TESTIMONIAL PROGRAM FOR THE NEW LAWYERS OF VIGAN

VM Franz Ranches recognizes the important role of lawyers in community-building.
Atty. Wilbur Cajigal delivers his message of gratitude.

Atty. Joseph Darren Centeno remembers his hardships and sacrifices in law school.

Atty. Ma. Cristina Favis states her intention to serve her City although she is now gainfully employed in a law office in Manila.

The new lawyers of Vigan beam with pride as they receive their Certificates of Recognition from the City Officials of Vigan. Members of their families witnessed said occasion.

FINISHED BUSINESS (JULY 1 AND JULY 6, 2009)

>Promulgation of a decision suspending kagawad Elvira Racsa of Ayusan Norte. (respondent can file a motion for reconsideration or administrative appeal within the reglamentary period)

> Supplemental Budgets of Barangay Camanggaan, and Barangay Rugsuanan were approved on review.

>A Resolution establishing the Vigan City Skills Training Institute was approved on final reading.

ORDER OF BUSINESS (JULY 6, 2009)

1. CALL TO ORDER
2. INVOCATION – Hon. Audie Q. Agdamag.
3. PAMBANSANG AWIT
4. VISION MISSION
5. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES. June 22, July 1, 2009
6. COMMUNICATIONS:

FROM: Irene D. Quppet ( City Budget Officer)
RE: Supplememntal Budget of Barangay Camanggaan, and Barangay Rugsuanan.
FROM: Maximo Ramiscal Torricer ( Acting Chief of Police)
RE: Traffic Violator Apprehensions dated July 6,2009.
FROM: Austere A. Panadero ( Undersecretary DILG)
RE: National Movement of Young Legislators 2009 Luzon Congress on July 23-25 at Camarines Sur Sports Complex , Camarines Sur.

7. FOR FIRST READING.
1. Draft Resolution No. 09-20 “A Resolution establishing the “Vigan City Skills Training Center” as a training institution of the City of Vigan.”
Introduced By : SPM Henry A. Formoso

8. COMMITTEE REPORT
Committee on Finance & Appropriation

(Joint Committee Report) Market and Agriculture
Committee on Health.

9.CALENDAR OF BUSINESS
For Second Reading “A Resolution Granting The Application Of Mrs. Carmeling Crisologo For The Construction Of The Holy Camp Cemeterty Located At The Southeast Wing Of The Old Cemetery In Barangay Vii, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur And Recommending The Issuance Of An Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC).”

10. OTHER MATTERS

11. ADJOURNMENT

ORDER OF BUSINESS (JULY 1, 2009)

1. CALL TO ORDER
2. INVOCATION – Hon. Lourdes DG. Baquiran
3. PAMBANSANG AWIT
4. VISION MISSION
5. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES. June 22, 2009.
6. REFFERENCE OF BUSINESS
COMMUNICATIONS:
FROM: Irene D. Queppet ( City Budget Officer)
RE: Supplemental Budget of Barangay San Julian Norte, Purok a Dackel and Barangay Raois.

FROM: Zuleika T. Lopez ( Secretary to the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Davao)
RE: Information and Supporting House Bill 5213, otherwise known as “An act providing for the additional support and compensation for Educators in basic Education”.

FOR FIRST READING---
7. COMMITTEE REPORT
Committee Report on Finance & Appropriation
Committee on Rules

8. CALENDAR OF BUSINESS
FOR FINAL READING---

9. OTHER MATTERS
Resolution of Administrative case No 2008-2 =Spouses Melvin Cayabyab versus Brgy. Kagawad Elvira Racsa.
10. ADJOURNMENT

VISITORS FROM OUR SISTER MUNICIPALITY, SAN MARIANO, ISABELA,

Councilor Jerome Miranda of San Mariano, Isabela gives his response after the welcome remarks of Vice Mayor Franz Ranches

