Beruflich Dokumente
Kultur Dokumente
Vol.
I No. 18 (Maiden
Issue)
Volume
Number
1
Volume
1
No.
3
January
June 2008
January
- -March
2015
October
- December
2008
The Official Publication of Barangay Greater Lagro, Novaliches, Quezon City, Metro Manila, Philippines
The Chairman
speaks
On a Lakbay-Aral Tour
Lagro hosts 54
Northern Samar
Barangay Captains
SPECIAL REPORT
Heart of the Angat-Ipo-La Mesa
Wa ter Syst em
rom the Sierra Madre mountains, a series of water reservoirs - Angat, Ipo, La Mesa makes a picturesque from the air of a
living artery of Nature's wondrous water cycle. Clouds form and condense
into rain, funneled by their vast waterThe delegation, which was composed of sheds, and stored in man-made dams
54 barangay captains and six DILG officials for the use of millions of residents in
and staff, were welcomed and feted by Metro Manila.
Barangay Captain, Atty. Renato u. Galimba
Call it an engineering feat, an ideal profile
and his Council and other barangay officials. of eco logy, seat of rich bio diversi ty, sou rce of
inspiration of lovers and artists, an attraction to
NEWS * FEATURES
Senior Citizens League of
Greater Lagro elects new
set of officers
Top photo above was taken during a courtesy call to the Barangay Chairman,
Atty. Renato U. Galimba, made the members of the new set of officers of the
Senior Citizens League of Barangay Greater Lagro, Inc. (at table end, facing
camera). Earlier, Atty. Galimba administered the oath of office to the newly
elected officers of the group. Lower photo was taken during the organizational
and first official meeting of the newly constituted SCL-BGL Board of Trustees.
The occasion marked the 2015 "1st-Semester Synchronized Barangay General Assembly" and held in compliance with DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2015-24 dated March 5
2015 treating on the "Conduct of Barangay
Assembly for the First Semester of CY-2015" and
pursuant to Proclamation No. 260 dated 30
September 2011 which set the date for the observance of Barangay Day for the first semester
of CY - 2015 on Saturday, March 28, 2015.
( Pl e as e t u rn to pa ge 10 fo r p h ot o gr a ph s
taken during the event - Editor)
ACCOMPLISHMENT REPORTS
OPINION
Editorial
The Filipino people
as ultimate survivors
RSPEAK
EDIT
with the maiden issue of this community news-magazine. And during the relatively short span of seven
years, we at the GAZETTE never gave much thought
and attention about counting the years. We were
too preoccupied about working hard to make sure
that these days, weeks, months or years would really
count.
A s t h e re c o gn i z e d o n e a n d o n l y
barangay/community publication of its kind
in Quezon City -- if not in the whole metropolis -- which comes out regularly, the GAZETTE
has been receiving feedback -- countless testimonials and endorsements not only from the
residents of the community but also from the
general public in Quezon City and elsewhere
in the metropolis.
And although the feedback that we at the GAZETTE have been receiving have not always been flattering to us, these have been eliciting the best response from us. The good words have cheered and
inspired us to continue doing what we consider a good
job. But the critical feedback have goaded and
spurred us to work even harder for excellence in the
performance of our task.
But all things considered, we believe that
we have done a good job and that for this,
we have so many reasons to celebrate and
be proud of.
But if we have good reasons to celebrate,
we feel we have even more special reasons to
be grateful of and so many people to be thankful
to. And we, at the GAZETTE, certainly do not
want to pass this opportunity to let those who
have helped and supported us, in one way or
another, know that we deeply appreciate what
they have done and are still doing for us.
To our Barangay officials headed by
our Chairman, Atty. Renato U. Galimba (now
on the second year of his unprecedented third
three-year term of office) and the previous
and new sets of Sangguniang Barangay members, for thei r full and unqual ified suppo rt,
wi thou t whic h th is publ ication wo uld never
have seen print.
To the editors and staff members, including our
consulting and contributing editors and writers and
the rest of the officers and employees of the Local
Government of Barangay Greater Lagro, for providing their services for free and for spending their time,
effort and sometimes their personal resources to
help advance the cause of the GAZETTE.
(cont on page 6)
BARANGAY OFFICIALS
(EDITORIAL BOARD OF ADVISERS)
Consulting Editors
Prof. ABERCIO V. ROTOR, Ph.D.
Prof. JOHN C. CASTRO, MPM/MCrim (DSC)
Contributing Editors
AVERY P. CRUZ
Managing Editor
TERESITA MENDOZA-LAHIP
Barangay Secretary
BRIGIDA P. ANIBAN
Barangay Treasurer
FELICIANO U. GALIMBA, JR.
Administrative Officer
Production Assistant
The GREATER LAGRO GAZETTE is a quarterly news-magazine published by the Local Government of Barangay
Greater Lagro, Novaliches, Quezon City.
As a community news-magazine engaged in public journalism and anchored on the theme Fair and
Responsible Journalism for Community Progress and Development The GAZETTE is basically a non-profit, nonsectarian undertaking. Being so, its production/publication is being financed largely out of barangay funds in
addition to those that are being sourced out of contributions, donations, grants, endorsements and other forms
of assistance from patrons, donors, contributors and other well-meaning friends, individuals and organizations
or groups.
In the spirit of volunteerism, all officers and staff members, including editors, columnists, correspondents
and contributors serve this publication for free.
Opinions expressed herein are those of the authors/writers and do not necessarily reflect those of the
publisher, editors and the duly elected barangay officials and other proponents of this news-magazine.
All rights reserved.
OPINION
Pulso
By Avery P. Cruz
Unfaithfully yours...
From My Window
aon-taon, tuwing
ikasiyam ng Abril,
i pi nagdir i wang n g
lahing Pilipino ang Araw ng
Kagi ti n gan .
