SIEGLINDE FLORENCIO T. MONGOSO, JR. BORROMEO-BULAONG REUEL M. OLIVER Editor Editorial Consultants

Vol. 6, No. 4 | October - December 2014 JASON B. NEOLA JOSE V. COLLERA Senior Writer XERES RAMON A. GAGERO A Quarterly Magazine of the SYLRANJELVIC C. VILLAFLOR City Government of Naga Photographers Bicol, Philippines RAFAEL RACSO V. VITAN Layout and Design ISSN 2094-9383

JOHN G. BONGAT ANSELMO B. MAÑO City Mayor Website Administrator NELSON S. LEGACION City Vice Mayor JOSE B. PEREZ This magazine is published ALLEN L. REONDANGA by the City Government of Naga, thru UAINT AND PAUL JOHN F. BARROSA the Ciy Publication Office and the Q Technical Advisers City Events, Protocol and ALLURING. With its Public Information Office, rooftops breezed by with editorial office at City Hall Compound, the cool morning sun, ALDO NIÑO I. RUIVIVAR J. Miranda Avenue, Naga City 4400 Naga, then known as MAUREEN S. ROJO Philippines Staff Assistants Nueva Caceres in the Tel: +63 54 472-2136 Spanish colonial times, Email: [email protected] Web: www.naga.gov.ph charms visitors with its mixture of an ancient cathedral (right), French-architectured seminary, a university that had been the oldest school for girls in the Far East (foreground, right of center), narrow avenues, and three plazas bounded by modern edifices and endless rows of food chains, department stores and shops, residential houses, inns and hotels.

PHOTO BY PAI AGUILAR MAYOR’S MESSAGE TABLE OF CONTENTS

Bullish on the 3 Future of Naga Rediscovering 33 Nick Joaquin

CHRISTMAS PAGE Nagueña as 2014 35 Outstanding Teacher of the Philippines Kamundagan Festival 5 Bongat delivers 38 report on State of 10 Santa Fun Walk our Children The “Naga SMILES to the World” Naga hosts 1st 40 Regional PWD logo is composed of the two COVER STORY Summit baybayin characters, na and ga. IT and BPO facilities 11 growing big in Naga SP AND Na, shaped like a mountain, LEGISLATION provides a strong foundation for the Stronger and More 17 Vibrant Naga in 2015 Narra tree which grew abundantly Naga’s Promising Making the best along the Naga River while a zigzag 21 bus stop 41 better for our line denotes the majestic Malabsay children Robredo, Bongat Falls. 22 dialogue with Entreps Barangay Budgeting: 42 The way to efficient Go Negosyo to rise governance Ga, shaped like a farmer’s plow, 23 at Naga City People’s Mall Wastewater is symbolic of the Nagueño’s 43 Management agricultural roots and hardworking BCS: Doing more than Ordinance 24 Expected personality.

The baybayin Naga characters FOREIGN 44 rest on a wave-like element which RELATIONS represents the Naga River and the serpent, which is read in Sanskrit Mayor Bongat 26 dialogues with OFWs as naga. on migration concerns in Qatar and Italy This new branding for Naga, \ launched in 2010 by the dynamic EDUCATION, Bongat administration, envisions a CHILDREN AND more livable city that is world-class. LITERATURE

A harvest of 31 award-winning books by Bicol writers

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STUDENT TABLE OF CONTENTS ACHIEVEMENT TESTS

Appropriations Greater Gains, 46 Committee Wraps Up 53 Superior Score Budget Report CALAMITY HEALTH ASSISTANCE

CHO expects 100% Tabang sa Tugang 47 Child Vaccination 55 Program compliance The “An Maogmang Lugar“ logo is METRO NAGA an attempt to capture Naga as we want Dengues Cases in it to be – a city that is progressive and 48 Naga down by 83% DEVELOPMENT yet environment-friendly, where the people freely participate in the day- Big Dreams of MNDC AGRICULTURE 57 Start Here to-day affairs of the government, and AND LIVESTOCK where culture and arts are flourishing. Investment Forum 58 opens Tourim Circuit Bicol Corn Program for Investors The stylized design of “NAGA” 49 Implementors represents the city’s aggressive march Honored towards modernization and progress. SPORTS The sky-blue background, the Narra tree, and the Naga River represent our Nagueño Wakeboard 61 Team Shines in Phukit people’s desire for an ecologically- Thailand balanced community.

The ring of people surrounding the entire design shows the Nagueños’ Ruby Inflicts Naga participatory mechanism which is part 50 farmers with P7-M losses in crops and parcel of the city’s way of doing things. It also shows the people’s Clean Meat for concern and unity in everything that is 51 Nagueños good for the city.

CONGRESSIONAL Naga hosts Luzon Today, the city, as Maogmang Lugar, 63 Qualifying Leg of aims to portray more than a happy DISTRICT Batang Pinoy place but a happy people who are the true beneficiaries of everything good Leni turns over boats, 52 ask fisherfolk to shun that is happening in the city. illegal nets

OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2014 2 Bullish on the Future of Naga MAYOR JOHN G. BONGAT

We have every reason to be bullish development at the corner of Roxas in 2015, the year of the Poor for the Avenue and Almeda Highway. Catholic Church, and the year of the They will start constructing their wooden goat in the lunar calendar. 3-storey mall, with state-of-the- According to the Chinese, 2015 art cinemas, 2 hotels and one BPO promises to be an abundant year for building, employing thousands all of us. from construction to operation. Vista Land is reported to be acquiring the True to our word at the start of my property beside GSIS to put up its term in 2010 that we will embark own mall just beside its 1,000-unit on a more aggressive investment Camella Homes project in Barangay promotion campaign to “grow” the Del Rosario. local economy, we have been able to nurture local enterprises while Naga, along with Metro Naga, broke forging new economic inroads. into the “Next Wave Cities” rankings in 2013, emerging as one of the From 2010 to 2014, City Treasury country’s top 10 BPO destinations, records show that an average of paving the way for the entry of the 1,334 new firms, mostly local, had BPO industry in our beloved city. been set up in Naga each year. The We now have four IT parks/centers, Office of the Building Official reports three of them coming over the past construction of an annual average of two years alone—all developed by 122 new commercial, industrial and local businessmen. These now house institutional buildings during the IBM which is continuing to expand same period. A conservative total of its non-voice or back office operations, P6.2B in private investments poured and call centers Concentrix and into the local economy over the past Stellar. 4 years during my first and into my second term as Mayor of Naga. All this has made us the third Most Competitive City in the Philippines The country’s top property developers in 2014, sparking the creation of have given us their vote of confidence. thousands of new jobs for our fellow Following the lead of SM, Gaisano Nagueños, and the #1 City, out of 144 along Panganiban where a host of nationwide, in government efficiency. new businesses have risen, is opening To provide more meaningful jobs in summer. especially for our semi-skilled Robinsons workers, we are now in negotiations Land of the with a Japanese firm to anchor our Gokongwei first-ever PEZA-accredited industrial Group is set park. If the BPO industry in Naga is to enter the catering to mostly college graduates picture and or skilled labor force, the export has drawn processing zone we are pushing to up plans for be developed in Naga will absorb a mixed-use young people, who are unskilled, but will become employable. More jobs mean more income to families, higher purchasing power, higher revenues for local industries, and of course higher revenues for your city. To complement these exciting Project in Pili, whose approval at the developments and mindful of our tenet regional level we fought for tooth and that “An Maogmang Lugar” ultimately nail in previous RDC meetings. Again, can be measured by the quality of life with the help of Cong Leni, an initial of our people, the city government P600M outlay is provided for in the has embarked on a P600M capital 2015 budget to fund land acquisition, investment program for 2015. During and detailed engineering and design. its December 22 meeting, the City Development Council which I chair Taken together, we are seeing a more greenlighted that spending program, robust and vibrant local economy that endorsed it to the Sangguniang will bring about an inclusive economic Panlungsod which approved the growth not only for Naga, or Metro same. The package will allow the city Naga, but for the entire region as well. government to clean up the Balatas Surely, these are the fruits of the city’s dump, rehabilitate the area and investment in good urban governance provide a permanent solution to our that we have cultivated and grown to solid waste disposal problem-- which greater heights. These developments will result in the more productive prove that once local and national use of the surrounding leaders get their act areas that will together, synergy– where necessarily accelerate its the sum total is greater development. Side by “Taken together, than its parts, or one plus side, we will also establish we are seeing one is greater than two in a new city cemetery that a more robust plain speak– will happen will meet Naga’s needs and vibrant local and become the proverbial for the next two decades. rising tide that will lift all These are two of the economy that boats. The role, therefore, top urban basic services will bring about of the city’s leadership is that my administration an inclusive to hold fast and true to its has committed itself to economic growth fundamental obligation address-- so that the next not only for Naga, to bring about social administrations, what I justice, so that those mean is after 2019 because or Metro Naga, who have less in life can you will be giving me but for the entire and will benefit from another term of course, region as well. these exciting, positive can focus their energies ” developments. This is the in further cementing our reason why on top of all leadership in this part of these developments and the country. plans for the future, my administration does not lose sight of its obligation to The national government also the less privileged in our community. continues to do its part. The long overdue expansion of the Bicol Thru a recent Executive Order, Medical Center is now underway, I launched a program called anchored on the construction of its “Ginhawang Nagueño” that seeks eight-storey 800-bed new hospital to address the needs and future of building. The Integrated Naga River families living in the so called LERCs- Revitalization Project (iNRRP), meant who belong to the informal settlers not only to preserve the river but also sector, who do not have access to to enhance its tourism and economic basic necessities like potable water, value, is starting to fly. DPWH is now electricity and sanitation (CR), and working on the project’s flood control whose parent-members do not have component with the assistance of Rep. stable gainful employment. Leni Gerona-Robredo. We have every reason to be bullish, The 2013 4th Quarter meeting of not only about Naga’s future, but in the Regional Development Council delivering on that basic governance (RDC) in Legazpi also brought good commitment– because Team Naga tidings. The Investment Coordinating which you have always trusted, has Committee (ICC) and the NEDA Board been doing precisely that for the last chaired by President Benigno Aquino two and half decades since the time III himself has already approved the of my predecessor, the late Mayor and P4.5-billion Naga Airport Development DILG Secretary Jesse M. Robredo.

OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2014 4 PHOTO BY XERES GAGERO 5

OCTOBER -DECEMBER 2014 PHOTOS BY JOSE COLLERA & SYLRANJELVIC VILLAFLOR

2014 KAMUNDAGAN FESTIVAL: More sights, activities lined up

By Jason B. Neola

OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2014 6 ESIDENTS and guests Rizal’s 34-foot giant Christmas tree and the received a treat during colorful Christmas Village at the nearby Plaza the merry month of Quezon to mark the start of the month-long December when the Kamundagan Festival. city upped its ante in Mayor John G. Bongat did not make it to the celebration of the the opening night as he was on official travel annual Kamundagan in Doha, Qatar and Rome, Italy for a series of Festival, a colorful dialogues on immigration and development celebration of birth and with Filipino Overseas Workers in the two rebirth during Christmas season. foreign cities. First Lady Farah R. Bongat, chair of the FL Bongat encouraged the public, Kamundagan Festival, was in the forefront especially the children to visit the plaza and Rof ensuring that there was something for enjoy the colors of the fiesta. “Our Christmas XERES GAGERO

everyone to enjoy - especially the children-- village and Christmas tree will be lighted who were overwhelmed by lights and sounds every day from 5 o’clock in the afternoon while at the same time understanding the up to 12 midnight,” the first lady said.

PHOTO BY universal message of Christmas, or Christ’s The public may also enjoy the various birth (Kamundagan). meals and culinary delicacies available On December. 1, the First Lady, along at the open food bazaar. with other city and barangay officials and guests, formally switched on the light at Plaza

IN FULL RADIANCE. The tall Christmas tree, and giant lanterns at Plaza Rizal and Christmas village at adjacent Plaza Quezon in downtown Naga City are all aglow after the opening ceremony led by First Lady Farah R. Bongat last December 1.

7 OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2014

City Councilor Gabriel H. Bordado Jr. thanked the public for their participation, especially the barangay officials who joined the lantern parade and the Parolan sa Barangay Contest. The UP Alumni Association-Camarines Sur Chapter was also part of the Christmas Lantern Parade that preceded the lighting ceremonies and program. Bordado said the city government has been celebrating the Kamundagan Festival since 1992, during the time of former Mayor and late DILG SANTA WALK. First Lady Farah Bongat (2nd from left of among those seated) presides over the press conference on the upcoming events in Secretary Jesse M. Robredo, to mark the birth the Kamundagan Festival, including the Santa Fun Walk on Dec. 13. With her on the table (from left) are Boogie Gumabao, manager of Honda Pili of Jesus Christ and the rebirth of the city as a (CamSur), MNCCI President Beda Priela, Kate Cajurao of Eurotel, and incoming MNCCI Pres. Gilbert Albero. On the rostrum is MNCCI PIO- progressive and dynamic community in this part Director Joe Perez who serves as moderator. The Metro Naga Chamber of of the Bicol region. Commerce and Industry, along with Eurotel, Honda, and SM City Naga, are co-organizers of the Santa Fun Walk. MNCCI PHOTO Winners of special awards were announced to cap the opening night: Barangay Sabang received P10,000 for having the biggest On December 13, the Santa Fun Walk was contingent, Barangay Lerma and Dinaga held by the Metro Naga Chamber of Commerce (P5,000 each) for showing the best group and Industry, in collaboration with the City ‘gimik’ and costume, Barangay Concepcion Government. Incoming MNCCI President Gilbert Grande (P5,000) for being the most lighted N. Albero, who chairs the Santa Fun Walk, group, and Barangay Dinaga (P10,000) for said more schools and barangay officials, and being the most decorative group that has organizations joined the Santa Walk as a fund- also the biggest assembly of yuletide raising campaign for the welfare of children. props. The walk, with participants wearing red shirts and Santa hat and the children garbed in full Santa costume, started from Panganiban >>

OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2014 8 Avenue (near the Iglesia ni Cristo church, the assembly point, towards the centro (Panganiban, left to Elias Angeles Street, Paseo de Caceres, then right to Gen. Luna, P. Burgos Street, Elias Angeles) and wound up at Plaza Rizal for the program and games. This was immediately followed by the Christmas presentation by students of the Southbridges Learning Center. Prizes, gift certificates, and other freebies were given away at the plaza for the games. A photo wall was set up for guests and promenader alike. Honda Pili (Camarines Sur), SM City Naga, and Eurotel were co-sponsors of the Santa Walk. On December 14, Biggs’ Corporation conducted its Christmas Parade of Lights. Other activities included the Bicol State College of Applied Sciences and Technology (BSCAST) Christmas presentation and Smart/Sun Cellular Caravan on

December 19; Senior Citizens Christmas PHOTOS BYCOLLERA JOSE presentation on December 20, and; the Sir Jaymee Music Center presentation at the Plaza Rizal on December 21.

