JOHN G. BONGATCity Mayor

Warm Naga SMILES!

This year, we celebrate the 303rd year of enduring devotion to Our Lady of Peñafrancia, our Ina. For more than 300 years, and through periods of prosperity, conflicts and calamities, we have never failed to celebrate our faith as a people. The month of September has become a month for Bicolanos all over the globe to gather and pay homage to the Patroness of Bicolandia.

This revered tradition reflects our devotion not only to our faith but also to our sense of unity and solidarity, as evidenced by the Nagueños’ continuous support of our leadership and initiatives. The start of July marked the fresh mandate of our new Sangguniang Panlungsod and the City Government’s renewed vow to uphold the principles of good governance that have become an integral part of our administration’s core values.

More than three years ago, we started our journey with the idea of good and effective governance as cornerstones of our administration. Three years on, that belief was validated with Team Naga’s success at the ballots. Anchored on our priorities H2ELP your CiTy: health and nutrition, housing and urban poor, education, arts, culture and sports development, livelihood, employment and human development, peace and order and public safety, cleanliness and environment protection, transparency, accountability and good governance, we sought to initiate and implement programs and projects aimed at improving the quality of life in our city. To that end, we shall continue and intensify our efforts, upholding the oaths we took as public officials.

My fellow Nagueños, you have once again expressed your sentiments and given us your trust and confidence. Rest assured that as public servants, we shall continue the tradition of effective, transparent, and accountable governance. We urge you now to be a part of our city’s growth and development and take on pro-active roles as engaged citizens. Together, we can help create a better future for our children and the next generation, and proudly proclaim that indeed, “Naga SMILES to the world!”

This magazine is published by the City Government of Naga,

thru the City Publications andExternal Relations Office,

with editorial office at G/F, DOLE Building,

City Hall Compound, J. Miranda Avenue, Naga City 4400

Philippines

Tel: +63 54 473-4432Fax: +63 54 472-3235

Email: info@naga.gov.phWeb: www.naga.gov.ph

A Quarterly Magazine of theCity Government of Naga

Bicol, Philippines

ISSN 2094-9383

JOHN G. BONGATCity Mayor

NELSON S. LEGACIONCity Vice Mayor

ALEC FRANCIS A. SANTOSEditor

JASON B. NEOLAManaging Editor

GERALD O. ENGUEROWriter

MARY RUTH V. PARROContributor

ANSELMO B. MAÑORAFAEL RACSO V. VITAN

Layout and Design

RANDYVIC C. VILLAFLORJOSE V. COLLERA

XERES RAMON A. GAGEROPhotographers

BONG BAJORAY JOHN B. UBALDO

JOZELLE GRACE B. CORONORUSTOM R. PUJADO

Contributing Photographers

FLORENCIO T. MONGOSO, JR. CSEEFRANCISCO M. MENDOZA

REUEL M. OLIVERPAUL JOHN F. BARROSA

Editorial Consultants

SIEGLINDE B. BULAONGALLEN L. REONDANGA

Technical Advisers

LUDIVINA V. ASENCEALBERT F. CECILIOEditorial Assistants

H I G H L I G H T S

Vol. 5, No. 3 | July – September 2013

6 Millions troop to Naga for Peñafrancia Fiesta

10 JMR’s legacy celebrated a year after loss

21 Naga debuts in national tourism expo

33 SP Highlights: Transparent and participatory governance

The “Naga SMILES to the World” logo is composed of the two baybayin characters, na and ga.

Na, shaped like a mountain, provides a strong foundation for the Narra tree which grew abundantly along the Naga River while a zigzag line denotes the majestic Malabsay Falls.

Ga, shaped like a farmer’s plow, is symbolic of the Nagueño’s agricultural roots and hardworking personality.

The baybayin Naga characters rest on a wave-like element which represents the Naga River and the serpent, which is read in Sanskrit as naga.

This new branding for Naga, launched in 2010 by the dynamic Bongat administration, envisions a more livable city that is world-class.

JMR’s legacy celebrated a year after loss (page 10)

1 Naga seeks DOH help for women’s rehab center 3 Naga wins 4th consecutive Pabasa sa Nutrisyon Award

4 Infirmary to rise in upland Naga

13 Simply Jesse: The power of simplicity 15 Naga X conducts trainings for food workers, tour guides

18 Naga X beefs up promotions, partnerships

20 City and chamber officials forge stronger ties with Chinese sister city 23 Metro Naga reaps awards in GREAT Women project

24 Citizen reward system aimed to strengthen anti-crime drive

The “An Maogmang Lugar“ logo is an attempt to capture Naga as we want it to be – a city that is progressive and yet environment-friendly, where the people freely participate in the day-to-day affairs of the government, and where culture and arts are flourishing.

The stylized design of “NAGA” represents the city’s aggressive march towards modernization and progress. The sky-blue background, the Narra tree, and the Naga River represent our people’s desire for an ecologically-balanced community.

The ring of people surrounding the entire design shows the Nagueños’ participatory mechanism which is part and parcel of the city’s way of doing things. It also shows the people’s concern and unity in everything that is good for the city.

Today, the city, as Maogmang Lugar, aims to portray more than a happy place but a happy people who are the true beneficiaries of everything good that is happening in the city.

SP Highlights: Transparent and participatory governance (page 33)Naga X debuts in national tourism expo (page 21)

25 Joint Operations Center: Ensuring safe, peaceful and orderly festivities

29 Nagueños join hands in clean-up drive for Ina

31 90 trees saved from road-widening project in upland Naga 32 Naga backs Cong. Leni’s Full Disclosure Bill

35 Sangguniang Panlungsod launches Facebook page

37 Naga’s new Sangguniang Panlungsod vows faster, more pro-poor ordinances

38 Bongat receives tourism award for Naga

REALIZING the fact that drug dependent women in Bicol are not being given enough care and the lack of intervention programs being implemented by the

government, the City Government of Naga has sought the help of the Department of Health (DOH) to establish a drug treatment and rehabilitation center for women.

During the 8th Regular Session of the Sangguniang Panlungsod last August 27, the city council passed Resolution No. 2013-212, earnestly requesting the DOH, thru Secretary Enrique T. Ona, to make available a treatment and rehabilitation center for women drug dependents in the Bicol Region.

According to the proponent of the resolution, Councilor Jose B. Importante, the Naga City Dangerous Drugs Board (NCDDB) of which he is the vice chairman, has encountered a lot of cases where parents of women drug dependents or even the victims themselves seek help from the NCDDB,

but the board can only extend counselling assistance to the victims as no facilities are available in the region.

“We cannot ensure the full recovery of victims of drug abuse. For serious cases, we refer them to the rehabilitation center in Taguig City in Metro Manila, but, most of the time, due to the huge transportation and living expenses, parents or the victims opt not to pursue our advice. We cannot blame them especially since we cannot even provide them financial assistance to push through with their rehabilitation,” says Councilor Importante.

One of the NCDDB’s staff, shared that there are only two drug treatment and rehabilitation centers in the Bicol Region situated in Malinao, Albay and in San Fernando, Camarines Sur. She said that these facilities, however, can only accommodate men and have no capacity to treat women drug dependents. Dasco revealed that the centers lack the necessary space and equipment to provide comprehensive care to females, especially the necessary security and protection that should be given to women.

naga seeks D.O.H.

help for women’s

rehab center

By Gerald O. Enguero

A social worker advises a patient on her situation. The City Government has asked the DOH to set up a rehabilitation center exclusively for women drug-dependents.

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Gayle Abonal-Gomez, a volunteer therapist of the City Government, speaks before a group of inmates at the district jail.

In its request for assistance from the DOH, the City Government has cited the different needs of male and female patients.

“This is not just an issue of public access to health care, but also a matter of gender equality and protection of women against violence and illegal human trafficking. Though less likely to cause public havoc and commit crimes compared to men, most of the female drug dependents

result to prostitution to finance their vices. Thus, by not providing a comprehensive mechanism to help them, we, the government and society at large, are allowing them to be continuously exploited and exposed to social injustice,” stated Vice Mayor Legacion.

“Men and women have different needs. They also require different intervention, rehabilitation, and aftercare measures, thus, the need for the Sangguniang Panlungsod to call for the assistance of the DOH. By providing a facility designed especially for treating women drug dependents, it will not just provide equal access to medical attention but also give equal opportunity to improve one’s quality of life,” Vice Mayor Nelson S. Legacion said.

Based on the data gathered by the NCDDB, the number of drug women dependents in the city and in the Bicol Region is substantial enough to justify the need for a specialized facility.

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FOR four consecutive years, the City Population and Nutrition Office (CPNO) received the Pabasa sa

Nutrisyon Award for its persistency in fighting malnutrition in Naga City.

The awarding to the CPNO as a Hall of Famer was given by the Philippine Association of Nutrition (PAN) Inc. at the Dusit Thani, Manila Ayala Center, Makati City last July 3.

The Pabasa sa Nutrisyon Award is given in recognition to the outstanding achievements of local government units and non-government organizations (NGO) that have adapted the project in the communities of their beneficiaries.

Pabasa sa Nutrisyon is a nutrition education approach involving the sustained active participation of women and men in the barangay in the learning process, the leadership and support of local government executives, program managers and local nutrition workers.

It involves a course where parents are infused with information on how to prevent malnutrition among their children thru syllabus books, lectures, cooking demonstration and educational activities. It requires the participation of residents in the 27 barangays of Naga City facilitated by Barangay Officials and Nutrition Officers of the CPNO.

Raquel Buere, CPNO Nutrition Officer 1, said that this award will give their office the drive to maintain and continue its efficient service to all the Nagueños.

“In my opinion, I think we got the Hall of Famer award by doing an excellent job and fulfilling all the requirements given by the PAN,” said Buere.

She furthered that they will try their best to win the award again next year by concentrating and putting more effort into the program.

