NAGA TOPS ECONOMIC DYNAMISM RANKING | LGU-NAGA TO TIGHTEN GRIP AGAINST ILLEGAL DRUGS IN SCHOOLS, BARANGAYS | NAGA CITY CBD III: ALMEDA HIGHWAY SEEN TO BE THE CITY’S NEXT BUSINESS HUB | 5-STOREY BUILDING MAY RISE ON PORTION OF NAGA PUBLIC MARKET | NAGA HOSTS 24TH SOUTHEAST ASIAN JUNIOR AND CADET TABLE TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS JOHN G. BONGAT RAFAEL RACSO V. VITAN JOSE V. COLLERA ALLEN L. REONDANGA This quarterly magazine City Mayor Layout and Graphics Design Editor SYLRANJELVIC C. VILLAFLOR ALEC FRANCIS A.SANTOS is published by the REYNALDO T. BAYLON PAUL JOHN F. BARROSA City Government of Naga, XERES RAMON GAGERO LILIBETH SANCHEZ thru the City Events, NELSON S. LEGACION ANSELMO B. MAÑO Photographers Technical Advisers City Vice Mayor Website Administrator Protocol and Public Information Vol. 9, No. 3 July - September 2018 Office, with editorial office at JOY SAN CARLOS City Hall Compound, A Quarterly Magazine of the ARMIE B. GUNAY FLORENCIO T. MONGOSO, JR. Drone Pilot ARMIE B. GUNAY J. Miranda Avenue, Naga City City Government of Naga Supervising Editor REUEL M. OLIVER JASON B. NEOLA 4400 Bicol, Philippines Editorial Consultants Writers JASON B. NEOLA Tel: +63 54 881-8328 ISSN 2094-9383 Managing Editor CHRISTOPHER E. ANTONIO +63 54 871-3098 RUEL P. SANDUCO Email: [email protected] NELSON D. SERRANO Web: www.naga.gov.ph Circulation DRONE PHOTO BY DADOY BIEN TABLE OF CONTENTS

Mayor’s Message Naga City celebrates 3 TRANSPARENCY, ACCOUNTABILITY AND GOOD GOVERNANCE 60 PWD month this July CITY EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES 6 Productivity and wages to be tackled in workshop EDUCATION, ARTS, CULTURE AND SPORTS DEVELOPMENT Naga tops economic 71 dynamism ranking Bicol Business Month 2018 The “An Maogmang Lugar” logo is 5 celebration opens in Naga Jesse Robredo’s biography Naga students an attempt to capture Naga as we 7 launched on JMR Day LEGISLATION: 61 win int’l math contests want it to be – a city that is progressive celebration in Naga 72 Naga ENABL2E convened for Farm, culinary tourism, sees outstanding SB award and yet environment-friendly, where 6 better hope for farmers The “Naga SMILES to the World” Naga celebrates Nutrition 62 Nagueño students shine in acad the people freely participate in the logo is composed of the two 8 Month Naga SP council holds day-to-day affairs of the government, baybayin characters, na and ga. CITY EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES 73 and where culture and arts are Naga hosts 24th Southeast Asian session in school 63 Junior and Cadet Table Tennis flourishing. Na, shaped like a mountain, Peñafrancia Activities championships 9 COMMUNICATION, TRANSPORT, AND URBAN DEVELOPMENT provides a strong foundation for the The stylized design of “NAGA” 11 Miss Bicolandia 2018 Coronation night Narra tree which grew abundantly PH bags silver, bronze in naga represents the city’s aggressive along the Naga River while a zigzag 13 Peñafrancia Traslacion Procession 65 tourney: Asean youth table tennis NAGA CITY CBD III: march towards modernization and championship ends line denotes the majestic Malabsay 74 Almeda highway seen to be the progress. The sky-blue background, Falls. 19 10th Bicol Regional Band, Majorettes and Fancy Drill Competition city’s next business hub the Narra tree, and the Naga River HEALTH AND NUTRITION represent our people’s desire for an 23 Marian Youth Congress Ga, shaped like a farmer’s plow, 75 City College of Naga soon ecologically-balanced community. is symbolic of the Nagueño’s 25 Regional Scouts Parade and Inter- school DBC/DXMC Competition to have new classrooms Naga youths learn teen agricultural roots and hardworking 31 Civic Parade and Float Competition 67 pregnancy risks, health education The ring of people surrounding the personality. entire design shows the Nagueños’ 36 Peñafrancia Voyadores Festival 2018 Street Dance Competition SOCIAL WELFARE AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT LIVELIHOOD, EMPLOYMENT AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT participatory mechanism which is The baybayin Naga characters 42 10 th Bicol Regional Military Parade Competition part and parcel of the city’s way Naga supports new rest on a wave-like element which 77 of doing things. It also shows the 47 Regatta sa Salog Mushroom production sees better anti-hazing measure represents the Naga River and the 68 market opportunity- a growing people’s concern and unity in serpent, which is read in Sanskrit 49 Peñafrancia Fluvial Procession livelihood in Naga everything that is good for the city. as naga. LGU-Naga to tighten grip 78 against illegal drugs in schools, PEACE AND ORDER AND PUBLIC SAFETY barangays Today, the city, as Maogmang Lugar, This new branding for Naga, 57 City, newsmen convene P’francia information center aims to portray more than a happy launched in 2010 by the dynamic Naga drivers to learn basic life place but a happy people who are the Bongat administration, envisions a 58 FIESTA 2018 Naga to start cleanup drive with volunteers 69 support, first aid skills FEATURES true beneficiaries of everything good more livable city that is world-class. that is happening in the city.

AFTER THE PEÑAFRANCIA CELEBRATION: CLEANLINESS AND ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION 79 Naga River boat wedding 59 Prelate lauds city hall, JOC for successful fiesta SK chairmen, CCN students in 70 Envirocamp 2018 at MINP 60 Gov’t frontline offices learn sign language to better aid PWDs

1 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2018 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2018 2 Mayor's Message

Warm Naga SMILES!

this 3rd quarter issue of the Naga SMILES Magazine for this year, we continue to celebrate our faith in the Divine as Nagueños— faith that manifested itself in the many challenges that we overcame and the visions that we realized together as INone people. At this time of the year, we welcome the many changes in our city— new developments in the legislations, policies, programs, infrastructure, business, and economy that are all for the common good.

Indeed, the City Government of Naga is more than grateful for all the support and hard work extended by the whole community in the implementation of these endeavors of the local government— a proof of our selfless zeal and our legacy in people governance that, truly, we are all together in all of these undertakings amidst difficulties.

We also commend those people who, through their own special and individual ways, have brought honor and recognition to the City of Naga.

With our Ina’s Magnificat as our guide and inspiration, we will move on from this phase carrying the same unison in faith— always enduring in the face of greater adversities for the love of our people and our city. PHOTO BY Let our faith shine as one united people under the loving mantle of our Ina!

AE DAN

3 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2018 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2018 4 CITY EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES FARM, CULINARY TOURISM, SEES BETTER HOPE FOR FARMERS By ARMIE B. GUNAY, CEPPIO BICOL BUSINESS

2018MONTH CELEBRATION OPENS IN NAGA

By ARMIE B. GUNAY, CEPPIO help the farmers sector, the Bicol amongst other sectors, despite its utmost Business Month (BBM) 2018 importance in food production. TO celebration of the Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MNCCI) In the conducted Farmers congress, introduced farm owners in Naga City and the Chairperson Lani Peñas Botor shared that they surrounding municipalities to the benefits of farm would like to help farm owners in Metro Naga and culinary tourism in the Farmers Congress to open linkages and establish partnerships held at the Sonrisa Farm, July 10. with various government agencies so as they could utilize the fund accorded them to better The Department of Agriculture (DA), their marketing strategies and production together with the Department of Tourism (DOT), development. has been promoting farm and culinary tourism, as the farmers sector seems being left behind The Sonrisa Farm for one, has been thriving as an eco-tourism farm and school accredited by the DOT and the TESDA.

The farm and culinary tourism as a means for better harvest is being seen to encourage more individuals celebration of the 2018 Bicol Business Month (BBM), officially opened last Thursday, and entrepreneurs to engage June 5, with an exhibit and trade fair conducted in one of the biggest shopping centers in farming with the help of in Naga City. government agencies. THEThis year’s theme of the celebration is ‘Bigger, Better and More!’. PRODUCTIVITY AND WAGES The BBM is a yearly activity of the Metro Naga Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MNCCI) that aims TO BE TACKLED IN WORKSHOP to promote Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in Metro Naga.

Naga City Mayor John Bongat cited that the business enterprises contribute largely to the economic USINESS owners, as well as employees and workers, have been invited to dynamism of Naga City— making it land on top among the Most Competitive Component Cities in the “Usapang 2Ps: Pasahod and Productivity,” a whole day seminar and workshop that will help assist business enterprises in the region to boost their business Philippines. performance, reduce unnecessary costs and wastes, improve the quality and Bdelivery of products and services, and increase both the company and employees’ income.

