by mayor john g. bongat inspired by Atty. Alex Lacson’S 1 “12 Little Things a Filipino Should Do” I THINK POSITIVE and SAY I RESPECT THE ELDERLY POSITIVE and MY FELLOW MEN THINGS at all times. about Pig-gagalang ko an mga Naga. nakakaedad sako asin an Karahayan an sakuyang kapwa. pig-iisip asin pigtataram ko Sampulong Pig-Oorgulyong 3 manungod sa Naga. Gawe’ kan Nagueño

2 I keep I am ON TIME, and my I WORK HARD and surroundings SAVE for my future. CLEAN and Nag-aabot ako sa oras, I am HONEST in my GREEN. naghihigos dealings with others. Pig-mamantenir asin naghi- 4 Honesto ako asin patas. kong malinig hingoa para asin iguang mga sa sakong 5 tinanom an sakong futuro. palibot.

I STAY AWAY from DRUGS. Pig-sisikwal ko an droga. 7 I OBEY TRAFFIC RULES and 6 REGULATIONS AND City ORDINANCES. Pig-ootob ko an mga regulasyon sa trapiko, asin mga ordinansa kan ciudad.

10 I REPORT ILLEGAL 9 I BUY LOCALLY ACTIVITIES to MADE PRODUCTS protect I PAY MY TAXES my fam ily 8 and patronize and my promptly and the Naga City community. correctly. People’s Mall. WHAT’S INSIDE: Nagbabayad Pinapaisi ko sa Nagbabakal ako ako nin awtoridad an nin produktong Naga’s successful $70-M Waste-to- tamang buwis aram kong ilegal gibong Naga hosting of the 8th Energy plant to sa tamang oras. na gibo para sa asin nagsasaod commence sa Naga City International Math ikararahay kan and Science operation in 2013 pamilya asin komunidad. People’s Mall. Olympiad A Quarterly Magazine of the City Government of Naga Bicol, Philippines ISSN 2094-9383

JOHN G. BONGAT City Mayor

GABRIEL H. BORDADO, JR. Naga’s coming of age City Vice Mayor

aga City, with its award-winning best practices, has successfully developed a conceptual frame- JOSE B. PEREZ Editor N work for local governance that clearly reflects its commitment to equitable and sustainable growth. JASON B. NEOLA Managing Editor With the four principles of accountability, transparency, predictability, and participation in the ANSELMO B. MANO development process in place, the new city administration in a short span of time since it took over city Layout | Graphics hall is taking bold steps to transform its limited resources into opportunities. RANDYVIC C. VILLAFLOR JOSE B. COLLERA It has for instance re-engineered its website at no extra cost but with maximum effect in terms of Photographers information dissemination and tourism promotion, earning in the process its distinct place as the only City gets P20M grant from DILG A viable fund for the Naga River transport project GERALD O. ENGUERO LGU to be in the Top Ten of most visited government websites. It has upgraded, in terms of supervision ALNOR ROGER A. ALCALA after clinching DILG’s seal of good housekeeping. and management, physical re-structuring and rebranding of the Naga City Public Market as the Naga Editorial Assistants City People’s Mall which not only heretofore turned its books into an amazingly income-generating SHIENA M. BARRAMEDA enterprise, a first in the public market’s history, but which also up-scaled its services to match the $70M W-2-E plant to commence in 2013 JUAN ESCANDOR, JR. efficiency and convenience of a private shopping mall. EDEN D. ELIZAN The plant is expected to generate eight to ten megawatts of ERNANI SURON electricity from 100 tons of garbage collected daily. GERALD O. ENGUERO There has been noticeable physical transformation in the city’s lands cape, which include, among others, FELIMON O. BATURIANO, JR. WILFREDO B. PRILLES, JR. cleaner streets, expanded and upgraded drainage systems, better traffic management, a newly-built Contributors rotunda that erased the bottleneck along a busy highway, more streetlights, laudable police visibility Bicol’s mountain treasures REUEL M. OLIVER and lower crime rate, and a vibrant economy made more A quick look at Bicol’s rugged landscape -- the Tierra FLORENCIO T. MONGOSO, JR. scintillating by a happier and prosperous people who de Ibalon. ALLEN L. REONDANGA expressed optimism that more changes and improve- Editorial Consultants ments will come if they would continue to become active partners in the city’s development process. Making triumphs to build legacies Evidently, Maogmang Naga today portrays more than What drives Atty. Nelson S. Legacion to be the best public servant and lawmaker. just a happy place but a happy people as well. This magazine is published by the City Government of Naga thru the City Publications and Definitely, the challenges ahead will be bigger and External Relations Office, with heavier. But with a happy and contented people Of old memories and New China editorial office at 2F RSR Library, City Hall Compound, J. Miranda behind us and an unwavering belief that bright and Vice Mayor Gabby Bordado’s retelling of his youthful, rhapsodic years in old Naga. Avenue, Naga City 4400 aggressive ideas will always succeed, no task will Tel +6354 473-4432 be difficult, especially for us public servants Fax +63 54 811-1286 who draw our strength from no less Email: [email protected] than the people whom we vowed PH team shines in 8th IMSO www.naga.gov.ph to serve. A much improved Filipino students performance competing naga smiles to world@Facebook with 12 countries in the field of science and mathematics.

Spanish envoy overjoyed by Nagueños’ JOHN G. BONGAT warm reception H.E. Jorge Domecq brief yet storied visit during the annual Peñafrancia fiesta.

This artist paints for food and art 2012 Gawad Geny Lopez Award nominee Bobbi Rayala narrates his life-struggle and success with paint brush.

Naga SMILES Vol. 2 No. 3 2 NEWS F EATURES 5 City gets P 20M grant from DILG, funds Naga River transport project 7 $70-M Waste-to-Energy plant to commence operation in 2013 6 Naga declared as “Zone of Discipline” 11 Land management discussed 9 Bicol mountain treasures The Maogmang Lugar logo is an Coming soon: Traffic lights 13 Making triumphs to build milestones, legacies attempt to capture Naga as we want The “Naga SMILES to the World” her to be --- a city that is progressive 12 Police strengthpowered by anticrime multipliers 15 Of old memories and New China logo is composed of the two and yet environment-friendly, baybayin characters, “na” 17 Naga & DepEd to construct more schoolbuildings 20 The read aloud difference where the people freely participate and “ga”. Swedish, shiatsu massage at NCPM 22 Who invented the numbers? Arabs? Hindus? Chinese? in the day-to-day affairs of the gov- 28 Spanish envoy overjoyed by Nagueños warm reception ernment and where culture and arts “Na”, shaped like a mountain, 18 Exclusive breastfeeding workplace to start in Naga are flourishing. provides a strong foundation for the 19 Mayor Bongat, Venus wow kids with stories 35 To plastic or not to plastic Narra tree which grew abundantly The stylized design of “NAGA” 20 Solid Waste Management Office created, also named as Special 37 This artist paints for food and art along the Naga River while a zigzag represents the city’s aggressive Concern Office 39 Kamundagan festival line denotes the majestic Malabsay march towards modernization and Falls. 21 PH teams shine in 8th International Math Olympiad 40 CCS: Always ready for natural calamities progress. The skyblue background, 22 Filipino Math and Science wizards shine in 8th IMSO the Narra tree, and the Naga river “Ga”, shaped like a farmer’s represent our people’s desire for an plow, is symbolic of the Nagueño’s 24 Naga wins BNS Regional Nutri-quiz Bee anew ecologically-balanced community. agricultural roots and hardworking 25 SWMO steps up expanded mandate to keep Naga clean, green personality. and orderly The ring of people surrounding 26 ACTO to pursue Tourism Information Center under new leadership the entire design shows the The baybayin Naga characters Naguenos’ participatory mechanism 27 Naga’s tracking app forwarned Sendong’s fury rest on a wave-like element which which is part and parcel of the city’s represents the Naga River and the 29 Batang Pinoy opens way of doing things. It also shows serpent, which is read in Sanskrit as 30 More events unfold in Naga during last quarter of 2011 the people’s concern and unity in “naga”. everything that is good for the city. 31 GrOWing the brangays thru Negosyo 32 Pilimania gains headway, plants 10,171 pili trees in just 19 weeks Today, the city as Maogmang Lugar, aims to portray more than a 33 LGU, entreps define areas of concern happy place but a happy people who Nutri-Ataman brings cheers to Naga children are the true beneficiaries of every- 34 Naga steps up drive vs. air and water solution thing good that is happening in the city. 39 Christmas this year is ‘loneliest’

Naga SMILES Vol. 2 No. 3 3 Naga SMILES Vol. 2 No. 3 4 City gets P 20M grant Naga City Government, under the from DILG, leadership of Mayor John G. Bongat, is the recipient of a P20 THE SSUING Proclamation No. 2011-03, Mayor John sustained by a citizenry that asserts and accepts its funds Naga River million grant from the Local Government Support G. Bongat declared the City of Naga as a “Zone Fund (LGSF) of the Department of Interior and Local role and responsibilities in nation-building. of Discipline” and adopted for the purpose The transport project Government after finally securing its Seal of Good “Ten Little Things a Proud Nagueño Should Do” Housekeeping (SGH). The proclamation underscores that discipline and BY WILFREDO B. PRILLES JR. as its advocacy for responsible citizenship. moral values are keys to responsible citizenship. “It is I through discipline that we become productive, Inspired by the city’s vision statement, the city mayor affluent, strong, and an enlightened people.” stated in his proclamation that Nagueños have envisioned the city as a model of good governance In order to make effective the declaration, “The Ten and responsible citizenship driven by a shared Little Things a Proud Nagueño Should Do,” which the development direction that is crafted, implemented mayor himself penned, has been adopted as the city’s and continually improved in an inclusive manner and advocacy on responsible citizenship.

Ten Little Things a Proud Nagueño Should Do

I THINK POSITIVE and SAY POSITIVE THINGS I OBEY TRAFFIC RULES and REGULATIONS about Naga. AND City ORDINANCES.

I keep my surroundings I STAY AWAY from DRUGS. CLEAN and GREEN. The good news was relayed by RIVER BOAT. A prototype of the river boat Interior and Local Government designed by the Solid Waste Management I RESPECT THE ELDERLY and I REPORT ILLEGAL ACTIVITIES Secretary Jesse M. Robredo to Office. The project is open to those to protect my family and my community. Mayor Bongat in a letter dated who need it and deserve it. MY FELLOW MEN at all times. expenditures, and debt service; utiliza- December 1, 2011. Separately, DILG “ We are focusing on a system tion of its trust, special education and Regional Director Blandino M. of merit and as we are local development funds; gender and I am ON TIME, and I WORK HARD and Maceda also wrote to inform him I PAY MY TAXES promptly and correctly. development accomplishment report; committed to help you, but about the availability of Naga’s SAVE for my future. and annual procurement plan and items it is also given under the allocation under the department’s for bidding. condition that you comply grantmaking facility. with the requirements. I BUY LOCALLY MADE PRODUCTS and I am HONEST in my dealings PATRONIZE Naga River transport system Seal of Good Housekeeping SILG Jesse M. Robredo with others. In a quick meeting with the Project the Naga City People’s Mall. The SGH is one of DILG’s innovative Management Team (PMT) of the ” programs that seeks to elevate the as docking points for passenger boats The “Ten Little Things a Proud Nagueño Should Do” provisions of the proclamation. Whenever integrated Naga River Revitalization practice of good governance by that will run between Magsaysay Bridge has been inspired by the more popular “12 Little Things possible, the text of the English and Bikol versions of Project (NRRP), Bongat agreed to recognizing local governments with and Sabang-Tabuco bridges. a Filipino Should Do” by Atty. Alex Lacson, a fraternity the “Ten Little Things…” should be printed in all back allocate the grant to fund the river above benchmark performance in brod of the city mayor at the UP College of Law. covers of city-funded books being distributed to transport component of the project. He internal housekeeping. Under the work program being finalized elementary and high school students. then instructed Wilfredo B. Prilles, Jr., city by the City Engineer’s Office, boats will For wider dissemination, the Education, planning and development coordinator To qualify for the Seal, a local also be procured to serve as core Scholarship and Sports Office (ESSO) of There will also be a sustained dissemination and concurre nt NRRP project officer, to government should exhibit sound passenger transport vessels for the the city hall has been tasked to collaborate effort in all media outlets (broadcast, TV, prepare the needed documentation by fiscal management highlighting the system. As of press time, the City with the Division of City Schools for the print, and new media), as well as printing the DILG to facilitate release. absence of adverse Commission on Treasurer’s Office has confirmed receipt inclusion in the cu rricula for homeroom and of promotional tarpaulins to be installed Audit (COA) findings on its financial of the fund transfer from the national Makabayan subjects the study of the in strategic corners of the city. Under the initial plan for the river trans- statements, and practise transpar- government. port project, the city is putting up a ent and accountable governance by small municipal port in Barangay subscribing to the DILG’s Full Alexander L. Lacson Sabang to serve vessels that will ply We share this vision, not Disclosure Policy. only of a happy place but is a lawyer, author, lecturer, phi- routes along the Bicol River. “ a happy people as well, lanthropist, and politician and is The Full Disclosure Policy, pursuant as we transform best known as the author of "12 It will be complemented by around to Memorandum Circular No. 2010- “Maogmang Lugar” or Little Things Every Filipino Can eight wharves in key strategic locations, 083 as amended, requires all Happy Place to a Do To Help Our Country." including the barangay halls of Sabang, Philippine local governments to Maogmang Naga” or a Lerma, Dinaga and San Francisco whose publicize their annual budget Happy Naga inhabited ground floor will be upgraded to serve by a Happy People. reports, quarterly statements of cash flows, statements of receipts, Mayor John G. Bongat” Naga SMILES Vol. 2 No. 3 5 Naga SMILES Vol. 2 No. 3 6 $70-M waste-to-energy plant The project site is currently undergoing perimeter fencing on its five- hectare expanse in Barangay San Isidro, along the foot of Mt. Isarog.

