OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT OF VIGAN
The Vigan Chronicle ISSUE NO. XLIV
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT OF VIGAN
NOVEMBER 2021
~ Awarded as One of the 2021 Sampung Biguena Ulirang Nakatatanda in the Philippines The Vigan Chronicle | 1
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT OF VIGAN
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Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony Marks the Yuletide Season in Vigan
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CGV Sponsors Seminar-Training on SOGIE 101, HIV-AIDS Awareness and Community Screening Motivators Among LGBTQIA+ Bigueños
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Tignay a Panangtarabay iti Barangay Fianlly Resumes since pandemic
Vigan City Holds 4th Quarter National Simultaneous Earthquake and Tsunami Drill City Veterinary Office Celebrates World Rabies Day Bigueño Youth Undertake WASAR Training Blessing of the Newly Constructed STAC-Vigan CHO Holds Training on Management of Dietary Supplementation Program
The Vigan Chronicle
Official Publication of the City Government of Vigan
EDITOR-IN-CHIEF
Labelle T. Medina
WRITER
Jay Leonard C. Roldan
PHOTOJOURNALISTS Elou R. Sagun Kenneth Raposas LAYOUT ARTISTS
Abbygale A. Ilaban Haziel Joy B. Alviar Peter Scott Nolasco
ADVISER
Mayor Juan Carlo Medina
Bigueña awared as One of the 2021 Sampung Ulirang Nakatatanda in the Philippine SK Vigan Took Free Skills Training on Food Production
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OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT OF VIGAN
CHRISTMAS TREE LIGHTING CEREMONY MARKS THE YULETIDE SEASON IN VIGAN The Christmas Season officially starts in the Heritage City of Vigan as the City Government of Vigan led by Mayor Juan Carlo Medina together with Vice Mayor Lourdes Baquiran, Sangguniang Panlungsod Members, City’s Department Heads and Division Chiefs, lights up the Christmas Tree in front of the Vigan City Hall last November 22, 2021. “This Christmas tree reflects the lives of every Bigueño, that hope and positivity spark brighter than the challenges brought by the uncertain times,” Mayor Juan Carlo Medina said.
May this Christmas Tree gives us a reason for a merrier celebration of the Christmas Season as we usher to a new year full of joy and prosperity,” Mayor Medina added. Meanwhile, the University of Northern Philippines Street Sharks Dance Troupe and Octaves Chorale entertain everyone present in the ceremony through song and dance prologue while the members of the Metro Vigan Zumba Alliance Inc. holds free Zumba session afterwards. “The Christmas Tree is made from recycled materials such as Christmas lights and boards to support the City Government’s sustainable advocacy as well as to make it more environmental friendly,” Vigan City Productivity Center - Division Chief Jonalyn Ponce said. This year’s Christmas Lighting Ceremony was aired live via Facebook Page of the City Government since COVID restrictions are still in place. On the other hand, the Vigan City’s Christmas Village at Vigan Conservation Complex, San Julian Sur, Vigan City also opened for the Bigueños especially the children to enjoy.
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OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT OF VIGAN
VIGAN CITY HOLDS 4TH QUARTER NATIONAL SIMULTANEOUS EARTHQUAKE AND TSUNAMI DRILL
The City Government of Vigan through the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council headed by Mayor Juan Carlo Medina and CPSDRRMO Milagros Alquiza joined in this year’s Fourth Quarter National Simultaneous Earthquake and Tsunami Drill on November 11, 2021 at Barangay San Pedro, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur. The Vigan City Emergency Response Team together with the Barangay Council of San Pedro led the drill in which residents of the said Barangay performed the DuckCover-Hold and immediately evacuated in the identified safe zones in their area. Inspection of the affected area, head counting, stress debriefing were demonstrated by the CPSDRRMO personnel and the Barangay Council to ensure the preparedness of everyone not just the residents but also the concern agencies.
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Meanwhile, CPSDRRMO Alquiza stressed the importance of conducting such activities to the costal barangays of the City to ensure their awareness in times of earthquake and tsunami. She also added that the CPSDRRMO is offering free training assistance for those barangays and other agencies who wanted to conduct such activities.
