A LOCAL LEGISLATOR'S PRAYER

DEAR LORD ALMIGHTY,
GUIDE US IN CRAFTING POLICIES FOR OUR CITY
ENRICH OUR MINDS SO THAT THE LAWS AND PLANS THAT WE APPROVE SHALL SERVE THE GENERAL WELFARE AND NOT THE INTERESTS OF THE FEW.

ENLIGHTEN THOSE WHO MISINTERPRET US IN OUR LEGISLATIVE WORK SPECIALLY IN THE CONDUCT OF INQUIRIES IN AID OF LEGISLATION. LET THEM BEAR IN MIND THAT OURS IS A DELIBERATIVE BODY WHICH NEEDS FACTS AND DATA AS POINTS OF REFERENCE WHICH ARE BASIC IN LAW-MAKING.

MAKE THE PEOPLE BECOME AWARE THAT OUR CONTRIBUTION IN LOCAL GOVERNANCE CONSISTS OF REVIEWING AND APPROVING DEVELOPMENT PLANS AND BUDGETS WHICH WE HAVE BEEN CONSCIENTIOUSLY DOING FOR THE SAKE OF OUR BELOVED VIGAN CITY.

GIVE US COURAGE TO FREELY EXPRESS OUR THOUGHTS AND SAY NO TO THE ILLS OF SOCIETY AND, SOMETIMES, TO TAKE UNPOPULAR STANDS AS LONG AS WHAT WE ARE DOING IS RIGHT.

GIVE US PATIENCE AND TOLERANCE TO LISTEN TO THE PROPOSALS, COMMENTS, AND ARGUMENTS OF OUR FELLOW LEGISLATORS AND ALSO THAT OF OUR CONSTITUENTS.

ENABLE US TO EFFECTIVELY COOPERATE WITH THE EXECUTIVE BRANCH AND, IF NECESSARY, FISCALIZE IT AS WE ALL DO IN A TRULY DEMOCRATIC SOCIETY.

HELP US RESPECT THE RULE OF THE MAJORITY AFTER LISTENING TO THE VOICE OF THE MINORITY.

MAKE US WORK FOR POLITICS BASED ON ISSUES AND NOT OF PERSONALITIES, POLITICS OF PERFORMANCE AND NOT OF PATRONAGE, AND POLITICS AS A RESPECTABLE CALLING.

WE ALSO PRAY DEAR LORD FOR A SOCIETY WHERE THE UPHOLDING OF HUMAN DIGNITY IS THE PRIMORDIAL CONCERN, WHERE A MARKET ECONOMY ABOUNDS, AND WHERE THERE IS FREEDOM FROM IGNORANCE AND POVERTY.
ALMIGHTY GOD, GIVE THE CITY COUNCIL A CHANCE TO BECOME STRONG, DYNAMIC, INDEPENDENT, AND RESPONSIBLE

VICE MAYOR FRANZ RANCHES ATTENDS DISABILITY WEEK CELEBRATION

A LECTURE ON VIGAN/METRO VIGAN TOURISM

A STUDENT GUIDE TO THE CITY COUNCIL: An Innovative Way to Provide Political Education

The need to inform the people especially the young and the advocacy to work for freedom from ignorance inspired me to come up with a user-friendly Student Guide to the Vigan City Council. This was patterned after Washington’s Student Guide to the Legislature, complete with educational games and mind teasers. This book aims to impart to the students basic knowledge on how the City Council works, what is its role in the society and basic information what local legislation is all about.

Political education is something new to our students but with this kind of Student Guide, they will be able to appreciate what governance means. Our young will be encouraged to become leaders and put a premium on politics as a respectable calling. The aim is to erase the mindset that politics is bad. Rather promote politics as the Art of Governance and entice good people to join it.

VIGAN MARKET CODE: As Important as the Public Market

I remember the Vigan Market Code as the contribution of the late Sangguniang Bayan Member, Vicente “Betty” Agatep, its Principal Author, and former Chairman of the Committee on Market. The Code was enacted after the construction of the first two modules of the Vigan Public Market which was gutted by fire in the 1990s. Hence, we had a new market and a new law then.