At the same time, the technical planning group of the foreign firm to commence operation in 2013 is busy working out the technical de tails of the facility’s design. The plant’s construction - one of the final steps of pre-operational phase - will commence once the site development is completed. BY JASON B. NEOLA Mayor John G. Bongat said that other than producing low-cost and City of Naga, known for its many ‘firsts’, will soon environment-friendly electricity for the residents, the facility will also THE have its own state-of-the-art waste-to-energy facility help the city adapt to an excellent garbage disposal management. Waste-to-energy (WtE) is the by the first quarter of 2013. process of creating energy in the Once operational, the plant is expected to generate eight to ten form of electricity or heat from the Oscar Orozco, city environment and natural resources officer, says the megawatts of electricity from 100 tons of garbage collected daily. gasification of waste source. It is $70-million garbage-resourced power generating facility, once com- The plant has the capacity to process up to 200 tons of waste to a form of energy recovery. Most pleted, will be the first of its kind in the country. produce 18 megawatts in expanded operations. WtE processes produce electricity directly through combustion, or The Korea-based CJ Global Inc., the project’s investor, had already paid Orozco said that at least 30% of the daily garbage requirement will produce a combustible fuel 30% of the total cost of the machineries that will be deployed to con- be sourced from the Balatas dumpsite. “It is not surprising if five or commodity, such as methane, vert into green energy the city’s pile of daily garbage thru the process six years from now, the dumpsite is emptied of garbage,” Orozco methanol, ethanol, or synthetic called gasification. said. fuels.

Naga SMILES Vol. 2 No. 3 7 Naga SMILES Vol. 2 No. 3 8 BY JOSE B. PEREZ

get a panoramic view of Bicolandia’s majestic skyline, one simply has to saunter Locally known as Malasugi, the yellow fin tuna (Thunnus albacares) is one of the largest tuna species, reaching weights on the powdery white beaches of TO of over 140 kilograms and is extremely good as sashimi. Caramoan in Camarines Sur or to take a boat ride down the blue waters of the Lagonoy Gulf, the home of the yel- During the Spanish colonial period, the Bicol low fin tuna. It is from these vantage peninsula was inhabited by mountain-dwelling points, especially on a clear sum- Agta, Dumagat, and Malayan descendants who mer’s day, that the overwhelming were lowland dwellers. splendor of Bicol’s famous mountains looms before a frol- icker’s eyes: Mt. Isarog and Mt. Asog in Camarines Sur, and The arrival of the Spanish and Chinese traders brought the perfect-coned Mayon Volcano in Albay - which about the change in the ethnic composition of Bicol. Agta or Ayta are an indigenous people who live Bicolanos call the Daragang Magayon, or pretty maiden - in scattered, isolated mountainous parts of The first shrine of the Our Lady of Peñafrancia was built Luzon, Philippines. They are considered to be that stands out as the fairest of them all. by Spanish friars near the foot of Isarog to accommo- An active volcano, renowned for its "perfect cone" because of its almost symmetric conical Negritos, who are dark to very dark brown- shape, Mayon Volcano forms the northern boundary of Legazpi City. The mountain is a skinned and tend to have features such as a date the Remontados (returnees to the mountains small stature, small frame, curly to kinky afro- Bicol, they say, is shaped by the “3Ms”: its mountains, national park and a protected landscape in the country proclaimed as a Mayon Volcano who tried to escape the burden of colonial rule) and Natural Park in the year 2000. Local folklore refers to the volcano as Bulkang Magayon, after like textured hair with a higher frequency of monsoons, and the people’s undying devotion to the Virgin naturally lighter hair color (blondism) relative to eventually brought them back to the mainstream. the legendary heroine Daragang Magayon. the general population, small nose, and dark of Peñafrancia, their “Ina” or Mother. Thus, to this day, as it was many years ago, the brown eyes. They are thought to be among the earliest inhabitants of the Philippines, preceding miraculous image of the Virgin is borne by barefoot the Austronesian migrations. A first-timer who approaches the Bicol Peninsula from the brawny men during the traslacion (street procession) sea or air will easily find out that the three mountains – on her feast day in September. Halfway to the peak, many in the entourage gave up. The next day, only one persevered with the friar. together with Mt. Bulusan in Sorsogon and Mt. Labo in Camarines Norte - truly dominate Bicol’s rugged landscape, Climbing Mayon Upon reaching the summit, Fray Esteban told the indio, “See how there is nothing here of what you speak. which was then known as the Tierra de Ibalon. To disprove a wrong belief of the natives about the Call on whoever you may wish, to see if there is anyone who answers you. Do you not see all this is deceit soul’s immortality, Fray Esteban de Solis in 1592 dared of the devil to carry you off to hell where you will suffer eternal flames much more consuming than those of Because they are of volcanic origin (Mayon and Bulusan are the unbelieving indios to scale the heights of Mayon. this volcano?” still active), these giant earth mounds produce thousands of megawatts of geothermal power. Geothermal plants in Tiwi, Upon their descent, the indio begged to be baptized. His tale and baptism were enough for the natives to Albay and in Bacon, Sorsogon supply the bulk of the energy forswear their old beliefs. On that day alone, a hundred natives were baptized. requirements of Metro Manila and the rest of Luzon. The late Fr. James O’Brien, S.J., author of the book on Bicol history and culture intended for his students at Isarog the Ateneo de Naga University, opined that Bicol seemed to have been isolated from the rest of Luzon. In The hypetological wonders of Isarog have collectively been 1890, it would take a full month of sailing from Mauban, Quezon to get to Naga. Rail service, which reached internationally acclaimed as one of the Philippines’ most Dagupan as early as 1887, only came to Bicol in 1938, and road transport through the Philippine - Japan fragile and treasured centers of biological diversity. As a Friendship (Maharlika) Highway became operational only in 1971. natural park, its rainforests continue to attract foreign and local scientists and the more adventurous mountain trekkers, But seeing the glass half-full, O’Brien concluded that this relative isolation eventually benefitted Bicolanos, as well. Visitors are, however, advised to coordinate with the who through time, developed into a patient, resilient, and God-fearing people that they are today. Protected Area Management Board of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources before venturing into Another Jesuit scholar, Fr. Vitaliano Gorospe, wrote that many Bicolanos were like the mountains that have any form of exploration, for their own safety. survived disastrous monsoons and pyroclasmic eruptions. They “[regarded] these mountains in contradictory lights as refuge and place of freedom and in the same breath, as the habitation of the uncivilized,” feeling The 6,450 foot Mt. Isarog is a potentially active stratovolcano located they were not welcome in the concrete jungles of the lowland. in the province of Camarines Sur, Philippines. It was here where Bicolano guerillas hid during the Japanese Period.

Naga SMILES Vol. 2 No. 3 9 Naga SMILES Vol. 2 No. 3 10 Land management discussed BY GERALD O. ENGUERO Various stakeholders of the city’s land management sector, including representatives of national government agencies, such as the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), and the Land Registration Authority (LRA), recently convened to explore the salient provisions of Republic Act 10023, which is otherwise known as the Residential Free Patent Act.

The series of meetings was conducted on October 17 and 18, 2011 at the Raul S. Roco Library here. City Planning Officer Wilfredo Prilles, Jr. said that the new law strengthens the local governments’ power to manage and administer lands they actually used for public purpose, which Naga seeks to pioneer in Bicol, following its successful implementation in Cebu and other parts of the country.

Atty. Erwin Tiamson, one of the resource persons from the Asia Foundation, presented a brief history of titling in the Philippines, including the Public Land Act. He explained that alienable and disposable lands usually belong to the government and are being managed by the DENR after conducting cadastral surveying and mapping. The cadastre is essentially a methodically - arranged public inventory of data concern ing all legal land objects, based on a survey of their boundaries.

Atty. George Katigbak followed by detailing the revolutionary provisions under RA 10023, specifically Section 4 and its implementing rules and regulations. Katigbak said this law allows LGUs to apply for Special Patents that will secure ownership over untitled properties they are currently occupying, including landholdings dedicate d for socialized housing. BY JASON B. NEOLA Rene Sanapo updated the participants on the actual experiences of trailblazing LGUs that have used RA 10023 to undertake mass titling campaigns in their respective localities and on the benefits that accrued to them, especially in terms of increased local revenues. hey are the major players in the successful anti- The Naga Land Management Council (LMC) agreed to use the new law in titling around 1,000 home lots covered by four crime campaign of the Naga City Police Office (NCPO) which, indicators show, significantly socialized housing projects under its Kaantabay sa Kauswagan program, in completing its Cadastral Index Map in part- T Gardiola said the city actually needs 300 more police contributed to the downtrending of crime volume from nership with the regional office of the DENR, and in exploring the possibility of securing special patents for such assets as personnel to meet the ideal ratio of one policeman for every 741 cases from September 2010 to December 2010 to 579 the Naga City People’s Mall and the public plazas located within the city boundary. 600 residents. cases during the same period in 2011. Under their present anti-crime campaign, the city’s 27 Records show that the 33 percent decline actually began in barangays are to be watched closely by three groups of police September 2011, or less than a month after P/SSupt. Antonio N. operatives assigned in three different strategic concerns, Gardiola assumed his post as NCPO Director on August 11, 2011. namely the urban, peripheral, and mobile securities. BY GERALD O. ENGUERO Coming soon: Traffic Lights Crime volume usually goes up during the last quarter of the year, Policemen on beat patrol are in charge of urban security which the so-called ‘ber’ months, ushered in by Bicol’s biggest regional columnist of a leading national broadsheet had once expressed awe and wonder at how covers the city’s urban center or Centro, while police person- Peñafrancia Fiesta in September. Also during the last months of Naga motorists managed to keep their cool and to safely maneuver their cars during nel, barangay tanod volunteers, and other community-ba sed the year, most of the people rush hours even at the city’s busiest chokepoints without the benefit of traffic lights and multipliers like the Barangay A begin to receive their bonuses not enough traffic enforcers. The answer was, Naguenos are a patient people, not easily prone Intelligence Network (BIN) are and other incentive pays for the to high temper and violence. assigned together in outposts coming Yuletide season. in 10 clustered barangays to But burgeoning commerce and the unstoppable multiplication of human traffic and vehicles extend peripheral security The holidays, which extend up to on the road brought about by, yes, increasing trade and business, has made the need for traffic through checkpoints and foot New Year’s Day, usually lights an inevitable choice. patrols. create opportunities for rogues and rascals to ply their Executive Director Lito del Rosario of the city’s Public Safety Office disclosed that upon Policemen assigned in mobile nefarious trade, police said. instruction of the city mayor, traffic lights will initially be installed in selected corners of the security are those in mobile city’s Centro come 2012 – along the Penafrancia-Magsaysay crossing, at the corner of the Naga patrol cars, complemented by Gardiola said their anti-crime Metropolitan Cathedral and Universidad de Sta. Isabel, and at the intersection of Starview Plaza Motorcycle Cops Against strategy, which solicits strong and Crown Hotel. Crime in the Streets (MOCACS) police-community networks, who set up surprise or unannounced checkpoints in addresses the proverbial shortage of police personnel. Meanwhile, more Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras will be purchased to cover more barangays. strategic areas in the city. The Naga police’s present strength in the field is composed of 272 personnel or 85 percent of the city’s total police force while “Based on our record, CCTV cameras have been very helpful in tracing suspects of snatching, the rest of them, which represent 15 percent, are assigned for Neutralizing the riding in tandem criminals, the MOCACS hit brawling, traffic accidents, and other petty crimes happening on the streets,” Del Rosario said. the city streets 24/7 in close coordination with the barangay- various administrative works in the city’s three different police He added that guns, logistics, and equipment are part of ensuring peace and order, “but these based anti-crime multipliers. stations. are not the most important part”, as he explained that the cooperation of residents and stake- holders are more vital in any undertaking to resolve the community’s problems. The people Naga, which is at the center of Camarines Sur, is immediately should be concerned about everybody’s safety and welfare, he said, and therefore, must be surrounded by at least 14 other municipalities, it has a daytime alert against any abnormal incident or transgression of laws and ordinances that were designed population of more or less 400,000 and a nighttime population precisely to safeguard the people’s interest and welfare. of not less than 172,000 souls.

