Ligao City launches Sunflower festival on its 13th Cityhood Anniversary

To celebrate its 13^th Cityhood Anniversary on March 24, 2014, Ligao City launched its official Sunflower Festival. The celebration was grander as festivals from Masbate City (Rodeo Masbateño), Iriga City (Tinagba Festival), Legazpi City (Ibalong Festival), Naga City (Peñafrancia Voyadores Festival), Daet (Pinyasan Festival), and Guinobatan (Longganisa Festival) joined the Parade of Festivals led by Ligao City Mayor Patty Gonzalez-Alsua, with the local government officials and employees.

To introduce the Sunflower Festival dancers, City Tourism Office Officer-in-Charge Ms. Gina Balingbing told the history of how they were carefully selected. According to her, the Sunflower festival committee conducted a four-day screening of dancers and instrumentalists on Septermber 2013. The screening was announced via radio, and in schools and barangays to inform potential dancers and instrumentalists. By the end of September, the committee was able to come up with the official Sunflower Festival Dancers consisting of more than 150 members which include students, out-of-school youths, and a teacher.

The Sunflower Festival dance features the story of Ligao City "from the legendary roots of the five ancient Datus that instituted this land [Ligao City] to the gifts of the Spanish colonizers, the gift of fate, and up to the present where we Ligaoeños take pride in our beautiful sunflowers," as told by Ms. Balingbing during the introduction of the Sunflower Festival.

To welcome the official Sunflower festival dancers, exhibitions from Tinagba Festival dancers, Longganisa Festival dancers, and Rodeo Barn Dancers were featured at the City Pavilion. 

The Sunflower festival of Ligao City launched on its 13th Cityhood Anniversary

DAY 5: Ligao City celebrates 13th Cityhood Anniversary

Rain or shine, the show must go on. Despite the overcast weather, participants gathered at the City Pavilion to join the Cityhood Fun Run on March 23, fifth day of Ligao City's 13th Cityhood Anniversary celebration.

More than 200 participants from Ligao City with visiting participants from Legazpi City joined the 7-km fun run. The participants include male and female ranging from 9 to 60 years old. As Mayor Patty Gonzalez-Alsua fired the starter pistol, participants began running from the City Pavilion passing through Barangays Tinago, Pinit, Batang (through access road), Bay, Tuburan highway, Calzada, then back to the City Pavilion.

Coach Sonny Magno, who joined the Palarong Bicol as running coach of Ligao City athletic team, wishes to someday launch a Milo® marathon at Ligao City sponsored by the Nestlé Milo®. Coach Magno was also one of Lydia de Vega's running coach and has been in the sports industry as a national coach since he was 27 years old. He said that while he's still in Ligao City, he would like to help the city develop its sports team. His envisioned Milo® Marathon at Ligao City can be a venue for selecting champions that will represent the region for the National Milo® Marathon.

Aside from the annual fun run, Ligao City also held its first Mayor's Cup Boxing Tournament at City Gymnasium headed by the Sports Committee Coordinator Edgardo Gonzalez during the evening. Other events held during the fifth day of Ligao City's 13th Cityhood Anniversary were Laro ng Lahi participated by City Hall employees and Pedicab Race.

Distribution of wheelchairs

The City government of Ligao, in coordination with the Church of the Latter Day Saint Humanitarian distributed wheelchairs to the Persons with Disabilities (PWD).

DAY 4: Ligao City celebrates 13th Cityhood Anniversary at coastal area

Aside from showcasing local products and local talents, the 13th Cityhood Anniversary is also a celebration of potential world-class tourist destinations in Ligao City.

On its fourth day of celebration, March 23, Ligao City held activities at the coastal area where the beautiful and well-maintained white sand beach at Catburawan awaits. Lead by Mayor Patty Gonzalez-Alsua and Congressman Fernando V. Gonzalez, the Coastal Caravan was participated by City Hall employees, local officials, and residents from Centro and Coastal area.

Residents in the coastal area joined the Kite-Flying Competition, Sibid Race, Volleyball Exhibition, Fun-at-Sea (Fish Show) Laro ng Lahi, and the Climate Change Film Showing. Little girls dressed as mermaids went to showcase their beauties at the Fun-at-Sea (Fish Show).

Participants also enjoyed resting in the colorfully-decorated balsa prepared by the different Puroks (districts) of Barangay Catburawan while some took a ride at the bancas (native fishing boats). Some also enjoyed swimming at the Catburawan white sand beach with their friends and families.

Environment and Natural Resources Officer Maria Soledad T. Preña headed the Mangrove and Coastal Clean-up at Catburawan.

The City Health Office (CHO) headed by Dr. Wynns Samar also conducted the Medical and Dental Mission at the Cabarian Barangay Hall and Covered Court. Medical services that were offered include dental and medical checkup, laboratory tests (i.e. RBS, Cholesterol, Uric Acide, and ECG). Senior citizens also availed the Anti-Pneumonia vaccination which is done only every five years. Medicines and Vitamins were also distributed to the residents.

