The first of its kind in the country Great Naga Sale By PAUL JOHN F. BARROSA

THERE’S nothing more that delights a shopper than when her favorite store goes on sale. On that special day, people rush to the mall or tiangee offering products at great discounts, making them buy more for less, especially in these hard times.

Now, what happens when all the malls and business establishments in the city simultaneously declare a sale for, say, six days? The city government here led by City Mayor John G. Bongat kicked off the First Great Naga Sale on August 27 until September 1, in collaboration with the Department of Trade and Industry, the Metro Naga Chamber of Commerce and Industry and all the business establishments in the city.

Mayor Bongat said the trading event is aimed at perking up local business and sales through private and public partnership especially during the lean month of August when everybody is looking forward to the celebration of the Penafrancia fiesta every September, which incidentally this year marks the 300th year of the Bicolanos’ devotion to the Blessed Virgin of Penafrancia, patroness of Bicolandia. Over 3 million visitors, pilgrims and devotees are expected to flock to Naga to be part of that grand historic celebration that will last from the first week to the third week of September.

“Great Naga Sale” is all about business establishments in the city offering sales discounts from 10% to 50% and even more on their goods and services. Customers and shoppers from all over Bicol and beyond will have more to fill their shopping bags while being lavished with various special events lined up for the duration of the trading extravaganza. Discounts are offered as well in var- ious food and dining outlets and restaurants, such that Naga on those inclusive days is transformed into your ideal place to shop, dine, and relax without hurting much your pocket! is also expected to boost sales and income even before “We identified places in the City wherein we will the formal start of the fiesta. “This also goes without conduct some amusing activities for the shoppers. We saying that the pre-fiesta trade event will translate to would see bands performing during the event,” says Reuel higher business tax revenues for the city,” the mayor Oliver, head of the Naga City Investment Board. said.

The city mayor said the city-wide event would City officials led by the city mayor as early as July met henceforth be held every year from August 27 to with MNCCI President Alberto Bercasio, DTI September 1. Provincial Director Edna Tejada and representatives from Trias to finalize plans for the city-wide sales and He added the event will also be supported by Trias, a trade promotion project which they hoped would Belgium-based organization which currently provides further strengthen Naga’s role as a booming trading assistance in entrepreneurship development. hub in this part of South Luzon.

According to City Administrator Florencio Mongoso Jr., The Centro Naga Business Club is also a major player “the fact that we are helping businesses promote their in the first ever widespread sales discount in shopping products and help boost their sales is already an history. incentive for them to participate in the “Great Naga Sale”. So what are you waiting for? Mark your calendar now Mayor Bongat said the event will usher in the upcoming and be part of the Great Naga Sale! grander events of the Penafrancia festival even as the city 1 Welcome to the City of Naga! Dubbed by the famous Filipino writer Nick Joaquin as one of the original seven golden cities of the sun, Maogmang Naga today pulsates with a unique culture and colorful history against the backdrop of a dynamic economy and a local government acclaimed for innovative governance and best practices globally.

Take a look and you will see a full range of exquisite and chili hot dishes. Wholesome entertainment as well as natural wonders also abound in Naga with its ancient and storied churches and museums that remind us of the distant colonial past. As the city beckons to delight the eye and the palate, her people will delight you with their charm, hospitality and good cheer.

These sights and sounds are just within the city limits and a few kilometers away by public and private transport are the sea and white beaches, a world-class watersports complex, pristine hot springs and awe- some rain forests, teeming with diverse wildlife, flora and fauna preserved for centuries in the Mt. Isarog Natural Park.

Every September, devotees and pilgrims from all corners of the archipelago and abroad flock to the city for the annual feast of Our Lady of Penafrancia, which is conceded to be Asia’s biggest and most spectacular Marian devotion. We shall honor her this year with a grand celebration as we mark our 300th year of undying devotion to God’s immaculate mother whom we also fondly call as our Ina.

Indeed, visitors are advised not just to plan to “see” Naga. They are invited to feel and be part of Naga…its homely charm and mystique energy, its boundless piety, and its people’s warmth and hospitality as they lead you to discover, experience, and celebrate a city that is free, peaceful, and happy.

Naga smiles at you and the world!

Dagos po kamo! John G. Bongat City Mayor

Hon.CITY John MAYOR G. Bongat Hon. GabrielCITY VICE H. Bordado, MAYOR Jr. A quarterly magazine published by the City Government of Naga Vol. I No. 1 September 2010 City of Naga, Bikol, Philippines EDITOR MANAGING EDITORS GRAPHICS CIRCULATION CONTRIBUTORS Jose B. Perez Alec A. Santos Ansel B. Maño Ruel O. Barrios Jason B. Neola Jan Rev L. Davila Rolly Campillos | Imee Abardo-Estrada | Alexander Cayetano Rey Ubaldo Joel P. Martin | Nestor Villanea | Huberto I. Ursua EDITORIAL CONSULTANTS Nicolas Motos, Jr. | Ernesto Elcamel 2 Florencio T. Mongoso, Jr. | Reuel M. Oliver INAUGURAL ADDRESS OF MAYOR JOHN G. BONGAT

“Whenever we think unsel1shly of others, we become genuine Nagueños. Whenever we shout with conviction the ills of our government and society, we become genuine Nagueños. But most of all, we become genuine Nagueños when we unite as one community, one city poised to do not only greater things but the greatest things that can ever happen to our generation and the next.”

FRIDAY, June 18, 2010 The Tent, Avenue Plaza Hotel Magsaysay Avenue, Naga City

Justice Ramon Cruz, former IBP national president Joel Cadiz, the honorable judges and prosecutors who are here, kaiba an sakuyang pamilya, my wife Farah and my daughter Jade, Mayor Jesse Robredo and first lady Atty. Leni Robredo, Vice Mayor Gabby Bordado and Team Naga members and their families, councilors Lourdes Asence, William Del Rosario and Badette Roco, barangay officials, my colleagues in city hall, Ateneo high school batch ’81, Tiyo Nitoy Sibulo representing former mayor Ramon H. Felipe, the UNC Glee club, friends, guests, my fellow Nagueños: Dios marhay na aga po sa indo gabos. What does being a mayor mean to me? Is it about a position? Is it about a title? Or, is it about making a difference in the life of the ordinary Nagueño? I believe that leadership is never defined by a position. Neither does a title define a leader. A leader is defined by the lives he has touched and the people he has helped change for the better. Being a mayor in Naga is being able to touch the lives of the ordinary Nagueños; by being a model Nagueño by heart, by spirit and by deed. Allow me to express my heartfelt gratitude for the immense honor you have given me, my family and the entire team Naga. I should thank God for all the blessings and guidance through the years since 2001 when you first elected me as councilor. Unlike what many people believe, public office is not really an alluring job. It requires a special kind of expertise in time management: that natural ability to effectively divide one’s time between family and the community deserving of the same level and quality of attention. Being an elective public official is not something that children often aspire to be when they grow up. I never aspired to be a politician. I aspired to become a lawyer. Children don’t understand a lot of things but in spite of this limitation they crave for quick answers to their simple, endless questions. My heart breaks, for instance, whenever my only daughter, Jade, asks me where I will be going after dinner. “Daddy, saan ka na naman po pupunta?,” she quips. “Sino po ba ang patay?” “Puede po ba akong sumama?” “Love mo ba ako Daddy?” And so on and so forth. Padangat ta po baga an satuyang mga aki. Pirmi ta na sanang pig-iisip kun ano an makakarahay sainda. We always want to be the best father we can be to them. We owe it to our own children to become good examples for them. Asin ako po bilang bagong ama kan Naga, I owe it to all of you, my fellow Nagueños, to become the best father I can possibly be to you. I recall in a lull during the campaign asin mantang nagdadrive ako kaibanan ko an agom kong si Farah asin aki kong si Jade para magpasyar, I casually asked my daughter this question: “Jade, sino’ng gusto mong manalong mayor?” Of course, I was confident and expecting her naturally to say my name. To my great surprise, Jade innocently uttered my opponent’s name. Yes, I was taken aback. My little Jade not rooting for me? My God! Sabagay, dai pa man sya nagboboto. So I asked her, in a hush voice why she wanted my rival to win. Calmly but in a matter-of-fact manner, my daughter, who means the world to me, without batting an eyelash, explained, “Ay akala ko po Daddy ang kalaban mo si Villar.” Pang-presidente palan an hiling ni Jade sakuya. 3 Towards a culture Sa torotohanan lang po, children like Jade think that their parents are superhuman. They look up to us parents not as imperfect beings prone to temptation and riddled with of cleanliness faults. They look at us and what they see are heroes. And that, my fellow Nagueños, is who we all are. We are all heroes in the eyes of our children. We are all heroes in By HON. JOAQUIN our own right. F. PEREZ, JR. M.D. CITYCOUNCILOR

From the street sweepers who toil day and night under the glaring sun and inches away from danger, to the policemen who safeguard our city and protect our families from harm, to the teachers who painstakingly mold our children to become good citizens of the future, to the hard-working clerks who spend hours and hours on end pushing paper. We are all heroes, and heroes we AST week I was a ‘LUCKY’ Guest in a Song should prove to be. Writing Contest in Puerto Princesa, ‘The City in a L Forest’. Whenever we think unselfishly of others, we become Song Writing isn’t such a ‘big deal’ as it has always been genuine Nagueños. Whenever we shout with conviction one of my little known hobbies ever since I was in High the ills of our government and society, we become School (during our ‘Beatles’ heydays when I was ‘in- genuine Nagueños. But most of all, we become genuine spired’ to compose several songs); but I consider myself Nagueños when we unite as one community, one city lucky, because I was given the rare opportunity to visit poised to do not only greater things but the greatest things the biggest (in terms of land area), and one of the most that can ever happen to our generation and the next. beautiful Cities in the Philippines! Before deplaning we were warned by the stewardess No matter how high a building is, it cannot stand through the Public Address system that LITTERING was without a strong cornerstone. Building on the strictly prohibited, in the City, and carried heavy fines. achievements and sacrifices of Mayor Jesse, I mean Indeed, what really impressed me was the utter Secretary Jesse M. Robredo, and our city’s pioneering CLEANLINESS of the entire City! leaders, we are on the verge of a new voyage as Mayor Robredo earlier on said. We, Nagueños, should not fear From the Airport to the Hotel I was treated to an almost tomorrow when yesterday has prepared us to face the chal ‘picture perfect’ display of really clean roads and lenges of a new Naga. sidewalks. I tried to look for, but couldn’t find, even one solitary cigarette butt! The streets were lined on both sides As I look at our beloved city now, what I see are with rectangular, 3.5ft tall, olive green, hard plastic, expectant faces, so trusting, that their new mayor upon covered ‘wastebaskets’ placed approx. 10 meters apart! whom they have given their overwhelming mandate, can Without these, my friend told me everyone will be forced symbolize a truly promising future for each and every one to literally swallow their candy wrappers and cigarette of us. butts! In fact, it looked like everybody, from the Mayor down, had an ‘obsessive-compulsive’ personality! I don’t want to make promises. Dai ko po tinudan na magpara-promesa. Instead, I am sincerely asking for your Even the wide ‘bull-dog’ Tricycles had 5x6 inch red genuine support. Give me all opportunity to make a stickers plastered inside, with the mustachioed picture of difference in your life. Please help me become the best Mayor Edward Hagedorn on one side, the ANTI- mayor I can ever be. LITTERING and ANTI-SMOKING ordinance numbers above, and their corresponding FINES below: P200 for the Every one of us holds the key to making Naga the best first offence, P500 for the second offence, and P1, 000 plus city it is bound to be. 10 days imprisonment for the third offence! ‘KALINISAN’ , ’KAPAYAPAAN’,‘KAUNLARAN’ were After all, we are all Nagueños, and proud Nagueños we all emblazoned below. will always be.

nd With stern ‘reminders’ all over, it really isn’t surprising To all of us, happy 62 Charter Anniversary. how the citizenry are so disciplined, they have become used to obeying all the City Ordinances without blinking, Dios mabalos po saindo gabos! or even ‘thinking’ twice! Mabuhay an Ciudad nin Naga! We here in our beloved Naga City, have just started talking about ‘high-fallutin’ Arts, Culture, and Tourism ‘GOALS’ (even if our Bicolano Heritage is, indeed, a confusing, undeniable, Cultural MIX of Spanish and American ‘Influences’) as if it is that simple; thus, it is my personal belief that, before we can even take the first step towards reaching these ambitious objectives, we must try to inculcate in our citizens the urgent NEED to clean our yards, neighborhood, roads and gutters, not to mention the basic necessity to cleanse ourselves physically, psychologically, and spiritually, in order to be better equipped and prepared to meet the renewed challenge to rectify the ‘sins of the past’, bravely face the next decade, and bask in a Sea of Economic Progress and Equanimity! Because, as the cliché goes: ‘Cleanliness is next to Godliness’!

4 The Sangguniang Panlungsod

HE 10th Sangguniang Panlungsod, led by Vice Mayor Gabriel H. Bordado Jr., has assured its constituents that the Thonorable members of the legislative body will work closely with the city mayor and the executive department in continuing to provide a productive, innovative and proactive leadership to Naga. In fact, through the principles of shared responsibility and constructive collaboration and scrutiny, the individual councilors have actively began to take part in a number of development programs and projects the new city administration is undertaking on top of their legislative work. These honorable legislators we are proud to introduce by way of their respective committees in the Sangguniang Panlungsod that clearly speak of their respective expertise, competence and advocacy in the fulfillment of their mandate and commitment:

THE 10TH SANGGUNIANG PANLUNGSOD STANDING COMMITTEES

HON. CECILIA V. DE ASIS HON. NELSON S. LEGACION CHAIRWOMAN: CHAIRMAN: Committee on Appropriations Committee on Laws and Ordinances and Reorganization Committee on Family, Women and Gender Development Committee on Education CO-CHAIRWOMAN: Committee on Investment, Trade, Industry and Economic Enterprises Committee on Culture and the Arts/Tourism CO-CHAIRMAN: Committee on People Empowerment Committee on Appropriations Committee on Human Rights Committee on Agriculture Committee on Children MEMBER: MEMBER: Committee on Lad Use Committee on Education Committee on Ways and Means Committee on Environment and Energy Committee on Peace and Order Committee on Senior Citizen Committee on People Empowerment Committee on Investment, Trade, Industry and Economic Enterprises Committee on Blue Ribbon and Administrative Cases Committee on Agriculture Committee on Family, Women and Gender Development Committee on Health Committee on City Properties Committee on Man Power and Livelihood Development Committee on Urban Poor Affairs Committee on Urban Poor Affairs HON. DAVID CASPER NATHAN A. SERGIO Committee on Persons with Disability CHAIRMAN: HON. ESTEBAN R. ABONAL Committee on Land Use Committee on Environment and Energy CHAIRMAN: Committee on Persons with Disability Committee on Ways and Means CO-CHAIRMAN: Committee on Market Affairs Committee on Health Committee on Senior Citizen Committee on Urban Poor Affairs Committee on Blue Ribbon and Administrative Cases MEMBER: CO-CHAIRMAN: Committee on Appropriations Committee on Laws and Ordinances and Reorganization Committee on Culture and the Arts/Tourism Committee on Rules and Privileges Committee on People Empowerment MEMBER: Committee on Blue Ribbon and Administrative Cases Committee on Appropriations Committee on Rules and Privileges Committee on Persons with Disability Committee on Agriculture Committee on City Properties Committee on Youth and Sports Development 5 HON. MARIA ELIZABETH Q. LAVADIA HON. RAY-AN CYDRICK G. RENTOY CHAIRWOMAN: CHAIRMAN: Committee on Man Power and Livelihood Development Committee on People Empowerment Committee on Consumer Protection Committee on Children CO-CHAIRWOMAN: CO-CHAIRMAN: Committee on Investment, Trade, Industry and Economic Enterprises Committee on Education MEMBER: Committee on Family, Women and Gender Development Committee on Land Use Committee on Youth and Sports Development Committee on Culture and the Arts/Tourism Committee on Man Power and Livelihood Development Committee on Environment and Energy MEMBER: Committee on Human Rights Committee on Culture and the Arts/Tourism Committee on Family, Women and Gender Development Committee on Investment, Trade, Industry and Economic Enterprises Committee on Health Committee on Games and Amusement Committee on Infrastructure Committee on Human Rights Committee on Children Committee on Barangay Affairs/Barangay Disputes HON. JOSE A. TUASON Committee on Consumer Protection CHAIRMAN: HON. SALVADOR M. DEL CASTILLO Committee on Peace and Order CHAIRMAN: Committee on City Properties Committee on Games and Amusement Committee on Infrastructure Committee on Rules and Privileges CO-CHAIRMAN: Committee on Agriculture Committee on Environment and Energy CO-CHAIRMAN: Committee on Senior Citizen Committee on Land Use Committee on Games and Amusement Committee on Ways and Means Committee on Consumer Protection Committee on Market Affairs Committee on Persons with Disability Committee on Blue Ribbon and Administrative Cases MEMBER: Committee on City Properties Committee on Land Use Committee on Infrastructure Committee on Public Utilities MEMBER: Committee on Laws and Ordinances and Reorganization Committee on Public Utilities Committee on Market Affairs Committee on Laws and Ordinances and Reorganization Committee on Agriculture Committee on Environment and Energy Committee on Man Power and Livelihood Development HON. RAOUL T. ROSALES Committee on Children HON. JOAQUIN F. PEREZ, JR. CHAIRMAN: Committee on Public Utilities CHAIRMAN: Committee on Urban Poor Affairs Committee on Culture and the Arts/Tourism CO-CHAIRMAN: Committee on Health Committee on Peace and Order CO-CHAIRMAN: Committee on Barangay Affairs/Barangay Disputes Committee on Public Utilities MEMBER: MEMBER: Committee on Consumer Protection Committee on Education Committee on Appropriations Committee on Senior Citizen Committee on Education Committee on Investment, Trade, Industry and Economic Enterprises Committee on Games and Amusement Committee on Peace and Order Committee on Family, Women and Gender Development Committee on People Empowerment Committee on Health Committee on Youth and Sports Development Committee on Infrastructure Committee on Consumer Protection Committee on Children HON. JOSE MARI J. MERCADO HON. MICHAEL VINCENT T. GARCIA CHAIRMAN: Committee on Human Rights CHAIRMAN: Committee on Barangay Affairs/Barangay Disputes Committee on Youth and Sports Development MEMBER: MEMBER: Committee on Public Utilities Committee on Ways and Means Committee on Laws and Ordinances and Reorganization Committee on Games and Amusement Committee on Ways and Means Committee on Barangay Affairs/Barangay Disputes Committee on Market Affairs Committee on Persons with Disability Committee on Peace and Order Committee on Blue Ribbon and Administrative Cases

6 JMR’s BRAVE NEW WORLD By GABRIEL HIDALGO BORDADO

HY for me. My job at the DILG is a Pvery tough one. It is replete with perils “ and temptations,” former Naga City Mayor and now Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jesse M. Robredo told, in an Secretary Jesse M. Robredo considers it his mission to make every single almost confessional tone, an assembly of day at the Department of the Interior and Local Government count. Naga City barangay officials.

Once again, Secretary Robredo was on home turf, surrounded by friends and admirers. Barely a month in his new post, he nonetheless badly needed to recharge and touch base with the people of his beloved city who “This won’t be a walk in the park,” the secretary averred, catapulted him to national (and even international) renown. referring to his new job as the top DILG honcho. Indeed, when President Noynoy Aquino finally named, The DILG, according to its website, “traces its roots to the after days of speculations and tense waiting, Jesse M. Philippine Revolution” when the Andres Bonifacio – led Robredo as DILG Secretary, not only the city of Naga but Katipunan created “the first Department of Interior at the also the entire country rejoiced, or so it seemed. Tejeros Convention.” The national media heaped praises and encomiums on him, The website also noted that the so-called Biak-na-Bato building him up as a frontliner in the keenly anticipated constitution ratified on November 1, 1897 expressly Aquino anti-graft and corruption armada. Precious “defined the powers and functions of the Department that column-inches were devoted by the broadsheets to his included statistics, roads and bridges, agriculture, public kilometric accomplishments and awards, prompting one information and posts, and public order.” blogger to declare that “Robredo is the most qualified member of the Aquino cabinet.” At a certain stage in the nation’s history, “the Interior Department became the premier office of the government” Of course, Nagueños--and Bicolanos in general -- lapped it whose tasks ranged from supervision over local government up. Not since the time of the then Education Secretary Raul units to counter-insurgency. In subsequent decades, the S. Roco had there been much interest -- and excitement -- Department underwent a process of evolution culminating in over a cabinet appointment. Although political pundits the passage of Republic Act 6975 on December 13, 1990 considered it a cinch for the former mayor to clinch a post establishing what is now known as the Department of the in the Aquino cabinet, his eventual appointment as DILG Interior and Local Government with six attached agencies, secretary was certainly a welcome development for a viz. the Philippine National Police (PNP), the Bureau of Fire region long scarching for a legitimate voice to articulate, at Protection (BFP), the Bureau of Jail Management and the national level, the dreams and aspirations of its largely Penology (BJMP), National Police Commission poverty-stricken populace. (NAPOLCOM), Philippine Public Safety College (PPSC), and the Local Government Academy (LGA). As the same DILG website spelled out, “ today, the Department faces a new era of meeting the challenges of local autonomy, peace and order, and public safety.” This may well be the understatement of the decade. Secretary Robredo himself acknowledges the complexity of the problems and concerns he is currently confronting. What makes the situation doubly daunting, based on media reports, opinion columns and even on postings on the wildly popular Facebook, Twitter and other Internet–based social networking systems, is the fact that people from all over the country (and not just from his native Naga City) expect a lot from him.

7 “ Given the very nature of my job, I have to do things virtually on a day-to-day basis. I serve at the pleasure of the President and I can go anytime. I therefore consider it my mission to make every single day count,” the secretary said while entertaining several Naga City government officials in his office at the NAPOLCOM where he acts as the chairman. Just a few days after assuming the DILG post, Secretary Robredo jazzed up the official website of the department by posting the budgets and status of funds of the DILG and its attached agencies, and by installing an interactive feature known as the Public Assistance Desk. He also institutionalized the “Text DILG” to harness the power of text messaging as another feedback mechanism.

The President swears in the new DILG Secretary. Interior Secretary Robredo with Archbishop Leonardo Z. Legaspi, Vice Mayor Gabby Bordado and Naga banker Boy Claro.

“These are our initiatives not only to insure transparency in all of the Department’s transactions, but more importantly, to secure feedback from the public on how we can judiciously utilize the funds of the DILG for their benefit. Aside from the DILG budget, we shall also be posting the Department’s procurements, bidding processes, and other pertinent information that the public may wish to know,” the secretary stated in his website message. These changes did not escape the keen eyes of the media. The Philippine Daily Inquirer, in a front page news item, hailed the DILG initiatives as “raising the bar of public accountability.” Such breakthroughs notwithstanding, the road ahead for Secretary Robredo remains as dangerous and treacherous as ever. The illegal gambling lords, the local warlords, the scalawags at the PNP and the attached agencies, the still tempestuous scheme of things in Maguindanao and other political flashpoints are just some of the roadblocks the secretary has to contend with as he journeys into a brave new world far removed from his Camelot - like Naga of yore. It is no wonder then that despite his astounding track record as a multi-award-winning local government executive, Secretary Robredo still needs the prayers of the people he has sworn to serve.

15 city hall employees receive keys for new houses By HUBERTO I. URSUA

FIFTEEEN city government employees each received Every house is built using pre-formed steel frames. It Thouse need not be expensive after all. silver plated door keys for their new homes at the is a duplex type housing unit that can withstand the Each door has 20 square meter floor Maogma Village, located at Brgy. Balatas, Naga City in onslaught of a super typhoon. It is designed using the area and sits in a 50 square meter lot. a simple ceremony held at City Hall compound, just technology created by the Habitat for Humanity The entire package is payable up to 15 after the flag raising ceremony last Monday, Aug. 23. Foundation, Inc. which its affiliate Bicol Habitat for years. Humanity Foundation, Inc. is taking the lead in the The ceremony kicked off the new administration’s implementation of the project locally. The cost per door The occasion was honored by City program to provide city hall employees who have been of the unit is very minimal compared to other Mayor John G. Bongat, UPAO Chief working for years to have houses they can call their socialized housing packages being offered by local Engr. Rolando Campillos, and own. developers which proves the point that a durable representatives from Bicol Habitat for HumanityFoundation, Inc. led by Consuelo T. Dy, its president.

8 NagaNaga SMILES to the world! A new brand of Naga By ALEC SANTOS

HE City of Naga has always had a penchant for pioneering groundbreaking programs minus Tthe astronomical cost. In Naga, “Doing more with less” as former mayor and now DILG Sec. Jesse Robredo used to say, has become an integral part of governance.

Proving that Naga has what it takes to become a city poised for even greater things, Mayor John G. Bongat introduced his flagship program, “Naga SMILES to the World!,” during his first day on the job as the city’s chief executive.

The brilliance of the SMILES program can best be described as an effort that reinforces the city’s being the regional center of trade and industry, education, and governance innovations. Even before taking his post as the city mayor, Mayor Bongat and several city officials were already cracking heads to map out Naga’s future. Despite many sleepless nights and restive discussions, the SMILES concept was finalized. It would be an undertaking of massive importance to the city, its people, and the region.

The acronym SMILES symbolizes Naga’s goals of strengthening its position as a fast-growing progressive city in Bicol and in Southern Luzon. Each letter stands for the Bongat administration’s six defined, economically-driven promotional goals: S (See Naga), M (Meet in Naga), I (Invest in Naga), L (Live in Naga), E (Experience Naga), and S (Study in Naga).

SEE Naga With large shopping malls and the central bus terminal just a stone throw’s away from the massive building, tourists and visitors from The letter “S” stands for SEE Naga, which encourages both domestic across the region and even from other regions can easily and foreign tourists to come to Naga to enjoy its many natural and experience Naga at its finest. historico-cultural attractions. INVEST in Naga Unbeknownst to many locals, Naga offers a wide variety of natural attractions in upper barangays such as Panicuason. For years, the As the undisputed trading hub of the Bicol Region, the City of Malabsay Falls has hogged the headlines when in fact residents in Naga has enjoyed substantial economic growth in the last two Panicuason have enjoyed other falls, streams, and natural pools like the decades alone. Despite its position in the region and the Big Stone area. A perfect spot for rappelling, zip-lining, or just plain country’s economic map, Naga is not content with resting on its swimming, Big Stone, when developed, can offer local and foreign laurels. The city government is aware that for any economic tourists alike new extreme sports and adventure challenges. progress to be sustained, there has to be a constant effort to draw in investments. Thus, the INVEST in Naga portion of the SMILES As one of the oldest cities in the archipelago, Naga has a rich and program was incorporated. colorful history dating back to the pre-Hispanic era. Even before the arrival of the Spaniards, the riverside community was already Common business logic dictates that the private sector prefers a flourishing trading hub for many Indian, Muslim, and Chinese traders. local government that is both cooperative and effective. Investors The three centuries under Spanish rule also introduced a new form of are naturally drawn to a government that is business-friendly. To arts and culture to the city that would ultimately define its people. Just address this need, city officials in the previous administration of recently, the city government and the Naga Preservation Society em- then Mayor Jesse Robredo established the Naga City Investment barked on a campaign to formally recognize and promote several his- Board (NCIB) to assist potential investors and to promote the city torical sites across the city, proving that Naga remembers well its past as a perfect market for investors, thereby spurring economic as a window to the future. activity and generating employment.

MEET in Naga Under the new administration of Mayor Bongat, the NCIB has been directed to intensify efforts in finding new investors to The City of Naga’s unique position in Southern Luzon as the center of accelerate the momentum that Naga is enjoying. trade and commerce is slowly transforming it into the country’s LIVE in Naga Convention City. The presence of new hotels and convention halls that cater to gatherings of different sizes has also convinced the city government to promote Naga as the city to meet in, hence MEET in They say that the best place is one that you never wish to leave. Naga. This is exactly the idea behind LIVE in Naga. After evaluating Interested parties can choose from 33 different venues to suit their Naga’s “liveability”, it was found that the city offers plenty of needs. Of these, five offer convention halls that can accommodate more attractions for migrants, families, and professionals to come and than a thousand delegates and guests. The slated opening of the new reside in Naga. Not only is it the perfect place to work in, but it is Metro Naga Coliseum this coming September will also add 10,000 seats also the best city to start a family. Quality public and private to Naga’s existing capacity, bringing the total number of delegates that schools provide children with the best form of education they the city can accommodate around 19,260 at any given time. deserve. A significant number of housing subdivisions and villages offer different types of homes to families with different needs. The Metro Naga Coliseum’s unique location in the middle of the Medical centers and practitioners abound in the city, able to Central Business District 2 is also expected to be a crowd-drawer. provide complete, state-of-the-art health services. 9 LIVE in Naga aims to market the city as the perfect community to live in because of modern amenities, the low cost of living as well as peace of mind and security. Despite its growing economy, the cost of living and the cost of raising a family is relatively lower in Naga than in other sprawling urban centers. This translates to more people calling the City of Naga their home. Naga’s peaceful setting also attracts many families looking for a safe and secure community to call their own. EXPERIENCE Naga

For almost two decades, the City of Naga was synonymous to innovations in governance principles. And these trailblazing programs and policies were not only on paper. The citizens of Naga themselves are aware of these innovations and experience their impact on their lives on a daily basis. Local government units across the country are now trying to replicate the city’s successes by way of study visits or “Lakbay Aral” trips to EXPERIENCE Naga. By strengthening already existing programs and by introducing new ones to further improve the delivery of government services, the Bongat administration hopes to sustain efforts in promoting Naga as the center for effective local governance. This has led to more local government units and agencies heading to the city to study its best practices. Last August 25, the City Government added a new award for being the most outstanding local government unit in the region to its more than 150 national and international awards. STUDY in Naga A BRIEF EXPLANATION OF Naga has been the center of education since the Spanish colonial rule. It is home to one of the oldest Catholic seminaries, the Holy Rosary Minor “Naga SMILES to the Seminary, as well as the oldest normal school for girls in Asia, the Universidad de Sta. Isabel. In recent decades, however, there has been an World!” influx of students studying various fields of academic interests like science, the arts, and computer technology. Capitalizing on this strength, the City The “Naga SMILES to the World” logo is composed of the two Government has placed emphasis on drawing in more students, both local baybayin Naga characters, "na" and "ga". and foreign to STUDY in Naga. "Na", shaped like a mountain, provides a strong foundation for the Mayor Bongat envisions a Naga that can be called a University Town Narra tree which grew abundantly along the Naga River while a because of the sheer number of students studying in the city’s 4 zigzag line denotes majestic Malabsay Falls. universities (including Central Bicol State University of Agriculture in nearby Pili town), 12 colleges, and more than 20 technical- vocational "Ga", shaped like a farmer's plow, is symbolic of the Nagueño's schools. Students can also choose from a variety of courses and degrees agricultural roots and hardworking personality. ranging from agriculture to banking, and to digital animation. The baybayin Naga characters rest on a wave-like element which Different people look at the City of Naga in different ways. Tourists SEE represents the Naga River and the serpent, which is read in Naga as the perfect destination. Companies and organizations MEET in Sanskrit as "naga". Naga because it is fast-becoming a Convention City. A businessman decides to INVEST in Naga because of the profitable business climate. Families decide to call the city their home and LIVE in Naga because it offers them peace of mind. Government officials and employees flock to the Taken as a whole, Naga offers only the best SMILES to residents, tourists, city to EXPERIENCE Naga. And Students head to the regional center of investors, and the world. This is the very essence of the “Naga SMILES education to STUDY in Naga. m to the world!” branding – to proudly announce to the world what the City of Naga has with warm Nagueño SMILES.