Naga SMILES Vol. 2 No. 3 11 Naga SMILES Vol. 2 No. 3 12 But, most of all, two celebrated cases that the city faced proved Showing great concern for the college education of poor but his true mettle as a brilliant and hardworking legal mind. It also deserving students of the city, Legacion principally authored showed his unwavering love and dedicated service to the city Ordinance No. 2010-063 entitled “AN ORDINANCE and its institutions that since then he vowed to serve. Ejectment INSTITUTIONALIZING THE CITY’S TERTIARY SCHOLARSHIP case filed by the heirs of Macario Mariano and the Plaza Rizal PROGRAM, PROVIDING FUNDS, AND FOR OTHER case between the city and the provincial government of PURPOSES”. Camarines Sur as the two celebrated cases referred above. The allocation for the program was doubled by increasing it While the Plaza Rizal case, which stemmed from an issue of to PhP 10,000,000.00, an amount that is ought to increase which local government should supervise and administer the yearly depending on the city’s annual budget. The legislative city’s premier plaza, had long been started before Atty. Legacion measure likewise mandated the establishment of the became the city legal officer, its resolution in favor of the city Barangay Scholarship Program in the city’s 27 barangays. became clear when the young lawyer pursued the case to the At present, 421 college students benefit from the program hilt and asked the Supreme Court for expedient action. Today, excluding barangay scholars whose number is expected to under Mayor John G. Bongat’s vision of a clean and orderly city, reach more than 100. Plaza Rizal is fast reclaiming its lost glory as a well-kept and visitor-friendly promenade for the city’s weary residents and In 2008, Legacion called the attention of local travelers. dealers to the disparity in prices of petro- leum products in Naga City as against On the ejectment case which drove city hall on a frenzy after those in nearby areas. This immediately the Regional Trial Court ordered the city government to resulted to a reduction in prices to about vacate the city hall in favor of the Marianos, Legacion, along P2 per liter of petroleum products even with then City Mayor Jesse Robredo, did not lose focus, and in the absence of announced price roll- most of all hope, of fighting for the higher interest of the backs from Manila. It also resulted to the people of Naga City. Partnering with then private practi- creation of a Petroleum Price Watch in tioner J. Anselmo Cadiz who is now the Solicitor- the city. General, the two brought the case to the Court of Appeals and eventually to the Supreme Court On October 26, 2010, Legacion BY JASON B. NEOLA which after a few years finally decided that the passionately advocated for an city is entitled to the possession of the contested immediate shift from the use of won cases after He also found time to be professor land by virtue of a deed of donation by the elder mercury bulbs to compact fluorescent cases as a cause- of law at the University of Nueva Mariano. The High Tribunal in its amended light (CFL) resulting in the decision to HEoriented lawyer, Caceres and college instructor at decision date d July 20, 2011 noted that the entry invest the sum of Php 983,000.00 to buy 4,457 as the city legal officer, and the Universidad de Sta Isabel. of the city into the property and subsequently, by the pieces of 23 watts and 800 pieces of 24 watts CFL as a private practitioner. On July 1, 2001, he was other government agencies (Postal Office, LTO, NBI, Hall for use in city streetlights by passing Ordinance Now, he continues to win recruited to serve as the city of Justice, prosecutor’s offices, fire department, and IBP No. 2010-053. Per report received on May 2, the hearts and minds of his legal officer, a position he Camarines Sur) which had constructed their office 2011 from the GSD, the measure generated a constituents while doing his carried on with flying colors until buildings thereon, without objection from Don wattage savings for the city in the sum of best as public servant and March 29, 2007 when he strode Mariano Macario or that of the other officials of the P3,158,314.20/month or P37,899,770.40/year. lawmaker. higher to become a city coun- subdivision who were privies to the donation, is cilor on his first term. solid proof that, indeed, the donation in question Still not content with his legislative work, Before his stint as city legal was consummated. Legacion likewise spearheaded the re-organization of the officer, Legacion was admin- As the city’s chief lawyer, Naga City Lupong Tagapamayapa Federation, Inc. with the istrative officer, litigation Legacion successfully As city councilor, Legacion’s passion and commitment to serve book on Lupong Tagapamayapa which he himself authored officer, and later branch coor- prosecuted expropriation continue to shine even brighter. He co-authored Ordinance No. and thereafter distributed to all Lupon members in the city. dinator of the Sentrong Alter- cases that resulted in the 2007-045, otherwise known as the QUEEN Ordinance and He conducted trainings and seminars for them to enhance natibong Lingap Panlegal distribution of residential authored Ordinance No. 2011-053, otherwise known as the their knowledge and skills in conciliation, mediation, and (Saligan) in Naga City from 1992 lots to urban poor beneficiaries Revised QUEEN Ordinance which mandates the city government arbitration of barangay disputes, thereby also serving as to 2001 where he zealously of the city’s urban poor affairs to provide public school children necessary assistance to ensure adviser of the Lupong Tagapamayapa. fought for the rights and and resettlement programs. that they gain full access to basic education and that all children interests of the poorer and of school age in Naga are able to complete their elementary Watch this man’s steps. Because marginalized sectors and high school education. Today, there are about 22,000 pupils he makes more triumphs and of our society. from about 12,000 families that benefit from the QUEEN marks more milestones along program, which includes payment of children’s school fees, the way. graduation expenses, and rice allocation through a variation of the national government’s 4Ps, or the conditional cash transfer program. This localized version of He also authored the Summer Enhancement and Enrichment “Katarungang Pambarangay” Program or SEEP Ordinance that seeks to raise the quality of was authored by City Councilor education in the city by making free summer remedial and Legacion to help Lupon members enrichment classes available. The program was highly enhance their knowledge and skills recommended and strongly endorsed by DepEd itself, claiming on conciliation and arbitration of that it helped to improve the Division Achievement Test result. barangay disputes.

Naga SMILES Vol. 2 No. 3 13 Naga SMILES Vol. 2 No. 3 14 EMORIES can be a bit tricky, thick cups with, more often than not, columns extolling the virtues especially for writers who cracked edges. For the adventurous, he of coffee (he considered it as Mcertainly have a way with could even sip his coffee from an “the best in the world”), siopao, and words. They can burnish them, empty tin can of evaporated milk. My pancit canton of New China? embellish them with buntings, suf- girlfriend Gina (who eventually fuse them with light and banter, or became my wife) and I used to date at According to De Quiros, when ever he is delete them altogether. New China where she chipped in two in Naga, he makes it a point to drop by pesos for the coffee and siopao. (Three the restaurant – a veritable ritual as it I actually penned those lines in honor decades later, she said that she should were. And speaking of rituals, when I of Bienvenido N. Santos who, for a have taken it a s portents of things to became a full-fledged local politician while, stayed in Naga City, mentoring, come!) On one of our wedding (never in my wildest dream did it ever in the process, a generation of local anniversaries (we were married on her occur to me that I, a Calabangueño, writers steeped in the Western literary birthday, April 23), we revisited New would one day be the vice mayor of Naga tradition as we ll as in the complexities China and guess who were there? City!), I started this quirky practice (for and nuances of English grammar and Mayor (now Secretary of the Interior good luck!) of treating my favourite syntax. In his twilight years, Santos had and Local Government) Jesse and Atty. mediamen to plates of pancit canton and his fixation on memory or what he Leni Robredo (whose birthday also falls siopao at the New China before the start called as memory’s fictions. on April 23.) of every political campaign period. So far, the “ritual” has proven to be effective! “Alas memory knows no logic, follows In later years, New China would also be no definite patterns and tangents; the venue of my interminable drinking I just hope though that New China will memory is capricious, tarries at odd sprees with comrades and detractors always serve fresh siopao. With due moments or simply flits by, barely alike, discussing and oftentimes respect to Bienvenido N. Santos, alighting, and moves on, turning over cursing the issues and personalities of re-heated (as in rekindled) memories may layers upon layers of things past, things the day, fuelled as we were by the brew be good for the soul but definitely not completely forgotten. It has no disci- flowing like the flash flood in nearby re-heated siopao! It can ruin the stomach pline, no direction, no heart. It is willful, Barlin street. – and one’s recollection “of things past, with a mind of its own and yet, every things completely forgotten.” so often, mindless,” thus wrote We even believed that we were ready Santos in his signature style, unpreten- for a revolution, conveniently tious yet profound and underscoring forgetting that we could not even But it is his last years in his greatness as an artist. brave the thunderstorm raging outside Naga I recollect, which I got the restaurant. “ to know on the occasions I I do not, however, intend to craft a dis- went there. Every morning, sertation on Santos. That will be impos- It was after such a he would be found in a sible because of my limitations. I just drinking spree, greasy spoon called New want to have a short take on his while trying to China Restaurant, smoking concept of memory. For in remember- relieve my cigarettes, drinking coffee, ing, one reconnects with people, a t r o c i o u s places, events, among others – and the and talking with friends — h a n g o v e r inevitable fiction of one’s recollection. iristoryahan, as Bicolanos with the call it. New China Naga City, for instance, evokes old b r e w e d memories of one’s youth: the Peñafran- Conrado de Quiros, c o f f e e , cia fiesta, the Ateneo de Naga, the from” PDI There’s The Rub when I scribbled the following mushy calesa, the air-conditioned Bichara column article entitled “The lines for a fallen UP Sarong Banggi most honest man in the world.” theatre redolent of newly popped corn brother, salvaged in the hinterlands of and “alive” with the lilting tunes of “The Guinobatan, Albay: these are not Sound of Music”, the ten- centavo bag drunken words, hermano./ the effects of salted peanuts at the Plaza Rizal, of alcohol/ have long worn off./ only and, of course, the New China the strains of sarong banggi and the restaurant. pain linger./ parting, indeed, stirs/ the fears that grip the heart./ for one Yes, for out-of-towners like me (I’m tortuous moment,/ the mind loses its from Calabanga) who had the good powers,/ words freeze/ into intolerable fortune of being in Naga (“nagpa- silences/ and one’s composure Naga!”), my visit wouldn’t be complete crumbles/ like a pyramid/ of empty without eating at this nondescript beer bottles/ snapped by a stray gust Chinese restaurant a few paces from of wind. the Bichara. In fact, just the thought of eating there somehow triggered a By the way, did you know that THE Pavlovian reaction. The pancit was Conrado de Quiros (a native of Sta. good and so was the siopao. Both went Cruz, Naga City) of the Philippine Daily well with the brewed coffee served in Inquirer devoted no less than two

Naga SMILES Vol. 2 No. 3 15 Naga SMILES Vol. 2 No. 3 16 ULTI-SECTORAL groups, led by various organizations, with the Naga & DepEd to ANOTHER PIONEERING ACHIEVEMENT support of the International Labor Organization recently inked construct more Exclusive M here a pact to promote exclusive breastfeeding in the workplace. breastfeeding in schoolbuildings These organizations include the Alliance of Progressive Labor, Informal workplace to Workers under the group ALLWIES, Employer’s Confederation of the Philip- BY ERNANI SURON start in pines, the Metro Naga Chamber of Commerce and Industry, government Naga agencies led by the DOLE, the National Nutrition Council (NNC) Region 5 under the DOH, and the National Anti-Poverty Commission DUCATION Secretary Armin A. Luistro and BY JASON B. NEOLA (NAPC). City Mayor John G. Bongat recently signed Some of the provisions of Ea Memorandum of Agreement on National The event was held at Villa Caceres Hotel, here last November 28, RA 10028: The Expanded and Local Counterparting for Classroom 2011 as part of the Millenium Development Goals Achievement Breastfeeding Promotion Act Construction, which initially will see the build- Fund (MDGF) 2030 Joint Programme that aims to address food >> Private enterprises, as well as ing of at least ten classrooms in the city’s security and malnutrition of children 0-24 months old in the government agencies, including elementary schools. Philippines. government-owned and con- trolled corporations, are required Beneficiaries of this first set of new classrooms are: The current situation on malnutrition in Naga City of 4%, the lowest to put up lactation stations. Tabuco Central School (two 2-storey classrooms); in the country, as well as the minimum wage of workers pegged at Grandview Elementary School (completion of two P247.00 per day, is more than a compelling reason to promote >> Expenses incurred by private 2-storey classrooms); Balatas Elementary School exclusive breastfeeding in the workplace. That is why various stake- health and non-health facilities, (completion of two 2-storey classrooms), and holders coming from private sector, government agencies and CSOs establishments, or institutions in Teodora Moscoso Elementary School (two 2-storey signed and sealed their commitment to promote exclusive breast- complying with the law will now be deductible expenses (for classrooms). The whole project costs about feeding in the workplace, through the Memorandum of Agreement income tax purposes) that can P6,724,000. Swedish, shiatsu between and among companies, workers, and government agencies. be up to twice the actual amount massage at NCPM incurred. Underscoring education as a top priority of his BY JASON B. NEOLA Cited as a trailblazing and historic event that took place in this city, administration, Mayor Bongat said that the the MOA signing can be considered as one of the landmark >> The law requires “lactation counterparting agreement “will put premium on periods” for breastfeeding NE can find comforting and gentle achievements of different sectors on the promotion of breastfeeding the further improvement of the quality of basic and employees, in addition to time- touches right at the Naga City People’s in the workplace. It is common knowledge that Naga City has been functional education here in the city and the best off for meals, to allow them time Mall. one of the pioneering models in good governance, having received way to start it is to address the problem of class- O to express their breast milk. This a number of awards not only on governance but more importantly period should be no less than a room shortage in the public schools.” on health and nutrition. The Naga City Spa Center, otherwise known as the total of 40 minutes for every GrOW Negosyo Hands-on Therapist Center, is a eight-hour working period. Under the agreement, the city and DepEd will bear massage center designed to cater to the growing What else is new in forging partnerships with companies, workers’ the cost of the project on a fifty-fifty sharing, the market needs of tired muscles. It offers five unions and the informal sector? Can we really reach out to >> Health institutions are encou- first half to be borne by the city government while techniques that are popularly known in the wellness workplaces here in the city to set up their own lactation stations? raged to put up breast milk banks the other half will be released by DepEd upon market: Shiatsu, Swedish, Aromatherapeutic, to store pasteurized breast milk certification by the city that the latter has already donated by breastfeeding Traditional Hilot, and Reflexology. What goal do we want to achieve when we say we are promoting expended fifty percent of the project cost and that exclusive breastfeeding in the workplace? mothers. such project had been 50% completed based on Reynante Alvarez, the center’s manager, said 14 >> Breastfeeding will now be the program of work. Arlene Reario, RTWG chair for MDGF 2030 in Region 5, said, experienced therapists serve as sales and included in the curriculum of customer service workers to a growing number of “Beyond the numbers and statistics, I think there is only one schools (under relevant subjects). The completed classrooms eventually become the clients who also enjoy discounts, especially if they message towards this end: Promoting exclusive breastfeeding in the property of the Department of Education, as Indeed it takes an entire have became valued or workplace is the key towards giving life and the upholding of the provided for in the same agreement. dignity of women workers.” community to raise a repeat “ child. What we are aiming customers. Beyond the compliance with RA 10028, employers are encouraged for is an entire enlight- to promote exclusive breastfeeding in the workplace since doing so ened community, with will greatly contribute to workers’ productivity as workers need not high awareness on the incur additional expense on bottle feeding or the use of breast milk advantages of breast milk, substitute. in order to raise entire generations of breast-fed, According to Sion Binos, a member of the Alliance of Progressive healthy children, and Labor (APL), this is one advocacy issue “that should be able to empowered breastfeeding encourage cooperation between and among management and mothers. workers since it would benefit both of them.” Sen.” Pia Cayetano

