Sporty mayor
SPORTS EYE
By Raffy T. Uytiepo (The Freeman) Updated April 8, 2014
I took a week-long sojourn to Maasin City in Southern Leyte for a little rest but ended up climbing the mountain shrines. Yes, the majestic views of the hills especially in Hanginan, Fatima and Jalleca were just irresistible. Despite my injury, plantar and Achilles, I still managed to reach the top everytime, especially the one at Jalleca Hills, the tallest shrine in the country with 300 steps and 104 meters above sea level. Just before leaving, I dropped by at City Hall to visit the city’s mayor, Maloney Samaco, undoubtedly a sportsman in his own right. Mayor Maloney may not look athletic but he’s been supporting Maasin City’s sports programs. He is also responsible for the city’s hosting of numerous sports activities and national events. Just recently, Maasin City hosted the ABAP Inter-City Boxing Tournament won by Bago City. Last year, Mayor Maloney staged the city’s first triathlon. Maasin City has also conducted several fun and trail runs while also staging cycling events. In fact, my fellow Freeman columnist JV Araneta has organized cycling events there. Chess is also a favorite sport of Mayor Maloney who said since he was frail and sickly during his younger days, he took to chess which does’nt require too much physical efforts. Oh by the way, Mayor Maloney has participated in several runs in Cebu City. He even ran in the Cebu City Marathon but only in the 5K side together with our very own Mayor Mike Rama. Mayor Maloney, then vice mayor, recalled that he was not so interested when I offered to organize the first fun run here 15 years ago. With running and triathlon starting to become popular here, Mayor Maloney plans to do more events. Come August, Maasin will hold it’s second triathlon. Keep the good work Mayor!
Miyerkules, Pebrero 25, 2015
Martes, Pebrero 10, 2015
POPE FRANCIS IN TACLOBAN
Pope Francis visited the Philippines from January 15-19, 2015 and his coming created great enthusiasm and interest among his flock in the Roman Catholic church and even in a great majority of non-Catholics.
I and Chona were part of the delegation of the Maasin Cathedral. But we went ahead of the group a day before where our family camped and fetched our tents at our private lot in Palo, Leyte near the Cathedral.
Pope Francis was scheduled to visit Leyte on April 17, 2015. We met our fellow Maasin delegates led by Msgr. Oscar Cadayona the day before at San Joaquin National High School in Palo. Then we proceeded at about 6:00 P.M. to the mass site at the Daniel Z. Romualdez Airport.
Our city bus parked at a space about half a kilometer away from the site of the Pope's mass.
We attended his Holy Mass joining 300,000 pilgrims from all over the Philippines and a great number of Typhoon Yolanda survivors. We braved the rains and winds brought by Typhoon Amang and spent a sleepless night staying at our place in the airport as early as 12:00 midnight.
It was a coincidence as Amang in Tagalog and Papa in English means the same thing - Father, referring to the Pope.
Security was so strict because of some threat by terrorists on the life of the Pontiff. We had to pack our things on transparent bags. Presidential Security Group personnel guarded the gates where we lined up in long lines for inspection.
Fluids, sharp objects, metals and other dangerous materials were prohibited and confiscated.
We slept on the cemented flooring and were packed like sardines in each quadrant. It started to drizzle at dawn but we kept on lying on the concrete ground to take some much needed nap.
Our coldness and tiredness were gone when Pope Francis arrived at about 8:45 A.M. and was 45 minutes ahead of schedule. We were chanting "Viva Il Papa...Papa Francesco!" to welcome him.
It was a coincidence as Amang in Tagalog and Papa in English means the same thing - Father, referring to the Pope.
Security was so strict because of some threat by terrorists on the life of the Pontiff. We had to pack our things on transparent bags. Presidential Security Group personnel guarded the gates where we lined up in long lines for inspection.
Fluids, sharp objects, metals and other dangerous materials were prohibited and confiscated.
We slept on the cemented flooring and were packed like sardines in each quadrant. It started to drizzle at dawn but we kept on lying on the concrete ground to take some much needed nap.
Our coldness and tiredness were gone when Pope Francis arrived at about 8:45 A.M. and was 45 minutes ahead of schedule. We were chanting "Viva Il Papa...Papa Francesco!" to welcome him.
We were so touched by his homily.
Pope Francis consoled survivors of history's most powerful typhoon on record, saying they can identify themselves with Jesus Christ, who suffered like they did.
"Jesus always goes before us ... And if today we find ourselves 14 months afterwards here, 14 months precisely after the typhoon Yolanda hit, it is because we have the security of knowing that we are not going to weaken in our faith, because Jesus has been there before us," he said in his homily.
"In his passion, he assumed all our pain," the pope added.
He confessed that he wanted to visit the ravaged areas of the Visayas the moment that he watched the disaster from Rome.
"I saw from Rome that catastrophe, I felt that I had to be here. And on those very days, I decided to come here. I'm here to be with you," Pope Francis said. "A little late I have to say, but I'm here. "
His message was interrupted by applause from the crowd, who were already in tears and drenched from the rain.
"I've come to tell you that Jesus is Lord, and he never lets us down," he added.
The Roman Pontiff, who is on his third day in the Philippines, explained that even when many have lost their homes, livelihood and loved ones, God did not leave them.
"Jesus is there, nailed to the cross, and from there he does not let us down. He was consecrated as Lord on that throne and there he experienced all the calamities that we experience," he said.
"The Lord from the cross is there for you. In everything, he is the same as us. That is why we have a Lord who cries with us and walks with us in the most difficult moments of life," Pope Francis added.
Francis also admitted that he does not know what to tell the survivors. He told the faithful that "so many of you in Tacloban have lost everything. I don't know what to say - but the Lord does… He underwent so many of the trials that you do."
"But the Lord does know what to say to you. Some of you have lost part of your families. All I can do is keep silence and walk with you all with my silent heart," he said.
Concluding his impromptu homily, he said: "This is what comes from my heart. Forgive me if I have no other words to express myself. Please know that Jesus never lets you down. Know that the tenderness of Mary never lets you down."
Pope Francis consoled survivors of history's most powerful typhoon on record, saying they can identify themselves with Jesus Christ, who suffered like they did.
"Jesus always goes before us ... And if today we find ourselves 14 months afterwards here, 14 months precisely after the typhoon Yolanda hit, it is because we have the security of knowing that we are not going to weaken in our faith, because Jesus has been there before us," he said in his homily.
"In his passion, he assumed all our pain," the pope added.
He confessed that he wanted to visit the ravaged areas of the Visayas the moment that he watched the disaster from Rome.
"I saw from Rome that catastrophe, I felt that I had to be here. And on those very days, I decided to come here. I'm here to be with you," Pope Francis said. "A little late I have to say, but I'm here. "
His message was interrupted by applause from the crowd, who were already in tears and drenched from the rain.
"I've come to tell you that Jesus is Lord, and he never lets us down," he added.
The Roman Pontiff, who is on his third day in the Philippines, explained that even when many have lost their homes, livelihood and loved ones, God did not leave them.
"Jesus is there, nailed to the cross, and from there he does not let us down. He was consecrated as Lord on that throne and there he experienced all the calamities that we experience," he said.
"The Lord from the cross is there for you. In everything, he is the same as us. That is why we have a Lord who cries with us and walks with us in the most difficult moments of life," Pope Francis added.
Francis also admitted that he does not know what to tell the survivors. He told the faithful that "so many of you in Tacloban have lost everything. I don't know what to say - but the Lord does… He underwent so many of the trials that you do."
"But the Lord does know what to say to you. Some of you have lost part of your families. All I can do is keep silence and walk with you all with my silent heart," he said.
Concluding his impromptu homily, he said: "This is what comes from my heart. Forgive me if I have no other words to express myself. Please know that Jesus never lets you down. Know that the tenderness of Mary never lets you down."
The Pope did not show signs of fatigue with his very hectic schedule even at the age of 78. He loves sports and he was a sporty pope. He has a special interest in sports. According to catholicnews. com when he was young, he played basketball and danced the tango, which he said he loves "very much. It's something that comes from within."
Pope Francis' father was a basketball player. When the pope visited the Philippines he probably understood the Filipinos' love for basketball. He was influenced by his father, who played basketball for San Lorenzo, and the Pope also played the sport with friends as a young teen.
Since his papacy, the pope was visited by different sports personalities in Vatican and received signed jerseys from different teams.
Pope Francis was born Jorge Mario Bergoglio in Buenos Aires to Italian parents and is the 266th Pope of the Catholic Church. He worked briefly as a chemical technician and nightclub bouncer before entering the seminary.
He was ordained to priesthood in 1969 and from 1973 to 1979 he was Argentina's Provincial superior of the Society of Jesus. He became Archbishop of Buenos Aires in 1998, and three years later a cardinal in 2001.
When Pope Benedict XVI resigned in February 2013, he was elected by the papal conclave on March 13, 2013 Pope Francis is the first Jesuit pope, the first pope from the Americas, the first from the Southern Hemisphere and after 1272 years, the first non-European Pope since Pope Gregory III. He used the papal name Francis in honor of Saint Francis of Assisi, who was born from a wealthy family but chose to become poor.
