Asia Brewery Donates Drinking Water to Displaced Families in Albay

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Lucio Tan-owned Asia Brewery, Inc. (ABI) donated more than 60,000 bottles of Absolute Distilled Drinking Water to families displaced by the recent eruption of Mayon Volcano in Albay. Volunteers from ABI helped distribute the distilled water to residents of Sto. Domingo, Guinobatan and Camalig in coordination with LGUs.

A report from DSWD indicates that these are three out of four barangays that are holding the most number of affected families with Camalig having 2,492; Guinobatan with 1,413; and Sto. Domingo with 1,844 – or a total of 31,477 individuals as of January 2018. ABI expressed its continuous support in giving the affected families in and out of evacuation centers access to clean, potable water should the situation requires, including those from other affected barangays.

59th edition of the Palarong Pambansa ends

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After a grueling week of intense competition, it is finally time to close the curtains on the 59th edition of the Palarong Pambansa 2016 at the Albay-Bicol Sports and Tourism Complex in Legazpi City, Albay.

The event started with the closing parade of all 18 regions followed by a parade of bands and pretty majorettes from various schools and universities in Albay.

Present for the closing ceremony were Department of Education (DepEd) Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC; DepEd Assistant Secretary for Legal and Legislative Affairs, Tonisito M.C. Umali, Albay Governor Joey Salceda, and Commissioner Jose Luis Gomez, Philippine Sports Commission (PSC).

“It is certainly an honor and a source of pride for the people of Albay to be given the opportunity to serve you. That is the heart of our hosting of the Palarong Pambansa 2016. Maraming salamat po sa inyong lahat,” said Albay Governor Joey Salceda.

Once again, the National Capital Region (NCR) dominated the week-long sporting event, leading the medal tally by a huge margin with Region IV-A and Region VI finishing second and third, respectively. Newcomer Negros Island Region (NIR) finished with an impressive sixth place overall standing.

“Gumaganda po ang performances ng mga regions. Dati po bihira lang ang makakuha ng medal ang ibang region, ngayon po dumadami na ang mga medals. Medyo pumapantay na ang laban dito sa Palarong Pambansa, dahil sa mga coaches, sports directors and teachers who take their time to train our athletes,” PSC Commissioner Jose Luis Gomez said.

As for this year’s special awards the winners were: Region X for the Most Organized

Delegation, Region IV-B for the Most Disciplined Delegation, Region X for the Best

Billeting Center, Region VIII for the Delegation with the Most Number of Participants, and Negros Island Region for the Cleanest and Greenest Delegation. All winners will receive P40,000 plus a trophy.

The annual sports festival is not just about achieving personal glory but also a time for gratitude, “Huwag na huwag ninyong kakalimutan kung saan kayo nanggaling. Huwag na huwag ninyong kakalimutan ang inyong unang coach, mentor at unang technical official na tumulong sa inyo. Dahil kung marunong kayong lumingon sa pinanggalingan, malayo ang inyong mararating. Maraming maraming salamat sa mga nagbigay ng kanilang buong sarili sa pinaka-maanghang at pinaka-mainit na Palarong Pambansa,” Secretary Br. Armin Luistro said.

The Palarong Pambansa is the largest grassroots sporting event in the country that aims to develop the potential of the youth to become responsible and globally competitive citizens.

It is DepEd’s way of promoting physical education and sports as an integral part of the Basic Education Curriculum.

Nald: A kid with big ambitions

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Nald in action. CAVRAA football team member Ronald Dapena kicks his way through opponents during a game between CAVRAA and Region XII in the 2016 Palarong Pambansa in Albay.

A small town kid with big ambitions, this is what best describes 17-year old Ronaldo “Nald” Dapena who is one of the members of the Cagayan Valley Regional Athletic Association (CAVRAA) football team. He came from San Antonio, Delfin Albano, Isabela, which is considered as one of the poorest barrios in the area. The third of five siblings, Nald’s father works as a farmer while his mother works part-time at a local bakery. 

“Medyo mahirap din po ang buhay namin pero kahit paano po nakakaraos naman po kami sa pang araw-araw at kung may pagkakataon, tumutulong din po ako sa aking ama sa bukid,” says Nald.

Aware of their difficulties in life, Nald often finds solace in playing the sport he fell in love with at a young age, “Ten years old pa lang, naglalaro na ako ng football at madalas akong sumali sa Intramurals sa school. Nakapaglaro na din po ako sa mga Provincial Meets. Doon po ako nadiskubre ng coach po namin ngayon na si Mr. Alexander Tabubuca," says Nald.

