MAASINHON TRIO WINS PGT3

MAASINHION TRIO WINS PGT3

It was like a dream come true and a mission impossible becoming possible.  Winning a nationwide talent search contest using popularity votes over contestants coming from thickly populated provinces and cities is just like a dog barking at the moon.

Maasin City was able to show its solidarity and strength as a small city with a big heart by proving to the nation and the world that we can succeed against all odds.  The capital city also motivated the interest of other towns of Southern Leyte and all other towns of the Diocese of Maasin up to Baybay, Leyte.

The Maasinhon Trio of Andrew Sanchez, Licinio Lolo and Bonifacio Salubre tried out for the ABS-CBN Pilipinas Got Talent.  During the audition, they sang the famous Hadji Alejandro song Kay Ganda ng Ating Musika.  Blending three voices together to produce a sweet melody plus live rendition of a hymn depicting the beauty of the Original Pilipino Music (OPM), convinced the three judges Kris Aquino, Aiai de las Alas, and Freddie M. Garcia (FMG).

“Yes, yes, yes” were the votes of the three jurors which gave the famous triumvirate a slot in the next phase called “The Judges’ Cull.” There were 187 talents from all over the country who entered the next round.  But the judges had to select 36 semi-finalists only, 12 from each of Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. 

The Maasinhon Trio was informed of the good news by FMG in Cebu City in a karaoke bar where they were singing.  They were surprised to see the ABS-CBN chief talent scout who joined them in their singing spree and congratulated them for entering the semi-finals.

There were six batches of semi-finals, and the Trio was scheduled to perform in the fifth week on October 8, 2011 together with Wushu Discovery, Jeziel Dimagna-ong, Negros Dance Superstars, Philippine Dubstep, and Renagine Pepito.

They performed the famous Sharon Cuneta song Bituing Walang Ningning, giving emphasis to the melodious blending of their voices.  The three judges gave optimistic comments on the Trio’s rendering of the song.  If they will top the text and online voting of their batch, they don’t have to undergo the judges’ choice and will automatically join the finals.  

Before the semi-finals, the Trio toured around Southern Leyte including western Leyte especially the campuses to campaign for text votes.  We let them use our city bus and accompanied by some city hall employees.

They also visited parish priests asking for support from the church.  The Trio originally did some songs in the churches during masses and weddings.  At the start there were four of them, a quartet including Father Dodong Cordovez.

City hall employees including provincial employees, students and the general public converged at the City Gym to text for the Maasin City triumvirate.  Other municipalities were also doing their text brigades.  There is one common goal, to let Maasinhon Trio enter the finals so that Maasin City, Southern Leyte will be known nationwide.

On October 9, 2011, the text and online voting results was announced, Maasinhon Trio
 topped the voting by a mile, garnering 52.33%.  Renagine Pepito got 20.99% and also got the Judges’ choice to join the Grand Finals with the Trio.  Jeziel Dimagna-ong had 14.60%, Negros Dance Superstars 6.57%, Philippine Dubstep 6.57% and Wushu Discovery 1.19%.

The next weekend, during the sixth and final batch of semi-finalists’ performance, Justine Bevier-look-alike Khalil Joseph Ramos got 53.2%.  Ramos got a slightly higher percentage of votes than the Trio.  Surely he was a threat to us, since the teenage singing sensation from Paranaque City has the looks, the voice and the influence to win the Grand Finals.  Plus he had the sympathy of the youth and the domicile of a highly urbanized city and Metro Manila.

During the Grand Finals, the Trio sang Basil Valdez song Nais Ko.  They were the second performer behind the first one El Gamma Penumbra, the theater group from Laguna who depicted tourism spots through their shadows.  We had a public showing using big screen at the public stage at the city hall as we gathered around to support our own talents.

The next day was the gathering again at the City Gym by city, provincial and national employees, private sector and non-government organizations, students and teachers and the general public.  This time, the business sector assisted us.  The barangay officials too prodded their constituents to help in the text votes.

The Liga ng mga Barangay campaigned among the barangay folks.  The Barangay Councilors’ League also worked on the kagawads to
 support the texting for the Trio.  The Sangguniang Kabataan also showed their votes through texting especially the students. 

Teachers and DepEd family all throughout the province were also united to give Maasinhon Trio the needed boost.  The Mayors of Southern Leyte enjoined their constituents to give all our support to the voting for the triumvirate.    

Parish priests also supported including religious organizations.  We also campaigned all firemen throughout the country to support Bonie Salubre, himself a fireman.  Likewise Southern Leyte Electric Cooperative, Inc. (SOLECO) lobbied from the Association of Philippine Electric Cooperatives to support their employee Andrew Sanchez.  Licinio Lolo worked at the Provincial Capitol where Gov.
 Damian Mercado and Cong. Roger Mercado threw all their support.  

Each spent his own money in texting or buying vote cards just to show to the whole country and to the whole world that we were united in giving the much needed vote for the Trio.

Maasin Cable Television kept showing the performances of the Maasinhon Trio on the community channel to campaign for more text votes.  Maasinhons and Southern Leytenos all over the country and those of the foreign countries texted their votes and threw their support through online voting. 

At 4:00 P.M. that Sunday, there were several vote cards arriving at the City Hall contributed by the barangay people and from the private
 sector.  We mobilized our encoders to vote using these cards online.  Up to the last minute when voting had to be stopped, votes for the Trio kept counting. 

But we could not determine who was leading at that time.  All we know that the number one contestant’s votes were still increasing, but the number two contestant’s votes were also fast catching up, as flashed on TV.  From 24-16% lead, the percentage went to 23-17% and the second spot kept trying to grab the lead. 

Finally, hosts Luis Manzano and Billy Crawford declared that the voting has officially ended.  Frankly, I was thinking that we were at number two, because of Khalil’s fame and influence.

Then came the announcement of the results by the judges.  The top three winners were declared and Maasinhon Trio was called!  It was followed by Khalil Joseph Ramos then the Bringas Brothers.      

Then the official results were proclaimed.  Third place went to Bringas Brothers.  It was even more exciting this time.  Then the grand winner has to be called and Kris handed over the result to FMG for him to read.  Then FMG announced the grand winner for PGT3.  Maasinhon Trio!

Shouts and cries broke all over Maasin City and all over the province and the diocese.  The impossible happened.  We beat all the odds!  We had a celebration at the city hall.  Beer and red wine
 flowed.  Cheers for Maasinhon trio! Cheers for Maasin City!  Cheers for Diocese of Maasin!  Cheers for Southern Leyte!

They could not believe they won and off stage they were hugged and kissed by their respective wives and children.  Members of the Maasinhon sa Metro Manila gathered around them to congratulate the Trio for their rousing victory.

The Pride of Maasin City became PGT's first winner from the South as the first two champions Jovit Baldivino and Marcelito Pomoy both came from Luzon.

Maasinhon Trio harvested 22.59% of the votes, while Khalil got 18.64%.  Bringas Brothers collected 14.03% of the votes.  The rest came in this order:  El Gamma Penumbra 8.05%, Synergy 7.27%, Sandugo Band 6.91%, Twin Divas 5.26%, Renagine Pepito 5.08%, Loverkada Kids 4.66%, Muriel Lomadilla 3.56%, Kiriko 2.52%, Lucky Twins 1.43%.  The Trio romped away with the P 2,000,000 grand prize. 

It was reported that there were few cheers in the Ynares Center in Antipolo City where the finals was held when the Maasinhon Trio won.  Most of those who were around were either fans of Khalil or El Gamma. 

The victory of the Trio resulted in a big controversy.  Those who favored Khalil could not accept that their idol did not get the top prize.  Supporters of El Gamma Penumbra and other contestants brought their sentiments over Facebook and all over the net.

Criticisms like Maasinhon Trio were old already, PGT winners were limited to singing and other talents were not given the chance to win, and compulsory vote among people of Maasin City and Southern Leyte.  They were trending in the internet, particularly on Facebook.