Biyernes, Enero 02, 2015
ALBERT PAGARA
Albert Pagara followed his elder brother in pursuing the sweet science. Born in Maasin City, like Jason he first trained under the watchful eyes of his father. Later on they migrated to Cagayan de Oro, where their boxing talents blossomed. Misamis Oriental Governor Oscar Moreno’s support added the much needed boost to the budding career of the Pagara brothers.
Albert had a very colorful amateur boxing career campaigning between the 48kg to 56kg weight division and won series of national titles from 2006 to 2010. He would have been groomed as a potential Asian Games gold medalist or even an Olympic medalist, but was not given the much needed break to join the international tournaments. He was also in a hurry to turn pro to follow the footsteps of Jason.
Nicknamed Prince Albert, he made his professional debut at the age of 16 where he stopped Sandy Cajil in the second round. Barely two weeks after his pro debut, he knocked Jeffrey Galsim in the first round.
From then on it was a busy campaign for the ALA Gym sensation, as he fought almost every month and was the busiest ALA campaigner and one of the most sought after. He fought in Maasin City and all his opponents never got to go the distance. He defeated Anthony Galigao (KO 1st Rd.), Rogen Flores (TKO 4th Rd.) and Henry Acha (KO 3rd Rd.) before the cheering hometown fans.
Every Pagara fight in Maasin, hundreds of barrio folks from Barangay Lib-og would watch him in action atop the ring.
He won his first fight against a foreign boxer, a Tanzanian named Shabani Madilu, 8 years his senior, by an eight-round unanimous decision, in Bacolod City. He knocked the African down thrice. It was only Albert’s eighth pro fight.
His second foreign opponent was Phupha Por Nobnom of Thailand whom he floored twice in the second round enroute to a TKO in that round.
“Prince” Albert made it a very short workout on Isack Junior of Indonesia, who was knocked out by a left hook and a right straight to the liver. Referee Ver Abainza counted him out at 2:41 last March 1 at the Solaire Resorts and Casino.
Albert outclassed Khunkhiri Wor Wisaruth of Thailand by 2nd round TKO at the undercard of the Pinoy Pride XXI at Solaire Resort Hotel and Casino, Pasay City on July 13 last year.
Albert joined Jason in the exciting professional co-main events of the ALA Promotions boxing fight card on April 11, 2023 at the Maasin City Gym. The exciting promotion called Maasin Pride V was financed by the city government of Maasin.
Idol Boxing Series Part 2 featuring Albert Pagara and Indonesian Ruben Manakane originally scheduled on November 15 last year was postponed due to Supertyphoon Yolanda. But this time the two siblings will thrill home fans with their extraordinary ring prowess which damaged a lot of opponents local and foreign.
The last time they were in Maasin together was during Maasin Pride IV last November 15, 2012. It was Albert's fourth fight in his hometown but the first with an imported foe.
Prince Albert did not fail thousands of hometown fans by shattering visiting Thai boxer Tawanrung Eausampan during the Maasin Pride IV at the Maasin City Gym. A quick solid uppercut on his jaw made the previously undefeated Thai boxer fell like timber to the canvas. Tawanrung was unconscious and referee Tony Pesons immediately stopped the fight at 1:45 of the second round.
“I saw an opening so I immediately grabbed the opportunity to connect my punch,” said Pagara when interviewed by Radio DYDM morning news. “He was a tough boxer and I could not afford to be complacent in the fight. I dedicate this win to the people of Maasin and to my parents. I thank the city government especially the mayor for supporting me along the way. I also thank Sir ALA (Antonio L. Aldeguer) for giving me the breaks.”
Prince Albert made an easier assignment in Skak Max. Nicknamed "Checkmate," it was the Indonesian who was checked mate by the younger Pagara when Referee Ben Necessario stopped the one sided match and declared Albert the winner 1:33 of the third round.
The Indonesian had a Mayweather-like stance but was rather too slow for the hard-hitting undefeated Pagara. "I could have stopped him in the first round," said Albert. "But i just slow.ed it a little bit in the first two rounds." Albert wanted to prolong the agony of his foe so that his home fans could see more of him in action.
On June 21, 2014, ALA Promotions featured Pinoy Pride XXVI Pagara Brothers versus Mexicans at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino, Cebu City.
Albert decked Hugo ‘Olimpico’ Partida three times in the very first round. A right to the jaw dropped him seconds after the sound of the opening bell. Partida got up but power-packed Pagara fists caused his second fall though he was caught by the ropes.
A thundering left hook to the his jaw dropped Partida again prompting referee McTavish to stop the punishment 1:18 of the first round. Albert was awarded his first belt, the IBF intercontinental junior featherweight title.
The Mexican was no patsy. Prior to the fight Partida has 21 wins, 4 losses and 2 draws with 16 KOs. He is also the reigning WBC FECARBOX superbantamweight titlist. He lost twice by KO before Pinoy Pride. But he had a 57% KO victory.
They have a plan of sending the fighting siblings for training at the U.S. Jason will have a bright future ahead of him. Albert could be the next Manny Pacquiao. Still in their 20's, the Pagara Brothers are truly the "Fists of the Future."
Prince Albert was awarded as Outstanding Maasinhon in the field of Sports during the 14th Charter Day Celebration of Maasin City, Southern Leyte last August 10, 2014.
Speaking before 5,000 plus capacity crowd at the Maasin City Gym, Pagara thanked all those who supported his career, this writer as the city’s chief executive, and his boss Antonio L. Aldeguer.
“I began my boxing training here in Maasin City and I was born in this place at Barangay Lib-og. That is why I always bring the name of Maasin City in all my fights,” said Pagara after receiving his plaque.
He was the lone awardee in the Anniversary Program graced by Metro Manila Development Authority Chairman Atty. Francis Tolentino as Keynote Speaker. Later that day, he sat side by side with Tolentino in a press conference. The Metro traffic czar was impressed when he knew that Pagara was undefeated as an amateur in all his more than 400 fights and now sporting an unblemished pro record in 21 bouts at very young age of 20.
The most applauded fight in the undercard of Pinoy Pride 28 “History in the Making” was the supporting event featuring undefeated Pagara versus tough Mexican opponent Raul Hirales. It was considered by many as an acid test for the 20-year old ALA Gym sensation and he was able to hurdle it with flying colors last night at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino, Cebu City.
Pagara improved his fighting record to 22-0 with 15 KO wins and defended successfully his International Boxing Federation intercontinental superbantamweight crown by making a punching bag of Hirales who dipped to 22-4-1 with 11 KO wins. Prince Albert sent the Mexican to the canvas in the third unleashing several combinations to the head and body. But the Baja California Sur born visitor ably defended his body from further punishment as he coasted along not to lose by a knockout.
The Maasin City born local hero connected on all parts of the face and torso of the challenger but he just remained standing on his feet until the final bell. The Latin American fighter was cut in the eye by the powerful Pagara punches which The Prince kept targeting as the rounds go by. But a typical Mexican warrior that he was, Hirales covered from the stinging barrage and fought back to the delight of the crowd who was not bored of the title fight.
Pagara received wild cheers from the fullhouse crowd while Hirales also got some adulation for putting up a good fight. Two judges scored all twelve rounds in favor of Pagara 120-107, while a third judge gave one round for Hirales at 119-108, enroute to a unanimous decision for the darling of the crowd Prince Albert.
“Hirales was really tough that I was not able to knock him out,” said the promising ALA Gym fighter. “But I gave my all to satisfy my fans.”
I congratulated international referee Atty. Danrex Tapdasan for a good job acting as third man in the ring in the Pagara-Hirales title fight and he said he read my article in PhilBoxing.com prior to the fight to know Hirales well.
Pinoy Pride 28 was also a “history in the making” for the young Pagara as it was the first time his fight went to full 12 rounds. His three previous fights that lasted 10 rounds were those against Gadwin Tubigon, Marvin Tampus, and Jessie Tuyor.
The Prince of Philippine boxing Albert Pagara will be honored again by the City Government of Maasin this coming April 20 during the flag raising ceremony of the city employees at the Maasin City Gym. This is the city’s recognition for continuing his reign as International Boxing Federation intercontinental superbantamweight champion when he halted Mexican visitor Rodolfo "Fofo" Hernandez during Pinoy Pride 30 at the Araneta Coliseum last March 28.
Thousands of city residents in this capital of Southern Leyte witnessed their favorite boxer-son demolished his opponent on television when it was showed over ABS-CBN the following day. The former world champion Nonito Donaire stopped William Prado of Brazil only in two rounds in the co-main event of the boxing card entitled D-Day, paving way for the inclusion of the Pagara-Hernadez bout on TV.
A motorcade will follow the ceremony along the major thoroughfares of Maasin City. Then Pagara is expected to visit his relatives at Barangay Lib-og and see some friends and acquaintances. His uncle Barangay Captain Walter Sepe is preparing seafoods, the favorite dish of his nephew boxing superstar.
His fight with Rodolfo "Fofo" Hernandez was the most action-packed bout of Pinoy Pride 30 and Prince Albert is one of the most well-loved ALA Gym boxing stars. Even at the start of round one, Pagara's blazing guns sent Hernandez down to the canvas to the delight of the roaring crowd. A right uppercut to the chin followed by another solid right to the face of the challenger sent him to the deck less than a minute gone in the starting round.
