One-Stop Shop makes gov`t services accessible

Mayor Alan smokes peace pipe with traders
see notes
on page 4...
www.roxascity.gov.ph
Vol. I No.3
Official Newsletter of the Government of Roxas City
November 2010 - JAnuary 2011
By Gerry Pagharion, Arian Mariz Javellana, Rizzi
Angelica Maribao and Maxwel John Berdugo
The daughter of the late Capiz
first district Rep. Gerardo “Dinggoy”
Roxas Jr. reigned as queen of Sinadya sa
Halaran festival, which was celebrated
last Dec. 3-8, 2010.
Queen Erica I and her escort Vladimir “Blue” Tanco pose with (from left)
Gov. Victor Tanco Sr., First District Rep. Antonio del Rosario, Fiesta Queen
2008 Rita Marie Ignacio and Roxas City Mayor Alan Celino during the
Coronation Night on Dec.4 last year.
City hall now
smoke-free
By Maria elena s. deocampo
Erica I, her Majesty, was crowned Dec.
4 during an elaborate Coronation Night
that saw local talents performing
like pros at the Capiz Gym. Rita
Marie Ignacio, Fiesta Queen
2008, assisted by Mayor Angel
Alan Celino, crowned Erica I.
The Queen was escorted by
Vladimir ‘Blue’ Tanco, son of Capiz
See on page 7 / Dinggoy’s...
QUEEN ERICA I
One-Stop Shop makes
gov’t services accessible
By SAMANTHA MEDINA
Mayor Angel Alan Celino
Mayor Angel Alan Celino
ordered on January 3 this year the
implementation of
Ordinance
No. 048-2004 or the anti-smoking
ordinance particularly in the
premises of City Hall. The measure
had been quite dormant since
it was unanimously passed on
Oct. 14, 2004 by the Sangguniang
Panlungsod, which was then
presided by Celino when he was
still the vice mayor.
The amended ordinance
prohibits smoking inside movie
houses; public and private schools;
See on page 5 / City hall...
The Roxas City government
has put up a One-Stop Shop at
the lobby of City Hall to make
government
services
more
accessible to the people.
The
program
was
conceptualized by Mayor Angel
Alan Celino to enable those
transacting business with the city
to save time, effort and money
and for them to comply with the
procurement or renewal of their
mayor’s permit on or before the
Jan.31, 2011 deadline.
The project was also conceived
to encourage residents, especially
businessmen, to meet other
requirements imposed by the city.
This would, in turn, help boost the
city’s coffers.
The One-Stop Shop is basically
a set of government offices found
in one area. Offices like the City
Personnel of various government offices man their respective desks in the one-stop shop
found at the lobby of City Hall.
Health Office, Bureau of Fire
Protection, PhilHealth, Roxas
City Police, City Engineer, Social
Security System, among others, are
provided with desks manned by
their respective personnel who are
tasked to receive and/or process
certain papers or documents.
With the One-Stop Shop,
people need not hop from one
place to another thus, saving time,
effort and money.
It has also minimized, if
not eliminated, bureaucratic red
tape because the usual complex
procedures have been modified
into simpler ones.
The One-Stop Shop will now
be a yearly activity of the city
according to Mayor Celino.
PAGBAG-O
NEWS
PWDs get cash assistance from city
Persons with Disabilities
(PWDs) who are members of
the Roxas City Young Disabled
Association (RCYDA) received
on Nov. 3 last year a livelihood
assistance worth P150,000 from
the city government as seed capital
for their food vending project.
No less than Mayor Angel
Alan Celino handed over the check
to RCYDA president Cherymae
Burro.
William Basas Jr., City Social
Welfare and Development Office
(CSWDO) youth development
assistant, said the amount will be
used by the group in starting up a
canteen.
3 ordinances
take effect
Nov. 15
Three city ordinances authored
by Councilor Powell del Rosario
took effect Nov. 15 last year. These
ordinances are about the tricycle
number coding scheme, anti-texting
while driving, and anti-spider
gambling.
Under Ordinance No. 040-2010
or the “Unified Tricycles Volume
Reduction Program/Number Coding
Scheme,” tricycles are not allowed to
travel or use the city roads from 6 a.m.
to 6 p.m. on a particular day based on
the last digit of their respective city
numbers as follows: 1-2, Monday;
3-4, Tuesday; 5-6, Wednesday; 7-8,
Thursday and 9-0, Friday.
Violators of this ordinance would
be fined between P200 to P1,000 or be
made to undergo seminar. In a worstcase scenario, their franchise would be
revoked.
OrdinanceNo.041-2010prohibits
and penalizes reading, composing
and sending electronic messages or
making calls while driving.
Violators will be fined between
P500 to P5,000 or imprisonment for
30 days or both at the discretion of the
court.
OrdinanceNo.042-2010prohibits
spider gambling and collection, and
the collection, sale and/or purchase of
game spiders.
A penalty of between P200
to P1,000 will be imposed on the
violators or they shall be required
to render community service at the
barangay concerned for a period of
100 hours.//GTP
The Rotary Club of Roxas also
organized a fund-raising activity on
Nov. 27 to generate assistance for
the association’s proposed project.
To prepare for the project,
the group underwent a livelihood
training conducted by the CSWDO
last September.
Physical therapist and team
leader Gerve Rey Flores of Breaking
Barriers for Young Adults with
Disabilities said the association
has 40 active members since it was
organized in January 2009.
