ROBERT T. RIVERA & THE SAGRADA FAMILIA PROJECT

Others thought that having a blogsite, taking pictures of well known personalites or coming out with a DVD video production means lot of money, a misnomer. About a month ago Ate Bella Dimayuga of Bellstar Promotion asked us to help her: who are we to say no to this nationalistic lady, who has helped thousands of Filipino talents to find jobs abroad in Japan (but, that was more than a decade ago). When she said that the name of the group was Philippine Juicy Fruits and that, she named it after Philippine Fruits to promote these four young and very talented ladies abroad including our country and its fruits, we became more interested. Ate Bella, is a very religious person, a Gawad Kalinga Awardee at that: who would ever ask the nobility of her intention. Usec. Robert T. Rivera was still then in US attending classes at Harvard, when Ate Bella was coordinating with NBN 4 at Usec. Rivera's show Pilipinas Ngayon Na! for the launching of the Philippine Juicy Fruits. Only after three days upon arrival he went straight to the set to help Ate Bella, just the way he did during that fateful day when President Fidel V. Ramos was the guest in his show, saving the near collapse of the Republic and the 54th FAMAS Awards, the show went on. The launching of the Philippine Juicy Fruits was a success! Not because of money, but more on our faith and belief in the project, the talents and Ate Bella's vision. It was picked-up and syndicated by the different media group, you search for the name Philippine Juicy Fruits in Yahoo or Google search engine and there they are. We leave the rest to the Supreme Being, for we believe that these four young and very talented singers deserves to be heard regardless of the price. Talents are priceless, just hear them sing and you can judge them by yourself. I can't express in words how talented these youngsters ages 16 to 18, are.

After Ate Bella's talents, it was providential that we met this 90-year old nationalistic person, who has been in public service for more than 60 decades, Sister Ligaya Jorge, whose Church, the "Sagrada Familia Parish" shall be celebrating its Silver Anniversary with no less than His Eminence Bishop Deogracias Yñiguez to bless their newly constructed edifice as a Church. Actually, Sagrada Familia has been in existence for more than 50 years. After knowing its history, we find the project very interesting. Thus, we took the risk to venture out of meager resources. Unlike our other missionary work such as the Parish of Cauayan in Isabela, the project we did at our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School in Camarin, Caloocan City, of Fr. Albert Delvo under the Diocese of Bishop Antonio Tobias, the Kalibo SPED CENTER in Aklan, which were all missionary projects to propagate advocacies through technological advancement: "the Silver Anniversary of Sagrada Familia Project in Digital Presentation", is different. We used a DVD format in the latter project, the post production is an intricate one and we need to produce DVD's at an affordable price for the Parishioners out of the meager budget we have. Yet, God has its own way of doing things. I remember Usec. Robert T. Rivera saying: "God loves the Philippines, ano mang sakuna o kahirapan eh . . . malulusutan din natin!

I hope this reaches our friends, Bishop Antonio Tobias, the friend of the Sagrada Familia Parish, Bishop Deogracias Yñiguez, the newly installed Bishop of Isabela, His Emminence Bishop Joseph A. Nacua, who came all the way from Zamboanga, the Parishioners of Sagrada Familia and their community, herewith is a glimpse of your Silver Anniversary Presentation, in honor of our friend, Sister Ligaya P. Jorge. As Usec. Robert T. Rivera used to say: God Loves the Philippines! A glimpse of Sagrada Familia's Re-dedication as a Church, in You Tube:

OIL AT THE ALTAR

After eight years of fund raising activities to build a Church for the community of Christians at 6th Avenue in Caloocan City, the relentless efforts of the Parish Pastoral Council and the Parishioners of the Sagrada Familia Parish finally bear fruits. Oil was poured by Bishop Deogracias Yniguez at the altar of the Parish on August 16, 2008, a symbol sanctifying the edifice as a Church. The long cherished dream of a dear friend, Sister Ligaya P. Jorge, the Finance Committee Chairman of the Parish Pastoral Council, a woman of integrity, strength and courage, whose commitment to public service have not diminished through the years, now became a reality. Another endeavor that Sister Ligaya P. Jorge humbly stirred quietly. It has been an honor to have been given a privilege to document the Celebration.

DRA. LIGAYA PAGUIO JORGE

Sister Ligaya Paguio Jorge, Finance Committee Chairman of the Sagrada Familia Parish at Banal St., 6th Avenue, Caloocan City, invited us to cover the Silver Anniversary of the Sagrada Familia Parish Celebration from August 15 - 17, 2008. Sister Ligaya, now 90 years old, is still active in advocacy works (now, in their Church), which was originally founded by her uncle with other original residents in Banal Street fifty years ago. Sister Ligaya Jorge was the former Assistant Secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), a Director at the Civil Service Commission, founder of the Personnel Officers Association of the Philippines (POAP), Member of the Board of Trustees, Girl Scout of the Philippines, among others. We shall soon publish in this site the coverage we did. Sagrada Familia Parish' was a unique Church. It was founded, established and managed by its Parishioners for fifty years.