Licinio, 44, Andrew, 40, and Bonifacio, 38 at that time, said they first felt uncomfortable competing against younger opponents in PGT3.  But they have been singing together for 18 years and they gained self-confidence with that experience.

The contention of Maasinhon Trio fans is if you want your contestant to win, you should support them all the way and do all your best to vote using texting and online voting.

Khalil is one superstar potential because of his cute personality.  El Gamma Penumbra had a very creative performance in their shadow based portrayal of Philippine tourist spots.  All finalists were excellent performers.  But the winner had to be decided by voting.  

In her TV program “Kris TV,” Presidential sister Kris Aquino attributed the success of the Trio to the “leadership and unity” in Maasin City and Southern Leyte.  

The Freemantle Media, the producer of PGT, and Got Talent International defended Maasinhon Trio against these criticisms and articulated that there were no rules being violated and confirmed the win of the Trio as legitimate.

It posted this statement on The Buzz:  “Freemantle Media, one of the largest creators and producers of entertainment brands in the world, congratulates the Maasinhon Trio on winning the third series of ‘Pilipinas Got Talent.’ The Maasinhon Trio received the most votes in the final of the competition on 24th October 2011.” 

The statement further said, “ABS-CBN followed the voting mechanisms as required by the format guidelines provided by Freemantle Media.  The public vote is the sole determinant of the winner of ‘Pilipinas Got Talent.’ The judges’ role is to provide comment and advise to the contestants; and the voting mechanisms are similar to ones followed in other ‘Got Talent’ territories. The results were independently audited by Sycip, Gorres, Velayo and company (SGV & Co.).” PGT business unit head Alou Almaden said, “The rule of the program… and this is the international worldwide practice, is that, the winner is determined by texting and online votes. And I think that we really have to respect that.” 

I was interviewed in the same edition of the Sunday TV program The Buzz.  I declared that I campaigned vigorously all over Maasin City for all the people to support the Maasin pride.  I just wanted to make our city known for tourism purposes and for economic benefits.

“Nanawagan ako sa mga tao, magtext tayo, bibili tayo ng vote cards para makaboto sa Maasinhon Trio. Nagkampanya lang po tayo. Ang atin lang ma-inspire, mai-promote ang Maasin City for tourism
 purposes,” was my answer.

Licinio, Bonifacio and Andrew expressed their sentiment during the said program, saying they respected the people’s opinions.  They just showed their best so the fans voted for them.  And they reasoned out that all the 12 finalists were simply excellent performers. 

“Sa mga bumabatikos, wala kaming hinanakit sa inyo dahil opinyon niyo iyan. Nirerespeto namin ang opinyon niyo. Ang challenge sa aming tatlo, ipapakita namin kung ano ang mayroon kami,” said Andrew Sanchez.

The Trio became guests in practically all programs of ABS-CBN like ASAP Rocks, Happy Yepey Yehey, Showtime, Umagang Kay Ganda, Entertainment Live, The Buzz, Gandang Gabi Vice, Kris TV and Kitchen Musical.  

Most of the critics won’t be satisfied because they had their own favorite contestants.  As the popular saying goes, it is very hard to please everybody.  But the Maasinhons from all over the country and all over the world were very proud that Maasin City was placed on the map of the Philippine entertainment industry.

The prize they received amounted to the net amount of P1.6 million because of tax deduction.  They gave P200,000 to the church for the carillon bell project of the cathedral,  so they divided the remaining P1.4 million among themselves. 

When they came home during the All Souls’ Day Celebration, we held a Grand Welcome including a thanksgiving mass, motorcade, and program and party at the plaza.  Even if it rained, the weather did not prevent the crowd from trooping to the plaza for the free concert of the Trio. 

Thousands joined us in the big celebration, with hundreds of vehicles lining up during the motorcade.  Everyone of us showed our unequivocal support to the Maasinhon Trio whom we considered as our pride in the field of Filipino music.                                       

Maasinhon Trio’s self-titled debut album was launched on July 21, 2013 on ABS-CBN'S ASAP18.  Produced by Star Records and assisted by Maasinhons sa Metro Manila Inc., the album contained classic Pinoy love songs including "Kahit Isang Saglit," "Sana’y Ikaw Na Nga," "Hanggang," a medley of Rey Valera songs ("Kahit Maputi Na Ang Buhok Ko," "Kumusta Ka," "Pangako Sa’ Yo"), and their carrier single "Patuloy Ang Pangarap."

We attended ASAP live during the launching of the album and it was our first experience coming to ABS-CBN and joining the audience watching the famous noontime weekend show.  Maasinhon Trio sang their songs and advertised their CD in the famous show viewed internationally through The Filipino Channel.

They also guested the following day in the morning show Umagang Kay Ganda to also promote their CD album.

The Maasinhon Trio sang during our Silver Wedding on June 18, 2013.

ROAD TO MAYORSHIP

ROAD TO MAYORSHIP 


Not all those who dreamed of becoming Mayor were successful.  The position of the chief executive of a town and even more of a city entails a lot of sacrifice and hard work.  Winning a mayoralty race plus performing beyond the expectations of your constituents, are big challenges faced by those who are in the much sought position.      

I was a reluctant candidate for City Mayor of Maasin, though I was with the municipality and the city government as an elected official for quite a long time.  But the thought of becoming a Mayor was very far from my mind.  I may have the competence and experience.  But the mayoralty candidacy entails a lot of financial resources which I don’t have.

From councilor to vice mayor to mayor; changing function from legislative to executive.  I traveled the path to being a local chief executive, with the manner a famous song goes, “I did it my way.” 

When the 2007 election was nearing, the Lakas mayors were endorsing Mayor Damian Mercado to run as Governor of Southern Leyte.  Mian and Rosette Lerias were both in their last terms as Mayor and Governor, respectively.  Congressman Roger Mercado was still in his first term as Representative.

So there were series of meetings called to settle the conflict between the two political clans.  The Lerias camp wanted Rosette’s daughter Dundeet would be the coalition’s candidate for Governor, while Oging and Mian would exchange positions as Mayor and Congressman.

The Mercado camp countered that Rosette and Mian would instead change places as Mayor and Governor, respectively.  Rosette said she was not interested in running as Maasin City Mayor.

Oging proposed that he would sacrifice and would slide down to the position of City Mayor to accommodate Rosette as Congressman and Mian as Governor.

Rosette was persistent at holding the Capitol for the Lerias family.  Her loyal supporters cited sentimental reasons that it was her father who created the province and her mother was its longest serving governor.  

Mian countered that he was not interested at running for Congress and proposed that Oging and Rosette would change places as Congressman and Governor and that he would not run for any position.  The Lerias camp did not agree to the proposal.

The group of mayors brought the case to Speaker Jose de Venecia, Jr. at the House of Representatives.  The conflict was not settled and we elevated the dispute to Malacañang where we were heard by Political Affairs Secretary Gabriel Claudio, but to no avail.

The matter was brought to Bishop Precioso Cantillas together with the presence of all municipal mayors of the province.  The bishop tried to presrve the unity of the coalition and exhausted all means of amicable settlement.  Still no solution was arrived at. 

So the Lakas-NPC coalition broke and the Lakas Party agreed that Oging will run for reelection as Congressman while Mian will run as Governor.  Over at NPC, Engr. Robert Castañares who was a Liberal Party (LP) candidate for Congressman was also adopted by the party.  Dundeet Lerias was the official candidate for Governor while Rosette Lerias was the candidate for City Mayor.

The Lakas Party is now finding a candidate who can face Rosette for the mayorship.  The sister of Oging and Mian, Emily Mercado was considered.  But she was not interested of the position.  The party had no other logical candidate to field for the mayoralty election.  The barangay captains endorsed me.

At first, I was not really interested at running for City Mayor.  I was considered by Mian for the vice governorship or Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member.    But the turnout of events resulted in my filing the certificate of candidacy for City Mayor.  

