kamundagan festival 2017

KEVIN JOHN O. BILLIONESL a y o u t A r t i s t

ANSELMO B. MAÑOW e b s i t e A d m i n i s t r a t o r

This quarterly magazine is published by the

City Government of Naga, thru the City Publications Office

and the City Events, Protocol and Public Information

Office, with editorial office at City Hall Compound,

J. Miranda Avenue, Naga City 4400 Philippines

Tel: +63 54 881-8328+63 54 871-3098

Email: [email protected]: www.naga.gov.ph

FLORENCIO T. MONGOSO, JR. REUEL M. OLIVER

E d i t o r i a l C o n s u l t a n t s

JOSE V. COLLERASYLRANJELVIC C. V ILLAFLOR

REYNALDO T. BAYLONXERES RAMON GAGERO

P h o t o g r a p h e r s

IAN MAR P. NEBRES LEED r o n e P i l o t

JOHN G. BONGATC i t y M a y o r

NELSON S. LEGACIONC i t y V i c e M a y o r

JOSE B. PEREZE d i t o r

A Quarter ly Magaz ine of theCity Government of Naga

Bico l , Ph i l ipp ines

ISSN 2094-9383

Vol. 8, No. 4 | October - December 2017

ALLEN L. REONDANGAALEC FRANCIS A.SANTOSPAUL JOHN F. BARROSA

LILIBETH SANCHEZT e c h n i c a l A d v i s e r s

ARMIE B. GUNAYSHARMAINE ZEN O. MANZANO

W r i t e r s

CHRISTOPHER E . ANTONIORUEL P. SANDUCO

C i r c u l a t i o n

KAMUNDAGAN FESTIVAL 2017 -- ONE OF THE HIGHLIGHTS OF THE OCCASION IS THE SIMULTANEOUS CHRISTMAS LIGHTING WITHIN THE HEART OF THE CITY WHEREIN THE CENTERPIECE -- A BELEN AND SEVERAL CHRISTMAS TREES SET UP AT THE PLAZA, AS WELL AS THE CHRISTMAS LIGHTS THAT BRIGHTEN UP THE TREES IN THE TWO ADJOINING PLAZAS – PLAZA QUEZON AND PLAZA RIZAL – WERE ILLUMINATED, MUCH TO THE DELIGHT AND AWE OF THE CROWD.PHOTO BY

RACSO VITAN

JASON B. NEOLAM a n a g i n g E d i t o r

ARMIE GUNAY S u p e r v i s i n g E d i t o r

RAFAEL RACSO V. V ITAN G r a p h i c s D e s i g n a n d

L a y o u t E d i t o r

The “Naga SMILES to the World”

logo is composed of the two

baybayin characters, na and ga.

Na, shaped like a mountain,

provides a strong foundation for the

Narra tree which grew abundantly

along the Naga River while a zigzag

line denotes the majestic Malabsay

Falls.

Ga, shaped like a farmer’s plow,

is symbolic of the Nagueño’s

agricultural roots and hardworking

personality.

The baybayin Naga characters

rest on a wave-like element which

represents the Naga River and the

serpent, which is read in Sanskrit

as naga.

This new branding for Naga,

launched in 2010 by the dynamic

Bongat administration, envisions a

more livable city that is world-class.

The “An Maogmang Lugar” logo is

an attempt to capture Naga as we

want it to be – a city that is progressive

and yet environment-friendly, where

the people freely participate in the

day-to-day affairs of the government,

and where culture and arts are

flourishing.

The stylized design of “NAGA”

represents the city’s aggressive

march towards modernization and

progress. The sky-blue background,

the Narra tree, and the Naga River

represent our people’s desire for an

ecologically-balanced community.

The ring of people surrounding the

entire design shows the Nagueños’

participatory mechanism which is

part and parcel of the city’s way

of doing things. It also shows the

people’s concern and unity in

everything that is good for the city.

Today, the city, as Maogmang Lugar,

aims to portray more than a happy

place but a happy people who are the

true beneficiaries of everything good

that is happening in the city.

TABLE OF CONTENTS3 Mayor’s Message

5 Bigger Budget, Better Services

9 KAMUNDAGAN FESTIVAL

A season of joy, merriment, and birth of a Savior

17 Nightly Live Music

21 PWD CHAMP NAGA to be conferred with Apolinario Mabini Award 2017

23 SENIOR CITIZENS MONTH 23 as Named Counterpart Naga City Hall Officials

25 Newly Renovated City Health Office

Ready or Bigger Improved Services

27 Fight vs Dengue Pressed

29 Brand New Dumptrucks Purchased for Landfill Project and Garbage Collection

30 Laboratory for Urban Infra Programming held in Naga

32

NAGALICIOUS

34 The Bridges of the City of Naga

36 MNWD and DSWD Seal Pioneering Partnership

37 More Economic

Opportunities at CBD II

39 Naga Chosen for Program on Disaster

Resilience

40 After Winning the Luzon Champions Tourney NCF Tigers to battle with PH's Top Collegiate Bastketball Teams

41

The Best in Bicol LGU Naga's CPNO is POPCOM�s BEST PERFORMING POPULATION OFFICE

43 Boy Scouts, Padyak Drivers in FIRST AID OLYMPICS

47 Naga to Host 2018 National ICT Summit

48 Leni Brings Angat Kabuhayan to farmers in Naga, other Towns

SP HIGHLIGHTS

49 Most Child� Friendly

Barangay

51 Physical Therapyand

Rehabilitation Center

1 OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2017 OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2017 2

Mayor ' s MessageDECEMBER is always the happiest month of the year. It is on this season that the Savior is

born. And all the people rejoice for He has come to bring us peace, love and joy.

Christmas, which falls in December, is also the grandest and most elaborate of all festivals and festivities among Christians, especially among Filipinos who celebrate it with all the display and show that we can handle. Non-Filipinos, or those coming from other countries, even express amazement, nay, shock and bemusement, that as early as the first day of October they can already hear carols and Christmas songs repeatedly played over the radio; shopping malls and commercial establishments begin to deck their halls and display windows with the Yuletide colors of red and green and white snow, while trading houses and business companies announce the countdown to Christmas with various freebies and promos for the things that money, including the upcoming Christmas bonus, can buy.

Our Lord Jesus must be happiest coming to the Philippines, or specifically to Naga, for He is most welcome here with its Kamundagan Festival, our way of celebrating the season of bir th and rebir th. But what he will love most is how we receive him, how we prepare for his coming. We can welcome him by being one with the weak and the poor, with those who need our help most, and by being helpful to them and thinking and doing things that can

bring happiness and solidarity with the majority of our people.

As citizens of this fair city, perhaps we should ask if we have done enough to help alleviate the plight of our poor brethren, or played our

role as honest, unselfish and active co-players in

char ting the course of our future. After all ,

we are all here to

make our world that God gave us a better place to l ive in, not just for us but for our fellowmen, as well.

Maybe there is nothing wrong to celebrate with exultant fanfare and jubilation as we wish for more good things to happen in the days ahead. We dance and sing carols because our dear Lord is coming. We give gifts to express our thanksgiving. We also hold reunions to see that everyone we love are sti l l around and feel how they miss us l ike we so dearly miss them. There is a season for joy as there are seasons for sadness.

Of course, we should not forget that Christmas is a spiritual event. It is not a materialistic celebration. Gifts and Christmas decorations are only incidental to a joyful celebration.

Christmas becomes more meaningful when we express it as a reaffirmation of our love and faith in God and that it has to become more profound inside us. The things that money can buy are always less important than the spiritual gifts of love, peace, understanding, and goodwill to fellowmen.

Christmas is also the season of giving. Giving is i ts own reward, a wise man says. It we want more love, or fun, or respect, or success, the way to get them is to give them away. Everything we give will return, with even more interest!

As my favorite Jesuit priest, Fr. Joseph A. Galdon, S.J., would tell us in his sermon, “Everyday of our l ives, Christ must be born in us again. Every day of the year must become Christmas Day if we truly accept the reality of Christmas.” That may not be an easy thing to do but that’s the way we should do it i f we truly want to make Christ’s bir th mean deeper in our l ives. Helping others and caring for their welfare are just some of the things that we can do if we truly love Christ. Those are the things, too, that make us happy even when the Christmas season has long gone.

Moreover, let me share with you an old question in the Catechism that Fr. Galdon would l ike us to remember: “Why did God make us? God made us to be happy in this world and to be happy with Him in the next.”

M e r r y C h r i s t m a s !

OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2017 4


BIGGER BUDGET,BETTER SERVICE

By JOSE B. PEREZ, EDITOR ---

PHOTO BY JOSE COLLERA

PHOTO BY JOSE COLLERA

AS FELLOW TAXPAYER, we feel comfortable with the

thought that the City Government of Naga has proposed to

approve an annual budget of P1.13B for 2018, which is slightly

bigger than its 2017 budget of P1.11B, but nevertheless

amounts to millions of pesos more in terms of improved services and

more projects.

As the most dynamic and competitive component city in the

Bicol Region, Naga is once again appropriating the biggest annual

budget compared to other cities in Bicol, placing itself anew in the elite

list of ‘billionaire cities’ nationwide despite Naga’s small territory and

comparatively lower population count.

It gladdens us more to know that the bulk of the budget pie goes

to, among others, job and livelihood creation, health services, education,

and solid waste management. The budget is also allocating more funds

-- P20M-- for patients’ meals in the city-run hospital and infirmary, and

counterpart amount for city residents admitted at the Bicol Medical

Center, aside from P16.6M more appropriated for medicine supplies for

indigent patients.

Of course, the bigger chunk goes to infrastructures, like roads and

building constructions and the continued revitalization of the Naga River,

which already proves to be a showcase of shared responsibility among

stakeholders and guardianship of the community’s natural resources.

What makes the event even more noteworthy is its less

dependence on the so-called Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) being

doled out by and that often comes at the mercy of the national

government. The city budget’s reliance on its own income, or local

revenue sources, speaks well of the city’s dynamic trade and commerce,

as well as the people’s confidence in paying their taxes diligently and

honestly, which in turn shows the strong partnership obtaining between

the local government and the taxpaying public in charting the course

towards more sustaining socio-economic development.

Meanwhile, more hotels continue to rise in any corner of the city (tourist inns are sprouting even

along the less known Almeda bypass highway) which tells us of more visitors and tourists coming in to

Naga as a preferred destination for travel, business, and relaxation.

The Philippines Statistics Authority (PSA) has reported that tourism has put Bicol into its peak

economic performance since two years ago, registering the highest growth rate among regions in the

country.

Camarines Sur, with Naga City as its main hub for accommodation, food, and other frontline

services, remains to be the most visited province in Bicol, reaching almost 45.5 percent of the total

PHOTOS BY SYLRANJELVIC VILLAFLOR

regional arrivals. It cannot be denied that tourism

provides extra income to residents and thus help

enlarge the economic base of urban centers where

hotels and other service establishments never cease

to multiply because of more guests coming in not

only during fiestas, but also to participate in seminars,

conventions, study tours, and plain travels for comfort

and leisure.

Every December, after the fiesta in September,

Naga bursts with homecoming former residents and

students from elsewhere and abroad because of the

traditional school reunions in colleges and universities.

Their temporary stay keeps food flowing, malls

crowded with shoppers, and hotels fully-booked for the

holiday season. Of course, these are true in other places

in the country, as well, but Naga’s homecoming sons

and daughters come in large volume, so to speak, and

for longer period with their friends and families tagging

along because of the sense of pride being heralded

by the fresh news that good things are happening in

their city since they left home. Their large appetite for

native food and cold drinks keep the cash registers

in restaurants, bars, hotels, and the public market

ringing.

Naga undeniably continues to propel a

vibrant economy, fueled by a dynamic business

sector, and a participative and trustful taxpaying

citizenry which is why it can afford to appropriate

a budget that gets bigger every year. In return, the

city promises to deliver more efficient services and

other public conveniences and necessities -- such as

cleaner streets, better traffic management, laudable

peace and order condition, and more business-

friendly incentives and productive assistance to

the marginalized and the less privileged so that

they, too, in the future, will be able to positively

contribute to the unified march towards prosperity,

better health, and good order. For good measure,

both the citizens and the city officials should always

keep their toes on the ground to continually battle

the downside brought about by rapid urbanization

and increasing population.

NAGA UNDENIABLY CONTINUES to propel a vibrant economy fueled by a dynamic private sector and participative citizenry.


MAYOR John G. Bongat has submitted to the Sangguniang Panlungsod the city’s proposed annual budget for the year 2018 in the amount of P1,138,780,544.31 which is slightly higher

than the 2017 budget of P1,111, 041, 440.30.

Once approved, it will still be the highest budget for any city in Bicol and the only one breaching the P1B budget mark.

Job and livelihood creation, services in health, and education and solid waste management program remain in the priority list, along with other development projects to be undertaken by the city government in the coming year.

As reflected in the proposed budget, the City Government will be sustaining its support for education— making opportunities especially for the less privileged families to send their children to school— setting aside P13M budget for scholarships.

Pushing forth to improve its social welfare services, the proposed budget also includes P20.14M 000.00 for food supplies expenses for the patient’s meal. This will include those in the city hospitals (the Naga City Hospital and Our Lady of Lourdes Infirmary), as well as the wards at the Naga City Children’s Home.

The family beneficiaries of Sanggawadan will also be benefitted by the allocated food supplies as well as the feeding programs for the malnourished children of the Naga City Population and Nutrition Office, among others.

It also includes P19.60M for drugs and medicines of the city health facilities, while P6.3M will be for dental and laboratory equipment, to further beef up its health programs.

As the city also tries to respond to rising demand

for infratsructures, a big bulk of the budget amounting to P67M will be allotted for road projects and other infrastructure and building constructions.

With its thrust also in capacitating its people with necessary knowledge and skills especially during emergencies, a budget of P57M will be for the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Fund (LDRRMF)— to be used in various basic life support and first aid skills trainings, as well as in acquiring necessary emergency supplies for relief goods operations, to better the city preparations and response to unwanted disasters that could strike.

As part also of the safety and security initiatives of the city government, P5M will go to the installation of new streetlights particularly in the minor city

By ARMIE B. GUNAY

MAYOR BONGAT SUBMITS TO SP P1.14B BUDGET FOR 2018

CAPTION HERE lorem Ipsum (MINP) Sed ut perspiciatis unde omnis iste e ab illo inventore veritatis et quasi architecto beata 8, 2017.

streets and alleys, to ensure safety for the walking public and students, especially at night.

With the continuous undertakings in the waste management program of the city, P16.75M will be used for the acquisition of additional garbage trucks— for more efficient garbage collection, while other solid waste management programs will be given a P40.70M under the Local Development Fund (LDF).

Under still the LDF, which is a separate fund of the city for major development projects, initiatives for the rehabilitation of the Naga River will get P11.39M.

Reflective in the city budget is the comparatively lower dependency of the city government upon the national government’s allocation for the city (Internal Revenue Allocation)— comprising only 46% of its budget fund, than that of the city’s own income (local revenue sources).

Meanwhile, the proposed budget is still under scrutiny by the Sangguniang Panlungsod while budget hearings are still being regularly conducted by the Committee on Appropriations with the active participation of the Naga City People’s Council (NCPC), Liga ng mga Barangay and women’s and various organizations.

SANTONJA ST.

JACOB STREET

BLUMENTRITT ST.

HEALTH SERVICES

AGRICULTURE


A JUBILANT, festive night of colors, lights, and dance and musical performances before the cheering crowd ushered in once again this year’s yuletide season in Naga City with the FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS AND KIRIKITI STREET DANCE COMPETITION formally opening the much-awaited KAMUNDAGAN FESTIVAL 2017.

AT three o’clock in the afternoon

of December 3, 2017, the Kirikiti

Street Dance Competition

rolled off Panganiban Drive with contingents

from 10 participating barangays dancing their

their way to Plaza Quezon.

The participants were clad in their

colorful Christmas costumes, along with fancy

props that were to be fully displayed for their

exhibition performance later in the evening.

Meanwhile, city officials, city youth

officials, city hall employees, event organizers,

visitors and crowds of spectators were

stationed at the Plaza Quezon eagerly waiting

for the dancing contingents for the formal

opening ceremonies to begin.

As darkness falls, before the assembled

crowd of participants and spectators, Mayor

John Bongat, Vice Mayor Nelson Legacion and

Kamundagan Festival 2017 Chairperson, First

Lady Farah Bongat, delivered their greetings

and messages of love and joy, as well as

grateful appreciation to the participation and

support being extended by the Nagueños in

the merry month of the Yuletide season.

One of the highlights of the occasion

is the simultaneous Christmas lighting within

the heart of the city wherein the centerpiece

-- a Belen and several Christmas trees set up at

the plaza, as well as the Christmas lights that

A SEASON OF JOY, MERRIMENT, AND BIRTH OF A SAVIOR

KAMUNDAGAN FESTIVAL

By ARMIE B. GUNAY

COLOR, SOUNDS, AND WARM BODIES in cool december highlight a festival of birth and rebirth.

