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The

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

Greater Lagro holds Synchronized


Barangay Assembly; marks
Fire Prevention Month
Atty. RENATO U. GALIMBA
Barangay Chairman

The Chairman
speaks

e have just bade goodbye to the year 2014 and


welcomed a brand new
year 2015. To some, a new year
marks the start of a new era. This
is the best time to complete the
remaining tasks of the previous
year and start
everything from
the beginning -- new dreams,
new visions, new resolutions, new
commitments, new thinking, new
way of living. And for us, government officials and civil servants,
a time to think and carry out new
and more innovative and effective
way of serving our constituents.

arangay Chairman, Atty. Renat o U. G al im ba ,


on ce again faced his
constituents in Barangay
Greater Lagro and rendered his State of the
B ar an ga y
Ad dr es s
(SOBA) during a general
assembly held on March
28, 2015 at the 3/F of the
A dm in is tr at iv e Bu il di ng o f
Barangay Greater Lagro. The
event was attended by hundr ed s of r es id en ts c om in g
from the various sectors of society within the community.
The occasion, dubbed as the

2015 1st-Semester Synchronized


Barangay General Assembly", was
held in compliance with DILG Memorandum Circular No. 2015-24 dated
March 5 2015 treating on the "Con-

duct 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
(please turn to page 2)

Topmost photo above shows Barangay Chairman, Atty. Renato U. Galimba,


delivering his State of the Barangay Address (SOBA) during the Synchronized
barangay Assembly held on March 28, 2015 at the 3/F, Barangay Hall, Main
Plaza, Ascension Avenue, Barangay Greater lagro, District 5, Quezon City.
Middle photo shows the huge crowd in attendance led by barangay officials
and staff. Third photo shows Barangay Chairman Atty. Galimba and QCFD
officers displaying the BFP Fire Prevention Month banner at the start of a
motorcade held on March 14, 2015 to drum up public awareness on the
significance of fire prevention specially during the summer months.

(please turn to page 2)

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

The La Mesa Dam


By Dr. Abercio V. Rotor

delegation of Barangay Cap


tains and DILG officials from
the Municipalities of Gamay
and Lavesares, Northern Samar made
an o bs er va ti o n /ed uc at i o n a l to ur
(Lakbay-Aral) in Barangay Greater
Lagro, District 5, Quezon City on Thursday, April 16, 2015.

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

(please turn to page 20)

About the Author: Dr. Abercio V. Rotor is


the award-winning author of "The Living with Nature Handbook" (Gintong
Aklat Award 2003) and "Living with Nature in Our Times" (National Book Award
2008); professor, University of Santo
Tomas;
School-on-Air
instructor,
(Paaralang Bayan sa Himpapawid, winner
of Gawad O scar Florend o for Development Communication) D ZRB 738
KHzAM Band , 8 to 9 o'clock evening,
Monday to Friday.); Outstanding Teacher
in the Philippines (Commission on Higher
Education - CHED 2002); Filipino Scientist (DOST-Batong Balani); former Director, National Food Authority; and Consultant on food and agriculture, Senate of
the Philippines.

(please turn to page 14)

Profile of the Angat-Ipo-La Mesa Water System. Angat Dam


completed in 1967 is situated in Norzagaray, Bulacan. It has a total
water storage capacity of 850 million cubic meters and supplies
81.4 percent of the total output of the system. Downstream 7.5
kilometers away is Ipo Dam completed in 1984 has a share of 12
percent. It diverts the water to La Mesa Dam, which contributes 3.4
percent. It is here where water undergoes a series of treatment to
make it potable before it is released to thousands of households in
Metro Manila. The La Mesa Dam is the heart of this complex water
system.

Jan. - Mar. 2015

The Chairman speaks


(contd from page 1)

And speaking of new visions, new


resolutions , new commitments, new
thinking and new way of living and a
new and more innovative and effective
way of serving our constituents, on numerous occasions in the past, we have
made clear where we stand regarding
the matter.
As the incumbent Chief Executive of
our community, I recall a message which I
delivered during our first regular flag-raising ceremony on the first Monday of January 2012 wherein we have outlined and/or
set the parameters by which we in the government service under the employ of the
Local Government of Barangay Greater
Lagro, may be able to serve our constituents in the most efficient and effective way.
Now, if our discerning readers and
constituents may have observed, significant past events and situations that have
been happening within our community and
within the organizational sphere of those
in the service of the Local Government of
Barangay Greater Lagro, have the tendency to persist or keep on happening or
repeating themselves with regularity. It is
for this reason, that for all it is worth,
we have decided to publish our abovementioned message in its entirety, which
was delivered extemporaneously and in
Filipino in the hope that it would serve
or achieve the purpose by which we
have originally intended to achieve. We
feel, that more than ever, the message we
have sought to impart then, is even more
significant and true at this time.
Here goes:
-o-0-oM a g a nd a ng u ma g a p o s a
inyong l ahat.
Ng ayon ay unang
Lunes ng unang buwan ng bagong
taong 2012.
Dahil meron limang
Lu nes ng ayo ng Enero ,
na pakara mi
ang dapat nating gawin sa unang
bu wan ng b ago ng t aong ito . M ga
ka s a ma , mg a k a b a ra ng a y, ni t o ng
na gd aa ng t ao n ng 2 01 1, marami po
t a yo ng na g a w a , ma r a mi t a yo ng
na t u l u ng a n
at
ma r a mi
t a yo ng
pagkilalang natanggap. Sa kabila ng
mg a
i t o , ma yr o o n d i n t a yo ng
na a p a ka n a t ma y ro o n d i n t a y o ng
na ra na sa n na ka pi gh at ia n.
Su b a l i t s a ka b u u a n, ma r a mi
tayong dapat pasalamatan sapagkat
t a yo
po
ay
b i ni ya ya a n
ng
pa ng ino on. Hab ang b ini bi lang nat in
ang mga gra sya ng na tangga p nati n,
ang atin pong mga kapighatian naman
ay
atin g
i s a nt a b i .
Pe ro
hin di
na n g a ng a h u l u g a n na a ng mg a
ka s a w i a n o h i n d i m a g a g a nd a ng
karanasan o pangyaya ri sa nakali pas
na t a o n a y a t i n na n g ka l i mu t a n o f
pabayaan na lamang. Ano po ang
dapat nat ing gawin? Tayo po ay
huma yo at harapi n natin ang mga
naiwan at darating na problema. Ni
tong nakaraang taon, bagamat tayo
a y na s a kt a n , b a g a ma t t a yo a y
na k a s a k i t ,
b a g a ma t
t a yo
ay
nakapinsala, hindi natin iniwan ang
mg a i t o na ng g a nu n -g a n o n na
l a ma ng na h i nd i
i s i na s a ayo s
o
inihanap ng kaukulang solusyon o
ka l u t a s a n.
Isaayos po natin ang lahat, para
ma i nt i nd i h a n ng b a w a t i s a s a a t i n,
b a w a t ka b a ra ng a y k u ng a no a ng
dapat, kung ano ang tama, kung ano
ang katot oha nan, ku ng paa no nat in
isasaayos, kung paano natin dadalhin
s a s u s u no d na t a o n, i t o ng 2 0 1 2 .
M a ng ya ya r i
l a m a ng i t o m g a
kabara ngay,
mga kasama nat ing
kawani sa ating barangay kung tayo
po ay magkakaisa at magtutulungan.
Hindi kaya ng inyong l ingkod, hindi
kaya ng pitong kagawad, hindi kaya
ng atin pang ibang mga kasamahan
kung hindi tayo magtulong- tulong
up ang la lo nat ing mai s ulo ng at
mapaganda ang at ing mga gawain
at
mai saayos
na man ang mga
na ka ra a n.
N g a yo n g 2 0 1 2 , ma r a mi p o
tayong dapa t ga win, mas marami po
kaysa sa 2011. Noong nakaraang taon,
tayo p o ay pinarangalan, tayo po ay
kinilal a ng il ang ahensya ng ati ng
gobierno at iba pang prestihyosong
orga nis as yon gaya ng Pamaha la an
ng L u ng s o d Q u e z o n, a ng D IL G a t
YWCA-Quezon City. Ang pagkilala at

NEWS * FEATURES
Senior Citizens League of
Greater Lagro elects new
set of officers

pa ranga l na at ing nat ang ga p ay


hindi lamang para sa mga kawani ng
barangay, hindi po lamang para sa
ating mga kagawad, hindi po para
l a ma ng s a a k i n. A ng mg a i t o a y
iniaalay po natin sa lahat na ating mga
kabarangay. At itong taon na i to,
mga kasama,
dapat
lamang lalo
nating palaguin ang pagkilalang ito
s a a t i n Ina a s a h an ko p o na s a
pa gtut ulun gan
na t i n,
mga
ka b a ra n g a y, mg a ka s a ma a t m g a
ka w a ni ng a t i ng b a ra ng a y, a y l a l o
na t i ng ma ka ka mt a n
a ng
l a l o ng
p ag ki l al a sa at ing b arang ay. Ang
inyong lingkod, kasama po ang ating
mg a ka gaw ad , at kas ama ka yo ng
l a h a t a y w a l a n g na s a i s i p ku n d i
ma i t a a s a ng a nt a s ng p a g ki l a l a ng
mga tao sa labas ng ating kumunidad
sa ating Barangay Greater Lagro.
Ina a s a h a n
ko
ri n
po
na
pagdating ng panahon na tayo ay
mu l i ng d u d u l o g s a a t i n g m g a
kabarangay ay makikilala nila ang
ating mga gawain at maitataas natin
a n g a nt a s ng p a g p i l i n g m g a
s us u no d p ang mamu mu no d i to s a
ating barangay. Kaya t sa panahon
ng ating panunungkulan, naniniwala
po ako na naitaas natin ang antas ng
p a g ki l a l a , p a g p i l i s a m g a d a ra t i ng
pa ng mga pa nah on up ang ang mga
t a o ng na i s ma g l i ng ko d s a a t i ng
b a y a n a y ma p i l i s i l a a yo n s a
kanilang kakayanan, hindi po doon sa
kung sino ang mas kilala sa pangalan.
Sa atin pong mga kawani, ang atin
pong mga BPSO, Traffic Enforcers Fire
Officers, maraming salamat sa inyo
s a p a g ka t na g a w a p o na t i n a ng
dapat nating gawi n.
Pag-ib ayuhin
na tin a ng ati ng pa gli lingko d dah il
kayo ay isa sa mga frontliners kung
ka ya na kaa ta ng sa inyong bal ikat
a ng i mah e , a ng i ma ge ng a ti ng
barangay. Hina hangad at hinihi ngi
ko
sa
i n yo
a ng l a l o
p a ng
magandang paglilingkod, ang isang
ma g a l a ng a t ma p a g p a ku mb a b a ng
paglilingkod dito sa ating barangay
Gr eate r
L a g r o u p a ng ka yo a y
makilala ang ating sambayanan sa
i sa ng se rb is yo ng map ag pa ku mb ab a
tunay na naglilingkod sa kapakanan
ng ating kumunidad.
Hindi l ingi d sa akin, ma ra mi s a
inyo ang may hinanakit sa kapwa.
Naoobserbahan ko yan. Kalimutan po
s a n a na t i n ya n . N g u ni t s a a t i ng
paglimot sa mga inyong hinanakit, ang
h i ni h i l i ng ko
l a m a ng ku ng me r o n
kayo ng naki ki t a s a i nyo ng h a na y na
h i n d i m a g a n d a ng g a w a i n a t k a yo
na m a n a y a y a w n i yo n g ma s a kt a n,
ipaalam sa akin sapagkat ako ay may
gamot dyan. Ako ay may solusyon kung
s a i nyo ng s ari li ng pa mamara an a y
hindi ninyo kayang bigyan ng solusyon
ang mga ito.
Sa atin pong mga miyembro ng
Lup on
Ta g a p a ma y a
ng
a t i ng
barangay, ako po ay nagpapasalamat
s a i nyo . N ai t ag u yo d nat i n, na i pa kit a
na t i n
a ng
k a t a l i nu h a n,
a ng
ka g a nd a h a n ng a t i ng mg a g a w a i n;
tayo po ay nagkamit ng mga pagkilala
d ah i l d i n p o sa inyo ng p ag t u tu l u ng tulungan. Hinihiling ko din sa inyo na
sana sa inyong hanay ay magkaisa
ka y o ma g ka u na w a n,
wala
p o ng
ma ma g i t a ng
h i n a na k i t a n .
Ku ng
ma y ro o n ma n g h i d w a a n s a i ny o ng
h a na y, d a p a t p a g -u s a p a n, a t a t i ng
gagamitin ang tunay na diwa ng
inyong position -- isang Lupon, isang
t a g a p a g ka s u nd o ,
i s a ng
t a g a p a ma ya p a . Sa na s a i nyo ng
hanay, kung mayroon mang hidwaan
ay magawan ninyo ng paraan na
kayo mismo ay mabigyan ninyo ng
lunas o solusyon sapagkat kayo ang
i ma h e
ng k a t a r u ng a n,
a ng
na gbi big ay, a yon sa sal ita ng English ng just, fair and equitable solution sa mga problemang idinudulog
sa inyo ng mga naninirahan dito sa
sambayang Greater Lagro.
Sa atin pong mga Waste Mana g e me n t
p e rs o n ne l ,
ma ra mi ng
ma ra mi ng s a la ma t s a inyo sa p a gka t
na i p a k i t a
na t i n na
a ng
a t i ng
sa mb ayana ng G rea te r La gro a y is a,
ku ng hi nd i ma n ang nangu ng una,
s a mg a b ara ng a y s a b uo ng Q ue zo n
Ci t y n a ma p i na ka ma l i ni s , a ng m a y
p i na ka ma a y o s na re p u t a s y o n s a
p a ng a ng a si w a ng a ti ng ka l i ka sa n,
ng ating mga garbage management.
Maraming salamat sa inyo. At gayun
din po, ang aking habilin sa inyo
sa taong ito na kung ano man po
ang inyong nakikita na pagkakamali