D i t o ay
ginugunita ang kagitingan
ng mga Pilipino, kasama ng
m ga A m er i k an o n a
nagpakita ng kapatiran sa
ngalan ng giting at nagbuwis
n g b uhay sa n gal a n n g
k al a yaan at dem o k r asya
noong Ikalawang Digmaang
Pandaigdig.
ow that we are in
that age where in
formation tec hnology is at its peak, your heart
and mind is carried away by
too much information available online that sometimes
cause temporary blindness in
our state of mind. This situation can greatly affect relationships specifically loyalty
or faithfulness to your betterhalf and could pose as a big
challenge to couples around
the world regardless of age,
culture or financial status.
In the past, television plays a big factor in influencing people whether its the truth
or fantasy but the moment we entered the
information age where internet is part of
everyday life, social media outpaced other
types of medium including television.
Infidelity and other types of
adulte ry are bein g committe d with
the advent of smartphones where you
can communicate on a touch of a
button thru "skype" or "viber" or "fb
me sse nger" some one of int ere st to
us. One can easily commit emotional
infidelity to the spouse without even
noticing that it can also fall to a full
blown adultery where physical contact can consummate.
Here are possible indicators that
(cont on page 6)
Public Forum/Letters
Lagro in focus
Ang diwa ng pamayanan ay kaayusan, katahimikan at
pagtutulungan. - Dr. Domingo G. Landicho, Ph.D, UP Professor Emeritus
LD HOME REVISITED:
Long settled in the
Un i ted S tates , a
former Lagro resident came
home for a visit and family
reunion. He was amazed to
see the communitys robust
gro wth an d devel opm ent.
Lagro has become vibrant,
peaceful and progressive
a far cr y from what it was
some years back.
He learned that Lagro now leads
among the 142 barangays in Quezon City,
reaping honor and luster for peace and
order, cleanliness and dispensation of
barangay justice under an upright, committed and competent leadership.
An otherwise good impression
somehow turned sour when he talked
about the attitude of some residents.
He s pe c i f i c a l l y c i t e d t h e i r b e i n g
ma p ag p an g ga p ,
m a k a s ar i l i ,
m ap a gm a t a a s a t m a pa n i r a s a
kapwa, quoting his exact words.
(cont on page 6
(Please turn to pages 1 and 20 for related story and photographs on the educational tour undertaken by the delegatio from Northern Samar. -- Editor)
OPINION * FEATURES
Pag-usapan natin...
AWAY-BATI
Ni Roco N. Caparroso
Ni Roberto F. Salas
Umulan ng Biyaya
sa ating kumunidad
From My Window
(contd from page 5)
Likewise, one-sided relationships dont
last. The relationship will eventually disintegrate if one is always the giver and the other
is always the receiver. For people to improve
relationally, there has to be reciprocity or giveand-take that everyone benefits as well as
gives.
Fi na ll y, w he n re la ti on sh ip s gr ow
and start to get solid everyone involved
begins to enjoy. With mutual enjoyment
developed just being together can turn
even unpleasant tasks into positive exp er i en c es .
-o -0 -o MISTAKES AND FAITH: We are all humans and prone to commit mistakes or errors.
As English poet Alexander Pope said, To err is
human; to forgive divine.
Indeed, we are not perfect. Part
of our being is committing mistakes or
errors. Even as we do, we deserve und e rs t a n di n g or f o rg i v e ne s s ; n o t co n -
i mp l e me n t at i o n o f t h e baran gay
j u s t i c e s y st e m o r K a t a r u n g an g
Pamparangay..
Ou r LU PON may h ave f ac e d
d e f e at
be c au s e
o t h e rs
ar e
e x c e l l e n t l y i mpr o vi n g, al beit with
assistance from us by way of advice and/
or transfer of technological know-how,
establishing ourselves as a mentor and
a very strong foundation to reckon
with yet serving as their inspiration.
A s a m a t t e r o f o pi n i o n , I
c o n s i d e re d
our
Lu p o n g
Tagapamayapa under the leadership
o f o u r Pu n o n g Ba r an g ay an d
c o n c u rre n t Lu po n Ch ai rman A t t y.
Renato U. Galimba as an Institution
of Humili ty.
With this, let us jointly congratulate
all the Lupong Tagapamayapa of the
concerned barangays who had shown their
excellence and pray that all of the 142
barangays of Quezon City would take the
extra-mile in achieving excellence in
public service.
In honor of my late father, Mr.
R omeo
E sp i a
Ca p ar r o s o ,
I
e n c o u r ag e a l l m y d e a r r e a d e r s
t o g e t h e r wi t h h i s f r i e n ds an d
relatives to pray along with me for
his 1 st death anniversary on April 14,
2015 for his soul to be beside our
Almighty God. Amen!
igit na mapalad
tayong mga taga
Bar an gay Gr eater
Lag r o
d ahi l
sa
m ga
biyayang natanggap natin
n i t o n g n ak a r aan g i l an g
taon, na laging napipiling
bi l an g
n um b er
1
na
barangay sa buong Quezon
C i t y n a pi n ak am al i n i s,
pi n ak a tahi m i k
at
pinakamagaling na Lupon
Tagapamayapa na noong
2013 ay nag number 1 pa
sa buong N.C.R.
Itong susunod na mga buwan
ay may gagawin na dalawang 3-storey building na handog at bigay sa
atin ng ating mahal na Mayor Herbert
B au t i st a at n g at i n g ma ba i t a t
magaling na ka-barangay Congressma n A l f re d Var ga s. Di t o sa m ga
gu sali ng na i to ilalagay ang mga
opisin a ng mga NGOs, Senior Citize n, Ho meo wne rs (LAHA ) Public Library at ang matagal na pangarap
ng ating mahal ng Barangay Chairm an R e n at o U . G al i m ba n a
ma gk ar o o n n g i sa n g m al i n i s ,
maluwag at maayos na paglalagyan
pansamantala ng ating mga yumao
na mahal sa buhay na tinawag na
March is Rabies...
(contd from page 8)
Editorspeak
(contd from page 4)
more inviting;
+ - You feel more alive than ever.
The indications were laid above and it is
up to you to assess/reflect if you will still continue to be secretly emotionally involved with
someone else. You can always claim that you
are always on the safe side by laying out all
precautions but accidents do happen when
you least expect it, caught unaware and this
could mean the end of one or worst both relationships.
