BROD SANDY, SA IYONG KAARAWAN... PARA SA IYO, ANG SANAYSAY NA ITO!

Sa udyok ng mga kasamahan sa media ay nabuo ang paglikha ng artikulong ito bilang pasasalamat ng mga nabibilang sa propesyon na sa alin mang kaparaanan, malaki man o maliit, ay naalalayan ng isang personaheng ang makapag-lingkod ang tanging pakay.

Hawak niya ang susi hanggang sa kaliit-liitang detalye ng bawat ulat, kaganapan at mga breaking news sa Lunsod ng San Pablo at karatig-bayan. Tanungan at nagsisilbing Clearing House ng mga balitang bago pa lang nangyari at kasalukuyang nagaganap, na mabisang sangkap ng mga kasamahan sa hanapbuhay upang makaagapay sa deadline ng kanilang pahayagan.

Katotohanan lang na walang tamang akala sapagkat marami ang nagkakamaling isa siyang kawani ng lokal na pamahalaan. Dahilan ito ng kanyang direktang pakikipagtalastasan sa lahat ng opisyales ng lokal na pamahalaan, mula kay Mayor Vicente B. Amante, Sangguniang Panlunsod, ABC President Gener B. Amante, Congresswoman Ivy Arago, Gobernadora Ningning Lazaro at pinuno ng bawa’t departamento tungo sa mga karaniwang empleyado. Isa lang siyang mediaman na kailan ma’y hindi nagkaroon ng item sa pamahalaan at ni minsa’y di lumitaw ang pangalan sa payroll ng lunsod.

Malawak ang kanyang network na umaabot sa kasulok-sulukang bahagi ng mga barangay. Direkta rin siya sa kanyang pakikipag-ugnayan sa mga opisyales nito particular sa mga barangay chairmen. Ito ang kung bakit ang isang ulat ay nabubuo niyang isulat ng kagyat, na higit na mas una sa lahat. Subalit bukas-palad naman niyang ipinamamahagi ang mahahalagang impormasyong ito.

Lubhang importante ang mga bagay na ito sa antas ng propesyon ng mga nasa media at ang halaga ay hindi kayang turingan.

Kaya Brod, Kapatid, Kasamang SANDY BELARMINO sa darating na MAYO 13, sa pagsapit ng kaarawan ng iyong pagsilang sa mundong ibabaw HAPPY BIRTHDAY at nawa’y sapitin mo pa ang mas maraming kaarawan. Kailangan ka ng media profession, ng mga indigents na iyong pinaglilingkuran at ng bayan for His everlasting Glory. (NANI CORTEZ/ Pres. 7LPC)

THE GESMUNDO FOUNDATION

San Pablo City - Many Filipino immigrants in United States, upon receiving their green card, return to the country to dispose or convert their real estate properties for its fair cash value to avoid the inconvenience or whatever discomfort it might bring as future American citizen. But not San Pableño couple Jess and Antonina Gesmundo of Barangay Sta. Catalina who had preserved what they left behind as permanent link of the past, trying times of hard works into the present outpouring blessing to the present and future.

The couple maintains their ancestral home sprawled on a one-hectare lot at their Sta. Catalina’s property. Jess works as an insurance broker while Antonina is a medical doctor in their new settlement. The overhead maintenance didn’t bothered them considering even the real estate taxes to a property that will not bear economic gains. But idle as it is, it gave them inspiration derived from an instinct that haunts their mind as placing it hopefully for a useful future advocacy. They were right after all, with bountiful harvests ahead!

Having been successful in the United States, the couple would not or could not ask for more but share their blessings. They founded and registered at the State of Missouri THE GESMUNDO FOUNDATION eight years ago, converting their Sta. Catalina property to a modest library equipped with text books cataloged from generalities to Philosophy and Psychology, Religion, Social Studies, Language, Natural Science and Mathematics and Applied Science.

What’s truly amazing is the reference books section. Name any encyclopedia this modern world has ever published and there can be no private library as complete as The Gesmundo Foundation Library. Nobody wouldn’t even imagine seeing the replica of the First Edition of Encyclopedia Britannia published in 1768 on its shelves.

The Library Building amidst the well kept lawn has its own story to tell. Its pathways leading to semi-complete pavilion honors the Gesmundo offspring. The Cristina and Clarissa Lanes are for daughters who are both medical doctors while the Celsus Kiet Lane is for hijo de familia who is still pursuing a medical course and are all settled in USA. Their success can really be pictured from a well-bred family.

The Gesmundo couple together with Clarissa are now in town not for a routine visit nor for a vacation break but to share their blessing to the less fortunate kababayans. They have just finished donating personal computers to different schools in the city’s “Horseshoe District”. The family foundation brought numerous medicines and medical supplies enough to sustain their ongoing 2-day medical and dental missions.

They are leaving for USA soon but their love to San Pableños according to Jess and Antonina will stay. The couple, although both semi-retired once there, will resume to value precious man-hours – the key of their success in the land of milk and honey, a trait worthy of emulation of men and women who treasure Filipino heritage. (NANI CORTEZ/Pres. 7 Lakes Press Corps)

SAN PABLO MAYOR PRIORITIZES TOURISM PROMOTION

San Pablo City – Mayor Vicente Amante of this city has announced that his administration will prioritize the promotion of tourism, believing that San Pablo City has the potential to become a prime tourist destination in the Southern Tagalog region.

The mayor said that to realize this goal, the city government will concentrate on enhancing and improving the famous seven lakes of San Pablo City, foremost of which is Sampaloc Lake.

Amante is closely coordinating with different agencies to work with the city government in the rehabilitation of the lake as well as the relocation of informal settlers within its vicinity.

He added that Sen. Loren Legarda has already pledged P3 million from her countrywide development fund for this project.

Aside from this, the mayor is also coordinating with various offices of the Laguna provincial government for the activities and projects that will enhance local tourism.

The city chief executive noted that a healthy tourism industry will generate employment for residents.

“During times of economic difficulties marked by high incidence of poverty, it is only appropriate that projects on livelihood be given top priority to promote the economic development in the locality.

Amante said his administration is currently studying the feasibility of constructing a diversion road to support and promote local trade and industry in the city.

The mayor stressed that he will seriously enforcing discipline among motorists particularly tricycle drivers to decongest the flow of traffic in the city, avoid accidents and prevent any untoward incidents. (RS/Manila Bulletin/April 26, 2008)

KABATIRANG PANGLUNSOD

Sa ika-5 termino ni Mayor Vicente B. Amante bilang Local Chief Executive ay lalong naipakita at naipabatid sa mga mamamayan ng San Pablo at sa buong daigdig ang mga proyekto, programa at matagumpay na pamamahala nito dahil sa isinasagawang maayos at epektibong desiminasyon ng Tanggapan ng Kabatirang Panglunsod o City Information Office. Nasa larawan ang bumubuo sa tanggapang ito (L-R-front row) Pedrito D. Bigueras, City Information Officer Leo Abril, Emer Alcos (Sports Coordinator), Ramil Buiser, Jonathan S. Aningalan, Alfonso Banaag, Nancy Vidal at Gerry Flores. (7LPC)

MAYO 7, FOUNDATION DAY ng SAN PABLO CITY

San Pablo City – Ipinagdiwang ng lunsod na ito ang ika-68 taong foundation day sapul ng matatag sa bisa ng Commonwealth Act 520 noong May 7, 1940 na isinulong ng mambabatas na si Kgg. Tomas D. Dizon sa pambansang assembleya.

Sa pangunguna ni Mayor Vicente B. Amante, ang apat na araw na selebrasyon ay sisimulan sa Mayo-a-kuatro ng Kabyaw sa Kalikasan na itataguyod ng San Pablo Seven Lakes Jaycees, dalawang araw na pakikiisa ng United Pastoral Council na katatampukan ng Youth Jamboree at Battle of the Bands, kaalinsabay ng Sportfest ng mga kawani ng lokal na pamahalaan.

Pararangalan sa Mayo 6 ang 10 natatanging San Pableño ngayong taong ito, na nakapag-ambag sa ibat-ibang larangan at nakapagbigay ningning sa lunsod. Isang misa ang gaganapin sa mismong araw ng pagdiriwang na susundan ng parade sa liwasang bayan. At sa gabi ay ang nakagawiang Santakrusan na pinagdarayo ng mga turista.

Si Don Potenciano Malvar ang unang nahirang na punong lunsod na sinundan ng anim pa bilang pagtalima sa City Charter, kung saan nakasaad din ang pagkakaroon ng halalan noong 1955. Ang unang halal na city mayor ay si Kgg. Cipriano Colago na nanungkulan noong 1956 hanggang 1959.

Sa kasaysayan ng lunsod ay hawak ni Amante ang record na pinakamaraming beses na nahalal bilang alkalde sa pang-limang termino hanggang sa kasalukuyan.