LOCAL GOVERNMENTS SHOULD INVITE INVESTORS IN RENEWABLE ENERGY

Local governments should try enticing the private sector to invest in renewable energy projects. This is a way of addressing climate change through the reduction of carbon emissions. Incentives are being offered to investors and developers of "green" energy. Here in the Philippines, the passsage of R.A. 9513 (Renewable Energy Act)and its implementing rules and regulations is a breakthrough in pursuing this concern. Under the law, the following are the fiscal and non-fiscal incentives for investors in renewable energy:

Ø Seven-year income tax holidays for Renewable Energy (RE) developers;
Ø Exemption from VAT and duty-free importation of equipment and machinery;
Ø Reduction of corporate income tax after the expiry of the income tax holiday to 10 percent of net income;
Ø Zero percent VAT rate for the sale of power from RE
Ø Duty-free importation of equipment;
Ø Tax credit on domestic capital equipment and services;
Ø Special realty tax rates, income tax holidays, net operating loss carry-over, accelerated depreciation and exemption from the universal charge and wheeling charges;
Ø Exemption from all taxes of the proceeds from the sale of carbon credits;
Ø Assurance to investors in wind, solar, ocean, run-of-river hydropower and biomass in electricity generated from these clean sources through feed-in tariffs.

The institutionalization of a renewable portfolio standard requiring the country’s electric utilities to obtain a certain portion of their electricity from clean, home grown renewable energy sources is being sought in this new law.

Local governments can offer a Build-Operate-Transfer (BOT) scheme to prospective investors.

FINISHED BUSINESS (JUNE 22, 2009)

Supplemental Budgets of Barangay San Pedro , Barangay Ayusan Norte and Barangay Pantay Laud were approved on review by the Vigan City Council.

VIGAN CITY COUNCIL ORDER OF BUSINESS (JUNE 22, 2009)

1. CALL TO ORDER
2. INVOCATION – Hon. Vice Mayor Francisco P. Ranches Jr.
3. PAMBANSANG AWIT
4. VISION MISSION
5. Privileged Speech -SPM. George J. Villanueva
6. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES. June 15, 2009.
7. REFFERENCE OF BUSINESS

COMMUNICATIONS:
a. FROM: Irene D. Queppet ( City Budget Officer)
RE: Supplemental Budget of Barangay San Pedro , Barangay Ayusan Norte And Barangay Pantay Laud.
b.FROM: Councilor Everin F. Molina
RE: Letter to Mr Somera to formalize the issue of unpaid overtime pay.

FIRST READING.
1. Draft Ordinance No. 09-09 “ An Ordinance providing for an allowance of at least one thousand pesos a month to Barangay Nutrition Scholars, in the City of Vigan”
Introduced By SPM. Benedicto Jose P. Verzosa and SPM. Everin F. Molina

2. Draft Ordinance No. 09-10 An ordinance requiring all banking institutions, groceries and malls in Vigan City to install video monitoring devices inside and outside their premises.
Introduced by VM Francisco P. Ranches, Jr.

8. COMMITTEE REPORT
Committee Report on Finance & Appropriation

9. CALENDAR OF BUSINESS--
FOR FINAL READING--

10. OTHER MATTERS
Letter of Mr. Elpidio Que

Resolution of Administrative case No 2008-2 - Mr. and Mrs. Melvin Cayabyab versus Brgy. Kagawad Elvira Racsa.

11. ADJOURNMENT

VISITORS FROM ISABELA AND BATANGAS

THE PLANNING OFFICER AND STAFF OF SANTIAGO CITY, ISABELA POSE WITH MAYOR MEDINA, VICE MAYOR RANCHES, COUNCILOR QUIBILAN, COUNCILOR VILLANUEVA AND COUNCILOR FORMOSO.

BATANGAS BOARD MEMBER ROMAN "BOY" ROSALES(in blue shirt) PAYS HIS COURTESY TO THE OFFICIALS OF VIGAN REPRESENTED BY VM FRANZ RANCHES AND LIGA NG MGA BARANGAY PRESIDENT JAYPEE SINGSON.