Pabasa sa Nutrisyon Hall of Fame Award recognizes organizations that have received the Pabasa sa Nutrisyon Exemplary Award and have maintained an efficient and effective implementation for four years 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012.

City Councilor Nene De Asis (3rd from right) and Raquel Buere, City Population and Nutrition Office (CPNO) Nutrition Officer 1 (4th from right) received the Pabasa sa Nutrisyon Hall of Fame Award given by Philippine Association Nutrition, Inc. Officers (PAN) at Dusit Thani, Manila Ayala, Center Makati City last July 3, 2013.

naga wins 4th consecutive

Pabasa sa Nutrisyon

AwardBy Gerald O. Enguero

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WITH Php10 million financial support from the Department of Health (DOH) and

a generous donation from a local good Samaritan, the upland areas of this city will soon be served by a medical facility equipped to handle day-to-day consultations, birthing and emergencies.

The Our Lady of Lourdes Infirmary, set to rise in Barangay Carolina, will also cover the upland barangays of Panicuason, San Isidro, Pacol, and Cararayan and is expected to address the need for more immediate access to healthcare services in the area.

City Health Officer Dr. Vito “Butch” Borja said the infirmary will serve as treatment center for patients coming from upland barangays, and will operate 24 hours a day. The facility will be manned on eight-hour shifts by a staff of nurses, midwives, dietician, and a physician. A complete array of medicines will also be stocked eliminating the need for patients to go to the Naga City Hospital and City Health Office. An ambulance

will be permanently assigned to the infirmary should any patient need to be rushed to a major hospital.

Construction of the infirmary is expected to begin soon after the Regional Office of the DOH in Bicol approves the building plans and proper biddings are concluded.

The project is being pursued under the H2ELP your CiTy (Health and Nutrition) priorities of the City Government under the leadership of Mayor John G. Bongat.

“The relative remoteness of Barangays Pacol, Carolina, and San Isidro from the Naga City Hospital and other major health facilities in the commercial centers of Naga exposes these communities to higher risk

By Jason B. Neola

INFIRMARY IN THE UPLAND BARANGAYS. Mayor John G. Bongat, Vice Mayor Nelson S. Legacion, members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod and City Health Officer Vito Borja inaugurate the Our Lady of Lourdes Infirmary. Together with them are Antonio O. Pacia and family who generously donated 4.000 sq. m. for the project.

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of infection, maternal death, and malnutrition, hence the need for a dedicated medical center in the upper barangays,” Mayor Bongat said.

“With the facility, we are hopeful that residents have easier access to immediate medical assistance without them travelling all the way to Naga’s urban center,” he added.

Response time to emergencies in the said barangays is also said to be two times higher (10 minutes) compared to the five minute-response period in downtown Naga.

Meanwhile, a “mini infirmary” will also be constructed at the Divine Mercy Apostolate Center of the Missionaries of the Poor in Barangay Cararayan which will provide medical and dental consultation and tooth extraction procedures on Wednesdays and Fridays. The operation of the medical facility is expected to begin on November 6 with the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) between the City Government and the Missionaries of the Poor.

The City Government, through the City Health Office, sought the aid of the DOH for possible funding and eventually obtained Php10 million from the said government agency. This amount will be used for the construction of the infirmary’s building which is planned to be a 400-square meter one-storey edifice with facilities for responding to emergency situations, for birthing and daily

consultations with physicians.Antonio O. Pacia of C. Pacia Realty Inc., donated

a 4,000 sq. m. property located in Barangay Carolina, near the Peñafrancia Resort, on which the infirmary will be constructed. The Deed of Donation was duly ratified during the 9th Regular Session last September 3.

Pacia contributed 1,000 sq. m. as space for the infirmary itself and the remaining 3,000 sq. m. as road right-of-way going to and around the said health center. In exchange, Pacia expressed the following conditions: 1.) the donated property be only used for the said purpose, 2.) the infirmary be named Our Lady of Lourdes Infirmary, and 3.) the road that will be constructed be named C. Pacia Drive.

Vice Mayor Nelson S. Legacion said the infirmary will not only address the “issue of access to public health, but also... of sustainable and inclusive socio-economic development.”

“Without proper and equal access to health care, productivity of the people in the upland barangays is also compromised. There will also be fewer savings and, therefore, investments in said locations as our constituents face relatively higher costs in maintaining their health as well as in recuperating from diseases,” wrote Legacion in his regular local newspaper column, SP Highlights.

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MILLIONS of devotees of the Virgin of Peñafrancia gathered in Naga once again for the annual celebration of what has been dubbed as the biggest

showcase of Marian devotion in Asia, a spectacle of faith and a passionate show of love for the Blessed Virgin – one of the longest-running religious festivities in the Philippines.

Official reports indicate the festivities, now on its 303rd year, began with over a million devotees participating in the traditional Traslacion Procession on Friday, September 13 and officially closed with the holding of the Fluvial procession a week later.

Authorities said the entire celebration was generally peaceful and orderly with organizers imposing tighter regulations in the manner the processions and other major activities were held. Despite the apparent rowdiness, no pilgrims were seriously hurt and despite the huge crowds, discipline was maintained and the roads cleared of most trash and other obstructions soon after each major activity.

An aerial view of the festivities indicated the estimated number of visitors may be closer to two million, according to the Executive Officer of the city’s Public Safety Office (PSO).

Joselito Del Rosario, Naga City Public Safety Officer and member of the Joint Operations Center (JOC), made this observation after boarding one of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) helicopters and saw the mass of people on the ground during the Traslacion Procession held last September 13. Droves of visitors arrived for the 9-day novena that ran up to the climactic Fluvial Procession last Saturday, Sept. 21.

The JOC is the coordinating body which oversees the overall management of the festivities and is composed of representatives from various government offices, law enforcement agencies as well as church officials.

According to Father Louie Occiano, head of the Caceres Commission on Communications of the Archdiocese of Caceres (CCCom), the Traslacion Procession, the act of transferring the image of Our Lady of Peñafrancia from the Peñafrancia Shrine to the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral, was participated in by close to a million participants, including onlookers and tourists.

The Traslacion is the opening salvo of the Peñafrancia Festival whose highlight, the Fluvial Procession, is celebrated on the Saturday after the

Fluvial ProcessionDevotees from all corners of the country and

even from abroad wielding lighted candles along the banks of the historic Naga River during the Fluvial procession made it appear as if the stars came down from the heavens as the pagoda brought back the sacred images of Divino Rostro and Our Lady of Peñafrancia from Naga Metropolitan Cathedral to its shrine in Basilica Minore.

People who lined the river banks shouted “Viva la Virgen” and threw confetti of flowers while waving white and blue handkerchiefs as the Virgin’s pagoda cruised along the more than one kilometer fluvial route.

The pagoda, with about 200 male devotees and priests on board, was pulled by hundreds of oarsmen popularly called voyadores who maneuvered wooden boats. Speedboats, inflatable vessels, and other small watercrafts also joined the procession to assist the pagoda and guide the oarsmen.

Peaceful and successful festival

The Sangguniang Panlungsod of Naga approved Resolution Nos. 2013-245 and 2013-246 expressing the city’s appreciation of the efforts extended by the JOC and the Solid Waste Management Office (SWMO) to ensure the city’s peace and order situation and cleanliness before, during and after the Peñafrancia festival.

According to Vice Mayor Nelson S. Legacion, the members of the JOC showed their utmost devotion and love for Ina by working hard even during wee hours just to ensure that the festivity would be celebrated by the millions of devotees in a solemn and orderly manner.

“There were even volunteer groups from as far as Sorsogon and the province islands of Masbate

and Catanduanes who helped us during the Peñafrancia festival. Indeed, in the name of faith and love for Our Lady of Peñafrancia, all the Bicolanos are being bound into one family with her as our mother,” Legacion said.

The JOC, led by Mayor John G. Bongat, implemented various changes in this year’s Peñafrancia Festival that beefed up security and safety in the areas affected by the Fluvial Procession. For one, vendors were not allowed inside the premises of the Basilica Minore and the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral.

Traslacion. The Fluvial Procession is a centuries old practice of bringing back the image of Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia to its home at the Basilica Minore using a colorful river boat known as “pagoda.”

Michael Ciesielski, an Australian Youth Ambassador for Development assigned as a Community Education Officer at the Department of Education-Camarines Sur District and a first time participant in the Traslacion, said he was encouraged to join the event because of his fascination with a huge number of people participating in a single religious event.

“After seeing the parade, I was struck by the amount of passion and devotion on display. It was an amazing experience to be in such an intense crowd. It’s not something that you see in Australia, where I’m from. Even in the midst of the procession, the friendliness and hospitality of Filipinos – Nagueños in particular – were still clearly on display. From the padyak driver who helped me find the route of the procession to the stranger who warned me that my bag was open while rushing past towards the image, I felt very welcome, as I always do in Naga,” stated Ciesielski.

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StricterOcciano said that the conduct of Traslacion this

year was more orderly and disciplined, thanks to the stricter security protocols that were implemented by the local government and other agencies involved in managing the flow of the procession.

Learning from past lessons, the city government opted to make several changes in the conduct of the procession as well as augment the security measures through the years leading to the fiesta’s Tercentenary celebration in 2010 until now under the leadership of Mayor John G. Bongat and Vice Mayor Nelson Legacion.

Prior to the procession, the different law enforcement agencies and other members of the Joint Operations Center (JOC) conducted a three-day seminar from September 9 to 11 to discuss a focused and coordinated system in securing the peaceful and orderly celebration of the Peñafrancia festival.

Around 1,058 members of JOC comprised of personnel and augmentation units from Philippine National Police, Armed Forces of the Philipines, Kabalikat-CIVICOM, and Bureau of Fire Protection were deployed in the city. Six hundred (600) of these were nurses and doctors who manned the 18 ambulances and health stations around key areas along the route of the procession.