So if you persist with this state of
affair, then just be ready to accept the
co ns eq ue nc es t ha t a wa it s yo u in t he
e nd .
Bahay Saklolo.
Ang pagkakaroon ng nasabing
Bakay Saklolo ay magbibigay ng
malaking tulong at kalinga sa ating
mg a
k a pu sp al ad
na
mg a
kabarangay at kababayan dahil ito
ay walang bayad sa paggamit at
ma da l i n g k au sa pi n an g mg a
mamamahala dito.
Bu k o d p a s a m ga n a u n a n g
n a ba gg i t n a pr o y e k t o , ay m u l a
n a ma n
sa
ati ng
m ah al
na
kabarangay, Councilor Godie Liban,
siya
ay
n an ga k o
rin
na
magpapagawa ng 2-storey building
na daycare center na laan para sa
ating mga cute na anak at apo, libre
po ito at kasama pati mga gamit sa
eskwela.
Ang akin pong kasamang Lupon
n a si S o n n y S i mo n n a pre si de n t e
ngayon ng SOLTEC o Southern Lagro
Te nn i s Lawn Te n n i s Cl u b) ay nagaanyaya sa lahat na mga mahilig at
ba gu h a n n a g u s t o n g m at u t o n g
paglalaro ng tennis. Magpalista lang
po sa kanilang opisina o dito sa ating
barangay (c/o Mr. Sonny Simon) ang
m ga i n t e r e s ad o n g su ma l i s a
programang ito. Magagaling po ang
mga kanilang tennis trainer.
Ke e p u p t h e go o d wo rk .
Patnubayan sana tayong lah at ng
Panginoong Maykapal.
OPINION * FEATURES
The Author
able. However, certain specific places in
our midst are designated as terminal site
of transport groups to the inconvenience
of the public, not to the undoing/error of
judgment of our local authorities, but accordingly due to the intercession and approval of higher powers of our bureaucracy, once again to the detriment of ourselves in general. These are some legal
impediments to the effective and efficient
enjoyment of accepted local legislation:
to have a convenient smooth safe fast
traffic inside our barangay.
In conjunction thereof, it is likewise
respectfully suggested and requested if
possible to give due notices or better still
to enact a barangay ordinance address
to all concern car owners not to park their
respective vehicle right in front of garage/
pathway of any residential lot so as not to
block/impede INGRESS AND EGRESS . In
cases of emergency, impeded garage or
pathway certainly creates inconvenience
and misunderstanding among friends and
neighbors.
We: You and I must actually and religiously observe the GOLDEN RULE always.
A JOYOUS AND MEANINGFUL EASTER
SEASON TO ALL!
(cont on page 9)
Photographs show Barangay Chairman, Atty. Renato U. Galimba and Barangay officials
of Bagbagatot, Banayoyo, Ilocos Sur posing for posterity after the barangay officials
paid a courtesy call and condoled with Atty. Renato U. Galimba and his family during
the wake of Atty. Galimba.s mother who passed away last February 20, 2015. Those
with Atty. Galimba are (left to right) Barangay Kagawads Nestor A.Cudiamat, Robert S.
Blanche, Jessie P. Cudiamat and Juan B.Escao; Mrs. Josephine S. Galimba (Atty.
Galimbas better-half), Atty. Galimba; Barangay Captain Florentino B. Garriga; Barangay
Secretary Wilma F. Castro; and Barangay Kagawads Felicitas G. Gagno, Antonio G
Baniaga Jr. and Editha J. Gambala.
NEWS * FEATURE
March is Rabies
Awareness Month
Cool Change
By Delbert Badon
By Ronaldo A. Quinio
(cont on page 7)
"Th e Ha pp i ne ss R a nk in gs o f P eo pl e
in the World"
By M ar y Fo rg io ne
The United Nations created the International
Day of Happiness, which is celebrated Wednesday
(today), to recognize "the relevance of happiness
and well-being as universal goals and aspirations in
the lives of human beings around the world..."
It's a different way of evaluating
nati ons apa rt fro m their econom ic wea lth.
With that in mind, I thought about a report
last year from the London-based think tank
Le gatu m Gr oup that ra nked 142 cou ntri es
a n d ca m e u p w i th a P r o s pe r i t y I n d ex . I t
weighed factors like health, education,
g ov e rn an c e, pe r so na l f r ee d om , e tc .
The overall happiness rankings came out
like this:
1. N or wa y
2. D en ma rk
3. S we de n
4. Aus tral ia
5. N ew Zea land
6. Cana da
7. Fi nland
8. The Ne therla nds
9. Sw itze rla nd
10. Irel and
The numbers change when you filter by
various criteria. For example, New Zealand ranks
No. 1 for education; Luxembourg, No. 1 for health;
and Canada, No. 1 for personal freedom. (Go to
the Prosperity Index map and create your own
rankings by category.)
Lo w e s t ,
or
c ou n tr i es , w e re :
most
"u n h a p p i e s t "
en years of constant
development has
led the subdivision
of Greater Lagro to a better
fascade. With establishments
popping up from left to right,
foodies, techies, entrepren eurs an d mer c han ts ar e
slowly pouring in to provide
the budding community with
their own respective flavors
and distinctive characteristics.
With the constant efforts of the
Barangay Local Government Unit to promote and build a sustainable community
with safe and enjoyable facilities, the noticeable changes have been drastically
visible throughout the course of the campaign. Back roads are now cemented,
street signs much more visible, and the
gates that lead to key access points are
now guarded to improve visible safety.
These changes play a key role in the
community as to which ranking among
other Barangays have fallen short in-terms
of development. With security being felt
ubiquitously, even pedestrians, of which are
consisted mostly of school kids are a lot
safer and more secure to wade in the after-school hours of the streets. Majority of
which the task force built to maintain
peace and order are to be credited for,
the community leaders are also to be held
responsible for this magnificent change.
Activities which promote tourism in the said
Barangay are visible and the air is calmer
compared to what it was about a decade
ago.
