VIGAN
CHRONICLE
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT OF VIGAN
The Vigan Chronicle ISSUE NO. XV
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT OF VIGAN
JANUARY 2019
Vigan Celebrates Longganisa Festival 2019
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OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT OF VIGAN
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Official Publication of the City Government of Vigan
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Labelle T. Medina
City Crowns Infantile King and Queen 2019
WRITER
Jay Leonard C. Roldan
City Gratifies its 2018 Partners, ISMS Awarded as Most Outstanding NGO of the Year
LAYOUT ARTIST
Haziel Joy B. Alviar
PHOTOJOURNALISTS
Jesse Alegre Elou Sagun
CONTRIBUTORS
Milagros Alquiza Jordan Soria
ADVISER
Mayor Juan Carlo S. Medina
Best Performing BDRRMCS& SDRRMTS Bag Saluad Awards Vigan City Fiesta: Longganisa Festival Vigan Tourism App Vigan City Undertakes MLGP City Celebrates Youthfulness Vigan City Passes ISO Stage One Audit
WOFKC Grasps Vigan VERT and CHO Personnel Undergo Ambulance Operations Safety Training Course Vigan City is CPR Ready
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City Crowns Infantile King and Queen 2019 As the City Government of Vigan values the participation and welfare of young Biguenos, the annual fundraising activity of the City Social Welfare and Development Office was steered last January 20 at Plaza Burgos, Vigan City. King Prince Mangat of Camanggaan Child Development Center and Queen Nathalie Mikhay Aquino of Brgy. IX CDC hailed as the 2019 Infantile King and Queen while Danell Rein Baylon (Brgy. IX CDC) and Una Louise Singson (Brgy. VI CDC) proclaimed as the 1st Prince and Princess, Geo Zander Llanes (Brgy. VIII CDC) and Merinelle Sagucio (Pantay Fatima CDC) came to be the 2nd Prince and Princess and landed in the 3rd spot were Adriane Jayce Tapaya (Bongtolan CDC) and Princess Rhianne Fetalvero (Cabaroan Laud CDC) next to them were Zane Conrad Rico (Beddeng Laud CDC) and Daniella Mae Rafin (Brgy. VIII). However Philip Gabrielle Negrillo (Bgry. III CDC) and Chessie Claire Mercado (San Pedro CDC) placed as the 4th Prince and Princess and Khyle Kiefer Fieldad (Purok a Bassit CDC) and Francesca Arce (Brgy. V) at the 6th place.
The first and last canvassing was held last January 16 at the Vigan Culture and Trade Center and it was actively participated by the 37 Day Care Centers of the City. Each Day Care Center gets 25% of the individual net proceeds of each candidates while 50% and 25% of it were given to the parents of the candidate and the City respectively. The raised fund will be used in the development of the Day Care Center facilities and as well as the implementation of different programs and activities that will benefit the students of Day Care Centers in the City. Present in the event were Vice Mayor Lourdes Bacquiran, SPM Janina Carine Medina-Farinas, SPM Joy Benette Orio, SPM Francisco Arturo Ranches III, SPM Ramil Arce, SPM Kristen Benedict Figuerres, SPM Nicholas Joseph De Leon, SPM Hermenigildo Apelin and PPSK Mary Ann Ataup.
