ISSN 2094-9383 A Quarterly Magazine of the City Government of Naga Bikol, New ISSN 2094-9383 JOHN G. BONGAT Advocacy Mayor GABRIEL H. BORDADO, JR. of a Vice Mayor

Jose B. Perez Editor (on leave) Strong Alec Francis A. Santos Leadership Executive Editor Jason B. Neola Managing Editor

Naga is defiNed by an empowered and a more liveable community. A City we can truly Reuel M. Oliver Florencio T. Mongoso, Jr. responsible citizenry in action. call Maogmang Naga. A happy place inhabited by a happy people. Allen L. Reondanga Editorial Consultants This is the essence behind KKDK, the new advocacy of a strong leadership under Mayor These ideals are summed up in his first State of Jan Rev L. Davila John G. Bongat that inspires Nagueños to develop the City Report delivered on January 25. His main Stephen V. Prestado Layout Artists in their heart and mind a culture of cleanliness message is everyone, young or old, rich or poor, is (Kalinigan), peace (Katoninongan), and order part and parcel of the City’s life and future with the Ray John B. Ubaldo 2 (Disiplina). These, he believes, are the essential bounden duty to “H ELP your CiTy”, as everyone Graphic Artist takes part in defining Naga’s future today. ingredients (Kaipuhan) towards the attainment of Contents Randy Villaflor Jose B. Collera Photographers Albert F. Cecilio Highlights Alnor Roger Alcala Editorial Assistants State of the City RepoRt (Jul - Dec 2010) Mayor JB delivers first SOCR This magazine is published by the City Government of Naga thru the 7 City Publications and External SaLoG KaN BUhay Relations Office (CPERO), with Broadbased support for Editorial Office at 1st floor, DOLE Naga River Project affirmed Bldg., City Hall Complex, J. Miranda 22 Avenue, Naga City 4400. the RiSe of a CoNveNtioN City Telephone: +6354 473-4432 A City of Crossroads, Conventions, and Convergence Fax: +6354 811-1286 50 Email: [email protected] the maN BehiND the meN of poweR About the Cover A closer look at the City Administrator Commercial buildings and the Naga City 77 People’s Mall surround the Plaza Nueva de Caceres (Naga’s old Spanish name), BaRaNGay GRow NeGoSyo CataLoGUe highlighting Naga’s identity as a historic Naga’s One Barangay, One Product (OBOP) innovation city and reputation as a bustling economic hub. The park’s serene setting stands in 80 contrast to the busy thoroughfare just a few NaGa’S 2010 top taxpayeRS steps away. As a cosmopolitan city, Naga Boosting local business, Advancing better services retains the charm of an old, provincial community with a vibrant modern economy.

86 Photography | Bong Bajo News Features 18 Chamber and Centro Traders 4 Transparency in Naga: A Blend of Old and New praise Bongat administration for initiatives 7 State of the City Report (Jul – Dec 2010) 20 Naga, DOT, team up for tourism accreditation 22 Salog kan Buhay: 21 Naga and Shefa, Vanuatu ink sisterhood agreement Broadbased Support for Naga River Affirmed 25 Earth Hour spurs 29 Of Boxing Gloves and Running Shoes Evolving from “An Maogmang more upcoming activities for environment 35 City Hall Press Corps: Bridging the information gap 26 Naga to market ‘Green Charcoal’ Lugar” (The Happy Place), 43 Channelling Charity Maogmang Naga aims to portray The “Naga SMILES to the World” 27 SciHigh bests 167 other schools 44 Leveling the field for the visually challenged more than a happy place but a happy people as well. logo is composed of the two 32 City sets measures vs. drug use, abuse 46 EduCare at its best: Bongat admin reaps baybaying Naga characters, “na” 33 Checkpoints, new police station up, crime down national award, preps for new school year The first letter of the word and “ga”. “Maogmang”, an adjective meaning “Na”, shaped like a mountain, 34 Naga eyes barangay-based survey 50 Naga: A city of crossroads, conventions, and convergence “Happy” (Maogma), is a dancing provides a strong foundation for the to pre-empt problems 53 Naga simmers with football fever human character, signifying the Narra tree which grew abundantly 37 Mayor Bongat calls for 57 National Arts Month: Bikol’s arts and culture revolution dynamic nature of Naga. The sun along the Naga River while a zigzag creation of Ecumenical Council denotes the warm and cheerful 59 24/7 public service: Councilor Nene style line denotes majestic Malabsay 38 Search for new mayoral awardees is on personality of the Nagueños. Falls. 61 Bienvenido N. Santos: The fictions of his memory The name of the City itself 40 Tabuco Bridge to be re-christened Puente de Claveria “Ga”, shaped like a farmer’s 63 MNCCI: Reaching out beyond the hall of fame is composed of the “Voyadores”, plow, is symbolic of the Nagueño’s 41 Special Bienvenido Santos section rises male devotees cheering Our Lady agricultural roots and hardworking at Roco Library 66 Fighting fire with fervor: of Peñafrancia as their brethren Naga’s Chin Po Tong volunteer fire brigade personality. 41 Free classes, livelihood trainings give hope carry the image of “Ina” on their The baybaying Naga characters to undergrads, poor in Sta. Cruz 69 Sarig Naga: From bitter fate to better lives shoulders. rest on a wave-like element which 42 Covered basketball court to rise in Abella 73 Cleaning up the city: The SWMO Colorful “banderitas” or festive represents the Naga River and the flags adorn the logo to show the 75 The Bicol Science and Technology Centrum experience serpent, which is read in Sanskrit as 42 San Francisco sees ‘paminta’ as potential OBOP vibrancy of Maogmang Naga – the “n a g a”. 48 MNDC to spearhead tourism-led growth 77 The Man behind the Men of Power City of warm and friendly people. 86 Naga’s 2010 Top Taxpayers 80 Barangay GROW Negosyo catalogue

2 | Naga SMILES | Vol. 2 No. 1 Naga SMILES | Vol. 2 No. 1 | 3 directed the i-Governance team and key offices to during Mayor Bongat’s State of the City Report. re-engineer the website to make it easier to use and To say that the new website is visually for constituents to easily access information related appealing scratches only the surface. With the to spending, legislation, and executive policies. To “Naga SMILES to the world” battlecry as the top it all up, the new website also includes news template, the City’s designers designed the website articles at its home page with comment boxes for to incorporate the many faces of Naga as the improved feedback gathering. The re-engineered center of education, commerce, investment, and website was presented to the public last January 25 tourism. For instance, the homepage includes short

digital. The re-engineered naga.gov.ph offers quality content, improved accessibility, and enhanced transparency initiatives.

Not YEt satisfiEd with thE traditioNal waY of highlightiNg Naga’s traNsparENcY Efforts, thE citY govErNmENt has sEttlEd for a mix of coNvENtioNal aNd modErN tools.

Words | Alec Santos Photograph | Randy Villaflor

USiNG THE LATEST iN iNTERNET Naga City Gazette to further enhance technology, coupled with traditional transparency in the City Government. publication, Mayor John G. Bongat Realizing the need for Naga to and the i-Governance team re- explore other ways to make citizens engineered www.naga.gov.ph, the aware of the City’s initiatives as well City’s official website and released the as its inner workings, Mayor Bongat

4 | Naga SMILES | Vol. 2 No. 1 Naga SMILES | Vol. 2 No. 1 | 5 write-ups about the six key components of SMILES. Of course, they have their own sections where they are discussed in detail. Retaining its status as a major tool in WHEN TEAM NAGA offered enhancing transparency, naga.gov.ph also itself to the electorate last features at its homepage links to past and May, it did so with a program present budget reports and city spending. Projects and supplies for bidding are also of governance built on the seen at a single glance. Clicking on their fundamental principle of links will reveal the full details. Visitors to stakeholdership -- that only by the website can also view the latest executive working together as a team, with and administrative orders, as well as Mayor Bongat’s proclamations to get a feel of the every citizen pitching in his share, general policies of the City Government. can we build a better, happier Ordinances and resolutions from the Making Headways in tHe First six MontHs Naga anchored on a consultative, Sangguniang Panlungsod are classified by transparent, responsive and topic and can be downloaded with ease. Under Mayor Bongat’s Executive accountable government. Order 2010-29, the City Government also compiled and published all executive issuances and key ordinances and We share this vision, not only of a resolutions covered by the period July 1 to happy place but a happy people as well, Dec. 31, 2010. The same directive also calls MAyOR JOHN G. BONGAT as we transform “Maogmang Lugar” for its publication and distribution at least City of Naga twice a year. Mayor Bongat believes that or Happy Place to a “Maogmang Naga” making important legislation and executive Delivered on January 25, 2011 or a Happy Place inhabited by a Happy directives available to the public will engage at the Arrupe Convention Center People. the citizenry. Ateneo de Naga University Capitalizing on the worldwide scope Why should I report to you today? of the internet and its accessibility, the City I am honored to report to you what Government has also opted to make the we, at City Hall, have accomplished as a Gazette downloadable from its website. team over the last six months after my This means that anyone from anywhere can administration assumed office noon of download the compendium and share it June 30, 2010. with interested LGUs, students, researchers, Let me start by saying that we have and the general public. Even past issues of the Naga SMILES Magazine can be viewed hit the ground running, thanks to a or downloaded from the website. Inquiries seamless transition that gave us the can also be sent to [email protected] where opportunity to work with the same the i-Governance team can easily forward management team, both at the executive concerns to the appropriate offices and and legislative departments of the City departments for quick answers. Government. Net-savvy Nagueños abroad can also This report will also provide me as catch the latest news thru the regularly your mayor an opportunity to lay down updated news section located at the and define a benchmark that will guide homepage itself. Links to live streaming the City Government’s priorities over services of media networks are also the next three, six and nine years. displayed at the homepage itself, as well as emergency numbers. Another innovation which makes use of social networking sites are the links to the City’s official Twitter, Facebook, and Youtube pages, ensuring that transparency remains one of Naga’s best- selling features and proving that Naga offers everything for everyone. 6 | Naga SMILES | Vol. 2 No. 1 Naga SMILES | Vol. 2 No. 1 | 7 8 | Naga SMILES | Vol. 2 No. 1 Naga SMILES | Vol. 2 No. 1 | 9 10 | Naga SMILES | Vol. 2 No. 1 Naga SMILES | Vol. 2 No. 1 | 11 12 | Naga SMILES | Vol. 2 No. 1 Naga SMILES | Vol. 2 No. 1 | 13 14 | Naga SMILES | Vol. 2 No. 1 Naga SMILES | Vol. 2 No. 1 | 15 16 | Naga SMILES | Vol. 2 No. 1

“You want an honest government, you get it. You want participatory and consultative decision-making, you get it. You want better service delivery, you get it.” - Mayor John G. BonGat

Naga SMILES | Vol. 2 No. 1 | 17 (Above) AiMiNg fOr the sky. The People’s Mall will soon be home to another economic innova- tion, the Tiangge in the Sky, making use of its spacious third level for more stalls and open-air patios. VibrANt. Once touted as the largest public structure in Southeast Asia, the PEOPLE’S MALL. One of the major economic hubs in Naga, the People’s Mall is a reflection of the dynamic nature of the City. People’s Mall.

business district”. Sky under a Build-Operate-Transfer scheme The City-led initiatives cited by the (at no expense to the City Government). Chamber and Centro Traders praise resolution range from improved cleanliness In addition, the same resolution also of sidewalks and streets, to the incentives included the round-the-clock garbage Bongat administration for initiatives offered by the City Government to business collection and the strict implementation of owners to repaint their buildings. Mayor the Anti-littering Ordinance. Additional THE CENTRO NAGA BUSiNESS CLUB (CNBC) and the Metro Bongat’s flagship program, The First Great streetlights have also led to a safer and “By ensuring that Naga Sale, was also included as one of more secure environment at the traditional Naga Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MNCCI) passed a joint Centro remains the major factors for the creation of the business district of Naga. resolution thanking the City Government under Mayor John G. competitive, we resolution. Meanwhile, Mayor Bongat expressed Bongat, citing recent developments undertaken by the City at Naga’s The CNBC and the MNCCI also praised gratitude to the business associations can boost our City’s traditional central business district, Centro. Mayor Bongat’s directives during the first for recognizing the efforts of the City economy and create eight months of his term. In recent months, Government to improve the economic Words | Alec Santos the City Government has intensified efforts environment at Centro Naga. Photographs | Stephen Prestado more jobs,” claims Mayor John Bongat to clear sidewalks of itinerant vendors, “We want the private sector to benefit In Joint Resolution No. 2011-006, dated According to CNBC and MNCCI, the resulting in more pedestrians and shoppers from our initiatives. By ensuring that Centro March 11 of this year, CNBC president Marvin City Government has “actively consulted and flocking to shops and stores. The Public remains competitive, we can boost our City’s Peñas and MNCCI president Philip Imperial, coordinated with members of the CNBC in Market, now renamed Naga City People’s economy and create more jobs. I am grateful expressed their associations’ “gratitude and regard to their concerns” and has “expressed Mall, has also seen a massive improvement that the Chamber and the Centro Naga support to the City Government for initiating strong political will in initiating and pursuing with the upgrading of the existing Materials Business Club have taken it upon themselves programs to address various socio-economic programs aimed at substantially improving Recovery Facility, the construction of to show their support and I am certain that concerns of business establishments in Centro the economic environment in Centro, as well additional access stairs and ramps, and the this will further strengthen our already N a g a”. as ensuring the cleanliness of the traditional proposed construction of the Tiangge in the robust partnership”, claims Mayor Bongat.

18 | Naga SMILES | Vol. 2 No. 1 Naga SMILES | Vol. 2 No. 1 | 19 Naga, DOT, Naga and Shefa, Vanuatu to team up for tourism ink sisterhood agreement accreditation

Words | Alec Santos Photographs | Randy Villaflor

EARNiNG THE PRAiSES OF WArM SMiLES. Naga’s many tourist attractions as well as world-class DEPARTMENT of Tourism (DOT) accommodation and amenities make it a premiere destination for domestic and international visitors, prompting the City Government to ensure quality Regional Director Maria “Nini” Ravanilla, services by the tourism industry. the City Government, under Mayor John G.