The Mexican absorbed a lot punishment from the Maasin City champion pinning him on the ropes as Pagara wanted to stop him. Feeling the stinging blows of the great ALA Gym prospect, Fofo did not answer the bell sounding the fifth round being worn out from a lot of beating and punching.
Hernandez's reason of quitting was that he injured his right hand but it was too obvious that he was greatly outclassed by the 21-year-old undefeated Pagara who scored his 23rd win and 16th KO victory.
"I wanted to floor him after the first round knockdown," said Albert. "It's just that he surrendered before hitting the canvas again."
Albert had a very colorful amateur boxing career campaigning between the 48kg to 56kg weight division and won series of national titles from 2006 to 2010. He would have been groomed as a potential Asian Games gold medalist or even an Olympic medalist, but was not given the much needed break to join the international tournaments. He was also in a hurry to turn pro to follow the footsteps of Jason.
Nicknamed Prince Albert, he made his professional debut at the age of 16 where he stopped Sandy Cajil in the second round. Barely two weeks after his pro debut, he knocked Jeffrey Galsim in the first round.
From then on it was a busy campaign for the ALA Gym sensation, as he fought almost every month and was the busiest ALA campaigner and one of the most sought after. He fought in Maasin City and all his opponents never got to go the distance. He defeated Anthony Galigao (KO 1st Rd.), Rogen Flores (TKO 4th Rd.) and Henry Acha (KO 3rd Rd.) before the cheering hometown fans.
Every Pagara fight in Maasin, hundreds of barrio folks from Barangay Lib-og would watch him in action atop the ring.
He won his first fight against a foreign boxer, a Tanzanian named Shabani Madilu, 8 years his senior, by an eight-round unanimous decision, in Bacolod City. He knocked the African down thrice. It was only Albert’s eighth pro fight.
His second foreign opponent was Phupha Por Nobnom of Thailand whom he floored twice in the second round enroute to a TKO in that round.
“Prince” Albert made it a very short workout on Isack Junior of Indonesia, who was knocked out by a left hook and a right straight to the liver. Referee Ver Abainza counted him out at 2:41 last March 1 at the Solaire Resorts and Casino.
Albert outclassed Khunkhiri Wor Wisaruth of Thailand by 2nd round TKO at the undercard of the Pinoy Pride XXI at Solaire Resort Hotel and Casino, Pasay City on July 13 last year.
Albert joined Jason in the exciting professional co-main events of the ALA Promotions boxing fight card on April 11, 2023 at the Maasin City Gym. The exciting promotion called Maasin Pride V was financed by the city government of Maasin.
Idol Boxing Series Part 2 featuring Albert Pagara and Indonesian Ruben Manakane originally scheduled on November 15 last year was postponed due to Supertyphoon Yolanda. But this time the two siblings will thrill home fans with their extraordinary ring prowess which damaged a lot of opponents local and foreign.
The last time they were in Maasin together was during Maasin Pride IV last November 15, 2012. It was Albert's fourth fight in his hometown but the first with an imported foe.
Prince Albert did not fail thousands of hometown fans by shattering visiting Thai boxer Tawanrung Eausampan during the Maasin Pride IV at the Maasin City Gym. A quick solid uppercut on his jaw made the previously undefeated Thai boxer fell like timber to the canvas. Tawanrung was unconscious and referee Tony Pesons immediately stopped the fight at 1:45 of the second round.
“I saw an opening so I immediately grabbed the opportunity to connect my punch,” said Pagara when interviewed by Radio DYDM morning news. “He was a tough boxer and I could not afford to be complacent in the fight. I dedicate this win to the people of Maasin and to my parents. I thank the city government especially the mayor for supporting me along the way. I also thank Sir ALA (Antonio L. Aldeguer) for giving me the breaks.”
Prince Albert made an easier assignment in Skak Max. Nicknamed "Checkmate," it was the Indonesian who was checked mate by the younger Pagara when Referee Ben Necessario stopped the one sided match and declared Albert the winner 1:33 of the third round.
The Indonesian had a Mayweather-like stance but was rather too slow for the hard-hitting undefeated Pagara. "I could have stopped him in the first round," said Albert. "But i just slow.ed it a little bit in the first two rounds." Albert wanted to prolong the agony of his foe so that his home fans could see more of him in action.
On June 21, 2014, ALA Promotions featured Pinoy Pride XXVI Pagara Brothers versus Mexicans at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino, Cebu City.
Albert decked Hugo ‘Olimpico’ Partida three times in the very first round. A right to the jaw dropped him seconds after the sound of the opening bell. Partida got up but power-packed Pagara fists caused his second fall though he was caught by the ropes.
A thundering left hook to the his jaw dropped Partida again prompting referee McTavish to stop the punishment 1:18 of the first round. Albert was awarded his first belt, the IBF intercontinental junior featherweight title.
The Mexican was no patsy. Prior to the fight Partida has 21 wins, 4 losses and 2 draws with 16 KOs. He is also the reigning WBC FECARBOX superbantamweight titlist. He lost twice by KO before Pinoy Pride. But he had a 57% KO victory.
They have a plan of sending the fighting siblings for training at the U.S. Jason will have a bright future ahead of him. Albert could be the next Manny Pacquiao. Still in their 20's, the Pagara Brothers are truly the "Fists of the Future."
Prince Albert was awarded as Outstanding Maasinhon in the field of Sports during the 14th Charter Day Celebration of Maasin City, Southern Leyte last August 10, 2014.
Speaking before 5,000 plus capacity crowd at the Maasin City Gym, Pagara thanked all those who supported his career, this writer as the city’s chief executive, and his boss Antonio L. Aldeguer.
“I began my boxing training here in Maasin City and I was born in this place at Barangay Lib-og. That is why I always bring the name of Maasin City in all my fights,” said Pagara after receiving his plaque.
He was the lone awardee in the Anniversary Program graced by Metro Manila Development Authority Chairman Atty. Francis Tolentino as Keynote Speaker. Later that day, he sat side by side with Tolentino in a press conference. The Metro traffic czar was impressed when he knew that Pagara was undefeated as an amateur in all his more than 400 fights and now sporting an unblemished pro record in 21 bouts at very young age of 20.
The most applauded fight in the undercard of Pinoy Pride 28 “History in the Making” was the supporting event featuring undefeated Pagara versus tough Mexican opponent Raul Hirales. It was considered by many as an acid test for the 20-year old ALA Gym sensation and he was able to hurdle it with flying colors last night at the Waterfront Hotel and Casino, Cebu City.
Pagara improved his fighting record to 22-0 with 15 KO wins and defended successfully his International Boxing Federation intercontinental superbantamweight crown by making a punching bag of Hirales who dipped to 22-4-1 with 11 KO wins. Prince Albert sent the Mexican to the canvas in the third unleashing several combinations to the head and body. But the Baja California Sur born visitor ably defended his body from further punishment as he coasted along not to lose by a knockout.
The Maasin City born local hero connected on all parts of the face and torso of the challenger but he just remained standing on his feet until the final bell. The Latin American fighter was cut in the eye by the powerful Pagara punches which The Prince kept targeting as the rounds go by. But a typical Mexican warrior that he was, Hirales covered from the stinging barrage and fought back to the delight of the crowd who was not bored of the title fight.
Pagara received wild cheers from the fullhouse crowd while Hirales also got some adulation for putting up a good fight. Two judges scored all twelve rounds in favor of Pagara 120-107, while a third judge gave one round for Hirales at 119-108, enroute to a unanimous decision for the darling of the crowd Prince Albert.
“Hirales was really tough that I was not able to knock him out,” said the promising ALA Gym fighter. “But I gave my all to satisfy my fans.”
I congratulated international referee Atty. Danrex Tapdasan for a good job acting as third man in the ring in the Pagara-Hirales title fight and he said he read my article in PhilBoxing.com prior to the fight to know Hirales well.
Pinoy Pride 28 was also a “history in the making” for the young Pagara as it was the first time his fight went to full 12 rounds. His three previous fights that lasted 10 rounds were those against Gadwin Tubigon, Marvin Tampus, and Jessie Tuyor.
The Prince of Philippine boxing Albert Pagara will be honored again by the City Government of Maasin this coming April 20 during the flag raising ceremony of the city employees at the Maasin City Gym. This is the city’s recognition for continuing his reign as International Boxing Federation intercontinental superbantamweight champion when he halted Mexican visitor Rodolfo "Fofo" Hernandez during Pinoy Pride 30 at the Araneta Coliseum last March 28.
Thousands of city residents in this capital of Southern Leyte witnessed their favorite boxer-son demolished his opponent on television when it was showed over ABS-CBN the following day. The former world champion Nonito Donaire stopped William Prado of Brazil only in two rounds in the co-main event of the boxing card entitled D-Day, paving way for the inclusion of the Pagara-Hernadez bout on TV.
A motorcade will follow the ceremony along the major thoroughfares of Maasin City. Then Pagara is expected to visit his relatives at Barangay Lib-og and see some friends and acquaintances. His uncle Barangay Captain Walter Sepe is preparing seafoods, the favorite dish of his nephew boxing superstar.