A series of trainings and
rehabilitation services have also
been conducted for the disabled
youngsters, Flores added.
November 2010 - January 2011
Parallel road to
decongest traffic
ROXAS CITY – After a return
to a two-way traffic flow on Roxas
Avenue proved to be chaotic
prompting authorities to again
revert to the one –way scheme,
city officials are now proposing to
convert the old Panay Railways Inc.
property (covering Barangays 9,10
and 11) into a parallel road going
to Barangay Adlawan to ease traffic
along
the city’s once-premier
commercial district.
This was disclosed by
City Treasurer Joselito Almodiente (2nd from left), Asst. City Assessor Emmanuel
Losanta (3rd from the left), LAOO 4 Samuel Narciso (4th from left) and LAOO 3
Joel Atienza attended the Pre-Planning and 4th Quarter Regional Conference of
Provincial, City and Municipal Assessor and Treasurers and their Staff with the theme:
RESA: “A Paradigm Shift in Local Government” on Dec. 8-10, 2010 at Iloilo Grand
Hotel, Iloilo City. Losanta said that through the conference, we was enlightened by
the Real Estate Service Act which seeks to professionalize real estate practitioners.
Councilor Julius Abela, chair of the
Committee on Rules and Ordinance
and of Good Government, during
a press conference.
With
the
portions
of
Panay Railways now owned by
businessman Edmund Sia who
won the bid for the property in a
public auction conducted by the
city in 2001, the city will have to
initiate expropriation proceedings
to recover the said property.
Earlier, local traders belonging
to the Filipino-Chinese Chamber
of Commerce and Industry led by
Leny Albert Apaitan lobbied for
the construction of a new bridge
and a parallel road to decongest
traffic in the city.
Mayor Angel Alan Celino
also disclosed during the press
conference that the city plans to
transfer the jeep and bus terminals
located on Kilometer 1 here to
Barangay Dinginan, which is about
3 to 4 km from the city proper, also
to decongest traffic in the city’s
main roads.
For his part, Councilor Erwin
Sicad, who heads the Committee
on Zoning and Land Use, vowed
to strictly implement a zoning
ordinance by transferring bars,
junkshops and other establishments
which he considered as “eyesores,”
outside of the city proper.//GTP
It’s Capapas for Liga; Fernando for SK
Maria Celino-Capapas of
Barangay San Jose and Kriza V.
Fernando of Brgy. Banica are
the new ex-officio members of
the Sangguniang Panlungsod
representing the City Liga ng mga
Barangay and the city Sangguniang
Kabataan Federation, respectively.
Capapas, a member of the
Liberal Party and the aunt of Mayor
Angel Alan Celino, garnered 30
votes, defeating her lone opponent
Wilson Acervo of Barangay
Mongpong during the election held
at Espacio Verde in Brgy. Dayao on
Dec. 7 last year.
Acervo is the outgoing Liga
ng mga Barangay president and is a
member of the Ugyon Kita Capiz.
Capapas’ running mate, Tiza
Hon. capapas
Brgy. Captain Alfredo Albaladejo,
was elected vice president while
Bolo Barangay Captain Montaño
Ibañez was voted auditor.
Elected as members of the
board of directors were Reynaldo
Araw-araw of Brgy Barra, Nilson
hon. fernando
Vidal of Brgy. 11, Virgilio Santos
of Brgy. Talon, Deolito Agana of
Brgy. 8, John Paul Arcenas of Brgy.
Gabuan, Martin Antonio Pimentel
of Brgy. 1, Emily Ariza of Brgy
Dayao and Sulpicio Taburnal of
Barangay of Milibili.//GTP
November 2010 - January 2011
PAGBAG-O N E W S F ea t u r e
SP, Vice Mayor’s Office bare
accomplishments for 2010
By GERRY T. PAGHARION & MARIA ELENA S. DEOCAMPO
Hon. Dadivas
The Office of Vice Mayor
Ronnie
Dadivas
and
the
Sangguniang Panlungsod recently
came up with their “Summary
of Accomplishments” report for
2010.”
The SP said it has passed 58
ordinances and 147 resolutions
during the 51 regular sessions and
one special session it conducted
last year.
The city legislative body did
not limit its functions though
on approving and enacting
Resolutions and Ordinances
but also participated in the
development undertakings of the
Roxas City government.
The Office of Vice Mayor
Ronnie Dadivas had pushed for
such initiatives as Baybay Beach
Cleanup Drive, Arnaldo Boulevard
Beautification, Tourism Sites
Assessment and the continued
operation of St. Joseph the Worker
Daycare Center.
Dadivas’ office also chaired
and coordinated the City activities
for the Sinadya sa Halaran
especially the new program of
Sadsad sa Kalye and the Parada
sang mga Higantes.
The Baybay Beach Cleanup
was done by Dadivas’ office in
cooperation with the Filamer
Christian University.
It also
implemented, in line with ONE
CAPIZ movement, the planting of
foxtail palms in the middle islands
of Arnaldo Boulevard which was
sponsored by the private sector of
Roxas City.
It also conducted an on-site
Hon. SICAD
Hon. VIterbo
Hon. Del ROsario
Hon. Almalbis
Hon. ABELA
Hon. LIM
Hon. agdalipe
Hon. anisco
Hon. abela
Hon. billones
Hon. capapas
hon. fernando
assessment of all tourism sites in
Roxas City together with private
sector and media representatives
to find out which of these areas
hold the potentials of being tourist
destinations.
