Anyag sa Tubigon 2012: The Contemporary Beauty

Crowning on May 13, 2012 8:00 PM at the Tubigon Cultural and Sports Center.

Tickets available at Php 100 and Php 200.

For inquiries, you may contact (038) 508-8496 / 09239899788

or visit Tubigon Tourism Culture Arts and Heritage Office.

• Abstract of bids for 17 January 2012
• Abstract of bids for 19 January 2012
• Abstract of Bids for 31 January 2012
• Abstract of Bids for 9 February 2012
• Abstract of Bids for 16 February 2012
• Abstract of Bids for 1 March 2012

Mayor William Jao discusses the effect of the destruction on marine resources to the participants during the MPA MEAT.

Bohol Environment Management Office (BEMO) in cooperation with PATH Foundation and the Municipal Agriculture Office of Tubigon held a 1-day seminar on Marine Protected Area Management Effectiveness Tool (MPA MEAT) last February 8 at the MAO Office.

Mhai Requillo Marabe of Stars and Comet Medical Laboratory with (l-r) Prom Calamba and Joey Tanganin during the Medical Mission

Stars and Comet Laboratory-Tubigon in cooperation with the Local Government Unit conducts a “Sabaw ug Tsinelas Appeal” to Barangay Potohan, Tinangnan and Bagongbanua, of the municipality last January 28-29, 2012.

The staff of Tubigon Tourism Culture and Arts Office together with Mr. Reigh Monreal (center). (l-r) Michael Estoquia, Ayesa Baguio, Jane Basco, Tourism Consultant Gertrude Abarquez, Mr. Raleigh Monreal, Mun. Agriculturist Yolanda Labella, Tourism Officer Dennis Walton Balbero, MPIO-designate Louise Omictin.

The Tubigon Tourism Culture and Arts Development Office formally launched the month-long celebration “Tubigon Arts Festival” with the theme “Tradisyon ug Inobasyon: Abante Tubigon!” last February 1, 2012 at the Tubigon Cultural and Sports Center.

Once again, the Local Government Unit of Tubigon through the Tourism Culture and Arts office will hold the Tubigon Arts Festival on February 1-29, 2012, 8:30 am at the Tubigon Cultural and Sports Center. This activity is in line with the National Arts Month Celebration with the theme “Tradisyon at Inobasyon: Abante Tubigon”.

Mayor William Jao with Municipal Agriculturist Yolanda Labella as they witness the demolition of a hundred pairs of illegal fishing equipment in front of Tubigon Community Hospital.

By: Reyna Omictin

Nothing could stop Tubigon Mayor, Engr. William R. Jao from tracking down illegal fishers who try to spoil the municipality’s marine and aquatic resources, as he destroys a hundred and thirty (130) pairs of compressors and other illegal fishing equipments confiscated by the Seaborne Patrol of the municipality last January 6.

As stated in Section 60 of the Municipal Ordinance 2009-04-297, defined as the “MODIFIED AND STRENGTHENED COASTAL RESOURCES MANAGEMENT CODE OF THE MUNICIPALITY OF TUBIGON, BOHOL”, “it shall be unlawful for any person, entities, organizations or corporations” to engage in illegal methods of fishing, such as the use of compressors, poisonous substances, electric rods, opening of a fish pen, the use of palakaya , and the like.

It could be recalled that Jao, during his first few days in office, promised to stop illegal fishing, as he said it is “not fair”, since it can not only harm the marine resources of the municipality but also the livelihood of small scale fishers who are truthful in their methods in fishing.

True to his words in putting an end to illegal fishing, Jao, together with Municipal Vice Mayor Virgilio C. Fortich, Municipal Agriculturist Yolanda Labella, Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator (MPDC) and Municipal Administrator Engr. Noel C. Mendaña, strengthened the municipality’s Seaborne Patrol (or Bantay Dagat) by fully implementing an order to maximize their roving to 24 hours a day, 7 days a week or 24/7.