VIGAN ENVISIONS THE USE OF RENEWABLE ENERGY

Mayor Eva Medina and PEEI President Cezar Pacheco shake each other's hand after signing the Memorandum of Agreement for the conduct of a feasibilty study for the establishment of a Biomass Power Plant. Acting as witnesses are Councilor Max Alves (extreme left), Vice Mayor Franz Ranches (in blue shirt) and Councilor Lulu Baquiran (extreme right).

The City of Vigan is eyeing to tap the use of Biomass (conversion of agricultural waste into electricity) for its power supply. Cognizant of the adverse effects of climate change and global warming due to excessive carbon emissions, the City Government of Vigan in its attempt to contribute to the reduction of such, entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Pacific Ecology and Environment, Inc.(PEEI) for the conduct of a feasibility study for the establishment of a Biomass Power Plant in this Heritage City.

If found feasible, Pacific Ecology and Environment, Inc. will construct the renewable energy plant on a Built-Operate-Transfer scheme. This will spare the city from spending at least 200 million pesos and can channel its limited resources to other equally important projects.

FINISHED BUSINESS (JUNE 15, 2009)

The Supplemental Budgets of Barangay V, Barangay San Jose, Barangay Nagsangalan and Barangay II were approved by the City Council upon review.

VIGAN CITY COUNCIL ORDER OF BUSINESS (JUNE 15,2009)

1. CALL TO ORDER
2. INVOCATION – Hon. Edreen Jeremiah F.Pajaro
3. PAMBANSANG AWIT
4. VISION MISSION
5. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES. June 8, 2009.
6. REFFERENCE OF BUSINESS

COMMUNICATIONS:
a. FROM: Irene D. Queppet ( City Budget Officer)
RE: Supplemental Budget of Barangay V, Barangay San Jose, Barangay Nagsangalan and Barangay II.

FOR FIRST READING
a. Draft Ordinance No. 09-08, An Ordinance Establishing Guidelines on the Marginal Farmers and Fishermen's Market Day every Wednesday of the Week at the Vigan Public Market.
Introduced by: Councilor Everin F. Molina

7. COMMITTEE REPORT
Committee on Finance & Appropriation

8.CALENDAR OF BUSINESS---
9. OTHER MATTERS
10. ADJOURNMENT

VISITORS FROM STA. TERESITA, CAGAYAN

As I have promised to my visitors from Sta. Teresita, Cagayan, I am publishing this souvenir photo in my blog. I had a pleasant chat with these department heads when they came to Vigan several days ago to observe on matters involving governance.

MEMBERS OF MONUZ(NUEVA ECIJA) CITY COUNCIL VISIT VIGAN CITY(ILOCOS SUR)

The members of the City Council of Vigan and Monuz

Vice Mayor Alberto Tobias, Jr. of Monuz meets Vice Mayor Franz Ranches of Vigan City

FINISHED BUSINESS (JUNE 8, 2009)

An Ordinance appropriating the amount of six hundred sixty nine thousand seven hundred thirty six pesos (Php 669,736.00) representing the share of the City government of Vigan from the 2008 tobacco excise taxes (R.A. 7171).

(Approved on final reading)

VIGAN CITY COUNCIL ORDER OF BUSINESS (JUNE 8,2009)

1. CALL TO ORDER
2. INVOCATION – Hon. John Patrick A. Singson.
3. PAMBANSANG AWIT
4. VISION MISSION
5. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES. June 1, 2009.
6. REFFERENCE OF BUSINESS

COMMUNICATIONS:
a. FROM: Herminia R. Bundoc ( Provincial Secretary)
RE: Approved Ordinance. 02-09 (River Cruise Ordinance) June 2, 2009
b. FROM: Irene D.Queppet ( City Budget Officer)
RE: Annual Budget of Barangay Salindeg
c. FROM: Irene D. Quppet ( City Budget Officer)
RE: Supplemental Budget of Barangay VI.