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KAMUNDAGAN 2014 santa fun walk DECEMBER 13, 2014 5PM PANGANIBAN DRIVE/PLAZA RIZAL

OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2014 10 EY offices of Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) facilities based in this highly and competitive city are expanding IT Ktheir existing floor space to increase the volume of their operations and effectively respond to the demands of the BPO burgeoning global IT and business product outsourcing market. The planned construction facilities of additional production rooms and spaces for other facilities by Stellar Philippines, Inc. and the IBM Company would mean hiring growing of more personnel and, thus, boost employment opportunities in and commercial activities because big of the relatively higher disposable income earned by BPO employees and agents. Even before the arrival of IT Naga and multinational BPO (Business colonial times. For the past decade Process Outsourcing) companies and until now, the city, dubbed as in the city, Naga has already the Heart of Bicol, accounts for been acclaimed as the center By Jason B. Neola 21% of the regional economy. of finance, trade and commerce in the region, aside from its old New Wave City title as the center of religion, culture and education Naga, considered a “Tier 2,” since the Spanish or New Wave City, by the Business and American Processing Association of the Philippines (BPAP), has had in place for several years now, an investment promotion program targeted towards IT-BPO firms. This largely focuses on firms expanding their operations outside the major hubs of Metro Manila, Cebu and Clark. It also capitalizes on the city’s competitive edge over other Philippine cities and regions in

11 OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2014 PHOTOS BY XERES GAGERO

NAGA CITY’S BPO COMPETITIVE ADVANTAGES

Highly proficient human resource pool Extensive modern infrastructure Amenities and quality of life comparable to other modern cities without the ‘ills’ Cost competitiveness strong government & private sector support

terms of the quality and size of Eugene Tan, one of Romar’s its human resource pool, quality Directors, will champion of infrastructure, lower cost and oversee the project. “Transport Exchange” as it hosts of doing business, availability Implementation proceeded in the Bicol Central Station and of first-class amenities in a two phases. The first phase, various public utility jeepney and livable environment, and local costing P216M, involves the van (PUJ/PUV) terminals that government responsiveness. construction of a two-storey provide access to other parts of The city’s promotion efforts building with a 5,200 sqm. the country, the region and the have led to investments by small floor space in four months’ province. firms in software development, time. The second phase, with a The site is just a few steps medical transcription and development time of 14 months away from SM City-Naga and the animation/the creatives. However, and estimated to cost over Jesse M. Robredo Coliseum— Naga’s potential to attract large P542M, covers construction of a the largest domed coliseum in BPO-voice and non-voice firms, five-level IT building and all the the Philippines after SMART- has been limited by a gap in other amenities needed in the IT Araneta. Within or near CBD 2 suitable and IT-ready real estate facility/center. are other malls and recreation to house these firms’ operations. centers, hotels, hospitals, banking Addressing this gap, Romar NCTP’s location facilities and a residential and Sons Estate Development subdivision. The area is less Corporation, a locally-bred The NCTP is located at than one kilometer away from enterprise with an extensive track Central Business District 2 (CBD Centro Naga, the city’s traditional record in property development 2) in Barangay Triangulo. commercial district. and other business CBD 2 is among Naga’s The City Government undertakings came growth zones, as defined in of Naga, through the Naga forward to put the the city’s City Investment Board (NCIB), proposed Naga Investment and Romar and Sons Estate City Technology Incentives Development Corporation has Park (NCTP). Mr. Code. It is actually been trying to attract termed as IBM-Global Process Services the city’s (IBM-GPS) to locate in Naga City since July 2012. IBM-GPS is the BPO arm of the multinational firm International Business Machines Corporation, with

OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2014 12 corporate headquarters in New NCIB that it short-listed Naga York. One of the largest and most among its choice locations. profitable technology employers IBM’s pool of employees in in the world, IBM has over 400,000 Naga is expected to grow to 5,000 employees in 170 countries. It is in the near future. This will solidify ranked by Business Week as the 2nd Naga’s reputation as an IT-BPO- Most Valuable Brand in the world. ready city; and will contribute to the country’s goal of having the IBM in the Philippines industry account for nine per cent of GDP, and generate US$25B IBM-GPS started its Philippine in revenues and 1.3 million in operations in 2004. Since then, the employment. company has become one of the Engr. Roderick Arimado, fastest-growing BPOs in the country, Facilities Manager of IBM’s Sites A, will continually hire talents and with more than 15,000 employees. B, and C in the city, said that initial other personnel as the company’s The firm offers globally-delivered talks on their plan to expand Site operations expand. business process services (or C had already been concluded “We have on-going local delivery towers) supporting: between IBM officials in Manila recruitment as we observed that there 1) Finance and Accounting and the owner of ALDP building are many applicants with potential 2) Human Resources along Roxas Avenue, where the right here in Naga City. Naga is a 3) IT Support firm’s Site C is presently housed. good site for workforce sourcing,” 4) Supply Chain IBM specializes in business and he added. 5) Call Center and finance consultancy services. Customer Relationship “We are considering putting Management up more production rooms at Concentrix and Stellar the ground floor, specifically the The other BPO companies, such IBM-GPS has been named Top food court area and the portion as Concentrix Daksh Services Phils. Contact Center Outsourcing Service occupied by Aljosh Café,” he Corp. and Stellar Philippines are both Provider of the Year for five straight disclosed. IBM Site C is located looking forward to hire more talents years now, by the Frost and Sullivan at the building’s 2nd floor while especially with the bright prospects Asia-Pacific ICT Awards. Site A maintains offices and being shown both by the host city and Naga competed with six other production rooms at the Romar the IT and BPO industries. cities (Vigan, La Union, Cabanatuan, building located at the Naga City Concentrix Corporation, a Balanga-Bataan, Lucena and Technology Park in CBD 2, where California-based global business Tacloban) in attracting IBM-GPS. the proposed 5-storey building services company that has its From July until October 2012, will house Site B. the company conducted several “Fifty to sixty percent of the research and field visits to validate human resource complement STELLAR’S STARS Mona Liza Galvez-Yuzon, these cities’ competitiveness and force working at Sites A and C are Administration Site Lead (3rd from left) poses with other supervisors of the Australian call center firm readiness for the IT-BPO industry. Nagueños,” says Arimado who in Naga City. From left to right: Mark Yuzon, IT Site Lead; Denmar Deduque, Human Resource Site In October 2012, it informed the also added that the company Lead; Mona Liza, John Emilio Medina, Operations Manager; Aubrey Rivera, Operations Director, and Narciso Ege, Operations Manager.

13 OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2014 PHOTO BY XERES GAGERO business office at Central Business District 2 (CBD2) here fronting SM City Naga has upped its human resource with 665 personnel of young college Why Naga? graduates or those in the college level. CONCENTRIX CORP. , the global business process Stellar Philippines, an Australian services company, is looking at expanding in second firm, is into sales and customer service tier cities in the Philippines to meet the growing which began operating in the city last demand from clients, especially after its parent firm October 6, 2014. It occupies the entire acquired IBM’s customer care unit. third level of a building that houses Chevrolet Naga also along the national “Right now, we have more clients requesting for highway in Barangay Concepcion ‘ramp up’ and so we’re making sure we have enough Grande. space for this and the organic growth of our clients,” Although the entire floor can Concentrix Vice President and General Manager accommodate as many as 600 Junar Amador once told reporters in a briefing in personnel, the company is already Manila. planning to set up more operation/ “Here in the Philippines, there’s a lot of new wave production rooms in the building’s cities being promoted by ITBPAP (Information fourth floor. Technology and Business Process Association of the “Expansion does not mean Philippines) and we’re looking at all those places,” acquiring bigger production rooms Amador said. alone– we need to hire more competent and dependable workers Concentrix currently has offices in Metro Manila, as the competition shifts to high gear,” Cagayan de Oro and Davao, while IBM has offices in says Denmar Deduque, Stellar’s Human Metro Manila, Davao, Cebu, Pampanga, Laguna and Resource Site Lead. He discloses that Naga. they are increasing the number of their personnel in preparation for the “Naga is one area that we can expand because it is company’s 24/7 operations. already existing and the human capital pool is really The demand is also being felt very good,” Amador was quoted as saying. by the Information and Technology (IT) sector or those in the business of software and systems development in the city, of which the number is also growing.

NEW EDIFICE. The Mayor and First Lady Farah Bongat (2nd from left) share a light moment with Loida Inton (extreme left), IBM Business Services Phil., Center Leader, and Candy Soto (fourth from left), IBM Integrated Delivery Leader, DTI Camarines Sur Provincial Director Edna Tejada (rightmost) and the Tan patriarch Romy Tan (third from right) and his son Eugene Tan, before the formal ground-breaking of the 5-storey building at the Naga Technology Park in the CBD 2. At least two storeys of the building will house the expanded IBM Naga next year. OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2014 14 Software and web development specializes in event correlation Henri Chevallier, Chief software and complex event Executive Officer of Extesoft, a processing. French IT company engaged in The firm has been actively software and web development, contributing to build the best said: “It’s true that we have software that companies may universities here in Naga avail of in analyzing their flows which are quite good but a of events and transform them lot of software developers still into meaningful, empowering go straight to Manila after business-oriented information. graduation, which makes it Chevalier, meanwhile, is quite difficult for us to find ever hopeful that they would talents that we need.” not run short of the required Extesoft, which started number of agents from Naga its operation in 2011 and as “the city has a vast source maintains a research and of talents who are dedicated development center at the and committed workers. 4th floor of DECA Corporate Ninety percent of our talents Center along Panganiban Drive, are residents of this city.”

IT Park Locations in Naga

Naga City Technology Park

Naga City Cyber Park

ALDP E-Park

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HOMEGROWN PLAYER NUECA CEO Magno Conag standing, far right ( ) and his Magno Edilberto Conag III, a popularity in Europe and in research and development team. former Ateneo De Naga Professor the US. and now Chief Executive Officer Nueca soon expanded its of Nueva Caceres Technology research and development Solutions, Inc. (Nueca) a to include mobility solutions homegrown software development addressing the challenges in the company, said they were able business processes of Philippine to hire good developers because retailers. of the support that the city government had extended. By mid-2013, Nueca has developed various innovations “The city had provided us a space that enabled retailers facilitate where we initially placed our orders, transmit sales and research and development center manage inventory, using Wi- and free use of electricity, which Fi and cellular data-enabled were a big help considering the smartphones that sync with limited resources we had then,” he a proprietary cloud backend, confided. allowing back offices to Founded on September 15, consolidate data quickly and 2011, Nueca started as a service accurately. providing company for developing The innovations were put mobile applications. It worked together in a product called on various projects in the areas Concessio. Today, Concessio of weather disturbance, law is already helping enterprises, enforcement, education, health particularly those with many care, fashion, lifestyle, and real remote outlets and roaming estate. sales agents that are spread ANR Business Center Its incubation center was first across the country. Concessio housed inside the Naga City is optimizing their systems and Hall compound where they were improving their productivity. provided with office/working Having evolved to become a spaces for free, including electrical software product development and cable connections, as well company, Nueca’s software as other technical and logistical is now being used by clients support. One year after, Nueca based in Europe, US, Canada, engaged in building mobility and some in Arab nations on solutions for the retail industry. subscription basis. By the end of 2012, Nueca POS-RS (Point of Sale - Retail Solutions) for Apple iPad was developed. POS is designed for restaurants and coffee shops.

“In 2013 nueca POS-RS for iPad, iPhone and iPod Touch were officially launched and gained

OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2014 16 STRONGER AND MORE VIBRANT NAGA IN 2015

vibrant economic landscape, the city is well on its way to join in two or three year’s time the elite league of cities whose annual revenue is P1B itself is undergoing a multi- IVEN the or more. million peso construction impressive Bongat said that such program for an expanded economic outlook is not remote medical complex, frontlined gains that the considering the city’s rising by an 8-storey building that city was able financial history during the is expected to become the to meet in the last two years. He noted that biggest and tallest of its kind year that is about to close, City in 2012, the city’s annual in Bicol, if not the whole Mayor John G. Bongat assured income was pegged at G Southern Luzon. local businessmen that the P540M. In 2014, or two years Along the Almeda city’s economic dynamism will hence, it rose to P800M plus, highway at the corner of continue to rise and flourish in or a leap of over P260M. Maharlika Diversion Road in 2015 and the years ahead. The mayor said that early Concepcion Pequena will start Speaking at the 4th next year the Gaisano Mall the construction next year quarter general membership will open for business which is of an expansive Robinson’s meeting and business forum currently rushing construction Mall, the 5th major shopping of the Metro Naga Chamber along a one-hectare lot center to rise in this city. of Commerce and Industry fronting the Bicol Medical Meanwhile, construction last Dec. 18, the city mayor Center (BMC). The BMC of various establishments and said that because of the city’s edifices continues without

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STRONGER AND MORE VIBRANT NAGA IN 2015 By Jose B. Perez

a development firm of Naga businessman Romy Tan. Expected to be completed letup in various parts of in March 2016, at least the city, highlighting the two storeys of the edifice city’s unstoppable march will be occupied by IBM a homegrown one which is to economic progress, Philippines Naga, another engaged in building mobility including bright prospects BPM company. solutions for the retail in real estate, insurance, Already, Naga City industry. and hyper-active car sales. is host to three BPO Mayor Bongat said Car sales of leading companies, namely: that together, these three motor vehicle brands have Concentrix, IBM, and Stellar, multinational BPO companies since sprouted in Naga and the latter an Australian initially hire a total of 1,500 the neighboring capital company which is housed agents which translates town of Pili, Camarines Sur. at the upper floors of to P22M, more or less, in Also to rise at Central Chevrolet Naga building combined employees’ monthly Business District 2 (CDB2) along Concepcion Grande. income. near the Concentrix Techno A fourth company, Park is a 5-storey building Nueva Caceres Technology to be constructed by Romar Solutions, Inc. (Nueca) is PHOTO BY JOSE B. PEREZ & Sons Estate Dev’t Corp.,

OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2014 18 ROBINSONS PLACE NAGA

BICOL HEALTH ACESS

ILLUSTRATED BY REY UBALDO

Such personal income, BICOL MEDICAL CENTER computed at an average of P15,000 NICC DOCTORS per employee, easily transforms HOSPITAL into disposable incomes which are expended for home or room rent, food, clothes, transportation, entertainment, and the rest to bank or personal savings, which inevitably go into the city’s money circulation daily. Two years ago, the money in circulation in Naga was estimated at P7B daily. Local entrepreneurs say that because most of these employees buy food in Naga, purchase shoes, belong to the younger generation, clothes and other personal items in their expenses traditionally would Naga malls, and keep their savings move around malls for clothes, in the city’s array of commercial and personals and accessories, food chains, savings banks, whose number is also cafes and night entertainment. incomparable anywhere in Bicol, Bongat said that as an another sign of bubbling financial outsourcing hub, the city is expected progress. to host at least 5,000 call center agents Many banks are also reported in 2015 and 2016, further boosting to be making a heyday in booming Naga’s disposable income because of auto sales by sales and service this boom in employment. centers located in Pili and Naga. The About 13 kilometers away is the downside, however, is that many Sutherland BPO, which is based inside of Naga’s major road arteries and the Provincial Capitol Complex in Pili, narrow streets are now clogged by Camarines Sur. It presently maintains the latest models of sedans, SUVs, a personnel base of about 1,000 call and vans delivered to Naga and center agents. Camarines Sur car buyers. Bongat estimates that about 50 And the Mayor has not percent of these call center agents are discussed yet about the city’s from Naga, including those working at ever-growing student population, Sutherland in Pili, while the other half from elementary to college, where come from other cities and provinces enrollees do not only come from the in Bicol, who have to rent rooms and city but from other parts of Bicol and other regions as well. 19 OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2014