It is a lot safer than how it used to
be. Julie said, one local inhabitant who
grew and saw the changes made by the
occupants of the Barangay. Each had
their own contributions, instilling what they
had either learned in school, business, and
4. Chad
5. Haiti
6. Burundi
7. Togo
8. Zimbabwe
9. Yemen
10. Ethiopia
A sep ara te Gal lup Wo rld Po ll tak en
between 2005 and 2011 came up with the
same top 10 happiest nations as Legatum,
though in a slightly different order (Denmark
was No. 1). The World Happiness Report last
year provides more data and tables on the
top ic.
-o-0-o-
in life.
Many of the locals who saw how the
slow development led to a budding community are very positive with the changes
that are taking place in the society.
Many noticeable additions to the
Barangays marketable features are the
shops that offer distinctive services accessible only to more prominent areas in the
past. This indicates a sign that the times
are catching up with the progress going
on for the Greater barangay.
Similarly, reports of crime are lesser;
cases of violence compare no-match to
what it used to be and the image of the
developing areas are cleaner and more
family friendly according to local officials.
For after all, during the past consecutive
three years or so, Barangay Greater Lagro
did won 1st place for having the Best
Peace and Order Committee, Best in Gender Practice and Responsive Governance
and have the Best Lupong Tagapamayapa
as seen in the Quezon City Local Govern*
-ht tp://
men t
Website .
www.quezoncity.gov.ph is an excellent
website for Local Government Reports
B AR AN GAY GR EATE R LA GR O AT A G LANCE
H OU SING UNIT S/LA ND A REA
+ - LAGRO S UBDIVISION
Area: 100 hectares
No. of H ousing Units: 3,923
+ - CASA MILAN SUBDIVISION
Area: 45 hectares
No. of Housing Units: 100
+ - LA MESA H EIGH TS SUBDIVISION
Area: 316
No. of Housing Units: 173
+ - H ILLTOP SUBDIVISION
Area: 10 hectares
No. of Housing Units: 130
+ - La Mesa H eights
No. of Housing Units: 70
BUSI NESS ESTABLISH M ENTS
as of March 2014 4 ,3 0 3
NEWS * FEATURE
The Chairman speaks
Mercy, compassion
and faith prevail
(contd from page 2)
By Romeo A. Deza
CHAMPION GOLD MEDALIST PUPIL IN FIRST GRADE LEVEL of teh jean Baptiste of Reins College North Olympus,
Quezon City of this school year is Rhensis Benedict T. Lofamia, 8 years old, 2nd from right, posing with the schools top officials, from left,
Administrator Gr egorio R. Ponce, Director Adoracion C. Ponce, adviser-teacher Carmela Jane R. Santos, curriculum-academic affairs
directress Donna Mae P. Batnag, and parents Janneth T. Lofamia and Engr. James Roger B. Lofamia. Gold medalist awardee Rhensis
Benedict received two gold medals as Champion in Math and Science Quiz Bee and Champion in the Annual Quiz Bee; and with three
distinguished medals for Most Inquisitive, 3rd Place Singing Contest,and Perfect Attendance.The parents were also recipient of
citation award in recognition of their Active Family Tandem on Family Fun Run 2015. The outstanding overall gold medalist awardee
is the grandson of Mr. and Mrs. Cayetano B. Toriano (nee Dolores Dunuan, and the youngest grandson Engr James Roger of QCs Lagro
Gazette columnist Rumolo Romy Vargas Lofamia (nee Meriam Bolivar, ret. SLH chief nurse) ret DPWH public relations-info officer
and an accomplished writer, essayist, fictionist and once an active crusading newsman during his prime.
Pamela Julianne O. Lofamia, 14 years old, shown in photo above, was the recipient of the 7th Place Award Medal from the Integrated
School fo Montessori in Igolot, Bocaue, Bulacan during the recognition rites of this years school graduation ceremony. She is the only
daughter and youngest child of Engr. Gregory Pliny B. Lofamia (wife Engr. Victoria Owera-Lofamia). Pamela Julianne is the granddaughter of the Gazette columnist Rumolo RomyV. Lofamia, (nee: former Meriam Bolivar, ret SLH chief nurse).
M a y t h e ir s o u l s r e s t i n p e a c e i n
heav en.
-o-0-oDespite claims of a soaring economy,
according to some surveys and Malacaangs
loud barkings, still millions of Filipinos go to bed
hungry everyday, others even without bed to the
point of serving the street homesas their abode
with aching ribs. Hunger in this supposed time of
economic growth, if really true, is the paradox of
loud political cheering leaders submerged in
absurd own political circus strategys hallucination aimed at to gain mileage publicity.
A m i d s t th e l o u d v o i c e s c l a i m i n g
sufficiency of production, abundance
and exce sses, yet a grea t man y hou seh o l d s c o n t i n u e t o w a n t a n d s u f f e r,
though, they believed not fully their
faults. Is our country a great producer of
grea t loud voice-l iars, alleged ly lyin g in
their hallowed force-make-believed
eco nomi c pr ogre ss wh om s ome decr ied
is only a creation of hallucination. Whatever, truth w ill prev ail.
Some factors on why a great many Filipino families are hungry and in need of employment are because no ready foods on the table
to eat for survival, to have shelter-protection from
the cold rains, from the scourging heat of the
sun, and for lack of usual sleeping night rest, all
for health protection from getting with unwanted
sickness. Thus, it is imperative that the government should refrain from holding frivolous programs in order to address the empty stomachs
of the poor.
That, our good gr aftbuster leader,
President Noynoy Aquino III, should leave
no s ton es un tur ned u nde r h is no la ug hi n g c r us a d e a g a i ns t hi g h pr o f i le s ca n dals exemplified by the high ranking public officials, including pity corruptions by
some recalcitrants, as kotong cops, syndic ated h igh pr ofile fixer s like some unto uc ha bl e on es a lle ge dl y pr ot ec te d by
t h e p o w e r s - t h a t - b e o r w h a t e v e r, l o n g
time publicly known since time immemorial.
