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!