FOR FIRST READING ---

7. COMMITTEE REPORT
Committee Report on Finance & Appropriation

8. CALENDAR OF BUSINESS
FOR FINAL READING
Draft Appropriation Ordinance No. 09-02 An Ordinance appropriating the amount of six hundred sixty nine thousand seven hundred thirty six pesos (Php 669,736.00) representing the share of the City government of Vigan from the 2008 tobacco excise taxes (R.A. 7171)

9. OTHER MATTERS
10. ADJOURNMENT

MAR ROXAS POSTS FIVE-POINT GAIN IN LATEST PULSE ASIA SURVEY

According to Pulse Asia's latest survey (May 14-17, 2009) of who would be the voter's choice of the next Philippine President, Vice President Noli de Castro has 18 percent from 19 percent; Sen. Chiz Escudero has 17 percent from 17 percent; Deposed President Joseph Estrada has 15 percent from 16 percent; Sen. Manny Villar has 14 percent from 15 percent; and Sen. Mar Roxas leaped to 13 percent from 8 percent. Analysts say that the five aspirants are in a statistical tie, given a margin of error of plus-or-minus 3 percentage points at the 95 percent confidence level.

Presidential aspirant Mar Roxas is noticeably No. 1 in the Visayas. A Philippine Daily Inquirer report (June 2, 2009) stated that Roxas attributed his five-point gain in the latest Pulse Asia Survey to his pro-poor advocacies and programs. With the presidential election still a year away, and support for Roxas consistently snowballing, I am confident that a Liberal President will lead this nation to a new brand of politics.

FINISHED BUSINESS (JUNE I, 2009)

The following have been approved by the Vigan City Council:

1. An Ordinance regulating the sale, distribution, possession or use of fire crackers, pyrotechnic devices and other similar explosives within the territorial jurisdiction of Vigan City (approved on final reading).

2. An Ordinance enacting the Environment Code of the City of Vigan (approved on final reading).

3.An Ordinance appropriating the amount of Six Hundred Sixty Nine Thousand Seven Hundred Thirty Six Pesos (PHP 669,736.00) representing the share of the City Government of Vigan from the 2008 Tobacco excise taxes (R.A. 7171) for the infrastructure, cooperaives and livelihood projects (approved on final reading).

4. A resolution endorsing the application of TAJ Business Center, Old Vigan Public Market Property (City of Vigan), Cyber North Vigan, and the University of Northern Philippines (UNP) Computer Center to be declared as Economic Zone pursuant to R.A. 7016 (Special Economic Zone Act) as amended by R.A. 8748 (approved on final reading).

VIGAN CITY COUNCIL ORDER OF BUSINESS (JUNE 1, 2009)

1. CALL TO ORDER
2. INVOCATION – Hon. Benedicto Jose P. Verzosa
3. PAMBANSANG AWIT
4. VISION MISSION
5. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES. May 25, 2009.
6. REFFERENCE OF BUSINESS

COMMUNICATIONS:
1. FROM: Irene D. Queppet ( City Budget Officer)
RE: Supplemental Budget of Barangays VIII, IV, VII, Purok A Bassit, Capangpangan, San Julian Barangay Mindoro and Barangay Cabaroan Laud.
2. FROM: Herminia R. Bundoc ( Provincial Secretary)
RE: Approved Res/ Ord No. 12-2008.
3. FROM: Ma. Fatima C. Antonio ( City Accountant)
RE: Financial Statement and Supporting Documents for the Quarter ended March 31, 2009

FOR FIRST READING .
Draft Ordinance N. 09-07 An Ordinance formulating and establishing the Vigan Tourism Code which provides for the rules and regulation governing the tourism industry in the City of Vigan, its promotion, development and administration, and prescribing penalties for violation thereof.
Introduced By: Vice Mayor Francisco P. Ranches Jr. and SPM. Everin F. Molina