Quality employment “ remains to be a big challenge for Bicol even as it earned important milestones in some areas like the regional economic growth of 9.4 per cent PHOTO BY JASON B. NEOLA attained in 2013, and BICOL HEALTH ACESS recognition of Naga City and Daet, Camarines Norte as among the most competitive cities and municipalities, respectively, by the NICC DOCTORS National Competitive HOSPITAL Council.”*

*From report by the National Economic Development Administration as reported from Bicol Mail

OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2014 20 PHOTO BY JOSE B. PEREZ PHOTO BY JOSE B. PEREZ PINION Furthermore, Naga has a vibrant English speaking

O Naga’s pool of human resources. The educational institutions here are reputable and provide a good number of promising qualified graduates. Information technology is one of the courses offered in these colleges and universities. It is very much in demand in the 21st century. bus stop Exposure to western culture through television, radio and movies had shaped these individuals into a savvy, By James Z. Carpio cosmopolitan, and learned workforce. They actually get the Americanisms like cultural jokes in movies. Moreover, the country had been colonized by two western powers: Spain and the United States of America. It is estimated that at least over a hundred thousand of them work in two to three shifts in rotation. These opportunities give competitive compensation packages to the employees. Admirably, they help their families have access to basic resources like, shelter, utilities and most especially in order to put food on the table. That bus stop is showing signs of future success for the locals. The city showcases itself as a promising choice for national and multinational enterprises. Seeing them up close and personal makes one realize the significant PHOTO BY JOSE B. PEREZ PHOTO BY JOSE open doors that have ushered in positive realities. Personally, I have only read about them in HANCES are that every time I newspapers and online. It is truly a pivotal change for a would pass along Elias Angeles much more bullish and progressive stance in positioning Street at the bus stop at Plaza Naga in particular, and Bicolandia in general, both Quezon, I would see young nationally and globally towards the forefront of full professional workers. At different comprehensive development. occasions, I have seen a group of Before the bus left my sight, I felt excited and it five or ten. I was too early I guess for my morning deepened my optimism for my fellow Bicolanos. As I Cexercise. Then one instance at 6 in the morning, went along the street in the opposite direction, I stopped I finally chanced upon seeing what they were at an intersection where the newly installed traffic lights waiting for. A big air-conditioned bus stopped by have been just activated for the day. I stopped for a few at the loading/unloading section. seconds of waiting for the red light to turn green. Then I Roughly, they were more than twenty at had 33 seconds that moment: forming a long line, and others to cross the from across the street catching up. pedestrian lane. Vivid memories of Hollywood films came Modernization to mind showing a truck fetching a group of and progress day laborers to work on a field to till the land have come to or to pick fruits and vegetables. light. A rosier A version of young urban professionals picture is now gets off the bus to go home fresh from the being lived by night shift, then the new batch gets on the people by the vehicle to be driven to their office at a nearby thousands, with municipality. They are call center agents their hopes and working for a Business Process Outsourcing dreams fulfilled. company. Naga has BPO firms as well. The Philippines is the BPO capital of the world. They first established in Mega Manila but have STELLAR Call Center, an Australian company, formally opens its office in Naga City, the third after IBM and Concentrix to have set up shop in the city in barely two been distributed across the country in recent years, with City Mayor John Bongat and his First Lady Farah (behind the mayor’s right) as guests of honor. The mayor said hundreds more of new, young and motivated years. Fortunately, Naga City is one of the cities employees were hired by the third BPO locator in the city. He thanked his co-workers that cater to these international companies. at city hall for helping him entice new, dollar-earning, employment-generating multinational companies to Naga, adjudged as the 3rd most competitive city in the Soon more will follow. country for 2014.

21 OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2014

EP. Leni Robredo (3rd district, Camarines Sur) disclosed that the amount of at least P600M has been allocated for the initial phase of Rthe proposed revitalization of the Naga River as envisioned by the city government. To speed up the work and provide focus on the project, the city government created the Naga River Development Council that the congresswoman will chair, with representatives from the different concerned sectors and stakeholders REP. Leni Robredo and Naga City Mayor John Robredo, Bongat address members of the Metro Naga as members. Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Speaking as guest of the 3rd quarter general membership Bongat meeting and business forum of the Metro Naga Chamber of Commerce dialogue and Industry (MNCCI) last October, the solon stressed the need for stakeholders to discuss and map with out a comprehensive plan on how to wisely spend the amount so entreps far allocated for the infrastructure requirements of the project, and thus ensure optimum result. PHOTOS BY DICK OLARTE The widow of the late DILG By Bong V. Villacruz Secretary Jesse M. Robredo also MNCCI Past President Engr. Boy Aman poses question to Mayor Bongat on various ongoing bared that a technical team from the infrastructure projects in the city. Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) had recently He explained that his conducted an ocular inspection administration has been of the Naga Airport following implementing projects without endorsement by the Bicol Regional regard to whether or not it is Aman, an engineer and Development Council of the project election year or near election real estate developer, wished evaluation report prepared by year-- unlike other LGUs that that such laudable project and the DOTC for the Naga Airport hold off funds until it is near other similar targets must be Development Project. election time--- because the sustained and expanded in The project calls for the re- city residents’ need for basic other parts of the city. orientation of the airport’s runway services has to be addressed The mayor stressed to accommodate more flights and without delay. that the city’s burgeoning upgrade its system for night flight The mayor’s response economic activity, made more capabilities, as well as wide-body came when past MNCCI pronounced by the ongoing jet service from existing turboprop president Emeterio “Boy“ L. construction boom and the flights. Aman lauded the city’s ongoing setting up of more call centers, City Mayor John G. Bongat, drainage system construction should be met with more who was also guest at the same which he noted to have so vigor and resolve by the city forum, assured Naga entrepreneurs far significantly addressed government in delivering that various infrastructure projects the once perennial flooding basic services. He thanked the in the city, including the city-wide problem of the city. “Heavy business sector, specifically the drainage system whose multi- rains are quick to subside upon business chamber, for their role million funds were secured by hitting the ground because of as able partners in the city’s Rep. Robredo, will continue to be the storm drainages built by unrelenting drive for inclusive pursued as funds come along. the city government,” he said. growth and development.

OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2014 22 Go Negosyo to rise at Naga City People’s Mall

By Jason B. Neola

PHOTO BY XERES GAGERO

BETTER MALL SERVICE. Sen. Bam Aquino, Mayor John Bongat, NCPM Manager Ramon Florendo and Fr. Philip Bersabe lead the ceremonial cutting of ribbon for the renovated fresh fish section of the Naga City People’s Mall.

TRESSING before a crowd of stallholders at the Naga City People’s Mall that one of his legislative concerns is to pass measures that will improve the status of small- and micro- entrepreneurs, Senator Benigno “Bam” Aquino said that he will work with Mayor John G. Bongat in setting Sup a Go Negosyo Center in the city. Aquino was here last November 14, 2014 to PHOTO BY JOSE COLLERA grace the blessing and inauguration of the new Market Enterprise and Promotions Office, the newly renovated fresh fish section and the Materials Recovery Facility, all at the Naga City People’s Mall. The youthful senator said he believes that every small- and micro-entrepreneur will benefit more and improve their lot if a facility would be put up to enable them to do more with regards to their entrepreneurial pursuits. He lauded Bongat for continuously manifesting similar concern and consideration for the sector which the latter has actualized in his own GrOW Negosyo project for the city’s small- and micro- entrepreneurs.

PHOTO BY JOSE COLLERA Aquino assured the stallholders about the establishment of a Go Negosyo Center that will allow targeted entrepreneurs to have links with institutions that will help provide them with financing, marketing, and technology-exchange opportunities, including acquisition of equipment and tools by product manufacturers and processors. He said he will see to it that this city will be included among the first 100 cities and municipalities prioritized for the establisment of Go Negosyo Center by next year.

23 OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2014 PHOTO BY JASON B. NEOLA I were to rate– in a scale of 1 to 10-- Bicol the way the Bicol Central Central Station (formerly Naga Station: Doing Central Bus Terminal) is being run IFtoday, I won’t hesitate to give it an eleven or 12.” This was the instant remark volunteered by jeepney driver more than Faustino Teoxon, chairman of a transport group plying the Del Rosario-Concepcion route here in Naga City. He emphasized, expected however, that the rating is not solely about the physical developments that he sees but By Jason B. Neola more on the “determination and zeal shown by the city government Teoxon said that aside from to improve the facility’s the physical developments, strict operations.” • projection of the positive implementation of new house rules The local bus terminal had image of the city; and policies were also observed been under the management for • provision of livelihood inside the facility to ensure more more than a decade by a private opportunities to Nagueños, and; convenience, safety and security to corporation as operator until • generation of more economic the public. 2013 when the private operator’s enterprise revenues. Teresa Bermudo, a stallholder franchise expired and the City The city government used to at the Bicol Central Station, said Government of Naga decided receive an annual net revenue of what impresses her most is the to take over its administration P15-M for its lease agreement with security-conscious city hall workers and operation, and immediately the previous terminal operator. and Public Safety Office (PSO) undertook facility repairs, This amount, however, proved to personnel assigned at the terminal repainting, beautification, and be lower by more than 50% when who are working on shifts for a more importantly, operational compared to the gross income round-the-clock security cover innovations and reforms. of P32-M it obtained on the first that significantly reduced to the The “face-lifting” and the year that the terminal was being minimum incidents of theft in the improvements introduced were managed and operated by the city premises. anchored on a 4-pronged mission government under Budget Officer “Before, I cannot just leave of the Central Bus Terminal Mendoza. my place even for a brief period Transition Team-Technical Working Mendoza said this year’s without my helper taking over, Group (CBTTT-TWG) which is revenue is expected to increase in else my store would be attacked headed by City Budget Officer 2015 and in the following years, by shoplifters and thieves. But Frank M. Mendoza, which called considering the reforms and now, I can take a nap and relax for the: initiatives being adopted under the even during nighttime without • promotion of the riding guidance of Mayor John G. Bongat. public’s safety and convenience;

PHOTO BY JOSE COLLERA OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2014 24 25

Mendoza disclosed. 10% from theirannualstallrental,” an across-the-board decrease of the ideaof givingthestallholders the terminal forover adecade. transactionswithin supply delivery had houndedthepurchasing and breaking off themonopoly that according to theirownchoice, to buysuppliesandservices operator. Stallholders are free favored bytheformer terminal and soft-drinks from asupplier compelled to purchase beverages arestallholders nolonger establish asmicro-entrepreneurs. that theythemselves would help loans andfinancialassistance other benefitsandwindowsfor could helpthemmore through cooperative inthehopethatit intoall stallholders amultipurpose ofalso taken organizing theeffort the busterminal’s operation,had thatittook over quarter the first wake up.” that somethingmaybelostwhenI closing mystore andworrying

OCTOBER -DECEMBER “Mayor Bongat also forwarded “Mayor Bongatalsoforwarded Unlike inthepast, the The citygovernment, during 2014

PHOTOS BY JASON B. NEOLA obstructions. their unitswithoutunnecessary allowing busdriversto maneuver terminal’s interior bay, thereby private vehicles from entering the policy thatprohibits taxisandother alsoimplementsa CBTTT-TWG Asidefrom that,the terminal more organized. utilization of spaces insidethe the region, thereby making the operating withintheprovince or bound busesandthe parking spaces between Manila- problem onthedistributionof each otherto secure parking spaces. when buseshave to wrestle against was happeninginprevious years that istotally different from what buses. Theideaprovides asituation given adesignated placeto park its buses wherein eachcompany is utilization of parking spaces for up withaneffective policyonthe as terminal operator, has come Thecitygovernment, observation: volunteered thefollowing lowered to aminimalP5.00. them dailyinplyingtheirtradewas and theP10feecollected from its perimeter hasbeendiscontinued operations withintheterminal and to conductperiodicclean-up the oldpracticeof directing vendors andofficialsmanagers concerned. in airingtheirconcerns to thecity allowing themto have more voice vendors were alsoorganized, androvinginstructions, peddlers The policyalsocleared the Jun Lausingco,busdispatcher, disclosedthat Mendoza further Upon Mayor Bongat’s Editor’s Note: and coverage improve the Internet connectivity city government findtimeto and otherITgadgets.“Maythe can’t live withouttheircomputers entrepreneurs andstudentswho waiting passengers, especially satisfaction of and stallholders the Internet connectionsto the terminal, itistheupgradingof has to improve oninthe thing thatthecitygovernment provincial buses. operations of Manila-bound to the of policiespertaining areas andstrictimplementation clean surroundings, well-lighted peace andorder situation, Mayor Bongatfortheterminal’s magnanimous incommending to keep itcleanandorderly.” maintenance assigned personnel forfreecan useitanytime with rooms becausenoweverybody that we have to usethecomfort time we have to pay P5.00every we nolongerfeelirritated when customer-friendly thanbefore; bus terminal nowto bemore thecity’sthis to say:“Iobserve upon immediately. heated arguments ifnotacted cases theincidentsturn into companies. Hesaidthatinmost problems withanyof thebus rowdy passengers whohave help resolve complaintsagainst the terminal fortheirreadiness to assignedin city hallpersonnel assured tobewifi-ready,expected Mendoza comesout,theBCSis magazine talaga angimprovements Lausingco alsothanked the Sare saidifthere’s one Sare, like are manyothers, Dan Sare, stallholder, has . By thetimethis para kumpletona ,” hesaid. MAYOR BONGAT SPEAKS AT RENEWABLE ENERGY CONFERENCE IN USA and leads dialogue on Filipino migration concerns in Qatar and Italy

By Jason B. Neola Arvy Noleal Osma&

ITH no cost to the government, City Mayor John G. Bongat during the last MAYOR BONGAT: The reason WHY I CAN RELATE MUCH to the Tennessee Technical University? Because it is the Home of the GOLDEN quarter of the year attended EAGLES! IT’S ACTUALLY a combination of my being a GOLDEN Knight at least three important conferences and (Ateneo de Naga HS where I graduated in 1981) and my being a Blue EAGLE W (Ateneo de Manila, AB Pol. Sci. 1985). workshops abroad that tackled latest trends and technologies in renewable energy on one hand and workable measures that aim to The 3-day conference featured renewable mainstream migration and development on energy technologies, as well as opportunities the other. and best practices regarding alternative Last October 12-14, 2014, Mayor Bongat energies before international members of the went to the United States to address the TREEDC. Tennessee Renewable Energy Economic Mayor Bongat’s participation has been Development Council (TREEDC) International specifically identified by the council for his Renewable Energy Conference at Tennessee keen interest and role as local chief executive Tech University. in the advancement of renewable energy in

OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2014 26 PART OF THE MAYOR’S SKED was meeting with successful Filipino-American businesswoman Ann C. Seisa at her residence along classy Fountain Avenue in LA, to explore the possibility of her company’s (Solexar Energy Int’l) investing in solar energy generation in Naga.

the Bicol region which has helped TREEDC grow its International Exchange Programs in the Philippines. Bongat’s talk was preceded by a TREEDC Overview and Report on Accomplishments and Philippine Partnerships on renewable energy delivered by the University of Tennessee MTAS/TREEDC Director Warren Nevad and TREEDC International Affairs Director Doug Jackson. Mayor Bongat is the only local executive from the Philippines to have been invited to the conference. With him were Camarines Sur. He was accompanied six university presidents from UNITED NAGUEÑOS. Maritime Academy of Asia and by Dir. Fred Perdon of the Metro Naga Naga City Mayor John Bongat and local media executive Fred the Pacific, University of Pasig Chamber of Commerce and Industry. Perdon (5th and 4th from right, both seated) pose with fellow Nagueños City, Technological University On November 26, also this year, in California, USA who welcomed of the Philippines, Philippine Mayor Bongat left for Doha, Qatar to them to a fellowship night. Among those in the photo are hosts Zeny Normal University, Polytechnic attend a forum in preparation for the Sabocor, father and son Hernito and Butch San Jose, Norman Avengoza, University of the Philippines, and forthcoming Third Global Summit of Aida Valenciano Asuncion, and the Central Bicol State University Filipinos in Diaspora, February 2015 in Eleanor Martires. of Agriculture based in Pili, Manila, and the Regional Summit of

27 OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2014

In the BOARD ROOM of the Tennessee Tech University.

presentation on the “More importantly, we aim initiatives of the Bicol to strengthen services for Region and the City migrants and to help build a of Naga in mobilizing strong network among Filipino resource (financial and community organizations, social remittances) of thus empowering them to Filipino migrants towards actively engage in national development under the development efforts with UNDP and EU-supported special emphasis towards Joint Migration and enterprise,” she explained. Development Initiative The fora seek to (JMDI) Phase II Program. encourage and mobilize JMDI II is a 3-year Filipino associations to support project that started entrepreneurial activities in 2012 aimed at in the local communities, maximizing the potential while at the same time of migration for local provide them with tools via development through the Peso Sense Program: the delivery of targeted The Philippine Financial support to LGUs and Freedom Campaign Program. private groups, with It also aims to enhance Naga as anchor LGU personal strategies, skills and under the program, knowledge in attaining financial “Mainstreaming empowerment. Migration and Earlier on November 3-7, Development of Local City Planning Officer Wilfredo B. Authorities in the Bicol Prilles was in Milan, Italy where Region.” he was one of the presentors The Commission in the 2014 International Filipinos in the Middle East in 2016. on Filipinos Overseas (CFO), headed Metropolis Conference on From Doha, where an Ugnayan by Secretary Imelda Nicolas, which Migration. Series kicked off for Filipino overseas extended the invitation to Bongat, The workshop sought workers on November 28, Mayor said that CFO is taking initial steps to promote practices and Bongat proceeded to Rome, Italy to gather Filipino associations and approaches to migration and from November 30 to December 2, groups in the Middle East and development established 2014 where he addressed a similar Italy through a series of fora and between territories of origin series of consultation meetings with consultation meetings dubbed as and destination. The objective the Filipino communities. the “Ugnayan Series.” is to include migration in local In both cities, Bongat was Nicolas said the Ugnayan development planning and the resource speaker on the topic, presents an opportunity for CFO and establish strategic partnerships “The Transformative Value of its partners to reach out to Filipinos and exchanges between Development Assistance to the in various regions of the world sending and receiving territories Local Economy.” In both occasions, to discuss means of cooperation or communities. the city mayor made a 15-minute for diaspora engagement.

OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2014 28 Overlooking the CONCRETE JUNGLE of DOHA, from the veranda of Mayor John Bongat’s hotel room. Qatar is host to 342,000 OFWs (roughly 20% of the country’s total population of 1.9m as of 2011), the third highest in the Middle East. The Mayor and City Planning Officer Wilfredo B. Prilles Jr., spoke at the Philippine Doha Center before a Filipino audience, who are primarily living and working in Qatar, to promote migration programs, particularly on how local governments can help them and their families back home or how they can help local governments or their respective hometowns. Both Mayor Bongat and Mr. Prilles intoduced QATAR to these unsung heroes of modern times Naga’s new project, funded by EU and the Swiss government thru UNDP in collaboration with the CFO, regarding “online/mobile tax payment” and the so called “diaspora philanthropy” and “diaspora investment” projects. Q ATAR

“ONCE a Filipino, ALWAYS a Filipino! A resounding message from our Overseas Filipinos in Qatar! Thus, our city advocacy soliciting their support for our shortlisted priority programs, including our online/mobile facility for payment of realty taxes, was received by them with open arms.” Mayor John G. Bongat in Doha, Qatar

29 OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2014

R R OME OME

MEDIA INTERVIEW. The Naga City Mayor is being interviewed by NET 25 Italy during a break at the meeting with Overseas Filipinos in Rome where the pioneering project of Naga on mainstreaming migration in local development was showcased as a model and best practice MAYOR BONGAT with Rome Consul General Leola C. Lora-Santos worth emulating and replicating by other LGUs to better discussing Philippine Embassy’s role in engaging Overseas Filipinos in local serve the needs and concerns of their fellow Filipinos development. Also in the picture are Wilfredo B. Prilles Jr. and CFO officials, working abroad. Dir. Regina Galias and Senior Emigrant Officer Nico Herrera. R OME R OME R OME

OVERSEAS Filipinos in Rome eagerly gather to listen to Naga City Mayor John Bongat on what steps their goverment at home is taking to promote and protect their and their families’ welfare.

OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2014 30 Last Nov. 22, 2014, Nierva human passion, both the divine ive books by Bicol authors was again given an award and and profane, during the period romped away with awards took the Best Book Translated for of exploration and after the in different categories, his “Doros asin mga Anghel (Air Renaissance. aside from the books that and Angels)” which is a collection “The true test of language is Fmade it to the finalists’ list. of Bikol translated poems of John how its writers enable it to bear the With works and translations Donne, the 17th century English burdens of meaning across time, in Bikol, Filipino, and English, five poet whose immortal lines geography, and states of being. books by Bicol authors were given include “no one is an island” and John Donne and his contemporary the Naitonal Book Award for Best “for whom the bell tolls, it tolls for William Shakespeare made English Anthology in Bikol, Best Book of thee.” do just that. Now, Nierva has put Poetry in Filipino, Best Book of Donne’s poems that Nierva it upon himself to make the Bikol Poetry in Bikol, Best Translated translated were canonical works language bear the burdens of Book, and Juan C. Laya Prize for and sonnets which reflected the meaning of John Donne’s English,“ Best Novel in a Foreign Language. The book awards to Bicol authors came seven years after the National Book Development Board (NBDB) and the Manila Critics 33rd NATIONAL Circle (MCC) cited in 2007 Bicol BOOK AWARDS author Victor Dennis T. Nierva’s “Antisipasyon” for the National Book Award for Poetry. A harvest of Every year, NBDB and MCC bestow recognition to books award-winning published the previous year for their quality and content, and this books by year they gave away 21 awards, including the Publisher of the Year Bicol writers award. “Last year’s best books included for the first time categories in Bikol. Thus, the bounty for Bikol writers. We are quite happy that the national literary scene recognizes the renaissance of Bikol literature happening in Bicol. We should be quite proud of this,” according to Abdon M. Balde, Jr., a National Book Award (NBA) recipient and one of the judges.

31 OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2014

in poetry that is unfettered by, or almost naked woth the extremes of form – the revealing and revelation of bone and structure, or the strictures that in the end liberate meaning,” Kilates says. Cordero’s translation of Rainier Maria Rilke’s selected poems entitled “Minatubod Ako sa Diklom (I Have Faith in Darkness)” was also a finalist in the category Best Book Translated, which Nierva won. “Haging: Mga Osipon (Buzz: Marne L. Kilates, poet, translator, poems in these two award-winning The Sories),” edited by Paz Verdades and another national book judge, collections since 2006 with the M. Santos and H. Francisco V. stressed. common themes of mourning, of Penones Jr. was awarded Best Kilates said Donne is no death, of violence. Anthology in Bikol. ordinary poet whose words and “In the two collections, I tried Santos said they almost missed passion are always seeking both to re-learn, re-write, and re-read to submit their entry in last year’s the delicate cores and fringes a lot of folk songs, folk tales, National Book Awards because it of the sensual and mystical, of novenas, liturgical hymns, parables, was four days before the deadline worldly and God-knowledge, biblical stories, and tried to weave that she read in the post that there where the sacred may not be them altogether to write poetry was a Bikol category. shamed by the profane, and the that I would like to bear witness, to She added the Bikol category profane trembles as it becomes stand as strong defiance against was the recognition of the sacred. the burden of forgetting, which is continuous production of books “So does the Bikol language my way of singing, a way of trying from Bicol for the past seven years, pass between the domains of to reckon with the personal and and last year it was Ilocano books faith and the flesh, and between the political, for the poet must that were recognized. the maps of Bikol and English, in continuously strive and live a life Merlinda C. Bobis, who hails the messengerial task of Nierva’s that is filled with ardor and hope,” from Albay, won the Juan C. Laya translations,” he said. Cordero said. Prize for Best Novel in a Foreign Kristian Sendon Cordero’s Kilates sees Cordero’s Language for her novel “Fish-Hair “Canticos: Apat na Boses “Canticos: Apat na Boses” as “not is Woman” while Naga-born writer (Canticles: Four Voices)” was it ‘just’ writing poetry but exploring Maryanne Moll’s “Married Women: awarded the Best Book of Poetry the lesser known territories of Short Stories” was finalist in Cirilo in Bikol and “Labi (Lips)” got the poetic composition.” F. Bautista for Best Book of Short Best Book of Poetry in Filipino. “With the characteristic Fiction in English. Also, another Cordero, who had been opulence of substance and Bicol author, Fr. Wilmer Joseph S. recipient of Palanca awards for unmistakable sound, Cordero is Tria’s translation of Kahlil Gibran’s his poems and fiction and a breaking sacred ground here with “The Prophet” was finalist in Best one-time filmmaker, wrote the the audacious use of the ‘profane’ Book Translated. - Bicol Mail

OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2014 32 REDISCOVERING NICK JOAQUIN

{The author, along with then Naga City First Lady and now Camarines Sur (3rd District) language as if it were his own Representative Maria Leonor and infusing it with originality, Gerona Robredo, established the vigor, lushness, urgency, and program “Libro Para Sa Futuro” (Books for the Future) aimed at a streak of mysticism without promoting reading as a tool for self- losing touch of his native roots. improvement and for securing the Fellow National Artist for very future of the city.} Literature F. Sionil Jose considers him as the greatest Filipino writer-- a compliment which must end all the debates and o say that Nick speculations, coming as it does Joaquin is my from another giant in Philippine idol may well be literature in English. considered as an Indeed, no other Filipino understatement. literary figure can command Ever since I read his Prose and as much respect and awe from TPoems almost half a century ago, critics and admirers alike as Nick I have been virtually worshipping Joaquin, also known as Quijano him. For years, I even used a de Manila. Unmatched in his stubby Grade I pencil as a writing mastery of the English language, instrument and quaffed beer Joaquin straddled various straight from the bottle – until literary genres– poetry, essay, I became a hypertensive. Still, short story, biography, novel, up to now, I can’t write a single drama– and invariably emerged phrase which can approximate triumphant. He also dabbled my idol’s inimitable style. in journalism and succeeded in Writing in a borrowed elevating the prosaic form of language is not exactly a picnic. newspaper reportage into an art. How frustrating is it to scrounge Joaquin freely mingled for words while at the same time with his fellow artists and the insuring the integrity of grammar common people, particularly the and spelling, among others. students with whom he selflessly One is not even sure if, at this shared precious pointers on stage, a rule on syntax has been his craft. Unfortunately, at the breached. end of his life, only a select few Yet, Nicomedes Marquez knew who Nicomedes Marquez Joaquin (Nick Joaquin’s full name) Joaquin really was– as a person, managed to transcend all these as a doting relative, as a friend, limitations, using the English and as an artist of the first order. DigiART by RACSO VITAN 33 OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2014

United States forces pitted against the suicidal Japanese troops– became the darkest moment of his life, leading as it did to the destruction of his beloved Intramuros, the Manila of his “affections,” every COVERING nook and cranny of which he had REDIS mapped out in his mind. Viewing the rubbles a few weeks later, Nick Joaquin could only let out “a deep, loud groan” and finding a shattered slab, “sat down on it, quiet now, while tears continue to NICK course down his cheek.” His dear Intramuros and the indescribable By Gabriel Hidalgo Bordado jr. JOAQUINFORMER CITY VICE MAYOR pain its destruction brought to his innermost being would soon be immortalized in his literary and journalistic masterpieces. Among them was his oldest of the clan fondly called him, The book also uncovers nephew, Tony Joaquin, who did was already a voracious reader, hitherto hidden facets of the right thing by coming up preferring to stay in his father’s Joaquin’s life: his religiosity (he with a book with a title NICK: small library at home rather attended Mass and received A portrait of the Artist Nick than engaging in the usual holy Communion almost every Joaquin– obviously a take on childhood games. At the age day), his generosity, his shyness the great writer’s famous elegy of 8, he was gifted by his father despite the awards and accolades in three acts. with a National Library card, thus (he drank beer to loosen up Co-written by Gloria Kisladi, opening a whole new world for his tongue and interact with the book does not pretend to the budding writer. So enamored people), his sense of justice and be the definitive biography of was he with the National Library fairness, his compassion, and his Nick Joaquin. According to Tony that he decided to drop out humility. He entered St. Albert’s Joaquin himself, “what the clan altogether from Mapa High Monastery in Hong Kong and wanted in this life story of Tito School just when he was about to barely a year later, decided that Onching is the perspective of commence his senior year there. “for as long as he felt it was Nicomedes Marquez Joaquin’s Leocadio’s death in 1937 his mission to write about the story ‘from within,’ one that can shattered the almost idyllic set- past, he was convinced his true bring out the metamorphosis up in the Joaquin household vocation was to do just that.” of the familiar Onching from although by that time, Onching The decision proved to be the shy, exclusive bookworm to was already living with his eldest providential because Nick Joaquin Nick Joaquin”. So here goes the brother Ping and sister-in-law did not only write about the past book’s synopsis– or what passes Sarah (who would also become but also proceeded to chronicle for it. a great playwright and stage the present and divine the future: Nicomedes Marquez director). “Listen to me. By your dust, and Joaquin was the fifth of the 10 It turned out that the by the dust of all the generations, children of Leocadio Joaquin Joaquin patriarch heavily I promise to continue, I promise and Salome Marquez. His father, invested in highly speculative oil to preserve! ....and this dear city of a colonel in the Philippine exploration deals and ended up our affections shall rise again– if Revolutionary Forces, was as a veritable pauper. His wife only in my song. To remember a highly successful lawyer Salome did try her best to keep and to sing: that is my vocation...” specializing in land disputes the large Joaquin brood together. For someone constantly while his mother was an But then, another disaster struggling with the English erstwhile teacher. They all lived struck— the Second World War. language, how he wishes, as wryly in relative comfort in a big By dint of hard work and noted by a critic, that he could house built on the then genteel his brother Ping’s connections, have written such Joaquinesque and upper-middle class district Onching and his siblings lines– and life, indeed, would be a of Paco. managed to survive the war bit bearable. Even as a child, Joaquin or years. Ironically, the liberation “Onching,” as all the members of Manila– with the rampaging OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2014 34 A Nagueña that we can be proud of

