A brilliant mind rests but his light shines through by Mon Baturiano, Jr.

A Brilliant Mind Rests Pride of Naga City and the Bikolandia’s favorite and famous son, ex- Senator and former DepEd Secretary Raul S. Roco passed away last Friday morning August 5 at Saint Luke’s Hospital after a long battle against a recurring prostrate cancer. He was 63. Thousands of ordinary folks were one in showing their genuine respect and admiration to the great Bikolano leader as they welcomed home his mortal remains last August 8 at the Naga Airport in Pili and lined the streets from Pili to Naga City and down to Ateneo de Naga University, Roco’s alma mater. Unprecedented in local history, thousands more in trucks, buses, cars, jeepneys, motorcycles, and even padjaks joined the long procession while people alongside the streets tried to catch a glimpse of the glazed-blue coffin that was placed atop a truck bedecked with white flowers.

After a week of mourning declared by the local government of Naga City with flags at half-mast, the son of a farmer and a public school teacher was finally laid to rest at the Sto. Nino Cemetery beside his father’s grave.

Naga City shines anew as Model City

conference dubbed as "Vista ISA: A Panorama of our Dream Cities" at the Rizal Ballroom of the Makati Shangri-La. Headed by Jess Estanislao, former finance secretary under Cory Aquino administration, ISA has adopted its Public Governance System (PGS), a performance measurement tool that was a public sector adaptation of the corporate "balanced scorecard" principle, used by companies to determine achievement of set goals within a given period of years thus encouraging local administrations to operate under established mission, vision and set of values from city hall to the grass roots.

BISHOP JOSE R. ROJAS First Filipino Bishop elected by Pope Benedict XVI

City Hall celebrates with a new Bishop

Model City for Participatory Government by 2015

The City Hall community led by Naga City Mayor Jesse M. Robredo celebrated the recent election of Rev. Msgr. JOSE R. ROJAS as the new auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese of Caceres through a First Friday Mass last August at the City Hall Lobby presided by no other than the new bishop himself.

Naga City Mayor Jesse Robredo requested for additional reinforcement of 30 police personnel who will permanently assigned at the Naga City PNP from PNP Director general Arturo Lomibao citing the troubling disparity in the ratio of policemen to population of one policemen for one thousand three hundred forty three inhabitants (1:1,343) which is not ideal for a highly urbanized city like Naga.

Notwithstanding rain Nagueños gather together along Peñafrancia Street to say goodbye to their beloved-son, ex-Senator Raul Roco on way to Basilica Minore. [Vic Villaflor]

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City Hall Matters Issue 2 Volume 1 | PAGE 1

Robredo asks Gen. Lomibao for more PNP muscle; 1:1,343 police-to-people ratio “no longer ideal”

Naga City together with the cities of San Fernando (La Union), Tagbilaran, Calbayog, Iloilo, Samal, Cebu and Marikina were cited by the Institute for Solidarity in Asia (ISA) as the country's most promising cities for “a ride to a sunnier future” last August 10 during the ISA-sponsored

His Brilliance Glowed Raul finished his elementary schooling at age 10 from the Naga Parochial School and high school at age 14 from the Ateneo de Naga. He went on to study at San Beda College in Manila where he graduated AB English, magna cum laude at the young age of 18. He eventually earned his law degree from the same college as Abbots Awardee for Over-All Excellence. He later took his Master of Comparative Law as a University Fellow at the University of Pennsylvannia. The youngest president of the National Union of Students of the Philippines and a legend in the student movement, he was also named one of the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines. The youngest Bicolano delegate to the Constitutional Convention as well as the youngest president of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, Atty. Roco drafted the famous Study Now, Pay Later law as then legal staff of Sen. Benigno Aquino. No less than the Ford Foundation and the UP Institute of Strategic and Development Studies adjudged him as First in Over-all Performance among legislators of the 8th Congress from 1987-1992 while representing the 2nd District of Camarines Sur. His rise as Senator of the Republic from 1992-2001 afforded him a great opportunity to serve the Filipinos even more by funding the budget increment mandated by the Magna Carta for Public School Teachers to benefit retiring public school teachers as well as teachers' cooperatives. Education-oriented, the senator pioneered the computerization program for schools and provided meal scholarships for poor students of the Philippine Normal University while abolishing the National Collegiate Entrance Examinations (NCEE) to give all students the opportunity to enter college and helping private schools through the automatic release of GASTPE funds, a law which widens access to schooling. Affectionately dubbed the "Honorary Woman", Senator Roco authored major laws addressing women concerns, among them RA 7653, the Women in Nation-Building Law; RA 7877, the Anti-Sexual Harassment Law; RA 8353, the Anti-Rape Law; and RA 8369, the Child and Family Courts Law and is considered the Father of the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas. He also authored the Intellectual Property Code and the Securities Regulation Code of the Philippines.

