VP Jejomar Binay and fellow scouting servants. Good morning!
Praise the Lord Almighty for this great honor and achievement. I thank the search committee for their unanimous decision voting me as Outstanding Council Chairman.
The Department of Education supported me through Division Superitindents Manuel Albaño and Arturo Isip, our former Supts. Genis Murallos, Peter Escobarte and Fiel Almendra, the district supervisors, school heads, teachers/adult leaders, the parents and the boys scouts themselves.
Most special thanks to OIC Scout Executive Christopher Roa and former Executive Alfredo Roa our Council Executive Board Members and of course Director Bienvinido Toledo.
I am also grateful to Cong. Damian Mercado, Gov. Roger Mercado and the Provincial Board and the Sangguniang Panlungsod led by City Vice Mayor Effie Abiera Sabandal, our barangays, and all our stakeholders.
Let me share some of my golden experiences in Scouting. My burning passion for Scouting made me what I am now. I was able to memorize the Scout Oath and Law at the age of four before kindergarten coached by my aunt who was a teacher in Merida, Leyte.
I was a boy scout since elementary days in Saint Joseph College in Maasin City. My first jamboree was the 6th Eastern Visayas Regional Jamborette in Sibulan, Negros Oriental.
I also joined the 6th National Jamboree in Camp Capitol Hills, Cebu City and we stayed at Subcamp Ancajas. We welcomed New Year 1978 full of revelry in the camp. The jamboree was also hit by a typhoon.
In my 4th year in high school, we helped organize the 1st Southern Leyte Provincial Jamborette in December 1978 worked as staff at Danao, Malapoc Norte. Fast forward to 2001 as Maasin City Vice Mayor I was first elected Southern Leyte Council Chairman.
I joined the following Jamborees together with our scouts: The 12th National Jamboree at Palo, Leyte, the 2nd National Scout Venture at Sorsogon City, the 12th Eastern Visayas Regional Jamborette at Cebu, the 13th National Jamboree at Mt. Makiling, the 3rd National Scout Venture at Cebu,the 4th National Rover Moot at Cabadbaran, the 2nd BIMP-EAGA Urban Jamboree at Davao City, the Centennial Jamboree at Mt. Makiling, the 4th National Scout Venture at Mambajao, Camiguin, the 5th National Rover Moot at Davao City, the 6th National Rover Moot at Tumauini, Isabela, the 2nd Border Jamboree at Zamboanga City,the 26th Asia-Pacific Jamboree at Mt. Makiling, the 14th National Diamond Jamboree at Mt. Makiling and the Phil. Scouting Centennial Jamboree at Cebu. I always give inspiration to our boys by being with them in these jamborees. I acted as subcamp chief in the 26th Asia-Pacific Jamboree and the National Diamond Jamboree.
We had established the annual Kab Olympics and Kid Holidays for the Kab and Kid Scouts. These Scouts converged to play games with their parents. We conducted the first Rover Vigil for college students. In Maasin City College, in which I am the School President, Rover Scouting is mandatory in the National Service Training Program.
We conducted Patrol Leaders' Training Course for scouts and Basic Training Course were held for adult leaders all throughout Southern Leyte. We conducted advancement camp every summer and skills competition every October. I personally give lectures during these trainings.
My three sons - Mallory, Marton and Marlon Samaco - became Eagle Scouts. Five of them became the first Eagle Scouts of So. Leyte and I was their personal Scoutmaster.
Maasin City and Southern Leyte Council hosted the 13th EVR Regional Jamborette in 2008. The first time a regional boy scouts activity was conducted in the province.We again hosted the 7th National Rover Moot and the 1st One Visayas Jamborette simultaneously in 2010. Again it was the first time the province hosted such big activities.
We intend to host the next Scout Venture in our newly improved 320-hectare Camp Danao and City Forest Park now with a City Zoo.
In 2009, I was elected Regional Chairman for Eastern Visayas Region. The Regional Scout Committee meeting was held in Maasin City. I was reelected during the regional elections in 2010 at Siquijor and again reelected in 2011 at Northern Samar. Other regional meetings I presided were held in Cebu City and Naval, Biliran.
Before that I attended majority of the Regional Key3 Scout Conferences. As Regional Chairman, the Regional Scout Committee was able to establish two new councils. These are the Tacloban City Council and the Siquijor Council. I also lobbied for their approval at the national level.
I became an automatic member of the National Executive Board. I attended board meetings and Annual National Council Meetings such as those in Manila, Cebu, Iloilo, Makati, Tagaytay, Makiling and Zamboanga. I had several occasions of meeting Vice President and BSP National President Jejomar Binay. Every time we met BSP President Binay called me giant killer because when I was incumbent Vice Mayor I defeated a giant when I first ran as City Mayor in 2007 and repeated it two more times.
In 2012, I decided to relinquish my position to DepEd Regional Director Luisa Bautista Yu for more support from the Education Department. I slide down to Regional Vice Chairman.
As Regional Chairman I hosted the woodbadge training for troop leaders in Maasin in 2009 where I was a trainee. It was ATC-TL No. 09-310. It was participated in by adult leaders from the entire region. Probably I was the only incumbent local chief executive and council chairman and regional chairman in the entire country who participated in a training so rigid and humiliating as the woodbadge for troop leaders. During that time, I was not treated as mayor but as an ordinary adult leader. We cooked our own food, slept in tents, hiked, jogged, swam the muddy lake, went through obstacles and undergone training through sleepless nights for eight days.
In 2012, we conducted again a woodbadge training for troop leaders for Eastern Visayas region at Camp Danao, Maasin City. That was ATC-TL No. 12-333. This time my wife Chona joined the training and survived the eight days without adequate sleep. Thus the two of us and our three sons became one Scouting family.
I also finished my Course for Managers of Learning CML 14-043 last year at Maasin City College. I will take up my Course for Managers of Training as soon as possible.
We also recruited street children to our Neighborhood Scouting program. These twenty-two boys were out-of-school youth and they were called bakal boys because they steal iron and steel for selling to junk yards. Sixteen of them survived the training and had joined a regional and two national jamborees all expenses paid by the council. They stopped their theft and planted vegetables at the backyard of the BSP office to earn money. These boys were enrolled in the Alternative Learning System of the Department of Education. They graduated on December 2011 and they are now employed.
BSP is a member of the CDRRMC and some adult leaders are also members of the City Rescue Team which conducted retrieval of cadavers in Tacloban after Yolanda. They also assisted in maintaining order during Pope Francis visit to Tacloban.
I'm very glad that I am very much a part of the scouting history in Southern Leyte and all throughout the country. My being a scout inspired me to attend flag ceremonies every Monday at the City Hall since I was a Vice Mayor up to the present.
On my honor, I did my best to do my duty to God and my country the Republic of the Philippines. Sa scouting may tagumpay at talagang gaganda ang buhay!
Daghan Kaayong Salamat!
Sabado, Mayo 23, 2015
Miyerkules, Pebrero 25, 2015
SPORTY MAYOR
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!
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!
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.
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