(please turn to page 9)

he Senior Citizens League of Barangay Greater


Lagro, Inc. (SCL-BGL) recently elected a new set of
officers and board members who will serve a twoyear term (2015-2016). The new set of officers were elected
during a special general membership assembly and election of new officers/board members held on Februar y 7,
2015 at the Lagro Elementary School Cpd., Ascension Avenue, Barangay Greater Lagro, District 5, Quezon City.
The new set of officers/board members of the Senior
Citizens League of Barangay Greater Lagro, Inc.
(SCL-BGL) who were elected during a special membership general assembly and election of officers held on
February 7, 2015 at the Lagro Elementary School
Cpd., Ascension Avenue, Barangay Greater Lagro,
District 5, Quezon City are shown in photo at left,
namely: (seated, L-R) Irene B. Manga, Financial Secretar y; Stephen L. Rosal, Treasur er; Valeriano T.
Tesoro, Vice-President; Joselito A. Aquino, President;
Dolores M. Reyes, Secretary; Pedro C. Lomibao, Auditor; and Aurora S. Ocampo, Peace Officer.
Standing (L-R) Bernadette R. Paule, Asst. Auditor ;
Iderlinda S. Coloma, Trustee; Domingo E. Escurel,
Asst. Business Manager; Artemio B. Nogueras, Internal P.R.O.; Manuel D. Ereno,Trustee; and Teresita M.
Calip, Trustee. Not in photo is Benibaldo S. Mapa,
External P.R.O.

The new officers/board members of the group are the following:


Joselito A. Aquino, President;
Valeriano T. Tesoro, Vice-President;
Do lore s M. Rey es, Secretary;
Stephen L. Rosal, Treasurer; Irene B.
Manga, Financial Secretary; Pedro
C. Lomibao, Auditor; Bernadette R.
Paule, Asst. Auditor; Artemio B.
Nogueras, Internal P.R.O.; Benibaldo
S. Mapa, External P.R.O.; Admirante
V. Quetulio, Business Manager;
Domingo E. Escurel, Asst. Business
Manager; Aurora S. Ocampo, Peace
Officer; and Manuel D. Ereno,
Teresita M. Calip and Iderlinda S.
Coloma, Trustees.
Advisers of the group are Nora
G. Tolibas, SCL-BGL Charter/Past
President; Nicanor R. Muncal Jr.,
Lagro Homeowners Association
(LAHA) Incumbent President; and
Atty. Edgar Higwit who also acts as
the Leagues Legal Consultant.
The Senior Citizens League of
Barangay Greater Lagro, Inc. (SCLBGL), which was organized in December 2011, is accredited and recognized by the Quezon City governments Office of Senior Citizens Affairs (OSCA) as the official umbrella
organization of senior citizens residing in Barangay Greater Lagro, District 5, Quezon City.

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.

Greater Lagro holds...


(contd from page 1)

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)

Also in March, a motorcade was held


in Barangay Greater Lagro and adjoining
barangays in observance of Fire Prevention
Month and to drum up the peoples awareness on the importance of the observance of
fire safety and prevention, particularly during
the summer months. The event was held in
compliance with a Memorandum Circular
dated March 4, 2015 issued by the Quexon
City governments Barangay Operations Center
(BOC).

Even more significant, the event was


held in observance of an evolving regular
annual traditional event started by Barangay
Greater Lagro six years ago in March 2010 with
the holding of an elaborate motorcade participated in by 23 fire stations and volunteer
fire brigades from the various barangays and
peoples group in Quezon City and which
started in Barangay Greater Lagro and passed
thru the other adjoining barangays and back
to the barangay. (Please turn to page 10
fo r pho to gr aph s tak en du ri ng th e eve nt Ed it o r )

That groundbreaking observance in


March 2010 was spearheaded by the Local
Government of Barangay Greater Lagro under
its Chairman, Atty. Renato U. Galimba and
Council, in coordination with the LGUs of
Barangays Pasong Putik and North Fairview
and in collaboration with top officials of the
BFP-Quezon City Fire District (BFP-QCFD) led by
S/Supt. Bobby V. Baruelo Fire Marshall; S/Supt.
Romeo P. Rillo Station 2 Commander; and S/
Insp. Domingo C. Dela Cruz Lagro Fire SubStation Commander, who were primarily the
moving spirits behind the success of the parade.

ACCOMPLISHMENT REPORTS

Jan. - Mar. 2015

ACCOMPLISHMENT REPORT OF THE


LOCAL GOVERNMENT OF BARANGAY GREATER LAGRO
DISTRICT 5, QUEZON CITY COVERING THE PERIOD JULY TO DECEMBER 2014

Jan. - Mar. 2015

OPINION

Editorial
The Filipino people
as ultimate survivors

By FELICIANO U. GALIMBA, JR.

As we enter our 8th year of publication

Words that cheer


and inspire

t seems that the indomitable quality of


the Filipino people as a survivor is being
tried to the limit. For during the past decade or two, this distinctive character of this nation of
over 90 million people has been continuously and severely put to test.
When an inter-island vessel sank in 1986 and with it over
4,000 passengers perished, a shocked and alarmed nation cried in
outrage over the perceived inadequacies of government authorities to enforce marine laws and regulations and the reluctance of
shipping operators to abide by them. That was a major national
disaster, and no matter that other similar tragic seafaring incidents
occured in the ensuing years, particularly the one which sank this
year in Cebu City, the Filipino people as a whole survived the tragedy and came out of the experience with something positive for the
shipping industry.
When a killer earthquake in 1990 rocked a great portion
of Luzon, it left in its wake a whole nation numb with grief and pain
over the death of thousands of its countrymen who were either
crushed or buried alive under the rubbles of crumbling buildings,
houses and other similar structures, not to mention the destruction of an enormous amount of livestock and property. It was decidedly another major national calamity, but the Filipino people survived that one too, and from it evolved something positive for the
construction and other allied industries.
And when in 1991, Mt. Pinatubo in Central Luzon ended its
hundreds of years of dormancy and performed what had been
considered then as the worlds fiercest, most devastating and longest running natural disaster spectacle of the decade, literally erasing whole communities with its millions and millions of tons of
burning lava and lahar, in the process claiming the lives of hundreds and hundreds of residents, it devastated and broke the hearts
of the Filipino people as a whole. But the Filipino people was able
to muster enough courage and strength to survive this tragic experience and keep moving on in search of its rightful destiny.
When a killer flood emanating from a denuded watershed
area descended in a flash into Ormoc City in the Visayas in the
early 90s and claimed the lives of thousands of residents and
brought untold suffering to the survivors; and then when the same
tragic scenario was replicated some three or four years ago in the
southern part of Luzon, particularly in the provinces of Quezon
and Aurora and adjoining communities; and then a year or so thereafter, when torrential rains caused a mountain landslide of
enormous proportion to descend and bury a whole barangay
including its hundreds of inhabitants in the province of Leyte, an
utterly shocked and outraged nation suffered as much from these
tragedies. And who could ever overlook or forget the great havoc
and davastation and agony that Super-Typhoon Ondoy had
brought to our people the previous year?
But the Filipino people survived these harrowing experiences and from the collective cries of outrage, the major cause of
flooding -- illegal logging, or illegal loggers, for that matter -- got a
second hard look from the concerned government agencies.
And then, there was Typhoon Yolanda.
Code-named globally as Typhoon Haiyan, Typhoon
Yolanda was a powerful tropical cyclone that devastated portions
of Southeast Asia -- most particularly in Tacloban City in the
Philippines -- on November 8, 2013. It was the deadliest Philippine
typhoon on record, killing at least 6,268 people in the country alone.
The typhoon was also the strongest storm recorded at landfall, and
unofficially the strongest typhoon ever recorded in terms of wind
speed the world over. As of March 2014, bodies were reported still
being found. The cyclone caused catastrophic destruction in the
Visayas, particularly on Samar and Leyte. According to UN officials,
about 11 million people have been affected and many have been left
homeless.
To say that Typhoon Yolanda devastated and broke the
hearts of the Filipino people -- and that of the whole world for that
matter -- is an understatement.
And yes, such were but some of the blows that hit the nation the past couple of decades or so -- unrelenting, vicious, deathly.
In fact, the list is long and menacing.
The string of natural and man-made or induced calamities,
which left the people badly battered and in a state of disarray, would
ordinarily lead any nation on the verge of despair and collapse.
But the Filipino people, though mortal beings with ordinary
flesh and blood, have gone through similar trying times decades
and even centuries before. If there is anything adversity had given
them, it had only made them stronger and wiser, attributes which
enabled them to face and prevail over lifes future adversities.
After the last drop of floodwater has flowed back into the
sea, and the last particle of burning lava or lahar has settled down
the slopes of Mt. Pinatubo, and the last body of the victims of
Typhoon Yolanda is found, the Filipino people may find themselves badly battered and bruised, but they will remain standing
with heads unbowed -- proud and undaunted, their reputation as
ultimate survivors intact and untarnished!