A team of medical staff from CHO also visits the coastal area every month to conduct immunization among children.

DAY 3: Ligao City opens City Tourism Office and Pasalubong Center

The celebration gets even grander as Ligao City's 13th Cityhood Anniversary on March 24 is approaching. Unique and remarkable events were held since day one and still more one-of-a-kind events to look forward to in the coming days of the celebration. The third day, March 21, 2014, is another date to mark in the history as Ligao City opened the City Tourism Office and Pasalubong Center at Jessie M. Robredo Building in Tuburan, Ligao City.

Realization of a vision

Former Ligao City Mayor Linda Gonzalez conceptualized

the City Tourism Office and Pasalubong Center during her 

administration.

Former Ligao City Mayor Linda P. Gonzalez expressed her gratitude for the realization of the envisioned City Tourism Office and Pasalubong Center which she conceptualized during her administration. She also added that the building was indeed intended to be a tourism office and pasalubong center since the second floor is dedicated for skills training for women. She also mentioned the presence of satellite production for the native products and the supposed covered court at the back of the building intended for more training. "Kaya nga tinawag na Productivity Center [This is why it's called Productivity Center]," said Former Mayor Linda Gonzalez who also mentioned Congresswoman Maria Leonor "Leni" Robredo's high interest and delight on the facility.

Former Mayor Linda Gonzalez ended her message with a polite and straightforward request to Regional Director Maria O. Ravanilla of the Department of Tourism, Region V to support Ligao City tourism through the projects and programs available in Bicol region. She also sees the great potential of Ligao City to become a major tourist destination in the Philippines. "...because we are young and yet aggressive on becoming a destination for tourism in the Philippines," justifies former Mayor Linda Gonzalez.

Pasalubong Center: a mirror to Ligao's culture and tradition

"The Ligaoeños deserve a big applause," said Director Ravanilla. The City Tourism Office is a manifestation that Ligaoeños are now ready to accept and receive tourists, she added. "This is a powerful information tool" said Director Ravanilla as it will serve as a guide for local and international tourists on the best places to visit in Ligao City.

Ligao City Mayor Patty Gonzalez-Alsua also showed photographs displayed at the City Tourism Office featuring the local tourist destinations. "These are the sites that we Ligaoeños are proud of. We would like to showcase our sites and tourist destinations to all Ligaoeños and to all tourists," said Mayor Gonzalez-Alsua.

Director Ravanilla, on the other hand, referred to the Pasalubong Center as a reflection of what and who Ligaoeños are. "This is a reflection na ang mga Ligaoeños determinado, very creative, mga mahihigos... Iyo po ini ang kultura asin tradisyon na winalat kan satuyang mga ninuno. [This is a reflection that Ligaoeños are determined, very creative, hardworking...This is the culture and tradition we inherited from our ancestors]," she added.

Photos of famous tourist destinations in Ligao City are displayed in the City Tourism Office

Only in Ligao City

Director Ravanilla also emphasized the unique beauty of Kawa-Kawa Hill which brings people closer to nature and closer to God. She even personally advertised the unique products along the way when trekking the hill. "Where else can you taste the best dila-dila? I love the dila-dila! Where else can you taste the best puto na may macapuno filling?...Where else can you taste a halo-halo na may lambanog? It's only in Ligao City"

Region V Tourism Office Director Maria Ravanilla proudly

shows off her shirt with a printed photo of her in a 

sunflower field.

Ligao City has always been part of her presentations in international gatherings and she herself promotes Ligao City. She even proudly showed off her worn shirt with a printed photo of her in the middle of a sunflower field; and people always mistook the photo to have been taken in foreign places, according to Director Ravanilla.


Director Ravanilla also urged the office to design a promotional material with a map (collateral) that will be used as a guide for tourists. In addition, she suggested to develop the sunflower backyard gardening for each household that can later lead to sustainable development. She emphasized that sunflower should always be present in Ligao City as it is part of the culture and people will always look for it.

Congressman Fernando V. Gonzalez encourages Ligaoeños

to participate in the development of tourism in Ligao City.

Congressman Fernando V. Gonzalez commended the continuous efforts of local officials and personnel, and utmost support of Director Ravanilla in preserving and developing tourist destinations in Ligao City. He also sees the great potential of the coastal area in becoming a major tourist destination in the Philippines.

Congressman Gonzalez estimated a two-year time span to develop an industry of sunflower and sunflower products. He also encouraged everyone to participate in the regional tourism programs as it will in turn benefit Ligao City.

DAY 2: Ligao City celebrates 13th Cityhood Anniversary

The second day of Ligao City's 13th Cityhood Anniversary celebration highlighted activities for farmers and featured local agricultural products with the first goat show. 