With continuous mentoring and guidance, Nald’s game continued to improve and develop along with his team mates. With dedication and team work, they became the champions in CAVRAA Meet where they won P15,000 and were qualified for this year’s Palarong Pambansa. 

Not resting on his laurels, Nald used his P1,000 share of the cash gift to apply for an NC II for Shielded Metal Arc Welding (SMAW) at the Technical Skills and Development Authority (TESDA). Asked if he was hesitant to let go of his prized money given their financial situation, “Alam kong para sa gaya namin, malaking pera na ang P1,000, pero wala naman akong panghihinayang sa ginawa ko dahil magagamit ko din iyon para sa aking kinabukasan," he said. By investing his money wisely, he is now a proud holder of an NC II certificate.

Ronaldo “Nald” Dapena

Everything seems to be going well for Nald until a little bump on the road temporarily stopped him in his track. In preparation for the 2016 Palarong Pambansa, all the delegates were required to train in Tuguegarao City, a place far and unfamiliar for Nald and his parents. All his life, he has only competed in his home province. Playing on a much farther venue meant additional expenses for Nald and his family, although the fare is only P50. Just when Nald was about to throw in the towel, coach Tabucaca came to the rescue. 

“Pumunta si coach sa bahay namin at sinabi sa mga magulang ko na siya na ang bahala sa pamasahe ko at titingin sa akin habang nasa malayo ako para hindi na sila mag-alala,” Nald recalls smiling.

Believing in Nald’s potential as a good football player, there was no way Coach Tabubuca would let that go to waste.

“Sayang naman ang talent ng bata kung hindi siya mabibigyan ng opportunity para mahasa sa sport na mahal niya, masipag naman at mabait kaya hindi ako makapapayag na mawala sa kanya ang oportunidad na makasali sa Palarong Pambansa,” said Tabubuca.

When asked if Nald plans to further his football career, “Gusto ko po sanang ipagpatuloy itong football, makuha sa mataas na paaralan, makakuha ng scholarship, at matupad ang aking pangarap na maging propesyonal na football player. Pero tanggap ko din naman po na maaring hindi rin siya mangyari kaya iyon din po ang dahilan kaya kumuha ako ng SMAW. Hindi ko man maabot ang aking pangarap sa buhay at least po secure naman ang aking kinabukasan dahil may NC II na ako na maari kong magamit upang makakuha ng magandang trabaho at makatulong sa aking mga magulang at kapatid,” says Nald.

Negros Island Region: We are 100% ready for Palaro 2016

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Negros Island Region (NIR), which is a newly created region that will be competing for the 59th Palarong Pambansa for the first time, is 100% ready and confident that its athletes will take center stage in the national sporting competition.

According to Department of Education (DepEd)-NIR Regional Director Gilbert Sadsad, “Although this is the first time, we will do our best to compete [with the other regions]. We are ready [and] we are vying for championship.”

In January, DepEd Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC said this year’s staging of the Palaro will have many “firsts.” 

Luistro said that, “I want to highlight that this is Albay’s first ever hosting of the Palaro. This is also the first time that 18 regions will take action—not the usual 17 regions—because of the participation of the Negros Island Region,” he explained.

NIR’s athletes have undergone series of trainings, one of which is the 25-day training from March 1 to March 28. 

“We conducted concentration (trainings) financed by the local government of Negros Occidental, Negros Oriental, and some cities, that also extended financial assistance to the athletes during the training for 25 days,” Sadsad said.

The said training was separately conducted in Negros Oriental, Negros Occidental, and Dumaguete City.

NIR will send 747 official delegates, including student-athletes, coaches, and other regional officials; of which, 481 are student-athletes. 

Sadsad said that NIR will also be fielding participants to the special games.

One of the highlights of the Palaro is the special games for children with special needs. These include athletics, swimming, goal ball, and Bocce – a ball sport closely related to bowling. Athletes with special needs are given the chance to be scouted and compete in the games of the Palaro.

Student-athletes from NIR have already been given the allowance, equipment, and vitamins they need for the competition.

The region’s official delegation will arrive in Albay Province on April 4. Sadsad said the NIR is planning to conduct continuous trainings in the host province.

Wanted: new records to break in Palaro2016

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When Davao del Norte hosted the 58th Palarong Pambansa in 2015, record-breaking feats were showcased by a new breed of student athletes in the swimming and athletics category.

Can we expect more records to fall in this year’s staging of the Palaro in Albay?