Support PNoys cleansing drive versus the
corrupts, the arrogants, the abusives, the
hyperwomanizers and what-have-you.
10
Photographs taken during the parade held in observance of Araw ng Kagitingan on April 9, 2014
as the pariticipants pass thru one of the major streets in the community with Punong Barangay, Atty.
Renato U. Galimba ( photo above, in red shirt, 2nd from left) leading the parade together with
members of his Council and barangay staff.
The Honor Guards of the Knights of Columbus, Fr. Walter de Vilder Assembly (ACN 2895) are shown
in photo above taken during flag-raising ceremony held in observance of Araw ng Kagitingan on
April 9, 2014 at the Dambana ng Kagitingan, Centennial Park, this barangay; while highlights and
sidelights of the flag-raising ceremony/program are shown in photos below.
11
12
Index" (GNH).
The GNH rejects the sole use of
economic and material wealth as an
indicator of development, and instead
adopts a more holistic outlook, where
spiri tual well being o f citizen s and
communities is given as much importance
as their material well being.
-o-0-oWHY MARCH 20 EVERY YEAR.
In chosing and declaring the 20th
day of Marc h every year as the
"International Day of Happiness", the
General Assembly of the United Nations
took cognizance of the fact that at around
th is date each year, a uni versal
phenomenon occurs -- the sun spends
almost the same amount of time above
and below the horizon at every location
on Earth, making night and day nearly
equal.
This theme of balance is one
that runs throughout the International
Da y o f H ap pi n e ss . Bo t t o m l i n e
economic growth has long been the
m e a su re f o r p ro gr e s s, b u t i t ' s a
y a rd st i c k t h at i gn o r e s m o u n t i n g
so c i al an d e n vi r o n me n t al i ssu e s.
Gradually, material wealth is losing
so me of its si gni fic anc e as h eal th
and wellbeing is recognised as an
i m po rt an t f a c t o r i n su st ai n a bl e
development.
-o-0-o-
Message of U N Secretary-General
Ban Ki-moon - March 20, 2015:
n response to a call
from the UN General
A ss em bl y, peo pl e
and nations all over the world
took time out to mark and
par ti c i pate
in
the
o b ser v an c e o f the "T hi r d
In ter n ati o n al
D ay
of
Happiness" on Friday, March
20, 2015.
It was the third officially recognized
world-wide celebration of this special day
by virtue of a United Nations General
Assembly resolution (Res. No. A/RES/66/281)
passed/adopted by the said body on June
28, 2012 which declared the 20th day of
March every year as "International Day of
Happiness".
-o-0-oOBJECTIVE OF THE SPECIAL DAY.
The United Nations has declared
March 20 the first International Day of
Happiness to underline the commitment of
its 193 member states to "better capture
the importance of the pursuit of happiness
and well-being in development with a view
to guiding their public policies."
Th e da y re c o gn i z e s t h a t
happiness is a fundamental human
go al , and call s u po n cou nt rie s to
appro ach pu bl i c po l ic ie s i n way s
th at i mpro ve the well be ing of all
peoples.
By designating a special day for
happiness, the UN aims to focus world
attention on the idea that economic
growth must be inclusive, equitable, and
balanc ed, such th at i t promot es
sustainable development, and alleviates
poverty.
A d di t i o n al l y
the
UN
acknowledges that in order to attain
g l o ba l
h a pp i n e s s,
e c o n o mi c
development must be accompanied
by so ci al an d e nvi ro n men t al wel l
being.
-o-0-oBACKGROU ND.
For a backgrounder, the initiative to
declare a day of happiness came from
Bhutan - a country whose citizens are
considered to be some of the happiest
people in the world.
Thi s Himalay an Ki n gdom has
championed an alternative measure
of national and societal prosperity,
called "the Gross National Happiness
Pulso
sawi
h a ri
h a h a n g a s a b a b ai n g ma n d i r i g ma n g
s i Te r e s a M a g b a n u a n g Pa n a y n a
n a n g a n g a b a yo s a p a n g u n g u n a s a
p a s a l a ka y a t p a g l a b a n ? S i n o a n g
h i n d i ma g b u b u n y i s a g i t i n g n i
Gre goria de Jes us, a ng Lakambini ng
Ka ti pu na n na h in di n as ir aa n ng l oo b
ka hit na na ulil a n g a saw a?
Sino ang hindi uusal ng pagdakila kay
Andres Bonifaci? Sino ang hindi dadakila kay
Makario Sakay at Antonio Luna? Sino ang
hindi magpupugay kay Heneral Miguel
Malvar?
Ang
akin g
mga
n au na ng
bi na ng gi t ay a ti ng mga b ayan in g
ma n d i r i g ma
sa
l ar an ga n
ng
pa ki ki ba ka. L umaba n si la , kar amih an
a y n a sa w i s a pa ki ki p a gl a b an .
May diwa rin ng kagitingang unang
ipinunla sa ating literatura.
It i n u t u r i n g ko n g p a n g u n a h i n g
n a g p u n l a n g g i t i n g a t ka ma l a ya n g
p a mb a ya n a n g Fl o r a n t e a t L a u r a n i
Fra nc i sc o Bal a gt as .
Sa kanyang dakilang epiko, ipinakita
ni Bala gtas ang d iwa ng ba yan, na
bag aman at tungkol s a Al banyay
nagpapakita ng katotoh an a n n oo n n g
Pi li p i n as . A n iya :
Ka li l u ha y s i yang na ng ya ya ri ng
Kag a li nga t b ai t a y nal u lu g ami
In i i ni s s a h u k a y n g d u s a t
p i g h at i . . .
Itinuturing kong ang tulang epiko ni
Balagtas ang siyang pinaka-ina ng diwang
magiting na manunulat, kagaya ng Noli Me
Tangere at El Filibusterismo ni Dr. Jose Rizal at
mga makabayang sanaysay ni Mercelo H.
Del Pilar at Emilio Jacinto.