The celebration started with the River Clean-up at Matanglad River lead by City Environment Resources Officer Maria Soledad T. Preña.

The Farmers' Day began with a parade featuring agricultural products participated by selected barangays of Ligao City. 

Colorful and decorated floats with well-dressed carabaos were featured during the Farmers' Day.

Varieties of affordable fruits and vegetables were displayed and sold at the Agri-Trade Fair while farm animals were featured at the City Park. Spectators enjoyed watching the different breeds of animals at the City Park.

PHOTOS: Farmers' Day

Another highlight on Farmers' Day was the First Goat Fun Show which featured seven colorfully-dressed goats presented by some of the barangays. The awards given were Best Dressed Goat, Darling of the Crowd, and Best in Show. The winners are:

Best Dressed Goat: 1st - Contestant #5, 2nd - Contestant #7, and 3rd - Contestant #3
Best in Show: 1st - Contestant #5, 2nd - Contestant #7, and 3rd - Contestant #1
Darling of the Crowd: Contestant #5

Farmers also joined the show in a competition of milk drinking and wearing of diaper. The activity was organized by the local government, the Department of Health, in coordination of the Albay Small Ruminant Raiser's Association (ASRRA)

PHOTOS: 1st Goat Fun Show


PHOTOS: Milk drinking competition

The Job Fair was simultaneously held at the City Park. Among the companies who came to recruit applicants were Camalig Bank, Sutherland, First Inner Trade Credit Corporation, Maanyag International Manpower Corporation, Health Station Enterprises, and MMML Agency. Some of the job opportunities offered by the companies are domestic helper, office staff. secretary, and call center agents among others.

A crowd of farmers from different barangays actively participated at the Laro ng Lahi which featured traditional games such as Palo Sebo, Sack Race, Tagpanaw, and Tug of War.

PHOTOS: Laro ng Lahi


Another first-time event on the second day was the First History and Geography Challenge organized by the Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) and participated by the barangay captains. Questions were focused on geographical information including the area of Ligao City, the three largest creeks in Ligao City, and largest barangay in terms of area.

A Living Diorama by the Department of Education was presented at the City Pavillion followed by the Talentadong Ligaoeño which was the highlight of the evening. Talentadong Ligaoeño featured contestants that represented and vetted by each barangay.

Other activities conducted on the second day include Annual Medical Check-up of LGU Employees at City Health Office and Free Mass Eye Screening at the SK Building which were held simultaneously with the Farmers' Day.

Ligao City launches CHO Teen Health Center; introduces Peer Educators

Ligao City launched its first community-based Teen Health Center at the second floor of the City Health Office (CHO) on March 19, 2014.

The increasing number of teenagers engaged in premarital sex as well as the number of female teenagers becoming mothers at an early age has become alarming, calling for an urgent action.The CHO Teen Health Center was then established to address the concerns and problems encountered by teenagers including drug addiction, teenage pregnancy, and other personal crises.

"We need to give special attention to the teenagers because they really need our time not only our treasure but basically our precious presence with them," said Ligao National High School (LNHS) Principal Mrs. Sinson who also introduced the recently opened LNHS Teen Chat Center which made the event a Twin Opening of the two facilities for teenagers.

Peer Education

According to Ms. Ces Sevilla of Luzon Health, "peer education has really been proven effective in helping young people become more aware of themselves, develop the life skills that could guide them in adulthood such as goal-setting, decision-making, even managing emotions and stress..."

Ms. Sevilla, who was also one of the trainers in Peer Education, introduced the 33 School Peer Educators from LNHS and the nine (9) Community Peer Educators of Ligao City who underwent Peer Education in 2013.

The trained Peer Educators from Ligao National High School stood up for recognition during the launching of the CHO Teen Health Center

CHO Focal Person Dr. Edna Freya B. Tan presented the roles and responsibilities of Peer Educators. The Peer Educators will Facilitate Focused Group Discussion which will focus on teen issues including (1) general health concerns, (2) mental health concerns, and (3) sexual and reproductive health concerns.

"Hopefully, they [teenagers] would be encouraged to open up personal issues, concerns, and problems in an atmosphere that is accepting and non-judgmental in order to avoid potential crises situations," said Dr. Tan.

The concerns and issues that need professional intervention (i.e. counseling, preventive and curative services) will be referred to the Teen Health Center staff.

"The Teen Health Center is an adolescent-friendly space for education, counselling, referral, [and] services focusing on adolescent development, relationships, life skills, teen pregnancy, sexually transmitted infections including HIV and AIDS," said Dr. Tan, summarizing the role of the Teen Health Center.

Support from local government

Ligao City Mayor Patty Gonzalez-Alsua

"The City Government of Ligao is very much aware of the importance of the youth in our community...we would like to develop them further so they would have better future," said Ligao City Mayor Patty Gonzalez-Alsua.

