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.

VIGAN AWARDED AS MOST CHILD-FRIENDLY CITY OF ILOCOS REGION

Vigan City Officials headed by Mayor Eva Marie S. Medina and Vice Mayor Franz Ranches, together with some department heads and NGO representatives and members of the Council for the Welfare of Children receive the Presidential Award for Most Child-friendly City of Region I (Ilocos Region). The City of Vigan has been the recipient of this award for three consecutive years now. It will represent Region I in the National Search for most child-friendly local government unit.

IS IT THE END OF THE AMERICAN ERA?

The United States of America has long been associated with POWER, both political and economic. More than a month away from its Presidental Election, a major financial crisis gripped this country whom many regarded as the "land of milk and honey". The unexpected bankcruptcy of Lehman Brothers, one of the biggest banks of the United States and the American Insurance Group AIG), a multi-national insurance firm started stock markets to crash. Despite efforts by the US government to bailout these firms, the downtrend of stocks has begun to be felt worldwide. Panic selling of stocks and bloodbath are all over Asia and Europe. The United States' economic crisis now becomes a global financial disaster.

The American Dream has became a nightmare and US global leadership took a dive. Why did this thing happen? The ready answer is greed. Bureaucrat Capitalism has taken its toll. Wall Street, New York's financial center took a mighty fall and brought markets around the world with it. America's credit culture, reckless borrowings and lendings led to brankcruptcy of major US financial institutions. Fearless confidence overcame the conservative approach in financial management. Due to eagerness to earn more, american investments are everywhere. Instead of creating more job opportunities for its people, reliance was made on cheap labor abroad in countries like Vietnam and China. Hence, the ordinary Americans' purchasing power was adversely affected leading to a financial crisis.

Is it the end of the American Era? Will there be a new economic power in this world? Bailout, which is too burdensome for the American taxpayers might not solve the problem. Reaching out to its affluent allies as an attempt to restore trust and confidence on the American financial system is not enough. The United States of America should consider re-inventing itelf.

FORUM AT ST. PAUL COLLEGE

Students of St. Paul College in a light moment with Vigan Legislators

For correctly answering a question in the Q and A portion of the Forum, this coed was a receipient of a Vigan City Council T-Shirt from Vice Mayor Franz Ranches.

The Faculty and Staff of St. Paul College headed by Sister Celine Santos, SPC pose for a souvenir shot with the members of the Vigan City Council.

Vigan legislators with winners of the Q and A portion of the Forum. Second from left to right, upper row, Councilors George Villanueva, Ever Molina, Boying Apelin, Loreto Quibilan and Audie Agdamag. Lower row, fourth from left, VM Franz Ranches.

VIGAN CITY COUNCIL CONDUCTS FORUM AT THE UNIVERSITY OF NORTHERN PHILIPPINES

The legislators of Vigan headed by Vice Mayor Franz Ranches with the particpants of the Forum on The Role of the City Council in Community Development

VM Ranches and Student Leaders from UNP High School


With Social Work Students of UNP


With Political Science students of UNP. On the left is Ruth Ann Arellano, my neighbor.

MAR ROXAS COMBATS GRAFT AND CORRUPTION THROUGH EDUCATION

Liberal Party President Mar Roxas combats Graft and Corruption through education. In a dialogue with Southwestern University graduate students and teachers, he said graft could be eliminated if there is transparency and if there are institutional limits against private monopolies and public officials'discretion. Senator Roxas’ advocacy is very much in line with the Liberal Party’s principle on good governance. Mar Roxas is the author of several pro-people landmark legislations such as the Cheaper Medicine Law, Exemption of Minimum Wage Earners from Income Tax, Magna Carta for Small Business, among others.

CITY COUNCIL LAUNCHES VIGAN CONSERVATION CODE

The Vigan Conservation Code was launched by the City Council last September25, 2008 at the Syquia Mansion. I can't help but wonder with awe what a beautiful place the mansion is. It was a perfect venue to conduct the book launch. The mansion became a source of inspiration in the conservation of Vigan's built heritage like the ancestral houses.

OBAMA'S ENERGY PLAN IS GLOBALLY BENEFICIAL

Democratic Presidential Candidate Senator Barack Obama’s “green platform” is not only beneficial to the United States but to Third World Countries, especially to oil-dependent nations like the Philippines. In his acceptance speech as Presidential Candidate during the Democratic Party’s Convention, Barack Obama lined up several programs and projects for the United States and the American people including a solid and realistic program on Energy. He mentioned, “xxx for the sake of our economy, our security, and the future of our planet, I will set a clear goal as president: In ten years, we will finally end our dependence on oil from the Middle East.

Washington's been talking about our oil addiction for the last thirty years, and John McCain has been there for twenty-six of them. In that time, he's said no to higher fuel-efficiency standards for cars, no to investments in renewable energy, no to renewable fuels. And today, we import triple the amount of oil as the day that Senator McCain took office.

Now is the time to end this addiction, and to understand that drilling is a stopgap measure, not a long-term solution. Not even close.