10 Thinking BIG for Naga

with Mayor John Bongat Why did you run for mayor? I decided to run for mayor not for the position itself but for the responsibilities and duties that come along with it. As I have said before, leadership is defined not by position but by action. I could have chosen a much easier path and retire from public office after my three terms as councilor and pursue my private practice as a lawyer but the Nagueño in me chose otherwise. In my mind, I am employed by the people of Naga and I have to serve them the best way I can in the best way I know how. What are your plans for Naga? Anyone can think of plans. Anyone can set goals. But the crucial part is achieving them and making them work for the city and the people. I see a brighter future for Naga especially when it comes to livelihood programs, employment generation, tourism, and of course, innovative government programs, many of which Sec. Robredo started and implemented. The challenge for us now is to attain the goals we have set for ourselves. After mayor, now Sec. Robredo, the city is indeed poised for greater things. What are the major challenges that you face? As with any growing city, Naga faces newer and tougher challenges to overcome. For example, rapid urbanization can lead to more families and people residing in our city. This means that the city government has to address issues such as housing and health, basic utilities, peace and order, employment, and of course environmental protection. The solution lies with new attainable programs, policies and ideas as well as proper utilization of resources to achieve maximum effect. For instance, we have initially identified 9 cottage industries in different barangays that we want to give special attention to. An action plan has been made to help economically empower and support these fledging industries so that the immediate community can benefit from more jobs and income that they will generate. What is your concept of a working City Government? In Naga, we have outgrown the concept of a “we – them” government which is impersonal and ineffective. An ideal government model makes use of active people participation to ensure that policies and programs serve the interests of the constituents and address their concerns squarely. We treat our constituents not as beneficiaries but as partners. The “we – them” concept is then replaced by a “We, the people” form of government. This is our idea of a genuine, working local government – one where everyone, including elective city officials, consider themselves not only leaders but more importantly public servants employed by the Nagueños. What is your vision for Naga 10 years from now? A vision is only as an outline of what we all want our city to be a decade from now. The Mancom (management committee) has started redefining the so called “2020 Vision” for Naga, and slowly but surely, we are treading the path towards a more livable Naga. From its old title, “An Maogmang Lugar”, I suggested that it be scaled to a more dynamic “Maogmang Naga”, bringing happiness and pride not only to the place but most importantly to its people. What is more important is the realization of that vision – transforming dreams and ideals into a concrete roadmap for Naga. It’s easy to dream big but the city government has its feet on the ground. We have to look inwards and see our weak points and transform them into our strengths through political will and the active participation of the people. I see a Naga with a stronger economy further strengthening its position as a regional center of development. We cannot rest on our laurels and leave things as is. We have to consider all programs and plans as work in progress. Innovation is the key to an effective government. In the same way, we have to explore all opportunities that come in our way and evaluate whether they can help make Naga realize its full potential as a city poised for greater things.

11 In search of missing pieces of Bicol history By JOSE B. PEREZ

HILE writing the book, “A Brief Introduction to Bicol History,” local historian Danilo M. WGerona complained of a dearth of published materials on Kabikolan history. The few available, he said, were written and meant for He further explained: “And since those who witnessed these scholars. This, he stressed, puts the majority of Bicolanos in events are no longer here to tell their tales, these heroes and what he called a state of historical slumber, despite their proud these acts of heroism are now virtually shadows retreating into cultural and religious heritage. the murky recesses of our national consciousness. These blurred images are like faceless phantoms from the past.” Dr. Norman G. Owen, a researcher and historian who has travelled far and wide to study Philippine, Australian and Unknown to many, the San Francisco Church bell tower in Southeast Asian histories, had expressed the same lament as downtown Naga is a historical landmark. It serves as a mute Gerona’s. testimony to the gallantry of a group of rebellious guardia civiles led by patriots Elias Angeles and Felix Plazo. On the Along the way, Owen stumbled upon “fascinating but eve of the Penafrancia fiesta on September 17, 1898, the unreliable accounts” of the founding of Bicol towns, a Bicolano rebels attacked the Spanish governor and his collection of essays, and some historical studies and vignettes community of insulares who were on the church premises for of Bicol arts and literature by local writers and historians. the celebration. But much remains to be done, he admonished. Up to this time, Despite the bloodshed, Angeles and Plazo saw to it that none Bicol still lacks a political history. of the Spanish women and children was harmed. For good measure, the women and children were turned over to the nuns The late Sen. Raul S. Roco who once served as education at the nearby Colegio de Sta. Isabel --- the country’s oldest secretary also grieved upon the Bicolanos’ lack of historical school for women which is now known as the Universidad de materials and research. Sta. Isabel --- while the victorious rebels were waiting for the governor to sign the formal terms of surrender. Students and local historians also “cry out for proper biographical attention” on such local heroes as Pedro Estevan, The Spanish governor’s secretary at that time was Facundo Simeon Ola and Pio Duran of Albay, the Arejola brothers and Sagarbarria, a Basque separatist who migrated to Bicol. He Juan Miranda of Naga City, and Wenceslao Q. Vinzons and was commissioned by the beleaguered governor to negotiate Jose Maria Panganiban of Camarines Norte. with Corporal Angeles and finally helped in the turnover of the provincial government by the Spaniards to the Bicolanos. Writing a foreword to the book, “Bicol Revolutionaries” by Evelyn Caldera Soriano (published by the National Two days later, on September 19, 1898, Governor Zaidin Commission for Culture and the Arts, c1999), Roco stated, signed the papers of capitulation that marked the end of 300 thus: “we have not yet accounted for the heroic acts of many years of Spanish rule in Bicol. brave Bicolanos who fought during the Philippine Revolution against Spain, the Philippine-American War and the Japanese Occupation.” “September 19, 1898 marked the end of 300 years of Spanish rule in Bicol”

12 Experience An Maogmang Lugar:

By JOSE B. PEREZ Must See, Do, Taste and Buy

N AGA is not your traditional tourist city. The more popular Bicol destinations are found outside its of the Bicol regional total. Yet, we have the most number of boundaries which are some 100 to 150 kilometers away banks, 42 of them, as of last count. while others are, fair enough, as near as 15 or 17 kilometers away. Indeed, Naga City has been consistently singled out as one of the country’s most improved and business-friendly cities For instance, it does not have the majestic splendor of in the country because of its trailblazing programs that work perfect-coned Mt. Mayon; the pristine waters and fine white to ensure a livable community. Such dynamism and sense of beaches of Caramoan; the gentle swaying of the pride follow a long tradition of rich cultural heritage that Butanding; the white rushing waves of Bagasbas; the quick dates back to the Spanish colonial period when Naga, then and yet amusing parade of manta rays beneath sea waters; known as Nueva Caceres, was established as one of the four or the twirl and turns of a wakeboard at a world-class royal cities in the Philippines, making it the seat of Catholic watersports complex. faith in Bicol and parts of Quezon, which was then known as Tayabas. Unlike other bigger cities like Davao, Cebu, or Iloilo, Naga is landlocked, meaning it does not have a seaport for Former City Mayor now Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo maritime transport and accessibility. Only a river it has, but joked that Naga has a little of everything that Manila and an important one, not in terms of commerce and mobility, other more endowed cities can offer. It may not have an but in terms of faith and history. MRT, but it has the Bicol Express train (which is currently undergoing rehabilitation to revive the Manila-Bicol route); May istorya kayan. Kan ginibo daa kan Dios and Bicol, it may not have the Mall of Asia, but it has SM Naga; it may gabos na magagayon na bagay itinao sa anom na not have the more flashy multi-national hotels, but it has the probinsya asin mga munisipyo kan Bicol. An tinao sa Naga, Avenue Plaza or Villa Caceres Hotel that can stand up to the gapo, manipis na salog, kulang na lugar sa pag-oma, asin an competition in terms of luxury and service; it may not have Nagueño sana. Huna ta pig-orihan kita. Yan palan, an a Timog Avenue but it has the Magsaysay strip; it may not Nagueño – maboot, mahigos, maogma -- iyo an dakulang have a geothermal plant, but it has the Panicuason hotspring. bagay na mapaasenso kan lugar ta. It does not have an Araneta Coliseum but it has built and will soon open its own version. Yes, the Nagueno and its rich cultural and religious heritage are the prime reasons why visitors, pilgrims, and GETTING HERE. The Manila-Naga air route is served by Air traders keep coming back to the city and why Naga is now Philippines, Cebu Pacific, and Zest Air, the first two what it is today. We may be a small city, but every providing at least two flights each, one in the morning and September, for at least 9 days, we host the country’s and one in the afternoon daily. The estimated travel time is 45 Asia’s biggest and most spectacular Marian event --- the minutes to one hour. Buses going to Naga have terminals at Penafrancia Fiesta, which incidentally this year, is the Araneta Center in Cubao and EDSA bus terminal in celebrating its 300th year of the Bicolanos’ undying Pasay City. Estimated travel time is 7 to 8 hours from devotion to the Blessed Virgin of Penafrancia, our Ina. Manila. This year’s celebration, specifically the traslacion and the HOTELS. As of date, there are 39 hotels, including fluvial procession, we were informed, will be seen live via pension and resort-type lodging houses. A number of these, satellite on the giant monitors of the Philippine Pavilion in about 10 to 15 of them, are of standard-type, de-luxe and the on-going Shanghai Expo in China. three-star, for the more discriminating visitors or tourists. Most of them have their own cafes and restaurants, MORE ABOUT NAGA: The city has a total land area of business center, function rooms, a few have fitness gyms and 8,448 hectares, one of the smallest among cities in the swimming pools, shuttle service, and other amenities country. It has a population of 160,000 residents but which designed for the total convenience of businessmen and number runs to as high as 230,000 during daytime when travelers. transients come here to study, work, shop, dine, and pray. To imagine how small Naga really is, its territory and population RESTAURANTS. Burgeoning Naga City, known for its represents only .48% and 2.90%, respectively, delectable native and Chinese cuisine is home to 88 restaurants, fastfood, and bistros, the quality of their food

13 and services are comparable to those found in Manila and Garden Society maintains a 5-hectare sprawl of tropical Makati. The surge in the number of eateries and food greenery which is the Naga City Ecology Park. It showcases outlets came with the establishment here of SM Naga a year various exotic plants and a mini-forest. Walkways, lawns and ago, and more food outlets continue to sprout in other corners pavilions are ideal spots for family picnics, stroll and of the city, like the Starbucks along Magsaysay and another undisturbed appreciation of nature’s beauty. Biggs outlet on that strip. HERITAGE TOURS. Naga as the region’s religious center has Based on feedbacks from tourists and guests, there is a need been aptly dubbed as a Pilgrimage City, with the image of the for more dining outlets that serve the spicy and coconut-based Virgin of Penafrancia as the center of its people’s faith and authentic Bicol dishes. Of course, we have a few existing one, religiosity. A walking tour of its churches, museums and other like Bob Marlin, Graceland, and Mama Enga. But these are colonial landmarks brings the visitor down an awe-inspiring few for the increasing number of tourists. These restaurants memory lane. The San Francisco Bell Tower, for instance, offer the chili-hot Bicol Express, coconut milk-based stands as a mute testimony to the bloody uprising on pinangat and other mouth-watering dishes unique to our place. September 17, 1898 when guardia civiles Elias Angeles and Felix Plazo besieged Spanish Gov. Vicente Zaidin and the One’s stay in Naga will not be complete without a bowl of Spanish community in Bicol who were then inside the church steaming hot log-log kinalas, a native noodle soup topped with for the Penafrancia fiesta at that time. Despite the bloodshed, pork bits, liver sauce and roasted garlic , with either fried the Filipino rebels harmed none of the non-combatant Spanish banana fritters, or toasted siopao, a baked bread with pork and women and children. The Spanish governor later signed the hard-boiled egg filling, on the side. papers of recapitulation which marked the end of 300 years of Spanish regime in the Bicol region. Other places of historical BUY. Bicol abaca products of wide variety are sold at the Naga and religious interest are: The Holy Rosary Seminary and its City public markets and specialty stores. Pili, which is an Museo del Rosario Conciliar de Nueva Caceres, a national indigenous nut that grows primarily in Bicol, is also available heritage landmark; Naga Metropolitan Cathedral, the biggest at the market and its varied concoctions of candies --- from in Bicol; Penafrancia Chapel, the original house of Nuestra honey-sweetened brittle to salted or roasted --- and other pili Senora de Penafrancia; and the Penafrancia Basilica Minore nut-based delicacies that are arrayed abundantly in colorful and Shrine. packages in the city’s pasalubong centers. Also worth visiting is the Universidad de Sta. Isabel. NAGA BY NIGHT. It is conceded that Naga’s trade and Formerly known as Colegio de Sta. Isabel, this Catholic commerce are two times over compared to any other city in Vincentian university is run by the Daughters of Charity. It Bicol. It has a robust econom activity both at daytime and was established in January1868 when five DC nuns together nighttime. Described as bubbly and yet peaceful and safe, the with Bishop of Caceres Francisco Gainza, O.P. sought a royal Magsaysay strip, spearheaded by Avenue Square and Villa order from Queen Isabella II of Spain to make it the first Caceres Hotel, is dotted with bistros, restaurants and cafés that normal school for women in the Philippines and Southeast make it a fascinating and relaxing venue for diners, beer Asia. drinkers, and those seeking wholesome fun after office hours. The old Naga Centro (downtown), wanting not to be left out, Speech delivered by the author during the opening program seminar training sponsored by the Bicol Regional Tourism Council and the Bicol is making efforts, with the support of the city government, to Association of Travel and Tour Operators last August 19-21, 2010 revive its old glory as the original center of trade and at the Avenue Convention Center, Avenue Square, Naga City. commerce, culture and entertainment. The idea is not to com- pete with the burgeoning neon-lit Magsaysay Avenue but to expand visitors’ choices when looking for a place to unwind and enjoy life with friends and business associates before heading home for the night cap. ECO-TOURISM. More than the hospitality of its hotels, the exquisite taste of its dishes, and the refreshing charm of its people, Naga has its Mt. Isarog and the verdant meadows of Barangays Pacol, Carolina and Panicuason that offer tourists a chance to experience nature at its best. Along that corridor, mountain terkkers and backpackers indulge in mountain climbing, bird watching and splashing in the cool spring waters, waterfalls and hot spring. The international traveler’s guide, “The Lonely Planet” lists Mt. Isarog Natural Park as an interesting destination for trekkers and nature lovers. Moreover, the city through the Isarog

14 Tourism in Naga City: A legislator’s perspective By HON. NATHAN SERGIO CITY COUNCILOR

ITH Bongat Administration’s explicit bias for the promotion of Naga City as an important tourist Wdestination in Bicol, enthusiastic expressions of support emanated from various historical and cultural organizations in the city. A Tourism Office was established in the City Hall. Soon after, a series of meetings among the stakeholders were held. Lately, three historical markers were inaugurated almost in no time at all. This time is very encouraging. Among the stakeholders hereabout, there is an increasing consensus to develop the city’s tourism potential using its historical and cultural attributes. The idea is to give some kind of coherence to the kind of tourism package that Naga must uniquely offer. Putting rhyme and reason to tourism promotion is a must. A landlocked city, bereft of nature’s beauty when compared with the other local government units, Naga is no doubt rich in history and culture. Once named as “Ciudad de Nueva Caceres”, it is one of the four old colonial cities established in the Philippines -- even in the entire Southeast Asia -- by the Spanish conquistadores. Our historic city must be remembered and promoted. Councilor Nathan Sergio In 2003, the City Government published a definitive history Historical researches showed that there are about a hundred book entitled “Naga: The Birth and Rebirth of a City”, more martyrs from all over the six provinces in the Bicol written by eminent Bikol historian Dr. Danilo Madrid Gerona. Region. They too suffered the same fate, as those enshrined in Recently, a new historical plaza with an appropriate the Plaza Quince Martires. Hopefully, their names will monument has been constructed along General Luna Street. someday be authorized to be placed at the base of the These initiatives by the Robredo Administration must be flagpoles that was contructed at the said plaza. Once there, pursued further by the incumbent city leadership. descendants of these martyrs must be invited to our city, especially during the January 4th anniversary celebration for From the city’s legislative department, a proposed ordinance the Bicol Martyrs. Call it just a local tourism move, but it is has been filed officially naming the new historical plaza as also a way to promote the city and the noble values it stands “Plaza de Nueva Caceres” to highlight among others, the for. location of the original Spanish settlement called Ciudad de Nueva Caceres. Another bill is proposing the naming of What about Plaza Rizal? Well, there ought to be a better way Tabuco Bridge as “Puente de Claveria” in honor of Governor to get rid of the impasse. Legal “fights” take too long to General Narciso Claveria, the one who issued an order resolve the conflicting claims of City Hall and Provincial giving Filipinos the Spanish surnames. This proposal, which Capitol over the plaza. Other ways must be explored for the includes the adaptation of the original architectural design of benefit of both local governments. Who is winning anyway, the bridge, is actually an old proposal by the residents of Naga the people of Naga or the people of Camarines Sur? Neither. during the Spanish times. This year’s momentous celebration for the 300 years of devotion to our patroness Ina, Our Lady of Peñafrancia, should At the opposite end of the Casa Real (now General Luna move responsible officials to realize the need to resolve with Street) there could be a place for another new historical finality this impasse. And maybe, it is time to curb some monument, instead of a structure for commercial bloated egos in both camps. More than the physical aspects of advertisements. Perhaps, it could be a fitting place for a tourism, education about Naga City among Nagueños is monument honoring the first Alcalde Mayor of Ciudad de imperative. Compulsory teaching of Naga City history among Caceres. the elementary and secondary students here must be explored. Related trainings for teachers must be extended, along with These, coupled with restorative and preservation works of the preparation of modules and lesson plans. Study tours or renowned historical structures and buildings in the city, will visits to local historical sites and structures must be made significantly help promote Naga as an old city. pre-requisite by school administrators before their students get to visit places outside the city. Scholarsip grants can be pro- How about Corporals Elias Angeles and Felix Plazo, who as vided specifically towards the promotion of historical research. members of then Guardia Civil led the indio revolt ending the Spanish Rule in the region on September 19, 1898? They also Truly, there are many things still to be done. And I have not deserve monuments befitting local heroes. And speaking of even touched on the various cultural aspects of Naga that must local heroes or martyrs, we are not lacking of them. be showcased. I leave to other souls the task of writing about them.