Bilang pagpupugay ay idineklara na ng Tanggapan ng Pangulo na special non-working holiday ang Mayo a-siete sa lunsod na ito kaugnay ng nasabing pagdiriwang. (Seven Lakes Press Corps)

PARENTING

According to my late mentor Mrs. Sonia S. Roxas, one of the greatest and noblest vocation is parenting. This she would always tell her students during break time or at the start of her classes. I remember she told me one time she is contemplating on writing a book about Parenting but unfortunately, it did not materialize because she joined her Creator in the prime of her years.

In my 36 years on earth as a mother, I realized there is no exact formula for perfect parenting. There are variance to be considered one of which is human nature. Every person is unique even the so-called identical twins are not actually identical.

Lucky are the children blessed with parents who received correct parenting when they were young because chances are they will surely do just the same. Unfortunately, those whose parents grew up in an atmosphere of negativisms have the tendency to pass on to their kids their bitter experiences.

If my memory serves me right, Mao Tse Tung in his famous Red Book said, “It is the social being that determines the consciousness of a man and not his consciousness to determine his social being”. I guess he is partly right because environment has a great contributory factor in rearing a child.

No child would grow up without getting out of the house unless (s)he is an invalid. Outside, he would meet a lot of people from different walks of life and would interact with them in the process. They would hear strange languages some of which are taboo and not acceptable to their parents. They would see matters not seen at home. Some kids would experiment on things not allowed like cigarettes and wines. Sometimes they would venture on the “extremes” just for the heck of it and these often lead to a more dangerous games like pre-marital sex, sometimes drug.

Parents need to be cautious and tactful. They should be sensitive too. It is a must for parents to communicate with their children during their tender years not when they are already adults. I think it was Benjamin Franklin who said that a mind of a child is like a sponge. It can easily absorb new things and parents must be aware of this.

The formative years of a child range from age zero to seven. This is the most critical period according to experts. The behavior acquired by a child during this period is lasting hence proper guidance is extremely necessary.

Now that we are confronted with multifarious enigma caused by corruption in government like shortage of rice, high cost of living and all things similar, good parenting would help in a way assuage the “pain” among their children. This is a challenge I’m leaving to parents like me. (MEL B.C. EVANGELISTA/Laguna Courier/April 28-May 4, 2008)

8th M2K ECO-YOUTH CAMP, SUPORTADO NG BRGY. SAN CRISTOBAL

Nasa larawan ang buong pamunuan ng Brgy. San Cristobal sa pangunguna ni Brgy. Chairman Benjamin "Benbong" M. Felismino. Dalawang beses kada buwan simula ng maupong Punong Barangay si Felismino ay isinasagawa ang kanilang regular na pagpupulong para sa kapakinabangan ng kalakhang San Cristobal. (SANDY BELARMINO)

San Pablo City - Suportado ng Sangguniang Council at ni Brgy. Chairman Benjamin M. Felismino II ng Brgy. San Cristobal ang matagumpay na pagtatapos ng 8th M2K Ecological Youth Camp na isinagawa noong Abril 28 hanggang Abril 30 taong kasalukuyan.

Pinatunayan ng pamunuan ng Brgy. San Cristobal na ang ganitong adhikain, maliit man o malaki, ay mahalagang suportahan ng lokal na yunit ng barangay lalut higit ang isinagawang eco-youth camp ng M2K Mountaineering and Outdoor Club na sa nakalipas na walong taon ay walang humpay na isinasakatuparan.

Sa nasabing okasyon ay nagbahagi ng kanilang kasanayan ang Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau ng DENR sa pangunguna ni Bb. Angelita P. Meniado, Chief, Wildlife Management Section hinggil sa importansya ng mga ibong mandaragit (raptors) at iba pang mga kauri nito para sa kapakinabangan ng ating kagubatan at kalikasan.

Ang kahalagahan ng tubig, pinagmumulaan at pangangalaga nito ang tinalakay naman nina G. Al Genove ng San Pablo City Water District at Dr. Dalisay Fernandez ng Philippine Council for Aquatic and Marine Research and Development (PCAMRD). Nagbahagi rin si 1Lt. Lyndon Del Rosario (PAF), 202nd Infantry (Unifier) Brigade ng pagtalakay sa kahalagahan ng liderato o kasanayan sa pamumuno ng isang kabataan.

Lumahok sa nasabing youth camp ang mga kabataang nagmula mismo sa Brgy. San Cristobal; Kabalikatan Inc. (San Pablo Federation); MSC Computer School; mga leader kabataan ng Brgy. Lawagin, Nagcarlan, Laguna at mga kabataang kaanib ng M2K.

“Tamang kaalaman sa kasalukuyang nangyayari sa kapaligiran at mga alternatibong gawain ang isang mabisang paraan ng pagtuturo sa mga kabataan, kung kaya’t sa personal na kapasidad bilang punong barangay ay patuloy kaming sumusuporta sa ganitong mga gawain” ang naging pahayag ni Chairman Felismino sa mga nagsipagtapos na kabataan. (APC/SAB-7LPC)

WHAT'S INSIDE A LOSER'S MIND?

I was told to write a feature article about the Division Spelling Contest but every time I attempted to write, it was always an editorial that I was able to develop. Funny how it happened because I very well know the difference between the two. After I crumpled my last masterpiece of opinions , I felt ready to start with my feature story. That's it. I just have to release my reactions and my opinions first before I can start with my assigned task (those opinions are unsolicited anyway).

I started retrieving in my memory bits and pieces of what took place in the contest. I was there alright, but I must admit that I did not focus on the winners. Actually, I did not bother to take down their names and so I can't remember even one . While the winners were being awarded, I told myself that the long journey has ended and those are the children whom He chose to win . He did not include the pupil from the school that I run. For whatever reason, only He knows. After claiming His divine power and knowledge over us, I contented myself feeling happy for the winners.

As I was trying to look back to that day, the faces of the losers kept flashing in my memory. Sorry, I can't help but notice them for fear that they might have mirrored mine. There were different faces yet displaying one distinct emotion. How would a contestant feel when she loses? Definitely, not happy. But the faces do not just express sadness but extreme sadness. Yes, it was written all over their faces! I understand them. Preparing for the Spelling Contest was not easy. In fact, it was as if fishing in the deep blue sea. There were no words given to review. No specific books to serve as references and no idea of what these words within the grade levels are. It's not only that. Naming the letters in a certain word is not enough. One has to consider capitalization rules, learn the possessive forms, compound words and homonyms. Therefore, before one must start spelling a word, she must listen attentively first to the sentence and be sensitive enough as to how the given word was used. See, winning in this contest is really a hard earned glory.

At this point, I remembered what Miss Gutierrez, the former regional supervisor in charge of the private schools and special education said in the seminar that I attended years back. She said that, one of the characteristics of the gifted pupils or intelligent pupils is the difficulty in spelling words I oppose to the idea and at the same time suppose that everybody will agree with me. Apparently, spellers are intelligent enough to know and apply all the skills that I mentioned awhile ago.

With one or two mistakes, must losers claim that they do not qualify to the description? I overheard a boy telling his mom that he does not know why he was eliminated. Curiosity made my ears focused to their conversation with hope that his query be satisfied. After a while, the teacher in-formed them of the boy's mistake. The boy, after hearing what the teacher said, told her mom that he was not wrong anyway. In fact, he knows the correct spelling of the word. He could have spelled the word correctly had he heard the word clearly. He mistook the word for another word. A major reason to feel extreme sadness knowing it was his only mistake. Can we judge him as less intelligent than the rest? I would like to think that this thing happened for some reason. Maybe the Lord is teaching him the value of listening and so he must take (maybe we may consider also) his experience as another thing to remember in joining a contest… listen very well !

Losing really punches a blow on one's heart. Feeling sorry is but natural. Feeling extreme sadness is not. Reality is, pressure is also bombarded on the child's mind. Remember that children have enough bur-den put upon their shoulders in preparing for any contest. Let us not add pressure to them, instead, teach the children to accept defeat with smiles on their faces.

What took place last March 17 was not the last spelling contest in the Division of San Pablo City. As long as there is the Seven Lakes Association of Southern California, the contest will not end. Let us prepare our children not only intellectually but also emotionally. Let us instill in their minds that it is best to win but it is alright to lose once in a while. Let them bear in mind that there is always somebody better than each one of us, and in that particular Spelling Contest, those somebody happen to be not them nor us. Losing is just a matter of acceptance.(THE WEDNESDAY HERALD/4-23 to 4-29-2008/kristel iris estrellado)

SEVEN LAKES ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA SPONSORS DIVISION SPELLING BEE

“I take pride and joy to be a part of the Annual Division Spelling Bee sponsored by our organization for the Grades I to VI pupils in public school of San Pablo City since 1980. This program aims to motivate and inspire our young learners to strive for excellence, develop effective study habits and skills, acquire discipline, and increase their desire and love to LEARN”.

These words were uttered by Ms. Aurea “Teena” Ticzon Estiva, the president of Seven Lakes Association of Southern California, L.A. County, USA., last January 18, 2008 during the 6th Biennial Convention of Seven Lakes International held at G&E Pavillon, Brgy. Concepcion, San Pablo City.

She further acknowledged the unrelenting effort of San Pableños abroad to actively and dedicatedly carry on the commitment to serve the kababayans especially the youth- the future of the city.