COMMITTEE REPORT
Committee on Finance (2)

CALENDAR OF BUSINESS
For Final Reading
1. Draft Ordinance No 09-03 An Ordinance regulating the sale, distribution, possession or use of fire crackers, pyrotechnic devices and other similar explosives within the territorial jurisdiction of Vigan City.
2. Draft Ordinance 08-05 An Ordinance enacting the Environment Code of the City of Vigan

9. OTHER MATTERS
10. ADJOURNMENT

VIVA VIGAN FESTIVAL (May 1-5, 2009)

(((Top Photo) Vice Mayor Franz Ranches reads the Biography of Don Isabelo delos Reyes, founder of the Philippine Labor Movement, an Illustrious Son of Vigan.

(Above Photo) City Officials led by Mayor Eva Medina and Vice Mayor Franz Ranches open the Viva Vigan Festival and Labor Day Celebration on May 1, 2009.

Participants of the "Binatbatan" streetdancing contest are all smiles despite the heavy scourge of the sun.

Local and foreign tourists visit Vigan to witness the Festival of Culture and the Arts.

FINISHED BUSINESS (May 25, 2009 Session)

The following have just been approved by the Vigan City Council:

1) An Ordinance regulating the sale, distribution, possession or use of fire crackers, pyrotechnic devices and other similar explosives within the territorial jurisdiction of Vigan City (approved on final reading).

2) Resolution authorizing Mayor Eva Marie S. Medina to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement with the PCSO for the purchase of an ambulance (approved on final reading).

3) Resolution allowing the Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia to construct a Colombarium at the back of the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary at Ayusan Sur, Vigan, Ilocos Sur (approved on final reading).

THE VIGAN ENVIRONMENT CODE

The Vigan Environment Code is the City Council's response to the global concern on climate change. Every human being in this planet has to make a contibution no matter how small it is, to address global warming and environmental degradation.

Vigan has been known for its efforts in protecting its rich heritage. Unkown to many, Environmental Protection goes hand in hand with Heritage Conservation. Nature is a part of our heritage. The seas, rivers, trees, the air that we breathe, the flora and fauna and our biodiversity form part of what we call NATURAL HERITAGE. Hence, heritage conservation covers environmental protection.

The environment code is a major piece of legislation which seeks to institutionalize local environmental policies. It complements the City environmental plan and outlines the priority areas which needs to be protected. Issues on Integrated Solid Waste Management, Water Resources, Land Resources, Forest Resources, Mineral Resources, Coastal Management, Air Quality, Biodiversity, Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, and Environmental Information and Education among others are hereby dealt with extensively.

Make a difference, be a steward of the environment!

VIGAN CITY COUNCIL ORDER OF BUSINESS (May 25,2009)

1. CALL TO ORDER
2. INVOCATION – Hon. Maximo M. Alves
3. PAMBANSANG AWIT
4. VISION MISSION
5. APPROVAL OF THE MINUTES. May 11,18, 2009.
6. REFFERENCE OF BUSINESS

A. COMMUNICATIONS:
1. FROM: Irene D. Queppet ( City Budget Officer)
RE: Supplemental Budget of Barangay Ayusan Sur and Barangay Paoa.
2. FROM: Local Finance Committee
RE: A position paper of the Local Finance Committee on section 138 ( funding) of the proposed Environment code.
B.FOR FIRST READING ---

7. COMMITTEE REPORT
Committee on Finance

8. CALENDAR OF BUSINESS

UNFINISHED BUSINESS
1. Draft Ordinance No 09-03 An Ordinance regulating the sale, distribution, possession or use of fire crackers, pyrotechnic devices and other similar explosives within the territorial jurisdiction of Vigan City.
2. Draft Ordinance enacting the Environment Code of the City of Vigan

3. Draft Resolution authorizing Mayor Eva Marie S. Medina to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement with the PCSO for the purchase of an ambulance.

