2016 JULY-AUG Final (NSM).indd 1 11/18/2016 6:26:55 PM JOHN G. BONGAT RAFAEL RACSO V. VITAN City Mayor Layout and Design

NELSON S. LEGACION ANSELMO B. MAÑO Vol. 7, No. 3 | July - August 2016 City Vice Mayor Website Administrator

A Quarterly Magazine of the JOSE B. PEREZ FLORENCIO T. MONGOSO, JR. City Government of Naga Editor REUEL M. OLIVER Bicol, Philippines Editorial Consultants ISSN 2094-9383 JASON B. NEOLA Managing Editor

DRONE PHOTO BY IAN MAR NEBRES LEE

2016 JULY-AUG Final (NSM).indd 2 11/18/2016 6:27:04 PM JOSE V. COLLERA ALLEN L. REONDANGA This quarterly magazine SYLRANJELVIC C. VILLAFLOR ALEC FRANCIS A.SANTOS is published by the XERES RAMON A. GAGERO PAUL JOHN F. BARROSA City Government of Naga, REYNALDO T. BAYLON Technical Advisers thru the Ciy Publications Office Photographers and the City Events, Protocol and Public Information CHRISTOPHER E. ANTONIO Office, with editorial office at City Hall Compound, SHARMAINE ZEN O. MANZANO J. Miranda Avenue, Naga City NELSON D. SERRANO Circulation 4400 Philippines Tel: +63 54 473-4432 Email: [email protected] Web: www.naga.gov.ph

BRAND-NEW edifices which are proof of vibrant and dynamic progress and development are sprouting everywhere in Naga City like this one in busy intersection along Peñafrancia Avenue near the famous Colgante Bridge that provides a vantage view of revitalized Naga River.

2016 JULY-AUG Final (NSM).indd 3 11/18/2016 6:27:11 PM 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 TABLE OF CONTENTS 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 Bicol hits highest growth rate at 8.4% in Bongat administration, envisions 3 2015 a more livable city that is world- class. 6 Naga to build expansive road network, new routes

COMMENTARY Why Naga is consistently 7 on top

CO-WORKERS IN DEVELOPMENT Metro 9 Naga VMs, kagawads take part in MNDC summit

HIGHLIGHT AT MNDC SUMMIT: Council to 10 approve resolution seeking congressional charter

12 Naga: A little Europe

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2016 JULY-AUG Final (NSM).indd 4 11/18/2016 6:27:18 PM 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 TABLE OF CONTENTS 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 Naga remembers Simply Jesse things. It also shows the people’s 13 concern and unity in everything that is good for the city.

15 The day Secretary Robredo’s plane went missing Today, the city, as Maogmang Lugar, aims to portray more than a happy place but a happy people 17 Naga celebrate Leni’s Victory who are the true beneficiaries of everything good that is happening in the city. 19 Sanggawadan Ordinance: What it is all about

21 Executive-Legislative Agenda 2016-2019

Naga City’s 30-Year Sustainable Urban 22 Development Plan

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2016 JULY-AUG Final (NSM).indd 5 11/18/2016 6:27:24 PM

BICOLHIGHEST GROWTH HITS RATE AT 8.4% IN 2015

By JUAN ESCANDOR JR.

PHOTO BY SYLRANJELVIC VILLAFLOR

the rate of 8.4 percent in 2015, Bicol posted the highest growth rate in terms of gross regional domestic product (GRDP) all over the country, according to the ATstatement released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). The PSA defines the GRDP as “the aggregate of gross valued added (GVA) of all resident producer units in the region” or the total value of goods and services produced in the region. “In terms of current value of P281 billion worth of goods and services produced, (Bicol) ranked 10th among the 17 regions in the country, with the National Capital Region having the highest at P5 trillion,” it said. The sectors and sub-sectors comprising the GRDP include agriculture, hunting, fishery and forestry, industry, mining and quarrying, manufacturing, construction, electricity and water, service, transport, communication and storage, trade, finance, ownership of dwellings and real estates, private and government services. The PSA identified the service, industry and agriculture sectors as the main drivers of the Bicol economy that expanded from 4.3 percent in 2014 to 8.4 percent in 2015. The service sector remained as the largest contributor to Bicol’s economy at 56.1 percent while the industry sector contributed 22.5 percent and agriculture, hunting, fishery and forestry at 21.3 percent. At 5.3 percent in 2014 to 23.7 percent in 2015, the industry sector posted the fastest growth rate. Service sector has also accelerated from 5.4 percent in 2014 to 7.5 percent in 2015. But the sector of agriculture, hunting, fishery and forestry performed dismally to negative 2.5 percent growth rate in 2015 from 1.1 percent in 2014.

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2016 JULY-AUG Final (NSM).indd 6 11/18/2016 6:27:40 PM CONSTRUCTION projects completed in last year. The PSA identified construction to have Other government spending that added spurred the growth of the industry sector. up to the performance of the industry sector It said that the growth in construction was in Bicol includes major infrastructure projects driven by “improved government spending” with like the construction of a seven-story building “faster disbursements for infrastructure and other in Bicol Medical Center and 27 road projects in economic and social services.” Camarines Norte. “Public investments in the widening of 52 Through the KALAHI-CIDSS (Kapit Bisig kilometers of roads and 486 linear meters of Laban sa Kahirapan Comprehensive Integrated bridges along the Maharlika Highway, dubbed as Delivery of Social Services) of the Department Asian Highway 26 under the cooperative project of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), among countries in Asia, reached P1.9 billion in there were 2,902 classrooms, 215 school 2015,” the PSA cited. buildings, 221 community centers or multi- The infrastructure projects implemented purpose buildings, 217 flood/river control in 2015 included Catanduanes Circumferential structures constructed in 2015. The DSWD also Road; Albay-Camarines Sur diversion road, Pio completed 7,843 core shelter units while other Duran-Donsol, Guicadale Platform road networks. shelter agencies built 12,893 housing units. Also, the continuing construction of the Bicol The major projects of the Department of International Airport in Daraga, Albay added to Public Works and Highways (DPWH) were also the growth of the industry sector whi ch received considered in the growth of the industry sector IAN MAR NEBRES LEE BY P1.55 billion in 2015. which included the construction of seawall The PSA also cited the so -called projects with joggers and vehicle lane, dike, Cabangan under the Bottom-Up-Budgeting (BUB) program bridge and pumping station in Legazpi City.

SYLRANJELVIC VILLAFLOR that contributed to the growth of the industry DRONE PHOTOS PHOTOS DRONE sector amounting to P333 million for the 239 PHOTO BY BY PHOTO JULY - AUGUST 2016 4

2016 JULY-AUG Final (NSM).indd 7 11/18/2016 6:27:56 PM PHOTO BY PHOTO BY

REYNALDO BAYLON SYLRANJELVIC VILLAFLOR ARING a new road plan to ease traffic movement in the city and environs, City Mayor John G. Bongat Bunderscored the need to construct a new road network SERVICE AND TOURISM became accessible. The much that will interconnect with other needed employment opportunities provincial roads and national The expansion of service sector are expected to increase as more highways within the Metro Naga was fueled by the increase in tourist sustainable jobs will be created,” it area. arrivals from 3.72 million in 2014 to added. Called city road network 4.52 million in 2015, of which some The PSA sees more development plan (CRNDP) 2016- 868,000 are foreign tourists and 3.65 investment to come in with Naga 2019, the idea, once realized, will million as domestic tourists. and Legazpi recognized as the decongest the mounting motor Camarines Sur (combined top and 3rd most competitive city, and pedestrian traffic within with Naga City) remained to be the respectively, all over the country the critical spots of the city, place where most tourists visited in 2016. particularly those within the city’s with 2.06 million in 2015, comprising two central business districts – 45.5 percent of the tourist arrivals in AGRICULTURE’S DECLINE CBD I & II. Bicol. But Albay (with Legazpi City In his letter sent last July combined) has the highest growth The PSA cited the effect 26, 2016 to Secretary Benjamin rate of the number of tourists visiting of the El Niño in the decline in Diokno of the Department of the province with 1.41 million in 2015 agriculture sector. “The effect of Budget and Management (DBM), from 959,000 in 2014. the El Niño reduced the yield of Bongat informed the secretary “The contributing factors to rice from 3.82 to 3.69 metric tons that the road project falls the robust tourism growth are the per hectare and corn from 2.51 to within the KALSADA program convergence of agencies in the Bicol 2.37 metric tons per hectare.” of the national government. Regional Tourism Committee under It said that the production KALSADA stands for Konkreto at the Regional Development Council, of other agricultural commodities Ayos na Lansangan at Daan Tungo sa the alliance of provinces under the like coconut, high-value crops Pangkalahatang Kaunlaran. Albay-Masbate-Sorsogon (Almasor) and abaca also went down, Attached to the letter were and Camarines Norte-Camarines though livestock and poultry were supporting documents and the LGU’s Sur-Catanduanes (Triple-C) tourism unaffected by the El Niño, except priority road projects for funding under links, the strategic directions provided the production of chicken that the KALSADA program, the Sangguniang by the Almasor and Triple-C area went down by 80,000 heads. Panlungsod resolution adopting the development plans, the intensive The negative impact on the CRNDP, and a copy of the road plan and promotional activities and marketing agricultural production of the their respective programs of work. of the region,” according to the PSA. typhoons in 2014 lingered until Among the projects expected to be “Tourism will continue to be the 2015 and the fish production released with immediate funding from the major growth driver of the region’s decreased because of bad weather DBM, with a total project cost of P108M economy as more tourist destinations and the ban on fishing sardines in are the Cararayan-Langon to Waste to Asid Gulf and Burias Pass. Energy Site road, P19,430, 300; the Del Rosario-Cararayan-San Isidro road (road widening), P38,780,800; CLUPA Calauag to San Felipe road (proposed circumferential road), P29,716,600; Naga City Science HS to Balatas dumpsite (proposed road opening), P13,177,500 and the proposed concreting/perimeter road of JMR Coliseum to PNR road, P6,929,500. Bongat expressed optimism that thru the planned road network “we can PHOTO BY JOSE COLLERA tell about the sprouting of new Central Business Districts (CBDs) particularly in areas where there are existing malls like the LCC Mall in Barangay Sabang and the soon-to-rise Star Mall in Brgy. Del Rosario.”City Planning and Development

2016 JULY-AUG Final (NSM).indd 8 11/18/2016 6:28:00 PM NAGA TO BUILD EXPANSIVE ROAD By JASON B. NEOLA NETWORK, NEW ROUTES

BY

DRONE PHOTO KONKRETO AT AYOS

NA LANSANGAN AT IAN MAR NEBRES LEE DAAN TUNGO SA PANGKALAHATANG KAUNLARAN.

ALMEDA HIGHWAY

Coordinator Wilfredo Prilles Jr. said City Development Council (CDC) plus 1 bridge (20meters wide). the objective of the plan is to promote meeting, Prilles said that as part of its 3. 1,472-meter Brgy. Balatas-Science equitable and sustainable spatial development strategies, LGU Naga will High School (Brgy. Concepcion development by improving access between designate/adopt a hierarchy of city Pequeña), 20meters wide the city center, its other growth nodes, and roads to guide development and public 4. 1,000-meter Cararayan-Concepcion residential areas. investment priorities. He also suggested Pequeña plus 1 bridge The plan also seeks to upgrade that the LGU should invest on strategic (20meters wide) the quality of the road network by new road projects that will accelerate 5. 3,600-meter Matiway (Brgy. San incorporating provision for non-motorized mixed-use development around the Felipe)-Pacol/Ateneo de Naga HS (R3) transportation options, and increase the city center, key growth nodes to enable 6. 1,500-meter Pacol-Carangcang length of the existing road network by at private investment in additional road (Magarao) Road (10meters wide) least 50%, which is equivalent to 100 kms networks, ensure provision for non- 7. 1,100-meter Pacol Resettlement more. motorized transportation in new road Project-Brgy. San Isidro Bongat said that as aregional center projects, and recover road right of way (6.10meters wide) of financial and investment activities, from existing ones to provide basic 8. 2,500-meter Cararayan-Langon- the city should be freed from barriers or facilities (shoulder, sidewalk). Palestina (Pili) Road (6.10 meters limited access to ensure mobility and faster The entire list of road projects that wide) travel for motorists and businessmen. form part the CRNDP (including the 5 9. 389-meter Brgy. Sta. Cruz-Queborac He stressed that roads are very projects to be financed by the P108M (Brgy. Bagumbayan Sur) Road (6.5 important components of economic KALSADA fund): the road widening meters wide) development. “They should co-exist with projects – Capilihan St. in Brgy. Calauag, 10. 214-meter Felix Plazo-Sta. Cruz Road those of other communities so that their the Balatas-Cararayan-San Isidro Road, (10 meters wide) economies would flourish. For the city’s San-Isidro Pacol Road and the Cararayan- 11. 200-meter Magnolia-P. Santos economy to become more progressive, Del Rosario Road, and the construction of Road link it should remain accessible to people, new roads, namely: 12. 470-meter J. Miranda Avenue-Mayon especially clients and customers who Avenue (10 meters wide) avail of products and services offered 1. 1,200-meter circumferential road – 13. 720-meter JMR Coliseum Road (road by establishments like schools, malls, CLUPA (in Barangay Calauag) to widening) and new access road, and restaurants, and hospitals,” the mayor said. Brgy. San Felipe Road. 14. 224-meter Villa Virginia-Jimenez In his presentation during the 2. 1,664-meter Eco Park-Balatas Road Subdivision (Concepcion Pequeña).

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2016 JULY-AUG Final (NSM).indd 9 11/18/2016 6:28:02 PM COMMENTARY

HY NAGA IS CONSISTENTLY wON TOP

By JOSE B. PEREZ

HARBINGER of It’s good enough that Legazpi good news (and City, the home of Mt. Mayon and a port bad, depending on city that Naga is not, has finally made how events turned it to No. 3 in the Top Ten list, rearing out the previous to become heir apparent to the most ASday) we have seen how the city where coveted No. 1 slot when the next ranking I live leapfrogged from No. 9 in 2013 of cities comes. For the record, Daet, — when the National Competitiveness Camarines Norte, under the watch of Council (NCC) first started ranking then Mayor Tito Sarion was adjudged by Philippine cities and municipalities — the same NCC as the most competitive to No. 3 the following year as one of among first class municipalities in the the most competitive cities throughout country in 2014, which seemed to be the country. It was an impressive its first and last unless the town’s new performance that quickly gained so leadership moves up and fast to reclaim much respect and attention from the the now elusive title. local constituents, business sector, and investors coming from different places. This, despite the fact that the competition did not distinguish highly In the overall scores for cities, urbanized cities from component cities, topnotcher Naga took a runaway the latter where Naga belongs are 55.18 points; second placer San traditionally based in the provinces. Fernando (Pampanga) had 48.33 Soon enough in 2015, Naga took points, while Legazpi was close the top slot, the first for a Bicol city, behind with 47.76 points to place this time when the component city third. This tells us that there’s a category was established that firmly long way to go before we reach the placed Naga as the first among equals. ideal 100 points, compared to other And now it proved its superiority once affluent cities in more advanced more by being confirmed as the most countries. competitive component city in 2016, Allow me at this point to tell its second top honor in a row, which you the story why an auto repair virtually makes it a breath away to the shop operator is leaving Naga for Hall of Fame if in 2017 Naga keeps the someplace else in Bicol. He says he same title, which no other component has to follow the track where buyers city has so far ever earned. of second cars in Naga go back home to, like Daet for instance, because