As evidence of this commitment, the association handed P65,000 for this year’s Spelling bee which was held at San Pablo Central School last March 17. Major winners from each grade level received certificate and cash prizes ranging from P4,5000 to 800 while their coaches received up P1,000 to P450. Nobody went home empty-handed because all 42 participants and 42 coaches from the seven districts received their equitable share of the cash prizes.

Like the previous years, this event remains the most awaited academic competition because of the prestige and the monetary reward that go with it. Everybody feel the suspense and excitement filling the hall as the judge-pronouncer Education Supervisor I-(English), Rosario N. Robielos almost run out of words for the contestants who proved to be well-prepared.

Department of Education-San Pablo City and the San Pableños will be forever thankful to the Seven Lakes Association of Southern California, L.A., County, USA, for the gift of service and commitment to the future hope of the city. (THE WEDNESDAY HERALD 4-23 to 4-29-2008/Lorna C. Cataag, mjees school head)

EDUKASYON, MAHALAGA SA MGA BILANGGO

Nasa larawan si Maj. Wilmor T. Plopinio City Jail Warden at ang kanyang mga tauhan ng dumalo ang mga ito sa lingguhan flag raising ceremony ng Lunsod ng San Pablo.


San Pablo City – Ang dormitoryo ng BJMP District Jail sa lunsod na ito ay disenyo para lamang sa 150 detainees subalit sa kasalukuyan ay 301 napipiit kung saan ang 29 ay kababaihan na pawa namang mayroon ng sapat na gulang.

Ito ang ipinahayag ni Chief Inspector Wilmor T. Plopinio, City Jail Warden nang siya ay mag-ulat sa flag raising ceremony noong lunes ng umaga sa City Hall.

Pinahahalagahan ni Plopinio ang ginagawang pakikipag-tulungan ng pangasiwaang lunsod para maging maayos ang kanilang isinasagawang pagkukupkop sa mga napipiit o pinipigil doon na may mga usaping dinidinig sa mga hukuman sa lunsod na ito, tulad ng pagsagot sa buwanang bayarin sa kuryente at tubig, gayon din ng pagkakaloob ng office supplies, sa dahilang wala ito sa budget ng Bureau of Jail Management and Penology.

Maging ang Department of Education ay nakikipagtulungan upang ang mga interesadong detainees ay maipagpatuloy ang kanilang pag-aaral sa ilalim ng Basic Alternative Learning Program, kung saan 54 ang ipinagpapatuloy ang kanilang pag-aaral sa lebel ng elementarya upang sa kanilang paglaya ay maging handa sa pagtataguyod ng mga malinis na hanapbuhay, tulad ng pagninegosyo at iba pang kinikilalang gawain na nabibilang sa informal sector ng paggawa.

Maging ang iba’t-ibang sector ng lipunang ay may patuluyang palatuntunan upang sa araw-araw ay magkaroon ng mga religious services dito na malaking tulong upang ang mga napipiit ay magabayang dumaan sa matuwid na pamumuhay sa sandaling sila ay lumaya na, pag-uulat pa ni Major Plopinio.

Sa pakikipagtulungan ng City Health Office, nabatid na ang kalusugan ng mga napipiit sa District Jail ay maayos na napapangalagaan, at may mga non-governmental organization na naghahandog ng mga kinakailangan nilang gamot, kaya ang lahat ng karapatang pang-tao ng mga detainees ay napapangalagaan, at ito ay mapatutunayan ng mga namumuno sa City Parole and Probation Office na regular na dumdalaw sa kanilang mga karsel. (Southern Tagalog Herald/7LPC)

68th FOUNDATION DAY NG SAN PABLO CITY

Itinatag ang San Pablo bilang lunsod noong Mayo 7, 1940 sa bisa ng isang batas na pinagtibay ng National Assembly na Commonwealth Act 520, na isinulong ni Assemblyman Tomas Dizon sa Pambansang Asembleya.

Sa nakalipas na 68 taon ay pinamahalaan tayo ng labing-apat (14) ng city mayor kabilang ang mga naging appointed at mga halal na punong lunsod. Ang mga naging appointed mayor ay sina (1) Dr. Potenciano Malvar 1941; (2) Dr. Manuel Quisumbing, 1941-1943; (3) Kgg. Tomas D. Dizon, 1943-1946; (4) Kgg. Alfonso Farcon, 1946; (5) Dr. Fernando Bautista, 1946-1948; (6) Kgg. Marciano Brion Sr., 1949-1952; (7) Kgg. Artemio Fule, 1952-1953; at (8) Kgg. Tomas D. Dizon, 1954-1955.

Si Mayor Tomas D. Dizon ay nakadalawang termino ang appointment, marahil ay dahil na rin sa pagpapahalaga sa kanyang mga nagawa at naitulong sa lunsod ng pitong lawa

Alinsunod sa batas ay mula 1955 ang alkalde ng lunsod ay nararapat nang ihalal ng mga San Pableño. Ang pinaka-unang halal na punong lunsod ay si (1) Kgg. Cipriano Colago, 1956-1959; (2) Kgg. Lauro D. Dizon, 1960-1963; (3) Kgg. Zacarias A. Ticzon, 1964-1967; (4) Kgg. Cesar P. Dizon, 1968-1986; (5) Kgg. Vicente B. Amante, 1992-2001; at (6) Florante L. Aquino, 2001-2004.

Nahalal muli at nanungkulan si Mayor Zacarias A. Ticzon noong 1986-1992 at si Mayor Vicente B. Amante noong 2004 at 2007 para sa kanyang ika-4 at ika-5 termino. Sa pagtatapos ng huling termino ni Amante ay siya ang pinakamaraming ulit na inihalal ng mga San Pableño na magkakaroon ng habang 18 taon.

Ang mga naging vice mayor naman ay ang mga sumusunod: (1) Zacarias A. Ticzon, 1960-1963; (2) Cesar P. Dizon, 1964-1967; (3) Pedro Magcase, 1968-1971; (4) Palermo Bañagale 1972-1980; (5) Jimmy M. Gonzales, 1980-1986; (6) Celia Conducto-Lopez, 1986; (7) John Henry “Binky” A. Potenciano, 1988-1992; (8) Danton Bueser, 1992-1998; (9) Leandro Castillo, 1998-1999; (10) Lauro G. Vidal, 1999-2007 at (11) Martin A. Ilagan, 2007-hanggang kasalukuyan.

Sa mga naging pangalawang punong-lunsod na nahalal na alkalde ay sina Ticzon at Dizon, samantalang si Bueser ay nahalal na kongresista ng ikatlong distrito ng Laguna. Si Aquino ay naging kongresista muna bago nahalal na punong lunsod. Ang dalawang kongresista ay kapwa ginapi ni Amante sa pagka-alkalde ng San Pablo.

Personahe lang ang binilang ng pitak na ito kung kaya’t ang mga nakapagitang termino nina Ticzon at Amante ay hindi na natin isinama sapagkat ang mga nauna at sumunod na panunungkulan ay ginampanan kapwa ng iisang tao.

Ito ay isang aral pang-kasaysayan ng San Pablo, handog ng may akda sa mga istudyante ng Lunsod, na buhat pa sa lumang baol ng pitak na ito. HAPPY 68th FOUNDATION DAY. (sandy belarmino)

EMPOWERMENT OF BARANGAY OFFICIALS

After the passion and emotion filled Barangay Elections, as usual the winning candidates have to sit down and start charting the courses of action they have to take in managing the affairs of the Barangay. The local honchos have lots of matters to consider.

Foremost is to name the support staffs that will be responsible in carrying out the day to day activities. Good for some who have been in the position for long, the set up is already in place. Those neophytes have to learn the nitty-gritty of the little bureaucracy. Even the Barangay have its laws and regulations to learn and to follow in the strict sense..

As we trace the evolution of the Barangay to the present,in term of political responsibility and governance Barangay officials have been empowered. They are autonomous in term of budget expenditures so to meet the basic necessities of the Barangay constituents’ . Sanggunian can enact ordinances and enforce them too, be it penal in nature of revenue generating measures..

Barangay officials are in the forefront in the maintenance of peace and order. They have to be effective in conciliation, mediation or arbitration of cases mandated by the Local Government Code to be heard by the Lupon as precondition to filing in court. Hundreds of thousands of petty cases which could otherwise clog the docket of the court had been disposed off. The efforts spare the contending parties of the expensive and unpleasant task of litigation. For the initiative, the police are no longer saddled of going to every Barangay just to attend to every little complaint. The Tanods have effectively performed its shares of responsibilities as supervised by the elective officials.

The DSWD relies so much to Barangay Officials in monitoring and supervising children in conflict with laws. Lacking as it is in support personnel and facilities, the barangay officials are the repository of many headaches of DILG. The statute (RA 9344) requires the creation in every Barangay- Barangay Child Protection Council.

RA 9262 gives the Punong Barangay likewise through the Lupon the power to issue temporary protection order in an effort to curb abuses of men against their wives former wives or sweetheart be the relationship is legitimate or illegitimate. To this includes also excesses against their children.

