. TreasurerEstela C. Briñas AuditorPaula D. Hallig PIOOfelia S. Benosa Business ManagerJoseph O. Salamia Business ManagerRigoberto Ardeza Business Manager

Board of Directors

Nestor V. Villanea ChairmanLoreto R. Tan, Jr. Vice-ChairmanNorman Paul C. Posugac Board SecretaryLilian O. Pascual MemberCezar R. Magistrado MemberRechilda R. Arevalo MemberTudy T. Estrella MemberMa. Laarni S. Nabua MemberAngel Q. Gonzales Member

The following are union officers responsible for the crafting of the CNA:


BEST PRACTICES. The City Government of Naga, thru the City Accounting Office, has recently been cited by the Association of Government Internal Auditors, Inc. for continuously undertaking innovations in internal auditing that further the core values of public service. Photo shows City Accountant Paciencia SJ Tabinas (left) and Administrative Assistant 2 Mercy Navarrete (right) attending to a client’s transactions.

EMPLOYEES of the City Accounting Office go about their daily duties ensuring the quick, efficient, and transparent processing of financial documents, necessary for the smooth operations of the city governments’ many departments and offices.

THE city government of Naga and its Accounting Office in particular, has been recognized by the Association of Government Internal Auditors, Inc. (AGIA) as strong partner

in furthering the core values of public service. AGIA, the country’s leading organization of internal

auditors, recently commended the LGU because of the City Accounting Office’s continuous implementation of “innovations and best practices that enhance good governance, transparency, accountability and responsibility in the organization.”

In an interview, City Accountant Paciencia SJ Tabinas said the CAO has always been performing with quality audit service, dispatching its official actions

expeditiously and with transparency. “We always see to it that our actions are open and aboveboard in so far as our performance in doing our duties and responsibilities are concerned,” she said.

Tabinas also attributed the CAO’s good professional standing to the utilization of electronic-Tracking System (e-TrackS) or d-tracks which allowed them to fast track the processing of documents.

“Through this system we were able to inform our clients about the status of their claims as to deficiencies or completion; we were also able to maintain database

City Accounting Office hailed for auditing operations

By JASON B. NEOLA


CITY Accountant Tabinas (standing) reports at the 6th General Congress in Seoul, Republic of Korea last November 2013 when Naga City was once again elected as CITYNET Auditor for second term for 2014-2017.

THE City Accountant (6th from left) with the members of CITYNET Secretariat, namely (from left to right), Ms. Kathleen of Makati City, Program Officer Kendra Hirata, Linda of Seoul, Republic of Korea, Account Assistant Ohtake, Communication Officer, Sonya Pollem, Ma’am Ching Tabinas, Assistant Secretary General Shigenobu Sato, Dr. Bernadia Tjandradewi, Administrative Assistant Minako Inoue, and Program Officer Dr. Arshad Baharudi.

ACCOUNTANTS. City Accountant II Jose Marie B. Ojeda (second from right) of the Naga City Accounting Office is shown in photo as he conducts with Secretariat members auditing works for CITYNET’s annual financial report for year 2014 in South Korea last April 27-30, 2015.

for all transactions and monitor the volume and processing time of transactions in line with our commitment as provided for in the Citizen’s Charter,” she said.

In a document submitted to AGIA, the office also underscored that “the e-TrackS or d-tracks also helps eliminate missing vouchers or payrolls as they were being properly organized by the system.”

In its Annual Audit Report for 2011, 2012, and 2013, the Commission on Audit (COA) found that “the city satisfactorily complied with the rules and regulations on the withholding and remittances of taxes from the compensation of its officers and employees, from its payments of infrastructure projects, goods and services as required under Republic Act 8424 of the Tax Code of 1997 and the revenue regulations of the Bureau of Internal Revenue 4-2002 dated March 6, 2002, as amended.”

AGIA and COA’s positive observations about the city accounting office’s performance have conformed to the remarks made by an international association of over 130 cities and organizations in Asia Pacific specializing in sustainable urban development known as CITYNET.

Since the first term of the City of Naga as CITYNET auditor in 2009-2012 during the incumbency of then Mayor Jesse M. Robredo, succeeded in 2010 by Mayor John G. Bongat, Naga has been consistently chosen to send an auditor to conduct auditing works of all the transactions entered by CITYNET. For the second time, Naga was again elected for another term (2013-2016) thru the representation of City Accountant Tabinas during the 2013 CITYNET Seoul Congress on November 3-6 in Seoul, Republic of Korea.

This means that majority of CITYNET’s member-cities are confident about the competence of accountants sent by the city government to conduct auditing work for the organization.

In his letter dated May 28, 2014, CITYNET Director of Operations Changhyun Lee thanked Mayor Bongat “for dispatching an outstanding and observant auditor for the CITYNET Accounts for the fiscal year 2013.” It further stated that “The auditor and the Secretariat have completed the audit documents to be submitted at the 32nd Executive Committee Meeting, which will be held in November 2014. The Secretariat appreciated the findings and recommendations made by the auditor, Mrs. Paciencia SJ Tabinas, city accountant of Naga City.”

It was also Tabinas who conducted auditing works for the Network for year 2011 and 2012 when the CITYNET was still based in Yokohama, Japan.

Lee, in the same letter, said that “we strongly hope that Naga City will continue to contribute similar quality of audit service to the Network for the rest of its tenure.”

The Network, thru its new director of operations Hyoungjun Ahn, has again thanked Mayor Bongat for similar reason when he sent City Accountant II Jose Marie B. Ojeda to do auditing works for the organization for fiscal year 2014, which was conducted last April 27 to 30, 2015.

