Calbayog welcomes the Papal Nuncio

The Most Reverend Edward Joseph Adams, the Papal Nuncio in the Philippines and the Dean of the Diplomatic Corps of the Philippines, as he passed through the Honor Guards during the planeside honors which was prepared for him by the City Government of Calbayog. With Mayor Mel Senen Samiento during the ceremony were Calbayog Bishop Isabelo Abarquez, Palo Archbishop Jose Palma and Tagbilaran Bishop Leonardo Medroso. The Papal Nuncio was in Calbayog last Saturday to preside over the Centennial Thanksgiving Mass at the Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral. The said Eucharistic Celebration was the highlight of the 100th Anniversary of Calbayog as a Diocese. (Photo by Joselo Co)

Courtesy Call

Mayor Mel Sarmiento received Congressman Bongbong Marcos yesterday. With Congresman Marcos during his courtesy call were Tacloban City Mayor Alfred Romualdez and Councilor Christina Romualdez.

NGCP President attends briefing on the 1-B peso Power Transmission Project

As reported, NGCP President and CEO Walter Brown was in Calbayog this morning. He was on hand for the briefing on the 1-billion peso Wright-Calbayog 138kV Power Transmission Project.

On hand for the program were Congressman Reynaldo Uy, Mayor Mel Sarmiento, the City Officials and various sectoral representatives.

For details about the project, please check an earlier blogpsot. Let me give you some pictures taken by Henry Puyat during the program.

Mayor Mel Sarmiento giving the welcome remarks.

Congressman Reynaldo Uy giving his message.

Dr. Walter Brown giving his message after the project briefing.

The officials signing the Covenant of Mutual Support.

NGCP President and CEO Walter Brown (seated 2nd from the right) with (l-r) Vice Mayor Ronald Aquino,Mayor Mel Sarmiento, Congressman Reynaldo Uy and Mr. Roel Castro, Special Assistant to the NGCP president. Standing are (l-) Councilors Susano Salurio, Julius Mancol, Noel Sermense, Regina Rabuya, Ver Porlares, Virgil Clemens, Danilo Bernate and Rey James Uy.

DOST Secretary in Calbayog

DOST Secretary Estrella Alabastro was in Calbayog City yesterday. She made a brief stop in the city on her way to Leyte for her various engagements.

On hand to welcome the Secretary at the Calbayog Techno Gabay Center was the staff of the City Agriculture Office headed by City Agriculturist Adela Ocenar. Also on hand were some member of the CAFC led by its president Mr. Esteban Conchas.

Secretary Alabastro was given a briefing on the Techno Gabay project and other related programs of the City of Calbayog.

courtesy call by Ambassador Pedro Chan

Mayor Mel Sarmiento today received Ambassador Pedro Chan, the Philippine envoy to Turkey. With Ambassador Chan during his courtesy call were Mr. Roberto Nicolasora and Engr. Oscar Hugo.

Courtesy Call by the DSWD Undersecretary

Mayor Mel Sarmiento received (on May 19, 2009) Ms. Celia C. Yanco of the Department of Social Welfare and Development. Ms. Yanco is the DSWD Undersecretary for Operations and Capability-Building Groups. Ms. Yanco was accompanied by DSWD FO-8 OIC-Director Leticia Corillo.

At the Climate Change Summit in Cebu

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo signs the covenant on climate change during the “One Visayas Summit on Climate Change” Tuesday (May 12) held at the Imperial Palace Waterpark Resort Hotel and Spa in Barangay Maribago, Lapu-Lapu City in Mactan, Cebu. Eighteen “One Visayas Summit” leaders led by Calbayog Mayor and RDC-8 Chair Mel Sarmiento (in white polo) and Cebu Governor and RDC-7 Chair Gwenn Garcia (partly hidden at the back of the President) and other stakeholders also signed the covenant to signify their commitment to address climate change. (Dado Aguilar/OPS-NIB Photo)

For related posts, please check these links: link 1, link2.

Calbayog City launches Citizens' Charter

Mayor Mel Sarmiento as he handed a copy of the Calbayog Citizens' Charter to CSC Assistant Commissioner Anicia Marasigan - De Lima. In photo are (l-r) Councilor Florencio Enriquez, CSC-Samar Director Michael De La Cruz, Vice Mayor Ronald Aquino, Mayor Sarmiento, Commissioner De Lima and CSC RO-8 Director David Cabanag, Jr.

Calbayog officially launched its Citizens charter on May 8, 2009, making her the first city in Region 8 to do so. The event was held during a ceremonial cutting of the Red Tape at the La Milagrosa Academy Auditorium. Mayor Mel Sarmiento and Vice Mayor Ronald Aquino led the LGU officials and employees in the activity which was graced by no less than the Civil Service Commission (CSC) Assistant Commissioner Anicia Marasigan - De Lima.

Also present in the event which was attended by City Hall employees and Barangay officials were Councilors Noel Sermense, Ver Porlares and Florencio Enriquez; and Civil Service Commission officials namely CSC Region 8 Regional Director David Cabanag, Jr., Director Marilyn Taldo, CSC-Samar Director Michael De La Cruz, CSC-Northern Samar Director Rey Albert Uy and CSC-Eastern Samar Director Emmanuel Fuentes.

