Plaza de Nueva Caceres - naga.gov.ph · German students visit Naga to study Naga River Rehab...

A Quarterly Magazine of theCity Government of Naga

Bicol, Philippines

ISSN 2094-9383

Vol. 6, No. 1 | January - March 2015

JOHN G. BONGATCity Mayor

NELSON S. LEGACIONCity Vice Mayor

ALEC FRANCIS A.SANTOS

Editor

JASON B. NEOLASenior Writer

Plaza de Nueva Caceres

WELCOMING motorists and pedestrians crossing the historic Naga River into Centro, the traditional business district of Naga, the imposing figures of

Plaza de Nueva Caceres stand guard beside the Naga City People’s Mall, a prominent icon of the city’s economic progress.

RAFAEL RACSO V. VITAN Layout and Design

ANSELMO B. MAÑOWebsite Administrator

FLORENCIO T. MONGOSO, JR. REUEL M. OLIVEREditorial Consultants

This quarterly magazine is published by the

City Government of Naga, thru the Ciy Publications Office

and the City Events, Protocol and Public Information

Office, with editorial office at City Hall Compound,

J. Miranda Avenue, Naga City 4400 Philippines

Tel: +63 54 473-4432Email: [email protected]

Web: www.naga.gov.ph

XERES RAMON A. GAGEROSYLRANJELVIC C. VILLAFLOR

JOSE V. COLLERAPhotographers

JOSE B. PEREZALLEN L. REONDANGA

PAUL JOHN F. BARROSATechnical Advisers

LUDIVINA V. ASENCEEditorial Assistants

PHOTOS BY SYLRANJELVIC VILLAFLOR

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.

MAYOR’S MESSAGE

3 The Secret to Naga’s Success: the Nagueño

BUSINESS

5 Naga’s BOSS frontlines vibrant economy

7 Topping BLGF 2015 priorities: perfomance check on LGU treasurers, income reclassification, bill ratification

8 Naga City gets “Very Good” mark in DOF’s 3-yr financial sustainability rating

9 City Government welcomes REBAP, MNCCI move to set up databank of real estate assets

TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S

1 JANUARY - MARCH 2015

GOVERNANCE

10 CEO personnel conduct surveys along Naga River

11 BSTC holds summer fun-filled family day

12 City Hall employees ink CNA with their mayor

13 CYOs want youth to be politically well-informed

14 German students visit Naga to study Naga River Rehab Project

ENVIRONMENT

15 Naga institutionalizes annual energy conservation week

16 Naga receives equipment aid for Mt. Isarog conservation program

17 ‘CHANGE CLIMATE CHANGE’ Nagueños fete worldwide Earth Hour 2015

PEACE AND ORDER

19 Rainy weather brings peaceful New Year to Naga and CamSur

20 New city police director installed

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.

TA B L E O F C O N T E N T S

JANUARY - MARCH 2015 2

TOURISM

21 8 of Naga’s most scenic exercise spots

23 Training on housekeeping, waitering and customer service held

24 Travel bloggers, writers, explore Metro Naga

25 WASAR: Training for tourist safety

27 Tourism accreditation picks up in Naga

28 Naga conducts regular inspections of tourism establishments

SOCIAL WELFARE

29 Street, abandoned children complete in ‘KIDSLYMPICS’ to mark their home’s 2nd year

30 Rep. Leni’s feeding program in Magarao, Bombon shows gains

ARTS, CULTURE AND EDUCATION

31 Indie film director Brillante Mendoza switches to documentary

film making

32 AdeNU, BU, USI in country’s best campus list

33 Local artists celebrate National Arts Month

35 The greatest comeback

37 Nora Aunor hailed as honorary Nagueña

SP HIGHLIGHTS

39 The gains of 2014

42 WeENGAGE: SP-SPP culminating activity

43 Education Code

44 The City College of Naga

45 Annual investment plan 2015

46 2015 Annual Budget

PUBLIC SERVICE

47 Senior citizens entitled

to discounts on water, power utilization bills

Mayor John G. Bongat

“AN yaman kan Naga iyo an Nagueño,” my predecessor, our beloved Mayor and Secretary Jesse M. Robredo was fond of saying.

It is a wonder to many that our city, despite its small size, limited natural resources, and its relatively smaller population, is Bicol’s nerve center for finance, education, commerce, culture, and religion.

Of course, history will tell us that Naga is one of the original Royal cities that the Spaniards built when they first came to conquer and evangelize the Philippines. As a citadel of Spanish colonial power, this city, which was then known as Nueva Caceres, also became the seat of the episcopacy that covers the whole stretch of South Luzon, starting from Tayabas (now Quezon province) down to Sorsogon. It proudly erected a monument for Bicol’s

Fifteen Martyrs whose death helped fan the flames of the

Philippine revolution. It is also one of the few chartered cities that the nascent Philippine Republic established after WWII as it started to sweep away the rubbles of said disastrous war. In no time

at all, Naga became the regional center,

hosting various regional offices

of national

MAYOR’S MESSAGE

T h e S e c r e t t o N a g a ’s S u c c e s s :

t h e N a g u e ñ o

government agencies here before the Imeldific First Lady decreed that the other city south of our border should instead be Bicol’s administrative center. Nevertheless, we continued to erect the two tallest buildings at that time– PNB and erstwhile Holiday Hotel which is now the present-day Starview Plaza Hotel – both of which boast of having installed the first electronic elevators in an otherwise laidback territory like the Bicol Region. These two landmarks only affirmed the city’s emerging dominance as a thriving business center outside Manila. As historian Danilo M. Gerona wrote, Naga’s trade and commerce have always pulsated with vim and vigor. “For centuries until today, this powerful village along the river has always been the chamber of life in Bikolandia.”

We also built the expansive single-roof three-storey public market which for some time was considered the biggest of its kind in Southeast Asia. Meantime, the University of Nueva Caceres, the first private university ever founded in South Luzon, produced the country’s topnotchers in law, engineering and nursing while a Jesuit school, which remains to be the only Ateneo in Luzon other than that one located in Katipunan, Quezon City continues to mold some of the nation’s best leaders and modern-day heroes, both in the fields of business, politics and the arts (Fr. James Reuter, SJ first directed his school plays at the Ateneo and then Colegio de Sta. Isabel with talented students like Jaime Fabregas and Ronald Remy). I am proud to be one its products (AdeN HS ‘81).

We take pride in being the site of the oldest existing Catholic seminary in the country, the Holy Rosary Minor Seminary. This institution was the alma mater of the very first Filipino Bishop, Bicolano Jorge Barlin. National hero Jose Ma. Panganiban (Jomapa) was also an alumnus of this prestigious institution. Naga is also home to Colegio de Sta. Isabel (now Universidad de Sta. Isabel), the oldest normal school for girls in the Far East.

I cannot help but feel nostalgic every time a new year comes when, from a vantage point, I would take a long visual survey of the city that I love and promised to serve. Sa pagpadangat ko kan ciudad na ini, malalauman nindo na an saindong tiwala, pagmamakulgan ko.

Why is it that everyone loves Naga? Is it its rich and proud history that still lives in its imposing cathedral, its ancient belfry that stands as mute witness to the fall of Spanish rule in Bicol, its seminary that produced brilliant heroes and the first Filipino bishop? Its spicy food and vibrant nightlife? Or its miraculous Lady of Peñafrancia that draws more than a million devotees on her feast day every September, a devotion that started 305 years ago?

It has been told that when God created Bicol, He loved Naga less that it could not speak of any interesting natural wealth and resources. The Creator placed Mayon in Albay, stored gold and other precious metals in Camarines Norte and Masbate, created surf, fish sanctuaries and fine white sand around the beaches that rim the Caramoan peninsula and its adjacent islands including Catanduanes. Rice granaries abound in the vast plains of Camarines Sur.

In Naga, we have none of these but its people. And it turned out to be the greatest gift that God gave us to make our city great and proud. People who are brilliant, hardworking, and put high value on one’s character, name and

honor. It was our former mayor, the late DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo, who himself said that good governance in the city works because of its people, and “the most important ingredient of leadership is character.”

Naga is the home of the “Empowerment Ordinance,” his brainchild, and the eventual creation of the Naga City People’s Council, thanks to the legislative measure authored by then City Councilor James Jacob (who later became congressman) which heightened the momentum for people’s participation in

local governance.

Indeed, behind the progress and the economic gains that we are reaping now which under my watch made our city the most dynamic city in the region, the 3rd most competitive city nationwide, and No. 1 among 144 cities in the country in terms of government efficiency, our people

continue to guide and inspire us to soar and reach greater heights as we move along. Our positive accomplishments in the fields of local finance, education, gender and development, child protection, health, social welfare, and infrastructure, among many others, are on the upswing and there are no signs of slowing down because of the strong partnership that city hall has nourished and sustained with its stakeholders – the people.

With our people always behind us, we can do anything with even more vigor, efficiency and flourish that our city and our spirit demand.

As Mayor of Naga, I am proud because you dream big not for me but for the future of your city, our city, “An Maogmang Lugar!”

For centuries until today,

this powerful village along the river has

always been the chamber of life in Bikolandia.

“

”


AS strong allies in making this city a roaring tiger economy, Mayor

John G. Bongat sees to it that businessmen here are given enough comfort and ease to conduct their trade with laudable proficiency and professionalism that in the end benefit their customers.

Thus, Bongat said, the city government with its Business-One-Stop-Shop (BOSS) continues to simplify business permit and license application procedures to fully attain a business-friendly partnership and collaboration with the business sector.

Bongat acknowledges the strong support being extended by the business and private sectors who are the key actors in the flourishing trade and commerce that the City of Naga is enjoying. Naga has been cited by the National Competitiveness Council as the country’s 3rd most competitive city.

BOSS, which has since served as the barometer to gauge businessmen’s level of confidence and satisfaction with their local government unit, has again earned praises from the businessmen themselves, not only because of the efficient and courteous employees manning the express

lanes that speed up transactions but also of the flexible payment schemes being offered to those applying for business licenses and permits.

Heeding late payees’ call, Bongat requested the Sangguniang Panlungsod to pass an ordinance extending the deadline for payment of business taxes and fees without surcharges from January 20 to January 23, to accommodate those who did not make it during BOSS’ original deadline.

Some 7,000 business establishments were expected to file or renew their business licenses and mayor’s permits, with most of them not having to pay surcharges because they had made good their payments on or before the BOSS deadline.

The speady licensing scheme also uses the Enhanced Tax Revenue and Collection System or ETRACS. This is web-based and has an LGU Taxation Application design for LGUs. One of its features is the business permit and licensing module which delivers automated assessment of new or renewed business permit applications.

By ANA-LIZA S. MACATANGAY

BOSS FRONTLINES VIBRANT ECONOMYD

fNaga’s


Clients noted that steps observed in applying for permits and licenses have been reduced to only three this year, making the procedure and approval of such applications even faster.

City Analyst II (ITO) Anselmo B. Maño said that from several steps, clients are now able to finish their transaction from 30 minutes to 20 minutes and lesser, provided that all papers and documents are complete.

City Events, Protocol and Public Information Office Deputy Chief of Office Zayda Fe Rifareal stated that BOSS serves as an effective mechanism to fasttrack business renewals from small to big businesses. The scheme not only benefits businessmen but

the city as well because satisfied clients pay their fees religiously and honestly, and such funds collected are used to implement various city projects and programs.

To ensure that information about this scheme is well-disseminated even before the setting up of BOSS every first month of the incoming fiscal year, a Joint Inspectorate Team was constituted to conduct a year-round inspection of business establishments and at the same time disseminate information regarding the city’s business registration procedures, including the processing of requirements and clearances so that they

are prepared even before the date of applying for and renewal of licenses and permits become due at the start of the year, sans late payment penalties.

Naga City pioneered the BOSS program in 1997. It is now being replicated by other local government units in many parts of the country.

BUSINESS PERMITS. Fleets of cars and other types of vehicles occupy every available space for parking at the Naga City Hall compound as their owners/drivers troop (lower photo) to the People’s Hall to renew business licenses and apply for Mayor’s Permits for the new fiscal year through the city’s Business One Stop Shop (BOSS) express lanes.


TOPPING BLGF 2015 PRIORITIES:PERFORMANCE CHECK ON LGU TREASURERS, INCOME RECLASSIFICATION, BILL RATIFICATION

THE Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF) has listed as its top priorities for 2015 the ratification in Congress of the income reclassification bill and the conduct of performance standard evaluation of all municipal, city and provincial

treasurers across the country.BLGF Executive Director Salvador del Castillo said the evaluation

will help his office determine how effective local treasurers are in carrying out their mandated tasks as lead players in local revenue generation.

The evaluation covers two major aspects: operational performance goal and competency performance goal.

The first has 7 indicators that would allow the government agency to rate the fiscal officers in various aspects of their job, like revenue collection, revenue growth, and fund management or fiscal administration. The second is focused on determining the individual capacity and character of the treasurers as public servants.

