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!"

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."

The Opening of the Santo Niño de Hibatang Festival

The Santo Niño de Hibatang Festival officially opened yesterday. The highlights of the day included the First Session of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, the Mayor's State of the City Address and the opening of the Art Exhibit and the Agro Fair. The Opening Program was held at the Oquendo covered court. In attendance were the City Officials, Msgr. Bienvenido Chiquillo and the Oquendo Parish Council, a good number of Barangay Captains, and students and teachers from the Oquendo National High School.

The festival, the first in Oquendo is being held to highlight the 125th year of the commemoration of the Holy Infant Jesus as the Patron Saint of Oquendo.

More than the religious commemoration, the festival underscores the special distinction that Oquendo and Hibatang river hold in Calbayog history. Let me give you some historical tidbits from the Calbayog coffeetable book:

"... in 1612, Ibatan was one of the 12 principal villages administered by the Jesuits in Samar Island - Tinagon, Bangajun (now Gandara), Paranas, Malulubug, Caluigan, Libunao, Cotay, Cauayan, Ybatan, Boloneto, and in the island of Capul, the villages of Sucar and Savan. Ibatan and Tinagon were the largest of the villages with 330 households each. Ibatan became the forerunner of Calbayog."

"The Hibatang settlement was located at the mouth of Hibatang River (whose name it borrowed). The Hibatang River is the biggest nad longest river system in Cabayog City. It originates from the mountain areas along the boundaries of the towns of Lope de Vega, Northern Samar, and Calbayog City. It flows out into the Samar sea covering a distance of around 35 kilometers. For centuries, people have lived along its banks, sustained and served well by the bounty of the river. Like other settlements by great rivers, the forerunner of Calbayog had its beginnings along the Hibatang River."

"Oquendo had its beginnings in the settlement called Caybago along the Hibatang River. It was one of the visitas of the pueblo of Calbayog. On March 17, 1881, under the Franciscan, the principales of Calbayog submitted to the Provincial Governor and to the national government a petition to form a new pueblo independent of Calbayog. the proposed pueblo would include the visitas of Caybago, Pilar, Cag-anibong, Mag-ubay, Tarbucan and San Rufino."

"In 1948, when Calbayog petitioned to become a city, it aggregated its former barrios that became the pueblos of Oquendo, Weyler (Tinambacan) and Sta. Margarita. When Republic Act 328 was passed on July 15, 1948, Oquendo and Tinambacan were reduced to districts of Calbayog City."

Ribbon-cutting to officially open the festival. Mayor Mel Sarmiento (5th from the right) with Vice Mayor Ronald Aquino, Councilors Sonny Salurio, Ina Rabuya, Ver Porlares and Danny Bernate and the officials of Oquendo. (Photo by Vaughn Calvara)

(l-r) Councilors Ver Porlares, Virgil Clemens, Onx Montealto, Sonny Salurio and Nonoy Pasacas. (Photo by Vaughn Calvara)

Mayor Mel Sarmiento greeting the students who participated in the standing parade. Rightmost is Msgr. Bienvenido Chiquillo, Parish Priest of Oquendo. (Photo by Vaugn Calvara)

(Photo by Henry Puyat)

The CACO ISKOLARS performing during the Opening Program (Photo by Irene Pastrana)

Oquendo Punong Barangay Prudencio Pagunsan delivering his welcome remarks. (Photo by Irene Pastrana)

Mayor Sarmiento (leftmost) with (l-r) Councilor Ina Rabuya, Councilor Ver Porlares, Vice Mayor Ronald Aquino, Councilor Danny Bernate, Councilor Sonny Salurio, Councilor Charlie Boy Coñejos, Councilor Florencio Enriquez, Councilor Virgil Clemens, Councilor Nonoy Pasacas, Board Member Charlie Coñejos, Councilor Onx Montealto and Councilor Mon Uy. (Photo by Irene Pastrana)

(Photo by Vaugn Calvara)

Halad sa Pasko 2009 opens tonight

Halad sa Pasko 2009 will officially open tonight at the Nijaga Park. The Opening Ceremonies will include production numbers by the CACO-ISKOLARS and the Rondalla Group. It will be highlighted by the lighting of the Christmas Tree and a grand fireworks display. Expected to deliver their messages are Congressman Reynaldo Uy, Mayor Mel Senen Sarmiento, Vice Mayor Ronald Aquino and Councilor Julius Mancol. The opening program will be followed by the Lantaka competition; and the SIANO Concert at 9:00 pm.