Last year, Luzon’s best bets from Central Luzon, Southern Tagalog and the National Capital Region towed the rest of the regions and mightily showed the way. Central Luzon's Balitucan National High School alumnus, Martin James Esteban shattered the 14.44m triple jump record of Mark Harry Diones with his 15.01 meter-jump.

Likewise, NCR athletes dominated the swimming pool with their speed and determination. Swimming sensation, Maurice Sacho Ilustre mined gold in a record-breaking fashion with his performance in the200m (2:07.28 min), and 100m (57.56 s) Butterfly; 800m (8:50.34 min), and 200m (1:58.83 min) Freestyle, respectively.

Team mates Christian Sy, Andrae Pogiongko, and Drew Magbagalso shone in the 400m Medley (4:07 min) and so did Alnair Guevarra, Eman Dapat, Miguel Barlisanin the 400m Freestyle (3:41.38 min) relays. The group of Ilustre shattered the 2009 and 2014 Palaro swim records.

Long-standing records in the 50m Freestyle, 50m Backstroke and 100m Breaststroke divisions were smashed by elementary athletes Jules Katherine Ong’s 28.75, Seth Isaak Martin’s 30.16 and Ethan Go’s 1:14.86, respectively.

Also, the 100m Butterfly best time on record was surpassed by Camille Buico, who broke by a second the 2013 record of 1:06.92 in the elementary category, .while Regina Maria Castrillo outdid her own 2014 record with a time of 1:04.41 in the secondary category.

The Visayan Islands athletes won’t be outclassed as they excelled through its champions from the Western and Eastern regions. Alexis Soqueño from the Western Visayas once again defied gravity as he shattered his former record of 1.92m in the High Jump category, making 1.95m the height to beat. Meanwhile, the team of Karen Janario, Feiza Jane Lenton, Gemmalyn Pino and Lealyn Sanita, set the new time record of 4:00.09 in the 4x400m relay.

Mindanao’s victors came via Efrelyn Democer and Jie Ann Calis who broke records in their respective fields. Democer’s score of 42.34m in the Javelin Throw crushed the 41.27m record established by Stephanie Cimatu in 2011.

On the other hand, Calis’ speed outran the records in the 3000m (10:10.16 min), 1500m (4:42.20 min) and 800m (2:12.27 min) event. Her neck-and-neck race with 2013 record-setter Angelica De Josef in the 800m event was dubbed as one of the best performances ever in Palaro history.

With preparations nearing its completion for the 2016 Palarong Pambansa, the Department of Education (DepEd) hopes that the athletes will see last year’s achievements as a goal to surpass. And that the name of every worthy athlete will be etched in sports history.

DepEd, Albay ink MOA for 2016 Palarong Pambansa

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The Department of Education (DepEd) signs an agreement with the provincial government of Albay—the host of the2016 Palarong Pambansa in Legazpi City—stipulating the duties and responsibilities of both parties to ensure a well-managed and professionally-run annual national sporting event.

DepEd Secretary Br. Armin Luistro FSC said this year’s staging of the Palaro will have many “firsts.” “I want to highlight that this is Albay’s first ever hosting of the Palaro. This is also the first time that 18 regions will take action -- not the usual 17 regions --because of the participation of the Negros Island Region,” he explained.

Luistro added that this is also the first time that the Palaro will be conducted following very specific provisions of the law.”

Based on the Republic Act No. 10588 also known as the Palarong Pambansa Act of 2013, the elementary level would have to compete in 15 games and the secondary with 17 games and four (4) demonstration sports, namely Futsal, Wushu, Billiards and Wrestling. In addition, four special games will also be conducted for our special athletes.

Participated in by elementary and secondary students from public and private schools nationwide, the annual sporting event will be held at the Bicol University, Legazpi City from April 10 to 16, 2016.

“We are institutionalizing this sports program to ensure that we are developing athletes that are of international caliber,” Luistro pointed out. Together with the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC) and the provincial government of Albay, DepEd will see to it that the standards are at international level and that the coaching staff, the technical officials as well as the playing venues conform to international standards,” the education chief said.

Albay Governor Joey Salceda responded by stating the province’s readiness and eagerness to host the Palaro.

“We want to show that it will be a joyful Palaro. It's something that celebrates the spirit of national unity, especially in Albay. Siguro kung mayroon isang bagay to define Albay, it is our resiliency or ability to recover from adversity—na kahit may bagyo ngayon, paggising mo kinabukasan, ni-isang pirasong kahoy wala kang makikita sa daan. Gusto naming ipakita na ang isang bayan, no matter how modest, no matter how limited its capacity, will still have the unity and ability to host the Palaro,” Salceda shared.

