The Red Flags are up

Let me end year 2012 with this picture of the red flags at the Cathedral.

Mayor Onald's message during Taragpo 2012

Mayor Ronaldo Aquino was invited to speak before his fellow Christi Regians during this year's Taragpo Grand Alumni Homecoming. Here's the text of his message:

Maupay nga gab-i sa atun ngatanan.

Tuguti ako niyo pagpadangat san pagpasalamat san mga miembro san atun host batch yana nga tu-ig, an CKC Batch 1992, an grupo nga Kadasig. Akun i-guin kakalipay ini nga honor nga iyo guin hatag agud magin kaparte ak san programa sini nga atun tinu-ig nga katitirok. Sugad man tuguti ako niyo paghatag special mention san akun mga batchmates, an CKC Batch 1978.

Para san usa nga lokal nga ehekotibo, labot la san paghatag san basic services, an higayun agud maka-atubang ug makapahamtang ngada san iya mga nasasakupan (o constituents) usa san mga buruhatun nga angay tagan san atensyon.

Indeed, this part which CKC Class 1992 has given me tonight is a chance for me to be in touch with my fellow Calbayognons. Tempting as it maybe, I would have wanted to use this opportunity to give you an update as to what Calbayog is doing; as to where Calbayog is going; as to what good news and developments there are in Calbayog. But tonight, I am more than just the City Mayor speaking in front of you, I am a Christi Regian who is speaking with you tonight. Sugad san akun guinyakan san iba ko nga speaking engagements dinhi sa Christ the King (College), akun i-guin kakalipay nga magin usa nga Christi Regian; ug akun i-guin kakalipay an pirmi pakigduyog sa iyo ngatanan nga mga anak sini nga venerable nga institusyon, an Christ the King College.

Sugad san pirmi natun guin bubuhat kada Taragpo, kita mag kukumustahay, kita magre-reconnect, we will renew the ties that bind us together as Christi Regians. Indeed, if I may rephrase a line from a song, “… every road will lead back to you, Christ the King College…”

Sa usa nga bahin, yana nga gab-i kun matapos na an atun excitement paghinulat kun sino nagdaog san first prize sa raffle; kun matapos na an butlaw san Batch 1992 ug magtikang na an kalisang san Batch 1993, atun paki-anhan an atun mga kalugaringon: hain na kita nga mga Christi Regians? How far have we gone to help our alma mater? And along that line, How far have we gone to help our beloved city of Calbayog?

Indeed it is an honor and a pleasure to be with all of you, the special breed of Calbayognons who take pride in being the children of this venerable institution. In Calbayog alone, we take pride in the fact that a good number of thriving local businesses are ran by Christi Regians; that a good number of officials, managers and employees who run the affairs of the Local Government are Christi Regians; that a good number of respected community leaders are Christi Regians; and that many of Calbayog’s movers and shakers are Christi Regians. Kun atun pag-iinu-inuhon, kun magkaka-urosa kita ngatanan nga mga Christ Regians, daku an atun mabubuhat ngada san atun minahal nga alma mater Christ the King college, sugad man ngada san atun minayuyo nga ciudad san Calbayog.

Early this year, when the Franciscans informed me about their plans to use a portion of the campus for commercial purposes, I admit I had mixed feelings. As the City Mayor, it meant that the establishment of a midsized mall along Magsaysay Boulevard will change the skyline of Calbayog, it will show progress in Calbayog, along that line is the employment opportunity for our fellow Calbayognons; and the taxes that it will be adding to the coffers of the city. On the other hand, the Christi Regian in me told me that this development will forever change the face of Christ the King College. And then, I remembered the call which I made to my fellow Christi Regians during Taragpo 2011: Just like any learning institution there is, Christ the King College needs us her Alumni. Christ the King College needs the help of her Children. Our Alma Mater needs the help of the Christi Regians. An Christ the King College naniningkamot na madugngan an iya enrollment ug nanginginahanglan pa san mga dugang na pasilidad.