Mayor Bongat has always been thankful of the good collaboration and relationship existing among As One of the activities of the ongoing Bicol Business Month, “Usapang 2P’s will also seek to government agencies and business sectors in Naga City and surrounding municipalities, as mirrored by the strengthen public information campaign on wage and productivity programs of the government. Bicol Business Month celebration— ensuring much better opportunities in the growth of the business sector OIC Regional Director Rovelinda de la Rosa of the Department of Labor within Metro Naga. and Employment Bicol Office will give the program overview of the seminar workshop that will take place on July 28 at Carmen Hotel in downtown Naga.

Alegria Limjoco, the President of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) was present “Usapang 2Ps: Pasahod and Productivity” is pursuant to the Memorandum of during the opening ceremonies of the BBM 2018, and took notice of the products unique to the , Understanding on productivity Toolbox and Two-Tiered Wage System entered into between the Employers Confederation of the Philippines (ECOP)/Metro Naga Chamber of Commerce from and those other regions in the country. and Industry (MNCCI) on one hand, and the National Wages and productivity Commission (NWPC) and the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity V (RTWPB V), on the other. Aside from the exhibits and trade fair, other activities of the BBM 2018 for the whole month of July The expected output of the activity is to showcase the programs include the Farmers Congress, Angat Kabuhayan, Apad Bicol, DA Agri Fair, Bicol Construction and Building and services of the NWPC/RTWPB relative to wages and productivity. Expo, Cardio Marathon, Color Fun Run, ECOP Seminar, Wheels 2018, Bicol Business Youth Summit, Bicol MNCCI President Ferdinand Sia will welcome participants who will Tourism and Hospitality Congress, Techno Lounge, Women’s Congress, Education Summit and the Halyao come from various business establishments in the Metro Naga area. Awards. ECOP-Bicol President and PCCI Regional Governor for Bicol Clarine P. Tobias will give the closing remarks after the Productivity Toolbox, Incentivising Performance Schemes, and Q&A Cliniquing shall have been successfully tackled by the participants.

5 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2018 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2018 6 CITY EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES CITY EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

NAGA CELEBRATES Aika Robredo NUTRITION MONTH By JASON NEOLA, CEPPIO

HE month of July is not only a PWD month in this city but a nutrition month as well, when the city government holds various activities that give emphasis on its campaign to raise the Tlevel of awareness of the public on proper nutrition and food production. “Along with the activities being conducted this month for the celebration of the National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation (NDPR) week are the activities that were organized by the City Nutrition Committee which is being spearheaded by Mayor John Bongat,” says City Population and Nutrition chief Teresita Del Castillo.

With the theme, “Ugaliing Magtanim, Sapat na Nutrisyon Aanihin,” the activities for this year’s nutrition month began to reel off last July 2, this year, with the hanging of colorful streamers in the city’s 27 barangays followed by massive information-dissemination campaign on JESSE ROBREDO’S BIOGRAPHY nutrition and nutrition month activities.

LAUNCHED ON JMR DAY CELEBRATION IN NAGA Last July 2 and 3, two competitions were held at the Naga City People’s Hall: the contest on By ARMIE B. GUNAY, CEPPIO PINAKA as in PINAKAdakula, PINAKAmasiram, and PINAKAmagabat booth contest.

Today, the Punong Barangays, and barangay kagawads who head the committees on health and nutrition along with Barangay Agricultural Technicians, QUEEN and 4Ps members, Barangay HE Jesse Robredo Foundation Nutrition Scholars and other volunteer workers in the barangays will launch Team Gulayan launched the book on the life Awareness Campaign at the Garden Eco Tour in Barangay San Felipe. and works of Jesse Robredo last Saturday, August 18, 2018, during Other activities in the city as part of the nutrition month celebration include the On-the-spot the celebration of the Jesse Robredo cooking contest (different kinds of vegetables as snacks) to be participated by the Grade 6 pupils TDay in Naga City. from 29 Public Elementary School; Nutrition Mo, Aramon Mo! for the Naga City Hall Employees It has been the 6th year since the with ages ranging 50 and above; Tree Planting; Orientation on vegetables production for School death of the former Naga City mayor and Nutrition Coordinators, School nurses and physicians, representatives from MNWD; and forum on Department of Interior and Local Government what foods to be eaten (NDAP) for the CNC and BNC members. (DILG) secretary.

Aika Robredo, one of the daughters of information from his close friends, relatives, Jesse and Vice President , led workmates and all other possible sources. DISPERSAL the book launch activity. Aika is the present chairperson of the Jesse Robredo Foundation In behalf of the foundation, Aika shared that has long been working on ways to their utmost desire for the biography of Jesse, propagate the good governance initiatives of that his life, published in a book, will be an Jesse Robredo since his death in 2012. inspiration to many in taking the extraordinary road and be heroes, too, in their own ways. Aside from yearly youth leadership camps and the Young Leaders for Good The program proper of the celebration Governance Fellows that had its second was held at the Museo ni Jesse Robredo batch now, one of the projects they have grounds. been working on for the past six (6) years is the book on the biography of Jesse Robredo A memorial mass was conducted, entitled, ‘Jesse Robredo: His Story’. attended by the Robredo families, relatives, Earlier, a fingerlings dispersal activity in Vice President Leni also made a brief visit at the friends, acquaintances, government officials, the Naga River was initiated by the city officials, tomb of Jesse Robredo at the Eternal Gardens. With the many activities already the academe, and fellow Naguenos. together with Vice President Leni Robredo. conducted in honor of Jesse, as well as books One of the other projects being planned for In her message, VP Leni continuously encouraged published in memory of him, the foundation The 3rd District the rehabilitation of the river, the fingerlings the government officials and the people to practice worked on a biography that scrupulously Representative, Congressman Gabriel Bordado, dispersal activity shows the utmost importance simplicity in their lifestyle and in their service for the tells of the story of the life of Jesse—gaining also graced the occasion. being given by the City of Naga in caring for the city and the country—same with the example lived by Naga River. her deceased husband, Jesse Robredo. 7 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2018 JULY - SEPTEMBtER 2018 8 10

JULY - SEPTEMBER 2018 JULY

O O BY AN AN L ALBAO PEÑAFRANCIA FESTIVAL 2018

EA DE ON A BY DADOY DADOY EN A A O AY RELA O AY RELA O O NO AN A A S O A B NAY O E OLLERA O N LORO ELON O AN A L A A A Y AL E N LO N O EL AR LLA Y ON B O DA E AN EN E L ER A O O O AL ED A LO O LON O O N LL AB A O NNY A N DEA LYNDON LYNDON LA AN OS O B L LY ANO BOB OBOB N A N REYNALDO REYNALDO AYLON A AN A A AY ON OBL A L BAL AY O ON ANN A BON Y O N L NNON O N AL N A L ALA O R AN L REONDAN A OAN DE LA R N DAD LAN E A ER ALE RE SY O AN E AN EL AL AO DARYLL DARYLL A NAYE ERE AEL AN ELO L O R O E RE EDOR AL ALLEN ALLEN L REONDAN A NE L A A A AR AN ONY LO ADO AEL E REY RE ODO A L ON A N O A N A N A O TO OUR VOLUNTEER VOLUNTEER OUR TO

JULY - SEPTEMBER 2018 JULY DOCUMENTERS FOR A JOB VERY WELL DONE IN THE COVERAGE COVERAGE IN THE DONE WELL A JOB VERY DOCUMENTERS FOR TIME, YOUR ACTIVITIES! PEÑAFRANCIA FESTIVAL 2018 THE OF MUCH SERVED SERVICE AND INVALUABLE UNTIRING SUPPORT, AND UNDYING BIGGEST THE IN HELPING US BRING AND SHARE THE ACROSS AND FAMILIES HOMES TO MARIAN DEVOTION COUNTRIES. OTHER NATION AND

CONGRATULATIONS PEÑAFRANCIA TION TEAMDOCUMENT CITY EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES EVENTS CITY

9

CITY EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

SS Miss Bicolandia 2018 #20 Famaele Nica Carriga (Legazpi City)

1ST RUNNER- UP: #3 Krystel Sales (Naga City)

2ND RUNNER- UP: #8 Eryka Vina Tan (Legazpi City)

3RD RUNNER- UP: #1 Joane Tampoco (, Camarines Sur)

4TH RUNNER- UP: #10 Denise Omorog ()

SEPT. 5 MISS BICOLANDIA JESSE M. ROBREDO COLISEUM I 7PM

O O BY S

11 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2018 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2018 12 DRONE PHOTO BY DADOY BIEN

PEÑAFRANCIA SEPT. 7 TRASLACION PROCESSION PEÑAFRANCIA SHRINE TO NAGA METROPOLITAN CATHEDRAL I 3:30 PM

DRONE PHOTO BY BRIAN REONDANGA

O O BY RRY BON O N O O BY AEL L O O O BY AEL L O O O BY ERE A O

13 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2018 O O BY A A JULY - SEPTEMBER 2018 JULY

15 DRONE PHOTO BY JOY SAN CARLOS 17 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2018 O O BY E O O PHOTO BY O E O PHOTO BY O E O

PHOTO BY O E O O O BY O O PHOTO BY O E O

SEPT. 8 10TH REGIONAL BAND, MAJORETTES & FANCY PHOTO BY O E O DRILL COMPETITION JESSE M. ROBREDO COLISEUM I 8AM

PHOTO BY E O O O O BY AY T O

PHOTO BY DARYLL P O O BY AY T O PHOTO BY O E O PHOTO BY AN EL S 19 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2018 PHOTO BY

JOSE COLLERA

10TH REGIONAL BAND, MAJORETTES SEPT. 8 & FANCY DRILL COMPETITION JESSE M. ROBREDO COLISEUM I 8AM

O O BY O E OLL A O O BY O E OLL A PHOTO BY RRY BO O

21 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2018 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2018 22 CITY EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

BICOLANO YOUTH 2018 GATHER FOR 10K MYCBy JC MADRID, NPS ROUND 10,000 BICOLANO YOUTH gathered once again for the annual Marian Youth Congress (MYC) last September 8-9 at the Jesse M. Robredo Coliseum. Spearheaded by the Caceres Youth Commission and themed “Do not be Afraid” (Lk 1:30), this year’s MYC contemplated on Mary’s example of courage and humble service by wholeheartedly accepting God’s plan for her.