15 All systems go for the historic 300th year of Penafrancia

T’S all systems go for the historic event of the 300th year of Our Lady of Peñafrancia devotion come September 2010 in Naga City. Iis was conLrmed by Fr. Andrew I Recepcion, Executive Secretary of the Tercentenary CommiNee.

After three years of preparation, the Archdiocese of Caceres, Voyadores Festival under the episcopacy of Archbishop Leonardo Z. Legaspi, OP.DD, will celebrate the Grand Tercentenary Thanksgiving A street parade called the Voyadores Festival and Tinagba will celebration after the Traslacion procession on September 10, be held on September 15 along the main streets of Naga. 2010 at the Metropolitan Cathedral. The Archbishop of Voyadores are the male devotees who accompany and carry Manila, Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales, together with some 50 the Virgin’s image during the processions. The cultural local and foreign bishops and hundreds of priests will offer the committee allocates P300, 000.00 for the winners. A tinagba Eucharist. offering from the people will be done during the parade and all the offerings will be given to various charitable institutions, In one of the pastoral letters of Archbishops Legaspi, he said: orphanages and prisons. “The Peñafrancia devotion, like the biblical mustard seed, which started in 1710 with the small community of Fr. Miguel Gainza Trade Fair Robles de Covarrubias and his Cimarrones, has grown into a ‘giant tree’ whose branches extend to all the parts of the world. Another event is the Bishop Francisco Gainza Trade Fair for In fact, we can readily say that this devotion is no longer Bicolano entrepreneurs and exhibitors on September 9 to 20, exclusive to the Bicolanos but even to non-Bicolanos who 2010 at SM City Naga Open Parking A, B & C. The trade fair have also joyfully received the gift of devotion from the many aims to help alleviate poverty by promoting entrepreneurship. Bicolanos around the world.” The trade fair will feature processed food, homestyle and Every September, millions of pilgrims flock to Naga to pay living (furniture, gifts, toys, housewares and wearables), homage to the miraculous image of the Virgin of tourism services, organic and natural products, religious and Peñafrancia, lovingly called “Ina” to offer their petitions. The souvenir items. devotion has become so widespread that even abroad Peñafrancia celebrations are celebrated by Bicolanos and non- In partnership with the Department of Trade and Industry, the Bicolanos. trade fair aims to serve as an avenue for poverty alleviation by promoting entrepreneurship in the region and to generate To mark the 300th year of the devotion, the Archdiocese has income for all the stakeholders by showcasing the best of Bicol lined up various activities in the hope that the tercentenary will products. It is named after Bishop Francisco Gainza who pave the way for a stronger resolve among devotees to pursue pioneered the conduct of a trade fair in the 1870’s. common good with Ina as model of faith and service. Twenty Days of Celebration The trade fair has other features such as the livelihood trainings and seminars, daily and grand raffle draws, and the nightly cultural presentations. On September 9, there will be a As a kick off activity, Harubay (Bicol term for Proclamation) countdown to welcome the 300th year of the devotion at 9:00 will be held on September 1. This will announce the official pm to 12:00 midnight at the trade fair venue. start of the fiesta. There will be a motorcade around the city, Marian recollection, Mass and torch parade. A Fun Run and As a special treat to trade fair guests, there will be a photo Bike for INA is also set on September 4 and 5. exhibit on the Peñafrancia devotion. The exhibit will include pictures of historic Peñafrancia celebration through the During the novenario of the Divino Rostro from September 1 decades. to 10, dawn processions and pilgrimages from nearby parishes to the Peñafrancia Basilica are scheduled. On September International Pilgrims Congress 10, the feast of the Divino Rostro, the image of the Virgin is brought to the Cathedral in a procession called Traslacion. This The International Pilgrims Congress (IPC) is another marks the start of the novena in honor of Our Lady of highlight of the Tercentenary. The devotees living abroad and Peñafrancia. Healing masses, confessions and the dawn outside Bicol are expected to participate. The congress aims to penitential processions will also be held from September 11- be the venue for pilgrims to participate in the general 18. celebration of the Tercentenary, to experience and express

16 concerns (confirmations and challenges) to the devotion and the faith in their own contexts, and to contribute to common learning and commitment for the good of the church, through The Penafrancia the devotion, in society. This will be held at the beautifully renovated Peñafrancia Basilica from September 16 to 17. Tercentenary Fluvial Procession Events

On the eve of the solemn feast, the image of Ina will be SEPTEMBER 1 to 20, 2010 brought back to the Peñafrancia Basilica by way of the fluvial SCHEDULE OF ACTIVITIES procession along Naga River on September 18 at 3pm. After the fluvial procession, the Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines, Archbishop Edward Adams, will celebrate the mass at the September 1 | Wednesday Peñafrancia Basilica. Millions of devotees are expected to • Divino Rostro Pilgrimage, Basilica Minore, 4am witness the solemn event. The following day, September 20, is • Harubay para ki Hesus asin Para ki Ina: the solemn feast of the Our Lady of Peñafrancia. Diana, Basilica & Streets of Naga, 4am • Offering for Ina, Basilica, 5:30am With the help of the city government and the different • Novena Masses, Basilica, 5:30 & 6:30am (Bikol), 7am & 5pm (English) sectors of community, the Tercentenary committee is • Harubay Motorcade, Peñafrancia Shrine & Streets of Naga, 8am finalizing all the preparations for this historic event in Naga • Harubay Mass, Basilica, 11:15am City. In the message of Archbishop Legaspi to the faithful: • Archdiocesan Marian Recollection, Basilica, 1:30pm • Penitential Procession, Basilica Patio, 6pm “The three years of the preparation and celebration of the • Harubay Youth Torch Parade, Streets of Naga, 7pm Tercentenary of our devotion to Our Lady of Peñafrancia • Taize Youth Prayer, Basilica Pavillion, 7pm brought out the best in all of us. Because of our conviction that • Cultural Show: Naga College Foundation, Plaza Miguel we need to show great appreciation for the gift we have Robles de Covarrubias, 8pm received, our creative minds drove us to plan, manage, look for resources and involve ourselves in as much activity as we September 2 | Thursday can.” • Divino Rostro Pilgrimage, Basilica, 4am • Offering for Ina, Basilica, 5:30am • Novena Masses, Basilica, 5:30 & 6:30am (Bikol), 7am & 5pm (English) • Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confessions), Basilica, 4:30-6pm • Cultural Show: Caceres Chorale, Plaza Covarrubias, 8pm September 3 | Friday • Divino Rostro Pilgrimage, Basilica, 4am • Offering for Ina, Basilica, 5:30am • Novena Masses, Basilica, 5:30 & 6:30am (Bikol), 7am & 5pm (English) • Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confessions), Basilica, 4:30-6pm • Alay ki Ina: Regional Gathering of Covenant Communities, Basilica, 6pm • Cultural Show: Caceres Singing Priests, Plaza Covarrubias, 8pm September 4 | Saturday • Divino Rostro Pilgrimage, Basilica, 4am • Fun Walk, Run & Bike, Plaza Covarrubias, 5am • Offering for Ina, Basilica, 5:30am • Novena Masses, Basilica, 5:30 & 6:30am (Bikol), 7am & 5pm (English) • Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confessions), Basilica, 4:30-6pm • Cultural Show: Link Center for the Deaf, Plaza Covarrubias, 8pm September 5 | Sunday • Divino Rostro Pilgrimage, Basilica, 4am • Offering for Ina, Basilica, 5:30am • Novena Masses, Basilica, 5:30, 6:30, 8am (Bikol); 9:30am, 4, 5, 6pm (English); 11am (Tagalog) • Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confessions), Basilica, 4:30-6pm • Cultural Show: USI Ambassadors of Artistic Group, Plaza Covarrubias, 8pm September 6 | Monday • Divino Rostro Pilgrimage, Basilica, 4am September 8 | Wednesday • Offering for Ina, Basilica, 5:30am • Novena Masses, Basilica, 5:30 & 6:30am (Bikol), 7am & 5pm (English) • Divino Rostro Pilgrimage, Basilica, 4am • Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confessions), Basilica, 4:30-6pm • Offering for Ina, Basilica, 5:30am • Cultural Show: Univ. of St. Anthony Artistic Group, Plaza • Novena Masses, Basilica, 5:30 & 6:30am (Bikol), 7am & 5pm (English) Covarrubias, 8pm • “Mata asin Pagkamoot” The Many Faces of Ina (Exhibit), Mariners Polytechnic Colleges, Panganiban Drive, Whole Day September 7 | Tuesday • Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confessions), Basilica, 4:30-6pm • “Illuminare”: Pancho Piano’s Solo Exhibit, Avenue Square, 6:30pm • Divino Rostro Pilgrimage, Basilica, 4am • Cultural Show: St. Joseph School, Plaza Covarrubias, 8pm • Offering for Ina, Basilica, 5:30am • Novena Masses, Basilica, 5:30 & 6:30am (Bikol), 7am & 5pm (English) September 9 | Thursday • Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confessions), Basilica, 4:30-6pm 1st Annual Bishop Francisco Gainza Trade Fair N • Cultural Show: Central Bicol State Univ. of Agriculture, Plaza SM City Naga Open Parking A, B, and C, 10am-9pm Covarrubias, 8pm 17 September 9 | Thursday September 13 | Monday – Day for the Children • Divino Rostro Pilgrimage, Basilica, 4am • Trade Fair Variety Show: Naga College Foundation, SM Naga, 6pm • Offering for Ina, Basilica, 5:30am • Concert Hosted by the Province of Albay & the Cities of Legazpi, • Novena Masses, Basilica, 5:30 & 6:30am (Bikol), 7am & 5pm (English) Ligao & Tabaco, Plaza Quezon, 8pm • Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confessions), Basilica, 4:30-6pm • Preview of Musical: ‘Simon’s Way: Inspired by the Life of Simon Vela, • Cultural Show: Univ. of Northeastern Philippines, Plaza Covarrubias, 8pm Avenue Plaza Convention Center, 8pm • Monico Botor’s “ Kugos ni Ina, Mother Nature’s Son”, A Solo Art Exhibit, September 14 | Tuesday – Day for Educators & Teachers Avenue Hotel Pool Side, 6pm • Trade Fair Opening Ceremonies, “Kauswagan: Sarong Ina sa Sarong • Mass Schedules, Naga Cathedral, 4, 5am (Bikol); 7am, 12:15, 6, 7pm Rehiyon”, Countdown of the Last 30 Seconds, SM City Naga, (English); 5pm (Novena Mass in English) 9pm-12mn • Novena Mass Schedules, Basilica, 6am (Bikol); 7am, 5pm (English) • Novena in Honor of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, Naga Cathedral, 6am, September 10 | Friday | Day for Families & Migrant Workers 12nn, 4:30pm • Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confessions), Naga Cathedral, 3-7pm • Penitential Procession, Basilica of Peñafrancia Shrine, 4am • Pontifical Mass, Diocese of Virac, Bp. Manolo de los Santos, Naga • Pontifical Mass, Archbp. Leoardo Legaspi, Peñafrancia Shrine, 5:30am Cathedral, 6am • Novena Mass, Basilica, 5pm • Pontifical Mass, Diocese of Libmanan, Bp. Jose Rojas Jr., Naga Traslacion Procession, Peñafrancia Shrine to Naga Metropolitan Cathedral, 8am Cathedral, 12nn • Healing Mass, Peñafrancia Shrine, 1pm • Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confessions), Naga Metropolitan • Trade Fair Variety Show: Tabaco City, SM Naga, 6pm Cathedral, 12nn • Concert Hosted by the Province of Catanduanes, Plaza Quezon, 8pm • Community Mass, Plaza Covarrubiass, 2pm Tercentenary Grand Mass of Thanksgiving, Naga Cathedral, 5:30pm September 15 | Wednesday – Day for the Sick & Elderly • Tercentenary Concert, Naga Cathedral Grounds, 8:30pm • Mass Schedules, Naga Cathedral, 4, 5am (Bikol); 7am, 8am & 12:15, 6, • Trade Fair Variety Show: ‘The Best of Kulturang Bikolnon’, 7pm (English); 5pm (Novena Mass in English) Department of Education Camarines Sur, SM Naga, 8:30pm • Novena Mass Schedules, Basilica, 6am (Bikol); 7, 8am, 5pm (English) September 11 - 19 • Novena in Honor of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, Naga Cathedral, 12nn, 4:30pm Outreach Activity: Share and Care, 8am (Whole Day Activity) • Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confessions), Naga Cathedral, 3-7pm September 11 | Saturday – Day for the Youth • Pontifical Mass, Diocese of Daet, Bp. Gilbert Garcera, Naga Cathedral, 6am • Mass Schedules, Naga Cathedral, 4, 5, 6am, 5pm (Bikol); 7, 8am, • Pontifical Mass, Diocese of Montego Bay (Jamiaca), Bp. Charles 12:15, 6, 7pm (English) Dufour, Naga Cathedral, 10am • Novena Mass Schedules, Basilica, 5:30am, 5pm (Bikol); 6:30pm (English) • Healing Mass, Peñafrancia Shrine, 1pm • Novena in Honor of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, Naga Cathedral, 6am, • Voyadores Festival/Tinagba, Panganiban Drive to Naga Cathedral, 2pm 12nn, 4:30pm • Trade Fair Concert: Ateneo de Naga University Choir, SM Naga, 6pm Marian Youth Congress, Various Pilgrim Sites in Naga City, 9am-6pm • Concert Hosted by the Province of Camarines Norte, Plaza Quezon, 8pm Unveiling of the Tercentenary Commemorative Stamps, Holy Rosary Minor Seminary Auditorium, 10am September 15 to 16 • Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confessions), Naga Cathedral, 3-7pm Manto ni Ina’: A Musical Play, USI Auditorium, 7pm • Marian Overnight Youth Vigil, Naga Cathedral, 6pm September 16 | Thursday – Day for the Poor & Prisoners • Pontifical/Youth Vigil Mass, Archbp. Leonardo Legaspi, Naga Cathedral, 8pm • Penitential Procession, Naga Cathedral, 3:30am • Pancho Piano Art Exhibit, SM Naga, 7pm • Mass Schedules, Naga Cathedral, 4, 5am (Bikol); 12:15, 7:30pm • Trade Fair Variety Show: Camarines Sur National High School, (English); 5pm (Novena Mass in English) SM Naga, 6pm • Novena Mass Schedules, Basilica, 6am (Bikol); 7, 8, 9am, 5pm (English) • Smart Show, Plaza Quezon, 8pm • Novena in Honor of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, Naga Cathedral, September 12 | Sunday – Day for the Religious & Seminarians 12nn, 4:30pm • Marian Procession, Naga Cathedral Grounds, 9pm • Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confessions), Naga Cathedral, 3-7pm • Mass Schedules, Naga Cathedral, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10am, 3 & 6pm (Bikol); 7, • Pontifical Mass, Diocese of Sorsogon, Bp. Arturo Bastes, Naga 9, 11am, 12:15, 7 & 8pm (English); 5pm (Novena Mass in English) Cathedral, 6am • Novena Mass Schedules, Basilica, 6:30, 8am, 4pm (Bikol); 11am • Pontifical Mass, Archdiocese of St. Lucia, Archbp. Robert Rivas, (Tagalog); 9:30am, 5, 6pm (English) Naga Cathedral, 10am • Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confessions), Naga Cathedral, 3-6pm • Healing Mass, Basilica, 1pm • Novena in Honor of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, Naga Cathedral, 6am, • Trade Fair Variety Show: Province of Sorsogon, SM Naga, 6pm 12nn, 4:30pm • International Pilgrims’ Congress, Basilica, 6pm • Trade Fair Variety Show: Jumel’s Learning Center & UNC Glee Club, • Union of Bicol Clergy Mass, Archbp. Adolfo Tito Yllana, Naga SM Naga, 6pm Cathedral, 6:30pm • Concert Hosted by the Province of Camarines Sur & the Cities of • Clergy Night, NPS Covered Court, 7:30pm Iriga & Naga, Plaza Quezon, 8pm • Concert Hosted by the Province of Sorsogon, Plaza Quezon, 8pm • The Philippine Madrigal Singers & the Caceres Priests in Concert, September 17 | Friday – Day for Priests Basilica, 7:30pm • Penitential Procession, Naga Cathedral, 3:30am September 13 to 16 • Mass Schedules, Naga Cathedral, 4, 5am (Bikol); 7, 9am, 12:15, • Photography Contest & Exhibit, Avenue Square, 9am-10pm 7pm (English); 5pm (Novena Mass in English) • Novena Mass Schedules, Basilica, 6am (Bikol); 7, 8, 9am, 5pm (English) September 13 to 17 • Novena in Honor of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, Naga Cathedral, • Film Showing, Naga Cathedral Quadricentennial Arch, 9pm 12nn, 4:30pm • Perdon Procession and Mass, Major Streets of Naga, 10pm • Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confessions), Naga Cathedral, 3-7pm • Pontifical Mass, Diocese of Masbate, Naga Cathedral, 6am September 13 | Monday – Day for the Children • Pontifical Mass, Military Vicariate, Naga Cathedral, 8am • International Pilgrims’ Congress, Basilica, 8am-10pm • Mass Schedules, Naga Cathedral, 4, 5, 6:15, 8am (Bikol); 7, 12:15, 6, • Pontifical Mass, Archdiocese of Kingstown (Jamiaca), Archbp. 7pm (English); 5pm (Novena Mass in English) James Reece, Naga Cathedral, 10am • Novena in Honor of Our Lady of Peñafrancia, Naga Cathedral, 6am, • Healing Mass, San Francisco Church, 1pm 12nn, 4:30pm • Trade Fair Variety Show: ‘An CamSur Ngunyan’, Province of • Children’s Mass, Naga Parochial School Covered Court, 9am Camarines Sur, SM Naga, 6pm • Special Program for Children, NPS Covered Court, 1pm • Vesperas, Naga Cathedral, 7pm • Healing Mass, Immaculate Concepcion Parish, 1pm • Concert Hosted by the Province of Masbate, Plaza Quezon, 8pm • Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confessions), Naga Cathedral, 3-7pm •Pontifical Mass for the International Pilgrim’s Congress, Archbp. Leonardo Legaspi, Basilica, 6pm • Vigilia de Espigas & Mass, Naga Cathedral, 9pm 18 September 18 | Saturday – Day for Government Leaders & Workers