Naga SMILES Vol. 2 No. 3 17 Naga SMILES Vol. 2 No. 3 18 Solid Waste Management Office created; The Read Aloud Difference also named Parents who read children’s stories aloud to their kids provide a as Special strong, positive influence and build a foundation for a lifetime of BY JUAN ESCANDOR, JR. significant benefits. But what really are these reading aloud bene- Concerns Office fits? What kind of difference are we talking about? It won't happen BY JASON B. NEOLA overnight, as change is gradual, but continued and dedicated reading will most definitely bring noticeable, long-term changes. EAUTY queen Venus Raj and Mayor John Bongat F your streets are cleaner and garbage collection is noticeably more efficient, it’s captured the imagination of hundreds of kids Did you know . . . through a read-along session held in November because those concerns now belong to a MS. UNIVERSE runner up Venus I B bigger office within city hall. 2011 in Barangay Concepcion Pequeña, this city. Raj huddles with pupils after the 1 In this day and age of hectic lives and busy schedules, reading together Photography: Cromwell Torio story-telling session. is a simple and enjoyable way for parents to take time out and focus MANILA BULLETIN SAC By virtue of Ordinance No. 2011-001, the Solid Nursery kids were ensconced at the day care center and on the family. Young children need lots of special, dedicated time with Waste Management Office (SWMO) has been grade school kids gathered at the covered court during their loved ones. created out of the former Waste and Pollution “What are you eating at school?” Raj asked grade-five 2 Reading children’s stories aloud to our kids is just plain FUN!! the celebration here of the United Nations Declaration of Management Division of the City Environment pupil Leandro, as she paused from reading the line which 3 Reading children’s stories is a wonderful bonding experience that Children’s Rights. and Natural Resources Office (ENRO), elevating tells of the character Pikpakbom, an unruly dog that eats fosters meaninful one-on-one communication with our kids. 4 It shows our children in no uncertain terms that they are important the new office into a regular department, to be almost anything against the warning of his brother The nursery kids are under the care of the local govern- to us. headed by a Solid Waste Management Officer. ment unit (LGU) of Barangay Concepcion Pequeña, Naga Titaktok. 5 It molds our kids into becoming readers, and raising a reader City, the largest barangay here with about 23,000 significantly increases our child's potential for academic success as Now steered by Engr. Joel Martin as department inhabitants. The grade school kids are from Concepcion With honesty, the boy answered that with the P5.00 his well as lifelong success in general. officer, the existing City Motorpool that he once Pequeña Elementary School. The Read-Along was held in parents gave him, he pooled the allowance with class- 6 It is a vital and integral part of teaching our kids how to read as headed has also been placed under the new partnership with the LGU of Concepcion Pequeña and the mates during snack time and they bought “chichiriya” children learn how to read by being read to. department. Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD). (junk food), which led her to tell the boy that junk food is 7 It helps our children master language development. not really nutritious and can harm him. 8 It builds listening skills, increases a child's attention span, and As provided for by the ordinance, the SWMO will develops the ability to concentrate at length of which all are learned Two read-along sessions emerged when circumstances have the following functions: skills. came in the way of the original plan of converging the two Like grade-six pupil Marimar and four other grade school 9 It develops children's ability to express themselves more a. Develop plans, programs, and projects on groups of kids after the program, while bad weather kids, who were given tokens by the DSWD for giving the confidently, easily, and clearly in spoken and written terms. solid waste management compliant with Repub- spoiled the participation of Social Welfare Secretary Dinky right answer, the kids at the covered court got the lesson 10 It develops and fosters a child's natural curiosity. lic Act 9003 or the Solid Waste Management Act Soliman, storyteller, with cancelled flight from Manila to of the story of doing the right thing all the time if their 11 It develops creativity and a child's ability to use their own and other applicable laws and execute the same Naga City. answers to Raj’s questions were the indications which imagination! complimented with crisp “very good.” 12 It expands our children's horizons, quells fears, exposes them to upon approval thereof; b. Maintain cleanliness of city hall premises, Respecting the prevailing ambience of two separate new situations, and teaches them appropriate behavior. city streets, street islands, parks and plazas, and Mayor Bongat, a first-time storyteller, read the story of the 13 Reading children’s stories to our children provides the best sessions, that is the usual read-along session in a closed other public spaces as may be assigned by the dog named Putot who was bothered by his short and curly opportunities for true " teaching moments ." venue where nursery kids have settled down, and the open city mayor; and tail, realizing later on that everything is fine, when it met 14 Reading picture books develops a young child's appreciation for the covered court where the beneficiaries of 4Ps and grade arts through exposure to many different styles of art and c. Coordinate with government agencies school kids attended a program earlier, proved that reach- the worm who was “all tail” and nothing more. illustrations. and/or offices and non-government organiza- ing out to kids to promote reading could be done in an tions regarding the different programs and innovative way. He started reading the story by giving the right There is so much that reading children’s projects of the city government on solid waste pronunciation of “Putot” as Pú-tót rather than Pú-tòt. stories aloud to our kids can do for management. Barangay Councilor Joel Barrios, chair of the education them. Let's start reading together committee, observed the two sessions were different in The question-and-answer portion became more fun and today! In addition to its regular functions, the SWMO many ways but appropriate on their own. lively like a game show with great majority of kids partici- has also been designated by City Mayor John G. pating and vying for the tokens which made the DSWD Source: The Benefits of Bongat, through his Administrative Order No. Childrens Stories - http://www. 2011-007, as Special Concerns Office, with Engr. With an atmosphere of an interactive show-like perform- staff extend the awards from five to ten kids. littleonesreadingresource.com ance with rows of kids seated fronting the “performers,” Martin, the newly-designated City Solid who are the storytellers, the covered court Read-Along Barrios credits the success of the two Read-Along sessions Management Officer, as executive director. session came surprisingly effective with grade school kids to the hard work of 10 daycare teachers to gather the actively participating in several answer and question por- toddlers and the teachers of Concepcion Pequeña Elemen- The Special Concerns Office will serve as the tions. tary School, as well as the social workers from the city hall. implementing office of small-scale community projects which may be completed through unified community efforts (i.e. rabuz or barangay Bongat, who took over the role of Secretary Soliman, and He said he looks forward to more partnerships with the basis). These projects, among others, include Philippine Daily Inquirer, the main sponsor, on read-along Raj delivered reading performances which hooked the drainages, pathways, sun dryers, public rest activities to promote in their barangay reading habits for children’s attention by immediately making them repeat rooms, pavements for communal use, and all names and actions on the stories being read, including school. undertakings that may be determined by the city adlibs. mayor as special projects. Naga SMILES Vol. 2 No. 3 19 Naga SMILES Vol. 2 No. 3 20 Filipino Math and Science Who invented the wizards shine in 8th IMSO numbers? Arabs? Neither by mere luck nor chance, the Filipino participants outsmarted many Hindus? Chinese? BY JUAN ESCANDOR, JR. of their foreign counterparts in the recently concluded 8th International Mathematics and Science Olympiad (IMSO) for Primary School Students held T was a retired Singaporean mathematics arnering two gold medals in Science and another four gold medals in Math, Philippine in Naga City on September 2- 6, 2011. professor who postulated that the Chinese (PH) teams made a sterling performance in the 8th International Math and Science I invented numbers a thousand years ago Olympiad (IMSO) held here from Sept. 3-6. Shining the brightest were Farrell Eldrian Wu of MGC New Life Christian before anyone else. G Academy in Taguig City who swept the competition by winning champion in Math Theory while Raphael Villaluz of San Beda College-Alabang in Lam Lay Yong, formerly of National University of Simon L. Chua, president of the Other countries with gold medals She said that in the process of Muntinlupa was declared champion in Science Experiment. Obviously, it is the Singapore challenged the commonly-held belief Mathematics Trainers’ Guild (MTG) of the for Science include Thailand, three; checking, they also have to break a passion in Mathematics and Science in them that have brought out such Philippines,said the performance of the Sri Lanka, two, and, Indonesia, one; lot of ties and then rank them that the Arabs and Indians invented the numeral remarkable feats. Filipino students in the competition had while in Math, Thailand got another accordingly. system. Doing research, the professor showed been very satisfactory compared to last three; China, three; Taiwan, two; that the arrangement of small bamboo rods were The Philippine teams composed of PH NCR, PH Region 4A, PH Naga, and PH year’s. and Indonesia, one. Joseph S. Wee, member of MTG, used by merchants, scholars, and court officials Province garnered a total of 28 medals in Mathematics and another 28 medals said all countries were represented in China as early as 475 BC to represent the nu- in Science, that is, 4 gold, 7 silver, and 17 bronze medals in Mathematics; and The PH teams also clinched five silver One of the gold medalists in Math in the panel of jurors who checked merals one to nine. Dr. Lam held that the an- 2 gold, 5 silver, and 21 bronze medals in Science category. Here is the and 21 bronze medals in Science while from the Naga team is 11-year-old the exams given to the contestants cient Chinese invented a notation such that with complete list of winners for both contests. seven silver and 17 bronze medals in Errol John Suarez who hails from of IMSO. only nine signs, any number could be expressed. Math. Legazpi City and a grade-six “By the 13th century, the Chinese were solving MATHEMATICS: student of Bicol University Chua revealed that the number of very advanced problems with the rods, includ- 1. Wu, Farrell Eldrian Gold MGC New Life Christian Academy ing equations with four unknowns.” A trophy was awarded to gold medalist Laboratory School. participating countries in the 8th 2. Keh, Sedrick Scott Gold Xavier School Raphael Villaluz of the Philippine- IMSO is more than last year’s which 3. Ang, Clyde Wesley Gold Chiang Kai Shek College National Capital Region (NCR) team for Suarez has been joining interna- was held in Indonesia with only 4, Suarez, Errol John Gold Bicol University Basic Education Dept According to a brochure printed in Singapore, 5. Jaba, Andrea Silver St. Jude Catholic School the lady professor examined scores of ancient Best in Experiment in the Science tional Math competitions in nine countries participating. 6. Patupat, Alberto John L. Silver Region IV-A category. Australia, Bali, Indonesia, China, 7. Claveria, Elijamin Wolfgang Silver Region IV-A and highly technical Chinese texts and had and Singapore where he got his He said China and South Korea 8. Uy, Mark Christopher Silver Xavier School found that the rod system was well-known to Last year, the Philippine team garnered first gold medal this year. He got joined the IMSO for the first time 9. Hingan, John Aries Ceazar T. Silver San Beda College Alabang foreign traders who travelled the ancient Silk 10. Tañada, Patrick Allen Silver Pembo Elementary School, Road across Asia between the 5th and 9th one gold, two silver, and eight bronze his second gold medal here here while Hongkong, which had Makati City medals in Math while in Science, one Monday night. been joining the competition in 11. Ildesa, Miguel Lorenzo Silver Westbridge School, Iloilo City centuries. Moreover, the literature says, the silver and 10 bronze medals in Indonesia skipped this year, citing 12. Que, Shaquille Wyan T. Bronze Grace Christian College earliest Chinese treatise on the rod numerals – 13. Tsai, Terence Brian Bronze Chiang Kai Shek College the sun zi suanjing – was identical to the earliest the 7th IMSO held in Indonesia. He said he completed an after- the hostage debacle at Quirino 14. Gattud, Kyle Aiden A. Bronze Region IV-A class training in college Math in Grandstand as the reason. 15. Corpuz, Frederick Matthew Bronze Colegio San Agustin - Makati known arithmetic treatise written by an Arab China, India, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Legazpi City when he was seven 16. Chan, Vicente Raphael C. Bronze Zamboanga Chong Hua High School scholar seven centuries later. “They could not Nepal, Philippines, Singapore, South years old then enrolled for Chua recalled that the IMSO has 17. Bernardo, Luke Matthews B. Bronze Philadelphia School, Quezon City have developed the same systems by sheer 18. Susana, Mark Ebson R. Bronze Region IV-A coincidence,” Lam said. Africa, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, training with the MTG , and been initiated by the Indonesian 19. Wong, Samantha Louise E. Bronze Philippine Institute of Quezon City and Thailand attended the 8th IMSO started competing internationally. government as Asian Math and 20. Opulencia, Justine Marcus A. Bronze Region IV-A but only 12 participated in the competi- Science Olympiad but through the 21. Robredo, Jillian Therese Bronze Universidad de Sta. Isabel, Naga City Before this postulation by the Singaporean 22. Locsin, Jose Ignacio A. Bronze St. John’s Institute, Bacolod City professor, history told us that Muhammad Musa tion because Nepal came as observer. Other Filipino gold medalists were years, many more countries were 23. Santos, Emmanuel Paulo A. Bronze Colegio San Agustin - Binan There were 278 primary students listed from Philippines-NCR team which joining. 24. Briones, Rugilyn Bronze Naga City al-Khwarizmi, an Arab, wrote the earliest as final contestants. include Christian Philip Gelera for 25. Panes, Angela Claire Bronze Naga Hope Christian School known text on the Hindu-Arabic numerical sys- Science and Farrel Eldrian Wu, “With a growing number of coun- 26. Alentajan, Viq Ashley Bronze Canumay West Elem School, tem in 825 AD. Meanwhile, in the 16th century Valenzuela City in China, the ubiquitous abacus replaced the rod The competition, though represented by Sedrick Scott Keh, and Clyde tries outside of Southeast Asia 27. Borja, Christopher John Bronze Ateneo de Naga teams in which PH teams comprised of Wesley Ang for Math. wanting to join, they changed it to 28. Hufano, Cheska Marina C. Bronze Mother Goose Special School, numeral system. The invention of the abacus NCR, Provincial, Naga, and Region IVA, International Math and Science Dagupan City had cut calculation time but sacrificed complex- awards the overall champion trophy to “The kids have worked hard for Olympiad,” he said. ity of the rote-learned approach. Dr. Lam noted individual contestants. this. I take my hats off to all the that step-by-step reasoning was lost afterwards. teachers who have trained these Chua said IMSO is affiliated with “When the rods fell into disuse, mathematicians “There are cut-off scores for gold, silver, kids. I’ve seen them grow through international Math competitions lost their ability to calculate advanced equations and bronze medals. Those contestants the years. I’ve seen them with Philippine Board of Studies han- and mathematics declined,” Lam claimed. “Ara- whose scores are higher than 71.5 are nothing when we starte d and now dling the international competition bic numerals” or “Hindu numerals” are the ten proclaimed gold medalists. The one who they come up with the gold,” said for science scholastic competition digits (0, 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9). They are got the highest score is declared the Prof. Luisa Villano of Merriam affiliated with an Australian group. descended from the Hindu-Arabic numeral sys- overall champion,” Chua said. College and one of the jurors in the tem developed by Indian mathematicians, in IMSO for the past eight years. He said the IMSO jurors provide which a sequence of digits such as "975" is read For this year’s overall champion, Shane new innovative questions which as a numeral. The Indian numerals were adopted Tan and Dylan Toh Shan Hong, all from Villano said they announced the have not been used in other Math by the Persian mathematicians in India, and Singapore team, won the Science and winners based on the numbers of and Science competitions in other passed on to the Arabs further west. They were Math trophies, respectively. contestants without giving the countries which he said help transmitted to Europe in the Middle Ages. The names of the country to make the improve curricula of the subjects. use of Arabic numerals spread around the world Singapore got five gold and one silver checking of test results objective. through European trade, books and colonialism. medal in Science and one gold and five Today, they are the most common symbolic silver medals in Math. representation of numbers in the world.