The Vice Mayor’s office also
supports the ongoing operation of
the St. Joseph the Worker Center
at the Paragon Village, Barangay
Dinginan as a Pre-School
education center for children of
indigents in the areas.
City a MOA with the Roxas City
Butchers’ Cooperative for a loan
assistance of P500,000.
*Resolution authorizing the
mayor to sign in behalf of the
City the rice loan MOA with the
NFA which would enable the city
government to purchase rice on
credit for relief operations in times
of calamities.
*Resolution declaring Roxas
City under the state of Dengue
Outbreak and creating a Task
“The SP and the Vice Mayor’s
Office take pride in the fact that
they have actively participated
as well in the development
undertakings of the city.”
Among
the
significant
resolutions and ordinances the SP
had enacted were:
*Resolution authorizing the
mayor to sign in behalf of the city
government the Memorandum of
Agreement (MOA) it entered into
with the Roxas City Government
Employees
Multi-Purpose
Cooperative
(ROGEMCO)
regarding the P2-million loan
assistance.
*Resolution requesting the
National Food Authority (NFA) to
release 1,600 bags or more of rice
to cushion the impact of the El
Niño phenomenon.
*Resolution authorizing the
mayor to sign in behalf of the
Force for this purpose.
*Resolution endorsing the
request of the Joint Chamber
Office to Zest Airways to schedule
afternoon flights in Roxas City.
* Resolution authorizing the
mayor to sign in behalf of the City
a MOA with the DPWH for the
construction/repair/ rehabilitation
of the drainage system in several
barangays of the City.
* Resolution authorizing the
mayor to sign in behalf of the City a
MOA with the Metro Roxas Water
District relative to the installation
of fire hydrants in the City.
*Resolution authorizing the
mayor in behalf of the City to
request an ambulance from the
Philippine Charity Sweepstakes
Office.
*
Resolution
adopting
another Resolution of the City
Development Council “Approving
the Utilization of the 2011 20
Percent
Development
Fund
share from the Internal Revenue
Allotment (IRA) amounting to
P57 million.”
*Resolutions
requesting
DILG Secretary Jessie M. Robredo
to donate to the City four units of
pick-up patrol cars and one unit of
firetruck.
The following are the
ordinances passed by the SP.
*An ordinance extending the
deadline for payment of business
taxes/licenses/permit fees and
charges for Calendar Year 2009
without penalties or subcharges
from Jan. 20,2010 to Jan. 30,2010.
*An ordinance regulating the
operation of tricycles on all roads
in the City known as “Unified
Tricycles Volume Reduction
Program/Number Coding Scheme
and Providing Penalties for
Violation.”
* An ordinance prohibiting
and penalizing reading, composing
and sending electronic messages,
receiving and sending calls while
driving.
*An ordinance prohibiting
game spider gambling and the
collection, sale and/purchase of
spiders in the City.
*An ordinance compiling,
revising and codifying the tax
revenue-raising ordinance of the
See on page 6 / SP, Vice Mayor’s Office...
PAGBAG-O
OPINION
November 2010 - January 2011
Much to thank for
We have just celebrated the season of love and
sharing—Christmas. We also bid 2010 goodbye. Despite
the many problems that have cropped up, both natural and
man-made, the past year is still a fruitful year. The blessings
we have received far outweigh the misfortunes we have
suffered.
Also, the city, in partnership with the provincial
government of Capiz, had just mounted Sinadya sa Halaran
last Dec. 3-8,2010. Sinadya, launched in 1988, is associated
with the city and is the merrymaking part of the city fiesta
which falls on Dec. 8, feast day of the city’s patroness, the
Our Lady of Immaculate Conception.
Halaran, which was first staged in
1975, is the province’s biggest cultural
mardi gras. To save on cost and to
promote the spirit of oneness among Capiznons, the city
and province’s officials decided to merge the two festivals in
1998. Thus, the birth of Sinadya sa Halaran.
The recent festival also proved to be the “fiesta of all
fiestas.” The area around City Hall, for one, was a sight to
behold, what with the giant Christmas Tree lording it over the
city plaza for the first time. Despite what its critics say about
it, the Christmas Tree, dubbed the Tree of Hope, is a feat it
itself, giving more spirit and meaning to the season of love
and sharing.
The recent Sinadya sa Halaran also evoked nostalgia.
Through his daughter, Erica, who reigned as this year’s fiesta
queen, the late Capiz Representative Gerardo “Dinggoy”
Roxas Jr. came alive in the hearts and mind of the people he
“loved so dearly.”
Capiz’s first district Rep. Antonio del Rosario described
Dinggoy as “everybody’s friend” who facilitated important
projects, like potable water, to the people of Capiz. “I’m
sure that all of us have only fond memories of Dinggoy,” Del
Rosario said.
The Coronation Night on Dec. 4,2010 at the Capiz Gym
was deemed a once-in-a –lifetime event. The Roxas –Araneta
family, headed no less by the clan’s matriarch, Mrs. Judy
Araneta-Roxas, practically came in full force. Mrs. Roxas
was joined in by former Sen. Mar Roxas who came with
wife, TV personality Korina Sanchez; Ria Roxas Ojeda with
husband Gus, Margarita Fores, just to mention a few.