Del Castillo said both evaluations are set to be conducted this year as a draft Department Order calling for the holding of such requirement awaits final review and approval by Secretary Cesar Purisima of the Department of Finance (DOF).

“In previous years, we were utilizing the performance evaluation tool of the Civil Service Commission in rating our local treasurers, but because of its being too general in nature as it is being adopted in assessing the performance of all government workers in various fields of public service, we opted to come up with our own, which is exclusively for treasurers and assistant treasurers,” Del Castillo explained.

Asked about actions to be taken against LGU treasurers who obtain unimpressive grades, Del Castillo said his office will develop and introduce capability-building interventions that will help improve their competencies and broaden their knowledge on revenue collection and on treasury and assessment services.

One of these interventions is to provide the treasurers with various inputs on managing for effective local taxation thru enhanced approaches that aim to generate revenues from local sources.

Del Castillo, however, said the effort of generating local revenues doesn’t stop at the hands of the treasurers, saying that “governors, city mayors and municipal mayors have their own contributions to do in the achievement of good revenue collection similar with the members of their respective Sanggunians who are tasked to come up with updated local revenue codes and schedules of market value.”

In pushing for the ratification of the proposed law on income reclassification of all LGUs, the BLGF official said he had met with Senator Ferdinand Marcos Jr., chairman of the Senate committee on local government, to get his support and endorsement of the bill.

Aside from Marcos, Del Castillo had brought the matter to several members of the House of Representatives for the same purpose. He said he was also planning to meet with Rep. Leni Robredo.

Once ratified, the proposed measure will allow the DOF thru the BLGF to conduct reclassification of all the provinces, cities and municipalities in the entire country based on their annual locally-sourced income.

He said the latest reclassification made by the agency was done under Executive Order 249, which was signed by then President Corazon C. Aquino. “We can no longer adopt the [Cory] Aquino measure this time since it is now obsolete as it contained specified LGU income ranges,” Del Castillo said.

The reclassification of the provinces, cities and municipalities as Class A, B, C or D is being used as basis for determining the salary of LGU personnel and as basis for funding assistance that may be extended by the national government to them.

The bill, which is now on the table of Secretary Purisima for final review and endorsement, was proposed and drafted by DOF, and will later be endorsed to Congress. Del Castillo said that they are also requesting the Office of the President to certify the proposed measure as urgent.

By JASON B. NEOLA


Naga City gets “Very Good” mark in DOF’s 3-yr financial sustainability rating

FULL FLEDGED. Gregoria Nilda B. Abonal (center) signs her appointment papers as full-fledged Naga City Treasurer after Executive Director Salvador ‘Buddy’ del Castillo (left) of the Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF), a former Naga City councilor, administered her oath of office which was witnessed by City Mayor John G. Bongat (right) and Ms. Abonal’s family members and co-workers.

NAGA CITY scored a “Very Good Rating” in the Department of Finance’s “Local

Government Unit (LGU) Scorecard: Preliminary Assessment” that evaluated the overall revenue generation and handling of taxpayers’ money of local governments from Fiscal Years 2010 to 2012.

The preliminary assessment is DOF’s pilot online assessment of LGUs’ fiscal sustainability rolled out recently through the department’s Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF), aimed at promoting transparency and good governance at all levels.

Called the “Iskor ng Iyong Bayan,” the preliminary performance review covered the 82 provinces, 135 cities and 1,493 municipalities nationwide which were rated either as excellent, very good, good, average, needs improvement or poor.

A check with the website of the Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF) indicates that Naga City, one of the country’s most competitive cities, attained a “Very Good Rating” in 2012, from “Good” in 2011 and “Very Good” in 2010.

According to the BLGF’s ‘Iskor ng Iyong Bayan,’ “The [Naga] City’s overall revenue generation capacity from FY2010 to FY2012 indicated good regular income level, very good local revenue

level and dependence on locally- sourced income, and very low dependence on IRA, in relation to other 2nd income class cities. The City’s performance during the period under review had been notable and consistent, especially in maintaining double-digit growths in total local revenues and in improving dependence on locally-sourced income and reducing dependence on IRA. In FY2011, all of the tax revenue sources registered double-digit growth in collections.”

This, while five of the six provinces in Bicol flunked the scorecard in the financial sustainability rating for not even making it to the “good” listing.

The province of Camarines Sur, for instance, was given a “Poor” rating while Camarines Norte and Masbate “Needed Improvement” and Albay and Sorsogon landed in the “Average” level even as the island province of Catanduanes, the smallest in the region, placed sixth among the 13 nationwide that got “Very Good” ratings.

Each rating was based on the result of an evaluation conducted by the DOF Fiscal Intelligence Unit and BLGF according to the type of LGU and income classification and in terms of their revenue-generation capacity, growth of local revenue, management of expenditures and reportorial compliance.

The assessment specifically focused on locally-sourced income as a share of the total regular income, dependence on Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA), use of IRA for local development projects, limitation on Personal Services expenditure, and debt-service ratio.

According to the BLGF, the LGU Fiscal Sustainability Scorecard aims to institutionalize the regular publication of fiscal indicators and performance review of LGUs in the spirit of accountability and good local financial housekeeping.

The scorecard is likewise in line with its mandate to supervise and monitor the revenue operation of LGUs; and its thrust to promote good governance at all levels.

“Local treasurers and assessors are responsible for the accuracy and integrity of the reports submitted to the DOF and the BLGF, on which the overall performance assessment of their LGUs, are primarily based,” it said.

The results of the assessment, therefore, reflect an LGU’s quality of fiscal and financial management and the level of efficiency and innovativeness in resource mobilization and expenditure management, according to the DOF.

Among Bicol cities, Ligao placed 18th out of 20 cities assessed as “Good” while Legazpi and Masbate were rated “average”; Sorsogon and Tabaco, “needed improvement”; and Iriga, “poor”.

It was noted, however, that Naga City’s Schedule of Market Values is 5 years outdated. Comparatively, Legazpi City’s is 10 years outdated.

By DANNY O. CALLEJA


GETTING ready for the opportunities that the Initiative for ASEAN Integration (IAI) will bring

to the real estate industry, the Naga City-CamSur chapter of the Real Estate Brokers Association of the Philippines (REBAP) and the Metro Naga Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MNCCI) are mulling to jointly come up with a databank that would help expedite selling and buying of properties by landowners and investors.

The integration is visualized to usher in a freer movement of goods and services, investments and skilled labor among the 10 Southeast Asian countries with trade barriers out of the way. These ASEAN member-nations are: Brunei, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.

The idea on database is also aimed to help address the perennial problem in going through the lengthy processes in securing all the necessary documents from government agencies concerned wherein an investor or land buyer has to spend not less than two years to complete a single transaction.

Real estate developer Emeterio

By JASON B. NEOLA

City Government welcomesREBAP, MNCCI move to set updatabank of real estate assets

Aman, a member of MNCCI board of advisers, said that he is proposing the matter as a way of readying the real estate industry here for the ASEAN integration wherein “the executions of real estate transactions should be more systematic and speedy.”

The idea was floated by Aman during MNCCI’s final quarter meeting in December last year and then formally introduced to the REBAP Naga City-CamSur chapter during its 1st General Membership Meeting last Tuesday, January 27, this year, at Haciendas de Naga wherein the group’s new set of officers for 2015-2016 were elected.

Certified Real Estate Broker Wilfredo M. Bisana, newly-elected president of REBAP Naga City-CamSur chapter, said that his group will be pushing for the realization of the project “because of the opportunities that should not be missed, especially those which will be brought by the implementation of ASEAN integration workplan II this year.”

REBAP is the country’s biggest organization of certified real estate brokers who are authorized by law to conduct real estate transactions, specifically on selling and buying real estate assets.

Bisana said the plan would enable investors or buyers to finish transactions in a shorter period because of the databank that is fed with data and other information on “for sale” properties and the readily available documents which are in the possession of their sellers or owners.

“It would be easier for investors, especially those coming from other ASEAN countries to set up their businesses, if we are ready for the integration which we are going to do by realizing this project,” Bisana added.

CRB Engr. Jaime Kalaw, former national director of REBAP and former MNCC director, said aside from REBAP members who will be discussing the matter with the landowners who wish to sell their properties and assist them in securing all the necessary documents, the MNCCI is also planning to get the support of the city government as partner in this undertaking by way of inviting the landowners to encourage them to come up with respective comprehensive land use plans and for them to commit their land for future investments.

Mayor John Bongat welcomes this private sector initiative as “it will enhance the city’s overall competitiveness in attracting quality and sustainable investments in real estate development, a major driver of Naga’s unprecedented economic dynamism.

Some of the major concerns that the project would want to resolve are land conversion, negotiation with tenants, business permits and clearances from PEZA, environmental compliance certificate (ECC), preliminary application for location of clearance, and other related concerns that normally take no less than 2 years to complete.

The REBAP Naga City/CamSur and their new set of officers for year 2015. Wilfredo M. Bisana, president; Romeo M. Delas Alas, VP-internal affairs; Salvador R. Naag, VP-external affairs; Emily Delfin-Kalaw, VP-finance; VP-MIS Rommel Teodoro; Mary Joy Bisana, secretary; Salve Q. Bermudo; Jerwin A. Rojo, PRO; and Glenda A. Teodoro, auditor. Board of Directors: Cecile Rivera, Allan F. Florin, Alex Genio, Sheila Salvo, Natividad Padis, and Juan Miguel de la Rosa. Immediate Past President is Atty. Carlo C. Villanueva Jr.

KALAWBISANA AMAN



By JASON B. NEOLA

TO IMPLEMENT THE 3-METER EASEMENT

CEO PERSONNEL CONDUCT SURVEYS ALONG NAGA RIVER

THE City Engineer’s Office (CEO) has conducted a series of surveys along the banks of the Naga River to see to it that the 3-meter easement will be implemented accordingly in the

ongoing revetment of the 4-kilometer body of water.

The Naga River Revetment Project, a flood control project which is a part of the multimillion-peso Integrated Naga River Revitalization Program, has obtained additional funding from the national government through the office of Rep. Leni Robredo.

The implementation of the 3-meter easement was fully discussed in a public consultation held last March 13 after stakeholders living near the river banks requested the city government for them to be enlightened further about the ongoing project.

The meeting was attended by different stakeholders and concerned LGU personnel, along with representatives of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in the 2nd Engineering District, which is tasked to implement the river flood control project.

In previous interviews, Robredo said that “with our ongoing revetment and flood control projects in the Naga River, there is no more reason why we cannot bring our river back to life and keep our city and our people safer.”

As of March 10, this year, DPWH records show that the project is 27% completed in the portion of Barangay Dayangdang, 70.18% in Barangay Peñafrancia, and 36% in Barangay Sabang, which altogether involve a total project cost of P150M.

For year 2015, the project is expected to receive funding assistance in the amount of P200M, which will be spent on specific sections of the project in Barangay San Felipe, remaining parts of Brgy. Sabang and the neighboring barangays of Tinago and Lerma.

PHOTOS BY RANDY VILLAFLOR

MARKING its 20th year of providing science and technology education, the Bicol Science and Technology Centrum (BSTC) has prepared a series of activities to make sure that the summer vacation of Nagueños is fruitful and an unforgettable learning

experience.Called Summer Fun-filled Family Day, the event includes the conduct of

outdoor recreation where families may get to have bonding moments while enjoying outdoor activities organized by BSTC.

BSTC, which will be celebrating its founding anniversary on June 15, this year, is a joint project of the city government and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST). It is a museum that promotes science and technology through the use of interactive gadgets and exhibits in a non-formal learning environment.

From April 20 to June 31, this year, the center museum’s science galleries will be open to the public without admittance fee. “We will treat families and individuals to a supervised tour around the galleries every day except Sunday, from 8:00 to 11:00 AM and from 1:00 to 4:00 PM,” declared Nestor Villanea, OIC-Administrator of BSTC.

An event called ‘Stargazing sa Barangay’ will also be held from 6:00 PM to 10:00 PM from April 20, this year, until June 31, 2015, along with film showing in the city’s 27 barangays. The schedule for the twin activities in the barangays are as follows:

Abella, June 5; Bagumbayan Norte, April 27; Bagumbayan Sur, April 29; Balatas, May 20; Calauag (to be determined yet); Cararayan, April 24; Carolina, May 13; Concepcion Grande (to be determined); Concepcion Pequeña, April 20; Dayangdang; May 22; Del Rosario (to be determined); Dinaga, May 25; Igualdad (to be determined); Lerma, May 27; Liboton (to be determined); Mabolo, May 6; Pacol, May 11; Panicuason, May 15; Peñafrancia, May 18; Sabang, June 10; San Felipe, May 4; San Francisco, June 3; San Isidro, May 8; Sta. Cruz; June 1; Tabuco (to be determined); Tinago, April 22; and Triangulo (to be determined).

Stargazing and film showing will also be conducted at the City Hall grounds on June 29, this year.