4. Draft Resolution allowing the Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia to construct a Colombarium at the back of the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary at Ayusan Sur, Vigan, Ilocos Sur

9. ADJOURNMENT

PRAYERS OF THE CITY COUNCIL VOLUME II

s

With God, everything is possible. Man has to depend on God in everything – in thoughts, in words, in wisdom and in decisions he has to make for himself, for country and for God. He has to believe in the power of prayer. Prayer is very important to man. It is a universal act of adoration, contrition, thanksgiving and supplications.

The City Council of Vigan believes in the significant role of prayer in every legislation it undertakes. That, God’s guidance and wisdom in every deliberation the City Council undertakes has greatly helped every legislator immeasurably.

This book of prayers is an expression and manifestation of the Vigan City Council’s recognition of and dependence on God’s counsel and wisdom. It contains every Legislators’ aspirations for good governance. This collection of invocations preserves the opening prayers in all the sessions of the City Council for the period of July 3, 2006 to June 25, 2007. Finally, it serves as a social document, reference and repository of cultural heritage, an embodiment of the political aspirations, a legacy of the Vigan City Council. (Prepared by Ms. Min Reolalas, consultant to the Vice Mayor)

THE 2009 CITY BUDGET

As early as November 26, 2008, the Vigan City Council and the Local Chief Executive approved Appropriation Ordinance No. 5, Series of 2008, enacting the 2009 City Budget amounting to Php 200,159,341.29 (Two Hundred Million One Hundred Fifty Nine Thousand Three Hundred Forty One and 29/100) Pesos. 66% of which comes from the IRA(Internal Revenue Allotment from the National Government) and 34% from local sources, specifically from Business Income(18%), Local Taxes(11%), Service Income(3%), and General Income(permits and licenses, 2%).

Out of the total budget, the amount of Php 54,200,000.00 has been allotted for the City’s Development Fund, mainly categorized as follows:
1. Economic Development ---- Php 25,000,000.00
2. Social Development ---------- Php 18,200,000.00
3. Environmental Development -- Php 11,000,000.00.

Furthermore, Php 98,320,100.45 Million has been earmarked for Personal Services; Php 26,669,585.54 Million for Maintenance and Other Operating Expenses(MOOE); Php 9,010,183.30 Million for the Calamity Fund; PhP 8,285,000.00 Million for Capital Outlay; Php 3,557,472.00 Million for Financial Expenses; and Php 117,000 Thousand for Aid to Barangays.

The Annual Budget is the financial plan of the City and in accordance with the approved development plan.

VIGAN CITY COUNCIL LAKBAY-ARAL 2009

INTERNATIONAL BOXING CHAMPION BRIAN VILORIA VISITS VIGAN

ILOCOS SUR RED CROSS YOUTH LEADERSHIP SEMINAR

VM Ranches stresses the importance of good character as indispensable leadership tool.

A certificate of appreciation is being given to Vice Mayor Franz Ranches for being the guest speaker during a leadership seminar sponsored by the Ilocos Sur Red Cross Youth.

VIGAN GENDER AND DEVELOPMENT CODE

Women’s rights and human dignity are essential in a civilized society. The enactment of the Vigan Gender and Development (GAD) Code is a step towards institutionalizing the protection of these rights and the promotion of total human development. As a World Heritage Site aspiring to be globally competitive, Vigan’s heritage conservation must go hand- in- hand with human rights protection.

This code aims to deter sexual harassment and discrimination against women, change the mindset of a macho society that women are regarded as sex objects and treated as commodities. It also wants to rectify the traditional role of women which is confined to household chores or domestic concerns. The Vigan Gender and Development Code recognizes the significant role of women in community development. It acknowledges women’s contribution in our history as a nation particularly the heroism of revolutionary Gabriela Silang, and the influence of poetess/satirist Leona Florentino among others. As we celebrate women’s month this March, let us give tribute to the women in general for making the world a better place to live in.