The twelve-hour overnight event started with animations led by the Caceres Animators. After which, Rev. Fr. Arnel I. Haber, Director of the A Caceres Youth Commission, welcomed the delegates and promised them

BRAVE ENOUGH WITH INA! STUDENTS AND DELEGATES FROM DIFFERENT PROVINCES ATTENDED THE ANNUAL MARIAN YOUTH CONGRESS AT THE JESSE M. ROBREDO COLISEUM LAST NIGHT. THE NIGHT WAS FULL OF PRAYERS, PERFORMANCES, SEPT. 8 TALKS AND SHARING OF EXPERIENCES WITH ONE ANOTHER. JESSE M. ROBREDO COLISEUM I 6PM CONGRESS MARIAN YOUTH

a better and possibly earlier holding of the 2019 edition of the Congress, coinciding with the Year of the Youth.

A Eucharistic Celebration was then led by Caceres Archbishop Rolando J. Tria Tirona, OCD, DD, who, in his homily, reminded the delegates that the center of their devotion is not only the Blessed Virgin, but also her Son, Jesus Christ. The Archbishop also pondered on the theme of the MYC. According to him, Mary is a woman of faith. Thus, the Archbishop exhorted, “Never lose faith. Despite all [the] challenges, do not be afraid. Instead, have faith in God.”

After the mass, the priests and religious from the Archdiocese showcased their talents and skills in the “Clergy/ Religious Got Talent”. A talk was also delivered by Mr. Jeremy P. Quimbang, the Youth for Christ International Coordinator. Other activities during the said annual event included the Taizé Prayer, Heart of Worship Concert, Animations, and Sayaw ki Ina.

23 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2018 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2018 24 REGIONAL SCOUTS PARADE AND INTER-SCHOOL DBC/ SEPT. 12 DXMC COMPETITION PANGANIBAN DRIVE - PLAZA QUEZON I 7AM

PHOTO BY DARYLL P

PHOTO BY AEL DE O TO Y O O

S S

O O BY O E OLL A

THE BSP, GSP AND DXMC HAVE ARRIVED TO COMPETE ON THE ANNUAL REGIONAL MARCHING PARADE COMPETITION THIS YEAR WHICH IS PARTICIPATED BY DIFFERENT SCHOOLS ALL IN PHOTO BY DARYLL P AND OUTSIDE THE CITY OF NAGA. COME AT THE PLAZA QUEZON TODAY TO WITNESS THIS EVENT!

PHOTO BY AEL DE O TO PHOTO BY DA E T PHOTO BY AEL DE O TO PHOTO BY DARYLL P

25 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2018 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2018 26 PHOTO BY LYDON B H PHOTO BY ON ANN S

PHOTO BY DARYLL P

PHOTO BY AEL O TO

WITH PRIDE AND ZEST, OUR LITTLE KAB SCOUTS, TWINKLERS, KIDS AND STAR SCOUTS, BOYS AND GIRL SCOUTS MARCHED THEIR WAY TO THE PLAZA QUEZON IN THIS HOT AND COLORFUL DAY. PHOTO BY

PHOTO BY S

N ANN ON S

PHOTO BY DARYLL P O O BY O E OLL A JULY - SEPTEMBER 2018 28 CITY EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES

WINNERS OF 2018 REGIONAL DXMC/BSP/GSP MARCHING PARADE COMPETITION PHOTO BY “DXMC COMPETITION” A R R A N ANN ON R R R R N R

S N D R N R N R N E R R R N R N R A R B N B

”MOST DISCIPLINED” A R R A R N D R N E R R N

”GSP PARADE COMPETITION” R N R A R N R N R A R A R N R N R A R R A R R A R N R N A

*BEST IN MAJORETTE* A R R A R A D R N E R R N

*BEST IN D&X* A R R A R D R N E R R A DRONE PHOTO BY DADOY BIEN *BSP PARADE COMPETITION* A R R B R N A R N R R B R R R A R R N R R R A R A A R A R A R N

29 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2018 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2018 30 SEPT. 13 CIVIC PARADE & FLOAT COMPETITION PANGANIBAN DRIVE - PLAZA QUEZON I 7AM

PHOTOS BY O NELL B S S

O O BY DARYLL A NAY

O O BY LYNDON B LA AN

DRONE PHOTO BY DAVE MANGENTE O O BY O E OLL A O O BY DARYLL A NAY

PHOTOS BY O NELL B S S O O BY O E OLL A

ABOUT 180 PARTICIPATING GROUPS COMPOSITE OF THE DIFFERENT CIVIC ORGANIZATIONS, SCHOOLS AND BARANGAY AND CITY OFFICIALS JOINED THE CIVIC PARADE THIS MORNING HERE IN NAGA CITY. SEE THEM MARCHED THE STREETS OF NAGA IN THESE PHOTOS. O O BY DA E AN N PHOTO BY DAN E O O BY O E OLL A

31 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2018 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2018 32 CIVIC PARADE & FLOAT COMPETITION SEPT. 13 PANGANIBAN DRIVE - PLAZA QUEZON I 7:30 A.M.

SEE: The COLORFUL AND CREATIVELY-DESIGNED FLOATS of participating groups and companies that paraded the streets of Naga City this morning for the Float Competition 2018.

33 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2018 PHOTOS BY O E OLL A AD A E O O O NELL B S S DARYLL A NAY AN ALBAO LYNDON B LA AN LAN E A AL JULY - SEPTEMBER 2018 34 AWARDING CEREMONYAWARDING FESTIVAL 2018 V OYADORES DRONE PHOTO

BY DADOY BIEN | PLAZA QUEZON I 1:00 P.M.

BEST IN STREET DANCE: CAMARINES SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

BEST IN PILGRIMS DANCE: CAMARINES SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

BEST IN COSTUME & PROPS: NAGA CENTRAL SCHOOL 2

BEST IN MUSIC: CAMARINES SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

CHAMPION: CAMARINES SUR NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

2ND PLACE: NAGA CENTRAL SCHOOL 2

3RD PLACE: LEON Q. MERCADO NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

4TH PLACE: CONCEPCION PEQUEÑA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

5TH PLACE: CAROLINA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL

6TH PLACE: NAGA CENTRAL SCHOOL 1

7TH PLACE: CARARAYAN SEPT. NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL 13

8TH PLACE: MABOLO ELEMENTARY PEÑAFRANCIA SCHOOL VOYADORES FESTIVAL STREET AND PILGRIMS DANCE COMPETITION 9TH PLACE: PANGANIBAN DRIVE - PLAZA QUEZON I 1PM CALAUAG ELEMENTARY SCHOOL SEE the highlights of the performances of the contingents of the Voyadores Festival 2018 Street and Pilgrims Dance Competition JULY - SEPTEMBER 2018 in these photos. 36 S ON ANN

O O Y

PHOTO BY AEL AN ELO L O

SEE: THE PARADE OF THE VOYADORES FESTIVAL 2018 contingents just got started early this afternoon along the streets of Naga City for the street dance. Watch them perform and compete in the Pilgrims Dance Competition at the Plaza Quezon this afternoon.