The city government also declared a total liquor ban during the Traslacion and even during the Fluvial Procession in order to prevent chaos and violent altercations among voyadores similar to those that happened in the late 1990s and in 2007.

In the 1990s, an overzealous voyador jumped up the image of Ina and tore the icon’s “manto.” In 2007, a frenzied unknown devotee threw a hard object at the image of Divino Rostro, breaking the image’s glass case.

Since 1995, the Archdiocese of Caceres has implemented several changes and modifications on the two “andas” that bear Ina and Divino Rostro during Traslacion. Among the changes was the higher elevation of the images with an expanded “andas” and the setting up of wheels under it, totally removing the former method of allowing the voyadores to carry the images on their shoulders.

No more vendorsOn the part of the LGU

and the local security forces, a “no vendors allowed” policy was implemented within the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral and its surrounding streets.

Mayor Bongat said that the vendors were instead encouraged to sell their wares at the Naga City People’s Mall or on the side of streets away from the church.

More solemnEstelita Borela, 75, and Shirley Boton, 57,

members of Apostle of Prayer San Juan dela Cruz of Baao, Camarines Sur said they believe the changes done on the flow of the procession were enough to ensure the devotees’ safety.

“I’m old now,” Borela said. “I would be crushed if the old system was still used.”

Boton said that the less chaotic atmosphere helped in keeping the tradition solemn.

Jonathan Castillo, 18, was on his first year as a voyador. He said that the Traslacion was tough but, he would definitely try again next year as his way of expressing his devotion to Ina.

Occiano explained that 10 years before, the Archdiocese had encouraged the voyadores to form their own organization, the Confradia de San Jose, in order to instill discipline among them.

He said that non-members are still allowed to join the procession but are limited to following the primary voyadores at the back of the “andas.”

“They can still participate, even touch the ‘andas,’ but we have set limits for them in order to keep the whole flow of the procession peaceful,” Occiano clarified.

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First timeAndrew Cost, a consultant

from Melbourne, Australia, said that he participated in the Fluvial Procession as a friend of his was very enthusiastic in inviting him to witness the said event.

“This is my first time in the Philippines, and I expected the Bicol region to be quiet, because it’s so far from Manila. However, I have been pleasantly surprised by the thousands of people visiting for the Peñafrancia Fiesta! I’ve been to many religious festivals in Europe, but nothing compares to this event,” said Cost.

Horacio Jongko and his wife, Angelina, shared that it was the first time they were able to watch the Fluvial Procession together as a couple.

Angelina, a former resident of Barangay Sta. Cruz of this city, but has been residing in Cavite for over 30 years now, said she wanted to share the experience of Peñafrancia Festival with her husband who is on vacation in the Philippines.

“I am working as a seaman abroad, and because it is not often I have quality time with my family, I’m making sure that I will spend it in worthwhile activities. Seeing now the massive spiritual experience here in the Peñafrancia festival, I decided to return back next year, not only with my wife but also with my children,” said Horacio. (with reports from Shiena M. Barrameda)

stories of Ina’s miracles are true and the same will happen to him.

Two years ago, Beltran was diagnosed to have a stage two colon cancer. Doctors advised him to undergo chemotherapy, but due to financial constraints, he could not seek the necessary treatment.

“I believe that my faith to our beloved Ina will restore back my health as it is the only remaining thing that I can hold on to, especially in this present challenge of my life,” said Beltran.

TraditionThe tradition of Traslacion

was believed to have begun during the colonial period under Bishop Francisco Gainza with the cimmarones, the mountain people who inhabited the forests of Mt. Isarog, and the local residents, Spaniards, and friars in the region. Our Lady of Peñafrancia was the patroness of cimmarones who spread testimonies of miracles.

Historical accounts revealed that the first miracle happened with a sacrificed dog whose blood was used to paint the image. The dog was said to have been resurrected after being thrown into the Naga River, enabling it to come home to its master.

Jun Beltran, a member of the Peñafrancia Association, participated in the Traslacion Procession as he believes that the

Photos by Xeres RAMON A. Gagero & bong bajo

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A year after the tragic passing of the much loved Interior Secretary Jesse M. Robredo, his memory, and

his legacy, are very much alive.What was meant to be a simple

commemoration turned out to be a celebration of the good Secretary and former Naga City Mayor’s life when thousands of people gathered at a memorial park here to mark the first death anniversary of the late cabinet official and head of the city government for 19 years.

The morning of August 18, declared a holiday by the city government, started with the so-called “Tsinelas Walk,” with throngs

Movement, the local police force, the fire department, the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology, employees of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) and people from various walks of life.

Their destination, the Eternal Gardens Memorial Park, a site which has drawn visitors ever since it became the repository of Jesses’s cremated remains. There, Atty. Robredo led the laying of wreaths, one of many activities intended as

of participants meeting at the Plaza Quezon shortly before 6 AM before embarking on the symbolic march. Third District Representative Atty. Leni Robredo, widow of the deceased Magsaysay Awardee, who herself has been swept into an elevated stature following her husband’s tragic death for her courage and composure, led the participants.

Joining the crowd, estimated at about 5,000, were Jesse’s relatives, students, barangay officials, members of the JMR

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Sec. Robredo’s widow Congresswoman Leni Robredo is flanked by two of her daughters, Tricia and Jillian, DILG Secretary Mar Roxas, and DSWD Secretary Dinky Soliman while visiting the late Secretary’s memorial a year after his death in a tragic plane crash off the coast of Masbate.

and the enduring love of the people of Naga City.

Reflecting this sense of gratitude for the many years of faithful leadership, a concert dubbed “Jess Mabalos,” a play on the Bicolano way of expressing gratitude, was held at Plaza Quezon. Local artists and performers gathered to celebrate in song and music a life that has been spent in dedicated service.

Atty. Robredo, who was swept into the world of politics following the outpouring of grief and support in the wake of her husband’s death, has vowed to carry forward his legacies and continues to be guided by the principles of good governance and exemplary leadership.

Naga City Mayor John G. Bongat says the city government will continue to honor the Robredo legacy of good governance through the mechanisms and policies that have guided Naga’s transformation to one of the country’s fastest growing and widely emulated cities.

A day before, Atty. Leni, accompanied by the surviving Robredo brood and officials of the local government of Naga, made a poignant trip to Masbate province

to visit the site where, a year ago, her husband’s remains were found after a harrowing three-day search that gripped the entire country in suspense.

In an interview, Atty. Leni admitted not having fully recovered from the grief of losing her husband. However, she has since chosen to deal with their family’s loss by taking each day at a time, trying not to think too much of the past or the future. She said she still misses Jesse, whom she said was a constant presence in their lives.

“I thought after one year I would be better but it seems I’m not. After his death I’ve been busy with a lot of things but now that almost everything is settled, the sadness is starting to sink in,” she told a Philippine Daily Inquirer reporter.

The same thoughts must have crossed Atty. Len’s mind as she threw flowers at the same waters that claimed the life of Jesse and two others (of the four people aboard the aircraft, only Robredo’s aide survived). A Holy Mass was celebrated earlier, attended by local inhabitants and officials of the island province of Masbate. During her brief visit, she did not forget

loving gestures of remembrance.Visitors from Metro Manila,

led by Secretaries Mar Roxas (DILG), Joseph Emilio Abaya (Department of Transportation and Communications) and Dinky Soliman (Department of Social Welfare and Development) arrived in two buses and were mildly surprised that the gathering had assumed a festive air.

In the afternoon, the late Secretary’s sister, Dr. Josephine Robredo Bundoc, led the distribution of wheelchairs in an activity dubbed as “Physicians for Peace.” She also took time to visit the accessibility facilities at City Hall to make sure persons with disabilities have access to the local government and its services.

At the protected area of Mt. Isarog National Park, members of the Tau Gamma Phi fraternity led the planting of trees as part of an activity fittingly dubbed as “Alay ki Jess.”

An exhibit of JMR memorabilia was also set up at the Plaza Rizal, highlighting the simplicity, strength of faith and one-of-a kind leadership that has earned for the late Secretary numerous local, national and international citations

Sec. Robredo’s youngest daughter Jillian receives a warm embrace from Dr. Lourdes Asence, one of the late Secretary and mayor’s close colleagues in the City Government.

Supporters and citizens offer prayers for the late Secretary at his memorial, a year after his death.

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to thank the people who were instrumental during the search and rescue and later on retrieval efforts more than a year ago.

“Tsinelas Leadership” was coined by Cabinet Secretary Rene Almendras who saw firsthand Jesse’s leadership style. Tsinelas, or flip flops, have since become icons that stand for the Filipino’s quest for transformation and reform.

No doubt Jesse raised the bar for those who serve the public. But for those who would wish to follow in his footsteps, they may to consider this -- it’s not that

From “Tsinelas Walk” to tree-planting activities, to concerts, JMR’s first death anniversary was remembered in earnest by Nagueños and Filipinos alike.

simple: it’s not all about appearances or “pakitang gilas.”

“Hindi ito simple matter na pagsuot ng tsinelas ng isang pulitiko tapos okay na. They should know the context. Sa ‘Tsinelas Movement,’ it is the movement of the people merged with the government. The people should have an ownership of their government,” political analyst Ramon Casiple said.

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SIMPLY JESSE: THE POWER OF SIMPLICITY

SO far, two books on the life and times of Jesse Manalastas Robredo had been published. The first one, “Jess Robredo: Proud Nagueño Memories” (Anvil 2012), came out

just a few months after his death. The other one, “Simply Jesse: The Story of Jesse Robredo”, was launched by the Summit Media early this year. Both books somehow managed to capture the essence of the man who had become larger than life after figuring in a fatal plane crash off the waters of Masbate exactly a year ago.