WEARING BLUE ON VALENTINE'S DAY

February 14 is a special day for lovers. I have started advocating that it should be declared a special holiday since last year because of its historical, religious and sentimental significance. Valentine's day is a day for lovers. Its a time to show one's affection. Its a time to manifest one's love.

Sometimes, Valentine's day becomes blue if its signifcance is taken for granted. It is as if wearing blue when everybody else is wearing red. It becomes blue if lovers quarrel on such day. It becomes really blue if one is dating another.

Nowadays, Valentine's day is highly commercialized. Its celebration becomes more of a business rather than nurturing its true meaning. Well, in whatever form, let's simply celebrate Valentine's day --- even if you're alone.

LIBERAL PARTY PRESIDENT MAR ROXAS VISITS VIGAN

Liberal Party President, Senator Mar Roxas is warmly greeted during his visit to Vigan during the Longganiza Festival (January 22, 2009).
. Mar Roxas together with Vice Governor Jerry Singson, Councilor Ever Molina, and Vice Mayor Franz Ranches amusely look at one direction.

Sen. Mar Roxas in an elegant barong filipino walks from his hotel to a nearby restaurant to join the local offiicials of Vigan for a dinner.

Undersecretary Luis "Chavit" Singson plays host to Sen. Mar Roxas, Congressman Manny Mamba of Tuao, Cagayan, Vice Mayor Franz Ranches, Vice Gov. Jerry Singson and Councilor Ever Molina.

FROM MACAU TO VIGAN

Walking alone at the streets of Macau’s Senado Square in a pleasant cold weather one evening made me realize how safe and romantic the city is. Being one of the Special Administrative Regions(SARs) of China, Macau is a major tourist destination of the world. Being in Macau for a Training-of-Trainers Workshop for the Cultural Heritage Specialist Guides Programme sponsored by UNESCO in cooperation with the Instituo de Formacao Turistica (Institute for Tourism Studies) of Macau from January 11-16, 2009, gave me the rare opportunity to learn and observe how the City became one of the world’s favorite tourist spots and an important economic player.

A former colony of Portugal, it became a major port of trade alongside with neighboring Hong Kong. Perceived as the gambling capital of Asia because of the presence of well-known casinos, Macau has other things to offer in terms of Heritage and Culture. Inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage List because of the significant presence and protection of its tangible and intangible cultural properties, tourists visit Macau not only to gamble but to appreciate its culture and heritage attractions such as the Ruins of St. Paul’s Church, Mount Fortress and Museo de Macau , Senado Square and St. Dominic’s Church among others.

As a result of the workshop, the participating countries were able to draft an outline for a site module in preparation for the crafting of a curriculum for a specialized course for tour guides in their respective World Heritage Sites. The training was attended by representatives from China(Mt. Lushan), Indonesia (Boroubudor), Malaysia (Georgetown, Penang and Melakka), and the Philippines (Vigan City). Soon Vigan will be training Heritage Guides in accordance with internationally accepted and UNESCO accredited standards. Having the privileged of learning from Macau, I will definitely share it in Vigan and the rest of the Philippines.

A VISIT TO MACAU

The Facade of St. Paul's Church is what is left of the ruins of the famous landmark. Declared by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, tourists are attracted to its majestic stature.

The Senado Square is favorite place to promenade. A highly pedestrianize area, the street is made of stone mosaic which makes it amazingly wonderful.

The House of Mercy

The Macau Tower and Convention Center is one of the landmarks of the place. Several activities can be done in the area including bungee jumps.

VIGAN CITY CHRISTMAS PARTY (DECEMBER 21, 2008)

Vice Mayor Franz Ranches delivers a message during the Christmas Party of Barangay IV Senior Citizens
Can you beat the heat of the Vigan City Council dancers?

City Council employees show their talents during the dance craze competition sponsored by the City Government. The group bagged the 1st Runner-up award.