By JASON B. NEOLA

BSTC HOLDS SUMMER FUN-FILLED FAMILY DAY

Bicol Science and Technology

Centrum

M


MAYOR John G. Bongat and key officers of the Naga City LGU Employees Alliance (Nacilguea) during the flag-raising ceremony

on February 9 signed the Collective Negotiation Agreement (CNA) before an elated crowd of City Hall officials and employees.

The agreement paves the way for the employees’ union to be allowed to generate funds by way of attaining more efficient and viable operations through cost-cutting measures and systems improvement.

Quoting a circular from the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Nacilguea President Prudencio Rosales said “the CNA incentive shall be sourced solely from the allowable maintenance and other operating expenditures (MOOE) allotments in FY 2014, provided the same have become available as a result of cost-cutting and systems improvement measures undertaken by the agencies and their respective personnel.”

Such fund sources shall be limited to the following MOOE items: traveling expenses, communication expenses, repairs and maintenance, transportation and delivery expenses, supplies and materials, and utility expenses.

The DBM circular, which was issued on December 2, 2014, provides that “savings from allowable MOOE allotments, generated out of cost-cutting measures undertaken by the agencies of the government and their respective personnel, which are identified in their respective CNAs, may be used for the grant of CNA Incentives by agencies with duly executed CNAs.”

LGU Naga is the first-ever in the Bicol Region to institutionalize the granting of CNA incentive, which is being encouraged by the national government to be adopted by state universities and colleges, government-owned or controlled corporations, government financial institutions, LGUs, and other departments, bureaus and offices of the government.

EMPLOYEES’ UNION. Witnessed by elated City Hall officials and employees, City Mayor John Bongat and Prudencio Rosales, president of the Naga City LGU Employees Alliance sign the Collective Negotiation Agreement between the two parties that allows the employees’ union to raise funds through efficient and least-cost delivery of their respective duties as public servants. Also in photo are City Administrator Jun Mongoso and City Councilors Elmer Baldemoro, Greg Abonal and Jose Tuason.

By JASON B.NEOLA

City Hall employees ink CNA with their mayor


PHOTOS BY SYLRANJELVIC VILLAFLOR

IMPROVING the youth’s literacy rate in the barangays and seeing them actively interacting on important issues in the community as part of their social involvement

are among the primary concerns that this year’s city youth officials (CYOs) are giving preferential attention to.

City Youth Mayor Ruby Jane Bandola, 18, a BS Accountancy student at the University of Nueva Caceres, said that as part of molding the youth to become responsible citizens, the CYOs find it necessary to encourage them to become involved in various civic engagements, especially on issues that affect them and those that deal with local politics and governance.

One of the approaches that the CYO leadership is planning to undertake, according to City Youth Vice-Mayor Kimberly Shayne C. Ocbina, is the holding of a voters’ education seminar wherein the youth will be oriented about the duties and obligations of a responsible voter.

Bandola said that aside from voters’ education, they are also planning to conduct capacity development and awareness programs through an informative debate that is focused on the youth’s role in society and governance.

The CYOs are also exploring the possibility of tasking themselves as youth tutors to students in public schools and out-of-school youth.

The project will also focus on sports, healthy lifestyle, and topics concerning community or state politics. “We shall be glad also to work as organizers and coordinators for these activities along with our elected officials and concerned department heads as resource speakers,” she added.

The youth officials are also mulling to bring the CYO concept down to the barangay level, allowing

young residents to perform as counterpart youth barangay officials.

Futhermore, the CYOs are planning to officially request Mayor John Bongat and the rest of the city officials to conduct a thorough evaluation of the performances of their counterpart youth officials.

“Aside from submitting our respective accomplishments, we see the need for us to go through a process, which is evaluation, that will enable us to

know how effective or ineffective we are in handling the tasks that have been entrusted to us by the city government as youth officials,” Bandola said.

“The process will also help us determine the modifications we have to do with our projects so that we can improve them and come up with better ones,” adds Ocbina, 18, who is taking up Legal Management at the Ateneo de Naga University.

Bandola and Ocbina topped the written and oral examinations given to more or less a hundred candidates/nominees by the city government in March. Forty-five of them were picked as successful nominees after passing the exams.

By JASON B. NEOLA

CYOs WANT YOUTH

TO BE POLITICALLY WELL - INFORMED



A TEAM of students from the Technische Universitat Dortmund in Germany met with Mayor John G.

Bongat and other city officials last March 2-8 to learn how the city government manages the implementation of its infrastructure projects vis-a-vis satisfactory urban planning.

Dr. Eva Dick, a senior researcher and lecturer at the Faculty of Spatial Planning of TU Dortmund, spearheaded the group of 15 students who are developing a monitoring and evaluation tool needed to assess the impact of infrastructure projects in selected cities in the Philippines.

In Naga, the team took a close look at the ongoing Integrated Naga River Revitalization Project (INRRP), an urban governance initiative aiming to revitalize

the river through physical rehabilitation, water pollution control and greenway development.

Dr. Dick informed the mayor that the group is interested in getting to know Naga and learn about the city’s key infrastructure development and planning priorities, as well as its ongoing infrastructure projects.

Specifically, the visitors, who work in collaboration with the Cities Development Initiative for Asia (CDIA), wanted to know the status of studies and activities that are being implemented with financial support from the said development agency.

In 2011, the Deutsche Gesselchaft Internationale had extended thru the CDIA a grant of $321,000 for the project.

The city government submitted a request to CDIA

for technical assistance to support the realization of the INRRP, a pre-feasibility project meant to address interlinked infrastructure issues, including (1) development of the river walk, (2) flood mitigation and drainage, (3) sanitation, (4) solid waste, (5) river transport, (6) redevelopment of Isla Sison, a relocation site, (7) development of a tourism strategy and (8) a capacity development plan to complement the other proposals.

Aside from learning about the city’s priority impacts in the area of infra development, particularly with regard to environmental improvement and the enhancement of living conditions of informal settlers, the group also conducted ocular inspection on the affected barangays both upstream and downstream of the river.

The group also requested the availability of the heads of the City Engineer’s Office (CEO), City Planning and Development Office (CPDO), City Environment and Natural Resources Office (City ENRO), and the city’s investment officer for validation and face-to-face interviews.

GERMAN VISITORS. City Mayor John G. Bongat warmly receives student-visitors from the Technical University of Dortmund, based in Germany, led by Dr. Eva Dick of the Faculty of Spatial Planning. They were on study visit to Naga, focusing on need-sensitive infrastructures that address DRRM and environmental and climate change concerns and their impact on the city’s affected poor sectors.

GERMAN STUDENTS VISIT NAGA TO STUDY NAGA RIVER REHAB PROJECT By JASON B. NEOLA

BYvirtue of Executive Order No. 2015-007, Mayor John

G. Bongat formally declared the citywide observance of the Annual Energy Conservation Week in this city from March 1 to 7 every year.

The order is consistent with the local government unit’s desire to promote alternative energy sources and mobilize the residents of Naga towards better understanding of the importance of energy conservation. This will also give the stakeholders a voice in sharing other initiatives in support of this noble measure.

“This is part of the inclusive management of the LGU, putting higher stake in the engagement of the members of the community in the various programs of the local government by being active stakeholders. We have created a multi-sectoral group

that will dynamically act up on various concerns entered into by CASURECO II (Camarines Sur II Electric Cooperative, Inc.). This is also a way of empowering our people,” Bongat stated.

The week’s activities included an Advocacy Walk that was followed by a short program at Plaza Quezon. There was also the stakeholders’ forum entitled “Innovations for Consumer Empowerment in the Electric Industry amidst Dwindling Supply: Challenges and Prospects” held at Avenue Plaza Hotel.

Members of the newly created Barangay Power Brigade (BPB) also had their orientation- seminar that was followed by the ceremonial signing of Memorandum of Agreement (MOA), induction of BPB officers, and the event’s culminating activity.

The Executive Order further calls for the promotion of renewable or alternative energy sources like waste-to-energy power generation, the use of solar energy, mini-hydro and the like.

It aims to open the minds of the citizenry to a new shift in energy conservation such as the use of LED lights to replace the conventional incandescent light bulbs.

The annual Energy Conservation week is only one of the many initiatives that the city had lined up through the newly-established City of Naga Power Commission (CNPC).

Last year, Bongat, together with the Sangguniang Panlungsod, crafted the CNPC, making Naga the first LGU to create the first-ever Power Commission throughout the country. CNPC is mandated to assist the electric cooperatives, particularly in recommending pertinent and relevant measures pursuant to the provisions of the EPIRA Law.

A Technical Working Group (TWG) was formed to ensure the efficient planning and implementation of activities related to the Energy Conservation Week. This is headed by the City Environment and Natural Resources Officer (CENRO) as chairman. The members are comprised by the CNPC-TWG Head, and representatives of the Naga City People’s Council, Naga City Barangay Affairs Office, Amateur Community Emergency Services, Inc., Public Safety Office, CASURECO II, the Association of Barangay Captains (ABC), and the Lingkod Barangay Office (LBO).

Naga institutionalizes annual energy conservation week


CONSERVE ENERGY. The city government of Naga, led by Mayor John Bongat and department managers concerned, calls for a press conference to launch the Naga City Energy Conservation Week to prepare the city for a looming energy crisis starting this year. The observance aims to mobilize the citizenry towards a better understanding and adoption of energy conservation measures and efficient utilization of energy for our future generation. Holding the microphone to answer newsmen’s questions is City ENRO Oscar Orozco.

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PRINCIPAL Advisor and Program Coordinator Berthold Schirm of the Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit

(GIZ) of Germany arrived here last February 3 to hand over various equipment worth P.549M to be used for Mt. Isarog’s sustainable development under its Protected Area Management Enhancement (PAME) project.

Naga City Mayor John G. Bongat in behalf of the city government thanked Mr. Schirm for the equipment donation. The assistance package also includes a fund of P1M for continuing support and trainings for volunteer watchers and guardians of the national park.

Oscar P. Orozco, head of the City Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO), said the partnership project was approved sometime in October 2014 after his office submitted its bid for application in 2013. On May 2014, CENRO made its last revisions and amendments based on recommendations of the GIZ, which finally approved the partnership.

The GIZ-Naga City Government collaboration will run through a three-year period, from

January 2015 to December 2017.Schirm said in an interview

that he personally came to witness the start of collaboration for the efficient management and conservation of Mt. Isarog National Park.

“The various equipment [that I brought] are just clear manifestation that we are very serious and very supportive in implementing an existing management plan for the protection and conservation of Mt. Isarog,” Schirm added.

Mt. Isarog Guardians President Rolando Cruzata said he is very grateful to the GIZ for their help in

pursuing the project. He said the trainings to be conducted will be very beneficial in the enforcement by his fellow mountainkeepers of the proper measures and regulations that are meant to protect the national park from environment law violators and abusers.

The GIZ has been implementing projects in the Philippines in behalf of the German Government since the 1970s.

GIZ’s main commissioning parties are the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) and the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation, Building and Nuclear Safety (BMUB).

FOREST CONSERVATION. Naga Mayor John Bongat and Berthold Schirm of GIZ Germany (right) present the deed of donation of various equipment needed in the conservation and protection of the Mt. Isarog National Park. Witnessing the event is City Environment Officer Oscar Orozco (left).

NAGA RECEIVES EQUIPMENT AID FOR MT. ISAROGCONSERVATION PROGRAMBy A RV Y O S M A

FROM THE DEVELOPMENT AID AGENCY OF GERMANY

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LAST March 28, this year, darkness once again enveloped parts of the city for an hour. But no one blamed anybody because the occasion was part of a

global celebration for the protection of Mother Earth.

Called Earth Hour, the event once more highlighted a worldwide movement wherein individuals, communities, governments and other advocacy groups voluntarily turned off non-essential lights from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m.

“The global undertaking, however, does not purport to be a carbon reduction exercise,” says Mayor John G. Bongat.

Started as a simple lights-off campaign in Sydney, Australia eight years ago, the movement has expanded to more than 7,000 cities and towns in 162 countries around the world. Naga has since become an active participant of Earth Hour when it was launched in 2007.

Bongat said the symbolic action aimed to encourage individuals, businesses and governments around the world to take accountability for their ecological footprint and be able to engage in dialogue and resource exchange that will lead to the achievement of real solutions to our environmental challenges.

This year, the Naga City Earth Hour 2015 Executive Committee took

Nagueños fete worldwide Earth Hour 2015

CHANGE CLIMATECHANGE’

’

By JASON B.NEOL A


efforts to double the number of individuals in the city who joined last year’s worldwide shutting off of non-essential lights although public safety was ensured even as the lights went out for an hour.

Farah R. Bongat, the city’s first lady and chairperson of Earth Hour 2015, said the goal to double the number of participants hoped to raise the level of awareness among the people thru social networking sites.

In her letter to Regional Director Roberto Sheen of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources-Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB), Ms. Bongat said the city government was holding other related activities to mark the global event here with an advocacy walk and bike ride that would pass through the business districts of the city.

Sheen was the city’s guest of honor during the Earth Hour 2015 celebration wherein he delivered a message of support during the short program held at the parking area of SM City Naga.