That Mar opted not to speak (he was supposed to be
the proclamations speaker) could perhaps be interpreted as
a gesture of humility. Perhaps, he did not want to steal the
limelight from her beautiful niece, who was seen wiping her
tears during the latter part of the coronation program. It
was, no doubt, tears of joy.
And, as tradition dictated, Mayor Angel Alan Celino was
given the sole honor and privilege to proclaim her Royal
Highness, Erica I, as Queen of the Sinadya sa Halaran 2010.
“We are proud of you,” he told her.
The recent fiesta and Christmas celebrations had not
only rekindled old friendships but also called upon all of us
on need to love one another--- not only during the Christmas
season but throughout the whole year.
It also reminded us of how fortunate we are and, yes,
to be thankful even for the “smallest blessing” that comes
our way.
Editorial
www.roxascity.gov.ph
Editorial STAFF
Gerry Pagharion
Editor
Maria Elena S. Deocampo
Associate Editor
Staff Writers
Klaire B. Belotindos
Samantha B. Medina
Contributors
Dino Beluso
Arian Mariz Javellana
Rizzi Angelica Maribao
Maxwel John Berdugo
Researchers
Neil Bryan B. Tumlos
RAMIL RABINO
Photographers
Franz Karim A. Acuna
Timothy James T. Reyes
Taxes - like death
are vigilant and honest
- are among life’s
in collecting taxes in
inevitables. They are the
Just like
By Maria Elena S. Deocampo these areas.
lifeblood of any local
the real property taxes
government unit.
which have remained
That’s why, an LGU
uncollected for three
like the City can’t efficiently run its own affairs years from 2008-2010. These have accumulated
without us residents paying our dues.
to a deficit of P42 million. That is a big amount
What we get, in return, are better services to be ignored. It would be unfair for other
in terms of providing us security and protection Capiznons who are honest taxpayers. All of
and affording us good infrastructure facilities.
these will be accounted for and everything will
Under his leadership, Mayor Angel Alan be properly checked.
Celino wants to assure every resident of the City
The City Government alone can’t pursue
who has been religiously paying his/her taxes to its own agenda without the people’s support,
the City that, in return, they can get a better deal understanding and cooperation. Like what the
from the City.
Mayor had said, if he won’t increase the taxes
Roxas City has all the potentials to become this year, when would he do it? Its been 17 years
one of the best cities in the Philippines. We since the last increase was made. How can our
just have to believe in ourselves. Mayor Alan city support its manpower, like the police force,
is giving much attention towards improving the city aides and auxiliaries who provide peace and
economic status of Roxas City.
order for our city, if it is not allowed to increase
Economic enterprises of Roxas City taxes? It is unrealistic to cry for change if
are Teodoro Arcenas Trade Center, Paseo, nothing concrete is done. Change is never easy
Slaughterhouse and Libas Fishport. Mayor but it signifies growth and development. It is
Alan is tapping the expertise of people who high time Roxas City embraced it.
City Hall Views
Taxes: Lifeblood of LGU
Mayor Angel Alan
(CHCCI) on Nov. 18
Celino had smoked the
last year.
By Gerry T. Pagharion
peace pipe with local
The Code, which has
businessmen apparently
become dormant for quite
to
belie
whatever Smoking the peace pipe a time, gives tax relief
perception that he is
and other incentives to
anti-business.
the local business community. The mayor
Admitting that he still had a “hangover” promised to “codify” the Code to “suit it to
of the May 10 elections in which many of the the needs of the changing times.”
local traders did not support his mayoral
During the dinner-meeting held
bid, the mayor had acknowledged though at the Soul Superclub – which was
that he must now deal with his constituents also attended by Vice Mayor Ronnie
regardless of their political affiliations.
Dadivas and Councilors James Matthew
“I am actually a business-friendly Viterbo, Emmanuel Billones Jr. and
mayor. I am the author of the Roxas City Julius Abela – Mayor Alan disclosed
Investment Code,” the mayor declared his plan to actively involve the business
during the consultative meeting of sector.
the Joint Chamber Office of the Roxas
To the local traders, he had this
City Chinese Chamber of Commerce message: “Feel free to visit me in my office.
Inc. (RCCCCI) and the Capiz Halaran Let us have coffee. Let us plan together.”
See on page 8 / NOTES...
Chamber of Commerce and Industry
NOTES. . .
November 2010 - January 2011
With 2010
over and a new
year upon us, it
is wise that we
take note of not
only of the bad
forces that came our way but, more
importantly, bask on the blessings that
we’ve received. Amid those unsavory
words thrown at some of us and the
stressful conditions with which we
were subjected to --- it would help
that we see the lighter side of it. For
life is a gift. Instead of sulking in a
corner and becoming slaves to our
fears and other negative thoughts,
we must go out of our comfort zones
and explore the world with all the
positive energies we could muster.
We shall always go through all
sorts of trials and challenges. That’s
for sure. The most important thing
though is, we should never give up.
We will have our “hits” just as we will
have our “misses.” But, at the end
of the day, we only have to count our
blessings to see and understand the
beauty and the usefulness of life.
PAGBAG-O OPINION
While “life
is not a bed
By Samantha Medina of roses,” it is
neither all- hell
though. And
while man can
sometimes be inhuman towards his
fellow being, there will always be that
“spark” of goodness in his heart.