So others may be inspired and see the light The outstanding legislator and education innovator has inspired many Filipinos especially those who never wavered in their belief in the hope of a better future for the country. His 2004 presidential election’s battlecry: HOPE! No wonder, Roco’s death was considered a great loss not only for his family but for the entire nation. They considered him as the man who could have been the President and the efficient leader who could have effectively run the republic and make an economic turn-around for the nation. Ramon Magsaysay 2000 awardee for public administration, Naga City Mayor Jesse Robredo, who shunned his own political party in favor of the native son of Naga says: “If he had become the President, I am sure Roco could have secured a debt payment moratorium to ease the country’s pressure on debt repayments within a realizable time-frame.”

“Roco’s example of administrative achievement was when he reduced the cost of government procurement of books during his stint as Education Secretary,” the presidentiable’s loyal ally recalled. Roco’s former colleagues in the Philippine Senate led by Senate President Franklin M. Drilon authored Resolution No. 258 extolling the virtues of the former legislator and describing him as a highly-principled man and model for the Filipino people. The Senate resolution stated, among others, that Roco was a "statesman whose life is a testament that honesty, decency and integrity must never be compromised in favor of convenience and expediency. His wisdom, politics and vision prepared him well for the presidency which could have changed the country’s political landscape had fate not intervened.” Drilon said in a 9-pager prayer: "Senator Roco was a principled man who was not afraid to take unpopular stand and to fight for what he believed was right. He was not afraid to swim against the tide.” Even those on the other side of the political spectrum have good words to say to the erstwhile Senator: “he (Roco) is an exemplary Filipino patriot and civil libertarian who stood for substantial progressive reforms to uplift the people from their oppressed and exploited condition." Luis Jalandoni, chairman of the National Democratic Front (NDF) peace negotiating panel, said that Roco lived a meaningful life of service to the people and left a legacy that his family and compatriots can be proud of and that can continue to inspire. His Light’s Shining Through Roco’s brilliance has glowed and shone and his light will continue to shine through especially for the future generations. The youth, the hope of the fatherland, has these to say: “Roco was the most admired Filipino politician. Raul Roco may have lost two presidential elections but he will be remembered as the most admired Filipino politician among young Filipinos. And for a country with half of its population below 25 years old, that is no small feat. Roco rose to prominence in the trapo-dominated Philippine politics by showing brilliance in his arguments, political will in his programs and integrity in his actions. He endeared himself to the public by championing the welfare of women and poor. In his speeches, he never missed inspiring the youth to serve the country with all idealism and vigor. Iskolars ng bayan of our time will remember Roco as the senator who questioned and opposed the budget cuts for the University of the Philippines and other state universities during the term of (former president Joseph) Estrada. Roco’s crucial role in the impeachment trial prior to EDSA II will not be forgotten as well. Lawmakers and government officials should follow Roco’s footsteps.” Thus, spoke the leaders of the influential youth group, the National Union of Students of the Philippines, which Roco once electrified and will hopefully magnify Roco’s inspiring brilliance, vision and prophecy of HOPE even more.

A brilliant mind rests … | continued

Mayor Robredo presented before a gathering of professionals, businessmen, and the youth how Naga City “An Maogmang Lugar” has progressed since a year ago and inched closer to the goals it aimed to accomplish in five to 10 years from now. The Ramon Magsaysay 2000 for Public Service awardee-mayor showcased Naga City as a Model City for Participatory Government by 2015, elucidating that the thriving city of the Bicol region aims to bring together government, the constituency, the private sector and civic organizations toward city-wide multi-sectoral progress.