With the maximum effort exerted by the administration, and the extended monitoring of the Seaborne Patrol, about 600 illegal fishers were caught within the term of Mayor Jao, where their equipments confiscated and were given sanctions for their violations. And based on the data from the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO), most of the violators caught were from the neighbouring towns, and some are even from the Province of Cebu.

In an interview with Municipal Agriculturist Yolanda Labella, she said, “we are the only municipality in the province to fully implement the 24/7 Seaborne Patrol, and we will try our best to sustain these efforts.”

Labella also discussed the extent of the damage illegal fishing may produce, where she said that by using illegal compressors, the “offenders” go deep into the oceans using oxygen supplied by the compressor, search for rare types of fish species and would even dig into the rocks and corals, causing immense damage in the marine ecosystem.

What’s worse, she added, is that most of the fishes being caught are breeding fishes with hundreds and even thousands of eggs inside them, limiting their reproductive capacity. “[They] tell me that the profit they earn in this way of fishing is lucrative and fast, but they are only viewing things in a short-term basis, not thinking about the long term results it may bring,” explaining more on the effect of illegal fishing.

Mr. Victor Boligao, the Agricultural Technologist on Fisheries of MAO, has explained how the strengthened Coastal Resource Management (CRM) Code has addressed illegal fishing saying that with the additional provisions adjoined, the law enforcing bodies has now additional grounds to apprehend violators. He added that with the strong political will of the administration to fully implement CRM, the storm over illegal fishing has finally subsided.

Moreover, the licensing system embodied in the ordinance also set the mechanism in mitigating violations and encroachment of fishing vessels from other municipalities. Stated in the CRM are also the zoning of the municipal waters where each zones has their own classification.

Mayor Jao further expressed his satisfaction of the accomplishments the municipality has gained in adressing illegal fishing. He commends the efforts of Municipal Agriculturist Yolanda Labella and MPDC/Municipal Administrator Engr. Noel Mendaña for being firm and putting on an iron fist with the implementation of the ordinance.

Jao then stated that this is a “big step” the administration has taken towards the elimination of illegal fishing, stressing that “this is not the end of the battle; nevertheless, it is just the beginning of our fight towards a cleaner and greener Tubigon!”

The participants of “Walk for a Cause: for Sendong Victims” (l-r) Rtn. Mr. Abad Montuya (back portion), Mun. Agriculturist Yollanda Labella, Holy Cross Academy Principal and Rotary Club President-Elect Rtn. Mrs. Delia Lasco, Mrs. Cristy Montuya, Anyag sa Tubigon 2011, Lorie Geisha Cabrera, Municipal Vice Mayor Virgilio "Billy" C. Fortich, Hospital Admin. Victoria Rtn. Ceniza-Heyrana, Cahayag Brgy. Captain Hon. Rtn. Peluche Bergado, PO2 Renee Castro-Astronomo, PO1 Marianne Pangan-Rabaca, Mrs. Phoebe Valer from the Office of the Local Civil Registrar, and (below) Mrs Lucy Omictin from the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office.

By: Reyna Omictin

The Rotary Club of Tubigon together with the Local Government Unit of Tubigon holds “Walk for a Cause: for Sendong victims” last December 30 at St. Isidore Parish Open Stage.

As we could recall, tropical storm Sendong (international name: Washi) struck the country, causing massive floods in many cities in the country including Cagayan de Oro City, Iligan and Dumaguete City last December 17, “[killing] more than 1,000 people, displaced thousands of families, and damaged P1.3-billion worth of infrastructure and crops,” according to a report from the Inquirer.

The phenomenon shook up the country as it hasn’t fully recovered yet from the tragic “Ondoy” occurrence. Search and rescue operations were conducted and disaster relief was performed and appeals for help were being carried out.

In response to the immediate call for disaster relief from Rotary International, to help Sendong victims in various provinces in the country, the Rotary Club (RC) Tubigon together with LGU-Tubigon and came up with a walk-a-thon activity to raise funds for the families devastated by the tropical storm.

