(Alfredo Castro) Mang Orland Paragua quietly passed away early Monday, Dec. 21 at his home in Sta. Ana, Manila. He was 90 years old.
In a brief conversation on the phone that I had with Mang Orland's son Clifford Tuesday evening, Cliff told me that his dad was alright and up and around, going out of the house by himself as usual to pick up his newspaper. The last two days, however, Mang Orland was not eating. Cliff visited him to find his dad weakened but still alright. In fact, Mang Orland was still alert and Cliff was still able to relay to him my email message I sent him through Cliff some days earlier to finally get friendly with the computer so we his fans could get connected better. Cliff said "Mang Orland smiled but weakly". Monday morning, while Cliff was driving to his office, he got a call at around 7:35 a.m., telling him his dad is gone. Cliff turned around to get to his dad.
The remains now lie in state at Loyola in Guadalupe. Viewing started Tuesday and shall be until evening of Dec. 26. The remains will be cremated the following day, Dec. 27. Meanwhile, the arrival of a son from Canada is being awaited.
For those who may wish to extend their condolences in one form or the other, please send the same to Mrs. Carlina Paragua, care of son Clifford Paragua at:
Block 7, Lot 23 Saint Simon
San Pedro 7 Subd.
Novaliches, Quezon City 1116
Metro Manila
Philippines
Farewell, Mang Orland. While we shall no longer have you nor your newsletter, we shall always have many fond memories of you and the legacy of your newsletter - the bind that tied us Aparrianos altogether all through these many years.
Wednesday, December 23, 2009
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
In Memory of Orlando Paragua
(Gin Cababa) Please accept our deepest condolences and prayers on the passing of your beloved Dad Orlando.
To all Aparrianos, please let us ask our Almighty Father to bring comfort, peace and strength to his bereaved loved ones. Meanwhile, we ask you to say a prayer for the eternal repose of his soul. Mab-balo and please spread the word.
(Clifford Paragua, 21 December 2009) I just want to inform you about my dad, Orlando Paragua .... passed away peacefully this morning at a ripe age of 90 .... his remains are now in Loyola Guadalupe and [if plans push through] he will be cremated in the morning of the 27th of December.
To all Aparrianos, please let us ask our Almighty Father to bring comfort, peace and strength to his bereaved loved ones. Meanwhile, we ask you to say a prayer for the eternal repose of his soul. Mab-balo and please spread the word.
(Clifford Paragua, 21 December 2009) I just want to inform you about my dad, Orlando Paragua .... passed away peacefully this morning at a ripe age of 90 .... his remains are now in Loyola Guadalupe and [if plans push through] he will be cremated in the morning of the 27th of December.
Friday, November 27, 2009
Discussions on Black Sand Mining
Recently, more discussions are being made public in Aparri-Reunited (Facebook)...
Please visit the link...
http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?topic=12849&uid=88357396332
Let us, aparrianos, voice our concerns about the black sand mining activities in Cagayan (particularly in Buguey)...Please use this blog to voice out or join in the discussions about this same issue at Aparri-Reunited (Facebook)! Please add your comments...
In so doing, the curent local government in Cagayan and the national government will hopefully hear your voice. And those aspiring to be future leaders take note...
A campaign issue this May 2010 election!
Video on Black Sand Mining in Cagayan, Part 1
Video on Black Sand Mining in Cagayan, Part 2
Please visit the link...
http://www.facebook.com/topic.php?topic=12849&uid=88357396332
Let us, aparrianos, voice our concerns about the black sand mining activities in Cagayan (particularly in Buguey)...Please use this blog to voice out or join in the discussions about this same issue at Aparri-Reunited (Facebook)! Please add your comments...
In so doing, the curent local government in Cagayan and the national government will hopefully hear your voice. And those aspiring to be future leaders take note...
A campaign issue this May 2010 election!
Video on Black Sand Mining in Cagayan, Part 1
Video on Black Sand Mining in Cagayan, Part 2
More on Black Sand Mining
kwadernongtagaulat
April 21, 2009
SAND MINING
The industry of mining the sand along the shores of Buguey, Cagayan is alive and healthy. Consequently, however, an environmental problem is feared to emerge. The main reason for mining the sand is to get magnetites, a mineral used in the manufacture of steel products. The trouble is, magnetites are what help keep shorelines intact. According to the Philippine Mining Act, mining activities 500 meters from the ocean is prohibited. This makes sand mining in Buguey against the law. It is said that the sand mined from Buguey is brought outside of the Philippines to a company in Korea. Despite it being against the law, the Governor himself permitted the mining operations. How is the problem dealt with if at all?
= = = = =
MINAHAN SA TABING-DAGAT
Masigla ang industriya ng pagmimina ng buhangin sa tabing-dagat ng Buguey, Cagayan. Ngunit ang buhay na buhay na industriyang ito, nagdudulot naman ng unti-unting kamatayan sa kalikasan. Ang pangunahing pakay kasi sa kinukuhang buhangin ay ang magnetites, isang mineral na ginagamit sa paggawa ng mga produktong bakal. Ang problema, magnetites ang nagpapanatiling solido sa baybaying dagat dahilan para hindi ito tuluyang gumuho. Ayon sa Philippine Mining Act, ipinagbabawal ang pagmimina hanggang 500 metro mula sa dagat. Kaya ang pagmimina ng buhangin sa Buguey ay labag sa batas. Sinasabing inilalabas ng Pilipinas ang nakukuhang buhangin sa Buguey at dinadala sa isang kumpanya sa Korea. Sa kabila ng pagiging labag nito sa batas, mismong Gobernador ang nagpahintulot sa operasyon ng naturang pagmimina. Paano inaaksyunan ang problema kung may ginagawa man tungkol dito?
April 21, 2009
SAND MINING
The industry of mining the sand along the shores of Buguey, Cagayan is alive and healthy. Consequently, however, an environmental problem is feared to emerge. The main reason for mining the sand is to get magnetites, a mineral used in the manufacture of steel products. The trouble is, magnetites are what help keep shorelines intact. According to the Philippine Mining Act, mining activities 500 meters from the ocean is prohibited. This makes sand mining in Buguey against the law. It is said that the sand mined from Buguey is brought outside of the Philippines to a company in Korea. Despite it being against the law, the Governor himself permitted the mining operations. How is the problem dealt with if at all?
= = = = =
MINAHAN SA TABING-DAGAT
Masigla ang industriya ng pagmimina ng buhangin sa tabing-dagat ng Buguey, Cagayan. Ngunit ang buhay na buhay na industriyang ito, nagdudulot naman ng unti-unting kamatayan sa kalikasan. Ang pangunahing pakay kasi sa kinukuhang buhangin ay ang magnetites, isang mineral na ginagamit sa paggawa ng mga produktong bakal. Ang problema, magnetites ang nagpapanatiling solido sa baybaying dagat dahilan para hindi ito tuluyang gumuho. Ayon sa Philippine Mining Act, ipinagbabawal ang pagmimina hanggang 500 metro mula sa dagat. Kaya ang pagmimina ng buhangin sa Buguey ay labag sa batas. Sinasabing inilalabas ng Pilipinas ang nakukuhang buhangin sa Buguey at dinadala sa isang kumpanya sa Korea. Sa kabila ng pagiging labag nito sa batas, mismong Gobernador ang nagpahintulot sa operasyon ng naturang pagmimina. Paano inaaksyunan ang problema kung may ginagawa man tungkol dito?
Tuesday, November 3, 2009
For All Political Aspirants - Please Take Note!
Words of wisdom for those who wish to lead;
Tandaan ang mga salita ni Abraham Lincoln: “The ultimate measure of success is not what you have become, or who you have become, but what others have become because of you.”
