Calbayog City to observe World Health Day 2010

The City of Calbayog through the City Health Office (CHO) will participate in World Health Day 2010. The CHO has prepared an activity dubbed as "PISO KONTRA SIGARILYO" which will be held on Sunday, April 11, 2010. It will commence at the City Hall Stage and will end at the Nijaga Park.

Details of the one-day event are as follows:

• 5:30 am: Assembly at the City Hall Stage

• 6:00 am: Short Program
• Opening Prayer by CACO
• Rationale by Dr. Sylvia De Guzman
• Mechanics of "Piso Kontra Sigarilyo" by Ms. Rose Cecilia Tibo
• Message by Mayor Mel Senen Sarmiento

• 7:00 am: Kick-off of Fun Run

• 8:00 am - 4:00 pm: Cigarette Sticks collection

• 4:00 pm: Hataw Bayan (physical fitness exercises) at the Nijaga Park
• Declaration of amount collected from the Fun Run
• Showing of cigarette collection documentation
• Raffle Draw

Earth Hour in Calbayog

The City of Calbayog participated in Earth Hour 2010. The activity was held at the City Hall Stage. The event's participants included DepEd - Calbayog, DILG-Calbayog, DYOG Radyo ng Bayan, SOS Children's Village-Calbayog, the Community of God's Servants, the officials of Barangay Rawis and Community Channel 8. The activity included a speeches by Mayor Mel Sarmiento, Councilor Sonny Salurio, DepEd SDS Edita Paculan and CENRO OIC Lorenzo RAs, Jr. A few minutes after the official switch-off, SAMELCO 1 turned-off feeder 2, in effect it made 7,333 SAMELCO concessionaires participants in Earth Hour 2010; and it translated to 2 Megawatts (MW) saved during the event.

Mayor Mel Sarmiento giving his presentation before the official switch-off.

Fr. Iluminado Paulino of the Parish of Our Lady's Nativity.

Countdown to switch-off. Mayor Mel Sarmiento with Fr. Dondon Paulino, Councilor Sonny Salurio Councilor Danny Bernate and DILG Director Valente Bajet.

(l-r) City Veterinarian Decoroso Balmes, CSWDO Bety Jane Arnejo, Estanislao Cortado Jr., City Engineer Oscar Hugo, City Cooperatives Officer Cipriano Baldomaro, DepEd Calbayog SDS Edita Paculan, CEEDMO Nida Beso, City Agriculturist Adela Ocenar and Rev. Fr. Dondon Paulino.

DepEd Calbayog SDS Edita Paculan delivering her message.

CENRO OIC Lorenzo Rs, Jr. with Councilors Danny Bernate and Sonny Salurio.

Mayor Mel Sarmiento as they recited the Earth Hour 2010 Pledge of Commitment.

Mayor Sarmiento with Councilor Sonny Salurio and other participants during the signing of the Pledge of Commitment.

The SOS Calbayog Youth as they prepared for their Hand Play entitled "The Mission"

(photos courtesy of CTIO) For more pictures, please check this link.

COMELEC Task Force removes campaign materials

A team composed of COMELEC Calbayog, PNP Calbayog, the City Solid Waste Management Office and the PPCRV-Calbayog went to work today and yesterday after Mayor Mel Sarmiento on Monday ordered for the removal campaign materials that are placed in areas not designated as common poster areas. The team was able to cover Carayman, the City Proper all the way to Barangay Lonoy.

COMELEC Calbayog Election Officer Salvador Cruz (right) with Fr. Ted Perez of PPCRV-Calbayog (in white shirt) and some PNP officers as they supervise the removal of campaign materials in Barangay Bagacay.

The team members removing campaign material in the downtown area.

(Photos courtesy of the CSWMO)

Calbayog to participate in Earth Hour 2010

(Image courtesy of www.adayinthelifeofrj.com)

Calbayog City will join the rest of the world in observing Earth Hour 2010. The City Government through the City Solid Waste Management Office (CSWMO) and the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) has come up with a three-hour program which will be held at the City Hall Stage this coming Saturday, March 27, 2010. A memorandum and an Executive Order signed by Mayor Mel Sarmiento has been distributed to local government and private offices as well as the various non-government organizations. Details of the program are as follows:

Part I Pre-Program

• 6:00 PM: Opening Remarks by Vice Mayor Ronaldo Aquino
• Rationale to be given by Councilor Susano Salurio, Chairperson of the Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee on the Environment.
• Calls for Participation and Support from the three districts of Calbayog namely, Tinambacan, Oquendo and Calbayog.
• 7:00 PM: Video Showing of Earth Hour
• 7:10 PM Video Showing of Documentaries on the Environment

Part II Program Proper

• 8:20 PM: Opening Prayer by Rev. Fr. Iluminado Paulino
• 10-second countdown to Earth Hour 2010
• 8:30 PM: Ceremonial Switch-off of Lights led by Mayor Mel Sarmiento with the City Officials and the Department Managers
• Message by Congressman Reynaldo Uy
• Hands Play entitled "The Mission" by the SOS Youth
• Talk on Tips on how top conserve energy by Mr. Lorenzo Ras, Earth Hour 2010 Calbayog Focal Person
• Pledge of Commitment led by Councilor Susano Salurio
• Song and Dance numbers
• Update on areas that have switched-off by the Documentation / Advocacy Committee, DYOG Radyo ng Bayan, Cable TV Channel 9 & Radyo Natin FM.
• 9:30 PM: Switch ON
• Closing Message by Mayor Mel Senen Sarmiento

Calbayog LGU cites EVRAA 2010 winners

Mayor Mel Sarmiento as he congratulated the EVRAA winners during this morning's ceremony.

The City Government today cited the secondary and elementary students who won medals in the recently concluded EVRAA 2010. Mayor Mel Sarmiento was joined by Mr. Bobby Diomangay, DepEd Calbayopg PESS Supervisor in distributing the the cash incentives to the young achievers.

Winners in the individual category received 2,500 pesos (for gold), 1,500 pesos (for silver) and 800 pesos (for bronze) 800. Winners in the doubles category for 3,000 (for gold) 2,000 (for silver) and 1,000 for bronze). Group events winners received Php 3,500, Php 2,500 and Php 1,000 for gold, silver and bronze respectively.

Mayor Mel Sarmiento (6th from the right) with Mr. Bobby Diomangay (4th from the right) and the EVRAA 2010 medalists.

Here's the list of athletes who won in EVRAA 2010:

GOLD (Elementary)

• Joe Cris Otrara (Gymnastics /MAG)
• Denise Pauline Bernardo (Swimming)
• John Paul Abellar (Swimming)

GOLD (Secondary)

• Jemary Matan (Athletics /Discus Throw)
• Brylle Anthony Daguman (Tennis /SB)
• Romeo Francis Dimakiling (Tennis /SA)
• Romeo Francis Dimakiling Crossover Game
• Dale Jay Pepito (Tennis /Doubles)
• Rio Mikko Saplad (Tannis /Doubles)

SILVER (Elementary)

• Rudie Jaime IV (Athletics 1500m)
• Prince charles Calesa (Athletics / Discus throw)
• Joe Cris Otrera (Gymnastics / Floor Exercise)
• Joe Cris Otrera (Gymnastics / Team)
• Joe Cris Otrera (Gymnastics / All Around)
• Jeric Rosima (Gymnastics / Team)
• Zuriel Neri Tozon (Gymnastics / Team)
• Denise Pauline Bernardo (Swimming)
• Ryan Timothy Araba (Tennis / Doubles)
• Kent De Leon (Tennis / Doubles)
• Joy Tocayon (Tennis / Doubles)
• Neika amor Taripe (Tennis / Doubles)

SILVER (Secondary)

• Melfraim Bacunawa (athletics / Shot Put)
• Regina Corpuz (Chess / B2)
• Regina Corpuz (Chess / Team)
• Khezel Ballon (Chess / Team)
• Paulo Amita (Gymnastics / Team)
• Levie Caro (Gymnastics / Team)
• Jeffrey Militar (Gymnastics / Team)
• Brylle Anthony Daguman (Tennis / SB)

BRONZE (Elementary)

• Necko Bescoro (Taekwando)
• Shanelle Kyle Enguito (Taekwando)

BRONZE (Secondary)

• Julie Ann De Guzman (Badminton)
• Basari Abiden (Taekwando)
• Zyl Grace Cabasares (Taekwando)

El Niño Advisory from CCWD

The City Mayor's Office received an advisory from the Calbayog City Water District. The advisory dated March 10, 2010 calls on the public to conserve and use water wisely. Here the complete text of the advisory:


March 10 ,2010

EL NIÑO ADVISORY

"Calbayog City Water District is expecting significant reduction in its raw water supply in the coming months as a result of El Niño. We wish to assure our concessionaires that we are making necessary preparation and linkage with the concerned government agencies to manage the situation and minimize concessionaires' inconvenience."