One of the highlight in the affair was the coronation night of "Prinsesa and Principe of the Parish for 2008" on August 15, 2008 followed by the Sanctification of the Church and a dinner concert on August 16, 2008.

(Inset picture above: Sister Ligaya P. Jorge [far left] with Bishop Deogracias Yniguez and Fr. Jun Bartolome [5th and 6th person from left]. Inset picture below: Crowning of Prinsesa at Prinipe ng Sagrada Familia, a project of the Family and Life Ministry of the Sagrada Familia Parish.)

PHILIPPINE JUICY FRUITS AT PNN!

Fresh from his stint in Harvard, United States, where he studied Public Finance Administration, Usec. Robert T. Rivera went straight to the set of his show: Pilipinas Ngayon Na! Barely days after he arrived in the country, Usec. Rivera hosted the launching of the Philippine Juicy Fruits of Bella Dimayuga. Bella Dimayuga, the very nationalistic President of Bellestar Promotions who conceptualized the idea that her talents be named after Philippine Fruits to promote our country abroad, with his husband Ed, took charge of the affair. The event was splendid! The crowds were so energetic! The voice of "Marvic" a.k.a. "Makopa", as she dances with the Bellstar Dancers, was so powerful! Usec. Rivera at the set, was amazed. We taped the event from our own cameras we brought in with us and uploaded Marvic's performance. It was really splendid! Amazing! Amusing! Watch it for yourself t0 witness:

ELMER LUGA SURRIGA

MEANWHILE! We were surprised to hear from a cousin whom we have not heard of for years. Almost 40 years ago. Most of us, who are TECHIE, like our cousin Mala Jean, were still crawling (not this writer, who might have not been born yet . . . LOL!) since we met him. He has this thick glasses, who used to stay away from the crowds to read his books . . . a nerd (pardon me for the term, but it pays! He is an Engineer and has that brains!). Indeed, the bloodline of the great Ibanag Revolutionary is already spreading across the Globe. Yes! We used to call him Manong Elmer, who might have been older than my late sister Realyn. Manong Elmer, married to Mary Paguntalan was the son of the late Captain Eugenio Luga Surriga whose mother is Neda Salud Rivera. His father is the offspring of Pilar Luga married to Justo Surriga. Pilar was the daugther of the late General Mateo Noriel Luga. I learned that Manong Elmer is presently doing a project on Geneology. One of the best GENEOLOGY PROJECT I ever encountered in the net was that of my cousin's project on my mother side, the RODRIGAZO's. It takes years of researching, but it pays. I don't even know how our cousin on my mother side did it. Maybe our cousin Mala Jean, on the father side, can start the ball rolling at ANCESTRY.COM. The Surrigas migrated in United States. They also holds regular clan reunions. Thank you Mala!

CSC HAS A NEW CHAIRMAN!

The Civil Service Commission has a new Chairman. Honorable Ricardo L. Saludo took his oath of office before Vice-President Noli De Castro at the CSC Function Hall on July 25, 2008. Among others, former Chairpersons of the Commission namely: Chairperson Patricia A. Sto. Tomas and Justice Jose A. R. Melo, together with incumbent Commissioners Mary Ann Fernandez Z. Mendoza and Cesar D. Buenaflor, who turned-over CSC's leadership to the former, witnessed the ceremony at the stage. Director IV Ariel G. Ronquillo of the Office for Legal Affairs was the master of ceremonies.

Secretary Saludo graduated cum laude and received his Bachelor of Arts degree in Literature from the Ateneo De Manila University. In the year 2001, he was honored as outstanding alumnus from the Asian Institute of Journalism. He completed courses for the Master of Public Policy and Management from the University of London. Before working with the government, Secretary Saludo was the Senior Business Editor for Asiaweek Magazine from 1989 to 1995. In 1995, he became an Asia affairs commentator for CNN and CNBC, working in both networks until 2001. In addition to this, he also was the Assistant Managing Editor of Asiaweek from 1996 up to 2001.

In the year 2003, he became the Deputy Presidential Spokesperson. The next year, he was Acting Head of the Presidential Management Staff (PMS) until November 2004. Presently, he is a Cabinet Secretary and has been serving this position since January 2002.

A Techie, Chairman Saludo believes that information technology can play a vital role to influence government workers to emulate exemplary services displayed by others. During the ceremony, Chairman Saludo and Vice-President Noli De Castro contributed P 100,000.00 each as an initial amount to establish a welfare fund for the benefit of civilian officials and employees in case of death in line of duty.