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2016 JULY-AUG Final (NSM).indd 10 11/18/2016 6:28:05 PM DRONE PHOTO BY IAN MAR NEBRES LEE

compliance with national directives. It is important for all stakeholders to work together to build cities and municipalities that are affordable, accessible, socially acceptable, environmentally friendly, climate resilient, and economically viable. Luz pointed out that what makes the index more significant is that it is NOT based on public opinion surveys “there are hundreds of brand-new cars Guillermo M. Luz, co-chair of or boards of judges. “It is based solely that are now plying the city streets the NCC explained that scores for on statistics and data collected per and therefore do not need my services economic dynamism are based on the LGU. We have tried to remove as much anymore ever since car sales and size and growth of the local economy, subjectivity as possible in any selection, service centers of leading car brands capacity to generate employment, he added. have mushroomed in Naga and nearby cost of living, cost of doing business, “It’s up to them (local leaders) to Pili town.” He adds that he also cannot financial deepening, productivity, and improve their systems. Politics aside, it’s compete with big auto repair shops presence of business and professional the responsibility of each mayor to make that have sprouted particularly for car organizations. Incidentally, the Metro sure their city operates well,” he added. owners who choose not to avail of the Naga Chamber of Commerce and Luz stands by the integrity more expensive services at the ‘casa’ or Industry (MNCCI) is one of the multi- of the index noting that the data the auto brand’s legit service center. awarded local business chambers in were voluntarily submitted by local Moreover, he says that more used the country, having been installed in government units themselves and were cars are being herded for sale because the Philippine Chamber of Commerce cross-checked with other government their owners are itching to raise and Industry’s Hall of Fame, joining agencies and private institutions. As additional funds to buy a new car. Now, the elite duo of earlier awardees – mentioned earlier, there is no board Naga motorists and commuters alike the business chambers of Cebu and of judges to avoid any politics in the are up in arms against the worsening Davao. selection process. heavy traffic situation with all these Under infrastructure category, Needless to say, the results SUVs, top-of-the line sedans, and on the other hand, scores were highlight the importance of being luxurious trucks plying the streets, but determined using data on competitive in several factors, especially that’s another story. Still another story existing road network, distance those which are closely examined is the city’s burgeoning population from city proper to major ports, by potential investors. It should be within the middle class bracket that health infrastructure, education noted that the top three cities (see continuously crowd malls, restaurants, infrastructure, and basic utilities, graph somewhere on this issue) and beauty parlors, and supermarkets. among others. municipalities also received at least one Back on competitiveness, cities We all know that government award in a category. and towns are graded based on 30 efficiency is measured by scores on As a private sector initiative, the indicators from three main categories: transparency, economic governance, NCC hopes its efforts could help boost economic dynamism, government local taxes and revenues, investment business performance in the Philippines. efficiency, and infrastructure. promotion, health, education, and JULY - AUGUST 2016 8

2016 JULY-AUG Final (NSM).indd 11 11/18/2016 6:28:07 PM CO-WORKERS IN DEVELOPMENT Metro Naga VMs, kagawads take part in MNDC summit

By JASON B. NEOLA

NDIVIDUAL political preferences are set aside in pursuit of inclusive development. This came when elective officials of different local government units belonging to different party affiliations converge and buckle down to work for inter-alliance agenda. IA summit organized by the Metro Naga Development Council (MNDC), had encouraged the participation of the local policymakers to expedite development plans and projects that require legislative actions. More than 45 mayors and municipal kagawads who participated in last week’s summit have signified their support and cooperation in formulating the endorsement of MNDC in seeking funding requirements to implement projects from concerned government agencies, congressional representatives or national/international development organizations. Among these projects are the propagation of bamboo MNDC chair and Naga Mayor John G. Bongat discusses with Metro Naga mayors, (for the production of engineered bamboo products), Municipal Planning and Development Officers, and other LGU officials the creation of the revetment of the Bicol River, bridges, waste-to-energy technical working group that will draft a proposed bill seeking for a congressional charter to convert MNDC into Metro Naga Development Authority (MNDA). projects, potable water system, access roads, improvement of health facilities, irrigation system, and modernization of port. The gathering was conducted to find ways to facilitate executive, resolutions or ordinances of the Sangguniang the inflow of public and private investment towards Bayan members will be expeditiously delivered so that we equitable and sustainable growth supported by the pooling can be able to effectively undertake the necessary actions and sharing of the member municipalities’ and Naga City’s leading to realization of each approved priority project,” respective resources. Badiola said. The local council members (kagawad) also sat down Meanwhile, the 16 LGUs comprising the Council are with Metro Naga mayors spearheaded by MNDC chair expecting a new member from the Partido area (Camarines and Naga Mayor John G. Bongat to actively participate in Sur’s 4th district). This, after Mayor Sandy Sta. Rosa Ondis of brainstorming process on various development plans and the municipality of Siruma formally manifested his intention projects of the LGUs involved. to join the council. Their active participation went on until the action Ondis said one of the major factors why he opted to planning phase on 3 major themes, namely, livelihood enlist his town as MNDC member is the various assistance generation, maintaining environmental integrity and solid being extended by the council to its member-LGUs like the waste facilities, and road connectivity. formulation of a Municipal Tourism Development Plan that The topics discussed during the session were gleaned could help his municipality generate livelihood and create from a list of concerns and development plans earlier employment opportunities. presented by the mayors or their representatives in the same Siruma is an Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA)- assembly. dependent 4th class coastal municipality which has MNDC Project Officer Adolfo Badiola Jr. said that his potentials as a tourist destination in the northern part of the office will look for possible means that the concerns of province of Camarines Sur. each municipality (i.e. effective solid waste management, “Hopefully, our linkages with other LGUs will allow us potable water system, construction of more access roads) be also to increase the number of our farm to market roads,” addressed thru their inter-alliance initiatives. he said. Ondis also expects that thru the MNDC he will be “We are expecting that the needed official actions from able to learn about some best practices from other LGUs like each member-LGU like executive orders of the local chief Naga and adopt them in his municipality.

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2016 JULY-AUG Final (NSM).indd 12 11/18/2016 6:28:16 PM HIGHLIGHT AT MNDC SUMMIT: COUNCIL TO APPROVE RESOLUTION SEEKING CONGRESSIONAL CHARTER

By JASON B. NEOLA

HE Metro Naga Development Council (MNDC) is deliberating on a resolution seeking a congressional charter for inter-local alliance that will henceforth convert the MNDC into Metro Naga Development Authority (MNDA). TResolution No. 2016-04, which was unanimously approved in principle by the 16 member-local government units that are severally located within the 2nd, 3rd, and 5th districts of Camarines Sur, requests that their respective congressmen, namely, Rep. Luis Raymund F. Villafuerte Jr., Rep. Gabriel H. Bordado Jr., and Rep. Salvio B. Fortuno sponsor a bill in the 17th Congress “that will grant the inter-local cooperation of the Metro Naga Development Council a congressional charter and to be known as Metro Naga Development Authority.” Naga Mayor and MNDC chairman John G. Bongat said that Executive Order 102-93, which was issued by then President Fidel V. Ramos on June 18, 1993, is limited to providing for the rules and regulations that govern the smooth operation of MNDC. The EO was penned in affirmation to the initiative by the involved LGUs to synergize and organize into an MNDC. MNDC works to facilitate the inflow of public and private investment towards equitable and sustainable growth supported by the pooling and sharing of resources among the 16 Metro Naga LGUs. MNDC Project Officer Adolfo Badiola said the congressional charter, once obtained by the Council, will provide the body a juridical personality that will have rights, protection, privileges, responsibilities, and obligations in law, similar to those of a natural person. He said that under the present situation, MNDC is devoid of legal representation which bars it from availing grants coming from various international agencies. The resolution, which is to be signed by the mayors during the holding of MNDC Summit on July 29, this year, also

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2016 JULY-AUG Final (NSM).indd 13 11/18/2016 6:28:30 PM integrating approach that will be used as tool to review the Metro Naga Physical Framework Plan and harmonize into one Metro Naga Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP) the CLUPs of all the 16 LGUs. Aside from the local chief executives headed by MNDC chairman Bongat, the assembly is expected to be participated in by vice-mayors and cited the need for the council to evolve Sangguniang Bayan members being into a corporate entity and make use of key collaborators in various MNDC the authority that is inherent with having undertakings. a congressional charter. Leading to grace the occasion and Once it obtains a congressional to share his legislative agenda is Rep. charter and renamed Metro Naga Gabriel H. Bordado Jr. of the 3rd district Development Authority, the government of Camarines Sur. Bordado will also entity can, among others, receive be asked to share his insights about grants, both in cash and in kind, for MNDC’s plan to seek congressional its capitalization and operation; can charter. AGA’S European establish, operate and/or enter into With the election of the new transformation started contract to operate with such agencies, MNDC set of officers last July 18, this Nhundreds of years ago. The functional units, and instrumentalities year, Bongat was voted into office city was established in 1575 on order which may be necessary in the as chairman with Pili Mayor Tomas of Spanish Governor-General Francisco furtherance of its mandate; and can adopt P. Bongalonta as vice-chairman. de Sande. Then named Ciudad de a corporate seal, enter into contracts, and Camaligan Mayor Marilou M. Hirose was Nueva Cáceres, it was the third Spanish alienate properties. elected secretary along with Pasacao Royal City in the Spanish East Indies Mayor Niño Tayco and Calabanga Mayor after Cebu and Manila. MNDC SUMMIT Eduardo A. Severo who were elected as Colonial European buildings dot treasurer and auditor, respectively. The the city, from residential houses to In a bid to create a stronger and 2016-2019 MNDC members: Bombon bigger establishments. One example better alliance among its member-LGUs, Mayor Oscar Borja; Bula Mayor Amelita is the historical landmark which is the the MNDC is pushing for a summit to Ibasco, Canaman Mayor Henry Ragodon, Universidad de Santa Isabel. A Royal deliberate on a 6-year development Calabanga Mayor Eduardo Severo, Decree of Queen Isabella II of Spain plan which was devised by its members Camaligan Mayor Marilou Hirose, Gainza dated 5 November 1867 granted to the to further strengthen the alliance of the Mayor Leonardo Agor, Libmanan Mayor Lord Don Fray Francisco Gainza, Bishop LGUs including their own capabilities. Ruben Brioso, Magarao Mayor Phillip of Nueva Caceres, the creation of a The summit will see if the strategies Salvador Señar, Milaor Mayor Anthony school for girls which will be under the contained in the plan are matched with Reyes, Minalabac Mayor Christopher care of the Daughters of Charity. the priority projects of each LGU-member Lizardo, Naga Mayor Bongat, Ocampo We had a European guest this to ensure that it will work effectively for Mayor Corazon Olos, Pamplona Mayor February. His impressions about the Metro Naga towns and the city of Naga. Ace Cruz, Pasacao Mayor Niño Tayco, city was “just like a place in Europe.” He The summit will delve on 3 themes: local Pili Mayor Tomas Bongalonta, and San felt, as it were, just home. economic development, peace and order, Fernando Mayor Fermin Mabulo. He would go on regular walks and climate change. It will also tackle an PHOTOS BY around the city center. One time, he noticed and was fascinated with the SYLRANJELVICVILLAFLOR Bell tower of the San Francisco Church. It is a historical treasure of European influence that will also appeal to Architecture enthusiasts. When we visited the final resting place of our departed relatives at the Our Lady of Peñafrancia Catholic Cemetery he commented that it looks like a typical Barcelona cemetery in Spain. When I was in Zurich at their city center my sister told me while we were on the Tram that I should look closely at their old buildings and compare it to the old house we used to live in

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2016 JULY-AUG Final (NSM).indd 14 11/18/2016 6:28:33 PM NAGA: A LITTLE EUROPE By JAMES Z. CARPIO

PHOTO BY IAN MAR NEBRES LEE

when we were younger in Jacob Street. She the best. I was pushing the cart and he had a car but it was parked far from our elaborated that the design particularly with was happily putting into it the food and destination. But the free food after that regard to the balcony and the porch are beverages that he preferred. long walk made up for it. Our guest opted similar. As far as I can remember, these were to do a lot of walking here. The Latin alphabet, or the Roman the items in his grocery list; wine, pasta, I was asked where is P. Burgos Street? alphabet, is a writing system that is bread that is sugar free, cheese, jam and He informed me that he read back in his prominently displayed on street signs spread (strawberry and tuna), milk from country that one of the must-see places and other signage that will be easily read New Zealand, and juice in carton boxes to go to in Naga is that street. So, while by Europeans especially the British and (grapes) and juice in cans (mango and on a van we passed along P. Burgos Street the Spaniards. American English is widely pineapple). which he later on could explore on his spoken here. The Filipino technology of our oven own. One morning, he came home and toaster impressed him amusingly. He said Water is affordable here. Again he exclaimed that he saw small Italian vehicles that the bread tasted delicious with just comes from a landlocked country with plying the roads of Naga. I briefly explained the right degree of crustiness. On the limited supply of water so one can enjoy to him that those are relatively new and other hand, I liked their bread toaster the house water for showering and were indeed of Italian technology. Jason B. wherein you toast two pieces of bread and cleaning without thinking of the expenses. Neola writes from his news article entitled is just specifically made to do just that. But of course, responsible usage is still Apé Taxicles: Modernizing transportation Here our oven toaster is multipurpose: practiced. for common People… “The taxicle is a you can cook ham and even heat a slice of They arrived one rainy, cold, late customized model of Apé (pronounced pizza. February afternoon and left on a rainy, ah-peh), Italian for bumblebee to connote He enjoyed the Filipino cuisine cold, late February morning. If you like a hard work which the makers of Apé vehicles particularly the seafood. Coming from a morning fog and cold climate, February want to portray. It is manufactured under landlocked country in Europe seafood is is one of the months that you may want license from Italy’s Piaggio which became quite expensive there. He can’t get enough to travel to Naga City. According to popular in the automobile business in that of the squid. Whenever we took him Wikipedia, from November to February, country in 1948.” This was published on to Filipino restaurants he would always the climate is cooler with temperatures July 3, 2014 by Bicol Mail. sample the seafoods. And he commented ranging from 22 to 28°C (72 to 82°F). When we were passing along the that prices here are not as costly as the There is a hotel at the city center Magsaysay District he was very excited to restaurants in Manila. He was pleased where I always get a free city map of Naga. point out the places that he tried and liked indeed. The brochure includes individual pages of for instance a diner and then a coffee shop Tropical fruits are by far his favorite the touristic destinations in and around at Avenue Square. We also treated him snacks. He said they are the best tasting the city. It also features nearby attractions to authentic Italian cuisine at a ristorante. he had eaten so far and coming from a like Caramoan. The Naga tourism He was impressed with the interiors and globetrotter it made me take pride in our department is keen on promoting the explained that it was actually the national fruits. The mangoes and bananas are his city to local and foreign tourists alike. So colors of Italy. favorites. far, based from my experience the guests When we went to the biggest mall I read a quote on social media that always take the map with them when they in the city he had a field day doing the for a city to be truly urban its citizens leave perhaps as a keepsake or souvenir of grocery. He found European food and must be able to get from point A to point their sojourn of this welcoming city. even from his own country like the beer. B just by walking. I did a lot of walking Bicolano hospitality again at its best. He told me that this one is good, that one when I was in Europe and I think the the Mission accomplished. Visit us again soon! is not really costly back home, and that is maximum was at least ten kilometers. We

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2016 JULY-AUG Final (NSM).indd 15 11/18/2016 6:28:34 PM NAGA REMEMBERS SIMPLY JESSE

By ANA-LIZA S. MACATANGAY

HOUSANDS of Nagueños wearing flipflops walked from the Naga City Hall to the Eternal Gardens here for the “Tsinelas Walk” to commemorate the 4th death Tanniversary of the late DILG Secretary Jesse M. Robredo, Thursday, August 18. Led by Mayor John G. Bongat and Vice Mayor Nelson Legacion, together with the members of the city council and city officials, barangay representatives, civic and sectoral groups, students from both public and private schools, friends, and supporters from all walks of life took part in the “Tsinelas Walk” – a legacy symbolizing the Robredo leadership of humility, simplicity and service to the people. as an ordinary person and public servant has been At the Eternal Gardens, participants offered instilled in our hearts. flowers at the tomb of the late Secretary before “It is not how long, but how deep our life is. the celebration of the Eucharistic Mass. Now that he is no longer here, this is the lesson Vice President Leni G. Robredo expressed that he wants us to remember, that although his her deep gratitude to everyone present at the life was short, the lessons that he shared will be Eternal Gardens for their continuing support, forever in us.” love and care bestowed not only to her husband Robredo also said that the celebration is not a Jesse, but to the whole family. mere commemoration of her husband’s death but In her commemorative message after the also a celebration of gratitude -- gratitude for the mass, VP Leni said that she’s happy to note that gift that the late Secretary has given the nation, the simple lessons that we learned from Jesse, but all the more, gratitude because of the presence of all fellow Nagueños who are the reason why Jesse lived the way he did.