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City Gratifies its 2018 Partners, ISMS Awarded as Most Outstanding NGO of the Year The City Government of Vigan marks its completion in this year’s Longganisa Festival through the 2nd Partners Appreciation Night last January 27 at the Vigan Convention Center. City Mayor Juan Carlo Medina uttered his words of gratitude to the 75 Non-Government Organizations and 83 National Government Agencies who were actively associated with the City for the year 2018 in implementing different activities and programs that benefited the lives of Biguenos. The Ilocos Sur Medical Society led by Dr. Gloria Lahoz hailed as the 2018 Most Outstanding NGO. Also, in the previous year ISMS were also part of Top 10 for Most Outstanding NGO’s. Among the organizations who made it to the top 10 NGO’s were the Balikatan sa Vigan Incorporated, Rotary Club of Vigan, Supreme Student Government of Vigan National High School West, Jollibee Group Foundation, Rescue Kabataan, Community Based Screening Motivators, Synergeia Foundation, City Agriculture and Fishery Council, STAC Parents Association of Vigan Incorporated and the Ilocos Sur Medical Society. “I strongly believe that no nation, no society, and no institution can prosper alone. Governments cannot do it alone. We need support from the communities, from members of all the sectors, stakeholders and organizations and agencies like you. We need partners who can help us pursue our endeavors and succeed them.” Mayor Carlo said. In the previous years the City Government received different recognitions both from local and international institutions for its outstanding performance in public service. This led the City Government to hold the Partners Appreciation Night which as a way to thank all the Public and Private Organizations and Agencies for their constant support to the City Government in giving quality service to its constituents. Also present in the event were Vice Mayor Lourdes Baquiran, Sangguniang Panlungsod Board Members, City Administrator Atty. Joanne Janice Quodala-Formoso, City Head of Offices, Division Chiefs and stakeholders of the city. 4 | The Vigan Chronicle
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Best Performing BDRRMCS & SDRRMTS Bag Saluad Awards Vigan is prone to natural hazards such as earthquake, typhoons and flooding. As a heritage site and tourism destination, it is also carries high risks that may stem from man-made disasters such as fire, terrorism, epidemic, and other human induced incidents. These are important bases in the formulation of strategies to make Vigan safe and disaster resilient. With a dynamic City Disaster Risk Reduction & Management Council (CDRRMC) that plans and allocates resources, the City Government deviced a measure to encourage and incentivize barangays and schools that pursue DRRM issuances and employ innovative and relevant programs to mitigate/reduce the risks of hazards. For exemplary work in cushioning the impacts of hazards and preventing disasters, the Vigan CDRRMC introduced the Saluad Awards for barangays and schools and is now on its third year. There are 3 categories in both groups. Western Eastern and Poblacion for barangays; and Small Elementary School, Big Elementary School and Secondary Level for the schools. The Selection Committee was composed of representatives from the BFP, DILG, Red Cross, the City Health Office, the University of Northern Philippines and It required the city to present documents showing the city’s initiatives in: PREVENTION AND MITIGATION, PREPAREDNESS, RESPONSE ,RECOVERY AND REHABILITATION The Selection Committee named the following as: 2019 Saluad Eswelaan Winners Elementary Group A Champion: Fr. Burgos Memorial School East Finalists: Cabaroan-Cabalangegan Elementary School, Bulala-Paratong Elementary School Elementary Group B Champion: Mindoro Elementary School Finalists: Camangaan Elementary School, San Julian Elementary School High School Champion: Vigan National High School East Finallists: Ilocos Sur National High School, Vigan National High School West 2019 Saluad Barangay Winners Eastern Champion: Camangaan Finalists: Cabaroan Daya and Cabalangegan Western Champion: Ayusan Norte Finalists: Mindoro and Pantay Fatima Poblacion Champion: Barangay II - Champion Finalists: Barangay VII and Barangay IX The champion along School Emergency Response Team received P30, 000 worth of DRRM supplies, equipment, materials and trophy while the finalists got P10,000 worth of DRRM supplies, equipment, materials and a plaque of recognition. Meanwhile for the Barangay DRRM Council champion received P50,000 worth of DRRM supplies, equipment, materials however finalists acquired P10,000 worth of DRRM supplies, equipment, materials and plaque of recognition. The Awarding Rites were held during the 2019 Vigan City Fiesta proceedings – Education Night for the schools, on January 23; and the Miss Vigan/ABC Night for the barangays on January 25. /MCA The Vigan Chronicle | 7