Business establishments, especially those located along Magsaysay Avenue and Panganiban Drive, dubbed as the city’s nightlife avenues, were asked to turn off non-essential lights from 8:30 to 9:30 p.m. and make a commitment to go beyond the hour and be a part of the solution to environmental challenges. This year’s Earth Hour theme was ‘Change Climate Change.’

PHOTO BY XERES GAGERO

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IT’S a blessing in disguise that 2014 ended on a rainy and windy day, ushering a peaceful New Year in this city with only two crime incidents on December 31 and another two incidents reported to the police

office on New Year’s Day, according to a police official here.

Supt. Elcid Roldan, officer-in-charge of the Naga City Police Office (NCPO), said that compared to last year’s more than 20 incidents of index crimes reported on the same period, this year’s number decreased by about 80 percent because of bad weather. The NCPO is an autonomous police unit independent from the provincial police unit of Camarines Sur which covers 35 towns and Iriga City.

Roldan pointed out that there were very minimal firecracker explosions observed around the city during the New Year celebration with only one firecracker incident reported.

Senior Supt. Primo Golingay, acting police provincial director of Camarines Sur, in a telephone interview, noted the same trend of lesser crime incidents all over the province with no big crimes reported from December 31 to January 1.

Compared to last year’s New Years’ celebration, the whole province was generally peaceful when 2015 ushered in, Golingay said.

Roldan said the incessant rains from December 31, 2014 to January 1, 2015 brought about by Typhoon Seniang forced most people to stay indoors.

He said the police office here, because of lesser crime incidents, had the 60-member disaster risk reduction and mitigation team of the NCPO focused on going around the affected areas in Naga City, together with the Public Safety Office, to warn the people to evacuate in the event that the situation worsened.

Roldan said they were thankful no evacuation happened because the floodwaters had receded by late afternoon.

He also said that no police personnel violated the memorandum of “Intensified Campaign Against Illegal Discharge of Firearms and Indiscriminate Firing” which was enforced from December 19 until January 1.

Roldan said the police office here taped the muzzles of firearms of all police personnel of the NCPO on December 19 to symbolically prevent the use of officially issued firearms for use in the merry making during the holiday season.

KEEPING A TRADITION. Rep. Leni Robredo and Mayor John Bongat pay a visit to Naga constituents at Zone 1 in Bgy. Concepcion Grande on a rainy New Year’s day. It was raining non-stop for days and some parts of the city were flooded. Mayor John Bongat and Rep. Robredo were there to be with the residents who were eagerly waiting for them to bring cheers under the pouring rain.

Rainy weather brings peaceful New Year to Naga and CamSur


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THE Philippine National Police Regional Command installed a new officer-in-charge (OIC) of the Naga City Police Office (NCPO) on February 20 after it was

left vacant with the relief of the previous OIC City Director on January 15, this year.

Police Chief Supt. Arnold L. Albis, representing police regional director Police Chief Supt. Victor P. Deona, installed Senior Supt. Narciso D. Domingo as the OIC City Police Director in a simple ceremony held at the police headquarters here attended by Naga City Mayor John Bongat and Vice Mayor Nelson Legacion.

Albis said the installation of Domingo “is long overdue” following the relief of Senior Supt. Filmore Escobal in December last year where Supt. Elcid Roldan was appointed caretaker of the 300-strong NCPO prior to Domingo’s formal installation here.

Domingo in his acceptance speech pledged to establish close coordination with the local government unit to achieve “its vision of a better place to live, work and do business.”

The new OIC police chief also promised to lower Naga City’s crime volume by 25 percent using the base year 2014.

He said the changes in police efficiency can be expected after two months of his assumption in NCPO.

Domingo, a native of Bukidnon, said he is already 25 years in service and was last assigned as PNP officer of the Aviation Security Command (AvSeCom) based at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA).

He said he was also assigned as commandant of the Philippine National Academy and deployed in the United Nation’s mission in Timor Leste and Kosovo.

Domingo said he has been assigned in police operations, intelligence, and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG).

He said he applied for the position of cop chief here through the internet after he saw the vacancy posted in the PNP website last year.

By JUAN ESCANDOR JR.

New city police director

installed

NEW POLICE CHIEF. P/SSupt. Narciso D. Domingo (right), beside City Mayor John Bongat, during his installation as

Naga OIC Police Director.


SPORTS COMPLEX

BASILICA MINORE

8 By JAMES Z. CAPRIO

of Naga’s most scenic exercise spots

THE first advice is to purchase and invest in a durable pair of running shoes. That is

all the equipment that you would need in doing the succeeding exercises. These variations start from a leisurely walk, brisk walking, jogging and running. For the advanced individuals, doing sprints is another option. All of these game plans are going to be executed outdoors. Another important safety reminder, head towards oncoming vehicles close to your lane so that you would have a vantage point in avoiding untoward collision.

Early morning, around five o’ clock, is one of the best times to do these aforementioned exercises. There are very few vehicles plying major thoroughfares thus it is much safer and there are lesser distractions. The city lights are still illuminated and the weather is coolest at this time. Furthermore, there is an abundance of like-minded people during these moments. Finally, the pinnacle of ending the journey is watching the magnificent sunrise as you begin a new day with a positive start for a healthy mind, body and spirit. It is more fun exercising in Naga City, indeed.

Here are eight recommended tracks in random order where you can engage in strenuous exercise for physical conditioning and enjoy the surroundings simultaneously:

(If you are unfamiliar with these vicinities please do ask around for directions or search on the internet for the map of Naga City.)

1. Sports Complex

Metro Naga Sports Complex in Barangay Pacol has a track oval. This is for professional athletes and amateurs alike. The backdrop is enchanting Mount Isarog. The quality of the track is smooth and superb. It makes you glide and run much faster.

2. The Modern Terrain

The second option is at Naga’s biggest mall. It has an ample circumference long enough to work up a sweat. The mall opens mid-morning so it is like an isolated and deserted exercise mecca. You can concentrate on doing your exercise in the enclosed, gated space of the gigantic mall.

3. Old World Charm Scenery

The historic Naga Metropolitan Cathedral is a quaint spot for its well-lit grounds and manicured lawns with doves flying and perching on trees while you exercise. There are many people who frequent this place and visit the church to meditate and say a little prayer or two afterwards.

4. A Solemn Place

Peñafrancia Basilica Minore has been one of the favorite sites where people flock to get a runner’s high. The grounds are expansive and it also has a view of Mount Isarog. You can visit ‘Ina’ and whisper your petitions in prayer. The exterior/interior architectural style and the stained glass windows are a sight to behold in themselves.

CAROLINA-PANICUASON ROAD

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METROPOLITAN CATHEDRAL QUINCE MARTIRES

MT. ISAROGPLAZA RIZAL

5. Park View

Centro is like a tour in the park. A few parks actually, where you start at Plaza Quince Martires, move on to Plaza Quezon, continue to Plaza Rizal, pass along Plaza de Nueva Caceres and finish at Plaza Barlin. Moreover, there is a group of people who follow an organized aerobic exercise program at Plaza Quezon.

6. Cityscape

The Magsaysay Avenue/ Panganiban Drive/ Peñafrancia Avenue Loop is just an easy route to take and soak in the city atmosphere for those coveted endorphins or the feel good chemicals that constant motion produces in the brain.

7. Suburban Landscape

Bagumbayan Street. The southern and northern parts are a long stretch where you can

have a worry-free playground. This major road ends at the intersection in Taculod Road. This area is a residential place where people are still sound asleep before waking up for school/work or their own personal agenda for the day.

8. Mountain Panorama

Pacol Road/Carolina Road/ Panicuason Road Route will take you towards the Mount Isarog slope. If you are a little adventurous, you can hike on a mountain trail and perhaps see the falls. The weekend is the best time to do this or on tour/vacation.

As far as I am concerned, I do a few of these itineraries at different days accordingly. This is because it can get monotonous if you keep doing the same route every single day and I do exercise every day. But even if you are a weekend warrior or exercise only during Saturday and Sunday, it can get robotic too. These options give you a choice to make your physical regimented activities exciting and invigorating everytime. There are other tracks as well like inter-city marathons but these particular ones keep you close to the city. Time and proximity are the essential advantages that you can gain from trying out these most scenic exercise spots in Naga City.

CAROLINA-PANICUASON ROAD

PHOTO BY SYLRANJELVIC VILLAFLOR

PHOTO BY SYLRANJELVIC VILLAFLOR


PHOTO BY BONG BAJOPHOTO BY SYLRANJELVIC VILLAFLOR



With one of the peak seasons for tourism just around the corner, the

Arts, Culture and Tourism Office (ACTO), with the support of the Department of Tourism (DOT), conducted a series of trainings last January 19 to 24 in Naga.

Focusing on the need for the skills improvement of tourism workers employed by accommodation establishments and restaurants, two separate trainings on housekeeping and waitering were held. A one-day training on proper customer service was also included for each module.

Waiters from Naga’s many restaurants attended the training on waitering from January 19 to 21 while staff members of various

accommodation establishments participated in the housekeeping training held from January 22 to 24. Aside from tourism workers, selected frontliners from the City Government’s offices were also present during the trainings on proper and effective customer service.

Department of Tourism (DOT) accredited resource speakers Aurora”Boots’ Estrada and Dolores Salamanca shared their extensive experience and knowledge in the tourism industry, emphasizing the great need for quality service and effective teamwork among employees and supervisors.

The training was held to help educate hotel and restaurant personnel as well as government frontliners with techniques on how to effectively and efficiently deliver

services. During the

housekeeping training, cleaning, garbage disposal, laundry and proper bed arrangement were discussed. For the waitering training and workshop, participants were reminded of the tasks of waiters and servers, as well

as proper table setting and attending to the needs of guests. Proper manners and etiquette in dealing with customer-related situations were taught during the customer service training. Throughout the sessions, the resource persons constantly highlighted the need for adherence to work values such as honesty, friendliness and proper knowledge. Proper grooming was also given emphasis.

The training also involved simulations on servicing tables, and rooms and bed arrangement. The simulations exposed trainees to actual scenarios that they currently encounter in their field of work.

Alec Santos, Chief-of-Office of ACTO, stated the importance of regularly conducting skills enhancement trainings.

“Quality service defines the success of any tourism establishment. And these establishments rely greatly on how well their employees know their jobs. Through these regular trainings, we are confident that we can achieve our goal of a highly-competent and confident tourism workforce,” Santos explains.

Trainings on Housekeeping, Waiter ing and Customer Service held

By JAN KHAILA D. ROSCO

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DOT accredited speaker Boots Aurora is flanked by ACTO head Alec Santos (right) and Albert Cecilio, assistant chief-of-office (left) during one of the training sessions. Close to a hundred participants joined in the week-long training for tourism workers and frontliners.



TRAVEL BLOGGERS, WRITERS, EXPLORE METRO NAGA

TRAVEL BLOGGERS and WRITERS from Manila and across the country converge in Metro Naga upon the invitation of ACTO to witness what the tourist destination has to offer. Chosen because of their reputation as reliable sources of information by travelers, the bloggers and writers were able to experience a wide range of adventure activities from waterfalls rapelling to river canyoning. The group also had the opportunity to sample the best cuisine in Naga, courtesy of the city’s newest and most popular restaurants.

In the spirit of cooperation and tourism promotion, a Metro Naga Eco-Adventure tour was

conducted last January 23 to 30 for travel writers and bloggers from Manila, which saw them exploring the different tourist spots in and around Naga City.

Hosting media tours regularly is part of the regular functions of the Arts, Culture and Tourism Office (ACTO) of the City Government of Naga, under Metro Naga’s tourism brand Naga Excursions.

Participants to the tour included Estan Cabigas who has 2 blogs namely, Langyaw.com and Tenzerofour.com, Kara Santos of Travelup.com, Darwin Cayetano of Thetrackingtreasures.com, Christine Fernandez of Thejovialwanderer.com and Chino

Pantua of Juanderfulpinoy.com. Different activities, adventures

and tastes welcomed guests as they experienced the city and its beauty. With the exciting and enticing itinerary planned for them, the media tour was a resounding success.

The group was able to visit several attractions within Metro Naga such as Nalalata Falls in Bula, Haciendas de Naga and Panicuason Hot Springs Resort in Naga, Engkanto Falls in Libmanan, and Bagolatao beach and Bagaposo peak in Minalabac.

Some of the activities they experienced included waterfalls rapelling, river tracking and canyoning. The guests were also able to witness and cover the Enduro biking event held on the slopes

of Mt. Isarog in Naga and Calabanga on January 25.

Naga’s diverse cuisine was also featured in the tour. The restaurants visited include Flavours at CBD II, Naga Garden at Centro Naga, and Woodstone, Bob Marlin and

Chef Doy’s, all in Magsaysay.The tour was made possible

with the support of people and organizations, as well as local government units, their officials and employees, who made significant contributions to the success of the tour. Among those who provided their support were Jojo Villareal and the staff of Kadlagan Outdoor Shop; LGU Libmanan, headed by Mayor Marilyn Jimenez, Bibby Jimenez, head of Libmanan’s Municipal Programs and Events Services (MPES), and Roderick Fabor of MPES; LGU Minalabac headed by Mayor Nestor A. Villegas with Ning Albong, head of tourism and Punong Barangay Daisy Calinog and staff.