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2016 JULY-AUG Final (NSM).indd 16 11/18/2016 6:28:40 PM A commemoration Mass was held on that same day at Mary the Queen Parish, Greenhills, San Juan City in Metro Manila. For his part, Mayor John G. Bongat in a very brief message said that everything happened for a reason, citing the many lessons that Jesse’s death has brought, especially the legacies that he left to every Nagueño. PHOTOS BY SYLRANJELVIC Republic Act No. 10669 declares the 18th of VILLAFLOR August as “Jesse Robredo Day”, a Special Working Holiday here. Proclamation No. 37 recently signed by President Rodrigo Duterte declares this day as a Special Non-Working Holiday throughout Naga City, where Jesse grew up and served as Mayor from 1988-1998 and from 2001 to 2010. JULY - AUGUST 2016 14

2016 JULY-AUG Final (NSM).indd 17 11/18/2016 6:28:46 PM THE DAY SECRETARY

PLANEROBREDO’S WENT MISSING

By LITO DEL ROSARIO

BANTER with some media friends was cut short by a call from Mayor MYJohn Bongat. He requested me to come immediately to City Hall. I just came from Saturday classes in Manila, just dropped my bag at the PSO Office, and proceeded to Avenue Plaza Hotel, where there was an ongoing city-sponsored event. Instead of watching the show, I was whiling some time with friends, and I got a few sip from my freshly-served coffee. This was when the Mayor’s call came. Arriving at city hall, Mayor John asked me to join him in the car. My Arriving at Sec. Jess’ residence, we greeting of “Good Afternoon, Sir” was saw Ma’am Leni, teary-eyed. I realized met with silence. I could not recall what the enormity of the problem. The plane happened during the next few seconds carrying Secretary Robredo was missing. It after that. dawned on me that Jesse M. Robredo - the The next thing I remember was man who transformed Naga City from third my response to the Mayor. I told him class to a first class city and whose brand of that I will call my friends from the Air extraordinary leadership was now etched in Force and Navy to ask them to help the mind of every Nagueño, was nowhere look for Secretary Jesse’s plane. It was a to be found. I joined Butch Robredo, Jesse’s mechanical response from me. It was the The Milo Marathon early older brother, who was with some type of thing to say during emergencies, morning of Sunday was not cousins in a small speed boat the next having had exposure the usual. Participants kept on day. We were later joined by three from friends in the asking. It was not the usual run, foreign divers from Malapascua Island, Armed Forces during they missed Jesse. Cebu province, who were requested fiestas and other major In what by then Secretary Mar Roxas. As a events while serving as seemed to be neophyte diver myself, I could feel the executive officer of the time sweeping by, extreme sacrifice of the male diver, Joint Operations Center we found ourselves who stayed in the waters for 4 hours, (JOC) which Mayor John and the in Pilar Port, Sorsogon and we starting a little past noon and re- Archbishop of Caceres convene every arrived in Masbate past noon of Sunday. floating at 4 pm. I could see how Butch September. But this was no ordinary In our enthusiasm to join the search, we shed tears when told that the foreign event. joined a fishing trawl. It was not only Mayor diver found none in his four-hour, non- John who was anxious as he watched stop underwater search. While waiting the sonar of the seacraft. I too shared for the foreign diver to re-surface, we the same anxiety. Past noontime, Mayor offered prayers, sometimes cracking John, together with other local officials, jokes. I loudly exclaimed, “Sir, kun transferred to a smaller banca to cover a yaon ka man dyan, magpahiling wider area for the search. I stayed in the kana ta an parong me parareho na”. trawler. The day ended without the trace of After we disembarked, I saw Jesse. Regional Director Nestor Santiago, Jr. of 15 JULY - AUGUST 2016

2016 JULY-AUG Final (NSM).indd 18 11/18/2016 6:28:52 PM the Department of Health. I asked him American sailors. I managed to snap some PNoy—whose family that day was also if I could see and talk to the bodyguard photos of the very sophisticated sonar commemorating the death anniversary survivor. He introduced me to the equipment—just a little bigger than a of Ex-Senator Benigno Aquino - arrived provincial health officer of Masbate, a baseball bat—which scoured the ocean from Manila and comforted the relatives lady doctor, who personally drove me floor for any sign of Sec. Jesse’s plane. of the pilots, and the local officials of to a safehouse where they were keeping It was past 11 PM when suddenly the Naga. At about an hour later, we were the survivor. But when we arrived cellphone of one of the US serviceman airborne to Naga. During that time, it there, we saw some plainclothes PNP rang. I could vividly recall how his came across my mind what then Mayor personnel whisking him to a waiting eyes suddenly turned big. I knew that Jess told me, “sana kun ako mawawara, ambulance. But I managed to ask him a something was up. After retracing the kutana dai na magsakit an pamilya few questions—the sitting positions, the imprints in the computer, he instructed ko”. These he mused after phoning his moments before the impact. the Coast Guard skipper to maneuver doctor-sister Penny that a Naga resident By the second day of the search, the boat and pass by a certain spot three whose kin was sick and needed help to the Army General, head of the task times, figuring out the coordinates of the be confined at the Philippine General group, conducting the 8 AM briefing exact area. All I heard from him was that Hospital where she works. could only mutter a few words before they will be back at the same spot at 4 am Inside the C-130, I could not help President Aquino demanded results. the following morning for a dive. but cry. Here was the man—in a coffin— The President’s zeal to locate the Arriving in the hotel after whom I served for close to 20 years at Secretary and the missing plane was disembarking in an undisclosed location city hall, who was a witness to some of on full display when he disregarded that midnight, I told Mayor John, Vice the colorful journey’s of my life, losing the chain of command to directly ask Mayor Legacion, Councilors De Asis, his life at the peak of his career, all for for the inputs of a naval junior officer. Baldemoro, Rentoy, Lavadia and other city the love of the country and family. The ensign approached the President, officials that there might be developments I lost my camera which recorded got on his knees, and emphatically the next day. I stayed late, downing few some of the most telling events while discussed the dynamics of the shots of Empy lites alone. in search of Sec. Jesse in Masbate. But underwater currents in the area. There was chaos on the part of Naga surely, the memories of Jesse—recorded Eventually, as fate would lead City officials and I kept on telling them in camera or etched in our minds, will me, I found myself in the company of that we should remain focused on the not be forgotten. three American soldiers in the evening plan. Butch Robredo did not want that with three coast guard personnel and his brother Jesse’s body be brought to a junior officer of the Philippine Navy. I the area where the media personnel were gathered that the search was organized waiting. Instead, he requested the Navy The author—an incumbent city by top Philippine and US government to look for a docking point away from councilor of Naga—was the former functionaries. I was just waiting to be the site. Simultaneously, Sec. Mar was Information Officer of then Mayor jettisoned because I knew for the fact to announce the retrieval of Sec. Jesse’s Robredo at City Hall. He is currently that I was not part of the team. But it body. teaching at the Graduate School of seemed Sec. Jesse’s guiding hand was I could recall asking Councilor Ateneo and pursuing his doctoral there. Babette to stop crying so that the national studies in Diliman. In the small banca was media will not notice us. They were mini-satellite discs, laptops and unaware that at 4 AM, as planned, there communications equipment, which was a dive by the US sailors, followed by I surmised was hooked to a central a 5 AM confirmatory dive by Philippine command system. Under the cover of Navy divers. I knew it. darkness, we covered a relatively large We were packed in a Toyota Innova ocean area. I could see the glittering with Vice Mayor Legacion leading us in lights of the Masbate shoreline that going to Masbate Airport. Later, President night just as I knew that only top officials have the information on the search that was being conducted by

PHOTOS BY SYLRANJELVIC VILLAFLOR

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2016 JULY-AUG Final (NSM).indd 19 11/18/2016 6:28:55 PM NAGA CELEBRATES LENI’S VICTORY

RDERLY but festive, a swelling crowd of about 16,000 supporters of Vice OPresident Leni Robredo celebrated with a bang on Saturday night the victory of the first Bicolano to be elected to the second-highest position in the land. With her phenomenal rise from one percent popularity rating at the start of election period to the position of the Vice President, Robredo rallied Bicolanos to support the present administration. “The time of fighting has ended. Now is the time to support the present administration and leave behind the things that divided us,” she said in Bikol. Robredo, who won under the Liberal Party ticket by a close margin against Sen. Ferdinand Marcos Jr., recognized the honor of being elected as Vice President which she said is an opportunity that must not be wasted but bring needed attention to the Bicol region. The victory celebration dubbed thanksgiving party with sans free food and drinks to partake on but variety performances of university marching bands, cheer squads and choral groups that crowded two blocks of the central business district from dusk to late evening on Saturday.

17 JULY - AUGUST 2016 PHOTOS BY SYLRANJELVIC VILLAFLOR PHOTOS BY REYNALDO BAYLON

2016 JULY-AUG Final (NSM).indd 20 11/18/2016 6:29:30 PM NAGA CELEBRATES

By JUAN ESCANDOR LENI’S VICTORYJR.

PROUD NAGUEÑOS. An estimated 16,000 people, Naguenos, Bicolanos and all, went out of their homes to join the multi-sectoral Thanksgiving Party at adjoining Plaza Quezon and Plaza Rizal in downtown Naga that was initiated by community volunteer groups in honor of Vice President Leni Gerona Robredo, the first Bicolano to have been elected to the second highest position of the land, during her homecoming on July 2, a few days after she was formally sworn into office in Quezon City.

Robredo came in at 7:30 p.m. to the cheering crowd at Plaza Quezon with the familiar feature of Leni’s face flashed on LED screen. Local artists and choral groups sang original anthems composed by Tonton Hernandez including “Tunay na Pagbabago” that he composed in 2007 when the Commission on Election issued quo warranto order against the longest- serving mayor of this city who was then seeking his final re-election. Disqualification cases had been filed against then Mayor Jesse Robredo that questioned his citizenship everytime there was election. In 2010 Presidential Elections, the anthem Tunay na Pagbabago was used during the campaign of former President Benigno Aquino III through the former mayor of Naga City who served as inspiration of the song. Robredo’s daughters—Aika, Tricia and Jillian—arrived after 30 minutes joining their mother on the stage as the anthem Tunay na Pagbabago was being sung by 100 Voices Choral Group. Later in the evening, at 9:00 p.m., Robredo graced the “One Percent to Vice President Dinner” hosted by the restaurateurs couple Carlo and Rica Buenaflor to cap the victory celebration activities.

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2016 JULY-AUG Final (NSM).indd 21 11/18/2016 6:30:04 PM SP Sanggawadan Ordinance: HIGHLIGHTS: What it is all about

By NELSON S. LEGACION VICE MAYOR AND PRESIDING OFFICER

aking the best better and seminars, Sanggawadan has greatly for underprivileged reduced the incidence of child labor and Nagueños – this is the core has ensured that children are in school Mof Ordinance No. 2016- and not on streets. Consequently, 043, otherwise known as Sanggawadan the program has been credited for Ordinance, this representation has increasing the participation and penned. Enacted last September completion rates in both elementary 6, 2016, with the sponsorship of and high school. Councilors Gregorio Re Abonal, Jose C. However, there is a need to Ranola, Elmer S. Baldemoro, Mila SD, strengthen the program. Per the Raquid-Arroyo and Ray-an CydrickG. June 2016 survey conducted by the Rentoy, the said legislative measure Education, Scholarship and Sports intends, for those who have less in life, Office (ESSO), there are around 1,200 to have more in law. Nagueño children, aged five to 16, Ordinance No. 2016-043 seeks to who are not attending school primarily institutionalize and enhance the city because of poverty. As these children government’s Sanggawadan (which are the future of the city and their in Bicol means “to extend a helping education and holistic development hand”). The program originated in 2000 has wide-ranging effect in our inclusive when Australian Aid Agency (AUSAID) development, the city government chose Naga as among the 25 pilot cannot allow them to be out of school cities for its Street and Urban Working due to his/her parents’ misfortune, Project, an initiative that provided rice inability to afford quality healthcare, subsidies to parents in order to help lack of competitive and them send their children to school. After conducive environment for learning, or the AUSAID’ project’s term expired, the even inefficiency in the implementation city government adopted the project of Sanggawadan to address their plight. and, from then 1,614 beneficiaries, it Given this, Ordinance No. now caters to 2,383 beneficiaries. 2016-043 has expanded the benefits In the past 16 years, the available under the Sanggawadan Sanggawadan Program proved as Program. In addition to the usual among the most effective interventions rice subsidies, school fees and school in improving and providing access to supplies, the Sanggawadan Ordinance quality of education in Naga. By making now provides free hospitalization, as part of the program qualifications death or burial assistance, housing the school attendance of children and assistance, livelihood loans, and values involvement of parents in formations

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2016 JULY-AUG Final (NSM).indd 22 11/18/2016 6:30:07 PM PHOTOS BY RAMIL C. HERRERA JR.

formation training to parents of the To ensure that the city children-beneficiaries. We believe that government will not fail on its parents are, in nature, earnest in rearing mandate to uplift the poor, the their children to be responsible and Sanggawadan Ordinance also productive individuals, but are limited by created an office dedicated to the prevailing circumstances. Thru additional implementation of the program. There government support, parents can now will be devoted social welfare officers overcome challenges and hindrances and, who will ensure that only those that consequently, give their children the best are needy shall qualify as beneficiaries care and guardianship they can provide. and that the services they deserve Moreover, we also see that there shall be delivered to them adequately are times that, even absent a parent’s and efficiently. motivation or inspiration, there are In fine, the Sanggawadan unfortunate children who are very Ordinance is a milestone in our motivated and keen on finishing basic and effort to make our Maogmang even tertiary education. Hence, for these Lugar a world-class, self-reliant and young individuals who are devoted to caring city. This legislative measure their studies, the Sanggawadan Ordinance intends to promote, in the words of has endowed them incentives for their the late Secretary Jesse M. Robredo, scholastic achievements and has granted “growth with equity.” It is our humble them scholarships in college. Education, contribution to the vision of Vice coupled with hardwork and persistence, President Leni Robredo to improve the will surely make a man not only wise but quality of life of those in the margin also prosperous. Hence, poverty in the (laylayan). countryside will be reduced.

NELSON S. LEGACION CITY VICE MAYOR

2016 JULY-AUG Final (NSM).indd 23 11/18/2016 6:30:10 PM SP Executive-Legislative : Agenda 2016-2019 HIGHLIGHTS

he present administration Resolution No. 2016-379, enacted intends to make the best by the 12th Sangguniang Panlungsod better. With the able in its 10th Regular Session on leadership of Mayor John September 13, 2016, formally adopts G. Bongat, officials and the aforementioned ELA 2016-2019 Temployees of the city government are as a planning and policy-determining united in sustaining and enhancing the document of the city government. stature of Naga City as Maogmang Lugar. Under this agenda, we have identified Thru synergy and teamwork, we seek to priority programs, projects and activities build the foundation of a self-sustaining, (PPAs) that will boost Naga’s sustainable liveable and caring city not only for the and inclusive development. present but also for the next generations. Overall, the present administration’s As such, to ensure that collaboration priority PPAs require a total of P2.263 at all levels of the city’s governance billion. These PPAs are spread across the city’s socialized housing program, processes are harnessed, officials of five sectors – Social Sector (P734.45 institution of a Bahay Pag-asa for the executive and the legislative met million), Economic Sector (P108.68M), children in conflict with law, and on June 10, 2016 – 20 days before our Environment Sector (P521.33M), harmonization of support services official resumption of office – to raise and Infrastructure (P871.29M) and to overseas Nagueño workers. On discuss development issues in a dialogue Development Administration (P27.73M). economic sector, we aim to promote characterized by free exchange of thoughts Major investments in the social organic farming, redevelop the EcoPark and openness to multi-dimensional sector are the establishment of Del into Naga City Botanical, Zoological and diverse perspectives. The result of Rosario National High School, setting and Recreational Center, provide this meeting is the Executive-Legislative up of additional facilities for Senior High families in least economically resilient Agenda 2016-2019 that embodies the School, construction of new building communities with needed skills to covenant arrived at as to the direction for the City College of Naga, upgrading establish micro-enterprises or obtain Naga will take for the next three years. of the Naga City Hospital, expansion of jobs in priority industries, as well as

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2016 JULY-AUG Final (NSM).indd 24 11/18/2016 6:30:17 PM SP HIGHLIGHTS:

intensify the city’s business-friendliness by offering technical and loan assistance to micro, small and medium entrepreneurs and by revisiting the Naga City Investment Incentive Code. As for the environment sector, our thrusts are the operationalization of a water treatment plant, revitalization of the Naga River, development of the Malabsay Fall, rehabilitation of creeks, closure of Balatas dumpsite, Naga City’s construction of Sanitary Landfill cum Waste-to-Energy Facility, installation 30-Year of additional barangay materials recovery facilities, and establishment of Sustainable Urban a solar-powered City Hall building. For infrastructure development, additional Development Plan roads, streetlight pedestals, pathways and drainages will be constructed and By NELSON S. LEGACION the Naga City Warehouse along Almeda CITY VICE MAYOR Highway, Gymnasium at Triangulo, Eastbound UV Express and Jeepney Terminal and New Naga City Public Cemetery will be established. To improve delivery of public service and advance participatory n the campaign last May, this representation pledged to contribute governance, the city government in making the best better for Naga and its people by, among others, will deploy City Hall-wide i-Serve leading the crafting of a 30-Year Sustainable Urban Development service tracking system, will publish an Plan. Hence, last August 9, 2016 during the 6th regular session, the Employees Handbook and will revise first step towards the fulfilment of that promise was made. With the the Naga City Citizens’ Charter. We will support and co-authorship of other SP members, this representation also digitize archiving of public records, Isubmitted to the 12th Sangguniang Panlungsod of Naga a proposed as well as establish the Naga City legislation entitled: “AN ORDINANCE MANDATING THE FORMULATION Integrated Readiness and Resilience OF A 30-YEAR SUSTAINABLE URBAN DEVELOPMENT PLAN, PROVIDING Resource and Action Center. GUIDELINES FOR ITS CRAFTING AND APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR THE The Executive-Legislative Agenda PURPOSE”. 2016-2019 may have laid out task After submitting, the proposed ordinance was referred to, and that seems to be gargantuan, but, thereafter heard on August 15, 2016 by, the Committee on Laws, Ordinances and Reorganization chaired by the Honorable Ray-an Cydrick time and again, we have proven that PHOTOS BY thru unity and cooperation, we are Rentoy. With but few modifications suggested by the members of the

capable of accomplishing extraordinary committee, the proposed legislation was favorably recommended for RAMIL C. HERRERA JR. feats. Naga City, for two consecutive approval to the plenary. years, has been named as the Most Hence, during our regular session on August 16, 2016, the Naga City Competitive Component City in the 30-Year Sustainable Urban Development Plan Ordinance was approved on Philippines. We should sustain this final reading as Ordinance No. 2016-038. The mandate is spelled out in momentum and, together, propel the Section 2 of the ordinance which reads: city’s robust growth. Tarabang po kita!