Albay to host 2016 Palarong Pambansa

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Legazpi City, Albay will host the Palarong Pambansa 2016. After careful deliberation and tedious evaluation by officials of the Department of Education (DepEd) and Philippine Sports Commission (PSC), Albay won the bid over Tuguegarao City, Cagayan–its only competitor for the annual national games.

Before announcing the results of the vote, Education Secretary Br Armin Luistro FSC asked both provinces to continue supporting the agency’s sports development program, saying,

"Sana ipagpatuloy po ninyo ang inyong naka-atas na mga programa para sa sports sa inyong probinsiya at sana makasama pa po kayo ng DepEd at ng PSC doon sa iba pang sports events. Mayroon po tayong Batang Pinoy, Philippine National Games, at iba pang programa.”

The final choice was made based on voting results by the Palarong Pambansa Board chaired by Education Secretary Armin Lusitro, along with the Palaro committee, approved the proposal of the Palaro, which would be held from April 15 to 22.

“We reviewed the recommendations from the regions and had our own deliberations. We went through billeting, facilities, your presentations, including readiness of our regions, as well as other considerations that are specific to 2016. Ang nanalo po with a very, very slim margin is Albay” Luistro declared.

Before the bidding and official presentations of the two provinces, DepEd and PSC technical officials inspected each venue last June to see if the facilities and billeting areas are adequate.

PSC Commissioner Jose Luis Gomez presented to the body the rating system used which included international standards, distance from the main complex, power supply, and security, among others.

DepEd’s Schools Sports Events and Activities Unit Head Cesar Abalon reported on the status of the billeting areas, which are evaluated based on the sufficiency of rooms, bathrooms, kitchen areas and medical provisions.

With a budget of P300M, Albay Governor Joey Salceda assured the Palarong Pambansa Board that Albay has the equipment and resources needed to construct and repair its sports facilities and playing venues as soon as possible.

100% of Mayon-affected schools resume classes

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Ensuring continued delivery of basic education services to all learners in the province, the Department of Education (DepEd) resumed classes in all 78 schools affected by the declaration of Alert Level 3 for Mt. Mayon, September 30.

DepEd schools continue to implement interventions to address the temporary displacement of classes due to temporary evacuation in 40 schools (as of September 29) functioning as evacuation centers. Interventions include provisions of temporary learning spaces (TLS), merging of classes, and other measures that have been proven effective in addressing education during emergencies. DepEd field offices are finalizing arrangements for procurement and distribution of 15,000 chairs and 300 TLS for the schools serving as evacuation centers.

DepEd has issued a call for donations for additional tents, tarps, chairs, and learner’s kits for the affected learners in Albay. As of September 30, education partners have pledged around 12,000 learner’s kits and 190 TLS to DepEd. The Department will arrange its transport and deployment, if needed.

Furthermore, the Department continues to work closely together with local government officials and education cluster partners in monitoring and supervising both the operation of evacuation centers and the delivery of education services to around 55,000 affected learners in Albay.

DepEd supports preparedness efforts of Albay LGU, ensures continued delivery of educ needs in affected schools

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In its mission to ensure the safety of students and school personnel, the Department of Education (DepEd)—in close coordination with the local government unit (LGU) of Albay—has implemented preventive measures such as organizing a skeletal force and safeguarding records and equipment in schools within the permanent danger zone (PDZ) and extended danger zone (EDZ), and preparing evacuation centers ahead of actual evacuation in areas affected by the Mayon volcano disturbance.

Of the 724 schools in the province, 76 have been identified as affected. These affected schools are those within the PDZ and EDZ. Of these, 28 have already resumed classes as of September 23. To date, 676 out of 724 schools have regular classes in the province despite Alert Level 3.

DepEd has implemented interventions to foster a sense of normalcy among learners. The Department has worked together with the local government of Albay and UNICEF for the deployment of 155 tents for the 38 schools used as evacuation centers in five towns and two cities in the province. These evacuation centers are closely monitored and co-managed by DepEd school personnel.

These 38 schools used as evacuation centers are also accommodating the student enrolment of displaced schools to ensure the continued delivery of education needs. For instance, San Jose Elementary School in Malilipot, Albay has taken in Calbayog ES pupils. On September 23, some 1,200 students are expected to report, to be accounted for, while 18 tents are being set up to provide for their needs. School personnel are likewise tasked to do daily tracking of all students by grade level.