The Governor running as Mayor seemed to be the strong choice against the Vice Mayor who ran as Mayor.  I called it a “David and Goliath encounter.”  Rosette had more than 20 years of political experience under her aside from being the daughter of former Speaker Nicanor Yñiguez and former Governor Salvacion Yñiguez.  While in our family, I was the only politician.

She was Governor for three terms and was once a Congressman of the Lone District of Southern Leyte.  She was also the incumbent Regional Development Council Chairman and Regional Peace and Order Chairman.  In other words she had the control of all government offices through the regional directors and the Philippine National Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines. 

Never in my wildest dreams had I ever thought of one day facing one-on-one a political giant and a descendant of the famed Oppus clan of Southern Leyte.  Political detractors considered me as nothing compared to the status of my
 political opponent for City Mayor.  Plus I don’t have the financial war chest to face the more established resources of the Governor.

I thought of a “nothing to lose and everything to gain” situation in this election.  If I lose, my head will still be held high as my opponent was the incumbent Governor.  But if I win, it will be a big political success for me.  I had the backing of 63 of the 70 Barangay Captains of Maasin City.  Only the Chairmen of Barangays Acasia, Bactul 1, Isagani, Mambajao, Maria Clara,  Nonok Sur and San Jose.  Plus the support of the Congressman and incumbent City Mayor running for governor gave me added mileage.

Other important contributing factors were I was born, raised and educated in Maasin from kindergarten to master’s degree.  I worked all my professional years in Maasin also.  The family name Samaco is purely of Maasin origin while in contrast, theirs is not.

The Governor had the issue of the mishandling of the relief goods and funds for the landslide victims at Guinsaugon, Saint Bernard.  She categorically denied this through and through.  Plus the issue on her inability to deliver projects for the barangays in Maasin, which Mayor Mercado and myself had built during our three terms. 

They accused me also of being a “puppy” of the Mercados.  That I would also bow down to the whims of the Congressman and Mayor.  My answer to that was unity, solidarity and teamwork, the Congressman's motto, would fast track development. 

My 15 years of serving exclusively for Maasin, then a town now a city, worked also to my advantage.  While Lerias’ coverage was provincewide and she preferred to give her pet projects to Sogod Bay, Pacific and Panaon Areas and not to Maasin, citing the reason that Maasin has a bigger internal revenue allotment.

I campaigned vigorously in the 70 barangays including big puroks and sitios.  Surveys were almost even.  Rosette leads in the poblacion area and I was equally strong in the rural areas.  Betting was very rampant and all in all the total gamble could reach a million pesos The mayoral contest was conceived as a very close fight.    

May 11, 2007.  Election Day.  I voted with my wife Chona at our precinct in Barangay Tunga-tunga.  I was prepared for any eventuality and had learned to condition myself that if I lose, I would still be
 proud of myself. 

Voting was very intense in the mayoralty contest.  Information on vote buying even up to the time when voters lined up at the precincts were reported.  There were heated arguments among supporters almost everywhere.  An incident happened at Barangay Lunas where our barangay captain and her principal-wife were harassed. 

The counting was even more heated.  As expected, Rosette led in the poblacion barangays while I got more votes in the rural barangays.  The results were unpredictable even from the start of the counting at 3:00 P.M.

The next day at about 4:00 A.M., news broke that I was already winning as City Mayor!  Many leaders
 visited me at home to congratulate me and I had no sleep entertaining them.  I preferred to stay at home but later went to the residence of Cong. Mercado when reports reached us that he was still about even with his opponent though he was very much ahead in Maasin.  Later we learned that the Congressman was reelected.

But security told me that the supporters of my opponent would not about to accept defeat.  Citing the manipulating of the results by teachers, many demonstrators trooped to the plaza facing the city hall posting placards denouncing the alleged cheating of the mayoral elections.  Their barkers were shouting at us using megaphones.

These protestors wanted to prevent my proclamation.  So we positioned a firetruck and a barricade of city employees in front of the city hall if in case they would storm into the area where the counting was done and where the imminent proclamation would happen.        

The situation was very tense.  I had enough courage to face my detractors, but security told me to just stay inside my vice mayor’s office.  The rallyists converged at the Rizal monument at the plaza facing the city hall. 

Tension arouse as we had not been proclaimed yet.  Because if a candidate is already proclaimed as winner, it would be very complicated to file a protest in the COMELEC and it would entail a lot of expenses.  

Rosette showed up at the protestors and
 reportedly pacified the group resulting in their dispersal after two days of rallying.  She later conceded defeat in the polls. 

The final tally showed:  Samaco, Maloney L. 18,105; Lerias, Rosette Y. 17,207.  My winning margin was a slim 898 votes.  But in the NAMFREL tally, I was ahead by 1,015 votes.  The NPC legal counsel could not find any irregularity in their copy of the certificates of canvass as compared to the COMELEC copies.  It paved the way for my proclamation.

There was a huge crowd in front of the city hall, this time they were my supporters.  Gone were the protestors.  I thanked everybody for the support and vowed to work for the improvement of the city and the continuation of the programs started by now governor-elect Damian Mercado.

My first term is not without political intrigues.  After I took my oath of office, cynics said that I could not finish my term and that I will only be up to the month of August because my opponent would take over.  My supporters just laughed it out because the former Governor did not file an electoral protest at the COMELEC.

Then rumors again circulated that I would only be up to the end of 2007 as my opponent would take over and many other related gossips.  But I was able to finish my term in 2010 and was reelected.

A retired Major General of the Philippine Army and Philippine Military Academy alumnus was urged by the opposition to run as mayor against
 me.  But he did not push through his candidacy citing family reasons in the United States. 

There was also a misinformation from them that I would not be allowed to run for reelection by the Mercado brothers, but instead will be taken to run as Vice Governor, as the Congressman’s son Liga ng mga Barangay President Nacional Mercado will allegedly be the candidate for City Mayor. 

But again detractors were proven wrong as I filed my candidacy for reelection as City Mayor as official candidate for Lakas-Kampi-CMD.    

Again Rosette filed candidacy to challenge me in the mayoral election in 2010.  She hurled a major issue of high prices of commodities, berating my slogan “Maasin Atong Siyudad Atong Mahalon.”  Giving it another meaning that because of the slogan, prices went up uncontrollably.  They accused this as the cause of the people’s poverty.

But people were wise enough to understand that high prices resulted from the rising fuel prices and it’s a worldwide phenomenon, not only in Maasin.  Out of the 70 Barangay Captains, 69 supported me in the first automated elections of the country.  Only the village chief of Lonoy was on their side.   

I was accused of not giving permit to Liberal Party Candidates Noynoy Aquino and Mar Roxas to stage a rally at the City Gym when they arrived in Maasin.  But actually the Gym was already booked by a non-government organization for Noynoy called Pilipinas Natin.  We gave them the permit for the city stage but their local candidates wanted to make it more dramatic by holding the rally in front of the cathedral, trying to win the sympathy of the voters.

The national candidates especially Mar Roxas got mad at me and City Administrator Atty. Feorillo Demeterio, Jr.  But he was later informed by LP Southern Leyte chairman Engr. Castañares of the real incident.  He apologized later through his staff.

Engr. Castañares spoke during our meting de avance.  He disclosed the real happening and was able to explain the real scenario of what happened during the LP rally.  The LP Southern Leyte Chairman endorsed my candidacy together with Gov. Mercado and Cong. Mercado as adopted LP candidates.  During the elections, Noynoy and Mar won in Maasin and Southern Leyte.     
     
The final tally of the 2010 mayoral race showed:  Samaco, Maloney L.  26,561; Lerias, Rosette Y.  13,798; the winning margin was 12,763 votes.  I won by a landslide and convincingly our whole Lakas-Kampi ticket won from Congressman down to all City Councilors.  They accused us of vote buying but most people just laughed it off.