RSPEAK

EDIT

ith this issue. the GREATER


LAGRO GAZETTE begins
another year of publication. And like in the past similar occasions, there will be no celebrations or testimonial rites to mark this
significant milestone in the existence of the publication. Neither is
there any commemorative issue of
the GAZETTE to mark the event.
What we offer our readers is still the same community/public news-magazine, with balanced, reliable
and well-researched materials, including authoritative and timely articles from our equally authoritative, astute and well-informed writers and contributors.
But, yes, the GAZETTE enters its 8th year
of publication with this issue. And for seven
continuous years now, it has been coming off
the press to flow into the mainstream of activities of the inhabi tants of the community
to whom this publication is committed to serve
in the first place. Throughout this relatively
sh ort span that i t h as exi ste d, the GA ZETTE
has, time and again, found itself in dire straits
-- in a manner of speaking, struggling to keep
its head above waters and bravely standing
on its own feet even during its critical formative years.
Come to think of it, it seemed it was only
yesterday that we started working and coming out

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)

Barangay Hall, Lagro Plaza, Ascension Road,


Br gy. Greater Lagr o, Novaliches, Quezon City, 1118
Philippines
-E-Mail brgy.greaterlagr o@yahoo.com.ph
Tel. Nos. (632)930-88-15 (connecting all departments)
* (632)508-5389 * (632)217-1850 * ( 632)417-2587

FELICIANO U. GALIMBA, JR.


Editor-in-Chief

Prof. DOMINGO G. LANDICHO, Ph.D.


Prof. EDNA MAY OBIEN LANDICHO, Ph.D.

Consulting Editors
Prof. ABERCIO V. ROTOR, Ph.D.
Prof. JOHN C. CASTRO, MPM/MCrim (DSC)
Contributing Editors

AVERY P. CRUZ
Managing Editor

ROCO N. CAPARROSO * TERESITA M. LAHIP


Atty. RIZ E. QUIAOIT * ROMY V. LOFAMIA
GERALDO B. JUMAWAN * ROBERTO F. SALAS
Staff Writers/Reporters
ROMEO A. DEZA * GRETA M. MANLAPIG
CATHERINE P. DEZA * Ma. LOVELY JANE GALIMBA-LELIS
ALEXIS NADINE B. GALIMBA * CESAR DELVO
ANGELINA ATIENZA * GRACITA M. TUMBAGA
Contributing Writers/Reporters
FEDERICO G. MALVAR, JR.
ROBERT C. MARCELINO
Photographer/Graphic Artist
Photographer
BRIGIDA P. ANIBAN
HIYASMIN
YASONA
* RAMON JAVIER
Account Manager
Account Executives
LORENZO GIBADA

Atty. RENATO U. GALIMBA


Barangay Chairman
ROMEO S. BUENAFE, JR.
LEO B. GARRA, JR.
BENJAMIN C. PANGILINAN
Ma. LUCKY ROLYNNE ELISSE
M. TIANGCO
Dr. ABELARD T. LANGCAY
CRISENTE ALBERT B. PEDRO
JAN EDWARD TOLENTINO
(Sangguniang Barangay Members)

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...

Ang kagitingan ng lahing Pilipino

Sa pananaw sa kasaysayan, ang


Araw ng ito ng Kagitingan ay araw ng
pagkilala ng lahi sa pagpapakasakit ng
mga sundalong Pilipino at Amerikano sa
pagpapakahirap na kanilang tinamo sa
kamay ng mga Hapones. Sa ganitong
pagtingin, ito ang sagradong sandali ng
Araw ng Kagitingang ating ginugunita sa
araw na ito isang ritwal na ating
ginagawa bawat taon.
Ku n g t u t u u si n , a n g di wa n g
kagitingan ng ating lahi ay higit na
mat an da sa su k at an n g gi t i n g at
pa gp apa k a sa k i t n g m ga P i l i pi n o
n oo n g
I k al a wa n g
D i gm a an g
Pandaigdig.
Ang diwang ito ng kagitingan sa
aking pagtingin ay likas na diwa ng ating
lahi.
D i w a n g k a gi t i n g an an g

nagtulak na apoy kay Lapulapu ng


M ak t an sa Ce b u s a k a n i y an g
pagharap at paglaban kay Fernando
Magall an es n oo ng 15 21 . Hi ndi pa
tinatawag na lahing Pilipino ang mga
P i l i pi n o n o o n , pe r o n a r o o n s i
Lapu l apu , h u marap sa day u h an g
l ak a s n g I mp e ry o n g E s pa n y a ,
naki paglaban at nagt agu mpay sa
p ag l ab a n . S a k a m ay n g mg a
Pilipinong ninuno natin naipakita ng
atin g lahi ang pagtayo , pagl aban
at pagpatay ng sinumang dayo na
lulupig sa atin gaya ng ipinakitang
paglaban at pagpatay ng magigiting
n at i n g n i n u n o n g M ak t an k a y
Fernando Magallanes.
Ang ipinunlang giting ni Lapulapu ay
nabuhay na pamana sa lahing Pilipino sa
lob ng daan-daang taon.
Napak ah aba a n g t al aan n g
ating magigiting. Nariyan ang mga
pangalang lagit laging iginagalang
n g a t i n g l ah i a t h i y a s n g a t i n g
kasaysayan.
Sino ang hindi magpupugay sa diwa
ng magkabiyak na Diego at Gabriela
Silang? Sino ang hindi hahanga sa giting
ng batang Heneral na Gregorio del Pilar?
Sino ang hindi magbubunyi sa
kagitingan nina Melchora Aquino o
Tandang Sora na Ina ng Katipunan
at ipinagdiriwang ng buong bayan
sa tao ng ito ang kanyan g i ka-2 00
taon ng pagsilang? Sino ang hindi

(contd on page 12)

From My Window

The Other Side

Ni Prof. Domingo G. Landicho, Ph.D.

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.

Jan. - Mar. 2015

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

emotional affair is discretely eating its way


into your system in a woman's point of view
based o n an onl ine arti cle on
www.yourtango.com by Dr. Judith Tutin,
Charlotte A. Michie, and Dr. Stephen
Snyder. They are:
+ - Dressing up to impress him
to see ho w at tract ive you l oo k on
that dress because men are physically attracted to the opposite sex;
+ - Lying to your husband about seeing him even if its just a simple coffee date;
+ - Doing special things for him
t hat yo u do n ot do fo r ot he rs l ik e
singing for him during a phone conversati on;
+ - Spending less time with your significant other and more on your person of
interest;
+ - Your elect ronic communications are increasingly devoted to
your non-significant other;
+ - You laugh and smile more with
him;
+ - You think of him all the time
and daydreaming how life would be
with him;
+ - Always comparing him to your
partner;
+ - An tic ipat ing the ne xt e ncoun ter;
+ - You felt more understood by him
rather than your partner;
+ - Telling others that "we are
just friends" specially when there is
intimacy seen on both of you;

(cont on page 6)

Public Forum/Letters

By Riz E. Quiaoit, Jr.

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.

Imagined or perceived, if true, this


is a damaging comment to Lagros image.
-o-0-oON RELATIONSHIPS: In life, building positive relationships is important.
Th is ho lds true , e spe ci all y, in co nnectin g and deali ng with oth ers in
the family, community, workplace or
a sports team. Relationships are the
glue that holds people to gether. A
solid relationship is the core of cohesiveness and teamwork.
John Maxwell, author and recognized leadership expert, mentions the ingredients of building solid relationships. He
said that in relationships everything begins with respect with the desire to place
value on other people.
Sh are d e xpe rie nce s f oll ow as
second element, for you cannot be
rel at io nal wi th so me on e yo u do nt
know. When you respect people and
spend enough time with them sharing experi ences y ou deve lop trust.
Trust is essential in all good relationships.

(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)

Jan. - Mar. 2015

OPINION * FEATURES

Pag-usapan natin...

AWAY-BATI
Ni Roco N. Caparroso

Ni Roberto F. Salas

Umulan ng Biyaya
sa ating kumunidad

In the face of defeat

The Happy Heart of a Lion

pleasant day to all


of you, our dear
readers!

On March 4, 2015, the City Awards


Committee composed of its Chairman
Dir.Juan Jovian E. Ingeniero, CESO V,
City Director, DILG-QC, Member Atty.
Voltaire Socrates V. Verbo, Legislative
Staff Officer, Liga Ng Mga Barangay QC
Chapter and another Member PS. Carlito
C. Samala, Associate Pastor, Greater
Heights Christian Worship Center, QCCSR(CSO/NGO/PO) released the result of
the Department of Interior and Local
Government-Lupong Tagapamayapa
Incentive Awards (DILG-LTIA) as follows:
1. Barangay San Barto lome 98. 7; 2. Baran gay Greater Lagro 97.8, 3; Barangay U.P.Campus; and
4. Barangay Pasong Tamo.
As clearly described above, our
Barangay was defeated by Barangay San
Bartolome by a mere 0.9 point and
considering the slim margins in between
ranks. This would tend to show that all the
aforestated barangays are almost coequal in terms of performance period
covered.
Mo re over, i f we c onsider t he
h i g h r a t i n gs re c e i v e d by t h e
afore stated awardees, this ref lects
an i mp re ss i o n t h a t t h e D IL G - LT IA
Contest has been serving its purpose
of ac hie vin g e xce ll enc e i n publ ic
s e r vi c e , m o s t pa r t i c u l a rl y i n t h e

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!

demnat ion hoping t hat in the end we


w il l l ea rn .
The capacity to forgive lies in our faith
in the inherent goodness of man. Basically,
and by nature, man is really good.
And how abo ut the politic ians
wh o pi lf er ed b il li on s, t he c ut th ro at
b u s i n e s s me n , i l l e g a l l o g g e r s a n d
s mu g g l e r s , d o t h e y d e s e r v e f o r g i v e ness?
True, mistakes may have costs in terms
of human lives and sufferings. If God can offer
refuge to sinners and criminals, who are we,
His followers, not to forgive.
Amen ?
-o -0 -o ON THE LIGHTER SIDE: No one is so
poor as there is nothing to give. Giving after
all is not just about material things.
You can give someone a helping
h an d , a l is t e ni n g e a r, s h ar e a s w ee t
smile, an d sa y a wor d o f si nce re a ppreciation. With that you give hope, joy
and i nspiratio n sowing seeds of every
sort words, smiles and deeds.