PHOTOS BY RACSO VITAN & JOSE COLLERA

PHOTOS BY RACSO VITAN


brighten up the trees in the two adjoining plazas Plaza Quezon and Plaza Rizal – were illuminated, much

to the delight and awe of the crowd.

The participating contingents then all gathered upfront the stage and one after the other performed

their production number to the tune of ‘Meri Krismas, Satuyang Ikurahaw’— a song composed by Mayor

John Bongat and sung by his daughter, Jade.

Then contingents one by one took their turns in outperforming each other with their choreographed

numbers, sashaying in full display their colorful costumes.

Barangay Bagumbayan Sur won the Best in Costume and Props, Best in Street Dance and Best in

Exhibition Dance which coveted for them Over-All Champion honor for the second time in a row since last

year’s competition.

A kaleidoscopic fireworks display capped the night’s memorable event that only signaled of more

fascinating and entertaining musical events lineup for the duration of the Kamundagan festival that

highlights the birth of Jesus Christ, our Savior.

PHOTOS BY JOSE COLLERAPHOTOS BY RACSO VITAN

PH

OTO

BY R

AC

SO V

ITAN

THE YULETIDE

SEASON in Naga is always

a celebration of friends and

families gathering together to share

God's blessings and love.

There are singing and dancing every night at the plaza leading to the holiest night of all-- the birth of Jesus Chirst our Savior.

OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2017 16

PHOTOS BY RACSO VITAN SYLRANJELVIC VILLAFLORJOSE COLLERA

PHOTOS BY RACSO VITAN

VISITORS, PLAZA PROMENADES, CHILDREN and ADULT are afforded an overload of nightly Christmas carols and other musical entertainment at Plaza Quezon, participated in by students from different schools, barangay organizations and other civic groups in connection with Naga City’s Kamundagan Festival, which is a yearly celebration of birth and rebirth, for the whole month of the December highlighting the birth of our savior, Jesus Christ.

NIGHTLY LIVE MUSIC

17 OCTOBER - DECEMBER 2017

PHOTOS BY SYLRANJELVIC VILLAFLOR


PHOTOS BY SYLRANJELVIC VILLAFLOR | REYNALDO BAYLON

A JOYFUL AND MERRY CHRISTMAS TOO ALL!


PWD

CHAMP NAGA TO BE CONFERRED WITH

APOLINARIO MABINI AWARD 2017

By JASON B. NEOLA

PWD CHAMP. NAGA MAYOR JOHN BONGAT PERSONALLY DELIVERS A WHEELCHAIR TO A PWD. PHOTO BELOW SHOWS BUTCH ROBREDO, PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINE BLIND UNION, IN A HUDDLE WITH THE MAYOR. JBN/

PDAO

THE CITY GOVERNMENT

HERE HAS PLAYED A SIGNIFICANT ROLE

IN THE REINTEGRATION OF PERSONS WITH

DISABILITIES (PWDS) TO THE MAINSTREAM

OF SOCIETY.

THE city government here has played a significant role in the reintegration of persons with disabilities (PWDs) to the mainstream of society. This was underscored by the Philippine Foundation for the Rehabilitation of the Disabled, Inc. (PFRD) in a letter sent to Naga Mayor John G. Bongat by Lourdes dela Llana Pimentel, this year’s chairperson of Apolinario Mabini Awards. Pimentel informed the city mayor that the city government of Naga has met the standards

of an LGU “that has rendered exceptional services to the mass of citizens with disabilities within its jurisdiction in the last two years.”

The city government of Naga has so far passed 6 PWD-centered ordinances, 11 PWD-related ordinances, 4 Sangguniang Panlungsod resolutions and 4 executive orders that champion the rights of PWDs, and support various services, projects, and programs in the interest of the sector.

The Persons with Disability Office, which is headed by Christopher Molin, has also incorporated the different PWD-friendly structures and facilities that

Mayor Bongat’s administration has initiated and constructed. This include ramps, parking spaces, and waiting areas designed for PWDs.

At least34 PWDs have been hired as employees of the city government along with the different programs that support the livelihood, employment, and trainings of PWDs including updates about the benefits intended for them and their disability.

The PFRD also commended Mayor Bongat for his efforts and hard work in implementing the city government’s

policies and projects that address the needs and encourage the advancement of his PWD constituents.

The Apolinario Mabini Awards was launched by the Philippine Foundation for the Rehabilitation of the Disabled, Inc. (PFRD) in 1974 on the occasion of its Silver Anniversary. Since then, the search has been the foundation’s major annual event.

PFRD is a non-profit organization that works for the promotion of approaches that will effectively prevent disability, protect and rehabilitate the disabled and balance the opportunities for disabled individuals. “PFRD’s birth in 1949 virtually launched the rehabilitation movement in the Philippines and provided a forum

for the coordination of rehabilitation activities,” according to the foundation’s website.

“We are pleased to inform you that PFRD, Inc. through the Mabini Awards Committee has deemed it fit to confer upon the city government of Naga the 2017 Apolinario Mabini Award for the local government,” the letter said.

Bongat will be joining other individuals and representatives of different groups and agencies who have made outstanding contributions in the rehabilitation of people with disabilities during the awards night to be held in Malacañang Palace. As of press time, a date has yet to be set for the awarding program.


SENIOR CITIZENS MONTH

NAMES 23 AS COUNTERPART

NAGA CITY HALL OFFICIALSBy JASON B. NEOLA

THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT HERE HAILED LAST MONTH THE ELECTION OF 23 MEMBERS OF THE NAGA CITY SENIOR CITIZENS FEDERATION, INC. (NCSCFI) AS CITY SENIOR CITIZEN OFFICIALS WHO WERE GIVEN THE MANDATE TO PERFORM IN THE WHOLE MONTH OF OCTOBER AS COLLEAGUES OF THE DULY ELECTED AND APPOINTED CITY OFFICIALS.

PHOTOS BY REYNALDO BAYLON

THE local government here hailed last month the election of 23 members of the Naga City Senior Citizens Federation, Inc. (NCSCFI) as city senior citizen officials who were given the mandate to perform in the whole month of October as colleagues of the duly elected and appointed city officials.

The election of the elders as city officials is anchored on the City Senior Citizen Officials Program thru Executive Order 2006-016 that also created the Senior Citizens Month. The EO, which was issued by then Mayor Jesse M. Robredo, was integrated with City Ordinance 2014-085, a consolidation of 9 ordinances and one resolution all pertaining to senior citizen matters of the city.

Section 7 of the ordinance provides that “the presidents of the 27 Barangay Association of Senior Citizens Affairs (BASCA) shall elect through secret balloting the full complement of 14 city officials from among the nominees” and “the Senior Citizen Mayor-elect shall designate remaining BASCA nominees as counterparts for the Sangguniang Secretary and for the 12 department heads or heads of offices.

NCSCFI President Jose Manuel Gallenito said the program allows the elderly sector to obtain understandings about the details of governance processes and practices aside from receiving the

honor of being included in the roster of city officials who have been given the opportunity to serve the city.

This year’s senior citizens officials are: Luz B. Estrella, Brgy. Mabolo, City Mayor; Armando H. Bolima, Brgy. Balatas, Vice Mayor; Purita A. Relloso, Brgy. Carolina, head of Raul S. Roco Library; Matilde SJ. Quilonio, Brgy. Concpcion Grande, City ENRO head; Elizabeth A. Trinidad, Brgy. Dayangdang, City Agriculture Office head; Froilan D. Alfonso, Brgy. Panicuason, City Engineer’s Office head;

Brgy. Sabang’s Crispa M. Fortuna, City Social Welfare and Development Office head; Brgy. San Isidro’s Gloria V. Nacario, Metro PESO head; Brgy. Tabuco’s Maria Arlene B. Arroyo, City Health Office

head; Brgy. Triangulo’s Ma. Aurora C. Dayto, head of UPAO and Brgy. San Felipe’s Lydia I. Calzo, Sangguniang Panlungsod secretary.

As city councilors: Lillybel R. Larrauri, Brgy. Liboton; Virginia L. Martin, Brgy. Calauag; Herminia A. Morada, Brgy. Peñafrancia; Edgar A. Hernandez, Brgy. Concepcion Pequeña; Nomila C. Culvera, Brgy. San Francisco; Rosario SP. Estanislao, Brgy. Bagumbayan Norte; Rodolfo P. Presnillo, Brgy. Lerma; Venancio C. Pimentel, Brgy. Cararayan; Dante M. Belen, Brgy. Pacol; Salvador R. Naag, Brgy. Del Rosario; Herminia R. Arroyo, Brgy. Abella and Antonio N. Boroc, Brgy. Sta. Cruz.