Although, the Vigan Public Market (Gov. Evaristo Singson Commercial Complex) has expanded and improved throughout the years, the Market Code and its amendments remain relevant. Since the public market is the leading economic enterprise of the City, I deem it proper that the Code and its amendments be put together in one book for the ready reference and easy understanding of the concerned sectors. Giving importance to this book is giving importance to our Public Market.

THE VIGAN CONSERVATION CODE

The amendments on the Vigan Conservation Guidelines are concrete results of Vigan’s Cultural Mapping Project. When I authored Ordinance No. 04 Series of 2000 several years ago, I stated in my explanation that said piece of legislation is not a perfect document. There will always be room for improvement. Considering that loopholes have been identified and there is an urgent need to address these, the recent amendments make the Conservation Code more relevant in Vigan’s quest for a Globally Competitive World Heritage City.

As we go along in the field of Heritage Conservation, expect more inputs and amendments to follow because we will be discovering more areas of concern which need to be legislated. This is the beauty of policy-making, it remains dynamic.

Vigan City Council seeks to invite Elpidio Que to shed light on his allegation that Vigan is being shortchanged by companies identified with Lucio Tan

The Vigan City Council seeks to invite Mr. Elpidio Que to shed light on his claim that the City is being shortchanged of taxes by companies identified with Mr. Lucio Tan. The call came after Councilor Ever Molina delivered a privilege speech on July 21, 2008 stating what he read from the column of former NEDA Director Solita Monsod. The council agreed to the proposal of Councilor Molina that Mr. Que should explain and justify before the city council what his allegation is all about. Since Vigan's name is being dragged into this issue, the legislative body deemed it proper to listen and assess whether or not Mr. Que's stand is meritorious and credible. The question hour has been scheduled on August during one of the council's sessions.

Let's just see what will happen after the question hour.

TEACHING COMMUNITY- BASED RURAL TOURISM (CBRT) AT BRGY. 3

A Challenge to Architects: Practice Conservation Architecture and Design Environmental-friendly Structures

I personally challenged the Architects of Ilocos Sur to uphold the Accessibility Law, the Vigan Conservation Code, and to engage in Conservation Architecture since most of them are practicing in the Heritage City of Vigan. During the 14th Induction and Turnover Ceremonies of the UAP-Ilocos Ciudad Fernandina Chapter held at Baluarte last July 18, 2008, I mentioned the fact that out of the 186 documented ancestral houses of Vigan, there are only around 12 houses which have been renovated so far. This is an indicator that the practice of Conservation Architecture is not only lucrative but a need in this city whose main thrust is to protect and preserve its rich heritage.

I forgot to mention during the affair but its worth mentioning in this blog that our architects should also promote the use of renewable energy such as solar, wind and biomass in coming up with designs of houses, bulidings and structures. This will be a significant contribution on the part of the architects during these times of economic hardships due to the global oil crisis.

COMPREHENSIVE LAND USE PLAN: A Vital Tool For Conserving Vigan's Heritage

Land is a shared natural resource which is to be conserved and cared for with due regard to its effect in the community. It is also viewed as a property and a commodity which can be owned, used, bought or sold, either for profit or comfort. With such value and importance, the Philippine Constitution allows the government to impose regulation on the utilization of land and other natural resources for the general welfare of the people.

Land use planning is the rational and judicious approach in allocating land resources to different land using activities. It involves the process of determining the location and area of land for the implementation of social and economic development, policies, plans, programs and projects of LGUs. This is to promote the efficient utilization, acquisition and disposition of land and ensure the highest and best use of the same. The Local Government Code even mandates the local government units to formulate a Comprehensive Land Use Plan and the City Council has the authority to adopt the same after consultation with various stakeholders.

Vigan, a small city, composed of three islands has a total land area of 25.11 sq. kms. which presently are utilized for residential, institutional, industrial, agricultural and commercial purposes. With the continuous growth and development of Vigan, it is a must for the city government to update its Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP), a document which helps and guide local government units in the formulation of policies for the proper and wise utilization and disposition of lands. The CLUP process attempts to rationalize the allocation of limited local land resources by using empirical basis to analyze existing social, economic, physical, environmental, and political situation.

Relative to this end, the policy-making body of the city government enacted a legislation endorsing the formulation of the updated CLUP of Vigan City. In the process of updating, it is expected that a multi-sectoral approach in the consultation will be applied. Farmers, fishermen, businessmen, barangay officials, non-government and people’s organizations and other stakeholders will all participate and contribute in the planning stage on how our 2,511 hectares land, rivers and seas will be utilized in the next five, ten or twenty years.