The other cities selected by ISA and their corresponding envisioned future 10 to 15 years from now were:

San Fernando: The Botanical Garden City by 2010; Tagbilaran: A Prime Eco-Tourism Hub by 2015; Calbayog: One City, One People, One Culture by 2015; Iloilo: Premier City by 2015; Samal: Island Garden City by 2015; Cebu: Most Livable City in Asia by 2015; Marikina: A World-class City by 2015.

Mayor Robredo, including the other local chief executives Sarmiento, Treñas, Robredo, Antalan, Ortega and Lim, were also recognized as the first batch of ISA fellows, binding them to the commitment of pursuing the plans they had laid out for their cities.

ISA, a non-government think tank on good governance, and its project was supported by a grant from the USAID, the Asia Foundation and the Center for International Private Enterprise in Washington, D.C.

Naga City shines … | continued

Bishop JOSE R. ROJAS, the Vicar General and Parish Priest of the Immaculate Conception Parish, in Naga City, was also elected as Titular Bishop of Idassa as contained in the July 25, 2005 communication sent by the Vatican City to the Papal Nuncio to the Philippines Antonio Franco. The eldest child of retired Judge Jose Rojas Sr. and Emiliana Rojas, the new bishop was born on August 18, 1956 in Cebu City. He took his elementary studies at the Naga Parochial School and entered the Holy Rosary Minor and Major Seminaries where he completed his secondary and tertiary studies finishing his philosophy degree. He completed his sacred theology degree at UST. On March 29, 1981, he was ordained to priesthood by Archbishop Teopisto V. Alberto afterwhich he served as parochial vicar in the parish of Our Lady of Peñafrancia in Naga City. In 1982, he studied and earned his licentiate in theology and a master’s degree in religious education at UST and in 1987 he received his doctorate both in philosophy and sacred theology at the Catholic University of Leuven in Belgium. From 1987 to 1989, he served as professor and vice rector of the Holy Rosary Minor Seminary and was installed as the seminary rector by Archbishop Legaspi. All Sangguniang Panlungsod officials and department heads together with the NACIGEA stalwarts and city hall employees were in full attendance to celebrate in advance this historic elevation of a local bishop, the first Filipino prelate under the papacy of Pope Benedict XVI. The new bishop will be formally elevated to the episcopacy on September 15, 2005 at the Basilica Minore with Papal Nuncios Antonio Franco and Tito Yllana in attendance.

City Hall celebrates … | continued

City Hall Matters Issue 2 Volume 1 | PAGE 2

Leonardo assumed his new position vacated by former City Budget Officer Frank Deocareza who went into optional retirement earlier and even at the ripe age of 64, he never falters to look back and philosophizes: “Those who have not tasted the bitterest of life’s bitters will never appreciate the sweetest of life’s sweets.” Indeed, this Confucian proverb inspiringly keeps the newly appointed City Budget Officer always on the go even catapulting him to the post he is right now from being a casual employee way back in 1965. From a lowly janitor-messenger at the city auditor’s office to Property Inspector Clerk and Clerk Typist at Sangguniang Panlungsod, he moved on to become Budget Examiner at the City Mayor’s Office then Sr. Budget Officer and later Asst. Budget Officer before becoming full-pledged Budget Officer after 40 years. Tiyo Lyd, as his city hall co-workers call him, has been instrumental in several undertakings by the City Budget Office that reaped national and local recognitions like the Best Budget Operation and Management Award given by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) for 1999-2002. Taking over the office’s control and supervision, the newly promoted department head vowed to pursue efficient administration of the city’s budget operation and the thorough review of all barangay annual and supplemental budget submitted to the city. He said that his office will see to it that the review it undertakes shall be properly done and completed within the time frame the DBM imposes. “Efficient administration of budgeting operations can very well translate to well-spent and judiciously used government resources that could serve as our lifeboat especially in these times of financial straits,” the experienced budget manager said. FBJ

Drive vs. dengue menace intensified

Even with the dramatic decrease in the number of dengue cases reported this year, the City Health Office continues to ensure that the current alarming increase in dengue fever cases in other areas of the country will not happen in Naga City. Already, the DOH statistics bared 143 dengue deaths from January to June this year and some 10,977 dengue cases reported. The dengue hemorrhagic fever is an acute infectious viral disease transmitted by day-biting mosquitoes known as the “Aedis Aegypti,” which usually affects infants and young children. It is characterized by fever during the initial phase and other symptoms such as headache, pain in the eye, joints pain, muscle pain and other pains, followed by signs of bleeding such as petechiae (red tiny spots on the skin), nosebleeding and gumbleeding.