According to Janwyne N. Almazan, OIC Product Development division of ACTO, “the destinations are slowly gaining the attention of local tourists and one way of promoting these destinations is to let the media experience them and expose them to the rest of the country or the world.”

PHOTO BY JANWYNE ALMAZAN

PHOTO BY ALBERT F. CECILIO

PHOTO BY MARK PAOLO SABILA

NALALATA FALLS, BULA


Trainees LISTEN intently to the instructions of facilitators from the DDRMO and the BFP as they demonstrate advanced water safety and rescue techniques, vital in ensuring the safety of guests in danger as well as the rescuers themselves.

With the clear mandate to ensure that tourists visiting Naga remain safe and secure

during their stay in the city, the City Government of Naga, thru the Arts, Culture and Tourism Office (ACTO) and the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (DRRMO) conducted a 5-day intensive training on water safety and rescue and first aid for tourism frontline workers of accommodation establishments and resorts.

From March 23 to 27, more than 60 participants, all employees or supervisors of hotels and resorts, attended the gruelling series of trainings at the Metro Naga Sports Complex in Brgy. Pacol.

The training was conducted to reduce the risks and dangers guests and tourists may encounter while in Naga City.

Senior duty officer, Central Communications Center of the Public Safety Office, Renee Abiada was the course director and training officer. Lectures were given to the participants by Paolo Villanea, EMS Team Leader, and representatives from the Bureau of Fire Protection.

According to Abiada, “the training is relevant since the participants are dealing with customers and most likely in their working environment, emergencies may happen”.

The training was was composed of two parts: medical and basic rescue training. Other activities that the


W.A.S.A.R: WATER SAFETY AND RESCUE

Training for Tourist Safety

CITY COUNCILOR ELMER BALDEMORO , chairman of the Sanggunian’s Committee on Tourism, addresses the participants.

PHOTOS BY XERES GAGERO


participants had to master were rappelling, swimming, zip line, first aid interventions and basic life support.

For the first three days, the participants were taught mainly about medical and trauma emergencies. Human anatomy was discussed followed by medical emergencies, patient assessment, environmental emergencies, trauma emergencies and basic first aid skills.

The last two days of the training focused on basic rescue where principles of basic search and rescue and other techniques were taught to the participants. Proper victim packaging techniques and water safety procedures were also demonstrated.

On the morning of the last day, March 27, selected trainees participated in the scheduled earthquake drill at a large mall in the city, giving them the unique opportunity to witness how to respond to emergency situations.

ACTO Chief-of-Office Alec Santos was optimistic about the results of the training.

“The first and primary consideration all tourism workers and establishments should have for their guests is their safety and security. By equipping frontliners with the proper knowledge and ensuring that they are confident enough, we can minimize the risks and dangers to our visitors, making for a more pleasant and memorable stay in Naga,” explains Santos.

The TRAINEES physical limits are tested as they experience first hand how to conduct high-angle rescue using makeshift equipment. They also learn the value of effective teamwork during times of crises and emergencies.


With the increase in demand for tourist accommodations in Naga City, the Arts, Culture and

Tourism Office (ACTO) and the Regional Office of the Department of Tourism (DOT) intensified their accreditation campaign this year.

Starting in September of last year, a total of 12 accommodation establishments have been accredited by the DOT. Prior to September, there were only 5 DOT-accredited accommodation establishments.

To ensure that the target establishments would be able to meet the national standards of the DOT, the City Government, thru ACTO, conducted several ocular missions prior to the DOT’s inspection. A composite team with representatives from the sanitation division of the City Health Office, the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, the Bureau of Fire Protection, and the Integrated Electrical Engineers of Camarines Sur, headed by ACTO Chief-of-Office Alec Santos conducted thorough inspections of the accommodation establishments, following their individual office/agency’s standards and checklists.

DOT accreditation of establishments certify that they have complied with the minimum and progressive levels for quality and safety. Accredited establishments can qualify for incentives like inclusion in government-managed tourism websites, entitlement to subsidized human resource development seminars and endorsements to different government agencies for promotion and other tourism-related matters. The department focuses on accommodation establishments such as hotels, tourist inns, apartels, resorts, motels and the like.

Michael Vincent T. Garcia, OIC for the Industry Monitoring and Regulation division of ACTO, stated that “the goal of the accreditation is to have a progressive and competitive level of tourism and operate quality tourism service and facilities in Naga and internationally be recognized as a good tourist destination.”

Before September of this year, ACTO aims to accredit at least 30 accommodation establishments. Aside from said establishments, ACTO and DOT are set to inspect and accredit other tourism-related

establishments such as restaurants, coffee shops, souvenir shops, spas and businesses that cater to the needs of the growing number of tourists to the city.

ACTO Chief-of-Office Alec Santos believes that being DOT- accredited is beneficial to local tourism establishments.

“While accommodation establishments are mandated by RA 9593 to apply for accreditation, we make it a point to explain to owners and managers the importance of complying and striving for quality standards. This will make them more competitive and result in more business and revenues for them, resulting in more employment opportunities. Likewise, we prioritize DOT-accredited establishments when it comes to promotions since they can easily satisfy the expectations of our visitors,” says Santos.

As part of ACTO’s mandate to encourage tourism establishments and businesses in Naga to apply for DOT accreditation, regular visits and inspections are conducted in partnership with the regional office of DOT, represented by their accreditation officer Antonette Diaz. ACTO’s Industry Monitoring and Regulation Division, under its OIC Michael Garcia, has been tasked to ensure that the majority of accommodation establishments in Naga are DOT-accredited prior to the Peñafrancia Festival in September.

TOURISM ACCREDITATION PICKS UP IN NAGA By JAN KHAILA D. ROSCO

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A quarterly joint inspection of accommodation and related tourism establishments

in Naga city is actively being pursued by the Arts, Culture and Tourism Office (ACTO) and other concerned departments and agencies this year.

In accordance with Executive Order No. 2011 – 014, calling for the regular inspection of tourism establishments in support of the Department of Tourism’s (DOT) accreditation campaign, the City Government, through ACTO, is currently


NAGA CONDUCTS REGULAR INSPECTIONS OF TOURISM ESTABLISHMENTS

conducting a series of inspections in close coordination with various government agencies.

ACTO Chief-of-Office Alec Santos revealed that their office has managed to create a composite team with representatives from the sanitation division of the City Health Office, the Bureau of Fire and Protection, the Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, and the Integrated Electrical Engineers of Camarines Sur. The inspection is conducted to ensure the compliance of tourism establishments with the standards set by the national government through the DOT.

Santos explains that inspections include the assessment and evaluation of an establishment’s facilities and safety systems. The individual members of the composite team can issue citations or document findings or irregularities anytime during the inspection. Fire exits, warning and suppression systems, kitchen cleanliness and proper food storage, visual presentation, and

From SMALL INDEPENDENT accommodation establishments like pension houses, to large hotels boasting more than a hundred rooms, the City Government of Naga is keen on ensuring that tourism establishments comply with national standards on safety and service quality, hence the regular joint inspections led by ACTO and other partner agencies and departments.

other factors that may affect the quality and service of the establishment are thoroughly checked. After the inspections, establishments are given recommendations if there is a need to replace, add or improve facilities and amenities.

DOT accreditation of primary tourism-related establishments such as accommodations is mandatory according to RA 9593 or the Tourism Act of 2009. The inspections serve as a pre-accreditation procedure, introduced by ACTO to ensure that target establishments can comply with national standards.

“There is an improvement in Naga City’s accommodation establishments because of the inspections. The main objective of the inspections is to ensure the tourists’ safety and security and that they would enjoy their stay. Tourists should always get the value and quality of what they are paying for,” says Santos.

PHOTOS BY XERES GAGERO

SIMPLE but colorful events greeted last March 16 all the 45 young wards at the Naga City Children’s Home (NCCH) in celebration of its second

anniversary as the shelter of abandoned children who are direly in need of guidance, particularly those who need rehabilitation.

Aside from vying in different games, mostly ball games, which were sponsored by Red Ribbon, the children who were grouped into 4 teams, also happily competed in cheer dance competition and a dance number at the Metro Naga Sports Complex in Barangay Pacol, here.

The first ever local government unit-operated Children’s Home, which occupies the left wing of the main building of the sports complex, supports children who are in conflict with the law, streetchildren and any child who needs a home.

The rehabilitation process for these children includes a daily home routine like keeping their beddings, mess hall preparation, doing other household chores, and observing personal hygiene.

After dinner, the children are encouraged to watch the Knowledge Channel on TV together with some ALS teachers. Values-formation activities are conducted by visiting nuns from different congregations.

The celebration started with a Holy Mass with Fr. Jay Jacinto as celebrant. It was immediately followed by the “Kidslympics” from 10:30 a.m. up to 12 noon. A lecture on responsible parenthood was conducted at 1:30 to 2:30 PM.

Among those who graced the occasion were Rep. Leni G. Robredo, Mayor John G. Bongat, Naga City First Lady Farah R. Bongat, and City Councilor Elmer Baldemoro.

Annabel SJ. Vargas heads the City Social Welfare and Development Office that supervises the NCCH with Evangeline S. Manalo as the center’s head.

A SCHOOL of wards undergoing classroom sessions at the Naga City Children’s Home.

By JASON B. NEOLA

S T R E E T, A B A N D O N E D C H I L D R E N C O M P E T E I N ‘ K I D S LY M P I C S ’ TO M A R K T H E I R H O M E ’ S 2 N D Y E A R

PHOTO BY JASON NEOLA



Undernourished children in Magarao and Bombon are gaining weight in just three months after becoming beneficiaries of the

feeding program of Rep. Leni Gerona Robredo in the two municipalities in the Third District of Camarines Sur.

The feeding program, dubbed as “Batang M On the Go” is implemented in partnership with non-government organization Negrense Volunteers for Change, the Department of Health, and the respective local government units. It counts as beneficiaries some 400 children aged 6 months to four years old. The feeding program will run for six months.

The ready-to-eat mix provided to children is prepared from monggo beans, moringa (malunggay), rice, chocolate powder, and sugar; and served either as porridge or as a drink depending on the preference of the children. The ingredients are intended to boost the daily micronutrient requirements of the children so that they will be able to reach their ideal body mass indices.

Camarines Sur has a malnutrition rate of 18 percent among children below school age according to the National Nutrition Council in 2012. The program intends to address this malady.

Undernourished children are vulnerable to disease. Malnutrition can also lead to irreversible and fatal ailments if left unchecked.

By ALLAN REY CAMATA

REP. LENI’S FEEDING PROGRAM IN MAGARAO, BOMBON SHOWS GAINS

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CONGW. LENI ROBREDO with Bombon Mayor Embot Angeles, the recovering malnourished children benefited by the program, and their grateful parents.

MULTI-AWARDED filmmaker Brillante Mendoza tells engaging stories of ordinary folk

going out of their way to make others happy in a documentary that highlights the capacity of ordinary individuals to do seemingly small but ultimately heroic acts.

Entitled “One Small Act,” the film, which was shown earlier this year in one of SM City Naga’s cinemas, is also one of the must-see pictures today on cable TV released under Solar Films Entertainment.

Since last year, Mendoza has taken time off from making independent movies to making documentaries.

Asked what compelled him to focus on real life stories of ordinary people, Mendoza said “I just want the public to see how simple individuals make a difference in the life of others thru their simple and little gestures, which I believe to be more realistic and meaningful than the ones produced with big stars and seasoned performers.”

“Every one of us can be a hero to others,” says Mendoza who mentioned as example the little gestures being performed in real life by the characters depicted in his documentary film.

In a press briefing tendered by SM City Naga, Mendoza also emphasized before the local media that “movies should not be about movie stars alone, neither big personalities nor colorful celebrities “because even ordinary persons have their own stories to tell that can inspire anyone of us aside from their being worthy of emulation by others.”

Brillante was in this city early this month, for the formal launching of the film. With him gracing the occasion was SM Marketing and Communications Vice President Minnie Dizon.

One of the characters in the movie is a Bureau of Fire Protection man whose team did well in saving the lives of individuals

inside a house being gutted by fire. Unmindful of his fatigue, the firefighter found time to rescue a helpless kitten trapped in the middle of falling debris.

Another character is a kalesa driver or kutsero who offers the elderly and streetchildren free rides from Intramuros to Luneta every time he takes a break from picking up his regular paying passengers. “I feel happy seeing the elderly cheerfully reminiscing their golden days as we pass by Luneta and the historic walls of the old edifices in Intramuros,” says the rig driver.

The stories including those of two others in the docu film, according to Mendoza, all tell about small acts but leave a big impact on viewers as they express care and concern for others.

Right now, the talented filmmaker is in the thick of preparing for the shooting of two more documentary films, which are about the heroes and victims of Typhoon Yolanda, and the country’s protected areas.