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2016 JULY-AUG Final (NSM).indd 25 11/18/2016 6:30:19 PM “Section 2. Mandate. The “AN ORDINANCE formulation of a 30-Year Sustainable MANDATING THE Urban Development Plan is hereby FORMULATION OF A 30- mandated to contain the following: YEAR SUSTAINABLE URBAN DEVELOPMENT PLAN, (a) Nagueños’ vision of themselves as one people and of PROVIDING GUIDELINES the city where they FOR ITS CRAFTING AND live vis-à-vis what APPROPRIATING FUNDS FOR it had since been THE PURPOSE”. known as the regional The City Planning and center of education, culture, Development Office was given the religion, investment, tourism task to lead the required activities and good governance and the and to deliver the desired output strategic stance it takes in the no later than ten (10) months from development of Metro Naga; the approval of the ordinance to (b) The physical milestones of such the Sangguniang Panlungsod for vision taking into consideration, its further legislative consideration among others, the promotion of and thereafter to the Mayor for his interconnected urban green land approval. and the provisions for mixed-use Nonetheless, consistent development ensuring livability Otherwise, we will repeat the with the participatory governance of the community that protect mistakes of the past and will expose process Naga is known for, a city- the city’s historic, cultural and ourselves to the risk of transforming wide sectoral consultations and environmental resources; and opportunities to misfortunes. the conduct of thematic studies (c) Strategies, programs, projects and Growth is coupled with prosperity were likewise ordered giving as well activities as well as the budgetary but, if left unmanaged, it must be consideration for the alignment with requirements to achieve the Plan remembered that it is also tied with and adoption of the United Nations’ that particularly echo the United worsening societal ills, congesting Sustainable Development Goals Nations’ Sustainable Development traffic and degrading environment. (SDGs) and NEDA’s AmBisyon Natin Goals and NEDA’s AmBisyon 2040.” The desired output will be 2040. our blueprint in building a truly It is during the city-wide The advantage of planning is world-class, self-reliant and caring consultations wherein your obvious. It enables us to bring the city. It shall be our written social cooperation and active participation, future to the present when more contract. For the governors, it will my dear Nagueños, will be actively can still be done to ensure that the be a guide or criteria in decision- sought. Let us further be proactive. desired results are actually realized making processes and project Together, let us participate in shaping PHOTOS BY RAMIL C. HERRERA JR. with relative ease. Collectively, we implementation. For the governed, a world-class, self-reliant and caring must dream as a people and, united, it will be a scheme for exacting Naga for you, your children and your act towards our dreams’ realization. accountability and monitoring the children’s children. city’s progress. Sa liwat, an samuyang pangapodan, tarabang po kita!

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2016 JULY-AUG Final (NSM).indd 26 11/18/2016 6:30:24 PM VIVA!A Special Supplement of the

NAGA'S JOURNEY AS THE COUNTRY'S MOST COMPETITIVE COMPONENT CITY MEMORANDUM OF COOPERATION FOR PEACEFUL, ORDERLY FIESTA TRASLACION PROCESSION VOYADORES FESTIVAL FLUVIAL PROCESSION

2016VIVASUPPLEMENTARY-1117.indd 1 19/11/2016 9:40:23 AM Contents 04Messages• 09Naga's Journey as the Country's Most Competitive Component City• 17Our Ina, Nuestra John G. Bongat Señora de Peñafrancia• 19Brief History of the Divino Mayor Rostro• 21The State of and Devotion in the church at Nelson S. Legacion present• 24Memorandum of Cooperation for Peaceful, Vice Mayor Orderly Fiesta• 26Miss Bicolandia• 30Naga River Revetment• 32Traslacion• 36BSP/GSP Parade & 38DXMC Inter-school Competition• 40Civic Parade & Cecilia V. De Asis 42Float Competition• 44Voyadores Festival• 48Military Gregorio Re Abonal Jose “Sonny” C. Ranola Parade• 52Fluvial Procession• 54Salvar-buhay: Elmer S. Baldemoro The Naga City Reintegration Program for Drug Users Mila S.D. Raquid-Arroyo Julian C. Lavadia Jr. Joselito S.A. del Rosario Vidal P. Castillo Ray-An Cydrick G. Rentoy Salvador M. del Castillo Tomas Ramon A. Sanchez Jr. Councilor

Florencio T. Mongoso Jr., CSEE City Administrator

Jose B. Perez Editor

Jason B. Neola Associate Editor

Armie B. Gunay Managing Editor/ Layout Artist

Jose V. Collera Ian Mar B. Nebre Lee Sylranjelvic C. Villaflor Reynaldo T. Baylon Rafael Racso V. Vitan Photographers

Allen L. Reondanga Chief, City Events, Protocol and Public Information Office

2016VIVASUPPLEMENTARY-1117.indd 2 19/11/2016 9:40:28 AM Photo by: Dennis Caramoan

2016VIVASUPPLEMENTARY-1117.indd 3 19/11/2016 9:40:30 AM Messages

ur warmest regards and congratulations to the City of Naga as you celebrate the 306th OAnnual Peñafrancia Fiesta. The feast day of Our Lady of Peñafrancia is very close to our hearts. Jesse and I have been devotees of Ina and year after year, we joined the procession without fail. It was through this that we taught our family the importance of faith, devotion, and prayer.

We hope that the celebration of the feast of Our Lady of Peñafrancia continues to lead all of us to a genuine faith in Jesus Christ and that we be inspired to become true witnesses and living examples to others.

It is our prayer that the love of the Blessed Virgin be experienced by all as we respond to God’s call to grow in faith, love, and service.

Viva La Virgen!

MARIA LEONOR GERONA ROBREDO Vice President

2016VIVASUPPLEMENTARY-1117.indd 4 19/11/2016 9:40:32 AM Messages 19/11/2016 9:40:33 AM veryone! With my my With veryone! tant. She is called the our Feast lead us to grow lead us to grow our Feast ather, Pope Francis, has declared this has declared this Francis, Pope ather,

I pray for meaningful Fiesta for e I pray la Virgen! Viva May this celebration of May The role of our Ina is impor The Holy F The Holy ROLANDO J. TRIA TIRONA, O.C.D., D.D. O.C.D., TRIA TIRONA, J. ROLANDO Archbishop of Caceres t is my joy to welcome all the pilgrims and devotees all the pilgrims and devotees welcome to joy t is my of of Our Lady celebration of to the Peñafrancia the 2016. this year Festivity Peñafrancia

blessing. into the eyes into Christ and look sincerely more intimately of including those denied of and sisters, our brothers their dignity. Mother of It is through her that Mercy (Mater Misericordiae). journeythis with her in To to her Son Jesus. find our way we her through Jesus, to the Father life is also to find our way come to her aid is an assurance of to God’s Son. To the way Mercy.

of He writes that Jesus of Mercy. Year to be a Jubilee year ofNazareth is the face mercy (MV 1). This the Father’s with communion to an intimate is an invitation revelation actions by His words, mercy God’s deeply to know Jesus in this celebration ofand person. Thus, of the Feast our Ina, and find meaning in the again to rediscover are invited we Mystery of The in Christ Jesus. experience mercy that we constant contemplation of of the mystery is mercy in our lives and peace. serenity, ofwellspring joy, I 2016VIVASUPPLEMENTARY-1117.indd 5 Messages s it was many years ago, where we are now on our 306th year, we look forward to more Apilgrims and devotees from different parts of the country and the globe coming to honor and offer prayers to our Blessed Virgin of Peñafrancia whom we fondly call our Ina. Through thick and thin, prosperity and calamities, we never fail to give our thanks and renew our faith as a grateful people. In her honor, we have proudly proclaimed Naga as a Pilgrim City, whose heart is with our Mother Mary.

The devotion to Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia was started by a sickly Spanish seminarian from Manila in 1710 when he was assigned here in our city to become Provisor and Vicar General of the Bishopric of Nueva Caceres, Naga’s old colonial Spanish name. The religious rite which began with the carving of her image and building a humble chapel by the foot of Mt. Isarog quickly evolved into a cultural and religious heritage that is now conceded to be the biggest and longest Marian Festival in Southeast Asia.

It is to the Blessed Virgin that we owe the many good blessings that we receive as a people – a kind of chosen people who continue to live in peace, prosperity and harmony despite the test of time where trials and upheavals sometimes inevitably come our way. She is our shield and our strength who never allows us to fail or despair because there is always that hope that we will overcome under her guidance and grace.

On this very important occasion, we always open our doors in welcoming our guests and visitors, devotees and ordinary travelers who come to join us in singing aloud our praise and thanksgiving to our Beloved Mother.

Viva la Virgen! Viva Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia!

JOHN G. BONGAT City Mayor

2016VIVASUPPLEMENTARY-1117.indd 6 19/11/2016 9:40:36 AM Happy Peñafrancia Fiesta to all!

his special edition of the Naga SMILES Magazine is our way of joining the Nagueños and other Marian devotees Messages Tin showcasing our devotion and adoration to Our Lady of Peñafrancia. Contained in this magazine are our celebration of faith and our expression of thankfulness to our beloved Ina.

The 306 years of celebration of our piety is a symbol and a character of our unity, both as a people and as a community. It is a fabric that connects all of us. Perhaps, it is also the reason why the city is flourishing as its citizenry and its officials are used to cooperation and teamwork. Thru our belief to the Almighty and to Her Mother, the Virgin Mary, we are able to love each other as brothers and sisters and, thus, work collectively and live harmoniously.

Indeed, as entrenched in the theme of this year’s festival, “Jesus Christ, the face of God’s mercy, nourishes the family in the Eucharist,” it is by divine providence that we are blessed with opportunities and with the necessary resources, skills and teamwork to respond effectively. As a result, we are able to sustain Naga’s inclusive growth, nourish the constituency and achieve extraordinary feats, among them being the Most Competitive Component City in the Philippines for the second consecutive year.

May this year’s Peñafrancia Festival allow us to grow in faith with God and, among us men, foster stronger collaboration. Let us enjoy not only the grandeur of the activities lined up in this year’s fiesta, but also the solidarity and harmony present therein.

Viva Naga! Viva Bicolandia! Viva Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia!

NELSON LEGACION Vice Mayor

2016VIVASUPPLEMENTARY-1117.indd 7 19/11/2016 9:40:39 AM NAGA'S JOURNEY as the country's Most Competitive Component City

By Jose B. Perez

Our Lady of Peñafrancia, Our Ina, has showered us with good tidings for our hard work and good behavior

Photo by: Ruel Saldico

2016VIVASUPPLEMENTARY-1117.indd 4 19/11/2016 9:40:39 AM ur miraculous Lady of Peñafrancia is so gracious and kindhearted that she continues to shower us Owith her blessings. During the first months of the year, at least four gifts came not in small, but in big packages, like they were given as generous incentives for our hard work and laudable deportment. It is to our good fortune that we have a woman so benevolent and so loving, whom we fondly call our Ina. She is with us at birth, at death, in sickness or in health, in joy and in sorrow. We can remember those great moments in our lives when she was ever present as a mother, a savior and a friend. One writer posited that the world does not rest on the shoulders of men. It rests on the hearts of good and loving women. Like Our Beloved Lady of Peñafrancia – our mother. A near miracle happened when in May this year, some 14 million Filipinos, including the united Bicolanos from all over the world, catapulted a charming Bicolana candidate to the second highest position of the land. Earlier in March, Naga was named one of the country’s Next Wave Cities – a list of top information and communication technology (ICT) destinations outside Metro Manila to promote more IT related investments. Along with this good news is for the cities of Legazpi and Iriga to also be dubbed as emerging locations in the next few years for the rising IT-BPM industry. And because one good thing leads to another, Naga and Legazpi, a few months later, were named to the prestigious Top Ten list of Most Competitive Component Cities nationwide. Moreover, Manito town in Albay, made it among the most competitive municipalities. It followed the footstep of Daet, Camarines Norte, which was declared the most competitive municipality in the country two years ago. And as if these were not enough, the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) announced in August this year that the Bicol Region posted the highest growth rate in terms of Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) at 8.4%, topping all the other 16 regions in the country.

NAGA RIVER has been the chamber of trade and commerce since the Spanish colonial times when Naga City was better known as Nueva Caceres, the seat of Ecclesiastical authority in Southern Luzon.

2016VIVASUPPLEMENTARY-1117.indd 5 19/11/2016 9:40:40 AM Naga’s journey

Now, let’s look closely at these wonderful transpiration of events: A Bicolana Vice President

hile she started as a reluctant candidate, first as representative in the 3rd district of Camarines Sur to fill a vacuum in the local political scene upon the death of her late W husband, the former Naga City Mayor and DILG Secretary Jesse M. Robredo, not many knew that Atty. Leni Gerona-Robredo was no novice in politics, according to a report by Juan Escandor of Bicol Mail and the Philippine Daily Inquirer. Quoting sources, Escandor reported that Leni had been into politics since 1988 when Jesse first plunged in politics which made him as the youngest serving mayor of Naga City for years. Leni did not confine herself to working behind the scene but actually organized and founded the Lakas ng Kababaihan, an organization of women who were recruited from 27 barangays in the city. And when Leni ran against the wife of then outgoing Rep. Luis R. Villafuerte in 2013, the Lakas ng Kababaihan spread in the 8 towns of the district that became her overcharged volunteer group that carried out the winning campaign, routing Villafuerte’s wife by a wide margin. Things moved so fast since then. From one percent popularity rating at the start of her VP campaign in early 2016, Bicolanos rallied behind Leni, giving her 64.5% of the region’s vote, that surpassed even and reduced as myth her closest rival’s so called ‘Solid North’ base. Robredo got 1,499,923 votes out of 2,325,418 votes cast in the six provinces of Bicol. Trailing behind her is fellow Bicolano Chiz Escudeo who garnered 476,483, or 20.5% of the regional vote. Bongbong Marcos placed third with 8.1%, or mere 187,000+ votes. Amidst an electoral protest filed by Bongbong, Leni took her oath as the country’s vice president in simple rites on June 30 in Quezon City. Wearing a modern Filipiniana dress, the Vice President chose barangay chairmen Ronaldo Coner of Punta Tarawal in Calabanga, Camarines Sur and Regina Celeste San Miguel of Mariana in Quezon City to administer her oath to highlight her anti-poverty advocacy and grassroots links. Robredo promised to work with President Rodrigo Duterte and encouraged the Filipinos to build partnerships between the government and private sector to achieve real change for the nation.

Next Wave Cities

Naga City is now officially one of the country’s 10 ‘Next Wave’ cities, the first in Bicol, in the field of information technology and business process management (IT-BPM).