With the CLUP, Bigueños are assured that Vigan will come up with a sustainable, balanced, and well planned development. Being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the CLUP will serve as one of the guiding principles (vis-vis the Vigan Conservation Code and Vigan Master Plan) for the conservation of Vigan's Rich Heritage so that the next generation will have something to appreciate and treasure.

(this article was prepared by Atty. Gigi Tesoro and Ms Ema Tugade)

VIGAN NUTRITION MONTH CELEBRATIION 2008

CONGRESSMAN LORENZO "ERIN" TANADA III VISITS VIGAN

THE VIGAN INVESTMENT INCENTIVES CODE

Gone are the dark days when investors fear to take the risk in pouring in their money to Vigan and engage in business. I still remember when I was in grade school when people have to be in their homes before six o’clock in the evening or else get cross-fired by warring political factions. Young as I am then, I’ve heard people talk about local businessmen leaving Vigan and the country for another place due to the deterioration of peace and order and unfavorable business climate. How can I forget the literally dim Vigan due to inefficient power supply. The roads then were bumpy and rough due to scattered potholes. Despite Vigan’s charm, business investments then were few and limited. GONE ARE THOSE DAYS!

The Vigan of today is a growing business hub in Ilocandia. This can be attributed to its inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List of Sites and Monuments. As a World Heritage Site it became more attractive not only for tourists but also to investors. Being also able to restore its status as a City, Vigan has now become a major tourist destination. It continues to attract more people to visit the place, to taste its authentic food, and to do business.

As the policy-making body the City, the Vigan City Council enacted the VIGAN INVESTMENT INCENTIVES CODE to attract more investors. This Code provides incentives for businessmen in the form of tax breaks, holidays, and discounts. Thus, the establishment of more businesses in Vigan can generate more employment opportunities. I consider Investment Incentives Code as basic in any local government unit. This is an indicator whether or not a place is ready for business. Defining a policy to regulate business through the exercise of police and taxing powers is a common concern but enticing investors to provide the economic impetus spells the difference.

VIGAN TRANSPORTATION CODE: Aiming for a law-abiding citizenry and an accident-free Vigan City

The completion of the VIGAN TRANSPORTATION CODE comes at a time when the transport industry is trying to keep itself afloat due to the weekly increase of the price of petroleum products attributed to the global oil crisis. However, the codification of transportation and traffic related ordinances has long been overdue. This is the City Council’s response to the ever growing complexity of Vigan’s Traffic Management. This code shall serve as a ready guide and reference for traffic enforcers and motorists as well.

The VIGAN TRANSPORTATION CODE is a welcome addition to the City Council’s collection of codified ordinances. I hope that this piece of legislation will hasten the development of a law-abiding citizenry and an accident-free Vigan City. The Vigan City Council shall always remain committed in the quest for a Globally Competitive World Heritage City.

Liberal Party President Senator Mar Roxas files Senate Bill No. 1962 which seeks a 6-month suspension on the collection of VAT on oil products

Prices of oil keeps on soaring and the rational clamor initiated by Senator Mar Roxas for government to suspend the imposition of VAT on oil remains unheeded. Hence, the Liberal Senator filed Senate Bill No. 1962 which seeks a 6-month suspension on the collection of VAT on oil products. This move is not only logical during these times but also practical considering that it would give us respite from the unstoppable increase of petroleum products. It would be unthinkable and unconscionable to reject this proposal. Roxas said he will continue to push for the suspension of the 12% EVAT on oil once Congress resumes session on July 28. "Now, more than ever, I appeal to the executive branch and the majority bloc in the Lower House to heed the people's clamor for immediate relief from high oil prices."

The local governments and civil society can do its share by coming up with resolutions and position papers supporting the move to suspend the VAT on oil. Maybe through a concerted action, the national government will listen to this plea. Would it make any difference if Mar Roxas is not a presumptive candidate for President in 2010? Your guess is as good as mine.

VOLARE by super mario brothers

LET'S TAKE ANOTHER BRAKE FROM THE $145 DOLLARS PER BARREL OF CRUDE OIL.