The Search for Outstanding Teachers promotes a culture of This Ford Foundation excellence in education by recognizing the country’s best mentors who can be scholar is Metrobank upheld as models not only for educators but for other community members as well. 2014 Outstanding More than 300 exemplary elementary, high school, and college teachers from all over the country have so Teacher of the far been awarded since its launching in 1985. Belle comes from Philippines humble beginnings. At an early age of 13 years, she was diagnosed to have brain motor seizures which she By Jason B. Neola had miraculously hurdled that made her carry on her dream of becoming a school teacher someday. She said the illness made her introspective and trusting of God, which made her only stronger to go beyond life’s many bumps and obstacles. “I may have this illness NOTHER proud for another purpose. If this Nagueña is one is so, I gladly embrace this of the 10 winners kind of life given to me. I in the nationwide realize, He has a purpose for 2014 Metrobank’s me,” she said without regret Search for Outstanding Teachers in her heart. A(SOT). She spent her high She is Anna Bella France school and college days Abellera, a Grade V classroom in a Catholic school where teacher at the Naga Central she was immersed in many School I. outreach programs. “The Belle’s inspiring community word of God has been my service and involvement, strength and I live each impressive credentials in day-- always having academics, character, and constancy to His promises. remarkable professional My hope never dwindled a accomplishments propelled her bit that the seizures would to become one of the recipients stop so I can finally land a of the coveted award– the teaching job,” she said. Metrobank Outstanding Teacher of the Philippines.

Photo by: Metrobank Foundation Inc.

35 OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2014 “THE TEACHING PROFESSION is love in the guise of work. There Call it a product of may be too many challenges in it but divine intervention or by they are coupled with opportunities that give joy as long as there is faith her diligence to educate and hard work.” In photo are Teacher Anne’s proud students whom their herself about the nature school aptly describes as achievers, of her illness, her efforts like their teacher. JBN enabled her to control her seizures and Belle after her college graduation seldom A brilliant student that experienced the same. she was, Belle obtained She also had trainings her degree for Master and seminars and cultural “TOUCHING the lives of children with my genuine service.” of Arts in Education immersions in Asian The teacher happily spends time to grow and learn with her pupils. majoring in Reading countries like Singapore, Education from Ateneo Malaysia, Macau, Hong de Manila University Kong and Indonesia, which compassion, dedication, program entitled “LEAP as a Ford Foundation further improved her resourcefulness, and (Love for Extensive scholar. After a year, Belle competency and capability dedication are observed Academic Progress through flew to New York, USA as a teacher. Her diligence in the way she conducts Reading) which aims to to enroll in an intensive and courage (as she her day-to-day duties in increase the number of course in Teaching travelled alone despite her school. so-called “independent English to Speakers of illness) had brought her to Reading education readers” and graduate Other Languages (TESOL) succeed in many endeavors. is also one area that from the “frustration and and Teaching English Indeed, this Ms. Abellera is strongly instructional levels”. The as a Foreign Language outstanding educator focusing on. She, with program registered a (TEFL) and had volunteer from Naga City serves three more teachers significant result such that teaching stints with foreign as an epitome of what from Naga Central reading habits of students professionals employed in today’s educators should School I, developed an have improved, the number the United States. be. The qualities of award-winning reading of independent readers has

OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2014 36 37 Photos by Metrobank Foundation Inc. Sisikat Education and ofby theDepartment program wasrecognized upgraded to 9.73%.The in theEnglishsubjectwas increased whileproficiency Division of NagaCity. Her 1-6 teachers intheDepEd Program forGrades (RETP) Reading Education Training demonstration teacher on speaker, facilitator, and also asought-after students’ reading program. of reading materials for funded theproduction prize of Php100,000that was awarded acash OCTOBER -DECEMBER Ms. Abellerais Foundation and Sa Aklat 2014 to bedirected inthe wanted allmyendeavors feeding. and annualgift-giving and students andtheirparents, reading programs for Franciscan Sisters, home and theCompassionate Missionaries of thePoor withthe in partnership book donationdrives spearheaded include— the community. in various civicactivitiesin as shehasalsobeenactive ofcorners theclassroom transpire withinthefour- dedication doesnotonly “Since Iwasachild, Among thoseshehas niche isjustsomething strength andfindingour Discovering our gifts. me realize thatwe allhave simple tidings.Itmade wrappedin was agift was notanaccident.It Irealizedyears. thatit confront inmyyounger illness thatIhadto steadfast inspite the teacher andremained I choseto becomea outstanding teacher. me,” saysthe41-year-old had somewhat teacher. Theteacher’s life why Iwanted to becomea of humanity.service Thisis “I amgladthat intoxicated

schools across thecountry. andtertiary secondary and private elementary, from various public with nomineescoming Metrobank Foundation conducted annuallybythe Teachers (SOT) is being Search forOutstanding Abellera. says gratification,” simply gives unparalleled with myownstudents the samedreams Ihad classroom andapplying need. Stepping outof the out to more peoplein to reach an opportunity is akinto acalling.Itis reform program. “Teaching city’s localeducation workbooks) underthe printed lessonplansand compendium (pre- and production of the fund thedevelopment extended thegrantto situations. teaching-learning materials andinimproving preparing instructional to devote more timein while allowingteachers to alllevels of learners ensuring thatitcaters equity ininstruction, and lessonplansaddresses compilation of workbooks ofDepartment Education. City DivisionOfficeof the students undertheNaga school teachers and for allpublicelementary City SchoolBoard (NCSB) of Nagathruthe by thecitygovernment workbooks published English lessonplansand authored andedited the M. Robredo, heco- of thenCityMayor Jesse for,” sheconcluded. that we allhave to work The prestigious The Ford Foundation The production of this During thetenure NDING the He also lauded Children’s Month the Sangguniang of October with Panlungsod for Ehis State of Our Children enacting an ordinance Report to highlight Bongat that encourages the the administration’s children’s sector to send impressive achievements Bongat a representative (below for the welfare of children, 18 years of age) to City Mayor John G. Bongat the Naga City Council said the city government for the Welfare and has been implementing delivers measures that make delivers the “Maogmang Lugar” a favorite Lakbay-Aral report destination when it comes to best practices on child welfare and protection. Delivering his 2014 STATE OF reporton state OUR CHILDREN speech at the Naga REPORT Revolving City People’s Hall last around the theme, Friday, October 31, the “Uya kaming Kaakian, city mayor assured the of our Suruga Kami, Tabangi children and child-friendly Kami,” Mayor John sectors dominating the Bongat delivered this year’s State of Our large crowd that the city on state Children Report. He government will continue children pointed out that for to pass and implement Naga to be become measures that will “allow “An Maogmang Lugar” every child in the city to for every child, the city government must feel secured and loved.” By Jason B. Neola exert all efforts to afford them with the of our opportunity to feel children secured and loved.

OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2014 38 Protection of Children. such noble measure in the community as well. Bongat also entire country. The mayor further underscored the twin 2. Protection from all disclosed that the city executive orders he issued forms of neglect and abuse. government has also been in support of the mission The city is giving equal adjudged as “acknowledged and vision of achieving for access to quality education center of excellence in children prompt health to all children regardless child-friendly programs and care and nutrition and their economic status. advocacies” by the national protection from all forms Bongat also issued an government and continues of neglect and abuse which executive order that provides to be a role model for were characterized under for children to be actually other LGUs throughout the the “feel secure” and “feel represented in the Naga City country. loved” advocacies of the city Council for the Welfare and The recognition was government. Protection of Children. In given when Naga City 1. Prompt health care and the entire Philippines, it is topped the implementation nutrition intervention. Even only the City Government of of programs and projects before the birth of the child, Naga that implements this under the 4 areas of child- the city government sees to measure. oriented governance it that this objective shall be Under the “Feel Secure” practices: health and fulfilled. Bongat issued an intervention, the children nutrition, child protection executive order instructing are guided by responsible and welfare, education the Office of the Civil persons individuals who are (academic and sports Registrar to submit a copy committed and mandated to development), and inclusivity of all marriage certificates provide the children of their wherein children are given to the City Population and basic needs while under the the privilege to participate Nutrition Office to ensure “Feel Loved” intervention, in decision-making by those that parenting seminar the city government goes in the city government and should be given to couples out of its way to make private sectors in coming up immediately after marriage. children feel that they are with projects and programs It is only the city government loved not by their own that promote children’s of Naga which observes families alone but by the welfare and protection.

FEELING SECURE

HEALTH AND NUTRITION INTERVENTIONS

NUTRITIONAL STATUS, PRE-SCHOOL

• THE CITY HAS MADE SUBSTANTIAL PROGRESS IN ADDRESSING MALNUTRITION PARTICULARLY AMONG PRE-SCHOOLERS. • AROUND 9 OUT OF 10 HAVE ATTAINED NORMAL NUTRITIONAL STATUS, AS COMPARED TO 3 DECADES AGO.

2007 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013

94.5% 95.0% 94.7% 94.9% 95% 97.2%

39 OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2014 Naga hosts 1st Regional PWD Summit

By Jason B. Neola

DISABILITY-INCLUSIVE “The city government of Naga has its full development program support and backing to all the programs for the geared towards making PWDs. We have the PDAO office that will cater the lives of persons with to their needs and we are slowly renovating our disability (PWDs) easier facilities inside the city hall for greater ease and capped the 2-day 1st comfort of our PWDs and older persons. Rest Regional PWD Summit held assured that the city will continue with these efforts at Eurotel in November. until we become compliant to the accessibility law With focus on inclusive Disaster Risk for this sector,” Bongat stated. Reduction and Management (DRRM), participants National Council on Disability Affairs (NCDA) Arepresenting various PWD and Older Person Technical Cooperation Division Chief Nelia R. De Organizations attended and learned from lectures Jesus lauded the city’s untiring effort in pushing for and added insights on the various laws regarding laws and programs that will lift the PWD and Older their rights, specifically practical strategy in Persons sector as one of the priorities. implementing the UN Convention on the Rights of “Naga is the first LGU to hold the first Persons with Disabilities. federation election and we are happy that they This is also contained in the Incheon (Korea) already have an organized PWD sector here and Strategy to “Make the Right Real” for Persons with are really pushing for the compliance of the laws Disabilities in Asia and the Pacific, particularly for our PWDs and older persons. Naga has already citing Goal 7 which focuses on DRRM. It was reached milestones when it comes to initiatives anchored on the premise that PWDs belong to concerning this sector and this has inspired and those vulnerable groups with a higher risk of motivated the federation to pursue other programs being injured and neglected during the that will lift their way of life towards a better occurrence of natural calamities and society,” she added. with report from PIA5/CamSur similar catastrophies. Pursuant to this, agencies with related work on DRRM were invited to share their experiences and programs during the summit. Naga City DRRM Officer Ernesto T. Elcamel was one of the invited resource speakers during the plenary session with the PWDs and older persons. The discussion delved on the Incheon Strategy which aims to make available disability-inclusive disaster reduction plans for the said sectors. City Mayor John G. Bongat, Photo by VICSEL OJEDA during his interaction with the group, expressed his full support to the idea of working together to solidify the Region V PWD Federation and vowed to pursue mechanisms that will ensure ANOTHER MILESTONE. City Mayor John G. Bongat (center, last row) poses with the first set of officers of the newly-organized Bicol Federation of Persons with Disability headed by the implementation of programs and its newly-elected president, Engr. Jovencio Claveria of Naga City. The city, known for its best services for the PWDs. practices, continues to share its governance initiatives to empower PWDs throughout the region.

OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2014 40 aking the best better, The body’s composition was co-chairperson of the NCCWPC this is the commitment then widened through issuance may call for a special meeting as of the City Government of Executive Order Nos. 2014- s/he may deem necessary. Mof Naga on introducing new 014-A and 2014-014-B. Executive To aid the NCCWPC and mechanisms and streamlining old Order No. 2014-014-B provides to implement the programs ones. Even belonging to the Hall that NCCWPC shall be chaired by and policies it conceptualized, of Fame of the Presidential Award the City Mayor, co-chaired by the Ordinance No. 2014-068 also for Child-Friendly Municipalities Chairperson of the SP Committee created the Children’s Affairs and Cities, the city government on Children, and comprised by 38 Office (CAO). Composed of an does not rest on its laurels and members composed primarily of Executive Director and such continues to strive harder to city department heads, presidents number of employees that may protect and promote the rights of non-government organizations be appointed by the Local Chief of children. Another milestone and chiefs-of-offices of national Executive, the CAO which is under in our programs for children government agencies and relevant the Office of the City Mayor, is the enactment of Ordinance courts stationed in Naga. Said shall serve as the secretariat and No. 2014-068 authored by City council shall meet once every two technical arm of the said council. Councilor Elmer S. Baldemoro. months, though the chairperson or For a start-up, Ordinance No. Enacted last November 4, 2014-068 allocates not less than 2014 during the 65th Regular One Million Three Hundred Session of the Sangguniang Thousand Pesos (P1,300,000.00), Panlungsod, Ordinance No. against the Naga City Children’s 2014-068 institutionalizes Fund (Kaakian Fund). This the Naga City Council for means that necessary initial the Welfare and Protection arrangements for setting up the of Children (NCCWPC) as the CAO may now be done. Since policy-making and planning budget hearings have been body of the City Government completed, the council and of Naga on programs and the CAO can now effectively activities promoting the welfare implement in 2015 the program of children and protecting their budget approved by the rights. NCCWPC shall also serve Sangguniang Panlungsod. as the evaluator of all programs, As it is always said, the projects and policies affecting children are the new stewards the Nagueño children. and leaders of our society. The NCCWPC was originally protection of their rights and created, through Mayor John G. Making the promotion of their welfare are Bongat’s Executive Order No. vital in ensuring the sustainable 2014-003, as a special body best better for progress of our Maogmang tasked to plan and design a Lugar. Given an office and a our children council dedicated to such tasks,

SP HIGHLIGHTS comprehensive program focused on advancing the interest of we can expect that the needs young Nagueños. of young Nagueños will be well attended to. HIGHLIGHTS SP