PHOTO BY DADOY B N

PHOTO BY AEL AN ELO L O

PHOTO BY AEL DE ON A N O PHOTO BY E O NO

SEPT. PEÑAFRANCIA VOYADORES FESTIVAL 13 STREET AND PILGRIMS DANCE COMPETITION PANGANIBAN DRIVE - PLAZA QUEZON I 1PM

37 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2018 PHOTO BY DARYLL A NAY PHOTO BY ARLO LLA NO PHOTO BY DARYLL A NAY PHOTO BY AEL DE ON A N O

PHOTO BY E N LO N O PHOTO BY DON Y E B O

PHOTO BY AEL DE ON A N O PHOTO BY SYLRANJELVIC VILLAFLOR PHOTO BY SYLRANJELVIC VILLAFLOR PHOTO BY L O RO ARLO LNO LLA AEL AN ELO

PHOTO BY PHOTO

39 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2018

PHOTO BY AN AN L ALBAO PHOTO BY DARYLL A NAY 10TH BICOL REGIONAL MILITARY SEPT. 14 PARADE COMPETITION PANGANIBAN DRIVE-PLAZA QUEZON I 7AM

PHOTO BY AEL DE ON A N O PHOTO BY NE L A A A

TOUGHER THAN THE STORM. NOT EVEN THE RAINY WEATHER CAN STOP OUR PARTICIPANTS FROM SMILING WITH CONFIDENCE BEFORE THE CROWD AND MARCHING WITH ALL THEIR MIGHT. O O Y DA E T

PHOTO BY ON ANN A

PHOTO BY DA E AN N O Y O O

DARYLL Y O O Y NE L S

PHOTO BY AY YLA O JULY - SEPTEMBER 2018 42 DESPITE THE RAIN, MORE THAN 700 DELEGATES OF CAT AND ROTC ALL OVER THE REGION STILL CAME TO COMPETE FOR THIS YEAR’S REGIONAL MILITARY PARADE. SEE HERE THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE EARLY ARRIVAL OF THE DELEGATES.

PHOTO BY ERLY L ANO PHOTO BY AEL AN ELO L O

PHOTO BY O E OLL A PHOTO BY DARYLL A NAYE

PHOTO BY AN E AN EL ALBAO PHOTO BY AY YLA O PHOTO BY DARYLL A NAYE

PHOTO BY AY YLA O PHOTO BY O E OLL A PHOTO BY DARYLL A NAYE PHOTO BY DARYLL A NAYE

43 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2018 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2018 44 PHOTO BY 10TH BICOL

GJON JANN CACERES GJON JANN REGIONAL SEPT. 14 MILITARY

PANGANIBAN DRIVE-PLAZA PARADE QUEZON I 7AM COMPETITION

45 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2018 DRONE PHOTO BY DADOY BIEN

THE ANNUAL REGATTA SA SALOG KICKED-OFF EARLY THIS MORNING AT THE REINA DEL BICOL LANDING! SEE PHOTOS OF THE BOAT RACE COMPETITION HERE THAT TRAVERSED THE NAGA RIVER. O BY O O E O LA OLL

SEPT. 15 PHOTO BY S S REGAT A BIEN DADOY

SA BY DRONE PHOTO TABUCO BRIDGE I 6AM SALOG

47 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2018 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2018 48 PEÑAFRANCIA SEPT. 15 FLUVIAL PROCESSION O NA A O OL AN A AL O NA L B OL S S

PHOTO BY SYLRANJELVIC VILLAFLOR

PHOTO BY DARYLL A NAYE

DRONE PHOTO BY DADOY BIEN

PHOTO BY XERES GAGERO PHOTO BY O E OLL A

DRONE PHOTO BY DADOY BIEN

FOUNDED ON LOVE, PHOTO BY XERES GAGERO JOINED BY FAITH. A huge number of devotees and pilgrims from all walks of life joined the Fluvial Procession, the solemn return of the image of Our Lady of Peñafrancia and Divino Rostro from Naga Metropolitan Cathedral to Basilica Minore.

49 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2018 PHOTO BY XERES GAGERO PHOTO BY O E OLL A PHOTO BY XERES GAGERO

PHOTO BY XERES GAGERO AN AN ALBAO L

O O BY

GENERAL LUNA STREET, NAGA CITY O O BY AN A A PHOTO BY ERLY L ANO PEÑAFRANCIA FLUVIAL PROCESSION SEPT. 15 O NA A O OL AN A AL O NA L B OL LAN N S S

51 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2018 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2018 52 DRONE PHOTO BY DADOY BIEN YLA O AY THE GRANDEST BY PHOTOS MARIAN DRONE PHOTO BY RIVER SALEN LENNON JOHN PROCESSION HONORING OUR LADY OF PEÑAFRANCIA AND DIVINO ROSTRO.

JULY - SEPTEMBER 2018 56 CITY EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES ORE than 200 volunteers, mainly students from private schools and Anthony in Iriga City, and other schools from members of different religious groups based outside of the city, , Bombon, and Pili, and members of will join this year’s massive clean-up drive to be spearheaded by different religious affiliations based in the city government’s Solid Waste Management Office and the City and Buhi and in Partido area,” Engr. Joel P. Martin, CITY, NEWSMEN Environment and Natural Resources Office. M SWMO chief, said. CONVENE P’FRANCIA The citywide clean-up drive, which will reel off September 7-16, this year, is He added that aside from sweeping the city INFORMATION CENTER part of the annual preparation for the celebration of Peñafrancia festivities, the streets and ridding the Naga River of debris and biggest and grandest Marian festival in Asia. other wastes, his office will also do construction By ANAL-LIZA S. MACATANGAY and civil works on a one-hectare lot in Barangay “These volunteers are composed of students from the University of Saint Balatas which has been designated as the city’s

The JIC is headed by the City Events, Protocol and Public Information Office (CEPPIO) thru CEPPIO Chief Allen Reondanga and is co-chaired by Philippine Information Agency (PIA) - Camarines Sur thru its Provincial head, Ana-Liza S. Macatangay.

Member agencies and organizations include the Caceres Commission on Communications (CCCom), Kapisanan ng mga FIESTA 2018 Brodkaster ng Pilipinas-Camarines Sur Chapter, Naga City Hall Press Corps, 9th Infantry Division Public Affairs Office (DPAO), Naga City NAGA TO START Police Office Spokesperson, Philippine National Police Region V Spokesperson, KABALIKAT Region V, National Telecommunications - Commission (NTC), and other communications group. CLEAN UP The creation of JIC is also meant to address the need for coordinated and timely delivery of factual information during and after the staging of the Peñafrancia festival. DRIVE WITH

URSUANT to Executive Order No. 2018-013, a Joint Information Center (JIC) Reondanga stated that the JIC will see to it that while there is a was integrated into the existing Naga City Peñafrancia Joint Operations need to “coordinate” the release of specific information, they assured VOLUNTEERS P Center (JOC) to ensure a peaceful and orderly conduct of the feast of the public that the information’s timeliness will not be compromised. Bicolandia’s Patroness – Our Lady of Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia. JIC will also coordinate with other existing clusters, namely; By JASON B. NEOLA With the declaration of Naga City as Pilgrimage Capital of the country in security, medical/health, traffic, water, utilities and emergency to consonance with Presidential Executive Order No. 33 series of 2010, Naga City make sure that concerns related to their functions will also reach their Mayor John Bongat believes that it is of prime importance to have a “unified and desired audience in real time. coordinated festivity and critical emergency information, crisis communication and public affairs functions” during and after the festivity- a task now delegated The JOC and JIC will be closely watching the two major religious PHOTOS BY O E OLL A YLRAN EL LLA LO REYNALDO BAYLON O to the JIC as a component of JOC. events of the Peñafrancia festival, namely, the Traslacion and Fluvial procession as main areas of security concerns as thousands and even close to a million devotees and visitors are expected to flock to the “This year, we have added another innovation, that is the creation of the temporary residual waste containment area. Joint Information Center (JIC) to ensure the smooth and uniform information city for one of the country’s biggest, if not the dissemination basically to avoid misinformation related to the celebration of the biggest, Marian devotions. Peñafrancia festivity,” Bongat added. “We have to cut the 30-meter elevation of garbage in that area as we anticipate the disposal of a bigger load during and after the celebration of this year’s fiesta,” Martin says.

The temporary waste containment area is situated at the back of Balatas dumpsite, which was closed by the city government since February last year.

The one-hectare containment area has a capacity to accommodate 32,000 tons of garbage. An average of 200 tons of garbage daily is expected to be collected from September 12 to 16, this year. On ordinary days, this city disposes more or less 90 tons daily.

Martin said that he is hoping that by the 2nd quarter of 2019, the sanitary landfill that the city government is constructing in Barangay San Isidro would have been completed and ready for operation to address the city’s increasing load of garbage under a controlled sanitary waste disposal system.

