Sabado, Marso 10, 2012

Maasin Joins ABAP National Amateur Boxing Championships In Bohol





In an effort to discover more national team members and potential international gold medalists, the Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines (ABAP) held its National Amateur Boxing Championships in Tagbilaran, Bohol on March 4-7, 2012.

The ABAP-PLDT Luzon-NCR elimination was held in Mandaluyong City on October last year. While the Visayas elimination was held in Dumaguete City last January. Bago City dominated the competition and revived its reputation as the number one boxing city in the Visayas.

The prestigious Mindanao leg was held at Panabo City on December of last year. Davao del Norte, powered by the host city of Panabo, grabbed the overall championship as expected. 



Maasin City boxing team was invited by ABAP through executive director Ed Picson, even if it failed to send boxers to the Dumaguete City Visayas elimination due to the EVRAA 2012 which was in conflict with the event. Maasin got three silver medals during the Batang Pinoy Visayas leg at Dumaguete City last November and got one silver and two bronze medals during the National Batang Pinoy 2011 at Naga City last December.

The Maasin City boxing team is composed of the following: Dave Cabanday, 52 kg. youth boys: Jayson Becong, 40 kg. junior boys; Alemar Javier, 48 kg. junior boys; Ruby Nicanor, 48 kg. junior girls; Shiela Jean Vanzuela, 40 kg. youth girls.  Ramil Entia heads the coaching staff with Domie Rojas and Zaldy Olita.

Nicanor was able to win the silver medal while Vanzuela got the bronze medal. 

Maasin City will bid for the hosting of the next ABAP Visayas elimination.


Linggo, Marso 04, 2012

Maasin Academics Sports and Arts Management (MASAM)




SPECIAL EDUCATION FUND

The Special Education Fund (SEF) was used in the repair and improvement of various schools, both secondary and elementary.  Major improvements were conducted on the various billeting schools for EVRAA 2012.  Most of these funds were used to repair classrooms and pay the honoraria of city-paid teachers.  

The Ibarra National High School was established mostly out of city funds.  These include the school buildings and city paid teachers.  This coming March the first batch of graduates will receive their diplomas.   


  
MAASIN CITY COLLEGE          

Maasin City College has an enrolment of 1,103 students distributed among the four courses Bachelor of Science in Public Administration and Bachelor of Science in Social Work both with government recognitions and Bachelor of Science in Agriculture and Bachelor of Science in Tourism, both with CHED permits. 

Last March 2011 we had the 1st Commencement Exercises with 124 graduates of BS Public Administration and 31 graduates of BS Agriculture.  The 2nd Commencement Exercises was held on November 2011 with no less than CHED Regional Director Libertad Garcia as Guest Speaker.  There were 41 graduates of BS Public Administration and 15 graduates of BS Agriculture and 26 in Associate in Agriculture.

The CHED issued government recognition for BS Public Administration and BS Social Work and permits for BS Agriculture and BS Tourism.        

The BS Agriculture course is now assisted by the University of Eastern Philippines while the BS Tourism course is assisted by the University of the Visayas.  We have now a course in Master of Science in Public Administration at the MCC in coordination with the Graduate School of the University of the Visayas. 

An amount of P6 million was used to improve the facilities including classrooms and offices.  While last year an appropriation of about P9 million was used for the salaries of teachers and staff, equipments and office and school supplies.   



ARTS, CULTURE AND TOURISM

National Arts Month Celebration – February 2011
Christmas Music Festival – Anatalio Gaviola Plaza in 2010 and Terminal Area in 2011.
Annual Inter-Barangay Parol Festival and Christmas Decorations and Plaza Lighting
Sakay-sakay Festival and Street Dancing Competetion
Maasin City Pagkahimugso Festival was Champion in the So. Leyte Provincial Anniversary in 2010 and 2011
Regular Radio Program “Maasin City in Action” every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday over DYDM
Regular MCTV Program “Action Center” every Saturday
“Maasin City in Action” Newsletter and in Southern Leyte Balita



SPORTS

ABAP National Championships, Cagayan de Oro City
Jessa Mae Mercado – silver medalist
Shiela Vanzuela – bronze medalist

Philippine Taekwondo Association National Poomsae Competition, Manila
Freya Beya C. Demeterio – silver medalist
Naomi Jean Inot – bronze medallist