Our proclamation was delayed because of the damage of the flash cards of the Precinct Count Optical Scan (PCOS) machine resulting to the interruption of the counting of the two remaining precincts.  With the arrival of two new flash cards two days later, we were finally proclaimed close to midnight.  

It was the hitch of automation as we could have been proclaimed earlier if the counting was done manually.  But nevertheless all’s well that ends well and we were ready to serve our second term of office.

Then the elections for 2013 came.  Oging had served his last term as Congressman and was looking for another position to run.  Mian, who had one term left as Governor, was ready to join the Liberal Party, the party of Pres. Aquino, upon the invitation of LP stalwarts, most notably Occidental Mindoro Gov. Alfonso Umali.

Dundeet Lerias became the LP Chairman for Southern Leyte replacing Atty. Rico Rentuza, the incumbent mayor of St. Bernard who was the highest ranking LP elected official that time.

Dundeet worked closely with DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo in the "Kaya Natin Movement."  She became the Congressional bet for the dominant party as a result.

On the other hand, Oging had joined the newly-formed National Unity Party (NUP) as Secretary General of more than thirty congressmen and some governors and mayors with Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, Jr. as honorary chairman.  It was supported by Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa.

An LP Dundeet for Congressman and Mian for Governor ticket was about to be launched. However Mian had to consult the mayors of So. Leyte of such a move.  The mayors, vice mayors, councilors, barangay officials and sangguniang kabataan officials already signed a petition endorsing Mian for Congressman and Oging for Governor.

There were conflicts in the allocation of LP slots in the city and municipalities.  They want to replace some incumbent mayors affiliated with the Mercados who could still run with their original LP party mates.  A 50-50 sharing in the council by Mercado and Lerias candidates was also proposed by LP which incumbent councilors readily opposed.

In Maasin City, I was considered as their mayoralty candidate if the merger would push through.  I would  have run unopposed.  But they had plans of getting five slots for city councilors and the position of Vice Mayor Effie Sabandal for their LP party mates.

If in case the proposed LP oath taking did push through, I was willing to offer my mayoralty to Oging had he decided to run for City Mayor and I intended to slide to the vice mayoralty position with Vice Mayor Sabandal running as councilor.

But our barangay captains signed a petition endorsing me as their City Mayor candidate and Effie as their City Vice Mayor candidate for the 2013 elections.  They cited continuity of programs and harmony in the city hall as the main reason.

The failure of Sec. Robredo to attend as guest speaker during the 12th Maasin City Charter Day Celebration on August 10, 2012 added fuel to the volatile political situation.  The Mercado supporters were about to take oath as LP members but were prevented to do so.  Eight days later on August 18, 2012, Sec. Robredo died of a plane crash.

The Mercado group took oath of membership with the NUP during the first national convention on September 26, 2012 at Sofitel Philippine Plaza, Pasay City.  Our NUP So. Leyte chapter committed to support the Team Pnoy senatorial slate with the arrangement that the LP would declare Southern Leyte as a free zone.

For the third time, I faced Rosette, the LP official candidate for the city mayoralty contest.  Inspite of
our ticket NUP campaigning for the Team Pnoy
senatorial candidates, President Aquino came to Maasin personally endorsing Rosette "as the next mayor of Maasin City."

"Huwag po nating kalimutan, ang susunod na mayor ng Maasin City, si Manay Rosette Lerias. Taglay po, ng atin pong Manang, ang pusong laging nakatuon sa serbisyo; sigurado po, bilang dating gobernador, tiyak na itutuloy niya ang pagpapaangat ng antas ng buhay ng mga Southern Leyteño—tututukan niya rin ang edukasyon, kalusugan, at lilikha ng matibay na ugnayan upang sabay-sabay na tumulak tungo sa kaunlaran ang inyong lalawigan," said President Aquino during his endorsement.

Mar Roxas, the apparent LP standard bearer became the new DILG Secretary also came to Maasin. They had the support of Philippine National Police as one week before election the City Chief of Police was replaced. He was forced to take a sick leave and an ally of them was installed to take over.  Our leaders were followed anywhere by the PNP upon instructions by LP to confiscate our funds.

The LP team used the Pantawid ng Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4P's) in their campaign alleging that the DSWD will course the additional beneficiaries through the LP.  They listed voters who would want to avail of the monthly subsidy through the DSWD and let them fill up forms with the pictures of the LP major candidates at the second sheet.  They threatened those existing 4P's beneficiaries who would not vote for LP candidates alleging that they will be phased out from the program because they have connections with Malacañang.

When the President came he warned of candidates using the 4P's for their political propaganda.  "Sa aking pananaw kasi, itong mga nagsasabing tatanggalin kayo sa programang ito, may ‘k’ sila. Pero hindi ho karapatan, meron ho silang ‘k’ na kakapalan. Kung gusto ho niyong simpleng sagutan na lang ho dyan, pag meron hong nanakot sa inyo ha, mga kababayan natin—meron raw hong mga sa upland areas yata niyo hindi man napababa ‘tong araw na ‘to, pakisabi na lang sa kanila—pag sila tinakot, ito ang sasabihin nila: Number one, kung saka sakaling kaya niyo kaming tanggalin, paano niyo kami tatanggalin sa programang yan eh malapit na ang eleksyon, kayo muna tatanggalin namin. Pangalawa, kung takutin pa kayo, ipaalam lang niyo sa akin, ako na ang bahala," PNoy said.

They also enticed the voters of the funds through the National Anti-Poverty Commission citing that we the incumbent officials could not give it to our constituents because we were not the official lineup of the president.

There were four Barangay Captains who were not with us during the elections, that of Dongon, Ibarra, Lonoy and Mantahan.  All the other 67 chairmen campaigned for NUP candidates.

The voters of Maasin voted according to performance and track record.  When election time came the result was: Samaco, Maloney  28,638; Lerias, Rosette 12,436.  The margin increased to 16,202.

I was given the privilege to serve as Mayor of Maasin for three terms which only two former governors Alfredo Bantug and Damian Mercado were able to accomplish.

AS COUNCILOR AND VICE MAYOR

AS COUNCILOR AND VICE MAYOR    

Dedicated public service is a fulfillment of our duty to other people. 

I was with the municipality and the city government as an elected official for quite a long time.  I had served Maasin, then a municipality, as a Sangguniang Bayan Member for two terms, 1992-1995 and 1995-1998.  Then became a Municipal Vice Mayor in 1998-2000 and the First City Vice Mayor in 2000-2001.  My last two terms as City Vice Mayor occurred in 2001-2004 and 2004-2007.

There was only one Samaco politician in the history of Maasin.  It was my uncle Eudaldo "Dandin" Samaco, the brother of my father.  He was a physician and practiced his profession "pro bono" when he was elected.

Politics was never been in my blood in my childhood.  Though in the College Students Supreme Council at Saint Joseph College, I ran as vice president and won by a landslide.  But I never joined the Kabataang Barangay, which was the stepping stone of some of my contemporary politicians. 

The lure of public service attracted me when some friends prodded me to join the race for the then municipal council.  I was a dean of the engineering department of my alma mater Saint Joseph College.  I felt there were no more challenges for me when we raised the percentage passing to a consistent rate of more than the national passing and had produced placers in the board examinations.

When the Local Government Code was passed in 1991 and was about to be implemented, local governments needed competent men and women to sit in the council.  Aside from being an academician I was also active in the environment protection advocacy, sports promotions and human rights. Then there was a very tempting offer for me to join the Sangguniang Bayan which I could not refuse.  As I thought I could do more for my advocacies if I would join the Council.  