2016VIVASUPPLEMENTARY-1117.indd 6 19/11/2016 9:40:49 AM CALLED THE 10 NEXT WAVE CITIES, THESE AREAS ARE SEEN AS LOCATIONS THAT WILL BEST ENABLE AND SUPPORT THE CONTINUED aga and a new set of areas outside Metro Manila and GROWTH OF THE Metro Cebu have been identified by the Information COUNTRY’S MULTI-MILLION- Technology and Business Process Association of the NPhilippines (IBPAP) to serve as the country’s next DOLLAR IT-BPM SECTOR. IT-BPM hubs. The idea is to spread out development of the industry so it can further drive the local economy. These cities, aside from Naga, include Baguio, Cagayan de Oro, Dagupan, Dasmarinas, Dumaguete, Lipa, Malolos, Sta. Rosa in Laguna, and Taytay in Rizal. They stood up as the top locations for local and international IT-BPM players based on assessments of 42 cities last year on indicators reflecting talent availability, presence of infrastructure, good business environment, and cost competitiveness. The next wave cities are expected to contribute 40 percent of total revenue and employment of the country’s IT-BPM industry. Incidentally, 10 more locations were identified as “new emerging cities,” where Legazpi City and Iriga City have been included. “These emergent cities have the potential and the foundation to become next wave cities,” according to IBPAP CEO and President Jomari Mercado.

ANOTHER AWARD. Naga City Mayor John Bongat, together with Mr. Danny De Leon of WRI Colleges, receives the “Next Wave Cities” Award for the city as

LENI AND HUSBAND JESSE one of the top locations that will best enable and support the continued growth of the country’s booming IT-BPM sector.

2016VIVASUPPLEMENTARY-1117.indd 7 19/11/2016 9:40:51 AM 2016VIVASUPPLEMENTARY-1117.indd 8 Naga’s journey T country. among thefirstclassmunicipalities inthe was hailedasthemostcompetitive municipalities. competitive amongthe3rd-6thclass the topten,asitrankedsecondmost Bicol townofManito,Albayplacedin government efficiency, andinfrastructure. main categories:economicdynamism, based on30indicatorsfromthree 12 Component City Most Competitive CATEGORY COMPONENT CITIES Ranking Competitiveness 2016 competitiveness inthecountry. government unitsinpromoting the crucialroleoflocal Pasay Cityasitrecognizes Convention Center(PICC)in the PhilippineInternational Competitiveness Summitat (NCC) duringthe4thRegional Competitiveness Council on July14bytheNational The announcementwasmade

Under theEconomicDynamism In 2014,Daet,CamarinesNorte Among themunicipalities,only Cities andtownsweregraded Index (CMCI). Municipalities Competitiveness results ofthe2016Citiesand heir selectionwasbasedonthe VIVA PEÑAFRANCIA cities and1,245aremunicipalities. This with 1,389LGUs,144ofwhich are has thelargestnumberofparticipants, respectively. City placedsecondandthirdplaces, while BacoorCity, CaviteandLegazpi Naga Cityretaineditsforemostrank, with LegazpiCityinthirdplace. it giveswaytoCotabatoCityastopcity pillar, NagaCityfallstosecondplaceas places, respectively. City (Laguna)trailedinsecondandthird 2015, whileImusCiy(Cavite)andBiñan was adjudgedfirstplaceasitin pillar forcomponentcities,NagaCity It wasnotedthatthisyear’s CMCI Under theInfrastructurepillar, OntheGovernmentEfficiency Top Ten list. another Bicolcity, finallylandingintheelite of Pampanga,andthirdplacerLegazpi, with secondplacerSanFernandoCity most competitiveComponentCity, along City secureditspositionastheoverall the watchofMayorJohnG.Bongat,Naga For thesecondtimeinarowunder the buildingblocksofnational resulting ranking. improve LGUperformancebased onthe pillars andastrongercommitment to being measuredbasedonthethree and awarenessontheimportanceof index signifiedahigherlevelofinterest sectors andtheacademe. are composedofpublicandprivate Competitiveness Council(RCCs),which gathered withthehelpof16Regional joined theindex.Thedatausedwere 285 or17%oftheLGUsincountry Philippines. equals toabout85%oftotalLGUsinthe NCC believesthatLGUsare The increasingcoverageofthe When CMCIstartedin2013,only 19/11/2016 9:40:56 AM NAGA AS MOST COMPETITIVE CITY. Mayor John Bongat receives the plaque for Naga City as the Most Competitive Component City for 2016 from the National Competitive Council and USAID. Accompanying the mayor in photo are CEPPIO chief Allen Reondanga (2nd from the left) City Administrator Jun Mongoso (3rd from left) and MetroPESO head Reuel Oliver (right most) during the awarding ceremonies held at the PICC in Pasay City, along with PCCI VP for South Luzon Jeremie Lo, PCCI Bicol Governor Clarisse Palomares- Tobias and DTI Bicol Regional Director Jocelyn Blanco. CONTRIBUTED PHOTO

competitiveness, the reason it Looking back, Naga ranked 9th encouraged the creation of RCCs. among cities when the competitiveness These RCCs are tasked to regularly ranking was started in 2013. At that assess local competitiveness indicators, time and until 2014, there was no formulate programs to improve distinction between highly urbanized Three cities (HUCs) and component cities, competitiveness, and engage in investment promotion activities to attract meaning that all cities were ranked investors and create new jobs. years under one category. The Cities and Municipalities Naga soon leapfrogged to 3rd Competitiveness Index is an annual place in 2014, with Makati City placing ranking developed by NCC through the ago first, followed by Cagayan de Oro. Regional Competitiveness Committees Others in the top ten were Davao, (RCC) with the support of United States Cebu, and Manila. It was in 2015 that Agency for International Development component cities were separated (USAID) and Globe Telecom. from highly urbanized cities when Mayor Bongat said the awards Naga romped away as No. 1 in its further boosts Naga’s reputation in class, sweeping the top scores for economic dynamism, government efficiency, attracting new businesses even as he and infrastructure. This year, Naga repeated the feat, slipping one notch, however, said that the city is defining its role as when it scored second in terms of government efficiency to Cotabato City, this the center of commerce and investments year’s second placer overall. with gross annual income reaching P1B Without doubt, Naga’s and Legazpi’s place in the list of most competitive cities that comprise about 42% of the total is a beacon that all Bicolanos must look up to in our unified march to prosperity and investments in Bicol. regional development. In this year’s rankings, Camarines Sur placed 18th among the country’s 74 BY DEVELOPING COMPETITIVE provinces while Albay is closely behind it at No. 19. Camarines Norte is 40th while LGUS ACROSS THE NATION, Masbate is at 69th. There is no mention about Sorsogon and Masbate. Sorsogon NCC IS OPTIMISTIC THAT THIS City, however, was ranked 20th among the country’s 144 cities with Iriga at 45th, WOULD CONTRIBUTE TO THE Ligao Ciy at 57th and Tabaco City at 72nd. The yardstick, so to speak, used in the rankings adopted the framework OVERALL ATTRACTIVENESS developed by one Michael Porter which defines competitiveness as how a city or OF THE COUNTRY AS A municipality knows its resources and uses these to improve its standard of living. PREFERRED PLACE TO DO According to him, “almost everything matters for competitiveness – schools, roads, BUSINESS. financial markets, the consumer.” He also cautioned that to make all of these work for competitiveness, people and culture must also catch up with the mindset. Hence, improving competitiveness takes time. Improving productivity allows firms, cities, municipalities and countries to improve their standards of living and thereby give prosperity to its citizens. According to the National Competitiveness Council, cities and municipalities are ranked on their competitiveness based on an overall competitiveness score. The overall competitiveness score is the sum of scores on three main pillars which pool data from several sub-indicators. The three main pillars are: economic dynamism, government efficiency, and infrastructure. Highly urbanized cities are those with a minimum population of two hundred thousand 200,000 inhabitants and with the latest annual income of at least P50M based on 1991 constant prices. Cities which do not meet the above requirements (the requirements of a Highly Urbanized City) are considered component cities of the province in which they are geographically located. It is hoped that the competitiveness index can be used as a diagnostic tool by local government officials to assess the competitiveness of their city or municipality and identify areas for improvement and collaboration. Data can provide insight for policy making, development planning, and investment promotion. For the business community, the Index can serve as a guide in deciding where to locate. The Index also paints a general picture of Philippine cities and municipalities which may be used by the academe, civil society and even tourists as a take-off point for further research. VIVA PEÑAFRANCIA 13

2016VIVASUPPLEMENTARY-1117.indd 9 19/11/2016 9:40:56 AM WITH THE CITIES OF NAGA AND LEGAZPI STILL REJOICING IN THEIR HAVING Fast Rising BEEN RANKED 1ST AND 3RD, RESPECTIVELY, AS THE MOST COMPETITIVE Region COMPONENT CITIES IN 2016, HERE COMES THE NEWS THAT THE BICOL REGION HAS REGISTERED THE FASTEST ECONOMIC GROWTH IN 2015.

t the rate of 8.4 percent in 2015, Bicol posted the highest growth rate in terms of gross Aregional domestic product (GRDP) all over the country, according to the statement of the Philippine Construction Statistics Authority (PSA). The PSA defines the GRDP as “the aggregate The PSA identified construction to have spurred of gross valued added (GVA) of all resident producer units in the region” or the total value of goods and the growth of the industry sector. PSA stated that services produced in the region. the growth in construction was driven by “improved “In terms of current value of P281 billion worth of goods and services produced, (Bicol) ranked government spending” with “faster disbursements 10th among the 17 regions in the country, with the National Capital Region having the highest at P5 for infrastructure and other economic and social trillion,” it said. services.” The sectors and sub-sectors comprising the GRDP include the sectors of agriculture, hunting, fishery and forestry; industry; mining and quarrying, ublic investments in the widening of 52 kilometers of roads manufacturing, construction, electricity and water; and 486 linear meters of bridges along the Maharlika service; transport, communication and storage; trade, Highway, dubbed as Asian Highway 26 under the finance, ownership of dwellings and real estates, “P cooperative project among countries in Asia, reached P1.9 billion in private and government services. 2015,” the PSA cited. The PSA identified the service, industry and Among the infrastructure projects implemented in 2015 are: agriculture sectors as the main drivers of the Bicol Catanduanes Circumferential Road; Albay-Camarines Sur diversion economy that expanded from 4.3 percent in 2014 road, Pio Duran-Donsol, Guicadale Platform road networks. Also, to 8.4 percent in 2015. The service sector remained the continuing construction of the Bicol International Airport in as the largest contributor to Bicol’s economy at 56.1 Daraga, Albay added to the growth of the industry sector which percent while the industry sector contributed 22.5 received P1.55 billion in 2015. percent and agriculture, hunting, fishery and forestry The PSA also cited the so-called projects under the Bottom- at 21.3 percent. Up-Budgeting (BUB) program that contributed to the growth of At 5.3 percent in 2014 to 23.7 percent in 2015, the industry sector amounting to P333 million for the 239 projects the industry sector posted the fastest growth rate. completed last year. Service sector has also accelerated from 5.4 percent Other government spending that added up to the performance in 2014 to 7.5 percent in 2015. of the industry sector in Bicol include major infrastructure projects like the construction of an eight-storey building at the Bicol Medical Center in Naga City and 27 more road projects in Camarines Norte. 14 VIVA PEÑAFRANCIA

2016VIVASUPPLEMENTARY-1117.indd 10 19/11/2016 9:40:57 AM Naga’s journey 15 19/11/2016 9:40:57 AM

VIVA PEÑAFRANCIA VIVA he expansion of service sector was fueled he expansion of service arrivals from 3.72 by the increase in tourist million in 2015, of million in 2014 to 4.52 Camarines Sur (combined with Naga City) Camarines Sur (combined with Naga City) “The contributing factors to the robust tourism will continue to be the major growth “Tourism show that for the Records at the DOT According to 2015 records, the most number of sees more investment to come in The PSA Service Service and tourism which some 868,000 were foreign tourists and which some 868,000 3.65 million were domestic tourists. remained to be the place where most tourists 45.5 visited with 2.06 million in 2015, comprising Albay percent of the tourist arrivals in Bicol. But (with Legazpi City combined) has the highest the growth rate of the number of tourists visiting 959,000 in province with 1.41 million in 2015 from 2014. in the growth are the convergence of agencies Committee under the Bicol Regional Tourism of Regional Development Council, the alliance provinces under the Albay-Masbate-Sorsogon Sur- (Almasor) and Camarines Norte-Camarines the strategic tourism links, Catanduanes (Triple-C) Triple-C directions provided by the Almasor and area development plans, the intensive promotional according activities and marketing of the region,” to the PSA. economy as more tourist driver of the region’s destinations became accessible. The much needed employment opportunities are expected to increase as more sustainable jobs will be created,” it added. past decade, Camarines Sur and Naga have been topping the number of registered visitors regionwide since the time of then Naga City Mayor Jesse Robredo when Naga and Camarines Sur jointly breached the one million mark before his term ended in 2010, with Legazpi City and Albay moving in closely. with 876, 154 domestic tourists went to Naga City, arrivals, closely followed by Camarines Sur with 763, 717 arrivals. Legazpi City came in third with 606,230, and Albay with 436,416. with Naga as the most competitive city all over the country in 2016, and Legazpi City as third most competitive component city. T at ONGOING CONSTRUCTION the proposed Robinsons Place Naga along corner Roxas Avenue (Diversion Road) and Almeda By-Pass Road. The mall complex, biggest, will be seen to be Bicol’s ready for operation by the first quarter of 2017. Angelo Photo credit: © Kim Honrado/ Naga City Deck Through the KALAHI-CIDSS (Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan and The major projects of the Department of Public Works John. G. Bongat building homes for the city’s poor and marginalized. John. G. Bongat building homes for the city’s MAYOR CEPPIO Comprehensive Integrated Delivery of Social Services) of the and Development (DSWD), there were Department of Social Welfare or 2,902 classrooms, 215 school buildings, 221 community centers in multi-purpose buildings, 217 flood/river control structures constructed 2015. The DSWD also completed 7,843 core shelter units while other shelter agencies built 12,893 housing units. Highways (DPWH) were also considered in the growth of the industry sector which included the construction of seawall with joggers and vehicle lane, dike, Cabangan bridge and pumping station in Legazpi City. 2016VIVASUPPLEMENTARY-1117.indd 11 Naga’s journey

“In the 1980s, the city grappled with Agriculture low business confidence and climbing declines but unemployment rates.” According to an article that Naga pulls off recently appeared in Entrepreneur Philippines by freelance writer The PSA cites the effect of the Victoria Vizcarra, Naga City was El Niño in the decline in not always the poster child for well- agriculture sector behaved business.

SA stated further that the production of other agricultural ut since then, according to her, Naga has commodities like coconut, high-value crops and abaca also made a drastic turnaround: Surveys by the Pwent down, though livestock and poultry were unaffected BNational Competitiveness Council show by the El Niño, except the production of chicken that went down that Naga’s economy now generates gross by 80,000 heads. receipts of more than $1B (P46.50B) a year, while The negative impact on the agricultural production of the unemployment rates are only at around 5% to 6%. typhoons in 2014 lingered until 2015 and the fish production decreased because of bad weather and the ban on fishing Vizcarra further sardines in Asid Gulf and Burias Pass. pointed out that the rest Despite this bleak scenario, however, Naga was able to Boom of the country have been save the day by being crowned as one of the country’s top taking notes from Naga rice producers among local government units. In fact, it bested in transparency and several cities and municipalities nationwide to get into the top governance: The national City government’s own Anti- rank in the Agri-Pinoy Rice Achievers Awards (APRAA) for 2015. Awardees are being selected based on their incremental Red Tape Act, enacted increase in rice harvest and average yield per hectare over the in 2007, was modeled that is after Naga City initiatives previous year’s levels; amount of budget allocated and disbursed to rice projects and initiatives; number of farmers benefited; like its Citizen’s Charter degree of farmers’ technology adoption, and; utilization of quality and the i-Governance Naga program, both of which seeds. were spearheaded six “The effect of the El Niño reduced the yield of years earlier by the late Naga mayor and former interior and local government secretary Jesse M. rice from 3.82 to 3.69 metric tons per hectare Robredo, husband of our incumbent vice president and corn from 2.51 to 2.37 metric tons per Leni. (With reports from Juan Escandor, Victoria hectare.” Vizcarra, CNN Philippines, and Bicol Mail.)

2016VIVASUPPLEMENTARY-1117.indd 12 19/11/2016 9:40:58 AM he popular and intense devotion to this image is said to have Tstarted with a seminarian from the Universidad de Sto. Tomas, named Miguel Robles de Covarrubias who, when he was invited by the 17th century Bishop of Nueva Caceres in Naga City, experienced and received many blessings and miracles from the Lady of Peñafrancia. When Covarrubias was ordained priest, he returned to Nueva Caceres and was appointed Provisor and Vicar General of the Bishopric of Nueva Caceres.