Gallenito said at least four barangays failed to participate in the program this year because they fell short in meeting the requirements like the conduct of general assembly and the nominees’ failure to secure medical certificates.


By ARMIE B. GUNAY

PHOTOS BYJOSE COLLERA

THE newly rehabilitated Naga City Health Office now better known as Naga City Center for Health and Nutrition, has been formally inaugurated to render more improved and

convenient services to clients – the general public.

The new building complex of the Naga City Center for Health and Nutrition now features additional two dental clinics, three doctor's office, a consultation room, a TB Dots room with laboratory, cold room for vaccines, stock room for medicines, 9 comfort rooms, a social hygiene clinic for HIV patients, and a well-ventilated reception area and lobby.

The expanded building will also be housing the City Population and Nutrition Office and the Naga City Dialysis Center, in partnership with a private dialysis provider.

Midwifery classes under the City Community College are also being conducted in the same building.

In addition, the newly- renovated building will now be housing the DOH Camarines Sur Field Office.

Mayor John Bongat in an interview disclosed that the expansion of the building was constructed thru a P5.6M grant from the Department of Health (DOH), with the equivalent counterpart amount from the city government. The city is now ready to deliver centralized health services in the city.

“Iyan ang pinakakonsepto kaini, na maging centralized ang delivery kan services pag-abot sa health and nutrition,” mentioned Mayor Bongat.

He clarified, however, that severe health cases beyond the capability of the center will still be referred, as a matter of standard procedure, to other hospitals in the city, namely: Naga City Hospital, City Infirmary, and the Bicol Medical Center (BMC).

NEWLY-RENOVATED CITY HEALTH OFFICE

READY FOR BIGGER, IMPROVED SERVICES

FIGHT VS DENGUE PRESSEDBy ARMIE B. GUNAY

PHOTOS BY

ROBERTO NAVAL

THE cooperation of the residents has been earnestly sought in the

common effort to reduce the rising cases of dengue in the barangays.

The City Health Office (CHO) reported 399 dengue cases as of the

month of September this year— an increase of 147.82% compared to

the 207 dengue cases reported during the same period last year.

Topping the list among the 27 barangays of the city is Barangay

Cararayan, with 55 reported dengue cases. It is followed by Concepcion Pequeña with 50

cases; San Felipe with 36; Balatas , Concepcion Grande and Pacol with 25 cases each; and

Triangulo with 21 dengue cases.

City Councilor Dr. Jose “Sonny” Rañola, the Vice Chairman of the Naga City

Health Board, said they are now focusing on the Search and Destroy operation, with the

assistance of the Barangay Health Workers (BHW).

Despite the rising dengue cases as reported by the media, City Health Officer

Dr. Vito “Butch” Borja, assured there is no need to declare the city under the state of

calamity, given the relatively less number of cases, compared to the 1, 200 reported

dengue cases in 2012 when the city was last declared to be under the state of calamity.

Dr. Borja also encourages the participation of every

household in eradicating the breeding area of the Aedes

Egypti mosquito which is the carrier of the dengue virus.

Idle vehicle tires filled with stagnant water are observed

to be the favorite breeding grounds for the dengue-carrying

mosquitos. And these idle tires were present in the top 5

baranagays with most number of dengue cases, Borja said.

Although the Department of Health (DOH) has already

introduced the dengue vaccine in some of areas in the

country, such vaccine has yet to arrive in Bicol, Borja said as

he hoped that they would soon be available here.

Meanwhile, fogging and misting operations continue

every Saturday and Sunday in the barangays in the city.

The city health officer, for good measure, advise

households to use mosquito nets and put window screens.

He said dengue-afflicted mosquitos normally prey in the

crtical hours of the morning -- from 6:00 a.m. to 8:00 a.m.

His office is also reminding all residents to continue

to observe the 4 o’clock clean- up habit, especially in this

rainy season. .

The city has so far expended P800, 000 in the fogging

and misting operation, including the cost of equipment

supplies and machineries, along with other measures to

combat dengue.

The city government believes that the fight can be won

with the cooperation of every household in the city.


FOGGING is being undertaken in the city’s

barangays. ROBERTO O. NAVAL, Naga CHO

Fogging Team


BRAND-NEW DUMP TRUCKS PURCHASED FOR LANDFILL PROJECT

AND GARBAGE COLLECTION By ARMIE B. GUNAY

PHOTOS BY JOSE COLLERA

THE City Government of Naga, thru the City Solid Waste Management Office (SWMO), has purchased new dump trucks, in addition to the city’s existing units to further improve the city’s waste collection and disposal.

Four new dump trucks, with 10-16 cubic meter capacity each; one mini- dump truck with 4-5 cubic meter capacity, designed for narrower road ways; and two service vehicles were given the ceremonial blessing last Monday, November 6, 2017, at the city hall grounds here.

Engr. Joel Martin of the Solid Waste Management Office said the dump trucks that cost the total amount of P2.9M, are being readied in time for the opening of the new city landfill.

The SWMO is still looking forward to additional 4 units of landfill-ready dump trucks to be purchased next year.

“Para po bago magpoon ang landfill, ready na kita,” explained Engr. Martin.

The new dump trucks will also be utilized for faster and more efficient city garbage collection, he added.

By JASON B. NEOLA

THE Cities Development Initiative for Asia (CDIA), along with its partner international partners,

brought here a 3-day workshop called Good Practice Laboratory for Effective Urban

Infrastructure Programming.

The workshop here, which took place from November 20 to 22, was a continuation of the Good

Practice Laboratory for Effective Urban Infrastructure Planning held April 2017 in Singapore.

The workshop aimed to enable participants from Asian cities to develop projects through

effective urban infrastructure planning, programming and mobilization of infrastructure investments

for sustainable development.

Specifically, the workshop is geared towards supporting the planning of urban infrastructure and

elaboration of public-private partnership (PPP) models for urban infra projects based on the exchange

of experience among urban practitioners from Asia and Germany.

Collaborating with the CDIA is GIZ, the initiators of the Connective Cities, the German Association

of Cities and the Engagement Global/Service Agency Communities in One World.

Representatives from different agencies and cities from Germany, Bangladesh, Indonesia,

Pakistan and the Philippine Government’s Public-Private Partnership Center attended the Naga

workshop.

During the Singapore April 2017 activity, workshop participants were requested to bring their

pre-formulated project ideas that can be presented for further exchange and recommendations. Each

city representative was also required to conduct a brief presentation about the progress of the project

they presented in Singapore.

Wilfredo Prilles Jr., Naga City Planning and Development Office (CPDO) head, said the workshop

also allows the participants to learn from CDIA’s demand driven-approach that aims to support

the identification and development of urban investment projects in the framework of existing city

LABORATORY FOR URBAN INFRA PROGRAMMINGHELD IN NAGA



PHOTO BY REYNALDO BAYLON

development plans that emphasize on different impact

areas, such as urban environment improvement, urban

poverty reduction, climate change mitigation or

adaptation, and good governance.

LGU Naga’s presentation on climate change

adaptation/mitigation was concluded with the holding

of a site visit to a typhoon-resistant school building

at the Bicol State College of Applied Sciences and

Technology (BISCAST), which was constructed with

the help of the German government, and a river cruise

along the Naga river whose revetment was financed

by the national government thru then Representative

Leni Robredo. It was the CDIA that helped the city

government to be able to come up with pre-feasibility

study on the river’s flood control and disaster risk

reduction project.

On Day 2, the group visited the prospective

site of LCC Supermart at the Central Business District

II and the Biyahero Hotel which operates at the top

of the office of the Bicol Central Station, which are

products of public-private partnerships undertaking

with the city

With the Connective Cities platform, the

adoption of the CDIA demand-driven approach

on infrastructure programming is perceived to be

implemented smoothly as the agency provides assistance from urban practitioners with high

level of expertise in administration, politics, business, science and civil society who are more

than willing and readily available to engage in exchange of experience and joint learning with

participating sectors.

CDIA, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year, has been working with client cities

from several Asian countries to assist them in bridging the gap between their development

plans and access to funding that will finance their strategic

urban infra projects.