Dressed in their sports apparel, participants held on to their umbrellas during the registration due to the downpour overnight causing a short delay to the activity. Nevertheless, the activity started at 6am despite the bad weather.

The walk was preceded by a “HATAW” dance exercise led by Mr. April Jay Banquil, a faculty member of Holy Cross Academy, to “energize” their bodies before proceeding to the walk all around the vicinity of the town.

Mrs. Grace M. Campo, RC President of Tubigon, shared her insight regarding the activity, saying, “we take pride on capturing the essence of community effort, as we were able to collect about P6, 000.00 of the amount deposited from households, tricycle drivers, market vendors, street vendors and bystanders who had second thoughts of joining because of the rain overnight that only seemed to [trickle] down at 6:00am,”.

All in all, the activity produced Php 28, 000.00 “already net of the cost of sound system, tarpaulin and honorarium for the drummers,” from the Php 30, 528.00 total amount gained, Campo added.

LGU-Tubigon also played their part during the event as they were in one with RC Tubigon in their advocacy. Municipal Department and Section heads, staff, employees, and the Sangguniang Bayan headed by Municipal Vice Mayor Virgilio C. Fortich, and the Association of Barangay Captains (ABC) were present during the occasion, despite the fact that the same date of the occasion was declared as a Non-Working Holiday, in commemoration of Rizal Day.

In relation to the spirit of giving, the LGU was also able to donate 95 sacks and 15 boxes of used clothing and other relief goods to the victims in Cagayan de Oro City, via ABS-CBN Cebu, through the generosity of Lite Shipping Corp. for the free shipment of the cargo.

Ms.Rosemarie Salazar of DSWD Region VII discusses RA 9208 to the participants.

By: Reyna Omictin

The Department of Social Welfare and Development Region VII in cooperation with the Local Government Unit of Tubigon through the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office, held a one-day forum-seminar on Human Trafficking last December 29 at the Monina’s Midtown Inn and Restaurant.

Ms. Rosemarie Salazar Social Worker 4 of DSWD Region VII began the seminar by saying that with the tourism industry of the country affluent, the influx of tourists in and out of the country has been overwhelming. But in spite the benefits this phenomenon has produced, she said; there is a trivial glitch in the picture, which is the occurrence of Human Trafficking.

With this, Republic Act 9208 or more popularly known as the Anti-Trafficking in Persons Act of 2003 came to life. Defined as, “AN ACT TO INSTITUTE POLICIES TO ELIMINATE TRAFFICKING IN PERSONS ESPECIALLY WOMEN AND CHILDREN, ESTABLISHING THE NECESSARY INSTITUTIONAL MECHANISMS FOR THE PROTECTION AND SUPPORT OF TRAFFICKED PERSONS, PROVIDING PENALTIES FOR ITS VIOLATIONS, AND FOR OTHER”, it aims to protect the citizens from any possible threat of violence or exploitation, as well as to promote human dignity.

Salazar then rationalized the main cause of the assembly stressing that it was done for the consciousness of the barangay officials regarding the matter on Human Trafficking and for them to take preemptive measures to address to the issue, highlighting the vital role of the barangay officials in putting an end to the crisis, especially because Tubigon can possibly be the entrance and exit point of traffickers with the presence of the Tubigon Port.

She then thoroughly discussed the definition of RA 9208, its punishment and penalties, the different forms of trafficking, its implications and the different locations in the country where trafficking occurs, for the awareness and information of the participants.

The Association of Barangay Captains of Tubigon together with their respective Day Care Workers leapt in and was in one with the advocacy of DSWD in their advocacy against Human Trafficking, where they were tasked to form a Barangay Committee Against Trafficking in Persons (BCATP), to serve as watchdogs against trafficking with the Barangay Captain, Barangay Day Care Worker and Barangay Womens Council President as the main personnel to carry out the duty.