Batang Pinoy Visayas Regional Leg, Dumaguete City
Maasin City Ranked no. 7 with 3 gold, 11 silver and 8 bronze medals

Batang Pinoy National Finals
Mary Joy Calapre – gold, lawn tennis girls singles
Mary Joy Calapre and Angelica Mae Baluran – gold, lawn tennis girls doubles
Josh Mark Maquelabit – silver, badminton boys singles
Josh Mark Maquelabit and Nequi Joseph Cepada – silver, badminton boys doubles
Julirey Villahermosa – silver, boxing 40 kg.
Alemar Javier – bronze, boxing 48 kg.
Cesar Bestudio – bronze, boxing 50 kg.
Joshua Lagunay – bronze, taekwondo lightweight category

Managerial Accomplishments and Social Accountabilities in Maasin (MASAM)





Collections:
Real Property Taxes
2011                P 9,492,740.00
2010                P 7,217,757.29
Increase (32%)P 2,274,982.71

Business Taxes
2011                P 16,379,117.95
2010                P 13, 493,065.14
Increase (21%)P   2,886,052.81

Fees & Other Charges
2011                P 8,150,053.71
2010                P 5,506,224.81
Increase (48%)P 2,643,828.90

Economic Enterprises
2011                P 18,150,185.27
2010                P 14,213,991.75
Increase (28%)P   3,936,193.52

Institutionalizing the flag ceremony, now to be attended by all city hall personnel including field workers.

Continuous implementation of the Biometrics and Personnel Management and Information System (PMIS) with all relevant information of employees now in data base.

Continuous Program on Community Based Monitoring System (CBMS) and updating the Local Development Plan 2011 as included in the Disaster Risk Reduction Management Program.

Mobilization of personnel to conduct physical and ocular inspection to different barangays to assess real properties which have not been declared and registered for taxation purposes and to reflect the actual use of real properties.

Proper coordination with the SP Chairman on Finance, Budget and Appropriations, City Treasurer, City Budget Officer, City Accountant and City Planning and Development Officer on financial matters. 

Formulate the Citizen’s Charter and adoption of Business Permit & Licensing System to eliminate red tape.

Underwent Orientation Seminar for the City Newly Elected Officials and the Formulation of the Comprehensive Development Plan.

Conducted Drug Symposium for Students and Out of School Youth.

Performed Lakaw, Hataw, Sayaw sa mga Senior Citizens every other Saturday.

Orientation on RA 10070 known as the Magna Carta for Persons with Disabilities.

Conducted Systematic Training on Effective Parenting and Supplemental Feeding Program.

Livelihood Formation Projects and Jobs Fair with the DOLE.

Small Scale Farmers and Fisherfolks Cash for Work Training

Social Pension for Senior Citizens Aged 77 years old and above.

Orientation Seminar for the Pantawid ng Pamilyang Pilipino Program of the DSWD.

The Sangguniang Panlungsod adopted 1,224 resolutions, 12 city ordinances, 2 tax ordinances, and 9 appropriation ordinances approved.  Eleven barangay sessions were conducted in Pasay, Mahayahay, Canyuom, Malapoc Sur, Gawisan, Bogo, San Rafael, Guadalupe, Bato II, Combado and Mambajao.  Every barangay session a financial assistance of P100,000 was given.  Legislative Development Fund (LDF) financial assistance were also given to the barangays and public schools.
 
      
Moving Ahead through Sustainable Agriculture in Maasin (MASAM)

Agri Pinoy for Rice
Hybrid seeds planted – 45 hectares
Certified seeds planted – 185 hectares
Good seeds planted – 1,598.10 hectares
Total rice area planted – 1,994 hectares

Agri Pinoy for Corn
Hybrid corn planted – 2 hectares

Techno demo farms on
Location Specific Technology Demonstration for Rice
Organic Vegetable Production
Vegetable Production under Protective Cropping

Distribution of Seeds, Seedlings and Cuttings to
472 school children
1,572 families

Established 91 school gardens and nurseries, 800 backyard gardens, 70 community gardens and nurseries

Distribution of poultry and livestock and fingerlings to 150 families

Participated Provincial Agri-Aqua Fair
Conducted Pabulhon Agri-Aqua Fair

Farmers’ Market/Bagsakan
Total Sales                               P799,386.58
Total Cost of Procurement      P711,279.53
Net Profit                                P  88,107.05