Bongat, is gearing up for the accreditation of UNited. Officials from the Province of Shefa, Vanuatu hand a scale model of a traditional outrigger canoe to Mayor John G. Bongat during primary tourism establishments operating the signing of the sisterhood agreement between Naga and Shefa. Flanking Mayor Bongat are Vice Mayor Gabriel Bordado, Jr., city in the city, in line with Naga’s flagship councilors Salvador Del Castillo, Elizabeth Lavadia, Cecilia Veluz-De Asis, and ABC President Alex Nero. tourism strategy “Naga SMILES to the Words & Photograph | Naga City People’s Council Wo r l d ”. Mayor Bongat issued Executive Order NAGUEñOS HAVE MADE NEW to the controlled dumpsite, Naga City 2011-005 last February 9 to support the FRiENDS across the ocean with the recent People’s Mall, EDUCARE centers, and a DOT’s efforts in having primary tourism The signing is signing of a sisterhood agreement between Sangguniang Panlungsod session. enterprises accredited. the last part of the City of Naga and the province of Shefa, The study visit and request for R.A. 9593 or the “Tourism Act of 2009” the study visit Republic of Vanuatu. sisterhood was the offshoot of the first calls for an accreditation program to ensure The mutual trust and relationship visit of the said officials of the Republic that tourism-related businesses comply of the Shefa shared by the two communities was further of Vanuatu last December 2009. The first with high levels of standards. According to delegation which strengthened by the signing of the Local visit introduced the participants to Naga’s Mayor Bongat, the substantial increase in focused on the Government Sisterhood Relationship governance practices and programs. tourist arrivals to Naga City and Camarines tourism-related businesses improve their programs of the Agreement last March 17 here in Naga. Participants then shared their experience “Helping our local Sur calls for the urgent need to ensure that quality of service and products should come City Government The agreement is the request of the Shefa with their respective provinces in attempts the tourism industry offers quality services tourism-related hand in hand with our aggressive marketing Province to formalize dialogues with the to convince their local government to adopt businesses improve on health, and products. their quality of service and promotions efforts,” he adds. city on mutual learning and visits. Shefa similar programs. Several cities in Bicol have already and products should The executive order enumerates the education President Lami Sope and Naga City Mayor The first that responded was Shefa sought the DOT’s assistance but Naga is come hand in hand step-by-step process of implementing and waste John G. Bongat sealed the sisterhood Province which organized a delegation the first local government unit (LGU) to with our aggressive the provisions of the “Tourism Act of agreement before officials from Shefa and headed by President Lami Sope to forge marketing and management. institutionalize the accreditation process promotions efforts.” 2009”. The Act’s Implementing Rules and Naga. a partnership with the City of Naga as thru the executive order. Director Ravanilla Regulations also calls on the DOT to help The signing is the last part of the study an initial step towards various learning expressed delight over Mayor Bongat’s LGUs “monitor and administer tourism visit of the Shefa delegation which focused activities that will be conducted by their initiative, saying that it will help local activities, and enforce tourism laws, rules on the programs of the City Government on local government in the City. tourism establishments improve their and regulations” (Rule VII, Chapter 1, Sec. health, education and waste management. Mayor Bongat expressed his services 124 of IRR). In addition to the IRR, and Their 4-day visit also included dialogues appreciation for the enthusiasm of the Shefa “The accreditation of tourism in true Naga City fashion, Mayor Bongat with key personalities managing the Province to learn and to adopt the various enterprises is a crucial step towards included a provision for direct consultation programs and included meetings with the programs being implemented in Naga. The expanding tourism and cementing Naga’s with owners of tourism enterprises and Naga City People’s Council (NCPC) and local chief executive also promised to return status as a premiere tourism destination a comprehensive education campaign to Metro Naga Chamber of Commerce and the favor and visit Shefa province in the city,” Mayor Bongat says. “Helping our local highlight the value of accreditation. Industry (MNCCI) as well as site visits future, along with city officials. 20 | Naga SMILES | Vol. 2 No. 1 Naga SMILES | Vol. 2 No. 1 | 21 Lavadia, Jr. promised a resolution compatibly designed arches reduce urban heat island effect endorsing the project. The for the dalhugan and its twin and other green architecture consultation for Barangay Sabang near the Basilica, as well as technologies like coco fibers and was scheduled for March 29. lamp posts, street signs and eco-blocks for the riverbanks to Bongat engaged former San benches along the riverwalk; enhance their absorptive capacity Felipe Punong Barangay Alfonso . development of the and reduce water velocity, Rodriguez to assist the PMT in 1.13-hectare Sagrada especially during heavy rains. the coordination with colleagues Familia property of the City and arranging the meetings. Government (more popularly Ensuring community known as Isla), including the ownership Project features provision of medium-rise “How sure are we that the After the highly successful housing to free space for project will be different from “Salog kan Buhay” contest for mixed-use development; previous efforts of the City?” the best conceptual design for . pedestrian bridges residents often ask Mayor revitalizing Naga River, which connecting Dayangdang- Bongat. “I hope I will still see that Riverwalk attracted 12 entries from all Penafrancia and Lerma- In response, the mayor said over Camarines Sur, including Dinaga; that there is no reason why it materialize before I die.” seven submissions by students, . a landscaped riverpark at the cannot prioritize the Naga River, the PMT agreed to use Architect Tabuco-Sabang area, with which has a direct impact on the “I was still a child when I first heard Ernesto Banzuela’s winning provision for zipline stations daily lives of ordinary residents, proposal as anchor conceptual and boathouses; especially those living near the of the idea. Now, I am a lola to my design, to be enhanced by . multipurpose monument riverbanks. grandchildren. Sana, madagos na features from the others. boards, whose themes and The environmental, talaga.” Among others, Banzuela’s contents can be adjusted economic and cultural benefits entry calls for a riverwalk that depending on the season of the project are enormous, to . These comments from senior citizens will be off-limits to motorized paid public rest rooms at the which his listeners would nod in were just some of the overwhelmingly positive vehicles, with separate biking foot of major bridges along agreement. To those who will feedback gathered by the management team of and pedestrian lanes, planting the project area(with cost need relocation, he assured that the Naga River Revitalization Project (NRRP) strip and viewing decks above recovery), and the City Government will look . from 10 of the 11 riverine barangays it will cover. key major outfalls of Naga’s docks and jetties in three after their welfare by providing After the Project Management Team (PMT) drainage system. To improve strategic locations: the mouth alternative housing. To property finalized the project features during its meeting water quality, he proposed the of Naga River at the Tabuco- owners, both he and Councilor last February 10, Mayor John G. Bongat directed installation of bio-cleaners and Sabang area; the former Sergio reiterated that the City it to consult barangay residents, especially those interceptor pipes underneath Naga City Public Market Government will be very who will be affected, and size up whether the the riverwalks that will collect (now rebranded as Naga reasonable. project is socially acceptable. wastewater and transport these City People’s Mall); and the Sergio said a second round Save the first two events held on February to a central treatment plant for Magsaysay entertainment of barangay consultations will 26 in San Felipe and Balatas on March 1, Mayor processing. and lifestyle area. be held once local geodetic Bongat and Councilor Nathan Sergio, the city engineers have completed a council’s environment committee chair, have Other features adopted include The group also endorsed survey of the project area that Words | Wilfredo Prilles, Jr. . attended all subsequent meetings, including one City Planning and Development Officer the development of the use of concrete pavers to will lay out the extent of private held in Tabuco where Pubong Barangay Julian Photograph | Stephen Prestado

22 | Naga SMILES | Vol. 2 No. 1 Naga SMILES | Vol. 2 No. 1 | 23 properties, existing structures and the river easement. “i Think iT iS BeST ThaT We Th is information will help keep our ConCern for The determine where and how the enVironMenT Beyond ThaT one riverwalk and its wastewater hour By orGanizinG and purSuinG treatment provision will be aCTiViTieS ThaT are enVironMenT- constructed. friendly.” On April 13, the City’s - Farah BonGat Bids and Awards Committee will open all submitted bids for the survey, thereby paving the way for its implementation this summer.

Basis of greater confi dence Mayor Bongat also explained other reasons for his administration’s bullish outlook in regard to the river project. At no time in our history is the City Government receiving so Words | Shiena M. Barrameda and Allen Reondanga Photographs | Jose Collera and Randy Villafl or much attention and support for this type of undertaking, iN TiME FOR THE EARTH Hour this year, when towns and cities across the he said. world turned off their lights for an hour to raise awareness for the environment, Th e World Bank is participating residents and city offi cials in Naga swore to faithfully realize the true extending technical assistance under its DARE Project, essence of the activity even aft er they turned the switch back on. which jumpstarted renewed Th e holding of Earth Hour celebrations here, Th e Run for Naga River, set this coming April interest on Naga River. under the leadership of committee chairperson 16, is expected to raise funds for the rehabilitation Th e German government, and Naga City’s First Lady Farah Bongat, was in and beautifi cation of the Naga River. through the Cities line with this year’s worldwide eff ort of making Th e commitment oath recited here in the advocacy last beyond the usual 60 minutes. unison by participants during the Earth Development Initiative for “We reserve one day each year for our Hour last March 26 was entitled “Pagdusay sa Asia (CDIA) has committed birthdays, graduation, Christmas and fi estas Kinaban” (Committment for the Earth). US$321,000 for the needed while the Earth asks for only one hour,” Farah, Th is was preceded by a fun walk participated pre-feasibility study that is wife of City Mayor John Bongat, said. “I think in by private citizens and City offi cials starting being eyed for completion by it is best that we keep our concern for the at the Porta Mariae of the Naga Metropolitan year end. UNESCO is also environment beyond that one hour by organizing Cathedral and ending at the SM City Naga. keen on securing the needed and pursuing activities that are environment- government approvals for friendly.” a four-year project that will Mrs. Bongat stated that Earth Hour 2011, dubbed 60+, is just a kick-off event for a series address both the project site of activities in Naga this year that are focused on and the upstream section the environmental conservation and abating the of Naga River. And we have eff ects of pollution. former mayor and now DILG RiveRwaLK. detailed plans and perspectives by arch. ernesto “Among the initiatives of the City are the Run Secretary to banzuela, winner of the salog kan buhay conceptual design for Naga River and the ‘Pili Mania sa Maogmang help us with the national contest, and other contestants include jogging and bike lanes, Naga: Naga City’s Economic Greening COMMITTED. Naga City First Lady and Earth Hour 2011 Movement,’ a tree-planting activity which aims to Committee Chairman Ms. Farah Bongat leads participants in government. riverside parks, landscaping, and several footbridges. pledging to lead the way for a better and greener world. As Sergio quipped, “this plant and nurture 30,000 pili seedlings from 2011 to 2012,” says Ms. Bongat. time, the stars are all aligned.”

24 | Naga SMILES | Vol. 2 No. 1 Naga SMILES | Vol. 2 No. 1 | 25 CoMinG ouT aS CoMpaCT BriqueTTeS, Green CharCoal iS aCTually Colored BlaCk, aS ordinary The Naga City Science High School (NCSHS) was declared CharCoal iS. WiTh The WaTer hyaCinTh (WaTer lily) aS raW MaTerial, BriqueTTe-MakinG uTilizeS four overall champion in Smart Communications’ Doon Po Sa Amin MaChineS, WhiCh inClude a deWaTerinG MaChine, competitions held last March 9, 2011 at the SMX Convention Center, Mixer, haMMer Mill and CharCoal BriqueTTinG Seashell Lane, Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City. Naga to market apparaTuS. ‘green charcoal’ What, exactly, is “green charcoal?”

Words | Jason B. Neola Photograph | Randy Villaflor

This was the usual livelihood opportunities in alternative to Liquefied question asked by curious the barangays. The project Petroleum Gas (LPG). residents and onlookers after was formally launched in Sitio The compact briquette witnessing the delivery of four Pagdaicon, Barangay Mabolo, worksite for the Mabolo machines that will be used here, last March. PrOud. Faculty and students of Naga City Science High School beam with pride after having been declared champions Charcoal Briquetting Center in Smart Communications’ Doon po sa Amin competition. to manufacture lowly “water Coming out as compact was inaugurated last March 7, lilies” into environment- briquettes, green charcoal 2011, along with the induction Smart’S nationwide friendly charcoal and provide is actually colored black, as of the officers of Mabolo Doon Po Sa amin competition livelihood opportunities to ordinary charcoal is. With Entrepreneurs Association and those engaged in the novel the water hyacinth (water lily) the Tinago Water Hyacinth project. . as raw material, briquette- Handicraft Development The machines, amounting making utilizes four machines, Association. SciHigh bests 167 other schools to more than Php500,000, which include a dewatering In a related development, Words | Jason B. Neola were purchased by the machine, mixer, hammer the City Government has Photographs | Naga City Science High School Department of Trade and mill and charcoal briquetting chosen Brgy. Tinago to be Industry for the Naga City apparatus. Naga’s handicraft center. This year marks the third time that the a competition that promotes independence Water Hyacinth Development Internet research and Initially making use of water Naga City Science High School (NCSHS) was among students in handling research works in Project, one of the livelihood reference sites show that lilies as raw materials for accorded the same honor, the first in 2009, which the community and develops, as well, their skills and entrepreneurship projects charcoal made of water lily is handicrafts, Tinago is expected was immediately followed in 2010. in writing, and website-making. introduced by Mayor John an economical and practical to use other raw materials in For this year, NCSHS participated in two “The competition enables the students G. Bongat’s Barangay GROW source of fuel for household the near future. category competitions, the “Learning Challenge” to do research works on specific subjects Negosyo program and cooking without producing Over 70 families are and “Ano ang Kwento Mo?” The school’s entries like technology or innovative know-how managed by the Metro PESO’s the usual smoke and odor expected to benefit from the shone in the final judging, besting 167 others on identified fields. It may be about skill, Enterprise and Cooperative from the use of ordinary water hyacinth briquetting coming from various schools, colleges and knowledge or expertise or any kind of Development Center. The charcoal. and handicraft production of universities nationwide. interesting development that is new to a place acquisition of the equipment These briquettes may serve barangays Mabolo and Tinago, “Doon Po Sa Amin”, according to Sulpicio worthy to be showcased and emulated,” he said. is expected to expand as an environment-friendly respectively. Alferez III, school principal of the NCSHS, is In the Learning Challenge, the NCSHS

26 | Naga SMILES | Vol. 2 No. 1 Naga SMILES | Vol. 2 No. 1 | 27 presented the “Paracale: Bulawan na Banwa” entry which won in the Best in Web Design in the Livelihood and Economics category. The entry was prepared by NCSHS students Ma. Sheena Betito, Camille Ignacio, Marc Simon Cortes, Jino Jovi San Pedro, Jamaela Pelausa, Mark Daniel Crisostomo and John Kenneth Gil with Teacher- coaches Catherine Ramos, Nelia Hernandez, Joretze Carandang and Sylvia Serrado. In “Ano ang Kwento Mo,” for its video blog entry, the school Words | Allen Reondanga presented “Too Gold Information Officer to be Good” which Photographs | Allan Rey Camata, Paolo won the Environment/ Alvarez and Randy Villaflor Disaster Preparedness Category. The material THERE iS NO stopping the City Government in placing Naga City on was prepared by the same the country’s sports map. Under the leadership of Mayor John Bongat, it group of NCSHS students has committed itself to vigorously conducting and supporting big sports under the guidance of the programs in the City such as fun runs, marathons, boxing, football, etc. abovementioned teacher- aimed at promoting Naga as the regional center of sports. coaches. In the same category, the school bagged five awards for presenting another video blog, “Orgulyo kan Naga: Kinalas na Kakaiba.” The awards include: Best in Booth Exhibit, Travel and kiNalas. Visitors to the Science High School’s unique kinalas-themed booth are treated to a video blog Cuisine Category winner, about one of Naga’s most recognizable dishes. Best in Video Blog Site Design and Layout, Booth was prepared by students Edmaren its entry “Si Ina, Debosyon sa Halawig na Exhibit Texter’s Choice Padua, Ma. Christine Joyce De Vera, Panahon” which showcased the Bicolanos’ and the Grand Champion Allen Roi Cledera, Janica Intia, Madel love for Ina. This entry was awarded as award. Alacar, Robert Louie Beriña, Vernon the Grand Champion in the final judging. The school also Carandang and teacher-coaches Joretze In 2010, the NCSHS presented received Php110,000 worth Carandang, Catherine Ramos and Nelia two entries: “Tigsik: Pagsalingoy sa of cash prizes for the three Hernandez. Lengwaheng Bikolnon” and “Mike Padua: entries. In 2009, the school was adjudged Pag-Asa kan Naga.” Both entries qualified The “Kinalas” entry overall champion in the competition with as category winners.