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Vigan City Fiesta: The Heritage City of Vigan celebrate its festivity every first month of the year particularly in its 25th day. It is celebrated during the feast day of the conversion of St. Paul the Apostle which is the City’s patron saint. Before his conversion, St. Paul was known as Saul, a zealous persecutor of Christians. After he was touched by a personal encounter with Jesus Christ on his way to Damascus, his name was changed to Paul and he endured a lot of hardships and danger to spread the word of God to far places. The Metropolitan Cathedral is a mark of religiousness of the Biguenos, and is devoted to St. Paul and situated at the center portion of the Archdiocese of Nueva Segovia. Vigan City Fiesta usually last for a week. It includes the cityhood day which is observed every 22nd day of January. The city fiesta became more crowd-drawer because of the Vigan Longganisa, with a distinct garlicky taste that has become a favorite of the Filipinos and other nationalities. The making of the Vigan Longganisa is a centuries-old tradition of the local makers. Its unique and authentic flavor is due to the ingredients that are being used from the city as well. This native sausage of Vigan became even more popular as the tourists who visited the city take home the flavorful Vigan Longganisa. This year, the celebration took place through a novena to St. Paul and followed by a Holy Mass started last January 16-24 where every devotee takes time to attend and give thanks to God and to the Patron Saint for the overflowing blessing and guidance that showered the Biguenos throughout the year. And as the city value’s education, last January 18 different academic competitions at Vigan Culture and Trade Center were held such as Quiz Vigan for elementary and secondary level and tour guiding for tertiary level. Quiz V Champions were Jose Singson Elementary School (Elementary) and the Ilocos Sur National High School (Secondary), Pantay Elementary School (Elementary) and Divine World College of Vigan (Secondary) as the first runner up while Rugsuanan-Puroc Elementary School (Elementary)
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Longganisa Festival and Vigan National High School West (Secondary) got the second runner up. In the Tour Guiding via Video Presentation, University of Northern Philippines came first while Ilocos Sur Community College and STI got the second and third place respectively. Both public and private schools in the city actively participated the said events. The next day, Balikatan and Agriculture Day was steered through the City Agriculture Office and the Balikatan sa Vigan Inc. wherein different Farmers Associations from the 39 Barangays of the city competed in the Agri Float competition. During the Balikatan Night, the Induction of the Newly Organized Balikatan Chapters, Federated Junior Balikatan Officers, the coronation of Ms. Flory Torio of Brgy. Capangpangan as Miss Balikatan 2019 and the Modern Dance Competition were also held. 31 entries from the Balikatan sa Vigan Chapters were enthusiastically participated the modern dance competition. Each group was comprised of Balikatan Senior, Balikatan Junior, Farmers, RIC and 4-H Club members. In the end, Brgy. Nagsangalan got the 1st Place while Brgy. III and Brgy. Raois got the 2nd and 3rd Place respectively. Last January 20, the celebration continued through the Social Services Day in which Fun walk and Social Services Parade around the city were conducted. Afterwards the different affiliate offices of the City Social Welfare and Development Office contended in the folk dance competition where STAC Parents Association of Vigan Incorporated (SPAVI) landed as the first place. Meanwhile Child Development Workers and the Kalipunan ng Liping Pilipina Vigan Chapter came to be second and third placer respectively. In the latter part of the evening, the Infantile King and Queen were coronated. Since the City accepts diversity, the LGBTQ members of the city shared their time and talent to the Biguenos through the Alay Gupit or free Haircut service in front of the City Hall last January 21. In the e vening, Dance sports Third World Competition was also held at Plaza Burgos. Everyone were delightful to the active participation of the public into the said events.