The City Health Officer called on residents to immediately seek treatment at the Naga City Hospital once they experience dengue symptoms such as fever, headache and signs of bleeding. “Let us make the practice of tidying our respective residential houses and its immediate surroundings,” Dr. Borja said, adding fogging operations could also help.

Dr. Borja also called on barangay, homeowners and subdivision leaders to conduct intensified massive IEC campaign on dengue fever with emphasis on environmental control of breeding sites, especially in mosquito-prone areas. The dredging of clogged canals, esteros and other waterways, removal/draining of receptacles containing stagnant water and pruning thick bushes and tree branches where the dreaded dengue-causing mosquitoes might find habitat will also be crucial in eradicating this deadly menace. FBJ

City Hall eviction, No way! --- Atty. Nelson Legacion

After more than 50 years, the Mariano family is contesting land ownership over the 5-hectare prime property being currently occupied by the City Government of Naga and a host of other national government offices and important institutions. The city government’s defense theory rebuts that of the plaintiffs represented by the heirs of Mariano who averred that no donation took place over the property which house the offices of the City Hall, RTC and MTC courts, PAO, NBI, LTO, DOLE, DSWD, IBP, CHR, Post Office, Radyo ng Bayan, City Youth Center, Old Hall of Justice and other offices like Phil. Medical and Nursing associations, PICPA and others.

The City Legal Office’s refutation of the argument is anchored on seven grounds, namely: 1) that MTC lacks jurisdiction 2) the City Government is not a possessor by tolerance 3) the City Government owns the subject premises by donation made by the registered owners 4) the subject property is an open space of the City Heights Subdivision, thus, intended for public use the recovery of which is barred 5) recovery thereof is no longer allowed pursuant to the doctrine laid down by the Supreme Court in Alfonso vs. Pasay City and Militante vs. CA 6) the City Government is a builder in good faith and possesses the rights of a builder in good faith 7) estoppel by laches has set in after almost 50 years of plaintiff’s inaction. At present, the case is on review at the Court of Appeals after the RTC Branch 26 presiding judge favored the contention of the Marianos over the City Government of Naga. As this developed, the city government is being made to pay P47.5 Million in rental arrears (from November 30, 2003 to June 30, 2005) and the rental amount of P2.5 Million for every month thereafter. Atty. Legacion and his able legal staff are fully confident that the Naguenos will continue to be served by the City Government right at its very accessible location along Juan Miranda Avenue and vowed to provide Naguenos, the real owners in interest of City Hall, the best possible legal service to protect and preserve their proprietary rights. See related story on Judge Montenegro FBJ

Judge Felimon Montenegro booted out as executive judge No less than the Supreme Court itself, in its en banc resolution promulgated last July 26, 2005 by Atty. Ma. Luisa D. Villarama, acting Clerk of Court, relieved RTC Branch 26 presiding judge Filemon Montenegro as executive judge “effective immediately.” The relief of the executive judge came as no surprise after Naga City Mayor Jesse M. Robredo filed a letter-complaint against the sacked judge for alleged gross misconduct and other administrative offenses, bribery, graft and corruption, among others. Judge Montenegro threw out of the window the seven-point arguments of the city government and decided in favor of the Marianos who were contesting the ownership of the 5-hectare prime real estate being occupied by the offices of the City Hall and other national government and important institutions.

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New Budget Boss bats for optimization and judicious use of resources

City Legal Officer Atty. Nelson Legacion and his legal team composed of lawyers Angel Ojastro and Allan Cabague vowed not to surrender any square inch of City Hall as long as there are legal remedies at hand within the bounds of law.

Leonardo assumed his new position vacated by former City Budget Officer Frank Deocareza who went into optional retirement earlier and even at the ripe age of 64, he never falters to look back and philosophizes: “Those who have not tasted the bitterest of life’s bitters will never appreciate the sweetest of life’s sweets.”