28 | Naga SMILES | Vol. 2 No. 1 Naga SMILES | Vol. 2 No. 1 | 29 The City’s Chief Executive activities that will encourage people the river in the life, history and Panlungsod, and international expressed optimism that sports to be more involved in physical culture of the Nagueño. The event boxing promoter Johnny Elorde. events will be elevated from mere wellness activities and as an effect, is expected to mobilize more than Dubbed as Boxing Kontra Droga, crowd-drawers to a way of life for boost Naga’s local and international 3,000 “defenders of the river” to it was the first boxing title bout Nagueños with the creation of the tourism”. raise awareness and funds for the held in the region. Laurente, who Sports Development Office under Recent studies conducted by an Naga River Revitalization Project landed in the world ratings after the new Education, Scholarships and internationally known credit card and the flagship environmental, six successful outings in America, Sports Office. company has shown Filipinos as the cultural, economic, and mostly in the undercard of Manny With the growing wellness craze most charitable people in Asia, a tourism program of the Bongat Pacquiao, won the welterweight gripping the country, Naga was host possible reason why cause-oriented administration aptly called “Salog title with a breathtaking sixth round to no less than 12 fun runs from fun runs and sports events like the kan Buhay”. knockout of former Philippine January to March of this year. The 1st Naga City Run, a special fun run Meanwhile, to promote Naga as champion Dondon Sultan. runs were organized and sponsored organized by the City Hall Athletes Southern Luzon’s Boxing Capital, Boxing aficionados can expect by the City’s civic organizations Maintenance Programs and Services Naga City successfully staged another round of hard punching and participated not only by (CHAMPS), managed to gather no and hosted the RP Welterweight events and converge once more at the Nagueños but also people from less than a thousand runners to help Championship fight between Naga City Coliseum this September other parts of the region in search feed and bring joy to more than 700 Dennis Laurente and Dondon in time for the Peñafrancia Festivities of plain physical fitness activities or underprivileged children last March Sultan at the Naga City Coliseum as Mayor Bongat starts negotiating charitable causes. For this reason, 6. last March 5. Preparations for with international boxing promoters Mayor Bongat issued Proclamation On April 16, together with the the title bout kicked off with the to bring international championship No. 2, Series of 2011 declaring Archdiocese of Caceres, the City will approval of the Memorandum fights to Naga. the City of Naga as the Fun Run again another event dubbed “Run of Agreement between the City Capital of the South “to encourage for Naga River,” aimed at increasing Government, represented by Mayor more organizations, to host similar awareness on the importance of Bongat, along with the Sangguniang

30 | Naga SMILES | Vol. 2 No. 1 Naga SMILES | Vol. 2 No. 1 | 31 agreement, the City Government and the PDEA will implement joint programs and activities City sets measures aimed at reducing and preventing drug use in Naga. vs. drug use, abuse The City Government’s drug abuse programs have also taken root at the barangay level thru the creation of BADACs at the various barangays. To equip barangay officials with fuLL SuPPOrt. (above) City and barangay officials, as well as the PNP, represented the proper knowledge and skills by City Director P/S Supt. Vert Chavez pledge full support to the City Government’s to handle drug-related issues anti-drug efforts thru the BADAC. (below) DILG Regional Director Blandino Maceda swears in the members of the Naga City Dangerous Drugs Board, which is led by in their communities, the Drug Mayor Bongat. Board held a specialized training seminar with resource persons from the DILG, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency and the NCPO. The judiciary, the Prosecutor’s Office, Liga ng mga Barangay and the Sangguniang Kabataan Federation to name a few are active members of the Drug Board.

allies. Mayor John G. Bongat, city councilors Raoul Rosales and Nene De Asis, and City Health Officer Dr. Butch Borja listen intently to discussions by PDEA and police officials on drug-related issues. iN A CONCERTED MEASuRES TO HELP ERADICATE DRuG DISTRIBuTION IN NAGA EFFORT TO AND OFFER HELP TO FAMILIES AND VICTIMS OF DRuG uSE AND ABuSE deter would-be criminals riding on Words | Alec Santos Photographs | Jose Collera CheCkpoints, motorcycles from

iN A MOVE DESiGNED abuse. Housed at the Naga City Drug Board convened a meeting preying on victims TO provide a holistic and Youth Center, the Drug Board is of representatives from various new poliCe in Naga, the City comprehensive system of the City Government’s primary universities and colleges in Government, the addressing drug abuse in Naga, arm in implementing its anti- Naga to forge a partnership to station up, the City Government reorganized drug abuse programs. It also sets volunteer counsellors. Naga City Police the Naga City Dangerous Drug the agenda for the rehabilitation A Memorandum of Office (NCPO), the Board and the Barangay Anti- of drug abuse victims. Agreement was also signed Public Safety Office Drug Abuse Council (BADAC), The LIFE counselling by Mayor Bongat, acting as crime as well as established the Life center was originally conceived the NCDDB Chairman, and (PSO) and barangay Improvement through Friendly by Mayor Bongat during his Philippine Drug Enforcement governments set up Education (LIFE) counselling first term as a city councilor to Agency (PDEA) Regional roving checkpoints center. address the need for counselling Director Archie Grande down and “chokepoints” Mayor John G. Bongat says and rehabilitation of drug to further strengthen the Words | Alec Santos that these measures will help users. Users can also call in partnership between the City Photographs | Randy Villaflor and starting December eradicate drug distribution in their concerns with trained Government and PDEA in the Naga City Police Office Naga and offer help to families counsellors ready to offer advice. fight against drug trafficking last year. and victims of drug use and Recently, Mayor Bongat and the and drug abuse. Under the

32 | Naga SMILES | Vol. 2 No. 1 Naga SMILES | Vol. 2 No. 1 | 33 THE CITY GOVERNMENT STRENGTHENED ITS EFFORTS TO APPREHEND AND DETER CRIMINALS. THE TEAMS ARE COMPOSED MAINLY OF POLICEMEN AND PEACE OFFICERS FROM THE CONCERNED BARANGAYS.

Pre-empting calls for intensifi ed its eff orts to apprehend and deter 10 PM to 4 AM the next day, has crime prevention measures, criminals. Th e teams are composed succeeded in drastically reducing Bridging the information gap Mayor John G. Bongat issued a mainly of policemen and peace home invasions. strong message against criminals offi cers from the concerned Th e City Government has also thru Executive Order 2010-031, barangays. Within a week aft er the decided to add a new police station ordering daily, simultaneous, start of the random checkpoints, to address the needs of a growing and unannounced checkpoints robbery incidents involving population. Recognizing the urgent and chokepoints across the city. motorcycle-riding criminals need for a more eff ective and Exercising the power of supervision virtually disappeared. responsive police force, city offi cials over PNP units in Naga, Mayor In addition to the checkpoints, led by Mayor Bongat pushed for the Bongat directed the NCPO and Mayor Bongat also instructed the creation of the new station and the PSO, in coordination with barangay strict implementation of the Curfew establishment of a police outpost at tanods, to conduct the checkpoints. Ordinance to deter minors involved the Metro Naga Sports Complex as Responding to public clamor, in home robberies and theft . Th e a security measure for residents in the City Government strengthened curfew, which takes eff ect from upland barangays. Naga eyes Barangay-based survey to pre-empt problems

Words | Alec Santos crYStAL cLEAr. Myra Revilla of Bombo Radyo Naga, a member of the Naga City Hall Press Corps, interviews Mayor PREPARATiONS are in full swing for the understanding of the current socio- Bongat as DWNX’s Mike Marfega and City Government’s latest program to survey economic status of Naga’s citizens. He adds DWOS’ Roy San Ramon, the Press “By ensuring Corps’ president and vice president households and families to address future that this will help city offi cials formulate respectively, look on. problems. appropriate programs and projects to that the City CITIZENS OF NAGA can expect to hear about the Offi cially called “Community-Based address the needs of constituents. Government Monitoring System” (CBMS), the survey Complying with Department of has accurate latest news faster, better, and clearer with a is a recent scientifi c approach to evaluate Interior and Local Government (DILG) households in the City to better guide city Memorandum Circular 2004-152, the City and updated stronger City Hall Press Corps. offi cials in preparing the right programs Government is already in the process of information on our and projects. Based on the principle of training interviewers and acquiring the people participation, which has been Naga’s soft ware to be used in the CBMS. With constituents and trademark as a leading example of good technical guidance from -based their status, we Words | Alec Santos governance, CBMS will feature indicators, experts, Naga is expected to complete its can come up with Photographs | Randy Villafl or comprehensive information, and well- survey by the second week of June. maintained databanks in order to identify Mayor Bongat reiterated the need for a more effective Upon the creation of the Media factors that aff ect the Nagueños’ way of life. more comprehensive survey methodology, economic and Relations Center by Mayor John G. and camaraderie of the various media Bongat with former City Councilor Joe personalities objectively covering and Mayor John G. Bongat issued Executive saying that “By ensuring that the City social programs,” Order 2011-002 last January 30, paving Government has accurate and updated Grageda as Media Relations Offi cer, reporting signifi cant projects and news- the way for the City Government, under information on our constituents and their says Mayor John the presence and eff ectivity of the Naga worthy activities of the City Government its iServe program, to prepare for the status, we can come up with more eff ective Bongat. City Hall Press Corps can be manifestly have been realized. city-wide surveys. Nicolas Motos, Jr., economic and social programs. Th e CBMS felt in practically all the activities and Every Monday morning, aft er the fl ag iServe program coordinator, believes that will also help us allocate the right resources projects of the Naga City Government. ceremony at City Hall, radio reporters, the CBMS will allow for more accurate to serve the right people in the right order As originally envisioned in its By-Laws, television anchors and cameramen and data, which in turn will yield a better of priorities.” which was formalized recently, the unity writers from the print media converge

34 | Naga SMILES | Vol. 2 No. 1 Naga SMILES | Vol. 2 No. 1 | 35 at the Mayor’s offi ce for the coordinated to serve the best showing that transparency is “Meet the Press” with Mayor interest of the general public. ever present in all City Hall Bongat. During this occasion, Th e corps members are also transactions and activities. a no-holds-barred dialogue aware that equal consideration In addition to the Press takes place where the members should be given to their Corps, the City Government of the Press Corps familiarize rights and privileges as well still retains its weekly radio themselves with the latest as their obligations. Among program “An Naga Ngonian” news from City Hall and even the privileges, the members every Saturday morning at prominent issues are clarifi ed. can offi cially represent the RMN-DWNX. Pressing issues as Th e Mayor and the leadership organization in all legal well as suggestions are discussed of the Media Center regularly conferences and activities in detail by radio anchor Joe emphasize to media that Press attended by other media Grageda. Mayor Bongat, for his Corps members are free to practitioners, use the facilities part, has never shied away from impartially, objectively and of the City Government, interviews, with most, if not all intelligently discuss or write particularly the Media Relations mediamen aware of his contact about the issues confronting Center, in connection with numbers and whereabouts, City Hall and its offi cials, offi cial functions and formally proving that the public’s right to considering all sides of even the present suggestions to the City information plays a crucial role latest news items. Constructive Government regarding public in creating a truly “Maogmang criticism is likewise most matters. Naga,” and making his brand of welcome. According to Mayor Bongat, governance closer to the people. Holding the reigns of the the creation of the Media Naga City Hall Press Corps Relations Offi ce as well as the leadership is Mike Marfega of strengthening of the Press Corps RMN-DWNX who makes sure is his administration’s way of that the varying personalities of the members are happily

faith. A photo montage shows some of the many faiths and religious institutions that play a crucial role in the life and future of Nagueños. aCCordinG To Mayor BonGaT, The CreaTion of The Media relaTionS offiCe aS Well aS The STrenGTheninG of The preSS CorpS iS hiS Words | Alec Santos in all CiTy hall TranSaCTionS and aCTiViTieS. Photographs | Randy Villafl or the proclamation is in line with programs and projects to better adMiniSTraTion’S Way of ShoWinG ThaT TranSparenCy iS eVer preSenT the City’s Vision Statement of address social and moral issues. RECOGNiZiNG THE promoting a culture of “responsible Th e local chief executive also says SiGNiFiCANT ROLE and God-fearing Nagueños”. that the Ecumenical Council will AND contribution of the Th e creation of an Ecumenical be instrumental in forming the Council is also expected to social and civic consciousness various faiths in Naga to consolidate eff orts of the diff erent of Naga’s youth thru its strong the development of the faiths in dealing with various social infl uence. City and its people, Mayor issues aff ecting health, livelihood, As the City’s partner in John G. Bongat has called families, and environmental helping mold young Nagueños to on religious leaders to form conservation. Mayor Bongat become more civic-oriented and stresses that opinions and socially responsible citizens, the an Ecumenical Council to recommendations voiced by Ecumenical Council will rely on advise the City Government the Ecumenical Council will the government, the faiths, and the on moral and social matters. play a major part in the future civic sector’s collective community decisions and policies of the City obligation. In a landmark executive Government. “Th e City Government MESSENgErS. Media Relations Offi cer issuance contained in With the present national will wholeheartedly support Jose Grageda (far right) attends to Press Corps members during one of Proclamation No. 2011-001, administration pursuing numerous the Council achieve its goal of the many regular press conferences dated January 26, Mayor Bongat Public and Private Partnerships becoming a major infl uence on with Mayor Bongat at the City Mayor’s Offi ce. eff ectively recognizes the valuable (PPP), Mayor Bongat believes that the moral fi ber of Naga’s citizens, role of religious institutions in the City Government also needs especially the youth, for a better promoting moral and social values. to engage religious institutions and brighter Maogmang Naga”, According to the chief executive, in order to improve and develop says Mayor Bongat.