An g to too, mu la s a mga s inul at
na nobela ni Rizal nabuhay ang diwa
ng g it in g at pa gh ih imag sik n i An dr es
Bo n i f a c i o n a n a g t a yo n g Ka t a a s ta as an g
Ka g a l a n g -g a l a n g
an g
Kat i pu n an ng mg a An a k n g Baya n o
Ka t i p u n a n , n a i t i n u t u r i n g n a s i ya n g
pi nkau na ng
k i l u s a n g b a ya n
ng
pa gl ab an
sa
mg a
d a yu h a n g
mana nakop s a Asya at Apr ika.
Kaya ang diwa ng kagitingan ay
maituturing na likas sa malay ng lahi.
Na ng
p a p a t a yi n
ng
mga
Ha p o n e s s a M i n d a n a o s i Pu n o n g
Mahistrado Jose Abad Santos ng Korte
Su p r e m a
ng
Pil ip in as
n oo ng
Ik a l a w a n g D i g ma a n g Pa n d a i g d i g ,
l u m u l u h a n g n a ki u s a p s a ka n ya a n g
kanya ng anak n a lalaki. Ipinakikiusap
ng a na k sa ama na p ar a i li gt as a ng
buhay, wala siyang dapat gawin kundi
i p a n g a ko
a ng
pa na na li g
sa
kap an gyar ih an ng Hap on es .
Ayon sa aklat na Sulyap sa mga
H u w a g k a n g u mi ya k, a na k.
D a ki l a i t o ng s a nd a l i . P a m b i h i ra ng
pagkakataon ang mamatay sa ngalan
ng ba ya n.
Huminto sa p aglu ha an g an ak.
Namatay si Jose Abad Santos na tunay na
bayani.
An g ga ni to ng p ag pa na w na
tina nglawa n ng di wa ng giting ang
ka p a t i d n g p a g p a n a w n g a t i n g
ma g i g i t i n g n a b a ya n i n a s i n a R i za l ,
Emilio Jacinto, Makario Sakay at Ninoy
Aqui no.
Ito ang kasaysayan ng magigiting na
kamatayan.
Kaya sa ating Pambansang Awit,
ang ating Inang Lupa ay tinatawag na
duyan ng magiting. Kung susuriin sa
a t i n g In a n g Ba ya n - n a r o r o o n a n g
b uka l n g ka gi t in g an .
Ang buong Pilipinas ay kaloob ng
Diyos na dambana ng kagitingan - sa dagat
at bundok, sa langit na bughaw, ang pulso
ng laya at giting ay tunay na buhay at
tumitibok.
Kaya maaari nating sabihin ang
giting ng Pilipino ay mula sa dambana
n g I n a n g L u p a , mu l a a t a l a y n i
Ba t h a l a .
Totoo, ang pagtatanggol sa laya at
bayan na maaaring ipagbuwis na buhay ay
landas ng kagitingan. Ngunit ang tunay na
(cont on page 8)
Huwag kang
umiyak, anak. Dakila
itong sandali.
Pambihirang
pagkakataon ang
mamatay sa ngalan
ng bayan.
Sulyap sa mg a Baya ni -- D r.
D o mi ng o G o a n L a nd i c h o / D r.
Ed na Ma y Obi en-L and ic ho
LITERATURE
13
Tanglaw sa Dilim
Ni Lulu S. Atienza
Ang Author
Echoes
By Gracita M. Tumbaga
ALONE ON MY BIRTHDAY
By: Diosdado F. Fragata
The crowd stood by in silence
As I gathered a breath of storm
To blow the flame from tiny candles
Then they all broke into laughter
Like the sound of shattered glass.
The song was joyful and merry;
The greetings were hearty and warm
But none was warmer than your promise
Of an everlasting love.
Its the eighth of April once more
But the song is sad and lonely
Teardrops fall over old love letters
And a faded photograph.
I gather breath of cigarette smoke
While the memories of you
Burn across my broken heart.
But wine is warm and soothing
Like an old mans sigh
When the weary day expires.
References/Acknowledgments:
+ - The UN Website
+ - Wikipedia, the Free
encyclopedia
+ - PoemHunter.com
+ - Mary Forgione, Los Angeles Times
Daily Travel & Deal blogger
The Author
14
NEWS * FEATURES
health of people. Take the case of the Payatas
Dumpsite, Quezon City's version of Manila's Smokey
Mountain. Because of the closeness of the open
dump site, tons and tons of carbon and ash, poisonous and obnoxious gases, and leachate find
their way into the reservoirs. A petition initiated by
the QC government and residents has been filled
with the Supreme Court to close Payatas landfill
permanently. (PDI March 2015)
Third, Global Warming has reduced rainfall
over the watershed complex in the last two decades or so, necessitating cloud seeding to augment receding water level. Other than depriving
the needed rainfall, dry air sucks moisture from
both reservoirs and watersheds predisposing the
watershed to forest fire, more so during an El Nio
year. .
Fourth, the cyclical El Nio which now occurs on closer interval since industrial times, is causing the water level to plunge to critical level. Unfortunately Metro Manila is virtually dependent wholly
on the Angat-Ipo-La Mesa system. Even underground water also falls to critical level during El
Nio. By the way, 2015 is mild El Nino year which is
now being felt nationwide.
Fifth, The price of water is one of the highest
in the world. Internet research showed that the minimum consumption per family of 6 in MM is 10 cubic meters per month. At P56.48 per cubic meter,
monthly bill is P568.80. This is not all; there are other
charges added amounting to P200, which then
total to P768.80. Over and above this figure are
proposed price adjustments.
Historically from P4.97 in 1997 to P56.48 per
cubic meter today, the increase in charges is an
exorbitant 1,036.69 percent. Water prices rose by
45 percent to 61 percent per year for 17 years. In
addition, the government extended the water contracts to Maynilad and Manila Water by another 15
years. What went wrong?
Water privatization in Metro Manila began
when President Fidel Ramos instructed the government in 1994 to solve what he called the water
crisis in Manila by engaging with the private sector.
