Calbayog observes 32nd National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week

The City Government through the City Social Welfare and Development Office (CSWDO) is observing the 32nd National Disability Prevention and Rehabilitation Week.

The celebration was launched today, July 19, 2010 through a simple program was held at the City Hall Stage after the flag-raising ceremony. CSWDO Betty Jane Arnejo was on hand to give the rationale of the program and also to inform everyone of the activities lined up for the celebration. Also present were some visually-impaired students and members of the Hearing Impaired Class from the Calbayog City SPED Center. They were accompanied by their advisers Mrs. Nimfa Cacait and Mrs. Gemma Tapel.

CSWDO Betty Jane Arnejo delivering the program rationale.

Today's activities will include inspection of "non-accessible" establishments, scouting of children with visual impairments and radio guesting.

On July 20, 2010 Orientations / Updates on the implementation of BP 344 and RA 9442; and the Person with Disability Affairs Office (RA 1070) will be conducted at the Senior Citizens' Center. A Pangkabuhayan Skills Workshop will also be conducted by the City Federation of Persons with Disabilities (CFPD).

On July 21, 2010, the CFPD will have a Family Fun Day and socialization.

On July 22, 2010, a training on family members on the care and management of mentally-challenged children and other learning difficulties will be conducted at the Senior Citizens' Center.

This year's celebration is anchored on the theme: "Istrukturang Accessible, Lahat ay Able"

Michael Corsiga, Mary Joy Corsiga and Merle Corsiga as they delivered the morning prayers using their guide which was in Braile.

Ms. Gemma Tapel and some members of her class.

Calbayog celebrates Farmers' and Fisherfolks Week

The City Government of Calbayog officially launched the Farmers' and Fisherfolks Week during this morning's flag-raising Ceremony. The event is being undertaken by the LGU through the City Agriculture Office, in coordination with the City Agriculture and Fisheries Council (CAFC), the City Agricultural Resources Management Council (CFARMC) and the Regional Fishermen's Training Center (RFTC).

The staff of the City Agriculture Office led by Mrs. Adela Ocenar was on hand together with the members of the CAFC and the CFARMC. Messages were delivered by CFARMC Chairperson Nick Balili and CAFC Vice Chairperson Mike Pedrozo. They both called on all concerned to do their share to combat climate change which is one great factor that will affect the human food chain.

The day's events include the Opening Program, the regular tabo at the Cardinal Rosales Plaza, the motorcade and the cooking demo courtesy of RFTC-Catbalogan.

Other events will include "Tagisan ng Lakas at Diskarte" at Pantai Pingkit (Manguino-o); and the culminating activity on Friday which will include a showing of a video on Climate Change and the demo on the composting facility at the SOS Children's Village.

CFARMC Chairperson Nick Balili delivering his welcome message.

CAFC Vice Chair Mike Pedrozo.

City Agriculture Office personnel as they prepared for the motorcade.

Some of the vendors at the tabo. The tabo is held on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays at the Cardinal Rosales Plaza.

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)

Mayor Mel Sarmiento delivers his last State of the City Address

Mayor Mel Senen Sarmiento as he delivered his State of the City Address this morning during the first session of the Sangguniang Panlungsod. Invited to the event which was held at the Oquendo covered court were the various barangay officials, the Parish Pastoral Council of Oquendo, Students and Teachers from the Oquendo National High School and the Department Managers of LGU Clabayog. (Photo by Henry Puyat)

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!

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".

5 Barangay in Calbayog City Receive KBP Projects

Calbayog City_/As the rest of the country marked the 37th anniversary of Martial Law, 5 barangays in the northern part of the city received the fruits of their “liberation” from being affected by the insurgents: the Kalayaan Barangays Program or KBP Projects of the Armed Forces of the Philippines.

In a simple ceremony at Brgy. Peña in Tinambacan district, Col. Arnaldo Fernandez, Jr., commander of the 53rd Engineering Brigade, together with Col. Arnolfo Atendido, commander of the 803rd Infantry Brigade, turned over to city mayor Mel Senen Sarmiento and the 5 punong barangays the fully-accomplished KBP project packages consisting of a 2-room school building, a health center and street lights. The projects which cost around Php1.5 million per package were warmly received by the Barangay officials, health workers and teachers of Barangays Peña, Cagmanipis Norte, Malaga, Tinaplacan and Bugtong.