Management Inputs for Agricultural Networking (MIAN) Project
Area Covered              10.5 hectares
Farmers-Cooperators   45

MASAM Livelihood Programs
Layer Chicken
No. of Cooperators                             12
No. of Layers Distributed                   764
Amount Collected                              P88,068.80
Total Income @ City Nursery                        P266,217.90

Swine Breeding
No. of Recipients (1 piglet each)        50
Total Income @ City Nursery                        P3,500.00

Tilapia Culture
No. of Recipients                                140
Fingerlings Distributed                       121,500
Total Income @ City Forest Park       P36,728.00

Small-Scale Fishing Project
Beneficiaries                                       48

Enterprise Development Beneficiaries
Food Trades                                        3,302
Handicrafts                                            756
Cutflowers/Ornamentals                        623

Sales from vegetables, fruits and vermicast @ City Nursery             P33,951.50

Other Programs
Mercado’s Pride Rice (certified seeds) thru provincial government
Fertilizer loan assistance
Production/post harvest facility support (farm tractors)
Crop Production including legumes, rootcrops, vegetables, coconut leaf beetle (brontispa) management
Animal production
Seeds materials production
Animal dispersal
Assistance to rural organizations (CAFC, CFARMC, farmers’ federation, RIC federation, farmers’ association/coop, fishermen’s association, BFARMC,  and 4H Club)

Mangrove seedlings produced and distributed          60,400
Mangrove area planted                                               11 hectares

Bantay Dagat apprehensions                                      16
No. of violators                                                           46
Total penalties collected                                             P15,000.00

Forest tree seedlings produced                                   35,000
Forest tree seedlings distributed                                 15,238

Sabado, Pebrero 25, 2012

EVRAA 2012 Sidelights



It stopped raining in time for the opening ceremonies of the EVRAA on January 29, 2012.  The sun shone so brightly and the highlighted lighting of the Friendship Flame, the pyrotechnics of the EVRAA signage and the fireworks display went on perfectly.  The rains came back when the EVRAA came to a close. 

The urn and signage lighting was invented by city hall scientist Rudolph Sanchez upon my suggestion that it should be the climax of the opening ceremonies.  It was the tradition of every Olympics, Asian Games and SEA Games that the lighting of the urn will be the biggest surprise of the opening.  We started the parade at 3:00 P.M. apart from the usual 1:00 P.M. to let the ceremony reach sunset.

There was only one reported case of theft during the EVRAA.  It happened at the Maasin City National High School where the Calbayog City delegation was housed.  I was ashamed of the incident because when we were in Calbayog during the EVRAA 2011 we were safe from robbers because of the tight security of the PNP and the Army.  The PNP caught the robber and we presented him to the delegation.  He could no longer return the robbed money so I paid the victim more than the amount stolen from her.  She was a mother of a badminton athlete.    The suspect was a known thief and robber in Barangay Combado where the city high school was situated.  It was reported that the robber has a slight mental disorder. 



It was one of the few EVRAA meets which were not postponed even if the preparations were disturbed by the rains.  The 100 days countdown hit the target opening day on January 29, 2012.

Leyte dominated practically all events in both secondary and elementary levels.  The Leyte Sports Academy (LSA) organized by their provincial government was a big plus factor to Leyte’s dominance.  So Maasin City learned a lot from the LSA, especially from Dr, Lucrecio Calo, the consultant and organizer of the LSA.  He was a retired Executive Director of the Philippine Sports Commission. 

Maasin City delegation was housed at the Maasin City College campus.  It was so secured and we had protected the rooms from vandalisms especially that we can impose discipline on our own athletes.  The rooms were newly painted but there were no writings whatsoever because we let them love the building because it is our own college, financed and operated by the city government.  

Officials gave positive feedbacks on our hosting.  They would want to be back to Maasin in the future hosting of the regional meet.  They appreciated our first ever Smoke-Free EVRAA and those officials who were smokers were able to reduce if not eradicate their smoking vice.  I told them, “I helped extend your life by several minutes or even hours and days.” 

All posts in the poblacion area were marked with tarpaulins indicating “Thank You for Observing Our No Smoking Policy.”  These also include billeting quarters and playing venues. 

