The 2010 Charter Day Awardees

One of the highlights of the 62nd Calbayog Charter Day Celebration was the giving of special awards and citations some to some personalities who have contributed their time and talents to the City of Calbayog.

The personalities cited that night were:

• Reynaldo Macaloyos Prudenciado, Jr. for being a 6th placer in the recent Certified Public Accountants (CPA) licensure board examination.
• Nemesio "Totoy" Baldesco, a tricycle driver from Barangay Matobato. For winning the Jimmy Y. Balacuit Special Award on Poetry in the 17th National Writers' Workshop held at the Mindanao State Univeristy in Iligan City on May 23-28, 2010.
• Ramon Carlo Baring for being a 10th placer in the recent Nursing licensure board examinations (held last July 3 - 4, 2010)
• "An Palayaman san Ciudad san Calbayog Program" for its success in providing food security to its beneficiaries and giving positive impact to Calbayog.
• The Officials and Personnel of PNP assigned in Police Community Precinct-IV of Calbayog for dedicated service in law enforcement. These are P/Insp Reynaldo P. Lim, SPO2 Joselito D. Serrano, SPO1 Tito Pallones, PO3 Andres B. Francsico, PO2 Erwin U. Beso and P/Insp Sotero C. Abrito, Jr.
• Rev. Fr. Marlowe Rosales, ofm. Bestowed the title as "Adopted Son of Calbayog" for his dedication and zestful service in developing the Calbayog youth comprising the CKC-Jose Gomez Symphony Orchestra.
• Lt Robert Salvan of the 20th IB PA and Lt Rodrigo Latonio of the 34th IB,PA for exemplary performance in the pursuit of peace in the Happy Valley area of Calbayog.
• Mr. Crisanto Pacho, Principal of the Migara Elementary School. For his courageous act in protecting his students during a raid of bandits in Migara last July 16, 2010.
• P/Insp Rolando Diaz and the personnel of PNP Community Precinct in Migara. for standing in the forefront in preserving peace and order in the Migara and Happy Valley areas despite limited resources and a smaller strength.
• SPO3 Joseph Sagadal for dedication to service. He lost three fingers during an assualt by bandits in Barangay Migara on July 18, 2010.
• P/Supt Nestor Valenzuela, Calbayog PNP Chief. For curbin illegal activities involving drugs, gambling and fishing. And for his diligent efforts to be of service to the people which contributed to the maintenance of peace and order in his areas of responsibility.

The citations were presented by Congressman Mel Senen Sarmiento, Mayor Reynaldo Uy and Vice Mayor Ronald Aquino. Also on hand to congratulate the awardees were the members of the Sanguniang Panlungsod.

Here are some pictures of the awardees as they received their plaques from the City Officials

Nemesio "Totoy" Baldesco

Ramon Carlo Baring

Mr. Marto Calamayo representing the "An Palayaman san Ciudad san Calbayog Program"

Rev. Fr. Marlowe Rosales, ofm

Lt Robert Salvan

Mr. Crisanto Pacho

P/Insp Rolando Diaz

SPO3 Joseph Sagadal

P/Supt Nestor Valenzuela

Photos courtesy of Henry Puyat

Charter Day 2010: The Thanksgiving Mass and The Flag-Raising Ceremony

The City of Calbayog celebrated its 62nd Charter Day Anniversary last Saturday, October 16 2010.

As tradition would have it, the day's events commenced with a Thanksgiving Mass at the Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral. Rev. Fr. Ilumindao Paulino, one of the pastors of Our Lady's Nativity Parish presided over the said celebration. The city officials and some department managers served as lectors during the mass.

After the Eucharistic Celebration, the flag-raising ceremony was held in front of the City Hall. The members of the ISKOLARS led the signing of the "Lupang Hinirang" and "Calbayog". This activity was highlighted by the charter day message of Mayor Reynaldo Uy.