According to Lt. Col. Rizalito Tibon, the commanding officer of 543rd Engineering Construction Battalion which erected the said projects, the Kalayaan Barangays Program of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was intended for conflict-affected communities all over the country. It is specifically given to such barangays who lack the basic infrastructure projects such as school buildings, water system, and the like.

The recipient barangays in Calbayog according to Col. Tibon, were selected when the Special Operations Team from the 20th IB conducted a pulong-pulong with the people of the communities to know what their basic priority needs are. These needs were submitted to the National Development Command, which in turn, requested funds from the President.

During the ribbon cutting ceremonies in the barangay, there were observations made about the good quality of work done on the buildings by the engineering battalion. To this, Col. Tibon said, “Iyon lang po talaga ang gawain naming mga army engineers, lahat ng gawin namin, kailangan matibay, para hindi na magkaproblema ang ating mga communities, at hindi masira ang gobyerno.” Col. Tibon also added that army engineers are not “profit oriented but service oriented,” hence whatever funds allocated for the project are being spent for it. In case there are savings, like what happened to these KBP projects, they use it to buy tables and chairs for the teachers.

The savings must have been quiet big because after the blessing of the buildings, Col. Fernandez promised to provide lavatories for the health centers and, to the applause and cheers of the teachers and students, a complete set of computers for each of the school buildings. (Eleen Lim / DYOG Calbayog)

The Fiesta 2009 parade

The annual fiesta parade was held at 7:oo am today. Mayor Mel Sarmiento and Vice Mayor Ronald Aquino led the City Officials during the event. Also present were the three Hermanas Mayores namely, Emma Yangzon - Fortuna, Edelle Romano - Alegria and Venancia Yangzon.

Here are some pictures from the said activity.

Mayor Mel Sarmiento with Mrs. Prima Fortuna, Ms. Venancia Yangzon, Mrs. Ideltrudes Alegria, Councilor Regina Rabuya, Councilor Danilo Bernate, Vice Mayor Ronald Aquino and Councilor Susano Salurio.

Mayor Sarmiento takes time to talk with City Administrator Arnol Trani and some Department Managers before the parade.

(r-l) Engr. Arnol Trani, Mr. Reynaldo Lim, Mr. Cecinio Oquendo and Ms. Adela Ocenar.

Vice Mayor Ronald Aquino taking time to greet the hermanas mayores.

Marc Logan and his crew during the parade.

Mayor Mel Sarmiento about to be interviewed by Marc Logan.

The Iskolars and their Daragangan Ritual.

PBA cagers in town for SMB Fans Day

PBA players JC Intal, Doug Kramer, Chris Calaguio and Bonbon Custodio were in Calbayog last Tuesday for the SMB Fans’ Day. They were also on hand for the basketball game between UV Lancers and TTMIST Kings officially the first basketball game to be held at the Calbayog City Sports Center.

Prior to their engagement at the Sports Center, the four basketball players toured the various schools in Calbayog.

The cagers' visit which was sponsored by SMB was one of the official events of Hadang Festival 2009.

Vice Mayor Ronald Aquino with Chris Calaguio, Doug Kramer and JC Intal during the game between UV Green Lancers and TTMIST Kings.

Bonbon Custodio with some students at the Calbayog City National High School

Doug Kramer at Christ the King College

Mayor Mel Sarmiento with Bonbon Custodio, Chris Calaguio, Doug Kramer and JC Intan after their dinner at Kamayan sa Carayman.

Noel Cabangon in Calbayog

Noel Cabangon and his band arrived in Calbayog this morning. He is in town for his one-night engagment dubbed "Himig Nating Pag-Ibig" which will be held at the Calbayog City Sports Center.

Tonight's concert is the highlight of Day 3 of "Hadang Festival 2009", the culture and arts festival which the City of Calbayog spearheads every first week of September.