Empowerment is one of the principal components of effective governance. The autonomy makes the officials more dependable, independent and responsible. They rely less on the meager support of the municipal or city officials. But empowerment entails being effective, efficient and responsive in management. To be empowered means using power, discretion and prerogatives sensibly and with accountability. To the uninitiated such is a great responsibility, a heavy burden but to the personality with vested desire the awesome is the power at the disposal to wield.

The power is not there to abuse. It is there to serve the people. It should be used for effective governance. There are parameters and defined standard actions in accord with the laws. It should guide every official.

To guide the elected officials to become effective and to give true meaning to the empowerment, the first action taken by the President of the Association of the Barangay Council (ABC President) Gener B. Amante upon his assumption to office is to educate them. Education is the best medicine for knowledge deficiency.

Seminars and workshops were undertaken under the auspices of the DILG. Armed with the new found learning the Barangay Officials buckle down to work. They are more confident now and can be counted to keep our institutions running. Smoothly. (SANDY BELARMINO/7LPC)

PROCLAMATION NO. 1459

MALACAÑANG
Manila



BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES


PROCLAMATION NO. 1459


DECLARING WEDNESDAY, MAY 7, 2008, AS SPECIAL (NON-WORKING)
DAY IN THE CITY OF SAN PABLO


WHEREAS, Wednesday, May 7, 2008, marks the Foundation Day
Anniversary of the City of San Pablo.

WHEREAS, it is but fitting and proper that the people of the City of San
Pablo be given full opportunity to celebrate the occasion with appropriate
Ceremonies.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, EDUARDO R. ERMITA, Executive Secretary, by
Authority of Her Excellency, GLORIA MACAPAGAL-ARROYO, do hereby
Declare, Wednesday, May 7, 2008, as special (non-working) day in the City of San
Pablo.

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the
Seal of the Republic of the Philippines to be affixed.

Done in the City of Manila, this 7th day of February, in the year of Our
Lord, Two Thousand and Eight.

By authority of the President:


(SGD.)
EDUARDO R. ERMITA
Executive Secretary


By the Executive Secretary:

(SGD.)
JOAQUIN C. LAGONERA
Senior Deputy Executive Secretary

SISTER CITY AGREEMENT

AGREEMENT made this 17th day of April, 2008 by and between the VILLAGE OF BOLINGBROOK, in the STATE OF ILLINOIS, the UNITED STATES OF AMERICA.

The CITY OF SAN PABLO also known as the CITY OF SEVEN LAKES in the PROVINCE OF LAGUNA, REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES.

WHEREAS, after friendly consultations and wishing to enhance mutual understanding and friendship between the American and Filipino peoples; and

WHEREAS, the two cities have agreed to deepen friendship and understanding through trade, education, cultural, science and technology, and commercial exchanges; and

WHEREAS, the cities desire to promote common development and prosperity; and

WHEREAS, the countries have established a goal of strengthening the ties of friendship between the Philippines and the United States of America; and

WHEREAS, the cities hold the firm belief that this SISTER CITY AGREEMENT will contribute to the peace and prosperity of our two countries and the world.

NOW THEREFORE, the CITIES OF BOLINGBROOK and SAN PABLO do hereby agree:
1. To pledge and cooperate with each other as Sister Cities.
2. To maintain contract between officials and relevant departments to facilitate cooperation and continued exchange of communication on matters of common concern.
3. And to bond and commemorate this understanding, we hereby agree to name a street in SAN PABLO, LAGUNA after “BOLINGBROOK” and to name a street in BOLINGBROOK, ILLINOIS, “CITY OF SEVEN LAKES”.

WE HEREBY affix our signatures and corporate seals, this 17th day of April, 2008.





(SGD.)
ROGER C. CLAAR, MAYOR
BOLINGBROOK, ILLINOIS
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA

(SGD.)

VICENTE B. AMANTE, MAYOR

SAN PABLO, LAGUNA

REPUBLIC OF THE PHILIPPINES

BOLINGBROOK AT SAN PABLO, SISTER CITY NA

BIG BROTHERS- Buo ang tiwala sa isa’t-isa nina San Pablo City Mayor Vicente B. Amante at City of Bolingbrook Mayor Roger C. Claar makaraang lagdaan nila ang kasunduan sa pagtatatag ng sisterhood accord sa pagitan ng dalawang siyudad.


San Pablo City - Nilagdaan kagabi ang kasunduan sa pagitan ng Bolingbrook City, Estado ng Illinois USA at Lunsod na ito ang isang accord upang matatag ang kapatiran sa seremonyang ginanap dito.

Layunin ng sisterhood agreement na mapalawak ang unawaan ng mga mamamayan ng dalawang siyudad bilang kanilang bahagi sa kapayapaan at pag-unlad ng daigdig.

Pinangunahan ni Mayor Roger Claar ang delegasyon ng Bolingbrook kasama ang ilang opisyal na may kinalaman sa edukasyon, planning at kapulisan. Naglibot sa buong lunsod sina Claar maaga pa lamang upang dalawin ang ipinagmamalaking pitong lawa ng lugar na ito, sampu nang plantasyon ng niyog kung saan finish product nang dumarating sa kanilang bansa.

Ikinatuwa ng delegasyon ang mainit na pagtanggap sa kanila ni Mayor Vicente B. Amante at Sangguniang Panlunsod na may kaangkupan sa seremonya, higit pang ikinalawak ng unawaan sa larangan ng kalakalan, edukasyon, aghan at teknolohiya, at komersyo.

Bilang unang hakbang isang kalye sa lunsod na ito ang pinangalanang Bolingbrook, samantalang mag-aalay din ang nasabing lunsod ng City of Seven Lakes Street bilang pagpapahalaga sa siyudad na ito.

Ang paglagda nina Amante at Claar ay sinaksihan nina Mayor Nicholas E. Churnovie ng Crest Hill at Mayor Joseph N. Cook Jr. ng Channahan City ng Illinois, USA.

Ang delegasyon ay binubuo nina Lindsey M. Claar, civic leader; Atty. James S. Boan, village attorney; Mr. Talat Rashid, businessman; Ms. Sandy S. Swinkunas, village trustee; Mrs. Sandra Rae Calcagno, Elementary School Asst.; Ms. Libby Runge, Planning Commissioner; Mr. Steven A. Quigley, Liason Officer; Arch. Richard W. Snyder, builder; Mr. Prem T. Lalvani, Commissioner of Police and Fire Board; Ms. Bernadette Encarnacion, Businesswomen at Dr. Mesuri na isang industrialist. (SANDY BELARMINO)

IMMERSE TO THE RESORTS OF SAN PABLO AND SEARCH ITS MYTHS

Visitors of resorts in San Pablo can totally enjoy the mirth it offers if they can discover the unique stories of their simple beginnings, where synopsis will spark splendor. Summed up by aspiration accomplished through patience and perseverance.

Each resort has its own story to tell unparalleled by any plot of whoever playwright though events may be subtle but just the same, the human interest behind is inviting, that clamors universal appeal. Resorts, big or small in this city, rests on solid foundations where legends though untold are interesting discovery and fine as any other success story one can hear and learn.

Its name will suggest how it got started. This year’s run-away winner as best resort in the province was once a garden, supplier of ornamental plants and grasses for best landscapers in Manila. It eventually became family rendezvous during weekends until it indulged to the wishes of the clan that a swimming pool be built.

Even then, indulgence was not that easy. The owner had to take into account the financial aspect of the facility yet when there is passion positively visualized, the tough gets going. Honoring his grandmothers on both sides, Mr. Alex Emlano labeled it MARIA PAZ Royale Garden Resort at Barangay Sta. Filomena (Banlagin).

Faith established TIERRA DE ORO Hotel and Resort in Barangay San Antonio (Balanga) along the stretch of Km. 89 Maharlika Highway. Tourism statistics in the city was still blurred, project study was based to none yet faith always beat science. Atty. and Mrs. Marius Zabat have faith in their venture, they have on tourist discriminating taste, they have faith on fellow San Pableños and they have faith in themselves. When faith to a vision resides, nobody will ever fail.

The impetus is for nature, built primarily as butterfly habitat, DIOKO’S BUTTERFLY FARM and RESORT gained well-deserved prominence out of this extra-ordinary sanctuary, it housed insects that symbolized flowering plants, later with other wild life and fowls, this resort is one of the best thing to happen in Brgy. San Joaquin and to City of Seven Lakes as well.

With a heart that listens, heart that understands and heart that cares ROCKPOINT HOTEL and RESORT is the city’s last hurrah. Owned and operated by Antonio Family at Brgy. San Antonio 2 (SAPA), this resort-hotel offers personalized service at its best, so tempting for tourist to end their journey to rest and relax, on modern ambiance yet with environment of tranquility. In fact its an edifice with a heart.