In gratitude maybe for his fortune with the Lady of Peñafrancia and at the same time, since he was then an official of Diocesan Chancery of Nueva Caceres, Covarrubias promoted and propagated the devotion to Our Lady of Peñafrancia, himself becoming involved personally in the celebrations.

His efforts and those of the priests after him paid off for the yearly traditional feast day of the Lady of Peñafrancia which usually falls on the third Saturday and Sunday of September, galvanized the collective piety of the Bicolanos into one united annual celebration which was highlighted by a water or fluvial procession by various groups of able- bodied men and devotees around the circuitous streets of Naga City, and then along the major route of Naga River, back to her shrine. THE IMAGE of Our Lady of Peñafrancia Our Ina, Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia A brief history VIVA PEÑAFRANCIA 17

2016VIVASUPPLEMENTARY-1117.indd 13 19/11/2016 9:41:00 AM THE BICOLANOS, LOFTY FOREBEARS OF THE IVATANS, WERE OBSERVED AND RECORDED THROUGH THE CENTURIES OF SPANISH PERIOD TO HAVE BECOME ONE OF THE MOST DEVOTED AND PIOUS FILIPINOS AMONG ITS NUMEROUS REGIONS. THE EVANGELIZATION OF THE PROVINCES SEEMED PERFECTLY MATCHED WITH THE NUMBER OF CONVERSIONS TO THE CATHOLIC FOLD, FOR STATISTICS AT THE TURN OF THE TWENTIETH CENTURY SHOWED THE BICOLANOS’ TOTAL PROFESSION OF THE CATHOLIC FAITH. IN CATANDUANES, THE GEM PURE PROVINCE AT THE TIP OF THE BICOL PENINSULA, REGISTERED AN ALMOST 99% CATHOLIC POPULATION AS RECENT AS THE 1980S.

The seat of the Archdiocese of Caceres is located in Naga City. She is the initiator of significant religious festivities that evolved from the simple devotional activity led by Fr. Covarrubias to a regional major religious fiesta. Last 2010, the Archdiocese celebrated with great jubilation the 300 years of devotion to Our Lady of Peñafrancia, as she continues to be the Queen and Mother of the Bicolanos. This is attested through the countless testimonies of people, devotees, and ordinary churchgoers, of having been recipients of the miracles of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, which has greatly strengthened the devotion of the people year after year. The yearly “feast of feasts” beginning with a Traslacion, i.e. the transferring of the miraculous images of the Virgin, Our Lady of Peñafrancia, and the Divino Rostro to the Metropolitan Cathedral of Naga City for Novena Prayers and Holy Masses. The Traslacion, which begun in 1885, is considered to be a very important part after the celebration, not to say festive and colorful. The ‘andas’ of the Lady is borne on the shoulders of her FLUVIAL PROCESSION. The image Our Lady of Peñafrancia is male devotees, called the voyadores, all along the route of the escorted back to her home at the Basilica Minore through a procession procession. by the Naga River. In the afternoon of the 9th day of the Novena, a fluvial procession in the Naga River caps the feast. The image of Our Lady is returned to her sanctuary via the Naga River, on board a pagoda decorated with fresh flowers and colorful papers, accompanied by musicians, the religious, priests, and seminarians, as the pagoda maneuvers, other bancas manned by boatmen and male devotees sail along with it until the landing site, where by tradition, the Archbishop of Neuva Caceres meets the images and leads them to the Basilica Minore of Our Lady of Peñafrancia for a Solemn Concelebrated Pontifical

Penafrancia History Mass. To the unexposed and less than religious, the sight of the Pagoda, being escorted by the hundreds of men and thousand more following its ascent while both sides of the Naga River followed with devotees wavering their handkerchiefs and shouting “Viva la Virgen!” may seem strange, and the veneration fever, seemingly too emotional, almost pagan. Nobody can explain the intensity of feelings for Our Lady of Peñafrancia during the week of her feast day, except to accept, and accept obediently, that it is pure love of the Blessed Virgin Mother, in the image of Our Lady of Peñafrancia which has made her devotees keep up their yearly “panata,” people like to believe with the little explanation that certainly, a devotee returns because almost always, Our Lady returns the favor of the petitioner. Today, the Peñafrancia Basilica and National Shrine at Balatas, Naga City, is the “Home” and permanent residence of the venerable original image of the Lady of Peñafrancia and the Divino Rostro, which was previously kept in the Shrine of Peñafrancia, located at Peñafrancia Avenue, Naga City. This original Shrine of Our Lady is now dedicated to Our Lady of Peñafrancia and has the replica of the original Image of Ina. Peñafrancia 2016 Schedule of Activities Booklet, Peñafrancia Basilica and National Shrine.

18 VIVA PEÑAFRANCIA

2016VIVASUPPLEMENTARY-1117.indd 14 19/11/2016 9:41:03 AM In the small village of Osa de la Vega in Spain, there lived a couple who led a pious life. They were Gregorio de la Torre and Isabel Corral. From their father, Juan Montilla, they inherited a picture of the Face of Jesus or the Divino Rostro.

Brief history of the Divino Rostro

2016VIVASUPPLEMENTARY-1117.indd 15 19/11/2016 9:41:04 AM A story that is told one day, to the amazement of many who confirmed its veracity, the picture began to perspire with living blood. News of this extraordinary event spread swiftly and widely throughout the land. Many people from different places came to see for themselves the miracle. As a result, the couple decided to transfer the image to the church, for their house became too small to accommodate huge crowd of people. There in the church the image instantly became the object of a very special devotion of the inhabitants.

uring the years 1834, 1853, and 1955, s cholera Our Lady of Peñafrancia and the Divino Rostro together in one epidemic called “Cholera Morbo” struck the whole place. That was also the beginning of a tradition that continues county of Spain. Nearly all its towns suffered from the up to the present when, during the Traslacion, both images are D borne to the Cathedral. rueful effects of the dreadful malady. The natives of Osa de la Vega prayed and made devotions to the Divino Rostro to When the dreaded disease was dispelled, our people protect them from the epidemic. After the cholera epidemic had were spared from it. In the passed, to the surprise of many, no one in the village died or thanksgiving, the hierarchy was stricken with the cholera. This made the faith of the people and the people promised and their devotion to the Divino Rostro grow much stronger. to celebrate the feast of the Divino Rostro This also began the spread of devotion in other parts of the Divino Rostro and Our Lady country. of Peñafrancia together. And so when the image of Ina was brought back to her shrine in that same year, the image of Divino Rostro was also brought Divino Rostro in Naga The devotion to the Divino Rostro in Naga City began together with the former to her shrine. during the tenure of Bishop Casimiro Herrra. In 1882, a To make it easier for the devotees to give vent to their cholera similar to the one in Spain in 1834 broke out in Manila. special devotion to the Divino Rostro, Fr. De la Torre decided The Vicar General of the Diocese of Nueva Caceres at to donate the picture to the Santuario de Peñafrancia. The that time was a certain Fr. Pedro de la Torre who was also a chaplain, with approval of the Bishop, placed it at the gospel native of Osa de la Vega and a devotee of the Divino Rostro. side of the altar. That is the same place that the Divino Rostro He had with him a copy of the Divino Rostro being venerated occupies today in the Basilica Minore de Nuestra Señora de in his hometown. Recalling what had happened in Spain, he Peña de Francia. requested Bishop Herrera to enshrine the holy picture at the When the wooded frame of the miraculous image became cathedral where the people could venerate it for the whole old and deteriorated, Doña Fabiana Arejola vda. De Reyes, duration of the epidemic. People flocked the church imploring then president of the Peñafrancia Association, donated a divine intercession that they be spared from the deadly silver framed ordered from the famous Zamora brothers. cholera. The bishop also ordered that the intercession of Our Unfortunately, the silver plates of the frame were stolen in Lady of Peñafrancia be sought. And so on August 26, 1882, 1976. the image of Our Lady of Peñafrancia was brought to the She ordered the construction of a beautiful palanquin or Cathedral. That was the first time that the Bicolanos prayed to andas which until today is being used during procession.

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2016VIVASUPPLEMENTARY-1117.indd 16 19/11/2016 9:41:04 AM The following article is culled from Chapter IX of the definitive account of the origin and historical background of the Image of the Virgin of Peñafrancia, Patroness of the Bicol Region, from Bishop Francisco Gainza’s “The Lady of Peña de Francia” as translated from the 1866 Bikol original by Jose V. Barrameda, Jr. of Naga City

THE CENTURIES-OLD Peñafrancia church and shrine at Bgy. Peñafrancia, Naga City. It was built by Bishop Arevalo in 1741.

The state of and devotion in the church at present

By Bishop Francisco Gainza October 1866

2016VIVASUPPLEMENTARY-1117.indd 17 19/11/2016 9:41:05 AM he devotion to Our Lady of Peña de Francia did not fade away with the Tdeath of loving Father Robles, who initiated it. In the year 1732, the Most Illustrious Lord Felipe de Molina established a charitable foundation, and he directed that aside from others to whom would go the expected profit, a chaplain was also to be remunerated, who would subsequently teach the catechism and baptize the native Cimarrons there. The alms were assigned for the Advocate and the entire novenary, for the whole year, and for the indigent residents there after Mass each Saturday. However, there is no sufficient evidence for proving that all the directives Devotion of that compassionate Lord Bishop were implemented, because that charitable foundation made little profit, which did not increase, although it was expected it would, and the initial investment of the aforesaid Lord Bishop did not fully return. The present church was erected by the next bishop, the Most Illustrious Lord Arevalo, in the year 1741: thus proclaim the bricks engraved with his escutcheon, which is featured on the walls of the church, similar to that inscribed on a large stone which is set at the foot of the tower in Tabuc; and when already bishop-elect, in a decree of his on the seventh of March of 1742, he established and supported a school in Francia. This is all that I have ascertained about this famed church.

When I arrived, the church was completely being neglected the year round, because the dear Virgin was dwelling in the Cathedral once more, and she would be brought there only for the last three days of the novenary. Thus the church would be adorned with articles from the Cathedral, since it does not even have altars except mere paper ones only and the roof is very much dilapidated, while it is very filthy inside since no one tends beautified it more; the woodwork and yet other finessed parts, which were the doors at all so that animals should not get added to the litter of Holy Mary; and I also ordered the construction of two more in. In such a situation, the first things I ordered small altars, which are replicas themselves of the high-altar, at both wings, of prepared was a high-altar, entirely of tindalo, so the arch. For the foresaid two altars the spouses Don Manuel Abella and Dona Dona Aleja de la Paz, head waiting maid of the Biviana Isaac have donated two vitrines containing two invaluable images of dear Virgin, donated three hundred pesos; and the Holy Child of Cebu and the Immaculate Conception, with faces and hands because it so happened that Maestro Agaton of ivory as well as inlaid with gold: most exquisite is the harmony of the three Samson, who had worked in the church in altars. An old house was also transferred and set up beside the church where Manila while I was Prior, happened to be in the one of the two coadjutors in the Cathedral was first assigned to tend to the lowlands, he was the one who improved the church and the dear Virgin. Several devotees contributed to the paving of the said altar, and moreover contributed his labors. church floor with European blue glazed tiles, which occasionally ran short at Thus red is so predominant: it is splendent, with first; however it has been completed this year. The church was painted up to decorative gilts, and is delightful to hold. the dome by people of Mauban, in the territory of Tayabas, who also gilded the two aforementioned altars; the windows were set with cut glass having After the feast of the previous year, different facets; at the back of the high-altar an excellent sacristy was prepared; I have continued to have the church repaired: a splendid metal bar was made, which secures the sanctuary; and forty large thus I had a principal arch made, which and small glass chandeliers were mounted: consequently when all the lights

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2016VIVASUPPLEMENTARY-1117.indd 18 19/11/2016 9:41:05 AM is taken out in a procession on the Friday preceding the feats of the Most Sweet Name of Holy Mary and is brought to the Cathedral: there Masses, day and night novenas, recitations of the rosary, etc., are held and vigil lights maintained. Before, the entire novenary was done in the shrine: but to remove bad practices, the Most Excellent Lord Grijalvo, whom I succeeded, ordered in his decree on the sixteenth of August in 1853 that the novena be held in the Cathedral up to Thursday afternoon; and I too, in a decree on the 1st of September in 1864, ordered that the novena be continued up to Saturday. On the afternoon of this day the fluvial procession is done, in order that the feast be celebrated in the shrine on Sunday, which is the culmination of the novenary and is the festal climax, and such has been done for three years that have passed.

The fluvial procession, which was being done since the days of yore, is very awe- inspiring and very exhilarating. It first issues out of the Cathedral, escorted by the whole town, clergy, local elite, Spaniards, and the Head of the province, as well as about a thousand polers, each one equipped with a long and fine pole: withal they all proceed by foot up to the wharf in Tabuc. There the Virgin is borne onto an enormous and especially designed craft and the collegians, priests, Spaniards, and other local elite get aboard. The majority of the polers ride, tightly squeezed together, in long and largish boats which tow the barge; while the Chinese also prepare a splendid vessel. The multitude of people, who come from all towns, watch from the banks of the river; at the same time the acclamations by the polers, the firing of guns and the playing of bands all add to the deepening of profound joy in the heart BIGGER HOME. The Basilica Minore was built to accommodate the increasing number of of whomever. The Lord Bishop awaits there at devotes to Our Lady of Penafrancia in Bgy. Balatas, Naga City. It is now considered to have the shrine, and when the Virgin docks near the one of the most beautiful and resplendent altars in the entire country, if not in the whole community hall in Francia, he descends to the world. CEPPIO wharf, garbed in episcopal raiment. He censes the Virgin and leads her in a procession, were ignited, the church seemingly goes all ablaze in a sudden. This year the towards the church, in the midst of phalanxes church and the house of the chaplain were roofed with handbeaten iron sheets, of the polers and people closely pressed which were paid for by the alms of devotees who will be mentioned below; the together; sings the Salve, and afterwards house was extended and strengthened with stones; and so as to be very much doffs the pontifical vestments, as well as complete I ordered a large woodcut and a small one made for scapularies, of stops for a drink of water at the community which thousands have already been distributed in not many days. In the roofing hall, accompanied by the Spaniards and the of the church and the house of the chaplain, as well as in the completion of the Magistrate. Afterwards, he goes home, that floor, exceeding were the labors of Dr. Don Vicente Garcia who, after declining the merrymaking, the skits and other sportive the provisorship and curacy in the Cathedral last year, implored me that he be presentations may proceed. In accordance the chaplain with no remuneration, to watch over the church; he is donating no with my last decree the patronal feast ends in little amount of his money for the aforesaid house and church. The local elite church the following day: but nonetheless the provided a great many of their own people for the work, as well as alternated festivities go on for three days. During these in victualling the workers, with the result that for two years now the Virgin has three days the feasting is continual in the dwelt in her house, which cannot be properly doubted is the most beautiful and community hall itself. The fare is contributed by the finest church in the territories. everyone; all endeavor with the preparations for the festal day; verily, this year I myself gave Nonetheless, because the church is rather far and small, the Virgin the sermon in Bikol.

VIVA PEÑAFRANCIA 23

2016VIVASUPPLEMENTARY-1117.indd 19 19/11/2016 9:41:06 AM Archdiocese, city hall, partner government offices and An agreement was entered into by and between the City Government of Naga, the Archdiocese of Caceres, and 22 other public and private offices to come up with collaborative efforts to ensure that this year’s celebration of the regional fiesta will be orderly and peaceful.

The group and its members’ individual tasks under the memorandum of cooperation, are as follows:

•The city government, under the stewardship of Mayor John G. Bongat, shall provide a clear leadership and guidance for the JOC’s tasks and functions, and all the necessary logistical and operational requirements in order for the JOC to be fully operational.