36 | Naga SMILES | Vol. 2 No. 1 Naga SMILES | Vol. 2 No. 1 | 37 Excellence Award for Nagueños journalism in 1991. according to Mr. J. antonio who have brought singular Nomination forms and amparado, chairperson honor, recognition and positive other related documents may of this year’s search impact to the city by the award be obtained from the Mayoral and a Distiguished given him/her at the national or Awards Secretariat, Office of the Mayoral awardee himself, international level, such as Bar and Sangguniang Panlungsod, tel. nominees will be evaluated Board topnotchers, and winners no. (054) 472-7919 during office based on their personal in national sports and other hours, or may be downloaded from qualifications and moral competitions. the City’s official website, www. integrity, quality of According to Mr. J. Antonio naga.gov.ph, where details of the service and degree of Words | Allen Reondanga Amparado, chairperson of this awards are provided. commitment, and extent Artwork | Stephen V. Prestado year’s search and a Distiguished Winners will be conferred of involvement in socio- Mayoral Awardee himself, their respective awards and civic affairs and impact of NAGA iS ONCE again looking for model citizens to nominees will be evaluated based corresponding prizes on the project/activity. be conferred the distinction of being proclaimed as on their personal qualifications occasion of Naga’s 63rd Charter and moral integrity, quality of Day celebration on June 18, 2011. this year’s Mayoral Awardees. service and degree of commitment, and extent of involvement in socio- The City Mayoral Awards civic affairs and impact of project/ Committee launched the 2011 search activity. for Mayoral Awardees last January 25 Since its establishment in 1940, during Mayor John G. Bongat’s State the search has honored Nagueños of the City Report as part of the City’s who have made a real difference annual program that pays tribute to in Naga. Among those conferred Nagueños “who have distinguished with the Mayoral Award are Msgr. themselves by their exemplary Leonardo Z. Legazpi, O.P. D.D. achievements in various fields of (1999) for his contributions to endeavor and thus contributed the socio-political and spiritual positive enhancement to the city’s growth of the City, Dr. Dolores growth, honor, and glory”. Sison (1999), President of the Four categories comprise the University of Nueva Caceres for Awards: 1) the Distinguished Mayoral education and public service, Award for outstanding performance, nationally renowned cartoonist achievement or service for at least ten and Animahenasyon Awardee years, 2) Special Mayoral Citation, Roque “Roxlee” Lee for film- for achievement or service for at least making and political cartooning in five years, 3) Mayoral Recognition, 1992, the late Senator for extraordinary acts of heroism, for Public Service, and Philippine valor, and civic duty, including act of Daily Inquirer columnist Conrado honesty worth emulating, and 4) City De Quiros for literature and

38 | Naga SMILES | Vol. 2 No. 1 Naga SMILES | Vol. 2 No. 1 | 39 Free classes, Special Bienvenido livelihood trainings give hope to undergrads, poor in Santos section rises Sta. Cruz at Roco Library Words | Shiena M. Barrameda EDUCATiON continues to be Words | Jason B. Neola the primary concentration of Brgy. Sta. Cruz this year as more iN A FiTTiNG tribute to hymn “Heart of Bikol” during the and more impoverished members Bienvenido Nuqui Santos, term of then Mayor Vicente P. of the community are given free Bicolandia’s most illustrious Sibulo. education through its two mainstream literary icon, the City Government The special section at the HiStOric. Linking two areas of the City, the Tabuco bridge also serves as a connection between Naga’s rich history and bright future. programs. of Naga established a special library will contain Santos’ Lorenzo Narvaez, Punong section at the Raul S. Roco Library various literary works and shall be Barangay of Sta. Cruz, said that tabuco Bridge to be re-christened that will display a wide array known as the BN Santos Special they are expecting more people of the author’s award-winning Collection. The collection of to graduate from their Alternative masterpieces, last March 14. works, although safely guarded, Learning System (ALS) program City Ordinance 2011-006, shall be conspicuously displayed and Accreditation and Equivalency authored by Councilor Nathan and readily accessible to the (A and E) classes. Both projects Puente de Claveria A. Sergio and approved by Mayor public. were organized with the help of the Words | Jason B. Neola John G. Bongat cites the late Bienvenido N. Santos, though Department of Education (DepEd) Photographs | Randy Villaflor Bienvenido N. Santos and his less known to most Nagueños here and the City Government under immense contribution to the today, is a true literary giant. He Mayor John G. Bongat. THE CiTy GOVERNMENT of Naga, pursuing its relentless campaign to promote literary world that, even after his won the Philippine Republic The A and E is geared towards providing the equivalent of primary and advance its rich history, culture and arts, as well as tourism and economy, is death in 1996, he remains to be Cultural Heritage Award for and secondary education for free an inspiration for budding literary Literature in 1965 and the very renaming the Spanish-built bridge that connects the old Ciudad de Caceres (the to over-aged residents and out-of- traditional central business district where the Naga City People’s Mall is located) and writers in the Bicol Region and prestigious Carlos Palanca school-youth, while the ALS is a elsewhere. Memorial Awards three times, in Pueblo de Tabuco, which used to be known as Naga’s version of Chinatown. program which provides trainings and Santos, a pride of Naga City 1956, 1961 and 1965. seminars to participants interested in The bridge, unofficially referred to as Spanish surnames called “Catalogo Alfabeto who taught at the University of On top of these, he was learning livelihood skills like cooking, Tabuco Bridge, shall now be known as Puente de de Apellidos” from where the natives could Nueva Caceres where he also conferred scholarships, grants baking, hair science, manicure- Claveria by virtue of City Ordinance 2011-005 henceforth select their surnames. served as Dean of the Liberal Arts and honorary doctorate degrees pedicure, dress-making and bag- which was authored by City Councilor Nathan Councilor Sergio stressed that renaming Department from 1962-1969, was by prestigious universities in the making. A. Sergio and approved by Mayor John G. the bridge as Puente de Claveria and adopting widely acclaimed even beyond Philippines and abroad. Narvaez stated that they have Bongat. its original architectural design will showcase Philippine soil for his masterpiece His rare collection of also partnered with non-government organizations from countries like The new name pays tribute to Narciso Naga’s history as well as the people’s culture and Scent of an Apple which won the award-winning literary works Japan for individual workshops under Claveria y Zaldua, who served as Spanish arts, thereby enhancing tourism and economic American Book Award in 1980. includes five novels, five short This honor distinguished him as stories, two books of poetry, two the ALS. Governor-General in the Philippines from July development. one of the best Filipino writers in autobiographical books and two Meanwhile, Narvaez stated 16, 1844 until December 26, 1849. The ordinance tasks the City Planning and English. volumes of letters. that students under the A and E are Historical research shows that the natives Development Office and the City Engineer’s The dedication of a special “The ordinance emphasizes entitled to a diploma once they have and the Spaniard settlers of then Ciudad de Office to oversee the implementation of the completed the modules. Aside from section at the Raul S. Roco Library that by making Santos’ collection the free education, students of the A Caceres had proposed to name the bridge in architectural design of Puente de Claveria. An (Naga City Library) highlights readily accessible to the public, honor of the governor-general and even prepared appropriate marker shall also be installed at the and E are also entitled to free school the thrust of the present city Naga will continue to be a veritable supplies provided by the barangay. the architectural design for that bridge that spans re-christened bridge. administration to put emphasis and fertile ground for literary the old Spanish settlement to Pueblo de Tabuco The ordinance further enjoins the On the other hand, Narvaez on Naga’s culture and arts, writers,” Mayor Bongat said. confirmed that his barangay has which lies across the Naga River. Department of Public Works and Highways and in a singular way – albeit The Bicolano icon of introduced control measures on Governor-General Claveria decreed in to recognize the bridge’s official name and to posthumously – honor the man, literature marked his 100th birth its soft loan program for the time November 11, 1849 that all Filipino natives consider the architectural design in the future not only for giving pride to the anniversary on March 22, 2011 in being due to outstanding balances of shall adopt Spanish surnames and, to that effect, repairs, improvement or reconstruction of city, but importantly for writing a simple but meaningful ceremony constituents who borrowed money distributed all over the archipelago a book of Puente de Claveria. the lyrics of the City’s official at the Raul S. Roco Library. used for capital in small businesses.

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Covered San Francisco sees ‘paminta’ Channelling Charity basketball court LETTERS OF GRATITUDE to rise in abella as potential OBOP sent to Mother Joan Claire Chin Loy of the Missionaries BARANGAy Abella is planning to of the Poor capture the move their thriving vegetable and joy felt by recipients of medicinal garden to another location in order to give way to a proposed covered wheelchairs donated thru basketball court to be constructed just Mayor John G. Bongat and beside the barangay hall. Naga’s First Lady, Ms. Farah Apolinario Malana, Punong Barangay, said that such a shift Bongat. is expected to establish a visible development in the fi eld of sports for the residents of the barangay, which will also serve as alternative venue for barangay assemblies and aff airs. facade. The St. Francis of Assisi parish church dominates the skyline of Barangay San Th e offi cial also stated that the Francisco. project will be benefi cial especially to the youth sector which the local government is encouraging to engage more in various Words | Shiena M. Barrameda sports activities to steer them away from Photograph | Bong Bajo negative activities that might lead them iN LiNE with the City Government’s the project will also be subsidized astray. Kagawad Teodelito Pangan of prime objective of encouraging using the P10,000 cash prize that was the rise of local enterprises at the awarded to their women’s group in Former Congressman James Abella said that the council is already Jacob and Mayor Bongat readying the layout plan and documents barangay level, the urban barangay of recent contests organized by the City for the covered court which will then be San Francisco is now looking at the of Naga. personally handed over a presented to the City Government for possibility of cultivating “paminta” or “We are such a small barangay,” wheelchair to Antonio Eleazar approval and support. So far, Pangan pepper as its primary product under Sanchez said. Th e majority of of San Felipe, a stroke victim. confi rmed that barangay offi cials are still the “One Barangay, One Product” residents are only transients, Mayor and Ms. Bongat also (OBOP) program initiated by Mayor mostly students and workers trying to determine the dimensions of delivered a wheelchair to 5 year the new court in order to maximize the John G. Bongat and more popularly staying in boarding houses and remaining area around the garden. known as “Barangay GROW apartments. “We do not have enough old Angel Mae Febres of San Meanwhile, the vegetable and Negosyo” in relation to the urban funding for our programs because Isidro, who is stricken with medicinal garden which has provided agriculture thrust of the City. we collect very little revenue. Now, Cerebral Palsy. free food and assistance to poor families Punong Barangay Tomas Ramon with this OBOP, we might be able to within the village will be moved across Sanchez said that the Barangay augment our fund.” the street from its present location. Council is already in the process of Paminta is one of the essential On another note, Malana has also discussing this possibility in sessions ingredients in cooking. It is confi rmed that the two-storey building that would ultimately pave the rarely left out of Filipino recipes being constructed next to the garden way for the passage of a barangay which, according to Sanchez, is reserved for persons with disability ordinance that would enable the ensures Brgy. San Francisco of a (PWDs) and senior citizens of the village to ask for assistance from the defi nite market once it has started barangay. Th e edifi ce will house offi ces for City Government thru its Agriculture cultivating paminta as its OBOP. the two special sectors using barangay Offi ce towards the realization of such On the other hand, Sanchez funds in line with the recently passed program. confi rmed that the food stalls, locally Ordinance No. 2010-066, authored Although still a proposal, the called “Face the Wall”, which has by Councilor Nathan Sergio, which village chief has already expressed made his village famous for many mandates all 27 villages of the City of enthusiasm over the idea as it would years now continue to be the main Naga to allocate no less than two percent help San Francisco generate more source of income for San Francisco, of their budget for PWDs and senior income in the future. contributing a total of P394,200 in citizens. (Shiena M. Barrameda) Th e Punong Barangay stated that revenues in 2010. 42 | Naga SMILES | Vol. 2 No. 1 Vision-impaired Felix P. Chavez, 27, seeking additional facilities like the DAISY says he has many reasons to be grateful educational audio textbooks, Braille to God and the people who initiated and encoder, JAWS computer-based research operate the Naga City Resource Center for software and other special equipment and Wishing to expand the Blind which he considers as his new assistive devices with the Rotary Matching further the services home because everyone in the Center’s Grant Committee chaired by Rotarian Earl of the Center, Mayor four corners treat each other as family. Harris. The center admits those with poor As early as 2009, the Rotary Club Bongat is seeking vision or who are totally blind to avail of Naga-Camarines Sur and the Rotary additional facilities themselves of its facilities, free of charge, International District 3820 thru its like the daiSy to harness and develop their potentials Matching Grant Committee donated an educational audio and become productive just like ordinary audio room cum recording apparatus. textbooks, Braille persons. The Center is also equipped with encoder, JaWS A regular BS Psychology student at computers bearing zoom text software the University of Nueva Caceres, Felix that allows a person with poor vision to computer-based considers the Center as a key facility that see what is on the monitor by having the research software enables him to complete his research characters and elements on the screen and other special works independent of any assistance from enlarged 16 times. The same technology equipment and others. He is joining this year’s graduating also carries devices with speech capability. assistive devices with students. Other than being WIFI-ready, the The Center, the first of its kind in Center has a scanner that is attached to the rotary Matching Southern Luzon, was established on April one of the computer units wherein a blind Grant Committee 13, 2009, through the initiative of then person can place reading materials and chaired by rotarian Mayor Jesse Robredo who hails from a have the items read aloud or displayed in earl harris. family with a history of visual impairment. large fonts by the machine.

Words | Jason B. Neola Photographs | Randy Villaflor

The eyes may not be OPPOrtuNitiES. Visually- Other than having acquired the latest Among the Center “habitués” are challenged citizens expressive enough but the of Naga face greater version of Job Access with Speech 10 individuals from different age brackets possibilities for their future smiles on his face cannot (JAWS 10) computers from the Robredos who have either lost their vision due to because of the complete equipment and facilities and the Rotary Club of Naga-Camarines age-related illnesses or first grade pupils of the Center. hide the joy and feeling Sur, the visually challenged individuals and teenagers who have been visually- of being inspired since he who avail of the center’s facilities are also impaired since birth. grateful to incumbent Mayor John G. Officer-in-Charge Tess M. Domer said found himself “embracing NEW HOrizONS. Bongat who continues to encourage them that the Center is also offering training Naga’s Resource “to reach for their utmost capabilities” and counseling to clients who wish to life to the fullest” at the Center for the Blind, the first of its kind in even as he assures them of his unwavering achieve personal growth and develop center that cares for those Southern Luzon, gives support to provide the resources the their potentials. Domer said counseling visually-challenged center needs for its sustenance and also involves breaking down fears, Bicolanos the like him who are physically chance to realize upkeep. misconceptions and overprotection being their full potential Wishing to expand further the unwittingly perpetrated by members of challenged. and transform services of the Center, Mayor Bongat is the visually-impaired’s own families. dreams into reality.