Mayor Mel Sarmiento receiving a Plaque of Commendation from CSC Assistant Commissioner Anicia Marasigan - De Lima. The plaque cited the City Mayor for making Calbayog the first city in Region 8 to launch its Citizens' charter. In photo are Councilor Florencio Enriquez, Vice Mayor Ronald Aquino, Mayor Sarmiento, Commissioner De Lima, CSC RO-8 Director David Cabanag, Jr., Director Marilyn Taldo and Director Michael De La Cruz.

The Charter was put in place in compliance to RA 9485. It puts together a comprehensive host of mechanisms, systems and programs that give teeth to government efforts to stamp out inefficiency and corruption in public service. It is a listing of processes in the local government unit. It shows proper process in availing of a specific government service. It also includes price listing of payments and correct procedures in maintaining ratings of services.

Images from One Visayas

As reported, One Visayas opened yesterday at the Cebu International Convention Center. Let me share some pictures which I got from the blog of Rey Abao - Dacalos

Calbayog City Mayor and RDC-8 Chair Mel Senen Sarmiento (2nd from the right) with Cebu Governor Gwen Garcia, Senator Mar Roxas, Tourism Secretary Ace Durano and other officials during the One Visayas opening ceremonies at the Cebu International Convention Center. (photo from Safelight Photography's Photostream / Rey abao-Dacalos)

Opening Night at the Cebu International Convention Center (Photo from SafeLightPhotography's photostream / Rey Abao-Dacalos)

For related articles, you may check these links:

One Visayas is here (Cebu Daily News)

Film, dance highlight 3rd day of One Visayas expo

Courtesy Call

Mayor Jojo Binay paid a courtesy call on Mayor Mel Sarmiento yesterday. Calbayog was one of the stops of Mayor Binay during his Samar visit. The Makati Mayor was in the province to sign Sister-City Agreements with Catbalogan, Sta. Rita and Villareal.

Mayor Mel Sarmiento with Mayor Jojo Binay (r) and Vice Mayor Ronald Aquino (l)

Mayor Sarmiento and Mayor Binay with their City Administrators. Engr. Arnol Trani (standing) the Acting City Administrator of Calbayog and Makati City Administrator Marjorie De Veyra.

Mayor Sarmiento with VM Ronald Aquino, Linda Calesa and Bebot Beso.

Bibeth Orteza with Atty. Pio Kenneth Dasal, the Assistant Legal Officer of Makati

The Urban Poor Solidarity Week

The City Government recently spearheaded the Urban Poor Solidarity Week 2008. The activity which was anchored on the theme "Urban Poor Empowerment: The City's Vision for Sustainable MDGs Localization", was graced by the presence of HUDCC Secretary-General, Undersecretary Lucille Ortile.

A good number of Officers and Members of 54 Homeowners Associations (HOAs) and the beneficiaries of Caramel and Tomalon subdivisions participated in the parade and solidarity which capped the week-long event.

Here are some pictures from the day's activity.

Mayor Mel Sarmiento with Usec Lucille Ortile as they welcomed the parade participants.

Mayor Sarmiento with Usec. Ortile as they visited the San Policarpo resettlement site

The City Mayor with the HUDCC Usec at Carmela Subdivision.

For more pictures, please check this link.

Secretary Arthur Yap's commitments to Calbayog and Samar

Hi! Still with the recent birthday bash of Calbayog City. I would have wanted to publish this news right after the Charter Day Closing Ceremonies where Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap enumerated a good number of projects for Calbayog and Samar.

I wanted to be sure about the data, so the news had to wait until yesterday when I received the email detailing Secretary Yap's commitments to Calbayog City and in the First District of Samar. The Agriculture Secretary was in Calbayog City on October 16, 2008 in conjunction with the 60th Calbayog Charter Day Celebration and the Turnover of INFRES FMR and Flatbed Mechanical Dryer.

1.) Three (3) Million Pesos for (6) six additional units of flatbed mechanical dryers for Calbayog City.

2.) Four (4) Million Pesos for a SWIP project in Roxas II, Calbayog City

3.) Twenty (20) Million Pesos for a Farm-to-Market-Road (FMR) project from Barangay San Jose to Barangay Himalandrog, Calbayog City

4.) Eight and a half (8.5) Million Pesos funding support for a Farm-to-Market-Road (FMR) Project in Sta. Margarita endorsed by Congressman Reynaldo S. Uy

5.) Four Hundred Fifty Thousand (450,000) Pesos for 26 units of ram pumps coursed thru the Diocese of Calbayog for the 24 municipalities and 2 cities of Samar.

Secretary Yap in Calbayog

As announced, Agriculture Secretary Arthur C. Yap was in Calbayog as the guest of honor during the 60th Charter Day Celebration.

His first engagement was to speak before the Calbayognons who have gathered in front of the City Hall in time for the traditional Charter Day parade.