Naga SMILES Vol. 2 No. 3 21 Naga SMILES Vol. 2 No. 3 22 SCIENCE: 1. Villaluz, Raphael Gold San Beda College Alabang 2. Gelera, Christian Philip Gold National Capital Region 3. Ramos, Aroanna Sofia Silver National Capital Region 4. San Ramon, Mikaela A. Silver Naga City BY JASON B. NEOLA 5. Go, Xavier Jefferson Ray Silver Zamboanga Chong Hua High School 6. Ojeda, Yna Mari D.C. Silver Naga City 7. Doblon, Hazel France B. Silver Naga City 8. Co, Miko Johnson Bronze St. Stephen’s High School 9. Razon, Justin Brian L. Bronze Naga City 10. Naldoza, Christian Joseph B. Bronze Region IV-A BNS AWARDING. Marilou Jimenez, Barangay 11. Tech, Lorenz Matthew Bronze Pasig Catholic College Nutrition Scholar of Bgy, Carolina, Naga City 12. Baluyut, Azriel Cais T Bronze Davao Christian High School (2nd from left) receives the P 5,000 cash prize 13. Uy, Matthew Johann Bronze Xavier School 14. Coralde, Frances Marie Kyle S. Bronze Naga City and a certificate of recognition from Dr. Alejo 15. Soria, Guinevere P. Bronze Precious International School, Aralar of DOH-Center for Health Development Davao City 5, chairman of the board of judges, for being 16. Caramoan, Ina Francesca C. Bronze Naga City the regional champion in the annual Nutri- 17. Javier, Franchell Eda M. Bronze Naga City Quiz contest. FLORENCIO P. NARITO/Bicol Mail 18. Montales, Luis Alfonso Bronze Colegio San Agustin Makati 19. Fortuna, Q-Shane Lilian E. Bronze Naga City 20. Bondad, Miguel Angelo E. Bronze Region IV-A 21. Lat, Reyshell Marie Bronze Region IV-A 22. Notorio, Paolo Carmelo F. Bronze Naga City 23. Lazaro, Lorenzo Thomas Bronze Ateneo de Manila Grade School 24. Cea, Jehiel Angelica Mari C. Bronze Naga City ROM celebration of the population and development (PopDev) week 25. Alo, Kristine Mae M. Bronze Region IV-A the last November 23-29, this year. 26. Balayan, Christopher James Bronze St. Mary’s College Quezon City time it 27. Sagle, Norking Ace Bronze National Capital Region F 28. Balane, Mary Katherine M. Bronze Naga City started in Buntis Congress puts emphasis on the importance of 2009, the winners in the annual BNS exclusive breastfeeding and responsible parenthood Re gional Nutri-Quiz Bee of the National Nutrition Council including complementary feeding, safe pregnancy, and the The contests focused on short-answer, essay type, exploration problems in and the Nutrition Communication Network in the Bicol importance of Iron to pregnant women. Mathematics and theoretical and experimental problems in Science. There were Region have so far come from only one place - the City 131 and 137 contestants in Science and Math, respectively from 12 countries: of Naga. City Population and Nutrition Officer Ma. Teresita Del Castillo China, India, Indonesia, Iran, Malaysia, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, said the activities sought to raise further public consciousness Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Already, three Barangay Nutrition Scholars from this city romped of the government’s various population programs. Thailand, and away with the highest scores in the oral question-answer compe- the Philippines. titions from 2009 to 2011, besting BNS contestants from other This year’s PopDev Week theme is “Population, cities and municipalities in the Bicol region. Poverty, and Governance” with “Respons- The host city headed ableng Pagpapamilya para sa Kaunlaran: Sa by John G. Bongat, This year’s Nutri-Quiz Bee champion is Barangay Nutrition Scholar Tamang Agwat ng Panganganak, mayor of Naga City Marilou A. Jimenez of Barangay Carolina, here. She bested 10 other Pamilya ay Aangat” as its sub-theme. and chairman of the contestants leading to the championship round during the 8th IMSO, with Dr. Simon Chua, co-chairman and resident of competitions held December 5 at Gaisano Activity Center in The BNS regional champion will represent MTG Philippines, expressed their delight with Legazpi City. Bicol in next year’s nationwide search for the how the young Filipino Math and Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Scholar. Science wizards fared in both contests. City Mayor Bongat congratulated Jimenez for bringing to Naga the top honor, the third time in a row. Cañete, of Naga City, last year’s BNS regional champion, was honored as Jimenez received P5,000 plus a certificate of recognition and a 2010 Outstanding Barangay microwave oven from the Department of Science and Technology Nutrition Scholar during the - Nutrition Communication Network (NUTRICOMNET), the sponsor National Nutrition Awarding of the contest. Ceremony held last Oct. 25 at the PICC. Nutrition Officer 1 Raquel Buere of the Naga City Government said the contest is one way of measuring the For besting, 38,000 fellow scholars intelligence and experience of each participant on the nationwide, she received P 100,000 cash government’s various programs on food and nutrition. prize, a laptop, a trophy from the National Nutrition Council, and a 4-year In 2009, BNS Renalyn Calañada of Concepcion Pequeña bagged scholarship from AGHAM party-list. the regional nutri-quiz contest. She was succeeded by Marilou Cañete of Concepcion Grande in 2010.

Jimenez impressed the judges for her accurate answers to basic and major questions, especially when she proved that she under- stands well the Philippine Action Plan for Nutrition as the country’s response to the problem of malnutrition. Buntis Congress is a national campaign to promote safe motherhood, pioneered by ABS-CBN Meanwhile, the City Population and Nutrition Office here organized radio station DZMM. It aims to improve an on-the-spot poster making contest held at the LCC Event Center maternal health during and after pregancy. and “Buntis” Congress at the SM City Naga Activity Center in

Naga SMILES Vol. 2 No. 3 23 Naga SMILES Vol. 2 No. 3 24 ACTO to pursue Tourism Solid Waste Management Office Information Center under steps up expanded mandate to keep new leadership Naga clean, green, and orderly hortly after the appointment of its new BY SHIENA M. BARRAMEDA BY JASON B. NEOLA head of office, the Arts, Culture and S Tourism Office (ACTO) is now ready to up its pace of turning the City of Naga into a ince it was transformed into Soon will be developed a food court This 2009 volume of garbage from house- one of the most tourist-friendly places in for foreign and domestic visitors, who She said that this achievement a bigger office, the newly- and more beautification initiatives to holds, though decreased to only 57.01 tons Bicol. come here to witness and participate in would further emphasize the S created Solid Waste make the plaza truly a convenient and per day in 2010 or a significant slide of 34.3 events or to get around the numerous importance of Naga City to the Management Office (SWMO) is easily accessible haven for promenades in actual waste collected, follow stricter meas- ACTO, established under the administration recreation and business centers. historical and cultural up to bigger things as city hall’s and travelers in the middle of the city’s ures and thorough information dissemination of Mayor John Bongat, is now under the development of the Bicol newest department. old commercial district. of mandatory waste segregation. As leadership of Zayda Fe S. Rifareal after former She added that the function of the new Region. projected, the wastes collected further ACTO Head Alec Francis Santos vacated the Center is to provide information and In its report, the SWMO has Meanwhile, Engr. Martin expressed decreased to 58.28 tons per day. position last year. directions to tourists who wish to completed a total of 41 special elation over the significant decline in know more about Naga City, thus projects within the period March collected garbage which he credited to Martin noticed that many food businesses in Rifareal, who assumed office last January 2, giving them a safer, memorable, and 2011 to December 2011 in various the people’s awareness on waste the city have almost altogether stopped using 2012, said that ACTO now has its eyes hassle-free tour around the city. barangays of the city. These include segregation thru effective information Styrofoam and plastic utensils, which focused on the putting up of the Tourism rehabilitation of footbridges, dissemination down to the household contributed to the impressive decrease in Information Center at the Plaza Quezon. Rifareal confirmed that the declogging of canals and drainage level. waste collection. Centro Naga Business Club has systems, construction of pa thwalks, She explained that the Center is meant to add committed its own members to riprapping, repair of public rest- “Our residents have realized that they Another factor that contributed to the decline, to the efforts of the local government of staffing the Center which would rooms and day-care centers, and could benefit greatly from reusing Martin said, is the functionality of Materials making the City a friendlier and safer place make the effort a partnership beautification projects, among some of their trash,” Martin was quoted Recovery Facility or MRFs, including the new between the local government others. as saying. “I think this is already the one put up at the Naga City People’s Mall, the and the business sector. result of all our efforts in campaigning city’s public market. The SWMO’s focus today, while not for the recycling and reusing of Aside from this, Rifareal setting aside its various responsibil- garbage, upon instruction of the The SWMO is manned by a total of 89 also assured that one of the ities on a day-to-day basis, is the full mayor,” personnel, classified as follows: 34 permanent, main thrusts of ACTO under development of Plaza Rizal, where 41 casuals, and 14 on job order. These are her leadership would be the certain improvements and initial Records of the SWMO show that in aside from the 19 personnel assigned at declaration of Naga City as a beautification efforts have been 2009, the city used to collect 68.84 tons garbage collection and the 44 streetsweep- core center for Bicol culture. initiated since the plaza’s manage- of garbage per day for its ers who are ably keeping the city’s major ment and supervision have been estimated total day population of streets clean seven days a week, 24 hours a finally turned over by the Camarines 210,778 souls. Naga, as the center of day. Sur provincial government to the trade, commerce, education, and city government by virtue of a religious rites and activities in the Workers at the dumpsite in Barangay Balatas Supreme Court decision following a province, absorbs on a daily basis are continually processing garbage into high- controversial two-decade long legal shoppers, office workers, diners, grade compost while the SWMO pursues to battle over the plaza’s ownership laborers, traders, and students from put up MRFs in all of the city’s 27 barangays. and territorial jurisdiction. Today, the other towns immediately surrounding plaza hosts a Senior Citizen’s Office the city and even beyond, making the and a massage therapy center being city’s registered population almost managed by the members of the double during day time, which also city’s Center for the Blind. means that the city’s garbage and wastes increase because of these ambulant visitors.

Naga SMILES Vol. 2 No. 3 25 Naga SMILES Vol. 2 No. 3 26 Naga’sNaga’s trackingtracking appapp forewarnedforewarned Sendong’sSendong’s furyfury BY JUAN ESCANDOR, JR.