MULTI-AWARDED FILM DIRECTOR. Indie film director Brillante Mendoza (center, upper photo) poses with Mayor John G. Bongat and Minnie F. Dizon, SM Supermalls’ SVP for Marketing Communications Group and Publicity during the launching of a Nora Aunor-starrer Thy Womb. The film is among the many masterpieces written and directed by Brillante, the first-ever Asian film director who was given an international recognition during the holding of the 62nd Cannes Film Festival. He is shown in photo below pointing out relevant matters with his fans and friends on how independent films- which reflect the true face of Philippine society- open the hearts and minds of the Filipino people.

By JASON B. NEOLA

Indie film director Brillante Mendoza switches to documentary film making


GREEN LANDSCAPE. The Ateneo de Naga High

School campus in Pacol, Naga City.

SPANISH ARCHITECTURE. The ancient corridors with its colonial floor tiles at the Universidad de Sta. Isabel.

MAJESTIC SIGHT. The premier state

university in Bicol with Mayon Volcano in the

background.

The USI, on the other hand, was picked for its “winding corridors and greeneries at St. Elizabeth of Hungary Building.”

Led by campuses of the University of San Carlos (Cebu), Central Philippine University (Jaro, Iloilo), and Central Luzon State University (Munoz, Nueva Ecija), the list included 3 other campuses in the Visayas, two in Mindanao, four in Metro Manila, and four others in Luzon.

There are two things noticeably common among the best campuses chosen: their impressive architecture and green landscape.

AdeNU, BU, and USI were ranked 12th, 13th and 14th in the list, respectively.

The complete list: • University of San Carlos, Central Philippine

University, UP Visayas (Iloilo and Tacloban), Silliman University (Dumaguete City) and Visayas State University in the Visayas;

• Central Mindanao University and Mindanao State University in Mindanao;

• Central Luzon State University, AdeNU, BU, USI, Mariano State University (Batac, Ilocos Norte), UP Los Baños (Laguna), and Palawan State University in Luzon; and Mapua Institute of Technology, Ateneo de Manila University, UP Diliman, and University of Sto. Tomas in Metro Manila.

AT least three universities in Bicol have been included in the exclusive list of 18 Beautiful Campuses in the Philippines

posted by www.buzzfeed.com. These are the Ateneo de Naga University (both

high school and college campuses), Bicol University in Legazpi City, Albay, and Universidad de Sta. Isabel, also situated in Naga City.

The Jesuit school in Bicol was noted for its “classic architecture of University chapel made even more marvelous by the surrounding landscape.” The BU in Albay was cited for its “modern design of the Torch of Wisdom and the fields with Mount Mayon in the background.”

AdeNU, BU, USI in country’s best

campus list


Local artists celebrate National Arts Month

INSTEAD of the traditional cutting of ribbons, City Mayor John Bongat and Vice Mayor Nelson

Legacion, together with a representative from an artists’ group, struck the hanging pots filled with candies and coins during the formal opening of “Tagbo sa Puso kan Bikol,” an arts and cultural fiesta in celebration of the National Arts Month last February 26, at the historic Plaza Quince Martires in downtown Naga.

With the theme, “Higlighting Cultural Genius

to Promote Pride of Place,” the celebration that covered the period February 26 to 28 featured painting exhibits, sculpture exhibitions, on-the-spot painting and sketching, face painting, photo booth, and Henna tattooing on the well-attended opening day.

Right after the opening program where Mayor Bongat gave his remarks and inspirational message, a merienda of tsokolate, kape, ibos and latik were served to guests.

A lecture on visual art at

SALINGOY ART. This painting on canvass was one of the pieces exhibited by Salingoy Art Group during the celebration of the National Arts Month with sets of activities dubbed “Tagbo sa Puso kan Bikol, Highlighting Local Cultural Genius to Promote Pride of Place.”

ARTS MONTH. First Lady Farah Bongat (left) listens as Bicol poet Kristian Cordero (center) stresses a point during a meeting with Allen Reondanga (right), professor and writer Doods Santos (second from left) and Bicol Mail editor Joe Perez (foreground, back to camera) during the laying of ground works for the activities lined up for a colorful celebration of the National Arts Month. Also in the meeting at photo at right are (from left) visual artists Pancho Piano and Romualdo Perez of Salingoy Group.


the plaza immediately followed, capping the events in the morning.

In the afternoon, a painting workshop was facilitated by the Salingoy Art Group. “Pasale,” or free film-showing were conducted in the evening, also at the same venue, courtesy of the Ateneo de Naga University.

On the second day, were a lecture on photography (basic, photo composition), talk on pop culture (at AdeNU), and

launching of ‘Istoryang Suanoy’ by City Councilor Greg Abonal. A concert by local artists was held at the Plaza in the evening.

On the third day, February 28, a lecture on Literary Arts was conducted by Frank Penones and Kristian Cordero.

The closing ceremony was spearheaded by First Lady Farah Bongat, Arts Month Committee chairperson, Mayor Bongat, and City Councilor Elmer Baldemoro, Chairman of the SP

Committee on Arts and Culture, who delivered their gestures of appreciation and messages.

The Naga City Hall Chorale, Naga Central School 1 Children’s Rondalla, Bicol State College of Applied Sciences and Technology Choir, and the Camarines Sur National High School Performing Arts Group contributed songs and colorful cultural performances during the closing program.

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RENOWNED Bicolana actress Nora Aunor addresses the audience gathered in Naga to celebrate her contribution to Philippine Cinema.

THE story has been told many times of how a young girl who sold water at

the train station went on to become a film actor, hailed by critics as one of the best, if not the best, this poor country has produced.

The story has been told so many times one feels the narrative is now an incantation capable of bringing back to the land prosperity in terms of the arts.

The trains do not run anymore in the town. The town where that little girl with lovely, sad eyes is now a city. Water is bottled by companies or franchises. The region is richer; its people slowly loving the land and the language. The young girl is several decades older. Many names have been linked to her name, all marked by superlatives. She has won recognition in the big city and in many places where her art of cinema is considered supreme. She has gone through crises and

personal predicaments. She has bounced back from the lows that lesser celebrities would have paid for to keep hidden. She looks at you straight in the eye and declares without timidity what she wants. This is not the person impersonated always as shy. In fact, she is that complex: no one can really impersonate her. At their best, those who marvel at her persona can only construct caricatures.

She is complex. She is Nora Aunor. And she is back in the land of her birth. The adage that no one becomes a prophet in one’s place is going to be reconstructed

because she would be honored in two provinces, Albay and Camarines Sur.

As I write this, loyal admirers and officers of her many fan clubs were on their way to Naga City onboard a chartered bus. They had planned this trip some months back after they were informed that Ateneo de Naga is going to give Nora Aunor the Bulawan na Bikolnon Service to Bikol award. This is the highest award the university can bestow in the field of arts and culture to a Bikolano. The ceremony would take place on March 27.

The citation begins with the line: “Nora Aunor, from the start of her career, never denies her humble beginning.”

The citation states how from “that beginning in Iriga, we learn about fate and how it can bring forth a great artist. The proof of that great art is captured by the screen and books, in documentations about how that girl one night, many years ago, left this region so she can come back to it with boon and grace. The roles that she shares with us are manifold: from a woman who sleeps with and loves the enemy, to a young girl who sees the Virgin but declares that there is no miracle - all these are subjects so daring and brave we wonder where Nora Aunor gets the audacity to portray them.“

GREATEST COMEBACK

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The citation concludes by saying: “Therefore, in recognition of her achievements in cinema, television, theater and radio, contributing to the rise of the Philippine entertainment industry, inspiring generations of Bikolano filmmakers and actors, and creating a tradition of scholarly works and film criticisms, the Ateneo de Naga University is most privileged to confer on Nora Aunor the Bulawan

na Bikolnon [Bulawan means Golden]. Service to Bikol Award, given this 27th day of March, in the 2015th year of our Lord.”

Genius is always way ahead of any time. The case is the same with Nora Aunor. One looks at her arriving in the hotel and one sees this lithe figure barely visible in the crowd. For the critics and film readers, that is not the Nora Aunor honored but the voice, body and the face that can overwhelm a space

created by camera lens. More, the region of Nora Aunor’s birth is also honoring the persona, the humility behind the celebrity, the power behind the mystery.

A day before the awarding at the Ateneo de Naga University, the city of Naga would also honor Nora Aunor with a honorary citizenship that would make her a Nagueña. It is a gesture acknowledging how many years ago, Nora Aunor stood on the small stage of Plaza

Superstar NORA AUNOR poses with Mayor John Bongat, city officials, local artists, and guests shortly after being formally recognized by the City Government for her role in the development of Philippine Cinema.

Quezon and, perhaps, looked around a bit timid, while a crowd gazed at her wondering what kind of voice could come from that body. It is said that Nora then was interested in the prize money so she could buy food for her family and pay the debts they had incurred among neighbors. That made her strong. She heaved up her shoulders and when they came down, the voice slowly rose, the vibrato rare, as she sang of the night and the music. The moon swung and the clouds sort of lifted the shadows. But the little girl was not aware of anything but the song carrying her to the world where her talent soared supreme and no debt or cruel neighbors ever existed.

That girl was back in the city of her dreams and she would speak how cities that take care of their artists are good cities. Back with the people who love her, she once more heard her name chanted, and a song about gratitude played like forever in her mind.

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THE City Government of Naga, through the

Sangguniang Panglunsod, formally conferred on Bicolana movie actress Nora Aunor the title “Honorary Nagueña” by virtue of Resolution No. 2015-078 which the city council unanimously passed “in recognition of her contributions to the promotion and development of culture and arts, not only in Naga City but also in the entire country.”

The conferment ceremonies, dubbed “Banggui nin Pagrokyaw,” was led by Naga City Mayor John G. Bongat and Vice Mayor Nelson S. Legacion, at La Piazza, Avenue Plaza Hotel along Magsaysay Avenue last March 26, 2015.

The next day, Ms. Aunor was honored at the Ateneo de Naga University with a “Bulawan na Bikolnon” award, the highest honor being bestowed by the university for Exemplary Achievements by Outstanding Bicolanos.

Nora Aunor hailed as Honorary Nagueña

THE EVENING of the conferment ceremonies became a virtual ode to arts and culture in the city, with talented artist and musicians gracing the event.


LITTLE GIRL

While she hails from Iriga City, about 30 kilometers away, it was here in Naga, at Plaza Quezon, then known until the late 1960s as Plaza Kiosko, where Nora Aunor, as a little girl in simple dress, won an amateur singing contest.

It was also here in Naga that she became champion of the Darigold singing contest with her piece “You and the Night and the Music.” Then she won another singing contest, also at the plaza, the Liberty Big Show, which led her to Tawag ng Tanghalan in Manila. She was a runner-up on her first try but became champion on her second try on May 29, 1967 when she was just 14 years old.

Not long after that, she became the country’s

newest singing sensation, breaking local music records. Her star shone even brighter when she joined movies, which prompted her multitude of fans to idolize her as a “Superstar” that also bore the name of her long-running TV musical program during the 70s

and up to the 80s.With over 110 awards

from her music and acting career, Nora Aunor is the most awarded and the most nominated Filipino actor in the history of Philippine cinema.

She also has the most number of international recognitions and is the only Filipino actress who has won international awards

from 5 different continents.Only two years ago,

Nora received the Asian Achiever Award as Asia’s Best Actress by the Asia Pacific Awards Council. She again received the same prestigious accolade during the 26th Asia Pacific Excellence Awards on Araw ng Kagitingan on April 9, this year, together with Japanese Performing Artist Aisaku Yokogawa.

According to the late National Artist for Film

Lino Brocka, Nora is the greatest actress the Philippines has ever produced. jbp

A SMILING NORA AUNOR is flanked by Mayor John Bongat, Vice Mayor Nelson Legacion, and other City Officials during the conferment ceremonies.

NORA AUNOR’S contributions to the

field of music and acting are recognized by the city Government in an

evening of celebration.

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The gains

of 2014

SPACCOMPLISHMENTS:

The end of 2014 signals that the 11th Sangguniang Panlungsod is now

in the middle of its term. A year and a half had passed since Team Naga has received the overwhelming mandate of our beloved Nagueños. Over the course of this period, we– not just us, officials, but more importantly including the whole constituency of Naga—strived hard to advance the gains of the past and to further innovate and mainstream our systems and processes. Through our unity, we have been able to overcome the challenges of changing times and, ultimately, sustain and improve, by leaps and bounds, our Maogmang Lugar.

Making the best better

At the core of a Maogmang Lugar are informed and engaged citizenry. Hence, the 11th Sangguniang Panlungsod continues to explore avenues for people-empowerment.

• Sangguniang Panlungsod Student Participation Program

Launched on November 19, 2013 during the Second Semester of SY 2013-2014 with only five universities in its array of partners, the Sangguniang Panlungsod Student Participation Program (SP-SPP) received positive feedbacks from the academe and expanded to include five more colleges. Now with ten participating schools– AdNU, AMA, BISCAST, CCDI, NCF, PCFC, STI, UNC, USI, and WRI– the program has engaged close to a thousand students.