Ms. Geozita Guerrero confidently presents herself during the Search for Missed Kita.

JUST CELEBRATE CHRISTMAS!

Celebrating Christmas has become a tradition among Filipinos. This is the reason why Filipinos always survive Christmas. No matter what, amidst global economic difficulties, Filipinos always find time to celebrate it. Its significance is best felt when the celebration is made simple and meaningful. Anyway, as stated by Fr. Jerry Orbos, SVD, "the first Christmas was simple and poor, it was wanting and bare." The true meaning of Christmas is simply LOVE.

Just Celebrate Christmas! Its magic never fails us. It makes us really happy.

MANNY PACQUIAO: PHILIPPINES' SAVING GRACE

Amidsts the victory of Filipino Boxer Manny Pacquiao over heavily favored World renowned boxer Oscar De La Hoya, the issue on corruption continues to hound the Philippines. No less than Jaro Archbishop Angel Lagdameo, the President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) stated that the observance of the 60th Anniversary of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights is a source of “shame and embarrassment” for Filipinos. In a statement issued, the prelate said “ we are ashame, and we hope it is not completely true that our country is said to be the most corrupt in Asia and the second most corrupt in the world. This is because of human rights violations in various degrees.”

The triumph of Manny Pacquiao reverses (at least for now) the international communities’ negative perception on the Philippines. The fact that a Filipino is a world boxing champion makes every Filipino proud of his race and nation. Pacquiao is now a source of hope and inspiration. He is now the country’s saving grace. As global recession is being gradually felt by all of us, something positive is being said about the Philppines because of Manny’s feat. If Filipinos were united in supporting Manny Paquiao’s fight against his Mexican-American opponent, much more should we remain solid in the fight against injustice, poverty and ignorance.

LET'S MAKE SCIENCE WORK FOR US

The idea of learning how to use renewable energy as a substitute to fossil fuel should be taken as a challenge in science fairs in the Philippine publc schools. Science should become a tool not only in addressing people's needs but also in protecting our environment. Only we can say that we make science work for us if we rise to this pressing call.

EARLY CHRISTMAS GIFT FOR THE RIDING PUBLIC OF VIGAN: ONE PESO ROLLBACK OF TRICYCLE FARES

The City Council of Vigan recently approved a one(1) peso rollback of tricycle fares due to the continuous reduction of oil prices worldwide. The approval of Ordinance No. 18 Series of 2008 principally authored by the Committee Chairman on Transportation, Councilor Ever Molina gives the riding public a much needed relief from the spiralling costs of consumer products due to the global recession. Students who attended the public hearing clamored for a two-peso rollback but tricycle drivers and operators appealed that a half-way rate be arrived at in order for them to recover from the high cost of maintenance. The City Council unanimously approved the legislative measure on final reading. It's now only a matter of time before the rollback can be fully implemented

VIGAN ACCEPTS INVITATION OF BANGUED TO FORGE SISTERHOOD TIES

The City of Vigan accepted the invitation of Bangued, Abra to become its sister municipality by virtue of the approval of Resolution No. 48 Series of 2008 during the former’s regular session on November 3, 2008. Earlier, some members of the Sanggunian Bayan (Municipal Council) of Bangued led by its Lady Presiding Officer, Vice Mayor Betzaida B. Alzate personally presented Bangued’s Resolution No. 52 Series of 2008 to the City Council of Vigan last October 27, 2008. Vice Mayor Alzate appealed that Bangued be accepted as a sister municipality of Vigan for the very reason that both local government units share a common history being part then of the old Ylocos Province. Its illustrious sons served the Government of the Philippine Islands in the maiden session of the First Philippine Legislature with Don Vicente Singson Encarnacion of Vigan and Juan Villamor of Bangued representing the Province of Ilocos Sur. The signing of the sisterhood agreement is tentatively scheduled on January 22, 2009 at the Heritage City of Vigan.