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)

Last March 2, 2015 DA-BAI started its


Rabies Awareness Month Kick-off Activity with
the theme: Bakunadong Pusat Aso sa Rabis
Protektado, coinciding with the agencys 85th
Foundation Anniversary. Rabies Awareness
Month, celebrated annually every March, aims
to increase public awareness on the risks of
rabies and the importance of having dogs and
cats vaccinated regularly against this fatal
disease.
The activity is in line with the BAIs goal
of accelerating the achievement of a rabiesfree Philippines by 2016. One of its aims is to
vaccinate at least 70% of the estimated dog
population in the country or about seven million
dogs yearly for the next two years.
This years campaign benefits from

Editorspeak
(contd from page 4)

The Lighter Side


(contd from page 5)

+ - You feel uncomfortable when your


partner says something about him;
+ - You tell him things about yourself that you have not told your partner;
+ - You tell "little white lies" to your partner;
+ - You find it difficult to concentrate when he is around;
+ - You show off for him. You smile more
brightly. Your voice is more musical, more husky,

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 .

And to our numerous Special


Fr ien ds - -- we ll- mean ing i ndi vid uals , a ssociations, companies and institutions - who have supported and stood by us
since the companies and institutions - who have supported and stood by us
since the onset of this undertaking. Their
invaluable support came in many ways
and f orms.
But what we appreciate and cherish
most are their good and encouraging words - and their critical, constructive advice, comments and recommendations. If we were to
mention all the names of these Special Friends
here, it would probably need a whole page of this
publication to accommodate the complete list.

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.

increased resources of Php 40 million for rabies


prevention and control being implemented by
the Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI) with support
from the Department of Health (DOH) and
foreign-assistance from the World Organisation
for Animal Health (OIE) and the Australian
Government. The OIE project aims to vaccinate
300,000 dogs annually in the Bicol Region and
contribute to national rabies eradication efforts.
Local Government Units (LGUs) have
been very active in conducting mass rabies
vaccination and awareness campaigns
nationwide. Barangay Greater Lagro thru its
Chairman Atty Renato U. Galimba and Council
specially Kagawad Romeo Buenafe chairman
of the Committee on Health and Sanitation and
Councilors of the 5th district of QC frequently
conducts Free Anti-Rabies vaccinations to all
pet dogs and cats of Barangay Greater Lagro.

We are sure however, that whoever and wherever


they are and if they are reading this piece now,
deep in their hearts, they will know they belong to
this special group.
We , a t t h e h e l m o f t h e G R E AT E R
LAGRO GAZETTE, would like to think that by
this unprecedented show of generosity and
support, these special friends have manife st ed t he ir ex tr a sp ec ia l a nd u nc on di ti ona l tru st and co nf ide nce on ou r cap ability and competence to really come out
wit h a fair ly r espe ctab le p ubli cati on s uch
as the GAZETTE.
It was a most humbling but encouraging
thought and we give our word that we shall do our
best to live up to their expectations. But for now,
we could only take our hats off and express our
appreciation and gratitude to them in the most
simple of terms:
Thank you! Thank you!

OPINION * FEATURES

Here and Elsewhere


By Romy V. Lofamia

Jan. - Mar. 2015

A faded flower blooms once more

An issue of great import


By Romeo A. Deza

Of new barangay ordinances,


police abuse of authority and
deaths in the family

nder the current


leadership of our
debonair and hardworking Barangay Chairman,
Atty. Rene U. Galimba, the
San ggun i an g Bar an ga y
whi c h i s headed by A t ty.
Galimba himself and composed of equally dedicated
bar an gay k agawads, has
jus t pa ssed thr ee n ew
ba r an g ay o r di n an c es a l l
aimed at promoting and/or
enhancing the general wellbeing of the inhabitants of
our beloved community.
The new barangay ordinances are
the following:
+ - An ordinance institutionali z i n g t h e c r e a t i o n o f B ar an ga y
Ne i gh bo rh o od Cri me Wat c h an d
encouraging residents of the comm u n i t y t o c o l l a bo ra t e w i t h t h e
Barangay LGU in crime pre vent ion
and in the promotion of peace and
order thru volunteerism..
+ - An ordinance requiring the registration with the Barangay LGU of security
guards who are based and/or detailed
within the area of responsibility of Barangay
Greater Lagro.
+ - An ordinance regulating the
use of audi o devices that dist urb
public peace within the barangays
are a o f re spo n si b i l i t y f ro m 1 1 :0 0
oclock PM to 8:00 oclock AM.
As we have mentioned above, these
three new ordinances have been aimed
at promoting and/or enhancing the general well-being of the inhabitants of our
beloved community. Along this line, wellmeaning Lagronians are hereby encouraged to collaborate with the local

The La Mesa Dam


(contd from page 14)

ADVOCACY AND CITIZENS


ACTION
1. Use water wisely, limit
consumption.
2. Plant trees, support the
Greening Movement.
3. Report illegal activities in
the reservoir and watershed such
as kaingin.
4. Support the move to close
permanently the Payatas landfill.
5. Strongly recommend reduction of water bill through Congress, local government, civic and
church organizations.
6. Reduce pollution, do not
burn plastic. Plastic emits DIOXIN,

barangay in their humble way with alert,


sharp and active radar in its divergence
and parallelism in pursuit to satisfactorily
achieve its main aims and objectives to
the fullest and even beyond ordinary expectations. In passing these ordinances,
our barangay officials have in mind the
best interest of God-fearing and peaceloving Lagronians especially those permanently residing within the perimeter of our
fast-modernizing residential-commercial
community and its immediate environs nestling on the northern tip of our beautiful
Quezon City which area is five times bigger than Manila proper.
The members of the Barangay
Cou ncil of Greater Lagro , headed
by A tty. Ren at o U . Galimba are -Kgwds. Romeo S. Buenafe Jr., Leo B.
Garra, Benjamin C. Pangilinan, Ma.
Lu c k y M. Ti an gc o , D r. A be l ard T.
Lan gcay, Cresen te A lber t B. Pedro
and Jan Eduardo V. Tolentino.
The
Council is being ably supported by
the barangays executive staff compo se d o f M s. Te r e s i t a M. Lah i p ,
barangay secretary; Ms. Brigida M.
Aniban, barangay treasurer; and Mr.
Feliciano U. Galimba Jr., barangay
admin istrati ve offi cer an d co ncu rre n t l y t h e e di t o r- i n -c h i e f o f t h e
GREATER LAGRO GAZETTE.
-o-0-oEveytime an accredited member of
the fourth estate is gunned down as what
happened to former Inquirer news correspondent Ms. Melinda Mei Magsino, the
32nd journalist killed under PNoys administration and the 173rd journalist murdered
since 1986, I cant help but to recall what
had also happened to me in the course of
my media-journalism practice in my early
20s as a crusading self-made news accredited correspondent of the pre-marital law
Manila Chronicle.

common saying among soldiers on occasions of fallen


comrades/friends caused either
by a bullet, accident or natural death.
The above title is in grateful appreciation of the thoughtfulness unselfish caring attitude of those who exerted supra
diligence and dedication in research of
a local code valuable to all concernedcredit once more be accorded to the
entire Council of Barangay Greater Lagro,
Novaliches, Quezon City. Of course digging deeper in search of a very relevant
piece of document, albeit somewhat considered vintage or antiquated, however
is of timely service to you, me and all of
us nowadays and hereafter.
Referred once again for our information and compliance is the re-published
ORDINANCE NO. SP_1465 SERIES OF 2000
AN ORDINANCE PROHIBITING ANY PERSON,
NATURAL OR JURIDICAL FROM RESERVING A
PORTION OF PUBLIC STREETS, AVENUES,
SIDEWALKS, ALLEYS AND OTHER PUBLIC OPEN
SPACES FOR HIS/HER/ITS EXCLUSIVE USE OR
PARKING SPACE AND PROVIDING PENALTIES
FOR VIOLATION THEREOF. The pertinent
particular penalties or violation thereof are
verbatimlyquoted hereunder to wit,
1st Offense fine of not less than two thousand pesos ( P2,000.00);
2nd Offense fine of not less than three
thousand pesos (P3,000.00)
3rd Offense fine of not less than five thousand pesos (P5,000.00) or imprisonment of
not more than six (6) months or both at
the discretion of the court.
The exact intent/ spirit and primary
goal of the above-cited local code is laud-

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!

People * Places * Events

(cont on page 9)

the most poisonous man-made


substance that can be carried by
wind and rain, which may find its
way to our water supply.
7. For those near and around
the watersheds of the system,
make your backyard and extension of the watershed.and a wildlife sactuary, too.
8. Strongly support the Save
the Angat Dam before anything
catastrophic happens.
9. Love Nature, take time out
from office school and work. Develop Reverence for life a personal
philosophy.
10. Enjoin the family, church,
and community in ensuring every
citizen the right for clean available
and affordable water, as embodied
in the Declaration of Human Rights
by the United Nations.

The 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...

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

Jan. - Mar. 2015

Barangay Greater Lagro -after a decade of constant development

March is Rabies
Awareness Month

Cool Change
By Delbert Badon

By Ronaldo A. Quinio

Reporter: DZRV846AM/Peoples Balita


Director: Quezon City Press Club

he Rabies Awareness Month is an


an nual campai gn
held every March to increase
publ i c awar e n ess o n the
danger and prevention of
the di s ease as wel l as
measures taken in case one
ha s be en b i tte n by a
su spec ted r ab i d a n i m a l .
Oth er t han fr ee r ab i es
vaccination drive, programs
on
r esp o n si bl e
pet
ownership are held during
the month.
According to the Department of
Health (DOH), the Philippines aims to be
rabies-free by the year 2016. The rabies
awareness month started when former
President Joseph Estrada signed an
Executive Order 84 s-1999 declaring the
month of March as Rabies Awareness
Month
Rabies, which is one of the most
dangerous viral disease, infects the central
nervous system of animals and spread to
humans through bites, scratches, and
exposure to infected saliva.
According to studies , all mammals
are susceptible to rabies but dogs are
considered as main hosts and transmitter
of rabies in most countries. Dogs account
for 98 percent of all cases, 88 percent of
such are stray and 10 percent are
domestic pets. Cats and rodents account
for the remaining two percent.
Rabies very dangerous because
death usually occurs within days on the
onset of symptoms. Early symptoms of the
disease include fever, headache, and
general weakness or discomfort. As the
disease progresses, other symptoms may

Its a Busy World


(contd from page 12)