The Franciscans needed to raise funds for the maintenance of the school and for the other needs of the Franciscan Province in the Visayas. I believe that I did my part as a Christi Regian when I said yes and supported the proposed development. I believe that it was my own little way of helping my alma mater. You may not be aware of it, this gymnatorium where we are holding our party tonight is one of the positive results of that development.

Sugad san guin sering ko san nakalabay nga tu-ig, yana nga gab-i akon na liwat gin-aaro dida sa iyo akun mga igkasi Christi Regians an aktibo nga suporta san mga larang pagpakaupay san aton hinigugma nga Christ the King College. Ug kaupod na sana an pangaro san iyo suporta san atun damu pa nga mag-upay nga larang para san ciudad san Calbayog. To CKC Batch 1992, congratulations on a job well-done. To CKC Batch 1993, good luck for Taragpo 2013. Ug sugad man ngada san atun mga Silver Jubilarians, an CKC Batch 1987. Sa atun mga golden jubilarian, CKC Batch 1962, may you have many more fruitful years ahead of you.

Salamat ug maupay nga gab-i sa atun ngatanan!

Marlou and Chiqui

Marlou Apilado and Chiqui Bolocon got married today. Their wedding mass was held at the Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral. Reception was held at the Ciriaco Hotel Pavilion.

Calbayog Chalet Inaugurated

Calbayognons investing in their hometown. Mayor Ronald Aquino as he took time to pose with some members of the Morallos and Remigio families. The occasion was the inauguration of the Calbayog Chalet. The structure is the first two units of the apartment complex which the Remigio family intends to put up in the sprawling Remigio property in Brgy, Balud, Calbayog City. In photo with Mayor Aquino are Ruby Remigio-Morallos, CKC President Bro. Ariel Manga, ofm, Fernando Mancol, City Budget Officer Geronides Mancol, Melvin Morallos, Oscar Morallos and Fr. Ronnie Asuero, ofm.

PNP, Comelec, private sector urge politicians, bets on peace covenant

Camp Ruperto Kangleon, Palo, Leyte - The Philippine National Police and the Commission on Elections together with the private sector are urging politicians and those who will be running in the forthcoming elections to join them in a peace covenant signing that will make politicians promise to abide by the law and ensure peaceful and orderly election by not engaging in the hiring of private armed groups. (read more ...)

Payao and Gill Net Project launched

Mayor Ronald Aquino today led the Turn-over Ceremony of Payao and Gill Net Project in Brgy. Bantian, Tinambacan District, Calbayog City. The event was attended by Mr. Teodolfo Castañas (Bantian Barangay Captain), Engr. Rolando Ay-ay (Samar Provincial Director of the Department of Agriculture) and Ms. Adela Ocenar (City Agriculturist), among others.

Barangay Bantian the first beneficiary of the said project. The said Barangay was given 80 pieces of gill net and materials to be used in the making of payao. Payao or arong is a floating structure topped with coconut fronds or some other materials that attract fish to stay under it. Payao can be set both in shallow water and deep sea areas.

This help was given by the government to encourage those illegal fisher folks to stop their illegal fishing activities that destroy the fish industry. They are expected to do their part in giving care and attention for the betterment of the fish industry in Calbayog. This is also one step for the restoration of what was once the good fishing industry of Calbayog City.

