A detour to a more convenient and safer path

Pathways and bridges provide great convenience to residents as it makes transportation and daily routines more efficient. Residents can save time, effort, and money when taking shorter routes.

In Barangay Bongoran, Oas, the residents used to ride vehicles or walk through longer routes to get to the Poblacion market of Oas and roads going to Polangui and Ligao. As this route usually take about 15 to 30 minutes of travel time and Php 15 transportation fare, residents chose to take the other route – that is by crossing the river through a wooden raft. Travel time is reduced to five minutes and fare is only two pesos for each round trip. However, crossing the river is risky especially during rainy days when the water level rises. Residents have to compromise their safety and convenience to save time.

Due to this inconvenience and danger brought to the residents, Congressman Fernando V. Gonzalez, with the local government, made efforts to address this concern.

On November 2015, a 60-meter hanging bridge was constructed connecting Barangay Bongoran to Poblacion area of Oas. Many residents proved that this structure is indeed a great convenience to them.

One of them is Justin Peranca, a Grade 8 student at Oas Polytechnic School who used to cross the river by riding the wooden raft whenever she goes to school. However, the wooden raft is only available until 5 pm. At night and during rainy days when the route is not safe to take, residents including college students who attend night classes have to chose longer routes. Like Peranca, many students are experiencing the great convenience brought by the establishment of the hanging bridge as this enables them to save time and money going to and coming home from school.

Justin Peranca is a Grade 8 student from Oas Polytechnic School 

According to Bongoran Barangay Captain Rodel Realco, the construction of the bridge is also beneficial to his vendor-constituents. Many of his constituents sell Sampaguita flowers for a living. As early as three in the morning, Sampaguita vendors are already out in the streets to begin their day. Since they start before daylight, crossing the river is not safe, hence they have to take the longer route to reach Poblacion area. The hanging bridge now provides them a convenient and safer path. 

Bongoran Barangay Captain Rodel Realco sees the great benefit of the hanging bridge to his constituents

Consuelo Peralta, a 63-year old resident of Bongoran, is a Sampaguita vendor and a frequent passerby at the bridge. Before the bridge was constructed, she pays Php 10 for a ride going to Poblacion area via the longer route. With the newly-constructed hanging bridge, Peralta no longer needs to spend transportation fare to reach her destination.

Consuelo Peralta, a 63-year old Sampaguita vendor is a frequent passerby at the bridge.

Aside from Peralta and Peranca, Barangay Kagawad Edna Rillo also frequently passes through the bridge. Kgwd. Rillo used to walk around from her house to Poblacion area which usually takes her 30 minutes to reach the destination. Now she's experiencing convenience in taking a shorter and safer route at the hanging bridge.

Barangay Kagawad Edna Rillo said that they are making efforts to keep the bridge in good condition.

Due to the great convenience the structure provides, the barangay officials and residents are also making an effort to maintain the bridge. They limit the passage of motorcycle with heavy loads and prioritize the use of structure as footbridge. They also value the safety of the residents especially the students, hence, keeping the bridge in good condition is one of their primary concern in area.

Aside from the construction of the hanging bridge, the flood dikes are continuously improved to mitigate flooding and protect livelihoods and properties of the residents.

Congressman Gonzalez coordinates with the Department of Public Works and Highways to achieve the desired structures with robust materials that would benefit communities for a longer period. Lala Peñafiel / albay3d.blogspot.com

Awesome Oas: 4 Reasons to Visit, From Beaches to Rich Culture

By Aris Mape

Originally posted at www.choosephilippines.com

Bicol's off-the-beaten-path gem should be on your next trip to visit Mayon Volcano and its surrounding towns.

The way to Oas is a road less traveled; however, one thing is sure--a visit to this place is always a homecoming. It’s where you go back to your story, trace your roots and relive the joys of friendship and family.

You go back to Oas to shake hands with old classmates, friends, and relatives.