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In the 22nd day, the City celebrated its proclamation as a heritage city. The celebration turned to be more extravagant as the different great chefs and students from hotels and schools exhibited their talents in cooking with the Vigan Longganisa which is known to be the One Town One Product of the city. Subsequently, the 6 robust competing groups from elementary and 4 contingents from open category show up along the streets of Vigan. The vigorous group of Nagsangalan Elementary School (Category A) and LGU San Nicolas (Category B) stunned out among other competing groups as they showcased the Vigan Logganisa with their marvelous moves and concepts. Next to them as first runner-up were Ayusan-Paoa Elementary School (Category A) and University of Northern Philippines (Category B). Also Governor Evaristo Singson Elementary School (Category A) and the Ilocos Sur National High School (Category B) as second runner up. Best in Musicality Awards were given to Vigan Central School (Category A) and University of Northern Philippines (Category B) while the Best in Costume Awards goes to Nagsangalan Elementary School 10 | The Vigan Chronicle
(Category A) and San Nicolas National High School (Category B). Meanwhile, the Best Male Performers were Ian Lester Raganit (Category A) and Clark John Ponce (Category B). In the other hand, Best Female Performers were Marchila Castaneda (Category A) and Angelique Arzaga (Category B). Trophy and cash prizes were awarded to the winners while consolation prizes were given to the non-winning groups. Thousands of learners all over the city both from public and private schools gathered last January 23 to celebrate the Education Day in Vigan. The famous Plaza Burgos became more attractive and lively as the different schools from elementary and secondary bang in the Marching Band Competition. The charming group of Divine World College of Vigan shined along the Elementary Level while in Secondary Level, the Vigan National High School West took the first spot. Meanwhile, Saint Thomas Aquinas Learning Center and Mindoro Elementary School landed as second and third placers in the elementary level. In the other hand, Divine World College of Vigan and Vigan National High School East
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became the second and third placers respectively for secondary level. Present on the event were SPM Joy Benette Orio the Committee on Education, Schools Division Superintendent of DepEd Vigan Dr. Anselmo Aludino and Chief Education Supervisors Ma. Cristine Reyes and Dr. Jiovanni Velasco, other DepEd officials and school principals of the city. Also Teachers and Learners Got Talent was also conducted in which schools in the city competed in the said event.
Bigueño Police SPO2 Marnel Venus of the Year Galinato4 Bigueño Fire Officer of the Year Bigueño Jail Officer of the Year
SFO1 Ruben De Peralta
JINPS Reyland Tabios
Tax Related Recognitions: In the 25th day, the City celebrates the festivity of St. Paul the apostle as its patron saint. Misa concelebrada or celebration mass was sent at St. Paul Cathedral which was led by the city officials, employees and all the Bigueños. The most awaited grand parade was followed, which floats with full of colors and costumes were showcased along the streets. Different agencies and business establishments joined the long parade. The bliss continued as Vigan city crowned its new queen and princesses: Miss Vigan 2019 Ms. Krizzia Mae Laroza (Provincial Sector) 1st Princess Ms. Lani Rose Aquino (Market/Bankers/Cooperative/ NGO and City Government Sector) 2nd Princess Ms. Lovely Ann Dela Cruz (Education/ Liga ng mga Barangay Sector) 3rd Princess Ms. Jomarie Chan Asuncion (Filipino-Chinese Chamber Sector) 4th Princess Ms. Margaret Criselda Jones (Transportation Sector) Also, the notable efforts and dedications of outstanding Biguenos were recognized as the city awards: Bigueño of the Year Msgr. Roque C. Reyes, SThD. Employee of the Year Clerical (Level 1)
Sheila Tacla
Employee of the Year Laborer (Level 1)
Wilbert Trongco
Employee of the Year (Level 2) Employee of the Year (Department Head)
Engr. Arnold Amorin
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1st to pay and Secure Business Permit
Mr. Richard Diongco
1st to pay Real Dr. Donald Subia (Brgy. Property Tax Cabalangegan, Vigan City) Top 10 Taxpayers of Vigan: 1. Philip Morris Fortune Tobacco Corp. 2. Two Brothers Grocery Inc. 3. Puregold Price Club Inc. 4. New Javier Trading Corp. 5. Land Bank of the Philippines 6. Esperanza R. Lahoz 7. Eustaquio Go 8. Vigan Food Corp. 9. Northern Luzon Drug Corp. 10. Cirilo Lao Best Barangay Governance Award: 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place