(Inset pictures: Commissioner Cesar D. Buenaflor, Acting Chairman, turning over the CSC Flag to Chairman Ricardo L. Saludo; Dir. Ariel G. Ronquillo with Chairman Saludo)

CSC RETIREES

"You are the light of the world. A city set on a hill cannot be hidden. Men do not light a lamp and then put it under a bushel basket. They set it on a stand where it gives light to all. In the same way your light must shine before men so that they may see the goodness in your acts and give praise to your heavenly Father." This is one of the favorite verses in St. Matthew of Bro. Fil Fernandez. After almost fifteen years since we have been together in a project, a short stint of organizing the youth in Paltok, San Francisco Del Monte, (where Bro. Fil Fernandez was the past President of the Parish Pastoral Council) to stay away from drugs and other vices, we have crossed path once again.

Bro. Fil Fernandez, former Commissioner of the Civil Service Commission, together with Sister Ligaya Jorge, former Assistant Secretary of the DPWH and the Aunt of Eng. Aber Canlas, who was then a consultant of Secretary Salvador H. Escudero III at the Department of Agriculture (may the soul of Eng. Canlas rest in peace), during the Ramos Administration, would like to invite CSC retirees to join them: to write or contribute something about their personal recollections of the events which transpired while working at the CSC. There were some events in the past unknown to the public, which they have personal knowledge, such as, why was it that the Office for Legal Affairs was specifically mentioned in the law creating the Commission? How about the other Offices in the Commission?

Dir. Hilda G. Diokno, of the Integrated Records Management Office of the Commission invited among others, Bro. Fil Fernandez and Sister Ligaya Jorge, to a project for the retirees to write and give their personal account of CSC's history. Bro. Fil and Sister Ligaya, now 76 and 90 years old, respectively, with other retirees - voluntarily offered their services without hesitation. This is very interesting as we shall learn from those who have first hand information of past events as to what actually transpired during the crafting of laws and the formulation of policies affecting our Civil Service .

We would like to thank DIR. ARIEL G. RONQUILLO of the Office for Legal Affairs for his unwavering support in promoting the advocacy of Bro. Fil Fernandez and Sister Ligaya Jorge in this simple presentation for the CSC retirees worldwide to be informed, among others, of Bro. Fil and Sister Ligaya's advocacy. Actually, Bro. Fil Fernandez shall be leaving for the United States and might be staying there for about two months, but he will be back.

In honor of their advocacy we would like to present in person: Commissioner Fil Fernandez and Asec. Ligaya Jorge together with the CSC retirees in this Audio-Visual Presentation. The background music "Kay Gandang Isipin", was a contribution from Emil Gapit, a local talent, in honor of the CSC retirees:


(The softwares used to edit above materials are duly licensed Ulead, Adobe Photoshop and MS softwares. Above presentation was produced solely for the benefit of the CSC retirees by - "ALIMUKON": In Quest of Advocacies).

THE PHILIPPINE JUICY FRUITS

These four young, talented, bright and beautiful ladies are excellent singers who could also dance to the hilt was so lucky to have been discovered by Sister Bella Dimayuga. Their future in the entertainment industry is not only secured, but their well-being as a complete person, a Christian and their moral uprightness is assured as well. With them, the Philippines can be assured of ripping more honors abroad from these singing and dancing divas. They will be introduced fully into the entertainment industry here and ultimately, abroad: in the U.S. and all over the world !

Sister Bella, the President of the then world renowned Bellestar Promotions told us that she has something big in store for these young, beautiful and talented ladies in the United States where she now promotes our country and kababayans. It's one thing we admire of this lady, she has a big heart not minding spending money to take care of her fellow Filipinos, developing their talents, nurturing their well-being, then sending them abroad for a brighter future is not an easy task.

It is an honor to take pictures of these ladies in a rare photo oppurtunity, where we were invited to shoot. When we asked Sister Bella, a Kawad Kalinga awardee, why she named these four, young talented and beautiful ladies as Philippine Juicy Fruits? She told us: Why are there groups named Adobo? Menudo? Why not promote Philippine Fruits? "THE PHILIPPINE JUICY FRUITs!"

Actually they are named Makopa (Rose Apple), Langka (Jackfruit), Kaymito (Star Apple) and Mangga (Mango).
Actually, it does not only make them sound interesting, but also make them be able to promote the juicy, yummy Philippine Fruits!

For inquiry and bookings you may contact Bella Dimayuga at Cell Phone No. 0920-9704644; Landline: 6665809 or 66655810; or you may email her at bedimayuga@yahoo.com.