In his message, Mayor Uy updated all concerned of what the LGU has been doing for the people of Calbayog, especially on concerns related to health, agriculture and livelihood. Echoing the theme of the celebration, he called for "determinasyon" and for every one's cooperation and support to the various programs that the 3-D Development Program is set to put in place. Among these are the projects / programs were were launched later that day namely, the Aguit-itan Development Project, the Calbayog City Hospital and the Calbayog LGU - SOS Family Training Center.

Here are some pictures courtesy of Henry Puyat

Mayor Reynaldo Uy delivering his message.

Rev. Fr. Iluminado Paulino as he presided over the Eucharistic celebration.

Mayor Uy and Vice Mayor Ronald Aquino during the offertory.

The Calbayog Rondalla and choir

The Calbayog ISKOLARS as they sang the national anthem

Mayor Reynaldo Uy with (l-r) Councilor Danilo Bernate, Vice Mayor Ronald Aquino, Councilors Regina Rabuya, Jim Uy and Arturo Pasacas.

Charter Day 2009

Mayor Mel Sarmiento and Vice Mayor Ronald Aquino as they unveiled the marker at the Calbayog City Sports Center. Looking on are Councilors Noel Sermense and Sonny Salurio. The inauguration of the Center was one of the events during the 61st Charter Day Celebration. (Photo by Joel Lagang)

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)

October 16, 2009, a Special (non-working) Day in Calbayog

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has declared October 16, 2009 as a Special (non-working) Day in Calbayog City.

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita signed Proclamation No. 1915 on October 12, 2009 by the Authority of the President.

The proclamation cited October 16, 2009 being the 61st Charter Day anniversary of Calbayog and that it is but fitting that the people of the City of Calbayog be given full opportunity to celebrate the occasion with appropriate ceremonies.

Calbayog became a city on October 16, 1948 by virtue of R.A. 328.

Calbayog rose to political and religious prominence toward the end of the American occupation in the country. It became the seat of Roman Catholicism in Samar, Leyte and the Marianas when the Diocese of Calbayog was erected on April 10, 1910.

The 61st Calbayog Charter Day Celebration

The schedule of activities for the 61st Calbayog Charter Day Anniversary is out. The 5-day celebration will commence on October 12, 2009 with the Opening Salvo at 6:00 pm.

Here's a detailed list of Activities:

October 12, 2009

• 6:00 pm: Opening Salvo. To include the opening of the Fun Center, Agri-Fair, Food Booths, Beer Plaza and Tiangge-kiosks.
• 8:00 pm: Street Beat Party Mix with International DJ, Strakatz and Voyztag Bands.

October 13, 2009

• 5:00 pm: Tinapa Foodfest
• 6:00 pm: PBA Legends vs. Calbayog Selections. Expected to participate are Nelson Asaytono, Benjie Paras, Noli Locsin, Rey Evangelista, Ronnie Magsanoc, Alvin Patromonio and Allan Caidic.
• 8:00 pm: PBA Legends photo ops / clinic

October 14, 2009

• 9:00 am: Math Olympiad / Quiz Bee
• 7:00 pm: AEGIS Live in Calbayog
  

October 15, 2009

• 9:00 am: Medical / Dental Mission
• 7:00 pm: Sabado Boys Live in Concert
  

October 16, 2009

• 7:00 am: Charter Day Parade
• 9:00 am: Calbayog City Sport Center Inauguration; Awarding of The Most Outstanding Calbayognon.
• 10:00 am: Pa-raffle sa Barangay
• 7:00 pm: Renz Verano, May Rivera and Jackston Brothers Live!

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

Happy Birthday Calbayog!

Calbayog is 60 years old today! Happy Charter Day everyone!

Calbayog at 60: Day 8

Today is the 8th day of the set of activities leading to the 60th Calbayog Charter Day Anniversary.

Scheduled for the day is the launching of the Calbayog Coffee Table Book. This will be held at the Nijaga Park at 7:00 pm. The second activity for the night is the concert of Gloc-9.

Ongoing activities:
- Agro - Industrial Fair at the Nijaga Park
- Art Exhibit at I's Plant
- Photo Exhibit: That Man from Samar at the Calbayog Museum.