Barangay Ayusan Norte Barangay Pantay Fatima Barangay II
Barangay with Best Nutrition Related Innovative Projects: Champion 1st Runner Up 2nd Runner Up
Barangay Ayusan Norte Barangay Paratong Barangay Barraca
Most Outstanding Barangay Nutrition Scholar: Champion 1st Runner Up 2nd Runner Up
Anaryl Adriatico Shirley Donato Sharon Tablada
SALUAD BARANGAY AWARDS: Poblacion Barangay Category:
Dr. Loida Adelaida Ranches
1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place 4th Place
Barangay Barangay Barangay Barangay
II VII IX II
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Eastern Barangay Category: 1st Place 2nd Place 3rd Place 4th Place
Camanggaan Cabaroan Daya Cabalangegan Raois
Western Barangay Category: 1st Place Ayusan Norte 2nd Place Cabaroan Daya 3rd Place Pantay Fatima 4th Place Tamag Big School Category: 1st Place Burgos Memorial School East 2nd Place Cabaroan-Cabalangegan Elementary School 3rd Place Bulala- Paratong Elementary School 4th Place Burgos Memorial School West 5th Place Vigan Central School 6th Place Nagsangalan Elementary School Small School Category: 1st Place Mindoro Elementary School 2nd Place Camanggaan Elementary School 3rd Place San Julian Elementary School 4th Place Tamag Elementary School 5th Place Salindeg- Pong-ol –Baracca Elementary School 6th Place Capangpangan Elementary School
7th Place Raois Elementary School 8th Place Rugusuanan- Puroc Elementary School High School Category: 1st Place Vigan National High School East 2nd Place Ilocos Sur National High School 3rd Place Vigan National High School West Zero Open Defacation Certified Barangays: Raois Bongtolan Nagsangalan Beddeng Daya Barraca Pong-ol Pantay Daya Rugsuanan Purok a Bassit Purok a Dakel Beddeng Laud Barangay V Tamag Paoa Camangaan San Julian Sur Barangay I Barangay II Cabaroan Laud Cabaroan Daya San Jose Pantay Fatima Ayusan Norte Barangay VIII
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Msgr. Roque C. Reyes, SThD. 2019 Bigueño of the Year (as introduced by Mayor Juan Carlo Medina) As stated in the royal decree issued by King Fernando VI of Spain on September 7, 1758, “So long as this Cathedral stands, Vigan will remain a city.” Indeed, the celebration of our cityhood is also because of the people of the faith and our awardee is one of them. Ladies and gentlemen, it is my honor and privilege to inroduce to you the 2019 Bigueño of the Year. He was born to David Singson Reyes and Juliana Quirino Catriz, on August 16, 1951. To him childhood means vigan, the UNESCO heritage site, the rich repository of history and culture. He studied primary grade in Rosary College from 1956 to 1961; intermediate grade in the Colegio dela Immaculada Concepcion now the Divine Word College of Vigan from 1961 to 1963, and high school in the Immaculate Conception Minor Seminary- Batch 1968. He obtained his bachelor of arts degree from the Immaculate Conception Major Seminary in 1971 and went on to the UST Central Seminary for Theology. He was ordained priest by the late Archbishop Juan C. Sison at the Conversion of St. Paul Cathedral in Vigan on March 24, 1975. He was first assigned in Candon followed by Cabugao, Sta. Cruz and Bantay. In 1978, he went to Rome for his graduate studies; was assigned in St. Matthew, New York USA for a year; and in 1983, he came back to the Philippines to become the Procurator and Vice Rector of San Pablo Major Seminary in Baguio City. In 1989, he was appointed Parochial Vicar based in the Sacred Heart Church of Staten Island in New York, USA. After four years, he went back to the Philippines and became the superintendent of catholic schools of Nueva Segovia. During this time he was also designated to implement pontifical mandate to establish the archdiocesan commission on cultural heritage, the third in the entire Philippines. He served as director of the commission 16 | The Vigan Chronicle
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until 2016. Under his watch, the Museo Nueva Segovia and Archivo De Nueva Segovia thrived. He also extended assistance to Msgr. Ted Mercado, the then Parish Priest of Vigan, in setting up the Museo de San Pablo in the conversion of st. Paul cathedral. It was a timely task for a son of Vigan who has always embraced the passion to take care of his beloved hometown’s relics and intangible heritage, complementing the center piece and thrust of vigan’s leadership. He crafted articles about the ecclesiastical history of our archdiocese as well as researchon the conservation of church structures and related buildings.
Among the distinctions that our awardee has received are : the St. Thomas Aquinas Jubilee Award, Pro Hereditate Culturali from the UST Central Seminary and the 1st Guhit Award for Cultural Preservation from the design & architecture magazine.