"We must remain vigilant in preparing for the possible continuation of drought cycle. Thus, the CCWD Management appeals to the general public to CONSERVE AND USE WATER WISELY."

"We will provide the public with regular updates regarding the effect of El Niño on our operation and service delivery so we can better manage our water supply."

Calbayog's stage play at One Visayas 2010

The City of Calbayog through the City Arts and Culture Office presented the comedy play "Inodoro" during the One Visayas 2010 Festival in Roxas City, Capiz.

The stage play was presented at the Villareal Stadium in Roxas City. In attendance during the performance were Antique Governor Sally Perez and Capiz Governor Victor Tanco, among others.

Inodoro's main theme is the call to protect the environment. It has for its cast the Calbayog Kahia-raan Scholars (CKSP) and was directed by CACO's Jonas Lim.

(r-l) Governor Capiz Victor Tanco, Antique Governor Sally Perez and CACO's Jonas Lim.

The cast with Govenor Perez and Governor Tanco.

(Photos courtesy of CTIO)

Calbayog participates in One Visayas 2010

One Visayas 2010 officially opened today at the Villareal Stadium in Roxas City, Capiz with former Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro as Guest of Honor. Paricipants from the three regions and 20 provinces in the Visayas have converged for the event which is aimed to showcase and promote tourism in Central Philippines. The 2nd One Visayas Expo is an event seen as the festival of festival in the Visayas and a one stop venue for tourists to experience the best of the Visayan Islands.

Calbayog City was part of the contingent from Region 8. Mayor Mel Sarmiento failed to make it to today's opening ceremonies due to some pressing concerns in the city. He was represented by City Tourism and Information Officer Erlinda Calesa and City Arts and Culture Officer Jonas Lim.

The CACO performers will be presenting Calbayog songs and dances dubbed as "Lokal nga Arte, Kultura ug Bahandi (LAKUB) on March 12 at 2:00 pm and the comedy play "Inodoro" on March 13 at 7:00pm.

Here are some pictures from this morning's opening ceremonies courtesy of the CTIO.

CTIO Erlinda Calesa (representing Mayor Mel Sarmiento) with Governors Sally Perez of Antique, Gwenn Garcia of Cebu and Victor Tanco of Capiz.

Sec. Gilbert Teodoro shaking hands with Ms. Erlinda Calesa.

Gilbert Teodoro with Governors Garcia and Perez and other guests.

Ms. Erlinda Calesa delivering the message of Mayor Mel Sarmiento.

Cebu Governor Gwendolyn Garcia.

Here's the One Visayas Expo 2010 Schedule:

March 11, 2010 (Thursday)

• 9AM – 11AM Pang Abi-abi/ Panabi-tabi (Opening Ceremony), Villareal Stadium
• 2PM Sadsad Visayas (Parade of Festivals) City Plaza to Villareal Stadium
• 6PM-8PM Pasundayag 1 (Region 6 Cultural Performance) Capiz Gym, Villareal Stadium
• 8PM – 12MN Saulog Visayas (Concert at the Park) Villareal Stadium
  Sabor Visayas (Food Festival) Villareal Stadium
  Hugpong Visayas (Artists Reception) Capiz Gym, Villareal Stadium
• 9PM Fireworks Exhibition (Villareal Stadium)

March 12, 2010 (Friday)

• 8AM-4PM Pandadyan 1 (Workshop on storytelling) Hall of Governors, Provl Capitol
• 8AM-4PM Pandayan 2 (Workshop B-boying) CapSU Main Auditorium
• 9AM-8PM Manggad Visayas Capiz Gym, Villareal Stadium
• 9AM-12NN Daha-daha (Region 8 Cooking Demo) Provincial Pavilion, Villareal Stadium
• 10AM-12NN Pasundayag 2 (Region 6 Cultural Performance) Capiz Gym, Villareal Stadium
• 2PM-4PM Pasundayag 3: LAKUB of Calbayog City (Region 8 Cultural Performance) Capiz Gym, Villareal Stadium
• 3PM-5PM Pag-ambitanay (Region 6 Outreach Performance) Host Municipalities
• 6PM-8PM Pasundayag 4 (Region 7 Cultural Performance) Capiz Gym, Villareal Stadium
• 8PM Telon (Film Showing) Villareal Stadium
• 8PM-12MN Saulog Visayas (Concert at the Park) Football Field
  Sabor Visayas (Food Festival) Football Field