City crimes drop by 18% --- Supt. Ranara Police Superintendent Ramon Sopena Ranara reported an 18 percent decrease in crime volume during the first semester of the year from last year’s 112 crimes to only 92. The average monthly crime rate also shrunk by 15 percent from 2004 level of 10.2 to only 8.4. “Translated otherwise, there occur 8.4 crime incidents for every one hundred thousand Nagueños,” explained Supt. Ranara as he noted the total population of Naga City at 156,672 including the transients. “The month of May had the most number of reported crimes which averaged 12.8 however, fortunately, it abruptly went down in the months of June and July after a more intensified police operations,” Ranara pointed out. “Thus far, our police units fared well during the months of June and July when it achieved an 85% and 80%, respectively, in crime solution efficiency rating having solved 11 of the 13 reported cases in June alone.” Among the significant cases solved by the Naga City Police Station were the arrest of four of the 10 Most Wanted Persons in the city with various cases such as rape and robbery and the confiscation of shabu and marijuana with combined market values of almost P14,000.00 as well as the charging in court of 10 criminal offenders. Robbery continued to be the more prevalent crime in Naga City with 36 incidents majority of which occur from 12 midnight to 6am or 1 robbery for every six days. FBJ

Byaheng Bukmubil visits schoolkids; Booklovers Club organized The newly-launched Byaheng Bukmubil program of the Naga City Public Library reached every nook and cranny of Naga City in the hope of promoting the importance of reading and drumbeat reading awareness through story telling programs among the schoolchildren. With the Jollibee mascot in tow, the Byaheng Bukmubil visited the RV Maramba, San Isidro, Triangulo, Calauag, Del Rosario, Julian Meliton, Pacol, and Santa Cruz schools with storytelling ably performed by Peace Corps Volunteer Nick Hake, City Councilors John Bongat, Allen Reondanga, Lourdes Asence, and Julian Lavadia to the delight of the Grade schoolers. The gradeschoolers together with students from Camarines Sur National and Concepcion Pequena National high schools would later organized themselves into a library club dubbed as the BOOKLOVERS, part of the school-to-school campaign of the NC Public Library to increase the library readership clientele. A Sanggunian resolution is currently pending to rename the Naga City Public Library into the Raul S. Roco Library as a tribute to the city’s pride and favorite son, former Senator and DepEd Secretary, who passed away last August 5.

CPDO doubles locational clearance revenue; 6 new subdivision applications evaluated CPDO Statistician Job Oliva bared that as of June 2005, City Hall was able to collect the amount of P729,631.95 from the locational clearances the office issued on building constructions and business permits. This year’s amount more than doubled last year’s take of only P339,457.10 largely due to the imposition of locational clearance for business this year and the dramatic rise in the issuance of site zoning classifications. Moreover, six (6) new subdivisions located in Concepcion Grande, Carolina, Balatas, San Felipe and Cararayan have been evaluated by the City Planning and Development Office in the first half 0f 2005. This semester’s average of almost 1 subdivision evaluation per month is the highest thus far in the records of the CPDO. FBJ

SUBDIVISION APPLICATIONS EVALUATED January to June 2005

NAME OF SUBDIVISION OWNER DEVELOPER LOCATION AREA (has.) NO. OF LOTS

1. PALM VILLAGE Heirs of Badiola Enjoy Realty Devt San Felipe 3.7837 135 2. VISTA BASILICA HOMES Danilo Mariano Enjoy Realty Devt Balatas 2.4812 307 3. ISAROG HILLS 1 Heirs of Austria Fil-Estate Properties Carolina 7.9787 180 4. ST. JUDE (THADDEUS) I DT Almeda & Sons Concepcion Grande

Devt Concepcion Grande 3.9133 165

5. ST. JUDE (THADDEUS) II DT Almeda & Sons Concepcion Grande Devt

Concepcion Grande 1.7804 77

6. VILLA OBIEDO Raul Rocha 8990 Housing Cararayan 9.3915 1,220

Double happiness for solo parents Unknown to many, the Solo Parent Welfare Act (RA8972) has brought considerable comfort and happiness to most solo parents whose tight station in life impinged on their economic freedom and ability to effectively carry out their parental duties and responsibilities. In the City Hall for instance, some 25 solo parents organized themselves into the Naga City Solo Parents Association which consists of single parents who were left alone to care for their children due to the spouse’s death, detention, physical or mental incapacity, prolonged disappearance or as a result of legal separation, annulment of marriage, or abandonment for one year. They plan to drumbeat awareness for the said solo parents welfare program of the government and enlist more members and support from concerned agencies and private institutions. Created last April 2005 with assistance from the City Government of Naga through the CSWD, the association have been organizing various activities for the solo parents notably cosmetology training last July 4 and 8, referrals to various schools and educational institutions for availment of scholarships, and endorsement to various credit-granting agencies like the Metro PESO for their livelihood needs aside from the regular monthly meetings and the federation assembly organized last April 22.