In other words, we should always be ready to share, not only the profit that we generate, but also our thoughts and our ideas, to lift someone else, to serve others.
Maganda ang sinabi ni Pareng Kahlil Gibran tungkol dito: “You give but little when you give of your material possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.”
GIVE NOT TAKE!!!
Tandaan ang mga salita ni Abraham Lincoln: “The ultimate measure of success is not what you have become, or who you have become, but what others have become because of you.”
In other words, we should always be ready to share, not only the profit that we generate, but also our thoughts and our ideas, to lift someone else, to serve others.
Maganda ang sinabi ni Pareng Kahlil Gibran tungkol dito: “You give but little when you give of your material possessions. It is when you give of yourself that you truly give.”
GIVE NOT TAKE!!!
Monday, October 19, 2009
More Activities on Black Sand Mining
South Koreans illegally mining beaches
By Neal Cruz
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 23:27:00
05/31/2009
You have already heard what the South Koreans have done in our country, in particular at the Subic Bay Free Trade Zone and on Volcano Island in Taal, Batangas. They built a high-rise residential condominium in the middle of a forest and tried to raze a mini-forest along the pier area to build a hotel-casino in Subic. They succeeded in the forest but were blocked in the second by a Filipino architect trying to save our environment. In Taal, they almost succeeded in putting up a hot springs spa at the foot of Taal volcano itself, with the approval of the mayor but without an Environment Compliance Certificate (ECC) from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). They had almost finished construction when the people woke up to what they were doing and protested. So the national government stepped in and construction was stopped.
Now listen to what the South Koreans are doing in the northernmost tip of Cagayan, home province of Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile. Six coastal municipalities of Cagayan have miles and miles of beaches that attract tourists. Foreign and domestic tourists like the beaches because of their color. No, they are not white like that of Boracay but the opposite color: black. Although the sands are not white, they are more valuable than the snow-white sands of Boracay. It is because the black sand is 70 percent composed of magnetite, a mineral used in the smelting of iron ore into steel. It is what the South Koreans are lusting after, the newly industrialized country being hungry for steel. They have been digging up the beaches and shipping away the black sand. They have already made a wasteland of the beaches of five municipalities. Without a beachfront to hold back the sea, salt water has invaded the farms and made them unproductive. They have started mining the beach of a sixth municipality, Buguey, at Barangay Minanga Este, but the mayor, Ignacio M. Taruc, and the municipal council stopped them. Koreans and their agents made many visits to Mayor Taruc to ask for a mining permit but the latter refused. The municipal government vigorously opposed any form of mining on its beaches as it would mar its pristine beauty and pose a danger to its farmlands. The council passed a resolution “vehemently objecting to the mining of black sand and other minerals along the coastal areas of Buguey as we believe that this is destructive not only to the environment but also poses a danger to the safety and security of the people and the loss of their livelihood due to the entry of seawater into their farms.” Apparently, the governor, Alvaro T. Antonio, was not able to resist the “persuasive powers” of the Koreans In spite of the opposition of the people of Buguey, he issued a permit to mine its beaches of black sand, but it was in the name of a political ally, one Renato Alariao, a former member of the municipal council, although it was being used by the Korean company, Jisan Mining Corp.
Mayor Taruc wrote to the governor objecting to the mining operation as it would openly violate the Mining Law as well as the Provincial Environment Code which prohibits “the gathering, extraction, and/or removal of beach resources, pebbles, sand and gravel and boulders for whatever purpose.” Governor Antonio did not reply even as Mayor Taruc refused to issue a mayor’s permit. Instead, the governor directed the mining operation to proceed with the assistance of armed men. Taruc brought the case to Environment Secretary Lito Atienza who, on recommendation of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau which found the operation illegal, issued a cease-and-desist order on April 22, 2009. The order stopped further degradation of the environment but not before the beach and protective bunkers were ruined. The people of Buguey formed human barricades to prevent the shipping away of thousands of bags of black sand but the governor allegedly sent 100 policemen from different municipalities to act as guards of the miners.
The governor also resurrected an old invalid administrative case filed by the mayor’s political opponent against Taruc and immediately suspended him from office for 60 days last March 4. When the 60-day suspension expired last May 4, the provincial council rushed its decision on the case, convicted Mayor Taruc of simple misconduct but imposed the maximum six-month suspension. Worse, the suspension was immediately carried out despite Taruc’s timely motion for reconsideration. More than 100 policemen from the different towns were sent by the governor to the Buguey town hall, surrounded it and ejected Mayor Taruc despite his and his supporters’ protestations that the council decision was not yet final and executory. Electric power and water supply of the town hall were cut off. Taruc’s opponent, Vice Mayor Licerio Antiporda III, assumed the mayorship, but town hall employees still went to Mayor Taruc’s home were he held office. The suspension order of Taruc is on appeal and a complaint for violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act has been filed against Governor Antonio with the Office of the Ombudsman, praying that the governor be preventively suspended. Apart from the charges filed against Governor Antonio and the dummies of the Korean mining company, shouldn’t charges of illegal mining be filed against the Koreans and their accomplices? Shouldn’t the Department of Interior and Local Government step in to prevent abuses by the provincial government? And shouldn’t the Department of Foreign Affairs summon the Korean ambassador and denounce the abuses of Korean business firms in the country?
By Neal Cruz
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 23:27:00
05/31/2009
You have already heard what the South Koreans have done in our country, in particular at the Subic Bay Free Trade Zone and on Volcano Island in Taal, Batangas. They built a high-rise residential condominium in the middle of a forest and tried to raze a mini-forest along the pier area to build a hotel-casino in Subic. They succeeded in the forest but were blocked in the second by a Filipino architect trying to save our environment. In Taal, they almost succeeded in putting up a hot springs spa at the foot of Taal volcano itself, with the approval of the mayor but without an Environment Compliance Certificate (ECC) from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). They had almost finished construction when the people woke up to what they were doing and protested. So the national government stepped in and construction was stopped.
Now listen to what the South Koreans are doing in the northernmost tip of Cagayan, home province of Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile. Six coastal municipalities of Cagayan have miles and miles of beaches that attract tourists. Foreign and domestic tourists like the beaches because of their color. No, they are not white like that of Boracay but the opposite color: black. Although the sands are not white, they are more valuable than the snow-white sands of Boracay. It is because the black sand is 70 percent composed of magnetite, a mineral used in the smelting of iron ore into steel. It is what the South Koreans are lusting after, the newly industrialized country being hungry for steel. They have been digging up the beaches and shipping away the black sand. They have already made a wasteland of the beaches of five municipalities. Without a beachfront to hold back the sea, salt water has invaded the farms and made them unproductive. They have started mining the beach of a sixth municipality, Buguey, at Barangay Minanga Este, but the mayor, Ignacio M. Taruc, and the municipal council stopped them. Koreans and their agents made many visits to Mayor Taruc to ask for a mining permit but the latter refused. The municipal government vigorously opposed any form of mining on its beaches as it would mar its pristine beauty and pose a danger to its farmlands. The council passed a resolution “vehemently objecting to the mining of black sand and other minerals along the coastal areas of Buguey as we believe that this is destructive not only to the environment but also poses a danger to the safety and security of the people and the loss of their livelihood due to the entry of seawater into their farms.” Apparently, the governor, Alvaro T. Antonio, was not able to resist the “persuasive powers” of the Koreans In spite of the opposition of the people of Buguey, he issued a permit to mine its beaches of black sand, but it was in the name of a political ally, one Renato Alariao, a former member of the municipal council, although it was being used by the Korean company, Jisan Mining Corp.