Other activities slated during this annual Christmas Festival are the following:

• December 17: "Paangbit" (CKC Show) at 7:00 pm; Akostiks Concert at 9:00 pm
• December 18: "Riot sa Calbayog" with Pooh, Kay Brozas, Princess Ryan and Joseph Bitangcol at the Calbayog City Sports Center at 7:00 pm; VoyzTag Band / Akostiks concert also at 7:00 pm
• December 19: Pioneer 505 / Akostiks Concert at 7:00 pm
• December 20: VoyzTag Band / Akostiks Concert at 7:00 pm
• December 21: "Parokya ni Edgar Live in Calbayog!" at the Calbayog City Sports Center at 7:00 pm
• December 22: Share-a-Gift (gift-giving in some selected barangays; "Si Boloy ug si Podok: D Adbentyur" (a comedy play) at 7:00 pm; Akostiks Concert at 9:00 pm
• December 23: Share-a-Gift (gift-giving in some selected barangays; Seleksiyon 2 (Waray-waray Christmas songs) at 7:00 pm; SIANO Band in concert with Ghille / Gilay at 9:00 pm

Unless indicated, all the activities will be held at the Nijaga Park stage.

Halad sa Pasko is an annual project of the City Government of Calbayog through Congressman Reynaldo Uy, Mayor Mel Sarmiento and the Sangguniang Panlungsod thorough Vice Mayor Ronald Aquino.

Calbayog City marks today its 61st Charter Day celebrations

(This report appears in today's edition of the Leyte-Samar Daily Express)

TACLOBAN CITY- The City of Calbayog will mark its 61st Charter Day today with the aim to make the city as a model in advancing unity in leadership and implementation of government programs.

City Mayor Mel Senen Sarmiento said in a phone interview that the celebration of this year’s Charter Day is simple but it will foster a sustainable unified effort in their city and in the whole province.

“We have challenges but we can overcome this if we are one in achieving goals and we can do so much,” Sarmiento told Leyte Samar Daily Express.

This year’s Charter Day commemoration is anchored on the theme “Calbayog . . . Towards Excellence, Service and Leadership.”

Starting Oct. 12, the local government unit has lined up various activities to include Opening Salvo, Street Beat Party Mix, Tinapa Foodfest, Games with Philippine Basketball Association, Math Olympiad / Quiz Bee, Concerts and Medical / Dental Mission,

Highlighting today’s Charter Day is a Parade, Calbayog City Sport Center Inauguration; Awarding of The Most Outstanding Calbayognon, Pa-raffle sa Barangay and live concert with Renz Verano, May Rivera and Jackston Brothers.

Under the original plan, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was invited to grace the occasion as a gesture of appreciation for the projects implemented in Calbayog City under her administration.

The plan was changed as the national government is giving more attention to Luzon provinces hardly hit by Typhoon “Ondoy” and “Pepeng.”

Sarmiento expressed gratitude for local officials of Samar and residents of Calbayog for the support in pushing through development initiatives.

“If there is fighting (between political leaders), it will be detrimental to growth,” Sarmiento pointed out.

One of the developments mentioned by the city’s chief executive is the recent conversion of Tiburcio Tancinco Memorial Institute of Science and Technology in Calbayog City into NorthWest Samar State University.

Aside from the TTMIST bill, Arroyo has approved on Wednesday the conversion of the Naval State University in Biliran, Ifugao State University, Romblon State University and Bohol Island State University.

This year, the city is embarking on major projects such as the Calbayog City Sports Complex, new market, Convention Center, landfill and a new park.

In 2008, the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) cited Calbayog as one of the Most Competetive Small-sized Cities in the country.

Calbayog rose to political and religious prominence after the American era and became the seat of Roman Catholicism in Samar when the Diocese of Calbayog was created on April 10, 1910. Republic Act No. 328 made Calbayog a City on October 16, 1948. (SARWELL Q. MENIANO/ Staff writer)

Calbayog City to celebrate Senior Citizens' Week

The City of Calbayog through the City Social Welfare and Development Office and the Federation of Senior Citizens Associations of Calbayog City, Inc. (FSCACCI), will observe the Senior Citizens' Week from October 1 - 10, 2009.

The celebration will commence tomorrow, October 1, 2009 with an Opening Program at the Brgy. East Awang Covered Court. Said program will be followed by a parade. Mayor Mel Sarmiento and Councilor Susano Salurio, the Chair on the SP Committee on Elderly Affairs have been invited to deliver their messages.