Sixth, Angat dam which supplies 81.4 percent of the total output of the system is structurally
in danger (Angat Dam: Another tragedy in waiting
- Boo Chanco, The Philippine Star, September 10,
2014)
Philvocs warned of a catastrophic disaster
unless we move fast to reinforce the structural integrity of Angat Dam. To quote Dr Renato Solidum,
Philvocs Executive Director, "Angat dam is an old
dam and must be fortified as soon as possible. It is
old and still sitting along the West Valley fault line....
A magnitude of 7.2 or an intensity 8 earthquake
could spell disaster of unimaginable proportions."
As a background two super typhoons Emma
(Welming1867) and Rita (Kading 1978) took the lives
of several people and destroyed millions of pesos
worth of properties as a result of sudden and uncoordinated release of flood water from the dam.
We can imagine a worse scenario, as Philvocs
warned, had the dam given way to the tremendous force. It reminds us of the movie Evan Almighty, a modern day Noah who was commanded by God to save the people from flood
caused by the collapse of a poorly constructed
dam. Unlike the bible which had a tragic ending
the movie exposed corruption of some politicians.
La Mesa Dam has grown old through the
years of faithful service. It is like a heart that is already tired and weak, exacerbated by the poor
condition of the very system it is a part of and
which it serves. Which too, has passed its prime.
Time, incessant use. misuse and abuse have altogether taken their toll, and will be taking more to
the brink of disaster. The system has long been diagnosed and the finding is clear with a stern warning.
In physiology the heart is forced to work
harder as the system declines. while the body becomes idle, overweight, and indulgent to the Good
Life characteristic of our postmodern times where
affluence has virtually no end. Its demand far exceeds supply violating reciprocity which is governed by a simple rule: what is taken must be returned - the basis of the principle of sustainability.
The bounty and beauty of nature must be preserved and conserved. This is the greatest heritage
we can bequeath to our children and children's
children.~
Ba ra nga y G re ate r Lag ro an d a dj oin in g Fair vi ew, b oth m idd le cl ass c omm un iti es, h ug
the lower limits of the La Mesa Reservoir proper. The La Mesa ECO Park is situated along
the spillway of the dam, as indicated in the map above.
Lo ca te d in N ova li ch es , Qu ez on
Ci ty, La M esa Dam wa s bu ilt in
1 92 9 to s up p l y w a te r to M et r o
Manila and suburbs. It is part of
a 2, 0 0 0 - he c t a re w a t er s h e d l o ca ted i n Fair vie w, Qu ezo n Cit y,
San Jose del Monte City in
Bulaca n and Rodr iguez in R izal.
The reservoi r is ele vated at 100
meters above sea level. The La
M e s a r e s e r vo i r o c c u p i e s 2 7
square kilometers and can hold
up to 50 .5 mi llion cubi c met ers
o f wa t er.
(contd on page 7)
La M e s a i s h o m e o f t h i s r a r e o s p r e y
(P andi on h ali aetu s). Now and th en y ou
m a y s e e t h i s r e g al b ir d p at r o l li n g t h e
lake. I have seen it a number of times
closely flying over Lagro. In my research
it is a large raptor, reaching more than
60 cm (24 in) in length and 180 cm (71
i n) a cr os s it s w in gs . It i s b ro wn o n th e
u pp e rp a rt s a n d p re do m in a nt l y g re y is h
on t he he ad an d u nd er par ts . I t is al so
called fish eagle, sea hawk, river hawk,
or fish hawk , a diurn al, fish -eati ng b ird
o f pr ey.
NEWS * FEATURES
A Lenten Reflection
t was then a Maundy T
hursday, our family made
an effo r t t o watc h the
Passion Of Christ movie on television.
There were scenes that caught my attention that is worth pondering as my Lenten reflection.
First, the action of Pontious Pilate,
when he knew all along that Jesus was innocent. However, he refused to leave his
comfort zone. But instead, what is convenThe Author
ient to Him, the support of the majority,
not to be ousted from his position. The action of Pilate can be summed up in a clich pain. Therefore he is capable of under__WHAT IS POPULAR IS NOT ALWAYS RIGHT standing us, as we heard in the first readAND WHAT IS RIGHT IS NOT ALWAYS POPU- ing.
LAR. Oftentimes, we refuse the path of
Id like to tell you something close
righteousness and truth as it brings us so to my heart. When I saw from Rome that
much hassles. Sometimes it takes only one catastrophe I had to be here. And on those
right act to make a significant difference. very days I decided to come here. I am
Second, the people spitting and here to be with you a little bit late, but
buffeting the face of Jesus. They are re- Im here.
buking and ridiculing Him. The Bible stated
I have come to tell you that Jesus
Forgive your brothers 77 x 7. In the movie, is Lord. And he never lets us down. Father
the Mathematical equation of 77 x 7 turned you might say to me I was let down
out to be accurate. Considering the because I have lost so many things, my
number of people then scoffing and lam- house, my livelihood. Its true if you say
basting him. The Lord would like His chil- that and I respect those sentiments. But
dren to be extremely patient with broth- Jesus is there, nailed to the cross, and from
ers who wronged us. Most of all, open our there he does not let us down. He was
hearts for forgiveness.
consecrated as Lord on that throne and
Third, Mama Marys role in the Pas- there he experienced all the calamities
sion of Christ. If there is one person who that we experience. Jesus is Lord. And the
was devastated at that time was Jesus Lord from the cross is there for you. In eveMother __ Mama Mary. The emotional and rything the same as us. That is why we have
heartbreaking pain She endured just to a Lord who cries with us and walks with us
show Her obedience to the will of God. in the most difficult moments of life.
Witnessing with her two eyes, the baby She
That night before I went to bed I said
cuddled in Her arms and nurtured for nine a prayer to the Lord which substantially
months was beaten up to death. A life of- states:
fered for a friend__ the sinner you and I.