His fight with Rodolfo "Fofo" Hernandez was the most action-packed bout of Pinoy Pride 30 and Prince Albert is one of the most well-loved ALA Gym boxing stars. Even at the start of round one, Pagara's blazing guns sent Hernandez down to the canvas to the delight of the roaring crowd. A right uppercut to the chin followed by another solid right to the face of the challenger sent him to the deck less than a minute gone in the starting round.
The Mexican absorbed a lot punishment from the Maasin City champion pinning him on the ropes as Pagara wanted to stop him. Feeling the stinging blows of the great ALA Gym prospect, Fofo did not answer the bell sounding the fifth round being worn out from a lot of beating and punching.
Hernandez's reason of quitting was that he injured his right hand but it was too obvious that he was greatly outclassed by the 21-year-old undefeated Pagara who scored his 23rd win and 16th KO victory.
"I wanted to floor him after the first round knockdown," said Albert. "It's just that he surrendered before hitting the canvas again."
Miyerkules, Disyembre 24, 2014
MAASIN THROUGH THE YEARS
MAASIN THROUGH THE YEARS
When the Spanish missionaries came to Maasin, they found out that a progressive community was already established and the hospitable people readily accepted the faith of Roman Catholicism. The very popular congeniality of the people of Maasin was indeed legendary because it originated from our forefathers.
The settlement was founded by the Jesuits in 1700 and was called “Tagnipa” owing to the presence of several swamps grown with palm called “nipa.” Now Tagnipa is one of the biggest barangays found at the heart of Maasin.
The town was established officially in 1755 as part of the Leyte province. Maasin that time was the hub of business and government activities from Palompon to Hinunangan. A Fiscal’s Office, a Court of First Instance, and an “Administrador de Hacienda” equivalent to a treasurer were already established in Maasin.
The name Maasin said to originate when some Spaniards looking for water to drink, navigated the waters of Canturing River from the shore. They asked the natives in Spanish about the name of the town. The natives did not understand what the visitors meant and thought the foreigners were asking whether the water was fresh for drinking. They answered “maasin-asin” meaning “salty.” So the Spaniards believed that the inhabitants were referring to the place. Thus the name Maasin came to be known.
The Jesuits built the first church when they occupied the parish from 1700 to 1768. It was later burned and was situated in what is now the existing cemetery with the ruins still there. It is located in what is now known as Barangay Mambajao.
The Augustinians replaced the Jesuits and administered the parish from 1768 to 1843. They built the second church, which is now the present cathedral at Barangay Tunga-tunga facing the public plaza now called Anatalio Gaviola Plaza.
The Franciscans later took the reins of the parish until 1896, when the revolution broke out. Since then, the native priests managed the religious affairs of the town.
Under the Spaniards, Maasin became a more prosperous municipality. The town’s seaport became the center of trade and commerce to and from Cebu, Bohol and Mindanao islands. It was the reason why our dialect is Cebuano with a Boholano accent.
From “Gobernadorcillo” the local executive was changed to “Capitan Municipal.” The last Gobernadorcillo was Alejo Alcantara from 1892 to 1894. Then Capitan Municipal Julio Raagas became the town’s executive from 1894 to 1896.
After the short-lived Philippine revolution against Spain, the Americans took over the administration of the national government. The American government instituted so many reforms most particularly a good public school system.
The town executive that time was called Municipal President and the first to hold such position was Eustaquio Rafols. Under the Americans, Maasin flourished and became the most progressive town in southwest Leyte.
In 1942, the Japanese occupied Maasin and many of the townspeople escaped to the mountains to evade the abuses and hostility of the Japanese soldiers. During the war, local heroes led by Colonel Ruperto Kangleon emerged to lead the guerrillas against the Japanese.
When the war was over and the Philippine Independence was granted, Maasin continued to be more progressive and became the center of commerce and industry in this part of the Leyte island.
Congressman Nicanor Yñiguez filed House Bill No. 1318 which proposed the creation of a new province of Southern Leyte comprising Third Congressional District of Leyte to include sixteen municipalities, from Maasin to Silago in the mainland and in the Panaon Island.
The bill became Republic Act 2227 otherwise known as an "Act Creating the Province of Southern Leyte" and was approved by President Carlos P. Garcia on May 22, 1959. On July 1, 1960, Southern Leyte was inaugurated as a province with Maasin as the capital town. Thus the third District of Leyte became the province of Southern Leyte and Lone District of Southern Leyte.
Congressman Anecito Saludo, Jr. authored R.A. 8796 converting Maasin into a component city and was overwhelmingly approved by a plebiscite on August 10, 2000. Maasin became the First City of the Philippines in the New Millennium.
Maasin qualified under the Local Government Code requirement of land area of not less than 100 sq. km. since the actual area of Maasin is 211.70 sq. km. The income also exceeded the required P 20 million per annum.
It also passed the requirements for government center site, market site, plaza, school site, cemetery site, potable water supply, sewerage, garbage and waste disposal site and number of commercial establishments.
It took exactly 300 years from the founding of the Jesuit missionaries in 1700 up to the conversion of Maasin into a city in 2000.
Maasin is also the seat of religion in the entire province of Southern Leyte and the western part of Leyte, from Matalom to Baybay. The Diocese of Maasin was launched on August 14, 1968 with Most Rev. Vicente Ataviado as the first bishop. The Maasin Cathedral is where Our Lady of Assumption Parish is situated.
With a pre-dominantly Roman Catholic population, the church has a vast influence on the culture, morals and even governance in Maasin. The history of Maasin has mostly been associated with the missionaries and the priests.
When the Spanish missionaries came to Maasin, they found out that a progressive community was already established and the hospitable people readily accepted the faith of Roman Catholicism. The very popular congeniality of the people of Maasin was indeed legendary because it originated from our forefathers.
The settlement was founded by the Jesuits in 1700 and was called “Tagnipa” owing to the presence of several swamps grown with palm called “nipa.” Now Tagnipa is one of the biggest barangays found at the heart of Maasin.
The town was established officially in 1755 as part of the Leyte province. Maasin that time was the hub of business and government activities from Palompon to Hinunangan. A Fiscal’s Office, a Court of First Instance, and an “Administrador de Hacienda” equivalent to a treasurer were already established in Maasin.
The name Maasin said to originate when some Spaniards looking for water to drink, navigated the waters of Canturing River from the shore. They asked the natives in Spanish about the name of the town. The natives did not understand what the visitors meant and thought the foreigners were asking whether the water was fresh for drinking. They answered “maasin-asin” meaning “salty.” So the Spaniards believed that the inhabitants were referring to the place. Thus the name Maasin came to be known.
The Jesuits built the first church when they occupied the parish from 1700 to 1768. It was later burned and was situated in what is now the existing cemetery with the ruins still there. It is located in what is now known as Barangay Mambajao.
The Augustinians replaced the Jesuits and administered the parish from 1768 to 1843. They built the second church, which is now the present cathedral at Barangay Tunga-tunga facing the public plaza now called Anatalio Gaviola Plaza.
The Franciscans later took the reins of the parish until 1896, when the revolution broke out. Since then, the native priests managed the religious affairs of the town.
Under the Spaniards, Maasin became a more prosperous municipality. The town’s seaport became the center of trade and commerce to and from Cebu, Bohol and Mindanao islands. It was the reason why our dialect is Cebuano with a Boholano accent.
From “Gobernadorcillo” the local executive was changed to “Capitan Municipal.” The last Gobernadorcillo was Alejo Alcantara from 1892 to 1894. Then Capitan Municipal Julio Raagas became the town’s executive from 1894 to 1896.
After the short-lived Philippine revolution against Spain, the Americans took over the administration of the national government. The American government instituted so many reforms most particularly a good public school system.
The town executive that time was called Municipal President and the first to hold such position was Eustaquio Rafols. Under the Americans, Maasin flourished and became the most progressive town in southwest Leyte.
In 1942, the Japanese occupied Maasin and many of the townspeople escaped to the mountains to evade the abuses and hostility of the Japanese soldiers. During the war, local heroes led by Colonel Ruperto Kangleon emerged to lead the guerrillas against the Japanese.
When the war was over and the Philippine Independence was granted, Maasin continued to be more progressive and became the center of commerce and industry in this part of the Leyte island.
Congressman Nicanor Yñiguez filed House Bill No. 1318 which proposed the creation of a new province of Southern Leyte comprising Third Congressional District of Leyte to include sixteen municipalities, from Maasin to Silago in the mainland and in the Panaon Island.
The bill became Republic Act 2227 otherwise known as an "Act Creating the Province of Southern Leyte" and was approved by President Carlos P. Garcia on May 22, 1959. On July 1, 1960, Southern Leyte was inaugurated as a province with Maasin as the capital town. Thus the third District of Leyte became the province of Southern Leyte and Lone District of Southern Leyte.
Congressman Anecito Saludo, Jr. authored R.A. 8796 converting Maasin into a component city and was overwhelmingly approved by a plebiscite on August 10, 2000. Maasin became the First City of the Philippines in the New Millennium.
Maasin qualified under the Local Government Code requirement of land area of not less than 100 sq. km. since the actual area of Maasin is 211.70 sq. km. The income also exceeded the required P 20 million per annum.
It also passed the requirements for government center site, market site, plaza, school site, cemetery site, potable water supply, sewerage, garbage and waste disposal site and number of commercial establishments.