Other activities on hand are the following:

• October 2, 2009: Clean and Green Activities in the FSCACCI members' respective homes and barangays.
• October 3, 2009: Mass / Worship at the Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral.
• October 5, 2009: Participation in the Flag-raising Ceremony at the Calbayog City Hall. (Other activities will announced at this point)
• October 10, 2009: Culminating Activities at the Brgy. East Awang Covered Court

This year's celebration is anchored on the theme: "NAKATATANDA: Dangal at Yaman ng Bansa Noon at Ngayon".

Eid al'Fitr

Mayor Mel Senen Sarmiento,

Vice Mayor Ronaldo Aquino,

the City Officials

and the People of Calbayog

join their Muslim brothers and sisters in the observance of

EID AL'FITR

A soft opening for the Calbayog City Sports Center

The Calbayog City Sports Center had a soft opening today. A simple blessing was led by Fr. Erwin Rodriguez. Mayor Mel Sarmiento was on hand for the ceremony together with some City Officials and Department Managers.

The Center will be the venue of all the activities slated during Hadang 2009, the Culture and Arts Festival of Calbayog which the City Government spearheads during the City Fiesta.

Here are some pictures from today's activity:

Fr. Erwin Rodriguez saying the prayer of blessing.

Hadang Festival 2009

Hadang Festival 2009 will commence in a week's time. Here is the list of events slated in line with the Festival which is held annually in time for the Calbayog City Fiesta:

• September 1, 2009: Opening Ceremonies (at 6:00 p.m.); Hadang Ritual Competition (at 7:00 p.m.); Strakats and Voystag Bands in Concert (at 8:00 p.m.)
• September 2, 2009: UV Green Lancers vs TTMIST Kings (at 4:00 p.m.); SMB/ PBA Fans' Day (at 6:00 p.m.); SMB Concert (at 7:00 p.m.)
• September 3, 2009: "Himig Nating Pag-Ibig" with Noel Cabangon (at 7:00 p.m.)
• September 4, 2009: Search for Ms. Anyag 2009 (at 7:00 p.m.)
• September 5, 2009: Ladine Roxas Voice of Asia 2001 Grand Champion (at 7:00 p.m.) with Strakats and Voyztag Bands
• September 6, 2009: MYMP in Concert (at 7:00 p.m.) with Strakts and Voyztag Bands
• September 7, 2009: All-Star Basketball Game (at 7:00 p.m.); Pop Dance Competition (at 8:00 p.m.)

Except for the Ms. Anyag Beauty Pageant, it will "free admission" for all events which will be held at the Calbayog City Sport Center (Brgy. Capoocan, Calbayog City)

Nutrition Month 2009

Independence Day celebration in Calbayog

The City of Calbayog joined the nation in celebrating the 111th Philippine Independence Day last Friday, June 12, 2009. Mayor Mel Senen Sarmiento led the City Officials and the Department Managers from various government and private offices in the City.

The day's events included a Thanksgiving Mass which started promptly at the 6:30 am at the Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral. The said mass was presided over by Rev. Fr. Iluminado Paulino.

The second activity was the Flag-raising Ceremony in front of the City Hall. Speeches were delivered by Mayor Sarmiento, Vice Mayor Ronald Aquino and Ms. Cleta Omega, TESDA-Samar Provincial Director. Ms. Omega was on hand for the turn-over of PGMA scholarship grants for approximately 75 grantees who will undergo various courses at TTMIST and STI.

The day's events was capped by a Wreath-Laying ceremony at the Nijaga Park.

Here are some photos taken during the celebration.

The Iskolar grantees as they led the singing of "Calbayog". Onstage with Mayor Mel Sarmiento (5th from the left) are (l-r) Ms. Cleta Omega, DepEd Calbayog SDS Edita Paculan, TTMIST President Socorro Bohol, Vice Mayor Ronald Aquino, and Councilors Julius Mancol, Ina Rabuya, Ver Porlares, Noel Sermense, Sonny Salurio and Charlie Boy Coñejos.

Vice Mayor Ronald Aquino delivering his Welcome Message.

Ms. Cleta Omega explaining the PGMA Scholarship Program.

Mayor Mel Sarmiento as he delivered his Independence Day message.

Awarding of scholarship grants. (r-l) Mayor Mel Sarmiento, Vice Mayor Ronald Aquino, Dr. Socorro Bohol and Ms. Cleta Omega.

Mayor Mel Sarmiento after he laid a wreath at the monument of Dr. Jose Rizal.

(Photos courtesy of the CTIO)

Calbayog City celebrates the 111th Philippine Independence Day

The City of Calbayog will be one with the Filipino nation in tomorrow's observance of the 111th Philippine Independence Day.