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT OF VIGAN
CITY VETERINARY OFFICE CELEBRATES WORLD RABIES DAY As the Heritage City of Vigan maintains zero rabies cases for the past years, the City Veterinary Office led by Dr. Rayeth Robeniol further intensify the implementation of the Vigan City Animal Regulation and Control Code: Anti Rabies Drive, Information Dissemination Campaign and Impounding of Stray Dogs as it celebrates this year’s National Rabies Day with the theme: “Rabies facts, Not fear.” at Fil-Spanish Friendship Park, Mira Hills last November 26, 2021 wherein 200 cats and dogs received free de-worming, anti-rabies vaccination and castration. “It is delightful that the Bigueño fur parents are responsible and very much willing to submit their pets for check-ups and anti-rabies jabs.” Robeniol said.
28,553 rendered services under its various services such as Neutering/ Castration, Treatment, Vitamin Supplement, Deworming, Branding Tail Docking, Impounded, Retrieved, Euthanized, Died/Escaped, Adopted, Vaccinated of Anti-Rabies and Five in One. Free vitamins and freebies from the city and its private partners were given to the pet owners who participated the event. This year’s World Rabies Day theme is: “Rabies: Facts, not Fear” also depicts and promotes the importance of having vaccinated as global COVID-19 pandemic has raised many doubts and misconceptions about diseases, their spread and about vaccination in general.
As of November 2021, the City Veterinary Office recorded a total of
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OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT OF VIGAN
BIGUEÑO YOUTH BIGUENO UNDERTAKE WASAR TRAINING
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OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT OF VIGAN
As part of the City Government of Vigan’s goal to continuously deliver quality services most especially in times of disasters, the City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council led by Mayor Juan Carlo Medina and CPSDRRMO Milagros Alquiza steered three days training on Water Search and Rescue (WASAR) 2021 at FilipinoSpanish Friendship Park, Mira Hills, Vigan City, Ilocos Sur on November 8-10, 2021. Over fifteen (15) Bigueño youth volunteers participated the said event wherein various lectures, activities and demonstrations were conducted. One of the highlights in the annual WASAR Training of the City Government is the one mile swimming at Barangay San Pedro Beach to test the strength and skills of the participants on water operations. CPSDRRMO Alquiza said that
due to restrictions caused by the pandemic the number of participants were limited. She also gratified City Mayor Juan Carlo Medina for his constant support to the City’s endeavours towards strengthening the Vigan Emergency Response Team through trainings and equipment the are useful in daily emergency response and disaster management. Meanwhile, one of this year’s trainee Ms. Gladies Fabillaran expressed her gratitude to the City Government through Mayor Medina for continously involving the youth sector in all its programs and projects. “This WASAR Training made me more capable and confident to help my fellow Bigueños in times of typhoon or flood,” Fabillaran added.
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Amid the closure last year due to the pandemic, the City Government of Vigan took the opportunity to upgrade and rehabilitate the Vigan City’s Stimulation and Therapeutic Activity Center (STAC) with rubberized rooms, newly furnished walls, ceilings and brand new equipment that further improve the services of the institution to its learners.
BLESSING OF THE NEWLY CONSTRUCTED STAC- VIGAN
Last November 15, 2021 Vigan City Mayor Juan Carlo Medina, Vice Mayor Lourdes Baquiran, SPM Janina Medina-Fariñas, SPM Joy Benette Orio, SPM Ramil Arce, SPM Francisco Arturo Ranches III, SPM Liborio Arca, ABC Vice President Edmund Supnet, PPSK Mary Ann Ataup, CSWDO Ma. Celerina Agcamaran, CPSDRRMO Milagros Alquiza, Office of the Senior Citizens Affairs Head George Villanueva and STAC Personnel headed by HEPO III Frances Liza Pugrad witnessed the blessing of the facility initiated by Msgr. Gary Formoso. Vigan City’s Former Mayor Eva Marie Medina, being the founder of the said facility, was also present in the event where she expressed her joy and gratitude to the City Government led by Mayor Juan Carlo Medina for their constant support to the STAC-Vigan. The STAC Vigan has Physical Therapy Room, SPED Room, Occupational Therapy Room, Teacher’s Room and Outdoor playground that currently serve 65 enrolled students. “Free shuttle services and limited scheduling of every learner were provided to ensure the safety of everyone during the face to face sessions.” Pugrad said. As of this year, the STAC-Vigan has 80 enrolled learners and we expanded our catered students from children up to young adults which aged 0-21 years old. Pugrad added. The newly constructed facility has air purifier and alcohol dispenser each room as well as wearing of Personal Protective Equipment is required for every therapist to ensure of the safety of the learners.