Although Leyte won the secondary boys’ boxing by a solitary bronze medal, and Maasin City won the elementary boys’ boxing with 2 golds and 1 silver, Maasin won the unofficial overall championship in boxing with a medal tally of 3 golds and 2 silvers as compared to Leyte’s 2-2-1 tally. 

In the qualifying round and in the semi-final round, all 5 boxers of Maasin City won their bouts via referee stopped contest (RSC).  The boxers abilities improved with the training they got from Amateur Boxing Association of the Philippines (ABAP).  No less than 1992 Olympic bronze medalist Roel Velasco came to Maasin to train our coaches and referees.  Also, our own boxer Edillo Abrea now training in Baguio City at the ABAP national camp came home to share his knowledge to our amateurs.    


Maasin City’s elementary girls’ volleyball team successfully defended their title by taking the gold medal.  Last year in Calbayog, they were also champions.  The girls come from Malapoc Norte Elementary School and practiced religiously everyday until evening.   

EDSA: The Revolution of the People by the People and for the People




When then President Ferdinand Marcos called a snap presidential election, my sympathy went to the widow Cory Aquino of the slain senator Ninoy Aquino.  Twenty years in power and abuses by the military during Martial law was a bitter pill to swallow. 

I worked that time as a full time instructor at the Saint Joseph College Engineering Department.  The School President Bishop Vicente Ataviado was pro-Cory and so did the majority of the faculty members. 

I openly campaigned in the classroom and in the gatherings of different organizations against Marcos and favored Cory to become President because of pure sympathy to Ninoy and the strong clamor for change.

It was against the will of my mother, who at that time worked at the Ministry of Public Works and Highways.  Her sympathy was with Cory but she could not voice out her sentiments as government employees were forced to vote for Marcos.



Cory may not have the experience as compared to Marcos.  But Cory had the sincerity to serve and the fear of God.  Human rights abuses by the military, massive cronyism and corruption, and the downfall of the nation’s economy were the main issues against Marcos. 

When the results of the snap elections came out, Marcos was ahead by millions.  He was proclaimed by the Batasang Pambansa as the duly elected president.  Protests mushroomed all over the Philippines as reports of massive cheating abound everywhere, including Southern Leyte.  Marcos led Cory by only 6,000 votes in Southern Leyte.  But in the counting at the Batasang Pambansa, Marcos led by more than 16,000 votes in the province.  Campaign of civil disobedience came to Maasin by the Cory Aquino Movement national officials. 

We, Cory sympathizers were threatened to be arrested.  My mother was threatened to be transferred to a far district.  But the will of God prevailed as Minister Juan Ponce Enrile and Vice Chief of Staff Fidel Ramos led a military revolt against the embattled president.  Cory and Cardinal Sin called on the people to support the renegade soldiers and millions flocked to EDSA at Camp Crame and Camp Aguinaldo.



That time we had a ringhop and necklacing ceremonies for engineering students at the SJC Social Hall and my colleagues in the Cory Aquino movement called on me at the school where the activities were still ongoing.  We rejoiced and monitored the proceedings over radio.  There was no clear television signal that time.   

The rest is history.  People power prevailed.  In Maasin, we had a big celebration among Coryistas.  Democracy again prevailed.  Dictatorship was toppled.   It was a revolution of the people, a bloodless one, by the Filipino people.  The fruits of EDSA are for democracy for us the people of the Philippines.  



It was just the beginning.  The fight continues.  Tuloy ang Laban.  Tungo sa Matuwid na Daan. 

Biyernes, Pebrero 17, 2012

Maasin City Major Infrastructure Projects

Maasin City Major Infrastructure Projects
(June 30, 2010 - December 31, 2011)