I was elected No. 3 Councilor when I ran with the ticket of then incumbent Mayor Gerardo Dator in 1992.  Ruel Sibi, former DSWD and DILG employee of the municipality ranked No. 1 while the ever popular abaca and copra businessman Mauro Borres emerged No. 2.  Our party was Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino (LDP) and our presidential bet was Speaker Ramon Mitra who lost to General Fidel Ramos of Lakas-NUCD.  Mayor Dator was not as lucky as I was.  There were two LDP bets for mayor that time, the other was Board Member Helen Yusingco.  There was a third group of LDP candidates without a mayor.  There were 7 candidates for mayor, 6 for vice mayor, and 72 for councilors.  Mayor Antonio Amit won the race for the chief executive under the Nationalist People’s Coalition (NPC).  The Vice Mayor was my former teacher and director of student affairs at SJC, Corazon Duarte of NPC.  

As a Sangguniang Bayan Member I chaired the Committee on Infrastructure.  I was vigorously monitoring the projects in Maasin, roving around the barangays riding only on my Yamaha 50 or Honda 70 motorcycle.  There were no service vehicles for SB members.  We organized the so-called SB Project Monitoring Committee in the legislative.

I was also active in the Task Force Bantay Dagat where we conducted seaborne patrols especially at night time without sleep.  There were no government paid Bantay Dagat personnel that time and all were volunteers so we had to join them to inspire them to work.  We were working with the Diocesan Social Action Center which was also very vigilant about the abuses in the environment.  It was headed that time by Rev. Fr. Tony Ong.

We were able to apprehend large fishing boats most notable was that of Lourdes fishing vessel from Negros Occidental which we caught fishing within seven kilometres from the shore, which is illegal for fishing vessels of more than three tons.  We also captured Carmelina fishing boat from Cebu with the same violation.

We also captured several liba-liba or trawl fishers from Bohol.  We also caught buso or fishing using compressor which was illegal in our ordinance.

I also worked on law-making and passed ordinances, like the Ordinance Regulating the Use of Transformers in Electrical Installations, the Ordinance Regulating the Distances of the Buildings from the Sidewalks,  and the Ordinance Imposing Rentals on Municipal Heavy Equipments.  I also passed several resolutions mostly related to my Committee on Infrastructure.        

Mayor Amit and we the LDP councilors were brought by Congressman Roger “Oging” Mercado before President Ramos and we took oath as new members of the administration party Lakas-NUCD.  

In 1995, I ran for reelection under the lineup of then Sangguniang Panlalawigan Member Atty. Teopisto Rojas, Jr.  Mayor Amit lost in a convention of barangays captains and Atty. Rojas became the municipal standard bearer.  Again our mayoral candidate was unlucky but I won as No. 1 Councilor.  The winning mayor was Dr. Arturo Bascug of the NPC.  Former Mayor Dator was second and Atty. Rojas placed third.  Vice Mayor Duarte was reelected under the same NPC party.  For the second consecutive term, the Mayor and Vice Mayor were from NPC.  

I continued with my exploits in the first term to my second term.  The Chairmanships of the Committees of Tourism and Education were added to my tasks as Infra chair.  I was able to pass landmark ordinances and the most notable were the Comprehensive Fishing and Fisheries Ordinance, Public Safety Ordinance, and Comprehensive Traffic Ordinance.

I was still active in the fishery laws implementation with the Bantay Dagat.  I monitored infra projects from one barangay to another riding only in my small motorcycle.  Later I purchased a Yamaha DT 125 to penetrate to the mountain barangays.    

Then the brother of Oging, Damian Mercado won handily as Barangay Captain of Abgao.  We helped him campaign as Liga ng mga Barangay President and he ran unopposed.      

In 1998, Mian decided to run as Mayor under the Lakas-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-CMD).  I was selected by the party to run as Vice Mayor.  He was then unknown to the people and his selling point was he was the Congressman’s brother.  

Mercado won as Mayor over incumbent Dr. Bascug by more than 2,000 votes.  Former Mayor Dator placed a distant third.  But my win over SB Member Eric Macabuhay was a slim margin of 156 votes in a hotly contested vice mayoralty election.

During that election I thought I would lose.  The winner was decided right on the last day of the canvassing with the last ballot box.  There was even false information that I lost already.  But in the end I emerged victorious by the slight margin.  It was my first taste of a very close electoral fight.

Our tandem with the Mayor resulted in the cityhood of Maasin on August 10, 2000.  The people of Maasin approved the cityhood of Maasin on that day by a landslide vote of 19,273 for and only 1,422 against, with an approval of 92%.

Then we were overwhelmingly reelected in 2001.  I won over former Mayor Atty. Dator by over 6,000 votes in the vice mayoralty election.  Mayor Mian Mercado won by landslide over then Board Member Corazon Duarte.

In the 2004 elections, I was unopposed as City Vice Mayor and was able to finish my third and last term in 2007.  There was a unity forged between the Mercado camp of the Lakas-NUCD and the Yñiguez-Lerias camps of the NPC which resulted in the landslide victories for all administration candidates.  Oging won by a landslide against incumbent congressman Atty. Anecito “Odong” Saludo, Jr.  Mian won by a wide margin over then Board Member Helen Yusingco.

As Vice Mayor I brought the sessions to the barangays to have a joint session with the barangay councils.  We granted financial assistance of P100,000.00 per barangay where we held our sessions.  When the Mayor was out of town, I was always designated as the Officer-in-Charge and when it was the fourth day, as Acting Mayor in accordance with the Local Government Code. 

I was also appointed by the Mayor as Chairman of the Maasin City Sports Council when it was created in 2001.  I was on the forefront of the sports activities and the participation of Maasin athletes in provincial, regional and national competitions.    

My most notable achievement was the ordinance I authored creating the Maasin City College during my last term of office.  I was appointed by Mayor Mercado as the first College President upon the approval of the Board of Trustees.

THE FAMILY THAT STAYS TOGETHER

THE FAMILY THAT STAYS TOGETHER

Birthday is the most significant day in the life of a person.  It is the day you come out of this world from your mother's womb crying as if you know already as a newborn baby that life is full of problems and challenges.

I was born May 24, 1963 at the Valentina "Ma'am Valen" Demeterio Maternity House in Maasin, Southern Leyte.  It was a Friday, considered an unlucky day by many because it was the day Jesus Christ died, but for me I always regarded it as a fortunate day.  Workers, especially those in the government, usually feel happy during Friday since it's the last day of work.  Thus the expression "Thank God it's Friday."

My birthstone is emerald which symbolizes "love and success."  I have lots of achievements in my life and I'm grateful to God.  True love begets triumph.

Parents mold their children according to what they want them to be.  But it has to undergo several challenges and sacrifices.  Without them, we children are nothing in this world.

My father is Marcelo Mercado Samaco and my mother is Esperanza Mañago Labatos-Samaco.  My full name is Marcelo Maloney Labatos Samaco. Papa is from Maasin while Mama is from Ormoc City. 

Papa was the sixth of seven children of Elias Sibi Samaco of Gawisan and Visitacion Matondo Mercado of Tunga-tunga all of Maasin.  While Mama was the youngest of five children of Gregorio Labatos of Merida and Candelaria Gomez Mañago of Ormoc all of Leyte.

According to Wikipedia, the name “Maloney” is said to be derived from a surname of Irish origin and is from the old Irish family name “Ua Maol Dhómhnaigh.” Their family motto is “In Domino Et Non In Arcu Sperabo” which is translated as “In God and not in my bow I will hope.”

The surname "Samaco" originated from the root word "Maco," which is of Hebrew origin but is the popular Hungarian version of "Manuel," meaning "God is with us."

My first name and family name "Maloney Samaco" has a total of 13 letters which I also considered as lucky.  Thus I have nothing to fear since both my first name and family name have religious connotations.

My father was a businessman and tailor who owned Marcel de Manille, the top tailoring shop in Maasin that time.  My mother is a civil engineer and was the first lady district engineer of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Eastern Visayas.

Papa's business slogan goes this way:  " Go with the winners. Marcel de Manille.  A flair for sartorial elegance.  Gives you the look of a winner."  His shop promoted winning as part of its marketing strategy.  His customers came from all over Southern Leyte,  some parts of Leyte and other neighboring provinces.