H appiness economics suggests that


m ea su re s of p u bl ic h ap pi n es s sh ou ld b e
used to supplement more traditional
ec on omi c m ea sur es wh en ev alu at ing t he
su cce ss of pub lic po lic y.
Happiness is a fuzzy concept and can
mean many things to many people. Part of the
challenge of a science of happiness is to identify
different concepts of happiness, and where
applicable, split them into their components.
In the 2nd Edition of the Handbook
of
Emotions
(2000),
evolutionary
psychologists Leda Cosm ides and John
To o b y s a y t h a t h a p p i n e s s c o m e s f r o m
"encountering
unexpected
positive
e v e nt s " .
In the 3rd Edition of the Handbook of
Emotions (2008), Michael Lewis says "happiness can
be elicited by seeing a significant other".
A c c o r d i n g t o M a r k L e a r y, a s
reported in a November 1995 issue of
Psychology Today, "we are happiest when
bask ing in t he accep tance a nd prais e of
others ".
In a March 2009 edition of The Journal of
Positive Psychology, Sara Algoe and Jonathan
Haidt say that "happiness" may be the label for a
family of related emotional states, such as joy,
amusement, satisfaction, gratification, euphoria,
and triumph.
According
to
a
review
in
B o s t o n. c o m o n A u g us t 2 3 , 2 0 0 9 , m o n e y
doesn't buy much happiness unless it's used
in certain ways. "Beyond the point at which
people have enough to comfortably feed,
clothe, and house themselves, having
more mo ney -- even a lot more m oney -m a k e s t h e m o n l y a l i t t l e b i t h a p p i e r. "
H owever we can sometimes get more
happiness bang for our buck by spending
i t in p r o so c i a l wa y s . A H a r v a rd B u s in e s s
School study found t hat "spendin g money
on others actually m akes us happier than
spe nding it o n our selve s".
There are various factors that have been

appear including insomnia, anxiety,


confusion, slight or partial paralysis,
excitation, hallucinations, agitation,
hypersalivation, difficulty in swallowing,
hy drophobi a (f ear of wate r) and
photophobia (fear of lights).
If bitten or scratched, wash the
wound thoroughly and apply pressure if
bleeding. The doctor will assess through a
battery of tests if a person needs post
exposure prophylaxis (PEP) shots or not. PEP
shots typically consist of four doses
administered in a fourteen day period.
About 55,000 people die from rabies
every year according to the World Health
Organization (WHO). Mostly affected are
children under 15 years of age. Based on
the DOH Statistics, in the Philippines, rabies
causes 200 to 300 deaths every year.
Because of an alarming increase in
fatali ties, fo rmer President Gloria
Macapagal-Arro yo signe d in to l aw
Republic Act 9482 or the Anti Rabies Law
of 2007 which was authored by Senator Pia
Cayetano. This law aims to provide funds
for disease control and prevention; set
responsibilities and appropriate penalties
for pet owners; and impounding and
euthanasia clauses.
Sadly, according to data of the
Bureau of Animal Industry (BAI), National
Capital Region has the most number of
rabies incidents both in animals and human
and Quezon City has the first place in most
cases of rabies with a total of 21 cases of
rabies or 26% of the total incidence of
rabies in NCR. In 2013, the Veterinary
Service s Di visi on o f th e QC Health
Department recorded animal rabies cases
in Barangays Paltok. Holy Spirit, Payatas,
Quirino 2A, Loyola Heights, Old Capitol Site,
Tatalon, Talipapa, Fairview, Sta. Monica,
Gulod, Nagkaisang Nayon, Novaliches
Proper, San Bartolome and Greater Lagro.

(cont on page 7)

correlated with happiness, but no validated method


has been found to substantially improve long-term
happiness in a meaningful way for most people.

(Reference/Source: Wikipedia, the free


encyclopedia)
-o-0-oT H E H APPI EST PEO PLE/CO UNT RI ES I N T H E
WO R LD
The following is a very interesting report on
a study made regarding the happiest people and
countries the world over. It was posted on the
Internet on March 20, 2013 by Mary Forgione, a Los
Angeles Times Daily Travel & Deal blogger.

"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 "

1. Central African Republic


2. Democratic Republic of the Congo
3. Afghanistan

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-

Update on the "The Happiness Rankings of


Pe ople in the Worl d"

The happiest and saddest countries in the


European Union are revealed in time for the
International Day of Happiness 2015.
The
Scandinavian
nations
of
De nma rk, Fi nla nd and Swe den al l t opp ed
the list in the overall happiness stakes with
8.0 out o f 10 Euros tat fi gures from 2 013
th at we re re le ase d y es ter da y s ho w.
High GDP, progressive tax, good healthcare
and education, beautiful landscapes as well as the
Nordic model of a free market economy with a
generous welfare state have long been thought of
as bedrocks of stability and satisfaction in those
countries.
N et h e rl a n ds an d Au s t ri a f o l lo w no t
too far behind them wi th 7.8.
The United Kingdom enjoys an aboveaverage happiness rating of 7.3, which is on par
with Germany and Poland.
The average for the whole of the EU
is 7.0.
What does this all mean? Some countries
have a ways to go to boost their happiness quotient
-- combating obstacles such as poverty, illiteracy,
disease, etc. -- and the world as a whole has a
responsibility to see that changes are made.
How nice to set aside a day to foster
e xa ct ly th at .
-o-0-oH OW TO TAKE CARE OF OUR WELL-BEING
+ - EXERCISE.
We've all heard it a thousand times, but it's
true that keeping active is really important for your
wellbeing - both physically and mentally. A recent
study by the University of Columbia assessed over

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

7,500 adults on the relationship between their


exercise regime and their state of mind. The verdict:
working-out for between two and four hours each
week is the optimal exercise routine for your brain.
Mind in Croydon are holding a 15km charity walk
around Lloyds Park on May 25th and welcome
anyone who wants to join them to exercise,
socialise and raise money for a good cause.
+ - BE NICE.
Scientists have proven that doing something
nice for another person stimulates the same part
of the brain as having something nice done for
you. Anything from making tea for your flatmate
to giving blood or volunteering for a charity will
give you a chemical buzz that will improve your
state of mind. For information on local charities
see our guide, or click here.
+ - EAT SWEETS!
Okay, that's not exactly what the research
says, but it's part of it. Treats, such as small amounts
of confectionary, can boost your mood. And
they've been used in research to prove that being
chirpy helps your brain to work better; which, in
turn, improves your happiness.
+ - L EARN.
Research shows that doing an evening
course or learning a new skill can improve your life
satisfaction as much as a pay rise. Statistically, those
who take on adult learning courses are less likely
to be depressed and are in better health. You can
find out more about adult learning in Hackney,
Croydon, Tower Hamlets and Lewisham at local
colleges or here.
+ - TALK.
According to research from the British
Association of Counselling and Psychotherapy, one
in five people have consulted a therapist at some
point in the past, and 91 per cent said they felt it
was becoming an increasingly acceptable
method of dealing with issues. There are plenty of
services in ELL boroughs that allow people to get
things off their chest, or talk things through with an
expert. These range from social networking and
group sessions to one-to-one counselling and
cognitive behavioural therapy. You can ask for a
referral from your GP, or click on these links to see
some options in Croydon, Hackney, Lewisham or
Tower Hamlets.
-o-0-o-

(cont on page 13)

NEWS * FEATURE
The Chairman speaks
Mercy, compassion
and faith prevail
(contd from page 2)

By Romeo A. Deza

n life there is what


we call ups and
downs; joy and sadness, rainy and sunny days
in the past present and perhaps ahead of all of us either young or old and so forth
and so on.

Vividly looking back at my


slowly aging memory, about the
middle of the 1980s the three of
us in our family: my late dearly
beloved better-half Larrie as I
fondly address her, my unica sibling Catherine (Kate) and this
writer casually visited the Grotto
(Our Lady of Lourdes) Shrine located at San Jose del Monte
(SJDM) Bulacan to hear and offer Thanksgiving for the endless
blessings the Almighty Father
bestowed upon the three of us.
During those days the
travel time from Lagro to the
Shrine was about 10 to 15 minutes, there were few vehicles goThe author is shown in top photo above with Rev. Fr. Cirilo Palaca as the pose in
ing to and fro thereat.
front of the Altar, Our Lady of Lourdes Shrine Grotto in San Jose del Monte
The area of grotto is large (SJDM), Bulacan; lower photo shows the author at the Grotto compound.
-- its spacious grass-cover level
frontage, two parallel pathways leading tv screens, according to the holy scripfrom the gate to the church, part of these tures, where Jesus Christ was brutally torpathways at the sides near the portal of tured, ruthlessly manhandled, scoffed off
the shrine gradually elevating upwards and and put to death by crucifixion to save
curving forming half circle that meets at mankind from sins.
the middle part of the tall towers, thus,
Every station is almost equally disthere is a half circle shaped profile, a look tant and from one another with man sized
alike of the imposing Basilica of Our Lady statutes of biblical characters, e.g. Jesus
of Lourdes at Lourdes, France.
Christ surrounded by roman centurions/
At the back of the Shrine is a huge soldiers, Virgin Mary et al.
cave. Underneath it is a space where
The first half of the 1990s at the time
masses were held. An open space of the of erstwhile the late Cardinal Sin, the
cave could be seen several crutches left former thousands and thousands of devobehind by devotees from different parts tees to the grotto both on ordinary and
of our country who visited, prayed and holidays appreciably dwindled. As one of
healed of their various ailments. Next por- the devotees of that place it distinctly
tion is a picnic ground for everyone who caught my innermost thoughts.
visited or heard mass therein.
This grey observation continued to
Going further backwards is the flourish onwards then to my great unexseemingly sprawling with moderately hilly pected moment, only recently on March
space that cradles the fourteen stations 22, 2015 while attending mass in grotto the indeof the Cross/ Calvary or Kalbaryo in the
vernacular. It is almost a simulation of the
(cont on page 15)
scenes of the calvary usually depicted on

People * Places * Events

Pamela Julianne O. Lofamia

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).

ng inyong kapwa, kayo mismo, sa sarili


n i ny o , a y p a gs i k ap a n ni n y on g l u t as i n
ang mga ito. Pero kung di ninyo kayang
lutasin,
ipaalam sa akin at
ako ang
hahanap at gagawa ng paraan upang
ma i sa ayo s at m aih ana p n g kal utas an
ang mga ito.
Gaya ng nauna kung sinabi sa inyo,
ako a y may sol usyon, ak o ay may gamot
diyan. Pero kung hindi ninyo ipaaalam
sa a kin , s ay ang a ng g amo t na a ki ng
maibibigay upang maiwasan ang mga
problema, upang maiwasan ang mga
hidwaan sa inyong hanay.
S a a ti n p o na m an g m ga Pu ro k
Le ad er s,
k ayo po an g ak in g u na ng
unang binibigyan ng mabigat
na
kat ungkul an.
Sa inyong mga bali kat
nakaatang
ang
imahe
ng
ating
barangay sapagkat
kayo,
araw -araw
ay umiikot sa inyong sari-sariling area.
Sana ay p agsika pang ipaliw anag
s a m ga k ab ar a ng ay n at in a ng mg a
magagandang
gawain
ng
ating
p a m a h a l a a n g p a m b a r a n g a y. H i n d i p o
na ti n ma ia al is , m ga ka sa ma , n a a ng
i b an g k ab a r a ng a y na t i n g w a la n g al a m
n a ga w i n k un d i m an i r a o m a g h a n ap n g
kamalian
sa
ating
mga
gawaing
pambarangay. Ano man ang gawin natin,
an o ma n ang k ab ut iha ng i pa ki kit a na ti n,
mayroon pa ring mga tao na gustong
manira sapagkat ang kanilang nasa
kaisipan, ang nasa kanilang puso ay ayaw
makita na tayo ay magtagumpay sa ating
mga adhikain na maiyangat at mapabuti
ang kalid ad ng ating pamu muhay dito
sa a ting k umunid ad.
Kaugnay ng mga ito, ako po ay
nak ikiusa p,
a ko po ay humih iling sa
inyo,
na sana tayo ay magsikap na
magkaroon ng isa pang mas mataas na
pagkilala sa gawai n ng bawat isa sa
atin.
Pagsikapan
natin
ang
pagkakaroon ng lalong mataas na antas
ng pagtutulungan upang ang ating
barangay ay mabigyan ng mas mabilis
na
serbisyo,
mas
mabilis
na
pa gs as aa yo s ,
at
ma s
ma bi li s
na
pagdaloy ng serbisyo para sa lahat.
Tatandaan po san a natin, ano man
po an g p rob lem a n atin , t ayo di n p o a ng
m a y ha w a k n g g a m o t , t ay o d i n po a n g
may haw ak n g so lusy on.
S a a ti n p on g m ga no n- go ve rn ment organization (POs),
mga peoples
organization (POs ) , at iba pang mga
grupo o samahan di to sa ating
kumunidad, hinahangad ko po ang lalo