We were given the oppurtunity to take video footages of this young ladies. In support of Sister Bella's advocacy to promote Filipino talents abroad, who are we then to say no to this nationalistic person. Let's support Sister Bella in her advocacy for our country. Ladies and gentlemen the Philippine Juicy Fruits in You Tube!

OUR LADY OF LOURDES CATHOLIC SCHOOL

It's an organizational meeting of the Parents Coordinating Board of Our Lady Lourdes once again, after the successful Bingo Bonanza Project undertaken by the PCB last year, here we are again organizing. The PCB has now taken a step forward by suggesting to provide a seminar/workshop (livelihood projects) for the parents of Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School. On the other hand, someone is espousing to give a seminar workshop on IT graphic designs and site development. The site we developed for the PCB has been in existence for more than a year.

Many of the parents and even the students, however, were not keen of the cyber technology as a mode of communication among parents, students and teachers at OLLCS. Unlike the blogsite project we have done for Sacred Heart Academy, which bonded the students of SHAN into the cyber world, regardless of distance. It has the highest number of viewership in YOU TUBE, where alumnus of SHAN as far as CANADA and U.S., registered their comment. It sparked a cyber revolt in one way or the other. SHAN also has the most number of sites developed by its batch of alumnus, having its own BLOGSITES where alumnus here and abroad maintains constant communications.

Of all these schools, however, it seems that the Diocesian Schools of Ilagan, though slowly developing its IT departments, has the greatest potential of a very strong and active cyber community in the making because of the following factors: 1.) The enthusiasm of the faculty and the entire community; 2.) The need to provide efficient and effective mode of communication because of the distance from each schools, churches and communities; 3.) The extent of the coverage, the project involves greater participation even from the start; 4.) The support of the leadership of the schools including the teachers; 5.) Foremost of all, we believe, is the bond of the Ibanags. The "Ibanags" has its own culture, heroes and leaders, though forgotten by history lives within the heart and soul of its people.

IBANAG CYBER REVOLUTION HAS BEGUN!

We were informed by Mazu Antonio, the Secretary of the Diocesean Schools of the Diocese of Isabela, that the principals of the the different schools of the Diocesean Schools of the Diocese of Ilagan already viewed the Cyber Community Project of Fr. Angel B. Luga, the Superintendent of the Diocesean Schools. It may be the first time in the history of a province of Isabela that a project has been undertaken covering almost all of its main churches, tourism sites and Dioecesean Schools, in an audio visual documentary presentation launched in You Tube and blogsites, undertaken in a span of less than 48 hours.

It was 3 a.m. in the morning of June 8, 2008 when we arrived at Cauyan, Isabela. We already covered almost one half of the province on the first day alone, i.e., from Cordon to Cauyan from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. of the same day. The following day, we covered the rest of the province from 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. from Cauyan to San Pablo. This has not been made possible if not for the support of the energetic staff of Fr. Angel B. Luga, headed by Mazu Antonio, her Secretary.

We learned later on that Mazu is a daughter of a 20-year Barangay Captain somewhere in a Barrio in San Pablo, who was killed in an alleged political feud. No wonder that this energetic lady has a sense of patriosm in her like those who participated in the project. The project was a missionary work and the people who participated therein voluntarily offered their services without realizing the extent it is now gaining. It is but fitting, therefore, to honor those who participated in the project including those from Barrio Ugad, who were actually one of the targetted beneficiary - the offrings of the forgotten Ibanag Hero: General Mateo Noriel Luga.

Behind the scene were the Luga Clan, Mala Jean Luga (the daugther of Col. Mateo Luga), who is our project coordinator in Manila and the family of Gen. Emilio S. Luga, Jr, (The 3rd Generation of the Great Ibanag Hero: GEN. MATEO NORIEL LUGA), in Cebu, the Luga and Surriga Family in Bacolod and in U.S., the Luga-De Jesus FAmily in Dumaguete and Australia, our other groups in Yahoo, the Rodrigazo/Arrieta and our friends in the cyber community. The documentaries produced by the Luga Family has now expanded here and abroad. TUMAUINI.COM, a group of Tumauinians in U.S. is now actively participating with our campaign. America On Line (AOL) featured the documentary of the late General. Its You Tube site alone already reached 550 views in a span of a week without mentioning the viewers of the other sites where it was syndicated and broadcasted.

The Diocesean Schools of the Diocese of Isabela are already acquiring computers with internet service providers. This is the first time in the history of a Diocese that its Schools created an awareness campaign of such a magnitude! Covering not only the schools, the churches, but also promoting its entire province without outside support, purely on missionary work. If there is one thing that has been proven by this project - it is that: technological advancement brought about by science if used in an unselfish manner with a firm, solid and morally upright committment and objective can stir public opinion for the betterment of all.