It took exactly 300 years from the founding of the Jesuit missionaries in 1700 up to the conversion of Maasin into a city in 2000.
Maasin is also the seat of religion in the entire province of Southern Leyte and the western part of Leyte, from Matalom to Baybay. The Diocese of Maasin was launched on August 14, 1968 with Most Rev. Vicente Ataviado as the first bishop. The Maasin Cathedral is where Our Lady of Assumption Parish is situated.
With a pre-dominantly Roman Catholic population, the church has a vast influence on the culture, morals and even governance in Maasin. The history of Maasin has mostly been associated with the missionaries and the priests.
Huwebes, Oktubre 23, 2014
URBAN HEALTH CHAMPION
The City of Maasin through the Health City Initiatives participated in the Urban Health Champion 1000 Cities,1000 Lives program. The global movement which encourages to make all cities healthier was made in preparation for the World Health Day 2010 which was celebrated on April 7-11, 2010 initiated by the World Health Organization (WHO). The campaign calls upon all cities worldwide to open up portions of streets to the people to promote health activities for one day during the week, like biking, walking and exercises.
There are two goals to the campaign:
1000 cities: to open up public spaces to health, whether it be activities in parks, town hall meetings, clean-up campaigns, or closing off portions of streets to motorized vehicles.
1000 lives: to collect 1000 stories of urban health champions who have taken action and had a significant impact on health in their cities.
As recorded by the WHO, 1,392 cities in 133 countries, Maasin City among them, have joined the campaign, and committed to closing off one or more streets to motor vehicles for a day and offering citizens a novel public space for physical exercise, meeting family, friends and community, health checks, eating healthy local food or visiting local attractions. In addition, many cities are organizing activities for children, holding town hall meetings with mayors and local governments to focus on local health concerns and sponsoring open street events.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends five calls to action to build a healthy and safe urban environment:
1. Promote urban planning for healthy behaviors and safety.
2. Improve urban living conditions.
3. Ensure participatory urban governance.
4. Build inclusive cities that are accessible and age-friendly.
5. Make urban areas resilient to emergencies and disasters.
The Maasin Healthy City Initiatives and the city officials submitted a 5-minute video through You Tube to give details nominating me as Urban Health Champion.
It also mentioned that when I assumed the stewardship as the City Mayor of Maasin last 2007, "he leads by example and thus energized and mobilized all the city officials and employees of Maasin to do what he calls simple service with no strings attached."
As a sports minded mayor, the video narrated that I also enhanced the camaraderie among the colleges and organized the first Maasin Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MICAA), which hand-in-hand protects the people especially the young ones from the menace of drugs and had reactivated the Citizens Anti Drug Narcotics Unit (CANU) to effectively prevent the curse of drug addiction.
Maasin Healthy City Initiatives also enforced the "no smoking" campaign and prohibits smoking in public places in order to have a clean and smoke-free city.
During that time, I was seeking reelection on the May 2010 polls and also initiated healthy activities celebrating the World Health Day 2010 by closing the portion of Espina Boulevard on Sundays throughout the year to give the people a "smoke and traffic-free" road. A Hataw exercise was also set every Friday afternoon for an hour, participated by city hall employees, students/pupils, teachers, the Philippine Army, the Philippine National Police, the Bureau of Fire Protection among others.
Moreover, to install the importance of discipline and care of the environment, the video acknowledged my advocy for scouting. We had produced 5 eagle scouts, the first in Southern Leyte and I became a Wood Badger, an outstanding achievement for scout leaders with the highest rank in Scouting throughout the province.
According to WHO, this unprecedented global event involving 1000 cities will result in physical, mental and environmental health benefits, substantial opportunities for small business, and an overall boost in the well-being of participating cities and their citizens. We answered the World Health Organization's call to “be part of a global movement to make cities healthier.”
Many cities worldwide have conducted similar initiatives and continue to do so every weekend. Through the videos of 1000 lives, inspirational stories for us all to consider how we as citizens can work together and effect change were seen and hear including our very own video.
World Health Day was a unique opportunity to focus attention and unite governments, civil society and individuals to take action. It is the one day when we can all strive toward a global health goal and have meaningful participation in a global event. On World Health Day 2010 we helped give voice to our common desire to make cities healthier.
There are two goals to the campaign:
1000 cities: to open up public spaces to health, whether it be activities in parks, town hall meetings, clean-up campaigns, or closing off portions of streets to motorized vehicles.
1000 lives: to collect 1000 stories of urban health champions who have taken action and had a significant impact on health in their cities.
As recorded by the WHO, 1,392 cities in 133 countries, Maasin City among them, have joined the campaign, and committed to closing off one or more streets to motor vehicles for a day and offering citizens a novel public space for physical exercise, meeting family, friends and community, health checks, eating healthy local food or visiting local attractions. In addition, many cities are organizing activities for children, holding town hall meetings with mayors and local governments to focus on local health concerns and sponsoring open street events.
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends five calls to action to build a healthy and safe urban environment:
1. Promote urban planning for healthy behaviors and safety.
2. Improve urban living conditions.
3. Ensure participatory urban governance.
4. Build inclusive cities that are accessible and age-friendly.
5. Make urban areas resilient to emergencies and disasters.
The Maasin Healthy City Initiatives and the city officials submitted a 5-minute video through You Tube to give details nominating me as Urban Health Champion.
It also mentioned that when I assumed the stewardship as the City Mayor of Maasin last 2007, "he leads by example and thus energized and mobilized all the city officials and employees of Maasin to do what he calls simple service with no strings attached."
As a sports minded mayor, the video narrated that I also enhanced the camaraderie among the colleges and organized the first Maasin Intercollegiate Athletic Association (MICAA), which hand-in-hand protects the people especially the young ones from the menace of drugs and had reactivated the Citizens Anti Drug Narcotics Unit (CANU) to effectively prevent the curse of drug addiction.
Maasin Healthy City Initiatives also enforced the "no smoking" campaign and prohibits smoking in public places in order to have a clean and smoke-free city.
During that time, I was seeking reelection on the May 2010 polls and also initiated healthy activities celebrating the World Health Day 2010 by closing the portion of Espina Boulevard on Sundays throughout the year to give the people a "smoke and traffic-free" road. A Hataw exercise was also set every Friday afternoon for an hour, participated by city hall employees, students/pupils, teachers, the Philippine Army, the Philippine National Police, the Bureau of Fire Protection among others.
Moreover, to install the importance of discipline and care of the environment, the video acknowledged my advocy for scouting. We had produced 5 eagle scouts, the first in Southern Leyte and I became a Wood Badger, an outstanding achievement for scout leaders with the highest rank in Scouting throughout the province.
According to WHO, this unprecedented global event involving 1000 cities will result in physical, mental and environmental health benefits, substantial opportunities for small business, and an overall boost in the well-being of participating cities and their citizens. We answered the World Health Organization's call to “be part of a global movement to make cities healthier.”
Many cities worldwide have conducted similar initiatives and continue to do so every weekend. Through the videos of 1000 lives, inspirational stories for us all to consider how we as citizens can work together and effect change were seen and hear including our very own video.
World Health Day was a unique opportunity to focus attention and unite governments, civil society and individuals to take action. It is the one day when we can all strive toward a global health goal and have meaningful participation in a global event. On World Health Day 2010 we helped give voice to our common desire to make cities healthier.
Miyerkules, Oktubre 22, 2014
THE CITY'S SWIMMERS
Maasin City was known all throughout the Visayas for producing good swimmers. Every time the Eastern Visayas Athletic Association (EVRAA) meet was held, the city will emerge as the top medal harvester at the pool.
Jilma Maraon, a former Palaro medalist, was at the helm as coach and trainer of the Maasin City swimmers starting 2005 when we hosted the EVRAA and sent our first batch of swimmers to competition including my three sons.
But it was in the Ormoc City EVRAA in 2006 when we began to win category titles especially for the secondary girls.
Maasin City Sports Council produced two Palarong Pambansa gold medalists in swimming. Edison Pacsa won a gold in the 50 meter breaststroke in Puerto Princesa in 2008 with a time of 37.17 seconds. Christian Ivan Salud won the gold of the same event in 35.10 seconds and the silver in the 100 meter breaststroke in Lingayen, Pangasinan in 2012.
Another milestone in the city's swimming was achieved by a Maasihon, this time in the long distance feat by a golden aged triathlete. Urbano Baculanta, 50 years old, became the first Maasin City resident to swim the sea traversing the city waters from the first barangay of the next town, Ichon, Macrohon.
“If a person my age can still be physically fit and active, how much more the younger ones,” Baculanta was quoted by Philippine Information Agency (PIA) before he plunged into the water for the city's historic distance swim. “I just want people to exercise regularly, that’s the message I want to impart,” he added.
The adventurous exploit began at 8:02 in the morning on January 18, 2014, a Saturday.
The drizzly weather added more challenge as relentless rains brought by tropical depression “Agaton” almost cancelled the activity. But Baculanta pushed through with the ocean adventure escorted by the city rescue boat.
Baculanta estimated that he would cover the six kilometer distance in four hours. But instead went faster by finishing it in two hours, 20 minutes, 15 seconds.
And believe it or not, he learned how to swim only at the late age of 38. And 12 years later he realized his treasured dream.