Public-Private Partnership Center’s Jomel

Anthony Gutierrez, assistant director for Capacity

Building and Knowledge Management Service, said

through the workshop the participants obtained a better

understanding of: 1.) the ‘ingredients’ of infrastructure

planning, 2.) the steps that the program takes to identify,

prepare, and implement urban infra investments and

design a feasible economic model for the project, and

3.) the initiatives, good practice experiences and different

kinds of support available to strengthen competencies

and skills of cities in preparing bankable urban infra

investment projects.

PA M PA N G A , Cebu, Ilocos, and Davao are some of the Philippine’s pride in culinary tourism. These places offer tourists from around the country and the world to exciting Food Tours where they experience the country’s finest cuisine and culinary heritage.

Here in Naga, with the vast culinary options that the city can provide, such activities are still unavailable.

With the existing market for Food and Culinary Heritage Tours, and the great potential of Naga City as a culinary destination the Naga Arts, Culture and Tourism Office launched #NAGAlicious on December 11, 2017.

#NAGAlicious is a tourism campaign initiated by ACTO to promote Naga as a culinary destination. The campaign will focus on Naga’s cuisine and heritage as well as develop new programs to sustain the flourishing food and beverage industry in the city. As of November 2017 the number of restaurants and similar establishments in the city reached the 200 mark. 72% of these establishments are local brands that started in Naga, 19% are national brands and the rest are branches of famous restaurants in Bicol. These figures only imply that Naga is indeed a city of food lovers and innovators as well as a preferred place for business opportunities in the food industry.

PHOTOS BY XERES RAMON

GAGERO


PHOTOS BYJOSE COLLERA

Nagalicious


PHOTO BY SYLRANJELVIC VILLAFLOR

The campaign also aims to provide assistance to the city’s local vegetable farmers. This is by helping them create partnership with the private sector where they could supply their produce. This endeavor will not help the farmers; in return, the private sector will be given fresh produce at a lesser price.

Now the campaign launched its first promotional video on NAGA EXCURSIONS Facebook page on December 11. The 10 min. video features Naga City’s DOT Accredited restaurants, Coffee Shops and Cafés. Their specialties and signature version of some of the traditional Bicolano dishes such as Laing, Bicol Express, Pinangat, and Kinalas Naga are the stars of the video. The social media launch is the first step for the campaign to reach out to people and potential clients. As of writing the #NAGAlicious video has reached the 25K views mark and still increasing.

In 2018, the campaign will continue to promote Naga City as the next Culinary Destination in the Philippines. This includes the continuation of the annual Kinalas Festival in June, Kinalas Y Kinolor and creation of food tours, culinary excursions and a lot more. So the next time you go around Naga make sure to have your own taste of its #NAGAlicious experience.

PHOTOS BY XERESRAMON GAGERO

THE

BRIDGES OF THE CITY OF NAGA

By JAMES Z. CARPIO

THERE may be eight quaint bridges in the quintessential City of Naga. He is not quite

certain as he is not a specialist on the geographical map and it may, actually, be a

total of nine, if we would include the train bridge, but, to be truthful, let us leave it

as a rough estimate as there could be more…

In times of war or peace, a bridge is essential leading to development or detrimental

leading to destruction. On the one hand—in times of peace—commerce and industries rely,

heavily, on its practicality as transport of products, goods, materials and myriad resources are

easily facilitated. Logistically speaking, a bridge leads to prosperity and progress.

On the other hand—consequently, in times of war—bomber planes are the main

culprits of their devastation as they are vital primary targets. Paralysis and immobilization

of the defensive forces are the aftermaths of such ancient military intelligence on tactics

and strategies.

The collapse of one bridge during the annual September celebration claimed many

lives. A poignant reminder that structural engineering of infrastructures should be of

the highest standard. So that, history shall not repeat itself.

The damage of the main bridge of the Maharlika Highway during one of the worst

typhoons in the 1990s is another example of the prevalence of substandard construction

of public roads and bridges. The economic canopy was shattered and the livelihood of

Bicolanos were placed in a precarious situation.

It is elementary, if you build it, they will come. It seemed that the builders,

metaphorically, built it on sands instead of on a rock. Subsequently; locals; more relevantly,

tourists and expatriates; most relevantly, merchants and traders, have had difficulties getting

from point A to point B. The business financial faux pas is obvious, however, it becomes a

passing of the buck and it has been ricocheting since time immemorial. Not a single person,


MNWD AND DSWD SEAL

PIONEERING PARTNERSHIP

By JAMES Z. CARPIO

IN ITS continuing goal to solidify its holistic approach for the

conservation and protection of the Mt. Isarog Natural Park

(MINP) by forging partnerships with certain agencies and

stakeholders, the latest partnership of the Metropolitan

Naga Water District (MNWD) with the Department of Social

Welfare and Development (DSWD) goes beyond the basics of conserving and

protecting the MINP.

On September 26, 2017, the MNWD and the DSWD, with their respective

representatives Acting General Manager Virginia I. Nero and Region V Director

Arnel B. Garcia, signed a Memorandum of Agreement that is both pioneering

and one of a kind. The witnesses who signed the MOA were MNWD Board

Chairman Jorge T. Palma, Florencio Tam Mongoso, Jr. representing Naga City

Mayor John G. Bongat, and Councilor Ronald P. Boclot representing Mayor

Tomas P. Bongalonta of Pili, Camarines Sur.

The MOA’s essential components are, first, for the MNWD and the

DSWD to address the socio-economic concerns of the Conservation Farming

Communities (CFCs), who have long been under the stewardship of the

water district and partners, along the buffer zone of the MINP thru livelihood

programs that can sustain the basic needs of families in the community

to lessen if not eliminate the threat and their dependence on the natural

resources of the protected area that is the MINP, and second, for both parties

to jointly implement disaster preparedness, response, and recovery activities

within the water district’s areas of service.

In his message, RD Garcia praised the out-of-the-baox and one-of-a-

kind partnership between his agency and the MNWD. “For the very first time

and only in Bicol, this pioneering partnership is seen and I hope this will start a

trend that the other regions and water districts will emulate,” he said.

He hopes this will open the eyes of the other water districts to look at

social responsibility in addressing the needs of their constituents especially in

times of disaster and, thus, the agreement for MNWD to provide free potable

water to disaster stricken communities. “We can extend the funds to more

people because we will not buy water anymore,” RD Garcia said.

On the CFCs outside the perimeter of Mt. Isarog, the DSWD regional

chief pledged an initial grant of P 1.5M and more grants to follow, “We want

to build the capacity of people to transform themselves into self-managed

communities who care about the environment.”

Chairman Palma meanwhile in his message said, “We are here with one

objective, we are here for the conservation and protection of the MINP. But

this partnership makes a big difference because it is out of

the box.” The chairman related how there were only four

stakeholders when he joined the MNWD Board as a Director,

the MNWD, the City of Naga, the Department of Environment

and Natural Resources (DENR) and the Rotary Club of Naga,

now there are almost 40 partners in the conservation and

protection of the MINP.

AGM Nero welcomed those present while Chairman

Palma shared the MNWD watershed experience. DSWD

Camarines Sur field personnel Katrina G. Manaya, Provincial

Coordinator Cluster I and Janeth A. Miranda, Provincial

Coordinator Cluster II presented their project brief for the

CFCs. Messages of collaboration, because the watersheds

being managed by the MNWD are within Naga City and

capital town of Pili, were delivered by Naga City Administrator

Florencio “Jun” Tam Mongoso, Jr and Councilor Ronald P.

Boclot of Pili, Camarines Sur.

Also present to witness the event were friends from

the media, personnel of the DSWD Camarines Sur field

office, representatives from other water districts, LGU Naga

personnel, and MNWD personnel.

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has been honest enough to take full responsibility and

accountability.

It is a continuing saga that this writer will no

longer further discuss. They know it, of course, but had

only fallen on deaf ears. People who have been blessed

with eyesight, but, always turned the blind eye.

The Naga and Bikol rivers run through our

picturesque urban cityscape. There is a charming spot

where one could see three bridges simultaneously. A

touristic trifecta. He would halt his bicycle in the middle

of the bridge then, be captivated by the postcard-

perfect view. It is all the more beguiling at evening

time. With the city lights on the ground, headlights of

all sorts of vehicles, the reflections on the river waters,

and the moon and the stars in clear cloudless skies.

Along the avenue that is beside two old but

renovated historic churches—Our Lady of Peñafrancia

Shrine and San Francisco Church—one could have a

glimpse of the Naga river. Recently, the avenue had

been widened and some establishments had built

al fresco restaurants and with wide glass windows

that face the waters. It is interesting to note that, the

original blueprint of the city as planned by Bishop

Francisco Gainza was to have an esplanade by the river.