So, cheer up and be happy. Rid
yourselves of those ugly and negative
thoughts. Wish those who are hostile
to you well. That they, too, may see
the light of day.
As we welcome the New Year,
let us leave behind bad memories
and treasure only the good ones. Let
the bad ones though guide us in the
coming years as we further endeavor
to become better persons and better
members of the community.
For “behind the dark clouds is a
silver lining.” Or, there will always be
that proverbial light at the end of the
tunnel.”
Happy and prosperous New
Year to all of us.
Spur-of-the-moment
Seeing also the good
A new year is
with us. We’ve
asked
some
important
p e o p l e
about
their
expectations for
themselves, for their co-workers and for
the government. Here are what they say:
It’s Me
By Klaire B. Belotindos
Expectations for 2011
For yourself:
I expect a better health, and more
energy to face the challenges of time. To
be more competitive, compassionate and
efficient in dealing with my work and
daily routine. To have more blessings
and stability in life.
Nereus Leo V. Azarcon
Port Supervisor, Libas Fishing Port
For Co-worker:
I expect a harmonious relationship
among
my
co-employees.
No
competition and we should treat each
other with gentleness as well as avoid
conflict.
Hotchk_vodka
For your Department:
As our office commits to become
the hallmark of integrity, honesty,
responsibility, and justice centered on
delivering efficient and professional
services as we cater the needs of our
clients, I expect that this will be carried out
by giving emphasis on our service values
which are dedication, responsiveness,
courtesy and transparency. We wish to
provide and deliver the services that are
expected
us.
from
Gilda F.
Fernando
Budget
Officer
Roxas City
Government
For the City Government:
I expect the City Government to
do a great job in promoting Roxas City
as a tourist destination considering our
wealth of culture and tradition that we
can offer to the world.
Tin-Tin
To give more priority to the clients
who are in need of assistance like
livelihood opportunities for them to be
able to help their family.
Lorelie A. Suelo, CSWD Officer
For Roxas City:
Because we have sworn to
“serve and protect” there is rarely any
permanence or security in the life of a
police officer. Our lives are not our own,
we go where we may be put to best use.
Therefore being assigned to different
places is nothing new to me. I gladly
accepted the challenge of becoming
Chief of Police here in the beautiful City
of Roxas last August 2010. Now, as we
face this New Year, I would like to be
given the chance to continue the work I
have already been forged. For Roxas City,
I expect the peace and order situation in
this city to be so improved that it will
By Maria Elena S. Deocampo
New Movement launched
to empower city folks
New Year… new beginning.
Roxas City exists for the
people and its progress does not
depend on the government alone
but on the unity and cooperation
of its residents. It is time we took
a different view of our existence.
The City is launching a campaign
in which everyone will be a part
of…a movement that will empower
us to excel as a person and as a
citizen.
“Roxas City …Palangga Ko
Ini” is a reminder that if we love
our city, we should protect it and
actively take part in its march to
progress.
Following simple rules is
showing respect for the law or
doing our jobs with all honesty
is showing our concern for our
hometown.
Roxas City maybe small
compared to other cities but we
have so much to offer and hold
much potential to be a first class
city.
There was a time when
Roxas City was a second class
city but we dropped to a third
class category. Still, we have high
hopes that we can rise from where
we have fallen.
Change, said to be the most
permanent thing in the world,
should come from all of us and
not just from our government.
Sometimes, we blame all our
miseries to the government. But,
have we ever asked ourselves as
to what we’ve done to help our
leaders?
It is easy to point an accusing
finger to others without realizing
that we, too, could be a part of the
whole problem.
This new campaign urges
us not wait for others to solve our
problems because we ourselves
are capable of solving them, of
reaching out to others and of
finding the right solutions to such
problems. Let us start thinking
outside of the box. Let us focus
on other people’s plight before
thinking of ourselves. Let us
be positive in our approach to
things, see the world in a different
perspective and we’ll soon reap
the rewards.
The City Government is
open to new ideas. That’s why
suggestion boxes are installed at
every office of City Hall to remind
the people working in government
that they are there to serve the
citizens of the city. That should
be their priority as civil servants.
Public office, after all, is a public
trust.
As for us, let us do our
share on how we can help best
our government and we can
accomplish this if we are united.
Let us say in unison then: Roxas
City “Palangga Naton Ini!”
For your comments and contribution, please get in touch with the City Mayor’s
Office (CMO) Media Bureau or text us in these numbers: 09088971003 to 005
For the donation of old toys and clothes, please drop by the CMO Media Bureau
Office at the 2nd Flr. of the City Hall
bring in more investors and usher in
economic prosperity for its people by
enhancing the respect of the Citizens of
this city towards their law enforcers and
enjoining their cooperation in helping
us fight lawlessness and all forms of
criminality.
Khasmir C. Disomangcop
Police Superintendent
Roxas City, PNP Chief
CITY HALL...
inside hospital buildings and health
center, private air-conditioned
establishments open the public;
government offices except individual
rooms. Business establishments
have to provide a smoking area for
their smoking clients but such areas
should be enclosed to penalty.
PAGBAG-O
The son also rises
By GErry T. Pagharion
When Mayor Angel Alan
Celino rose to political power
following his election to Roxas City’s
top post last May 11,2010 elections,
not only his life did experience a
makeover. His eldest son, Jericho
Angel L. Celino, now his Executive
Assistant, also has to cope with the
entirely new world- the world of
governance. Jericho also has to deal
as well with the various intricacies
inherent in it.