The day's events will start-off at 6:30 a.m. with a Thanksgiving Mass at the Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral. It will be followed by a Flag-Raising Ceremony in front of the City Hall. Afterwhich will be a short program where certificates of PGMA scholarships will be distributed to qualified recipients; and messages will be delivered by Vice Mayor Ronaldo Aquino, Mayor Mel Sarmiento and Congressman Reynaldo Uy. The day's event will be capped by a Wreath-Laying Ceremony at the monuments of Dr. Jose Rizal and the local hero, Lt. Benedicto Nijaga at the Nijaga Park.

This year's Independence Day celebration is anchored on a theme: "Kagitingan, Kagalingan, at Kasipagan Tungo sa Tunay na Kalayaan".

At DENR's World Environment Day Celebration

World Environment Day. Regional Development Council Chair and Calbayog City Mayor Mel Senen Sarmiento delivers his keynote address during the World Environment Day celebration spearheaded by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources 8 at Plaza Rizal, Tacloban City, June 5. (Vino R. Cuayzon/ PIA-8)

on the Women's Day Celebration in Calbayog

(As I have reported last Monday, a good number women in Calbayog celebrated Women's Day. Here are some details of the said celebration as reported by Ms. Nimfa Quirante of PIA Samar. This report appears in today's edition of the Leyte Samar Daily Express)

Women pampered during Women's Day celebration

CALBAYOG CITY — Close to a thousand women were pampered during the recently concluded celebration of Women’s Month in this city.

Women’s groups led by Calbayog City officials, other government agencies and organizations, non-government organizations, other women’s groups down to the barangay, rganized a Multi-Services Fair where women were treated to various services for free.

The Julio Cardinal Rosales Plaza was teeming with several women and a few men eyeing the several booths put up there.

The Ophthalmology booth had the most number of patients. A limited edition of frames and lenses were given to indigent patients.

PIA also spotted a Reproductive Health booth where the women were given lectures on the topic.

Three dentist volunteers grappled with scores of women for their oral health problems while some women had their BP taken, submitted to fasting blood sugar test and even urinalysis test for those suspected of having renal failure.

In another nook, the City Nutrition booth took pride in their cooking demonstration with lessons on malunggay based recipes featuring malunggay polvoron and malunggay lumpia.

A legal service booth was also installed to draft affidavits for the numerous concerns of women regarding legal matters.

The Bantay-Abuso Network (BAN), through Western Samar Development Foundation (WESADEF) Inc., a group composed of government advocates on anti-violence against women and children also installed their booth to give information as to where women could seek help in case of domestic violence.

Women here are also taught livelihood skills to empower them and thus help the family in its economic aspect.

Aside from all these seemingly serious services for women, they also received pampering from foot reflexology, body massages, manicure, pedicure and haircut.

One such patron, Emma Calesa, indulged in a free manicure service. She said she belonged to an organization called Kalipunan ng Liping Pilipina from Tinambacan District.

Some women were also drawn by the crowd in beauty products where they were taught to put on make up and sell the beauty products.

The whole day had the women (for a day) experience booth hopping, if only to see what a women should be getting not only on Women’s Day.

Although it was Hon. Regina Rabuya who penned the invitation, Eleen Lim from DYOG who served as emcee, credited all donors, patrons and organizers including the two top government officials Mayor Mel Sarmiento and Rep. Reynaldo Uy who supported the Multi-Services Fair for the women even if only for a day. (Ninfa B Quirante)

Women's Month Celebration in Calbayog

The City Government of Calbayog today joined the National Women's Month Celebration. The opening ceremony was held at the City Hall stage with Mayor Mel Senen Sarmiento in attendance. Also present were Councilor Ina Rabuya (Chair of the SP Committee on Women), Carmen Barangay Captain Amy Cabral and Myrna Tecbobolan of Bantay Abuso Network, among others. Various health, beauty and livelihood services for women were provided at the Cardinal Rosales Plaza (details of which I will be giving in my later blog updates). DYOG's Eleen Lim hosted the opening program.

Mayor Mel Sarmiento as he delivered his message. Onstage with him were Councilor Ina Rabuya (in black), Myrna Tecbobolan and Amy Cabral.

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.

more Charter Day images

Hi! I got hold of another set of pictures from the Charter Day Celebration.

You may click on the pictures, or please check these links:

Food Tourism Festival, That Man from Samar

(from the Food Tourism Festival) Nijaga Park as it took a different loook during the food competition.

(from the Photo Exhibit) Sen. President Jose Avelino and wife Enriqueta with President Elpidio Quirino

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.

Charter Day pictures

HI! I finally got hold of some pix during the various events in line with the recent Charter Day celebration. Let me share my first set of pix.

Please check these links:

Agro-Industrial Fair

Opening Program