March 13, 2010 (Saturday)

• 8AM-4PM Pandadyan 3(Workshop on Technical Theater) CapSU Main Auditorium
• 8AM-4PM Pandadyan 4 (Workshop on Material and Technical Application and Manipulation) Hall of Governors, Provl Capitol
• 9AM-8PM Manggad Visayas Capiz Gym, Villareal Stadium
• 9AM-12NN Daha-daha (Region 7 Cooking Demo) Provincial Pavilion, Villareal Stadium
• 10AM-12NN Pasundayag 5 (Region 7 Cultural Performance) Capiz Gym, Villareal Stadium
• 2PM-4PM Pasundayag 6 (Region 6 Cultural Performance) Capiz Gym, Villareal Stadium
• 3PM-5PM Pag-ambitanay 2 (Region 7 Outreach Performance) Host Municipalities
• 6PM-8PM Pasundayag 7: Calbayog's comedy play "Inodoro" (Region 8 Cultural Performance) Capiz Gym, Villareal Stadium
• 8PM Telon (Film Showing) Villareal Stadium
• 8PM-12MN Saulog Visayas (Concert at the Park) Football Field
  Sabor Visayas (Food Festival) Football Field

March 14, 2010 (Sunday)

• 8AM-11AM Pandayan 6 (Workshop on Hand Puppetry) CapSU Main Auditorium
• 8AM-4PM Cultural summit, Gerry Roxas foundation Cultural Center
• 8AM-4PM Pandadyan 5 (Workshop Film Appreciation/Visual Communication) Hall of Governors, Provl Capitol
• 9AM-8PM Manggad Visayas Capiz Gym, Villareal Stadium
• 9AM-12NN Daha-daha (Region 6 Cooking Demo) Provincial Pavilion, Villareal Stadium
• 10AM-12NN Pasundayag 8 (Region 8 Cultural Performance) Capiz Gym, Villareal Stadium
• 2PM-4PM Pasundayag 9 (Region 7 Cultural Performance) Capiz Gym, Villareal Stadium
• 3PM-5PM Pag-ambitanay 3 (Region 8 Outreach Performance) Host Municipalities
• 6PM-8PM Hinugyaw (Closing Ceremony) Villareal Stadium
• 8PM Telon (Film Showing) Villareal Stadium
• 8PM-12MN Saulog Visayas (Concert at the Park) Football Field
  Sabor Visayas (Food Festival) Football Field

Calbayog City observes Women's Day

The City of Calbayog in coordination with various government agencies and NGOs celebrated International Women's Day yesterday. Invited to speak during the opening program at the City Hall Stage were Mayor Mel Senen Sarmiento, Councilor Regina Rabuya, Atty. Jennylyn Sumagang-Durmiendo and CSWDO Betty Jane Vergara-Arnejo.

The whole day event included a motorcade and the Women's Multi-Services Fair at the Jogger's Court in Barangay East Awang. The fair offered services on Health and Nutrition, Personal Care, Social Services, Optho Services and Advocacy.

The program was hosted by Eleen Lim of DYOG Radyo ng Bayan. Among the agencies and NGOs that participated in the activity were WESADEF, the Bantay-Abuso Network (BAN), International Justice Mission (IJM), DILG, CHO and PNP Calbayog.

Mayor Mel Sarmiento delivering his message.

Councilor Regina Rabuya as she delivered her welcome remarks.

Atty. Jennylyn Sumagang - Durmiendo giving her Inspirational Message.

CSWDO Betty Jane Vergara - Arnejo explaining the rationale of the event.

DYGO's Eleen Lim hosting the opening program.

Mayor Mel Sarmiento with Calbayog PNP Chief PSupt Ramil Ramirez and (seated l-r) CSWDO Betty Jane Vergara-Arnejo, Councilor Regina Rabuya, Atty. Jennylyn Sumagang-Durmiendo and DepEd Calbayog SDS Edita Paculan.

Women's Month Celebration in Calbayog

The DILG-Calbayog streamer announcing Women's Month 2010

In observance of Women's Month 2010, the City of Calbayog will join the Bantay-Abuso Network (BAN), WESADEF and other agencies and non-government organizations in a 7-part program this coming Monday, March 8, 2010.