From leading a purely private
life, away from the hustle bustle of
politics, Jericho suddenly found
himself thrust into a position that
requires him to deal with different
kinds of people. He used to operate
an Internet Café but had to give it
up to give way to his new “calling.”
The Executive Assistant is a
confidential position, according to
Jericho. As such, he’s like the alter
ego of his dad and is authorized
to act on “minor matters” just to
unburden his dad of unnecessary
tasks.
At his young age (he’s 26 years
old and single), Jericho, after barely
six months in office, has already
shown maturity in his job, deriving
SP, Vice Mayor’s Office...
City.
*An ordinance approving the
General Fund Annual Executive
Budget of the City for 2011,
covering the period Jan. 1, 2011
to Dec. 31,2011 in the amount of
P359,455,495.55.
*An ordinance prescribing
rules for junk shops operation in
the City.
*An ordinance approving the
supplemental budget amounting
to P9,885,000 to be taken from the
General Fund-Personal Savings
as of Dec. 2010 to cover payment
for the productivity enhancement
incentive for Fiscal Year 2010 of
officials and employees of the City.
*An ordinance approving
the supplemental budget of the
General Fund-Market Operation
amounting to P600,000.
* An ordinance approving
the supplemental budget of the
General Fund in the amount of
P11 million to be taken from the
realignment/reversion -5 Percent
calamity fund , maintenance and
lessons from it, enjoying it. He has
learned to love his job, he says. And
he finds comfort and fulfillment
whenever people he had extended
help or assistance would greet him
or even hug him.
He’s very much aware though
of the “unfair impression” of some
people towards him. “I’m not a
snub,” he clarified. It is an issue that
has hounded him since his Day 1 in
office. He’s very much aware of this.
That’s why, he appeals to people for
their understanding. That he is often
misinterpreted is something that he
is also now trying to address.
Jericho holds a Psychology
degree from the University of San
Agustin. Last year, he graduated
from the CPC College of Law. He
spent his elementary and high
school education at the St. Mary’s
Academy of Capiz.
He may take the Bar exam
anytime.
Jericho reads a lot during his
spare time and is fond of “intellectual
computer games”. He’s very much
adept on computer matters.
Part of his job, he volunteers,
is to deal with casual employees, all
877 of them, and seeing to it that
they are not “ghost casuals.” I can
memorize all of them, he adds.
Jericho, aware of the fact that
he can’t please everybody , has
made this Latin saying “Hoc Etiam
Transibit” as his guiding principle.
It simply means “Everything shall
come to pass.”
That’s why he tries to give
his best in whatever he does,
particularly in dealing with people
and responding to their needs.
That Jericho now appears to be
immensely doing his job and Mayor
Angel Alan Celino also doing his
best for his city constituents, the
father and son definitely are having
the best of their respective worlds.
other expenses to cover payment
of productivity enhancement/
incentives of City officials and
employees for 2010 and other
expenditures of the City.
The SP and the Office of Vice
Mayor Dadivas also reported that
all SP members attend a tree -- day
training seminar on Effective Local
legislation to assimilate fully the
function of the Office, especially
for the new ones. Selected Office
personnel were also present during
the training seminar.
* Accredited 45 NGOs / Pos/
CSOs for membership in the
Local Special Bodies of the City of
Roxas.
* Together with the NSTP
student of Filamer Christian
University, conducted a cleanup drive along the shoreline of
Barangay Dumolog and Baybay.
* Vice Mayor Dadivas was
elected President of the Vice
Mayors League of the Philippines,
Capiz Chapter and Councilor
Teresa H. Almalbis as Member
of the Board of Directors of the
Philippine Councilors League
(PCL) Capiz Chapter.
* As Chairman of the
Committee
on
Tourism
Promotion and Development,
Vice Mayor Dadivas together with
various stakeholders conducted
the assessment and evaluation
of all existing and potential
tourist spots in the City of Roxas.
And in coordination with the
City Government, Provincial
Government, Private Sectorsand
Non- Government Organizations
has started the beautification of
the Arnaldo Boulevard.
SP members, in coordination
with the Office of the City
Mayor, had made the following
plans and projects realized and
implemented:
*First Botika ng Barangay was
established in Barangay Libas.
*Reactivation of PESO
*Creation of livelihood project
under the DSWD.
*Restructuring of the Teodoro
Arcenas Trade Center.
*Reactivation of Task Force
Jericho celino
November 2010 - January 2011
City to give
attention to
economic
enterprises
The city government will put its
economic enterprises into high gear
this year to generate more funds that
will be channeled for various social
services’ projects.
“We will revitalize our economic
enterprises such as the Teodoro
Arcenas Trade Center (TATC), Libas
fish Port, Dinginan Slaughterhouse,
Paseo de Roxas and Dinggoy Roxas
Civic Center (DRCC),” said Roxas
City Mayor Angel Alan Celino during
an interview with a local station.
He said an ordinance was passed
by the Sangguniang Panlungsod here
a couple of years ago to make the
city’s infrastructures become revenue
generating centers.
Celino said he noted an increase
in revenue of the Libas Fishing Port,
TATC, and the Paseo de Cathedral
stalls under his administration.