57 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2018 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2018 58 CITY EVENTS AND ACTIVITIES GOV’T FRONTLINE OFFICES LEARN SIGN

S B O O LANGUAGE TO BETTER AID PWDS By ARMIE B. GUNAY, CEPPIO

SO S O

NAGA CITY CELEBRATES PWD MONTH THIS JULY O O BY DARYLL A NAY PHOTO BY AN EL A A A By JASON B. NEOLA

AFTER THE PEÑAFRANCIA CELEBRATION: PRELATE LAUDS OT just only for a week celebration into a whole month but for the entire month of of activities that are fun-filled and CITY HALL, JOC FOR July that the persons with productive to be able to promote SUCCESSFUL FIESTA disability (PWDs) in this well the things that can help improve city will engage in various the quality of life of the members By JASON B. NEOLA activities that will help to of the sector,” says City Councilor Nuplift their lives. Elmer Baldemoro who sponsored the ordinance. OST REV. ROLANDO TRIA TIRONA, ARCHBISHOP OF This, after the Sangguniang CACERES, extended his laudatory gesture to government officials, Panlungsod enacted Ordinance No. The month-long celebration police and military personnel for their fraternal participation and 2018-028 that declares the month began last July 1, this year, with the dedicated service during the celebration here of the Peñafrancia fiesta. of July, and the year thereafter, as advocacy walk that kicked off from ELEBRATING this year’s Person’s M Persons with Disability Month in this the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral With Disability (PWD) Month, the Tirona’s congratulatory message was read by Fr. Darius Romualdo, chancellor city. to Plaza Rizal and followed by the Persons with Disability Affairs Office of the Archdiocese of Caceres, before the crowded City Hall grounds last Monday conduct of Paralympics at the Holy (PDAO), together with the Naga after the flag raising ceremony where city government officials and employees, several The measure is in conformity Rosary Minor Seminary on July 2, this City Sign Language Interpreter hundreds of personnel from the Philippine National Police, Philippine Army, Bureau of with Proclamation No. 361 issued by year. Federation, conducted an inclusive Fire Protection and other heads and members of inter-agency task groups assembled then President Joseph Estrada, which sign language training for government for a send-off rite. C proclaimed every third week of July as On July 3-5, 2018 from 8 o’clock agencies. the National Disability Prevention and in the morning to 5pm, training on The farewell ceremony was highlighted by the awarding of certificates to Rehabilitation (NDPR) financial literacy will be conducted at The training, dubbed as ‘Making It personnel and volunteers of the Joint Operations Center (JOC), delivery of ‘thank you’ Week. the Function Hall of the City Health Sign: Inclusive Sign Language Training for speeches, photo sessions, reciting of prayers for the parting groups, and blessing Office. The activity will be followed Government Frontliner and Personnel’, was them with holy water. “We decided to extend by sectoral presentation on people’s attended by city hall frontline office personnel, the weeklong national budget. and other frontline officers from health centers, In his letter, Tirona told the gathering that he has seen their hardwork and medical institutions other agencies. sacrifices to make the celebration of Ina’s fiesta truly edifying and meaningful. “In A job fair will also be conducted the same manner, I noticed that your efforts and hard work for the success of our at SM City Naga on July 7, this The training aims to help make Peñafrancia fiesta is remarkable. My gratitude to all of you, especially to those with year, from 10 o’clock in the government offices more PWD- friendly, direct assignments or tasks during the two week festivities,” the archbishop said. morning to 3PM. especially for persons with hearing impairment

to be able to communicate properly, by Tirona also thanked the devotees “for being models of true love and devotion An update on the list of equipping frontline officers and personnel with to Nuestra Sra. De Peñafrancia because of their prayers and active participation more activities will be posted knowledge on sign language so as to attend during the novenario to the Divino Rostro and to Blessed Virgin Mary.” tomorrow. effectively and efficiently to the needs of the

PWD clients asking for assistance from the Reading Tirona’s message, Romualdo said: “To all of you who rendered service government offices. to make our festivities peaceful and orderly, I have seen your way of humble service as an expression of love and veneration to Ina. This gives me tremendous joy. I salute Among the topics discussed in the all of you involved in various religious and civic activities because you certainly have training include the proper response that served with dignity and devotion.” should be accorded to PWDs when dealing entire Bicolandia for welcoming the countless pilgrims and devotees, for making with their needs. He said that he is confident that Ina will help to sustain you all with God’s facilities available to them, and for ultimately proving that this place of Ina is a fitting grace and blessing including your families. “I also conveyed my gratitude to those place for worship and devotion. Philip Mark Olivan, the president of the who have been our partners in making 2018’s celebration of Our Lady of Peñafrancia Naga City Deaf Society, said that like seminar a magnificent and blessed one,” he said. The Peñafrancia fiesta was celebrated in this pilgrim city with relatively good will help government agencies improve their weather, unperturbed by the disturbances and catastrophic events brought by services in line with gender responsiveness. Lastly, the prelate also thanked the priests and parishioners in charge of the super typhoon Ompong that made a landfall at dawn of September 15 in Cagayan pilgrim churches, the city government of Naga headed by Mayor John Bongat and the province, when the 2-week festivity was on its concluding part.

59 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2018 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2018 60 EDUCATION, ARTS, CULTURE AND SPORTS DEVELOPMENT NAGUEÑO STUDENTS SHINE IN ACAD By ARMIE B. GUNAY, CEPPIO

the number of awardees being recognized and honored by the City Government of Naga every year for continuously bringing honor to the city through WITHtheir winnings in various international academic competition and NAGA STUDENTS WIN in getting the top places in the national examinations, Nagueño students continue to prove that Naga City is indeed the center of INT’L MATH CONTESTS education in the Bicol Region by being the home of the achievers. Last Monday, the City Government once again commended By ARMIE B. GUNAY, CEPPIO a group of Business and Accountancy college students— Camilla Talagtag, Angelique Abellada, Charles Arendaing and Edward Lorence Tejada—together with their coach, Dr. Christopher students hailing from local schools and universities in this city represented the Abelinde, Dean of ADNU - College of Business and Accountancy, Philippines in different international Mathematics competitions and took home SIX various awards. They are Dominic Villegas of St. Joseph School; Sean Arman Abergos, Jence Enrico Dela Fuente and Pearl Matthea Panganiban of the Ateneo de Naga University; and Neil Manuel Manaog and Franc Victor Ocbian of the Naga Central School II (NCS II). the 2018 China Primary Mathematics Olympiad conducted last July 27- August 1 in Zhejang Villegas, a Grade 8 student of St. Joseph School, won a Bronze medal in the 2018 World Province of China. Mathematics Invitational Finals held in South Korea last July 13- 17, 2018. Grade 11 student Panganiban, also an Atenean, Atenean Abergos also took home a Bronze Medal in the Individual and Team competition of won Bronze in the 2018 International Mathematics Wizard Challenge conducted in Jakarta, Indonesia last May.

Dela Fuente, a Grade 6 Ateneo student, won three medals in different competitions in Mathematics -- 3rd place in the First International Festival Mathematical Triathlon Apollonia held in Zosopol, Bulgaria last June 2018; 2nd Runner- up in the Bulgaria International Mathematics Competition conducted in Burgas, Bulgaria last July 2018; and a Gold medal in the 2018 International Junior Math Olympiad conducted in Bangkok, Thailand, last July.

Manaog and Ocbian— both of the Naga Central School II (NCS II), went home with a bronze medal each from the Singapore International Math for being hailed as champion in the 7th ASEAN Accounting Education Workgroup (AAEW) Contest on Capsim (Simulation Game) held Olympiad Challenge (SIMOC) 2018 Math Olympiad on June 28-29, 2018 in Singapore Institute of Technology, Singapore. Contest. The competition, which concluded last July 8, The competition is a business simulation contest wherein the competitors acted as top level management of a company with 2018 in Singapore, was participated in by 18 other the goal to increase their sales, contribution and profit. countries. The team from Ateneo de Naga University—with their hardwork in learning various business concepts and softwares— The two students already won Bronze medals successfully achieved the target and obtained the highest stars ahead of the 11 other teams coming from different countries. also in Asian Schools Math Olympiad (SASMO) 2018 last April which allowed them to compete in Meanwhile, Ms. Nikki Marie Rubio of the same school, the Ateneo De Naga University and a former City Youth Secretary of the the SIMOC 2018. last 2014, was also recognized and honored for placing 7th with the rating of 86% in the 2018 Nursing Board Examinations out of the more than 4000 examinees. The young Naga Math wizards were honored by the city government officials and employees led The city Sangguniang Panlungsod conferred a resolution congratulating and commending the awardees for their exemplary by Mayor John G. Bongat during the flag raising performance and achievement. ceremony at the city hall grounds last Monday, August 20, for bringing honor, pride and glory to the city with their excellent academic performance.

61 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2018 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2018 62 EDUCATION, ARTS, CULTURE AND SPORTS DEVELOPMENT

BATTLE BEGINS TODAY. THE BEST AND THE YOUNGEST TABLE TENNIS CHAMPIONS FROM ALL OVER SOUTHEAST ASIA ARE ALL IN NAGA! THE CITY OF NAGA PROUDLY OPENED THE 24TH SOUTHEAST ASIAN JUNIOR AND CADET TABLE NAGA HOSTS TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIP THIS MORNING AT ROBINSONS PLACE NAGA WHERE TH SEVEN (7) DELEGATIONS WILL COMPETE 24 SOUTHEAST AMONGST EACH OTHER TO EMERGE AS ASIAN JUNIOR AND THIS YEAR’S CHAMPIONS. CADET TABLE TENNIS CHAMPIONSHIPS

By ARMIE B. GUNAY, CEPPIO

and Philippines will be participating in the event.

The Philippines had already earned gold medals in the past events of the Southeast Asian Cadet and Junior Table Tennis Championships.