Thank you Lord for giving your life
Fourth, the wounded and bloodied for me, a sinner. I will not say now I underbody of Christ. No adjective is precise to stand your pain because I never will for I
describe the excruciating pain that runs did not experience it. Alam ko lang po
in the body of Our Lord Jesus Christ. Im- dahil napanood at narining ko. Forgive me
agine, the heavy weight of the cross on for the times I am complaining, throwing
his shoulder carried to Calvary under the tantrums to you or even angry with you.
extreme heat of the sun. The Roman Times when my faith is weak or asking if
Centurions mercilessly beating His back. there is really God. Please forgive me for
Never contended and satisfied nail his left all my sins pero alam ko mamaya, bukas
and right palm but to aggravate it more o sa susunod araw magkakasala uli ako.
also nailed bothHis left and right back hand Muli humihingi ako ng tawad. Lord, ang
even turning the cross upside down. Then hinihiling ko na lang po ngayon ay bigyan
nailed his 2 feet together and for the final nyo ako ng strength and courage na
touches pierced His side. Not to mention kayanin ang mga pagsubok na pinag
the thorns on His head. What else was left dadaanan namin ni daddy. Para tumatag
with Our Lord? No more but only a forgiv- ang pananampalataya namin sa inyo at
ing heart.
maging mabuti kaming Kristiano. Amen
This was probably how Pope Francis
A Blessed Easter everyone!
anchor in his message with the people of
Tacloban when he said:
In his Passion he assumed all our
Mercy, compassion...
(contd from page 9)
15
Malayo man,
malapit din...
By Catherine P. Deza
maybe miles
away across the
ocean, but truly,
k ahi t saan m agpu n ta,
Knights of Columbus ay
n as a
dam dam i n
at
mapalad po ako kasi di
ak o
n ahi r apan
sa
paghanap ng KC dito sa
kinalalagyan ko ngayon.
Given the first opportunity, hindi
ako nag-atubili sa pagpunta in their
chamber, rendered salute, presented
my traveler (KC) card and introduced
myself as a brother knight from Council 8235 of Quezon City, Philippines.
Mainit ang pagtanggap nila sa akin,
sing-init ng Dunkin Donuts large coffee dito.
In their chamber, nakita ko ang
maraming STAR AWARDS and other
PLAQUES of APPRECIATION hanging on
the wall, meron ding mga QUOTES at
nakakatuwang basahin, some of them
Id like to share with you
brothers and our environs;
Photographs above show the author and his wife having fun in the snow
in New York, NY, USA where they are on an extended vacation.
taining.
To complete our 1st tour is lookingup the traditional Rockefeller Christmas
Tree enchanting and spectacular- on its
85 ft. height with more than 50,000 led lights
of assorted yuletide colors, e di na po
namin napansin ang oras dahil sa nakakaaliw na paligid.
Finally, we had a relieving NOVENA
inside the artistic and famous St Patrick
Cathedral (under renovation) just across
the street, nagmuni-muni at nagpasalamat
sa MAHAL na DIYOS for that amusing experience plus a 30 minute falling in line
before getting a table for 4 in that
crowded popular DALLAS BBQ and Resto
for a rewarding meal of steak and unlimited mixed fresh green salad.
For closing again, - LET YOUR FAITH
BE NO SECRET thanks & regards to all,
Manong FIL Galimba.
God turns y ou
from one feeling
to another and
teaches by means
of opp osites, so
that you will have
two wings to fly,
not one. ~ Rumi
16
OPINION * FEATURES
By Greta M. Manlapig
The Author
The Author
I was diagnosed lately to have a
malignant, 2nd stage cervical cancer. I
cant believe it because I have no pains,
no unusual emotional or abnormal feelings.
I am very careful with my health, with regular check-ups, healthy and nutritional food,
regular workout, having been a former gold
medalist in gymnastics, representing the
Philippines in the South East Asian Games
held in Japan. The doctor said I have to
undergo surgery, radiation or cobalt treatment at the same time. I am in the process of Herbal Treatment and still considering a 2nd to 6th opinion before Im going
to surgery, radiation or cobalt.
I got no pains, no unusual emotional
or bad attitude and doing my normal routine at home. I have no complaints and I
am very normal.
I am considering the Lords resurrection to give me a powerful message that I
will not lose hope, strengthen more of my
faith. There are possibilities, there are
changes and there are second chances.
I want to stand firm in all the will of God
and fully assured!
Please pray for me.
This is the Moment.
Happy Easter !!!
P r o f. J o h n C . C a s t r o , t h e l o n e
awardee during the 16th National
Convention of ACPPI held on December 14, 2014, is shown in photo above
(at center, in white) being congratulated byChairman Jan Domingo
Lu spo af te r r ece ivi ng the p laq ue of
app reci atio n. T he la dy i n th e ph oto
( 2 n d f r o m l e f t ) i s M s . Li z a L.
Hernandez, ACPPI Executive Director.
P ho to s a b ove ( fr o m to p , t ef t, cl o ck wi s e) :
P/Dir. Gen. Leandro R. Mendoza; P/Dir. Gen.
H e r m o g e n e s Eb d a n e ; P / D i r. G e n . A r t u r o
Lomibao; a nd P/Dir. Gen. Oscar Calderon.
Speaker.
The theme of the Convention was:
Pulisya at Mamamamayan Magkabalikat
Tungo sa Layuning Matruwid at Karapatdapat.
Following are the baord of Trustees
P h o t o s a b o ve s h o w P / D i r. G u i l l e r m o
D o m o nd o n , A C P PI l o n g e s t s e r vi n g ch a i r man - 2002 - 2010 (at left); and Dr. Emilio
T. Ya p, A CPP I Life time Ho nor ar y Cha irm an
(He died in 2004).
ORDINANCES * ISSUANCES
17
AN ORDINANCE RESTRICTING PET OWNERS FROM ALLOWING THEIR PETS WHETHER LEASHED OR
UNLEASHED TO SOIL, DEFILE, OR DEFECATE ON ANY PUBLIC PLACE WHERE PEOPLE CONGREGATE
OR WALK UPON, OR ANY PRIVATE PEROPERTY WITHOUT PERMISSION OF THE PROPERTY OWNER
18
ORDINANCES * ISSUANCES
ORDINANCES * ISSUANCES
19
20
NEWS * FEATURES
Late-breaking news...
Lagro hosts 54
Northern Samar
Barangay Captains
(contd from page 1)