Mayor Taruc wrote to the governor objecting to the mining operation as it would openly violate the Mining Law as well as the Provincial Environment Code which prohibits “the gathering, extraction, and/or removal of beach resources, pebbles, sand and gravel and boulders for whatever purpose.” Governor Antonio did not reply even as Mayor Taruc refused to issue a mayor’s permit. Instead, the governor directed the mining operation to proceed with the assistance of armed men. Taruc brought the case to Environment Secretary Lito Atienza who, on recommendation of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau which found the operation illegal, issued a cease-and-desist order on April 22, 2009. The order stopped further degradation of the environment but not before the beach and protective bunkers were ruined. The people of Buguey formed human barricades to prevent the shipping away of thousands of bags of black sand but the governor allegedly sent 100 policemen from different municipalities to act as guards of the miners.
The governor also resurrected an old invalid administrative case filed by the mayor’s political opponent against Taruc and immediately suspended him from office for 60 days last March 4. When the 60-day suspension expired last May 4, the provincial council rushed its decision on the case, convicted Mayor Taruc of simple misconduct but imposed the maximum six-month suspension. Worse, the suspension was immediately carried out despite Taruc’s timely motion for reconsideration. More than 100 policemen from the different towns were sent by the governor to the Buguey town hall, surrounded it and ejected Mayor Taruc despite his and his supporters’ protestations that the council decision was not yet final and executory. Electric power and water supply of the town hall were cut off. Taruc’s opponent, Vice Mayor Licerio Antiporda III, assumed the mayorship, but town hall employees still went to Mayor Taruc’s home were he held office. The suspension order of Taruc is on appeal and a complaint for violation of the Anti-Graft and Corrupt Practices Act has been filed against Governor Antonio with the Office of the Ombudsman, praying that the governor be preventively suspended. Apart from the charges filed against Governor Antonio and the dummies of the Korean mining company, shouldn’t charges of illegal mining be filed against the Koreans and their accomplices? Shouldn’t the Department of Interior and Local Government step in to prevent abuses by the provincial government? And shouldn’t the Department of Foreign Affairs summon the Korean ambassador and denounce the abuses of Korean business firms in the country?
Friday, September 25, 2009
A Korean Point of View about the Philippines
MY SHORT ESSAY ABOUT THE PHILIPPINES
by Jaeyoun Kim
Filipinos always complain about the corruption in the Philippines. Do you really think the corruption is the problem of the Philippines? I do not think so. I strongly believe that the problem is the lack of love for the Philippines .
Let me first talk about my country, Korea. It might help you understand my point. After the Korean War, South Korea was one of the poorest countries in the world. Koreans had to start from scratch because entire country was destroyed after the Korean War, and we had no natural resources.
Koreans used to talk about the Philippines, for Filipinos were very rich in Asia. We envy Filipinos. Koreans really wanted to be well off like Filipinos. Many Koreans died of famine. My father & brother also died because of famine. Korean government was very corrupt and is still very corrupt beyond your imagination, but Korea was able to develop dramatically because Koreans really did their best for the common good with their heart burning with patriotism.
Koreans did not work just for themselves but also for their neighborhood and country. Education inspired young men with the spirit of patriotism. 40 years ago, President Park took over the government to reform Korea. He tried to borrow money from other countries, but it was not possible to get a loan and attract a foreign investment because the economic situation of South Korea was so bad. Korea had only three factories. So, President Park sent many mine workers and nurses to Germany so that they could send money to Korea to build a factory. They had to go through horrible experience..
In 1964, President Park visited Germany to borrow money. Hundreds of Korean in Germany came to the airport to welcome him and cried there as they saw the President Park. They asked to him, "President, when can we be well off?" That was the only question everyone asked to him. President Park cried with them and promised them that Korea would be well off if everyone works hard for Korea , and the President of Germany got the strong impression on them and lent money to Korea. So, President Park was able to build many factories in Korea. He always asked Koreans to love their country from their heart.
Many Korean scientists and engineers in the USA came back to Korea to help developing country because they wanted their country to be well off. Though they received very small salary, they did their best for Korea. They always hoped that their children would live in well off country.
My parents always brought me to the places where poor and physically handicapped people live..... They wanted me to understand their life and help them. I also worked for Catholic Church when I was in the army. The only thing I learned from Catholic Church was that we have to love our neighborhood. And, I have loved my neighborhood. Have you cried for the Philippines ? I have cried for my country several times. I also cried for the Philippines because of so many poor people. I have been to the New Bilibid prison. What made me sad in the prison were the prisoners who do not have any love for their country. They go to mass and work for Church. They pray everyday.
However, they do not love the Philippines. I talked to two prisoners at the maximum-security compound, and both of them said that they would leave the Philippines right after they are released from the prison. They said that they would start a new life in other countries and never come back to the Philippines .
Many Koreans have a great love for Korea so that we were able to share our wealth with our neighborhood.... The owners of factory and company were distributed their profit to their employees fairly so that employees could buy what they needed and saved money for the
future and their children.
When I was in Korea, I had a very strong faith and wanted to be a priest. However, when I came to the Philippines, I completely lost my faith. I was very confused when I saw many unbelievable situations in the Philippines. Street kids always make me sad, and I see them everyday. The Philippines is the only Catholic country in Asia, but there are too many poor people here. People go to church every Sunday to pray, but nothing has been changed.
My parents came to the Philippines last week and saw this situation. They told me that Korea was much poorer than the present Philippines when they were young.. They are so sorry that there are so many beggars and street kids.. When we went to Pagsanjan, I forced my parents to take a boat because it would fun.. However, they were not happy after taking a boat. They said that they would not take the boat again because they were sympathized the boatmen, for the boatmen were very poor and had a small frame. Most of people just took a boat and enjoyed it. But, my parents did not enjoy it because of love for them.
My mother who has been working for Catholic Church since I was very young told me that if we just go to mass without changing ourselves, we are not Catholic indeed. Faith should come with action. She added that I have to love Filipinos and do good things for them because all of us are same and have received a great love from God. I want Filipinos to love their neighborhood and country as much as they love God so that the Philippines will be well off. I am sure that love is the keyword, which Filipinos should remember. We cannot change the sinful structure at once. It should start from person. Love must start in everybody, in a small scale and have to grow. A lot of things happen if we open up to love. Let's put away our prejudices and look at our worries with our new eyes. I discover that every person is worthy to be loved. Trust in love, because it makes changes possible. Love changes you and me. It changes people, contexts and relationships. It changes the world. Please love your neighborhood and country.
Jesus Christ said that whatever we do to others we do to Him. In the Philippines, there is God for people who are abused and abandoned. There is God who is crying for love. If you have a child, teach them how to love the Philippines. Teach them why they have to love their
neighborhood and country. You already know that God also will be very happy if you love others.
That's all I really want to ask you Filipinos.
Please pass it to all Filipinos you know. Thanks a lot.
by Jaeyoun Kim
Filipinos always complain about the corruption in the Philippines. Do you really think the corruption is the problem of the Philippines? I do not think so. I strongly believe that the problem is the lack of love for the Philippines .
Let me first talk about my country, Korea. It might help you understand my point. After the Korean War, South Korea was one of the poorest countries in the world. Koreans had to start from scratch because entire country was destroyed after the Korean War, and we had no natural resources.
Koreans used to talk about the Philippines, for Filipinos were very rich in Asia. We envy Filipinos. Koreans really wanted to be well off like Filipinos. Many Koreans died of famine. My father & brother also died because of famine. Korean government was very corrupt and is still very corrupt beyond your imagination, but Korea was able to develop dramatically because Koreans really did their best for the common good with their heart burning with patriotism.