In 2000, he became the parish priest of Asuncion de Sta. Maria Church and in 2006, he made a homecoming to the parish of his birthplace, the Conversion of St. Paul in Vigan. For him, the designation is likened to a symbol of utmost praise in the ranks of priesthood. After vigan, he was transferred to the parish of St. Vincent Ferrer in 2012 and stayed up to 2018; currently, he is the parish priest of St. Ildephonese Parish of San Ildefonso, Ilocos Sur.
Aside from his contributions to the welfare of humanity, our church, and the community, we also underscore his contributions to the protection of our heritage, a rare pre occupation of a member of the clergy. Tonight, we acclaim the achievements of a big hearted– man whose way of life revolves around his ministry of love and compassion.
This private yet public holy citizen had brought the best things that he could offer to Vigan and even other communities without expecting anything in return. He has vowed to be a servant of the Lord all his life, to reach out to people from all walks of life and be an enabler of spiritual transformation.
Apo, thank you for your endeavors to contribute to what Vigan has become. Ladies and gentlemen, I am honoured to present to you , the Bigueño of the YearMsgr. Roque Catriz Reyes of Barangay III, Vigan City
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Vigan City Launches Tourism App As the Heritage City of Vigan becoming more popular in the world as a wonderful tourist destination, last December during the opening ceremony of the Vigan City Christmas tree at Plaza Burgos the City Government of Vigan launched the Vigan Tourism App wherein this application is a useful tool for the tourist who will come and visit the heritage city. In this Tourism App, visitors will easily find and locate the different tourist destinations in the city like the famous and historic Calle Crisologo, St. Paul Metropolitan Cathedral, Baluarte Zoo, Hidden Garden, Loom weaving village, Jose Burgos Museum, Syquia Mansion, Crisologo Museum and others. Also, to make it more beneficial to the tourist, restaurants, fast food chains, malls, banks, convenience stores, terminals and cafes were also accessible in the app. This project was initiated under the leadership of City Mayor Juan Carlo Medina in which he believed that with this application people from other places will certainly enjoy and explore the city with less hassle. Through the Vigan Tourism App, and in just using the android phone, people could now see the beauty, accessibility and affordability of the heritage city in just simply installing and browsing the app.
Vigan City Undertakes MLGP
ZFF to implement its capability building programs in 121 local government units, including the three cities under USAID’s Cities Development Initiative.
In 2017, the city started its commitment under the MLGP and in January 15-19 last year, the city Last January 23-25, the City Government of accomplished the MLGP’s first module and second Vigan represented by Mayor Juan Carlo Medina together module this year. with the City Health Officer Dr. Loida Ranches undertook the Municipal Leadership and Governance Program Vigan City Mayor Medina believes that with this under the Department of Health and Zuellig Family new learnings and ideas that they gained under MLGP, Foundation. This MLGP was part of the Health it will pave way the betterment of health programs and Leadership and Governance Program in which projects of the city for all the Biguenos. encourages mayors and municipal health officers to improve their municipal health indicators and engage MLGP goal is to improve health outcomes in other local stakeholders. the areas of maternal and child health (MCH), family planning (FP) and tuberculosis (TB) by enhancing The Zuellig Family Foundation has implemented leadership and governance capabilities of local chief leadership and governance capability building executives and local health officers. Its objectives is programs for health in various rural municipalities in to train local chief executives and local health officers the country since 2008. Assessment of ZFF’s initial on Bridging Leadership competencies, improve local cohort municipalities in 2012 showed decreases in health systems to make them more responsive to the maternal mortality using ZFF’s health change model, needs for MCH, FP and TB prevention and control and which regards leadership as key to equitable and increase community participation and health- seeking effective local health systems towards better health behavior in target areas through improved local health outcomes. In October 2013, USAID/Philippines entered systems and local health leadership. 18 | The Vigan Chronicle
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City Celebrates SK Day Hundreds of Bigueño youth gathered last January 26 at Plaza Burgos to celebrate the Bigueno Day through an advocacy parade and the Bigueno Youth Ball with clash of talents to spice up the event. Sangguniang Kabataan Chairpersons together with their councilors and youth members trooped along the streets of the city to create awareness and take actions on the different social issues of the society like drug addiction, corruption wherein colorful and meaningful poster-slogans were ramped. In the end, SK-Cabaroan Daya got the first place for the best advocacy poster–slogan competition while SK-Brgy. Bulala landed as second place and SK-Brgy. I as the third place. Different talented youth of the city engaged in the clash of talents during the Bigueno Youth Ball in which Prince Morales, the marvelous young
magician from Brgy. San Julian Sur amazed the audience through his card tricks and hailed as the Bigueño Youth Clash of Talents Champion while the energetic dance troupe from Brgy. Capangpangan, the Fierce Academy got the first runner up and the sweet diva Lovelie Alquiza of Brgy. Salindeg, Vigan City landed as the second runner up. “This night signifies our unity and camaraderie as true and active Bigueño youth. May we continue to help one another and create more projects and activities that will benefit our fellow youth.” SK Federated President of Vigan Mary Ann Ataup said. The night ended with a bash in which the Sangguniang Kabataan of Vigan hopped as one in a lurid sound and lights.