The day's event will commence at 7:00 am with the registration at the Jogger's Court in Barangay East Awang. The Opening Program will follow at the City Hall stage at 8:00 am. Mayor Mel Sarmiento, Councilor Regina Rabuya and CSWDO Betty Jane Arnejo have been invited to deliver their messages during the opening program which will be followed by a motorcade.

The official opening of the Women's Multi-Services Fair will be held at the Jogger's Court after the motorcade. The said fair will offer various services like Health and Nutrition, Personal Care, Social Services, Advocacy, among others.

The Closing Program will be held at 4:00 pm. BAN member and Broadcast Journalist Eleen Lim and CSWDO Betty Jane Arnejo will deliver their messages. Invited to lead the distribution of certificates are Mayor Mel Sarmiento, Councilor Regina Rabuya and DILG Calbayog City Director Valente Bajet.

The days event will be capped by the Hataw Bayan to be led by SPO3 Gloria Arioja and Prose Bingayen.

This year's celebration is anchored on the theme: "Babae, Tagumpay ka ng Bayan!"

NGCP Power update

Let me share another POWER SYSTEM UPDATE emailed to me by Belinda Sale - Canlas of the Corporate Communications Department of the National Grid corporation of the Philippines. This is as of 8:30 am March 3, 2010.

Power transmission utility and system operator National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) reports the power grid status today as follows:

Grid / Available Capacity / Peak Demand / Reserves / Generation Deficiency
LUZON / 6,925 MW / 6,776 MW / 149 MW / 0 MW
VISAYAS / 1,171 MW / 1,171 MW / 0 MW / 0 MW
MINDANAO / 808 MW / 1,318 MW / 0 MW/ 510 MW

Luzon grid has limited reserves of 149 MW due to the shutdown of Masinloc 1 (315 MW) since February 28. Plant owner and operator AES Corp. has tentatively scheduled the completion of repair works at the plant on March 7.

Sual 1, operated by Team Energy Philippines, has been operational since yesterday and already provides 647 MW to the grid.

DMCI Holdings Inc.’s Calaca 1 has been operational since 1555H yesterday and is currently providing 162 MW to the grid. However, Calaca 2, which previously provided 180 MW to the grid, was shut down at 0504H today due to technical problems with equipment at the coal-fired facility.

Module 30 of First Gas Power Corporation's Sta. Rita plant is undergoing recommissioning after a major outage on March 2 and will not be fully operational until all technical tests have been finished.

In the Visayas grid, Cebu Energy Development Corporation's plant is now operating at 21 MW. It was providing the grid with 52 MW when technical problems with equipment made it unoperational last night at 1928H. The plant, which has been newly connected to the grid before this incident, is still undergoing technical tests and may increase its capacity to 42 MW within the day.

Salcon Power's Cebu Thermal Power Plant Unit 1 and Unit 2 are both fully operational and loaded with 48 MW and 50 MW respectively.

Mindanao grid continues to experience generation deficiency of up to 510 MW today. This is attributed mainly to limited available capacities of hydro-electric power plants, most of which have very low water inflow to their reservoirs due to the el nino.

There has been an 80% reduction in the capabilities of National Power Corporation's (Napocor) Agus Hydro-electric Power Plants. Pulangi Plant, also owned by Napocor, experienced 90% reduction in capabilities. Lake Lanao elevation as of 0600H yesterday is 699.06 meters, which is below the critical level of 699.15 meters.

Agus Plants have a total available capacity of 97 MW out of the total rated capacity of 727 MW while Pulangi Plant is running at only 30 MW out of the total rated capacity of 255 MW.

Napocor's Iligan Diesel Power Plant is online and provides 30 MW to the grid. Aboitiz Power's Therma Marine Unit 1 and Unit 2 are also operational with a combined available capacity of 96 MW.

NGCP will continue to monitor power grid conditions. As System Operator, it operates the power system or grid in accordance with the Philippine Grid Code. It is also the country's only utility responsible for transmitting high-voltage power from generators to distributors. NGCP does not own nor operate and maintain any power generation and distribution facilities.

Fire Prevention Month

Firetrucks passed by the City Hall during today's motorcade which opened the observance of Fire Prevention Month 2010. This year's theme is "Sustaining Fire Prevention through Active Community Participation."