"Therefore, as a response to Administrative Order 34-A Series 2000...the City Government of Ligao, under the City Health Office launches the Teen Health Center in its aim to respond to the increasing health risk of adolescents by providing them with the utmost services, information, guidance, and activities that they can be involved to become responsible, empowered, healthy adolescents of our society," Mayor Gonzalez-Alsua added.

In 2003, the LNHS with the regional director of the Population Commission and then Mayor Fernando V. Gonzalez, now Congressman of the 3rd District of Albay, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOA) to establish a Teen Center in Ligao City. Congressman Fernando V. Gonzalez said that the opening of the Teen Chat Center at LNHS and the community-based Teen Health Center ''will significantly contribute to the deep concerns by our young teenagers in our schools."

MOA Signing

MOA SIGNING. (R-L) Provincial Health Officer Dr. Nathaniel B. Rempillo, Ligao City Mayor Patty Gonzalez-Alsua, LNHS Principal Mrs. Carmelita A. Sinson, and Dr./Atty Alexis Albao of DOH-CHD V

The MOA relating to the establishment of the Teen Health Center was later signed by Provincial Health Officer Dr. Nathaniel B. Rempillo, Ligao City Mayor Patty Gonzalez-Alsua, LNHS Principal Mrs. Carmelita A. Sinson, and Dr./Atty Alexis Albao of DOH-CHD V.





Source:
City Health Office
Launching of Teen Health Center Program

DAY 1: Ligao City celebrates 13th Cityhood Anniversary

The Ligao City's 13th Cityhood Anniversary celebration has officially started on March 19, 2014. The celebration began with a motorcade lead by Ligao City Mayor Patty Gonzalez-Alsua joined by candidates of Binibining Ligao 2014, representatives from each barangays, City Hall employees, and local officials among others.


LPG-SEED Exhibit, "Kurit Ligao", Mass Blood Donation

Three simultaneous activities were opened after the motorcade - the opening of LPG-SEED Exhibit, the One-Man Exhibit, "Kurit Ligao" by Jerick Plopino, and the Regular Mass Blood Donation. Booths were put up at the City Hall grounds for the LPG-Seed Exhibit that featured local products produced by local entrepreneurs such as dried fish, potted herbal plants, fruits and vegetables, bags made of abaca, and published materials from PhilRice Bicol.
The "Kurit Ligao" is an exhibit featuring the artworks of Jerick Plopino, who was the Champion at the 2013 Festival of Talents On-the-Spot Painting Contest at Tacloban City. He was a Special Program for the Arts (SPA) student at Ligao National High School (LNHS). Most of his paintings were inspired by the culture at Ligao City. His artworks are displayed at the Mayor's Office until Sunday, March 23.
The City Health Office also conducted the Regular Mass Blood Donation at City Gymnasium. The activity was titled, "Dugong Alay, Sagip Buhay XXXVI".

Launching of Teen Health Center

One of the highlights on the first day of Ligao City's celebration of its 13th Cityhood Anniversary is the launching of Teen-Health Center at the second floor of the City Health Office. This is to address the concerns, issues, and emerging problems among teenagers including drug addiction, teenage pregnancy, etc.

Trained Peer Educators based at the LNHS' Teen Chat Center and community-based Peer Educators of the Teen Health Center were introduced during the event.


1st Sunflower Festival Photography Workshop

Another first-time event this year is the Sunflower Festival Photography Workshop held at the Sangguniang Panlungsod Session Hall. The event was attended by 15 photojournalists from 11 schools (elementary and high school). A total of 70 photographs were entered by the participants themed with Sunflower. However, only 13 were only chosen as winners.
Mayor Patty Gonzalez-Alsua who gave a message during the workshop said that the top three winning photographs will be enlarged and displayed at the City Tourism Office.

The workshop was conducted by members of the Photography As Recreation (PAR) Club. The entries were judged by Arch. Samm Belaguin of the National Housing Authority, Bryan Jao of Albay Tourism Office, and Dr. Glenn Thaddeus Isip, who were experts in photography.

Araw ng Parangal, Binibining Ligao Talents Night

The Araw ng Parangal was conducted in the afternoon to honor those who have exceptional contributions to the development and progress of Ligao City. Among those awarded were business and realty property taxpayers, blood donors, smoke-free establishments, and athletes who attended the Palarong Bicol.

The Binibining Ligao Talent Night was the highlight of the evening which featured the 12 beautiful candidates and their laudable talents. Judges of the Talents Night were Mr. Alfons Jayson Pelgone, Bb. Ligao 2013 Paula June Sto. Tomas, and Mr. Dennis Remolacio Mirabueno. Get more updates via Binibining Ligao 2014's Facebook page here.