Mr. Cabangon was met at the Airport by CTIO Linda Calesa and CACO Jonas Lim.

Noel Cabangon (left) with Jonas Lim and Linda Calesa.

Update on the Calbayog City Sports Center

We chanced upon Mayor Mel Senen Sarmiento at the soon-to-be-finished Calbayog City Sports Center. He was on hand to do an ocular inspection of the work being done at the center. Today the workes were busy putting in place taraflex material on the floor. With the City Mayor were City Admininstrator Arnol Trani and some employees from the City Engineer's Office. The Calbayog City Sports Center is set to open on September 1, 2009 in time for the various events slated during the Hadang Festival 2009.

Mayor Mel Sarmiento with Engr. Arnol Trani.

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)

Earth Scientists, Climate Change Stakeholders To Meet in Calbayog City

The City of Calbayog will host the regional meeting on climate change for earth scientists, Local Government Units , Non-Government and Business Organizations on Friday, July 10, 2009.

The meeting is a a part of a series of symposia being conducted by the National Institute of Geological Sciences-University of the Philippines (NIGS-UP), Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration-Dept. of Science and Technology (PAGASA-DOST), and the Phil. Council for Industry and Energy Research and Development –Dept. Of Science and Technology (PCIERD-DOST), entitled “ Enhancing Communities’ Capacity to Confront Extreme Geo-Meteorological Events at the Core of Climate Change.”

According to Dr. Rodolfo Tamayo, the Project Leader, the meeting would be a venue for the said stakeholders and scientists to present recent findings and discuss key issues on climate change. He added that the project has 2-fold aim: first is to bring the issue of climate change to key places across the Philippines such as the people would be updated on recent scientific information; and second, to provide the organizers the means to identify policy issues that the government can address as it confronts climate change.

Resource speakers will provide inputs on Climate Change-Related Extreme Weather Conditions, Climate Change-Related Extreme Geological Events, Climate Change Financial Issues and Technology Transfer, Science and Technology Intervention on Climate Change, and Local Adaptation Strategies to Climate Change.

An open forum and workshop will also be held in the later part of the symposium.

Among those invited to participate in this event are the local chief executives of Naval, Borongan, Salcedo, Baybay, Catarman, Tacloban, San isidro and Maasin, as well as the governor of the province of Leyte, administrators of the different State Colleges and Universities, and Regional Ecology Centers here in Region 8, and business sector and non-government organizations representatives. From Calbayog City, expected to attend are 5 Punong barangays whose jurisdiction lies the city’s water shed, 33 from coastal barangays, and several school teachers.

The event will be held at the Audio-Visual Room of TTMIST. (Eleen Lim/DYOG-Calbayog)

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)

DOST techno-demo on portable micro fish smoking machine

The Department of Science and Technology (DOST) and the City Government of Calbayog through the City Cooperatives Office conducted a techno-demo on the Portable Micro Fish Smoking Machine. The event was held last Friday, May 8, 2009 at the I's Plant activity area.

Mayor Mel Sarmiento was on hand to welcome the participants which included Engr. Alfredo Apolinar and Dr. Dominica Sajonas, resource persons both of the Pangasinan State University (PSU); guests from the DOST; tinapa processors from Barangay Matobato namely Maritess Tapahan, Estring's Tapahan, Yayang's Tinapang Tagalog and Babe's Tapahan; 6 Calbayog Food Processors Associations; the Rural Improvement Center; TTMIST; and Barangay Saljag.

The activity was done in line with the One-Town-One-Product (OTOP) program of the LGU. It was held to introduce and demonstrate the operation and utilization of a new design of smoking machine which is easy to operate, more hygienic, has control for smoke and temperature and is suitable for small-scale producers. Said machine which can be an alternative to the traditional smoking oven was developed by PSU with funding from the DOST and the Philippine Council for Industry and Energy Research and Development (PCIERD).

Mayor Mel Sarmiento as he delivered his message. Seated are Engr. Ramil Uy of DOST -8 and Engr. Rosella Gopo of DOST-Samar.