Koreans did not work just for themselves but also for their neighborhood and country. Education inspired young men with the spirit of patriotism. 40 years ago, President Park took over the government to reform Korea. He tried to borrow money from other countries, but it was not possible to get a loan and attract a foreign investment because the economic situation of South Korea was so bad. Korea had only three factories. So, President Park sent many mine workers and nurses to Germany so that they could send money to Korea to build a factory. They had to go through horrible experience..
In 1964, President Park visited Germany to borrow money. Hundreds of Korean in Germany came to the airport to welcome him and cried there as they saw the President Park. They asked to him, "President, when can we be well off?" That was the only question everyone asked to him. President Park cried with them and promised them that Korea would be well off if everyone works hard for Korea , and the President of Germany got the strong impression on them and lent money to Korea. So, President Park was able to build many factories in Korea. He always asked Koreans to love their country from their heart.
Many Korean scientists and engineers in the USA came back to Korea to help developing country because they wanted their country to be well off. Though they received very small salary, they did their best for Korea. They always hoped that their children would live in well off country.
My parents always brought me to the places where poor and physically handicapped people live..... They wanted me to understand their life and help them. I also worked for Catholic Church when I was in the army. The only thing I learned from Catholic Church was that we have to love our neighborhood. And, I have loved my neighborhood. Have you cried for the Philippines ? I have cried for my country several times. I also cried for the Philippines because of so many poor people. I have been to the New Bilibid prison. What made me sad in the prison were the prisoners who do not have any love for their country. They go to mass and work for Church. They pray everyday.
However, they do not love the Philippines. I talked to two prisoners at the maximum-security compound, and both of them said that they would leave the Philippines right after they are released from the prison. They said that they would start a new life in other countries and never come back to the Philippines .
Many Koreans have a great love for Korea so that we were able to share our wealth with our neighborhood.... The owners of factory and company were distributed their profit to their employees fairly so that employees could buy what they needed and saved money for the
future and their children.
When I was in Korea, I had a very strong faith and wanted to be a priest. However, when I came to the Philippines, I completely lost my faith. I was very confused when I saw many unbelievable situations in the Philippines. Street kids always make me sad, and I see them everyday. The Philippines is the only Catholic country in Asia, but there are too many poor people here. People go to church every Sunday to pray, but nothing has been changed.
My parents came to the Philippines last week and saw this situation. They told me that Korea was much poorer than the present Philippines when they were young.. They are so sorry that there are so many beggars and street kids.. When we went to Pagsanjan, I forced my parents to take a boat because it would fun.. However, they were not happy after taking a boat. They said that they would not take the boat again because they were sympathized the boatmen, for the boatmen were very poor and had a small frame. Most of people just took a boat and enjoyed it. But, my parents did not enjoy it because of love for them.
My mother who has been working for Catholic Church since I was very young told me that if we just go to mass without changing ourselves, we are not Catholic indeed. Faith should come with action. She added that I have to love Filipinos and do good things for them because all of us are same and have received a great love from God. I want Filipinos to love their neighborhood and country as much as they love God so that the Philippines will be well off. I am sure that love is the keyword, which Filipinos should remember. We cannot change the sinful structure at once. It should start from person. Love must start in everybody, in a small scale and have to grow. A lot of things happen if we open up to love. Let's put away our prejudices and look at our worries with our new eyes. I discover that every person is worthy to be loved. Trust in love, because it makes changes possible. Love changes you and me. It changes people, contexts and relationships. It changes the world. Please love your neighborhood and country.
Jesus Christ said that whatever we do to others we do to Him. In the Philippines, there is God for people who are abused and abandoned. There is God who is crying for love. If you have a child, teach them how to love the Philippines. Teach them why they have to love their
neighborhood and country. You already know that God also will be very happy if you love others.
That's all I really want to ask you Filipinos.
Please pass it to all Filipinos you know. Thanks a lot.
Friday, September 11, 2009
An Appeal for Help - Clifford A. Paragua
PLEASE HELP ME.
By now you are probably aware that I (together with four other colleagues in TESDA) have a pending case at the Office of the President. I have filed my Motion for Reconsideration (two motions) since early last year but until now, the case has not progressed at all to any resolution, satisfactory or otherwise.
The case pertains to the printing of a book. As then members of the TESDA Bids and Awards Committee, we were pronounced GUILTY of GRAVE MISCONDUCT and meted the penalty of DISMISSAL from the service, forfeiture of eligibility, retirement benefits, leave credits and disqualification from re-employment in government service. The decision was issued by the Office of the President and signed by Executive Secretary Ermita.
Many have speculated that the members of the BAC (five of us) were simply cowed to follow the "dictates" of higher authority in terms of the selection of the winning bidder. Such speculation is made possibly for two reasons: 1) this is what "usually" happens in many agencies of government, and 2) this tends to support the view that since the head of the agency (Director General Syjuco) has been acquitted of the same charges by no less than the Office of the President through Executive Secretary Ermita, then the members of the BAC (who are assumed to have merely followed orders) should also be acquitted.
The speculation that the members of the BAC were simply cowed to follow "dictates" of higher authority is FARTHEST FROM THE TRUTH. While this may "usually" happen in other government agencies, this DID NOT HAPPEN in our case. The view that the members of the BAC should also be acquitted because the head of the agency has been acquitted of the same charges IS DEFINITELY TENABLE, BUT NOT BECAUSE WE SIMPLY FOLLOWED ORDERS, BUT ESSENTIALLY BECAUSE THE REASONS CITED IN THE DECISION DISMISSING THE CASE AGAINST DIRECTOR GENERAL SYJUCO ARE THE SAME REASONS THAT APPLY TO US. WE WERE ACCUSED OF PRACTICALLY THE SAME CHARGES.
THERE IS SPECULATION AND THERE MAY BE OTHER SPECULATIONS. THERE ARE A NUMBER OF ASSUMPTIONS. THERE MAY EVEN BE MISINFORMATION. PEOPLE CANNOT LOOK AT THE SITUATION OBJECTIVELY IF THEY ARE NOT PROPERLY INFORMED.
SO I AM APPEALING FOR YOUR HELP.
PLEASE HELP ME (and my colleagues) TO GET PEOPLE TO KNOW THE REAL SCORE, BASED ON FACTUAL DOCUMENTS, EVIDENCES AND ARGUMENTS BASED ON LAW AND PRECEDENTS.
There is an email address in GOOGLE (Gmail) where you can find the facts of the case. You can find a short summary of the events that have happened so far to quickly walk you through the case. Aside from this, you will also find 1) a copy of the ORIGINAL DECISION of the Office of the President dismissing us from the service, 2) a copy of my first Motion for Reconsideration, 3) a copy of the Decision of the Office of the President DISMISSING the case against Director General Syjuco, and 4) a copy of my supplemental Motion for Reconsideration (based on the decision acquitting Director General Syjuco).
HERE'S HOW YOU CAN HELP ME (and my colleagues). Please go to GOOGLE (http://www.google.com) and click on Gmail. When you see the log-in window please type this USERNAME - pendingcase. For the PASSWORD please type - pendingc@se. This will take you to the email window where you can see Documents at the upper left side of the screen. Click on Documents and you will see all the FILES relevant to the case which I enumerated above. Click on any of these files to view their content. Other documents related to the case may also provide additional facts and perspectives to the case.
I HOPE YOU CAN SPARE A FEW MINUTES OF YOUR TIME TO READ THESE FILES.
HERE'S HOW YOU CAN FURTHER HELP.