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Vigan City Passes ISO Stage One Audit With the eagerness and efforts of the City Government of Vigan to achieve the International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001: 2015 Certification, the City passed the Stage One Audit last January. During the Stage One Audit, the TUV Nord, the Certification Body Auditor reviewed the management system, documents, evaluated the site specific conditions, and key performance indicators or the significant aspects are in proper place and understood. With this, the Auditing body examined scope of the management system, obtained information in the different processes and operations, equipment, levels of control that have been established as well as any applicable statutory and regulatory requirements. Meanwhile, the Internal Audits and Management reviews will be evaluated to ensure those plans and performance targets and the overall level of implementation of a management system will be assessed to determine if the organization is ready to move forward in Stage Two Certification Audit. The International Organization for Standardization’s process for creating a new standard starts when industry associations or consumer groups make a request.
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ISO then recruits subject matter experts and industry stakeholders who form a technical committee. The committee goes through two rounds of creating a draft standard and conducts a formal vote on the second draft, which is called the Final Draft International Standard (FDIS). If the FDIS is approved, as certified by the central secretariat, then ISO publishes it as an official international standard. Some of the most popular ISO standards for information technology include: Open Systems Interconnection (OSI): Computer manufacturers and telecommunications providers developed this universal reference model for communication protocols in 1983, and ISO later adopted it as a standard. Thus, the ISO Certification enables the City Government to increase the organization’s awareness of its duties and commitments in fulfilling the needs and expectations of customers, interested parties and in achieving satisfaction with its products and services. However, the City Government is given three months to prepare for its Stage Two Audit Certification this April.
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WOFKC Conducts Medical and Dental Mission in Vigan Last January 21, 23 and 24, the World Outreach Foundation of Kansas City in partnership with the City Government of Vigan through City Health Office and Rotary Club of Vigan conducted free medical and dental mission in the city particularly at Barangay Mindoro, Paratong and Cabaroan Daya. WOFKC was founded in 2005 by Drs. Tony and Luz Racela. The Drs Racela were experienced in delivering medical missions to developing countries, having also founded the Medical Missions Foundation. The vision of WOFKC was to provide charitable medical and health care to those most in need, in a way that would support medical mission activity but be able to deliver care for the long term. In the Philippines, WOFKC committed to a three year program of medical mission support to Mindoro, Philippines following an initial mission in 2016. In partnership with local hospitals, local government, volunteers and other charitable organizations. They have returned to Mindoro annually.