The Philippine Table Tennis Federation (PTTF), headed by Mr. Ting Ledesma, and the Southeast Asia Table Tennis Association (SEATTA) led the conduct of the event in the Philippines in Naga City as they had noted improvement in the development of sports in the city in the past years.

total of about a hundred and twenty- seven (127) delegates from seven (7) of the 10 member- Mr. Ledesma, the president of the PFFT, stated countries of the Association of the Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN)— Brunei, Indonesia, that through the event, as well as their Metro Naga Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam and the host country, Philippines, convened in Naga Super League Grand Prix Table Tennis Tournament, City for the 24th Southeast Asian Junior and Cadet Table Tennis championships conducted July they are aiming to introduce and promote the table 4- 8, 2018 at the Robinsons Place- Naga. tennis sports event in the countryside.

The event, which was participated by ace table tennis players in each of the represented With Naga City now focusing to develop varied ASEAN countries, will be selecting the best athletes who will be joining the Asian Cadet and Junior Table Tennis sports events thru its One Student, One Sports AChampionships in Myanmar. program, the City Government of Naga is grateful for the conduct of the 24th Southeast Asian Junior Other tournaments being targeted by the PFFT to enjoin the table tennis players are the Tokyo Exchange and Cadet Table Tennis championships event in the Games and the Asian Games this August, 2018. city as it will help better promote the sport.

The game is composite of two categories under which the players will compete— the (1) Junior category For the past years, Naga City had recently been for the 18 years old and below and the (2) Cadet category for the 15 years old and below. excelling in training and producing sports champs in the field of swimming and gymnastics, among From among the players, Youth Olympic Qualifiers from the countries of Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand others.

63 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2018 PHOTOS BY SYLRANJELVIC VILLAFLOR JULY - SEPTEMBER 2018 64 EDUCATION, ARTS, CULTURE AND SPORTS DEVELOPMENT PH BAGS Philippine team won silver and bronze SILVER, medals in the recently concluded 24th Southeast Asian BRONZE THEJunior & Cadet Table Tennis Championships held last July 4-8 at Robinsons Place Naga Activity Center here.

IN NAGA Some 127 young table tennis players from from seven other member-countries of the Association of the Southeast Asian Nation TOURNEY: (ASEAN)— Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand. Vietnam, and the ASEAN YOUTH Philippines— vied for the top honors in TABLE TENNIS the 5-day sports competition. Khieth Rynne Cruz and Althea CHAMPIONSHIP Jade Gudes bagged a silver medal in the Cadet Girls Doubles while Jannah ENDS By ARMIE B. GUNAY, CEPPIO Maryam Romero took home a bronze medal in the Junior Girls Singles Event.

Singapore came out as the over- all champion, garnering a total of 8 gold medals, two silver, and 9 bronze medals. Malaysia followed suit with 2 golds, 2 silvers, and one bronze.

Thailand came third with 5 silver medals, and 4 bronze medals.

The Philippines had one silver medal and a bronze.

Vietnam followed with 4 bronze medals while Vietnam also got 4 bronzes and Indonesia had one bronze medal.

Most of the players of the champion Singapore team will represent the Southeast Asia in the Asian Cadet and Junior Table Tennis Championship to be held in Myanmar later this year.

Ting Ledesma, the president of the Philippine Table Tennis Federation, Inc., said they would continue to support the conduct of the Metro Naga Super League Grand Prix Table Tennis Tournament held here annually, as well as other free table tennis sports clinics, to promote further the sports.

PHOTO BY SYLRANJELVIC VILLAFLOR

65 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2018 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2018 66 HEALTH AND NUTRITION LIVELIHOOD, EMPLOYMENT AND HUMAN DEVELOPMENT NAGA YOUTHS LEARN TEEN PREGNANCY RISKS, ITH the pressing number of teenage HEALTH EDUCATION MUSHROOM PRODUCTION pregnancy as well as By ARMIE B. GUNAY, CEPPIO SEES BETTER victims of sexually- MARKET OPPORTUNITY— Wtransmitted infections and diseases recently plaguing the youth population, the Commision on A GROWING Population and the City Government of Naga, through the City Population and Nutrition Office (CPNO), LIVELIHOOD conducted the You-For-You (U4U) Teen Trail at the Leon Q. Mercado IN NAGA High School, August 1. By ARMIE B. GUNAY, CEPPIO

The program is under the Adolescent Health and Youth Development Program of the national government which aims to educate the Filipino teens on their decision-makings when it comes to family, relationship and sexuality matters. The event was attended by

PHOTOS BY REYNALDO BAYLON

250 students from the Leon Q. Mercado High School.

Teresita ‘Baby’ Del Castillo, the head of the CPNO, shared with the group the Sexual Risk Behavior of Young People in the Bicol Region.

The Teen Trail activity is designed with a tour in the various rooms—the Teen Exhibit, Teen Code, Teen Chat, Teen Wait and Teen parenthood, and sexually-transmitted diseases Tunes—where youths get to see exhibits, and infections among them, and to help watch video clips, and learn pertaining to them as well in their decision-makings and teenage pregnancy and its risks, unhealthy teach them the importance of education and relationships and the importance of education schooling. USHROOM PRODUCTION has recently been in the locus and schooling. of the livelihood projects being supported by the City To help further address the issue, the MGovernment of Naga in the sector of agriculture. PHOTOS BY REYNALDO BAYLON With the activity, the city government CPNO regularly holds a forum in the barangays aims to educate the youth and lessen the involving the youth groups— the Hearts and The industry of mushroom production has been notably incidents of unwanted pregnancies, early Minds, which also talks on the risks of teenage growing and is being seen as significant in helping would- The Enactus (UNC) already helped the City Government in pregnancy and family and health education. be mushroom farmers in Naga City in terms of livelihood and the needed fund for the provision of materials for the planned income generation. development of the mushroom growing house and procurement of fruiting bags. Recently, the City Government of Naga, thru the Ginhawang Nagueño Program, entered into a Memorandum of Agreement Other provisions of the agreement include the provision of (MOA) with the Enactus University of Nueva Caceres in planning trainings, seminars, assistance in management and marketing of and implementing a Mushroom Production Project at Liberty products and preparation of financial reports to help the family Village of Barangay Cararayan, Naga City. beneficiaries in cultivating the mushroom project and in introducing innovations to be able to bring it to a larger market. Said project targets to improve the quality of life of the least economically- resilient communities in the area.

67 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2018 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2018 68 PEACE AND ORDER AND PUBLIC SAFETY CLEANLINESS AND ENVIRONMENT PROTECTION

NAGA DRIVERS SK CHAIRMEN, CCN STUDENTS IN TO LEARN BASIC LIFE SUPPORT, ENVIROCAMP 2018 FIRST AID SKILLS AT MINP By JASON B. NEOLA By JASON B. NEOLA city government thru the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (City ENRO) is pursuing for the conduct of an activity that will include its climate OINING the fray to strengthen further the THEchange mitigation and disaster risk reduction agenda in the priority disaster and emergency preparedness programs of the Sangguniang Kabataan. program of the city government are drivers of public utility vehicles (PUVs) who spend Dubbed Envirocamp 2018, the activity will focus on the most of their time in the streets. This holding of concrete action planning about the community-based development came after the proposed He also said that most of the victims of road accidents suffer cardiac arrest. disaster management of the city’s 27 barangays. Held for the ordinance authored by City Councilor “When a person suffers cardiac arrest, the patient’s survival can be obtained by third time, the activity will also serve as a facility to enhance the Joselito Del Rosario and City Youth Councilor Allysia J way of cardio pulmonary resuscitation (CPR) from someone who is knowledgeable participants’ awareness on biodiversity conversation aside from Mariefrance Rodriguez was passed and approved this because CPR, especially if performed in the first few minutes of cardiac arrest, can allowing the participants to see the many potentials of Mt. Isarog week. double or triple the patient’s survival. Natural Park (MINP) as ecotourism training site and conservation management area. City Ordinance No. 2018-025 requires all drivers of Del Rosario said that by providing the drivers of padyak, jeepneys, e-trikes, passenger jeeps, trimobile, padyak, and e-trike plying trimobile units with trainings on basic life support and first aid skill will capacitate the city streets to undergo the “Driver as First Aider them to render necessary assistance while responders and medical personnel are The Envirocamp, which is going to be held at the Protected Training Program” which tool up the city’s Basic Life on their way. Area Visitors Building at MINP in Barangay Panicuason on August Support Program. 18-19, this year, will obtain participation from the students of the City College of Naga and the 27 Sangguniang Kabataan chairmen. “This is to capacitate our drivers, who are usually in the daily course of work in the streets, for them to Engr. Alexander N. Caning, City ENRO chief, said they decided be able to render immediate assistance on emergency situations caused by accidents as first responders,” says BASTA DRIVER, to conduct the activity with the students and SK leaders because Del Rosario. they believe in youth as effective agents of change where they LIFE SAVER! ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERS OF JEEPNEY, TRIMOBILE, (students and SK chairmen) can dynamically initiate local activities PADYAK AND E-TRIKE DRIVERS WITNESSED THE CEREMONIAL SIGNING OF ORDINANCE Del Rosario cited a study that says 55 percent NO. 2018-025 AUTHORED BY HON. JOSELITO DEL ROSARIO ESTABLISHING THE “DRIVER and projects that would help mitigate the impacts of climate of deaths caused by road mishaps occur in the first FIRST AIDER TRAINING PROGRAM” IN FURTHERANCE OF THE CITY’S ONGOING BASIC change. few minutes after the accident. And up to 85 percent LIFE SUPPORT PROGRAM TO EVERY NAGUEÑO. THIS IS TO CAPACITATE OUR DRIVERS, of those deaths could be prevented if first aid was WHO ARE USUALLY IN A DAILY COURSE OF WORK IN THE STREETS, TO RENDER IMMEDIATE ASSISTANCE ON EMERGENCIES AND INJURIES CAUSED BY ACCIDENTS CJ Zantua, ENRO senior environmental management immediately given. WHILE HELP IS ON ROUTE. specialist, said thru the camp, the participants will be guided to identify approaches on how they can take a pro-active role in promoting environmental care and protection.

