200 BUB-SLP farmer-recipients receive starter kits for organic rice production

Ligao City Mayor Patricia Gonzalez-Alsua and Pastor Jun Prena of LPRAT assisted the distribution of starter kits to BUB-SLP farmer-recipients.

Two hundred farmer-recipients of the Bottom-up Budgeting- Sustainable Livelihood Project (BuB-SLP) from Ligao City received starter kits for organic production on 9 October 2015 at Jesse M. Robredo Bldg., Tuburan, Ligao City. The starter kit consist of one head carabao, PCIC insurance premium for the carabao, Biologics for the carabao (dewormer and vitamins), one kilogram of Agrican Night Crawler, one rake, one spade, and one hoe.

The farmer-recipients underwent two-day training on organic rice production last June 2015 conducted by the City Agriculture Office (CAO). The training is a prerequisite for the recipients to receive the starter kits which they can utilize to enhance their farming activity.

The farmers also received carabaos marked with "BUB", the acronym for Bottom-up Budgeting.

Aside from the training, CAO will be offering technical assistance to the beneficiaries including free veterinary services for the carabaos.

According to Ligao City Mayor Patricia Gonzalez-Alsua, the City Government will assign a monitoring team to check if the starter kits are properly utilized.

Pastor Jun Preña of the Local Poverty Reduction Action Team also inspired the farmer-recipients to help each other share the benefits they have received.

Earlier this year, three livelihood programs were completed including Dressmaking and Tailoring, Hairdressing and Tailoring, and Organic Vegetable Production. Lala Peñafiel \ albay3d.blogspot.com

Bill seeking establishment of National Technical -Vocational High School in Ligao City approved

Congressman Fernando V. Gonzalez (far right) during the presentation and sponsorship speech on House Bill No. 4982 at the House of Representatives. Photo courtesy of Roger Evangelista

The Committee on Basic Education approved the House Bill No. 4982, an act establishing a National Technical-Vocational High School in Barangay Nasisi, Ligao City, on 16 September 2015 at the House of Representatives. The school shall be known as Ligao City National Technical-Vocational High School.

Congressman Fernando V. Gonzalez, the author of HB 4982, explained that the establishment of the Technical/Vocational school will provide the students an opportunity to learn technical skills and gain employment.

He further stated that the school would help the students “accelerate their learning skills and qualify for NC 2 after their Junior High School and accelerate to NC 4 after graduation from Senior High School.”

Furthermore, the out-of-school youths will also have a chance to reenter formal education with affordable fees.

The establishment of the National Technical/Vocational high school will also address the increased demand for personnel with technical and vocational knowledge and skills to widen the services rendered by the city as a developing urban center.



Source: House Bill No. 4982. House of Representatives

DepEd Sec. Luistro visits Ligao LGU-funded school buildings

DepEd Sec. Armin Luistro (4th from left) a recently completed school building at Ligao East Central Elementary School. He was joined by Assistant Schools Div. Superintendent Ma. Luisa P. Samaniego (far left), Ligao City Mayor Patricia Gonzalez-Alsua (2nd from left), Congressman Fernando V. Gonzalez (3rd from left), Regional Ramon Fiel Abcede and representatives from DepEd Division office. Photo courtesy of City Government of Ligao

Before proceeding to the Department of Education (DepEd) Grand Summit at Albay Astrodome, DepEd Secretary Armin Luistro visited some of the LGU-funded school buildings in Ligao City on 14 July 2015. Accompanied by Congressman Fernando V. Gonzalez, Ligao City Mayor Patricia Gonzalez-Alsua, Regional Director Ramon Fiel Abcede of Deped Region V, Assistant Schools Division Superintendent Ma. Luisa P. Samaniego, together with the members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, Sec. Luistro went to Ligao National High School, DepEd City Division Office, and Ligao East Central School to check on the state-of-the-art facilities.

As Sec. Luistro tours around the Ligao National High School campus, Congressman Fernando V. Gonzalez explains the developments that were made in the campus. LNHS' Principal Mrs. Carmelita A. Sinson also shared the plan to replace old facilities in the school.

Sec. Luistro was also impressed by the reports presented by the local government regarding the budget allocation for the construction of the school facilities. He was surprised to know that school buildings were constructed at lower costs without compromising the quality and design of the facilities. One of the projects that were showcased includes the recently completed school buildings for the Ligao Community College which only cost 23 million pesos. Congressman Gonzalez also suggested to Sec. Luistro the construction of two-storey school buildings to maximize the use of school sites.
Written by Lala Peñafiel

34 sewing machines and starter kits benefit newly trained dressmakers

The graduates of Dressmaking and Tailoring course with Regional Project Coordinator Gina Minete, Congressman Fernando V. Gonzalez, and Ligao City Mayor Patricia Gonzalez-Alsua during the ribbon cutting ceremony and distribution of sewing machines.