Enjoy the cool and calmness of resorts in San Pablo City and immerse to search the myths. (SANDY BELARMINO/7LPC)

PRODUKSYON NG PAGKAIN, PATULOY NA PINASISIGLA

Muling tinagubilinan ni Alkalde Vicente B. Amante ang Office of the City Veterinarian, at ang Office of the City Agriculturist upang higit pang pasiglahin ang kanilang pagsasakit na mapatatag ang industriya ng paghahayupan sa lunsod na ito, kaalinsabay ng paghikayat sa marami pang magsasaka ng magtanim ng gulay at iba pang halamang madaling mapag-anihan at pagkakitaan.

Masasabing nagtatagumpay sa lunsod na ito ang paglilingkuran ng Tanggapan ng Beterinaryo ng Lunsod sa pagsasagawa ng mga malawakang pagbabakuna ng iba’t ibang hayop, kasama na ang pagbabakuna ng mga aso laban sa rabis, upang manatiling matatag ang pagpaparami at pagpapalaki ng baboy, bagama’t isang katotohanang maliiit na ang kita sa pagbababuyan dahil sa patuloy na tumataas ang halaga ng pakain, at maging ng gugulin sa pangangalaga ng kalusugan ng mga alagaing hayop.

Sa panig ng Office of the City Agriculturist, magaganda ang mga punlang napaunlad dito, tulad ng hybrid Rambutan, Longkong at Doko na nakakahawig ng lansones, langka, at iba pa, na kung sisinupin ang pagkakatanim ay magandang pamuhunanan sa hinaharap. (7LPC)

MALAPIT LAMANG ANG HIGH SCHOOL SA MAG-AARAL- ADMIN AMBEN

Sa mga palatuntunan ng pagtatapos na dinadaluhan ni City Administrator Loreto “Ambern” S. Amante, bilang personal na kinatawan ni Alkalde Vicente B. Amante, pinapayuhan niya ang mga nagsisipagtapos ng elementarya na magkaroon ng pagkukusa at pagmamalasakit na makapagpatuloy ng pag-aaral sa high school, sapagka’t dapat tanggapin ang katotohanang ang pagkakaroon ng high school education ay susi para ang isang tao ay magkaroon ng magandang pagkakataon para sa ipagkakaroon ng matatag na hanapbuhay at maayos na pamumuhay sa hinaharap. Ayon sa kanya, “ang pagiging high school graduate ay isang tulay paliban o patawid sa magandang pagkakataon.”

Naniniwala si Amben Amante na “Ang edukasyon ang pundasyon at haligi para sa matatag na hinaharap ng mga kabataan” o “I share the belief that Education is the foundation and pillar of our children’s future:”

Ipinaaalaala ni Amben Amante na dito sa Lunsod ng San Pablo, sa ilalim ng pangangasiwa ni Mayor Vicente Amante, ay nakapagbukas ng sampung (10) yunit pa ng mataas na paaralan, kaya ngayon ay mayroon ng 14 high school campuses sa buong lunsod, kaya ang lahat ng tatapos ng elementarya na residente ng lunsod ng San Pablo ay kayang lakarin na lamang ang pinakamalapit na mataas na paaralang kung saan nila maipagpapatuloy ang pag-aaral. Hindi pa sila malalayo sa pagsubaybay ng kanilang mga magulang.

Sa inyo namang pakikinayon sa barangay na ito, ay inyong ipagpatuloy ang inyong aktibong pakikilahok sa mga gawaing nayon,sapagka’t ito ay bahagi ng ating karapatan, at ang bawa’t karapatan ay may kalakip na pananagutan. (ret/7LPC)

MOBILE CLINIC: 3 TAON NA NG SERBISYONG PANGKALUSUGAN

Ang San Pablo City Mobile Clinic, na isang refurbished tourist bus na pinasinayaan noong Marso, 2005, sa pangunguna nina Mayor Vicente B. Amante at Dr. Coronado M. Dikitanan ay isa na ngayong institusyon sa paghahatid ng mga paglilingkod na pangkalusugan sa mga kanayunan ng Lunsod ng San Pablo. Ito ay isang huwarang palatuntunang pangkalusugan sa Katimugang Tagalog na kinikilala ng Dept. of Health, Dept. of Social Welfare and Development at ng Dept. of Interior and Local Government. (7LPC)

KAISIPANG AMANTE, NASA LAW BOOK NA

San Pablo City – Ang ipinaglaban noon ni Mayor Vicente B. Amante na dapat magbayad ang mga utility company, tulad ng Manila Electric Company (MERALCO) sa lawak o yunit ng pamahalaang lokal na kanilang pinaglilingkuran ay nasa law book na.

Magugunita na noong nasa kanyang second term si Amante ay nagharap siya sa Regional Trial Court ng paninindigan kaugnay ng nasabing usapin. Dahil sa pagtutol ng Meralco sa hatol ng RTC ay nakarating ito sa Korte Suprema.

Marso 25, 1999, sa desisyon ng Korte Suprema ay kinilala nitong halimbawa o huwaran para maipadama ang “kapangyarihan ng yunit ng pamahalang lokal na mapangalagaan ang kanilang pananalapi bilang isang korporasyong municipal.”

Ang naging desisyong ito ng Korte Suprema, San Pablo City vs. Reyes, General Report No. 127708) ay kalakip na sa isinaaklat na “Case Law on Local Autonomy and Local Governance” na inihanda nina Alberto C. Agra at Vincent Edward R.Festin, mga kilalang law practitioner at law educator ng Metro Manila.

Sang-ayon naman kay Senador Edgardo Angara na kinikilalang legal luminary sa bansa, dating Executive Secretary ng Estrada administration, at dati ring pangulo ng University of the Philippines System, ang nabanggit na isinaaklat na Case Law on Local Autonomy and Local Governance ay mayamang gabay para sa mga local government administrator.

Aniya, ang usaping “San Pablo City vs. Reyes” ay ilang ulit na nabanggit bilang batayan o jurisprudence sa pagbalangkas ng mga kapasiyahan sa pangangasiwa ng isang yunit ng pamahalaang lokal na may kaugnayan sa pananalapi at tamang paniningil ng buwis. (RET/7LPC)

BRIEFING ON "COOP PESOS" ISINAGAWA NG CCO

San Pablo City- Patuloy na nagsasagawa ang pamunuan ni Mayor Vicente Amante, sa pangunguna ng City Cooperatives Office (CCO), ng mga programa at proyekto upang maisulong ang sektor ng kooperatiba ng lunsod at higit pang mapaunlad ang mga kasalukuyang rehistradong kooperatiba.

Isa na rito ang pagsasagawa ng briefing on “COOP PESOS” (Compliance Operations and Mgt.,Plans and Programs, Portfolio Quality, Efficiency, Stability, Operations, Structure of Assets) sa pamumuno nina Acting Coop. Officer Concepcion “Beth” Biglete at sa pakikipagtulungan na rin nina G. Hector Capuno, Pangulo ng Saint Paul Cooperative Union (SPCU) at ni Bb. Nonie Hernandez ng Cooperative Dev’t Authority (CDA).

Dumalo ang 43 opisyales ng iba’t-ibang kooperatiba sa lunsod na ito noong Abril 8, 2008 sa gawi ng ABC Training Center, City Hall Compound, kung saan naging resource speaker si Dev’t Specialist II Celeste Castro ng CDA.

Layunin ng COOP PESOS na makasumite ng tama at kumpletong Cooperative Annual Performance Report (CAPR) upang mabigyan ang mga kooperatiba ng Certificate of Good Standing at hindi rin makansela ang kanilang rehistro sa CDA. Pamamaraan din ito upang mabigyang linaw sa mga kasapi ang organizational at financial status ng kanilang kooperatiba. (Jonathan Aningalan/CIO)

SCIENCE AND MATH TEACHERS---WE NEED YOU!

SAN PABLO CITY SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL needs Science and Math majors to teach the City's select students.

If you are a LET-passer, proud to show your TOR and passionate about excellence, then you are the teacher for SPCSHS. Please get in touch with Mrs. Helen Ramos, Science Supervisor of the DepEd Division of San Pablo City at SPCSHS, DLSP Campus, Barangay San Jose or call (049) 800-0904 / 09053243512.

POLITICAL SACRILEGE, NARATING NA NI AMANTE

Sa isang media forum na aking nadaluhan, kahanga-hanga ang ipinamalas na talino ng naging resource speaker nang maraming nagtanong ng ika nga’y “any topic under the sun” na labas sa paksang kanyang tinalakay.

Ito’y mga tanong ukol sa geography, history, science, mathematics, religion at iba pang bagay na wala sa alinman sa aking nabanggit dahil kahit birthday o date of death ng mga lokal at banyagang bayani ay alam niya at nasagot ng buong husay.

Kakaiba ang itinanong ng isa na marahil ay nais siyang subukan. Ito ay tungkol sa “Political Sacrilege”. Aniya, ang “Sacrilege” ay terminong ginagamit sa mga banal na bagay, na magkakasala ang sino mang sakaling iugnay sa walang kapararakan. Doon niya sinimulan ang malinaw na paliwanag.