In his message, Mayor Aquino asked the fisher folks to ponder as to where the fish of Calbayog has gone. He also noted that 20 years ago, Calbayog City was the number one supplier of fish for Manila. 20% came from the other parts of the Philippines and 80% from Calbayog. He also left a very promising statement that he would help the small fisher folks in every way he can. He also mentioned that in 2013, the local government will give a 1.5 million-peso budget for the purchase of boats and a long nylon line with multiple fish hooks, an implement locally referred to as “kitang” that will be given to the small fisher folks that would be a great help in their living. (Fidel C. Cagomoc / CTIO Intern)

PRO8 partners with Church for peaceful May 2013 polls

Bishop Isabelo Abarquez confers with PNP-8 Regional Director PCSUPT Elmer Soria during a visit last December 8, 20132 at the Bishop's House. Present during the meeting were officers of PRO8's Regional Special Operations Task Force. (LSDE photo)

Camp Ruperto Kangleon, Palo, Leyte - The Police Regional Office 8 (PRO8) will be partnering with the Roman Catholic Church to help ensure the peaceful conduct of the midterm elections next year, especially in the province of Samar. (read more ...)

Images from the Opening of the 18th Halad sa Pasko Christmas Festival

As announced, the 18th Halad sa Pasko Festival formally opened last night at the Nijaga Park. The simple program included the lantaka competition and performances by some local artists. Here are some pictures during the event courtesy of the CTIO/Ian Baldomaro.

Councilor speaking on behalf of Mayor Ronaldo Aquino

The Obrero Pastoral Council Choir as they serenaded the crowd.

Water Purifiers for Calbayog

Mayor Ronaldo Aquino is shown inspecting one of the 5 water purifiers which the City Government received from the German Government through its GIZ Program. In photo with the City Mayor are CDRRMO Head Estanislao Cortado, Jr. and City Administrator Rosario Gonzaga (CTIO Photo by Ian Baldomaro)

Mayor Aquino attends WESADEF's Passing-On-the-Gifts Ceremoy

Mayor Ronaldo Aquino spent his birthday with the people of Barangay Bontay. He was the guest during the 4th Passing-On-The-Gift (POG) Ceremony which was spearheaded by the Western Samar Development Foundation (WESADEF). The ceremony is one of the good aspect of the program called "Promoting Family thru Sharing and Caring of Gifts". 

This project was made possible initially through the assistance of Heifer International - Philippines (the original donor of the project). It has continued with the support of the LGU through Mayor Ronaldo Aquino, the various donor families in Barangay Bontay and Barangay Dinabongan. The "gifts" that were passed on consist of Carabaos, Goats, Hogs, Mallard Ducks, Chicken, Agricultural Equipments, Seedling and matching fund.

The first POG was done in Brgy. Bontay on December 8, 2009. The 2nd POG was held in December 8, 2010 and the 3rd was in Barangay Dinabongan last March 6, 2012. As of yesterday, the gifts that the folks of Dinabongan  passed on to Bontay consisted of:

• 21 Carabaos (out of the target of 25 heads  )
• 41 goats (our of 75 heads target)
• 24 hogs (out of 55 heads)
• 200 Mallard Ducks (100%)
• 36 Chicken (out of the target of 150 heads)
• Agricultural equipment/supplies/tools (nylon nets, bolo, sprinkler, trimming shear, rake)
• Seedling
• Marching fund of Php 40,000.00

The said gifts will benefit 40 families in Bontay. They are expected to earn income out of these and in a way improve their economic prospects in life. The good stories said about this sustainable project include that of families who are now able to have enough income for their daily sustenance, extra money for home appliances, and helping sending their kids to school, among others.

In a few months time, another POG ceremony is expected to be held in other neighboring barangays as identified and and the beneficiaries already prepared by the WESADEF.

Happy Birthday Mayor Onald

Mayor Ronaldo P. Aquino will turn a year older today. Happy Birthday!

Senator Chiz in Calbayog

Senator Chiz Escudero and Mayor Ronaldo Aquino during a press conference at DYOG Radyo ng Bayan. Calbayog was one of the stops during Sen. Escudero's visit to the region.

The Celebrity hound struck again

My pix with Senator Chiz. Taken January 24,2009 and autographed yesterday, November 23, 2012. It was worth the wait. 

Say Chiz

Senator Chiz Escudero was in Calbayog today. I had the chance to ask him questions during a 20-minute interview over Radyo Natin-FM. The issues discussed ranged from texting and Christine Lagarde, to his advise to the youth of Samar and of course, Heart Evangelista.

