While most of us have already gotten over the euphoria that often accompanies the new year, the chinese community celebrated this milestone only this 23^rd  of January. The Chinese are one of the most significant population in our country. This makes it easier for their customs and traditions to pervade our consciousness and for us to adopt them as our own. Celebrating the New Year according to their calendar is a way for us to show our respect for their culture and acknowledge their contributions in enriching the Filipino culture.

Here in Catbalogan, we observe this special occasion for all these reasons especially because we have come to know this group as our neighbours who have carved a niche for themselves in our community. While most of them have distinguished themselves in the field of business, the presence of the Filipino-Chinese Fire Volunteers’ Brigade is an example of their desire to reach out to the varied sectors of our society through public service.

This shows us that although the difference in dates may set us slightly apart from each other, we are all Catbaloganons sharing similar concerns, hopes and aspirations. As our Chinese brothers and sisters finally join us in the new year, it is my wish that they will finally move with us in one direction towards achieving better dreams for the city.

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

KUNG HEI FAT CHOY!

On January 19 and 20, 2012 at the SP Session Hall, the City Nutrition Committee would have met for the City Nutrition Planning Workshop for 2012 as initiated by City Nutrition Action Officer Ms. Herminia Cabral and Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee Chair on Health City Councilor Hon. Stephany Uy-Tan.

Members of the said committee are representatives from the academe, as well as from other national and local offices such as the Department of Interior and Local Government, City Planning and Development Office, City Treasurer, City Accounting, City Budget, City Engineering, City Social Welfare and Development Office, City Agriculture, City Health and from the Liga nga mga Barangay.

City Mayor Coefredo “Tekwa” Uy leads the celebration in anticipation of the Chinese New Year on January 23, 2012 through the performance of Delta Lion Dance Group of Tacloban City.

Kung Hei Fat Choi!

The National Youth Commission invites youth and youth-serving organizations all over the Philippines to register with the Commission’s Youth Organizations’ Registration Program. The YORP is the agency’s mechanism to establish a youth network in the country. “Lahat ng youth organizations sa buong bansa ay pwedeng magpa-register. Whether kayo ay national org, community-based, school-based, religious, out-of-school youth org, young professionals org, or youth with special needs org, lahat po ay pwedeng sumali,” says Commissioner Erwin Chua Andaya, who heads the YORP Program.

Commissioner Andaya says this is also the best time to link up with NYC as the YORP Policy on Registration has recently been revised to facilitate easier registration for youth organizations. “Konti na lang ang requirements para makapag-register sa YORP. Importante diyan, dapat kayo ay may at least 15 members na may edad 15-30 years old. Kailangan nyo lang i-submit sa amin ay registration form, directory of officers and members, and certification or endorsement ng school, baranggay, or simbahan,” says Commissioner Andaya.

While it is not a requirement to register with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Commissioner Andaya still encourages youth organizations to apply for a registration, “Importante din ang SEC Registration to gain the benefits and advantages of having a separate juridical personality,” Commissioner Andaya adds.

Through this nationwide registration of youth and youth-serving organizations, the Commission hopes to build linkages with the youth and facilitate a more active participation in its programs. “Kung registered kayo with NYC, mas madali kayong matutulungan ng agency sa trainings or workshops na kailangan ng inyong org para lumago at mas makatulong pa sa inyong community,” adds Commissioner Andaya.

To know more about the program and the requirements for registration (YORP and SEC) log on to www.nyc.gov.ph or call the Regional Youth Development Division at 781-2372 and look for Ms. Elsa Ledesma-Magdaleno.

The NYC was created in 1995 pursuant to RA 8044 otherwise known as the “Youth in Nation-Building Act”, as the policy-making, coordinating body of all youth-related institutions, programs, projects, and activities of the government. It is an attached agency of the President of the Philippines.

YORP_registration_form_3

Young People, City and School Officials along with other Catbaloganons from different walks of life got educated, enlightened and empowered during the 2011 World AIDS Day Commemoration and the Launching of the 2011 Christmas Festival through the Ceremonial Lighting of the City Christmas Tree at the City Plaza last December 01, 2011.

Dubbed as the “RED NIGHT”, the event started with a Foot Parade from the plaza and around major city streets that gathered participation from members of Junior Chamber International, Inc (JCI) Catbalogan Balud Chapter; students from different Elementary, Secondary and College Schools; various Youth Organization, Fraternities and Sororities; and the Stellar Society of Samar that came in colorful Mardi Gras costumes.