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OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT OF VIGAN
CHO HOLDS TRAINING ON MANAGEMENT OF DIETARY SUPPLEMENTATION PROGRAM Last November 19, 2021 the City Government of Vigan continuously provide avenues for better delivery of services to the Bigueños as the City Heath Office through the City Nutrition Committee led by Mayor Juan Carlo Medina by steering the Training on the Management of Dietary Supplementation Program at the FilSpanish Friendship Park, Mira Hills, Vigan City wherein Barangay Nutrition Scholars from 39 Barangays and Nutrition personnel from CHO attended the event. City Nutrition Action Officer Jeno Josef Figuracion discussed the Tutok Kainan Supplementation Program part of the PPAN 2017-2022 which aims to prevent stunting by providing nutritious food packs or hot meals to nutritionally-at-risk pregnant women and 6-23 months preschool children and Dietary Supplementation for School Children and School Based Feeding Program. Meanwhile, BNS Federated President Sharon Tablada expressed her gratitude to the City Government for pushing through such kind of activities that will further improve their services towards the Bigueños. “With or without pandemic the City Government has always been consistent to give us various capacity programs and trainings that will further enhance us to do our passion in advocating
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OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT OF VIGAN
BIGUEÑA AWARDED AS ONE OF THE 2021 SAMPUNG ULIRANG NAKATATANDA IN THE PHILIPPINES
One of the Sampung Ulirang Nakatatanda 2021 National Awardees and a proud Bigueña, Mrs. Paulina Ramirez, acknowledged her Regional and Provincial Awards on November 11, 2021 at the Provincial Government of Ilocos Sur Capitol wherein Governor Ryan Luis Singson, Provincial Board Member Gina Cordero and DSWD Regional Director Marie Angela Gopalan handed the Plaques of Recognition and Cash incentives from the Provincial and Regional level. City Social Welfare and Development Office through CSWDO Ma. Celerina Agcamaran, Social Worker I Maribel Artienda, City Senior Citizen’s Focal Person Gerwin Alarca and Timpuyog ti Natataengan iti Ciudad ti Vigan Federated President Samuel Frando witnessed the said event.
“I am very grateful for these recognitions that the DSWD Region I and the Provincial Government of Ilocos Sur gave me. These awards will always remind me to be humble and to serve more in my community most especially in various Child Development Centers of Vigan to further ensure the quality of education for our Bigueño Pre-Schoolers,” Ramirez said. She also highlighted the City Government of Vigan through the City Social Welfare and Development Office for for the continuous support and assistance that have made these achievements possible. Meanwhile, last October 19, 2021, Mrs. Ramirez held a courtesy meeting with the City Government of Vigan through City Mayor Juan Carlo Medina, SPM Third Ranches and CSWDO Ma. Celerina Agcamaran wherein plaque of recognition and cash token were handed. The Vigan Chronicle | 11
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT OF VIGAN
SK VIGAN CITY TOOK FREE SKILLS TRAINING ON FOOD PRODUCTION
As a constant pledge of the City Government of Vigan to provide avenues for every Bigueño youth to be equipped and successful individuals, the Panlungsod na Pederasyon ng Sangguniang Kabataan - Vigan City in partnership with the City Mayor’s Office and the Vigan Skills Training Institute conducted the first batch of free Skills Training on Food Production at Vigan Conservation Complex as part of this year’s celebration on Children’s Month. Various products such as Gourmet Toyo, Atcharang Papaya and Skinless Longganisa were thought and demonstrated by the participants during its two-day training.
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Vigan City Mayor Juan Carlo Medina personally witnessed the demonstration of the first batch. Meanwhile, PPSK Vice President Mary Ann Ataup said that the second and third batch of trainees will be on November 22-23 and 24-25, 2021 to ensure the safety of everyone during the conduct of the event. “This training will further capacitate us, the Bigueño youth to have additional skill that can be use as another source of income in this time of pandemic since that online food industry became popular now a days,” Angelica Refuente, one of the trainees said.
OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT OF VIGAN
CGV SPONSORS SEMINAR-TRAINING ON SOGIE 101, HIV-AIDS AWARENESS AND COMMUNITY BASED SCREENING MOTIVATORS AMONG LGBTQIA+ BIGUEÑOS As opening program for this year’s Vigan City World AIDS Month Celebration with the theme: “END inequalities. End AIDS.”, the City Government of Vigan in partnership with the Maris Ti Ayat Inc. conducted threeday Seminar-Training on SOGIE 101, HIVAIDS Awareness and Community Based Screening Motivators last November 1517, 2021 at Vigan Conservation Complex. Provincial Health Unit’s HIV Counsellor Mr. Lester Aldrine Rayray and HIV Coordinator and Proficient Medical Technician Mr. Josef Dominik Bello served as the trainers of the event. Meanwhile, Mayor Juan Carlo Medina through City Health Officer II Loida Ranches and CHO Nurse I Mylene Amano gratified the Maris Ti Ayat Inc. for actively participating the event. “Over thirty-six members and allies of the Maris Ti Ayat Inc. from various barangays took the said seminar-
training that will serve as our additional Community Based Screening Motivators on HIV-AIDS in the city to conduct free screening to the Biguenos,” Jay Leonard Roldan, Maris Ti Ayat Inc. President said. “It is very important for everyone to know our status not just for LGBTQIA+ members but for all kinds of gender because HIV-AIDS knows no gender. It may affect anyone. On behalf of the Maris Ti Ayat Inc. we’re very grateful to the City Government of Vigan led by Mayor Juan Carlo Medina and CHO II Loida Ranches for giving us this opportunity to learn and be more active and effective in advocating HIV-AIDS free community”, Roldan added. The trained Motivators together with the City Heath Office will conduct free testing on HIV-AIDS on December 16-18, 2021 at the 39 Barangays of the city as part of the City’s World AIDS Month Celebration.
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TIGNAY A PANANGTARABAY ITI BARANGAY FINALLY RESUMES SINCE PANDEMIC Barangay Raois, Vigan City as the City Government of Vigan continuously provides effective services and projects for the Biguenos, last November 24, 2021, the Vigan City’s Tignay a Panangtarabay iti Barangay formally resumed at Barangay Raois wherein residents of the said barangay actively participated and availed the various services of the City Government. “After two years of lockdowns brought by the COVID-19 Pandemic, we in the City Government of Vigan are here again to bring closer the social services of your government. This is all made possible with your cooperation and acceptance on our challenge to be vaccinated,” Mayor Juan Carlo Medina said. The Tignay a Panangtarabay iti Barangay started since the administration of former Mayor Eva Marie Singson Medina in which this administration further developed to ensure that every Bigueños will acquire free and quality services at all times. Mayor Carlo added. The Tignay a Panangtarabay iti Barangay is a year-round outreach program of the City Goverment whic brings services closer to the people in the barangays. This program started during the administration of Former Mayor Eva Medina.
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OFFICIAL PUBLICATION OF THE CITY GOVERNMENT OF VIGAN
Free Medical Consultation, vaccination for COVID-19, free antirabies vaccination for animals, application for Vigan City Yellow Access Card, distribution of wheelchair and quad canes were some of the services brought by the City Government of Vigan. The main highlight of the event was the distribution of 25kgs rice for every fully vaccinated Bigueño. The said sacks of rice served as a reward of the City Government to its people as they helped the city in mitigating COVID-19 by accepting their jabs for protection. Bigueñong Bakunado Bigueñong Protektado T-Shirts and Coffee Mugs were also given to the winners of various trivia questions.
Meanwhile, various heads of offices of the city joined the said activity wherein they discussed the programs and projects of their offices as well as their future activities which will benefit the Biguenos and the City as a whole. Leaflets of the Vigan City emergency hotlines, Frequently Asked Questions on African Swine Fever and the proper solid waste management were also given. City officials such as Vice Mayor Lourdes Baquiran, SPM Janina MedinaFarinas, SPM Kisses Agdamag-Lim, SPM Ramil Arce, SPM Kristen Benedict Figuerres and SPM Liborio Arca were also present in the event.
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