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