Mayor Onald meets with fisherfolks of Barangay Bugtong

Nakadto yana nga adlaw si Mayor Ronaldo Aquino sa Barangay Bugtong agud makig diyalogo san mga mangirisda san nasabi nga barangay. Kaupod san mga isyu nga guinharampangan mao an kaparte san mga illegal fishers sa nasabi nga lugar.

San Pedro Calungsod in Calbayog

Bishop Isabelo Abarquez raises the replica of the Pilgrim Image of San Pedro Calungsod after it was turned over to the Diocese of Calbayog during the Pontifical Mass which welcomed the image of the 2nd Filipino saint to the Diocese of Calbayog. In photro with the Bishop are Rev. Fr. Cris Tan and Rev. Fr. Armando Cagomoc.

PRO-8 readies security plan for 2013 polls

Camp Ruperto Kangleon, Palo, Leyte - The Police Regional Office 8 (PRO8) is now preparing to ensure a peaceful and orderly electoral exercise next year. (read more ...)

The Celebrity hound struck again

Mr. Tony Meloto, the founder of Gawad Kalinga was in Calbayog last Sunday. As expected, the celebrity hound made sure he had a picture taken with Mr. Meloto.

Tony Meloto in Calbayog

Mr. Tony Meloto is in Calbayog. he was on hand as the main speaker in the Gawad Kalinga Multi-Sectoral Partnership Forum which was held at the Calbayog City Convention Center. Mayor Ronald Aquino joined the the good number of prospective donors as well as barangay folks who were invited to the event.
Here are some pictures I managed to take before the event.

Mr. Meloto with Atty. Eddie Gomez, Dr. Helen Gomez and Ms. Irene Pastrana.

Mr. Meloto with some members of the Calbayog LGU Choir. (l-r) Rosalina Nuevo, Roselle Esponilla, Salome Roleda, Irene Pastrana, Jinjin Cinco, Sarah Soterana and Gil Nuevo.

Sitti in Calbayog

A place of honor for Our Lady of Fatima

The structure near the cathedral which was constructed to house the image of Our Lady of Fatima was inaugurated today. The inauguration was preceded by a mid-morning procession and a Pontifical Mass which was presided over by Bishop Isabelo Abarquez. Invited to the event were  Mayor Ronaldo Aquino, the members of the family of Elena Tan and officer of religious organizations, among others.

Mayor Ronaldo Aquino and Mr. Marlon Tan as they carried the image of Our Lady of Fatima to its place.

Jobert and Jovelyn

Jobert Pido and Jovelyn De Guzman will get married today. Rev. Fr. Eduardo Bersamin, Jr. will preside over their wedding mass at the San Roche Mission Center Church in Barangay Dagum. Reception will be at the Helmut Kutin Hall of the SOS Techvoc Training Center.

Ace and Kristie

Horace Victor P. Hugo will get married to Kristie Dominique B. Masecampo. Their wedding mass will be held today at the Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral. Reception will be at the CKC Auditorium.

Rick-Rick and Brenda

Frederick and Brenda Uy will celebrate this 25th Wedding Anniversary today. Their wedding mass will be held at the Holy Infant Jesus Parish Church in Oquendo. Reception will be at the Calbayog City Convention Center.

Mayor Aquino's Charter Day 2012 Message

Mayor Ronaldo Aquino as he delivered his Charter Day Message at the City Hall stage

Mayor Aquino’s Message during the 2012 Charter Day Celebration

Delivered on Tuesday, October 16, 2012 at the Calbayog City Hall Stage

Theme: “Resptohon, Palangga-on, Alakapahon: Calbayog, Atun Ini!”

Maupay nga adlaw sa atun ngatanan. Happy Birthday Calbayog!