• Penitential Procession, Naga Cathedral, 3:30am • Mass Schedules, Naga Cathedral, 4, 5am, 1, 5pm (Bikol); 7, 9am, 11am, 6pm (English); 5pm (Novena Mass in English); Naga Cathedral Patio, 6, 8, 9am (Bikol) • Novena Mass Schedules, Basilica, 6am (Bikol); 6, 7, 8, 10, 11am, 12nn, 1, 2, 3, 4, 9pm (English); 9am (Tagalog) • Sacrament of Reconciliation (Confessions), Basilica Grounds, 4pm • Pontifical Mass, Archdiocese of Caceres, Archbp. Leonardo Legaspi, Naga Cathedral, 7am • Pontifical Mass, Diocese of Townsville (Australia), Bp. Michael Putney, Naga Cathedral, 8am • Baptisms, NPS Covered Courts, 9 & 10am • Pontifical Mass, Diocese of Legazpi, Bp. Joel Baylon, Naga Cathedral, 10am • Ringing of Bells, Naga Cathedral, 12nn • Healing Mass, Basilica, 1pm Fluvial Procession, Naga Cathedral, 3pm Pontifical Mass, Apostolic Nuncio Archbp. Edward Joseph Adams, Basilica, 6pm • Trade Fair Variety Show, ‘Magkaurusad Kita’ Iriga City, SM Naga, 6pm • Thanksgiving Concert with Bicol Artists & GMA 7, Basilica Grounds, 9pm September 19 | Sunday – Solemnity of Our Lady of Peñafrancia • Mass Schedules, Basilica, 4am, 4pm (Tagalog); 5am, 12nn, 1, 2, 3, 5, 7:30pm (English); 8:30pm (Bikol); Basilica Diamond Pavilion, 5, 11am (Tagalog); 6, 7, 8, 9, 10am (English) • Pontifical Mass, Bp. Lucilo Quiambao, Basilica, 6:30pm • Pontifical Mass, Archdiocese of Caceres, Archbp. Leonardo Legaspi, Basilica, 8am • Pontifical Mass, Bp. Jesus Varela, Basilica, 9:30am • Pontifical Mass, Bp. Jose Sorra, Basilica, 11am • Pontifical Mass, Bp. Manolo de los Santos, Basilica, 6pm • Trade Fair Variety Show: Cuerdas de Naga & St. Paschal Baylon Parish, SM Naga, 6pm September 20 | Monday

• Mass for All the Help (Thanksgiving Mass for All Volunteers and Benefactors), Basilica, 9am • Peñafrancia Kapamilya Caravan (ABS-CBN), Plaza Quezon, 7pm • Trade Fair Awards Night, SM Naga, 8pm

“Every September, millions of pilgrims 2ock to Naga City to pay homage to the miraculous Virgin, lovingly called “Ina” to offer their petitions. /e devotion has become so widespread that even abroad Bicolanos and non-Bicolanos celebrate the Peña3ancia 1esta.”

19 Renewed hope for the Naga River By WILLY PRILLES

UNIQUE training opportunity jointly organized by the World Bank Institute (WBI), the SingaporeanA Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Lee Kuan Yew School (LKY) of Public Policy has enabled a Lve-man team from the Naga City Government to revisit its efforts to revive Naga River, offering renewed hope for its revitalization.

Called Leadership in Local Government: Decision, Action, Results Programme or DARE to Lead for short, the initiative sought to help leadership teams at the local government level "develop new knowledge and skills for effective implementation of urban development projects; and access international networks for peer learning, resource mobilization and mutual support." After a competitive search, Naga City's project proposal entitled "Naga River Revitalization Project" (NRRP) was among the six projects that made the short list. Consequently, Team Naga -- comprising of Mayor John Bongat, Vice Mayor Gabriel Bordado, Jr.; planning chief Wilfredo Prilles, Jr; budget chief Francisco Mendoza; and city engineer Leon Palmiano IV -- stayed in Singapore from June 28-July 8, 2010 for the intensive 10-day course. The NRRP sought to address a long-standing problem that continues to weigh down the city’s future development prospects – how to revitalize Naga River, the major waterway that bisects the urban district in a manner that would be financially viable and sustainable. Past efforts, starting from the time of former Mayor Victoriano Ojeda, have largely failed because of the huge resource requirements of a full-blown revitalization project. Current estimates place this at no less than P250 million. Team Naga was joined by other leadership teams from Quezon City (led by Mayor Herbert Bautista and Vice Mayor Josefina Belmonte-Alimurong); Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia; Palembang, Indonesia; Da Nang, Vietnam; and Phnom Pehn, Cambodia. After intensive lectures and case studies by world-class faculty assembled by WBI and LKY -- on such topics as breaking old paradigms of leadership, the change space model, cost-benefit analysis for investment decisions, infrastructure finance, and the Rapid Results Approach -- as well as site visits to successful urban development projects of the Singaporean government, each team was required to present an action plan for their respective project through video and audio conferencing to their respective mayors. The action plan presented to Mayor Bongat (who left on the third day in time for his assumption as Naga's new chief executive on July 1) calls for the following key activities that will be completed by June 2011: Validation of the NRRP coverage area. Aside from the information on households living on both riverbanks, this includes the conduct of a geodetic survey that will locate A new take on Naga. A computer-generated perspective of the United actual property lines in the area. This critical information will Architects of the Philippines (UAP) Camarines Sur Chapter of the Naga provide the city a baseline in the expected recovery of City riverside area and bridges feature promenades, walkways, and easement provided by law. mini-parks for the city's 170,000 residents as well as tourists who Kock to Naga. Reactivation of the ‘Salvar Salog’ clean-up efforts. This is intended to regularize river cleanup activities as doable, Signing of partnership agreements between the City short-term solution to water cleanliness concerns in the Government, the Church and other key institutional project site. stakeholders. Slated during the Tercentenary celebrations, this event seeks to strengthen the city government’s authority Conduct of a Naga Riverwalk Design contest. This open to pursue the NRRP. competition seeks to generate a long list of possible design options for the planned Riverwalk, and at the same time Consultation with affected residents. A series of increase community awareness about the project. consultation with affected residents will provide them an opportunity to air their concerns and at the same time secure their support for the project; and 20 Project presentation to potential funders. Towards the end of 2010, the NRRP will be presented to private and public funding agencies – particularly companies engaged in water and sewage treatment services – to explore the possibility of their involvement in the project. If interested, they can provide the key technical and financial requirements that the city government currently lacks. At present, the Sangguniang Panlungsod already identified the NRRP as a priority project of the city government through Resolution No. 2010-216. Based on the resolution, Mayor Bongat also issued Executive Order No. 2010-015 creating an expanded NRRP Project Team tasked with managing project implementation. With key partners like the Ateneo Institute for Environmental Conservation and Research (INECAR) and the Geodetic Engineers of the Philippines (GEP)-Camarines Sur chapter on board, a draft partnership document is in the works. There is, too, a renewed hope that this project can make a breakthrough for Naga River. After all, one of the things Team Naga learned from the Singapore training is that financing would not be a problem. By and large, riverfront development projects all over the world, like Singapore's Clarke Quay, have been able to pay for itself. New resettlement site mulled for riverside settlers Ensuring settler’s safety, securing the river

IN FURTHEHNCE of its socialized housing The mayor’s initiative came on the heels of the city’s desire to program, the city government laid down once again rehabilitate the legal easements and the river as a whole, in time the cornerstone for the development of a new for the celebration of the 300th year of the Marian devotion to Our reseNlement site in Sitio Salunguigui, Barangay Lady of Peñafrancia in September while securing the illegal Cararayan, this city. settlers’ safety by relocating them away from recurring floods and overflow of the river. The one-hectare resettlement area is seen to accommodate 116 family beneficiaries whose homelots will have an average of 60 Meanwhile, the enactment of City Ordinance 2009-048, “An square meter area each. Ordinance Condoning Penalties Incurred by the Beneficiaries of the Socialized Housing Program of the City of Naga subject to Among the first beneficiaries are the informal settlers occupying Certain Conditions,” has earned a lot of enthusiasm and praise the legal easement portion of the Naga River and a number of among the beneficiaries of the housing program. families living under the bridges of Magsaysay, Colgante, Delfin Rosales and Tabuco. For the first six months after its full implementation last February 2010, the Urban Poor Affairs Office has collected the sum of City Mayor John Bongat met with the affected residents to discuss P6, 429,165.44 which already surpassed the annual collection of ways and means on how to facilitate their relocation. The city the office last year. The notable increase in collection is mainly mayor was accompanied by City Administrator Jun Mongoso, credited to the extensive dissemination and information campaign UPAO Chief Engr. Rolly Campillos, City Budget Officer Frank conducted by the office, together with the efforts of the city Mendoza, PSO Head Lito del Rosario and Rev. Fr. Jayson and the councilors themselves. Punong Barangays of the affected barangays along the river line. Condonation of penalties will run for two years until February 2012. The condonation ordinance was authored by City Councilor Nelson S. Legacion.

Welcome to Centro Naga! A superimposed perspective of a proposed new welcome arch greets visitors in one of the UAP's vision of a historically revitalized Naga.

21 Cleaner and fresher Naga Reinforcing waste disposal and garbage segregation By JASON NEOLA

HEN he assumed office last July 1, 2010, City Mayor elect John G. Bongat made it clear that his two Wprime goals are to reduce poverty and to continue to make Naga one of the most competitive and livable cities in the country. Ius, he launched “H2ELP your CiTy” which stands for his 7 priority agenda: Health; Housing and Urban Poor; Education, Arts and Culture; Livelihood, Employment and Human Development; Peace and Order and Public Safety; Cleanliness and Environmental Protection, and; Transparency, Accountability and Good Governance.

Given its rising urban development which doubled its pace Meanwhile, the market segregation and recycling facility has especially during the past three years, Naga, like any other been tasked to address vital concerns in the upkeep of the city city in the planet, has to contend with the downside of its public market: secure and sustain its cleanliness in order to economic progress, and worse, man’s apathy towards provide convenience to customers as the market becomes pollution, nature and climate. As Naga grew, so did pollution competitive and health-friendly. Four shifts of garbage and mounting waste and garbage. disposal teams have been adapted where workers are tasked to clean the fresh fish, meat and RTW sections of the market, Enacting legislations, the city government stepped up its including its ground floor and third floor. efforts to fulfill its dream of transforming Naga into a model city for environmental conservation. In particular, it seeks to Aside from its environmental benefits, the segregation and rehabilitate the Naga River and conserve the bio-diversity of recycling scheme helps provide additional employment in Mt. Isarog; pursue a comprehensive drainage program; terms of recyclable and reusable materials. enforce strict implementation of cleanliness ordinance, and; new technology to use waste and handle its disposal. City-wide, color-coded bags and new schedules in the collection of each type of garbage will be introduced. Black And while the use of new technology is still on the drawing plastic bag or other type of containers of the same color, or board, including close evaluation of project proposals from at even a black plastic strip, will be used to enclose least two leading companies from two countries, the city is biodegradable waste. On the other hand, for non- doing its own homework with regards to garbage collection biodegradable garbage, a green plastic bag or other type of and disposal while maintaining cleanliness and instilling containers of the same color, or a green plastic strip, should be discipline among homeowners and business establishments. utilized. City Mayor John Bongat and his core managers recently launched “Kalinigan, Katoninongan, Disiplina Kaipuhan ta Appropriate fines as provided for by related ordinances shall (KKDK)” that sums up the city’s over-all cleanliness and be imposed on violators, it was emphasized. waste disposal program. Effective October 1, a stricter policy, the “No Segregation, No Last week, the program for the implementation of segregated Collection”, will be implemented. garbage collection has been given the go-signal by the mayor with the Naga City Public Market as pilot area, thru its newly- Stricter measures for cleaner and more orderly Naga are completed NCPM Riverside Segregation and Recycling supported by City Ordinance Number 2001-056, an ordinance Facility. amending city ordinance 96-049, which provides for rules and regulations on segregation and proper disposal of garbage by Effective September 1, citation tickets will be issued against commercial, business and industrial establishments, and violators of ordinances related to cleanliness and orderliness, institutions and all households in the City of Naga, and particularly with regards to proper segregation of wastes. Republic Act 9003, otherwise known as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000. At the same time, street sweepers and cleaners will be posted round-the-clock in the city’s urban centers who are also With report by Paul John Barrosa. instructed to keep a watchful eye on erring litterbug motorists and pedestrians.