It is sheer delight and fascination that—slowly,

but providentially—it has come into fruition.

The riverbanks had been spruced up, cemented,

painted, and a pathway with rails are now constructed.

White birds along with the brown sparrows hover over

the winding and cool waters that are now teeming with

fishes. City folks standing on the bridge could be seen

fishing for sustenance.

Rush hours are the opportune times when

bridges are, virtually, parking areas as traffic has come

to a standstill. Naga’s own version of an urban traffic

jam.

He likes astonishing bridges. Hollywood even

made a film regarding, “The Bridges of Madison

County”. A rural place where it is the setting of a love

story. Madison County has 6 covered bridges and is

located in Iowa. The male lead is a photographer of

National Geographic Magazine on assignment for a

photographic essay of the idyllic covered bridges.

In Singapore, the Alkaff bridge of modern

architectural design was painted by a Filipino artist,

Pacita Abad. It has become a popular tourist destination.

The Golden Gate Bridge in San Francisco,

California, United States of America is another world

landmark that rings a bell to the ears of the cosmopolitan.

Others worth mentioning are; the Tower Bridge: London,

England; Brooklyn Bridge: New York City, United States;

and Sydney Harbour Bridge: Sydney, Australia.

On the national home front, we are all too familiar

with the San Juanico Bridge that is the longest bridge

in the country.

What makes the bridges of The City of Naga

unique is the close proximity of each to the other. It is

just a stone’s throw away.

Then—every September, people flock to the

city—and they become observation platforms of the

much awaited and much anticipated concluding part of

the Peñafrancia Celebration, the fluvial procession.

A bridge always has a special part in any culture and

to any people. Clichés like; I will cross the bridge when I get

there and it is water under the bridge, make them symbolic

and meaningful.

Millennials may not be aware of the iconic song, “Like a

bridge over troubled waters”.

Let us digress to the original topic, the discovery

is recent, when he decided to explore the city using his

bicycle, he saw all those bridges firsthand. And, being a “new

discovery”, he surmised that, maybe, many do not know about

that interesting fact about The City of Naga. Hence, it could be

given the title, “The City of Bridges”.

Now that it is written, perhaps, artists could paint all

of them much like the Alkaff Bridge. And photographers and

tourists alike may want to capture its potential magnificence.

The rarity of this unknown fact could be the start of something

big. No one knows that Naga far outnumbers the covered

bridges of Madison County, Iowa, United States of America.

Ultimately, those bridges—covering a very short

distance—could be installed with lamp posts and other

lights, which in a financial perspective may not be costly.

Thus, eventually, becoming an added tourism focal point. In

conclusion, these are, extremely, viable points to ponder upon.

Don’t you think so?


MORE ECONOMIC OPPORTUNITIES AT CBD II SEEN

NAGA OPENS

LINKAGES FOR NEW PPP PROJECT

By JASON B. NEOLA

DRONE PHOTO BY IAN MAR NEBRES LEE

THE NAGA CITY GOVERNMENT is pushing for a public-private partnership to develop a city-owned property for UV Express and Public Utility Jeepney terminal for eastbound routes within the Central Business District II.

THE NAGA CITY GOVERNMENT is pushing for a public-private partnership to develop a city-owned property for UV Express and Public Utility Jeepney terminal for eastbound routes within the Central Business District II.

City Ordinance 2017-088 authored by City Councilor Joselito S.A. Del Rosario, which was enacted on November 28, this year, provides for the terms of reference for the lease, development, and utilization of the 4,920 square-meter parcel of land, which is part of the 7,000 square meter property owned by the city government in Barangay Lerma.

The site is near the Jesse M. Robredo Coliseum and beside the Naga City Technology Park that currently houses the Concentrix and IBM business process outsourcing (call center) operations.

In last Tuesday’s regular session, Del Rosario also sponsored a resolution authorizing Mayor John G. Bongat to negotiate for the acquisition of the road lot that will serve as egress for passenger vehicles coming in and out of the proposed terminal. Del Rosario’s resolution was approved on the same day he presented the proposition.

The proposed terminal will cater to UV Express and PUJs plying the eastbound routes, which include Legazpi, Iriga and Tabao cities and the towns of Daraga in Albay and Nabua, Lagonoy, Buhi, Sabang (San Jose), Balatan, Pili, and Bula, all in Camarines Sur.

“The executive department is now in full swing regarding the realization of this ordinance,” Del Rosario said.

The establishment of a terminal for eastbound passenger vehicles was been dreamed for over 11 years now and it was only now that

an ordinance was passed and approved, giving hope towards final realization of the project.

According to the ordinance, interested investors will be granted a period of 25 years to lease, develop, and utilize the property, which contract will be renewable for another 25 years under mutually agreed terms.

Construction on all portions of the leased property must commence within a month from the date of ratification of the lease contract by the Sangguniang Panlungsod and must be completed in 9 months from such commencement, provided that the Sanggunian will ratify the lease contract only when each and all of the households currently occupying the 4,920 sq. meter property shall have been properly relocated.

DEVELOPMENT STRATEGY

The development of the property, the ordinance said, will be guided by an integrated coliseum-terminal site development scheme that will spur other economic-and-income-generating opportunities, like the spawning of medium-rise residential projects in adjoining properties.

The terminal facility will provide a buffer green space, comfort rooms for male and female and differently-able passengers; parking spaces, including slots for Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) and other mandated facilities and amenities.

The project includes the construction of multi-storey building whose entire ground floor will be allocated for public use and function for the eastbound UV Express and PUJ Terminal, which is under the operational control and/or supervision of the city government without paying any fee to the investor. The upper floors, on the other hand, will be exclusively for private use by the investor.

Sole proprietorship, partnerships or corporations that are duly organized under Philippine laws are eligible to bid.


NAGA CITY HAS BEEN CHOSEN AS

BENEFICIARY OF NATIONAL

RESILIENCE COUNCIL (NRC)

PROGRAM ON DISASTER

RESILIENCE.

The NRC, thru its Executive Director Malu Erni, in a meeting with Mayor John Bongat has rolled out its 3-year program aimed at developing and

implementing, together with the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), a template of indicators to ensure disaster resilience at the sub-national level.

The program will be anchored on and propelled by strong stakeholdership support.

Due to its track record of dynamic and

development-focused leadership, NRC has formally chosen Naga, along with 5 other LGUs in the country -- Cagayan de Oro City, Iloilo City, Zamboanga City, Valenzuela City and Bataan Province to take the lead in transforming cities and provinces across regions into livable, disaster-resilient communities, pursuant to a set of indicators to be agreed upon by all involved stakeholders from both the government and private sectors.

AFTER WINNING THE LUZON CHAMPIONS TOURNEY

NCF TIGERS TOBATTLE WITH PH’S

TOP COLLEGIATE BASKETBALL TEAMS

By ARMIE B. GUNAY

Mayor JOHN BONGAT expressed elation and great pride after the Naga College Foundation Tigers Basketball team took home the championship in the recently concluded 2017 Luzon Champions of the Philippine Collegiate Champions League.

Winner of the Naga City 2017 Charter Intercollegiate Basketball Tournament, the NCF Tigers will represent not only Naga City but the entire Luzon in the national collegiate champions league.

Last November 15-18 at the University of Nueva Caceres Sports Palace, the NCF Tigers downed Perpetual Help System of Laguna (98-74) to clinch the Southern Luzon Finals of the Philippine Collegiate Champions League (PCCL).

On November 30, 2017, the NCF Tigers held their ground halting a comeback by the Lyceum Northwestern University (LNU) Dukes (79-75) to become the kings of the Luzon leg of the Philippine Collegiate Champions League (PCCL) at the LNU Gymnasium in Dagupan City.

With the Luzonwide (outside the National Capital Region) championship, the Naga College Foundation Tigers will now test their mettle come February 2018 against the more popular and seasoned teams of UAAP and NCAA champions and runners-up, as well as champion teams from the Visayas and Mindanao.

“Dakulang onra ini na pigtao ninda sa govierno local kan Ciudad nin Naga,” Bongat shared in an interview.

The mayor, together with other city officials and the employees at city hall gave honor and recognition to the achievement of the team during the flag raising ceremony at the city hall.

As a gesture of support, the city government assured the team of financial assistance to further trainings and meet other needs in sports, including school scholarships and allowances.

Engr. Mario Villanueva, the NCF President, also expressed his pleasure that NCF Tigers made it to the Elite 8 or Magic 8— the best of all the colleges’ basketball team

out of the 32 leagues and other 200 collegiate teams in the country.

