Hometown Mangaldan

Mangaldan Champion in Folk Dancing

by Rosallie Ramirez-Hulipas

After their long, tedious and almost daily rehearsals, the LGU-Mangaldan employees folkloric dance troupe finally achieved what they have wished for – the Grand Championship Award in Folk Dancing and a hefty Php 35,000.00 cash prize.

“Credit this to the all-out support and stanch leadership of the town’s local chief executive, Mayor Herminio A. Romero, Vice Mayor Berex Abalos, all Sangguniang Bayan Members, Heads of various agencies and the whole LGU-Mangaldan family and other supporters like Jonas Dizon” says Butz Biagtan, the OIC Tourism Officer of this municipality.

Mangaldan emerged one (1) of the three (3) grand champions in the Pangasinan Culture and Arts Festival dubbed as “Balitok a Tawir”. The event was sponsored by the provincial government through the initiative of no less than Governor Amado T. Espino, Jr. himself.

This first-ever cultural festival was held at the newly refurbished Sison Auditorium in Lingayen, Pangasinan in the afternoon of December 2, 2011; while announcement of winners was done early evening in front of the Provincial Capitol right after the ceremonial lighting of the 45-foot Christmas tree erected at the Capitol grounds. The Awarding Ceremony came later during the LGU Night sponsored by the provincial government held on December 16, 2011.

Among other top winners were the local government units of Lingayen and Manaoag for the choral and zarzuela competitions respectively; while LGUs of Malasiqui and Lingayen garnered 2^nd and 3^rd prize respectively in folk dance competition.

Members of the LGU-Mangaldan folkloric dance troupe are: Raymund J. Gotoc, Raymund F. Quinto, Rhene E. Ramos, Mark Arvin T. Padilla, Aris G. Morales, Tomas G. Eucapor, Crisbert P. Cendaña, Vernon P. Bernabe, Joel C. Ramos, Ariel D. Abalos, Victor U. Villamor, Ramon E. Tambalgue, Joseph I. Cendaña, Johnnie T. Ungos, Ruby Ann Joy P. Manaois, Mariel C. Alicoben, Sandra M. de Guzman, Catherine G. Nate, Grace B. de Guzman, and Mechelle D. Tibig.

Thanksgiving Party for Aurora Samson Cendana

by Fernando 'Pepe' Tan

A thanksgiving party for Aurora Samson Cendana on the occasion of her 65th birthday on December 20, 2011 was held at 459 Kitchenette on Golea St., Mangaldan.  It also marked the end of a 45 year career as an educator retiring very recently as Principal II for many years at Osiem Elementary School.  Among the guests and well wishers were, family, relatives, colleagues, highschool classmates (MNHS Batch 62), Jolly friends club members, retirees, some balikbayans, as well as many friends.

The celebrant, Aurora Samson Cendana

With Pepe, Mona, Cecille, and Bill Ortiz-Balikbayan from California.

Co-teachers and friends . . . .

Mrs. F. Palisoc, Mrs. Nieves Castro, Emi Rivera, Mrs. Maria Sarzaba.


Armi Cendana (daughter of celebrant), Carmen B. Cendana, Norma Romero Fernandez.

Ludy Mir Loresco, Dr. Tita G. Cera, Fe V. Abejero, the former Erlinda Padre- Balikbayan from Southern California.

Mangaldan National Highschool classmates batch 62.

Mrs. Remedios Ydia, Erlinda Padre, Ludy Mir Loresco, Dr. Tita G. Cera, Col. Benjamin Padre (Ret.)


Jolly Friends Club serenading the celebrant.

CORAZON BILLOTE MARRON CELEBRATES HER 90th BIRTHDAY

                                         

 

                                             

There  is  no  place  like  home  and  Mrs . Corazon Billote  proves  just  that  . After  living  in  the  United  States  (  in  South   San  Francisco  )  for   fifteen  years  , she  decided  to  go  back home  in  Mangaldan  for  good  .

November  1st  is  Mrs . Marron's 90th   birthday . She  wanted  that  special  milestone  in  her  life  to  be  celebrated  with  her  immediate  family  and  close  friends  in  her  hometown  . Her  children  living  in  the  US  , Marilou  M . Jue (  with  children  Jan  Ivan  Leon  and  Joni  Leon )  and  Lani  M. Basuel (  with  son  Patrick ) residents  in   San  Francisco   and  Rodello  (  New  Jersey )  flew  back  home  to  Mangaldan  to  celebrate  their  mother's ( and  grandmother's ) special  day  . Another  daughter , Digna M . Abreu , was  not  able  to  join  the  family  but  her  two  children , Jethro  Jan  and  Jake  Abreu  made  it  .  Mrs. Marron's  close  relatives   and  friends  in  Mangaldan joined  the  celebration  on  November  6th   at  Casa  de  Dona  Upeng  in  Mangaldan , Pangasinan .