44 | Naga SMILES | Vol. 2 No. 1 Naga SMILES | Vol. 2 No. 1 | 45 tHE futurE. Naga’s youth have a lot to smile about with the planned improvement of the EduCare program.

MOLdiNg tHE futurE. teachers take time off EduCarewith their students during a visit to Naga City Ecology Park.

MAYOr JOHN bONgAt (center) receives the prestigious GAPAS award from DSWD Sec. Dinky Soliman (second from left). They are flanked by (from left) Usec. Celia Yangco, CSWD Head Jimmy Top-notch Reblando and EduCare SEcONd HOME. Division Head Elsie educational facilities ensure a Romano. bright future for Naga’s youth.

last January 26 during the awarding Elsie Romano, head of the program, ceremony at the DSWD National Office confirmed that they will now accept in Batasan Hills, . The younger children aged three into their 72 award was given in connection with the EduCare Centers all over the city. 60th Anniversary Celebration of the said “This Summer, our 84 teachers will agency. undergo special training in order to equip The said honor was given to the EduCare them with the proper attitude and skills in program of the City for its exceptional dealing with this younger group,” Romano education course for children ages three and said. a half to six years. The program was initially Romano stated that annual trainings designed to assist working mothers in for teachers are commonplace under the AFTER ALMOST TWO decades balancing their jobs and their children’s early EduCare program as a form of refresher to of providing basic quality education by entrusting them to the care of further enhance their teaching styles. Mayor competent preschool teachers, continuously Bongat has also instructed the EduCare education to young Nagueños, trained by the LGU. head to prepare a system of accreditation the Naga City EduCare Program The program combines the Montessori to classify Educare Centers and provide reaped its highest award yet earlier system of teaching and traditional day- opportunities to improve existing services care education where children are taught and facilities. this year. to read, write and count while honing their “Aside from the adjustment of the interpersonal skills by immersing them in children’s age, we have also decided to The EduCare program of Naga playful social activities. inject a more academic approach to our was the only one in the entire This year, in line with Mayor John G. sessions. This is in order to further prepare Philippines awarded the GAPAS Words | Shiena M. Barrameda Bongat’s directive to enhance the capabilities them for formal education,” Romano added. Photographs | Randy Villaflor and EduCare Division (Gawad Paglilingkod Award) of Naga’s early childhood education system, These developments on the Naga City as a Model Local Government Naga EduCare is preparing its teachers and EduCare Program shall be implemented this Implementing Day-Care Service facilities for younger students. coming school year, which starts in June. 46 | Naga SMILES | Vol. 2 No. 1 Naga SMILES | Vol. 2 No. 1 | 47 StONEHOuSE gArdENS rESOrt, NAgA bASiLicA MiNOrE, NAgA

MiLAOr

Pasacao NaGa aND SURRoUNDiNG municipalities can expect to see cArAMOAN PArAdiSE. LGU members of Metro Naga, an area teeming with tourism attractions, are set stronger economies with the effective implementation of metro Naga to enjoy stronger economies and balanced development with the start of a Metro Naga development council’s (mNdc) plan to anchor growth and progress Development Council-led growth package. on tourism.

Words | Alec Santos Photographs | Bong Bajo, Yon Layosa, RS Rosales, Austyn Jed, and Romulus Rueda

MNDC Chairman Naga City Mayor major destinations in the province. John G. Bongat expressed optimism over Under the program, LGU members MALAbSAY fALLS, NAgA the latest plans to help boost economic will initially undergo capacity building development in the MNDC alliance’s 13 to develop existing resources with the calls for the gathering of reliable data AVENuE PLAzA HOtEL, NAgA LGU members through the expansion of objective of establishing tourism-friendly to guide the alliance in planning and local tourism industries. destinations. LGUs are expected to decision-making. In December of last year, upon develop their local tourism industries and Planned activities must be in instructions of MNDC Chair Bongat, enterprises to match the rise in tourist place at the start of the second year as MNDC Executive Director Sieglinde arrivals. LGUs are expected to develop their own tourism attractions Bulaong, together with Bula Mayor The first phase will focus on to complement major tourism destinations in the province Benjamin Decena, and Daniel de Leon “Standardizing”, promoting the goals of the during the remaining two years of the program. of the Bicol Regional Tourism Council, program to LGU members and developing Based on the national government’s thrust of Public- presented the program’s strategy paper to a their mindset to harmonize expectations Private Partnerships, the program will encourage the infusion panel from the Local Government Support and plans. After accomplishing this, of investments by local businesses into tourism facilities. Program for Local Economic Development Bulaong says that the next step is to share LGU members will also be encouraged to establish Tourist (LGSP-LED) in a bid to secure assistance. resources among members to help spur Assistance Centers in their localities. The MNDC program was one of five LGUs ideas and local programs for tourism The MNDC believes that the long-term benefits include and alliances chosen by the panel out of development. The last stage involves additional employment opportunities for frontline tourism eleven that vied for the support. supporting development opportunities of enterprises. It is also expected to generate jobs for suppliers of According to Bulaong, the program is the members’ local tourism industries. local products, as well as tourism support services. expected to help balance economic growth The MNDC expects full MNDC Chairman Mayor Bongat says that the LED plan in the MNDC area, making the most of implementation of the program in three plays a crucial role in ensuring balanced economic growth in Naga and Camarines Sur’s status as a top years’ time. The first year, says Bulaong, Metro Naga. tourism destination in the country. At the will be the preparatory stage. During this “LGU members of MNDC deserve balanced economic end of the program’s implementation, the period, LGU members, as well as private growth and development. This program will be at the MNDC expects municipalities to develop stakeholders, will be convened under an forefront of ensuring that we achieve the goal of a more tourism attractions to complement existing MNDC Tourism Board. The program also cohesive and progressive Metro Naga”, Mayor Bongat says.

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Naga has now joined the ranks of well-known cities like , Bacolod, and Baguio. As a premiere tourist destination city, Naga has become a household name. In fact, the number of national conventions, conferences, seminars, and exhibitions are on the rise. So, what’s Naga’s secret?

UNcoNveNtioNal. Visitors can experience more than the usual in Naga, the Smack right in the middle of the City’s strengths and opportunities. gateway to Bicol. Bicol peninsula, the City of Naga is The influx of visitors naturally considered the center of commerce, led to a rise in demand for quality education, culture, history, and accommodation. Enterprising religion south of Manila. An urban Nagueños, with the help of a business- miracle in itself, Naga has managed friendly City Government saw this to survive three centuries of Spanish golden opportunity and encouraged rule, half a century of American the construction of hotels, inns, colonization, and the harrowing lodging houses, and resorts to meet battles of the Second World War. the ever-growing demand. Visitors to Naga usually react with Naga’s close proximity to disbelief whenever they learn that Camarines Sur Watersports Complex, Naga’s population is a mere 160,000 the beaches of Caramoan, majestic

Words | Alec Santos (2007). Of course, being the economic volcano, and the butanding Naga’s close Photographs | Stephen Prestado, Yon Layosa, capital of Bicol, this population (whalesharks) of Donsol make it proximity to Avenue Plaza Hotel and Villa Caceres Hotel balloons to 300,000 in the daytime. the ideal place to start exploring Camarines Sur Add to these more than a million bountiful Bicol. This, combined with Watersports pilgrims who head to Naga every the excellent hotel and convention September during the Peñafrancia facilities have transformed Naga into Complex, the Festival as well as the million and a a “Convention City”, as coined by beaches of half tourists who flock to Naga and Mayor John G. Bongat. Caramoan, Camarines Sur year-round. From a handful of hotels in majestic Mayon Naga has now joined the ranks of the 1980s and 90s, Naga is now volcano, and well-known cities like Cebu, Bacolod, bristling with new hotels and resorts. the butanding and Baguio. As a premiere tourist Tourists and visitors who head to (whalesharks) destination city, Naga has become a the City can choose from a variety of of Donsol household name. In fact, the number accommodation options ranging from of national conventions, conferences, quaint inns, cozy bed and breakfast make it the seminars, and exhibitions are on lodges, to world-class boutique hotels ideal place to the rise. So, what’s Naga’s secret? along Magsaysay Avenue, Naga’s lively start exploring Apparently, it’s about balancing the entertainment district. bountiful Bicol.

50 | Naga SMILES | Vol. 2 No. 1 52 | Naga SMILES | Vol. 2 No. 1 Naga SMILES | Vol. 2 No. 1 | 53

cONVErgENcE. A wide variety of hotels and modern facilities make Naga the perfect place for conventions In 2009, a total of 53 national and volume of guests. and conferences. regional conventions, conferences, The City is also home to at least and seminars were conducted in the five (5) large convention centers that City, mostly organized by professional can accommodate up to a thousand associations and government agencies. delegates each. At last count, Naga has This number increased significantly in close to 1,400 hotel rooms. Aside from 2010, after Camarines Sur and Naga the spacious facilities, hotels also have posted a 48.75% increase in tourist more private venues for smaller events arrivals from 1,566,477 visitors in 2009 and activities like seminars, meetings, to 2,330,116 last year. and press conferences. Excellent The Department of Tourism also logistical and infrastructure support says that the tourism industry in Naga likewise add to Naga’s reputation as a City and Camarines Sur generated “Convention City”. Php1.36 Billion in revenues last year, Aside from the excellent facilities, thanks in part to large conventions Naga is often considered as the THE PHiLiPPiNES, and sporting events held in the City “Gateway to Bicol” because of its and the province. This year also marks strategic location as springboard a basketball-crazy On average, an important milestone with the to other exiting destinations. From country for decades, is hotels in Naga Philippine Advertising Congress slated the City, vacationing tourists and now starting to fall in enjoy a 70% to be held in Camarines Sur and Naga weary travellers can take side trips occupancy in November, besting favorites like to the pristine white sand beaches of love with another sport rate, which is Cebu, Boracay, and Baguio. Caramoan, experience the thrill of that has been around significantly high On average, hotels in Naga enjoy wakeboarding at CamSur Watersports for quite some time, but for cities and a 70% occupancy rate, which is Complex, swim with the gentle has enjoyed very little areas outside significantly high for cities and areas butanding giants of Donsol, surf the outside major urban areas like Metro Pacific waves of Camarines Norte, or patronage during the past major urban Manila and Cebu City. Compared to take in the sights of majestic Mayon years. areas like Metro similar-sized cities in Bicol and across Volcano. All these make Naga the Manila and the country, hotel rates are much place to be, drawing millions of excited Words | Shiena M. Barrameda Cebu City. cheaper in Naga because of the large and curious visitors to “Meet in Naga”. Photographs | Marion Briz, Randy Dagooc, Ignatius Football Group and ADNU-USI Football team 54 | Naga SMILES | Vol. 2 No. 1

Big leaPs. The rise of football in Naga gives the City’s athletes a reason to rejoice, especially with great support from the City Government.

Ferdinand Tuy, instructor the Holy Minor Seminary near the administration of Mayor will influence Kids will learn the and coach of the Ateneo de the Metropolitan Cathedral, the John G. Bongat, which is youth away Naga University-based Ignatius AdNU campus and the Metro the culminating activity that from these values of discipline, Football Group, sees the rise Naga Sports Complex. spinned off from the Sports negative activities respect and of the Azkals’ popularity in Tuy said that schools subsidize Coordinators Summit held at by teaching them international soccer football facilities used in the games and SM City Naga Activity Center important values that they patience. It will tournaments as a chance to even clothes that players use last February 28. could use in daily life. teach them how to “push their greatest passion except protectors, socks and shoes. The said meeting paved “Kids will learn the further into the limelight, into “Kids these days are very the way for the creation of the values of discipline, respect be competent and the attention of more youth lucky to have assistance from their Naga City Physical Fitness and patience. It will teach confident. It will and sports enthusiasts here in schools and the government. Back and Sports Council, which them how to be competent Naga City.” when my best friend and I were will be headed by no less than and confident. It will make make them into team “This is our chance,” Tuy kids at the Naga Parochial School, the Mayor himself. The next them into team players,” Tuy players. added. “We must make the we played barefoot in vacant lots summit is scheduled for April added. March of this year, the same most of this football craze to or football fields. Sometimes, or May, says Naga City Sports Mayor Bongat, for his complex also hosted the first promote our sport.” since we only have one pair of Coordinator Francis Barja. side, has assured the City ever Philippine Football Tuy, who has been playing shin protectors, we split the pair Said effort by the LGU is Government’s full support Federation-sanctioned football since his elementary between the two of us. It was just geared towards maximizing for football as well as other under-19 Southeast Luzon years, says that Bicolanos, lucky that I use my left foot while use of the underutilized Metro sports, saying that Naga has Eliminations, the under-23 particularly Nagueños, have he uses his right.” Naga Sports Complex. Aside the talents, the facilities, Suzuki Cup, and the open started showing interest in Right now, Tuy and his from football, sports and and the energy to sustain a category, where Fr. Pablo soccer football. According teammates in the AdNU alumni games like chess, boxing, productive sports program. Carpio’s (Atty. Anlu’s younger to Tuy, the sport has been football team are busy organizing basketball and volleyball are Starting last year, the Mayor brother) Naga-Camarines Sur around in Naga City and the Naga City United Football already listed on the program has allowed the Naga- teams emerged as champions Camarines Sur since the Club. The new organization slated towards strengthening Camarines Sur Football in the under-19, second in 1980s, starting with a few will then be registered under the campaign against Association headed by Atty. the open, and 3rd in the enthusiasts and players from the umbrella organization the prevailing crime and drug- Anlu Carpio to use the under-23. Ateneo de Naga University Philippine Football Association. abuse problems that are causes football field of the Metro The under-19 All-Luzon (AdNU), Universidad de Sta. In line with the LGU’s of constant concern for city Naga Sports Complex to Finals slated on April 26-29 Isabel, the Holy Minor and goal of transforming Naga City officials and parents. develop the talents of kids will likely be held in Naga Major Seminaries and other into a sports hub in Southern Tuy believes that football and youngsters in the sport. according to the Carpio schools within the province. Luzon, football enthusiasts are brothers. From then until now, gathering their efforts for a major teams from said institutions introduction of the sport into the make use of football fields in Sports Summit being prepared by Naga SMILES | Vol. 2 No. 1 | 55 Words and Music | Fortunato ‘Ton-ton’ Hernandez Interpretation | Andy Belmonte

FEBRUARY 11 Cultural night FEBRUARY 22 Closing prograM Banggi nin kultura naGa SMileS naga City Cultural | adnu | unC CSnhS naGa ColleGe perforMinG arTS night | peÑaranda | CSpC foundaTion FEBRUARY 18 park, leGazpi CiTy FEBRUARY 25

Highlighting Mayor John G. Bongat’s and and his administration’s efforts to preserve and promote Naga’s thriving arts and culture, a month-long series of cultural events was held with the participation of the City’s different schools and universities in line with the National Arts Month. Performance arts and cultural groups responded overwhelmingly to Mayor Bongat’s call for a joint celebration of Naga’s rich cultural heritage.