KINDLY FORWARD THIS MESSAGE TO ALL YOUR EMAIL CONTACTS, WHOEVER THEY ARE. I BELIEVE THAT THIS IS A BETTER WAY OF GETTING MORE PEOPLE TO KNOW THE REAL SCORE. THIS MAY ALSO BE A GOOD WAY TO GET SOME UNEXPECTED RESULTS. I HAVE APPROACHED A LOT OF PEOPLE, INFLUENTIAL PEOPLE, PEOPLE WHOM I THOUGHT MAY BE ABLE TO PUSH THE CASE A LITTLE. BUT I AM SAD TO SAY THAT ALL THESE EFFORTS HAVE BEEN IN VAIN JUDGING FROM THE REALITY THAT THE CASE HAS NOT BEEN MOVING AT ALL FOR ALMOST TWO YEARS NOW.
I KNOW I AM PROBABLY ASKING YOU TOO MUCH, BUT NOW I HAVE ONLY MY FRIENDS TO TURN TO.
MY LAST REQUEST: WHEN YOU FORWARD THIS MESSAGE, PLEASE USE THE Bcc box for the email addresses of your contacts SO THAT THE RECIPIENTS OF THE MESSAGE WILL APPEAR AS "undisclosed r". PLEASE DO NOT USE THE To box or the Cc box.
MY HEARTFELT GRATITUDE TO YOU. MAY THE GOOD LORD SHOWER YOU WITH HIS BLESSINGS.
Clifford A. Paragua
A Letter from the Office of the Mayor Ismael V. Tumaru
Dear Mr. Orlando Paragua:
Greetings from the Municipal Government of Aparri!
We appreciate that a fellow Aparriano residing in the US – Mr. Condring F. Rapadas is very much concerned about the conservation of our “gacca”. We are gladly informing Mr. Rapadas that to date, it is still available especially during summer but no longer as abundant as it used to be. This is in two distinct species – big and small.“Gacca” gathering is done through a trap called “tako” drawn along the seashore. The municipal government of Aparri under the able leadership of Mayor Ismael V. Tumaru,M.D. had launched a comprehensive coastal resource management to preserve and protect the marine environment and its resources.
For the information of Aparrianos who are residing elsewhere and abroad, we are happy to inform you that Aparri is now a FIRST CLASS MUNICIPALITY. It has gained national prominence in local governance having been conferred the HALL OF FAME AWARD as Most Outstanding Municipality in the Philippines. Many of its programs and projects are dubbed as “good practices” that can be replicated by other LGUs. The MARENU NGA BEVAY, GAWAGAWAYAN NAT TATOLAY (A Clean Sea, A Healthy Community) program successfully led to the conversion of the notorious seashore of Punta, San Antonio and Maura which was dubbed as the “longest toilet in the world” into a tourist spot and destination. It merited the GALING POOK AWARD as one of the 10 outstanding programs of LGUs in the Philippines. These feats and more were attained under the leadership of the incumbent Mayor Ismael V. Tumaru, M.D.
In order to promote tourism and further boost economic progress and development, construction of the Public Park is on-going. The Aparri Airport was reopened last May 11,2009 for light planes (10 sitters) of Cyclone Airways doing test flights of student pilots. Negotiations for the rebuilding of the seaport (pier) into an international facility are underway. Target is at the end of the year.
Meanwhile, the Municipality of Aparri, Cagayan is also currently negotiating in behalf of the Aparri Water District under General Manager Ramon E. Gorospe for the installation of a sophisticated water system with Chairman Prospero Pichay of the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA).
The facility will be composed of either a Water Clarifier Filtration or Reverse Osmosis System. The former is a machine that purifies water direct from the Apagonan Creek while the latter is a desalination instrument that can purify water from the Cagayan River or from the sea. The project which is in line with the government’s 10-point agenda of adequate potable water supply is intended to both the Eastern and Western barangays of the municipality.
If completed, the water system can generate 4,000 cubic meters of water per day which is the demand of the current population. As of now, the Aparri Water District is catering to 1,360 households with a daily supply of 760 cubic meters. The project which will be implemented in 3 phases costs Php 50M to be funded by LWUA.
These and more are good reasons for every Aparriano to be proud of their beloved hometown.
Alma P. Cadiente-Diaros, Community Affairs Asst. II
Greetings from the Municipal Government of Aparri!
We appreciate that a fellow Aparriano residing in the US – Mr. Condring F. Rapadas is very much concerned about the conservation of our “gacca”. We are gladly informing Mr. Rapadas that to date, it is still available especially during summer but no longer as abundant as it used to be. This is in two distinct species – big and small.“Gacca” gathering is done through a trap called “tako” drawn along the seashore. The municipal government of Aparri under the able leadership of Mayor Ismael V. Tumaru,M.D. had launched a comprehensive coastal resource management to preserve and protect the marine environment and its resources.
For the information of Aparrianos who are residing elsewhere and abroad, we are happy to inform you that Aparri is now a FIRST CLASS MUNICIPALITY. It has gained national prominence in local governance having been conferred the HALL OF FAME AWARD as Most Outstanding Municipality in the Philippines. Many of its programs and projects are dubbed as “good practices” that can be replicated by other LGUs. The MARENU NGA BEVAY, GAWAGAWAYAN NAT TATOLAY (A Clean Sea, A Healthy Community) program successfully led to the conversion of the notorious seashore of Punta, San Antonio and Maura which was dubbed as the “longest toilet in the world” into a tourist spot and destination. It merited the GALING POOK AWARD as one of the 10 outstanding programs of LGUs in the Philippines. These feats and more were attained under the leadership of the incumbent Mayor Ismael V. Tumaru, M.D.
In order to promote tourism and further boost economic progress and development, construction of the Public Park is on-going. The Aparri Airport was reopened last May 11,2009 for light planes (10 sitters) of Cyclone Airways doing test flights of student pilots. Negotiations for the rebuilding of the seaport (pier) into an international facility are underway. Target is at the end of the year.
Meanwhile, the Municipality of Aparri, Cagayan is also currently negotiating in behalf of the Aparri Water District under General Manager Ramon E. Gorospe for the installation of a sophisticated water system with Chairman Prospero Pichay of the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA).
The facility will be composed of either a Water Clarifier Filtration or Reverse Osmosis System. The former is a machine that purifies water direct from the Apagonan Creek while the latter is a desalination instrument that can purify water from the Cagayan River or from the sea. The project which is in line with the government’s 10-point agenda of adequate potable water supply is intended to both the Eastern and Western barangays of the municipality.
If completed, the water system can generate 4,000 cubic meters of water per day which is the demand of the current population. As of now, the Aparri Water District is catering to 1,360 households with a daily supply of 760 cubic meters. The project which will be implemented in 3 phases costs Php 50M to be funded by LWUA.
These and more are good reasons for every Aparriano to be proud of their beloved hometown.
Alma P. Cadiente-Diaros, Community Affairs Asst. II
An Open Letter - Reginald B. Tamayo
Dear Friends, Relatives, and Countrymen:
I am REGINALD BALISI TAMAYO, 45, married, a public servant and a humble Christian.
I am writing to inform you that I am running for the Senate in the 2010 elections under the ANG KAPATIRAN Party. I expect a certain amount of skepticism on your part. In fact many asked me these questions- “Isn’t that a little unrealistic? Isn’t that a wishful thinking?” I also asked the same questions a few times. I was clueless. By default, I dismissed my nomination to be a Senatorial candidate as a joke. I thought that I was not prepared tore-shape my life and that of my family by running into a national office.
However, as many put it, there’s a reason for everything. It is in this spirit that I am inviting you to read my story why I am taking this long shot for a Senate seat.