Here and Elsewhere


(contd from page 7)

That time, I was also a victim of atrocity committed by a PC Provincial Commander


of Catanduanes wherein the supposedly role
model peace-keeping officer of the law
t ur ne d tr ou bl e m ak er m au le d me wi th ou t
pr ov oc at io n. It w as a n un pr ov ok ed a ct o f
brutality against a helpless citizen, specially
when one considers that he attacked me
w it h th e he l p o f an ai r p or t pe r s on n e l. Al though he denied or never admitted, the
attack on m y person by the said PC Provincial Commander was in reaction to a series
o f ar ti c le s wh i ch I w r ot e an d p ub li s he d/ re ported in print-and-broadcast media disclosing rampa nt jue teng i n the provin ce.
To cut the story short, the subject provincial
PC chief was recalled and investigated by his superiors at Camp Crame. He was relieved from his post
and subsequently dismissed from the service. This
experience had become my badge of honor and
made me more determined to pursue my personal
crusade against recalcitrants in uniform. This episode
had afforded me to learn more safeguards as a crusading newsman as in the exercise of the actual trade
of media-journalism on how to be safe from abusive
men in uniform and from libel suits.
-o-0-oThe past year 2014 was a year of
m ou rn in g t o th i s wr it er s fa mi l y cl an , as i t
was during the year when my younger
brother, Mitchell Mike Vargas Lofami a - forme rly OF W, die d i n Fe bru ar y, a nd my eld er
s i s t e r, V i c t o r i a V i c k y L o f a m i a - A l b e r t o , r e ti red pu blic sc hoo l p rin cip al - th e l ede st in
th e f ami ly cla n o f G reg ori o L . L ofa mia , n ative o f Daraga, Albay and wife, Magd alena
Va r g as - L o f a m i a - o f V i r a c, C a t a n d u an e s (Vicky) died in the same year of August. Mike
was bu ried at th e Marikina Loyola Me morial
Park in Rizal, while Vicky was at the Antipolo
Me mori al Par k, R iza l.
The surviving immediate children of the clan
are: this writer; ret. AFP Chief Chaplain B/Gen. Rev. Fr.
Joel Vargas-Lofamia; Mrs. Adelwisa LilyLofamiaTejada; Mrs. Rosalinda LindaLofamia-Baas; Engr.
Shelly Lofamia-Evangelista; Eduardo Eddie VargasLofamia; and Mrs. Charity CharyLofamia-Cocjin.

Jan. - Mar. 2015

ninyong pakikipag-ugnayan, pakikiisa sa


mga gawain ng ating barangay.
Ang atin pong Fire D epartm ent,
nangunguna po sa pakikiisa, pakikipagugnayan sa ating mga gawain dito sa
ating bara ngay.
Maraming s alamat sa
inyo at hanggang kahapon ay ginagawa
pa rin ninyo ang inyong mga gawain tungo
p o s a m a t a h i mi k a t m a ay o s n a ba g o n g
taon. Muli, marami ng salamat sa inyo.
Sa at in p ong mga kasa pi
sa
KABAYAN Action Group - Greater Lagro
Chapter, ipagpatuloy po natin ang ating
gawain. Ako po, sampu po ng ating
mga baran gay ka gawad ay n ag-rer ely
ng malaki sa inyo.
A n g m g a e xt
racurricular
na serb isyo po natin,
ay
ipagpatuloy po natin. Dito, kayo po ay
nakiki lala, bagamat di kayo nabibigyan
ng pa rangal ng ating b arangay, hindi
pa p ana hon sig uro alt hou gh a lam ko
na m arami
na kay ong na gawa. S ana,
ay ipagpatuloy pa po natin ang ating
mga gawa ing ito.
Sa ib a t ib an g or ga ni zat io n, sa
transport, sa sports, sa atin pong mga senior citizens hinahangad po namin ang
pakikiisa, hinahangad po namin ang lalo
nating madalas na pag-uugnayan upang
mabigyan ng solusyon, mabigyan ng
ga mot an g h ind i p agk aka una waa n.
Alam po namin, mga kasama, mga
k a b a r a n g a y, n a a n g i n y o n g l i n g k o d ,
kasama po ang mga kagawad ay hindi
magagawa
ang
lahat
ng
mga
p a n g an g a i l a n g an n g b a w at i s a s a a t i n .
Gusto namin, at hinahangad namin na
ano man ang problema na inyong
nararanasan,
nakikita
sa
inyong
ka pa li gi ra n a y i dul og la ma ng po sa
ati ng b arang ay.
Hindi
kami nan gangako n a ang
l ah at
n g pr ob le ma a y m ab ig ya n n g
s ol u sy o n, a n g im p or t an t e al am n a mi n
saan ang mga problema, al am namin
kung saan ang may kapansanan upang
s a am in g p a g- u us ap - us a p,
s a a m in g
mga pagpupulong pulong ay magawan
namin ng paraan upang maibsan kundi
ma n m ab ig ya n n g tu na y n a so lu sy on
ang mga problemang ito.
S o , i t o l am a n g p o a n g ak i n g
hangad, ang aking mensahe sa bawat isa
s a a t in , s a a t in po n g k as a m a d it o s a
a t i ng b a r a n ga y, n a gt r a t r a ba h o s a at i n g
barangay
na
nagtutulung-tulungan,
n ag k ak a u na w aa n , a t n ak i ki i sa sa mg a
hangarin tungo po sa maayos na serbisyo
dito sa atin g baran gay.
Magandang umaga, maraming
salamat sa inyong lahat. PATNUBAYAN SANA
TAYO NG ATI NG PAN G IN OO N SA LAH AT N A
PA N A H O N .

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

Jan. - Mar. 2015

PEOPLE * PLACES * EVENTS

Highlights and sidelights in photographs -- Special Barangay Activities

ARAW NG KAGITINGAN CELEBRATION


Wednesday, April 9, 2014

The Civic/Community Parade

The Flag-raising Ceremony

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.

PEOPLE * PLACES * EVENTS

Jan. - Mar. 2015

11

Highlights and sidelights in photographs -- Special Barangay Activities

ARAW NG KALAYAAN CELEBRATION


Thursday, June 12, 2014

The Commemorative Program

Highlights and sidelights in photographs -- Special Barangay Activities

67th BIRTHDAY CELEBRATION OF BRGY. CHAIRMAN ATTY. RENATO U. GALIMBA


Sunday, June 29, 2014

12

EDUCATION * ARTS * CULTURE

Jan. - Mar. 2015

ITS A BUSY WORLD


By Ma. Lovely Jane S. Galimba

World marks International


Day of Happiness 2015
"The (UN) General Assembly, [] Conscious that the pursuit of happiness
is a fundamental human goal, [] Recognizing also the need for a
more inclusive, equitable and balanced approach to economic
growth that promotes sustainable development, poverty eradication,
happiness and the well-being of all peoples, decides to proclaim 20
March the 'International Day of Happiness', invites all Member States,
organizations of the United Nations system and other international and
regional organizations, as well as civil society, including nongovernmental organizations and individuals, to observe the
'International Day of Happiness' in an appropriate manner, including
through education and public awareness-raising activities." -- UN
General Assembly Res. No. A/RES/66/281 passed on 28 June 2012.

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

(mula asa pahina 5)

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 :

Sa loob at labas ng bayan kong

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

Happiness for the entire human


family is one of the main goals of the United
Nations, Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
declared, as the Organization kicked-off
its global celebrations marking the annual
observance of the International Day of
Happiness.
Pe ac e , p ro sp e r i t y, l i v e s o f
dignity for all this is what we seek.
We want all men, women and children
to enjoy all their human rights. We
w an t al l c o u n t r i e s t o k n o w t h e
pleasure of peace, the SecretaryGeneral said in his message for the
Day.
We want people and planet alike
to be blessed with sust ainable
development, and to be spared the
catastrophic impacts of climate change.
Peace, prosperity, lives of dignity for all
this is what we seek. We want all men,
women and children to enjoy all their
human rights. We want all countries to know
the pleasure of peace.
In Apri l 20 12 , th e UN h el d a
h igh-l eve l me e ti ng on Happin ess
a n d W e l l - Be i n g: D e f i n i n g a Ne w
Economic Paradigm at the initiative
o f Bh u t an , a c o u n t r y wh i c h
re c o gn i z e d t h e s u p re ma c y o f
n at i o n al h appi n ess o ve r n at i o n al
income since the early 197 0s and
famously adopted the goal of Gross
Na t i o n al H ap pi n e ss o ve r Gr o s s

Bayani na sinulat namin ng aking kabiyak


na si Dr. Edna May O. Landicho, na ilalabas
ng C and E Publishing, ganito ang naging
sagot ng ama sa anak.

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

National Product (GDP).


In July of that year, the UN General
Assembly proclaimed 20 March the
International Day of Happiness, recognizing
the relevance of happiness and well-being
as universal goals and aspirations in
people's lives and the importance of their
recognition in public policy objectives.
A s pa rt o f i t s e f f o rt t o
e m ph as i z e t h e i m po rt an c e o f
happiness in daily life, the UN along
with global music streaming service
Mi xR ad i o
h as
l au n c h e d
the
# Ha pp y S o u n d sL i k e
c a mp ai gn ,
appealing to the global citizenry to
nominate a song that brings a smile
to your face.
The campaign seeks to seize the
power of music and inspire hope for a
better tomorrow as it encourages people
to suggest songs that best represent the
feeling of happiness.
Mr.
Ba n
n o mi n a t e d
his
Messenger of Peace Stevie Wonder's
song Signed, Sealed, Delivered to
t h e p l a y l i s t , a dd i n g t h at t o h i m
# HappyS ou n dsLi ke a n e w cl imat e
de al a n d a n ag re e d s e t o f
sustainable development goals, both
on the agenda of world leaders for
later this year.
Celebrity advocates including
Charlize Theron, Lang Lang, Michael
Douglas, Angelique Kidjo, along with
internationally-acclaimed artists such as
James Blunt, Idris Elba, David Guetta, John
Legend, Cody Simpson and Pharrell
Williams, will also contribute to create the
world's happiest playlist, which will be
launched today.
Le t u s gi ve t h ank s f o r wh at
makes us happy, Mr. Ban st at ed.
And let us dedicate our e fforts to
filling our world with happiness
-o-0-oHAPPINESS DEFINED
Happiness is a mental or emotional
state of well-being characterized by
positive or pleasant emotions ranging from
contentment to intense joy.
A v ar i e t y o f bi o l o g i c al ,
ps y c h o l o gi c a l ,
rel igio us,
an d
ph i l o s o p h i c a l ap pr o a c h e s h av e
st ri ve n t o d e f i n e h a pp i n e s s an d
identif y its sources. Various research
g ro u p s,
i n c l u di n g
posit ive
psychology, endeavor to apply the
sc i e n t i f i c
met ho d
to
a n s we r
questions about what "happiness" is,
and how it might be attained.
Philosophers and religious thinkers
often define happiness in terms of living a
good life, or flourishing, rather than simply
as an emotion. Happiness in this sense was
used to translate the Greek "Eudaimonia",
and is still used in virtue ethics.