In 2017 and 2018, WOFKC launched a diabetes care program that will continue to help patients. WOFKC partnerships allow them to ship medications, medical equipment and other supplies into the region, knowing they will be well used after each mission. Training and assistance ensure transfer of skills and their programs to test for, and to treat chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension ensure long term improvement in the overall health of the population. Also they are committed in helping communities in the Philippines for many years to come and this will include the roll out of similar programs in other regions, learning the lessons learned in Mindoro to continually improve the long term health outlook. The ethos of helping individuals is still very much present and always looking for volunteers to travel whether on the medical, dental or administrative side. WOFKC believes that the improving healthcare is a long term project. They are passionate about helping and make sustainable, and long term difference in the lives of those they serve. The Vigan Chronicle | 21
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT OF VIGAN
VERT and CHO Personnel Undergo Ambulance Operations Safety Training Course Mindoro, Vigan City – Members of the Vigan Emergency Response Team and personnel of the City Health Office underwent the 3- day Ambulance Operations Safety Training Course last January 28-30, 2019 at Playa De Oro Resort, Mindoro, Vigan City. The training was conducted by expert Emergency Medical Technicians (EMT) from Regions 1, 3, 4A, 5 & CAR. These include: Mr. Joselito Gatud, Mr. John Kenneth Kiat, Mr. Edwin Maniago, Mr. Armand Garcia, Mr. Ferdinand Balagot and Mr. Zsordy Aliali In an effort to provide quality care to patients suffering from medical, traumatic and other emergency conditions, the City Government of Vigan continuously capacitates its responders to properly manage the patient from the incident area until the patient is endorsed to the hospital for proper care and management. The safe and appropriate transport of patients from the incident area to the nearest capable hospital is essential in the delivery of health services to maintain the optimal well-being and the support for endangered lives. These warrants the need for well-trained first responders and capable ambulance personnel responding to emergencies. Procedures inside the ambulance such as monitoring of vital signs, oxygenation and suctioning are crucial skills that an emergency response team must possess in order to provide quality care to patients suffering from medical and emergency condition and must be transported immediately to the nearest capable hospital. 22 | The Vigan Chronicle
The concepts that were introduced to the participants establishes standard operating procedures and protocols in responding to emergencies such as bandaging and splinting, familiarization of ambulance equipment and supplies, monitoring of vital sign and medical assessment during and ambulance run. The training was highlighted by a simulated vehicular accident exercise in front of the City Hall that tested the knowledge, skills and attitude of the responders on how to manage and transport the patients under pressure. With this training, the LGU thru the City DRRM Council headed by Mayor Juan Carlo Medina, has capacitated new Ambulance Safety managers, namely: Kenette Brill Rabago, Jordan Christopher Soria, Oscar Reoliquio, Mylene Amano, Paolo Aquino, Jeno Figuracion, Edward Manzano, Ronald Rapanut, Allen Ablog, Julius Lazo, Charlie Macabeo, Walter Ponce, Fidel Amano, Jr. Cornelio Magno Jr., Jun Benzon, Rommel Agapinan, Antonio Raboy Jr., Bryony Deus, Justine Vargas , Nedin Kyle Babas, Mario Remolete, Dominador Raboy, Reggie Sales, George Castro, Wilmer Apales, Diane Ilaban. More capability trainings stipulated in the CPSDRRM Office Training Plan shall ensue this year, to continuously strengthen disaster preparedness in Vigan.
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT OF VIGAN
Vigan City is CPR Ready Last January 25 the City Government of Vigan led by City Mayor Juan Carlo Medina acknowledged the PHA Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation CPR-Ready Local Government Unit for being a leader in CPR and health emergency readiness and catalyst of CPRReady Philippines 2021. The said seal of excellence award was presented by Dr. Francis Lavapie the Philippine Health Association Council on CPR Chairman at Plaza Burgos, Vigan City. The Philippine Heart Association (PHA) is non- stock, non- profit organization of 1,800 Filipino cardiologists committed to foster exceptional cardiovascular education and primary care for everyone. Heart disease accounts for about close to 20% of all death according to PHA and about half of all cardiovascular mortality occur as sudden cardiac arrest (SCA) which can happen to anyone, anywhere without warning . Administering CPR on the SCA
victim can increase his survival rate by 33%. Majority of SCA’s happen outside the hospital, at home, in the workplace and in public places. The PHA is dedicated to advance its Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR)-Ready Philippines advocacy Campaign–Save a life . Learn CPR. Through the series of basic life support (BLS) or Hands- only CPR Training for the lay, PHA stress that a person does not have to be a doctor to do BLS. The PHA conducts trainings for medical institutions, non-government organizations, government agencies, local government units, and private companies interested not BLS but also Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) trainings, particularly those with emergency medical teams. With this, the CHO and CDRRMO continue its goal in conducting seminars and trainings to the public about the importance of CPR.
The Vigan Chronicle | 23
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT OF VIGAN
the vigan chronicle 2019
24 | The Vigan Chronicle