As the official World AIDS Day (WAD) Program commenced, a game show titled as the “1^st HIV and AIDS Mass Quiz” organized by WARAYA, got the students excited over answering seven (7) questions related to the commemoration of 2011 World AIDS Day. The WAD Program ended with the Ceremonial Send-Off of Seven (7) Red Lanterns that were hoisted by groups of stakeholders and partners. The red lanterns carried seven (7) Key Messages in support of HIV and AIDS Awareness and these were: (1) Take A Stand… Demand! (2) Break Free (3) End Stigma! (4) Reach Out; (5) Speak Up! Speak Loud! (6) Stay Positive! and (7) Our Choice! Our Right! These same key messages were worn by the organizers during the event, firmly promoting HIV and AIDS Awareness.

Waray-Waray Youth Advocates (WARAYA), being the lead organizer of the 2011 WAD is the pioneer youth organization advocating for Adolescent Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (ASRHR) in Samar and has been educating and empowering young people since 2004. Seven (7) questions during the quiz show, seven (7) red lanterns bearing seven (7) key messages, these sevens were part of WARAYA’s “Seven Eleven” Program in celebration of its 7^th Founding Anniversary.

Following right after the WAD Program was the 2011 Christmas Festival Launching, which started with some Christmas song numbers followed by the Christmas Tableau of cute preschoolers from Fun N’ Learn Preschool. In behalf of the City Government of Catbalogan, City Vice Mayor Art Sherwin L. Gabon gave a moving message of gratefulness, hope and the importance of family as the main reasons of celebrating Christmas. The highlight of the night was the actual lighting of the approximated 20-Feet Christmas Tree, followed right after by the 8^th Infantry Division, Philippine Army Stormtroopers Band that gave the accompaniment  of Christmas songs, filling the night with joy and warmth.

The Christmas Tree is situated on top of the canopy at the side of the plaza colorfully adorned with Parols commissioned from enterprising inmates from the Samar Provincial Jail and with nearly 500 colorful bulbs and several dangling lights brightening the City Hall façade.

Signaling the start of the 2011 Christmas Festival, several activities were launched on that eve and are being co-organized by different partners and stakeholders of the LGU. Starting with the “Wish Ko Lang”-inspired activity of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) City Federation through Federation President Hon. Dexter M. Uy with their activity “Hingyap Mo, Tatalinguhaun Ko!” which runs from December 01 – 11 catering to fellow young people aimed to share the Christmas spirit.

Making most of her passion for fashion, First Councilor Stephany Uy-Tan co-organizes with WARAYA, Samar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (SCCI) and the Department of Trade and Industry – Samar (DTI) for a unique fashion trade for a cause. On December 12 at New Maqueda Bay Hotel, the Fashion Show and Auction Event will highlight pre-loved and unique collection of various fashion apparel and accessories. From December 13-16 at the City Plaza, a Nightly Trade Bazaar will gather exhibitors of various used items on sale and all for a good cause. The organizers of the event has decided to donate a hefty percentage of the proceeds to several indigent families in Catbalogan as assisted by the City Social Welfare and Development Office through a combination of Noche Buena packages and some clothing items in time for Christmas.

Capping the festival is the “Panarit Pamasko: Christmas Carol Singing Contest” slated on December 14, 2011 at the City Plaza, expected to gather groups of singers and carolers sharing their melodic renditions of Christmas songs.

Anchored on the theme “Ha Pasko may Pagkaurusa, Paglipay ngan Pagpapasalamat!”, City Mayor Coefredo “Tekwa” Uy and the City Officials in coordination with different partners and stakeholders aim to ensure a festive and hopeful celebration of Christmas despite challenges and changes being faced. After all, this is indeed the season to be jolly!

The City Government of Catbalogan gears up for the upcoming 2011 Christmas Festival with the theme “Ha Pasko may Pagkaurusa, Paglipay ngan Pagpapasalamat!”

Christmas is about the season of giving, sharing and most of all thanksgiving for the blessings received. It is on this light that the City Government will open the month of December with much light and spirit with the Ceremonial Lighting of the City Christmas Tree on the eve of November 30, 2011 at the City Plaza.

Moreover, a Christmas Carol Singing Contest dubbed as “Panarit Pamasko” tentatively set on December 16, 2011 has been organized to enliven the warm season of Christmas. The contest is open to any groups of 15 – 30 members separately categorized into either those aging 18 years old and below and 19 years old and above. For more details, please find the guidelines below.