The city chief executive stressed
that the efforts to make the city
government financially healthy will
mean more projects that will redound
to the benefits of the residents.
He added that more Botika sa
Barangay and livelihood projects,
among others, will be realized under
his administration anchored on
“Pagbag-o” (Change) battle cry.//
Alex A. Lumaque, PIA, Capiz
on Environmental Protection.
*Reinforcement of Bantay
Dagat and
*Number
Coding
of
Tricycles.
The report, which was prepared
by SP Secretary Dino Beluso, also
stated that the SP members were
able to attend various activities
and gatherings such as the election
of the Vice Mayors League of
the Philippines, Capiz Chapter;
Election of Philippine Councilors
League, Capiz Chapter; National
Movement of Young Legislators,
Induction of Officers of the
Roxas City Plaza Chess Club,
Annual Assembly and Election of
Officers of RCFSCAP, Roxas City
Agricultural and Fishery Council,
among others.
The SP office also participated
in various activities of the City like
the Sportsfest, Independence Day
Parade and the Alay Lakad.
PAGBAG-O November 2010 - January 2011
Dinggoy’s...
Gov. Victor Tanco, Sr. The whole
Roxas-Areneta clan practically
came in full force to show support
for Erica, who had to come home all
the way from Australia, where she
is studying, to grace the occasion.
On hand to give moral support
to the Queen were her grandmother
Judy Araneta-Roxas, her uncle
former Sen. Mar Roxas with wife
Korina Sanchez, her aunt Ria
Roxas-Ojeda with husband Gus,
Margarita Fores, among others.
Mayor Angel Alan Celino, as
dictated by tradition, was given
the sole honor and privilege to
proclaim Erica I as queen of Sinadya
sa Halaran.
The mayor told Erica I that
the people of Capiz and Roxas
City were proud of her and that it
was a great pride and honor on his
part that he was given the task to
proclaim her.
Earlier, in his message which
found print on souvenir program
and press kits, Mayor Alan noted
that the festival promises to be
grand and memorable because
of Erica, daughter of Dinggoy,
to whom Sinadya owes much
of its existence.
The mayor recalled that
it was Dinggoy, with the full
support of his mother Judy
Araneta-Roxas, who initiated
Sinadya in 1988 as the merry
making aspect of the Roxas
City fiesta. Since then, Sinadya
has become the city’s major mardi
gras and a tourist come-on.
Capiz first district Rep.
Antonio del Rosario, in his message,
said of Dinggoy: “I’m sure all of us
have fond memories of him. He
was everybody’s friend.”
Gov. Victor Tanco, Sr. said that
through the Sinadya sa Halaran,
“we are given the opportunity
to be one. As to the late Capiz
congressman, he said: “All of us,
deep in our hearts, we treasure
Dinggoy’s memories.”
This year’s Sinadya sa Halaran
celebration also marked the
303rd anniversary of the Parish of
Immaculate Conception, which
was established in 1707.
Perhaps so as not to steal the
limelight from his niece, former
Sen. Mar Roxas chose to forego his
role as Coronation Speaker.
Erica I was serenaded
by showbiz heartthrob Tom
Rodriguez.
Other activities of the Sinadya
sa Halaran were:
HUGOD CAPIZNON
Capiznons tried to exhibit their
hardwork and perseverance through
the opening of Hugod Capiznon Agri/
Horticulture Fair located at Presidential
Park beside Panublion Museum as part
of the celebration of Sinadya sa Halaran
2010.
The products came from different
municipalities as well as cooperatives in
Capiz such as the Talon Farm, Greenland,
Rose Lawn Garden, Angelica’s Flower
Garden and Angelina’s Garden. The
products included ornamental plants,
Roxas City featuring the culture and
primary livelihood of the province.
Dressed in colorful costumes, the
students danced to the tune of truly
Capiznon songs.
For this year’s
celebration, there were five different
areas where the competition was
consecutively held namely: Lopez Jaena
St., Hughes St., Roxas Avenue, City
Plaza and Burgos St. The competition
was participated in by students from
different schools in Roxas City.
The participating schools competed
in different categories such as Best in
Music, Most Colorful and Most Festive,
among others.
This is held to show that we, in
Capiz and Roxas City, also have our
own culture as well as to showcase the
Industry, in line with its “One Town
One Project” program conducted its
annual Capiz Product Expo 2010 at
Gaisano Mall on Arnaldo Blvd.
The event paved the way for
Capiznons to showcase their artistry
and craftsmanship in making native
products and local delicacies. There
were twelve entries that competed
for the Best Booth Category and Best
Product Category.
Each stall was filled with various
unique products which showed the
Capiznons’ ingenuity and creativity.
Some of the products like footwear,
souvenirs, and furniture and fixtures
were made of Capiz shells, bamboo,
coco shells, raffia, cane, rattan and
garments. The participants have also
featured seafood delicacies, processed
foods and orticultures.
The winner was judged based
on originality, inventiveness, and
distinctiveness and received a plaque
of recognition and a quality seal for
their product, said Mrs.Ken. Quennie
Cuñada, a DTI representative.
LUTONG CAPIZNON
fruits and vegetables.
Mambusao town also exhibited
vegetables with no pesticides, a product
of the Mambusao sa Kabuhayan
Project. Sigma showcased its products
like Ginger Brew, Kaong and Nata,
abaca products, fruits and vegetables.