According to Engr. Joel Martin, chief of the Solid Waste and Pollution Management Division of the city’s Environment and Natural Resources Office, Naga generates 81 tons of garbage every day, but only 10 percent of this, or 8.1 tons of garbage, are considered as irretrievable residues. The remaining 90% are either reusable or recyclable. But Martin advised that each household or business establishment should help reduce their garbage as much as they could so that the Balatas dumpsite will not choke. 22 Naga City Coliseum, A laboratory for study Bicol’s biggest, soon to toursFOR ITS GOOD GOVERNANCE AND INITIATIVES THE LONG WAIT IS OVER open AME a city or town and it is likely that their local officials had been to Naga on N an official trip. By JOHN PAUL BARROSA This may be an exaggeration to many but there lies the truth that Naga for the past three years or so has been the favorite OR quite sometime, the Naga City Coliseum stood destination for government officials, researchers and even F like a white elephant. It was conceived to be the barangays officials for their government-sponsored study or the venue for various national and international conferences, immersion tours with the objective of replicating the city’s pageants, basketball games, and other events like the various best practices in governance and financial performing arts and musical concerts in the promotion of the management in their respective local government units. arts, culture, sports and live entertainment while boosting the city’s income and tourism targets. Lying dormant, many Panabo City in Davao, Mendez town in Cavite, Tagudin in thought it would never come to be completed due to Ilocos Sur, the Province of Marinduque, Malay in Aklan financial constraints and other priorities. (where Boracay island is part of its municipal government), Dupax in Nueva Vizcaya, or Alaminos, Laguna, are just That was the past. Today is a different story. some of the LGUs whose local officials and department chiefs and managers had been to Naga “to learn from Naga The Naga City Coliseum will soon to be fully completed and how it achieved the ownership of a joint vision for the city functional. In fact, the inauguration of the building is al- within the organization and among civil society members ready slated on September 1, 2010. After which, a series of under a participatory governance.” Other LGUs also come activities, including this year’s Miss Bicolandia here “in order for the new set of officers of our local pageant, will be calendared for future events. government unit, with Naga and its innovative experiences as backdrop, to come up with initial points of agreement for Located at the Central Business District (CBD) 2, the their executive-legislative agenda.” coliseum sits on a lot measuring 10,000 square meters, its interior designed for a 10,000 sitting capacity, the largest in Too, the city’s sustained leap into becoming one of the Bicol. On its rim underneath the elevated bleachers are fastest-growing local economies which began with the leasable spaces totaling 1,500 square meters for food stalls, administration of City Mayor now Interior Secretary Jesse novelties, shops and other functions. Another 7,000 square M. Robredo whose legacy incumbent City Mayor John G. meters are reserved for parking and related purposes. Bongat vows to continue and bring to greater heights has largely been attributed to its local governance and the Construction of the coliseum underwent five phases with two people that nourish its social, economic and political disastrous typhoons occurring in between -- Typhoons aspirations. In fact, economic experts and academicians, as Melinyo and Reming in November and December, well as social scientists view Naga as a laboratory for respectively, which somehow delayed completion of its final governance innovations where “it finds itself in a unique fifth phase. place in the Philippine socio-economic landscape.” The first phase was funded by the City Government in the Last year, over 34 LGUs, with each of them carrying at least amount of P25M. The second and third phases were one or two busloads of participants stayed for a day or two handled by the Department of Public Works and Highways in the city’s hotels for their study tour and visit. During the which appropriated the amount of P35 M. The fourth phase first half of this year, at least twelve LGUs, not to include was again funded by the city in the total amount of P academic institutions, have made Naga their destination for 52.84M. study tour. No less than the Career Executive Service Board with its 25 participants have concluded its 4-day executive The city also took care of the last phase through a P115M leadership training program with the Naga City government loan from the Development Bank of the Philippines. as its “Community-Organizational Attachment Module” Through Resolution No. 2, Series of 2008 of the City (COAM) from August 16 to 19, this year, their second time Development Council, it was agreed that the coliseum be around here in two years. During their stay, participants who fully completed through the resources of the local are career executives of various government agencies, government instead of waiting for the national government studied Naga City’s strategic governance and development to do its share. framework, its approaches/strategies, systems, programs and institutional partnerships. With its completion, there is a proposal, according to Reuel Oliver, executive director of the Naga Investment Board that As emphasized by the Naga City Institute for Governance the coliseum be bidded out to private operators by October which handles the study program for the visitors, in 2010. collaboration with the City External Relations Office, participants are afforded the chance to “also examine the Oliver said that it would be for the city coffer’s interest that challenges and opportunities confronted by the Naga city the city government should not manage and operate the government and the citizens in strengthening governance, Coliseum as an economic enterprise. There should be a wise ensuring equitable and sustainable development, and and prudent way for the city to look for way to pay the loan achieving an envisioned quality of life, as reflected in Naga obtained for its completion without burdening the city’s City’s various award-winning development initiatives.” taxpayers through loan amortization, he explained. 23 BSTC – A non-formal, interactive learning environment By NESTOR VILLANEA

T the Bicol Science and Technology Centrum (BSTC) one may ask: “Students are having fun exploring the galleries and playing with the exhibits, but are they Alearning anything?” Informal learning that complements formal classroom education, involves a process as well as an outcome. To measure knowledge gained and document what happens in the formal learning environment of the BSTC is challenging because the evidence for learning outcome is often unquantifiable and is not seen at the same level as the experience. Performance in formal classroom education is geared to the achievement of pre-determined targets and driven by a pre- imposed curriculum where the level of learning is measured numerically by a standard grading system. By contrast, informal learning offered by the Science Centrum typically requires no syllabus and the learning pathways followed are normally determined by the visiting students or children themselves. These Centrum visitors generally come in groups and the visit frequently entails a significant exchange of collective experiences and conversations, an opportunity for social interaction and self-expression. Expressing an experience and the related ideas that flow from it is an important mechanism for understanding. First opened to the public in 1995, the Bicol Science and Technology Centrum has grown through the years to become a virtual destination for educational tours for students coming from different schools and colleges from around the Bicol Region and the nearby province of Quezon. Starting from one gallery, BSTC now boasts of 7 galleries that showcase various kinds of interactive exhibits valuable to the students’ quest for knowledge and information. It also features a number of state-of-the-art equipment such as two MEADE computerized telescopes and astronomical binoculars and an EX3 Classroom-Type Mobile Planetarium System. To date it has already posted a total of 708,920 visitors, 65% of which are students. A regional non-formal science education center established through the joint efforts of the City Government of Naga and Department of Science and Technology, the BSTC is primarily aimed at enhancing science consciousness and literacy, especially among the students, through an interactive learning environment characterized by fun, adventure, creativity and self-discovery. While schools bring to the table ways of conceptualizing science as a coherent and systematic set of practices and ideas, BSTC conveys ways of making science accessible, collaborative, tangible, easy and joyful. It challenges the visitors’ visual, spatial, and temporal qualities to build a student’s sense of connectedness, relevance and salience of science in ways other learning settings cannot. They are drawn to work in a relaxed and informal setting precisely because of these unique qualities and because of the difference between the way science is taught in classrooms and the way it is experienced in the real and actual, interactive learning environment where students explore and discover, wonder and comprehend, marvel and enjoy, frolic and learn science and the real world --- truly a place where science and fun are one.

24 Helping local entrepreneurs grow By JOHN PAUL BARROSA

ayor Bongat came here in our house to check our status during the May 2010 election. He said he would assist us in our small business, and, indeed, he really M did,” a grateful Salome Bandola, a beneLciary of “Barangay GROW (Growing “ Opportunities for Wealth) Negosyo” tells this Naga Smiles Magazine.

Bandola, owner of a misua production and mother of seven, is one of the many small-and-medium business entrepreneurs in Naga City being assisted by the city government in sustaining their businesses. Helping Bandola in her business is her husband, Vicente, and their children. She said that her business went down several times, most notably during the fire incident in the Naga Public Market where all of her delivered products were reduced to ashes disabling her to collect from stallholders who made the orders but were similarly dislocated by the fire. During election, Mayor Bongat visited her residence and promised that the city government will respond to the needs of the small-and-medium entrepreneurs to help them rise from the plight that they were in and thus contribute once again to the local economy. The city government is pioneering a project dubbed as “Barangay GROW (Growing Opportunities for Wealth) Negosyo” with Reuel Oliver, acting city PESO Manager, and Michael Rico, project development officer, as contact persons. Barangay GROW Negosyo identifies flagship industries for every barangay and sponsors seminars to train entrepreneurs on how to improve their source of livelihood. Activities to promote the business are also being conducted. The city government, wherever necessary, also purchases some products of these entrepreneurs for the former’s nutrition programs and other livelihood projects. “We buy bundles of misua from our locals to help and assist them. Instead of purchasing from other known manufacturers which are relatively more expensive, it is more beneficial to transact with our locals so as government funds will revolve around the city, which, in turn, will boost the local economy,” explains Alec Santos, executive secretary of Naga City Mayor John Bongat. Barangay GROW Negosyo aims to raise barangay level employment rate. It also seeks to improve household income levels, instill pride on barangay- owned products, promote emergence of model entrepreneurs, and attain the city’s vision for economic empowerment.

25 CLO: A refuge for women and abused children By ATTY. IMEE ABARDO-ESTRADA

T the second floor of the City The Naga City Civil Registry OLce was adjudged 6th place in the search for the Top 10 Hall main building, women and Outstanding Civil Registry OLce in the Philippines under the extra large category. A children have a legal refuge. The award of recognition was presented by Administrator and Civil Registrar General The City Legal Office has been in the Carmelite N. Ericta of the OLce of the Civil Registrar General and the National Statistics frontline of the city government in taking OLce during the 5th National Workshop on Civil Registration held in SMX Convention legal steps to protect and promote the Center, Mall of Asia Complex in Pasay City last August 5, this year. rights of women and children under R.A. 9262, or the Anti-Violence Against The city civil registry, which is headed by Mr. Alexander M. Cayetano, was cited for its Women and Children Act, and R.A. 7160, highly commendable performance and delivery of civil registration services for the period of which is the Anti-Child Abuse Law. January to December 2009. Besides an added mandate to provide legal assistance to indigent women, the The women clients of the office are the legal and common-law wives, live-in CLO has been an advocate of women and women partners, girlfriends or all women in a dating relationship and living in children’s concerns through its lady Asst. battering condition or have become victims of physical, psychological, sexual and City Legal Officer, Atty. Imee Abardo- economic abuse. The child/children of these women who underwent physical, Estrada. It does not merely render legal psychological and sexual abuses and those children who suffered from sexual counseling to women and children but molestation or harassment are likewise given utmost attention. Last 2009, the CLO also takes bold actions by filing and has served thirty-four abused women with their respective children. Eleven of litigating cases against their abusers. these were assisted in court hearings, while the rest were aided in terms of However, family-related cases which are settlement for support and/or custody with their husbands/partners or fathers of the not yet ripe for judicial action undergo children and pre-litigation of child abuse cases. mediation and conciliation process. In the same aspect, the CLO has become a From January 2010 to date, there were twenty-one cases of abused women with support and implementing agency of the their respective children. Two of these cases are now under court litigation and other offices and/or government the rest were solved through settlement for support and/or custody and organizations such as the City Social pre- litigation of child abuse cases. Welfare and Development Office, Philippine National Police Naga, the city’s With the fresh policy directions of the city government under the leadership of 27 barangays, the Naga City Council for Mayor John G. Bongat and City Legal Officer Perfecto ‘Junjun’ N. Bragais III, the Women, and the Bantay Familia, Inc. CLO will continue to make strides in the pursuit of the welfare of women and Being a member of Task Force Takip children and to live up to the ideals of being the Most VAW (Violence Against Silim, it led the inspection and summary Women)-Responsive Local Government Unit in the Philippines. closure of bars, hotels, restaurants, and other similar establishments in the city which violated our laws and ordinances City Hall sets up PDAO, on employment of women and children. promotes rights of persons with disability V By JASON NEOLA

ESPONDING to the call by the national government to establish an office that will oversee the welfare and promote the rights of persons with disability, the 10th Sangguniang Panlungsod passed last August 3 City Ordinance 2010-039, R an ordinance creating the persons with disability affairs office (PDAO). City Councilor Nathan Sergio said the ordinance is an enabling law of Republic Act 10070, an act that establishes an institutional mechanism to ensure implementation of programs and services for persons with disabilities (PWDs) and directs the setting up of PDAO in every province, city and municipality. The law is an amendment to RA 7277 or the Magna Carta for Disabled Persons, which was signed by former President Arroyo on April 6, 2009.

Sergio, who authored the ordinance, said the PDAO is under the Office of the City Mayor who shall appoint a PWD Affairs Officer who shall manage and oversee the operations of PDAO. m

26 City Hall helps in City Hall sets up PDAO (continued) setting up solemn, The City Government of Naga inaugurated its own PDAO vibrant on July 21, this year. The office’s responsibilities include formulating and implementing policies, plans, and program that will promote tercentenary the welfare of disabled persons; ensuring the implementation of the Accessibility Law; representing the sector in meetings celebration of of local development councils and other special bodies; and gathering relevant data on the disabled persons in their devotion to Ina localities. By JASON NEOLA According to Sergio, the PDAO shall also disseminate information on programs and activities of disabled persons including training and employment opportunities; monitor N AN effort to help achieve a more vibrant and fundraising programs and activities for the sector seek meaningful celebration of the 300th year of devotion to donation from local and foreign donors; and ensure that I Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia, the Naga City Government programs and policies for the promotion of the welfare of the has come up with a task group that will respond to emergency sector are funded by both national and local government, situations from public safety to internal security during the among others. month-long festivities. RA 10070 also directs the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), the National Council on Disability Enabling the task group to effectively perform its mandate, the Affairs and relevant groups to review after three years the city government has set up a command center within the City implementation of the law. Hall building wherein emergency calls shall be received and acted upon thoroughly. It also instructs the DWSD to ensure that annual budget is provided to fund programs and provide support for disabled Mayor Bongat’s Executive Order 2010-16 creating the persons. inter-agency task group and the unified command emergency operations “will develop an effective and efficient command, RA 10070 is a consolidation of Senate Bill No. 3560 that was control, coordination, collaboration and communication system” passed by the Senate on January 18, 2009 and House Bill No. during the Peñafrancia festivities which is expected to gather 1387 that was passed by the House of Representatives on millions of people from different places in the country and January 26, 2009. abroad. Sergio said City Ordinance 2010-039 was co-authored by The task group and the unified command operations center will former City Councilor Lourdes V. Asence of the 9th provide a centralized focus of authority and information and Sanggunian. The proposed ordinance, however, was passed allows for face-to-face coordination among personnel who must during the 10th Sanggunian Panlungsod when she is no set priorities for use of resources and evaluate the need to longer a member. request mutual aid.