From weekly shows to contests and other gleeful activities, let us share the meaning of Christmas and the blessings to all Catbaloganons.

Samar Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Inc. recently turned-over two (2) units of Garbage Trailers to the City Government of Catbalogan in support of its “Clean and Green Program”.

Official turn-over was done at City Hall Lobby on November 11, 2011 and was represented by Mr. Titus Dano, Acting President of SCCI; City Mayor Coefredo “Tekwa” Uy in behalf of LGU-Catbalogan. Other witnesses were Engr. Meilou Macabare of DTI-Samar, other SCCI Board Members and Officers, City Councilors and other Department Heads of the City.

Engr. Macabare of DTI-Samar shared a message of support, being one the prime initiator of said partnership. Mr. Dano, Acting President of SCCI shared his message in behalf of all the officers of their organization while Sangguniang Panlungsod Committee Chair on Environmental Protection and Natural Resources Hon. Stephany Uy-Tan spoke in behalf of the City Government.

Indeed, it was one evident showcase of how successful partnerships can be made between the Public and Private Sectors for the betterment of the society.

The USNS Mercy Naval Team headed by Capt. Tim S. Hinman visited Catbalogan City last November 7, 2011. The team is scheduled to conduct medical and dental mission in June 2012. They inspected the City Health Unit, interviewed the Doctors and staff of the said department so as to be able to assess the capability of our health unit and also to be able to provide some equipment needed for the said medical mission.

Launched on 20 July 1985, US Naval Ship Mercy was commissioned on 8 November 1986 whose primary mission is to provide an afloat, mobile, acute surgical medical facility to the U.S. military that is flexible, capable and uniquely adaptable to support expeditionary warfare. Mercy’s secondary mission is to provide full hospital services to support U.S. disaster relief and humanitarian operations worldwide.

The first humanitarian assistance and training deployment of USNS Mercy was a four-month cruise to the Philippines on 1987. Over 62, 000 outpatients and almost 1,000 inpatients were treated at seven Philippine and South Pacific ports, which included Calbayog City. For 2012, Catbalogan City is set to be the scheduled port for its one-month humanitarian assistance that is expected to benefit not only the Province of Samar but the whole Eastern Visayas as well.

Approximately 500 runners coming from various government agencies, groups and organizations took part in the Run for the Youth 2011 last November 28. All the participants assembled at the City Plaza at around 6:00 where a warm-up exercise was supervised by the PNP to better prepare them for the race.

This fun-run was divided into two categories, namely Category A with a distance of 1.5 kilometers for participants aged ten (10) years old and below, and Category B with a distance of 3 kilometers, which was opened to participants aged eleven (11) years and older. The second category started at the City Plaza and finished at the 8ID Grandstand.

The fun-run was organized by the City Government in partnership with the Eighth (8^th) Infantry Division, the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) City Federation, Junior Chamber International – Balud Chapter and the Waray-Waray Youth Advocates (WARAYA). It served as an opening salvo for the Youth Leadership Summit (YLS) which was to formally open on this same day.

The City Government and the 8^th Infantry Division (8ID), represented by City Mayor Coefredo T. Uy and  8ID Commanding General Major General Mario F. Chan respectively, signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) last September 22, 2011 at the Sangguniang Panlungsod to facilitate the retention and expansion of Camp Vicente Lukban in Catbalogan City.

Both parties have agreed to retain Camp Lukban or 8ID in its present site in Brgy. Maulong with plans to expand its base to seventy (70) more hectares located in the camp’s adjacent area, to be used as additional training facility for soldiers. City Vice Mayor Art Sherwin had described the agreement as mutually beneficial as it will bring added income for the city.

The MOA to ensure Camp Lukban’s stay in Catbalogan City stemmed from previous moves to transfer its facility to Sta. Rita, a municipality 13 kilometers from the capital. Although the said move was approved and preparations made in 2010, the plans were stopped due to a resolution passed by the City Council last March of this year. The preferrence for Catbalogan City as the site of Camp Lukban has to do with the accessibility of resources making it more convenient to perform important transactions. The strategic location will also make it easier for them to respond to security threats and answer problems concerning the transport of supplies and other logistics.

Aside from the enhanced security that the project can bring to the locality, the city is also looking at an opportunity to boost local economy. Both the current and soon-to-be added facilities will have a total administrative and operational cost equivalent to the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA) of a sixth class city. This is expected to create additional employment as well as more income for the local business sector.