The Ten Outstanding Calbayognons (TOC) 2008

The Awardees and the City Officials. (l-r) Councilors Charlie Boy Coñejos and Ina Rabuya. Mr. Greg Urot, Msgr. Francisco Cinco III, Dr. Socorro Bohol, Mr. Ruben Savellano, Councilor Julius Mancol, Mayor Mel Sarmiento, Mr. Cipriano Baldomaro, Ms. Isidra Oriendo, Mr. Marto Calamayo, Ms. Lourdes Matan, SPO2 Genaro Nabual, Councilors Ver Porlares, Florencio Enriquez and Danilo Bernate.(photo by Joel Lagang)

The Awarding Ceremonies for the Ten Outstanding Calbayogons (TOC) 2008 was held last night at the Nijaga Park. The ceremonies commenced with the TOC 2008 Director Cipriano Baldomaro giving out the rationale and the selection process. Mayor Mel Sarmiento delivered a message. There were only eight awardees. As there were no nominees for Outstanding Youth Leader and Outstanding Employee.

Here's the list of the winners in the various categories:
- Outstanding Policeman: SPO2 Genaro B. Nabual
- Outstanding Teacher: Ms. Lourdes Lauderes Matan
- Outstanding Agriculturist: Mr. Marto Gonzaga Calamayo
- Outstanding Punong Barangay: Ms. Isidra F. Oriendo
- Outstanding Entrepreneur: Ms. Julio Co
- Outstanding Non-Government Organization (NGO): Western Samar Development Foundation (WESADEF)
- Outstanding People's Organization (PO): Diocesan Commission on Health Care
- Outstanding Cooperative: BIATUNGAN Marketing Cooperative

(For more images, please check this link)

Calbayog at 60: Day 7

Today is the 7th day of the set of activities leading to the 60th Calbayog Charter Day Anniversary.
Events for the day include the following:

9:00 am. Judging of LADAWAN . . . Kalbayog (a photography contest)

7:00 pm. Oktoberfest with Green Peace Band at the Nijaga Park

Ongoing activities:
- Agro/Eco Fair at the Nijaga Park
- Art Exhibit at I's Plant
- Photo Exhibit: That Man from Samar at the Calbayog Museum

Calbayog at 60: Day 6

Today is the 6th day of the set of activities leading to the 60th Calbayog Charter Day Anniversary.

Scheduled for the day is one of the big events of the Charter Day Celebration:

The Awarding Ceremonies of The Ten Outstanding Calbayognons (TOC) which will be held at the Nijaga Park at 7:00 pm.

This will be followed by a performance of Jose Gomez Songs. Worth noting is the "maiden" performance of "Amoral", a Jose Gomez compostion which has never been performed in public.

Ongoing activities:

- Agro - Industrial Fair at the Nijaga Park

- Art Exhibit at I's Plant

- Photo Exhibit: That Man from Samar at the Calbayog Museum

Calbayog at 60: Day 5

Today is the 5th day of the set of activities leading to the 60th Calbayog Charter Day Anniversary.

One event is scheduled to the held at the Nijaga Park:

7:00 pm. Calbayog Folkdances (Love Performance / Video)

Ongoing activities:

- Agro/Eco Fair at the Nijaga Park

- Art Exhibit at I's Plant

- Photo Exhibit: That Man from Samar at the Calbayog Museum

Calbayog at 60: Day 4

Today is the 4th day of the set of activities leading to the 60th Calbayog Charter Day Anniversary.