City Health Officer Dr. Vito Borja said among those who will In the aspect of medical emergencies, Borja said, more than man the center includes personnel coming from the Philippine 100 volunteer nurses, midwives and paramedics will be fielded National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, the Public Safety in pilgrim centers and sickbays joining the doctors assigned Office of the city government, the Philippine Army, the therein. Philippine Air Force and the Philippine Navy. Sickbays will be set up at Abcede Elementary School in The center’s manpower complementation will be augmented by Bagumbayan Sur, Sta. Cruz Elementary School in Barangay the volunteers from different rescue, paramedical and medical Sta. Cruz and Mac Mariano Elementary School in Brgy. organizations. Balatas. The center has a standby fire truck, police car and ambulance City Health Office and Naga City Hospital personnel will man ready to engage in round-the-clock operations. the sickbay in Basilica Minore while the pilgrim center in the Holy Rosary Minor Seminary near the Naga Metropolitan The inter-agency task group and the unified command Cathedral will be maintained by volunteers and doctors emergency operations center shall have the following functions: belonging to Bicol Medical Center-Health Emergency Management System (BMC-HEMS). • Supervise operations and pool of vital resources for the security, public safety, health and sanitation, emergency Other volunteers participating in the activity are the medical response and disaster preparedness. team of the Bureau of Fire Protection which is composed of • Carry out the principles of emergency preparedness and BFP personnel and BFP rescue volunteers, the Sumagang emergency management, or disaster management functions at a Rescue Team, the Saver Rescue Team of Lupi, Libmanan, Del strategic level in an emergency situation. Gallego, Sipocot and Lupi, the Camarines Sur Medical • Establish a command, control, coordination, and collaboration, Society headed by Dr. Elna Chia and the nursing students and communication system for the overall disaster emergency coming from the Naga College Foundation, Universidad de response. Sta. Isabel, University of Northeastern Philippines, University • Implement plans and programs, provide security and public of Nueva Caceres and the University of Saint Anthony. safety, address threats to internal security and safety, fire suppression, respond to all kind of emergencies and implement Borja, the group’s overall chairman on medical and health disaster preparedness mechanisms for natural, man-made, services, said at least 19 ambulances from neighboring towns human-induced hazards, HAZMAT response and biohazard including Libmanan and Sipocot will be used as service threats, and; vehicles in transporting patients or victims of common injuries • Create committees as it may deem necessary to carry out the who need urgent medical treatment and hospitalization. objectives of the executive order. 27 Naga to acquire P4M corn post-harvest processing center By JASON NEOLA

HE City Government here is requesting the Department of Agriculture to grant the city’s corn farmers one Village-type TCorn Post-Harvest Processing Center to help farmers lessen their post harvest losses during the rainy season. In its one-page resolution, the Sangguniang Panlungsod informed Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala that corn farmers are being drawn into deeper penury due to the wet climate, thus giving them difficulties to attain even the P13 per kilo support price of the National Food Authority (NFA). “Such a price is only possible at 14% moisture content which is difficult to attain in the predominantly wet climate of the city by farmers relying mainly on concrete pavements to dry their harvest given the absence of mechanical dryers,” the resolution said. City Councilor Salvador del Castillo, a farmer, said “the situation compels many corn farmers to sell [their products] at a loss just to have money for them to start [planting] all over again.” In his letter to the Sangguniang Panlungsod, Mayor John G. Bongat said the Village-type Corn Post-Harvest Processing Center with complete facilities such as corn cob dryer, corn sheller and a re-circulating dryer worth P3M will service corn farmers in the city and neighboring corn cluster areas. A counterpart funding from the City Government of Naga in the amount of P1M will be released for the construction of a building to house the facility and the installation of a three-phase electrical connection to power the equipment and related appurtenances. Naga is one of the corn cluster areas in Camarines Sur with some 470 hectares of agricultural land devoted to corn crops tilled by no less than 395 small farmers with an average harvest of 80 tons per hectare. The city is adjacent to other corn cluster municipalities in the province such as Bombon, Magarao, Calabanga, Camaligan and Pili which have direct access to the city and between them are over 2,000 hectares of corn areas. The processing center will be set up at the Naga City Nursery which is strategically located in Barangay Pacol and accessible even to farmers coming from the nearby towns. Bongat said one of the overriding objectives of the national government’s corn program is to alleviate poverty among farmers aside from corn self-sufficiency and in order to attain such objective farmers at their average yield of four tons per hectare need to sell their corn at no lower than P13 a kilo, the support price of NFA. Bongat said that the project will benefit corn farmers who for many years have been were, and still are, at the mercy of influential traders, pulling down prices during bumper harvests, and raising them only when farmers have nary any to sell. “With this facility, which can dry corn to 14% moisture content, our farmers can avail themselves of the NFA support price for corn when the market is depressed, and return to the open market when prices improve,” the city mayor added.

• The all hazards approach THE NAGA CITY • The Comprehensive approach (incorporating prevention, pre- paredness, mitigation response and recovery ) INTEGRATED • The all agencies approach ( incident command system) • The prepared community ( building resilient communities by EMERGENCY adopting the Hyogo Framework of Action ) Natural hazards, such as typhoons, flooding , land instability, urban MANAGEMENT fires and conflagration, power failure, have the potential to cause environmental , social economic loss through damage to habitation, SYSTEM life line facilities, and infrastructure. Land uses that fail to recognize Making Naga City safer before disaster strikes the areas prone to hazard risks are not sustainable and can cause By ERNESTO T. ELCAMEL communities and the environment unnecessarry harm or damages. Communities need to be developed in a sustainable manner by insur- ing a close linkage between hazard mitigation and comprehensive ISASTER management has evolved land use planning. somewhat over the past decades with a shift Dfrom response to prevention and preparedness Good Urban Governance : Towards greater transparency and to mitigation. The United Nations International accountabillity Decade for Natural Disaster Reduction , and the Asian Urban Disaster Mitigation Program of the Asian Good governance is an area where Naga has consistently made Disaster Preparedness Center (AUDMP-ADPC) saw significant strides on capitalizing on its gains over the past decades, many governments and institutions , including Naga the city has just made a great leap –anchored on the development of City, adopt the four specific disaster management the concept that promotes greater transparency and accountability. concepts , namely : m 28 Foreign tour agents slate meeting with Naga execs TO SELL, NAGA, BICOL

Mer capping their tour of this city’s sights and sceneries, as well as other Bicol destinations, ten foreign buyers will be meeting with city officials here in a dinner where the laNer will highlight the charm, history and warmth A of the community and convince the guests to actively sell and push Naga to their clients.

The tour is a culminating activity of the 10th Philippine Travel Exchange (Phitex) held at the Manila Hotel on August 31- September 2, this year. Phitex is being sponsored by the Department of Tourism and the Philippine Tour Operators Association (Philtoa). It is an annual gathering of international travel trade groups for possible business partnerships with Philippine tourism suppliers. Some 100 foreign buyers composed of tour operators and travel agents from key international markets of the country are expected to attend the travel exchange with their local counterparts. City External Relations Officer Joe Perez, Tour Officer Lilibeth ‘Bitang’ Sanchez, and Tourism Officer Boy Aguilar have been commissioned by City Mayor John Bongat to welcome the touring guests during a dinner meeting on September 6 at Bob Mar- lin Restaurant. Dubbed “i-Travel, i-Explore”, the foreign buyers’ sojourn in Naga is a post-tour module where the visiting foreign buyers are given first-hand experience of the country. As one of the leading travel destinations, Bicol, including this city, has been chosen to be showcased through the post-tour package, according to Assistant Secretary Benito Bengzon, Jr. of the Department of Tourism who is also the project manager of the Task Force 10th Phitex 2010.

The Naga City Integrated Emergency (from page 28)

A sustainable community also selects hazard reduction and management strategies that evolve from full participation among all public and private stakeholders. Planning is probably the most comprehnsive means of creating sustainability and resilience. Sustainable development is the result of an integral planning process that incorporates (or should incorporate) a number of considerations regarding hazards such as vulnerability and risk reduction strategies aimed at protecting the environment and economic growth. Hence, implementing hazard mitigation policies is a major vehicle, although it is not the only means, and neither will it work in all cases. With Naga City’s good urban governance experience , such a policy incorporate elements of land use management, construction regulations and private – public participation , these components are strategies that inter-linked to promote cooperation among the and the whole of government approach,--truly adheres to the NAGA SMILES to the world concept. These programs bring several accolades to Naga City where several agencies cited Naga City’s efforts as best practices in local governance, the UNDP-MDG cited Naga as the first LGU to localize MDG Process. The NDCC Gawad Kalasag Awards bestows Naga’s program to be the best disaster management project. Asian Urban Disaster Mitigation Program of the ADPC included Naga’s program in their best practices in disaster mitigation in the region. Recently, the city acquires top of the line urban search and rescue equipment after which a search and rescue team from the Public safety Office underwent a rigid training course in urban search and rescue. This corps of men is a specialized medical assistance response team, that can go to any disaster stricken area complete with its equipment that can be fielded to water search and rescue, collapsed structure search and rescue, high angle and rough terrain. The team’s composition is multi-discipline; they have a rope rescue technician, structural technician and EMR. Only last July 2010, Naga City, the contingent garnered the second runner up at the recently concluded 1st National Disaster Response and Search and Rescue Competition held in the province of Albay. Team Naga bested and competed among the coun- try’s best contingents. This shows how Naga City crafted a number of effective responses to hazards and environmental degradation that helped up- lift the quality of life . Specifically it centered on the Naga City Disaster Mitigation Program, and how it helped evolve the Naga City’s risk reduction initiatives, and within the purview of the NAGA SMILES program. 29 Naga concludes nutrition month with breastfeeding By JASON NEOLA

HE CITY government here concluded the celebration of the Nutrition Month with the launching of the “Search for Model TBreastfeeding Barangay.” City Population and Nutrition Officer Teresita A. Del Castillo said the advocacy on breastfeeding must win the support of the barangays to obtain sustainability and strength.

She said a top-to-bottom implementation of the program would improve, protect and promote appropriate infant and young child feeding practices and ensure sustainability of interventions.

The search will cover the period from July this year to June 2011. The three winning barangays will receive cash prizes (1st Place, P20, 000; 2nd Place, P10, 000 and 3rd Place, P5, 000) during the awarding ceremonies which will be held in July 2011.

Del Castillo explained that among the many benefits of breastfeeding is that breastfed babies tend to have less incidence or less pronounced symptoms of ear infections, respiratory illness, allergies, diarrhea, and vomiting.

She said mothers who breastfeed and nurse their babies for at least 6 months lessen their chances of pre-menopausal breast cancer.

Integral part of the program is the organization and training of leaders and implementers of Infant and Young Child Feeding (IYCF) practices in the city’s 27 barangays.

IYCF barangay leaders had given inputs and lectures on different benefits of breastfeeding and breastmilk by the NCPO personnel. Among these lectures are the importance of breastfeeding, how breastfeeding works, Assessing a breastfeed, proper breastfeeding positioning of babies, Common Breastfeeding difficulties, Importance of Complementary Feeding and the Overview of Mother-Baby Friendly Community.

Other advantages of breastfeeding: due to the digestibility of breastmilk, breastfed babies are rarely constipated, stools of breastfed babies are mild-smelling, and SIDS (Sudden Infant Death Syndrome) is less common in breastfed babies. Breastmilk is constantly changing in its composition to meet the changing needs of the baby. It has the exact combination of protein, fats, vitamins, minerals, enzymes, and sugar needed for the human infant at various stages of his growth.

Breastfed babies are constantly exposed to a variety of tastes through their mother's milk and are at less risk for crohn's disease and juvenile diabetes.

Children who were breastfed are less likely to need orthodontic work such as braces due to the unique sucking action required with breastfeeding. They also seem to have better overall dental health than formula-fed children. Children who were breastfed need speech therapy less often than those who were bottle-fed.

IQ levels are an average of 8 points higher in children who were breastfed; Adult daughters who were breastfed are at less risk for breast cancer. Adults who were breastfed have a lower risk for high cholesterol and asthma, the bond between mother and child seems to be enhanced with breastfeeding.

For mothers, breastfeeding helps the uterus to contract thus lessening the risk of postpartum hemorrhage; the uterus of a breastfeeding mother shrinks to its pre-pregnancy size more quickly. Calories are burned while breastfeeding. It takes approximately 20 calories to produce an ounce of milk.

Osteoporosis and cervical cancer are less common in women who breastfed and the return of fertility is delayed with breastfeeding.

Breastfeeding is more economical than formula feeding. Breast milk is always available, clean, and the right temperature and many mothers feel a special satisfaction in knowing that they alone are meeting the nutritional needs of their babies.

The Search for Breastfeeding Barangays will be based on the following criteria:

Plan of Action, 5%; Practice of appropriate infant and young feeding, 25%; Barangay Ordinances on Milk Code Enforcement, setting up community support group officers and promoting, protecting, and advocating for appropriate breastfeeding, 10%; Knowledge of health workers and birth attendants on IYCF, 15%; No existing underweight and severely malnourished children from 2 years old and below during evaluation, 30%; and Active and Organized Peer Counselors in the Barangay, 15%.

Meanwhile, the CPNO had initiated different activities during the Nutrition Month celebration last July.

Among the activities undertaken by the office were: cooking contest on complementary foods held at the City Hall lobby which was participated in by mothers with infants, induction of the Peer Counselors in the city’s 27 barangays last July 29. The Peer Counselors organized in the barangays are tasked to carry out counseling for pregnant and lactating mothers on proper breastfeeding through home visit at least two times a month.

Awards were also given to Top 10 Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Councils and the Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Scholar.

The highlight of the nutrition month celebration was the launching of the Model Breastfeeding Community; this is in support to the breastfeeding promotion of the National Nutrition Council and to eradicate malnutrition for 0-2 years old which is said to be the critical age for preschoolers. 30 Nutrition committee, DepEd launch “Gulayan Contest” in public schools By JASON NEOLA

SEEMINGLY low-key project but undeniably an important one is taking place to bring up an improved Dengue down Anutrition level among public school children. in Naga Launched last August 20, this year, the “Taranoman para sa Tamang Nutrisyon” project requires the selected 29 public elementary WITH sustained information drive against dengue, schools in the city to grow at least four types of vegetables in school cases of the disease dramatically went down in the first gardens which are used as ingredients in the school feeding seven months of this year, according to City Health program. Officer Vito Borja. Other than being supportive to the project, the Department of He revealed that the information drive and the Education in the city is also pursuing a similar undertaking dubbed cooperation of local officials at the barangays level has as Gulayan Program. brought a 45 percent decrease of cases, from 210 last year to 115 this year during the same seven month Budget Officer and concurrent Officer-in-Charge of the City period. Agriculture Office Frank M. Mendoza said the project is also aimed at allowing school personnel and the children to appreciate Borja said they made extensive use of the broadcast gardening as a means of producing healthy food for the home and media to inform people of the importance of sanitation community. and prevention of breeding grounds of the dengue- carrying mosquitos. He said the actual crops to be planted will depend on the vegetable requirements of the Nutri-Dunong feeding program and the He said they also continue to conduct barangays suitability of each site to particular vegetables as per actual meetings and school clean-up activities where the inspection by the City Agriculture Office. cooperation of the community is mobilized. The project was inspired by Mayor John Bongat who encouraged Borja noted a very significant decrease of cases in April the concerned city offices and the DepEd to grow nutritious plants 2010 by about 86% compared to last year’s record of that can be used as ingredients for the school feeding menu given 15 cases to only 2 during the same month this year. In to children under the Nutri-Dunong program of the City June, he said, the previous record of 61 cases was down Population and Nutrition Office. to 21 cases even as the highest number of cases this year was recorded in July at 29 cases from 48 during The possible vegetable choices, as recommended by the Nutrition the same month last year. Office, are: pechay, squash, tomatoes, cassava, kangkong, carrots, cabbage, malunggay, monggo, bush sitao, corn, camote, ginger, pepper (for its leaves), gabi, upo, sayote, raddish, Baguio beans, The project was formally launched in Pacol and eggplant. Elementary School where an on-site “Taranoman” was also held on the same day. The activities were attended Mendoza said that exchange of vegetables among schools is by DepEd and City Hall officials led by City Schools encouraged to inject variety in the menu of the children. Division Superintendent Dr. Carlito Boni, Mayor Bongat, Mendoza, school principals, school nutrition The feeding menu being given to the pupils: pansit, goto, ginisang coordinators and the members of the city nutrition monggo, macaroni soup and other nutritious meals. committee.