Mula sa kaisipan ng resource speaker ay napag-alamang bago pa lamang ang salitang ito na napapa-ugnay sa pulitika kung kaya’t hindi pa palasak na “synonyms of literary terms”. Sa kanyang pagpapatuloy ay binanggit niyang katulad ng mga banal ay hindi rin dapat batikusin ang isang opisyal ng pamahalaan na may sacrilege sapagkat ang mga ito ay may sarili nang pedestal.

Nilinaw rin niya kung paano ito natatamo. Ang political sacrilege ayon sa kanya ay hindi biglang nakakamit dahil ito ay ang maingat na pamamahala at paglilingkod ng isang public servant, na sa katagalan ay “you have touched the lives of all your constituencies with more than half of the total number directly reaping benefits and classified as satisfied.”

Dito ko naalala ang nabasa ko sa isang lokal na pahayagan ilang taon lang ang nakakalipas na si Mayor Vicente B. Amante ang tanging may sacrilege sa mga city mayor ng Timog katagalugan. Tama kung ganoon hindi man naipaliwanag sa lathalain kung paano ito natamo ni Mayor Amante, dahil nagkaroon ng problema sina Mayor Ramon Talaga ng Lucena, at dating Mayor Fred Corona ng Tanauan at Mayor Joey ng Sta. Rosa.

Marapat banggitin na ang kasalukuyang nakikinabang sa pagiging sacrilege ni Mayor Amante ay ang mahigit na 12,000 maralitang mag-aaral ng Main and Public High School Annexes na kanyang napagyaman at naitatag; ang daang libong maralitang mamamayan ng lunsod na nabiyayaan ng libreng konsultasyon ng City Health Office, ang mahigit na 3,000 mag-aaral ng Dalubhasaan ng Lunsod ng San Pablo (DLSP); ang libo-libong mamamayan na nakatanggap ng libreng gamot at ayuda ng matagumpay na indigency program; ang mga regular and casual employees ng city hall at ang 80 barangay ng Lunsod ng San Pablo.

Kung sa hinaharap ay may bagong synonyms of literary terms na lalalabas at mauuso na hihigit pa sa terminong “political sacrilege” ay nakakatiyak na ito’y muling iuugnay kay Mayor Vicente B. Amante. (SANDY BELARMINO/VP seven lakes press corps)

A TALE OF TWO LADIES

Theirs are public lives that could be summed-up with simplicity, poise and silence yet at the other side they could pro-actively deliver beating their male counter part, yet again they remain humble as if telling everyone, these work loads should have to be done, while others dare the tasks, no other choice shouldn’t be left undone.

These are their common traits as silent performers, they humbly deliver fanfare in the name of public service benefiting their constituents, be at the city or countryside. Let’s discover more the natural talents in them.

CONGRESSWOMAN IVY ARAGO-

How many times has you heard when anybody says: “I wouldn’t run for congress if it’s Ivy I had to beat”. He may be right, Cong. Ivy is hard to beat. She’s tough and even tougher at the homestretch. She works hard and aims even harder if the situation suggests. She sets her goal and seemed tireless till she accomplishes it. She never stops and won’t settle for anything less.

There are some of her in-born qualities so who would beat that? Her mindset is focused on where she is needed most. No excuse, no complain and won’t even surrender if what she’ll do she thinks is right. There’ll be even no reluctance on her part even if it will mean crossing the seas, traveling by air or walking on the trails, just to get to where the problem is.

There’s no problem big or small that escapes attention for her strict scrutiny. She was Chairman of the Committee on Water of the City Council when the necessity of Public hearing arises. She needed background information for the committee she heads, she trekked the trails of Malabanban Water Shed , climb mountain for the technical knowledge and in return the committee hearing went on as scheduled with corresponding legislation made.

Her energy to reach people is an asset. No barangay was too remote, no house was too far and no voters are too few in her campaign sorties the fact that she meets more people above all others combined. It always pays off. She top the councilors’ derby in 2004, then surprised political heavyweights last May 2007 in her quest for the congressional seat.

San Pablo City’s Sangguniang Panlunsod loss is Laguna’s Third District gain but nobody as saying goes ever go too far on literal stiff neck. She makes it a point to turn back whenever necessary.

The fate of thousand workers at Franklin Baker Co. benefited from her caresses. Before anyone else took notice, she was in Singapore talking to its new owners, conserving the little amount of chances to save the company from closing shop. Negotiations are still ongoing. No wonder Cong. Ivy continues to live up from her constituent’s expectations. She always enhances the pulse of the people. Lately she responded to the calls of majority of San Pableños’ dream when she filed HB 2662 in Congress. She’s on the track to people’s aspiration, a return of seven wonderful lakes to the city and its populace who really own them.

Kudos to Beauty and Brain Congresswoman Ivy Arago!


COUNCILOR ELLEN T. REYES-

This woman shines from among her peers as public servant, as silent achiever on her own right, a complete epitome of her advocacies, a career woman who feels her day to be empty if her accomplishment is nil as she is a replica of what a model woman in public service should be. Her worthy activities uplifted many in the past, yet remains unweary until now and surely the days to come.

Councilor Ellen T. Reyes didn’t run to be a city legislator, she was rewarded by her achievements , pushed forward by her simplicity, compounded by outstanding deeds as she was prevailed upon to assume a seat at Sangguniang Panlunsod, though even then as candidate she was considered as run away winner.

As workaholic. Coun. Ellen’s policy is hands on everything she does. She’s quite particular even to the smallest details so as to make sure the results will be in its nearest perfection. Her industry and talents compliments compatibility which put all things in right order. She may not know that she’s an object of envy as a result of her passion for completeness.

When she’s not around in her 6th storey-suite office at City Hall Building, it doesn’t mean she’s not working, when SP is not in session it doesn’t mean inactivity or anywhere around the City Hall compound it doesn’t mean she hibernating because chances are, she’s in her kingdom in a secluded place called Women Center where her advocacies began.

She’s always there busy training housewives, she’s there to change lives of her constituents and she’s there giving hope to the unemployed. she’s always there giving her share a war against poverty, a mandate she imposed upon herself for love of mankind.(SANDY BELARMINO)

SULAT NI TATAY AT NANAY

Sa aking pagtanda, unawain mo sana ako at pagpasensiyahan. Kapag dala ng kalabuan ng mata ay nakabasag ako ng pinggan o nakatapon ng sabaw sa hapag-kainan, huwag mo sana akong kagagalitan. Maramdamin ang isang matanda. Nagse-self-pity ako tuwing sisigawan mo ako.
Kapag mahina na ang tenga ko at hindi ko maintindihan ang sinasabi mo, huwag mo naman sana akong sabihan ng bingi, pakiulit na lang ang sinabi mo o pakisulat na lang. Pasensya ka na, anak. Matanda na talaga ako.Kapag mahina na ang tuhod ko, pagtiyagaan mo sana akong tulungang tumayo,katulad ng pag-aalalay ko sa iyo noong nag-aaral ka pa lamang lumakad.

Pagpasensyahan mo sana ako kung ako man ay nagiging makulit at paulit-ulit na parang sirang-plaka. Basta pakinggan mo na lang ako. Huwag mo sana akong pagtatawanan o pagsasawaang pakinggan. Natatandaan mo anak noong bata ka pa? Kapag gusto mo ng lobo, paulit-ulit mo ‘yung sasabihin, maghapon kang mangungulit hanggang hindi mo nakukuha ang gusto mo. Pinagtiyagaan ko ang kakulitan mo.

Pagpasensiyahan mo na rin sana ang aking amoy. Amoy-matanda, amoy-lupa. Huwag mo sana akong piliting maligo. Mahina na ang katawan ko. Madaling magkasakit kapag nalamigan, huwag mo sana akong pandirihan. Natatandaan mo noong bata ka pa? Pinagtiyagaan kitang habulin sa ilalim ng kama kapag ayaw mong maligo.Pagpasensiyahan mo sana kung madalas, ako’y masungit, dala na marahil ito ng katandaan. Pagtanda mo, maiintindihan mo rin ako.Kapag may konti kang panahon, magkuwentuhan naman tayo, kahit sandali lang, inip na ako sa bahay, maghapong nag-iisa. Walang kausap. Alam kong busy ka sa trabaho, subalit nais kong malaman mo na sabik na sabik na akong makakuwentuhan ka, kahit alam kong hindi ka interesado sa mga kuwento ko. Natatandaan mo anak, noong bata ka pa? Pinagtiyagaan kong pakinggan at intindihin ang pautal-utal mong kuwento tungkol sa iyong teddy bear.

At kapag dumating ang sandali na ako’y magkasakit at maratay sa banig ng karamdaman, huwag mo sana akong pagsawaang alagaan. Pagpasensiyahan mo na sana kung ako man ay maihi o madumi sa higaan, pagtiyagaan mo sana akong alagaan sa mga huling sandali ng aking buhay. Tutal hindi na naman ako magtatagal.Kapag dumating ang sandali ng aking pagpanaw, hawakan mo sana ang aking kamay at bigyan mo ako ng lakas ng loob na harapin ang kamatayan.At huwag kang mag-alala, kapag kaharap ko na ang Diyos na lumikha, ibubulong ko sa kanya na pagapalain ka sana ... dahil naging mapagmahal ka sa iyong ama’t ina.