Although “Proud Nagueño Memories,” edited by Dr. Paz Verdades Santos and Judge Soliman Santos, presents a collective recollection of the people from the city of Jesse’s birth, “Simply Jesse” (actually a children’s book) hews closely, in form and substance, to the attribute associated with the former mayor of Naga City and Secretary of the Interior and Local Government: SIMPLICITY.

With the book, written by Yvette Fernandez, taking the point of view or the narrative voice of

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the former Secretary’s 13–year old daughter Jillian (not unlike Scout Finch in “To Kill a Mockingbird”), it further reinforces the idea of simplicity, its narrative gliding like the ubiquitous bird in the illustrations (superbly executed by Nicole Lim) accompanying the texts. Thus, what scores of newspaper and magazine articles failed to achieve with their lengthy perorations on Jesse, the book does so in a paragraph or two.

(This piece was adjudged as the September 1, 2013 winner in the essay writing contest jointly sponsored by the Philippine Star and National Bookstore. The author was the vice mayor of the late Secretary Jesse M. Robredo from 2004 to 2010.)

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Consider the following: “Papa was a mayor who worked by example. He was a Nagueño just like everyone else. He believed that every Nagueño must do his or her own part in helping make the city a better one. Papa wanted Naga to be a very clean city, so he swept the streets with the street cleaners and helped pick up trash with the garbage collectors.” Now, who can beat that for sheer simplicity?

A youthful newspaper columnist and TV producer avers that Jesse Robredo is a difficult man to write about because he is a good man, and the existence of a good man demands more from those around him. Yet, “Simply Jesse” succeeds in distilling the life of this “good man” purportedly through his daughter’s eyes: “When the typhoons came, Papa went around the city to make sure everyone was safe. Afterwards, he helped clean up in his favorite T-shirt and tsinelas. During those times, many Nagueños helped so many other Nagueños. Papa believed that those who helped others, even in the smallest way, are heroes. Papa is my hero.”

I first met the Sec (that was the way I addressed him right after President Aquino appointed him as Secretary of the Interior and Local Government) in 1986. Politicized by the events in the aftermath of the assassination of Ninoy Aquino in 1983 and heeding the call of president Cory for young professionals to join the government, the Sec, at the time, opted to get out of his well-paying job in a multi-national food conglomerate and try his hand in running a regional government agency, the Bicol River Basin Development Program.

A mutual friend (who later became the godfather in our respective weddings), former Camarines Sur Board Member Ernesto G. Verdadero, arranged for me a one-on-one interview in the office of the Sec’s elder brother, Butch. The interview lasted for almost an hour. Fortunately, after a couple of days, the feature article based on the interview was published by a national paper. The Sec called me up and offered me the position of public information officer at the BRBDP. That was the beginning of our decades-long collaboration.

There was something about the Sec which made me immediately feel at ease but at the same time take cognizance of his innate power to command respect-and even awe. He treated me like a long-lost pal although I hadn’t ever met him before that interview. And prior to my BRBDP stint, I had been drifting from one government entity to another, unable to find my mark or niche. But in the case of the Sec, I was sure that the working relationship would last for long.

At the BRDBP, the Sec used the so-called New Public Management principles (he graduated on the top of his MBA class at UP Diliman) to give the moribund agency a new lease on life. His leadership style, aggressive yet populist, gradually earned the respect and admiration of the jaded BRBDP employees. It also attracted the best and the brightest, including a pretty and intelligent lass from the UP School of Economics named Maria Leonor Gerona (aka Leni). The 21-year old Leni would soon catch the fancy of the 28-year old bachelor – a perfect match, it turned out. (Did you know that Leni reported for work at the BRDBP on August 18, 1986? And August 18 was also the date when Sec figured in that fatal plane crash.)

For all the years we had spent together at the BRBDP and later on, at the City Hall of Naga, however, I still can’t write a definitive story of the Sec. I just don’t know how. It’s as simple as that.

This is why I find “Simply Jesse” quite interesting, compelling and, to a certain extent, intriguing. It holds back all the underlying emotions, including the indescribable pain of losing one’s anchor and compass, so to speak. The narrative, neat and compact, belies the turmoil from within and proceeds with just a hint of the grief and angst which gripped the entire nation for weeks after the crash. Jillian, the narrator, puts it quite simply: “But one Saturday, Mama and I waited for him to come home and he never did…So many people around the Philippines prayed very hard that Papa would be found alive. But he wasn’t. Papa’s body was found three days later.”

Her concluding lines sound almost like an epitaph on behalf of the Filipino nation: “Papa, we are so, so sad that you are no longer with us. But we are also happy and proud that you have made a difference in so many people’s lives.”

There is, indeed, redemption in simplicity. Sec, you can now rest in peace.

Trainings held for Naga X food workers, tour guidesBy Alec a. Santos

AS part of the capability-building efforts for Naga Excursions, or Naga X, the Metro Naga Development Council (MNDC) and the Arts, Culture and Tourism Office (ACTO) of the City Government of Naga conducted two

back-to-back trainings from August 26 to 31, aimed at providing additional training to food and beverage workers and local guides.

Funded partly by the Local Governance Support Program for Local Economic Development (LGSP-LED) under the partnership of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) and the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), as well as by the Department of Tourism Regional Office, the 5-day trainings were attended by more than 80 hotel, restaurant and tour operator establishment owners, managers, staff, and local guides.

The first training, held from August 26 to 28, focused on food

Trainings held for Naga X food workers, tour guides

Participants, including boatmen of Naga’s first tourist boats listen intently to one of the in-house seminarian-guides of the Holy Rosary Minor Seminary during the mock tour.

Laing (gulay na natong)

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of BS Biology, Judalena imparted his extensive knowledge on food safety, particularly the effects of microorganisms on food products, as well as his expertise on restaurant and hotel operations.

The role of culture and heritage in tourism was given emphasis during the second training, held from August 29 to 31 by DOT-certified trainer Ms. Teresita Quitevis, who has been an active accredited tour guide since 1975. She was also recognized by the DOT as “Best Tour Guide” during the early years of the

Terry Quitevis (right), DOT’s resource person for the Heritage Tour Guiding seminar, leads the group at the Peñafrancia Shrine during the assessment tour.

DOT resource person Julius Judalena responds to a question fielded by one of the participants during the food safety training.

Chef Leandro “Doy” Sto. Domingo, an active member of the Naga X consortium, speaks before other restaurant owners and managers during the open forum.

safety and service quality for restaurants serving mostly tourists. On the first day, Department of Science and Technology Provincial Director Pat Felizmenio and Ma. Theresa Alcantara delivered a series of lectures focusing on Hazard Analysis and Critical Control Points (HACCP). Mr. Julius Judalena, the DOT-certified resource person for the activity, held several workshops to assess the existing capabilities of participants before conducting enriching lectures. A graduate

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country’s tourism industry.Local historian Mr. Tito Valiente was also on

hand during the heritage tour guide training to share his extensive knowledge on local culture and history, emphasizing the important role of Naga’s rich history in tourism development and the importance of preserving tangible and intangible cultural assets of the city.

Quitevis, who has handled tourists of various nationalities, was able to share her experiences as a

tour guide to the participants and provide valuable insights into the tourism industry. A mock tour of Naga’s renowned heritage attractions like the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral, the Peñafrancia Shrine, and Basilica Minore gave organizers the chance to evaluate the participants, composed mostly of freelance tour guides, staff of tour operators, and the crew of MV Peñafrancia and MV Divino Rostro, the city’s brand new tourist boats.

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Alec Santos (standing), ACTO Chief, shares a light moment with trainees from private and government agencies.

One of the participants during the Heritage Tour Guide training reviews the Naga X destination brochure before the start of the mock tour which assessed their skills.

Trainees inspect the old Spanish-era scholastic documents of prominent Holy Rosary Minor Seminary alumni like the first Filipino Bishop, Jorge Barlin, and national hero Jose Maria Panganiban.

THE local tourism scene in Metro Naga has become even more interesting with the presence of the Naga Excursions brand and campaign.

Also known as “Naga X,” the tourism brand is the product of the joint collaboration of the Metro Naga Development Council (MNDC), the City Government of Naga thru the Arts, Culture, and Tourism Office (ACTO), and the private sector. Together, the public and private sectors make up Naga X’s tourism consortium, an alliance of various business establishments that are primarily tourism-oriented.

In the quarterly meeting held at a restaurant on July 25, the implementing agencies of the project updated more than 40 members of the consortium on recent activities done after the official launch of Naga X last March 22. Upcoming plans and activities were also discussed.

Sieglinde B. Bulaong, MNDC Executive Director, said that the MNDC focused on identified strategic objectives and planned the project accordingly.

“The MNDC aims for development not only here in Naga City but also in the 15 LGUs that form part of this tourism project in Metro Naga,” said Bulaong.

She explained the three main objectives of their strategic plans: the creation of a foundation for an enabling environment, maximizing the potential for sectoral growth, and lastly, the expansion of the tourism market. The three main objectives of the project are expected to create investments, jobs, and income.

Organizers say that they are targeting the original levels of arrivals and revenues generated when the Camarines Sur Watersports Complex or CWC started its operations which helped draw an estimated 2.33 million foreign and domestic visitors to Camarines Sur based on the records of Department of Tourism (DOT) regional office, local tourism offices, and accommodation establishments.

Alec Francis Santos, chief-of-office of the Arts Culture and Tourism Office (ACTO) and City Publications and External Relation Office (CPERO), said in his discussion at the meeting, that the Naga X

MNDC Executive Director Sieglinde Bulaong updates Naga X consortium members on the latest activities of Metro Naga.

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consortium was recognized by DOT as the first of its kind initiated by a local government unit.

The consortium was created with the aim of ensuring quality standards across various primary tourism enterprises such as accommodation, tour operators, tourist transport providers, adventure parks, and eco-tourism facilities; and secondary tourism enterprises which refer to restaurants, bars, coffee shops, museums, galleries, spas, and souvenir shops.

The consortium now has more than 50 registered members.