PHOTO BY CITYNET

PHOTO BY CITYNET


Madam Nemesia ’Bebot’ Perez, children, Cynthia, Virginia, Joaquin III, Juan, and Jaime, the members of the Felipe and Perez clans, friends, our dear constituents, guests, ladies and gentlemen --

I remember a song which says that the trouble with hello is goodbye.

It was only like yesterday when about five years ago, we welcomed into the fold of Team Naga an ever-smiling doctor to fill our ticket in the 2010 elections where we all

ended up victorious.It was only like yesterday, when he would come late to our

campaign sorties because he said he could not leave his clinic with an old patient who, although did not have the money, would need his tender loving care and services, with free medicines to boot.

It was only like yesterday when shortly after he took his seat at the SangguniangPanlungsod, there is this swashbuckling of junior size of a man but with a huge heart and a wide smile who easily felt comfortable debating and discussing with his colleagues over what could be an urgent measure that Naga needs at that time.

It was only like yesterday when he would write for his column at the Bicol Mail with his vintage ‘labsya’ catchphrase in all capital letters, his discourses and essays laced with humor and wit, with every sentence ending with not one but three or four exclamation points, even if at times they don’t seem like needing one.

Now we have this man, this essayist, this poet writing ‘30’ not only for all his fans and readers but also for us his colleagues and his constituents. We have the Honorable Joaquin ‘Chito’ Felipe Perez Jr. ,lying here to show us that life is good, but there is also a more glorious and perfect world where God will be his presiding officer. He belongs there for sure.

I admit I have no fond memories of Kagawad Chito as a naughty young boy or a super-hyper high school student. Yet,

NECROLOGICAL SERVICES FOR

DR. JOAQUIN ‘CHITO’ PEREZ NAGA CITY COUNCILOR


people told me that ever since a young boy, Chito was known to be a jolly good fellow, a loyal friend, and a romantic lover. On the last one, no one will disagree, especially his dear wife, Bebot.

But we both love music, as he would play the drums from his rock and roll days when he would dream of peace and love for everyone.

He was a good father, of course, as we could see from the faces and the hearts of his five good-looking children.

He was an obedient son, being the eldest in the family, who followed in his father’s footsteps to become a doctor for the poor. And of course ,by inheriting his mother’s charm that made her the city’s loveliest and dynamic vice mayor, very visible in the ever smiling eyes of Doc Chito, my half brother’s nephew.

City Councilor Chito is a great loss not only to his family, to the people that he unselfishly served, but also to us his colleagues in government service. He was a great idealist, borne out from his activist student days. He was a very reasonable team player. For as long as it is for the common good, I as Mayor can always count on him.He would say, as he used to say: Labsya!

Goodbye friend, colleague, and fellow public servant. The Lord wants you now because you were a good man.

I will definitely miss you.

Doc Chito, Labsya.


PHO

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AN mga candidato sa Team Naga, mayo nang karibay iyo may giraray an tatambodan sa maabot na

pirilian lokal sa Mayo 2016 ni Congresista Leni G. Robredo kan tercer distrito kan Camarines Sur.

Si Robredo, pamayo kan Partido Liberal (LP) sa Camarines sur nagconfirmar kaini sa ginibong press conference sa blue room kan City Hall kasunod kan mga kahapotan kan ibang suportadores kan mga Team Naga sa pamamayo ni Alcalde John Bongat asin Bise Alcalde Nelson Legacion matapos magluwas an pangaran kan sarong negociante na naghahagad nin suporta sa congresista sa maabot na pirilian lokal sa 2016.

Sa kaparejong paghampang sa media liwat piglinaw kan congresista na prioridad niya man giraray an pag- re-election sa tahaw kan pagluwas kan pangaran ni Consejal Gabby Bordado na iyo an maribay sa saiya sa tercer distrito. Alagad an pinal na decicion halaton na sana sa Octubre 2015 na iyo an panahon kan pagplantiar nin certifico de candidatura sa Comelec.

Mayo paman akong ibang pigpipilian na candidato orog na sa cargong alcalde asin bise alcalde envez mantenido an Team Naga, sabi pa.

Leni, nagseguro n in b i log na supor ta sa Team Naga

Alagad saiyang sinabi na igwa mananggad nagdulok sa saiya na hinahagad kun puede dai na mag-indorsar nin candidato, na dai niya man nginaranan an planong magsabat sa Team Naga.

Piglinaw pa ni Robredo sa pagpili nin mga candidatong consejales saiyang ipapaubaya sa grupo kan Team Naga mientras nagkapera nang incumbent councilors an matapos na kan saindang torno.

Kabali sa ma-re election sinda consejales Gabby Bordado kun dai madagos sa pagdalagan sa cargong congresista sa tercer distrito, Esteban Greg Abonal, Miles Raquid Arroyo, Ryan Rentoy, Cecilia De Asis, Elmer Baldemoro asin Chito Perez alagad dai pa cierto kun ma re-election huli kan kamatian sa salud. An manga ultimo nang termino sinda, Nathan Sergio, Jose Tuason, asin Babeth Lavadia.

Mientras tanto, nagkaperang mga asperanteng consejal kan Team Naga na kabale sa pigpipilian na maagi sa mga consultacion iyo sinda Punong Barangay Julian Lavadia Jr. kan Tabuco, PB Jing Antonio kan brgy. Dinaga asin an negocianteng Arnulfo Tria.



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