(alay ng seven lakes press corps sa mga tatay, nanay at lalut higit ay sa mga anak na nakakalimot at nagpapabaya sa kanilang mga magulang. Hindi pa huli ang lahat… ipadama natin sa ating tatay at nanay ang tunay na pagpapahalaga at pagmamahal Malay natin baka ito na ang kanilang huling taon… malay din natin baka ito na rin ang huli nating taon. SANDY BELARMINO/7LPC)

TAAS, PACMAN, TAAS

Simula ng sumikat si Manny Pacquiao o si Pacman sa larangan ng boksing, isa ako sa milyong Pilipinong naging tagahanga niya. Hinangaan ko ang kanyang sipag, tiyaga at determinasyon sa paglikha ng pangalan sa bansang itong unti-unti nang inaangkin ng mga sinungaling, mapagsamantala at iba pang pinunong may hangaring pansarili lamang. Inaasahan kong siya na nga ang modelong Pilipino, na makahihikayat ng pagbabago. At ikinatuwa kong siya’y mahirap ding tulad ko.

Nang makatikim siya ng unang knockout sa kamay ni Rustico Torrecampo, wari bang hiyang-hiya siya habang tinatanggap ang pagkatalo. Lalong tumindi ang paghanga ko sa kanya, pagkat nasinag ko ang kanyang kababaang-loob. Parang nakita ko sa kanya ang isang bahagi ng aking pagkatao, na taglay rin ng maraming mahirap na kababayan ko.

Nasilip ko sa kanyang maskuladong dibdib ang pusong bakal sa sandali ng pakikihamok sa ibabaw ng ring, pero malambot na gulaman pag sa pagtugon sa karaingan ng mahihirap. Di ko malilimot ang isang Pasko kung kailan namudmod siya ng pera at bigas. Nang maubos ang saku-sakong bigas, umorder pa siya ng walumpong sako (kung di nagkakamali ang memorya ko). Naitanong ko sa sarili: “Siya na nga ba ang Pilipinong pag-asa ng mahirap? Kung gayon, dapat palang mapalapit ako sa kanya.

Pero, nagkaroon ng duda ang aking paghanga sa kanya ng tumakbo siyang congressman. Gusto raw niyang tulungan ang mga mahal niyang kababayan kaya nilabanan ang kinakapatid na si Cong. Darlene Custodio. Natalo siya at palaga’y ko’y hindi siya dapat magtampo. Baka gusto lamang ng kanyang mga kababayan na ilayo siya sa mundong mahirap makilala kung sino si Hesus at sino si Hudas.

Malas sa pulitika, buenas naman sa ibang bagay si Pacman. Hindi maiwasan ang ako’y mainggit nang makita ko ang “rushes” ng “Anak ni Kumander” kung saan ang nguso niya’y nagbigay ng matulis na istreyt sa malambot na lips ni Valerie Concepcion. Milyong beses daw na nakaiinggit ang mga eksena nila ni Ara Mina, ayon sa pagdalirot ng maraming makating dila. Masiyuting din daw siya sa bilyar. Kandarapa ang mga fans sa paglapit sa kanya, yung iba kandatihaya pa raw. Iba kasi ang guwapo ang bulsa. Gusto ko sanang humingi ng kahit pinaglumaan, pero hindi kami magkakilala at ang tanging naglalapit lamang sa amin ay ang paghanga ko sa kanyang husay sa boksing.

Tumaas na nga si Pacman. Dumami na ang kanyang titulo: boxer, singer, actor, tv host, endorser, columnist, sarhento, anti-illegal logging chief, datu… Pambansang Bayani!!! Tumaas na ang kita niya. Tumaas na ang kalagayan niya sa lipunan pagkat matataas na tao na ang kanyang kabungguang-balikat at kaumpugang-tagay. Mataas na rin ang kanyang tirahan, na kung tawagin nila ng ina niyang si Aleng Dionisia, ay mansion. Mataas na Mansion, pare!

Wala na akong pag-asang makilala si Pacman, at ni hindi ko na hahangaring mapalapit pa sa kanya. Kuntento na akong tingalain siya sa kanyang matayog na mansion habang ako’y narito sa aking mababang kubo. Sa pagtingala ko sa kanya, hindi maiwasang magbalik sa aking alaala ang isang araw ng aking kamusmusan. Noon ay tinitingala ko ang alupihan sa kanyang paggapang sa aming bubong na pawid. Hindi ko akalain na sa dami ng paa niyang pangkapit ay makabibitiw pa siya at lalagpak sa aking papag na kawayan. (ERMIE POLICARPIO/Laguna Courier-April 14-20, 2008)

SAN PABLO CITY SCIENCE HIGH SCHOOL - A REALM OF BRIGHT MINDS

If there’s something Manila, Quezon City and San Pablo City have in common as far as education is concerned, the wild guess will be – its City Science High School.

The importance of the specialized school of learning can be glimpsed or measure through the establishment of Manila Science High School way back in years at a place where the best universities and colleges stood proud on casting talents that had shaped and laid foundations of the Filipino nation, as well as minds that had built business empires and knowledge which sustained the virtuous of the academe. These schools by the way also offer secondary level of education.

The rationale behind every Science High School throughout the country is to enhance the academic excellence brought by high intelligence quotient (IQ) of elementary school graduates by providing them extra level of knowledge denied to ordinary students due to lack or poor mental receptions. Manila was followed by Quezon City, Tacloban City and some key regions of the country. The Cities of Pasay, Makati and Pasig also found the good reason of establishing Science High School of their own.

Meanwhile, Mayor Vicente B. Amante’s vision acknowledged the exigency – hence the foundation of San Pablo City Science High School (SPCSHS) three years ago. Next year, its first graduating class will march maybe not on their borrowed campus. Based on breaking news, the City Government will soon build SPCSHS its own home near DLSP. Actually it’s already on the drawing board, Mayor Amante upon consultation with DepEd, a building of ten classrooms will soon rise on a wide and spacious campus – the future realm of bright minds.

Congratulations to San Pablo City Science High School for reaching new heights, to Mrs. Helen Ramos, Head Teacher, to the faculty and employees, and to the students for clinging together with faith and for bearing with the school in its infancy years. (SANDY BELARMINO/VP-7LPC)

SANGGUNIANG PANLUNSOD: AN EMPTY HALL WITHOUT DR. EGAY ADAJAR

San Pablo City – There are imaginary frames on everything which bound the limit of its existence. It’s a fact of life that that may not be at where are today hadn’t somebody before us toiled on useful new discoveries for our comfort. Can you imagine what the world would be without our heroes as well as scientists who took the pain in their days?

Stretched to the limits, some is true with our Sangguniang Panlunsod which created a vacuum due to compulsory provision of the law that mandated only three (3) successive terms. It had to remove a prominent figure who sparks the excitement through debates and legal arguments. It will not be the same again with no Dr. Egay Adajar on its halls.

But why miss a man? He’s a hell a councilor who happened to sponsor 800 resolutions and ordinances in his nine (9) years of stint in the chamber, a record still unbroken as of today. But it needs guts to have it accomplished, besides the premium of 46 lawsuits filed against him, that were pure and simple harassment to destroy his image, filed mostly by the previous city administration. As of now, he has to confront five (5) more cases as others were outrightly dismissed by the courts.

Dr. Egay was the simple reason of High School Annexes strategically located in different barangays of San Pablo City. Dalubhasaan ng Lunsod ng San Pablo (DLSP) will not become as it is if not for him, likewise the protection children was one of his advocacies while the indigency program that assists poor San Pableños was an inspiration from his ordinance, plus many others credited to his name.

The sleepy atmosphere at Sangguniang Panlunsod despite the privilege speeches in its halls by the same perennial speaker who refused to be interpolated is enough proof of Dr. Egay’s absence in its halls, where nobody as of today had come to replaced him, much so come nearer the performances he ever achieved. (SANDY BELARMINO)

MARIA PAZ ROYALE GARDEN RESORT, BEST TOURISM ESTABLISHMENT/BEST RESORT CATEGORY IN LAGUNA

November 19, 2007

MR. ALEXANDER EMLANO

Maria Paz Royale Garden Resort

Brgy. Sta. Filomena, San Pablo City

Dear Mr. Emlano

Congratulations!

It is our deep pride and pleasure to inform you that your establishment is one of the hailed winners in the 2007 Search for the Best Tourism Establishments "Best Resort" category, in the Province of Laguna.

Consistent with our advocacy and objective of the program, the search is an efficient measure in promoting and maintaining cleanliness and beautification of all tourism oriented and related establishments in the province of Laguna. It is a known fact that the existence of clean resorts, hotels, restaurants and gasoline stations attract tourists and keep them on coming back to the province. It will strengthen our tourism industry and eventually the socio-economic development of the province.