56 | Naga SMILES | Vol. 2 No. 1 Naga SMILES | Vol. 2 No. 1 | 57 Popularly hailed as “Kasurog kan Familia (Family Defender)”, Nene was first elected to the city council in 1998 where she earned the moniker “champion for the welfare of women and children, and strong family relations.”

SOULFUL REVOLUTiON. Donning colorful costumes and bright young smiles, performers from various schools and cultural groups converged at Plaza Quezon on all Fridays of February to showcase their talents in support of the National Arts Month, drawing large crowds and creating renewed interest in the arts. 24/7 public service CounCilor nene style

Words | Jason B. Neola Photographs | Randy Villaflor

“PUBLiC SERViCE iS A BOUNDLESS COMMiTMENT.” This is one of the standards that topnotch City Councilor Cecilia Veluz - De Asis puts into practice to ensure that her actions will not be hampered or get derailed by things she regards as inconsequential. She said: “Like any other government worker, I am duty- bound even beyond the eight- hour working time limit to respond expeditiously to calls of public service.”

58 | Naga SMILES | Vol. 2 No. 1 Naga SMILES | Vol. 2 No. 1 | 59 dYNAMic. A woman of many faces, Councilor Nene best exemplifies what a public servant should be.

In brief recollection, the Nene envisions a bright future Councilor Nene is currently Councilor said it was her for every Nagueño family the chairperson of the parents who taught her the because of the City Government’s Committees on Appropriations basics of public service. She campaign for strong family bond and on Family, Women and said a public servant has to be which she believes is the key to Gender Development. She also accommodating and sincere reducing the number of cases of co-chairs the Committees on at all times regardless of how domestic violence. Culture and the Arts/Tourism, big or small an action is being Among her landmark People Empowerment, Human demanded to be carried out. legislative measures are the Rights, and Children. Nene, as she is fondly called, ordinances penalizing domestic On the strength of executive began to learn the value and violence and providing issuances, the lady councilor nobility of public service since protective measures therefor, holds the chairmanship of the her grade school years when her creating the Naga City Council Project Monitoring Council. father, Silverio, was the town for Women, the declaration of She co-chairs the Naga City mayor of Del Gallego and when every March 8 to March 14 of the Nutrition Committee and the her mother, Lucy, succeeded year as Women’s Week, as well as Naga City Council for Women. him after he finished his term an ordinance directing hospitals She also serves as member and became provincial board in Naga City to identify a Pink of the City Development member. Crisis Center for Rape Victims, Council, Naga City Solid Waste Popularly hailed as “Kasurog and a resolution that calls upon Management Board, Naga kan Familia (Family Defender)”, all barangays in the city to create City Disaster Risk Reduction Nene was first elected to the city a separate committee on Family and Management Council, the council in 1998 where she earned and Women. Grievance Committee, Personnel the moniker “champion for the The councilor, during her Selection Board and the Naga welfare of women and children, first term, also worked for City AIDS Council. Words | Vice Mayor Gabriel Hidalgo Bordado and strong family relations.” the approval of an ordinance Being a topnotch councilor, Artwork | John Zoe Prestado She finished her 3-year implementing Foster Care for Councilor Nene takes over the and Stephen Prestado term in 2007 and was again Abused Children. functions of the Vice Mayor in Autobiographies can be As Bienvenido Nuqui barely alighting, and moves overwhelmingly reelected as It was during that time that the latter’s absence. Santos, acknowledged as on, turning over layers councilor in 2010 under the she began to spearhead the Despite her popularity, a bit tricky especially for one of the great Filipino upon layers of things past, Liberal Party, garnering the Bantay Familia, an organization Councilor Nene has managed writers who certainly have writers in English, wrote things completely forgotten. highest number of votes among that assists women and to retain her close ties with a way with words. They can in Memory’s Fictions: “Alas It has no discipline, no the candidates who ran for the children in crisis; and works ordinary Nagueños, making her burnish the past, embellish position, despite her long stay in for the prevention of household a well-respected and much-loved memory knows no logic, direction, no heart. It is the US. violence. She also initiated the public servant. it with buntings, suffuse it follows no definite patterns willful, with a mind of its As chairperson of the Naga construction of the Naga City with light and banter, or and tangents; memory is own and yet, every so often, City Bantay Familia, Councilor Women’s Crisis Center. delete it altogether. capricious, tarries at odd mindless.” moments or simply flits by, The book, which Santos

60 | Naga SMILES | Vol. 2 No. 1 Naga SMILES | Vol. 2 No. 1 | 61 dubbed as his personal history, away with practically anything. the top universities in the US. does sound, in some parts, as They were the colonizers and Aspiring writers will fiction, reminding one, rather succeeded well in appearing find comfort in the fact that subtly, of the author’s lofty and acting as our masters, notwithstanding his prodigious stature as a fiction writer. But playing God.” outputs, Santos, more often than this does not interfere with the Yet, the arrogance of his not, considered writing as a THE METRO NAGA flow of the narrative, allowing American mentor did not break daunting task saying that “feeling Chamber of Commerce Santos to share with the reader his spirit. Instead, it further is hardest to capture in words, and Industry (MNCCI) is “memory pieces” of his colorful strengthened his resolve to but when the words are there, pushing for the development life in a manner reminiscent write on. “I like to think Mrs. there is no ecstasy quite like it.” of ideal business landmarks of postprandial talks. Always Sage did something good for (A lady journalist would echo this self-effacing, he claimed that me—inspired me to write and pronouncement, describing the in poor communities as part “there is no puzzle beyond the keep writing, as if to prove process as “a virtual orgasm.” But of its anti-poverty advocacy. contradictions and enigmas of that indeed, we, Filipinos, can that will be another story!) In partnership with Trias, a any human life, just bits and write in English well enough to Despite his success in the US, Belgian development NGO, the pieces here and there that sum excel in the use of the language. Santos never forgot his roots. He Chamber aims to organize into up a life that happens to be I often tell my interviewers made regular visits to Tondo and his dynamic groups 16,000 micro- mine.” that Mrs. Sage was one of the wife’s hometown of , . entrepreneurs and marginalized According to Memory’s few who really inspired me He even accepted administrative farmers who are clients of Fictions, Santos could have to become a writer,” Santos posts in local universities, including micro-financing institutions, 950 been a boxer, probably not in summed up what could be the the University of Nueva Caceres traders, as well as 850 organic the mold of Manny Pacquiao defining moment of his life. (UNC) in Naga City. Occasionally, rice farmers in agrarian reform but of his professed idol Santos studied at the UP he also handled special courses at communities in Metro Naga. pre-war Oriental flyweight (still in Padre Faura then) the UP, his alma mater. Words | Jason B. Neola champion Joe Suzara, had it not where he met a Bicolana During the martial law years, his Photographs | Jose B. Collera, Randy Villaflor been for the timely intervention scholar named Beatriz Nidea novel “The Praying Man”, deemed and Stephen Prestado of a beautiful lady who talked who would become his wife. He to be a scathing commentary of him out of the bloody sport. He himself got a scholarship under corruption in the government, was also mentioned his American the government “pensionado” banned by the dictatorship. This teacher in English who publicly program. This gave him the did not deter him, however, from humiliated him, arrogantly opportunity to study in the pursuing what he termed as “the declaring that no Filipino could United States, albeit becoming only way I know to come closest ever write the composition he an exile during the war years. to the truth of what I feel life is all submitted to her. Gifted with a compelling a b out .” Of course, the incident command of the English As the nation marks the shook him to the core, language, Santos proved to centennial of Bienvenido Nuqui prompting him to write “What be a prolific writer, crafting Santos, the biggest honor one can I can’t recall is how the class award-winning novels, short give him is to read his literary took the insult, or exactly how I stories, and poems in a period masterpieces. And his “Memory’s felt, what the tears meant. How spanning more than half a Fictions” may well be a good start. could an insult like that to the century. At the same time, Filipino race be allowed to pass he won other scholarships, THE AUTHOR is the City Vice without a protest? In my own including the very prestigious Mayor of Naga City in Bicol. He way, I was protesting. My tears Guggenheim grant, paving the continues to handle the “Libro Para showed what I felt. That’s all. way for post-graduate studies Sa Futuro” (Books for the Future) In those days, Americans got and teaching stints at some of reading program.

62 | Naga SMILES | Vol. 2 No. 1 Naga SMILES | Vol. 2 No. 1 | 63 Mayor Bongat (third from left) instructs the City Engineer’s Office under Engr. Leon Palmiano (fourth from left) to chaNges. expand and improve sidewalks in Centro, paving the way for increased pedestrian traffic and an improved business climate.

More allies Chamber undertook some On the third and fourth development, operations, skills troubleshooting of its internal quarters, Imperial said Under the plan, and manpower trainings. system, specifically on its the Chamber will focus farmers, fisher folk and Philip T. Imperial said Imperial, however, clarified accounting and human resource on partnership expansion micro-entrepreneurs with that with the Other than the LED that the Chamber will not management that resulted in programs. will undergo capability- implementation of CorPlan project, MNCCI is also function as “parent company” the solution of problems on According to him, they building trainings and 2011, the Chamber through helping local entrepreneurs of MBCs “that will dictate them job specification and formal will accelerate the Chamber’s seminars to help them its effective business in different towns the things they have to do or compensation of workers. networking efforts to establish improve their earning linkages with other sectors comprising Metro Naga prioritize.” For the second quarter a strong advocacy for a more capabilities and livelihood of society expects to to organize themselves He said the Chamber’s of the year, the Chamber will vibrant business atmosphere in opportunities. register remarkable gains into Municipal Business role is to assist the MBCs in begin to identify unlicensed Naga and its environs. The long-term goal as an advocate of poverty Councils (MBCs). planning, organizing and business establishments in Naga He cited the story of is contained in the alleviation. The idea, based on the implementing their respective to encourage them to secure the Pecuaria Development Chamber’s corporate plan The MNCCI has been CorPlan, will pave the way entrepreneurial activities, Mayor’s Permits. Cooperative, Inc. (PDCI) for 2011 (CorPlan 2011) recognized as outstanding for the implementation of membership and governance Imperial said the campaign which was assisted by Trias and under its Local Economic chamber by the Philippine multifaceted activities that policies and procedures, aims to help address the the MNCCI in strengthening Development (LED) Chamber of Commerce will enliven business in including access to pro-poor problems brought about by its enterprise productivity, projects. and Industry (PCCI) for at least 14 municipalities micro-finance programs the “underground economy” managerial capabilities, and CorPlan 2011 lays three consecutive years, a surrounding the City of and assistance to expand that can also be traced to access to markets under its LED down the MNCCI’s feat that eventually earned Naga. commercial and alternative the operations of unlicensed projects. strategies and mechanisms for it its Hall of Fame Of 14 neighboring market relations. businesses in the City. The PDCI directs its efforts aimed at addressing key status. towns, the MNCCI, in He said they will also open to the promotion of organic business concerns. For two consecutive close coordination with ‘Underground economy’ the MNCCI membership to farming among agrarian The Plan also details years since 2008, MNCCI the respective municipal Imperial stressed that the these businessmen so that the reform beneficiaries and other other significant projects was adjudged Outstanding mayors, has already CorPlan also bears a mechanism Chamber can help them in their marginalized farmers. aimed at realizing a more Chamber in South Luzon. established eight MBCs. designed to improve the entrepreneurial undertakings, Apart from PDCI, MNNCI vibrant economy in Naga In 2010, it was named Most Although independent Chamber’s internal structure. including endorsements to keeps affiliations with Pasacao and neighboring towns Outstanding Chamber in in nature, the MBCs, This, in order to handle well the micro-financing institutions. Business Council, Iriga Market thru the establishment the Philippines. according to Imperial, can new policies of the Chamber in He also expressed willingness Vendors, NAMASFED, WEDA of Municipal Business ask for support from the carrying out community works. to assist them in meeting and other cooperatives and Councils (MBCs). Decentralizing plans for Chamber especially when it He admitted that during the requirements for such people’s organizations within MNCCI President progress comes to policy the first quarter of 2011, the transactions. the Metro Naga coverage area. 64 | Naga SMILES | Vol. 2 No. 1 Naga SMILES | Vol. 2 No. 1 | 65 By Fighting Fire with Fervor preparation for the South Star Drug founder Belleca admitted that Naga’s ChiN Po ToNg voluNTeer fire brigade 5th National Fire Volunteers Tomas Dy Makao, members of aside from the sense of Olympics slated April 10 in Chin Po Tong Bicol Chapter, volunteerism, recruits must Manila this year. a brotherhood of Chinese also be of Chinese descent. Words | Shiena M. Barrameda Jeffrey Hao, trainer, men here which, if roughly “I have to admit that we Photographs | Stephen V. Prestado scrutinized each team translated from Mandarin are very careful with choosing member’s move, searching for to Filipino would mean our members because we don’t any slips that may delay the ‘progressive mason club’. want other wannabes just team’s movement. Fire Marshall William using the group’s name to gain “Put some speed on Belleca said that there are only attention,” Belleca stated. Chin Po Tong that! Harder!Chin Faster!”, Hao 37 activePo members Tong in the fire The fire marshal said that aFter alMoSt 25 yearS in ServiCe, deCoMMiSSioned FiretruCk shouts to the volunteer brigade, composed mostly of his fire brigade, although nuMBer 101 oF the naGa Chin Po tonG Fire BriGade, inC. waved a firemen. registered nurses, business once known to have better owners, professionals and sons facilities than the government Final Farewell at the GenerationS oF volunteer Fire FiGhterS in Brothers in Volunteerism of known Chinoy families in fire brigade, does not aim to naGa City aS it waS hoiSted atoP the GazeBo at the orGanization’S The volunteer fire brigade Naga. compete with the fire fighters newly ConStruCted headquarterS. was born out of its forefathers’ “We are very stringent of Naga. initiative of providing support with accepting volunteers into “We are only here to to the already existing our brigade,” Belleca said. “We provide support. We respond After almost 25 years located right beside the Bureau of Fire Prevention really look for dedication to pump water into the in service, decommissioned Central Bus Terminal just this (BFP) headquarters which and that certain spirit of fire, suppress the fire from firetruck number 101 of the March, constructed with the was then very much in volunteerism in our recruits spreading and douse it but we Naga Chin Po Tong Fire Brigade, help of the City Government need of better facilities for because, as we all know, fire do not conduct much rescue Inc. waved a final farewell at of Naga. fire prevention. It was the fighters are all expected to and never do we intervene the generations of volunteer fire Like former Mayor Jesse brainchild of 14 Chinoy make sacrifices and risk their with investigations because it fighters in Naga City as it was Robredo, incumbent Mayor businessmen, led by New lives for public service.” is generally forbidden,” Belleca hoisted atop the gazebo at the John G. Bongat has always organization’s newly constructed given full support to the headquarters. brigade and is often seen FT 101 was the very first coordinating efforts at fire “we aRe oNLy heRe to pRoviDe SUppoRt. we vehicle used by the fire brigade scenes. ReSpoND to pUmp wateR iNto the fiRe, after it was organized by Filipino- Just below the gazebo, icoN. Firetruck Number 101 stands atop SUppReSS the fiRe fRom SpReaDiNG aND Chinese businessmen and private on the spacious parking area the gazebo at the new Chin Po Tong citizens in 1980. Now, it is the of the new fire brigade’s HQ, headquarters after 25 years of service. A DoUSe it.” witness to the heroism of volunteer firefighters, symbol of volunteerism among the volunteers of the Chin Po it now symbolizes the spirit of bayanihan in the Filipino-Chinese community Tong have been consecutively Naga. of Naga with a new headquarters practicing fire drills in