Envirocamp 2017, which was held on September 1-2, was attended by students belonging to Youth for Environment in Schools Organization (YES-O) along with a number of teacher- coordinators who facilitated the discussions, lectures, and workshops as the young individuals were encouraged to inculcate environmentalism in their system.

69 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2018 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2018 70 TRANSPARENCY, ACCOUNTABILITY AND GOOD GOVERNANCE TRANSPARENCY, ACCOUNTABILITY AND GOOD GOVERNANCE

BARANGAY LEGISLATION: NAGA TOPS ECONOMIC NAGA ENABL2E CONVENED FOR DYNAMISM RANKING OUTSTANDING By ARMIE B. GUNAY, CEPPIO SB AWARD O N ON A SO S O S B O O ST B BO Y OH S TY By JASON B. NEOLA

city, winner of various awards, lands first place in the Economic Dynamism category of the competitiveness ranking among other THIS component cities of the Philippines.

The awarding was conducted during the 6th Regional Competitiveness OS TO OS O S O ST O Y Y TOY TO O B B T Y Y L B B T P Summit of the National Competitiveness Council held on August 16, 2018 at the Sk Federation Philippine International Convention Center in City..

One hundred twelve (112) other component cities were evaluated for the the third is the SP Forum, a 30-minute interaction between the city and barangay officials annual competitiveness ranking. for them (barangay officials) to clarify procedural measures of the Sanggunian.

Overall, Naga City is second most competitive component city in the The fourth one, the program’s highlight, is The Outstanding Sangguniang Barangay Award that serves as the LGU’s facility to recognize barangay councils that have country, a rank it has held last year (2017) wherein the city landed next to demonstrated exemplary performance in enacting legislative measures that bring about City then and to Legazpi City this year. sustainable and inclusive socio-economic development in their respective communities. The award also serves as the monitoring and evaluation mechanism of the ENABL2E In 2015 and 2016, Naga City topped the overall competitiveness ranking Program. for two consecutive years. No official dates have yet been set by the Sangguniang Panlungsod secretariat for the conduct of the activities lined up except for the Conference on Barangay Legislation. Cities, as well as other LGUs, such as provinces, municipalities, and highly urbanized cities are ranked through these four pillars of competitiveness: (1) The measure’s explanatory note states that the implementation of the ENABL²E Government Efficiency, (2) Infrastructure, (3) Economic Dynamism, and (4) program has been found necessary in seeing to it that elected barangay officials are Resiliency. NSPOILED by the various accolades and honors it has received for its nationally- highly proficient, effective and well-equipped in performing their duties, most especially acclaimed and internationally-recognized governance practices, the city in crafting relevant legislations and rational regulatory policies. Mayor John Bongat said in an interview that he was more than glad that for government of Naga continues to institutionalize various innovative programs that promote transparency, accountability and people-participation in its Sangguniang Kabataan chairman Rey John Saniel of Barangay Sta. Cruz, here, said: four consecutive years, Naga City was able to go not lower than second place in governance practices. “For us, youth officials, the ENABL²E program serves as avenue to come up with plans the overall competitiveness ranking— a feat no other city had achieved. U The city government has more than 175 regional, national and international that are not only limited to sports and entertainment as what the youth and SKs were awards and other citations and is now considered as a center of good governance in the generally identified with in past years. Maybe, we can create programs that would allow With the award, Bongat said that they will further enhance the city’s country. us to provide educational assistance, conduct seminars and organize trainings that will practice in the conduct of business in Naga that will generate more employment allow the youth in the barangays to improve their skills.” and improve the standard of living of the Nagueños. By launching the ENABL²E program last August 3, this year, the LGU’s intention to expand its good governance practices and mainstreaming their processes and system was Vice Mayor Nelson Legacion said that “it is also expected that thru the cascaded down to the city’s 27 barangays, the government’s basic political units that are implementation of the program, the development of new approaches and mechanisms in the frontline of delivering basic government services, particularly in the grassroots level. for the advancement of the principles of good governance, and the strengthening further of partnership among and between the different stakeholders of the city will be achieved.” The program is embodied in City Ordinance 2014-008, which was introduced by Vice Mayor Nelson Legacion and sponsored by City Councilors Vidal P. Castillo, Elmer S. SPECIFICALLY, THE PROGRAM AIMS TO: Baldemoro, and Esteban Greg R. Abonal III. It was approved by Mayor John G. Bongat in February 2014. 1. Enhance the awareness of barangay officials on their functions, duties and obligations as local legislators; Councilor Vidal Castillo said ENABL²E has 4 components: the first is the Conference on Barangay Legislation, a one-day seminar for barangay officials that is going to be held 2. Educate barangay officials on the various legislative procedures needed in tomorrow, August 10, this year, at The Tent, Avenue Plaza Hotel. crafting responsive legislation and rational regulatory policies;

The second is the SP Watch, wherein barangay officials will be given the opportunity 3. Engage the barangay officials in promoting transparency, accountability and to watch and observe proceedings of the Sangguniang Panlungsod’s regular session, and people-participation in governance processes; and,

4. Strengthen the partnership between and among the officials of the city government and of the 27 barangay governments of Naga City.

IN THE ASPECT OF CRITERIA SELECTION, THE OUTSTANDING SANGGUNIANG BARANGAY AWARD SHALL BE CONFERRED TO BARANGAY COUNCILS WITH THE HIGHEST SCORES ON:

1. Effectiveness of legislative agenda

2. Effectiveness of the legislative tracking system

3. Availability of legislative documents, and;

4. Efficiency of performance of the Sangguniang Barangay

The Outstanding Barangay Awards committee is composed of the Secretary to the Sangguniang Panlungsod, Director of DILG-Naga City, Director of Jesse M. Robredo Governance Institute, Representative from the Academe, to be appointed by the mayor, and a representative from the Private Sector, to be appointed by the mayor.

Among the tasks that the Awards committee has to perform are: conduct random visitation and observation of the deliberations (sessions or committee hearings or both) being conducted by the 27 barangay councils; review, validate, evaluate and select the Outstanding Sangguniang Barangay Awardees following the criteria established in the ordinance and guidelines set by the committee and, plan and conduct a prestigious Outstanding Sangguniang Barangay Awards Presentation, the date of which shall be determined by the Vice Mayor in consultation with the other members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod.

71 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2018 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2018 72 TRANSPARENCY, ACCOUNTABILITY AND GOOD GOVERNANCE COMMUNICATION, TRANSPORT, AND URBAN INFRA DEVELOPMENT

Naga SP council NAGA CITY CBD III: holds session in school ALMEDA HIGHWAY SEEN TO BE By ARMIE B. GUNAY, CEPPIO THE CITY’S NEXT BUSINESS HUB By JASON B. NEOLA

ITH the proposed construction of at construction will start for the P10M Emergency Command Center, the P28M City College of Naga, a 2-storey least 7 public facilities along the Almeda 8-classroom building, and the P10.9M Health Office 2. Right now, requirements for the bidding processes Highway in Barangay Concepcion of these 3 facilities are underway. Grande, here, prospective investors and stakeholders can expect another SOURCES OF FUNDS Wemerging business hub in the city that will find its center of development radiating from a 3-hectare ACCORDING TO THE MAYOR, THE SOURCES OF FUNDS ARE: estate owned by the city government. 1. The LGU itself for the proposed Physical Therapy and Rehab Center, and the Emergency Command Mayor John G. Bongat has last year issued Center, and the P7M funds that will be augmented to the construction funds for the City College Executive Order 2017-005 creating the Almeda of Naga Highway Area Development Project Council (AHADPC) which is tasked to come up with plans and approaches 2. The Dangerous Drug Board national office for the Life Counselling Center to pave the way for the development of another urban space in a more accessible and space-friendly setting. 3. The national government for the evacuation center