The awarding ceremony for the winners of the 2007 Search for Best Tourism Establishments is on March 14, 2008 at the Provincial Capitol Compound, Sta. Cruz, Laguna. The ceremony will be one of the highlights of the ANILAG Festival, dubbed as the Mother of All Festivals in Laguna and awarded as the "2007 Best Tourism Event in the Philippines" (Provincial Level Category) by the Association of Tourism Officers of the Philippines (ATOP) and the Department of Tourism (DOT).

We will greatly appreciate your personal presence in the awarding ceremony to receive your trophy.

Thank you and more power!

Very truly yours,

(SGD)

TERESITA S. LAZARO

Provincial Governor

SAN PABLO and BOLINGBROOK AGREE TO BECOME SISTER CITIES

San Pablo City – City officials of Bolingbrook, Illinois, United States of America (USA) will be arriving here on April 17, 2008 to sign sisterhood agreement with this city which aim to promote mutual concern, as their contribution to peace and prosperity of the world.

Bolingbrook Mayor Roger. C. Claar will lead the delegation and will be welcome by San Pablo City Mayor Vicente B. Amante in a fitting ceremony to celebrate the occasion. Both executives are firmly determined that such steps will enchance understanding and friendship between two cities as well as for American and Filipino People.

Other goals of sisterhood pact are development of two cities in the fields of trade, education, cultural, science and technology and commercial exchanges. To bolster the bond, a street in this city will be named BOLINGBROOK in her honor while a street in Bolingbrook, Illinois will be named CITY OF SEVEN LAKES, a fact of what San Pablo City is famous for.

Sister city or town affiliation program is a concept launched by President Dwight D. Eisenhower at the White House in 1956 aiming to promote better understanding among people of the world.

There were only 31 Philippine Cities that have as to many sisterhood pact in 1975, and had grown since then to 488 sister city agreements in 2008 in different countries around the globe.

San Pablo and Bolingbrook sister city agreement was initiated by Seven Lakes International Association represented by its president Romy Balcita. (SEVEN LAKES PRESS CORPS)

PCAMRD CITES RUBEN TANINGCO

Journalist Ruben E. Taningco with Science Secretary Estrella F. Alabastro and PCAMRD Executive Director Rafael D, Guerrero after receiving the plaque during the commemoration of the 20th Founding Anniversary of the Philippine Council for Aquatic and Marine Research and Development.




SAN PABLO CITY- For his continued support to the programs of the Philippine Council for Aquatic and Marine Research and Development (PCAMRD) hometown journalist Ruben E. Taningco was cited by Science Secretary Estrella F. Alabastro during the commemoration of the 20th Founding Anniversary of the council held at PCAMRD Headquarters Building in Los Baños, Laguna.

PCARMD is one of the sectoral councils under the Department of Science and Technology.

The citation reads as follows: “For his invaluable support to the Philippine Council for Aquatic and Marine Research and Development-Department of Science and Technology (PCAMRD-DOST) in disseminating aquatic and marine technologies and information related to aquatic and marine resources protection and conservation; for popularizing technical information’s language to reach the various level of society- the farmers, the fish farmers, the fisherfolk, the students, the researchers, the entrepreneurs, the policy-makers and the general public, and for assisting PCAMRD in the technology transfer activities through the print media.”

Old timers at the City Hall of San Pablo recalls that Taningco, then connected with the Office of the City Engineer, was assigned to provide communication support to the Technology Transfer Program being implemented by the Field Office of the defunct National Science Development Board (NSDB) for Southern Tagalog based in this City by former Mayor Cesar P. Dizon from March of 1968.

It was a responsibility that he undertook until the regional office of the DOST-Region IV was transferred to Los Baños. Taningco also started servicing the communication needs of PCAMRD since December of 1997.

Dr. Rafael D. Guerrero III, PCARMD Executive Director, said other awardees in the print media category are Rodolfo A. Fernandez of The Philippine Star and Zac Sarian, Agriculture Editor of The Manila Bulletin.

In the broadcast media category, among the awardees are Adolfo “Gerry” Geronimo of Ating Alamin being aired at IBC 13 and Station Manager Angelo Palmones of Radio DZMM. (Sandy Belarmino/7 Lakes Press Corps)

NAMUMUKOD NA PAROLE AND PROBATION OFFICE

San Pablo City – Alang-alang sa ipinakitang natatanging paglilingkod, sapagkat ito’y nalalakipan ng integridad, dedikasyon at matapat na pagmamalasakit sa mga nasa subok-laya at mga bilanggong napagkalooban ng kapatawaran ng Tanggapan ng Pangulo, upang sila ay magabayang maibalik sa pagiging mabubuti at katanggap-tanggap na kagawad ng lipunan, si Bb. Yolanda B. Deangkinay ay kinilalang “Most Outstanding Probation and Parole Officer for Calendar Year 2007” ng Parole and Probation Administration, isang sangay ng Kagawaran ng Katarungan. Ang gawad ay nilagdaan at ipinagkaloob ni Justice Ismael Heradura bilang National Administrator ng Parole and Probation Adminstration.

Ang San Pablo City Parole and Probation Office na kanyang pinamamatnugutan ay kinilalang “Model Probation and Parole Office” para sa katimugang Tagalog na nilagdaan at ipinagkaloob ni PPA-Region IV Director Corazon “Baby” Ocampo.

Ang San Pablo City Parole and Probation Office ang may pananagutang gumabay sa mga nahatulan ng hukumang pinagkalooban ng subok-laya o kaluwagang makapanirahan sa piling ng kanilang pamilya sa pasubaling sila ay regular na makikipag-ugnayan sa pinakamalapit o nakasasakop na Probation Office, at mga bilanggong napagkalooban ng patawad ng Tanggapan ng Pangulo, na naninirahan dito sa Lunsod ng San Pablo, at mga Munisipyo ng Alaminos, Rizal at Nagcarlan.(7 Lakes Press Corps)

CCW BARES NEW SET OF OFFICERS

San Pablo City – Citizen’s Crime Watch (CCW), a police multiplier NGO has announced new set of officers for its chapter here to enhance their self-imposed mandate in assisting the authorities against criminalities.

CCW Region IV Director Fernando L. Alina bared the incoming team as follows: Chairman, Reynaldo M. Dantic; Vice_Chairman, Victor B. Dumaraos; Treasurer, Rodolfo M. Peñaflor; Secretary, Ceasar Ornillo; Auditor, Nestor Tolentino; PRO, Pedro T. Echague; Intel Chief, Emmanuel M. Reyes; Deputy Intel, Robert Magmanlac; Chief of operation, Orlando Guevarra; Deputy, Jose M. Ronquillo; CCW-TMG Chief, Dionisio A. Pipit; Liason Officer, Danilo Ramos; Adviser, Carlos D. Ramos and Dionisio L. Basit.

Said officials will directly report to Regional Coordinator Juliet C. Bedonia at their SPC Shopping Mall Office.

The group will present their anti-crime advocacies to P/Supt Joel Pernito, San Pablo City PNP Chief upon their courtesy call early next week.

CCW has a network of chapters though out CALABARZON with proven track records of assistance on law enforcements as peace advocates. There were many instances that it shown its worth as determent against illegal activities. (SEVEN LAKES PRESS CORPS)

SAN PABLEÑA ADDS ANOTHER FEATHER TO HER CAP

San Pablo City - There’s no way stopping her! Ms. Isabelita Marcelo Abele, Filipina-American President and CEO of US Lumber, Inc., in Woodbury Heights, New Jersey in U.S.A. received another award last March 31 for being one of the New Jersey’s Best 50 Women in Business in 2008.

Ms. Abele, a native of Barangay San Miguel, San Pablo City, has been a consistent recipient of Outstanding Filipino-American Award in the field of business in the United States.

In 2005, she received the Asian Entrepreneur of the Year Award during a recognition dinner in Washington D.C. Corollary to this and because of $10 million sales of her timber business, she was given the 2005 Enterprising Women of the Year Award in a special ceremony at Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida.

In 2004, Abele was named one of the 25 Women of Influence for NJ BIZ and the Philadelphia Business Journal; Woman of the Year for the Girl Scouts of South Jersey Pines and was a finalist for the Wells Fargo Asian American Business Leadership Award.

Her success story is worth emulating because it is built upon courage and tenacity. When she left the Philippines to seek new opportunities in America, she was confronted with diverse problems but like a true blue blooded San Pableña, she managed to swim against the tide and meet all the adversities head-on. One good thing about Abele is her ability to learn from challenges and mistakes and the courage to put whatever disadvantages she has into positive selling points.

She said during one of her speeches, “No one has the right to strip us of our freedoms. To fulfill our dreams we must take risk. At the same time, all of us must bring humanity to everything we do. Success in life is not measured in dollars and cents. It is measured in the everyday things we do and how well we do them.”

One of her rare achievements is having been selected as a “Top-Idea Maven” by the Woman’s Advantage. Her quotes will appear in the 2008 Woman’s Advantage Calendar.

During the 2006 San Pablo City Annual Cocofest, Ms. Abele was the special guest of Mayor Vicente B. Amante who conferred to her the Outstanding San Pableña Awards. (MEL B.C. EVANGELISTA/7LPC)