As president, I will tap our natural gas reserves, invest in clean coal technology, and find ways to safely harness nuclear power. I'll help our auto companies retool, so that the fuel-efficient cars of the future are built right here in America. I'll make it easier for the American people to afford these new cars. And I'll invest 150 billion dollars over the next decade in affordable, renewable sources of energy; wind power and solar power and the next generation of biofuels; an investment that will lead to new industries and 5 million new jobs that pay well and can't ever be outsourced. “

If Obama gets elected and makes good his promise to end oil dependency in ten (10) years, the world will become a better place to live in, economically and environmentally. The issue on global warming due to excessive use of fossil fuel like oil will be adressed. Non-Oil producing countries will rely more on renewable energy, ending their dependency on Oil producing nations. OPEC’s whims will be neutralized and energy will become affordable to everybody. With this situation, economies worldwide will grow and industrialization will become environmental-friendly.

The U.S. Presidential Election should go beyond the racial issue, civil rights, financial crisis and the American Dream; it has a moral obligation to respond to the issue on Energy considering that the United States consumes twenty five percent (25%) of the world’s oil reserves.

VIGAN LEGISLATORS' WEEK CELEBRATION (September 22-26, 2008)

The men and women of the Vigan City Council.

Vigan Legislators in a wacky pose with PCL-IS Executive Vice President, Santa Councilor Art Sabalburo (the one in red).

Vice Mayor Franz Ranches signs the Vigan Traffic and Transportation Code during a book launch on September 22, 2008.

Launching of the Vigan Transportation and Traffic Code attended by legislators, department heads, traffic aides and presidents of different tricycle operators and drivers association.

CERVICAL CANCER CAN BE PREVENTED THROUGH INFORMATION AND IMMUNIZATION

Advocates for the prevention of cervical cancer came to my office for a courtesy call and I was so enlighthened by their explanation that this type of cancer can be prevented through proper information and immunization. Although a little bit expensive, vaccines are now available to prevent cervical cancer, the cause of which is virus. The group called Brave Hearts was spearheaded by Former Miss Philippines Abigail Arenas-De Leon and Dr. Cecilia Ladines-Llave, Head of the Philippine General Hospital Cancer Institute. The group sponsored a lay forum and chose Vigan as the venue for the kick-off of the TOUR OF HOPE, a fun bike covering Vigan City, San Fernando, La Union, Urdaneta and Subic. The activity hopes to raise awareness on the preventon of cancer.

INAUGURATION OF BURIDEK CHILDREN'S MUSEUM

The Buridek Children's Museum was inaugurated on September 8, 2008 at the Fil-Spanish Friendship Park (Mira Hills) as part of the celebration of Solidarity Day.

DRAFT BILL CREATING THE METRO VIGAN COORDINATING COUNCIL PRESENTED TO CONGRESSMAN RONALD SINGSON (1st District, Ilocos Sur) FOR SPONSORSHIP

AN ACT CREATING THE METRO VIGAN COORDINATING COUNCIL AND PROVIDING FUNDS THEREFORE


Section 1. The Metro Vigan Coordinating Council hereafter referred to as the Council is hereby created. The Council shall formulate, coordinate and monitor programs, projects, and activities for the acceleration of the economic and social growth and development of the City of Vigan, the Municipalities of Bantay, Caoayan, Santa, Santa Catalina, Santo Domingo and San Vicente, all of the Province of Ilocos Sur.

Section 2. The Council shall be composed of the following who shall convene themselves as the Executive Committee:

a. Mayor, City of Vigan
b. Mayor, Municipality of Bantay
c. Mayor, Municipality of Caoayan
d. Mayor, Municipality of Santa
e. Mayor, Municipality of Santa Catalina
f. Mayor, Municipality of Santo Domingo
g. Mayor, Municipality of San Vicente
h. One representative from the group of Vice Mayors of the member local government units (LGUs)
i. One representative from the group of Councilors of the member local government units (LGUs)

Section 3. The Council shall have a Chairman and other officers and staff whose appointment, functions, powers and responsibilities shall be determined by the Executive Committee through a resolution.

Section 4. The Executive Committee shall oversee the day-to-day operations of the Council. The composition, functions, and responsibilities of the Executive Committee shall be determined by the Council.

Section 5. The Council may call upon the Regional Office of NEDA in Region I to provide technical assistance.

Section 6. In the discharge of its functions, the Council shall ensure appropriate coordination with the Regional Development Council (RDC) I and other relevant local development councils.

Section 7. All departments, bureaus, offices, agencies and instrumentalities of the national government, including government-owned or controlled corporations and government financial institutions, are hereby directed to extend their full assistance to the Council in support of its programs, projects and activities.

Section 8. The Council shall be provided an initial budget for CY 2009 the amount of Five Million Pesos (Php 5,000,000.00) and from contribution of its members as may be determined by themselves.

Thereafter, the annual operating expenses of the Council shall be included in the General Appropriations after consultations with the Department of Budget and Management.

Section 9. This Act shall take effect immediately.

METRO VIGAN COORDINATING COUNCIL FORMALLY LAUNCHED, MOA SIGNED

The Metro Vigan Coordinating Council was formally launched last September 8, 2008 at the Fil-Spansih Frienship Park (Mira Hills), Vigan City. Attended by Mayors Eva S. Medina (Vigan), Butch Tadena (Sto. Domingo), Sammy Parilla (Bantay), Mario Tugade (Caoayan), Carlos Asuncion (Sta. Catalina), Vice Mayors Nancy Tabanda, representing Mayor Jose Tabanda III(San Vicente), and Popoy Bueno, representing Mayor Jeremy Bueno (Santa); the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) was finally signed in the presence of newly appointed Deputy National Security Adviser Luis "Chavit" Singson other officials, guests and the public in general.