Young leaders of Bicol gather for 2015 Leadership Congress

Young leaders consisting of pupils and students from different schools division in the Bicol Region gathered for the 2015 Regional Leadership Congress for Supreme Pupil and Supreme Student Government Officers and Leaders at Ligao City on February 26-28, 2015.

Young leaders from different division in Bicol gathered during the Congressman's Night on 27 February 2015.

With the theme, “Responding to the Needs of Adolescent Issues and Concerns; Equipping Leaders’ Skills in Reaching Out to Peers,” the young leaders, guided by their teachers, share and discuss best leadership practices of effective leaders.

The leadership congress is an annual gathering of elected Supreme Pupil Government (SPG) officers and Supreme Student Government (SSG) officers of the current school year. This event is also a venue for pupils and students to develop their knowledge and skills as future leaders of their localities and of the country.

“Leaders are prime movers of the future,” said Congressman Fernando V. Gonzalez on February 27 during the Congressman’s Night. He further said, 

“Without leaders, where shall we go? we would know where to go, how to proceed, and how to do things a little better, which where people like you who take the lead to take the initiative, to take the sacrifice, to be able to come up and to lead people to watch progress and to watch improvement of our educational systems in our schools.”

Congressman Fernando V. Gonzalez on young leaders: "Leaders are prime movers of the future"

The participants of the leadership congress consist of 715 delegates from 13 divisions in the Bicol region.

'Hablon' features Bicol artists' theatrical performance of Ibalong

The National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) is holding this year’s National Arts Month (NAM) in different localities of the country. With the theme, “Highlighting Local Cultural Genius to Promote Pride of Place,” the NCCA partnered with local government units, schools, and non-government organizations to feature creativity, performance, and artistry of local talents and highlight the rich and diverse culture of the country.

One of the highlights in the 2015 NAM is the Hablon: Habi ng Sining Sa Paaralan at Komunidad held at Ligao City on February 21-26 wherein local artists, university-based cultural organizations, and students of the Special Program in the Arts in the Bicol Region come together to conduct forums and workshops, and showcase their creativity and artistry in theater, dance, visual arts, literature, and music.

"Hablon is derived from the Bicol verb 'habol' which means 'to weave.' Hablon is also a well-known character in the Ibalong epic-fragment who invented the weaving process and later on taught this to the natives. The weaving of ideas and practices, which will culminate in the staging of the play ‘Tatlong Libong Bayani ng Ibalong’ to be performed by local artists.”*

To cap off the five-day event, local artists and students from Ligao City, Camarines Norte, Catanduanes, Masbate, performed their creative pieces at the City Gymnasium of Ligao.

The 2014 National Music Competitions for Young Artists (NAMCYA) Champion, Voice Chorale of the Ligao National High School made an opening performance with their own musical rendition of tourism-themed songs including "Piliin Mo and Pilipinas."

Local artists from Camarines Norte, Catanduanes, and Masbate performed a stage play of "Tatlong Libong Bayani ng Ibalong"

Local artists, students, and university-based cultural organizations from Camarines Norte, Catanduanes, Masbate performed a theatrical stage play of "Tatlong Libong Bayani ng Ibalong" with a modern twist in the story. 

Hablon is one of the projects launched for the 2015 NAM that aims to promote local talents and take pride on the rich culture of country. Instead of conducting the yearly Philippine Arts Festival, the NCCA decided to celebrate this year's NAM by tapping areas in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

"Because it is in our cultural icons and traditions, in our talent and artistry that we build a sense of pride in being Filipinos, and in living in this nation we call our own"*

Written by Lala Peñafiel

__________________

*excerpt from the 2015 National Arts Month: Highlighting Local Cultural Genius to Promote Pride of Place.

National Commission for Culture and the Arts

Pioduran Community College campus completed; construction of additional school buildings in Libon continues

The Pioduran Community College campus has been recently completed with two-storey building consisting of 16 classrooms. Additional two-storey school building with 12 classrooms will be constructed this year under the 2015 General Appropriations Act. 

Congressman Fernando V. Gonzalez (left) and Pioduran Mayor Henry Callope (right) visit the newly completed school building of Pioduran Community College

The establishment of community colleges in cities and municipalities is based on the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Memorandum Order No. 32 series of 2006 which details Policies, Standards and Guidelines on the Establishment and Operation of Local Colleges and Universities. This policy further states the provisions of Republic Act 7160 otherwise known as the Local Government of 1991 that provides the basis for establishing vocational and technical schools in cities, municipalities, and provinces.

For Municipalities, Article 3, Section 447, par (5)(x) “subject to the availability of funds and to exisiting laws, rules and regulations, establish and provide for the operation of vocational and technical schools and similar post-secondary institutions and, with the approval of the Department of Education, Culture and Sports, fix and collect reasonable fees and other school charges on said institutions, subject to existing laws on tuition fees;”

Aside from Pioduran Community College, the Ligao Community College is also nearing its completion. The establishment of the school buildings and facilities shall benefit more students who wish to enroll in the local colleges that provide good quality education at lower tuition fees.

Meanwhile, construction of classrooms in several schools in Libon, Albay are on-going. Congressman Fernando V. Gonzalez, in coordination with the Department of Public Works and Highways Albay 3rd District Enginerring Office, oversees the implementation of these projects. Local government officials are also in close coordination with Congressman Gonzalez to identify areas needing construction and rehabilitation of local facilities for community development. 