(cont on page 8)

kagitingan ay maipapamalas din natin, hindi


lamang sa pa gbub uwis ng b uhay sa
pagtatanggol at paglaban.
An g g an ap na pag mamah al sa
Inang Bayan sa ating pang-araw-araw
na b uh ay a y is an g la ra wa n ng
ka g i t i n g a n g
da pa t
di n
na ti ng
isabuhay. Ang pagmamahal sa bayan
ay
t un ay
na
pa gd akil a
at
pa gp apa ki lal a ng pag -i big s a Poo ng
Lumikha at ito ang busilak na daan
ng kagi ting an s a la hat ng p anah on.

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

Beloved Lands in Our Hearts


(Poetry of Memories)

Jan. - Mar. 2015

13

Tanglaw sa Dilim
Ni Lulu S. Atienza

By Dr. Domingo G. Landicho, Ph.D.


Professor Emeritus, Univ. of the Philippines

An Ode to Lolos Dreams


(2nd of 3 parts)
(contd from page 5)

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.

Its a Busy World


(contd from page 8)

In closing, let me dedicate the


following song by Stevie Wonder which was
personally chosen by UN Secretary General
Ban Ki- moon for thi s ye ars cel ebra tion of
the Inter nation al Da y of H appine ss:
"SIGNED, SEALED, DELIVERED - IM YOURS -by STEVIE WONDER
Like a fool I went and stayed too long
Now I'm wondering if your love's still strong
Oo baby, here I am,
Signed, sealed delivered, I'm yours
Then that time I went and said goodbye
Now I'm back and not ashamed to cry
Oo baby, here I am,
Signed, sealed delivered, I'm yours
Here I am baby
Oh, you've got the future in your hand
(signed, sealed delivered, I'm yours)
Here I am baby,
Oh, you've got the future in your hand
(signed, sealed, delivered, I'm yours)
I've done alot of foolish things
That I really didn't mean
Hey, hey, yea, yea, didn't I, oh baby
Seen alot of things in this old world
When I touched them they did nothing, girl
Oo baby, here I am, signed, sealed delivered,
I'm yours, oh I'm yours
Oo-wee babe you set my soul on fire
That's why I know you are my only desire

Oo baby, here I am, signed, sealed delivered,


I'm yours Here I am baby
Oh, you've got the future in your hand
(signed, sealed delivered, I'm yours)
Here I am baby,
Oh, you've got the future in your hand
(signed, sealed, delivered, I'm yours)
I've done alot of foolish things
That I really didn't mean
I could be a broken man but here I am
With your future, got your future babe (here I am
baby)
Here I am baby (signed, sealed delivered, I'm yours)
Here I am baby, (here I am baby)
Here I am baby (signed, sealed delivered, I'm yours)
Here I am baby, (here I am baby)
Here I am baby (signed, sealed delivered, I'm yours)
-o-0-oAND FI NALLY, MY DEAR READE RS AND
FR IE ND S, IT I S MY GR EATE ST P LEA SU RE A ND
MOST FERVENT WISH FOR ALL OF US TO PLEASE
TAK E C AR E , S TR I VE A LWAY S T O FAC E E AC H
DAY OF OUR LIVES AS A BLESSING FROM TH E
G OO D L O RD .
AND PLEASE... "DON'T EVER WORRY, ALWAYS
BE HAPPY"!
. .. AN D L ET US MA K E E VE RY DA Y O F
THE YEAR "INTERNATIONAL DAY OF H APPINESS"!
-- Ma . L ov ely Ja ne S. Gal im ba- Lel is
-o-0-o-

References/Acknowledgments:
+ - The UN Website
+ - Wikipedia, the Free
encyclopedia
+ - PoemHunter.com
+ - Mary Forgione, Los Angeles Times
Daily Travel & Deal blogger

The Author

14

Jan. - Mar. 2015

The La Mesa Dam


(contd from page 1)

tourists. It's all of the above answer to queries about


the complex because water, other than being
basic to life, makes the living world awesome and
beautiful. It is water that connects the land, air and
sea, into a biosphere, the only known living planet
in the whole universe.
The La Mesa dam complex gives respite
from urban living, a feeling of freedom from skyscrapers and congested traffic, a change from
cacophony of sounds to nature's music in the trees
and on the lake shore. Take a deep breath of the
clean air, relax and believe in the power of silence
and meditation. Take your family to the La Mesa
Eco Park on a weekend. It's perfect for biking, hiking, rappelling, hook-and-line fishing, boating, and
games of many kinds.There are scheduled educational and cultural shows. It provides in situ and
hands-on study of Nature. It is a wildlife sanctuary,
the only kind in Metro Manila and suburbs.
As practicum, I would take my students to
the La Mesa Eco Park for a whole day field lecture
and demonstration. There we would identify the
best we can -- plants, animals and other organisms
of their common and scientific names and their
taxonomic classification. We would bring along a
microscope and study the plankton and other microorganisms that comprise the living minutiae of
the lake and ponds, then photograph them magnified, a technique called photomicrography.
There's another field of photography La
Mesa Dam offers - Nature Photography. It is not
only recording the things and events occurring in
nature but capturing the ephemeral wonders of
creation like a honeybee pollinating flowers, Mimosa or makahiya drooping at the slightest touch,
a skink darting across a footpath, a big carp suddenly appearing, and many happenings beyond
our expectation. Then there are things of human
interests as we commune with nature. Fishing with
bamboo pole, kite flying, picking fruits, napping
under a tree, watching birds in the trees and sky,
camping under the stars, and many things we don't
usually experience in city living.
To the artist the park is a perfect place for
on-the-spot painting, writing poetry and essays,
composing songs and prayers. It offers a natural
stage for drama with backdrop of trees, water, sky,
in dynamic fashion and design which no stage or
screen can truly copy. La Mesa is indeed the heart
and soul of a Paradise Lost and Paradise Regained,"
the essence of the genius John Milton's masterpieces of the same epic titles.
-o-0-oThe La Mesa Dam is a 700-hectare water
reservoir built to supply water to Metro Manila and
its suburbs. It is part of a 2,000-hectare watershed
located in Novaliches, Quezon City; San Jose del
Monte City in Bulacan; and Rodriguez in Rizal. The
reservoir is elevated at 100 meters above sea level.
The La Mesa reservoir occupies 27 square
kilometers and can hold up to 50.5 million cubic
meters of water. Barangay Greater Lagro and
adjoining Fairview, both middle class communities
hug the lower limits of the reservoir proper. The La
Mesa Eco Park is situated along the spillway of the
dam. (please refer to the map)
But aerial view and imagery may be deceiving even on a clear day. The water system
complex is facing serious problems today, some
perilous at that. Authorities and scientists, in spite of
protective measures and rehabilitation programs
of the government, private sector and citizens, are
not comfortable with the condition of the system,
raising vital questions and expressing sentiments as
to the sustainability of the system to keep up with
the ever increasing demand of water, considering
the following developments:
First, the watersheds of the three reservoirs
are shrinking and thinning as a result of encroachment by illegal loggers and settlers, with kaingin or
slash-and-burn planting rampant in certain places,
in fact in the heart of the watersheds. The carrying
capacity and longevity of the reservoir depends
mainly on the integrity of its watershed. A controversial subdivision has been built inside La Mesa
Dam. The issue has not been resolved in spite of its
clear violation to law.
Second, pollution coming from land, air and
feeder streams is destroying the system and the

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)

The La Mesa Water Treatment Plant situated


just across t he bound ary of Lagro Sub divis i o n, B a r a n ga y G r e a te r La g r o, D i s t r ic t 5 ,
Qu ez on C it y.

The La Mesa Ecopark is famous for its natural


beauty and terrain, a favorite spot for family
pi cni c, ed uca tio na l a nd en ter tai nme nt pr ograms, hiking and and biking.

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)

scribable feeling somewhat enveloped the whole


of my body, like the refreshing air on a hot summer day softly caressing, captivating scene of a
balsam air filled the atmosphere thereat.
The good news from a very humble Parish Priest
Rev. Fr. CIRILO PALACA cheerfully said in a mellow
voice in his homily may nakakarating nabalita sa
akin hindi raw katoliko ang simbahan na ito,
ipinagbili na raw sa Aglipay. Hindi po totoo ito. Ito
po ay Roman Catholic Church in vernacular.
Shortly, thereafter on April 2, 2015 he further confirmed his statement this writer conducted
an ambush interview to Fr. Palaca just after celebrating the mass which he politely obliged to
my request. He truthfully confirmed to the veracity of his statement. His humility was seen inspite
saying ten (10) masses on a sunday when he was
most of the time alone. From the brief interview, Fr.
Palaca is from Digos, Davao, 52 y/o, middle of 12
siblings, ordained as priest on July 8, 1992 (which
happens to coincide with his birthday).
Accordingly, the g ossips apparently
spread like disastrous unfriendly fire categorically
obliterating the physical pieces of evidence manifested by the many left behind crutches of the
devotees/pilgrims with strongly healing miracles
borne out of their ingrained faith in God. Then all

of a sudden due to the rumors, the number of


people lessened ; it only showed the weakness of
our faith in Him. People shunned away from visiting and praying therein perhaps caused by envy,
greed for money or to gain influence. If this will
not be cured right away then it will drag us to
hopelessness, stress, depression and ultimately falling away from Him.
In case we simply brushed aside the Grotto
Church based on unfounded conjectures, we are
in effect desecrating or being blasphemous of
the miracles that actually took place therein. Those
miracles obviously from God through the intercession of Our Lady of Lourdes.For Fr. Palaca
please hang on to serve your parishioners, God is
always with all of us.
According to Fr. Palaca many of the
former magnanimous sponsor/donors for the
maintenance, repair and improvement of the
Shrine and its surroundings from far and near held
back their helping hands, but for Him, He remains
grateful to whoever and whatsoever blessing
could be spared most specially to DZMM
Anchorman Mr. Jun Banaag in his radio program
Mr. Love, 11:00pm to 2am everyday.
Years back there were already concrete showing
of the genuine truth behind the grotto as a catholic church. Prior to the revelation conveyed by Fr.
Palaca of the true catholic status of the Grotto
and to be more precise, on February 11, 2013,
Feast day of Our Lady of Lourdes, my daughter
Kate actually witnessed one of the Catholic Priest,
a distinct Director of a Seminary concelebrated
Holy Mass therein.
Through this manuscript, to all faithful fol-

15

Malayo man,
malapit din...

By Catherine P. Deza

Jan. - Mar. 2015

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;

FAITH is the goal


of our way, the joy of
those who seek, the reward of those who FIND
THE POWER of fire
overcomes all things
and is not itself subdued.
IT renews everything
that comes near it, and
does not decrease as it
spread ITSELF
BY your patience, you will win your
SOUL
IN THE EVENING,
weeping shall be our
guest; but with the morning REJOICING

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.