Jamindan town also sold fancy rice,
fruits and vegetables. Salted paros,
calamansi seedlings and crafts made of
nito were also put into market by the
municipality of Pilar. President Roxas
town traded candies and pastries, sugar,
vegetables and vinegar.
Gideon Handicraft from Ivisan
sold jewelries made of coconut shells
and seashells Crafts made of Kapis shells
were the main products of Panay.
SINADYA SA CALLE
Capiznons are indeed talented and
fun-loving people.
This was proven during the recent
Sinadya sa Halaran through Sinadya sa
Calle which started at 10 a.m. Dec. 3,
2010.
Sinadya sa Calle is an annual
competition among various schools in
various sources of livelihood in our
place,” Jesse M. Gomez, City Schools
Division Superintendent said, explaining
the purpose of the event. “I’m happy
because we can see that the schools
really prepared for this event and this
is also being looked forward to by the
children,” Dr. Gomez added.
PASUNDAYAG
Colors, dances and music filled the
streets as the City staged the Pasundayag
Capiznon (Parade of Festivals) Dec. 4,
2010.
This parade is an annual celebration
featuring different municipalities in their
festive dances and colorful costumes.
This year’s Pasundayag Capiznon
was participated in by all municipalities
in Capiz such as Mambusao, Panay and
our own “Sinadya sa Halaran” by the
City of Roxas. The participants paraded
through the streets of Roxas Avenue
corner Fuentes Drive and Roxas City
plaza.
CAPIZ EXPO 2010
The Department of Trade and
To promote Roxas City as the
Seafood Capital of the Philippines,
the Capiz Visitors and Convention
Bureau (CVCB) organized the Lutong
Capiznon 2010 at the Roxas City
Plaza.
Twelve local restaurants that
participated in the event competed
for the Best in Food Presentation,
Best Food, Best Booth Dressing,
and Best Service, to name a few.
The participating establishments
were required to prepare 70 percent
seafood dishes and were allowed to use
the remaining 30 percent for their own
menus which could either be beef, pork,
chicken, according to Cora Tiangco,
chair of the activity. The Foodfest was
opened to the public during the first
day of the Sinadya sa Halaran, Dec. 3,
starting at 6 p.m. and ended on Dec. 8.
The event did not only give
life to the celebration but has also
helped promote our local delicacies
and seafood products. It proved that
Capiznons are innovative and excellent
in culinary arts.
LIGHTING UP OF
CITY PLAZA
The City of Roxas turned magical
as its riverbank and plaza glowed with
bright and colorful lights through the
opening of lighted floaters along Panay
River and the lighting of the City Plaza
and facades of Provincial Capitol and
City Hall at 6 p.m. Dec. 3, 2010.
This is an annual event that is
being looked forward to by children
and adults alike. This year’s celebration
was grander as the local government
added more lights and decorations on
the streets.
The Panay River was also filled
with colorful floats with different
designs resembling flowers and fish.
Notes...
Through the OneCapiz
Movement
which
he
had
initiated,
Mayor
Alan revealed that big-time
entrepreneur Edgar Sia of
the famous Mang Inasal
might also donate a huge
amount to the city.
Sia has recently handed
a P25-million donation to
Iloilo for the construction of a
school there.
Likewise, he was told by Mrs.
Judy Araneta-Roxas, mother of
former Sen. Mar Roxas,
that McDonald’s might
open an outlet in Roxas
City, preferably at a still
unfinished building on
Taft St.
Businessman Dale
Bernas brought the issue
of big companies like
Gaisano, Caltex, Shell,
Mayor Celino meets the
market vendors
Petron of not paying
their taxes to the Roxas
City government because
their mother companies
pay the taxes directly to
local government unit
where their main offices are
based.
To correct this rather
Executive Assistant Jericho Angel
anomalous situation, Vice
Celino assists the distribution of
goods to City indigents
mayor Ronnie Dadivas said
certain amendment must be
made on the law of taxation
whereby the act of Congress,
is needed.
Mayor Alan, meanwhile,
turned emotional when,
during the open forum, he
was confronted with the
issue of vindictiveness.
Except for two or three
officials who he said he had
subjected to “floating status,”
most of those affected by
Mayor Alan’s “temporary
revamp” are now back to their
former positions after being
cleared of liabilities.
Judy Roxas, Gov. Victor Tanco and Mayor
What he was asking Alan watching street presentations
for, Mayor Alan said, was during Sinadya sa Halaran.
enough time to determine
the
trustworthiness
and
capacity of certain officials and
Mayor Alan gamely
employees working with him.
poses
with
the
Saying that he was not a newly wed couple.
bad person, Mayor Alan asked Also in photo are
Del
forgiveness from those whom he Councilors
had hurt. For this, he was praised Rosario, Erwin Sicad
Emmanuel
by Dr. Cesar Yap, the master of and
Billones, Jr.
ceremonies, for his “humility.”
Mayor Celino with Councilor Powell
del Rosario and city employees
join the Sadsad sa Kalye.
Mayor Celino at the inauguration of
the Roxas City Chess Association’s
Giant Chess Board.
Mayor Alan tries instruments of tribe
during the Sinadya sa Kalye
Mayor Alan welcomes a
Muslim leader in his office.
Mayor Alan, Vice Mayor
Ronnie Dadivas and City
Councilors join the crowd.
The Mayor playing Santa
Claus to kids (above photo)
and adults (below).