Among the on-going projects include the following:

On Going Construction of 1 Unit 1 Classroom School Building at Macabugos High School, Libon, Albay

Implementing Agency: DPWH Albay 3rd District Engineering Office, Paulog, Ligao City

On Going Construction of 1 Unit 1 Classroom School Building at Macabugos Elementary School, Libon,

Implementing Agency: DPWH Albay 3rd District Enginerring Office, Paulog, Ligao City

On Going Construction of 1 unit 1 Classroom School Building at San Agustin Elementary School, Libon, Albay

Implementing Agency: DPWH Albay 3rd District Engineering Office, Paulog, Ligao City

On Going Construction of School Building @ Libon Agro Industrial High School

Implementing Agency: Albay 3rd District Engineering Office, Paulog, Ligao City 

Bill seeking to extend retirement age of Science and Technology personnel approved

Albay 3rd District Representative Fernando V. Gonzalez (second from left) delivers his sponsorship speech during the deliberation of the House Bill No. 5155.

The House Bill No. 5155 that seeks to extend the compulsory retirement age of Science and Technology personnel including Scientists, Engineers, and Researchers in the Government has been approved by the Committee on Science and Technology on Tuesday, 17 February 2015.

In a sponsorship speech delivered by Albay 3rd District Representative Fernando V. Gonzalez, he mentioned:

"This representation believes that even at the age of 65, most, if not all, scientists are still at the peak of their mental capabilities and are still very much capable of continuing their invaluable work on scientific projects that they had been working on prior to retirement."

Government employees who are due for compulsory retirement (65 years old) may extend their services for a maximum of five years allowing them to retire at the age of 70. Representative Gonzalez further enumerated the salient features of the Bill:

1. While the Magna Carta covers all scientific personnel in government, this House Bill is intended for scientists only;
2. The extension of their services shall be subject to the following conditions:
• a. That the research project that the scientist is working on at the time of compulsory retirement is within the priority research and development programs of the Department of Science and Technology and is identified as strategic to the national development, as certified by the DOST Secretary;
• b. That the scientist is still mentally and physically fit to complete the project; and

• c. That the request for extension of services shall be submitted to the Civil Service Commission for approval at least three months prior to the date of the compulsory retirement of the scientist.

The Bill is an amendment of Republic Act Number 8439, otherwise known as the Magna Carta for Scientists, Engineers, Researchers and Other Science and Technology Personnel in Government.

Written by Lala Peñafiel 

Residents celebrate Valentine's Day at newly installed covered court

Residents of Lower Binogsocan, Guinobatan spent their Valentine’s day, 14 February 2015, at the recently completed covered court in Lower Binogsacan Elementary School.

Congressman Fernando V. Gonzalez (left) and Municipal Councilor FJ Oxales (right) lead the ribbon cutting ceremony during the inauguration of the Covered Court at Lower Binogsacan. 

The blessing and inauguration of the new structure was graced by Congressman Fernando V. Gonzalez together with local government officials including Municipal Councilor FJ Oxales, Lower Binogsocan Barangay Captain Charlie Maravillas, and Lower Binogsacan Elementary School Principal Mrs. Mercedes Botial.

The recently completed Covered Court served as the venue for the Valentine's Ball 

The construction of the Covered Court at Lower Binogsocan began in 2014 under the General Appropriations Act of 2014. Congressman Fernando V. Gonzalez in coordination with local government officials prioritizes the construction of covered courts in the 3rd District of Albay to serve as venues for community activities. Likewise, covered courts serve as temporary shelters for evacuees during calamities.

INFOGRAPHIC: How to apply for Career Service Examination

The Civil Service Commission (CSC) released on 22 January the schedule for the 2015 Career Service Examinations for Professional and Sub-Professional levels. According to the news released by the CSC, the filing of application is now open for CSE Paper and Pencil Test (PPT) and will end on March 12. 

The CSC administers the CS Examination two to three times each year. According to CSC:

"The CSE is a general ability test designed to measure an individual's preparedness to enter government service. Passing the CSE entitles one to either a Professional or Sub-Professional career service eligibility which is one of the basic requirements for permanent appointment to career positions in government, except for positions that involve the practice of profession or are covered by special laws."

Below is an infographic on the general information on Career Service Examination based on the guidelines upload by the CSC at csc.gov.ph.  

Related Links:

2015 Exam Calendar

Senate Bill No. 1162 - Civil Service Code

General Information on the Career Service Examinations

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

New two-storey school building at Libon completed; road improvements to begin this 2015

A recently completed two-storey school building with twelve classrooms now occupies the grounds of Pantao National High School at Libon Albay.

The construction began in 2014 and has now been completed to accommodate more students.

The construction of school building last October 2014

The newly completed school building at Pantao National High School

Meanwhile, the damaged road in Pantao is soon to be reconstructed by the Department of Public Works and Highways.

A damaged road in Pantao, Libon will be reconstructed this 2015.

These projects were implemented under President Noynoy Aquino's Matuwid na Daan project. Congressman Fernando V. Gonzalez oversees the implementation of these projects in coordination with the DPWH Albay 3rd District Engineering Office.