            Tugoti ako niyo pagpasalamat tungod san iyo presensya dinhi sini nga atun selebrasyon. Natu-o ako nga an iyo pag-atendir sini nga aktibidad yana nga adlaw dire tungod kay may guin palusad nga memorandum, kundi tungod kay nakiki-usa kam pagpakita san respeto ngada san atun minahal nga ciudad san Calbayog; nakikiduyog kam pagpalangga ug pag-alakapa san atun hinigugma nga ciudad san Calbayog kanay ika-64 nga ka-adlawan atun yana guin dudum-dom.

            As with the previous charter day celebrations, we have once again gathered here at the city hall stage to pay homage to Calbayog. Ug sugad san pirmi natun guin bubuhat, yana nga aga san atun pagsalin-urog san Adlaw san Calbayog 2012, mapaki-ana na liwat kita: Hain na an Calbayog?

Kun atun pag-iinu-inuhon, itun nga paki-ana matatagan san kumpelto nga batun pina-agi san usa nga State of the City Address. Sugad san guin bubuhat natun san nakalabay nga mga selebrasyon, ini nga tinu-ig nga Charter Day message san Mayor san ciudad baga na liwat an usa nga state of the city address  tungod kay nagigin higayun ini agud igpahibaro sa atun ngatanan an pipira nga mga pitad san lokal nga pan-gubienuhan san Calbayog ngada san kaupayan san bungto. Sugad man kaupod sini an pagpahinumdum nga ini ngatanan nahimo tungod san mga tinu-od nga intensiones o mga larang pagpaka-upay san Calbayog, ug labi na gud tungod san koopersayon o pagka-urosa natun ngatanan kanay mga kasing-kasing a-ada an ungod nga pag-ugop ug inop para san pagpaka-upay pa san atun hinigugma nga ciudad san Calbayog.

Kun hain man yana an sanhi anay Senate President Jose Avelino ug sugad man an sanhi anay Congressman Agripino Escareal, seguro ko nalilipay gadman sira san mga kaupayan nga atun hinay-hinay nga nakakab-at sa Calbayog. Dire pa man kita nakaka-lebel san mga highly-urbanized cities san atun nasud, pero an mga sinyales mao an nagpapakita san potensyal san Calbayog; potensyal nga nahikit-an san mga investors; ug potensyal nga angay panhimulusan ug proteheran natun nga mga Calbayognon.

During our Independence Day celebration last June, akun guin pulong nga usa na liwat nga identity an atun guin dugang para san Calbayog : Calbayog as a city on the rise to progress. Damu nga mga investors an interesado sa Calbayog. Ug base san feasibility study san usa nga banko, an Calbayog daku an potential for economic growth and for investments. Natu-o ako nga usa nga factor sini nga panhitabo mao an kamurayaw sa atun ciudad. Ini tungod san paniguro san atun kapulisan, kaupod na an koopersasyon san mga opiyales san ciudad ug barangay ug labi na kamo nga mga lumulopyo san Calbayog.

Much has been said about malls being constructed in the city.  Akun liwat i-guin kakalipay nga kaupod sini nga mga aktibidad nga nahatag higayun pangempleyo sa mga Calbayognon, ada liwat an maupay nga notisya kaparte san M.I.C.E. (Meetings, Incentives, Conventions and Exhibits) tourism. Hinay-hinay nakakatagamtam kita sini nga industriya pina-agi san nagtitika-damu nga mga Regional Conventions and Conferences nga guiin bubuhat dinhi sa Calbayog. Sa luyo nga bahin, an ciudad nag-gahin, ug mag gagahin pa pondo para san mga infrastructure sa atun mga tourist spots. Kaupod na dida an pagpaka-upay san Nijaga Park ug an paghimo san river walk; ug an development san Cardinal Rosales Plaza. Atun guihapon guinbabatun an panginahanglan kaparte san edukasyon pina-agi san atun mga tie-up programs sa DepEd ug iba pa nga mga liburan. Ada an atun cash-for-training-for-work program, sugad man an atun feeding program nga an larang mao an pagpaguti-ay san malnutrition incidence sa Calbayog. Ug yana nga adlaw atun guin launch an bag-o nga mga produkto san Calbayog nga paniningkamuton natun nga ma- sustain ini ug makahatag higayun pangempleyo o livelihood san atun mga igkasi-Calbayognon.