Not for long the Diocese of Ilagan can have its own broadcast, blogsites and cyber communities. Training and developing its students, faculties including church based organizations on the responsive use of the cyber technology to promote advocacies towards the welfare of humanity to bond people, families and communities, we hope shall soon follow. With its influence covering the entire province, which population consists of almost 80% Catholics with six (6) schools, not to mention Our Lady of the Pillar including its church based umbrella organizations scattered all over the province, a cyber revolution in Isabela has just begun!

Friday, June 20, 2008

TUMAUINI.COM

After, America On Line (AOL) syndicated the documentary produced by Mala Jean Luga and Col. Mateo Luga at: http://video.aol.com/video-detail/gen-mateo-noriel-luga/737839059 from the videos we uploaded in You Tube, where Tumauini, the birth place of the late General was emphasized - it was Mila Samonte Opseth and Ranee Quiambao, of TUMAUINI.COM from California who contacted us asking: what they can do to help?

Imagine of all the people in the Philippines, it was the YouTube, the OAL and these kind hearted Tumanuinians in California who lend their hands and asked ask us what they can do to help?

Consequently, we linked the site of Mila and Ranee, in our site "ALIMUKON" and added a CBOX at it for all of us to place our comments and suggestion. To Mila and Ranee - THANK YOU VERY MUCH! In due time we shall announce our next missionary work in Isabela on a wider scale.

Tumauini.com is the online venue for residents worldwide who once called Tumauini home. They hold regular gatherings in California. If you would like to participate in their association as it is open to all that have connections with Tumauini, please contact Mila Samonte Opseth at msopseth@yahoo.com or [661] 373-5164. You can also contact Ranee Quiambao at ranee_realestate@yahoo.com or [818] 383-9450.

SEE: "ALIMUKON" DOUBLE CLICK HERE!

Saturday, June 14, 2008

ISABELA AWAITS YOU!

The province of Isabela is one of the richest province in the country even before the coming of the Spaniards because of its resources. It is a bastion of plain agricultural land sorrounded by mountain ranges, the Cordillera, Caraballo Ranges and the Sierra Madre. In fact, the Spaniards set up Puebos in Isabela almost a hundred years prior to the City of Manila. The Spaniards set-up different forts in Isabela as they were then intending to use the place as a launching pad to attack China.

The 28 Multi-Media Philippines in coordination with Fr. Angel B. Luga, the Parish Priest of Cauyan sponsored an Audio Visual production for all of us to see the beauty that awaits you in Isabela. The old Churches, especially the St. Mattias Church of Tumauini was so ellegant that you can feel going back in time for over 5 centuries just by sitting inside the Church and feel its aura. The scenery of Camp Samal was breathtaking! You can see the entire Isabela on top of its view deck. Once finished, you can swim at a pool overlooking the entire province.

The almost 30 hectares Punta Amelita in Cordon, the first town from Nueva Vizcaya, was fabolous. It has big rooms, separate houses for guests, three swinmming pools, a zoo, a lagoon and if you want to go on fishing, you can go on boat ride with your gear.

Herewith is Isabela, that awaits you . . . in You Tube:

USEC. RIVERA IN HIS 4TH YEAR

Usec. Robert T. Rivera on camera with a U.S. Army Sergeant, a Fil-Am Miss Earth Title Holder - in a German suit! They were together in a show . . .

Thursday, June 12, 2008

FATHER ANGEL LUGA

Father Angel Luga is presently the Parish Priest of Cauyan, Isabela. A native of Ugad, Tumanuini in Isabela, he was born on November 9, 1948 of parents Rosario Baquiran and Diego Luga, the son of Domingo Luga, whose brother was General Mateo Noriel Luga, an Ibanag national Hero.

Despite hardship in life, Angel strived hard to finish a degree. He attended primary and secondary education at Ugad Elementary School and the School of St. Mathias in Tumanuini, Isabela, respectively, until he finished a degree in Theology at St. Paul University in Tuguegarao, Cagayan in 1971. He continued his Tehological studies at the Immaculate Conception School of Theology and later earned a Masteral Degree at Isabela State University in Echague Isabela and his Doctoral Degree at La Salette University in Santiago City, Isabela. LEARN MORE ABOUT HIM . . .

Friday, May 30, 2008

MEETING WITH COL MATEO LUGA & FR. ANGEL LUGA

It was the 20th of May 2008 at around 6:30 p.m. at Col. Mateo Luga's residence in Fairview, Quezon City when Father Angel Luga with brother Tony Luga, whose grandfather is the brother of General Mateo Noriel Luga arrived. Father Luga is the Parish Priest in Cauyan, Isabela. Fr. Angel and Tony where the Lugas in Isabela. It was told that General Mateo Noriel Luga and his brother Domingo was actually from Ilocos who migrated to Tumauini, Isabela. When the Filipino Spanish War erupted Mateo Luga with his two cousins joined the forces of Gen. Aguinaldo. They left Isabela and was assigned to different provinces until General Mateo Noriel Luga was appointed by General Aguinaldo as the Philippine Revolutionary's war adviser to the Cebu Revolutionary Government.