41 OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2014 R has organized theso-called and NagaCityPeople’s Council, Naga Regent Hotel. on November 13and14 atthe Castillo, theseminar started S. Baldemoro andVidalP. Elmer Managed byCouncilors Barangay the with of Naga,inpartnership 11th economic development, the alleviation andinclusive socio- a trueinstrumentforpoverty on time,aswell asmakingit budget approved andreviewed goal of havingthe purse.” exercise their“power of the barangay officials proficiently therein and,ultimately, helpthe someissues the same,clarify the guidelinesonpassage of barangay budgetto elucidate chapter wasdevoted onannual and GoodGovernance, one entitled BarangayLegislation Vice Mayor NelsonS.Legacion, the recently launchedbookof ordinances inthebarangay. In well-planned appropriation of enactingwell-timed and of Nagastresses thevitalrole 11th SangguniangPanlungsod body. the integrity of thegovernment misappropriation candamage while hinder performance, in itsdistributionwill soundly aspossible.Delays system asefficientlyand to thewholegovernment lifeblood shouldbeallocated itsduties,said perform effectively andresponsively such, foragovernment to DILG CITYDIRECTOR Liga ngmgaBarangay To advance the further Provided theabove, the Sangguniang Panlungsod P the government. As be thelifebloodof evenues are saidto ascual BudgetingSeminar. barangay CITY COUNCILOR

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CITY COUNCILOR of the of thePBs, centered onthetechnical training Naga. of thisevent were the27PBsin on theroles of thePBon Budget OfficerFrankM.Mendoza concentrated ondeveloping Pascual onDILG issuanceson Naga CityDirector Virginia S. were thediscussionsof DILG focused on.Thehighlights in budgetpreparation was Barangay barangay barangay barangay November 20-22,28and 29,the interventions. asbasis forfocused can serve for gatheringbaseline datathat Based Monitoring System (CBMS) of conductingtheCommunity- thesignificance also imparted Jr., Executive Officerof iServe, preparation. NicolasC.Motos, different prerequisites inbudget budgeting, aswell asoutlinedthe the linkbetween planningand Officer Mendozaunderscored budget preparation. CityBudget treasurers, andrecord keepers on Budgeting: The Budgeting: The way toefficient C On the first daytheroleOn thefirst On thesecondday, theforum On theotherhand,last astillo governance Barangay punong barangay secretaries, budgeting. Participants budgeting and of City BudgetingSeminar barangay kagawad CITY BUDGETOFFICER barangay M (PB) endoza ,

B CITY COUNCILOR aldemoro Institute. Jesse M.Robredo Governance Renne F. Gumba, Director of the therafther, wasfacilitated by fund (BDRRMF).Aworkshop, risk reduction andmanagement (EDF) andthebarangay disaster economic development fund BDCs intheallocationof the on theresponsibilities of the while Mendozashedlight barangay development plans, the linkbetween CBMSand the BDC.Motos discussed of functions, andimportance expounded onthecomposition, City People’s Council(NCPC) Johann P. delaRosa of theNaga Development Officeand of theCityPlanningand of themassuch. 1991empowers than theLocalGovernment Code governance processes. Noless crucial ininvolving thepeoplein development plans.TheBDCsare annual budgetandbarangay in preparing thebarangay development councils(BDCs) the capabilities of thebarangay experiencing. the rest of thePhilippines are economic growth thatNagaand help intricklingdowntherobust which,ultimately,social services distribution of muchneeded of thebarangays mainstreams level. Enhancingthecapacity individuals are atthegrass-root answer issimple—marginalized given to thebarangays. The so muchattention isbeing OCTOBER -DECEMBER Rosemarie I.Ciudadano Many maywonder why An eager P 2014 articipant 42 SP HIGHLIGHTS SP HIGHLIGHTS he City Government tank volume or at least once their septic tanks, so it can of Naga is committed every five (5) years, whichever be desludged. As to the to ensure the universal comes first. specifics of the design of the Taccessibility to clean, potable As prescribed in Section septic tanks, Section 14 of the water of Nagueños. Moreover, 9 of the ordinance, desludging ordinance echoes the rules such a valuable liquid, especially contractor/s should first secure set forth in the Implementing its source, must be guaranteed an Environmental Sanitation Rules and Regulations of to remain fresh, safe, and Certificate from the Department Chapter XVII of the Sanitation uncontaminated. of Health (DOH) and prepare Code of the Philippines (PD With this, the 11th an operations and maintenance 856). Sangguniang Panlungsod of plan to make certain that proper For those who fail to Naga decided to enact Ordinance health and safety procedures comply with the provisions No. 2014-076, otherwise known are followed. They shall also of the ordinance, they as The Wastewater Management prepare a desludging schedule shall be meted a penalty Ordinance of Naga City. It is and distribute it to the barangays of P1,000.00 fine for authored by Councilor Joaquin for proper coordination. Each households or, in the case of F. Perez and co-authored by time a septic tank is desludged, a commercial establishments Councilor Mila Raquid-Arroyo. manifest form shall be filled out such as hotels and hospitals, Passed on December 2, and signed by the desludger and P5,000.00. Business permits of 2014, during the 69th Regular septic tank owner. If wastewater establishments which violated Session, Ordinance No. 2014- of a particular building, however, the law shall also be cancelled, 076 establishes a wastewater contains substances of a upon recommendation by management system in Naga and commercial nature, such as oil the Wastewater Management sets guidelines for partnership or fuel residue, metals or high Board (WMB). Owners of with the private sector. volumes of fats and grease, the buildings may also be The aforementioned Section 12 of the ordinance imprisoned for not less than ordinance mandates that all provides that the owner must one (1) month but no more houses/buildings in the city develop an appropriate pre- than one (1) year, at the should have an approved excreta treatment program approved by discretion of the court. disposal system for the treatment the City Environment and Natural To better implement the of domestic sewage. Septic tanks Resources Office (ENRO). provisions of The Wastewater are required to be desludged Similarly, Section 13 of Management Ordinance when the solids fill 50% of the the ordinance orders that new of Naga City, it creates the buildings for construction should WMB which is composed of first have sanitary plumbing and representatives from the City septic tanks ENRO, City Health Office, City which are Treasurer’s Office, Metropolitan ready for Naga Water District (MNWD), desludging. City Legal Office, City Existing Engineer’s Office, and City Wastewater buildings and Planning and Development residences Office (CPDO). It shall set,

SP HIG HLIGHTS Management are also after proper consultation with obliged to the public, the environmental Ordinance repair or fee for the use of the Septage upgrade Treatment Facility, promote the use of the facility, and respond HIGHLIGHTS to complaints and suggestions SP from stakeholders on the wastewater management system of Naga. The City Government will also apply for inclusion in the National Mila “Miles” Septage and Sewerage Raquid-Arroyo Management Program CITY COUNCILOR Joaquin F. Perez

CITY COUNCILOR 43 OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2014 non-compliance. ofas possible,thereporting appealed to, andasmuch provisos of theordinance are in complyingwiththe cooperation of theNagueños andfull zealous support borne diseases.Thus,the result of acquiringwater- dayasa 55 Filipinosevery show, leadsto thedeathof our people”and,asstudies reduces thequalityof lifeof threatens biodiversity and by spreading diseases… wastewater affectshealth the ordinance, “untreated note of in theexplanatory the Nagueños.Asdeclared development andhealthof a vitaltool to safeguard the Ordinance of NagaCityas Wastewater Management of NagadeemsThe 9275. stated inSection26(C)of R.A. and otherincentive schemes Highways to accessgrants of PublicWorks and (NSSMP) of theDepartment The CityGovernment T governance. young individualsinourcity’s has involved approximately 950 development issues,SP-SPP solicit theircommentsonvarious of thecitygovernment andto on thelegislative processes now. Aimedateducatingstudents and to runforthree semesters PCFCandCCDI) (WRI, STI,AMA, five more academicinstitutions SP-SPP to expand itscoverage to academe madeitpossiblefor of the support the overwhelming USI, NCFandBISCAST)involved, five universities(UNC,AdeNU, November 19,2013withonly Program (SP-SPP).Launchedon Panlungsod the value of the participation in participation By Heightening SP Engage: Nelson S.Legacion governance seen thesuccessand year of ourterm, we have hroughout thefirst youth VICE MAYOR Student Participation Sangguniang Sangguniang Panlungsod the members ofthe members the11th person. and from theleastexpected come attheleastexpected venue for theNaga’s betterment may always recognize thatgreat ideas is bestforNagaandwe should monopoly of knowledgeof what and employees donothave the our regular sessions.Cityofficials Sangguniang Panlungsod during matters beingdeliberated bythe sentiments andopinionsonthe the youth to express their will stillbeenhancedbyallowing and engagementof theyouth more. Thelevel of participation the program, thatSP-SPPcando however, astheproponent of to getready, theCommittee on the regular session. chance to speaktheirmindduring SP Engagebestows theyouth a during ourlastregular session, Enacted onDecember19,2014 in SP-SPP, dubbedSPEngage. establishing anothermechanism Resolution No.2014-500 Mila Raquid-Arroyo, we passed ofthe co-sponsorship Councilor by thisrepresentation andwith involving theyouth. Introduced thesignificanceofunderstand Rules andPrivilegesprepare OCTOBER -DECEMBER This representation believes, We are gladthat To give timeto students and furnish theconcerned professors of thestudents a preliminary agenda a preliminary every Thursday Thursday every

2014 44 SP HIGHLIGHTS SP HIGHLIGHTS before the slated regular session. Consequently, the teacher meets their students to brief them about the subject matter of the next regular session, choose from the preliminary agenda which topic the students will participate in determine the students who will serve as the primary spokespersons and alternate student- representatives during the regular session, and, prior to the start of the said session, inform the presiding officer of the city council of the students’ names and topic chosen. Once the topic chosen for SP Engage is being discussed in the plenary during the regular session, the vice mayor, motu proprio, or by a motion of a member of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, shall suspend the rules of procedure to allow the student-participants to Gabriel Hidalgo express their sentiments and opinions Bordado Jr. on the topic. The spokespersons FORMER CITY VICE MAYOR are given five minutes to present their preliminary statement on the topic. Afterwards, the members of the Sangguniang may raise fter fifteen budget “As in the past year, the questions on the opinion of the hearings and a budgeting process proved to be student-representatives which the legislative-executive quite rigorous and protracted, with latter should respond to. If a passed Aconference, the Committee each office being required by the resolution or ordinance by the SP has on Appropriations of the Committee on Appropriations to a portion therein that is culled from Sangguniang Panlungsod spell out, in no uncertain terms, the opinions or ideas of the student- ng Naga finally completed its the impact of its 2015 budgetary participants, same legislative measure reports on the proposed 2015 allocation on the lives of the should include a reference to the Annual Budget of the Naga Nagueños”, Bordado, who was students and the schools where they City Government totaling the Vice Mayor of the revered are enrolled in. P834,689,694.14 – up by 11% Mayor Jesse M. Robredo for two The city has become a over this year’s P751,377,318.00 consecutive terms, averred. Maogmang Lugar due to our people’s budget. The budget reports showed that except for the City Planning SP HIGHLIGHTS active participation in governance. Former City Vice Mayor and The youth, with its dynamism, now First City Councilor Gabriel and Development Office, City untainted principles and fresh views H. Bordado Jr., Chairman of the Assessor’s Office, Raul S. Roco on life and governance, can offer to Committee on Appropriations, Library, and the Naga City Hospital, the city innovative means to look and said that the series of budget the proposed 2015 budgets of HIGHLIGHTS scrutinize an issue, recommendations hearings (which were open majority of departments and offices SP on mainstreaming government to the public in the name of in the City Government of Naga policies and systems and insights transparency and accountability) are higher compared to their 2014 on making our legislative measures started on November 3 and budgets. responsive and relevant to the spanned almost two months. In the series of budget changing times. With SP Engage, we Bordado requested hearings, Bordado was fully backed look forward to further mainstream incumbent Vice Mayor Nelson S. up by City Councilors Gregorio our government systems and make Legacion to facilitate the conduct Re Abonal, Elmer S. Baldemoro, our city more competitive in these of a conference on December 12 and Cecilia Veluz-De Asis as well modern times. with the City Councilors and the as by Dr. Augusto R. Nieves and members of the Management Punong Barangay Tomas Ramon Committee (ManCom) in A. Sanchez, Jr., representatives of attendance to iron out kinks and the Naga City People’s Council thresh out contentious issues vis- (NCPC) and Liga ng mga Barangay, à-vis the proposed 2015 budget respectively. submitted by Mayor John G. 45 OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2014 Bongat. Gabriel Hidalgo Bordado Jr. Appropriations Committee Wraps Up 2015 Budget Reports

By Lira Serrado

Abonal conveyed that the Mayor Legacion) transmitting the departments and offices in the proposed 2015 annual budget, city government should earnestly the said budget was established prepare their respective budgets upon two pecuniary resources: so as to avoid reversions and the 2015 internally generated supplemental budgets which revenue, comprised of tax and for him are not good budgeting non-tax revenues and income practices. from economic enterprises and Aside from a nonexistent Budget Officer Francisco activities, which is anticipated beginning balance, the letter also M. Mendoza, Human Resource to be P416.768 million, P69.114 communicated that two other Management Office (HRMO) Acting million more than last year’s changes were introduced in the Chief Huberto I. Ursua, Acting City P347.654 million; and external budget presentation to comply Treasurer Gregoria Nilda B. Abonal, sources largely derived from the with a Department of Budget and and City Accountant Paciencia S.J. internal revenue allotment (IRA) Management (DBM) regional office Tabinas regularly attended the which will be P416.921 million in ruling. First, “programs and projects budget hearings. 2015, a 13% increase from the and lump sum appropriations under It may be recalled that in 2013, 367.723-million-peso IRA received Special Purpose Appropriations Mendoza closely worked with the in 2014. which are clearly within the mandate Committee on Appropriations “This year’s budget is of particular offices or are properly in crafting the rules further unlike past budgets which had chargeable against offices were strengthening the budget process. beginning balances right upon transferred to those offices”. Second, Prior to the holding of submission to the Sangguniang “offices operationalized thru executive the budget hearings with the Panlungsod”, as stated in the orders or by virtue of national Committee on Appropriations, letter of the Mayor. This is issuances but with no ordinance Mendoza articulated that the because according to Mayor creating them were attached to either City Budget Office established a Bongat, “at the time the budget the City Mayor’s Office or the Office schedule when the departments was being prepared, there is yet of the City Administrator”. and offices should submit no surplus declared thus no basis The 2015 local expenditure their proposed budgets for for the recognition of a beginning program of the Naga City consolidation in the 2015 budget balance”. Supplemental budgets Government was crafted in such a of the city. will just be forwarded for any way that it will facilitate inclusive As mentioned in Mayor 2014 budget surplus that will be growth in the city and fulfill the H2ELP Bongat’s letter (addressed to Vice declared. Ur CiTy development agenda. Gabriel Hidalgo Bordado Jr. OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2014 46 The Garantisadong Pambata Week is a biennial program held in the months of April HE City Health Office and October. It seeks to (CHO) is expecting a reduce childhood illnesses 100% compliance with and deaths by promoting Tthe vaccination of children positive child care under the Garantisadong behaviors. Pambata (GP) Program of the Borja explained that Department of Health (DOH). antihelmintics are drugs Naga City Health Office This, after the team that expel parasitic worms tasked to monitor the from the body by either implementation of the stunning or killing them expects program in the city’s 27 and without causing barangays, placed at 96 significant damage to the 100% percent the initial turnout of host, while Vitamin A plays children who were given each an important role in vision child a shot of Vitamin A, anti- and bone growth and helps measles, antihelmintics, and the immune system fight ferrous sulfate. infections. Ferrous sulfate, vaccination The CHO personnel, on the other hand, is an barangay midwives, and iron supplement. program Barangay Health Workers The program, which (BHWs) were commended was started in 1999, is the compliance by Mayor John G. Bongat for DOH’s response to the their dynamism and zeal in call of the United Nations handling the campaign that Children’s Fund (UNICEF) includes house-to-house to fight child morbidity and visitations. mortality. Dr. Vito C. Borja II, City GP is being By Jason B. Neola Health Officer, said the implemented in all health immunization campaign is centers, municipal health aimed at reducing mortality offices, barangay health among children who are aged stations, and government 59 months to below hospitals throughout the 4 years old. country.