The executive measure addresses the need 4. The LGU for the 2-storey 8-classroom City College of Naga for the city government to sustain the impact of effective urban spatial planning in the light of its proud 5. The Department of Health for the City Health Office 2. reputation as the Most Competitive Component City in the Philippines for 2015 and 2016. Bongat said the city government will augment the funds intended for the construction of the school with P7M and raise it to P28M. The mayor said the city property along the Hon. Nelson S. Legacion Almeda Highway will provide an opportunity to Like the 3 facilities, construction of other buildings, such as the P4M Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation CITY VICE MAYOR initiate and lead an area-specific site development Center, the P160M Convention Center, of which the funds are going to be borrowed from a bank, and the that can incorporate contemporary environmental and P5M Life Counselling Center will also be undertaken by the city government except for the evacuation UNLIKE the regular sessions usually being and measures being taken by the City Government of Naga in involving various sectors in structural innovations, along with other landowners center that will be handled by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH). held at the session hall of the city hall, The their meetings concerning the city, particularly them in the youth sector. Thus, they are able and stakeholders along the 4.2-kilometer highway. Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) of Naga City to raise to the council their concerns as students such on traffic issues in the city. The funds for the evacuation center, which was acquired by Mayor John G. Bongat from the national SO THE STRUCTURES TO BE INITIALLY BUILT IN THE government, amounts to P50M. brought their council session in one of the schools in Meanwhile, Mr. Jeffrey Abichuela, a 1st year BS Customs Administration student, was PROPERTY ARE: the city. The planned construction of all the 7 facilities was described by Bongat as “progressive,” which means also grateful for the said practice of the SP council as they were able to know the ordinances 1. Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation Center the erection of each structure are expeditiously continuing or shall be built based on their own timetable. The members of the August body headed by being passed by the body. City Vice Mayor Nelson Legacion and City Mayor John 2 . City Health Office 2 The powers and functions of the AHADPC: Bongat went to the Mariner’s Polytechnic Colleges- The session is also part of the Sangguniang Panlungsod-Student Participation Program Naga Campus where the said session was held last (SP-SPP) that allows schools and universities to have their students engage in the various 3. Convention Center 1. Draft and design the area development plan for the 4.2 km. Almeda Highway, including its branding; August 7. political and community issues being handled by the city government. 4. Life Counselling Center 2. Ensure the integration of Disaster Risk Reduction, Climate Change Adaptation and green Students of the said school joined and participated Bringing the session outside the four walls of the session hall, the SP council wants to technology into the area development plans, including strategies towards the area’s sustainable economic in the council meeting. have the various sectors in the community join and participate in the meetings and have 5. Evacuation Center and environment-friendly development; their concerns forwarded to the council so as to be able to respond to such. Ms. Czarina Marie Servidad, a 4th Year Tourism 6. Emergency Command Center, and 3.Recommend strategies for the adoption and overseeing of the implementation of the crafted area Student of the school, said that through the conducted The session has been the second time since the council conducted their regular session and development plan; SP session in their school, they are able to see the efforts in Barangay Mabolo, together with the barangay council, last March 20, 2018. 7. 2-storey 8-classroom building of the City College of Naga 4. Encourage and coordinate with private investors and government agencies in the implementation of various suite development activities; and The blueprint of each structure has already been readied and before the end of 3rd quarter 2018, 5. Submit to the city mayor a bi-monthly progress report.

73 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2018 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2018 74 COMMUNICATION, TRANSPORT, AND URBAN INFRA DEVELOPMENT CITY COLLEGE OF NAGA SOON TO HAVE of the CCN. The project is in response to the problem of NEW CLASSROOMS lack of classrooms of the school that is now home By ARMIE B. GUNAY, CEPPIO to more than 500 number of enrollees taking Hon. John G. Bongat up Bachelor of Science in Midwifery and CITY MAYOR other TESDA courses like slaughtering and automotive.

City College of Naga (CCN) will soon have its With its construction soon to begin, new building at the Naga City Convention the building is expected to be finished Complex Development Site along the within six (6) months to be used already Almeda Highway, Concepcion Grande. in time of the opening of classes for the next school year, 2019-2020. THEThe groundbreaking ceremony and unveiling of the new building’s perspective was conducted last August 4 at the site. Hon. Nelson S. Legacion The City College of Naga has been CITY VICE MAYOR supporting the development of the less-privileged The new edifice was funded through the P21M grant from the Quezon students by providing free tertiary education in midwifery City Government and P7M counterpart from the Naga City Government. and other vocational courses to help empower them economically. The 2-storey building will be housing 16 classrooms for the students PERSPECTIVE VIEW

Hon. Esteban Gregorio R. Abonal III CITY COUNCILOR

75 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2018 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2018 76 SOCIAL WELFARE AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT SOCIAL WELFARE AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT LGU-NAGA TO TIGHTEN GRIP AGAINST ILLEGAL DRUGS IN SCHOOLS, BARANGAYS R.A. 8049 By ARMIE B. GUNAY, CEPPIO ANTI-HAZING LAW LAW OF THE REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

RATERNITIES and sororities inside criticized for being ineffective and weak. There school campuses in the city will have was only one conviction since it was passed 23 to be careful about recruiting new years ago. members into their fold without violating the salient provisions of NAGA In a meeting organized by the office the anti-hazing law that President of City Councilor Jose SA Del Rosario, which Duterte signed on June 29, this year. SUPPORTS was called to inform the community about the new law, the attending Punong Barangays F Aside from putting on hold the conduct NEW and representatives of different fraternities of initiation rites and other activities, especially and sororities along with school officials and those that involve physical contact and the ANTI-HAZING police authorities have agreed to support the traditional bodily harm, the frats have decided measure. to temporarily defer the recruitment of new MEASURE members until they are completely familiar By JASON B. NEOLA The meeting was also participated in by with, or knowledgeable, about the law. barangay kagawads who are in charge of the respective peace and order committees of the RA 11053 or the Anti-Hazing Act of 2018 STOP city’s 27 barangays. prohibits all forms of hazing and imposes HAZING harsher penalties on hazing death. STOP HAZING “We have come up with a

STOPSTOP HAZING HAZING memorandum of agreement with various PHOTOS BY REYNALDO BAYLON The law introduces an expanded youth organizations in the community STOPHAZING definition of hazing, which includes and schools as we manifest our support City Government of are taking to help the city government resolve the issue. “physical or psychological suffering, harm to the government’s anti-hazing law,” Naga has recently bared plans anchored The members of the SP body further suggested the consultation of the technical working group with the or injury inflicted on a recruit, neophyte, STOP HAZING says Del Rosario. on strengthening their private sectors for further help and assistance in the crafting and designing of the modules. applicant or member as part of an initiation rite campaign against the use of illegal drugs in the city. DepEd-Naga Schools Division Superintendent (SDS) William Gando and Naga City Mayor John Bongat or a requirement for continuing membership He added the effort should be collective THE had already expressed support in the said resolution. in a fraternity or sorority or organization.” where every sector in society has its own role With the able leadership of the city council, Del Rosario said that the process will probably take two (2) or four (4) more years before its proper if only to ensure the safety and protection of the Local Government Unit (LGU) of Naga will be initiating the integration of ‘drug education’ in the implementation. It amends Republic Act 8049 or the every individual joining the fraternities. subject areas being taught in schools. Meanwhile, the newly- elected Liga ng mga Barangay President Antonio Beltran shared the programs that Anti-Hazing Act of 1995, which has been City Councilor Joselito Del Rosario was they will be focusing on during his term which prioritizes also the measures they will be taking to help resolve more than glad with the passage of his proposed the problem on illegal drugs, among health and education programs. ordinance in the second reading of the Sangguniang Panlungsod (SP) session. With their barangay, Bagumbayan Norte, being recognized by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) and the Naga City Police Office (NCPO) to be drug-cleared barangay, they also want to help other The proposed ordinance aims for the barangays in Naga City to obtain such standard. development of a localized values-based and holistic anti- illegal drug curriculum in the formal education system in Naga City.

Said integration in the existing academic curriculum of the Department of Education (DepEd) will be helping concerned agencies in the prevention and cure of the problem in illegal drugs in the community.

City Councilor Joselito Del Rosario said that they are targeting the youth sector as they are one of the most vulnerable sectors in the community.

“Illegal drug is the clear and present danger in our society today...So many families and communities have been destroyed because of these illegal substance,” stated Del Rosario in support of the measures they

77 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2018 JULY - SEPTEMBER 2018 78 FEATURES

NAGA RIVER BOAT WEDDING By JASON B. NEOLA

least four couples were granted the opportunity to be officially married last July 23, this year, during the city’s celebration of the PWD month.

The ceremonies were presided over by Mayor John G. ATBongat who wed four 4 Persons With Disability (PWD) couples who had been living together for years now without the benefit of marriage.

Alex Cayetano, chief of the local civil registry, said the PWD wedding took place in the city for the first time. “My office will always welcome ceremonies like this because they do not only make the PWD month celebration meaningful but more importantly unite the couples under the benefits and legitimacy of married persons,” he added.

The wedding took place aboard the city’s tourist boat while cruising the Naga River.

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