NCF Tigers is looking forward to their game in February 2018 against NCR champions Ateneo de Manila, San Beda, De La Salle, and Lyceum, and those from Visayas and Mindanao.

Meanwhile, Mayor Bongat expressed optimism that the city will be granted the privilege to host the upcoming Country Wide Basketball League (CWBL), He said hosting prestigious games will help in the promotion of sports among local athletes as well as the city as an ideal venue for big-time events.

NAGA CHOSEN FOR

PROGRAM ON DISASTER RESILIENCE


THE BEST IN BICOL LGU NAGA’S

CPNO IS POPCOM’S BEST PERFORMING

POPULATION OFFICE

By JASON B. NEOLA

LEGAZPI CITY --- Due to its exemplary performance in the implementation of population programs and advocacies, the Naga City Population and Nutrition Office (NCPNO) was recently conferred with “Best Performing Population Office” award by the regional office of the Commission on Population, here.

BEST POPULATION OFFICE. City Population and Nutrition Officer Teresita A. Del Castillo (3rd from right) shows the plaque of recognition awarded by the Commission on Population naming her office as ‘Best Performing Population Office among the 7 cities in the Bicol Region. Photo also shows Dr. Juan Antonio A. Perez III, Commission on Population (central office) executive director, Regional Dir. Magdalena G. Abellera, POPCOM V Area Coordinator for Camarines Sur Anneli Alejo, CPNO Population Program Officer IV Joy F. Macaraig (3rd from left); Evelyn D. Llantero, population program officer I (center) and Administrative Aide Shiryl Ann C. Malate (rightmost). JBN/NCPNO

Breastfeeding in the Transit

Healthy Diet Forum

The recognition was given during the 2017 Regional Population Congress held last November 29, 2017. For many years now, NCPNO has been spearheading the multi-awarded Population and Development Management

Program of the Naga City government.

A recipient of Rafael M. Salas Population and Development Awards for years 2000 and 2003, the population and nutrition office was adjudged this year’s best performing population office because of its laudable performance on effective population management that has also been receiving recognitions since the early 90’s.

City Population and Nutrition Officer Teresita Del Castillo said Naga’s PopDev program has effectively localized the Philippine

Population Management Program (PPMP) through self-initiated, self-financed, and self-managed projects and activities aimed at putting the people at the center of development and as partner in healthy community building.

The initiative addresses the following needs: reproductive health and family planning, adolescent health and youth development, and population and development integration.

Meeting the emerging challenges of sustainable development as well as the intergenerational equity and empowerment of both genders, the reproductive health approach adopted by the programs seeks to: address women’s health issues in its entirety as well as that of the child; improve the general quality and delivery of reproductive health and family planning services; engender fully-empowered and well-informed couples on the practice of fertility management; increase male involvement in reproductive health and family planning; and improve family welfare.

In teenage health and development, the NCPNO program seeks to: address youth’s concerns on reproductive health, their values and sexuality, and the complications they may encounter due to ignorance, irresponsible decisions of peer pressure; help the youth establish rational attitudes and behavior towards population concerns in attaining a better quality of life for the individual, the family and the community.

In population and development integration, because the development planning process is not complete without

incorporating the “people factor,” the program seeks to ensure coordination and collective effort among participating government and non-government agencies, barangay councils, and concerned individuals for greater effectiveness and efficiency in program implementation.

The Naga PopDev program also stands out on account of the following achievements: effective targeting, service availability, highly accessible family planning options, adequate IEC materials, quality health service delivery, expanded network of program partners, and strong institutional support.

Buntis Congress

PHOTOS BY SYLRANJELVIC VILLAFLOR & REYNALDO BAYLON


FOLLOWING THE FIRST NAGA CITY FIRST AID SKILLS OLYMPICS CONDUCTED IN JULY, 27, 2017 WHEREIN PERSONNEL FROM THE BARANGAYS, ACADEMIC AND MEDICAL INSTITUTIONS COMPETED IN FRIENDLY COMPETITIONS OVER DIFFERENT FIRST AID BANDAGING TECHNIQUES AND PATIENT/VICTIM TRANSFER PROCEDURES, THE CITY GOVERNMENT OF NAGA, THROUGH THE NAGA CITY COMMUNITY FIRST RESPONDERS AND BASIC LIFE SUPPORT TRAINING PROGRAM, ONCE MORE CONDUCTED ITS SECOND EDITION EARLY THIS WEEK, THIS TIME WITH THE ELEMENTARY AND SECONDARY SCOUTS, AND PADYAK AND TRIMOBILE DRIVERS AS COMPETING PARTICIPANTS.

BOY SCOUTS, PADYAK DRIVERS IN FIRST AID SKILLS OLYMPICS

By ARMIE B. GUNAY

Over 60 competing teams of student scouts and those from the transport sector participated in the skills Olympics. Mayor John

Bongat congratulated the participants, reiterating that the skills they gained will be of great help in saving lives, especially in cases of emergencies.

“Kung igwa nin mga mangyaring aksidente sa eskwelahan, igwa nin mga yaun sa eskwelahan na mga estudyante na may kapasidad na makasalbar nin buhay, maski man sa mga tinampo ta, itong mga drivers, tatao na mag-first aid,” stated Bongat.

City Councilor Joselito del Rosario also expressed his elation over the number of teams who participated in this year’s second first aid skills Olympics.

“Ini po, after po kan si training tang ginigibo, na-conduct kita ning arog kani

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tanganing nati-test ta si kakayanan,” stated del Rosario.

The Grandview Elementary School won first place in the BSP Elementary category of the competition; Mabolo Elementary School in the GSP Elementary Category; Carolina National High School in the BSP Secondary; Cararayan National High School in the GSP Secondary and the Parkview Padyak Operators and Drivers Association (PARKPODA) in the Transport category— each team winning P10,000.00 cash and a trophy, with additional one sack of rice for the transport sector winners.

Meanwhile, the building’s architect’s rendition of the soon- to-be constructed Naga City Central Command Center was also unveiled during the opening ceremonies of the Olympics.

Councilor del Rosario, who author of the ordinance that calls for the empowerment of the city constituents down to the household level by teaching them with basic life support skills, had also sponsored the ordinance seeking for the establishment of the modern command center that will be equipped with state-of-the-art internet protocol cameras, radio and communication system, traffic lights control and cctv cameras, to be manned by the personnel from the inter-agency group which includes the PNP, BFP, PSO and other related units.

Construction of the building will start first quarter of 2018. It is targeted to be operational before the month of September next year in time for the traditional annual celebration of the Peñafrancia festivities.



PHOTOS BY SYLRANJELVIC VILLAFLOR | REYNALDO BAYLON | JOSE COLLERA

NAGA TO HOST 2018 NATIONAL ICT SUMMIT

DUBBED AS ONE OF THE COUNTRY’S ELITE ‘NEXT WAVE CITIES’, NAGA RECENTLY WON THE BID TO HOST THE 2018 DIGITAL CITIES AWARDS AND THE 2018 NATIONAL ICT SUMMIT TO BE HELD IN NOVEMBER, NEXT YEAR.

BOTH events are being held

annually in collaboration with

the Department of Information

and Communications Technology

(DICT), the DILG and the National

Information and Communications

Technology Confederation of the

Philippines (NICP).

Formal turnover to Naga of the

hosting of the prestigious annual event,

from this year's host Cagayan de Oro City

headed by Mayor Oscar Moreno, was held

last week in Cagayan de Oro City at the

Convention Hall of the Limketkai Hotel.

With Mayor Bongat during the turn-

over rites were Naga-based NICP National

Vice President Efren Daniel de Leon, and

Naga City ITO head Reuel Oliver.

During the same event, Naga was

adjudged as one of the finalists in the 6th

National E-Gov Awards. The city mayor

hope’s that as next year’s host, Naga City

will get the top prize, which the city has

won for the first time during Bongat first

term as Mayor back in 2011 in the First

Egov Awards held in Sta. Rosa City, Laguna.

BID WINNER. Naga Mayor John Bongat (2nd from left) receives plaque after winning the bid to host next year’s National ICT Summit.

LENI BRINGS

‘ANGAT KABUHAYAN’

TO FARMERS IN NAGA, OTHER TOWNS

A brainchild of Vice President Leni Robredo who spearheads its partnership with other government entities, business groups, and people’s organizations, Angat Kabuhayan matches the resources of two involved sectors: the group of businessmen as institutional

buyers and the farmers who are into vegetable production and marketing.