LOCALLY-INNOVATED Released to the Android market typhoon-tracking app has in Google on Sept. 6 and iOS in A correctly foretold the track Apple on Oct. 7, the i-Typhoon of deadly Typhoon Sendong (Washi) app is downloadable in the two BY JOSE B. PEREZ several hours before it rampaged Internet sites. through Cagayan de Oro City that left more than a thousand dead and Conag enthused that the With data connection via WiFi, GPRS, or 3G, homeless. iTyphoon was listed on the top anyone can check for typhoon updates any- he amiable Spanish ambassador to the of new apps downloaded by time, anywhere,” he said. Philippines, H.E. Jorge Domecq, was overjoyed Mobile gadgets jointly produced by users for seven straight weeks T by the warm reception that City Mayor John The couple stayed in this city from September 16 to 18. They programmers from Ateneo de Naga Uni- since Oct. 7 in the Apple site for It was launched on December 15, 2011 in Bongat and the people of this city extended to him were treated to a series of welcome reception and dinner at versity and the typhoon forecasting center gadgets using iOS, Apple’s Quezon City in an event hosted by the Rotary and his wife during their brief stay here for the the Avenue Plaza Hotel and at Carlo Buenaflor’s residence of the Naga College Foundation, had mobile operating system. Club of Midtown Quezon City where former Peñafrancia fiesta. along with the Fil-Hispano community here, a pontifical mass released an advisory as early as 6:00 a.m. Naga City Mayor and now Interior and Local at the Naga M etropolitan Cathedral and breakfast with Arch- of Friday, Dec. 16, which forewarned that Conag noted that iTyhpoon had Government Secretary Jesse Robredo graced “Moreover, I would appreciate that our gratitude be bishop Leonardo Z. Legaspi and the Bicol clergy. They also had an intensified Typhoon Sendong would be been on No. 4 in the ‘‘What’s the event. conveyed to all those who participated in the activities a walking tour of the Holy Rosary Seminary and its museum, passing through Cagayan de Oro in the Hot’’ featured list with close to of the Peñafrancia Festival and, in general, to the people the cathedral grounds and the 143-year-old Universidad de evening of the same day. 6,000 users from the Philippines, “Bicolanos are no strangers to typhoons and of Naga, whose affection and hospitality were truly Sta. Isabel, and the chance to witness the enchanting late the United States of America, our experience has taught us that being moving,” the ambassador wrote the city mayor upon his afternoon fluvial procession from his riverside suite at the “On the forecast track, the core of Singapore, and Hong Kong. informed and prepared are crucial to the return to his desk in Manila. Avenue Plaza Hotel. Washi will make landfall over Surigao prevention of loss of both lives and property,” del Sur later this afternoon. It will then “iTyphoon can be downloaded Robredo said in a statement. He added he hopes for an “opportunity to visit your During the luncheon meeting with city officials and represen- move across the Northern portion of and installed by anyone using an dynamic city once again sometime in the future.” tatives of the local business sector, Mayor Bongat said, “We Bukidnon and will pass very closely to Android or iOS-en- Conag said Padua - the owner of Typhoon thank the Spanish people for giving us first and foremost our Cagayan de Oro this evening,” the abled device. 2000 - provides the forecast data and The Ambassador and his wife, Rosa, were special guests faith. We thank them for giving most of us our names, our tracking update of iTyphoon showed. weather interpretation which he draws from of the culminating activities of the tercentenary of the long-surviving storied educational institutions (such as the different weather forecasting sites and Bicolanos’ devotion to Our Lady of Peñafrancia and the Seminario Conciliar de Nueva Caceres and the Universidad de It further advised, “Residents living in models, which he translates into easy-to- 436th foundation year of the city as Nueva Caceres Sta. Isabel), and our socio-cultural identity and character that low-lying and mountainous areas visualize and - understand language. under the Spanish colonial regime that began in 1575. make us a proud people, at par with other civilizations of the under Public Storm Signal are alerted world.” against flashflood, mudslides, and To make the forecast more relevant to Filipino landslides...” Local historian Jose V. Barrameda and socio-anthropologist users tracking weather disturbances in the He said the iTyphoon app features all the basic infor- Philippines, the affected areas are indentified Tito G. Valiente of the Ateneo de Naga University briefed the It forecasted the rainfall accumulation mation about the typhoon including its Philippine and in relation to their proximity to the province visitors during separate occasions on Naga’s history and Bicol to be “High” at 200 mm and rain rate international names, its location, wind speed, gustiness customs during the Spanish colonial period. The UNC Glee and major cities. direction, movement speed, the direction it is heading to be “Heavy” at 20-30 mm/hour. Club and the UNEP performing arts group entertained the towards, and a narrative of the typhoon’s behavior. For example, Typhoon Sendong bulletin on guests with Spanish and Bicol songs and dances during dinner The brainchild of programmer Magno Dec. 16 categorized its distance from its “There is also an animated icon that indicates the typhoon at Buenaflor’s residence at St. Jude Orchard here. Conag III and typhoon enthusiast proximity to land from nearest to farthest as: status whether it is intensifying, weakening, or steady. The Michael Padua, iTyphoon which is an Distance 1: 265 km ESE of Bislig City; Distance background is also descriptive. An ocean background means “We hope to continue that legacy as we intend to forge mutual app which is focused on typhoons en- 2: 272 km ESE Hinatuan, Surigao DS; Distance the typhoon is over the ocean but when the background exchanges with the Government of Spain that will draw us even tering the area of responsibility of the 3: 402 km ESE Malaybalay, Bukidnon. becomes Mt. Mayon, it means the typhoon has hit land. It closer with each other as brothers and sisters,” the mayor Philippines and made easy through also echoes the public storm signal warnings issued by stressed. animation, graphic display, and “Distances between the typhoon location and PAGASA,” he narrated. concise forecast using visual language strategic locations such as cities, provinces, Over pre-departure breakfast, the ambassador had a close and complemented with access to and popular tourist destinations, which the Conag said the interesting feature is the map section, which interaction with DILG Secretary Jesse M. Robredo, former Google map. plots the typhoon and user location is the most useful infor- typhoon will be affecting, are also calculated,” mayor of this city. Between them, the two had serious discus- mation is the analysis and forecast for the next 24 to 72 hours Conag explained. sion over sensitive matters concerning their respective on the weather disturbance. country’s foreign policies and security and internal affairs. Naga SMILES Vol. 2 No. 3 27 Naga SMILES Vol. 2 No. 3 28 More events unfold in Naga Batang Pinoy opens during last quarter of 2011 BY JASON B. NEOLA BY JASON B. NEOLA PEN

authors ast emerging as convention hub in this part of the country, the city of Naga in Naga which is 377 kms south of Manila had its hands full again with a series of F national and regional conventions that took place here for the remaining he Philippine Center of Inter- months of the year. national PEN (Poets, Play- This, after it successfully staged the 301st year of devotion to the Blessed Virgin of Swimmer Jillian G. Robredo, the wrights, Essayists, Novelists) T Penafrancia, patroness of Bicolandia, which received over two million guests, pilgrims, youngest daughter of Secretary Robredo held its Meet the Philippine PEN and devotees during the second and third weeks of September this year. It also hosted and member of the Naga City delega- Authors and Bicol Writers Forum at the 8th International Math and Science Olympiad - the first for a provincial city - from tion, led the oath of sportsmanship while the Raul S. Roco Library (Naga City Sept. 3 to 6. The participating students came from China, India, Indonesia, Iran, the secretary himself delivered the Public Library) at the City Hall Malaysia, Nepal, Singapore, South Africa, South Korea, Sri Lanka, Taiwan, Thailand, President’s message and declare the Compound here last Oct. 9, 2011. and host Philippines. bout 1,500 of the country’s games open. young champion athletes – National Artist for Literature A few days before the fiesta, the city government, in collaboration with the multi- from Northern Luzon down to This year’s edition included archery, Bienvenido Lumbera and local poets A and writers Carlos A. Arejola, Kristian awarded Metro Naga Chamber of Commerce and Industry, was host to the 7th Bicol Visayas and Mindanao – flexed their arnis, athletics, badminton, basketball, Business Week from August 26 to September 2. It also co-hosted with the province muscles to vie for top honors in boxing, chess, gymnastics, judo, Sendon Cordero, Frank Peñones, and of Camarines Sur the much-trumpeted 20th South Luzon Area Business Conference various sports disciplines when the swimming, table tennis, taekwondo, Jose Barrameda read from their work organized by the Camarines Sur Chamber of Commerce and Industry last August 25- Batang Pinoy national championships wrestling, and weightlifting. and talked about their craft. 27. reeled off here on Dec. 9 with DILG Secretary Jesse M. Robredo, repre- Archery, athletics, swimming, and Also, a Sagurong 100 na Kontempo- On Sept. 30, medical technologists from Albay, Batangas, Camarines Norte, Camarines senting President Benigno S. Aquino triathlon were held at the Metro Naga ranyong Rawit dawit sa Manlain-lain Sur, Cavite, Laguna, Palawan, Quezon, and Rizal came to Villa Caceres Hotel here for III, as keynote speaker and to declare Sports Complex, while other games will na Tataramon, edited by Kristian the 8th PAMET South Luzon Regional Conference. The gathering was followed shortly the games officially open. be played in other venues, as follows: Cordero and Paz Verdades Santos, by the 2011 Midyear Convention of the Philippine Society of Gastroenterology held basketball (Naga City Coliseum/Naga Ph.D. and published by De La Salle on October 14-16 at nearby Avenue Plaza Hotel. The Philippine Sports Commission, in City Gym); boxing (Ateneo de Naga Press and Vibal, was re-launched at the collaboration with the Department of the Xavier Hall); badminton (Ateneo de Naga forum. On October 19-21, the Integrated Midwives Association of the Philippines opened its Interior and Local Governments, the main campus); chess, wrestling (STI); 37th Annual National Convention, also at the Avenue Plaza Hotel. It was the first time Philippine Olympic Committee, and the Judo (LCC Mall); lawn tennis (Naga City The event, which welcome the city’s that the country’s midwives held their national convention in Bicol, particularly in this Department of Education, with the Civic Center); table tennis (UNC Sports book lovers, is co-sponsored by the city. support of the Naga City Government as Palace); and taekwondo (Holy Rosary City Government of Naga, the PEN host, has sought for the revival of the Minor Seminary); and Wrestling (Naga International in UK, and the Swedish In the month of November, three big events unfurled to be capped by the 2011 Philip- Batang Pinoy sports festival which was College Foundation). International Development Coopera- pine AdCongress – the biggest gathering of the country’s top advertising outfits and last held in Palawan in 2004. Only gold tion Agency (SIDA). Bicol Mail giant media networks which is held every two years amidst an array of world-class and silver medalists in their respective One significant event that has been speakers, colorful entertainment, exhibits, and pomp and glory of the corporate world. regions are allowed to participate in the included in the opening program was multi-sports event for athletes aged 13 the unveiling of the People Power On November 8-9, the 8th National Convention on Labor-Management Cooperation to 15 years old. Monument along P. Burgos St. here, reeled off at the Avenue Plaza Hotel, with Labor Secretary Rosalinda D. Baldoz, Inter- along side the back of the stage of Plaza tior Secretary Jesse M. Robredo, and International Labor Organization (ILO) Country “Our goal is to use the event to identify Quezon in honor of the late President Director Lawrence Jeff Johnson, as among the invited high-powered speakers, as the talents for the World Youth Olympics in Corazon C. Aquino. Our goal is to use the event gathering aimed to enrich experiences and to strengthen the network among different 2014. This would also give the out-of- to identify talents for the labor-management councils throughout the country. school youths the avenue to display their Competing champion delegations were “ World Youth Olympics in talents in a nationwide tournament,” PSC from the National Capital Region (NCR), 2014. This would also give On Nov. 10-11, also at the Avenue Plaza Hotel, the actuarials from all over the country Commissioner Joaquin ‘Chito’ Loyzaga Northern Luzon, Southern Luzon, the out-of-school youths the gathered for the 52nd annual convention of the pre stigious Actuarial Society of the was quoted as saying. Visayas, Mindanao, and Naga City dele- avenue to display their Philippines. gation. talents in a nationwide The opening ceremonies started after a tournament. The biggest gathering of them all, the 22nd Philippine Advertising Congress, brought parade of participating delegations set at The winning best athletes will undergo in some 3,000 delegates and guests to this city and the capital town of Pili, Camarines 4:00 p.m. at Plaza Quezon here with City high-level training for three years, in Commissioner Joaquin Loyzaga Sur, particularly at the provincial capitol grounds on November 16-19. It was the first Mayor John G. Bongat delivering the preparation for the second edition of the Philippine Sports Commission ” time that the AdCongress was held outside its traditional venues in the past years welcome address. Youth Olympic Games in Nanjing, China such as Manila, Cebu, Davao, Subic, and Baguio. All hotels in Naga were booked for in 2014, and for other international age the guests to complement the rooms and cabanas reserved for them at the Camarines Commissioner Loyzaga delivered his group competitions. A mayor’s night Sur Watersports Complex. message before the hoisting of delega- was hosted by Mayor Bongat at Crown tion flags and the bearing of the torch by Hotel shortly after the program at the Naga Mayor John G. Bongat assured participants that “your stay in Naga is one hell Bicolano SEA Games gold medalist Chris plaza which was capped by a fireworks of a good time” because of Naguenos’ renowned hospitality, good food, warm Canlas, who is a member of the display. accommodation, and exciting places to visit.” champion Philippine baseball team.