Their council is very visible in terms of


financial support para sa simbahan at very
active sa mga outreach program nito ,
kaya naman ang Knights of Columbus ang
nangunguna lagi sa ibang mandated religious groups ng St. Anthony de Padua Parish.
-o-0-oLast December, we had a day in
what is called CITY THAT NEVER SLEEP,
explored the wonders of Ripleys BELIEVE IT
OR NOT, strolled the streets of Manhattan
area, nakipagsiksikan sa madaming tao
sa mga sidewalk at kalsada ng Times
Square (meron ding padyak o traysikad
doon, ibang disenyo nga lang at ang
bayad ay presyong turista).
Walking along several Squares in the
area is enjoyable on foot, siguruhin lang
na apat o lima ang suot na baro at
panlamig with hat, scarf, gloves and winter boots dahil nga po sa sobrang lamig,
and by just watching those gigantic billboards and laser shows is already enter-

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.

lower of Jesus Christ, let us all once again join


hands extend whatever blessings to our Grotto.
For us, who could not afford the luxury and convenience of touring the famous and far away Our
Lady of Lourdes Shrine in France, right here in our
door step is our very own Grotto.
For the doubting Thomases (Thomas is one
of the twelve (12) disciples who at first refused to
acknowledged the risen Jesus Christ unless shown
actual physical evidence as proof: nail holes right
at the middle of both palms, feet, speared upper
right side) and to unbelieving nitizens to conduct
a thorough parallel search for the truth.
May I quote of the recent historic pronouncement of His Holiness Pope Francis Who
am I to Judge what matters most is that we possess and exercise mercy and compassion to
the needy and helpless.

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

Jan. - Mar. 2015

At the 16th National Convention of the Association of Chiefs of


Police of the Philippines held on December 14, 2014 at the PNP
Multi-Purpose Center, Camp Crame, Quezon City, MM

Enjoying where you are

Association of Chiefs of Police


fetes Gen. John Castro

This is the moment...

By Gen. John C. Castro, (PNP), Ret

oments mean a lot


to an individual.
Dont go away, stay
for that prec ious moment.
Even for a while, stay and feel
and enjoy that moment. So
pr e c i o u s a m o m e n t, yo u
cant be whole with out THIS
MOMENT.

AB, BSCr, (PCCr); BS DIPLOMACY, (UM); LLB, (UE);


MPM, ADMU, Graduate School
Lifetime Member, IACP, Alexandria, Virginia, USA
Editor in Chief, The Chief Focus, ACPPI
Contributing Edtor, The Greater Lagro Gazette

ugust Volmer once


said that the average citizen expects
the policemen to have the
wisdom of Solomon, the courage of David, the strength of
SA M SON, the pati en c e o f
Job, the leader of Moses, the
faith of Daniel, the dipl omacy of LIncoln, the toleran ce o f the c ar pen ter o f
Nazareth, the kindness of the
good Samaritan, and finally
an in timate kno wledge of
even br an ch o f a natural
bi olo gic al and soc ial sc ien c e . If h e po ss esses al l
th ese qual i ti e s, t hen he
might be a good policemen.
Volmer may be right, and we do all
have our own opinion and meter sticks on
what and how a policeman should be.
A police officer who is not given an
assignment is like depriving him to pursue
his profession and provide service to the
people. More than a decade ago, there
were concerns and issues needing immediate solutions, including the rights of policemen. In those days when police officers were in floating status, they were tagged
as police navy.
Such was then the case of former
Chief, PNP, the late Police Director General Leandro Mendoza, former Secretary
of the Department of Transportation and
Communication during the Arroyo Administration, P/Director General Hermogenes
Ebdane, jr. (also a former Chief, PNP) incumbent Governor of the province of
Zambales, former Chief Supt Amado Espino
Jr., now governor of Pangasinan, retired
Police Chief Superintendents Clyde
Fernandez, Hector Marcelo, Cecilio
Penilla, Victor Tiangco, Salvador Mangga,
Alexander Belen, Cristeto Gonzolado, and
many others.
These were good officers who were
then in floating status so they founded the
Association of Grounded and Floating Officers (AGFO). This later developed into
what is now called - the Association of
Chiefs of Police of the Philippines, Inc.
(ACPPI).
There were also friends like Romeo
Pea who died as a two-star (Director)
general, Avelino REazon, Jr. who became
Chief, PNP; at present under deterntion at
the PNP Custodial Center, and Angel
Sunglao, already retired from the police
service, who shared their principles and
provided support.
The Association of Chiefs of Police
of the Philippines is presently spear-headed
by a two star (Police Director) General (Retired) Van Domingo Luspo, a contemporary of yours truly, Prof. John C. Castro, in
the Directorate for Operations (late 80s)
of the then PC/INP Camp Crame, Quezon
City.
It was on the 14th of December last
year when this prestigious organization of
police executives and selected and wellscreened NGOs held its 16th National Convention at the PNP Multi-Purpose Center,
Camp Crame, Quezon City with the Hon.
Senator Grace L. Poe, chairperson of the
Senate Committee on Public Safety, Peace
and Security, as Guest of Honor and

By Greta M. Manlapig

The Author

Prof. John C. Castro, President/Publisher/


Editor-in-Chief of Law and Order Nres Magazine, was the lone awardee during the 16th
National Convention of the Association of
Chiefs of Police of the Philippines held last
December 14, 2014 at the PNP Multi-Purpose
Center, Camp Crame with Hon. SENATOR
GRACE POE, as the Guest of Honor and Speaker.
He received the award in grateful appreciation for imparting words of inspiration
into the hearts and minds of members of ACPPI
and for enhancing the PNP as a credible and
professional police institution through the programs and policies of the present government.
Prof. Castro was one time Adjutant General Court Martial for more than a decade. He
attended the IACP Conference in 1989 at
Louisville, Kentucky, USA when he was still at Lt.
Colonel assigned and was designated as
Acting Deputy Director for Operations at C3,
PNP/INP; the IACP Conference in 2002 at
Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; 21st IACP European Policing Conference held at Belfast,
Northern Ireland on April 18-20, 2004: 11th IACP
Conference held at the LA Covention Center,
Los Angeles, California in November 2004: and
the 113th IACP Conference held at Miami
Beach, Miami, Florida, U.S.A. on October 1216, 2005.
General Castro was a former Police Regional Instruction Officer/Chief Training Officer
of the National Police Commission; former
Deputy Director for Plans in 1988-89 of the defunct PC/INP; former Deputy Director for Operations of the Police Community Relations Command (Group); and concurrent Chief Media
Affairs and Production Division; and former
Chief, Plans and Program Division and concurrent Acting Executive Officer of the Directorate for Police Community Relations until his
compulsory retirement on January 23, 1999.
He is at present the Editor-in-Chief of the Chiefs
Focus, official publication of the Association
of the Chief of Police of the Philippines (ACPPI).

Our purpose of the time on earth is


not primarily about acquiring possession,
attaining status, achieving success or
even experiencing happiness. These are
secondary issues. Life is all about love and
developing relationships... with God and
with other people. Learning to love is lifes
most important lesson. Nothing else is important.
God created us in His image. He
wants us to be more like Him. His deep
and unconditional love wants us to love
Him back. Let us follow His example. Let us
not be spiritual infants. Let us be spiritual
matured and let our lives to be poured out
as an offering to God. Maturity is a gradual
life-long process based on a series of decisions and commitments we make.
Are we too focused on our miseries,
misfortunes and keep bewailing on them.
Cant we not rise and be a better person
and can we accept without question that
we believe and keep believing, that there
is hope for a better, fresh start, new beginnings and new decision and new direction.
There are miseries in a moment in
our lives. There are Tombs empty and
unfree... The good news is these are not
permanent, no unsolved Tombwhile we
are alive.
We just celebrated the Resurrection
of our Lord... let not our Tombs nor miseries stay with us.

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).

of ACPPI: Chief of Van D. Luspo, Chairman,


Chief Rodolfo P. Sebastian, Vice Chairman,
Chief Valentino J. Dio, Vice-Presidxent,
Chief Reynaldo Z. Medina Jr., Secretary,
Chief Johnny I. Capalopm, Treasurer, Chief
Danilo A. Malab, Jr., Asst. Treasurer, Atty.
Dangal P. Masigla, Auditor, Chief Danilo
M. Tarun, Asst. Auditor, (IMAM) Chief Ebra

M. Moxir, Trustee, Chief Juan B. Aonuevo,


Trustee, Chief Celia O. Dela Cruz, Trustee,
Chief Jovito L. Rasco, Trustee, Liza L.
Hernandez, Executive Director.

ORDINANCES * ISSUANCES

Jan. - Mar. 2015

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

Jan. - Mar. 2015

ORDINANCES * ISSUANCES

AN ORDINANCE PROHIBITING THE ALTERATION OF A MOTORCYCLE ORIGINAL EXHAUST SYSTEM BY


MEANS OF INSTALLING A MODIFIED MUFFLER/EXHAUST PIPE/OPEN PIPE/LOUD MUSIC/DRAG PIPE AND
OTHER SOUND INCREASING DEVICES, RESULTING TO NUISANCE /DISTURBANCE OF PUBLIC PEACE

ORDINANCES * ISSUANCES

Jan. - Mar. 2015

19

AN ORDINANCE PROHIBITING INDISCRIMINATE DUMPING OF GRABAGE AND OTHER WASTE


MATERIALS IN OPEN OR PUBLIC PLACES; URINATING, DEFECATING AND SPITTING AND REQUIRING
OWNERS,/LESSEES /OCCUPANTS OF ALL RESIDENCES/ESTABLISHMENTS TO CLEAN THEIR PREMISES

20

Jan. - Mar. 2015

NEWS * FEATURES

Late-breaking news...

Lagro hosts 54
Northern Samar
Barangay Captains
(contd from page 1)

In a letter dated March 9, 2015 addressed to Barangay Captain, Atty. Renato


U. Galimba, the Department of Interior and
Local Government (DILG) thru its DILG Officer based in Lavezares, Northern Samar,
Christine L. dela Rosa, endorsed the decision of the members of the Liga ng Mga
Barangay -- Lavezares and Gamay Chapters to visit and hold an educational tour
to Barangay Greater Lagro.
According to the DILG official, the
main purpose of the tour was to provide
the said barangay chief executives actual
on-site exposure and the opportunity to
learn and adopt the outstanding innovations and practices in Katarungang
Pambarangay, peace and order and quality legislation among other practices by
the Local Government of Barangay Greater
Lagro.
During their day-long stay, the visitors were briefed and treated to a comprehensive video presentation of the various operations, activities and other innovative practices being implemented by
the barangay LGU.
The municipalities of Lavezares and
Gamay, where the barangay officials
came from, belong to the 4th Income
Class LGUs of the 1st and 2nd Congressional Districts of the province of Northern
Samar, respectively.
The delegation from the Municipality of Lavezares was accompanied by DILG
-Lavezares MLGOO Christine L. dela Rosa
and MLGOO Staff Nelia Bordeos and Randy
Duarte. The group from the Municipalitu
of Gamay was headed by DILG-Gamay
MLGOO Diana C. Liguid-liguid and LIGA
Staff Flor A. Quilicol and Gil B. Capoquian.

Photo below shows the participants to the parade held in observance of


Araw ng Kagitingan on April 9, 2014 as they pass thru one of the major
streets in the community. Inset photo shows Punong Barangay, Atty. Renato
U. Galimba (in red shirt, 2nd from left) leading the parade together with
members of his Council and barangay staff.

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