Santos stated that those who would like to be a member just need to fill up the commitment forms containing their offered discounted or commissionable rates to ACTO.

He stressed that registration is ongoing and that there is no required fee to become a member

consortium was recognized by DOT as the first of its kind initiated by a local government unit.

The consortium was created with the aim of ensuring quality standards across various primary tourism enterprises such as accommodation, tour operators, tourist transport providers, adventure parks, and eco-tourism facilities; and secondary tourism enterprises which refer to restaurants, bars, coffee shops, museums, galleries, spas, and souvenir shops.

The consortium now has more than 50 registered members.

Santos stated that those who would like to be a member just need to fill up the commitment forms containing their offered discounted or commissionable rates to ACTO.

He stressed that registration is ongoing and that there is no required fee to become a member

of the consortium. Santos explained that consortium members are given the privileges of offering their products as part of Naga X.

Since its launching last March 22, Naga X activities included a national media familiarization tour last April 19-21, enhancement of its website www.nagax.com, creation of social media accounts, a Manila sales mission last May 27-30, and a national launch and press conference last May 31.

Naga X enjoys funding support from the Department of the Interior and Local Government thru the Local Government Support Program for Local Economic Development (LGSP-LED) of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).

Nicolas Beda Priela, LED Partnership Adviser, mentioned in his discussion of the implementation of the Metro Naga tourism marketing and

promotion plan, the creation of a tourist assistance booth at the Naga City Airport and also the website’s application enhancement for online reservations and marketing capability.

He said that they want to improve the website up to the extent where those who want to avail of the packages in Naga Excursion website can directly reserve accommodation and purchase products.

Priela also added that they are planning to coordinate convention organizers in Naga City, to provide booths for the consortium members for better promotions of Naga Excursion and consortium members.

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ACTO Chief Alec Santos narrates the recent promotional activities conducted by Naga X like the Manila sales mission and national launch, and the national media familiarization tour.

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BY JASON B. NEOLA

City and chamber officials forge stronger ties with Chinese sister city

SHISHI, CHINA - Forging a stronger relationship with Naga’s sister city in China, Mayor John G.

Bongat, together with a number of officials from this city, the Metro Naga Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MNCCI), and the Filipino-Chinese Shishi Townmates Association (FCSTA), visited Shishi on September 9.

In his short message, Mayor Zhang Y. Shan warmly welcomed the delegation and shared current information about their city. He emphasized that garments manufacturing, their major industry, has spurred economic growth and generated jobs for the locals. This further resulted to the influx of workers not only from the nearby provinces but from other countries as well, including the Middle East, bringing Sishi’s population to a little more than 300,000 residents.

A brief tour of the city provided the group a glimpse of this progress. Considerable infrastructure projects for new highways, high-rise residential buildings, and real estate development punctuated the city’s 1,600 sq. km. landscape.

In his response, Mayor Bongat expressed that in the 13-year partnership that the two cities have nurtured, Naga considers Shishi as “big brother.” He, thus, promoted

L-R: Ms. Sieglinde Bulaong (Metro Naga Development Council), Mr. Aquiles Lo (MNCCI), Ms. Clarine Tobias (MNCCI), Councilors Nene de Asis and Babeth Lavadia, Mr. Larry Lim (FCSTA President), Messrs. Benito Lim and Antonio Tan (former Presidents, FCSTA), Shishi Officials, and Mr. Jeremie Lo (Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry-Bicol). Not in picture are PB Jun Lavadia, Mr. Reuel Oliver (Naga City Investment Board) and Ms. Lil Antonio (MNCCI)

Mayor Bongat delivers his message during the courtesy call at the Shishi City Hall as Mayor Shan listens intently.

Mayors Bongat and Shan flanked by FCSTA and MNCCI Officers, and Naga and Shishi Cities Officials.

Naga as a key investment site for possible economic ventures. He ended his message with a cordial invitation to Shishi’s local officials for a similar trip to Naga in the future.

The Shishi visit was made possible through the sponsorship of the FCSTA through the MNCCI, the former being the same organization instrumental in bringing the two cities together as early as 1996. It was, however, in 1999 that the partnership agreement was formally inked. Over the years, the alliance with Shishi was felt through the invaluable contributions of the local Chinese community to the economy and to education. Most recent is their donation of a Php4 million school building to be erected within the compound of the Naga City Science High School. Most of the Filipino-Chinese in Naga, including the late Sec. Jesse M. Robredo, trace their roots to Shishi.

The FCSTA, likewise, facilitated the participation of Naga Excursions (Naga X) in the 17th China International Fair for Investment and Trade (CIFIT) in Xiamen from September 8 to 11.

Tour operator Eden Rosales conducting business-to-business meetings with travel wholesalers at the LGSP-LED pavilion.

DOT Region V Director Maria Ravanilla (center) pays a visit to the Naga X booth. With her (left to right) are tour operator Eden Rosales, Pat Favoreal (LGSP-LED consultant), Beda Priela (LGSP-LED adviser), and ACTO Chief Alec Santos.

PASAY CITY — Barely half a year after its official launch earlier in March, Metro Naga’s tourism brand, Naga

X (Naga Excursions), ventured into the national tourism scene with its participation in the 24th Philippine Travel Mart, an annual exhibit of local destinations and tourism players.

The three-day event, which was held from September 6 to 8 at the SMX, Mall of Asia, was organized by the Philippine Tour Operators Association (PHILTOA) in partnership with the Department of Tourism (DOT). The travel mart showcases exhibitors from the tourism industry such as resorts, hotels, travel agencies and operators, as well as local government units. During last year’s travel mart, more than 30,000 people attended the exhibit.

Metro Naga’s presence at the travel mart was made possible thru the support of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) which funds the Local Government Support Program for Local Economic Development

(LGSP-LED) of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG). Metro Naga, an alliance of 15 municipalities with Naga at its core, was able to secure funding support for its tourism program, which has now evolved into Naga X.

naga debuts in national tourism expoBy Jason B. Neola

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Naga X delegates to the travel mart included private sector representatives from the Metro Naga Association of Travel and Tour Operators (MENATTO) and the Naga X consortium, headed by the Naga City Arts, Culture and Tourism Office (ACTO) and its chief-of-office, Alec Santos.

According to Santos, Metro Naga’s entry into the national tourism scene is being considered an important milestone since it indicates that the various destinations and sectors involved in Metro Naga are now ready to promote themselves more aggressively. He also said that the Naga X delegates were surprised by the overwhelming interest of attendees in the booth.

“We were really surprised to see, on average, 800 to 1,000 inquiries per day. Sometimes, we would see a peak of 100 inquiries per hour. Most people often

mistake us for a travel agency and get surprised when we explain that we are a consortium of private and public organizations,” said Santos.

Santos added that the presence of private sector representatives made it easier to promote the tour packages of Naga X.

“Our tour operators were able to immediately close sales and find new partners like traditional and online travel agencies that would carry our packages. We were also able to conduct B2B (business-to-business) meetings with potential investors and travel consolidators. Aside from the exposure we received because of our booth, we were able to expand Naga X’s network and contacts,” added the tourism officer of Naga.

Santos further explained that unlike other destinations, Naga X did not experience price differences in its packages since tour operators

were involved in the project during the conceptualization, development, and marketing phases, leading to standardized tours and similar prices.

“Our first experience as a participant in a national tourism exhibit opened up a lot of opportunities for Metro Naga. It also showed to the rest of the Philippine tourism industry the great potential of our local attractions. This is in line with our project’s objectives of creating more jobs and business thru an influx of investments to Metro Naga. By involving all the stakeholders during the development of Naga X, we are championing the cause of inclusive growth thru tourism,” Santos quipped.

Private sector representatives from Metro Naga also took advantage of the LGSP-LED pavilion at the Travelmart.

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Women Economic Empowerment (WEE) Awards, September 19, 2013.

Most WEE Responsive: Most Outstanding WME Group

Bula, Gainza, Naga Cagbunga Crabpaste Producers Association of Gainza (CCPAG)

Most WEE Responsive Most Outstanding WME:NGA: DOST RV Ms. Teodoro Aquino, CCPAG President

LGU Partners: Bombon Gainza Naga City Bula Magarao Pili Camaligan Milaor San Fernando

QUEZON CITY - The conclusion of the GREAT (Gender Responsive Economic Actions for the Transformation of) Women Project was celebrated through a National

Women Economic Empowerment (WEE) Forum held at the Crowne Plaza Manila Galleria, this city, last September 19-20.

Success stories were drawn through talk-show inspired panel discussions. Experiences that transformed the lives of women micro-entreprenuers (WMEs), key personnel of Local Government Units (LGUs), and other partner agencies were shared. Most of experiences revealed how the project was able to completely capacitate WMEs - providing capability development, product development, linkage opportunities, and marketing in line with the project’s ultimate goal of providing an enabling environment to sustain women-led micro-enterprises, thus, enhancing the living conditions of WMEs and their families.

The project, in close partnership with the LGUs, was able to change the mindsets of both men and women in the local government, especially on planning and designing programs and projects that would really respond to the needs of its constituents, being sensitive to gender issues, and eliminating biases.

One of the project’s highlights was the fact that in most GWP sites, Common Service Facilities (CSFs) were established. These CSFs house gender sensitive tools and equipment designed to lighten workloads, provide safe procedures, and increase production potential while enhancing product quality of the WME organizations.

In the WEE forum, two of Metro Naga’s member municipalities and GWP partners were invited to serve as panelists. Ms. Evelyn P. Canamero and

Ms. Jovita P. San Juan represented Bula and Gainza, respectively. They shared their journey with the GWP for the last 5 years, Ms. Canamero on their engineered bamboo furniture crafting, while Ms. San Juan on their talangka processing. They described their experiences from being home-based producers to having common production areas through the help of convergent partnerships of the LGUs and National Government Agencies (NGAs).