Naga SMILES Vol. 2 No. 3 29 Naga SMILES Vol. 2 No. 3 30 Empowering the micro-enterprises GrOWing the barangays thru Pilimania gains headway, plants Negosyo BY JASON B. NEOLA 10,171 pili trees in just 19 weeks

BY JASON B. NEOLA HE Naga City Barangay GrOW Industry (DTI), and the Department of Philippine Commission on Women (Growing Opportunities for Science and Technology (DOST), sees an (PCW) will enable the women micro- T Wealth) Negosyo - a poverty increase in financial and equipment entrepreneurs (WMEs) and pili producers upported by “green” advocates The city government is pursuing a alleviation program of Mayor John G. assistance to micro-enterprises. to come up with products that are of coming from various sectors of serious campa ign to improve the city’s Bongat - continues to generate excellent quality. It is expected also to S society, the city’s Pilimania air-shed quality where Pilimania is one community employment and other Last year, the DOST awarded P270,000 enhance the marketability of the project continues to gain momentum of the identified strategies since pili opportunities, especially for worth of tools/apparatus to FabCarr processed nut through improved pack- with more than 10,000 pili trees now trees prove to have high carbon constituents who are trying to help Food Products. This year, another set of aging and labelling. planted since it was launched on absorption rate that significantly themselves grow through micro- equipment will again be provided as loan June 17, or four months ago. lessens the ill effects of carbon enterprise development. to FabCarr. Apart from the trainings, capability- monoxide. building seminars, and financial The project’s executive committee Data at the Enterprise Development FabCarr, a tokwa meat/soya milk assistance, the city government is chaired by First Lady Farah R. Bongat In the economic aspect, pili trees are Center of Metro Naga Public Employ- producer and the 16 other MEs are also continuously assisting the MEs in explained the city government targets important components in the Growing ment Service Office show that the 17 recipients of financial loans being offered product marketing by directly patroniz- to plant 30,000 pili seedlings by the Opportunities for Wealth (GrOW) community enterprises (MEs) that have by the Metro PESO’s Enterprise Develop- ing their goods and merchandise. end of December 2012. Negosyo program since the pili nut is been assisted by the city government to ment Center (EDC), amounting to half a now becoming a popular delicacy grow have been able to provide jobs to million pesos. In water hyacinth handicraft, the city The First Lady was grateful of the among domestic and foreign tourists. 315 heads of families whose dependents government will be providing the Tinago overwhelming participation by various number to about 1,059. DOST, DTI, and DOLE combined have Water Hyacinth Handicraft Development sectors. Here are some of the early participants given their share to augment MEs’ capi- Association with high-speed sewing in the Pilimania project: the Enrile and The figure does not include those who talization in the total amount of P974, machines. The equipment will be given Visiting LGUs and other government Asence families, Naga City Science HS, enjoyed outright jobs and income during 585.00 which, in turn, allowed them to as donation after the association and private organizations who hold South Bridges Colleges, all public the National Ad Congress held in the obtain an increase in monthly average obtained a wider market reach during their Lakbay-Aral programs, conven- elementary and secondary schools in province and in this city last November net income of more than P250,000 from the Ad Congress wherein they were able tions, and conferences also plant pili the city, Hunter Magic Guardian, Inc., 16-19, 2011. July 2010 to June 2011. to sell more than 3,000 pieces of bags as trees as part of their welcoming Naga College Foundation, Mount souvenir novel items. activities. Two of these groups, Isarog Guardians (MIGS), Kapisanan ng Mayor Bongat said the city’s thrust to Mike D. Rico, project development officer according to Mrs. Bongat, are the Bicol Sangguniang Barangay Kagawad establish MEs in the barangays “is our II, said a common service facility (CSF) In charcoal-making industry, the city is Association of Sangguniang Secretaries (KSBK), Naga View College, Brentwood way of targeting investments that will be constructed inside the Naga City assisting the water hyacinth-based char- (BASS) and the Philippine Association International School, Girl Scouts of the generate jobs, utilize inputs that the city Coliseum compound to be installed with coal producers in marketing their “green of Medical Technologists, Inc. which Philippines, Ateneo de Naga HS, produces and complement our existing modern equipment for pili processing charcoal” to the barangays and various held their regional conferences in Naga Philippine Army, and the Philippine economic strengths.” and packaging, such as testa remover, commercial establishments in the city City in the month of September. National Police. three stainless tables, roasting cabinet like bakeries and restaurants. The micro-enterprises are engaged in oven, cooking vat, stainless grinder, and Mrs. Bongat, however, said that despite the production of misua, soya-based a multi-functional vacuum gas filling the positive development, they are not milk and food, goat milk and meat, machine. about to rest on their laurels, so to pancit, green charcoal, handicrafts and speak, as the city government souvenir items, pili candies and pastries, He said the P1.5-M facility, which comes continues to conduct information- smoked fish, bags and apparels, bamboo as grant from the Department of Science education campaigns in the city’s 27 craft, and fruit wines. and Technology (DOST) and the barangays to give more substance to the people’s understanding of the The current status of benefits of a healthy and safe environ- Reuel M. Oliver, Metro PESO manager, the pili is equivalent to ment vis-à-vis fears against floods and said the figures are expected to increase “ that of the macadamia this year as the city government of Naga climate change. and its partner national government some 30 years ago. It agencies are poised to invest more in the Seed banking is being continually has great potential to program, thereby allowing the micro- undertaken by the city government to develop into a major enterprises to expand their workforce. supply more pili saplings to stake- industry. The immedi- holders who are willing to participate in ate concern in pili pro- The City Government of Naga, in a the city-wide tree-planting project. duction is the difficulty memorandum of agreement signed with of propagation. the Department of Labor and Employ- Pilimania is a centerpiece of the city ment (DOLE), Department of Trade and government’s Greening, Environment Richard A. Hamilton Protection, Entrepreneurship, and University of Hawaii at” Manoa Project Development Officer Mike Rico briefs Tourism (GrEET) Program aimed at barangay-based entrepreneurs on Mayor John advancing the environmental and Bongat’s Grow Negosyo program (left photo). In economic goals of Mayor John G. right photo is micro-entrep Fe Carranza who Bongat. shows off proudly her soya milk product. Naga SMILES Vol. 2 No. 3 31 Naga SMILES Vol. 2 No. 3 32 Naga steps up drive vs air and water pollution LGUs, entreps define areas of concern BY GERALD O. ENGUERO BY JASON B. NEOLA

his city government’s anti-pollution campaign has taken a more aggressive step evelopment partners from the government He said the outcome of the forum, particularly on organizing with the recent procurement of modern and private sector have favored the develop- more municipal business councils (MBCs), will lead to various T equipment to check air quality and the plan to D ment of Pecuaria estate in Bula, Camarines micro and small entrepreneurs in Metro Naga municipalities purchase a bio-reactor to boost the oxygen Sur to be a tourism site that will spur socio-economic becoming more united that they participate actively in the level of the Naga River at any given time. growth in the area. crafting development plans. City Environment and Natural Resources Officer The idea was floated by the entrepreneurs belonging to Philip T. Imperial, MNCCI president, said what is also inspiring is Oscar Orozco said that based on the 22% increase the Pecuaria Development Cooperative, Inc. (PDCI) in a that everybody understood and agreed that a more inclusive in air pollutants recorded during the previous two plenary session of the 2nd Local Economic Development economic development is real economic development. BIO-CLEANER.Mayor John Bongat, along with DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo, Vice years by the Air Quality Monitoring Station of the (LED) forum held last Friday, October 21, this year, at Villa Mayor Gabby Bordado, Environment Officer Oscar Orozco, and Waste Manage- Department of Environment and Natural ment Manager Joel Martin, watch from the riverbanks how a Bio-Cleaner, loaned Caceres Hotel, here. Resources (DENR) within the confines of the city, by Cities Development Initiative for Asia (CDIA) for a 3-month demonstration, works to boost the oxygen level of the polluted Naga River. the challenge now is to arrest further pollutant gas Among the forum-plenary participants were municipal emissions into the airspace and water. mayors and other LGU elective officials, city/municipal planning and development officers, members of diffe- Nutri-Ataman brings cheers to With its recently-purchased Opacimeter, Orozco rent business councils and non-government organiza- said they have stepped up the campaign against tions in the province. Naga children smoke-belching vehicles, which are the heaviest contributors to air pollution. By inserting the BY GERALD O. ENGUERO In his message, Mayor John G. Bongat thanked the equipment into the exhaust system of the vehicle Metro Naga Chamber of Commerce and Industry and its and other gas-guzzling machines, his office can development partner agencies for organizing the forum now determine how much pollutants are thrown which allows all the attending local economic develop- into the air. ment stakeholders to come up with priority agenda which will be realized under a dynamic development Orozco reported that as of October this year, out alliance. of the 231 tested vehicles on the road, 109 failed. They have been warned or penalized under City The forum has also seen the need to enhance the Ordinance 99-084 that prohibits smoke-belching production of handicraft products from indigenous vehicles from plying the city’s roads and highways. materials. It suggested providing jobs to a certain num- ber of out-of-school youth who wish to pursue studies For water preservation and maintenance, Orozco’s and whose parents are members of a cooperative. office is strictly enforcing the salient provisions of The bio-reactor has the capability to treat all kinds of organic the Clean Water Act, which, among others, calls for Participants comprising the LGUs and the public sector waste including residential, commercial, industrial, and munici- higher Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD) level in group suggested in their plenary output the holding of pal sectors. It can be effectively used in natural waterways such the bodies of water, such as the river. entrepreneurial leadership trainings for elective officials as rivers, lakes, and bays. Unlike other water-cleaning treatment utri-Ataman, this city’s multi-awarded nutrition so that they can participate responsively and regularly in systems, it constantly produces its own good microbes, Orozco disclosed that with a Bio-Reactor which program now on its 15th year, brought food, cheers, eliminating the need to add new microbes everyday. The various LED activities. was recently loaned by the Cities Development N and more to some 150 poor children at SM City Naga microbes are all-natural and have not been genetically modified. here last December 14. They are safe from pathogens or from the risk of mutation. Initiative for Asia (CDIA), they were able to sustain They also called for the establishment of investments the required oxygen level of the Naga River. boards in their respective LGUs and the conducting of The machine can break Partnering with SM City Naga and Atlantic Bakery, the Nutri-Ata- periodic consultation and meetings among the LED down unwanted waste, man under the City Population and Nutrition Office headed by leaving no sludge at the He said that upon testing, they found out that the members to monitor the implementation of LED-based Teresita A. del Castillo also gave away to ys, clothes, and school fastest rate with the lowest river’s oxygen level ranged from 1.8 milliliter to 2 initiatives and undertakings. supplies and initiated fun games that delighted the children who carbon footprint. Some of milliliter, which was way below the average its features are: also brought home several kilos of rice, canned goods, packed required oxygen level of 10 milliliter per liter. This Organized by the Metro Naga Chamber of Commerce merienda and noodles, and toys and other playthings. means, Orozco said, that the river is no longer and Industry (MNCCI) under its Enterprise Development >> It produces zillions of microbes and the aeration suitable for aquatic life formation, unless remedial Training Institute (EDTI), the forum was attended by LGU SM Mall Manager Christian Wesley D. Villanueva thanked the city mixes them evenly. measures were done. officials coming from the cities of Naga and Iriga and the government for the opportunity given to SM to be part of a municipalities of Libmanan, San Fernando, Bula, Cana- >> Eliminates foul odors worthwhile endeavor. With the Bio-Reactor that the city government man, and Pasacao. and aerates up to 2500 plans to purchase after three months of actual sqm. Nutri-Ataman takes care of the undernourished children in the demonstration, Orozco said, his office was able to Elvie T. Gayosa, organizational development officer of city’s 27 barangays thru regular supplemental feeding, Operation >> Eats sludge fast and uses increase the oxygen level and water quality of the TRIAS - a Belgian development NGO which focuses on Timbang, medical check-ups, and provision of vitamins. less than 2.5Hp per unit. Naga River where the equipment as part of the improving the lives of poor farmers and micro-entrepre- process also consumed the organic pollutants neurs thru technical advice and financial assistance - >> Can be easily moved to During the children’s event held at the SM City Activity Center, found in the river. said that the activity “was indeed a good venue and another spot for wider City Mayor John Bongat explained that Nutri-Ataman is “a very coverage, it easily assem- opportunity for sharing LGU’s and civil society’s initia- important part of the preparation before sending the children to bled, and can operate on tives towards bringing local economic development.” school.” site.

Naga SMILES Vol. 2 No. 3 33 Naga SMILES Vol. 2 No. 3 34 A supermarket has advocated the use of washable, light-weight bags but this has not been adapted by other business establish- ments in the city despite its cost-effectiveness. BY EDEN D. ELIZAN The lowly eco-friendly bayong has made a AWS drop. Mouths form a big “O.” Some wring their The proposal of Councilor Elizabeth Lavadia to comeback, accessorized in shells, beads, and hands in agitation. Wet market vendors do not know Sangguniang Panlungsod to ban the use of plastic ribbons. Why is it not a snapped up by J conscientious mothers? whether to kiss my hand because of the savings it will bags and Styrofoam is timely. Isn’t it about time entail or raise their eyebrows in disbelief if I state that I that we face the many hazards brought about by want to scrimp on single-use plastic bags when I buy. Some the ubiquitous plastic in our life. Since any piece David B. Ryan in Environmental Problems with smile self-importantly relishing the idea of chancing upon could not be saved when contaminated with food, Plastic Bags in Livestrong.com writes: an unquestionably ignoramus like me, who may not know cook or uncooked, should we not at least reduce its that each bag costs a measly 50 centavos or less to hold use? Our local officials have tried to introduce The United Kingdom Marine Conservation my carrots and potatoes and lemons separately. Others get recycling, but another friend was laughed at by Society states that plastic bags require 450 to defiant, especially supermarket cashiers and baggers garbage collectors when she presented segregated 1,000 years to decompose in the environment. expecting fire and brimstone lest they be accused of not bags for disposal. Plastic bags in water never completely break complying with customer’s demands. down, according to the Sierra Club. A bag exposed to water turns into a plastic dust I would then explain patiently that I am composed of polychlorinated biphenyls - also not THE CUSTOMER who wants specific known as PCB, a known bio-toxin. This toxin bags for every commodity I purchase. Still enters the food chain that eventually includes after everything is said and done, I usually human consumption of animals and plants walk away feeling like an eco-conservation exposed to the PCBs. freak. A friend of mine created a ruckus when she insisted that sales staff use an When food is stored in plastic bags these old plastic bag - from the same shop - to Apparently, her garbage will be dumped in the chemicals can leach into the food and then be hold what she bought. same pit along with the unrecycled ones. She can ingested. This also includes plastic wrap, which is made up of similar components, says the The perceived convenience and economy of plastic bags are hard to only roll her eyes at the utter disrespect to her Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy. Over shake off. It hounds us every time we want to limit its use. honest efforts. And why wrap food in banana leaves, even if it imparts a distinct taste, when pack- time, these chemicals have been linked to tissue changes, genetic damage, chromoso- There used to be a life without plastics. When ordering any soupy ing them in Styrofoam containers will take less mal errors, miscarriage, birth defects, early viand from restaurants, one brings a “garapon” or a Tupperware, even time? This was the answer by a caterer hired to onset of puberty, and hormonal changes. In after the height of its initial craze. Fresh fish and “maritatas” were serve lunch to our group including our French- children, chemical leaching can cause harm to wrapped in banana leaves or used paper respectively, and carefully American lady boss. Imagine this foreigner’s their developing immune system and can arranged inside the “buri” basket or “bayong.” Plastic bags were saved disappointment and bewilderment. result in disrupted hormones and behavioral since they were still a novelty and were practical and usable many problems. times over. I must say the Chinese hardware shops in Naga are way ahead in practicality and environmental protection for bagging items Plastic bags are just the tip of the iceberg. in old newspapers until now. They are found in anything that could be of use. Most people consider articles about the dangers of plastics as a “yawner, “and therein lies the danger.