SP-SPP educates the students about the legislative processes of the city government thru two mechanisms– SP Watch and SP Forum. SP Watch allows students to observe the regular session of the Sangguniang Panlungsod and furnishes the youth copies of the agenda, draft resolutions and ordinances, and other pertinent documents for their intelligent observation of the session.

Meanwhile, SP Forum serves as a feedback mechanism of the city government thru about 30-minute open forum between the city officials and the students. In the open forum facilitated by yours truly, the city vice mayor, and participated in by other members of the city council, students are given the chance to clarify

procedures, ask questions on matters brought to the attention of the Sangguniang Panlungsod and/or raise developmental issues they personally have faced.

On December 19, 2014, during our last regular session for 2014, the Sangguniang Panlungsod enacted Resolution No. 2014-500 which will add a third mechanism to SP-SPP. Dubbed SP Engage, this new mechanism shall allow students to directly participate in the council’s deliberation and debate through suspending our rules of procedures and soliciting the ideas of the youth on a particular topic. Introduced by this representation, sponsored by Councilor Miles SD. Raquid-Arroyo and favorably endorsed by the SP Committee on People Empowerment chaired by Councilor Gabriel H. Bordado Jr., SP Engage shall commence implementation this 2015.

• Empowerment Advancement of Barangays on Local LEgislation (ENABL2E) Program

Another innovative program conceptualized and launched this year is the ENABL2E Program. Established through Ordinance No. 2014-008, introduced by yours truly and duly sponsored by Councilors Vidal P. Castillo, Esteban Greg R. Abonal III, and Elmer S. Baldemoro, ENABL2E seeks to equip the officials of the 27 barangays of Naga with the necessary proficiencies in crafting relevant legislations and rational regulatory policies, as well as inculcates to them the principles of transparency, accountability, and people-participation.

The program began with the Conference on Barangay Legislation held April 10-12, 2014 at Eurotel in Barangay Dinaga. This one-day seminar tackled the intricacies of legislative procedures, as well as the functions, responsibilities,

ATTY. NELSON S. LEGACIONCITY VICE MAYOR



and powers of barangay officials as legislators of their respective communities.

In the months of April and May, we exposed our barangay officials to an application of the legislative processes and parliamentary procedures discussed in the aforementioned conference. Via SP Watch and SP Forum, officials of the barangays sit as audience of the Sangguniang Panlungsod during our regular session and, during breaks, interacted with us, city officials, and asked questions.

To further the enhancement of the capabilities of our barangay officials and share more of the best practices in the city, this representation decided to author a book entitled Barangay Legislation and Good Governance. With Councilors Esteban Greg R. Abonal III and Elmer S. Baldemoro as editorial consultants, Barangay Legislation and Good Governance aims to serve as a ready reference for barangay officials on their functions and obligations as local legislators. Contained also therein are discussions on principles of development legislation and good governance, so as to remind our barangay officials that legislation is a key instrument for uplifting the plights of our marginalized and underprivileged constituencies.

All these interventions for capability building are hoped to be the foundations of responsive and dynamic Sangguniang Barangays in Naga. Hence, this 2015, we shall assess how they translate the theories and principles they have learned into practice. This year, the Outstanding Sangguniang Barangay Award shall commence.

Outstanding Sangguniang Barangay Award shall recognize sangguniang barangays which have demonstrated exemplary performance in enacting legislative measures that greatly contribute to the achievement of sustainable and inclusive socio-economic development in their respective

communities. A Committee, composed by the Secretary to the Sangguniang Panlungsod, Director of DILG-Naga, Director of Jesse M. Robredo Governance Institute, and representatives from the academe and private sector, shall determine the barangays with the highest accumulated score on the following criteria:

1. Effectiveness of Legislative Agenda

2. Effectiveness of the Legislative Tracking System

3. Availability of Legislative Documents

4. Efficiency of Performance of the Sangguniang Barangay

5. Quality of Office Set-Up and Sanggunian Deliberations

Awarding will be conducted this December 2015 and the first placer shall receive a plaque and One Million Pesos (P1,000,000) worth of barangay project to be funded by the City Government of Naga. The second and third placers, meanwhile, will win Seven Hundred and Fifty Thousand Pesos (P750,000) and Five Hundred Thousand Pesos (P500,000) worth of barangay project to be funded by the City Government of Naga, respectively, and plaques.

Institutionalizing Reforms

Consistent with the H2ELP your CiTy agenda of the current administration, we have enacted ordinances for the betterment of our constituencies, to wit:

Health and Nutrition

Ordinance No. 2014-033, authored by Councilors Joaquin F. Perez Jr. and Nathan A. Sergio, promotes maternal care and population management through establishment of mechanisms under Maternal Newborn Child Health and Management (MNCHM) Program. The ordinance establishes a project management team headed by the mayor and sets aside an annual

appropriation of P300,000.00 for its efficient implementation.

Education

Through the efforts of the SP Committee on Education chaired by Councilor Esteban Greg R. Abonal III, two landmark ordinances in the areas of education were passed - Ordinance No. 2014-009 which has intensified the Quality Universal Empowerment and Education in Naga (QUEEN) Program and Ordinance No. 2014-025 which institutionalizes the operation of SEED Montessori I and Montessori II. The QUEEN Program has become more comprehensive by including kindergarten in its coverage, as well as by adding an Empowerment Fund Assistance, computed at P75.00 per student, for school improvement projects and other projects that will improve the quality of performance of learners and their completion of basic education.

Livelihood and Employment

Our economy is also expected to grow robustly as we encourage more of our constituencies to engage in micro, small and medium enterprises. Sponsored by Councilor Ma. Elizabeth Q. Lavadia, Ordinance No. 2014-004 and Ordinance No. 2014-014 have opened the Calle del Rio for commerce and have established a night market and a food and beverage area in the said site. Councilor Lavadia, together with Councilors Cecilia Veluz-De Asis, Ray-An Cydrick G. Rentoy, Elmer S. Baldemoro and Greg S. Abonal III, also pushed for the enactment of Ordinance No. 2014-013 which provides 25% discount on rental rates of stallholders at the Naga City People’s Mall who are prompt payers of their rent. This ordinance will advance the city’s business-friendliness and, at the same time, boost the city’s cash flow.


sponsored by Councilor Elmer S. Baldemoro, amends Ordinance No. 2012-037 of yours truly and provides additional incentive mechanisms for exemplary Lupong Tagapamayapa. This ordinance seeks to advance the efficacy and responsiveness of the barangays in the implementation of the Katarungang Pambarangay, comprehensively promoting peace and order in the community.

• Ordinance No. 2014-072, written again by Councilor Elmer S. Baldemoro, strengthens the Barangay Councils for Protection of Children and institutionalizes the Most Child Friendly Barangay Award.

• Ordinance No. 2014-029, authored by Councilor Cecilia Veluz-De Asis, mandates the establishment of Barangay Violence Against Women and their Children (VAWC) Desks, as well as establishes the Search for Best Barangay VAWC Desks.

• Ordinance No. 2014-080, introduced by Senior Citizen Councilor Prospero P. Avila and sponsored by Councilors Esteban Greg Abonal III and Jose A. Tuazon, seeks to enhance the efficiency and responsiveness of Barangay Association of Senior Citizen Affairs (BASCA) by rating them in terms of financial management (20%), office and record-keeping (10%), project implementation (50%) and participation to city activities (20%) and providing incentive to the best BASCA.

In order to make our ordinances systematic, the 11th Sangguniang Panlungsod has undertaken the Codification Project which seeks to consolidate all legislative measures of a certain topic into one single ordinance. In 2014, through the efforts of

Councilors Esteban Greg R. Abonal III and Jose A.

Tuason, we passed Ordinance No. 2014-085 which is an amalgamation of all ordinances and executive orders that affect the senior sitizens.

The Codification Project is on-going. Drafts of the Traffic and Transport Code and the Education Code were already sent to the desks of the Committee on Public Utilities and Committee on Education, respectively. This year we plan to draft as many codes as possible to include, among others, those for business and investment, agriculture and children’s welfare.

Sustaining the Gains

The year of the wood sheep is very promising for the country and for Naga. Growth prospect is positive. On our part, plans have already been laid out to improve old projects and to innovate and launch new ones. There are already discussions on the ground on strengthening the youth’s participation in legislative procedures, especially that the status of the Sangguniang Kabataan is still unclear. We are now conceptualizing on maximizing the provisions of the Naga City Youth Code to guarantee the continuous participation of the youth in our governance processes.

We also aim to enhance further our transparency initiatives. We are exploring the possibility of using Twitter, another social media account. Our website is also being programmed and is set to be launched the first month of 2015. There will be more avenues for the individual Nagueño to scrutinize the policies of the city and to get involved in the deliberation of proposed legislative measures.

As we open more avenues for people participation and strive to mainstream further the legislative processes of the city government, we hope for the continuous support and active cooperation of the Nagueños. The year 2015 will be an exciting year for all of us as we continue to explore uncharted territories of people empowerment and participation. Together, let us H2ELP our CiTy.

MAKIARAM. MAGPARTISIPAR. MAG-ANTABAY.

Peace and Order

With the pressing issue of climate change, Councilors Elmer S. Baldemor and Joaquin F. Perez Jr. deemed it necessary to create the Naga City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office. Through Ordinance No. 2014-018, there shall now be a fulltime Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Officer, Administration and Training Officer, Research and Planning Officer, Operations and Warning Officer and Emergency Medical Services Personnel that will implement projects for risk reduction and, in case of disaster, respond to eventualities.

Cleanliness and Environment

To preserve the quality of the city’s water, Councilors Mila SD. Raquid-Arroyo and Joaquin F. Perez Jr. sponsored Ordinance No. 2014-076 which outlines the wastewater management system of the city. Ordinance No. 2014-076 also mandates that all houses/buildings in the city should have an approved excreta disposal system for the treatment of domestic sewage.

Transparency, Accountability and Good Governance

The year 2014 also witnessed the passage of landmark legislative measures directed towards the improvement of the barangays. Aside from ENABL2E Ordinance of Naga City (Ordinance No. 2014-008), we enacted other ordinances that seek to strengthen the capabilities of the barangays as basic political units of government.

Ordinance No. 2014-035,

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WeENGAGE: SP-SPP

culminating activity

SPHIGHLIGHTS:

THIS Friday (March 6, 2015), the Sangguniang Panlungsod Student Participation Program

will again step into yet another unexplored ground. Dubbed #WeENGAGE: SP-SPP Culminating Activity, students that participated in our collaborative program with the academe will showcase their talents and will present their project proposals for the development of the city. It will also be an avenue for recognizing our partner schools’ assistance and cooperation to the program.

To be held at the Naga City People’s Hall, the program of #WeENGAGE: SP-SPP Culminating Activity was prepared by the students themselves, headed by Ms. Iris Carmel B. Saavedra. It will start at 7:30 a.m. with a registration to be followed by the opening program with the chorale from Bicol State College of Applied Sciences and Ateneo de Naga University rendering the invocation and the Philippine National Anthem.

The program will officially be opened by Dr. Marguerite Michelle V. Padua-Hornby, president of Naga College Foundation. Mayor John G. Bongat will also grace the event with his presence. This representation will also render his message in appreciation of the zealous support of the academe, especially of the creativity,

innovativeness, and enthusiasm displayed by the youth.

Ms. Iris Carmel B. Saavedra, head of #WeENGAGE Executive Committee, will orient the participants of the activity flow. Our empowered students have deemed to conduct lectures on various topics that greatly affect the youth, such as the Sangguniang Kabataan, the Naga City Youth Code and Parliamentary Procedure.

In the afternoon, they will be presenting their various project proposals that aim to uplift the lives of our marginalized fellows and, consequently, propel Naga’s sustainable and inclusive development. The project proposals of our students will be judged based on their

sustainability (30%), social impact (30%), innovativeness (20%), and community engagement (20%). Winners of the program will receive plaques, as well as P40,000, P30,000, and P20,000 grant for the first place, second place, and third place, respectively. The said grant will be used for implementation of their proposed project. In between the program, there will also be performances from our students.

The event will culminate in the awarding of certificates to our SP-SPP Participating Schools, which include the Ateneo de Naga University (ADNU), Universidad de Sta. Isabel (USI), University of Nueva Caceres (UNC), Bicol State College of Applied Sciences and Technology (BISCAST), Naga College Foundation (NCF), STI College Naga, AMA Naga, Worldtech Resources Institute, Philippine Computer Foundation College (PCFC), and Computer Communication Development Institute.

Irwin Nacianceno, administrator of CCDI-Naga, shall, in behalf of the participating schools, will give a response thereafter. Engr. Richard H. Cordial, president of BISCAST, shall formally close the program with his remarks.