Two events are scheduled to the held at the Nijaga Park:

7:00 pm. Food Tourism Festival

9:00 pm. LAKUB Performance

Ongoing activities:

- Agro/Eco Fair at the Nijaga Park
- Art Exhibit at I's Plant
- Photo Exhibit: That Man from Samar at the Calbayog Museum

Calbayog at 60: Day 3

Today is the 3rd day of the set of activities in line with the 60th Calbayog Charter Day Anniversary.
Events for today will include the following:

8:00 am. Calbayog - Kahi-araan Seminar Workshop

7:00 pm. Quiz Bee Finals: Calbayog Kahi-araan at the Nijaga Park

Ongoing events:
- Agro/Eco Fair at the Nijaga Park
- Art Exhibit at I's Plant
- Photo Exhibit: That Man from Samar at the Calbayog Museum

Bulawanon nga Handumanan

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

Hi there! It’s another weekend and yes, WE ARE 6 DAYS AWAY TO THE 60th CALBAYOG CITY CHARTER DAY ANNIVERSARY. This celebration, dubbed as Bulawanon nga Handumanan 2008 is anchored on the theme: “CALBAYOG . . . towards Excellence, Service and Leadership”.

The Celebration formally opened last Wednesday, with a bang if I may add. Well, that’s literally taking into consideration the fireworks display that capped the Opening Ceremonies and the day’s other events.

The day started with the opening of the Agro-Industrial Fair at the Nijaga Park where booths have been set up for various groups to display their wares. Mayor Mel Senen Sarmiento together with the Director for the Agro-Industrial Fair, Councilor Arturo Pasacas and DA-RFU-8 ARD Rufino Ayaso (who represented Director Leo Cañeda) led the officials and some Department Managers in the opening ceremonies. The said fair will run ‘til the big day on the 16th of October.

Two other events opened yesterday (I think I’ll refer to it as soft opening), the Art Exhibit at I’s Plant and the Photo Exhibit dubbed “That Man from Samar” at the Calbayog Museum.

The Day’s big event was the Opening Ceremonies which included the Mayor’s Message, the maiden presentation of “KALBAYOG . . . An Pag-Ilawod (the musical play which depicted the history of Calbayog. More about this in my next column), the Formal Declaration of Bulawanon nga Handumanan, the flying of the Traditional Lobo and the Fireworks Display.

A good number of Calbayognons turned out for the affair. Among them were school heads, artists, businessmen and students. Among the VIPs present were the members of the SOS Philippines National Board of Trustees. The members of the City Council were also present (in their Filipinana fineries) not just as part of the audience, but as part of the cast of “Kalbayog… An Pag-Ilawod”.

* * *

Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap has confirmed his attendance in the Charter Day celebration. He is expected to arrive in Calbayog on the 16th of October.

In his itinerary is the Farmers’ Congress which will be held at the TTMIST Socio-Cultural Center. He is also expected to deliver a message before the employees of the LGU and the stakeholders of the city. He will also speak during the Closing Ceremonies which will cap the celebration.

* * *

The other big event last Wednesday was the SOS Children’s Villages Philippines National Board of Trustees Annual Board Meeting which at SOS Village Calbayog. The Board Members were in town together with their Board Chairman, Archbishop Fernando Capalla of Davao.

One of the highlights of the said meeting was the signing if the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between SOS Children’s Villages Philippines and the LGU on the utilization of the old CKC-Herman Gmeiner Elementary School campus for the Calbayog Millennium Voc-Tech Training Center.

* * *

Calbayog at 60. Let me give you some more of the set of activities in slated for the 60th Calbayog Charter Day Anniversary:

For today, October 10, 2008. two activities are slated:
- 8:00 am. Continuation of the Calbayog Kahi-araan Seminar Workshop
- 7:00 pm. The Quiz Bee Finals (on Calbayog Kahi-araan) will be held at the Nijaga Park. This will be participated in by students from the public and private secondary schools of Calbayog.

October 11, 2008 (Saturday)
- 7:00 pm. Food Tourism Festival. This is a competition on the preparation and presentation of traditional Calbayog fare. The event which will be held at the Nijaga Park is under the auspices of the City Tourism and Information Office.
- LAKUB Performance will be held simultaneously with the Food Festival. This is a presentation of Calbayog art and culture.

October 12, 2008 (Sunday)
- Focus on Calbayog Foldances. There will be live performances and video presentations at the Nijaga Park.

* * *

This is it for now. Have a nice weekend everyone! Ciao!