New trike fare: P6.00; Fares for three routes, retained Mayor Jesse Robredo signed last August 8 SP Ordinance No. 2005-062 approving the fare hike for trimobiles within Naga City, however, the chief executive added supplemental provisions retaining the P5.00 fare for three trimobile routes due to their relative short distance. The ordinance which amended Section 117 of Ord. No. 93-049, otherwise known as the “Transport and Traffic Code of Naga City,” fixed the passenger rates of fare for trimobiles in the city to P6.00 and P5.50 for students and senior citizens, from P5.00 to P4.50, respectively. The three trimobile routes with retained fare rates are LCC Mall to Abella vice versa, CBD2 Terminal to Plaza Quezon vice versa and Tabuco to Naga City Public Market vice versa. “The relative short distance of the above-mentioned trimobile routes will entice drivers to prioritize them to the detriment of other routes, thus, the supplemental provision will prevent the occurrence of the same and, in effect, disperse trimobile access to every corner of the city,” Robredo said. Mayor Robredo likewise ask for clarification on the issue of whether or not the said new fare rates will apply even during weekends, holidays and special holidays especially for those seeking fare discounts.

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“The benefits and privileges of a solo parent,” according to Ms. Erlinda Bailey, “are numerous like livelihood assistance, free counselling services, free parenting skills enhancement training, and availment of crises centers services in cases of abuses. For those solo parents gainfully employed, additional benefits include flexi time, parental leave benefits and non-conversion thereof, scholarships, housing benefits, and medical assistance, among others.” Those interested to avail of the program may contact Ms. Eva Gregorio at the CSWD office tel no. at 473-3723. FBJ

Budget Secretary Romulo Neri made the announcement last August 1 intended for all government workers, the first such increase since President Gloria Arroyo took over from ousted President Joseph Estrada in 2001.

“Although measly and paltry considering the series of wage, transport and utilities rate hikes the past many months and years since the last adjustment was made, it is as good as anyone can get for the time being,” says Mon Baturiano, the NACIGEA secretary.

“Four years ago, the price of gasoline per liter is less than P20.00, now it nearly doubled to P33.00 and so were the consumer goods and everyday items,” seconded PIO Malu Palmaria.

The last time the national government implemented a pay hike for its five million plus state workers four years ago, it amounted to almost P3.2 billion, according to Sec. Neri. FBJ

5% pay hike is a welcome rain! --- NACIGEA

After a long dry spell comes the much-awaited welcome rain! This was the collective consensus of the officers and members of the Naga City Government Employees Association (NACIGEA), the city hall-based organization of state workers, after the announced 5% salary increase.

For the men and women in barangay service

Mercado spearheads LINGAP “A trust fund that does not burden its trustors or beneficiaries with too many requirements in availing medical and burial assistance is what Liga ng mga Barangay here is working,” said LIGA President and City Councilor Jose Mari Mercado as he spearheaded the implementation of LINGAP.

Lingap, acronym for Liga kan Naga Assistance Program, aims to provide barangay workers the following benefits: hospitalization, P200/day; surgery, P250/day; and burial assistance of P7,000.00 Those who may avail of Lingap benefits and privileges are elected barangay officials including SK chairmen, secretaries and treasurers, utility workers, street cleaners, staff, personnel, electricians, BHW, tanods, social work point persons and BNS. City Councilor Mercado or Jomari to his doting constituents is the Punong Barangay of Pacol and was catapulted to the local sanggunian when erstwhile LIGA president Julian Lavadia ran for as City Councilor. He presides over the Lingap board of trustees which meets every first Wednesday of the month at the SP Session Hall, at 2:00pm.