The program has already been launched and began operating in Iloilo, Nueva Ecija, and Mindanao and in different regions in the country since last year.

For the Bicol Region, in an exploratory meeting, Robredo and several business leaders in Metro Naga and Camarines Sur, along with the representative from the office of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) in Bicol and Metro Naga Development Council, were able to identify hotels, restaurants, private hospitals and other institutional buyers with whom vegetable growers can directly negotiate for a better price of their crops.

The idea promotes a healthy business relationship between the group of suppliers and institutional buyers, eliminating in the process the consolidators or middlemen who profit more in the deal than the ‘soiled’ farmers.

The meeting was followed by a formal discussion with the provincial office of the Department of Trade and Industry headed by Edna Tejada, Dr. Elena Delos Santos, Regional Executive Director of the Dept. of Agriculture (DA), RFU 5, and Felipe Vargas of the Dept. of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Camarines Sur 2, that gave way for the identification of the required interventions, and gathering of information/data needed by the farmers.

VICE PRESIDENT LENI ROBREDO (standing) briefs

farmers from different Camarines Sur towns about her Angat Buhay

program. Photo also shows (l-r) DTI Provincial Director Edna Tejada,

Department of Agriculture’s Nene Closa, Regional Governor Clarine Tobias of the Philippine Chamber

of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), Robredo, Atty. Aison Garcia of the Office of the Vice President, and a representative from a Libmanan-

based farmers group.

By JASON B. NEOLA

TO EFFECTIVELY HELP FARMERS IN THE COUNTRYSIDE, IS WHAT THE ANGAT KABUHAYAN, A COMPONENT PROGRAM OF ANGAT BUHAY OF THE OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT, PUSHES HARD.

The discussion also tackled the results of the data collection of vegetable demand inventory which was obtained thru a rapid survey on the group of institutional buyers as respondents; the survey having been supervised by the Metro Naga Development Council secretariat headed by Adolfo M. Badiola.

Initially, the program taps the groups of farmers affiliated with the DA and DAR as participant-beneficiaries.

It was on December 8, this year, when the business model to be used in the implementation of the program was presented to the farmers even as the Angat Kabuhayan aims to link them to the supply chain of institutional buyers that include malls and supermarket chains.

The model, according to Badiola, who is the executive officer of MNDC, will follow eight stages that include, among others, the site selection, partnership and capability building, clustering, and organization of farmers, setting of schedules for planting and harvesting of selected produce, as developed by the Catholic Relief Services.

The stages or steps will help to ensure the sustainability and on-time delivery of farm products to institutional buyers. Farmers needing a boost in their capital seeds will be aided by the National Livelihood Development Corporation to borrow from any of its accredited microfinance institutions (MFIs). It will be the DA and DAR that will provide technology transfer to the farmers.

SOURCE PHOTO: OFFICE OF THE VICE PRESIDENT



MOST CHILD-FRIENDLY BARANGAYS 2017

HEAVILY investing in and sincerely taking care of our children is not only because of our natural love and concern for them, but also out of consideration of our country’s, our community’s future. The time, resources and energy we provide in giving our children

adequate and quality education, in shielding them from drugs and other vices, as well as in guiding them as responsible, productive and capable citizens will determine how we can sustain and further boost Naga’s development in the future. Today’s children are tomorrow’s leaders.

It is in this regard that the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Naga, thru the sponsorship of Councilor Elmer Baldemoro, passed Ordinance No. 2014-072, institutionalizing the Most-Child Friendly Barangay Awards. Thru this legislative measure, we encourage the barangays to provide responsive measures for the development of the youth, as well as recognize best practices in the ground that can be replicated in the entire city. In the ordinance, clear and defined criteria are set for the selection of the Most-Child Friendly Barangays and those who excelled among the rest shall be awarded with prizes consisting of project funds and trophies.

For this year, we are honoured to present and, via Resolution Nos. 2017-571 to 2017-580, cordially congratulate the adjudged Ten Most Child Friendly Barangays of 2017, to wit:

TEN MOST CHILD FRIENDLY BARANGAY OF 2O171. SABANG2. DINAGA3. BAGUMBAYAN NORTE4. DEL ROSARIO5. ABELLA6. STA. CRUZ7. BALATAS8. LERMA9. CAROLINA10. CONCEPCION GRANDE

The first placer (Sabang) shall receive P1,000,000 worth of projects, while the second and third placers shall obtain P700,000 and P500,000 worth of projects, respectively. Meanwhile, Del Rosario (4th) and Abella (5th) shall be awarded P300,000 and P200,000 worth of projects, respectively. The sixth to tenth placers shall be given P100,000 worth of projects each. All of them received their respective trophies corresponding to their rank.

As for the other barangays, those who gained a score of at least 75% in the scorecard shall be provided with consolation prizes of P50,000 worth of projects each and a plaque. This is in recognition of their hard work to provide satisfactory services to and maintain a conducive environment for our children.

It is important that at the grass-roots, the needs of our children are effectively addressed. The Most-Child Friendly Barangay Awards, as a monitoring and incentive mechanism, have ensured that this is indeed the case for our young Nagueños in the barangays.

PADANAYON NIATO AN MAOGMANG LUGAR SA PAAGI NIN

EPEKTIBONG MGA PROGRAMA ASIN

MARHAY NA PAG-ATAMAN NIATO SA MGA

KAAKIAN!

“THE YOUTH IS THE HOPE

OF THE FATHERLAND.”

DR. JOSE P. RIZAL

PH

OTO

BY

SYL

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VIL

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FLO

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SPH

IGH

LIG

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SP

HIG

HLI

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TS:Physical Therapy

and Rehabilitation Center

BASED on existing data, there has been

a continuing increase in number of

individuals who have suffered from

physical disabilities. Stroke, sprains,

and, for some, accidents that led to

amputation and other physical injuries, have

caused our citizens to experience problems

with movement. Their conditions cannot be

cured by simple medications, but will require

physical therapy and other interventions for

rehabilitation.

In this regard, thru the initiative and

sponsorship of Councilor Jose C. Rañola, MD,

together with her senior citizen counterpart,

Hon. Herminia A. Morada, the 12th

Sangguniang Panlungsod decided to provide a

responsive intervention by passing Ordinance

No. 2017-093. This legislative measure provides

for the establishment of a Physical Therapy and

Rehabilitation Center, which shall be located

beside the City Health Office.

The Physical Therapy and Rehabilitation

Center shall be dedicated for helping

individuals with problems on mobility,

including speech difficulties, to recover from

the same. It will be manned by three physical

therapists, a receptionist and a staff. Said

center will be supervised by a committee,

headed by the chairperson of the Sangguniang

Panlungsod Committee on Health and co-

chaired by the City Health Officer and Chief

of the Naga City Hospital. Members of the

committee are the head of the Persons with

Disabilities Office (PDAO), president of the

Senior Citizens’ Federation, chairman of the

HELP Learning Center, president of the Liga ng

mga Barangays, chairman of the SP Committee

on Children, as well as a physiatrist and a city

social welfare and development officer.

Budget for the construction of the center

is P3.1 million which will be sourced from the

donation of the Quezon City Government,

under the kind leadership of Mayor Herbert

M. Bautista and Vice Mayor Ma. Josefina G.

Belmonte-Alimurung. As for the P1.5 million

needed to purchase the necessary equipment

for the center, it will be sourced from our own

city coffers. The sustainability of the center

is guaranteed as the annual budget of said

office will be charged against the mandatory

one percent allocation to senior citizens and

persons with disability (considering that

majority of the clientele will come from these

sectors).

The creation of the Physical Therapy

and Rehabilitation Center is a much needed

improvement for Naga. Thru this, we can

further sustain our growth as those who were

physically immobilized, sprained or hurt will

now be having the attention and facilities they

need to recuperate and get back to work. Also,

in our pursuit towards a Maogmang Lugar, this

center will play a vital role in bringing back the

smiles to our injured fellows.

IN OUR PURSUIT TOWARDS

A MAOGMANG LUGAR, THIS CENTER

WILL PLAY A VITAL ROLE IN BRINGING BACK THE SMILES TO OUR INJURED

FELLOWS

BUDGET OF CONSTRUCTION

OF PHYSICAL THERAPY AND

REHABILITATON CENTER

P3.1M

P1.5M

SOURCED FROM THE DONATION OF QUEZON CITY

From Mayor Herbert M. Bautistaand Vice Mayor Ma. Josefina G.

Belmonte - Alimurung

FROM OUR OWN CITY COFFERS

kamundagan festival 2017

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