The meeting was a reunion of sort between Roy R. Luga, the grandson of Emilio, Sr., Mala Jean, the daugther Col. Mateo Luga, and those from Isabela. It was agreed that the family must first present the objective of the Foundation. It was also suggested that the issue shall be submitted for the concensus of the body in the October 2008 Reunion in Bacolod City. In the meantime, 5o pieces of the CDs of the General Mateo Noriel Luga's documentary were pledged to be reproduced for distribution in the proposed October 2008 family reunion in Bacolod. Meanwhile, a paralel project to produce a documentary in Tumanuini, Isabela, shall be partly sponsored by Father Angel Luga.

Friday, May 16, 2008

ENTERING & LEAVING THE PALACE SMILING

Secretary Ignacio Bunye shall be leaving the Palace. If there is a person who joined and left the Arroyo Administration silently, but helped served the Office of the Press Secretary behind the scene by professionally stirring public opinion to re-focus back to good governance and remained neutral and apolitical despite series of political turmoil, it's non - other than this person, who despite the Manila Peninsula siege manages to help entertain Palace guests to watch the Carpenter with Claire performing before them. After entering and leaving the palace silently, he remained humble. He has always been behind the scene helping the movie industry and award giving bodies in the film industry. He is also active in the music industry, promoting recording artists promote their newly released records. He has been with the industry for more than three (3) decades and shall be celebrating the 3rd year of his show at NBN channel-4. WHO IS THIS MYSTERY PERSON? DOUBLE CLICK HERE AND LEARN MORE . . .

Wednesday, May 14, 2008

SQUIRREL AT CSC FOREST

It was almost ten months ago when we featured the CSC FOREST in OLA PRESENTS: THE CSC FOREST . Almost ten years ago CSC played a significant role in government's effort towards economic development as the lead agency in reforesting our watershed areas. After the Office of the President's Office of the Presidential Adviser for the Peace Process (OPPAPP) negotiates the return to the folds of law by our lost brothers, the Department of Agriculture then under Secretary Salvador Escudero III sets in by providing farm to market access roads, planting materials and other developmental projects in the field. The National Irrigation Administration, which was then under General Orlando Soriano provides irrigation facilities while the CSC, then under Chairman Corazon Alma De Leon was the lead agency in reforesting NIA's watershed areas.

In the North, peace and development was attained after a successful negotiation for the orderly implementation of the tunelling of the Casecnan Multi-Purpose Project with "Ka Gerry" of the Bungkalots Tribe in Dupax, Nueva Vizacaya. Waters in Dupax Nueva Vizcaya now spills to Pantabangan Dam in Nueva Ecija. The CSC was the lead agency which advocates to reforest watershed areas allover the country. In Cotabato, the Mal-Mar Project was peacefully constructed with the government entering into a peace pact with the MILF. Gen. Orlando Soriano, was then the concurrent head of the GRP Panel negotiating peace with the MILF. Makmud Mending was then the Project Director of Mal-Mar Project under the Water for Peace project of NIA. Allah Akbar! May his soul rest in peace: Mending, a peace advocate, was killed in a grenade blast in Cotabato after the Ramos Administration.

In Bohol, Gov. Erico Aumentado (then, a Congressman) guaranteed the return to the folds of law of "Boy Simbajon", an NPA Commander. It paved the way for the peaceful implementation of the Bohol Irrigation Project, in Pilar, Bohol. The CSC was the lead agency which advocated for the reforestration of the Wahig Pamacsalan Watershed Area, with Eng. Gene Cacho as NIA's Project Manager (may his soul rest in peace). Secretary Salvador H. Escudero III, in his recent statement concerning the country's food crisis may have been right. It was only during the Ramos Administration were tremendous irrigation projects to expand the country's irrigated areas for agricultural development was swiftly done in a span of two years. It was through the coordinated effort of these agencies that made it successful.

Today, the CSC is presently headed by Acting Chairman Cesar Buenaflor, a career official of the Commission since 1973, a native of Cotabato, the site of Mal-Mar Irrigation Project while Major General Jaime Buenaflor heads the AFP's National Development Support Command, the AFP's Command providing developmental projects to depressed areas. We hope that these coordinated effort in the quest for peace and development continues to address the present food security threat we are now experiencing.

Amid the crisis, however, the CSC Forest represents bounty. Today, a squirrel was sighted in the forest. Snakes, bird and some wild animals lives in the forest. It represents an ideal environment beyond the four corners of a government edifice.