Marcel comes from his name Marcelo.  Manille because he learned his trade in Manila under the very popular RM Manlapat Tailor and Haberdashery.

Mama came to Maasin to work in the newly established Bureau of Public Works of the new Southern Leyte province.  Papa met her and they got married in September 29, 1962.

Mama taught as part time instructor of Saint Joseph College Civil Engineering Department.  They produced the pioneer licensed civil engineers educated in the province.  From the same mentoring, several professional builders followed later including myself.

Papa died on May 18, 1994 at the age of 60 due to liver cancer, though he would not drink liquor but dud smoke.  He also suffered from diabetes.  All of Papa's brothers and sisters had diabetes with different complications.  It came at a time when all of us siblings were finished with our college education and passed the board examinations.  I was a municipal councilor of Maasin at that time and he still saw me got elected for the first time.

We were three siblings bearing the names of our parents with my sister Esperanza Mabel and brother Marcelo Michael nicknamed Milko.  "Marcelo" is taken from the Latin "Marcellus" meaning "Hammer."  It has the tenor of being a "worker and builder."  While the meaning of "Esperanza" in Spanish is "Hope."  Its overtone is "aspiration, plan and design."  The meaning of the two names has a close relation to each other.

The three of us siblings are all registered civil engineers. I am the eldest with Mabel second and Milko third.  We all completed our civil engineering courses at Saint Joseph College in Maasin.  Milko placed 11th in the November 1990 CE Board Exams.

I am married to Maria Chona Cano Maraon.  She is the daughter of Antonio Justiniani Maraon and Luz Gloria Cano all of Ichon, Macrohon, Southern Leyte.  Tatay who worked at the DPWH was also the driver of Speaker Nicanor Yñiguez whenever he was in Southern Leyte.  

The name Chona means "cheerful and friendly" which she truly is.  We were wedded at the Saint Joseph College Extension Chapel by Father Norbert Hessling, a German priest, on June 18, 1988.  Our reception was held at the Drawing Room which served as the social hall of the Engineering Department of the SJC Extension Chapel.  I was then a full-time civil engineering instructor of the school.

We are blessed with three sons.  Mallory, the eldest was born on December 22, 1988 while the second and third were twins Marton and Marlon who were born on March 6, 1992.  It is a coincidence of my zodiac sign "Gemini" the twins.  All of them were delivered at the Southern Leyte Integrated Provincial Health Office (Southern Leyte Provincial Hospital). 

The name Mallory is thought to be derived from a French word which means “beautiful.” It rhymes of course with my name Maloney.  His nickname is Macho after Maloney and Chona.  "Macho" refers to  a person who tends to display masculine characteristics, such as "domineering, fierceness, and bravado," according to Wiktionary.

The name Marton was derived from Marcelo and Antonio, Chona’s father, while Marlon was from Marcelo Maloney.   The meaning of Marton is "dedicated to Mars" while that of Marlon is "little hawk."

Mars is a red planet named after the Roman god of war.  While in ancient Egypt, the hawk is the symbol of the head of god Horus, the guardian of the pharaoh.

A son is considered to bring luck to the family in some countries, especially among the Chinese. Among the ancient Mayans and Romans, twin brothers are considered to bring more luck.  We were married in the Year of the Dragon on the date with four 8’s and Mallory was born on the same year.  Number 8 is always considered a lucky number.

Though I sometimes believed on these things which brought fortune, but I primarily consider performing acts of our religious obligations as Roman Catholics as the main reason for all the blessings we received in our family.  Good luck is grace and blessing showered on us through prayers.

I was educated in Saint Joseph College, a Catholic-run institution in Maasin from Kindergarten up to graduate school.  I graduated second honorable mention in the elementary.  But in the high school graduation, I was not among the honor students which were all female.  High school was the time when we male classmates started to indulge in vices.    

I finished the course Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering cum laude in 1984 and the Master in Business Administration in 1998.  I also earned units in Master of Science in Management Engineering at the University of San Jose Recoletos in Cebu City before I shifted to MBA.  I already passed the comprehensive examination in Doctor of Education at the University of Southern Philippines Foundation.  

Chona graduated Bachelor of Science in Commerce at the University of the Visayas.  We met at the Department of Public Works and Highways where we worked together in 1983.  We became lovers on April 27, 1983 after a short courtship and the relationship lasted for five years before we got married. She is the niece of Clarita Maraon-Abiera who is married to my uncle Alberto Abiera.  She stayed in their residence while working at the office when we were still sweehearts. 

There was a time when she worked as a contractual employee at a rubber plant in Bayugan, Agusan del Sur for several months. I was still studying my civil engineering course in my fifth year that time.  There were no cellular phones in the 1980's and long distance through landline telephone was very rare. Our mode of communication was only through letters and telegrams.

But fate favored our relationship that Chona was able to come back to Maasin and worked again at the DPWH.  Our relationship blossomed once again we were really meant for each other.

Chona later became a permanent employee at the Bureau of Internal Revenue.  She worked as a collection agent and she was detailed at Sogod. Then there was a time when she was assigned in Ormoc City.  That was right after we got married.  We even had our honeymoon at the Don Felipe Hotel in Ormoc at that time.

She was later transferred to Southern Leyte where she assumed as collection agent in Bontoc and Tomas Oppus.  After giving birth to our twins she was appointed as administrative officer where she worked permanently at the revenue district office in Maasin.

My three sons were educated in Maasin City. Mallory finished Bachelor of Science in Nursing at The College of Maasin on 2010.  Marton was schooled at the same college taking the same course where he graduated in 2013. Marlon studied Veterinary Medicine at Visayas State University but only for one semester because he was homesick.  He transferred to Saint Joseph College and took up Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering.  He graduated from his course on 2014.

I made it a point to let my sons patronize the colleges in Maasin to show an example that our schools have good quality education capable of competing nationwide.  Many of our people kept asking us why our sons were enrolled only in Maasin schools where we could afford to let them study in Cebu City.  We have competent courses in the city that could be at par with those in the big cities.

My three sons trained for the sport of swimming.  It was Mallory who joined the Maasin City Sports Council swimming team when he was in the third year.  He learned his basics at the Cebu City Sportd Center.  Marton followed and Marlon joined later when they were in grade six.  In the First Maasin City Division Meet, Mallory won seven gold medals.  He would later brag himself of doing a Mark Spitz (1972 Munich Olympic seven gold medalist in swimming) in the city level.

But in the Eastern Visayas Regional Athletic Association (EVRAA) hosted by Maasin City in 2005, it was Marton who took the gold medal in 200-m freestyle elementary boys.  Mallory only got the bronze in 200-m individual medley.  

Both of them were brought to the Palarong Pambansa 2005 in Iloilo City.  But Mallory got injured when he slipped and broke his wrist and was not able to swim.

In the EVRAA 2006, hosted by Ormoc City, Mallory finally won the gold medal in 100-m freestyle.  The race is the fastest among all the events in swimming.  The twins were still in the first year secondary that time so they were not so successful in their events.  Mallory was brought to the Palarong Pambansa 2006 at Naga City. 

In the EVRAA 2007, hosted by Baybay, Leyte, both Marton and Marlon won medals.  They were second year secondary students that time.  But they were not able to win the gold so they were not able to go with the Palarong Pambansa 2007 at Koronadal City, South Cotabato.

In the EVRAA 2008, hosted by Catarman, Northern Samar, Marlon and Marton won the gold in the 200-m freestyle relay.  They were third year secondary students that time.  Marlon also won the silver in the 400-m freestyle so he qualified for the Palarong Pambansa 2008 at Puerto Princesa City, Palawan. 

In the EVRAA 2009, hosted by Tacloban City, both were not so successful for they had faltered in their practices and won silver and bronze medals only. Both were in their senior year in high school.  They were not able to join the Palarong Pambansa 2009 at Tacloban City. 