With the profligate use of plastic, eventually, we will be smothered with the material. If that is hard to imagine, we are living in denial. Maybe when our community becomes a water world, or find ourselves living next to landfills of these puffy, polluting invaders, we will not yawn so wide anymore.

The largest opposition to the ban on plastic bags comes “ from the petroleum and plastic industries, and of course, consumers that don’t want to change their habits. ” Naga SMILES Vol. 2 No. 3 35 Naga SMILES Vol. 2 No. 3 36 It all depends on where the artist is sitting and how the light “They have perceived ideas of art. When they are presented touches the subject. His work would all depend on how the light with something different, they reject it,” Rayala said. affects the color of what he sees.” Art without boundary Rayala further said that he prefers his paintings to be with Looking up at his own paintings, Rayala mused about the texture - works that show to the viewer even the brush marks real mea ning of art that he always tells his students. which signify his strokes across the canvas. “Art is the use of skill and imagination. It is more than ”I tell my potential students to study so you could learn. No one copying,” Rayala said. should shy away from anything just because they do not have the know-how. It’s the entire point of studying. We study, we are Rayala admitted that he believes an artist’s skill in painting BY SHIENA M. BARRAMEDA taught, so we could learn,” Rayala said. should also be as static as art itself. He said that his own style had changed through the years with constant practice and Marc Gutierrez, one of Rayala’s students, admitted that his learning. mentor’s disabilities, particularly his partial deafness, affect their discussions in class. “No artist should strive for accuracy and perfection. His art should always reflect how he sees the world,” he added. Nevertheless, Gutierrez appreciates Rayala’s sharing of his expe- He said that this neighbor would sit for hours on end during riences with them. He added that the artist also shares his own Rayala conducts his regular free art and drawing classes dur- his off-duty days and make paintings which he sold for P200 art materials with students who cannot afford to buy them. ing Wednesdays and Sundays at five in the afternoon at the each, a big amount then for the starving young Rayala n an obscure neigh- second floor of SM City Naga while he continues to teach whose parents could not afford to send him to college. borhood near inter- Aside from assisting them to better their craft, Gutierrez said that other students in his 12-session workshop for P8,000 in I secting railroads in the Rayala is also training them to teach so that they could pass on Ateneo de Naga University. He also provides home- While in his early twenties, Rayala worked as a craftsman city of Naga is an artist’s the lessons they learned from him to the next generation of art schooling lessons for clients in Naga City and seminar- and painter in several shops in Manila until he settled down makeshift studio put up students. workshops in neighboring municipali- in Naga City in 1984 to marry his wife Araceli, now 55, and by a painter who pushes ties in Camarines Sur. his brush out of necessity raised their children, Bodjie, now 33; Juvie, 32; and Jet, 13. Hard life and survival. Rayala believes that the time for local “We were also so poor then. My wife and I chose to stay here Straining to hear his daughter’s voice through the computer artists and art to flourish in the Philip- in Naga because we could not afford the high cost of living speaker from miles away somewhere in Japan, painter and art pines had vanished with the banishment Artist Bobi Rayala with art students at Plaza in Manila. We had no other choice and I had no other skill educator Bobbi Rayala was all eyes on the little screen so he of the Marcoses. Rizal (left photo). Bottom photos show some except painting,” Rayala added. could lip-read Juvie’s words and respond acco rdingly to her and of his students including nuns at Carmelite his granddaughter. He explained that during the time of Monastery. He is also nominated for the In Naga City, Rayala was offered a college scholarship in 2012 Gawad Geny Lopez Jr. Bayaning former First Lady Imelda Marcos, wife of Ateneo de Naga (now a university) when Fr. Mons Mores, S. Pilipino Award. Rayala, 62, is an artist whose partial deafness and his defective former dictator and President Ferdinand J. noticed his well-developed skill in painting. right leg due to polio that hit him when he was two years old did E. Marcos, Philippine art saw a golden not stop him from sharing his skills for a fee to local celebrities opportunity to rise with the coming to He was then offered a teaching job in the same institution but free to youths who cannot afford a formal course in drawing the fore of the works of ar tist Ferdinand and was established as the resident artist-teacher there from and art. Amorsolo and his colleagues in the halls 1987 to the present. of Malacañang and other buildings con- His studio, cluttered with painting materials and decorated with structed by the Marcoses. “If not for Fr. Mores, Bobbi would be nothing. I would still his works of different sizes in watercolor, pastel, and charcoal, be hungry now,” Rayala added. bears witness to his more than 30 years as an artist and educator Although he admitted to not being a to Naga City’s former First Lady Leni Robredo, wife of Interior Marcos fan, Rayala said that other past and present administra- Imperfect art Secretary Jesse Robredo, college professors, and other known tions could not surpass the level of support and assistance that Rayala, whose favorite subjects are still life and landscapes, personalities in the province of Camarines Sur and young the former first family gave the artists of that era. admitted that much of his style was inspired by the 19th aspiring yet poor talented persons. century impressionist painters like Claude Monet. Rayala was one with the opinion of Buds Convocar, President of His enthusiasm in sharing his experiences and Manila-based Saturday Group of Artists, regarding the lack of Owing to their style and influence, Rayala techniques brings to mind his true reason assistance and support that artists receive from the government. said that he does not adhere to perfection for struggling to be an artist in Metro Manila and accuracy in the interpretation of during the 1970s. “We are all to ourselves. We must not stop producing works of subjects in his paintings and his teachings art, otherwise, we will all starve,” Rayala added. in his art classes. “I was not really born with the talent to create art,” Rayala told Bicol Mail. “I painted Here in Naga and Camarines Sur, Rayala admitted that he was He said that he often tells his students to and developed this skill because I was quite unhappy with the seemingly lack of interest of Nagueños explore their ideas and not to stick to what hungry.” and Camarinenses in promoting and buying works of art during they see before them. exhibits that he and his students staged in the past. Rayala recounted how he was inspired by a “Accuracy in drawing is not a criteria for me neighbor-policeman in Intramuros, Manila He said that local viewers tend to patronize art that are too to consider a work of art as good,” Rayala where he was raised by his Albayano father polished and crystal-clear, like those produced by cameras and explained. “Art should be static and inexact. and Manileña mother. photoshop. When you place a bouquet of flowers here and ask ten painters to make a painting of it, you get ten different results.

Naga SMILES Vol. 2 No. 3 37 Naga SMILES Vol. 2 No. 3 38 KAMU NDAGAN FESTIVAL Collaborative efforts with the private sector praised BY FELIMON O. BATURIANO, JR. PB Allan San Juan’s creativity paid off with LGU-Barangay Balatas going home with the Most Number of Parols while LGU- Barangay Triangulo beat the other barangays to the draw by month-long festivities commemorating submitting the first entry forms ahead of the others. CCS: Always ready for natural calamities the city’s birth and rebirth, the Ka- BY GERALD O. ENGUERO A mundagan Festival aims to perpetuate Mayor Bongat praised the organizers of the festivities led by the Naga’s history by “looking back” at the city’s Lingkod Barangay Office under its chief of office, former City old traditional values-laden culture and family Councilor Ruel Ojeda Barrios, for a job well done and under- life so that the present and future generations scored the imperative need for more collaborative undertaking his city’s Central Communication When typhoon Pedring was just about to leave will not lose sight of their remarkable past. with those in the private sector and the NGOs as exemplified by System (CCS) has recently installed Camarines Sur on September 27, a Ms. Cecilio, a the Centro Business Club under the helm of the indefatigable T additional Closed Circuit Television resident of Sabang, this city, discovered a burning live This year, after almost two decades of continuous Pilar Dato De Guzman. (CCTV) cameras and Ultra High Frequency wire on a post near their printing press along LCC celebrations, the City Government of Naga through the (UHF) radios in barangays to monitor Mall. She immediately called the CCS office for Lingkod Barangay Office in partnership with the very active Ably backstopping the Lingkod Barangay Office were its 24/7 disasters, impending calamities, and assistance using UHF radio through their chief tanod and creative Centro Naga Business Club headed by Pilar de round the clock operatives composed of former Barangay vehicular accidents. and firemen immediately responded to the call for Guzman, came up with a more colorful rendition of the Councilor Socorro Idian-Padua, Laarni Sapalicio-Nabua, Ana help. yearly festival with the addition of new invigorating features. Alberto, Renie Templonuevo, Raymond Fuerte, Edison Dy-Cok, New CCTV cameras were located along Colgante Jun Candelaria, Joseph Canon, Nestor Resurreccion, Nicolas Bridge in Dayangdang, Delfin Rosales Bridge along Abiada stressed the importance of UHF radios and The first-ever Window Dressing contest among centro Clidoro, Ser Villegas Jr., Rolly Bosquillos, Jose Red Jr. and Mon Panganiban Avenue, and Tabuco Bridge - now CCTV cameras in situations described above which establishment and business owners was introduced to Baturiano Jr. rechristened Puente de Claver ia to monitor the con- could have erupted into a huge fire along a heavily encourage local store owners to aesthetically facelift their dition of the Naga and Bicol Rivers during typhoons, congested area if not for the quick response. store premises at their own expense to the delight of the as well as expedite response to traffic and road acci- locals as well tourists and visitors who came for the 22nd dents. City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Philippine Advertising Congress and later the Batang Pinoy (CDDRRM) Officer Ernesto T. Elcamel said that their national athletic meet. Every barangay within the city received two UHF office is patterned after the emergency hotline 911 in radios that were handed over to the barangay chair- the USA that responds to any kind of assistance Mayor John G. Bongat introduced the Festival of Trees to man and chief tanod (watchman). UHF is a commu- especially during unholy hours. promote environmental awareness and protection of our nication device directly connected to the police natural resources by highlighting the importance of living station, fire station, City Health Office, Bicol Medical Abadia said that he hopes the CCS, or its emergency things and its symbiotic synergy with humans and its own Center, Naga City Hall, and all the other barangays in hotline 3000, would someday be extended to other brand of development. the city for swift and reliable emergency response. areas and towns around Naga City so that more lives and properties could be saved and protected during The annual contest among the LGU-barangays is the Parolan CCS Senior Duty Officer Renee Absalon E. Abiada said abnormal circumstances and emergencies. sa Panganiban (Inter-Barangay Parol making contest) that at the height of typhoon Pedring, the UHF and displayed along Panganiban Avenue, participated in by all CCTV cameras were open 24 hours where all the the 27 barangays of Naga City who gave their best in terms barangay chairmen and chief tanods were transmit- of creativity, artistry, showmanship and sheer teamwork. Christmas this year is ting regular updates in their respective barangays. Adjudged as this year’s winners were: LGU-Barangay ‘loneliest’ – PNP Sabang (1st place) with a score of 92.10% followed by LGU- he Naga City Police had not received any report of Barangay Panicuason (2nd place) with a score of 88.30% and untoward incident last December 24 that usually LGU-Barangay Mabolo (3rd place) with a score of 86.60%. T characterizes the merrymaking noise and chaos LGU-Barangay Triangulo (4th place) with a score of 84.50% associated with Christmas eve according to Filipino culture and LGU-Barangay Dayangdang (5th place ) with a score of and tradition, spokesman PO3 Toby Bongon III said. 82.70% rounded up the top five among the 27 barangays which vowed to wrest the top plum in the succeeding years. He confirmed they were quite surprised there was almost no reported victim of firecracker explosion, petty crime and other incidents that All the winning barangays received P500,000.00, usually come during this season. P400,000.00, P300,000.00, P200,000.00 and P100,000.00 worth of infrastructure projects, respectively. Included in the “This Christmas was the most quiet we experienced yet,” Bongon said windfall of prizes were the non-winners which received referring to the Dec. 24 festivities. “There was talk about a firecracker victim in one of our barangays but it remains unconfirmed.” P50,000.00 worth of projects each. He also disclosed that seasonal street vendors griped about all-time Despite a slight drizzle, hordes of participants coming from dip in profit as far as firecrackers are concerned. Now, they are selling the 27 barangays joined the Lantern Parade with LGU- ‘safe’ firecrackers allowed to be sold by the local government, the po- Barangay Del Rosario headed by PB Jose Peñas emerg ing as lice spokesman said. Bongon also said that the low in firecracker sale the Most Lighted barangay while the Most Decorative award may be due to hard times marked by recent hikes in the price of oil was copped by LGU-Barangay Sabang. PB Vidal Castillo’s and basic commodities. Calauag contingent came out as the biggest participating Asked whether the ‘loneliness’ of this Christmas is a good thing to PNP, group and earliest to arrive being the “Early Birds” with the Bongon shrugged, saying that it is seen in a positive light by law San Felipe group of PB Emerite Castillo adjudged as the Best enforcers since crime incidence was significantly low this year. in Gimmick/Costume.

Naga SMILES Vol. 2 No. 3 39 Naga SMILES Vol. 2 No. 3 40