The usual garden plots will be set up for schools with large land areas while those with no available site will adapt the potted gardening option. Hereunder are the contest criteria: a. Improvement in pupil nutrition status, 40% b. Garden production and maintenance, 20% c. Production used as ingredients in feeding program, 20% d. Pupil feedback on food taste and ingredients used, 20% Contest prizes are a combination of tablewares, kitchen utensils, stove and LPG supply for the duration of the next feeding program cycle, and garden tools worth P5,000 for the first prize, P4,000 for the second prize, P3,000 for the third prize and plaque for all participants. PLANTING IS FUN. Ma yor Bongat with City Schools Superintendent Carlito Boni plant seedlings of a nutritious vegetable during the onsite “Taranoman” while Budget OLcer and The proposed timetable for the implementation of the project was OIC City Agriculturist Frank Mendoza and other public started at the school site inspection by the City Agriculture Office elementary school principals look on. PING COLLERA followed by identification of schools and malnourished pupils which was held on the first week of August simultaneous with the procurements by CPNO and CAgO. 31 Naga biz chamber Blood donation sustains partnership for Ina with city gov’t BLOOD red will be among the colors of the joyful celebration of the 300 years of devotion to the Virgin of Peñafrancia. FOR the past six years now, the Metro Naga Chamber of Commerce & Industry (MNCCI) has been carrying out a This, after the Tercentenary committee of the Archdiocese fruitful partnership with the city government of Naga. The of Caceres, the Peñafrancia Parish, the City Government of public-private partnership which is one of the thrusts of the Naga and their partner organizations have slated a one-day national government which calls for collective undertaking mobile blood donation. and enhancement of local economic development activities in the area has been effectively translated by both the It will be held on September 4, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 pm, business sector here and the city government. at the Pastoral Hall of Our Lady of Peñafrancia Parish in Barangay Peñafrancia, here. Two of the most major partnerships of the Chamber with the city government is the Bicol Business Week (BBW) and the The project targets more than 600 volunteer blood donors Naga City Business Registry Databank (NCBRD). coming from the parishes of two vicariates – St. John the Evangelist and Our Lady of Peñafrancia. The BBW, which is an annual business event on trade and investment promotion program, offers venue for the Aiming to accumulate 500 blood bags from donors, entrepreneurs to showcase their products and services and personnel of Penafrancia Barangay Council and the undertake business matching and joint venture activities that Department of Health-Bicol Medical Center have conducted will improve business undertakings and prospects. This also trainings of members of the pastoral councils on blood donor opens new investments for other enterprises. Likewise, the recruitment and care. MNCCI maintains the Naga City Business Registry Databank which is the repository of relevant economic and Invitations to possible donors from the different religious business information of all business enterprises in Naga City. organizations and institutions of the parishes under the two vicariates have already been sent to ensure maximum Aside from trade and investment promotion activities, the participation in the project. Chamber also lobbied the city government on some issues that affect business growth and development among These organizations include the Couples for Christ and its members, in particular, and the whole business community, ministries, Knights of Columbus, PREX, Cofradia de San in general. MNCCI actively participates in all groups/ Jose, Cursillo, Guardia de Maria, Mother Butler and the committees in the city in behalf of the business sector, to Catholic schools. assist in the planning, implementation and monitoring of developmental projects/activities of the city government. Blood donors from the vicariate of St. John the Evangelist are expected to donate blood in the morning while those Recently, the MNCCI and the city government from the vicariate of Our Lady of Peñafrancia will donate sponsored a study visit of the Naga Market theirs in the afternoon. Free transportation to and from the Stallholders Federation (NAMASFED) to Marikina, Pasig venue will be made available to all blood donors. and Farmers Markets. The visit aimed to expose the local market stallholders to the best practices of the three markets City Councilor Nathan Sergio, who is also the executive for possible adaptation and replication in their local director of the Naga City Blood Program, said walk-in environment. donors, including pilgrims, devotees and guests who arrive earlier for the Penafrancia festivities are also welcome. After the blood letting Sergio said 100 blood bags will be sent to Philippine National Red Cross in Manila while the rest will go to the Bicol Medical Center here.

32 CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT EXPO

Naga honored with DILG Regional Director Blandino Maceda assured all local government officials who attended the capacity excellence in development exposition that enabling every LGU to become more responsive with greater flexibility and governance, local effectiveness in the delivery of services is the primordial concern of his office thru the DILG’s capability legislative awards development interventions. By JASON NEOLA Assistant Regional Director Elouisa Pastor underscored that the Capacity Development Exposition, which is the LEGAZPI CITY --- The City Government of Naga was given first ever to be held in the Bicol Region, is a knowledge recognition anew for its outstanding performance in pursuit of good sharing mechanism that strengthens and brings together governance. the capacity development initiatives of the national government agencies, local resources institutes, donors, The acknowledgment for the city’s best approaches was expressed leagues of local governments, civil society organizations, thru the awards presented during the Capacity Development local government units and other capacity development Exposition (CDEX 2010) held last August 25 at the regional office partners. of the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), IN Legazpi City. CDEX 2010 is a centerpiece program under the DILG’s Local Governance Resource Center which showcases Other than the 2009 Award for Excellence in Local Governance the capacity development trends and challenges of good which was received by Mayor John G. Bongat, the city was also local governance. accorded with the 2009 Local Legislative Awards as the regional winner for the independent component city category. It highlights the Bicol Region’s capacity development trends and challenges through the presentation of the The latter was received by Vice-Mayor Gabriel H. Bordado Jr., Region’s State of Local Development under the Local City Councilors Jose Tuason, Ray-An Cedrick Rentoy and lawyer Governance Performance Management System and the Salvador Del Castillo. regional summary of the Capacity Development Agenda and Programs of the region assisted by the Agencia The plaque cites Naga City “in recognition of the city officials’ Española de Cooperacion para el Desarollo under the outstanding performance and significant contributions in Strengthening Local Governments in the Philippines strengthening the capacities of the local government unit and civil project. society participation in creating a synergistic partnership for an improved local service delivery to ensure sustainable development “As there is no “one size fits all” solution to the outcome for the enhancement of the quality of life of their capacity needs of LGUs, the support of each and every constituents.” one of us does count. The success of this exposition will surely be realized if we work together for the creation of Mayor Bongat said that with the effective partnership between the an environment that will make local governments and city’s executive department and the Sangguniang Panlungsod more stakeholders forge an alliance to address the trends and performance-based policies and programs will be undertaken and challenges on capacity development,” Pastor added. accomplished for the Nagueño in partnership with other government agencies and the private sector.

KEEPING A TRADITION. Ci ty Mayor John G. Bongat and Vice Mayor Gabby Bordado receive the 2009 Award for Excellence in Local Governance and 2009 Local Legislative Award from DILG Undersecretary Auste- rio A. Panadero. The awards were given yesterday, August 26, during the Capacity Development Exposition (CDEX 2010) held at the DILG Regional OLce in Legazpi City. JOSE COLLERA

33 What is i-Serve? SM Foundation By NICOLAS C. MOTOS, JR. donates 2 school buildings, books By ERNANI B. SURON

SM Foundation, Inc. last Aug. 26 turned over two units of 2- classroom school buildings and thousands of books to at least two public schools in the city. “We are glad and thankful to the support of SM Foundation, Inc. in giving its share for the upliftment of the quality of education of elementary and secondary public schools in the city of Naga,” Mayor John Bongat said in his message during the simple turn-over ceremonies. i-SERVE or Innovative Service & Value Entitlement, is a The newly-completed school buildings, the 31 and 32nd built service quality assurance program of the city government of by SM Foundation in various parts of the country, were Naga. This innovation in governance is designed to verify turned over to Don Manuel I. Abella Elementary School in client information, record and monitor service delivery and Barangay Cararayan and the Tinago High School in serve as a management tool to assess office performance. Barangay Tinago. The program is scheduled to be fully implemented under the Earlier the previous day, the city mayor graced the turn-over administration of City Mayor John G. Bongat, author of the of “Proficient Measures for Quality Education” project by i-Serve Ordinance. The i-Serve program was passed and Knowledge Channel Foundation and Philip Morris approved as Ordinance No. 2008-092, with the IRR Philippines in at Sta. Cruz Elementary School. approved in November 2009. Mayor Bongat said the donated school buildings will “serve By Executive Order No. 2010-007, an I-Serve Information as an inspiration not only to the school administration and and Action Center (ISIAC) will be established at the lobby of teachers but to the pupils who will be inspired to study hard City Hall. It will serve as City Hall Information Center and and perform better.” assist Nagueños and other clients in their need for any service from the city and facilitate the delivery of services by A vital project that aims to address the problem of shortage frontline offices. of classrooms in public schools, SM Foundation hopes to be instrumental in improving the students’ learning conditions. One component of the program is the Naga City Privilege Each school building is equipped with teacher’s desk sets, Card, a valid identity card issued by the city government student armchairs, blackboards, wall fans, and toilets. which will facilitate easy access of Nagueños to various city “Education is just among the services. advocacy of SM Group of Companies and with these donated Early this year, i-Serve program has initiated the "Libreng school buildings we are hoping that Cine sa SM" for Naga's Senior Citizens, granting free the school will maximize its full cinema admission to any of the SM City-Naga movie use and the students find theatres. Almost 3000 elderly residents have already conducive place for learning, said enjoyed this privilege since May 2010. Carmen Linda M. Atayde, a member of the Board of Trustees and the The city government of Naga is currently discussing with SM Executive Director for Educational City-Naga to expand the coverage, to include other Programs of SM Foundation, Inc. sectoral beneficiaries of the i-serve program, like the PWDs.

Melody M. Gersbach Miss Bicolandia 2008 Miss Philippines International 2009

The people of Naga City mourn with deepest sorrow and great loss the untimely passing away of Miss International 2009 finalist and Miss Bicolandia 2008 Melody M. Gersbach and her two other companions during a vehicular accident last August 21, 2010. She was on her way to Naga City to fulfill a commitment as honorary member of the Miss Bicolandia committee where she was once its queen. The Sangguniang Panlungsod in its regular session passed Resolution No. 2010-271 expressing sincere sympathy and deep condolences of the city government of Naga to Melody’s bereaved family.

34 The Civil Registry Office: Keeping its mandate to the fullest

By ALEXANDER M. CAYETANO

IVIL Registry Offices have for their primordial task to put into record vital events related to an individual from birth to death and life circumstances that affect the civil status of the person. Its creation is mandated by Republic Act 7160 (The C Local Government Code of 1991), Act 3753 (Civil Registry Law), and Republic Act No. 386 (The Civil Code of the Philippines).

Driven by a dynamic city leadership, the Naga City Civil Registry Office has been continuously devising ways of streamlining its bureaucracy, introducing new policies and innovations for better service. Thus, The “No Brown-Out Policy” was adopted where power brown-outs are no longer a deterrent in the continuous processing and releasing of documents requested by the clients. The slogan “We Serve Fast, We Serve Right”, resulted to the prompt release of requested documents, early submission of reports to the NSO and, fast and accurate delivery of civil registration services to all clients. Consistent early submission of monthly reports to the NSO redounds to the benefit of the people whose requests for records at that Office are dispatched An award most deserving. without further delay.

• Mobile registration of unregistered children. In order to bring about complete coverage and registration of vital events, the Mobile Registration Team was organized to conduct a city-wide civil registration on a regular basis. The strategy not only yielded positive results in terms of increase of registered vital events, but served as an advocacy for barangay officials to support the project. Updated Database. Consistent with the I-Governance program of the city government, the office’ database has been fully updated. Hence, retrieval of records has been remarkably fast, making the release of requested civil registry documents within 10 to 15 minutes per client. Mass Civil Weddings. As part of its value added service, the office regularly sponsors mass weddings with no less than the city mayor as the solemnizing officer. Last year an aggregate of 117 couples were civilly married. Yet another value added service which last lasted until July last year was the hosting of the Mobile Passport Service in partnership with the Department of Foreign Affairs. The project was aimed at relieving Naga City Residents of the rigors of applying for a passport at the regional office in Legazpi City, thereby saving time, effort and money in the process. Not only Nagueños patronized the event, but also applicants coming from the farthest point of Camarines Norte and the island province of Masbate came to avail of the service. Conducted BCRS Training Seminar. On November 11 – 12, 2009 – the office conducted a training seminar on Barangay Civil Registration System (BCRS) in coordination with the National Statistics Office at the Bicol Science and Technology Centrum, Naga City. The activity was participated in by barangay secretaries, barangay captains and other barangay officials. The activity was made in adherence to the National Statistics Office’s thrust of establishing primarily a civil registration system thru demographic profiling in the barangay wherein the barangay secretary will play a very vital role. Recipient of national and regional awards. The high performance of the office did not go on unnoticed as shown by the following: i. On August 10, 2006, the office garnered 9th place among the Top Ten Outstanding LCROs in the country (Extra Large Category) for its performance and delivery of civil registration services for the period January to December 2005 ii. On August 6, 2009, the office again placed 9th among the top 10 LCROs (Extra Large Category) in the country on for its performance and delivery of civil registration services for the period January to December 2008. iii. On December 18, 2009, the office was awarded as Top Performer in the region (Extra Large Category) for its conduct and delivery of civil registration activities and services for the period of January to December 2008. iv. On August 5, 2010, the City Civil Registry Office advanced to 6th Place among the top 10 outstanding Local Civil Registry Office (LCRO) in the country (Extra Large Category) for its performance and delivery of civil registration services for the period January to December 2009, thus improving its record. 35 Historic MOA Signing for the Peñafrancia Fiesta 2010 Me mbers of the Joint Operations Center du ring the Memorandum of Agreement signing, 27 August 2010 at the Archbishop’s residence. Standing (from left to right). Rene Abiada (Kabalikat 645), PSUPT Reynaldo P. Periabras (Cam. Sur PPO), Fire Chief Inspector Achilles Santiago, BFP, Capt. Romy Nebres, PN Deputy Commander, Naval Forces Southern Luzon; PCSUPT. Cecilio B Calleja, Regional Director, PNP; Major Gen. Ruperto R Pabustan, AFP, Commanding General, 9th ID (SPEAR) Division PA, Dr. Vito C. Borja II, City Health OLcer, Engr. Cesar Federizon, MNWD; PSUPT. Joselito T Nicodemus, Regional Chief, PNP Maritime Group; PSUPT. Joel Dimaano, HPG Cam. Sur; PSSUPT. Jacinto Sison, NCPO and Mr. Ernesto Elcamel. Seated next row. Joselito S.A. del Rosario, Department Head, Public Safety OLce, Fr. Edgardo F. Adversario, Mayor John G. Bongat, Jane Barrameda, OIC-General Manager, Casureco II; Dr. Mary Jane G. Uy, BMC; Ms. Amelia V. Enriquez, Chief Nurse, BMC; Jo Sarcilla, Chief Nurse, NCH, Ms. Wilhelmina de Castro, Chief of BMC-HEMS; and Councilor Nathan Sergio.

Rescuers. Naga City Mayor John G. Bongat con- Consultative. Ma yor Bongat and City Adminis- Tech-Savvy. City Mayor Bongat and gratulates the members of the city's trator Florencio Mongoso, Jr. listen to the Electronics Data Processing unit head Ansel emergency rescue team after successfully concerns raised by market vendors during a Maño inspect surveillance and biometrics participating in the 1st National Rescue and consultation meeting at the City Mayor's OLce. equipment during a presentation by a private Disaster Response Competition held at Legazpi supplier. City last July 26 to 30.

Rule of Law. Enforcers of the Public Safety Brand New. Members of Naga's Bureau of Fire Massive. Color-coded durable seats await eager OLcers Kag down motorists who violate city Protection ride atop a new Jre truck Nagueños and visitors at the new Naga City ordinances as part of the City Government's acquired through former mayor, now DILG Coliseum which is slated to be formally opened eIorts to curb violations. Secretary Jesse M. Robredo. on Sept. 1.

Peoudly Nagueño. Lo cally-made handbags made of water lilies as well as trophies crafted in the city's Dialogue. Members of the Naga City Urban Poor uptown barangays are only a few of the many products now being supported by the city government's Federation raise their concerns to City Mayor GROW Negosyo program to empower barangays economically. Bongat during a dialogue-meeting. 36 Miss Bicolandia 2010 Finalists

Maria Venus Raj Miss Universe 2010, 4th Runner-Up Bicolanos and Filipinos all over the world rejoiced with great honor and pride when Venus’ name, conceded to be the crowd’s favorite during the Miss Universe 2010 pageant in Las Vegas, USA, was called to compose the elite five finalists. She may not have won the title, but to us she is the winner. Congratulations!

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