66 | Naga SMILES | Vol. 2 No. 1 Naga SMILES | Vol. 2 No. 1 | 67 “we mUSt aLL exhiBit the iNitiative to Get oUt of BeD aND Come heRe to ReSpoND. If each of us Words | Frank M. Mendoza would just thInk that, ‘oh. some of the guys OIC – City Agriculture Office wIll be there,’ nobody wIll be here at all,” Photographs | Randy Villaflor and Jose B. Collera

added. have been spent for ones’ self and their being resourceful and Aside from providing family is extended to the brigade strict in implementing rules. assistance to the local BFP, the when the alarms are sounded. “As far as I could see, Chin Po Tong was also organized Deputy Fire Marshal Benjamin the BFP here has gone a ow do we improve our farmers’ people who produce the food, as if farmers are for the protection of businesses Lo said that they prefer college long way under his (Fire lives and contribute to the city’s a disposable lot who could be made to suffer so here owned and operated by graduates who can be trained in Marshall Achilles Santiago) H others can eat well. growth at the same time? That is the A farmer may not have enough money to Chinoys. basic first aid and fire fighting. leadership. With the relevant question insofar as the City Belleca himself was a victim “We take risks with these addition of these new and buy his children a good meal, nothwitstanding Agriculture Office is concerned. the fact that he just reaped his harvest a month of a fire which razed the store he young men and we understand modern facilities provided by or so ago. operated at the Naga City Public the sentiments of the parents,” Lo government, I can say that they The answer of course is staring us right in the face: it’s making sure farmers earn Income is the key. Just look at Singapore, Market, now called the Naga City said. “Whenever we come out of have already surpassed the a reasonable profit from farming. It’s not they don’t produce as much food as we do, nor People’s Mall. here to respond to fire alarms, we private fire brigades here,” Lo harvesting more, it’s earning more. even have enough water of their own to drink. “That firetruck up at the are always in danger.” admitted. “Actually, I consider This belief has shifted the focus of the Yet, the proportion (or percentage) of people gazebo there was the one that Lo said that the hardest it a misconception that BFP is City Government, thru the City Agriculture going hungry in Bicol is many times over responded to my call for help,” sacrifice for him and for other falling behind us when, in fact, Office, from the sacred mantra of “food than that in Singapore. Reason: we don’t earn Belleca said. “It was not long members of the brigade is losing they are almost always the one security” to what we now espouse as “income enough. They do. after that I was invited to become a good night’s sleep during first to arrive in fire incidents.” security.” (We’re calling it “sacred” because it Our self-imposed target at the City part of the fire brigade. I emergencies. Both Lo and Belleca almost feels blasphemous to question it.) In Agriculture Office is a net monthly income of immediately accepted without “We must all exhibit the said that the Chin Po Tong a market economy such as ours where almost at least Php10,000 per farmer. For rice and corn, that means a farmer should reap a net any doubt in my mind.” initiative to get out of bed and fire brigade is not after any everything has a price and national borders have evaporated, it’s not producing more food profit of Php30,000 per cropping as rice and come here to respond. If each of us awards or recognition from that will save us from hunger, it’s having enough corn mature in around three months. We’re not Little Sacrifices would just think that, ‘Oh. Some the government or the private money to buy food. Food will go to people who saying we will hit it this year or hit it everytime, Belleca said that being of the guys will be there,’ nobody sector. can pay for it. but it’s a target worth pursuing and against volunteers without pay, families, will be here at all,” Lo added. “We are just here to Even someone who has never stepped into which we’ll measure our performance. particularly wives, do not easily represent our kin and the a classroom knows money means a satisfied If a palay farmer achieves a net of accept the idea of volunteerism Praises to the BFP private sector and show stomach. It’s a wonder the country’s best minds Php30,000, he and his family have the resources among them. Belleca said that so Lo, in a different note, praised concern for society,” Belleca continually mouth this “produce more for food to eat well even if his yield pales in comparison much time and effort that should the personnel of the local BFP for said. security” mantra. They are being unjust to the with the “best” farmer in his community.

68 | Naga SMILES | Vol. 2 No. 1 Naga SMILES | Vol. 2 No. 1 | 69 reduce production cost and the city’s agricultural areas. of the rest of us. IPM takes increase revenue. Revenue 2. Recycling of plant advantage of the predators is a function of price and materials back to the soil. of harmful pests and the quantity (production), thus An IEC on the importance vulnerabilities in their life cycle the importance of maximizing of returning nutrients to the to save money and a lot of lives both price and farm production. soil thru composting will be as well. What differentiates us is that launched come harvest season. 6. Reduction of post we see increased production as No burning of hays and even harvest losses. Farmers lose only one of the factors, rather weeds. Plants draw their life around a tenth of their harvest than being the ultimate and final from the soil, burning them unnecessarily. That’s money factor, for improving farmers’ deprives the soil forever of down the drain. A farmer who income. True, we have to boost the nutrients borrowed by the knows the value of his losses yield, but at the same time we plants. Rapid composting using due to improper post harvest have to check its impact on a fungus activator is now being handling and how to prevent cost and whether the resulting taught to rice farmers. them is in a better position to revenue can cover it. 3. Promotion of natural shore up his income. SARIG Naga also includes farming or organic agriculture 7. Observance of Good improved farmer’s knowledge practices. Whether it’s called Agricultural Practices (GAP). bEttEr LiVES. Farmers avail of the many trainings and seminars conducted by the City Government to help them improve their farming skills. and capacity to raise farm “natural” or “organic” is for If it’s corn for instance, it’s efficiency and product quality others to debate and sort out. simply keeping everything and reduce post harvest losses; What’s important is that their clean, dry and orderly—from Of course, how the farmer Vietnam. Indeed, even if we that will buy the food for our organization to increase farmer’s back-to-nature approach is the field to drying, from storage actually uses the money is don’t grow palay or vegetables family. Income security first, participation in the value chain cost effective, ecologically to shelling and final drying. another matter. The point is in Naga, we will be able to eat food security will follow. But and strenghten market presence; friendly, yields good, and Anything less invites aflatoxin that farming has given him the rice and vegetables. Market over and above that, this policy input assistance and access fetches a premium price. and lowers the corn’s market choice to live well. Incidentally, forces will make sure of that. advances social equity. to land preparation and post The City Agriculture Office price. GAP has a lot of other compounding the difficulty of The only condition is that we A more profitable farm harvest facilities, and timely is adopting them at the city pointers in store for the farmer hitting the target Php30,000 net have the money to pay for our sector has the added bonus of information to better gauge nursery so that our agricultural to enhance the quality of his is the shrinking size of farm lots. food. Thus, just like farmers, slowing down land conversion what the market wants, where technicians learn firsthand produce and command a better One needs at least 2 hectares to urbanites need to have money as farmers will have a reduced and at what price. how to do the concoctions and price. have a good chance of netting to eat. incentive to sell their farms Here are some of the their applications correctly. 8. Improved access to that amount. In Naga, the Money comes from our to subdivision developers interventions SARIG Naga is A vermicomposting facility post harvest facilities. Three average farmlot size is just over urban jobs and entrepreneurial or convert it themselves. doing, just a dozen of them. is likewise going up, initially months of toil results in a palay a hectare. activities, which in turn are Preserving our farms and Those which pertain to capacity to impart experience to our worth Php11.00 per kilo, a day The City’s flagship program dependent on how well our agricultural areas is an essential building are imparted in the technicians, later to show our or two of drying jacks up the for agriculture boldly reflects goods and services are selling. component of a livable city. Farmer Field School the office farmers how to do it right. price by Php6.00 to Php17.00 this emphasis on income over Sales come from buying and Conversions will recharge urban conducts for an entire cropping 4. Reduction of seed per kilo (NFA price). That’s how yield. Called SARIG Naga buying needs money, the more flash floods as water runoff season or in specialized short- requirement. The usual belief important post harvest facilities or Sustainable Agriculture for money the populace have, the races downhill on paved land, term farmers’ training. Two is that you need a sack of palay are, they add tremendous Rural Income Growth in Naga, larger our sales to foot our plus bring a host of other ills FFS are presently on-going in seeds to plant a hectare of rice value in just a few days. The it focuses on income growth, wages or pad our profits. That’s inherent to urban sprawl. barangays Pacol and Cararayan. field. In reality, 20 kilos (even City has a flatbed dryer and is not on production growth. why a moneyed farmer is a For the City Government, Higher impact IECs are in the 15 kilos) of palay seeds will now accessing a village type Our measure of success is boon to urban dwellers. The the dividend is in the additional pipeline this year. suffice for a hectare. One can corn dryer and a rehabilitated net income, not cavans per more money farmers have, the revenues generated by even reduce this down to 5 kilos recirculating dryer from the hectare. Net income is the end, better the prospect for our jobs increased household income 1. Soil analysis so only following SRI (or System of Rice Department of Agriculture production is only one of the and businesses. Farmers who and spending, as well as the the lacking nutrients have to Intensification) and boost yield to bring this benefit to more means to that end. lose, even if they produce more, opportunity to shift government be applied thus cutting input at the same time. Incidentally, farmers. Lest one will fear this are a burden to government resources from welfare services cost. Soil analysis is now a we will be adopting SRI using 9. Mandatory crop bias will result in hunger and, a drag to the growth of to capital investments with requirement for all those who traditional rice varieties at the insurance for SARIG and suffering for the urban the City, and a threat to the lasting development impact now avail of the programs of the City city nursery for testing and beneficiaries. The City advances populace as food security gurus urban populace’s job security that less of the rural and urban Agriculture Office. We have learning purposes. the premium just in case climate are wont to preach, let’s not and business’ profitability. So populace are dependent on hired a former employee of 5. Capacity development change wreaks havoc on the forget that what we eat in the there is sense in making farm government for basic services. the Bureau of Soils and Water on Integrated Pest Management farmer’s investments—and their urban areas come from a lot of profitability the core of the Management to perform this (IPM). Insecticide is a ability to repay their loans. sources, not necessarily from City’s agriculture program. It HOW THEN DO WE task aside from sharing his substantial input cost for 10. Input assistance. Naga’s farmland. It could be will enlarge the market for iNCREASE A FARMER’S know how with our farmers. By vegetable farmers, and other The SARIG budget includes from nearby Tigaon, or distant urban goods and services, create PROFiT? year end, we will also complete a farmers as well, not to mention an appropriation for input Benguet, or from far away more jobs, and fund our payroll The basic formula is: GIS-based soil fertility map for a real threat to the well-being assistance. The intent is:

70 | Naga SMILES | Vol. 2 No. 1 Naga SMILES | Vol. 2 No. 1 | 71 grEEN tHuMbS. SARIG Naga aims to help create programs that will increase productivity of existing farms.