Together with the Albay provincial government, DepEd continues to work toward class resumption in affected schools in Albay, Legaspi, Tabaco, and Ligao.

Daragang Magayon: An Istorya ni Mayon, An Epic Love Tale at the CCP this Feb 8

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The legend of Mayon’s origins has been told and re-told through  generations and remains very much a part of the Bicolano culture and imagination. Fabled for its beautiful symmetry, Mayon Volcano has always inspired poets, painters and musicians. And, there are many works of art that depict and pay tribute to its beauty.

Presentation during the Daragang Magayon Press Conference held at Barbara Restaurant , Intramuros Manila

When clouds sheath the peak of the perfect cone of the Mayon Volcano in Albay, Bicol, locals say that the lovers Magayon, the lovely maiden after whom the volcano is named, and her handsome Ulap, must be kissing.

The myth of Daragang Mayon is a timeless tale of love that almost every Bicolano knows.   It is the story of Magayon (beautiful maiden), the only daughter of chieftain Makusog, and Ulap (Cloud), the brave son of a chieftain from another region.  They fall in love and are engaged when Pagtuga, a jealous suitor foils their plans to marry.  Pagtuga kidnaps Makusog and threatens to kill him unless Magayon consents to marry him instead of her beloved Ulap.  To her great grief, Magayon gives up Ulap to save her father’s life.  Magayon and Pagtuga are about to be wed when Ulap disrupts the wedding and slays Pagtuga.  Magayon rushes into the arms of Ulap but  is struck by an arrow.  As she lay dying in his arms, Magayon is fatally stabbed in the back by one of Pagtuga’s men. The ill-starred lovers are laid to rest, together for eternity, in a mound of earth that grew bigger and bigger with the passage of time, eventually becoming the volcano that is known as Mayon.

This February, the month of hearts and lovers, Filipino audiences will have the chance to witness a unique and exciting reprise of this age-old and romantic love story, retold through music, dance, poetry and film, in DARAGANG MAGAYON:  AN ISTORYA NI MAYON slated on February 8,  2013, with    matinee performance  at 3pm and Gala performance at  8pm, at  the Main Theater of the Cultural Center of the Philippines, Roxas Blvd, Pasay City.

Daragang Magayon is a presentation of E-Dance Theater, the Provincial Government of Albay, Bicol University in cooperation with Goodwill Bookstore and Ballet Manila.  The production is supported by the Bicol Provincial government as part of its efforts to revitalize the tourist development program, highlighting Albay’s rich cultural heritage.

Gov. Joey Salceda of Albay

Daragang Magayon:  An Istorya ni Mayon  boasts of a new twist---the use of multimedia---to tell the story of how Mayon volcano was born.

Adding luster to the production are two of the country’s foremost artists who collaborated on Daragang Magayon.  National Artist for Literature Virgilio S. Almario (Rio Alma) penned the poetry for this new production.

 Gawad CCP para sa Sining awardee Ramon P. Santos composed the music.

The people behind "Daragang Magayon: Ang Istorya ni Mayon", 
a unique presentation of ballet, poetry, rondalla orchestra with film animation
 about the alamat of Mayon.

Albay poet laureate Abdon Balde Jr. did the dramaturgy for the production, adapting the Mayon legend for stage. Aimee Escasa and Boni Ilagan did the storyline and script, while Leo Abaya and John Batalla did the set and lighting designs respectively.  Filmmakers Chuck Escasa, Niko Salazar and Henry Posadas worked on the filmic elements of the production that included animation, adding to the visual excitement of the production.

Gerald Mercado did the choreography and direction for Daragang Magayon.

Daragang Magayon features the dancers of E-Dance Theater led by Ea Torrado as Magayon, Victor Maguad as Ulap, Francis Cascano as Pagtuga, Pamela Josef as Usa, Marcus Tolentino as Makusog and Roduardo Ma and Earvin Guillermo alternating as Linog.  The show is highlighted by the special participation of Ronnie Lazaro as Gugurang, Pontri Bernardo as the Aswang, soprano Stephanie Quintin, tenor Jay-El Viteno, Bass Jonak Del Fierro, and performing groups  E-Dance Theater, UP Rondalla and Novo Concertante.

For more information, please call: 4250509, 09209266387, 8321125 loc 1116; for ticket inquiries, please contact  829-3591,  09062735400 / 09228477639 / 09334372744 TICKET WORLD: (02) 891 9999.