47 OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2014

ENGUE cases in this city have notably decreased by 83 percent compared to last year’s eight-month period which the City Health Officer credits to the continuing anti-dengue campaign bythe Dcity government. Dengue Dr. Vito C. Borja II, City Health Officer of Naga City, said that from the period January- August 2014 only 89 dengue cases were cases recorded compared to last year’s 515 cases for the same period. Borja said dengue cases were monitored in the city’s ‘sentinel hospitals’ in the city in Naga which include Mother Seton Hospital, St. John Hospital, and the Bicol Medical Center. “This is the effect of intensified campaign down against dengue which started in January and the mobilization of barangay health workers in partnership with local government units at the barangay level to clean up the by 83 surroundings in their respective areas of jurisdiction,” he said. Borja said they have activated the so- percent called Dengue Brigade in schools and the timely conduct of fogging operations in identified areas where cases of dengue were reported. He said there’s no mortality so far. By Juan Escandor Jr. Records show that of the 27 barangays in Naga, five of them were on top in terms of the number of cases noted. These are Liboton, Bagumbayan Norte, San Francisco, Panicuason, and Peñafrancia. According to Borja, a great improvement in the prevention of dengue cases in Barangays Dayangdang and Concepcion Pequeña, the top two in the number of cases in previous years, was observed when they went down to 6th and 7th places, respectively. Indeed, this year’s 89 dengue cases in the last eight months posted the most significant decrease from 2008-2014. The highest number of cases at 1,018 were recorded in 2012 for the eight-month period from Jan,-Aug., while last 2013’s record for the same period had gone down to 515 cases, though they were still considered as high. In 2008, the dengue cases recorded was relatively lower at 155, from Jan.-Aug. It went up to 264 in 2009, and 265 in 2010, until it doubled at 421 cases in 2011.

OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2014 48 icol corn program implementorsB honored in national corn congress

By Emily B. Bordadao

AGAYAN DE ORO CITY- Corn, considered as the champion Lea M. Beltran and Menandro U. crop in 2015, and key players in the corn industry took center Calingacion of Naga City were honored as stage once again during the 10th Philippine National Corn Outstanding Municipal/City Coordinators Congress. and received P25,000 and trophy each. CHeld at Limketkai Center in this city on November 19 to 21, 2014, Seventeen Bicolano Corn technicians the corn congress was graced by top offcicials of the Department of were also awarded P20,000 cash prize and Agriculture led by Undersecretary for Operations Atty. Emerson U. trophy each. They are: Jonafel A. Taduran, Palad, Undersecretary for Administration and Finance Antonio A. Fleta, Elena N. Salvamante, Marly L. Corporal, Assistant Secretary for Field Operations and National Rice and Corn Carlos C. Samar, Lourdes A. Ibarbia, Noel Program Coordinator Edilberto M. de Luna, Assistant Secretary for G. Manaog, Amelita O. Palacio, Dely B. Finance Ophelia P. Agawin, DA R10 Regional Executive Director Lealyn A. Nocos, Elsa N. Bonagua, Magdalena P. Ramos, and PhilMaize President Roger V. Navarro. Pobocan, Santiago B. Enrique, Victor B. The highlight of the 3-day activity was the recognition of the Cortez, Felicisima M. Obiasca, Joshua T. country’s outstanding corn program implementers which included Ipo, Teresita A. Barce, Lilibeth O. Patoc, 5 provinces, 25 municipalities and cities, 3 provincial agriculturists, and Benedicto C. Heraldo of Naga City. 5 provincial corn coordinators, 20 municipal /city agriculturists, 18 The big event gathered the country’s municipal/city coordinators and 100 agricultural extension workers. corn industry players and stakeholders, Bicol Region bagged five awards for outstanding municipalities/ corn farmers, business groups, agri-input cities namely: Naga City, Baao, Calabanga, and Tigaon, in Camarines Sur, suppliers, and representatives from the and Ligao City in Albay which received a project grant worth P1M each government, private sector and academe. plus trophy. The occasion also served as an The municipal /city agriculturists of the said LGUs except Tigaon avenue to provide updates on the recent were also awarded a cash prize of P30,000 each. They are: Ramon B. developments and technologies in the Bitao of Baao, Camarines Sur who topped the list of winners under this corn industry and showcase the latest category, Ma. Edna B. Bongalonta of Naga City, Cesar D. Sodsod of farm machineries. Ligao City, and Gil Gabriel H. Bordado III of Calabanga. Usec. Fleta read the message of Secretary Proceso J. Alcala who was not able to make it because of an urgent meeting in the Cordillera Administrative Region. In his message, Alcala cited the unprecedented growth of the corn industry over the past years attaining a 92% self-sufficiency level for yellow corn and 100% for white corn in 2013. Production losses due to wastage have also significantly decreased from 12% to 7% with the provision of more post-harvest facilities. The DA Secretary also announced that the Philippines is now exporting corn

Photo by Department of Agriculture Photo by Department of silage to Busan, South Korea which totals to about 282 metric tons. With these CHAMPIONS. The awardees from Naga City, namely: Menandro U. Calingacion (2nd from left), Outstanding Corn Coordinator; Maria Edna B. Bongalonta, (4th from left), Outstanding City Agriculturist; significant accomplishments, Alcala said and Benedicto C. Heraldo (5th from left), Outstanding Extension Worker, as they take center stage during the awarding rites at the National Corn Congress. They are joined in photo by DA top officials the DA is all set to promote corn as the led by Edilberto de Luna (at extreme left), DA Assistant Secretary for Field Operation who also serves as National Corn Program Coordinator. champion crop for 2015.

49 OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2014

Ruby inflicts Naga farmers with P7-M losses in crops

By Jason B. Neola

EGETABLE, corn and rice farmers in Regarding corn, Menandro U. Calingacion, Naga City suffered heavy losses on crops CAO Corn Coordinator, found production losses amounting to more than P7M due to amounting to P1.9-M which involved 798.3 metric Typhoon Ruby that hit the Bicol Region last tons of planted corn that were either in their VDec. 6, reports gathered by the City Agriculture Office seedling, reproductive, or maturity stages when (CAO) revealed. typhoon Ruby hit Bicol. On vegetables alone, the CAO registered losses For corn in seedling stage, the farmers recorded amounting to P787,500 involving 3.75 hectares of high 595 hectares of such crop as having the “chance value crops and other crops which the office found to to recover” where 90 hectares were for those in have “no chance for recovery.” “The crops (including reproductive stage and 25 hectares for those in the the ones not affected) could have provided the local maturity stage. farmhands with gross estimated income this cropping CAO registered at least 283 corn farmers as season of not less than P4-M,” said Agricultural directly affected. “Production loss for corn was Technologist Alvin Alvaro. placed at P1.9M, says Corn Technician Benedicto Among the identified products that were badly Heraldo. This translates to 798.83 metric tons of corn affected by the typhoon were ampalaya, 0.5 ha; lost due to the typhoon. tomato, 1 ha; eggplant, 0.25 ha; hot pepper, 0.5 ha; Out of the 486.2 hectares planted with rice, snap beans, 0.5 ha; banana, 0.5 ha and cassava, 0.5 ha. which could have brought an estimated harvest amounting to P20-M this cropping season (including those not affected), at least some P5M in production losses were reported due to damage wrought by the same typhoon.

RUBY’S RAGE devastated this corn in tasseling (flowering, 45-55 days old) stage planted in a 4-ha farmland owned by Ricky Añes of Zone 4 in Barangay Carolina. In lower photo, rows of corn in seedling (1-19 days old) in a 2-ha lot owned by farmer Gregorio Morada of Zone 6 suffered the same fate. Both were declared by the City Agriculture Office to be “of no chance for recovery.”

OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2014 50 Naga City Veterinary Office: Clean meat for Nagueños PHOTOS BY JOSE B. PEREZ

By Jason B. Neola HE Naga City Veterinary post mortem inspection fees for all Office (CVO) is taking three livestock and poultry and prohibit approaches to ensure that Once the animal is cleared of any the sale of “hot meat.” The city Tconsumers are protected from disease and declared fit for human ordinance was authored by Mayor contaminated meat products. consumption, it is allowed to rest for 6 John G. Bongat when he was still city The scheme is being strictly to 8 hours before being butchered. The councilor. enforced especially on occasions breather is necessary to acquire good Section 5 of the ordinance like the Christmas season when quality meat. said: “Only meat slaughtered at large volumes of meat products are Veterinary physician Junios Elad the Naga City Abattoir and in any traditionally transported to the city Jr., CVO head, said after the animal other slaughterhouse accredited because of the holidays. is butchered, the second approach, by the National Meat Inspection The first step concerns the the post-mortem inspection, will be Commission (NMIC), which had made close examination by the CVO meat conducted “because there are diseases prior coordination with the Naga City inspection service personnel of that are traceable only after the animals Government, may be sold for public the animal due to be slaughtered have been butchered.” consumption in Naga City.” at the Naga City Abattoir. This will The third is step is the post- The ordinance provides under its immediately prevent the animal from abattoir inspection of the meat penalty provision that: “Any person being sold in the market if found unfit products where they are being sold, found violating Section 5 of this human consumption. specifically at the Naga City People’s ordinance shall be meted with the Under this process, the animals Mall (NCPM), and at the different following penalties; 1st offense– a fine are examined for condemnable satellite markets and areas in the of not less than P2,000 but not more diseases like hog cholera, rabies, swine barangays. than P3,000 or an imprisonment of erysipelas, and tetanus for swine; He said the third inspection would not less than 1 month but not more tetanus and rabies for cattle, and enable them to identify and segregate than 3 months or both such fine caprine arthritis encephalitis for goat. the clean meat products from those and imprisonment at the discretion Also included in the animal’s coming from backyard butchering and of the court; 2nd offense– a fine of condemnable diseases is septicemia, other slaughterhouses outside the city. not less than P3,000 but not more a bacterium in the blood that often “This is because meat products coming than P4,000 or an imprisonment of occurs with severe infections. The outside of the city abattoir are treated not less than 3 months but not more disease is a fatal infection that gets as hot meat and unclean unless they than 6 months or both such fine and worse very quickly. It can arise from come from ‘Double A’ abattoirs that are imprisonment at the discretion of the infections throughout the body, fully equipped with tools, facilities and court; 3rd offense– a fine of not less including infections in the lungs, human resource skills in handling meat than P4,000 but not more than P5,000 abdomen, and urinary tract. It may delivery. or an imprisonment of not less than 6 come before or at the same time as Elad explained that the post- months but not more than 1 year or infections of the bone, central nervous abattoir inspection activity is important both such fine and imprisonment at system, heart, and other tissues. “as there are unscrupulous vendors the discretion of the court.” Partial condemnation is strongly who mix safe and quality meat The CVO, which so far has recommended for the animal that products with contaminated ones and apprehended 25 violators of RA is positive for pneumonia and other sell them to unsuspecting buyers.” 9296 this year, is pushing for the diseases that affect its digestive The CVO chief also warned errant ratification of a proposed ordinance and reproductive systems. Partial meat vendors to stop from plying which will require all owners of condemnation is being conducted by their nefarious trade, else they will be livestock and meat transport vehicles way of removing the affected part of fined and/or slapped with appropriate to secure accreditation from the city the animal’s body. charges under RA 9296, the Meat government. This way, accredited Inspection Code of the Philippines meat traders can easily be identified and City Ordinance 2002-065, which while transporting meat to the city by both prescribe the ante mortem and meat inspectors fielded on the streets. 51 OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2014

Leni turns over boats, asks fisherfolk to shun illegal nets By Allan Rey Camata

AMARINES SUR Third District Rep. Leni Gerona-Robredo last November 9 distributed twelve motorized fiberglass Cboats to 24 fisherfolk in three barangays situated along the Bicol River and San Miguel Bay in Calabanga, Camarines Sur. The turnover of the fishing vessels came with the condition that the beneficiaries would refrain from using biakos or fine-meshed nets propped by stationary structures. The boats were donated by the Negrense Volunteers for Change, a non-government organization based in Bacolod City, to the Jesse M. Robredo Foundation. “This is a conscious effort to protect our ecosystems and the livelihood of our communities in the long run,” Robredo said before some 56 fishers and biakos operators in the barangays of Punta Tarawal, Balongay, and Balatasan. FISHING BOATS. Camarines Sur 3rd District Rep. Leni Robredo sits Communities in the three villages depend on a port step as she oversees the distribution of fishing boats in Calabanga, Camarines Sur. heavily on fishing as source of livelihood. The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) earlier this month ordered the dismantling of biakos on the river and the bay, citing a law that says the illegal structures threaten marine life by killing small fish. The law also points out the obstructive nature of the structures. The distribution of boats followed a public consultation with Rep. Robredo, BFAR, the Municipal Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Management Council, and fisherfolks and barangay officials.