•The church, as represented by Most Reverend Rolando Octavius FOR FIESTA SAFETY AND SECURITY. Partner agencies for the maintenance of peace and order in the upcoming Peñafrancia Festivity pose for posterity after signing the Memorandum Tria-Tirona, OCD., DD., archbishop of Cooperation (MOC) for their commitment and cooperation in ensuring the safety and of Caceres, shall provide guidance security of this year’s Peñafrancia celebration. The signing was held at the Archbishop’s and coordination to help achieve Residence last August 16. Signatories to the MOC include the City Mayor of Naga, Archbishop Rolly Tria-Tirona of the Archdiocese of Caceres, and officers or representatives and facilitate the accomplishment of of the following offices, as shown in photo above: Office of Civil Defense, Philippine Army, the JOC’s objectives and concerns, Philippine National Police- (Naga City Police Office, CIDG Camarines Sur, Maritime Group, Camarines Sur Highway Patrol Group, and Camarines Sur Provincial Office), Philippine Navy, and coordinate and inform parishes Philippine Air Force, Bureau of Fire Protection- Naga, Philippine Coast Guard – (Bicol and regarding the joint collaborative Camarines Sur), Land Transportation Office, DepEd-Naga, DPWH, Medical Group (DOH, undertaking and the efforts of the BMC, and NCH), Service and Support Group (MNWD, CASURECO, GSO, CEO, ENRO, and SWMO) and the Media/ Communications Group (KBP-Cam. Sur, City Hall Press Corps, church in the JOC. Kabalikat Civicom, and PIA). CEPPIO

he 14-page Memorandum of Cooperation, which was major religious and civic activities. ironed out by different public and private agencies on JOC, a complement of partnering agencies and TAugust 16, this year, containes specific tasks to be commands with primary objective of addressing all security undertaken by each signatory. It also creates and establishes and police concerns including the performance of standard for this year the Unified Command Operations Center or the measures in the event of disasters, disruptions and other Joint Operations Center (JOC) with the primary goal of making eventualities, will monitor all events, anticipate contingencies, this year’s celebration of the Peñafrancia fiesta successful and and set into motion actions for the speedy resolutions of the peaceful. problems occurring during the holding of the Bicol Region’s The Peñafrancia fiesta, which is the 306th this year, covers biggest civic and religious event in this city. the period September 1-22, 2016. As stated in the document, the task group and the Naga, under Proclamation No. 33 which was issued by JOC will provide a centralized focus of authority, institute former President Benigno S. Aquino III, was declared the Incident Command System (ICS) procedures and face-to- country’s pilgrimage center and is now otherwise referred to as face coordination among personnel who will all work for the a Pilgrim City. success of different activities during the fiesta. The police’s crowd estimate last year was placed at around It was also agreed that all JOC personnel and the 2.5 million people. The figure was obtained at the height of partnering agencies will coordinate with each other and the celebration of the Peñafrancia fiesta, specifically during complement each other’s resources in the achievement of the holding of the military parade, fluvial procession, and other goals and objectives.

2016VIVASUPPLEMENTARY-1117.indd 20 19/11/2016 9:41:10 AM The roles of the partnering agencies:

Archdiocese, city hall, partner government offices and The Office of Civil Defense as represented by its regional head, Dir. Bernardo Rafaelito R. Alejandro IV, shall provide guidance and assistance agencies sign to the executive committee and the JOC to enhance its operational capabilities, and implement disaster management and disaster risk reduction mechanisms when situation warrants. The OCD for this year will also be sending its Regional Incident Management Team to help the Memorandum JOC to be more proactive in its function.Mayor Bongat said among the plans to be deliberated and acted upon by the task group in its second meeting which was scheduled on August 26, 2016 at the Public Safety Office Blue Room are the group’s cluster preparations, and its security and of Cooperation contingency plans. for peaceful, orderly fiesta The PNP, as represented by PCSupt. Melvin Ramon G. Buenafe shall enforce all the laws and regulations applicable during the Peñafrancia BY JASON B. NEOLA festivities, maintain peace and order, implement pertinent laws and regulations on firearms and explosives control, supervise and control the crowd and, if necessary, deploy search and rescue teams while the Philippine Army shall focus on prompt and sustained security operations (internal security and peacekeeping).

The Philippine Air Force shall provide air support, in case such is needed, and conduct emergency search and rescue operations when necessary while the Philippine Navy, thru its Special Warfare Group (SWAG), shall provide security and safety at the Pagoda and along the Bicol River during the fluvial procession. It is also tasked to deploy search and rescue teams if needed.

The Coast Guard shall take the lead in ensuring the orderly conduct of the fluvial procession and provide security and safety along the Bicol River together with the Navy and the PNP-Maritime Group before and during the fluvial procession.

The PNP-Highway Patrol Group shall mobilize motorists assistance center, provide VIP route support and security, if needed, and shall work with the Land Transportation Office in setting up checkpoints and chokepoints if only to ensure that the roads going to and from the city will be fully secured.

The Criminal Investigation and Detection Group shall monitor vigorously all the nefarious activities of the different crime groups for the purpose of neutralizing them and shall work hand-in-hand with the police in the achievement of its tasks.

The DepEd shall provide support by way of allowing the use of school buildings as billeting centers for personnel assigned in protective and emergency services, and shall mobilize its personnel and logistics, if needed by the JOC while the Dept. of Public Works and Highways shall see to it that all roads, bridges, and other infrastructure facilities are passable and convenient and install directional signs, traffic warnings and the likes to aid motorists and pedestrians in navigating their way to the city.

The medical group, which is composed of personnel from various public and private health agencies, shall provide emergency medical services to the public, and shall deploy medical teams on designated areas established for emergency rescue operations while the service and support group, which is composed of personnel from Metro Naga Water District, Camarines Sur II Electric Cooperative, the city government’s General Services Office, City Engineer’s Office, the City Environment and Natural Resources Office, and the Solid Waste Management Office, shall readily provide their services without undue interruptions.

The media group shall update the public with information, announcements and news through the print, broadcast, webcast, and online media.

2016VIVASUPPLEMENTARY-1117.indd 21 19/11/2016 9:41:10 AM Miss Bicolandia 2016 Albay lass is Miss Bicolandia 2016!

BY JASON B. NEOLA

his year’s Ms. Bicolandia is a pretty maiden of 23 summers from Guinobatan, Albay whose good looks easily captured the approval of the Tjampacked crowd and the 9-person Board of Judges during the glittering coronation night at Jesse M. Robredo Coliseum Wednesday night, September 7, this year. Jian

Jian Cayla Salazar, a medical student, shone the brightest among the 19 other candidates who vied for the most coveted Ms. Bicolandia title in the region’s most prestigious beauty competition.

Jian’s rise to fame wasn’t that quick and easy, however. She first had to 2nd Runner Up conquer the ramp in 2013 to be crowned Mutya ng Ibalong during that year. A year later, she was proclaimed Mutya ng Polangui and coasted as 1st Runner- Up during that same year’s search for Ms. Bicolandia. This makes not her first time to vie for the crown in this pageant which had been conceded to be the longest running beauty and brain competition in the region, here in Naga which has been dubbed as the Heart of Bicolandia.

Jian, who loves traveling and learning about different cultures, took the audience’s and the judges’ nod when during the final interview portion each of the 5 finalists were assigned with one specific word that they should expound. The word given her was COMMITMENT.

“Commitment is very fitting in my situation right now because this is my second time to join Miss Bicolandia. I am committed and I know it by heart that I want to win this with the guidance of the Divine Providence. I know that tonight, win or lose, I am going to give my best and try hard without regrets because I am the kind of person who would never give up without a fight,” Jian told the more than 10,000 people inside the coliseum.

With her in this year’s Miss Bicolandia court are Mary Joy Dacudao, 1st Runner-Up; Kathleen Mae Lausingco, 2nd Runner-Up; Marie Sherry Ann Kathleen Tormes, 3rd Runner-Up and Danica Theresa Sheen Dilla, 4th Runner-Up.

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2016VIVASUPPLEMENTARY-1117.indd 22 19/11/2016 9:41:11 AM 1st Runner Up

Also fondly called MJ, Joy is a Naga-born junior sales and services agent of the Philippine Airlines (PAL). She loves cooking and playing tennis to keep her fit. 24-year old Joy is a daughter of businessman Jose G. Dacudao III and Ma. Kristina Santos. She said she joined the pageant to acquire self-fulfillment and serve as an inspiration to her fellow youth as an ambassadress of goodwill aside from having the opportunity to help promote the tourism industry of this pilgrim city.

3rd Runner Up

Joy

Marie Sherry is a native of Bula, Camarines Sur who, for six years now, has been joining beauty pageants. Her perseverance allowed her to keep at least 7 titles, namely, Bb. San Mateo

Photo by: Carlos Villariino (Rizal) 2011, Ms. Bula Tourism 2013, Miss Camarines Sur 2015 (Search for Miss Kaogma 2015), Mutya ng Ibalong Tourism 2015, 2nd Runner-Up (Search Kathleen Mae comes from for Ms. Mandaluyong 2016), 1st the idyllic town of Polangui Runner-Up (Search for Ms. Hannahs in Albay province. Already Eco-toursim Philippines 2016) and a beauty titlist, she was Mutya ng Pulang Angui 2016 (Polangui, Marie recently crowned Mutya ng Albay). Ibalong 2016 held in Legazpi City last August 24, this Fourth Runner-Up Danica of Iriga year, in celebration of the City is a holder of three beauty titles: province’s Ibalong Festival. 4th Runner Up 2nd Runner-Up Mutya ng Ibalong 2016, Bamba, as her friends call Mutya ng Pulang Angui Tourism 2016, her, is a graduate of Bachelor and Miss Kaogma Tourism 2016. This of Science in Tourism 21-year-old Irigueña wishes to represent Management. She was the Bicol Region in various national also crowned Ms. City Mall beauty competitions someday. Philippines 2016 and Ms. “It is indeed a great pleasure on my Silka Bicolandia in 2015. part to be able to join in this year’s “It has been my dream grandest pageant in the Bicol Region to win the most coveted as I believe that it would help me in Ms. Bicolandia crown. my preparations to further improve my The first time I joined it, I capabilities as I plan to compete in landed as 4th Runner-Up. I national beauty competitions in the days promised myself not to stop ahead,” declared Danica. competing until I become Ms. Bicolandia,” says the 21-year-old lady in an interview with this magazine. Danica

2016VIVASUPPLEMENTARY-1117.indd 23 19/11/2016 9:41:14 AM Miss Bicolandia candidates walk the ramp during the costume and bikini fashion show held at The Tent, Avenue Plaza Hotel, Naga City.

Jian Cayla Salazar brought home most of the awards, having been the sponsors' favorites in the conducted Miss Bicolandia 2016

Board of Judges

This year’s Miss Bicolandia Beauty Pageant Council is composed of City Councilor Sonny C. Rañola, M.D., as chairman, with the following as members: Naga City First Lady Farah Bongat, who headed the recruitment group, Jenny Harris, Atty. Jet Vergara, Ruby Antonio, Marilyn Miss Bicolandia Aman, Rye Rentoy, Richard “Toti” Rocha, Mike Pauig, and Gil de la Torre, head of the 2016 MB secretariat, and City Administrator Florencio T. Mongoso Jr.

The Board of Judges is chaired by Binibining Pilipinas Universe 1984 and 3rd Runner-Up Miss Universe 1984 Ma. Desiree Verdadero Abesamis, chairperson, with the following and members: Gonzalo Roque III, CEO/Owner of Kamiseta; Rafael Kiefer, Pres., Professional Model Association of the Philippines; Miss World 2015 Hillary Danielle Parungao; Maja Pilipinas 1984 Maria Villa Bella Nachor; former Solicitor General Florin Hilbay; Director Shalimar Hofer Tamano of the Department of Tourism; Director General Rodelio Dascil of the Senate Tax Study and Research Office; and Lawyer Josef Calida.

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2016VIVASUPPLEMENTARY-1117.indd 24 19/11/2016 9:41:18 AM Miss Bicolandia 2016 Jian Cayla Salazar and her court wave to the crowd after having been officially declared of their titles and crowned.

Mayor John G. Bongat and First Lady Farah R. Bongat (3rd and 4th from right, respectively), along with City Councilor and Miss Bicolandia 2016 Chair Jose ‘Sonny Ranola, M.D. (2nd from right) pose with the winning Miss Bicolandia 2016 on stage, along with outgoing Miss Bicolandia 2015 (leftmost), Board of Judges Chairperson 3rd Runner-Up Miss Universe 1984 Ma. Desiree Verdadero Abesamis (2nf from left). VIVA PEÑAFRANCIA 29

2016VIVASUPPLEMENTARY-1117.indd 25 19/11/2016 9:41:26 AM Naga River revetment project inaugurated in time for the fiesta

he Office of the Vice President and the city government of Naga worked hard to realize the development needed in the Naga river bank which is also aimed at providing convenience Tto pilgrims and devotees watching and joining the Penafrancia fluvial procession. Spanning 9 barangays within the city, the revetment project also involved dredging and de-silting of the river bed for smoother means of water transportation.

It was written that the powerful village along the Naga River has always been the chamber of life in Bicolandia which has become even more renowned with the holding of the annual fluvial procession every September as the highlight of the Penafrancia fiesta.

2016VIVASUPPLEMENTARY-1117.indd 26 19/11/2016 9:41:26 AM VICE PRESIDENT Leni G. Robredo and Naga City Mayor John G. Bongat, along with Vice Mayor Nelson S. Legacion and other city officials, officials of the engineering district led by District Engineer Rebecca Torres and Assistant DE Ricky Ragragio, tour and inspect the newly completed 5,670- linear meter river revetment project after its formal inauguration Friday morning, September 9, before the Traslacion in the afternoon.

2016VIVASUPPLEMENTARY-1117.indd 27 19/11/2016 9:41:28 AM Traslacion

AMAZINGLY MAGNIFICENT The Naga Metropolitan Cathedral grounds burst with devotees during the mass celebrated upon the arrival of the image of Our Lady of Penafrancia after the Traslacion Procession

2016VIVASUPPLEMENTARY-1117.indd 28 19/11/2016 9:41:28 AM takes place peacefully amidst overflowing crowd of devotees and voyadores

BY JOSE B. PEREZ

© Brian Reondanga

2016VIVASUPPLEMENTARY-1117.indd 29 19/11/2016 9:41:28 AM onsidered as the opening salvo of the biggest regional Marian festival in the Ccountry, the Traslacion, or the transfer through foot procession of the image of Nuestra Senora de Peñafrancia from her home at the Peñafrania Chapel and Shrine to the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral, started under heavy rain Friday afternoon for the 9-day novena.

The rains slowed down as the image entered the cathedral grounds until they fully receded just in time for the concelebrated mass officiated by Caceres Archbishop Rolando J. Tria-Tirona amidst thousands of people and devotees that filled to the brim the picturesque grounds of the region’s biggest and oldest cathedral.

The Traslacion as a rite of passge begun in 1885, or 65 years after the devotion to the Virgin of Peñafrancia was first introduced in Nueva Ceceres (Naga’s old Spanish name) in 1710 by an ailing Spanish seminarian. His name was

Photos by: Carlos Villarino and Justine Masagca

2016VIVASUPPLEMENTARY-1117.indd 30 19/11/2016 9:41:29 AM Traslacion

OVER HALF A MILLION DEVOTEES AND PILGRIM’S WITNESSES AND PARTICIPATED IN THIS YEAR’S TRASLACION, DISPELLING RUMORS OF BOMB THREATS BECAUSE OF WHAT HAPPENED WAITING FOR INA TO ARRIVE The MASS THAT FOLLOWED UPON HER ARRIVAL in late afternoon (photo by Charlie Apodaca) when darkness began to set in that makes the devotees' lighted candles shine IN DAVAO CITY A even brighter. FEW DAYS AGO.

Miguel Lopez de Covarrubias, who various religious and civic organizations, For security measure, the country’s was assigned in this Spanish colonial and pilgrims from different parts of the leading telcos, specifically Smart and settlement until he became priest and province, region, and as far as Metro Globe, informed customers that their named Vicar General of the Bishopric of Manila and the rest of the country mobile signals would be temporarily shut- Nueva Caceres. ushered in the procession with the image up (or jammed) for the duration of the of the Divino Rostro or the Divine Face procession, as directed by the National During the traslacion, the ‘andas’ or of Jesus Christ coming out first of the Telecommunications Commission. mobile palanquin, is borne on the brawny Peñafrancia chapel into the throng of Signals returned at about 6:30 p.m. at the shoulders of her male devotees called waiting voyadores. conclusion of the mass at the cathedral the ‘voyadores’ along the route of the grounds. procession with all the faithful lining up School bands stationed at various both sides of the streets as they wave points of the route continuously play The mass concluded with a colorful white handkerchiefs and shout ‘Viva la religious and marching songs before 15-minute fireworks display, compliments Virgen!’ Viva el Divino Rostro!’ as their the crowd as they wait for the images of the Department of Tourism Bicol expression of praise and thanksgiving. of the Divino Rostro and Our Lady of regional office. Peñafrancia pass by on their way to the Students, teachers, members of cathedral. VIVA PEÑAFRANCIA 35

2016VIVASUPPLEMENTARY-1117.indd 31 19/11/2016 9:41:30 AM BOY SCOUTS snappily render their white-globed salute before the VIP guests at the reviewing stand.

COMPETING GROUPS march across the streets starting from Panganiban Drive, then towards the centro and came out right infront of the reviewing stand at Plaza Quezon to the delight of the crowd that have lined up the route of the parade.