We lost track of the trees we planted at the Department of Agriculture and NIA. It reminds us, however, of the past whenever we see flowers of rain trees blooms as rainy season approaches while we walk along the alley along the Office for Legal Affairs. We can only hope, however, that those trees are now as tall, as big and cared dearly, where squirrels can hide, live and play in peace, like in the Civil Service Commission’s Centennial Forest, presently under Acting Chair Cesar Buenaflor.

The "CSC CENTENNIAL FOREST": a legacy of Chairperson Patricia Sto. Tomas, Corazon Alma De Leon, Karina Constantino-David and now, Acting Chair Cesar Buenaflor.

In memory of Assistant Commissioner Nelson Acebedo.


"THE CSC CENTENNIAL FOREST IN YOU TUBE" :

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Saturday, May 10, 2008

EDSEL RODRIGAZO ARRIETA: A LASTING PEACE

It was almost a year ago, on May 13, 2008, when Usec. Nonoy Catura of the Office of Executive Secretary paid his last respect to a pioneer Peace Advocate at the Office of the President’s Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP). Usec. Nonoy Catura himself has been with OPAPP together with Secretary Ermita before they moved into the Executive Secretary’s Office of the Office of the President. In days that follow Mercy Bahatan, a high ranking official of the CPLA paid tribute to the man who, not known to the public including his family, brokered many peace negotiations with the separatist movement in MIndanao, NPA-NDF and the CPLA in Ifugao: Edsel Rodrigazo Arrieta. Atty. Abundio R. Arrieta, Jr., former Undersecretary of the Commission on Appointment, Senate of the Philippines and the Project Director of the Foundation (General Mateo Noriel Luga Foundation) we are establishing and former Senior Executive Assistant of the National Irrigation Administration, Roy R. Luga, among others, were also present.

Edsel Arrieta spent the prime years of his life negotiating for the peaceful return of our lost brothers who were misguided because of the hardship they suffered from the few who prefers to exploit the weak. At times, he becomes subject of suspicion not only of the left, but also of the right because of his sincerity to keep the words he gave not to divulge the identity of persons he is dealing with while in the process of negotiation. Months before his death Manong Edsel traveled to the Mountainous terrain of the Cordilleras to meet with undisclosed personalities. With a companion, they walked by foot for hours to reach the rendezvous agreed upon. In the process, he slipped while negotiating for his feet to land on a firm surface, but flip instead. He suffered an injury afterwards. Now overtaken by age and his diabetes, it was the last time my cousin set foot to the mountains to find peace. In his grave now lies the secret of those he helped, the families of those he shielded for their safe and peaceful return to the society. He now found peace of his own.

Mercy Bahatan, told Us that Edsel promised to work it out with the government to provide livelihood projects to the CPLA surrenderees before he died. Today, after almost a year after his death, the CPLA surrenderees somewhere in Ifugao shall harvest Tilapias from the ponds they developed with the help of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources. It was upon the effort of Director Rebecca Dang-Awan, her worthy Assistant Director Lilibeth Lapuz Signey with the support of Usec. Nonoy Catura and Usec. Robert T. Rivera of the Office of the Press Secretary, Office of the President, who are peace advocates themselves, that made Edsel Arrieta's promised a reality. His death has given meaning and life to the people of the Cordillera. It has given peace a chance for development to intervene, it has given a simple Cordilleran to have peace of their own and a food to lay on their table.

Today, Director Rebecca Dang-Awan, who has been with us since her days as a Division Chief in Department of Agriculture-CAR, is near retiring. Her Assistant, ARD Lilibeth Lapuz Signey has been relentlessly contnuing her efforts and advocacies for the torch of peace and progress in the Cordilleras to move-on by envisioning to build a community to further propagate the seed planted by our fallen brother to grow and bear more fruits, an advocacy upon which the General Mateo Noriel Luga Foundation shall be built.

In honor of Edsel Rodrigazo Arrieta and in acknowledgement of the BFAR-CAR's relentless effort to provide a peaceful and progressive Cordillera:

Monday, May 5, 2008

NUMERIANO ERDULFO S. SISON, JR.

It was about four years ago on September of 2004, when our friend, Numeriano Erdulfo S. Sison, Jr., the President and Chief Executive Officer of BAGCO CREDIT celebrated his 40th year in business. "Erling" told us that nobody would believe him that his company will succeed when he was just starting. Imagine putting up a company that engages in credit collection, charging nothing until his clients gets paid? Yet, it was a challenged to this man, the eldest among the Sison clan of Sison Pangasinan, whose sister Amelia married to Dr. Jose C. Navarro, is now the City Mayor of Santiago City in Isabela.