Thirty four (34) newly-trained dressmakers from different barangays of Ligao City were granted new sewing machines and starter kits after finishing a 28-day Dressmaking and Tailoring Course. The program was implemented by the Local Poverty Reduction Action Team (LPRAT) which constitutes the Local Government Unit of Ligao, Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Technical Education and Skills Development (TESDA), and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) under the Bottom-Up Budgeting and Planning (BuBP) to eradicate poverty and empower women by developing their skills and giving them resources to start their own livelihood.

With the theme, "Pagpakusug sa Kapasidad kang mga Kababaihan, Simbag para ang Pagtios Mabawasan [Strengthening women's capacity to lessen poverty]," the graduates of the program received their Dressmaking National Certificate (NC) II for passing the Dressmaking and Tailoring Assessment, special awards for those who excelled in the course, together with the starter kit and sewing machine during the 1st Dressmakers’ Commencement Exercises on 29 May 2015 at Robredo Bldg., Tuburan, Ligao City.

The graduates wore their sewn uniforms during the Dressmaker's 1st Commencement Exercises

Ligao City Mayor Patricia Gonzalez-Alsua further explained that the program aims to extend the services and benefits of the BuBP to the communities in the upland and coastal areas. Hence, the beneficiaries of the program came from different communities in Ligao City. She also encouraged the graduates to be the forerunners of successful dressmakers in the city.

The government programs such as the free courses offered by the TESDA bring opportunities to indigent families to improve their living condition thereby slowly eradicating poverty. Congressman Fernando V. Gonzalez said that the Dressmaking course gives women, especially the housewives, to enhance their skills and help their families find additional sources of income. He also acknowledged the dedication of Pres. Benigno Aquino III to improve the lives of every Filipino. His transparency proves that the funds were properly allocated for the implementation of several projects.

Written by Lala Peñafiel

Bridging the gap: Albay 3rd District farmers dialogue with agriculture experts

Mr. Bernardino Dizon (left) and Mr. Constante Adalla (right) demonstrate the grafting of Pili seedlings during the "Sa Kabukiran: Talakayan ng Pangkat Kaunlaran" at Ligao City Gym, 21 May 2015.

Farmers from different city/municipalities of Albay 3rd District were able to get firsthand information and had their queries directly answered by agricultural experts during the seminar-cum-dialogue program, “Sa Kabukiran: Talakayan ng Pangkat Kaunlaran” at the Ligao City Gymasium on 21 May 2015.

Sponsored by Congressman Fernando V. Gonzalez and the City Government of Ligao headed by City Mayor Patricia Gonzalez-Alsua in partnership with ABS-CBN DZMM Teleradyo, the activity was conceptualized due to public demand to conduct a localized discussion of in-demand and site-specific information.

More than 1000 farmers from Libon, Polangui, Oas, Ligao City, Jovellar, Pioduran, and Guinobatan attended the event. Experts from different fields of agriculture presented information, demonstrated several methods, and answered questions raised by participants. Among the topics covered by the experts include the following:

Dr. Frisco Malabanan – Hybrid Rice Production
Mr. Louie Tabing – Virgin Coconut Oil Making at Home
Mr. Bernardo Dizon – Fruit Tree Propagation Techniques
Dr. Aida Adalla – Opportunities in Crops for Natural Ingredients
Mr. Constante Adalla – Root Crop Production Techniques
Mr. Greg Nicdao – Ram Pump and Drip Irrigation Technique
Dr. Erlinda P. Rillo – Tissue Culture Production
Mr. Romeo Opeña – Vegetable Production Technology Techniques
Ms. Rosselle De Guzman – Marketing Agri-Products

Aside from presenting new technologies, experts also recommended high market value crops and high quality varieties. Dr. Frisco Malabanan, an expert in hybrid rice production, recommended the SL-8H hybrid rice variety due to increased amount of output it produces compared to inbred rice. Roselle De Guzman suggested that farmers plant “Pakbet” vegetables: eggplant, okra, squash, and bitter gourd, Chopsuey vegetables, and spices: garlic, onion, and ginger. Dr. Malabanan also stressed that farmers can generate high income using the right kind of variety and proper crop management.

The experts also see the potential of Albay in agricultural business because of its rich natural resources. Bernardo Dizon, who discussed on managing fruit-bearing trees, said that he envies the Bicolanos because of its beautiful soil. “Naiinggit po ako sainyo, dahil nandito ang pinakamagandang soil-volcanic soil [I envy you, because you have the most beautiful soil, the volcanic soil],” said Dizon. DZMM Teleradyo Sa Kabukiran host, Louie Tabing, meanwhile believe that Bicolanos should be happy that coconut milk is a favorite in the locality. People who consume more coconut oil are more likely to live longer, according to Tabing.

Local farmers not only benefit from easy access to technical assistance but the strong support of local government units in prioritizing agricultural projects. In Ligao City, several agricultural programs for farmers have been recognized which brought LGU-Ligao to the list of outstanding LGUs in Bicol. Aside from agricultural programs, infrastructures were also developed to facilitate farming activities as well as marketing of farm products. Congressman Gonzalez said that the government is allocating funds to irrigate drought-prone areas and improve the farming system in upland and coastal areas.