You go back because you missed home and you want to hear words said in the native tongue where the sound of R roars fiercely, the vowels are short (sometimes with a heavy stop), and the words fly fast.

You go to Oas to see the green fields and smell fresh air, to spend lazy days in the farm where the roosters wake you up and the crickets lull you to sleep.

WHERE IS OAS?

Oas is in the Bicol peninsula, southeast of Luzon. From Manila, you can take a bus from the terminals in Cubao or Pasay and embark on a 10-hour journey to the south. Or, to make life easy, get on a plane to Legazpi City, hail a bus at Legazpi’s terminal and after an hour on the road, hop off at the public market of Oas.

Well-traveled men and hobbits, when asked of places to see in Albay, would perhaps not mention this town. Their list, most likely, will include the regulars: the world-famous Mayon Volcano, the hot springs of Tiwi, and the islands and the beaches of Bacacay. Or perhaps the sunflower farm of Ligao, the baroque church of Daraga, and the city of Legazpi.

Oas, the quiet and humble town it was years ago, in fact, is still the same quiet and humble town today. There are no malls, hotels, movie houses, or a good night life for those looking for the luxury of city life.

With Albay’s extensive focus on tourism lately, Oas is starting to see new light and is poised to become an attractive tourist destination in the province. Laid-back as it is, Oas has a rich culture, unique cuisine, and a thriving cottage industry that can be tapped to jumpstart tourism in the town.

1. TRADITIONS

A barangay or town fiesta is one event to look forward to.The whole year round, villages take turn celebrating feasts in honor of their saints.

The merry-making is marked with traditional games, singing contests and local pageants, basketball tournaments, parades, a disco night, and of course, a grand banquet. In fact, these fiesta is one of the main reasons people go home. Other celebrated events are the Holy Week, All Souls Day, and Christmas.

In December, the town is serenaded by carolers known as the Pastores or pastora. Clad in colorful costumes made of local materials, the performers reenact through songs and dances the visit of the shepherds to Bethlehem on the night Jesus was born.

The dancers bring their elaborately designed arko (an arch of flowers) and sing Christmas carols from house to house. A group of local musikero accompanies them as they do the rounds in town.

This tradition started in the Spanish times, which explains the lyrics of the song: "Pastores a Belén, vamos con alegría / a ver a nuestro bien, al Hijo de Maria / Allí, allí, nos espera Jesús / Pastores entrad, entrad zagales también / Vamos a ver al recién nacido / vamos a ver al Niño Emmanuel" (Shepherds to Bethlehem / We are going with happiness / To see, to our good, the Son of Mary / There, Jesus waits for us / Shepherds enter; lads also / Let us go to see the newborn / Let us go to see the Boy, God with us.)

2. THE SENSE OF YUMMY

“Masiram” is the local’s word for delicious. And when it comes to food, this town doesn’t run out of must-eats, from pasta to pastries to veggies and meat.

Oas does not have high-end restaurants where you can experience its unique cuisine. Sure, you can go to the public market, check a line of karinderia and eat with the locals. But, remember, your visit is a homecoming. And, as always, there’s no place like home. So here’s what to do: surprise a friend or a relative and head straight to their kitchen.

Oasnuns love "natuk" or coconut milk. Everything–pork, poultry, seafood, vegetable–can be cooked in cocounut milk. Either they swim in rich white sauce or they shine deliciously in simmered coconut oil. Of course, every dish can also get that hot buddy the Bicolanos are known for, whole red chili. In Oasnun, lada.

So what food to try while in Oas? Here are some of the cool ones.

1. Laing–Don’t just watch and eat. Ask your friend to let you experience the whole process. From picking the leaves at their backyard, peeling the stems, tearing the leaves, preparing the spices and cocounut milk, and of course, cooking the gabi leaves.