Those interested in this notable program may just coordinate with the LIGA secretariat at the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Naga City through the office of City Councilor Mercado. Jason Neola

NACEMCO: Steadier and richer by 4.7M As the city hall workers’ partner in pursuing a better life, the Naga City Employees Cooperative continues to provide financial assistance to its members. The 261-strong employees’ cooperative has an expanding asset of more than P4.7M which is solely intended for their cooperative members . The financial assistance comes in the form of educational, emergency, regular and commodity loans. Right now, the transaction book of the cooperative chalks up 369 loan transactions wherein it is expected to obtain a profit of not less than P259,000.00 said Jess del Villar, Nacemco bookkeeper. NACEMCO chairman Rolando Antonio said the board gives more priority to the provision of loan assistance to its members than putting their investments on certain projects where coop members will not directly benefit. Jason Neola

Who’s the next Miss Bicolandia? The most coveted beauty pageant in the Bicol Region, the 2005 Search for Miss Bikolandia, promises to be another crowd-drawer for this coming month-long regional Peñafrancia festivities in September. The whole Bikolandia is waiting: “Who’s the next Miss Bikolandia?” City Councilor Cecilia ‘Nene’ de Asis, chairperson of the Miss Bicolandia Beauty Pageant Council, announced that over P250,000 in cash prizes are at stake for beauty titles alone with P100,000 going to the titlists. De Asis said applicant-candidates must be 1) at least 17 but not more than 23 years of age, 2) 5’3” in height or more, 3)single, of good moral character and has never been a mother, 4) a Filipino citizen and Bicolana by birth or by blood; 5) at least 4th year high school, 5) able to communicate in Bicol or any Bicol dialect, and 7) of good health and can perform her future task of representing Bicol as its ambassador of goodwill. Other awards await the four title runner-up winners and also the Miss talent, Miss Photogenic, Miss friendship, Best in Gown, Best in Swimsuit, Best in Production Attire, and the Best designer. Each talent scout for winning candidates will also receive their corresponding fees. Candidates will be adjudged on the following criteria: beauty of the face (30%); beauty of figure (20%); poise and personality (20%), and; intelligence (30%). On August 20,the deadline for submission of applications and requirements, there will be the screening and selection of the official 20 candidates at 3 pm at the Naga City Youth Center poolside. On September 12 the talent and gown competition will precede the final selection and beauty pageant which will be held on September 14 at the UNC Sports Palace. For those very much fascinated to become this year’s Miss Bicolandia, you can access the Secretariat, with telephone numbers (054)472-7919, 473-2051, and 473-3377, at the Office of the Sangguniang Panlungsod. FBJ

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ELCAMEL, Ernesto 8/6 MISOLAS, Eliezer V 8/6 KILATES, Lourdes V 8/7 DEL ROSARIO, Jorge B 8/7 ALTABANO, Maria Teresa 8/7 CUYO, Jose, Jr. A 8/8 VERGARA, Danilo T 8/9 SAN ANTONIO, Zeus Angelo S 8/9 OTILLA, Elena C 8/10 DELA VEGA, Rodolfo 8/10 SAN JOSE, Gaudencio, Jr. N. 8/10 SARTO, Napoleon, Jr. V 8/11 DE VETERBO, Alano B 8/11 MANGENTE, Jamela B 8/11 DEL VILLAR, Jesus 8/12

doing fieldwork and in-person assessment and evaluation to ascertain how locals cope with the effects of natural calamities especially riverine flooding and typhoons as well as introduce the relevance of GIS applications in observing flooding occurrences with greater accuracy. She has been to flood-prone barangays in the city like Triangulo, Mabolo and Calauag doing extensive geoscientific field surveys and personal interviews with local residents with the help of a local guide and interpreter. Asked on why she chose Naga City from among the many other Philippine sites, the gorgeous and affable 36 year old researcher told the City Hall Matters editor that the geographical conditions suited Naga City as a preferred research subject noting that the city is in an area that is frequently hit by typhoons that cause severe inundations and the surrounding agricultural lands. Several types of floods affect the area, sometimes in combination: a) riverine floods from the Bicol, the main river in the area, b) flash-floods from the torrent Naga river, and c) storm surges from the sea.