SP-SPP seeks to empower and engage the youth in the affairs of the legislative branch of the City Government of Naga. Through continuous innovation with the help of the academe and of the students themselves, we are seeing that they are further being capacitated and honed as proactive stakeholders of our beloved Maogmang Lugar. #WeENGAGE– the title of the activity itself thought about and chosen by our students– is a strong manifestation that they are responsive and passionate to be involved in the affairs of the city.


PHOTO BY JOZELLE GRACE B. CORONO


PURSUANT to our thrusts of empowering the Nagueños, especially those in the marginalized

sectors, the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Naga, during its 82nd Regular Session last March 10, 2015 (Tuesday), passed Ordinance No. 2015-012. Also known as the Education Code of Naga City, Ordinance No. 2015-012 is another milestone in providing equitable access to education and attaining our goal of one college graduate per household.

The Education Code of Naga City is a consolidation of the policies and programs of the City of Naga on education– from early education (prepatory and kindgarten) to tertiary education and even alternative education. In a single ordinance, our constituents can easily browse and check what programs

EducationCode

SPHIGHLIGHTS:

on education he/she can avail, especially if one is a solo parent, a person with disability or a student from a poor family who is working hard to earn a living and sustain his studies.

For early education, the city offers the Educare Program and the Schools for Early Education and Development (SEED) Program. These two programs focus on providing our young Nagueños easy access to quality education through our subsidized Educare centers and Montessori-type schools.

On basic education (kindergarten, elementary and high school), there are the Quality Universal Education Empowerment in Naga (QUEEN) Program, the Sanggawadan Program, the Summer Enhancement and Enrichment Program

(SEEP), and the Alternative Learning System (ALS) Program. These programs provide intervention at the grass-root level and engage the beneficiaries as active stakeholders in imparting quality education to their children, relatives and, for some, to themselves. In here, we start empowering the youth and their parents/guardians as partners in the development of Naga.

At the tertiary level, the Special Program for Employment of Students (SPES) and Naga City Tertiary Scholarship Program are available to assist our poor but deserving students. These two programs allow us to tap the youth in charting the city’s future, while at the same time providing them the means to further hone their skills and proficiencies for the betterment of themselves, their families, and of the City of Naga. Through SPES and Naga City Tertiary Scholarship Program, education is not only

of school, but also of life. We bestow to them the resources for payment of tuition fees for their baccalaureate degrees, but, more importantly, we also grant them the opportunity to learn from their work in the city government, in private firms and in the community. In here, they are starting to be trained on how to become productive and responsible citizens of Naga.

The Education Code of Naga City also mandates that the city commits itself to Anti-Truancy Campaign and Anti-Corporal Punishment Campaigns. Truancy is the absenteeism of a child from school without valid cause. Corporal Punishment, meanwhile, refers to penalties for an offense or imagined offense, and/or acts carried out to discipline, train or control a child, inflicted by an adult or by another child, which result in or likely to result to physical maltreatment or psychological harm or suffering to the child. The code provides for implementation of programs addressing these concerns and for punishment of violators.

The codification of ordinances on education now provides the citizenry of Naga a clear, up-to-date, and comprehensive copy of all policies and programs on education in just one document. Our people will now find ease in understanding and observing the law applicable to them and enable them to maximize their privileges and to utilize such to improve their socio-economic status. This representation is a firm believer and even a testament to the credence that “Edukasyon an solusyon” to Naga’s sustainable and inclusive socio-economic development.

Education Code of Naga City, however, is only the first steps of many. As provided in Resolution No. 2014-016 which commits the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Naga to undertake the Codification Project, there are still many codes now being written and deliberated and are underway for passage in the remaining months of our term.


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EDUKASYON an solusyon! The City Government of Naga believes that educating our constituency

will empower them and will help them improve their socio-economic status. Researches by World Bank and Asian Development Bank also show that investments in education have far-reaching, comprehensive impacts on sustainable and inclusive development.

Given this stand, the 11th Sangguniang Panlungsod of Naga unanimously enacted Ordinance No. 2015-011 indorsed and certified as urgent by Mayor John Bongat, which mandates the establishment and operation of the City College of Naga. Passed during our 77th Regular Session last Tuesday, January 3, 2015, the said ordinance seeks to further enhance the accessibility to quality education of our poor but deserving Nagueños.

Formerly called Camarines Sur Community College (CSSC), the college was established in July 1971 under the supervision of the Department of Education, Culture, and Sports. General supervision of the CSSC was transferred to the City Government of Naga through Ordinance No. 2003-034, enacted on March 19, 2003. On June 25, 2012, City Mayor John G. Bongat issued Executive Order No. 2012-015 manifesting the desire of the present administration to improve the CSSC, thereby renaming the same to Naga City Community College and establishing an Interim Board of Trustees which will study the possible expansion and enhancement of the college.

Under Ordinance No. 2015-011, the composition of the Board of Trustees of the City College of Naga is already appointed and its powers defined. Chaired by the city mayor and co-chaired by the soon-to-be-appointed City College of Naga President, the Board is comprised by the President of the College Faculty Association, President of the Supreme Student Council, President of the Alumni Association, Chairman of the SP Committee on Education, Chairman of the SP

TheCity

College of Naga

SPHIGHLIGHTS:

Committee on Appropriations, Executive Officer of the Metro Naga Public Employment Service Office, Executive Director of the Jesse M. Robredo Center for Good Governance and representatives from the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Metro Naga Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MNCCI) and Naga City People’s Council. The Executive Director of the Jesse M. Robredo Center for Good Governance shall also serve as the Secretary a the Board.

The Board of Trustees will meet regularly every quarter of the year. Subject to review and concurrence of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, they are given the authority to prescribe policies and rules for the administration of the City College of Naga, to receive and appropriate the funds appropriated to them by the city council and other amounts received through payments of tuition fee and donations, to establish academic and technical-vocational courses to be offered by the college, to appoint the college’s Acting President, Acting Vice President for Administration, Acting Vice President for Academics and College Registrar, to confirm appointments to the position of professor, associate professor

and instructor, to set policies on the decorum and behaviour of faculty, students and non-teaching personnel, and to fix the tuition and other fees required to be paid by the college’s students.

The Chairman of the SP Committee on Education, the Board Secretary, and the appointed Acting President, Acting Vice President for Administration and Acting Vice President for Academics shall constitute the Selection Committee which will appoint the professors, associate professors and instructors of the college. The Board, officers and teachers of the college will receive justifiable amount of monthly honorarium, subject to guidelines of CHED and the Commission on Audit. Funding of the college will be sourced from subsidies of the city government, tuition, and other fees paid by the students, as well as from donations of venerable citizens. For transparency, the college is required to submit an income statement for its mid-year and annual operations.

The City College of Naga is another milestone in ensuring that each and every Nagueño is equipped with the necessary proficiencies in uplifting their quality of life. Though the City College of Naga is open for admission of residents of other localities, our poor but deserving Nagueños may enjoy scholarship grants under the Naga City Tertiary Scholarship Program institutionalized under Ordinance No. 2010-063, authored by yours truly.

Soon, our vision of one college graduate per Nagueño household will be realized.


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As we strive to sustain and enhance our Maogmang

Lugar, the City Government of Naga has identified for this year an array of projects that will boost the socio-economic development of the city and will further cement the city’s status as the Queen City of Bicol. On January 27, 2015 during our 76th Regular Session, the 11th Sangguniang Panlungsod of Naga passed Resolution No. 2015-033 adopting the Annual Investment Plan 2015 and approving, therefore, the Capital Investment Projects to be funded by the Local Development Fund (LDF), Local Disaster Risk Reduction Fund (LDRRF) and those to be undertaken by way of borrowing and donation.

The Annual Investment Plan contains the specific programs, projects and activities that the city government will implement this year, including the corresponding project costs of each project. Amounting to P436,217,878.28, the Annual Investment Plan 2015 focuses on establishing a resilient, competitive and dynamic city.

Around 40 percent (P180M) of the total Annual Investment Plan is allocated to waste management projects. It is only natural that as a city progresses, it generates more waste, endangering ecological balance. The city government wishes not to wait idle and

Annual investmentplan 2015

SPHIGHLIGHTS:

do nothing until such time we are already faced with catastrophes, like the Payatas Tragedy in Metro Manila. Hence, we are moving aggressively to close the Balatas Dumpsite and to establish an alternative method for waste disposal and management, such as, among others, a waste to energy plant that will convert garbage to electricity. These projects are perceived to promote three major advocacies at the same time– 1) health and sanitation, 2) environment protection and 3) utilization of renewable energy.

To advance further the stature of Naga as one of the Most Competitive Cities in the Philippines, we have decided to invest P40M for the enhancement of the Naga City People’s Mall, P5M for the upgrading of the Naga City Abattoir, and P1M for the establishment of Migrants

Resource Center. These projects are projected to boost the service and agriculture sectors– primary drivers of Naga’s economy.

Due to the pressing issue of climate change, investments in disaster risk reduction and management is prudent. Given that Naga is frequently visited by typhoons, it is wise to allocate approximately P41M for building storm drainages in low-lying areas in Central Business District I. We also allotted P8.347M for the Naga River Rehabilitation Program, and another P7M for other disaster risk reduction and management projects. A related project to serve not only as an alternate route but also as flood control is the San Felipe-Calauag Circumferential road with available initial funding of P17.5M. Even if there is a non-stop rain due to climate change, it should be business as usual in Naga.

These developments, however, should trickle down to the grass-root level and be felt by our underprivileged fellowmen. With this, we set aside P5M, aside from the trust fund, for urban poor settlement development and another P12.176M for grassroots participatory budgeting projects. These amounts will be spent on projects aimed to empower the poor and, through focus intervention, uplift their socio-economic status.

The Annual Investment Plan 2015 seeks to improve the efficiency of existing economic enterprises, reduce costs of business transactions, shield the city from setbacks brought by calamities and, ultimately, attain inclusive and sustainable growth. By implementing the projects stated therein, Naga shall move forward another mile and, at the end of the day, will smile to the world.



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2015AnnualBudget

SPHIGHLIGHTS:

The past year had been filled with impressive gains for the city. We witnessed Naga’s tiger

economy roaring and exploring through bolder territories. Our city is becoming livelier and more vigorous as the service sector (e.g. IT/BPO, retail, tourism, and lifestyle) continue to thrive. Though there were some disturbances, our agriculture sector remains strong, especially our corn and flower production which have gained national recognition. Negotiations with foreign manufacturing companies are also on-going, signaling positive movements in this area.

With these developments, it is not unlikely that the city’s 2015 annual budget of P834,689,694.14 is 11% higher than last year’s (P751,377,318). Enacted during our first regular session this year, Ordinance No. 2015-001 appropriates 28.56% of this year’s budget to general administration services, 18.53% for social services, 19.64% for economic services, 10.64% for operating local economic enterprises, and 22.63% for special purpose appropriations and mandatory allocations (e.g. local development and calamity funds).

Aside from the usual scholarship and other assistance packages being given to the marginalized sector, Ordinance No. 2015-001 will finance development programs which include, among others, the construction of storm drainage systems and road networks, socialized housing for the

marginalized, improvement in waste management, enhancement of local economic enterprises and establishment of Migrants Resource Center for our unsung heroes– the overseas Nagueño workers. We also envision the reinvigoration of the South Riverfront Area (another identified growth area that includes territories of Barangays Sabang, Abella, Sta. Cruz, and Mabolo) to further enhance the city’s competitiveness and bring forth quality employment to our constituents residing therein. This development shall come along with our work on establishing the so-called

Central Business District III in the areas near Almeda Highway.

Given the prudent financial management of the city government, we believe that in the middle of 2015, more projects than the one outlined above can be done. The budget of around P835M is still expected to grow when our 2014 surplus is finally determined and declared. In contrast to the previous budgets, the 2015 Annual budget contains no beginning balance, pursuant to the recent order of the Department of Budget and Management. The 11% upsurge in our budget is mainly due to robust economic growth that is projected to generate an increase of P31.343 million in total tax revenues, P13.542 million in non-tax revenues and P24.138 million from operation of economic enterprises, such as the Bicol Central Station.

The 2015 Annual Budget is not only a manifestation of Naga’s sound and healthy finances, but is also an affirmation of the strong partnership between the public and private sectors. It is a signal that the decisions of the city government to empower the private sector and to invest in enhancing its capacity are finally bearing fruit.



DID you know that households with senior citizens are entitled to five percent discount relative to their monthly utilization of water and electricity?

According to specific provisions of RA 9994, or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010, such discount is granted provided that the individual meters for the said utilities are registered in the name of the senior citizen residing therein and that the monthly consumption does not exceed 100 kWh of electricity and 30 cu.m. of water.

The privilege is granted per household regardless of the number of senior citizens residing in that same household.

Senior citizens entitled to discounts

on water, power utilization bills

To avail of the discount under this Act, the senior citizen shall:

a. Apply for the discount personally or thru a representative. There shall be annual renewal of application to the utility provider.

b. Submit requirements:• Proof of age and citizenship• Proof of billing. Meter registration

should be in the name of the senior citizen for a period of one year• Proof of residence

Interested parties are advised to visit their respective LGU senior citizen office for further details and assistance.

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