Photos By: Sylranjelvic Villaflor, Jose Collera and Xeres Gagero BSP/GSP Parade & One of the most anticipated events in line with the celebration of the Peñafrancia festival is the Regional Drum, Xylophone, and Majorette Corps (DXMC)/ Boy Scouts of the Philippines (BSP)/ Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP) Marching Parade Competition participated by both public and private schools in the region.

2016VIVASUPPLEMENTARY-1117.indd 32 19/11/2016 9:41:35 AM 2016VIVASUPPLEMENTARY-1117.indd 33 19/11/2016 9:41:36 AM Photos By: Reynaldo Baylon, Jose Collera and Xeres Gagero

ALWAYS accompanying a marching band, majorettes are traditionally colorfully dressed females doing choreographed dance movement with their batons throughout the length of the parade route.

2016VIVASUPPLEMENTARY-1117.indd 34 19/11/2016 9:41:37 AM DXMC Inter-school Competition

The school’s drum and bugle corps is a musical marching band consisting of brass instruments, percussion instruments, synthesizers, and color guard. They perform in parades, competitions, festivals, and other civic functions with their fancy music and drill, usually highlighting their school color or symbols.

2016VIVASUPPLEMENTARY-1117.indd 35 19/11/2016 9:41:38 AM Many public and private organizations, led by the City Mayor and city government officials, as well as government office employees (photo below), usually show their solidarity with and support for a colorful and successful Peñafrancia fiesta during the Civic Parade. Customarily, the parade highlights the year’s fiesta theme through costumes, floats, slogans, and even dances and choreographed steps. CIVIC Parade &

Photos By: Jose Collera, Sylranjelvic Villaflor, Reynaldo Baylon and Racso Vitan

2016VIVASUPPLEMENTARY-1117.indd 36 19/11/2016 9:41:39 AM 2016VIVASUPPLEMENTARY-1117.indd 37 19/11/2016 9:41:43 AM FLOAT Competition

The float competition was participated in by three competing groups: the Naga College Foundation, SM City Naga, and the International Pharmaceutical Inc. Non-competing groups include the Sutherland Global Services and COMWORKS (Oppo Mobile) and Pepsi-Cola among others.

Photos By: Sylranjelvic Villaflor and Miguel Arcilla

2016VIVASUPPLEMENTARY-1117.indd 38 19/11/2016 9:41:44 AM VIVA PEÑAFRANCIA 43

2016VIVASUPPLEMENTARY-1117.indd 39 19/11/2016 9:41:55 AM Voyadores Festival

eneath the vibrant colors, bright smiles and graceful movements Bare stories of intense love and devotion; suitably capturing the eyes and touching everyone's hearts. Voyadores festival is more than just a celebration of colors and dances; it is a joint tribute emphasizing beauty, arts, culture and religiosity for Our Lady of Peñafrancia.

2016VIVASUPPLEMENTARY-1117.indd 40 19/11/2016 9:41:58 AM Photo By: Xeres Gagero

2016VIVASUPPLEMENTARY-1117.indd 41 19/11/2016 9:42:02 AM Voyadores

GRANDVIEW ELEMENTARY SCHOOL is this year’s champion in the 2016 Voyadores Festival, taking away the honor and trophy from the Camarines Sur National High School, the once undefeated champion during the last three consecutive years.

46 VIVA PEÑAFRANCIA

2016VIVASUPPLEMENTARY-1117.indd 42 19/11/2016 9:42:04 AM en participating schools in the Voyadores Festival this year are the Carolina National High School, Don TManuel Abella Elementary School, Concepcion Grande Elementary School, Tinago National High School, Naga Central School 1 and 2, Julian Mileton Elementary School, Naga City School of Arts and Trade, Grandview Elementary School and Don Leon Mercado High School.

The Naga Central School 2, Naga Central School 1, Naga City School of Arts and trade, Concepcion Grande Elementary School, Don Leon Mercado High School, Tinago National High School, Julian Mileton Elementary School, Don Manuel Abella Elementary School, and Carolina National High School followed in succession in the overall ranking of the competition.

Under the Props Category, Naga Central School 2 brought home the First Prize trophy. It is followed (in the following order) by: Grandview Elementary School, Naga Central School 1, Concepcion Grande Elementary School, Tinago National High School, Naga City School of Arts and Trade, Don Abella Elementary School, Juan Meliton Elementary School, Don Leon Mercado High School, and Carolina National High School.

Under the street dance category, the Naga Central School 2 placed first; followed by the Naga Central School 1, Naga City School of Arts and Trade, Grandview Elementary School, Tinago National High School, Concepcion Grande Elementary School, Carolina National High School and Don Leon Mercado High School both in the seventh place, Julian Mileton Elementary School and Don Manuel Abella Elementary School in that order

NAGA CENTRAL SCHOOL 2 was adjudged best (First Prize) in the Music Category. It is followed by Naga City School of Arts and Trade, Grandview Elementary School, and Naga Central School School 1, which all garnered the Second Prize.

Under the Pilgrims’ Dance category, Grandview Elementary School romped away the First Prize, followed by Concepcion Grande Elementary School and Naga Central School 2, in that order.

Photos By: Sylranjelvic Villaflor , Pai Aguilar, Xeres Gagero, Carlos Villarino, Racso Vitan and Miguel Arcilla

VIVA PEÑAFRANCIA 47

2016VIVASUPPLEMENTARY-1117.indd 43 19/11/2016 9:42:06 AM HE Annual Regional Military Parade, participated in my student cadets and cadettes from various Tschools, public and private, in Bicol is the region’s, if not the country’s longest and longest-running student-military parade. It showcases cohesion and discipline while holding the crowd and spectators in awe with fancy uniforms and perfectly executed drills and marching.

2016VIVASUPPLEMENTARY-1117.indd 44 19/11/2016 9:42:09 AM Military Parade

Photo © By: Xeres Carlos Gagero Villarino

2016VIVASUPPLEMENTARY-1117.indd 45 19/11/2016 9:42:12 AM Military

MILITARY PARADE is a formation of soldiers whose movement is restricted by close-order maneuvering known as drilling or marching. The military parade is now almost entirely ceremonial, though soldiers from time immemorial up until the late 19th century fought in formation.

MODERN armies (as modeled by student cadets shown above) still use parades for ceremonial purposes or in non-combat environments for their efficiency, ease of organization and encouragement of discipline. "Drill" and "march" are the basic components of a military parade. The English word "drill" is of Middle Dutch origin, dating from the 16th century drill of the Dutch Army of Prince Maurice of Orange, which was widely copied throughout Europe at the time.

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2016VIVASUPPLEMENTARY-1117.indd 46 19/11/2016 9:42:13 AM Photos By: Jose Collera and Pai Aguilar

Marching Bands and pretty majorettes is traditionally part of a modern ceremonial parade.

VIVA PEÑAFRANCIA 51

2016VIVASUPPLEMENTARY-1117.indd 47 19/11/2016 9:42:15 AM THE IMAGES of the Nuetra Senora de Penafrancia and the Divino Rostro, on the 9th-day of Novena at the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral are brought home through a foot procession by her devotees, otherwise known as ‘Voyadores’ procession to the ‘Danlugan,’ or wharf near the foot of Tabuco Bridge where her ‘pagoda’ waits for the fluvial procession towards the Penefrancia Basilica.

2016VIVASUPPLEMENTARY-1117.indd 48 19/11/2016 9:42:17 AM Fluvial Procession Fluvial A BIRD’S EYE view spectacle of the fluvial procession with a flotilla of wooded bancas towing the ‘pagoda’ that carries the images of the Virgin of Penafrancia and the Divino Nostro to their safe travel home to the Penafrancia Basilica.

Photos By: Ron Beriso, Brian Reondanga and Carlos Villarino

The Penafrancia fiesta is the biggest and highly- anticipated Marian celebration in the country. Every September, many people from all over the country, especially fellow Bicolanos come home to Naga City to participate and witness the unwavering devotion to our Lady of Penafrancia, whom Bicolanos dearly call their Ina. Two of the festivities’ biggest highlights are the centuries-old foot procession called ‘Taslacion’ and the fluvial procession.

2016VIVASUPPLEMENTARY-1117.indd 49 19/11/2016 9:42:24 AM SALVAR BUHAY: The Naga City Reintegration Program For Drug Users

On June 24 2016, three persons visited the Office of City Mayor John G. Bongat. Admitting that they were users and dealers of illegal drugs, they voluntarily submitted themselves to authorities, promising to change their ways.

VICE PRESIDENT Leni Robredo and Naga City Mayor John G. Bongat are joined by National Police Director Ronald de la Rosa, Rep. Gabriel H. Bordado, Vice Mayor Nelson Legacion, PNP Bicol Regional Director Senior Supt. Melvin Buenafe in reaffirming their support the President Rodrigo Duterte’s no-nonsense intensified campaign against illegal drugs. Anti-drugs campaign in Naga City and in the Philippines Naga City has initiated various anti-drug abuse programs and projects for several decades now. The approach has always been in consonance with community was recently modified by City Ordinance No.2013-052. In participation and inter-agency collaboration helping curb this an article published in the Naga Smiles Magazine (Volume3, persistent social malaise. In fact, City Ordinance No. 2001- No. 1&2, January-June 2012), Mr. Renne Gumba, former 064 authored by the former city councilor and now incumbent Executive Director of the NCDDB, described the LGU program mayor himself, John G. Bongat, created the Naga City as “people-centered, community-driven anti-drug abuse Dangerous Drugs Board (NCDDB), the only one of its kind in campaign.” the entire Philippines. It was enacted as early as 2001 and The NCDDB is an inter-agency, multi-sectoral board that plots and directs anti-drugs program and projects of the local 54 VIVA PEÑAFRANCIA

2016VIVASUPPLEMENTARY-1117.indd 50 19/11/2016 9:42:30 AM government. Under the chairmanship – Camarines Sur Chapter President, (DEPED). Other members of the Board of the City Mayor, the members include Naga City Peoples Council (NCPC) are the local chiefs of the National city councilors from the Sanggunian Chairperson, representatives from the Bureau of Investigation – Region 5 (NBI), Panlungsod Committees on Peace and Public Attorney’s Office (PAO), City Philippine Drugs Enforcement Agency – Order, Health, Family and Children, Social Welfare and Development Office Camarines Sur (PDEA), Naga City Police as well as the president of the Liga ng (CSWDO), Naga City Council for Women Office (NCPO), and the Bureau of Jail mga Barangay. The following sit as (NCCW), Department of the Interior and Management and Penology – Naga City Members of the Board: Regional Trial Local Government –Naga City (DILG), (BJMP). Court Executive Judge, Kapisanan ng National Youth Commission (NYC), and mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP) the Department of Education-Region 5 An intensified nationwide anti-drugs campaign gained so much national attention when Rodrigo Roa Durte, the former mayor of Davao City was

EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE THE NCDDB WORKING elected President of the Republic of the (EXECOM) STRUCTURE. City Mayor John Philippines. Apparently, he won via an G. Bongat is the Chairman of the electoral platform that vowed to eradicate SECRETARIAT Board. The Board constitutes illegal drugs, crime and corruption. among themselves and Executive

PUBLIC EARLY INTELLIGENCE Committee and at least three (3) INFORMATION INTERVENTION, ENFORCEMENT working committees focusing on CAMPAIGN REHABILITATION AND AND AND PROSECUTION the following areas: EDUCATION AFTERCARE COMMITTEE COMMITTEE COMMITTEE

follow up meeting among enforcement agencies was also Local Updates conducted on July 25, 2016. These series of meetings and consultations resulted, among others, to the formulation of ccordingly, the city mayor interviewed and submitted Salvar Buhay: The Naga City Reintegration Program for Illegal the surrenderees’ information for processing and proper Drug Users and Dealers. Adisposition. The next day, at least ten more individuals arrived at the city mayor’s office with similar purpose. The number doubled on the third day.

Such alarming increase of surrenderees prompted the city mayor to formulate a more systematic but thorough process in the handling of these self-confessing drug users and peddlers. In the morning of July 1, a Monday, at least 30 more surrendering individuals were led to the PSO Blue Room for documentation and disposition of their cases. This time, however, the following process and procedures were laid out to be observed: (1)registration and personal information sheet, (2) orientation and briefing of these individuals on the the ill-effects of drug abuse, and about spiritual-social wellness, the city anti- drug abuse program, and the city livelihood support program, (3) taking of oath that they will reform their lives, (4) inspirational messages from the city mayor, police, and barangay authorities, and (5) processing of individual profiles, including the sworn statements, mugshot, and fingerprints. Thus, the above process became the norm for the whole week wherein the number of 100 drug users and drug peddlers who surrendered rose from at least 100 per session to 500 in a single session.

Due to the rising cost and logistical constraints that came with the processing and orientation of surrendering individuals, the City Mayor on July 15, 2016 imposed a deadline for all concerned to surrender immediately. He convened on the evening of July 16, 2016 an emergency meeting to facilitate a more defined intervention program for these individuals. A

SALVAR BUHAY: CELEBRATE CHANGE! The Naga City Reintegration Program for illegal users and dealers

2016VIVASUPPLEMENTARY-1117.indd 51 19/11/2016 9:42:30 AM Program Status The treatment and rehabilitation interventions will include the screening of individuals as to the level of addiction and he program stakeholders are now actively engaged in determination of the appropriate treatment. Simultaneously, their respective activities and projects. At least four major other interventions such as spiritual and psychological Tstakeholders are involved with each of the following: (1) counseling, healthy and sports were also initiated. enforcement, (2) treatment and rehabilitation, (3 livelihood, (4) barangay/community. Voluntarily submitting one’s self to enforcement agencies as well as to treatment and rehabilitation may qualify the The enforcement agencies will continue to carry out their individual to various livelihood supports provided by the operations against suspected users and dealers of illegal drugs city government through the METROPESO and CSWDO in the city. This time, they will collaborate via the City Anti- programs. Trainings and seminars, employment assistance, Drugs Task Force (CATFORCE) created by Executive Order and loans for small business capitals are only some of No. 2016-008/A. At the onset, a joint training was scheduled for the options which qualified individuals may explore with the composite team of operatives from the Philippine National the local government. Other agencies and organizations Police (PNP), Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), such as TESDA and MNCCI are also being involved in the and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI). More intensified process. operations are expected to follow. The Salvar Buhay Program activities have also effectively shifted into the barangay level. Active participation of barangay officials is enjoined, particularly in the weekly 56 VIVA PEÑAFRANCIA reporting/gathering of these individuals. Some barangays,

2016VIVASUPPLEMENTARY-1117.indd 52 19/11/2016 9:42:48 AM Salvar Buhay

Evolving and implementing a reintegration program he alarming number of individuals voluntarily submitting themselves to the Tcity government prompted the launching of a system that will provide for a systematic and coordinated processing of those individuals who voluntarily submitted themselves as users or dealers of illegal drugs. Specifically, there is a need for the following: (1) proper documentation of the individuals, (2)coordinate the efforts of various departments and agencies involved in the process, and (3) implement a periodic comprehensive intervention program for the reintegration of these individuals as productive members of society. Thus, Salvar Buhay: The Naga City Reintegration Program for Illegal Drug Users and Dealers was formally established. The focal unit to implement the program will be the Naga City Dangerous Drugs Board or NCDDB.

using their own resources, have also initiated barangay-level activities such as organizing, rabuz, and other community services for these was also quick to do its part by appropriating P2M for the program, especially for individuals. The Barangay officials are also in the screening, treatment, rehabilitation, and livelihood components. To effectively close coordination with enforcement agencies allocate and utilize the resources for this program, an inter-agency stakeholders as they continue to weed out drug pushers in planning workshop was conducted on August 12, 2016 to coordinate the their respective areas of operation. program activities and resources required. Funding Hopes and Aspirations o implement the program, an initial t is hoped that this pioneering and innovative program of the city government funding of P1.5M was allocated from will facilitate the more sustainable and effective reformation and reintegration existing resources of the City Mayor’s T of individuals hooked into drugs, either as user or peddler -- one of Naga City’s Office. The Sangguniang Panlungsod, thru the I humble contributions to the national campaign against illegal drugs. We stop efforts of Councilor Lito Del Rosario and the drugs, we save lives. We thereon strengthen our Philippine society. leadership of Vice Mayor Nelson Legacion,

2016VIVASUPPLEMENTARY-1117.indd 53 19/11/2016 9:43:08 AM Peñafrancia Festival 2016

BEHIND THE SCENES

2016VIVASUPPLEMENTARY-1117.indd 54 19/11/2016 9:43:18 AM