There are many more good things that can be said about Calbayog. The few things that I have enumerated were aimed at giving you an idea as to where Calbayog is going. Dire man umuyon an iba, pero natoo ako nga an Calbayog klaro an guin lalaktan; an Calbayog klaro an tadong nga dalan nga guin lalaktan. Making Calbayog a haven of peace and prosperity has been a dream not only of the city officials but a dream of all of us. And it has been the dream of Senate President Avelino and Congressman Escareal. It has been the dream of the officials before us. We may still be far from fully achieving our goals of a perfect place for every Calbayognon. But as I have just enumerated, slowly but surely we have inched out way to getting near these ideals.

Bisan nanu pa man atun mga kaladnganan, bisan nanu pa man kaupay an atun mga nakab-at, ini ngatanan makakawang kun mawara an kamurayaw sa atun ciudad. Ini ngatanan makakawang kun mawawara an pagka-urosa natun nga mga anak san Calbayog. Padayun kita pagka-urosa. Padayun kita paglarang san kamurayaw ug progreso para sa Calbayog.

Waray ungod nga magre-respeto san Calbayog, waray ungod nga magre-respeto san mga Calbayognon kundi kita manta nga mga anak san Calbayog; waray mag- papalangga sin ungod san ciudad san Calbayog kundi kita manta nga mga anak san Calbayog; waray mag-aalakapa san atun minayoyo nga ciudad san Calbayog kundi kita manta nga mga anak san Calbayog.

Salamat ug maupay nga adlaw sa atun ngatanan!

Adlaw san Calbayog 2012

Mayor Ronaldo Aquino as he delivered his message during this morning's Adlaw san Calbayog celebration.

from the LSDE: Calbayog marks 64th Charter Day today

Tacloban City - Mayor Ronaldo Aquino of Calbayog City will lead in today's celebration of the city's 64th Charter Day. (read more ...)

Mass Wedding at the Calbayog City Sports Center

Kaalinsunod san pag salin-urog san "Adlaw san Calbayog", guin pangunahan kanina ni Mayor Ronaldo Aquino an usa nga Mass Wedding. an nasabi nga aktibidad guin buhat sa Calbayog City Sports Center sa panguna san mga empleyado san Local Civil Registrar nga guin papanuglohan nira Mrs. Fe Queroljico ug ni Mrs. Leonor Aquino.

Tinapa 101 Cookfest

Tabo-an sa Plaza

In observance of the 64th Calbayog Charter Day Celebration, the Taboan sa Bungto opened today at the Julio Cardinal Rosales Plaza. The opening was led by Mayor Ronaldo Aquino. In photo with the City Mayor are CAFC Chair Mike Pedroso, Ramon Talahiban, City Agriculturist Adela Ocenar, Councilor Ver Porlares and Ass't City Agriculturist Guillermo Calderon.

The 2012 BLGF and REGATA-8 Regional Convention opens in Calbayog today

The Bureau of Local Government Finance (BLGF) Regional Office No. 8 in coordination with the Regional Association of Treasurers and Assessors (REGATA) 8 will be conducting the 2012 Regional Conference/Workshop on Local Government Units Performance Evaluation and Recognition of Provincial/City and Municipal Assessors and Treasurers and their Assistants of Region 8. The 3-day event will formally open this afternoon at the Calbayog City Convention Center. Mayor Ronaldo Aquino has been invited to deliver a Welcome Message.

A monument for Our Lady of Fatima

Tourism Quiz Bee for High School studes

The Bishop's Message for candidates

Images from my old hometown