They put up a good showing in the national level contests because of the high standards of competition.  Nevertheless it was an unforgettable experience for them having reached the Palarong Pambansa and swam with the best of the country.  They were also able to race in the Visayas Inter-School Swimming Association in Dumanjug, Cebu and the Milo Olympics Visayas tournaments at the Cebu City Sports Center.

My sons are all boy scouts.  They started joining scouting when they were in the Kab Scouts and together underwent advancement training when they became boy scouts.  Their advancements were done at the City Forest Park, at Congressman Mercado’s Tree Park at Bogo, at Camijares Island at Mahayahay, at Hermie Guirit’s Farm at Dongon, and at our own Farmhouse at Manhilo.  

Mallory first joined the 12th National Jamboree at Palo, Leyte in 2001.  The three of them later joined the 2nd National Scout Venture at Sorsogon City in 2002, the 12th Eastern Visayas Regional Jamborette at Cebu in 2004, the 13th National Jamboree at Mt. Makiling in 2004, the 3rd National Scout Venture at Cebu in 2005, the 2nd BIMP-EAGA Urban Jamboree at Davao City in 2006, and the 14th National Diamond Jamboree at Mt. Makiling in 2011. 

During the Scout Venture in Sorsogon City, Marton and Marlon joined the 24-hour survival for sea scouts at an island going there traversing the breast-deep seawater.  They had to fish for their food.  Mallory joined the jungle exploration for land scouts.

 I accompanied them to these scouting activities.  These bonded us together especially sleeping outdoors and joining other scouts in the camps.

They also passed the survival for Eagle Scouts advancement at Camp Danao, Maasin City Forest Park for 24 hours.  They were supplied rice in a can and they have to eat and cook searching for chicken as food.  This was the last phase of their advancement.

The three of them were awarded as the first Eagle Scouts of Southern Leyte Council on October 2007 together with Karl Pete Carayo and Jefferson Dances.    

I finished my BSP woodbadge training in May 2009 at the Maasin City Forest Park.  Chona also underwent woodbadge training at the City Forest Park on April 2012.  This makes us one scouting family. 

Scouting and sports inculcated discipline in the family.  They would be afraid to be absent in their classes. They stayed away from smoking, alcoholism and illegal drugs.

We considered going to church together as an important task to keep the family intact.  We as parents always urged the three of them to tag along with us during Sundays and holy days of obligations.  Usually sons won't accompany their parents anymore as they reach adolescent and adulthood.  But we see to it that they would come along with us to parties and religious activities.

There were times when we participated fun runs together like that of Talisay City and in Maasin City.  I had a Facebook album entitled "The Family That Runs Together Stays Together."

We traveled together to Manila, Boracay Island, Bantayan Island, Palawan, Baguio, Northern and Central Luzon and other prominent places in the country.

We celebrated our Silver (25th) Wedding Anniversary with a renewal of marital vows at the Our Lady of the Assumption Parish Cathedral on June 18, 2013. The main celebrant was Msgr. Antonio Gaviola assisted by Msgr. Oscar Cadayona, Rev. Fr. Lito Narit, Rev. Fr. Samuel Papa, Rev. Fr. Johnrey Sibi and Rev. Fr. Amiel Vallinas.  

There were 45 pairs of principal witnesses.  Our three sons were the groomsmen.  The reception was held at the Maasin City Gym attended by city employees, barangay captains, friends and relatives.

CITYHOOD OF MAASIN

CITYHOOD OF MAASIN

The cityhood of Maasin was first proposed by Congressman Roger “Oging” Mercado when
 he filed House Bill No. 10001 at the House of Representatives in 1997.  I was a Councilor at that time and we gathered the resolutions of all 70 barangays supporting the cityhood move.  Our own Sangguniang Bayan also passed our resolution of support to the said bill in Congress. 

Other requirements were satisfied.  A land area of not less than 100 sq. km. was fulfilled since the actual area of Maasin is 211.70 sq. km. as certified by the Land Management Bureau.  It also passed the requirements for government center site, market site, plaza, school site and cemetery site which shall not be less than 10,000 square meters or one hectare each.  There was enough potable water supply as certified by the Maasin Water District.  Sewerage, garbage and waste disposal sites were also available.  There were several business and commercial establishments as certified by the National Statistics Office.    

But the problem was the income of the municipality.  The present income exceeded the required P 20 million per annum.  But if it were based on 1991 price index, the income of Maasin would be short by more than one million pesos. Thus the passage of the cityhood bill was put to a standstill until the adjournment of the 10th Congress.  It was put to archive in June 1998. 

Then Congressman Aniceto Saludo became the Representative of the Lone District of Southern Leyte.  Then Mayor Damian Mercado approached Cong. Saludo to refile the said cityhood bill in Congress.  At first Mayor Mercado was reluctant to approach the new Congressman because he was the political opponent of his brother Oging.  But when they talked about the cityhood and its advantages to Maasin, the new congressman readily agreed to the sponsorship of the cityhood bill.

Cong. Saludo filed HB 7201 in the House of Representatives in the 11th Congress.  The same documents that were used during the time of Cong. Mercado were once again submitted to the House Committee on Local Governments under Congressman Romeo Candazo.  This time, the Bureau of Local Government Finance certified that Maasin had satisfied the P 20 million income requirements based on 1991 index prices.  Maasin was ready to undergo a series of congressional committee hearings.

The first committee hearing was done at the Sulu Hotel in Quezon City where all municipal officials attended the said inquiry.  We were heard together with the cityhood of Ligao, Albay which was already for the second reading and the cityhood of Sorsogon, Sorsogon which was also intended for the first reading like Maasin.

The bill passed the approval of the committee and passed the approval of the plenary on the first reading.  A public hearing was set on October 1, 1999 at the Maasin Gymnasium.  It was attended by about 10,000 Maasinhons from all walks of life. There were government employees, teachers, students, businessmen, socio-civic club members, religious organization members, and the general public.  

The hearing started with a diana early morning to announce to the people that there was such a big event in Maasin.  Then there was a motorcade around the poblacion where the guests were greeted by flag-waving residents.  

Senator Serge Osmeña III and 24 congressmen graced the occasion.  Sen. Osmeña filed a similar bill in the Senate.  Among the members of the House of Representatives who attended was Deputy Speaker Eduardo Gullas of Cebu, who traced his roots from Barangay Laboon, who was the co-author of the bill.  The other co-authors who were also present were Cong. Alex Bascug of Agusan del Sur, also a Maasinhon from Barangay San Jose and Cong. Catalina Loreto-Go of Leyte who was married to a Maasinhon.  

The hearing was presided by Cong. Candazo with Cong. Saludo the principal author.  Gov. Rosette Lerias was present together with Mayor Mercado on stage.  She was a critic of the cityhood
 but did not speak of her objection during the said hearing with thousands of people in attendance.  

Speakers from all sectors presented their stand on the cityhood.  The Southern Leyte Chamber of Commerce showed up and expressed their support on condition that taxes would not rise abruptly. There was a provision that a moratorium of five years was imposed so that taxes would not increase during that period.

The religious sector is also afraid of rising criminality and increasing prostitution if Maasin would become a city.  But they did not express their fears during the public hearing.  The Provincial Government had qualms of decreased income because real property taxes, franchise taxes and other taxes would now be collected by the city which were paid to the province before cityhood. 

All the members of the committee were overwhelmed by the magnificent show of support by Maasinhons during the hearing that they offered themselves to become co-authors of the bill.  It was the first time in the history of the Committee on Local Government that all members became co-authors of the cityhood bill.  Thus, the Committee Chairman Cong. Candazo banged the gavel for approval of the cityhood of Maasin.  Thunderous applause was heard all over the Gymnasium.  At last the second most critical phase of the cityhood process was over.    

Then the officials went back to Congress in Manila for the formal approval on the committee level.  The Maasinhons sa Metro Manila was with us during the hearing to show their support.  We already displayed the streamer “YES TO THE CITYHOOD OF MAASIN” in preparation for the plebiscite.  Finally the cityhood bill was approved in the plenary in the third and final reading.