Manong Erling started from a humble beginning. He became a vendor, helping his mother selling "tamales". After selling "tamales", he shines shoes and he is also a newsboy every morning. We covered Manong Erling's affair when they celebrated their Mother's 100th year death Anniversary in a seafront bungalow in Sison Pangasinan, owned by another brother Manolo. He told me: "if only her mother was still alive, she should have been very happy. He could have send his mother to Spain and have bought her a beautiful terno that her mother loves so much and has been dreaming of."

Erling strived so hard to finish his primary and secondary education until he earned a college degree. He later became an author, lecturer and a recognized "Guro" in credit collection. A lifetime honorary member of the Financial Executive Institute of the Philippines (FINEX). Next year will the 45th Anniversary of his Corporation and we are glad that after all these years, Manong Erling's dream of having his own company has not only been fulfilled, but has survived as the prime instution in credit and collection service in this country through all these years.

We have an appointment with him once before. We went early to his office. It was closed, the guard told us that there were no people yet, but we were given the clearance to come in because Manong Erling instructed the guard to let us in. Upon entering the Office, there was a man cleaning the toilet and we were surprised to learn that it was Manong Erling. He told us: "the problem if you wait for people to do their job, nothing is going to happen. Thus, it would be better that you do all the things in office even as a janitor." That is "Manong Erling" I knew of.

"Manong Erling Sison", an epitome of man whose persistency, determination and will to surpass the challenges in life to attain his dream of a better business climate is worthy to emulate. A tradition, which the General Mateo Noriel Foundation envisions for others to emulate.

It was an honor doing an AVP for "Manong Erling", which was shown in Manila Hotel for his company's presentation four years ago, the BAGCO CREDIT CORPORATION in YOU TUBE:

Friday, May 2, 2008

BRGY. QURINO HILL WATER DRAINAGE PROJECT

Barangay Quirino HIll in Baguio City is a densely populated Barangay in the City. Whenever rainy season comes, portions of the hill suffers soil erosion because upstream waters flows into different direction without adequate drainage facilities for waters to flow downstream leading to the creek. It's good that the Barangay officials undertook a project to repair its drainange system in due time before the rainy season begins, (it was actually sometime in December 2007 when I took these footages), through the courtesy of Congressman Mauricio Domogan, the lone Congressman of Baguio City.

The Barangay Quirino Hill Water Drainage Project has been chosen to be featured by Mateo Noriel Luga Foundation as an exemplary project of a Barangay timely addressing the pressing need of a Barangay in due time before the need arises. An exemplary project of Congressman Mauricio Domagan for the People of Quirino and Baguio City per se.

Herewith is their project, in YOU TUBE:

THREE DAY TRIP TO BORACAY

Arnel Arrieta, my nephew on the mother side, a newscaster at Kalibo Cable Television Network, treated me to a trip to Boracay. Actually, we stayed in Boracay for a only a Day, where I took some footages of his friends' places. I hope I can do more of documentaries like this to promote places where people who are near to our hearts resides. My travel to Aklan was sponsored by Karen Arrieta-Kenaston and Atty. Antonio "Otik" Zulueta. Kay produced the continuing saga of "Primedeo Pro Patria" production we did for his father, Atty. Napoleon Arrieta. We intend to promote soon Tumauini, where the great Gen. Mateo Noriel Luga, the great Ibanag Revolutionary, was born. With God's grace, with the help of Fr. Angel Luga, in Isabela, I hope we can make a documentary of this forgotten hero, which motivated us to establish this Foundation. Of course with my mother, Zenaida Rodrigazo and father, Rodolfo Luga.

Herewith is: "A Three Day Trip to Boracay with ARNEL ARRIETA":

Sunday, April 27, 2008

PRIMEDEO PRO PATRIA

One of the objective of the Mateo Noriel Luga Foundation we envision is to honor great men and women of modern day, which touches the lives of many for others to emolute and to make families closer with each other. While most of our materials came from projects that our Project Director covered through all these years, we look forward for projects dealing with subjects about Mateo Noriel Luga, his deeds, place of origin and the Luga Clan in the future. These projects we have undertaken in the past would not have been possible if not for the patience and perseverance of a great woman by the name of Zenaida Rodrigazo Luga, to whom these projects are dedicated.

October of 2007 marks the end of one member of a family somewhere in Libacao, Aklan, by the name of Napoleon Arrieta. While his departure in this earthly world ends his physical presence, his journey to immortalization begins. PRIMEDEO PRO PATRIA, a story of Struggle, Love, Devotion and Service to the people immortalizes this man's deeds including that of their family.

For those of you who wish to document history as it unfolds, you may get in touch with the Gen. Mateo Noriel Luga Foundation through its Project Director. Your humble contribution to the Foundation shall propagate your advocacies for future generations to emulate.