Looking Back (excerpts)
: completed AB Philosophy in 1985 at the University of the Philippines
: father was a clerk-typist and my mother worked as a gasoline girl
: hired as a lecturer at the Lyceum of Aparri
: appointed at the young age of 21 as Dean of Liberal Arts and Dean of Student Affairs of the Lyceum of Aparri
: invited by politicians to join local politics to represent the youth sector
: ran for municipal councilor but lost
The Transition (excerpts)
: sworn in as an appointed municipal councilor to serve the unexpired term of another councilor who passed away
: tried my new life as a public servant to respond the many concerns of the towns people that need to be addressed squarely thru legislation
: still taught at the Lyceum of Aparri as a part-time college instructor
Period of Achievements (excerpts)
: awarded as Outstanding Municipal Councilor of Cagayan by the Philippine Councilors League
: pioneered many innovative legislative measures ranging from giving awards to outstanding public school teachers, scholarship program for the poor but deserving students,instituting a local newspaper, to many and varied ordinances that benefit the Aparrianos
: wrote two books for the barangay officials (Barangay First) and the Sangguniang Kabataan (Empowering the Sangguniang Kabataan)
: shared my views on local and national issues thru the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Philippine Star, Philippine Free Press, and other major dailies
: regular columnist of the Northern Forum of Tuguegarao City, Guru Press of Tabuk City, and several others
: posted my articles in my site at http://reginaldtamayo.blogspot.com/
: ran for the vice-mayoral post but lost
: ran again as municipal councilor of Aparri in the 2004 elections and won a seat, a position which I still hold up to this time
Time to have a breather (excerpts)
: early this year, decided not to run in the forthcoming local elections
: my wife and children egged on me to continue with my law studies and I did God’s providential hand (excerpts)
: have been praying to God that He will pluck me out from the noisy politics and put my life in a more quiet place. God answered my prayer quite differently
: someone nominated me as Senatorial candidate under ANG KAPATIRAN Party
: severely grilled in an interview on national, political and moral issues; passed with flying colors and I was named 7th Senatorial candidate of the party
: don’t have any personal resources to sustain my candidacy but I sincerely believe I have you on my side, and with the guidance and provision from God I will not be another Jonah but to willingly accept the call and the challenge to run as a Senator in 2010 elections because there is no hiding place and hideout from God.
Thank you.
REGINALD BALISI TAMAYO, Member, Sangguniang Bayan
I am REGINALD BALISI TAMAYO, 45, married, a public servant and a humble Christian.
I am writing to inform you that I am running for the Senate in the 2010 elections under the ANG KAPATIRAN Party. I expect a certain amount of skepticism on your part. In fact many asked me these questions- “Isn’t that a little unrealistic? Isn’t that a wishful thinking?” I also asked the same questions a few times. I was clueless. By default, I dismissed my nomination to be a Senatorial candidate as a joke. I thought that I was not prepared tore-shape my life and that of my family by running into a national office.
However, as many put it, there’s a reason for everything. It is in this spirit that I am inviting you to read my story why I am taking this long shot for a Senate seat.
Looking Back (excerpts)
: completed AB Philosophy in 1985 at the University of the Philippines
: father was a clerk-typist and my mother worked as a gasoline girl
: hired as a lecturer at the Lyceum of Aparri
: appointed at the young age of 21 as Dean of Liberal Arts and Dean of Student Affairs of the Lyceum of Aparri
: invited by politicians to join local politics to represent the youth sector
: ran for municipal councilor but lost
The Transition (excerpts)
: sworn in as an appointed municipal councilor to serve the unexpired term of another councilor who passed away
: tried my new life as a public servant to respond the many concerns of the towns people that need to be addressed squarely thru legislation
: still taught at the Lyceum of Aparri as a part-time college instructor
Period of Achievements (excerpts)
: awarded as Outstanding Municipal Councilor of Cagayan by the Philippine Councilors League
: pioneered many innovative legislative measures ranging from giving awards to outstanding public school teachers, scholarship program for the poor but deserving students,instituting a local newspaper, to many and varied ordinances that benefit the Aparrianos
: wrote two books for the barangay officials (Barangay First) and the Sangguniang Kabataan (Empowering the Sangguniang Kabataan)
: shared my views on local and national issues thru the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Philippine Star, Philippine Free Press, and other major dailies
: regular columnist of the Northern Forum of Tuguegarao City, Guru Press of Tabuk City, and several others
: posted my articles in my site at http://reginaldtamayo.blogspot.com/
: ran for the vice-mayoral post but lost
: ran again as municipal councilor of Aparri in the 2004 elections and won a seat, a position which I still hold up to this time
Time to have a breather (excerpts)
: early this year, decided not to run in the forthcoming local elections
: my wife and children egged on me to continue with my law studies and I did God’s providential hand (excerpts)
: have been praying to God that He will pluck me out from the noisy politics and put my life in a more quiet place. God answered my prayer quite differently
: someone nominated me as Senatorial candidate under ANG KAPATIRAN Party
: severely grilled in an interview on national, political and moral issues; passed with flying colors and I was named 7th Senatorial candidate of the party
: don’t have any personal resources to sustain my candidacy but I sincerely believe I have you on my side, and with the guidance and provision from God I will not be another Jonah but to willingly accept the call and the challenge to run as a Senator in 2010 elections because there is no hiding place and hideout from God.
Thank you.
REGINALD BALISI TAMAYO, Member, Sangguniang Bayan
Monday, August 31, 2009
An Open Letter - Rotary Club of Santiago
A blessed day to you all.
First, I would like to introduce myself to you. I am Amado (Manding) A. Garcia Jr., one of five sons of the late Amado Bitauag Garcia and Pilar Alvarado Garcia of Punta, Aparri,Cagayan.
Mila Garcia Sogamoso, Aurora Garcia Juan, and Gemma Garcia Spranza are among my five sisters.
I was elected President of the Rotary Club of Santiago and assumed the position in July 1, 2008. My position would have been only a one year, however, I was reelected for a second term, until June 30, 2010. Humbly, I am the second President who have been re-elected for two consecutive years in the 36 years of existence of the club.
It is an honor to serve this prestigious organization, a link to serve the community especially to our less fortunate brothers and sisters. For more information about Rotary International, please visit the website at www.rotary.org.
We have numerous community projects; one of our major projects this year is a medical mission with Doctors/ Surgeons from the US coming this 4th week of September. They will be performing free surgeries for cataracts, cleft palates,burns, amputations, etc. Our club is supporting and sponsoring this. We have raised funds for accomodations for this six-operating team, however, our funds are not sufficient to cover the needed expenses.They will be staying here for four days.
I am writing you because I remember so well that the Aparriano Association is very much active in your place and continuously growing in membership. I would like to knock at your kind hearts to share your blessings to our less fortunate brothers and sisters here in the Philippines and do support our major project for this year. All your support will be acknowledged and greatly appreciated.
You may deposit your support to the Rotary Club Santiago account at Metrobank Santiago Branch, Santiago City, Philippines. The current account number is: 120-7-007-10794-0. Please help us attain our club motto. . . SERVICE ABOVE SELF. Our other projects are: Feeding Programs; Safe Drinking Water for elementary school pupils; Zero waste Management, clean and green for mother earth; Operation Paglingap to flood victims, landslide victims, special children and their parents; Visiting inmates and support their needs such as for their personal hygience, mats, electric fans; Operation karunungan; Botika sa Bakuran-available herbal plants to baranggay folks; Livelihood Programs to the sectors of the society; and Socio- economic Awareness.
People may not reward or thank you for your actions but when GOD is your reason for SERVING , you receive an even GREATER BLESSINGS IN RETURN!!!