Photos by Allan Rey Camata OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2014 52 GREATER GAINS, SUPERIOR SCORES

PHOTO BY XERES GAGERO

53 OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2014

S one of For his part, Councilor Abonal the direct stressed the importance of DepEd’s interventions minimum learning competencies toward better (MLC) being themselves the very performance content of the NAT examinations for of the City’s the basic subjects. He emphasized elementary that preparation for the NAT truly and begins at Grade I for elementary secondary schools in the 2015 and at Grade 7 for the secondary. National Achievement Test, the He added that adherence to the ANaga City School Board and MLC’s assures every teacher that he/ the Department of Education she is truly contributing effectively Division of City Schools conducted to the mounting academic a conference-workshop for all preparation of the students. principals and lead teachers last September 3, 4 and 5 after the He then led the participants Division Office received the results of through the workshops where the previous year’s NAT. school groups shared by districts or by clusters best practices in Councilor Esteban Greg preparing for the NAT. Thereupon, Abonal III, Sanggunian Chair of the the groups identified strategies for Committee on Education, and Mrs. improving the performance of their Francia Regulto, Supervisor for Values schools in the next NAT. Councilor Education and Research, designed Abonal pushed for no longer modest the conference workshop for wider but significant improvement, hence, interaction of the battle cry—GREATER GAINS. small groups In calling attention to the other of participants. half of the battle cry—SUPERIOR Thus the first SCORES, he presented DepEd’s day was for the structure of the NAT scores. The 28 government Percentile Distribution of Scores elementary Descriptive Equivalent (PDSDE) schools; the marks Superior Scores at 75-100%. second for the 20 The Standard Based Distribution of non-government Scores (SBDS), however, requires elementary Superior Scores at 90-100%. schools; and, the third for all the 20 Even, therefore, as he secondary schools. proposed the SBDS superior scores for the Naga City schools In all three on the long term five-year goal, settings, Ms. Regulto he haggled with the participants presented the to aim at least for the PDSDE highlights of the 2014 superior scores for this school year. NAT results for Naga City. She reported that In all three settings, Division the city schools over supervisors and staff of the School the 2013 performance Board facilitated the proceedings. improved overall Assistant Superintendent Mrs. Mean Percentage Dolores Mapusao was always on Scores (MPS) by +1.25 hand to orient the participants to in the secondary level the overall program. Mayor John MENTORS. Coming together to and by +4.19 in the elementary G. Bongat and Vice Mayor Nelson improve students’ performance in National level. Modest improvements but S. Legacion both addressed the Achievement Test. improvements, nevertheless. She participants and announced the City added that this time seven elementary Government’s facilitative efforts for schools hurdled the 75.00 MPS, more effective education in the City. better than 2013’s only two schools.

OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2014 54 NAGA City Schools aid teens and children at Albay evacuation centers. TABANG sa TUGANG

HEN it regular session that there the opportunity for the tooth brush, toothpaste, appeared were in all 78 evacuation children of Naga to reach sanitary pads, etc. Sir that the centers with over out to the beleaguered Greg stressed two threat 58,000 evacuees, mostly children of Albay, reasons for this: to Wof the Mayon Volcano children. Councilor Esteban Greg provide children in the eruption was not just Abonal III volunteered evacuation centers in an overnight alarm but The volunteer to rally support from the Albay supply to keep a protracted terror, the organizers at the schools of Naga City. themselves clean, and Sangguniang Panlungsod evacuation centers to give the children in dispatched to Albay expressed the need for, The rest of that Naga the opportunity for a team from the City among others, water week, and even after charity, extending help Disaster Risk Reduction and sanitation kits for Sir Greg and his son, Gil for their fellows in the and Management Office the children. Thus, the Gregorio “Bocks” Abonal, neighboring province. (CDRRMO) to assess the Presiding Officer, Vice- in fair or foul weather— situation at the evacuation Mayor Nelson S. Legacion mostly, foul—almost After that weekend, centers and touch directed a request for “singlehandedly” drove when the students base with government the Metro Naga Water from school to school. returned to school, and non-government District to lend lorries to They appealed personally boxes and boxes of organizations overseeing augment water deliveries to the school heads and donations were either the centers. Upon the in the evacuation principals to encourage delivered to City Hall team’s return, CDRRMO centers. And knowing their pupils and students or were picked up by Head Mr. Ernesto T. the children’s need to bring sanitation and the staff of the Naga Elcamel reported at the for the sanitation and hygiene items like bath City School Board. City October 7 Sanggunian hygiene kits and seeing soap, laundry soap, scholar-volunteers took

55 OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2014

Naga Parochial School, Southbridges Learning Center, St. Joseph School, and University of Nueva Caceres.

Resolution 2014- 420 expressed the same commendation and gratitude to Blessed Light International Christian Academy, Camarines Sur National High School, Cararayan National High School, Carolina National High School, Concepcion Pequeña National High School, Don Leon Q. Mercado National High School, Gracian Montessori, Inc., Mariane Montessori, Montessori Children’s House of Learning, Naga City School of Arts and Trades, Naga Hope Christian School, Naga Seventh Day Adventist Elementary School, Naga View Adventist College, The Mary Bree Village Montessori, Tinago National High School, and Universidad de Sta. Isabel. two days to segregate and were met and ushered then repack the goods, by Mr. Oscar William Again, father and son, and they were ready to go. Tino, himself a former student No. 2014-390 and No. drove back from school to Early morning of of Sir Greg at the Ateneo 2014-420 both stating that school personally delivering October 23, two trucks of de Naga High School now “such gesture of generosity these resolutions to the relief goods accompanied a special project officer of for those in need and of school heads or at school by a City Hall team left Guinobatan. They trekked solidarity with those in assemblies to manifest for the Albay town of from one evacuation center peril manifested by school the City Government’s Guinobatan to which Naga to another, from Guinobatan communities—pupils and appreciation. Likewise, City assistance was directed West Elementary School to students and their families, at one City Hall Monday because its 17 evacuation Doña Mercedes Elementary administrators, teachers, morning flag ceremony, centers had been the least School some 15 kilometers and staff members, deserves Councilor Abonal publicly attended to. School Board from the poblacion. They sincere appreciation expressed gratitude to Administrator Mr. Ernani covered among others the and gratefulness.” these schools and all City B. Suron, led the team, barangay evacuation centers Hall employees for their joined by Bocks Abonal in Mauraro, Iraya, Poblacion, Resolution 2014-390 assistance. He expressed and the School Board staff, Travesia, Binogsacan where expressed commendation hope that when similar as well as city scholars the evacuees, adults and and gratitude to Arborvitae needs arise in the future and the drivers from the children alike, welcomed Plains Montessori, Inc., not only schools but Motor Pool and the Public them gratefully and made for Ateneo de Naga University groups and institutions Safety Office that provided orderly distribution of the kits. High School, Naga City could be mobilized the trucks and staff cars. Montessori, Naga City for relief fast enough. Back home, Councilor Science High School, In Guinobatan, they Abonal authored Resolutions Naga College Foundation,

OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2014 56 VARIOUS STAKEHOLDERS attended the Camaligan Wharf Inauguration and Blessing. Mayor Marilou M. Hirose (3rd from left, middle picture), assisted by Vice Mayor Rolando C. Eduardo, cut the ceremonial ribbon.

UTTING things into action so that The wharf in the town’s dreams can turn to reality” – Camaligan “Tourism Park” welcomes tourists in Mayor Marilou M. Hirose what is to become the Bicol River The inauguration and blessing of the Cruise through Camaligan, Gainza, PCamaligan Wharf last December 15, 2014 in Brgy. Canaman, and Magarao, soon to set Sto. Domingo, Camaligan, Camarines Sur, is the sail in the summer of 2015. initial step to realize a dream. This introduced a The cruise shall start at the port of entry to an exciting experience of a river Camaligan Tourism Park where cruise promoting a dream to improve the quality tourists embark on a floating of life of the Camaligueños. restaurant. There will be on-board entertainment and various choices of local cuisine. Likewise, there will be shops and stalls in the Tourism Park where local delicacies and souvenirs, specially made by women Big dreams of micro-entrepreneurs, will be offered. This is expected to generate income for the municipality and help the MNDC start here local micro and small enterprises in the area. This initiative is included By Michael Francis I. Calara in the Metro Naga Development Council’s (MNDC’s) “Tooling-Up for Tourism” Project. The occasion last December 15 was led by the Fr. Abundio Q. Nopre, Jr. and Camaligan Mayor Marilou Marquez-Hirose, together with Vice Mayor Rolando C. Eduardo, and the members of the local Sangguniang Bayan. Mayors Emmanuel S. Requejo and William A. Abilay of Canaman and Gainza, respectively, and MNDC Executive Director Sieglinde B. Bulaong were among the stakeholders who also graced the affair. 57 OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2014 Investment Forum opens Tourism Circuit for investors

NAGA City Mayor John G. Bongat, MNDC Chairman, welcomes tourism officers and stakeholders from member-LGUs of the By Kaye M. Sabeniano MNDC to the Investment Forum. Lower photos shows participant getting ready for the Bicol River Cruise.

FTER a series of consultations, research and business planning, tourism officers representing member-LGUs of the Metro Naga ADevelopment Council (MNDC) presented seven project briefs to around twenty potential local investors during the Investment Forum held last December 4, 2014. These project briefs, previously approved by the MNDC Executive Committee and the Local Governance Support Program - Local Economic Development (LGSP-LED), outline new sites and destinations in Metro Naga composing a tourism circuit that showcases the natural wonders and, thus, promotes inclusive local economic growth in the area. The Investment Forum was made possible through the joint cooperation of the MNDC

PHOTOS BY ALDO ALDO I. RUIVIVAR BY PHOTOS and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), along with the Metro Naga Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MNCCI), and the Department of Tourism (DOT). The forum aimed to promote the aforementioned projects, as well as match these projects to potential investors. It was capped by an ocular of the Bicol River to give the investors a piece of what Metro Naga has to offer.

OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2014 58 The development of Naga as an agri-tourism destination includes assisting AGRI-TOURISM the Isarog Highland Leisure Farm in completing its bed and breakfast service, CORRIDOR and developing and promoting the Delos Santos Integrated Farm and the Naga City Goat Farm, as priorities.

CURRY NATURAL RESERVE TOURISM CIRCUIT PHOTO BY EDBERT ZABALLA

Anchored on the Pili-administered section of the Mount Isarog Natural Park, this project intends to develop an eco-trail, a resort and events venue, a camp site, team building facilities and tour packages.

DOWNSTREAM BICOL RIVER CRUISE PHOTO BY RODEN ROJO PHOTO BY RODEN

The municipalities of Camaligan, Gainza, Canaman and Magarao will collectively establish itself as the downstream of the Bicol river cruising experience, which aims to provide tourists with a greater appreciation of the regional culture and history.

PASACAO COAST TOURISM CIRCUIT PHOTO BY JERICHO DADO

A renewal of Pasacao’s age-old identity as Camarines Sur’s Summer Capital, this project aims to establish and develop a tourism enterprise zone where businesses such as spring resorts and spas, tours and souvenir shops, bars and restaurants, and many more, can operate.

59 OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2014 PHOTO BY XERES GAGERO/CEPPIO

LIBMANAN CULTURAL HERITAGE TOURISM CIRCUIT PHOTO BY WOWEE DOLLENTE

Libmanan is eyeing to be the Northern Camarines Sur’s cultural heritage destination, with two initial components: the Handiong Expedition River Cruise through the Libmanan River, as well as inland tourism.

MILAMINA COLONIAL CRUISE PHOTO BY CARLO GALAN/PEPSUP PHOTO BY CARLO

This joint effort of Milaor and Minalabac aims to push through the rehabilitation of the upstream Bicol River and the establishment of a river cruise focusing on the province’s colonial history.

CANAMAN DRAGON BOAT CAMP PHOTO BY ARVY LIANA BALUYOT PHOTO BY ARVY LIANA

The dragon boat training camp aims to become Bicol’s community-based, non-motorized watersports destination.

OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2014 60 A NGELO

NGELO Louise L. Linao, 17 years old, ANOTHER FEAT of Naga City, along with his Philippine FOR A NAGUEÑO L OUISE AWakeboard teammates, AND A FILIPINO. bagged the Bronze medal Representing the Philippines, Gelo when they competed in the Linao bagged the 2nd Place in the 4th Asian Beach Games in recently-concluded 2014 Lotus Phuket, Thailand last Nov. 14-

Cup Cable Wakeboard Open. The L. L 23, 2014. competition was participated in The team placed third by champion wakeboarders from in the Wakeboard Event. Taipei, Korea, Czech Republic, INAO Japan, Thailand, Malaysia, Thailand placed first out of 37 Indonesia, New Zealand and the countries that competed. The Philippines. It was held at the Lotus host country also topped the Wakepark in Kaohsiung, Taiwan overall standing in the games from Oct 24-26, 2014. defeating 74 other countries that joined the Beach Games. These included events such as beach volleyball, JuJitsu, Windsurfing, Triathlon, Muay Thai, Wakeskating. Overall, Team Philippines bagged 3 gold medals, 2 silvers, and 7 bronzes. Annie Ramirez, Ju-jitsu Women’s – 60kg, Maybelline Masuda, Ju-jitsu Women’s -50kg, and Geylord Coveta, Windsurfing Men’s RS are the gold medalists. Silver medalists are Susan Madelene Larsson, Water Ski Women’s Cable WakeSkate and Phillip N AGUEÑO WAKEBOARD TEAM WINS 3RD IN PHUKET

61 OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2014

Delarmino, Muaythai Men’s gets to practice Behind-the-Boat Wakeboarding, either. In spite 54kg Bantamweight. Bronze of the hurdles, they are happy they were able to land third in their medalists are: event. 1. John Baylon, Ju-jitsu Gelo made it to the Semi-finals of the Wakeboard (behind the Men’s 80kg boat), but unfortunately didn’t make it to the finals. 2. Robeno Javier, Team Philippines placed 14th in the final tally, tied with Triathlon Men’s Hongkong, and placed 4th among Southeast Asian countries. Duathlon The young Gelo Linao is the son of Ronnie and Rachel Linao 3. Jose Vicente of Barangay Balatas, Naga City. Gelo is one of the ambassadors of Cembrano, Water Stoked, Inc. He trains at the DecaWakepark in Clark and has joined Ski Men’s Cable wakeboarding competitions in Singapore, Malaysia, and Taiwan. WakeSkate The Philippine Sports Commission has assured him of a slot in 4. Philippine Wake the next SEA Games. Team (Symon Cantos, Susan Larsson, Andrea Tanjangco, Samantha Bermudez, Obi Cembrano, and Angelo Linao), Water Ski Mixed Cable Team Overall 5. Alvin Berto, Muaythai Men’s 60kg Lightweight 6. Joel Zaspa, Muaythai Men’s 75kg Middleweight 7. Manuel Delos Reyes, Muaythai Men’s 51kg Flyweight

The Wakeboard Team participated both in the Cable Wakeboard and Wakeboard Behind the Boat events. Angelo, who started wakeboarding when he was 8 years old, said they only had three days to practice in Phuket. The wakeparks here are pulled counterclockwise while in Phuket, the pull is clockwise. The team hardly ANGELO LINAO, 17, shows off the bronze medal he earned in the 4th Asian Beach Games N AGUEÑO WAKEBOARD in Thailand.

TEAM WINS 3RD IN PHUKETBy Sarah C. Imperial

OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2014 62 B ATANG PINOY

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WINNING NAGA ATHLETES. Victorious young athletes from Naga City in the recently- concluded 2014 Batang Pinoy Luzon Qualilfying Leg that Naga hosted last Nov. 11-15 were honored during the flag ceremony at the Naga City Hall Complex. The athletes who came from different schools in Naga garnered 7 golds, 29 silvers, and 47 bronze medals in various sports events. They will vie in the national finals, to be held in Baguio City early next year. City Councilors Greg R. Abonal III and Jose A. Tuason are seen congratulating the young athletes. B ATANG PINOY

Naga CENTRALS SCHOOL 1 RONDALLA renders an intermission number during the opening program.

63 OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2014 B ATANG PINOY LUZON QUALIFYING LEG