2. Kurakding–This edible fungus which is harvested from trunks of trees (so far I have only seen it grow on trunks of mangoes, but can also be cultured) can be cooked in–as usual–coconut milk until it’s tender. Vegetables or pork can be added to enhance the taste. Of course, the dish will not be perfect without chili in the scene...Read full article

About Aris Mape

SNEAK PEAK: On-going construction of covered courts and school buildings in Albay 3rd District

Aside from busy streets, the 3rd District of Albay is also busy with on-going construction of facilities. Congressman Fernando V. Gonzalez, with the help of the national government, aims to provide communities with facilities where people can gather for socioeconomic activities such as dental and medical mission, program implementation, culminating activities, and other community gatherings.

Caratagan, Pioduran

On-going construction of covered court at Caratagan, Pioduran. Photo credit: Jonathan Acoyado

Libon Agro-Industrial High School

A nearly completed covered court at Libon Agro-Industrial High School.

Itaran, Polangui

Another on-going construction of covered court at Itaran, Polangui

Pioduran Municipal Grounds

An on-going construction of covered court is also located at Pioduran municipal grounds.

School buildings are also built around the district to accommodate more students and provide a convenient and safe space for teachers and students.

Pioduran Community College

Pantao National High School

Ligao Community College

Photo credit: Jan Oscar De Luna Aquino

Towards a convenient water supply: Albay 3rd District barangays receive Jetmatic Pumps

Residents of Barangay San Jose, Libon joined forces to install the new Jetmatic Pump. 

Photo by Councilor Mark Ian Cortes 

To address the need for a convenient water supply, Congressman Fernando V. Gonzalez, in cooperation with local officials, is continuously distributing Jetmatic Pumps in the barangays within the 3rd District of Albay.

More than 53 barangays and schools were already granted with brand new Jetmatic Pumps which were used to either replace old and rusty water pumps or build a new water supply system. This will allow the residents to obtain water supply from a convenient and safer location without having to trek longer distances.

The Jetmatic Pumps were purchased using the personal funds of Congressman Gonzalez and were distributed with the help of municipal and barangay officials.

Written by Lala Peñafiel

Albay 3rd District flood control dikes: protecting communities against loss of lives and properties

In compliance with President Noynoy Aquino’s Tuwid na Daan project, flood control dikes are being constructed in Albay 3^rd district to protect the communities from loss of lives and properties.

As one of the priority projects of the government, Congressman Fernando V. Gonzalez urged the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Regional Office to ensure the establishment of the flood control dikes in the communities of Albay 3^rd District. He also conducts field visits to make sure that the infrastructures constructed can withstand the impact of flood onslaught.  

Well-constructed flood control dikes serve as protection of communities as it mitigates flood damages. This will in turn help the residents avoid evacuation every time a storm strikes the area, thereby maintaining a permanent shelter. Likewise, farm lands and other sources of livelihood will be safe from destruction while environmental resources are preserved. 

Featured in this article are flood control dikes constructed in the different communities of Albay 3rd District.

Balangibang, Polangui
Photos by Dennis Sardona

Busac, Oas
Photos by Dennis Sardona

Calzada, Oas
Photos by Dennis Sardona

Centro Oriental, Polangui
Photos by Dennis Sardona

East Carisac, Libon

Herrera, Ligao 

Kinale River, Polangui

Mayao, Oas
Photos by Dennis Sardona

Sta. Cruz, Libon

View more photos and get the latest updates on this project., visit Congressman Fernando V. Gonzalez' Facebook page at www.facebook.com/fernando.gonzalez .

Albay Third District hanging bridges: connecting sitios and barangays towards development

Pathways not only bring communities closer but serve as a foundation for economic development. Congressman Fernando V. Gonzalez is making continuous efforts in bringing the communities in the Third District of Albay closer towards a better standard of living.

With Congressman Gonzalez’ effort in leading the third district community towards development, the hanging bridges were built to provide people with safer and more convenient routes.  Read what people have to say about the hanging bridges built in the different communities of Third District.