A simple recognition ceremony was staged over dinner with all GWP sites given awards of appreciation and the performing LGUs, NGAs, and WMEs duly recognized.

Earlier in the program, a posthumous award for the late DILG Secretary Jesse M. Robredo was received by his widow, Hon. Congresswoman Ma. Leonor G. Robredo, in recognition of the late Interior Secretary and former Naga City mayor’s staunch support of WEE and his being a champion of women empowerment. As a tribute to his invaluable contribution to the project, an audio visual presentation was shown prior to awarding.

The Forum was participated in by the different GWP sites in the country such as Ifugao, Quezon, Metro Naga Development Council (MNDC), Iloilo, Leyte, Bohol, Davao, and PPALMA. All of the National Government Agency partners, NGOs, and the academe, among others, accounted for almost 400 participants.

The GREAT Women Project was made possible through the partnership of the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) now the Department of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Development (DFATD) and the National Government of the Philippines through the Philippine Commission of Women (PCW).

Metro Naga Reaps Awards in GREAT Women Project By Mary Ruth V. Parro

For being a model of enterprise development, the City of Naga under the leadership of Mayor Bongat, was recognized for its WEE responsive structures and mechanisms, partnerships, and budget.

Congresswoman Leni Robredo, flanked by CIDA and PCW Officials, during the tribute to the late Sec. Jesse M. Robredo.

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THE City Government thru its Public Safety Office (PSO) and the Naga City Police Office (NCPO)

have joined forces by providing incentives like rewards for citizens who have helped authorities to apprehend robbery suspects.

Last July 8, after the regular flag raising ceremony at the City Hall grounds, Mayor John Bongat, accompanied by city councilors and PSO Executive Director Lito Del Rosario, awarded Janelle Guevara, a First Year student of Camarines Sur National High School with a certificate of recognition and Php10,000 cash for helping the authorities apprehend snatchers who tried to rob her of her cell phone.

By Gerald O. Enguero

Citizen reward system aimed to strengthenanti-crime drive

Guevara chased down her attacker and proceeded to kick and lock him down. Bystanders who saw the commotion called the authorities, leading to the capture of the perpetrator.

The reward system of the city Government was brought out in a conference meeting with the PSO and NCPO presided over by Mayor Bongat.

The chief executive pointed out in the conference that any individual, whether private citizen or a public servant who can catch a criminal or help in the apprehension of suspects will be rewarded Php10,000 cash. Those who are able to return stolen personal items will also receive a cash reward.

Allen Reondanga, Information Officer of the City Government, said that the purpose of the program is not to encourage the residents of the city to chase criminals, but to recognize their heroic deeds.

During the same flag raising ceremony, Jesus Emmanuel Guevara and Felix Medina, both tricycle drivers, were also awarded Php3,000 cash each and certificates of recognition for returning cell phones left by passengers in their tricycles.

Mayor Bongat said he believes that the reward system will work here in controlling the city’s crime rate.

“I can see that the reward system is really working because of these people who are setting good examples for our fellow Nagueños. What the government needs to do here is to recognize them, but we still don’t encourage people to risk their life, for their life is much given importance here,” Bongat explained during the awarding rites.

Guevara addresses the crowd after receiving a commendation from Mayor Bongat as her mother looks on. With them (left to right) are: councilors Esteban Abonal, Elmer Baldemoro, Nene de Asis, Seling Tuason and Gabby Bordado, Jr.

Janelle Guevara

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By Jason B. Neola

The task of maintaining peace and order, as well as dealing with the general well-being of the participants lie with a number of agencies that include law enforcement, health workers, fire protection, sanitation or solid waste management, public utilities and a host of others.

Getting them to work together smoothly is the function of the Inter-agency Joint Operations Center (JOC) which was reactivated weeks before the festivities.

The reactivation took effect with Executive Order 2013-012 issued by Mayor John G. Bongat for an effective and efficient command, control, coordination, collaboration, and communication system in ensuring peaceful and orderly conduct of the celebration.

Two of the important components of its operations were Communications and Health Services.

The main highlights of this week-long religious activity, the Traslacion and Fluvial Processions, the hours-long parades and other major gatherings typically draw large numbers of people from all walks of life and from various parts of the region and the country and a significant number of foreign tourists. Given the risk for potential man-made disasters and crowd-related problems, emergency planners and personnel work long hours and have to be on their feet to deal with any emergency 24/7.

EVERY year in September, hundreds of thousands of visitors, pilgrims and devotees – at times even

reaching over a million - gather in Naga City for one big celebration: the Peñafrancia Festival.

Caceres Archbishop Rolando Tria-Tirona carries the holy image of Divino Rostro to the waiting pagoda in time for its journey home to Basilica Minore.

Dozens of emergency personnel monitor the progress of the Fluvial Procession.

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CommunicationsEmploying a multi-agency

approach is not easy with each agency having its own standing protocols on various matters, from details regarding operations, logistics and communications.

This year, some 20 agencies worked together in a concerted effort to perform specific functions. Communication played a vital role in enhancing command and inter-operability among these agencies, serving to prevent confusion and errors.

To prepare for the task, the JOC’s line agencies conducted an emergency communications drill where concerned personnel from each agency were briefed on the communications plan. The system was devised so that during an emergency, each member of the task force knew how to send critical information properly.

Crucial to the entire system is the Central Communications Center of the Naga City Public Safety Office which was utilized to serve as the “Nerve Center” of the 2013 Joint Operations Center.

The Central Communications Center houses communications equipment and serves as the tactical command and control facility. Aside from telephone hotlines, it is fitted with an assortment of VHF and UHF

transceivers linked to the radio network of the Naga City Police Office, the Bureau of Fire Protection, the Bicol Medical Center, the 27 barangays and the Kabalikat radio group volunteers. It has a redundant power supply system that enables it to operate even during power outages. It is also the nerve center for a system of closed circuit television (CCTV) cameras mounted in strategic places within the city and manned by competent personnel which operate the center 24/7.

During the JOC’s operations, the Philippine Army Signal Corps and PNP Commel personnel also mounted their own communications gear within the Center to improve communication capabilities. With all the equipment and with a carefully laid out communications plan, the flow of information and relevant data between each agency went smoothly and without delay, enhancing inter-operability between agencies.

Utilizing modern communications technology and increased police visibility, the JOC seamlessly integrated the efforts of public safety and security agencies.

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After the scheduled Holy Masses, people would usually approach the Medical Post to have their blood pressure checked. Health education was also rendered to some of the clients. (With reports from Renee Absalon E. Abiada, Senior officer, Central Communication Center-Public Safety Office)

Anticipating the risk of medical emergencies, the JOC and its partner agencies set up emergency medical posts and triage centers for the duration of the Peñafrancia Festival.

Health ServicesThe Health Cluster is one

part of the JOC and is composed mainly by members of the health care team - nurses, physicians, emergency medical teams (EMTs), nursing students and trained first aiders from hospitals, clinics and nursing schools all over the province. Its main task is to assist guests, tourists, and pilgrims who come here for the festivities.

Long before activities connected with the fiesta began, the health cluster of the JOC conducted coordination meetings to ensure that everything was in order. Plans and instructions were set and relayed to every member of the cluster.

Starting with the holding of the Traslacion Procession, an advanced medical post was established at the Metropolitan Cathedral, the center of all religious activities. There were other medical posts located in different strategic areas in the city, particularly in areas where a large number of people converged, especially those along the route of the procession. Ambulances and paramedics were placed on standby in case there was a need to bring patients to the nearest hospital for further medical/surgical intervention. The posts were in operation for 24 hours each day, with personnel assigned in shifts. Some had to stay at their assigned shift for 12 hours, depending on the time allotted to them or previously agreed upon. The health cluster functioned all throughout the holding of the fiesta, from Traslacion to the novenarios and the fluvial procession.

The cluster served a total of 2,173 patients, addressing medical concerns as headaches, hypertension, nausea and minor wounds. Medicines were always available at the command posts which were given free of charge.

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2013HEALTH CLUSTER

1. Bicol Medical Center - Dr. Efren Nerva 2. Bicol Sanitarium - Dr. Edgardo Sarmiento 3. Mother Seton Hospital - Sr. Ma. Linda Monzon 4. St. John Hospital - Dr. Jose Pierre Panday 5. NICC Doctor’s Hospital - Dr. Edilberto Torres 6. Bicol Access Health Centrum - Dr. Freddie Sy 7. Dr. Nilo Roa Memorial Foundation Hospital - Dr. Rhodora Roa Perez 8. Philippine National Police - PSSupt. Jose Lipa Capinpin 9. 9th Infantry Division, Philippine Army - BGen. Yerson Depayso10. Universidad de Sta. Isabel - Sr. Lourdes Albis, D.C.11. Ateneo de Naga - Fr. Primitivo Viray, Jr. S.J.12. Naga College Foundation - Ms. Marguerite Michelle Hornby13. Camarines Sur Community Colleges - Ms. Erna Claveria14. Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges - Dr. Dulce Atian15. University of Northeastern Philippines - Atty. Remelisa Moraleda16. University of Saint Anthony - Atty. Santiago Ortega, Jr.17. University of Nueva Caceres - Dr. Lourdes Anonas18. Provincial Health Office - Gov. Miguel Luis Villafuerte

SUMMARY OF PATIENTS SERVED

DATE TOTALSEPTEMBER 13 152 0 54 0 2 208

SEPTEMBER 14 124 0 1 0 0 125

SEPTEMBER 15 486 0 1 0 0 487

SEPTEMBER 16 99 0 20 0 0 119

SEPTEMBER 17 141 0 1 0 0 142

SEPTEMBER 18 109 0 0 1 1 111

SEPTEMBER 19 207 1 6 0 0 214

SEPTEMBER 20 207 0 1 0 0 208

SEPTEMBER 21 554 0 0 1 4 559

TOTAL 2,079 1 84 2 7 2,173

MEDICAL TRAUMA TRANSFERRED TOMINOR MAJOR MINOR MAJOR HOSPITAL

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IN preparation for the upcoming celebration of the largest Marian devotion in Asia, the Peñafrancia Festival, more than 3,000 Nagueños joined hands in cleaning the main streets of Naga last August 31, 2013.

