Images from the 2007 Oath-Taking Ceremonies (1)

As I have promised, I've uploaded the pictures taken during the Oath-Taking Ceremonies which was held at the Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral on June 30, 2007. It comes in three sets, the first for the City Councilors, the second the Congressman, the Mayor and the Vice Mayor. The third contains group pictures

Councilor Virgilio Porlares takes his oath before Judge Rosario Bandal. Holding the bible is his wife Malou Porlares. In close attendance is Rev. Fr. Andres Espiritu

Councilor Julius Mancol takes his oath before Judge Reynaldo Clemens

Councilor Regina Rabuya takes her oath before Judge Rosario Bandal

Councilor Danilo Bernate and his family

Councilor Jim Uy takes oath before Rawis Punong Barangay Isidra Oriendo. Congressman Reynaldo Uy holds the bible

Councilor Noel Sermense and his family

Councilor Jonas Montealto takes oath before Judge Roberto Navidad

Councilor Susano Salurio and family

Councilor Raymund Uy takes oath before Oquendo Punong Barangay Francsico Uy

Councilor Arturo Pasacas and family

Councilor Virgil Clemens takes oath before his brother Judge Reynaldo Clemens

Councilor Benjie Dean and family

The 2007 Oath-taking Ceremonies

The re-elected and newly elected officials of Calbayog took their oath on June 30, 2007 at the Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral. I am still waiting for the pictures taken by the official photographer. In the meantime let me share what I've got.

(L-R) Councilors Monmon Uy, Virgil Clemens, Benjie Dean, Ina Rabuya. Vice Mayor Onald Aquino, Mayor Mel Sarmiento and Congressman Reynaldo Uy

The officials as they held hands during the singing of the pater noster

Mayor Mel Sarmiento takes what he referred to as a symbolic oath before Congressman Reynaldo Uy. Holding the bible is Junjun Rosales, the brother of the late Tingtong Rosales

The Mayor delivering his inaugural speech

At the luncheon held at the City Hall, Vice Mayor Onald Aquino and Mayor Mel Sarmiento taking lunch with some guests from the military

The Mayor takes time to talk with the Barangay Captains invited to the ceremonies

Rueda Street Walkway Project update

Last May, I posted an artist's sketch or illustration on the LGU's proposed Rueda Street Walkway Project. Let me post it again with both the daytime and nightime views.

I am pleased to inform everyone that work has started in the area. Below is a picture I took last Friday. The informal settlers have been relocated. The two-storey building on the right is part of the Our Lady of Porziuncula Hospital (OLPHI); and the one-strorey building near the gate will be the future home of the Calbayog City Blood Bank.

Much still needs to be done on the project. I'll keep you posted.

The Proposed Calbayog City Catholic Cemetery

As announced, the Parish of Our Lady's Nativity is embarking on its biggest project so far - the long overdue Calbayog City Catholic Cemetery.

The said project will be located near Barangay Guin-on and will cost approximately seven million pesos plus.

Here are some pictures / illustrations that Architect Francis Detosil shared with me.

Benedicto Nijaga

It has been two weeks since the celebration of the 109th Philippine Indpendence Day. Among the events during the celebration was an exhibit the the Calbayog Museum (located at the ground floor of the Old Barracks building). It contained reproductions of photos of local and national figures who fought Philippine freedom.

I have attached two pictures of the old bust of Lt. Benedicto Nijaga, a son of Calbayog and one of the Trece Martires de Bagumbayan.

The TLRC turn-over

As I have reported last Friday, the LGU thru the City Cooperatives Office recently launched the Technology and Livelihood Development Center, signed a MOA with the TLRC and received a Technovan.

Here are some pictures from that program

Councilor Ina Rabuya signing the MOA on behalf of the LGU

TLRC Representative, Mr. Rene Oxina

The Technovan which is equipped with a multi-media projector, wide screen among other features. It is expected to be utilized in the conduct of livelihood advocacy programs especially in the barangays.

Calbayog City National High School

I had the chance to visit the Calbayog City National High School before the June 12 celebration. The school has some good news for Calbayog: it is now officially a National High School; and starting this semester, they will also be offering night classes.

On the weekend that I was there, I saw people doing construction work on a building. Rene Cagomoc would later inform me that they expect to have two schoolbuildings finished within the school year.

This building is being constructed courtesy of the the LGU through Mayor Mel Sarmiento

This other building is courtesy of the CDF of Congressman Reynaldo Uy.

Helmut Kutin in Calbayog

Better late than never. This visit happened on May 7, 2007 yet, sadly the pictures came in late. Anyway, here I go. And yes, I would like to thank Mr. Vaughn Calvara and Ms. Emily Lingling for the pictures.

Helmut Kutin came to Calbayog for his "last visit" in his capacity as President of SOS Kinderdorf International. He is retiring from the position by next year. Mr. Kutin was accompanied by SOS Philippines National Director Bienvenido Delgado. On hand to welcome him was SOS Calbayog Board President Mel Sarmiento and the officers and staff of SOS Calbayog.

Among the acitvites that Mr. Kutin, or Uncle Helmut, as the SOS community fondly call him, attended was the blessing of the new library of the SOS Children's Village in Brgy. Dagum.

Mayor Mel Sarmiento looks on as Helmut Kutin acknowledges one of the SOS wards who were on hand to welcome him at the Calbayog Airport.


Mayor Sarmiento shares some light moments with Mr. Kutin on their way to the airport terminal



Part of the huge crowd that joined in the standing parade welcoming Mr. Kutin. The parade was preceded by a motorcade from the airport to the city proper.

Mr. Kutin as he tried to do the steps of the traditonal Sarakiki welcome

Ceremonial "ground-breaking" on the site for four new houses to accomodate more children. (L-R) Mr. Virgilio Tomnob, Mr. Mario Victor Baang, Mayor Mel Sarmiento and Mr. Helmut Kutin.

at the opening of the SOS Library (L-R) SOS Philippines National Director Bienvenido Delgado, Helmut Kutin, TTMIST President Socorro Bohol and Mayor Mel Sarmiento. Party hidden is SOS Calbayog Village Director Mario Victor Baang.



Mayor Sarmiento shows off his kuratsa skills during the barrio fiesta/ dinner tendered in honor of Mr. Kutin.

Mr. Kutin receives a candlelight tribute from various SOS beneficiaries.