WHATEVER WE DO OR SAY ITS FOR GOD'S GLORY!!!!
In behalf of the Rotary Club of Santiago, accept our profound thanks to all Aparrianos !!!!
God Bless us all !!!
Your brother in service,
Manding
First, I would like to introduce myself to you. I am Amado (Manding) A. Garcia Jr., one of five sons of the late Amado Bitauag Garcia and Pilar Alvarado Garcia of Punta, Aparri,Cagayan.
Mila Garcia Sogamoso, Aurora Garcia Juan, and Gemma Garcia Spranza are among my five sisters.
I was elected President of the Rotary Club of Santiago and assumed the position in July 1, 2008. My position would have been only a one year, however, I was reelected for a second term, until June 30, 2010. Humbly, I am the second President who have been re-elected for two consecutive years in the 36 years of existence of the club.
It is an honor to serve this prestigious organization, a link to serve the community especially to our less fortunate brothers and sisters. For more information about Rotary International, please visit the website at www.rotary.org.
We have numerous community projects; one of our major projects this year is a medical mission with Doctors/ Surgeons from the US coming this 4th week of September. They will be performing free surgeries for cataracts, cleft palates,burns, amputations, etc. Our club is supporting and sponsoring this. We have raised funds for accomodations for this six-operating team, however, our funds are not sufficient to cover the needed expenses.They will be staying here for four days.
I am writing you because I remember so well that the Aparriano Association is very much active in your place and continuously growing in membership. I would like to knock at your kind hearts to share your blessings to our less fortunate brothers and sisters here in the Philippines and do support our major project for this year. All your support will be acknowledged and greatly appreciated.
You may deposit your support to the Rotary Club Santiago account at Metrobank Santiago Branch, Santiago City, Philippines. The current account number is: 120-7-007-10794-0. Please help us attain our club motto. . . SERVICE ABOVE SELF. Our other projects are: Feeding Programs; Safe Drinking Water for elementary school pupils; Zero waste Management, clean and green for mother earth; Operation Paglingap to flood victims, landslide victims, special children and their parents; Visiting inmates and support their needs such as for their personal hygience, mats, electric fans; Operation karunungan; Botika sa Bakuran-available herbal plants to baranggay folks; Livelihood Programs to the sectors of the society; and Socio- economic Awareness.
People may not reward or thank you for your actions but when GOD is your reason for SERVING , you receive an even GREATER BLESSINGS IN RETURN!!!
WHATEVER WE DO OR SAY ITS FOR GOD'S GLORY!!!!
In behalf of the Rotary Club of Santiago, accept our profound thanks to all Aparrianos !!!!
God Bless us all !!!
Your brother in service,
Manding
Wednesday, June 10, 2009
In Memory of Felicisimo John Astronomo
(Vickie Derivera Simon) Please pray for the repose of the soul of Felicisimo John Astronomo, son of Tony and Normita Astronomo of Aparri, who passed away last June 4, 2009 at the age of 39 in Toronto, Canada. Thank you.
Saturday, June 6, 2009
In Memory of Jimmy C. Balisi
(James Balisi) Please be informed that our beloved father, Jimmy C. Balisi, had passed away on 5 June 2009. Interment will be on 13 June 2009. Please pray for the repose of his soul.
Saturday, May 30, 2009
In Memory of Nestor Antonio T. Torio
(Gin Cababa, Cheryl Torio-Quino) Please pray for the repose of the soul of Mr. Nestor Torio who has gone to rest at the age of 96 in Quezon City (see memo below from his daughter Cheryl). Let us also pray for comfort, peace, and strength to his beloved ones.
"My dad, Nestor Antonio T. Torio, passed away on May 28,2009. He was 96 of age. His wake is now in Funeraria Paz, in Araneta Ave., QC. He will be transported to Aparri on Sunday, May 31 for the funeral services c/o Baquiran Funeral company. The burial services will be on Wednesday, June 3, 2009."
"My dad, Nestor Antonio T. Torio, passed away on May 28,2009. He was 96 of age. His wake is now in Funeraria Paz, in Araneta Ave., QC. He will be transported to Aparri on Sunday, May 31 for the funeral services c/o Baquiran Funeral company. The burial services will be on Wednesday, June 3, 2009."
Friday, May 29, 2009
Sand Mining
It's a pity that no one has come forward to say anything about sand mining in Aparri. I remember that in the middle 70s similar sand mining was undertaken in the Ilocos region, presumably to gather magnetite which must be some kind of iron filings that has some industrial use.
The Aparri episode, if it is indeed happening, may not be too different considering that the look and texture of the sand in Ilocos is very much like the sand in Aparri.
If no one is saying anything, someone must be making a killing out of this activity and someone's pocket must be getting fat by now.
What are the DENR guys saying about this? Do they have anything to say, really?
The Aparri episode, if it is indeed happening, may not be too different considering that the look and texture of the sand in Ilocos is very much like the sand in Aparri.
If no one is saying anything, someone must be making a killing out of this activity and someone's pocket must be getting fat by now.
What are the DENR guys saying about this? Do they have anything to say, really?
Sunday, May 24, 2009
Mining on Aparri Shorelines
Is this true? Black sand mining, quarrying of manganese-rich sands, quarrying of oil-spill sands or is it remediation of contaminated sands? We've been reading a lot of blogs stating contrasting views on this issue.
Please clarify this issue if anyone has the right information and post it on this blog. Thank you.
Please clarify this issue if anyone has the right information and post it on this blog. Thank you.
Saturday, May 23, 2009
What have you done to my hometown Aparri?
Another aparriano offering his network to look out for the well-being of Aparri. For more details, please visit his link: AKO ang SIMULA.(May 13, 2009) I am Jun Tadios, reporter of Abante/Abante-TONITE under Monica Publishing Company. I am a proud native of Aparri, a small dot along Cagayan North. I can do a great help if you wish to extend your network here. Honestly, we do need your help especially during election time. Aparri labels one of the first-class municipality in Cagayan, hence, first-class and rampant cheating turns this simple town into a ‘sleeping duck’ during elections. Almost two-decade now, people of Aparri keep on searching the righteous-path, and I strongly believe AKO ang SIMULA can do a big help for them. Bring back their hopes to VOTE!
Friday, April 17, 2009
Achievers' Club - Mayor's List
(Aparri, March 2009) The Aparrianos are very proud of the achievements of the following:
MR. JULIO B. DECIERTO of San Antonio, Aparri, Cagayan who was elected BOARD OF DIRECTOR of Cagayan Electric Cooperative II (CAGELCO II) last March 28, 2009. The newly elected BOD was unopposed - a manifestation of the people’s trust and confidence in his capability to the position.
Attorney JESSE JAMES ANASTACIO GARCIA (son of Jess and Emie Garcia); Attorney RONALD E. OÑATE (son of the late Sangguniang Bayan Member Victorio Oñate and Editha Oñate) and Attorney JEREMY L. PESCADOR (Son of Mr. & Mrs. Renelito Pescador from Paruddun Sur, Aparri, Cagayan) for passing the recently conducted Bar Examination.
MR. ROBERT AGCAOILI and MR. ARTURO F. CALATA for being promoted as Principals of Paddaya and Dodan Elementary Schools.