Over at the Senate, another committee hearing was scheduled, this time at the Senate Committee on Local Government chaired by Senator Aquilino Pimentel, Jr.  It was my first experience of speaking before a senate hearing testifying the importance of cityhood for Maasin to progress.  It was then approved at the committee level.  Then it was later passed at the Senate plenary for third and final reading.

Mayor Mercado had it signed by Senate President Franklin Drilon as soon as possible.  We had to catch up its approval and ratification in time for the Maasin fiesta.  It was our target to make Maasin a full pledge city before August 15, 2000.  

Then League of Municipalities President Jinggoy Estrada, Mayor of San Juan, hand carried the bill to his father President Joseph Estrada who signed it into a law on July 11, 2000.  It became Republic Act No. 8796, the conversion of the Municipality of Maasin into a component city of the Province of Southern Leyte.                      

It was the fastest passage of a cityhood bill in the history of Congress.  In just less than a year when it was filed, its approval was signed by the President. The plebiscite was then scheduled by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) on August 10, 2000, just five days before fiesta.

We campaigned painstakingly in all 70 barangays of Maasin, explaining to the people the importance of cityhood.  At that time issues on rising taxes and increasing criminalities were hurled by those who were against it.  Most of these people who were vocal opposition to the cityhood measure belong to the Lerias-Yñiguez camp. 

Since the first time the cityhood bill was filed in Congress, we made a media blitz on radio, newspaper and television.  Our Wednesdays, Maasin Cable TV program Aksyon Solusyon Inisyatibo focused on the advantages of Maasin becoming a city.  The day before the plebiscite, we had a motorcade joined by majority of the motorcabs, some private vehicles and our government vehicles.

We had a meting de avance at the Gym with Congressman Constantino Jaraula of Cagayan de Oro City as guest.  He explained the impact of cityhood citing the progress of CDO City.  Gov. Lerias attended the program showing her support to the cityhood movement.  Though late, we welcomed her support.    

The fiesta activities were stopped for two days, on the 9th and on the 10th to give way for the plebiscite.  All expenses were shouldered by the municipal government.  Polling precincts opened at 7:00 A.M. and closed at 3:00 P.M.    

One ballot box from of one of the precincts of Barangay Asuncion arrived very late in the evening and it caused the delay in the counting of the official tally.  The poll chairman was said to be viewing the popular television soap opera that time Rosalinda bringing home the ballot box before delivering it to the municipal hall.

The official results were tallied and the Yes votes were 19,273 for an overwhelming 92 % approval, while only 1,422 voted No for about 8 % disapproval.  The total number of votes cast was 68% of the total 33,467 voters of Maasin.

Provincial COMELEC supervisor Pastor Mendoza, chairman of the board of canvassers, formally announced the results and officially proclaimed the cityhood of Maasin at 11:25 P.M. before huge crowd at the front of the city hall.  Cheers erupted simultaneously with the fireworks display signalling that finally Maasin is now a city!

Maasin became the First City of the Philippines in the New Millennium.  Eleven municipalities later followed Maasin in the conversion to cities in 2000. They were San Jose del Monte (Bulacan), Balanga (Bataan), Munoz (Nueva Ecija), Masbate (Masbate), Sorsogon (Sorsogon), Talisay (Cebu), Bayawan (Negros Oriental), Digos (Davao del Sur), Koronadal (South Cotabato), Tacurong (Sultan Kudarat) and Bislig (Surigao del Sur).  

SYMBOLS OF THE CITY

SYMBOLS OF THE CITY

The Official Seal of the City of Maasin was adopted by the city government as approved by the City Council as soon as Maasin was converted into a component city.    It is placed in official communications, correspondents, and documents.  

The seal is also reflected in the city banner and used during flag raising and other formal ceremonies. 

A contest was held right after the cityhood of Maasin and the winning design was submitted by Ronnie Rallos of Barangay Combado. 

The meaning of the features of the Seal of Maasin City:

Rising Sun:  It shows the rise of the city amidst challenges.  It is the emblem of progress and development.  The sun illustrates the leadership of the City Mayor while the rays are those of the City Council.  The color red is a symbol of passion, courage and leadership.      

Shield:  It symbolizes protection from calamities, disasters, terrors, disorders, and crimes.  The color blue is a symbol of royalty and loyalty.

Millennium Cross:  It signifies that Maasin is the First City of the New Millennium.  The cross is a common symbol in heraldry or coat of arms.  The cross also represents that religious outlook of the people.  

August 10, 2000:  It is the date when the people of Maasin overwhelmingly ratified the cityhood during the plebiscite.  Every year thereafter, the City Charter Day is celebrated.    

Greenfields:  It indicates that Maasin is basically an agricultural city.  The color green is also the mark of our concern for health and environment.    

Rope:  It encircles the seal and it is the icon of strength and unity of the city and its people.  It also symbolizes the major product which is abaca. 

Two Stars:  They stand for the mountain and the sea.  Maasin is divided into coastal barangays and mountain barangays.  

SIDLAKAN SA BAG-ONG PAGLAUM
(MAASIN HYMN)

Lungsod ka nga kaulohan
Ning atong lalawigan
Mutya ka niining dughan
Kay ikaw among lamdaman

Kapatagan, bukid, dagat mo
Nga nag-ulbo sa katahom
Namulak sa mga damgo
Sidlakan sa bag-ong paglaom

Ipataas ang imong bandila
Sa kalangitan sa gugma
Mahalon tang pagsinabtanay
Aron maangkon nato ang kalipay

Lungsod nga tugob sa pagbati
Kwentas ka ning kinabuhi
Pakatam-ison namong kamatayon
Aron dili ka mapaulipon

Ipataas ang imong bandila
Sa kalangitan sa gugma
Mahalon tang
 pagsinabtanay
Aron maangkon nato ang kalipay

Maasin, Maasin
Lawas kinabuhi among gihalad
Katarong kaligdong
Sarang ug takos ikaalagad

Maasin, Maasin
Lungsod sa kinabuhi ko.

Translation:

RISING OF NEW HOPE

You’re the capital city
Of our province
You’re the pearl of this heart
Coz you’re our feeling

Your plains, hills and seas
Oozing with beauty
Flowering with dreams
Rising of new hope

Raise your banner
In the skies of love
Adore our understanding
To embrace happiness

City full of sensations
You’re the jewel of this life
It’s sweeter for us to die
Than seeing you enslaved

Raise your banner
In the skies of love
Adore our understanding
To embrace happiness

Maasin, Maasin
Body and life we offer
Truth and good 
Skill and brilliance we tender

Maasin, Maasin
City of my life


The Official Maasin Hymn entitled Sidlakan sa Bag-ong Paglaum, was the first prize winner during the Maasin Songwriting Festival during the Employees Day of 1993.  The winning piece was composed by Nereo Angub for the melody and former Anahawan Mayor Gerardo Vestal for the lyrics.      

AKSYON SOLUSYON INISYATIBO.  It is the motto of the city during the incumbency of the first City Mayor Damian Mercado.  I was the City Vice Mayor at that time and it was our battlecry at the height of the campaign.  ASI, as it is fondly called for short, also serves as our driving force to perform well during our administration. The slogan reflects action, feat and accomplishment manifested by tangible projects.  Solution to problems in time of crisis is needed to serve the constituents well. Initiative makes innovativeness in our plans and programs.      

MAASIN ATONG SIYUDAD ATONG MAHALON.  For short it means MASAM the acronym of Maloney Samaco.  It signifies “Maasin Our City Our Love.”  It was launched as a complement of ASI. All our plans, programs, and projects are geared towards loving and caring for our beloved city.  It means overall development of the city and its people in all 70 barangays. 

Other meanings of MASAM:
Maasin Anti-Smoking Advocacy Movement
Moving Ahead thru Sustainable Agriculture in Maasin
Maasin Academic, Science, and Arts Management
Mayor Against Shabu and Marijuana