Construction of 72 L.M. Protection Dike and Backfilling, Tigbawan          
P2,499,366.04
Construction 12 Units Market Stalls, Reclamation Area 
            P2,220,665.57
Improvement of Brgy. Hall & Day Care, Mahayahay 
            P   407,870.17
Construction 1 Unit 1 Classroom Sch Bldg w/ Toilet, Canlugok, Lunas 
            P    839,974.50
Construction Dormitory Bldg, City Forest Park 
            P2,753,487.25
Improvement of Danao Road, City Forest Park 
            P1,410,393.40
Concrete Reblocking, Enage St. & Garces St., Tungatunga
            P1,173,996.93
Construction of Lined Canal, Combado 
            P1,465,919.31
Improvement of Danao Water System, City Forest Park 
            P1,706,980.73
Construction of 4 Units Park Cottages, City Forest Park 
            P2,839,947.24
Construction of MASAM Agricultural Productivity Center,
Maria Clara    
P1,832,475.41
Construction of MASAM Evacuation Center, Acasia 
            P1,828,524.81
Construction of MASAM Evacuation Center, Tam-is 
            P1,897,574.28
Construction of MASAM Evacuation Center, Sta. Cruz 
            P2,446,867.19
Construction of MASAM Agricultural Productivity Center
 (Phase 5), Canyuom
            P   777,861.66
Construction of 3 Units Park Cottages, City Forest Park 
            P2,856,937.08
Improvement of Maasin City College (Phase 6) 
            P2,498,295.40
Improvement of Maasin Commercial Complex Bldg 
            P   441,621.33
Additional Improvement of Danao Dormitory, City Forest Park    
             P   510,971.76
Construction of 230 L.M. Concrete Pavement, City Forest Park 
             P2,540,612.97
Improvement of City Road, Terminal Area 
             P   916,649.15
Construction of Market Stalls (24 Units), Reclamation Area 
             P3,930,029.62
Construction of Market Stalls (12 Units), Reclamation Area 
             P2,664,465.44
Construction of Barbeque Stalls Boardwalk (Phase 1), Reclamation Area   
P1,217,970.98
Construction of PNP Detachment, Tawid 
            P  610,770.31
Improvement of Maasin City College (Phase 7) 
            P3,188,435.18
Construction of Obstacle Course, City Forest Park 
            P   266,850.00
Construction of 1 Unit 2 Classroom Sch Bldg, Ibarra NHS
            P1,835,843.82
Construction 120 L.M. Lined Canal, Pasay 
            P  979, 999.75
Construction of Evacuation Center (Phase 3), Cansirong 
            P1,687,988.16
Construction of Multi-Purpose Concrete Pavement, Bagtican 
            P  429,988.05
Construction of Concrete Pavement, Hinapu Daku
            P  827,524.91
Construction of Cross Drainage System, Rafols St., Tungatunga 
            P  186,608.00
Construction of 220 L.M. Concrete Pavement, Hinapu Daku-Libertad
            P2,201,365.91
Construction of Concrete Pavement, Bactul II 
            P  999,380.62
Construction of Maasin City Gymnasium 
            P5,439,176.87
Construction of Concrete Pavement, Bato I-Bato II 
            P   994,687.24
Improvement of CHU III Bldg, Manhilo 
            P1,070,833.89
Rehabilitation of Various Schools, Manhilo ES & NHS and TOPS 
             P1,119,654.62

Sabado, Pebrero 04, 2012

Maasin City Hosts EVRAA 2012



As early as February 2011, right after the opening ceremonies of the Eastern Visayas Regional Athletic Association meet in Calbayog City, it was already agreed by the Regional Sports Board that Maasin City will be the host of the biggest gathering of athletes in the region by next year.  It was even announced during the closing ceremony to all athletes and officials “See you in Maasin City in 2012.”

It was a distinction that earned Maasin as an aggressive host.  Usually, hosts were determined just few months before the big event.  But when Southern Leyte deferred its hosting for 2012, it was Maasin’s turn to be offered as the next division to stage the annual sporting event.  



I consulted Gov. Damian Mercado and Cong. Roger Mercado if Southern Leyte is willing to help us as co-host of the EVRAA in 2012.  As expected, the two leaders gave their yes, and immediately I informed the DepEd Regional Office of our intention to accept the hosting of the big event.      

Then Maasin Schools Division Superintendent Pedro Escobarte informed the Regional Director Rosemarie Saet and the different superintendents were unanimous in awarding the hosting of the EVRAA 2012 to Maasin City.

On October 20, 2011, the 100 Days Countdown was launched at the Anatalio Gaviola Plaza with Regional Sports Coordinator Cesar Verunque as the guest of honor.  It was attended by hundreds of athletes, officials, and teachers including city employees and the general public.  



But the preparations were disturbed by rains especially the preparation of the track and field oval at the Southern Leyte Sports Complex and the baseball and soccer fields.  However, covered courts were ready in the different barangays to host the indoor events.  Athletes’ trainings were also interrupted by the inclement weather.