Albay Rep. Gonzalez wants efficient rehabilitation system for Manila-Bicol railways

During the meeting of Committee on Transportation with officials from the Philippine National Railways (PNR) and Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) officials on 25 February 2015, Albay 3rd District Representative Fernando V. Gonzalez urged the PNR to rehabilitate the Manila-Bicol railways with an efficient system to help Bicolanos transport goods.

Albay 3rd District Rep. Fernando V. Gonzalez (right) during the meeting of Committee on Transportation on 25 February 2015 at the House of Representatives

The operation of Manila-Bicol railways has been suspended several times due to damages caused by calamities, neglect of maintenance, and persistent problem with informal settlers. Despite several rehabilitation projects made in the previous years, the railways failed to withstand damages. 

With the approved subsidy of P564.68 million by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), PNR will be rehabilitating tracks, bridges, and stations again this year. 

In which case, Rep. Gonzalez advised the PNR to make an efficient system of constructing and rehabilitating railways. “If you will put railroads, make sure you can sustain it…We would like to have an efficient system, for us Bicolanos,” said Rep. Gonzalez. 

Likewise, in order to ensure that utilization of railroads are cost-effective, affordable, and within the reach of ordinary citizens, certain subsidies are needed. The subsidy must be shouldered by the national government and not by PNR. In order for PNR to use its revenues for operations, salaries, and maintenance, and continue to upgrade and modernize, the same formula is done to operate MRT/LRT in Metro Manila. It is the national government that must pay for the subsidy to help lower the cost for ordinary citizens. 

Railways are the most cost-efficient channels for Bicolanos to transport goods. Alternatively, Bicolanos also transport goods via the Pan-Philippine Highway, commonly known as Maharlika Highway. But due to the high cost of transportation, products are sold at higher prices. “The Bicolanos can produce Papaya that is as cheaply as Batangas, Northern Luzon, and Quezon can produce,” said Rep. Gonzalez. However, Bicolanos need to raise the price to compensate for the high cost of transportation, he added.

PNR must rebuild the railway system to make it resilient. This way the system can be sustained even if subjected to extreme weather conditions. Rep. Gonzalez emphasized that PNR has to address the need for building better railways that can sustain damages. It would be a waste of financial resources to spend millions of pesos in building infrastructures that will eventually collapse every time a typhoon hits the area. He further suggested that PNR should allocate a necessary amount of money for the construction of high-quality railways instead of making installment budget allocations that can only provide for substandard railways. 

“Perhaps it is imperative, and very very important, that if you will be asked to make a railway, do it the right way, do it well, of [with] the necessary money and necessary investment. Huwag yung patingi-tingi na naman [Don’t make installment budget allocation again],“ Rep. Gonzalez explained. 

As Bicolanos rely on railway transportation, the inefficient operation of the railways contributed to poor investments in Bicol. In which case, Rep. Gonzalez called the attention of PNR officials to provide Bicolanos the services that they deserve. 

Albay Catholic devotees visit Kawakawa Hill for 6th Diocesan Youth Way of the Cross

Catholic devotees gather around at the 12th Station of the Cross to pray. 

Hundreds of students, seminarians, and Catholic devotees from different cities and municipalities of Albay gathered at Kawakawa Natural Park, Ligao City to participate in the 6th Diocesan Youth Way of the Cross on 28 February 2015.

Organized by the Commission on Youth, in partnership with Kawakawa Natural Park management headed by Congressman Fernando V. Gonzalez, this year’s Youth Way of the Cross is themed, “Jesus looked at Peter (Lk 22: 61-62)…Jesus looked at the youth,” with Most Rev. Joel Z. Baylon, D.D. as the presider.

Beginning at The Last Supper, the devotees were lead by seminarians and Youth leaders in praying at the life-size sculptured Stations of the Cross, followed by a Holy Mass presided by Most Rev. Baylon. Similar to last year’s Youth Way of the Cross, Most Rev. Baylon had a dialogue with the youth instead of a homily.

Leading the pilgrims: Most Rev. Joel Z. Baylon leads a group of pilgrims uphill to the 2nd Station of the Cross.

The Youth Way of the Cross is performed every year at Kawakawa Hill during the Lenten season as a way of showing devotion to the Passion of Christ, and to invite the youth to enter the Catholic seminary. 

Security and medical assistance were also provided by the local government. Booths for food and refreshments were put up in the vicinity for the visitors. The Kawakawa management also provided personnel to guide the visitors in trekking the hill. Restrooms, trash cans, benches, and Nipa Huts are installed in the area for public use. 

Aside from participating in the Way of the Cross, visitors also enjoyed the beautiful scenery and fresh air at Kawakawa, relieving their physical exhaustion. Some took pictures of the animals, the breath-taking views, and even took “selfies” and “groufies” with their friends. 

Aside from the hill’s natural magnificence, people also visit the Kawakawa during summer to witness the blooming of Sunflower field which also coincides with the celebration of Ligao City’s foundation day. 

Written by Lala Peñafiel

For more photos on the 6th Diocesan Youth Way of the Cross, visit Congressman Fernando V. Gonzalez' page here.