Jilma Maraon, a former Palaro medalist, was at the helm as coach and trainer of the Maasin City swimmers starting 2005 when we hosted the EVRAA and sent our first batch of swimmers to competition including my three sons.
But it was in the Ormoc City EVRAA in 2006 when we began to win category titles especially for the secondary girls.
Maasin City Sports Council produced two Palarong Pambansa gold medalists in swimming. Edison Pacsa won a gold in the 50 meter breaststroke in Puerto Princesa in 2008 with a time of 37.17 seconds. Christian Ivan Salud won the gold of the same event in 35.10 seconds and the silver in the 100 meter breaststroke in Lingayen, Pangasinan in 2012.
Another milestone in the city's swimming was achieved by a Maasihon, this time in the long distance feat by a golden aged triathlete. Urbano Baculanta, 50 years old, became the first Maasin City resident to swim the sea traversing the city waters from the first barangay of the next town, Ichon, Macrohon.
“If a person my age can still be physically fit and active, how much more the younger ones,” Baculanta was quoted by Philippine Information Agency (PIA) before he plunged into the water for the city's historic distance swim. “I just want people to exercise regularly, that’s the message I want to impart,” he added.
The adventurous exploit began at 8:02 in the morning on January 18, 2014, a Saturday.
The drizzly weather added more challenge as relentless rains brought by tropical depression “Agaton” almost cancelled the activity. But Baculanta pushed through with the ocean adventure escorted by the city rescue boat.
Baculanta estimated that he would cover the six kilometer distance in four hours. But instead went faster by finishing it in two hours, 20 minutes, 15 seconds.
And believe it or not, he learned how to swim only at the late age of 38. And 12 years later he realized his treasured dream.
Sabado, Hulyo 26, 2014
MAASIN NUTRITION PROGRAM
Our quest for national nutrition supremacy started when I was still still Vice Mayor and Damian Mercado was the City Mayor. We won our first Green Banner Award for the year 2004 when we topped the city category in the whole Eastern Visayas Region beating Tacloban and Ormoc.
Before the winning of the Green banner, our malnutrition rate was high at about 20%. When we started implementing our nutrition programs, malnutrition was 10.33% among pre-schoolers which was the lowest among cities in Region 8. We won the Green Banner for three consecutive years in 2004, 2005 and 2006 garnering the Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition (CROWN) award in the process.
The CROWN award was conferred by the National Nutrition Council (NNC) to a town, city or province that has been adjudged by the inter-agency regional nutrition evaluation team as outstanding in the region in the implementation of its nutrition action plan for three consecutive years.
When I became City Mayor in 2007 we continued winning our CROWN garnering our first maintenance award from no less than President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo at the Manila Hotel. Our malnutrition rate was 7.56% among pre-schooler children that time.
Then in the assessment for the 2008 accomplishments we faltered as we failed to get the passing mark during the national evaluation. It was the time when the abaca industry in Maasin was greatly affected by diseases like bungy top and alcoheres. There was also a long drought which affected our farmers. Our malnutrition slightly increased to 7.57% among pre-schooloers. Besides the barangays which were evaluated proved to be insufficient in their programs.
We were back to square one and competed again at the regional level garnering the Green Banner Award in the city category in 2009, 2010 and 2011. We emerged again as CROWN awardees and we returned to the national nutrition awarding ceremony. Malnutrition rate went down to 5.03% among pre-school kids in 2011.
I wanted to lower our malnutrition rate to a rate of 2%. The City Government needs the support of all stakeholders, considering we have a population of 86,000. We invested considerable amount for our nutrition programs. We worked hard not only for the awards, but for the future of our children and the city.
The villages with zero malnutrition are Canturing, Abgao and Cansirong. The city worked on perfecting the management of its nutrition program and ensuring further reduction of its malnutrition incidence from the prevailing 5.03 percent.
Also given focus was the formulation of a Barangay Nutrition Action Plan (BNAP) and strengthening of the Barangay Nutrition Committee (BNC), or its reactivation if non-functional or its organization if still nonexistent.
The functionality of the BNC is vital as it is responsible for formulating, managing, monitoring and evaluating the barangay nutrition action plan, generate and/or mobilize resources for the implementation of the projects under the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN); coordinate and integrate nutrition-related projects and activities of government and NGOs; and organize and mobilize the community to participate in nutrition projects.
At the grassroots level, a very helpful and practical function of the BNC is in the promotion of home, school, and community food production. Among the many things it could do would be distribution of seeds and seedlings, planting materials, fingerlings, goat, chicken, duck, etc. and in the establishment of demo- centers and nurseries.
At least 54 children, 0-71 months old are identified as recipients of the “adopt-a-child” program initiated by the city government of Maasin.
The target beneficiaries for the said program are severely underweight children and those previously severe but had minimal growth in weight kids.
In a launching activity of the said program at the city gymnasium, in my opening message I urged everyone including non-government organizations, private sector and the general public to help the city officials reach the goal towards zero malnutrition.
“The recipients can be increased depending on the sponsor,” I was referring to children not only 0-71 months old, but including all children below 18 years of age that needs to improve their nutritional status.
We are targeting the vision, "Good Nutrition – A way of life of the people of Maasin City."
I adopted 3 malnourished kids, while the city vice-mayor and the Sangguniang Panlungsod members pledged to adopt one each, the different city offices at one each office, and some identified NGOs and private individuals also vowed to participate.
There were 150 supplemental feeding days which started December 2, 2014. Each office or agency contributed P30.00 a day per adopted child, excluding Saturdays and Sundays to rehabilitate the identified malnourished children. Supplemental feeding was only once a day.
During the launching event, Cong. Damian G. Mercado, who was the guest, actively supported the said program, and was grateful for the gift of life and sparing the Southern Leyteños from typhoon Yolanda.
“A good dream for the welfare of the children start in the community,” he disclosed during his inspirational talk, adding that child development start during pregnancy, so pregnant mothers should begin to nourish their self to have a well-nourished new-born.
The activity showcased some identified recipients that are living along the city proper. They were fed after the launching and were given pair of slippers sponsored by Cong. Mercado along with his family and a "get-to-know" between the adopted child and their sponsor
During the national evaluation, Health Assistant Secretary Bernardita Flores lauded Maasin City as it continues to aim for a healthy and well-nourished citizenry for almost 12 years already.
Flores is also the executive director of the National Nutrition Council (NNC) and recently led the national team of evaluators who visited the city, as it vies for the National Honor Award (NHA), the highest award conferred to a local government unit.
The evaluators selected five villages for validation of their nutrition programs. There were three villages in the upland namely Pinaskohan, Laboon and Malapoc Norte while two urban villages were in Canturing and Ibarra.
Flores said that to get the National Honor Award, one has to get 98 per cent rating on overall nutrition program. The evaluators will also give 5 per cent bonus rating.
She said that the unity and the cooperation between the city, province and in the representative of the lower house chamber proves beneficial to Maasin City, because it gets all the support it needed in all its programs for a healthy citizenry.
She added that the support Maasin got from provincial Governor Roger Mercado and Representative Mercado is a big boost to the journey of Maasin towards excellence in implementing its nutrition program.
The journey towards the Nutrition Honor Award (NHA)is not a bed of roses, but my contention was that win or lose, the nutrition programs for the citizenry of Maasin City will continue.
For me, the award is just a bonus for our efforts, but our service to our constituents continues.
In 2004-2005 Maasin got its first Green Banner Awards. It was awarded during the incumbency of former mayor Mercado, under his MIAN (Management Inputs for Agricultural Networking) Project.
In 2006, it won its first CROWN Award (or Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner Nutrition Award). In 2007, it bagged the first CROWN Maintenance Award.
“In 2008, our best was not enough,” I said referring to the second CROWN maintenance award which the city did not covet that time.
In 2011 Maasin got the CROWN Award and in the year 2012 and 2013 they got the two consecutive years CROWN maintenance awards. It is the criteria for the selection who will vie for the highest nutrition award in the country.
Part of the national evaluation team were Ellen Ruth Abella, Serapio "Rap-Rap" Camarines, Joy Hermogenes. The three were from NNC and Jovita A. Kotuni of the Department of Agriculture.
“Our goal is to have a healthy and nourished citizenry not only in Maasin City but throughout Southern Leyte,” Cong. Damian G. Mercado disclosed in his opening message during the welcome program for the national nutrition evaluators held April 29, 2014 at the Maasin City College .
The Southern Leyte solon recalled how Maasin City attained the nutrition awards. “This is the prize of our efforts which started when I was still the local chief executive of Maasin,” he said referring to the numerous awards since he was still the mayor of Maasin, a municipality then, then became city mayor and was continuously supported by me.
The awards for Maasin for effective nutrition program implementation were mentioned such as the Green Banner Awards; Outstanding Municipality in the Region; Red Orchid Awards for three consecutive years which gained Maasin City the Hall of Fame for successfully implementing the anti-smoking campaign; Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition (CROWN), to name a few.
This year Maasin City will vie for the National Nutrition Honor Award, the highest nutrition award throughout the country for being consistently winning the CROWN Maintenance Award for two years from 2012-2013.