Through the persistent preparation by the Maasin City Sports Council led by Atty. Feorillo Demeterio, Jr. and the City Schools Division Sports Coordinator Fernando Salapi, everything was ready including the billeting schools and the playing venues. Teachers and city employees provided beds and beddings for our delegations. 



Delegations kept arriving staring January 26, 2012.  And every thing was set for the opening ceremony.  The opening parade on January 29 kicked off the EVRAA 2012 from the plaza to the sports complex.  Delegations paraded in alphabetical order, starting with Biliran, Calbayog City, Eastern Samar, Leyte, Northern Samar. Ormoc City, Samar, Southern Leyte, Tacloban City, and the host Maasin City was the last. 

No less than Pilipinas Got Talent Grand Champion Maasinhon Trio serenaded the crowd.   Assistant Secretary Tonisito Umali, who was in-charge of sports in the DepEd, was the guest of honor.   Maasin City Division Superentindent Genis Murallos welcomed our delegations.  Cong. Mercado and Gov. Mercado and the provincial and city officials were there.  It showcased the unity and solidarity of our leaders which were not present in the other provinces and cities.   


As in any Olympics, SEA Games or Asian Games, the lighting of the Friendship Flame was the highlight of the opening.  Our national gold and silver medalists carried the torch around the track.   To the surprise of the audience, the runners stopped in front of the grandstand to turn over the privilege of lighting the urn to the “true champion of sports in Maasin City.”  I run with the athletes to the place where the urn was situated.  To the background music of the movie “Superman” and “The Ten Commandments” the urn was lighted and the EVRAA signage was lighted by fireworks.  

Another grand show of fireworks lighted the sky when the EVRAA 2012 was formally opened by Director Luisa Bautista-Yu.  All were impressed of the grand display of pyrotechnics which happened only in the Maasin hosting of the EVRAA.  What followed was the very enjoyable Welcome Night at the city gym. 



Competitions began on January 30.  As expected powerhouse Leyte dominated most of the games.  They are the biggest delegation numbering more than 600 athletes and officials.  Maasin City athletes fought hard to show the home crowd that we are determined to become champions in some events and to go for the gold.  



The most interesting of all was our delegation in the archery event.  Only three days before the start of the games, the bows ordered from Manila arrived.  The athletes practically were briefed on the basics of archery for two weeks only.  It was the first time we joined archery in the EVRAA.  The boys’ team placed 5th and the girls’ team placed 6th  out of 8 participating teams.  

We also fielded entries in arnis for the first time in EVRAA history.  And our girls garnered 6 gold medals enroute to winning the championship in their division.  They trained for only five months and started from scratch, like archery.    



Maasin City became champions in boys’ and girls’ swimming, girls’ volleyball, girls' lawn tennis, and boys’ boxing in the elementary and in the girls’ swimming, girls’ arnis, boys’ badminton, and boys' and girls’ table tennis in the secondary division.  In the elementary level, Leyte got 1st place, Eastern Samar 2nd place and Maasin City 3rd place.  In the secondary level, Leyte got 1st place, Eastern Samar 2nd place, Ormoc City 3rd place, and Maasin City tied with Tacloban City at 4th place.

In the overall championship, Leyte was 1st, Eastern Samar was 2nd, and Maasin City was 3rd.   Our consolation was that Maasin City emerged the top city as it bested Ormoc City (4th place), Tacloban City (5th place) and Calbayog City (10th place).   The other delegations’ overall standings were Samar (6th place), Northern Samar (7th place), Southern Leyte (8th place), and Biliran (9th place). 

Maasin City became the champion in the secondary division when it hosted the EVRAA in 2005.  It was the time when the standings were decided in terms of medals won.  This time the point system similar to that of the Palarong Pambasa was used. 

On the other hand, if we failed to win the championship, we were rated “excellent” by Mr. Verunque on the matter of hosting the games.  During the evaluation conducted by the tournament managers days before the opening, they rated our playing venues at 95%.  According to them, this is the first time alternate venues were prepared for volleyball and lawn tennis in case it rains so the games won’t be interrupted.    And it was one of those rare EVRAA meets which were never postponed even if the preparations were disturbed by the rains.     

True to its theme “School Sports: Avenue for a Healthy Lifestyle,” the EVRAA 2012 was the first ever “Smoke-Free EVRAA.”  For it was held in the city that cares for the health.