His speech was capped by the ceremonial turn-over of a 6-ton flatbed dryer and the ceremonial ribbon-cutting for the various INFRESS projects which the Department of Agriculture has implemented in Calbayog City (more on these in my next blog updates).

Secretary Yap also delivered a message during the closing program at the Nijaga Park (more pitures and details in my next blog update). In the meantime, let me give some pictures courtesy of Henry Puyat.

Secretary Yap as he delivered his speech. Listening to him are (r-l) Mayor Mel Senen Sarmiento, Councilors Danny Bernate and Virgil Clemens and Board member Charlie Coñejos.

Mayor Mel Senen Sarmiento as he delivered his welcome message. Seated onstage with Secretary Arthur Yap are (r-l) Councilor Ina Rabuya, Loudette Avelino, Vice Mayor Onald Aquino, Councilor Nonoy Pasacas, Ambassador Pedro Chan, Councilors Danny Bernate, Virgil Clemens and Benjie Dean.

Secretary Arthur Yap with Gregorio Lim, President of Roxas 2 Irrigators' Association during the ceremoial turn over of a 6-ton flatbed dryer. Looking on is Mayor Mel Sarmiento.

Secretary Yapo leading the ceremonial ribbon-cutting or the various INFRESS projects in Calbayog. With him are Mayor Mel Sarmiento and (r-l) Councilors Sonny Salurio, Benjie Dean, Virgil Clemens, Ver Porlares and Nonor Pasacas.

Secretary Yap as he received the Certificate of (project) Acceptance from Mayor Sarmiento; and Mayor Sarmiento as he recieved the Certificate of Subproject Completion from Secretary Yap. Looking on are Councilors Noel Sermense and Nonoy Pasacas.

The Mayor and the Senator

Got this only today. When Senator Chiz Escudero came to Calbayog (a few weeks ago), he had a short meeting with Mayor Mel Sarmiento. I am not privy as to what was discussed in the said meeting. Anyway, let me give you one picture taken after their meeting.

SOS Children's Villages Philippines National Board of Trustees to meet in Calbayog

SOS Children's Village Calbayog will play host to the SOS Children's Villages Philippines National Board of Trustees Annual Meeting.

The said meeting will be held tomorrow, October 8, 2008.

Some members of the SOS National Board of Directors are expected to arrive in Calbayog City today. Among those who have confirmed their attendance are Davao Archbishop Fernando Capalla (the Board Chairman), Pablo Quianzon (Board Member), Ma. Angeles Lapeña (Board Member), Bienvenido Delgado (SOS CV Philippines, National Director) and Felipe Dumpit (SOS CV Philippines Deputy National Director). Also expected to attend are the Board Presidents of the SOS Children's Villages all over the country.

At 7:00 pm tonight, the SOS officials will be treated to Dinner and Fellowship courtesy of Calbayog City Mayor and SOS Calbayog Board President Mel Senen Sarmiento.

Activtites for tomorrow's meeting are as follows:

10:00 am. Arrival and Welcome

- The SARAKIKI-Hadang Performers of Calbayog City will be on hand to welcome the VIPs

- A Welcome Message will be delivered by Mayor Mel Sarmiento

10:30 am Meeting Proper

12:00 pm. Lunch

3:00 pm MOA Signing for the Voctech Center

4:00 pm. WARAY-WARAY Festival Presentation

- FSP Beneficiaries, selected youth and children from SOS Calbayog and workers and FSP mothers will be presenting various numbers.

- Mayor Mel Sarmiento will deliver a message

- Archbishop Fernando Capalla will deliver the Closing Remarks

Images from the Dedication of the Calbayog Main Health Center

(Electricity was restored at minutes past midnight. Thanks to Typhoon Frank, Calbayog was "powerless" since Friday. Anyway, on to "business")

I just got hold of some pictures taken during the Dedication of the Calbayog City Main Health Center. The said center is one of the projects undertaken under the MEDCAP of the USNS Mercy Mission or the Pacific Partnership 2008. It is located in Brgy. Capoocan, near the Hall of Justice and a few steps from the (soon-to-be-finished) Calbayog City Gymnasium.

Bishop Isabelo Abarquez as he said the Prayer of Blessing

Ambassador Kristie Kenney with (l-r) Capt. William Kearns, Capt. Crispin Mercado, Mayor Mel Sarmiento, Cong. Reynaldo Uy and DFA Asec Edsal Custodio.

(During the short program after the blessing and before the ribbon-cutting) Bishop Isabelo Abarquez delivered a speech of thanks on behalf of the Samareños . . .

. . . and a reply was made by the Ambassador

Ribbon-cutting. Ambassador Kenney with Mayor Sarmiento and some members of the PA Engineering Batallion and the US Navy Seabees. Partly hidden are Cong. Reynaldo Uy and Bishop Isabelo Abarquez.

The Ambassador and the City Mayor as they unveiled the plaque

The dedication was capped with the U.S. Navy Seabees presenting the City Mayor a completion plaque. In close attendance in the presentation was Cong. Reynaldo Uy.

"The completion plaque accents the work and partnership between the U.S. Navy, Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Royal Australian Army Engineers.”