Dubbed “Rilinigan sa Naga para ki Ina,” the massive clean-up drive was participated in by more than 3,000 Nagueños: private citizens, members of NGOs and POs and City Hall employees, led by Mayor John G. Bongat and Vice Mayor Nelson S. Legacion. It was conducted to ensure a clean and orderly Naga during the month-long festivities of the Peñafrancia Fiesta.

Engr. Joel Martin, Head of the Solid Waste Management Office said they were surprised by the overwhelming cooperation shown by the public as the activity was originally intended as a City Hall event. The announcement inviting interested individuals and members of NGOs and POs was made only two days before the event.

Firefighters from the BFP doust the steps leading up from the river dock near Basilica Minore where the image of Ina will disembark from the pagoda.

Nagueños join hands in clean up drive for InaBy Gerald O. Enguero

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Taking full advantage of the fair weather, Mayor Bongat and Vice Mayor Legacion lead the effort to clear streets in Centro Naga from dirt and debris before the arrival of hundreds of thousands of devotees.

Firefighters and volunteers join forces in cleaning Plaza Rizal and other parks and plazas in the city in preparation for this year’s Peñafrancia Festival.

Martin revealed that among the NGOs and POs that participated in the event were the Boy Scouts of the Philippines, Girl Scouts of the Philippines, the Centro Naga Business Club, Association of Barangay Councils and Personnel, Kapisanan ng mga Barangay Kagawad, Gawad Kalinga Federation, West Environmental Watch Group, East Environmental Watch Group, Senior Citizens Federation, and various groups of the transport sector.

“We are very thankful for the cooperation of the public. This

shows their zealous dedication to develop and promote Naga as one of the most livable cities in Asia, as well as their passion and love for Ina, Nuestra Señora de Peñafrancia,” Mayor John G. Bongat said.

Vice Mayor Nelson S. Legacion disclosed that due to the favorable response the city government received, plans to conduct massive clean-ups every month are being prepared. He said that this kind of activity will not only promote cleanliness in Naga but will also advance the quality of life and civic engagement of Nagueños.

“This kind of activity will also address the pressing issues on health in the city. Through this, we can prevent incidence of dengue and other diseases and, at the same time, sustain and enhance Naga’s image as one of the most livable cities in Asia,” Vice Mayor Legacion stated.

Another massive clean-up activity was scheduled for the morning of September 12 in Barangay Tabuco near the Tabuco Bridge. The activity focused on cleaning banks of the Naga River where the fluvial procession traditionally passes.

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NINETY trees situated along the Carolina-Panicuason road in this city will no longer be cut

in connection with a road-widening project of the Camarines Sur 2nd District Engineering Office of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), according to District Engineer Simplicio Gonzales.

Speaking before the members of 11th Sangguniang Panlungsod last July 16, Gonzales said that due to the strong clamor of city officials and other stakeholders in the city, his office has decided to pursue the project while preserving the 90 trees standing along the Carolina-

Panicuason Road.“To avoid compromising the

safety of motorists and pedestrians and ease construction activities, we usually request for removal of trees that are within the road right-of-way. In this case, however, we decided to concur with the stakeholders and preserve the plants which are situated on the shoulders of the proposed road,” said Gonzales.

City officials expressed relief over the recent news, saying that preserving the environment should always be considered in any developmental programs of the national and local governments.

“We are glad to note that

widening our roads while conserving our ecosystem can be done. I believe the same can be done with the proposed road-widening project along Almeda Highway and that the DPWH Regional Office in Bicol will consider the proposals we submitted to them,” said Vice Mayor Nelson S. Legacion.

Councilor Mila S.D. Raquid-Arroyo, meanwhile, proposed to the DPWH a possible change in their policies and perspectives that they should always and primarily consider in their programs the preservation of the environment, with or without a clamor from the stakeholders.

Total number of Pili trees planted under the Pilimania project from June 2011 to November 2012.

The number of trees needed to produce oxygen for one person.

33,788 22

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IN a bid to promote transparency and accountability in the whole country, this city, widely recognized as a success

story of local good governance, through the city council, approved a resolution endorsing the passing into law of the Full Disclosure Bill by Camarines Sur 3rd District Representative Ma. Leonor G. Robredo.

In its 5th Regular Session on August 6, the members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Naga jointly and collectively adopted Resolution No. 2013-187, introduced by Councilor Gabriel H. Bordado Jr., expressing Naga’s unconditional support for the immediate passage of the Full Disclosure Bill.

The resolution also seeks the help of various local government organizations, such as the League of Municipalities and the League of Cities of the Philippines, in encouraging all local government units to pass the same “in the name of transparency and accountability.”

According to Vice Mayor Nelson S. Legacion, the said resolution of the Sanggunian aims to strategically advance the advocacy of Naga and its people

in eliminating graft and corruption and cutting down red tape not only in local governments but also in national agencies and government-owned and controlled corporations (GOCCs).

“House Bill No. 21 of Congresswoman Robredo seeks to institutionalize and, at the same time, widen the scope of the Department of the Interior and Local Government’s (DILG) Memorandum Circular No. 2010-83 issued by then Secretary Jesse Robredo. The circular orders all LGUs and DILG regional offices to report their finances and bids and public offerings, which, in turn, form part and parcel of the late secretary’s Seal of Good Housekeeping program,” Legacion stated.

“The Full Disclosure Bill (FDB) is distinguished from the Freedom of Information Bill (FOI) in several ways. For instance, disclosure in the FDB is mandatory, while in FOI, information can only be obtained through a request,” he added.

Robredo filed House Bill No. 21 on July 1, her first day in the House of Representatives. Under the said measure, national and local governments and even GOCCs are mandated to disclose the following: annual budget, budget execution documents, accountability reports, procurement plan, invitation to bid, annual financial statements, consolidated bi-annual financial and narrative accomplishment reports, agency issuances and local ordinances, and other documents and information required to be made available to the public by law.

The aforementioned

Naga backs cong. Leni’s full disclosure billBy Gerald O. Enguero

documents should be disclosed with or without request from an individual or any entity through posting in conspicuous places within public buildings, printed media of general circulation, and in official websites of the agencies, offices and instrumentalities concerned.

“This will allow our people to access the data at any time without the burden of technicalities and bureaucracy. Government funds are hard-earned money of the people that should be spent judiciously and for the common good,” Robredo explained.

House Bill No. 21 also provides that, in case of violation of said measure, the head of the departments, bureaus, agencies and/or local government units will be held accountable and will be penalized by a fine of Five Hundred Thousand Pesos (Php500,000.00).

“By imposing hefty fines, the bill can compel all government entities to comply with the law. If we could have our way though, we recommend that heavier penalties be imposed, such as making violations of said law a ground for dismissal of the chief of office and/or providing that non-compliance with the law is a criminal offense leading to imprisonment of the head of office,” commented Legacion.

“Nevertheless, the City Government of Naga firmly believes that the proposed legislative measure should really be passed into law if we indeed want to realize the Tuwid na Daan vision of President Noynoy Aquino,” he added.

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FOR our economic development and social progress to be sustainable and inclusive, empowering and engaging the people in running the affairs of the city is vital. We believe that the most significant factor in attaining, sustaining and improving our Maogmang Lugar is a happy, proud and empowered citizenry – Nagueños who practice the essence of democracy not just through casting ballots but also in being

participative and proactive in realizing their aspirations for themselves, their families and, most especially, for the city they love.

Indeed, much of our triumphs are due to our collective efforts. We are now known both nationally and internationally as a center of transparent and participatory local governance. Our projects, programs and policies are being praised by other local government units not just because of their effectiveness and efficiency in achieving their respective goals and objectives, but also due to the strong partnership between the public and private sectors before and during their implementation. With this, as well as in accordance with the H2ELP your CiTy agenda of our City Mayor John G. Bongat, the 11th Sangguniang Panlungsod of Naga has hit the ground running at the very start of its term in creating more platforms for our people to be informed and be engaged in governance and development of our city.

By VICE MAYOR NELSON S. LEGACION

Highway and along Panicuason-Carolina Road, a thorough analysis of the comments and dialogues that went on the popular social media platform led us to a conclusion that, indeed, most of Nagueños are in favor of preserving the environment and of seeking environment-friendly alternatives to solve traffic congestion in the city.

As representatives of the people, we are tasked to understand and promote the dispositions and interests of Nagueños in all issues. Hence, we bravely stood against the national government’s plans and proactively filed counter-proposals that we believe will provide a win-win solution for all stakeholders.

facebook.com/spnagacity can also be used as a venue for soliciting comments and obtaining suggestions for new ordinances, improvement of existing ones and enhancement of proposed legislations. Through this, every citizen of Naga now has a power to lobby and push for concrete and sustainable reforms which are close to their hearts and highly relevant to their everyday lives.

We believe that the masses are the ones immediately and extremely affected by the law. It is, therefore, only fitting that they fully comprehend the law to be able to debate on it and participate in its modification and approval. This is in line with the spirit of what our beloved President Ramon Magsaysay said that “He who has less in life should have more in law.”

FACEBOOK.COM/SPNAGACITY

As new technology provides us more and easier avenues for engaging the people, the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Naga decided on July 2, 2013, the date of

its 1st Regular Session, to create its own Facebook page, facebook.com/spnagacity. The popularity and, for some, necessity of Facebook nowadays prompt us to tap this tool for informing and engaging our people. It also provides a cheap and efficient method to notify and connect with Nagueños real time. Through this initiative, the SP aims to immediately inform the public of the ordinances and resolutions being proposed and promulgated in the Sangguniang Panlungsod, and, at the same time, empower them to participate in the policy- and decision-making processes of the city government.