Executive Assistant to the Mayor and former Municipal Councilor Froilan “Ploy” Cosgafa, who represented Municipal Mayor, Hon. William Richard Jao, delivered his message of concern to the rampant trafficking and trading of persons, where he used the movie “Taken” by Liam Neeson as an example of what he described as a “vicious” phenomenon not only in the US, but now slowly creeping into our territory.

The last phase of the seminar was the formation of an action plan to be formulated by each barangay captain and barangay Day Care Worker which serves as an output to what they have learned and heard during the lecture. These action plans have target dates when it could be accomplished.

Mrs. Victioria B. Simbajon, the Municipal Social Welfare and Development then formally closed the seminar, saying that she hopes for the full cooperation of the officials with the advocacy of DSWD against Human-Trafficking. Simbajon then encouraged them to act on the matter and help stop its occurrence, since the main goal of being an elected official is to protect the rights and the dignity of his constituents, so as to build a better and brighter future for the community.

Two-in-one. Mayor William Jao leads ribbon-cutting and turn over ceremony of new school buildings to two public schools in Tubigon

By: Reyna Omictin

The Department of Education turns over one four-classroom building to Tubigon West Central High School (TWCHS) and one two-classroom building to Pinayagan Norte Elementary School (PNES) last December 19, 2011.

Mrs. Joy Napalla the school head of PNES, was in high spirits as she formally receives the keys to their brand new classrooms, saying that “it is a dream come true for the school” to receive such aid from DepEd, especially to the eager pupils who were delighted and excited to experience a new environment for learning.  And as a way of giving back, Napalla promised to preserve and maintain the building with the help of the PTA and the pupils themselves.

The building was allocated 1.2 million by DepEd for the construction of the building according to Brgy. Captain Roy G. Ladra, who graced the event together with his officials to show their support to the school, as they have been supportive in the process of procuring requirements in the realization of the project.

District Supervisor Mr. Victor B. Bautista commended the efforts of the “ever active” principal for being able to pursue such project for the school. He added that in return, he too will support the endeavors the school will undergo, and will do his best, together with his colleagues in the district to provide quality education to the students of Tubigon.

Tubigon Mayor, Hon. William R. Jao, led the ribbon cutting ceremony together with Project Contractor Engr. Ricardo Muaña, DepEd Physical _____ Engr. Domingo Lamoste, Public School District Supervisor Mr. Victor B. Bautista, Mun. Engineer, Engr. Dionisio Sarpamones, Brgy. Captain Roy G. Ladra, Councilor and Committee Chair on Educ. Hon. Crispo A. Cosgafa, PTA Pres. Ben Bolambot and School Principal Joy Napalla.

 On the other hand, Tubigon West Central High School (TWCwas also a recipient of the project where they were provided with a four-classroom building by DepEd who formally turned it over to the school on the same date.

Mrs. Zenaida Mascariñas, the school head of TWCHS together with the faculty and staff, were in full support during the event as they formally received their brand new classrooms. Mascariñas then uttered a word of gratitude to the people who helped them achieve their goal, thanking DepEd for the realization of the project.

Board Member, Hon. Yul Lopez was present in the event, representing Congressman Rene L. Relampagos of the 1^st District of Bohol, saying that the latter is on his way to Manila to grace an important event. Lopez said in his speech that the Congressman commends the efforts of DepEd, LGU Tubigon and TWCHS for their efforts in providing quality education for the future generations of Boholanos.

Also present was Dr. Cerena Bolos to represent Gov. Edgar M. Chatto, saying that it has been long awaited project of DepEd to provide such projects to municipalities who lack educational facilities, such as TWCHS. And with the realization of the project, she hopes that the young people of Tubigon will hopefully earn an extra mile in terms of educational progress.

Hon. William R. Jao, happily led the ribbon cutting ceremony for the second time, hoping that in the near future, every out-of-school youth in the municipality will hopefully inherit the only treasure the LGU can give them, EDUCATION.