a. To lessen dependence on opportunities for Naga’s farmers City’s agricultural barangays. It compradas and enable farmers and livestock growers. also has an urban clientele. The to look for better prices for their c. Producing for the niche City’s agricultural technicians produce. Assistance is in kind, market. There are produce are helping urban poor not cash, and input application which command a premium settlements, schools, and clustered is monitored. Collection price. Among them are seeds communities in urban gardening. efficiency has been at the range (e.g. certified palay seeds, It is not for increasing income but of 85% but dipped with El Nino OPV vegetable, corn or palay in reducing food expenses and Cleaning Up and La Nina to below 70% seeds) and organic vegetables. improving nutrition. The latest forcing a slow-down in releases Penetrating these markets addition will be the members until collections reach 85% require compliance with strict of QUEEN for whom a separate again. standards including regulation urban gardening program is b. Marketing assistance. and certification by government being crafted for implementation the City Ensuring a fair and viable price entities or independent by June. It also includes the is a key objective of SARIG certification bodies. But once production of mungo beans for THE SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT OffIcE Naga. When the market is a producer gains a reputation the City’s nutrition office. depressed, which is most of for consistent and proven Backing up SARIG Naga is Words | Shiena M. Barrameda the time, the best price for quality, the market will bear a Php 2 Million appropriation in Photographs | Randy Villaflor and Stephen V. Prestado grains is with the National his price and boost his profit. the 2011 annual budget plus Php Food Authority (NFA). To We have also convened the 1.5 Million for the rehabilitation ALMOST EVERy NiGHT at around 9 PM, at least two volunteers pass through expedite access to NFA, we City’s Technical Committee on of existing irrigation systems. J. Hernandez Avenue, stopping at designated drop-off areas for garbage collection. have tied up with the San Isidro Organic Agriculture to plot the This is on top of the maintenance Loading a treasure trove of recyclable materials, they head for Naga’s many Development Cooperative roadmap for organic farming. and operating budget of the City Materials Recovery Facilities. (SIDECO) wherein our farmers These are some of SARIG’s Agriculture Office of Php 1.556 are taken in as associate interventions but there are Million (net of personal services). These intrepid entrepreneurs are biodegradable trash like plastic to junk members (if they are not yet others. Some were adopted We are also beefing up our “Our residents members) and their harvest from previous programs, many personnel by getting graduates have realized just some of the 70 volunteers of the shops and making compost fertilizers is sold by SIDECO to NFA. evolve out of the continuing from reknowned agricultural that they could Naga City Solid Waste Management out of biodegradable junk like corn Also, with the approval of the engagement with farmers and colleges and universities with benefit greatly Office, trained by the City Government husks. Each of them, before being City Mayor and in partnership their organizations. The latest a track record of performance from reusing to help its 27 barangays drastically considered part of the group, undergoes with the Market Enterprise of these is the promotion of and competence—and with the some of their reduce their trash by the tons every a week-long training under the SWMO and Promotions Office, we are fermented cacao beans as a stamina to tread paddies and hike month. where they learn how to recycle garbage reserving wholesaler space source of additional income for uphill and the enthusiasm to help trash. I think for Naga’s vegetable farmers, farmers who intercropped cacao others. this is already “These people are mostly former and how to stack residual or remaining and probably, even livestock in their coconut or orchard We are doing all these for the result of all regular scavengers of Naga,” Engr. trash back in a cleaner way. growers, at the People’s Mall areas. This is an offshoot of the a more livable income and a our efforts in Joel Martin, head of Solid Waste They are then assigned to their so they can sell their produce City’s cacao upgrading program brighter future for our farmers, campaigning Management Office (SWMO) and Naga respective barangays where they provide direct to retailers, no need which introduced at least for a stronger market for urban for recycling City Motorpool, says. “We call them the their services and earn money for their for middlemen. The latest 10,000 high yield cacao varieties goods and services and more environmental watch group.” daily needs. They are seen usually at initiative is the creation by two years ago to 100 farmer- stable jobs and livelihood for us, and reusing of Mayor John Bongat of a team cooperators. for the preservation of our urban garbage under night, before the garbage trucks arrive, to study the feasibility of With the above initiatives ecological balance, for a healthier the leadership The Environmental Watch Group wearing green and yellow shirts. establishing a central bagsakan of Mayor Bongat, for sure, and happier Nagueño. That’s how of Mayor John The environmental watch “The creation of the group is center for Naga’s agricultural SARIG Naga is not merely we’re redefining agriculture in the Bongat.” group is composed of less fortunate actually part of the Waste Diversion crops and livestocks which can focused on improving the lives City, and that’s what SARIG Naga citizens of Naga who make a living Goal and Waste Segregation Scheme of dramatically expand marketing of the “usual” farmers in the stands for. through salvaging and selling non- the City. So far, coupled with the 72 | Naga SMILES | Vol. 2 No. 1 Naga SMILES | Vol. 2 No. 1 | 73 iNteNsive. Dedicated public servants, additional facilities, and dedication to one’s work all help transform Naga into a cleaner and greener community. operation now of some materials recovery Martin notes that food businesses have almost facilities, they have been instrumental in altogether stopped using styrofoam and plastic decreasing the average of garbage collected per utensils, opting for real plates and glasses day by the city by more than 50%,” Martin adds. instead. Martin says that even before the Solid Waste Management Office started Materials Recovery Facilities implementing the projects of the City Another factor that has resulted in less independently by virtue of City Ordinance garbage in Naga is the presence of materials 2011-001, which separated them from the recovery facilities or MRFs. Environment and Natural Resource Office MRFs are common points in barangays (ENRO) January of this year, the average daily or places where residents bring their garbage garbage collection had already gone down to and sort them out, separating the reusable or 57 tons from January to October of 2010. This recyclable ones from the residual wastes. These Words | Nestor Villanea figure was only a dream in years 2008 and 2009 residual wastes are the ones that the garbage OIC BSTC Head when garbage collection averaged up to 160 trucks pick up and take to the Balatas Photographs | Randy Villaflor and Jose B. Collera tons daily. dumpsite. Naga has around six functional MRFs in Science Centers exist to The Worth of Awareness barangays Sabang, Triangulo, Calauag, Mabolo, generate interest, encourage Engr. Martin also credits the significant Bagumbayan Sur and the Naga City People’s the appreciation of science, decrease in garbage collection to the newfound Mall. and inspire a life-long awareness of Nagueños on segregating non- “We are planning to put MRFs in all biodegradables from the biodegradables. barangays of Naga,” Martin states. desire to explore scientific “Our residents have realized that they concepts that are helpful, could benefit greatly from reusing some of Only the Best Service applicable and practical in their trash,” Martin says. “I think this is already “I think that the City, under the leadership . the result of all our efforts in campaigning for of Mayor Bongat, has made the perfect decision day-to-day living recycling and reusing of garbage under the of separating us from ENRO. Aside from leadership of Mayor John Bongat.” being truly now focused on our jobs, we are Martin believes that if Nagueños continue certain that we are giving Nagueños what they to remove from their household refuse all the deserve,” Martin says. reusable and compostable products, the average Martin admits that while they still have garbage collection of Naga per day might reach difficulty with educating some Nagueños on only 47%-50% of the present volume in the how to properly dispose of their garbage, next few months. he remains hopeful that one day more and Aside from private homes, Martin more people will be concerned with the also believes that the stricter monitoring of environment. businesses, particularly food establishments, “As for now, we do our job so we can serve has helped the Office in its campaigns. Lately, Naga the best way we know how.”

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The Bicol Science and and aahhs” at the sight of the pounding, grinding, and Technology Centrum’s (BSTC) dancing lights at the Gallery even riding some of them. priorities include making it of Lights, Colors and Shapes; All throughout the visit, they possible for individuals to freely or students fascinated by the remain under the watchful interact, discover and explore wonders of the universe at the eyes of cheerful Centrum staff, interactive exhibits, scientific Space Gallery. Almost everyday, always ready to explain the equipment or play mechanics behind the materials showcased With the upcoming renovations ordered science. in its science gallery. by Mayor John G. Bongat this summer at The Centrum is not Visitors can also engage the BSTC galleries and facilities, Centrum only a destination for in science programs or visitors can expect a dynamically new, educational tours, but activities that appeal to convenient and conducive place to frolic, also an important source and fascinate them in explore, discover and learn. of valuable knowledge. an informal learning Students discover a whole environment. new world and leave with Students excitingly interact laughter of amused innocent a better understanding and with the exhibits or energetically toddlers also fills the Sci-Art appreciation of science and how play at the galleries. One never Cubbyhole. it affects the world around them. gets tired of playing with the Visitors walk away with With the upcoming suspended ball at the Bernoulli something they didn’t know or renovations ordered by Mayor Blower or get fascinated by the experienced before and happily John G. Bongat this summer at changing physical image reflected leave the Centrum with a wealth the BSTC galleries and facilities, on the Concave-Convex Mirrors. of knowledge and unforgettable Centrum visitors can expect a Visitors can also magically fly experience. Students frolic, dynamically new, convenient Words | Shiena M. Barrameda with the help of the Anti-Gravity jot down information, interact and conducive place to frolic, Photographs | Stephen V. Prestado and Jose B. Collera Mirror; or hear the “oohhs with the exhibits – tapping, explore, discover and learn. Behind a sea of documents needing to be signed and routed to different offices within Naga City Hall sits City Administrator Florencio ‘Jun’ Tam Mongoso, Jr., picking his way through yet another efficient working day at the City Mayor’s Office.

Naga SMILES | Vol. 2 No. 1 | 77 Mongoso, who is primus employees who were found to pawnshop, and even managed inter pares (“first among be tolerating corruption by a a boutique selling women’s equals”) being the “little superior. clothing and accessories. mayor,” remains in the “Corruption thrives in “No. I didn’t become gay,” background, never feeling the government offices with Mongoso said in jest. urge to step into the limelight employees who do not speak Mongoso, still full of the despite an impressive record he just because the boss is the one idealism that he and his then secured for himself in 22 years doing it,” Mongoso mused. future wife Rowena S. Agrito in public service working under share, decided to enter public the fold of top caliber Bicolano THE GOOD STUDENT- service in order to prove to tHE PEOPLE’S OWN. A panoramic view of City Hall, where history is made thru important decisions. leaders like Senator Raul S. ACTiViST all that a corruption-free Roco, DILG Secretary and Mongoso, like many government can be realized by doctoral with Jesse Robredo.” Young Men (TOYM) Award for in office. former Naga City Mayor Jesse in his generation, was simple public servants who live Despite his credentials Government and Public Service Mongoso is also a recipient M. Robredo and, now, Mayor inevitably taken by the wave honestly and with integrity. and Robredo’s insistence that and garnering a place on the of several awards like The John G. Bongat. of democracy that swept the Rowena, then, was hired he immediately occupy a post final list for The Outstanding Outstanding Young Filipino- “It’s the only way I could country during the 1986 EDSA by the NAPOCOR in Manila with the same salary grade and Young Persons (TOYP) of Cantonese Award (2004), balance my time for my work People Power Revolution. while Mongoso waited for a importance as the one he held the World without plunging National Kabalikat sa Laang- and my family,” Mongoso Although a resident scholar call from the government. It in Roco’s office, Mongoso opted into politics, is the only City Bisig Award (2001) and said. “I want to remain behind of the University of Nueva turned out that he did not have to take the lowest step on the Government employee since National Dangal ng Bayan the action because I am more Caceres due to his outstanding to wait very long. public service ladder, starting 2000 to have earned a Career Award (1999). effective this way.” grades, he did not hesitate to as a contractual employee at Service Executive Eligibility At 43, Mongoso said that Unlike his contemporaries speak out against the school STARTiNG A LEGACy the City Mayor’s Office with a (CSEE) in Naga. even if he were given the in other local government administration and even the ‘Sir Jun’, as he is publicly monthly salary of only around “All of my Bicolano peers chance to retire at age 45, he units, Mongoso stays at the government. His opinions called, started his career in Php3,000. then in the TOYM were would without any doubt or background, his face and name made him unpopular in the public service as a legislative “I wanted to start from the politicians and educated in well regret. never appearing on publicly- eyes of school administrators, staff assistant to the late lowest rank because I wanted known schools in Manila. I “It pays to give ourselves a hung billboards and banners. ending in a hastily arranged Senator Roco, upon the to gain my colleagues’ respect was the only one who was not set of working standards. Not Despite this laidback graduation for him and his recommendation of now Albay by being one of them. It was elected into office by popular to impress others but to test principle, Mongoso is the man peers. Governor Joey Salceda who only through this that I could vote and was fully educated in our own capabilities – to know behind the exposure of the “I finished my BSBA in was about to exit his post from learn of their concerns and Naga City,” Mongoso stated. “I the limits of our abilities and now highly-sensationalized Economics in only three the Senator’s office. that of the constituents they never see myself delving into convince ourselves as to how malversation of public funds years because it seemed like A fresh graduate from the ought to serve. It would be mainstream politics. I prefer far we can go when we strive to case by former Assistant the school couldn’t stand my University of Nueva Caceres, an insult to subordinates if I being in the background where make the best out of the good Market Superintendent presence any longer,” Mongoso Mongoso accepted the position would suddenly appear as their I can prove that the unending we can offer. I believe that it Frederick Arias which involved said. “Good thing that I still at the age of 21 where he superior when they do not even quest for excellence should is rewarding to challenge one’s around Php 2,000,000 of had the distinction of Cum worked until 1992. know who I am beforehand.” always be the ideal to which all self. We may never know, most government funds intentionally Laude.” Inspired by Roco’s Slowly, he climbed the public servants must dedicate probably, the things we are diverted. The case has caught During his college years, prediction that then Naga City ranks of the Naga City and consecrate themselves.” capable of unless we try to go the attention of local media Mongoso tried his hand in Mayor Robredo would become Government until finally The CSEE is the highest beyond the ordinary. Certainly, with its manhunt which various occupations to earn a great leader who would arriving at his present position eligibility conferred to career if I was able to do it, then most, spanned for a year ending in personal money and find someday follow in his footsteps of City Administrator under officials who are qualified if not everybody else can do the December 2010 with Arias’ productive use of his time. He as a statesman, Mongoso Mayor Bongat. for appointment to national s am e .” surrender to arresting police. became a loans collector for a presented himself to the City positions and one of the “I believe I have proven He led the investigation money lending corporation at Government after his stint at NO POLiTiCS, PLEASE hardest to pass examinations enough. It is already in the and auditing of anomalous the Naga City Public Market, the Philippine Senate. Mongoso, who has acquired for public servants, comprising hands of this generation of market collection which led now called Naga City People’s “In leadership, I got my several distinctions in office by of a written exam, a panel public servants if they would to the removal or transfer of Mall. He then moved on to MA degree with Senator Roco,” being the first Nagueño ever interview and a scrutiny of follow the same principles as I a dozen City Government become a jewelry appraiser at a Mongoso said. “But, I did my to take home The Outstanding one’s day-to-day performance have,” said Mongoso.

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JOHN MicHAEL ricO PROJECT COORDINATOR Barangay GROW Negosyo Metro PESO, City Hall Compound

tELEPHONE: +63 54 473 8274 EMAiL: [email protected]

80 | Naga SMILES | Vol. 2 No. 1 Naga SMILES | Vol. 2 No. 1 | 81 82 | Naga SMILES | Vol. 2 No. 1 Naga SMILES | Vol. 2 No. 1 | 83 84 | Naga SMILES | Vol. 2 No. 1 Naga SMILES | Vol. 2 No. 1 | 85 FOR the first time in Naga’s history, the City Government under the leadership of Mayor John G. Bongat honored the biggest contributors to city coffers during the Mayor’s first State of the City Report held on January 25, 2010 at Ateneo de Naga University.

Believing in the immense contribution of the honored taxpayers to Naga’s continuous growth and progress, the Mayor introduced the idea to recognize the business community, further fortifying its role as city’s partner in bringing in much-needed funds for a much better service delivery to Nagueños.

InSpIrInG pre-school kids, their parents and their teachers during graduation ceremonies of eduCare in the 27 barangays.

meeTInGS with different nGOs and pOs as well as barangay officials occupy significant time of a day in the InTerACTInG life of the mayor. with women micro-entrepreneurs on the occasion of the Women’s month celebration (march 2011).

Open FOrum after the State of the City report together with the Vice mayor and other City Officials.

Sen. KIKO VISITS nAGA. photo above left shows Sen. Francis “Kiko” pangilinan cutting the ribbon, together with mayor John Bongat, during the ceremonial opening on march 11 of the first phase of the naga City people’s Hall at City Hall compound, constructed from the Senator’s funds. The hall was built thru the initiative of the mayor to serve as a multi-purpose assembly area cum lobby extension for meetings, seminars, trainings and similar productive activities of employees, peoples’ organizations, barangay officials, etc., and generally for the convenience of clients who flock City Hall daily to transact business with different frontline offices.

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