Via facebook.com/spnagacity, we can gather, in a quick and cheaper way, the views of the public with regard to various issues that directly affect them and their children, the next generation of Nagueños. For instance, on the latest issue of the cutting of trees for the benefit of road-widening along Maharlika

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Though Facebook is an appealing, efficient and modern tool for connecting with the Nagueños, even those who are abroad, we know, however, that such method is not enough to reach all of our citizenry and promote comprehensive inclusiveness and participation. There are still Nagueños who do not have access to the internet and would prefer the traditional means of reporting and information dissemination. Therefore, the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Naga has left no stone unturned and has engaged various media partners to provide the people with the information they need through all methods possible.

For avid readers, we have partnered with the

regional newspaper, Bicol Mail, to provide us with the column, SP Highlights, which aims to apprise the public of our undertakings in the Sangguniang Panlungsod. In here, we aim to provide our fellow Nagueños the highlights of every regular session of the Sanggunian.

For those who want to watch the whole proceeding of our sessions, Sky Cable TV 6 is broadcasting them live every Tuesday, from 8:30 a.m. to 12 n.n. A replay is also scheduled every evening of Tuesday.

As for music lovers and radio aficionados, we have developed radio advertisements that aim to inform them of our programs and projects that have direct impact and concrete benefits to them. In this endeavour,

we have engaged the student-broadcasters of Naga City Science High School in the recording of these commercials. We believe that engaging students in our campaign will hone further their skills in broadcasting, develop their patriotism and love for our country and our city, as well as provide them a good avenue to contribute to our efforts in nation-building. These radio commercials will be aired in DWKM and DZGE five times a day. There will be different radio commercials per month depending on the issues and programs being prioritized in a certain month so as to ensure that information being given to the public are timely, relevant and responsive to their needs.

NEXTSTEPS

Our transparency and people-empowerment initiatives do not stop here, however.

Our next steps include the updating and redesigning of our web pages on naga.gov.ph. We are confident that by enhancing our pages and making them more user-friendly and more interactive, we can maximize their potentials in delivering up-to-date information, sustaining our good governance principles, bridging the digital divide between the poor and rich, and, most especially, in improving our people’s access to government services, especially the benefits and programs specified under specific provisions of the law.

We are also planning to publish primers and other forms of publications which will contain specific details on how our citizenry can avail of the programs of the city government. Through these, the people can maximize the uses of their privileges and utilize such to improve their socio-economic status, thereby reducing the poverty incidence in Naga and making the city a truly Maogmang Lugar. Specific requirements and necessary processes to be satisfied before one can avail of his/her benefits will also be included in order to further cut red tape and completely shun what little is left of the patronage system in Naga.

All our transparency and people-empowerment initiatives are concrete manifestations of our belief that the city government, including its policies, programs and projects, should always be “of the people, by the people and for the people.” Of the people because Nagueños should always have ownership of all the undertakings of the city government; by the people because each and everyone of us should participate and offer a stake in H2ELPing our CiTy become a model society that we want it to be; and, lastly, for the people, as all the consequences of our collective efforts will always redound on us.

THE 11th Sangguniang Panlungsod of Naga launched on July 16 (Tuesday), its own Facebook

page, facebook.com/spnagacity, as a way to intensify its transparency and engagement initiatives.

Making use of the latest technology to connect and empower Nagueños, the Facebook page features the latest ordinances, resolutions, programs, activities and announcements of the Sanggunian. It will also serve as a platform for constituents to send feedback to the city council.

“Our Facebook page can be used as a venue for soliciting comments and suggestions for new ordinances, improvement of existing ones, and enhancement of proposed legislations. Through this, every citizen of Naga has a power to lobby and push for concrete and sustainable reforms which are close to their hearts and highly relevant to their everyday lives,” said Vice Mayor Nelson S. Legacion.

Naga’s Sanggunian launches own Facebook page

“Through social media, we can also gather, in a quick and cheaper way, the views of the public with regard to various

issues that directly affect them and their children.”

Students of the Naga City Science High School browse the Sanggunian Panlungsod’s Facebook page, the latest addition to an array of social media accounts of the City Government.

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“Through social media, we can also gather, in a quick and cheaper way, the views of the public with regard to various issues that directly affect them and their children,” added Legacion.

According to the information on the Facebook page, it was created on July 2 in time for the 1st Regular Session of the 11th Sangguniang Panlungsod.

Legacion said that this initiative can further bridge the digital divide between the poor and the rich as well as empower every individual to participate in the policy-making processes of the city government, thereby, assuring that the policies of the city are highly responsive to the needs of the marginalized.

Below: Under the leadership of Mayor Bongat and with Vice Mayor Legacion at the helm of the Sanggunian, the city is on track to achieve its goals.

Above:A screenshot of the Sangguniang Panlungsod’s Facebook page features the oath-taking ceremony picture of the new council.

“As always, our direction, as provided by Mayor John G. Bongat, is to curb poverty, improve lives and enhance our governance mechanisms through transparent, participatory and development-oriented programs,” Legacion stated.

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WITH a new Sangguniang Panlungsod Session Hall and offices as well as a new set of legislators, the 11th Sangguniang Panlungsod of Naga under its new leader,

Vice Mayor Nelson S. Legacion, pledged to push for reforms more efficiently and more openly.

In his inaugural speech on June 29 at The Tent, Avenue Plaza Hotel, Legacion said that the SP’s performance will be measured on two key points: promptness to pass sound legislations; and capacity to pass “welfare legislations.”

For the first one, the city council has already set in motion the conduct of paperless sessions through full computerization of its system. The new Sanggunian Panlungsod Session Hall, which was inaugurated on July 2, showcases computers in individual tables of the councilors as well as state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment.

Codification of ordinances is also intended to be done “to ensure a more systematic arrangement of law” in Naga.

Meanwhile, as for delivery of welfare legislations, Legacion said that the SP intends to achieve this by engaging the people to participate in policy-making.

“Bringing legislation into the realm and consciousness of the masses is clearly one of our major priorities. With a wider and more welcoming session hall and offices of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, more members of the public and press can be accommodated. A greater number of audiences can observe and participate in the deliberations and debates of the Sanggunian,” he said.

Mayor John G. Bongat expressed support to these new initiatives of the city council.

“We started as a team and we shall continue as a team. Though there is a clear separation of power between the executive and the legislative, we shall always support each other for the betterment of the city and our constituents,” Bongat said.

Mayor Bongat and Vice Mayor Legacion unveil the new plaque for the renovated session hall and legislative offices.

In addition to new facilities, the Sangguniang Panlungsod has vowed to enact more pro-poor policies and legislation.

By Paul John F. Barrosa

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LEGAZPI CITY (Sept. 26) – The Department of Tourism (DOT) Bicol Regional Office presented Naga City its

first-ever tourism-related award in recognition of its being a Pilgrims’ City during the Gayon Bicol Tourism Awards, as part of the two-day Bicol Regional Tourism Summit.

Naga City Mayor John G. Bongat was recognized as a tourism champion for the City Government’s policies, programs and projects on tourism development. Arts, Culture and

Tourism Office (ACTO) chief Alec Santos and Metro Naga Development Council (MNDC) Executive Director Sieglinde Bulaong received the award from Regional Director Maria Ravanilla in behalf of Mayor Bongat at the Oriental Legazpi Hotel.

The Avenue Plaza Hotel, one of Naga’s premiere hotels, was also recognized for its high-quality services and standards by the DOT. The tourism establishment is an active member of the Naga Excursions (Naga X) consortium, an alliance of tourism-related enterprises organized by the

MNDC and ACTO under the Naga X project.

Naga was declared a Pilgrim City by President Benigno S. Aquino by virtue of an executive order issued in 2010, which coincided with the celebration of 300 years of devotion to Our Lady of Peñafrancia. As home to the miraculous image of “Ina” (mother), the Bicolanos’ term of endearment to the Blessed Virgin, Naga is visited by more than a million pilgrims and tourists every September. To ensure the safety and comfort of guests and devotees, the City Government, under Mayor Bongat’s directive, established the first Peñafrancia Inter-agency Task Force and the Joint Operations Center (JOC) in 2010, consolidating the functions and efforts of various government and church organizations and agencies.

TOP PHOTO: Alec Santos, ACTO Chief and Sieglinde Bulaong, MNDC Executive Director, receive the Gayon Bicol Award in behalf of Mayor Bongat during the 1st Bicol Regional Tourism Summit.

Left: Mayor Bongat poses beside Malabsay Falls during an inspection of the famous waterfall.

By Gerald O. Enguero

Bongat receives tourism award for Naga

Mayor Bongat spearheads the development of new tourism products in Metro Naga: Mt. Isarog National Park and Naga River Cruise.

The first-ever Gayon Bicol Awards recognized Tourism Champions like Mayor Bongat for their roles in tourism development and management.

The Avenue Plaza Hotel, one of Naga’s best hotels and represented by its President Alan Cu (center), Paul Dichoso (left), and Apple Perez (right), also received recognition from the DOT for its excellence in customer service.

The DOT also considers Naga as “tourist service center,” a hub of amenities and facilities like hotels, restaurants, tour operators, and resorts. This distinction and the presence of modern amenities and lifestyle centers have led to an increase in tourist arrivals in the city with corresponding increase in tourism revenues. Naga is also considered the gateway to the world-famous Caramoan islands and is 15 minutes away from the CamSur Watersports Complex (CWC) in the adjacent town of Pili.

Mayor Bongat also sits as the chairman of the MNDC, an alliance of 15 towns with Naga City at its core. The MNDC is currently implementing Naga Excursions, or Naga X, a tourism-focused developmental project which aims to organize, develop and market attractions in Metro Naga in close cooperation with local government units and members of the private sector.

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