329th APARRI TOWN FIESTA (May 1-11, 2009)
The 2nd Aramang Festival
SCHEDULE OF FESTIVITIES
May 1, 2009 - LABOR DAY CELEBRATION- Morning Activity - Diana; Mass; Parade; Street Dancing
- Opening of the 2nd Aramang Festival; Mass wedding
- Afternoon Activity - Launching of FITS Center; Aramang Cooking Contest
- Evening Activity - Labor Night: A Tribute to our Outstanding and Dedicated Workers
- Morning Activity - Passport processing activity
- Evening Activity - Coronation Night of Little Mr. & Ms. Aparri
- Morning Activity - Dog Show
- Evening Activity - Variety Show
- Morning Activity - Job Fair
- Evening Activity - Search and Coronation for Mr. Aparri 2009
- 170-Pounder Healthy Ladies in Their Finest Form
- The Search for the Most “Bong-gay-cious” Gay in Town
- Evening Activity - Search and Coronation for Miss Gay 2009
- Morning Activity - Bloodletting Activity
- Evening Activity - Presentation of Miss Aparri Candidates and Talent Competition
- Morning Activity - Cycling Competition and Senior Citizens’ Socialization
- Evening Activity - “Let’s Go Aloha . . . South Pacific”
- Morning Activity - Marathon Competition
- Evening Activity - Cultural Presentation in honor of the Balik-Aparri Balikbayans
- Morning Activity Fluvial Parade along the coastal water in Honor of St. Peter Thelmo featuring artistically decorated boats
- Evening Activity SEARCH FOR MISS APARRI 2009
- The Pageant and Coronation Night for Miss Aparri
- Morning Activity - Mass and Palaro ng Bayan
- Evening Activity - Awards Night for the Outstanding Achievers and SMB Night
Mayor Tumaru - Municipality Address and Executive Report
(APARRI, March 9, 2009) Mayor Ismael V. Tumaru, M.D., of Aparri, Cagayan, Philippines delivered his 2008 State of the Municipality Address and Executive Report last March 9, 2009 at the Aparri Public Gymnasium.
The Annual activity which was initiated by the Tumaru administration since it assumed the mayoralty of the Municipality in 1992 was attended by a multitude representing all sectors of the society and stakeholders including heads of provincial, regional and national governmental agencies and private institutions.
The Local Chief Executive’s discourse was highlighted by the excellent performance of the municipal government in all phases of local governance particularly in the delivery of basic services.
The launching of the 1st Aramang Festival in May 2008 significantly bolstered the image of Aparri as a tourist destination. Thousands of visitors and guests including Aparrianos residing abroad came home and joined their townmates in the celebrations.
The global food and economic crises did not in any way adversely affect the local economy. In fact, the agricultural sector fared fairly well particularly rice farming which produced 208, 175 cavans of surplus milled rice. This ensured the availability of our staple food on the table of every Aparriano family. Despite the global economic crisis gripping every entity and country, the judicious fiscal management adopted and implemented by the municipal government netted Php 21 Million surplus earnings in 2008. This guaranteed financial stability and assured improved delivery of quality public service to the populace.
Mayor Tumaru bared the municipal plans and programs for the current year. Topping the agenda for 2009 is the total wharf reconstruction of the Aparri Seaport at Punta. The plan would certainly boost further the economy and provide employment to Aparrianos.
As an able Captain of a ship, Mayor Tumaru had indeed, steered the municipality into greater heights. After all, it was during his incumbency in 2006 when Aparri was elevated from a lowly third class municipality to its present FIRST CLASS MUNICIPALITY status.
Thursday, March 5, 2009
In Memory of Leonor and Elpidio Florendo
(Tony Mallari By Mila G. Sogamoso) It is with deep sadness that I inform you about the passing of Leonor Florendo - mother of Elnora, and Elpidio Florendo - brother of Elnora. Interment will be on Saturday, March 7th, 9:00 AM, at the Aparri Public Cemetery. According to sources, Elpidio suffered a fatal heart attack after learning about his mother 's death.
Let us all pray for their eternal rest, and for strength, comfort, and peace to their bereaved loved ones.
Let us all pray for their eternal rest, and for strength, comfort, and peace to their bereaved loved ones.
Monday, February 23, 2009
777 Aparrianos Grand Reunion
(Las Vegas, July 7, 2007) This is a tribute to the work done by the organizers of the grand reunion, especially to Mr. Gin Cababa and to my (deceased) brother-in-law, Manong Romy, and other committee members who contributed their valuable time and efforts to make this event unprecedented, memorable and truly GRAND!!! This also serves as a memento for those who attended the one of a kind celebration. Maybe, this event will be a hard act to follow. And that is why, we are trying to fully document it for posterity.
The committee members are:
1. Gin Cababa
2. Mila & Raul Sogamoso
3. Ferdie Rabaja
4. Romy & Janet de Rivera
5. Liling and Pina Navarro
6. Fred Cartajena
7. Evelyn Plata Aquino
8. Edelmira Alvarado
9. Geo & Melo Padamada
10. Tony Mallari
11. Dave & Virginia Perez
12. Tessie Danao Salazar
13. Jack & Josie Rodriguez
14. Maria Aurora Juan
15. Eleanor Velera Sison
For those who wish to include their photos in this album, please send me the link of your photos or email me at aparrianos@gmail.com. I will upload it to this site. This is an attempt to consolidate a comprehensive collection of photos taken during this grand event. I will greatly appreciate your sharing of your photos taken during this event.
Sunday, February 22, 2009
Aparri mayor visits New Jersey
NORTHERN NEW JERSEY (AUG 1, 2008) — Members of Aparri, We Care entertained Dr Ismael Tumaru, mayor of Aparri, and his wife Shalimar during the couple’s trip to the United States. A dinner hosted by Elmer and Reling Romero was held in Hillsborough.
Also during their visit, Dr and Mrs Tumaru attended a barbecue in Piscataway hosted by Aparri, We Care members Edmund and Lety Agatep.
Saturday, February 21, 2009
New Jersey Aparrianos Helping Out
Left front row: Edmund Agatep, Letty Alvarado Agatep, Reling Isaguirre Romero, Josie Sevilla Deseo, Ma Veronica Flores, and Ernie Reyes . Second row: Elmer Romero, Nati Agarrao Ahmad, Rudy Deseo. Not in picture: Josie Yabes Smith, Jun and Bing Flores.APARRI INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN FOUNDATION, INC. (dba) Aparri we care ……
Email:aparriwecare@yahoo.com
http://aparriwecare.wordpress.com/
The association was formed by small group of Aparriano Americans. Its purpose is to provide humanitarian assistance to communities around the world, especially those in the municipality of Aparri, Cagayan, Philippines. Assistance is in the form of free medical supplies and services, clothing, food, financial aid and others. This is subject to the availability of funds generated from the association’s various fundraising activities.
Thursday, February 5, 2009
Blogger Links & Authors Summary
Clifford Paragua's
http://cliffordparagua.blogspot.com
http://makingsense.multiply.com
http://360.yahoo.com/caparagua
http://worldhealth.multiply.com
http://jobclinic.multiply.com
Reginald Tamayo's
http://reginaldtamayo.blogspot.com
We are starting to grow!!!
Friday, January 23, 2009
Reginald Tamayo's Blog
An aparriano offers his personal blog on current events in the country. Click on this link:
http://reginaldtamayo.blogspot.com/
Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Joel Macatiag Sr., 1923-2008
In memory of our beloved Dad-Dad...we miss you...
You have lived a beautiful and full life with us...
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
We have just created a blog space...
Please feel free to use... It's open to all aparrianos or those who love Aparri.
If you want to have admin/power user privileges to this blog, please add your email on this blog as a comment that you want to be one. As an admin/power user, you will be able to post your blog, photos and videos. We only have 100 admin/power users available... First come first serve...
If you want to have admin/power user privileges to this blog, please add your email on this blog as a comment that you want to be one. As an admin/power user, you will be able to post your blog, photos and videos. We only have 100 admin/power users available... First come first serve...
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