“Giving good services to the people is our top priority,” Cong. Mercado, formerly the mayor of Maasin and Governor of Southern Leyte disclosed adding that “our burning desire and unending commitment towards nutrition improvement for all Maasinhons is a continuing journey.”
He was grateful to me for continuously implementing the best nutrition practices, not to mention all other innovative programs concerning health and nutrition that were introduced by Samaco.
Other than Maasin City, LGUs vying for NHA are the Municipality of Lal-Lo, Cagayan in Region II and Ifugao Province in the Cordillera Administrative Region. These LGUs have shown efficient and effective management of its nutrition program for the past 5 years which resulted to low prevalence of underweight among its preschool and school-aged children, it was learned.
The national evaluators for the Nutrition Honor Award was led by Assistant Secretary for Health Maria-Bernardita T. Flores. They selected 5 barangays to be validated such as Pinascohan, Laboon, Malapoc Norte, Canturing and Ibarra. The evaluation started today, April 30 and will end May 2, 2014.
At least five barangays were randomly chosen by the national evaluating team for the Nutrition Honor Award (NHA) led by Assistant Secretary for Health and National Nutrition Council(NNC) Executive Director Maria-Bernardita T. Flores.
We welcomed the national validating team which arrived April 29, 2014 in a short program held at Maasin City College together with the members of the City Nutrition Committee headed by Nutrition Action Officer Dr. Francilisa I. Tan, Sangguniang Panglungsod members, among other concerned local officials and employees. The evaluation lasted until May 2, 2014.
The five barangays chosen by the validating team were Pinascohan, Laboon, Malapoc Norte, Canturing and Ibarra. The team will also visit mangrove areas, school’s hand washing facility, Maasin City nursery, to name a few.
During the presentation of Maasin City’s nutrition situation, I focused on the impact programs implemented by the city such as food production, food fortification, livelihood assistance, micronutrient supplementation, nutrition information, communication and education, promoting healthy lifestyle, nutrition in emergencies, adopt a malnourished child program, among others and it’s road to the national Nutrition Honor Award, as its target and goal for Maasin City.
“Nutrition has always been included in my priority programs,” I said showing the Maasin City’s 13-point agenda, “MALONEY SAMACO,” as Market and business improvement; Agricultural production; Livelihood assistance; Orderliness and peace; Nutrition and health services; Education for the masses; Youth empowerment; Sports excellence; Anti-illegal drug campaign; Mangrove and forest protection; Advocacy for tourism; Concreting and maintenance of roads; and Over-all barangay development.
I explained that the city government allocated funds for nutrition program for at least P1 million for the past 3 years and more than P1.4-M last year.
I eagerly shared the leading intervening factors such as the home, school food production, adopt a malnourished child, that bounces up the nutritional status in Maasin City.
I discussed also “Gulayan sa Paaralan” and "Magulay ang Bahay" programs which are the most effective intervention that helps in the recovery of malnutrition in the city for years.
The program yields the nutritious food which are just planted within the premises of the household and in the schools thus readily provides food for the hungry children and even give the farmers a means for livelihood, as well, he said when asked by Assistant Secretary Ma-Bernardita Flores during the partial assessment.
In the earlier years in its journey of winning staunches in nutrition programs implementation, then Municipal Mayor Damian Mercado and presently the Lone Representative of the province, allocated some P3.7 M funds for the food production activities in the 70 barangays of the city.
Food production activities such hog raising, chicken dispersal, goat raising, planting of vegetables, it also includes the procurement of mobile vans that carries the agricultural output of the farmers down to the market, among others.
Last year, the City Nutrition Committee appropriated some P70,000.00 for the procurement of vegetable seeds distributed among the 70 barangays and to those identified nutritionally depressed barangays will be receive more, he said.
On top of this, is another innovative activity which is the adopt a severely malnourished child that is gaining support in the community.
Starting from my adoption of three severely malnourished children, each for all the members of the Sangguniang Panglungsod, heads of the department of the city government and city hall employees follow suit. Then it was simultaneously replicated with the adoptions by the different sectors in the city like the fraternities, civil society organizations, religious groups, national line agencies and even down at the barangay level.
The program was launched on November 29, 2014 with 95 underweight and severely underweight children as recipients. Each child was allocated P30 per meal per day budget good for 150 days. The total amount involved was P437,500.00. On February 14, 2014, we had a Love Day for these children where we had a feeding program and gift giving at the City Gym.
In the year 2013, our underweight children were 4.14% in the city as compared to 26.4% in Eastern Visayas and 20.7% in the entire Philippines. Wasting or thinness is 1.8% in Maasin while it is 6.7% in Region 8 and 6.9% in the entire country. Stunting or low height for age is 10.2% in the city while it is 41.1% in the region and 32.3% in the whole country. Overweight children is only 0.71% as compared to 3.3% in the whole Philippines.
For school children, our rates were still way below the national and regional standards. In the school year 2013-2014, we had 92.61% normal, 5.16% wasted, 0.65% severely wasted, 1.2% above normal, and 0.34% obese.
The National Nutrition Council conferred the highest distinction in nutrition, the Nutrition Honor Award, to Maasin City together with the municipality of Lal-lo in Cagayan province in region 2, and the province of Ifugao in the Cordillera Administrative Region. According to the NNC, "Our LGUs have exemplified outstanding performance in nutrition program management as manifested by the continued reduction in the prevalence of undernutrition both among preschool and school children for six (6) consecutive years as validated by the inter-agency National Nutrition Evaluation Team." The City of Maasin and other nutrition champions each received a trophy and cash incentive of P1,000,000 during the 2014 National Nutrition Awarding Ceremony on October 21, 2014 at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City. Sixteen (16) other LGUs to be recognized during the awarding ceremony.
Before the winning of the Green banner, our malnutrition rate was high at about 20%. When we started implementing our nutrition programs, malnutrition was 10.33% among pre-schoolers which was the lowest among cities in Region 8. We won the Green Banner for three consecutive years in 2004, 2005 and 2006 garnering the Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition (CROWN) award in the process.
The CROWN award was conferred by the National Nutrition Council (NNC) to a town, city or province that has been adjudged by the inter-agency regional nutrition evaluation team as outstanding in the region in the implementation of its nutrition action plan for three consecutive years.
When I became City Mayor in 2007 we continued winning our CROWN garnering our first maintenance award from no less than President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo at the Manila Hotel. Our malnutrition rate was 7.56% among pre-schooler children that time.
Then in the assessment for the 2008 accomplishments we faltered as we failed to get the passing mark during the national evaluation. It was the time when the abaca industry in Maasin was greatly affected by diseases like bungy top and alcoheres. There was also a long drought which affected our farmers. Our malnutrition slightly increased to 7.57% among pre-schooloers. Besides the barangays which were evaluated proved to be insufficient in their programs.
We were back to square one and competed again at the regional level garnering the Green Banner Award in the city category in 2009, 2010 and 2011. We emerged again as CROWN awardees and we returned to the national nutrition awarding ceremony. Malnutrition rate went down to 5.03% among pre-school kids in 2011.
I wanted to lower our malnutrition rate to a rate of 2%. The City Government needs the support of all stakeholders, considering we have a population of 86,000. We invested considerable amount for our nutrition programs. We worked hard not only for the awards, but for the future of our children and the city.
The villages with zero malnutrition are Canturing, Abgao and Cansirong. The city worked on perfecting the management of its nutrition program and ensuring further reduction of its malnutrition incidence from the prevailing 5.03 percent.
Also given focus was the formulation of a Barangay Nutrition Action Plan (BNAP) and strengthening of the Barangay Nutrition Committee (BNC), or its reactivation if non-functional or its organization if still nonexistent.
The functionality of the BNC is vital as it is responsible for formulating, managing, monitoring and evaluating the barangay nutrition action plan, generate and/or mobilize resources for the implementation of the projects under the Philippine Plan of Action for Nutrition (PPAN); coordinate and integrate nutrition-related projects and activities of government and NGOs; and organize and mobilize the community to participate in nutrition projects.
At the grassroots level, a very helpful and practical function of the BNC is in the promotion of home, school, and community food production. Among the many things it could do would be distribution of seeds and seedlings, planting materials, fingerlings, goat, chicken, duck, etc. and in the establishment of demo- centers and nurseries.
At least 54 children, 0-71 months old are identified as recipients of the “adopt-a-child” program initiated by the city government of Maasin.
The target beneficiaries for the said program are severely underweight children and those previously severe but had minimal growth in weight kids.
In a launching activity of the said program at the city gymnasium, in my opening message I urged everyone including non-government organizations, private sector and the general public to help the city officials reach the goal towards zero malnutrition.
“The recipients can be increased depending on the sponsor,” I was referring to children not only 0-71 months old, but including all children below 18 years of age that needs to improve their nutritional status.
We are targeting the vision, "Good Nutrition – A way of life of the people of Maasin City."
I adopted 3 malnourished kids, while the city vice-mayor and the Sangguniang Panlungsod members pledged to adopt one each, the different city offices at one each office, and some identified NGOs and private individuals also vowed to participate.
There were 150 supplemental feeding days which started December 2, 2014. Each office or agency contributed P30.00 a day per adopted child, excluding Saturdays and Sundays to rehabilitate the identified malnourished children. Supplemental feeding was only once a day.