One of the key components of Strengthening Local Authorities in Risk Management or SLARIM Project espoused by the ITC, the research program, in close collaboration with Naga City, was initiated to investigate to what extend hydrodynamic modelling can be used as an instrument to assess the flood hazard situation in terms of inundation probability and to make a risk assessment based on the flood hazard and the elements at risk.

The NUFFIC NFP fellow who is being supervised by Dr. C.J. van Westen and Dr. E. de Man and Prof. Dr. G. Frerks of the Wageningen University, Utrecht University has learned to adapt well to the Nagueno way of life and very well appreciated local cuisines notably pinangat and bikol express. FBJ

Famed Colombian researcher on GIS study

Famed Colombian researcher, Graciela Peters Guarin, has been conducting her research study on Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and Community-based Tools for Risk Identification at Barangay Levels since last March. A doctoral candidate at the International Institute for Geoscience Information and Earth Observation based in the Netherlands, Ms. Guarin has been

Robredo asks Gen. Lomibao … continued Naga City has been expanding residential and commercial districts with over 156,672 inhabitants as of the last quarter of 2004. Such figure which was culled from the PNP Regional Office which includes the number of non-residents and transients who frequently visit the city during weekdays and weekends. The same data from PNP also showed that there is a sudden rise in the occurrence of street crimes and robbery cases which can be traced to poor police visibility and lack of police personnel doing patrols. “Our place is not only the Bicol’s educational and religious center, it is also a leading business and trading hub in the region such that the population is too overwhelming as against the number of policemen assigned in the Naga City Police Station which is only 128,” the local chief executive said. Robredo who requested for the inclusion of the 24 new police officers presently undergoing OJT at the Naga PNP further remarked that another viable recourse to ensure sustained peace and order throughout the city is to establish three more police substations at such clustered barangays like Igualdad, Sabang & Abella; Barangays Calauag, Bagumbayan Norte, Liboton & San felipe; and Barangays pacol, Cararayan and Balatas.

City hall is eyeing for the immediate passage of an ordinance declaring October 26 and every year thereafter as Raul S. Roco Day. Mayor Jesse Robredo said the Sangguniang Panlungsod is now readying a resolution requesting the Malacañang to authorize the city government to materialize the legislative undertaking. Once permitted, Mayor Jesse M. Robredo said the Roco Day will become a legal holiday in Naga City. Apart from this plan, Mayor Robredo said, the Naga City Public Library thru legal undertakings shall also be named Raul S. Roco Library. Both plans aim to honor and perpetuate the deeds of the famous and favorite son of Bicol who is worthy of emulation. Jason Neola

October 26 is Raul Roco Day

City Hall Matters Issue 2 Volume 1 | PAGE 6

The CITY HALL MATTERS is the official newsletter of the City Government of Naga. This fortnightly publication is produced and edited by the City Development Information Office (CDIO) under the Office of the City Mayor, City Hall Complex, J.Miranda Ave., Naga City Tel (054) 8111286/4732240/4732055. Log-on to our website at http://www.naga.gov.ph Editor MON O. BATURIANO, JR. News Writer JASON NEOLA Graphics & Layout ANSEL B. MAÑO News Writer JASON NEOLA Digital Pix JIMMY FRANCISCO JAYSON VARGAS, VIC VILLAFLOR Illustrations MARIO ENRIQUEZ Circulation Manager SONNY FABELLARE Circulation Assistant SANCHO ALIMORONG Reproduction & Print EPHRAIM CALLEJA Digital Encoding LADYLYN JUAT Contributors RAQUEL BUERE, JOB OLIVA, RICO VINLUAN, EVA GREGORIO, ERLINDA BAILEY, CECILLE DAPLIN

LABRADOR, Cezar L. 8/13 ANTONIO, Sebastian T 8/14 BENITO, Catherine B 8/14 BIEN, Jennifer V 8/14 NATOR, Rogelio B 8/15 GUEVARRA, Emelita P 8/15 PERAN, Arnold N 8/15 ARROYO, Napoleon B. 8/15 OCAMPO, Arnulfo SI 815 TOLIBAS, Erlinda D 8/16 FRANCISCO, Noel M 8/16 ASPRA, Melinda S 8/16 CIELO, Jusan B 8/17 ADORABLE, Nancy C 8/17 HOBAYAN, Bernirando 8/18

Condolences (+) Daniel Joven --- Naga City Public Market

August Birthday Celebrants