During the launching event, Cong. Damian G. Mercado, who was the guest, actively supported the said program, and was grateful for the gift of life and sparing the Southern Leyteños from typhoon Yolanda.
“A good dream for the welfare of the children start in the community,” he disclosed during his inspirational talk, adding that child development start during pregnancy, so pregnant mothers should begin to nourish their self to have a well-nourished new-born.
The activity showcased some identified recipients that are living along the city proper. They were fed after the launching and were given pair of slippers sponsored by Cong. Mercado along with his family and a "get-to-know" between the adopted child and their sponsor
During the national evaluation, Health Assistant Secretary Bernardita Flores lauded Maasin City as it continues to aim for a healthy and well-nourished citizenry for almost 12 years already.
Flores is also the executive director of the National Nutrition Council (NNC) and recently led the national team of evaluators who visited the city, as it vies for the National Honor Award (NHA), the highest award conferred to a local government unit.
The evaluators selected five villages for validation of their nutrition programs. There were three villages in the upland namely Pinaskohan, Laboon and Malapoc Norte while two urban villages were in Canturing and Ibarra.
Flores said that to get the National Honor Award, one has to get 98 per cent rating on overall nutrition program. The evaluators will also give 5 per cent bonus rating.
She said that the unity and the cooperation between the city, province and in the representative of the lower house chamber proves beneficial to Maasin City, because it gets all the support it needed in all its programs for a healthy citizenry.
She added that the support Maasin got from provincial Governor Roger Mercado and Representative Mercado is a big boost to the journey of Maasin towards excellence in implementing its nutrition program.
The journey towards the Nutrition Honor Award (NHA)is not a bed of roses, but my contention was that win or lose, the nutrition programs for the citizenry of Maasin City will continue.
For me, the award is just a bonus for our efforts, but our service to our constituents continues.
In 2004-2005 Maasin got its first Green Banner Awards. It was awarded during the incumbency of former mayor Mercado, under his MIAN (Management Inputs for Agricultural Networking) Project.
In 2006, it won its first CROWN Award (or Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner Nutrition Award). In 2007, it bagged the first CROWN Maintenance Award.
“In 2008, our best was not enough,” I said referring to the second CROWN maintenance award which the city did not covet that time.
In 2011 Maasin got the CROWN Award and in the year 2012 and 2013 they got the two consecutive years CROWN maintenance awards. It is the criteria for the selection who will vie for the highest nutrition award in the country.
Part of the national evaluation team were Ellen Ruth Abella, Serapio "Rap-Rap" Camarines, Joy Hermogenes. The three were from NNC and Jovita A. Kotuni of the Department of Agriculture.
“Our goal is to have a healthy and nourished citizenry not only in Maasin City but throughout Southern Leyte,” Cong. Damian G. Mercado disclosed in his opening message during the welcome program for the national nutrition evaluators held April 29, 2014 at the Maasin City College .
The Southern Leyte solon recalled how Maasin City attained the nutrition awards. “This is the prize of our efforts which started when I was still the local chief executive of Maasin,” he said referring to the numerous awards since he was still the mayor of Maasin, a municipality then, then became city mayor and was continuously supported by me.
The awards for Maasin for effective nutrition program implementation were mentioned such as the Green Banner Awards; Outstanding Municipality in the Region; Red Orchid Awards for three consecutive years which gained Maasin City the Hall of Fame for successfully implementing the anti-smoking campaign; Consistent Regional Outstanding Winner in Nutrition (CROWN), to name a few.
This year Maasin City will vie for the National Nutrition Honor Award, the highest nutrition award throughout the country for being consistently winning the CROWN Maintenance Award for two years from 2012-2013.
“Giving good services to the people is our top priority,” Cong. Mercado, formerly the mayor of Maasin and Governor of Southern Leyte disclosed adding that “our burning desire and unending commitment towards nutrition improvement for all Maasinhons is a continuing journey.”
He was grateful to me for continuously implementing the best nutrition practices, not to mention all other innovative programs concerning health and nutrition that were introduced by Samaco.
Other than Maasin City, LGUs vying for NHA are the Municipality of Lal-Lo, Cagayan in Region II and Ifugao Province in the Cordillera Administrative Region. These LGUs have shown efficient and effective management of its nutrition program for the past 5 years which resulted to low prevalence of underweight among its preschool and school-aged children, it was learned.
The national evaluators for the Nutrition Honor Award was led by Assistant Secretary for Health Maria-Bernardita T. Flores. They selected 5 barangays to be validated such as Pinascohan, Laboon, Malapoc Norte, Canturing and Ibarra. The evaluation started today, April 30 and will end May 2, 2014.
At least five barangays were randomly chosen by the national evaluating team for the Nutrition Honor Award (NHA) led by Assistant Secretary for Health and National Nutrition Council(NNC) Executive Director Maria-Bernardita T. Flores.
We welcomed the national validating team which arrived April 29, 2014 in a short program held at Maasin City College together with the members of the City Nutrition Committee headed by Nutrition Action Officer Dr. Francilisa I. Tan, Sangguniang Panglungsod members, among other concerned local officials and employees. The evaluation lasted until May 2, 2014.
The five barangays chosen by the validating team were Pinascohan, Laboon, Malapoc Norte, Canturing and Ibarra. The team will also visit mangrove areas, school’s hand washing facility, Maasin City nursery, to name a few.
During the presentation of Maasin City’s nutrition situation, I focused on the impact programs implemented by the city such as food production, food fortification, livelihood assistance, micronutrient supplementation, nutrition information, communication and education, promoting healthy lifestyle, nutrition in emergencies, adopt a malnourished child program, among others and it’s road to the national Nutrition Honor Award, as its target and goal for Maasin City.
“Nutrition has always been included in my priority programs,” I said showing the Maasin City’s 13-point agenda, “MALONEY SAMACO,” as Market and business improvement; Agricultural production; Livelihood assistance; Orderliness and peace; Nutrition and health services; Education for the masses; Youth empowerment; Sports excellence; Anti-illegal drug campaign; Mangrove and forest protection; Advocacy for tourism; Concreting and maintenance of roads; and Over-all barangay development.
I explained that the city government allocated funds for nutrition program for at least P1 million for the past 3 years and more than P1.4-M last year.
I eagerly shared the leading intervening factors such as the home, school food production, adopt a malnourished child, that bounces up the nutritional status in Maasin City.
I discussed also “Gulayan sa Paaralan” and "Magulay ang Bahay" programs which are the most effective intervention that helps in the recovery of malnutrition in the city for years.
The program yields the nutritious food which are just planted within the premises of the household and in the schools thus readily provides food for the hungry children and even give the farmers a means for livelihood, as well, he said when asked by Assistant Secretary Ma-Bernardita Flores during the partial assessment.
In the earlier years in its journey of winning staunches in nutrition programs implementation, then Municipal Mayor Damian Mercado and presently the Lone Representative of the province, allocated some P3.7 M funds for the food production activities in the 70 barangays of the city.
Food production activities such hog raising, chicken dispersal, goat raising, planting of vegetables, it also includes the procurement of mobile vans that carries the agricultural output of the farmers down to the market, among others.
Last year, the City Nutrition Committee appropriated some P70,000.00 for the procurement of vegetable seeds distributed among the 70 barangays and to those identified nutritionally depressed barangays will be receive more, he said.
On top of this, is another innovative activity which is the adopt a severely malnourished child that is gaining support in the community.
Starting from my adoption of three severely malnourished children, each for all the members of the Sangguniang Panglungsod, heads of the department of the city government and city hall employees follow suit. Then it was simultaneously replicated with the adoptions by the different sectors in the city like the fraternities, civil society organizations, religious groups, national line agencies and even down at the barangay level.
The program was launched on November 29, 2014 with 95 underweight and severely underweight children as recipients. Each child was allocated P30 per meal per day budget good for 150 days. The total amount involved was P437,500.00. On February 14, 2014, we had a Love Day for these children where we had a feeding program and gift giving at the City Gym.
In the year 2013, our underweight children were 4.14% in the city as compared to 26.4% in Eastern Visayas and 20.7% in the entire Philippines. Wasting or thinness is 1.8% in Maasin while it is 6.7% in Region 8 and 6.9% in the entire country. Stunting or low height for age is 10.2% in the city while it is 41.1% in the region and 32.3% in the whole country. Overweight children is only 0.71% as compared to 3.3% in the whole Philippines.
For school children, our rates were still way below the national and regional standards. In the school year 2013-2014, we had 92.61% normal, 5.16% wasted, 0.65% severely wasted, 1.2% above normal, and 0.34% obese.
The National Nutrition Council conferred the highest distinction in nutrition, the Nutrition Honor Award, to Maasin City together with the municipality of Lal-lo in Cagayan province in region 2, and the province of Ifugao in the Cordillera Administrative Region. According to the NNC, "Our LGUs have exemplified outstanding performance in nutrition program management as manifested by the continued reduction in the prevalence of undernutrition both among preschool and school children for six (6) consecutive years as validated by the inter-agency National Nutrition Evaluation Team." The City of Maasin and other nutrition champions each received a trophy and cash incentive of P1,000,000 during the 2014 National Nutrition Awarding Ceremony on October 21, 2014 at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay City. Sixteen (16) other LGUs to be recognized during the awarding ceremony.
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