Mrs. Marron  had  been  in  the  Mangaldan  school  system   till  her  retirement . She  then    emigrated  to  the  USA  to  be  with  her  children  . She  was  married  to  the  late  Fortunato  Marron    who  passed  on  in  1982  .  After  being  in  the  USA  for  fifteen  years  , she  decided  to  spend  her  time  in  her  beloved  hometown  .  The  following   photos  show  her  with  her  special  guests  ;  her  children , grandchildren  , siblings   Ben  (  with  wife  Glorina )  and  Luz , nieces  and  nephews  and  old  time  friends . The  event  was  also   graced  by  the  presence  of  the  Town  Mayor , Hermie A. Romero

PRE- CELEBRATION  :

                              

                             Mrs. Marron's  grandchildren  arrive  from  San  Francisco ..

                              

                  Lani M. Basuel  and  only  son  Patrick  greet  mom  and  grandma  on  November 1st , her  date  of  birth .

                           

                  Grandma  Corazon  with  her  granddchildren  Joni , Jake , Patrick  and  Jan  Ivan ..

NOVEMBER 6TH , DAY  OF  THE  CELEBRATION  ..

                          

The  celebrant  took  time  for  a  family  photo  before  leaving  for  the  celebration  at  the  Casa  de  Dona  Upeng   Reception  room .

                        

 Mrs. Corazon  B.  Marron  with  her   grandchildren  Jake , Jethro , Joni , Jan Ivan  and  Patrick  before  stepping  out  for  the  special  celebration   at  the  Casa  de  Dona  Upeng ..

                       

The  celebrant , her  family  and  her  guests  were  greeted  with  this   special  centerpiece  at  the  reception  room ..

                      

 Brother  Ben  and  wife  Glorina  and  sister  Luz   joined   the  celebrant  who  has  an  armful  of  flowers . 

                        
  
              The  celebrant  with   family  , Lani  and  Marilou   and  relatives 

                       

    Lani  joins  family  friends  Linda  Moulic  Ydeo  and  Lydia  Surot  Romero 

                      

  The  queen  of   the  day  is  joined  by  Mangaldan's  Town  Mayor  , Hermie  A  . Romero 

                      

                     

     More  guests  at  the  celebration  at  the  Casa  de  Dona  Upeng  reception  room ...

                    

                                 More  well wishers   at  the  venue 

                   

                    

                          Chow  time   led  by   Marilou  Marron  Jue 

                    

                    

  Cake  time  and  birthday  wishes  for  the  birthday  celebrant .. Nice  cake ! ! 

                    

 The  celebrant  cuts  her  cake  and  Marilou  helps  in  the  sharing  of  the  beautiful  cake  to  the  guests ..

                   

           Grandma  Cora  gets  a  bite  of  her  cake  from  grandson  Patrick  Basuel , who  also  acted  as  the  emcee  during  the  program .. 

POST  CELEBRATION ...

                  

  The  best  time of  the  whole  celebration  is  relaxing  at  home  with  the immediate  family  and  opening  of  the  gifts  . Lani  , Joni , Patrick  , and  Marilou   join  the   celebrant   in  enjoying  the  day ..

                  

The  grandkids  had  a  great  time  but  it  was  time  to  say   bye  to  Grandma Corazon  ...

                  

Finally , Joni , Jake  , Jethro  , Jan  Ivan  and  Patrick   settled  in  the  van  that  took  them  to  the  airport  bound  for  home  in  San  Francisco ...Ciao ! ! Grandma ...

THE  MANGALDANIANS  IN  VANCOUVER  (  MAREVA  )  SEND  THEIR   BIRTHDAY  GREETINGS  TO  MRS  . CORAZON  BILLOTE  MARRON  , WHO  IN  ONE  WAY  OR  THE  OTHER  WAS  ONCE  THEIR  MENTOR  IN  THEIR  ELEMENTARY   SCHOOLING IN  MANGALDAN  .  GOD  BLESS  MRS.  MARRON  ! ! !   

             

                    







  

 

 
 

 

Romero Champions Environmental Protection

By Rosallie R. Hulipas
MANGALDAN – The campaign for environmental protection led by no less than the Chief Executive of this town, Mayor Herminio Romero was staged triumphantly along the main thoroughfares of Poblacion on September 23, 2011. HERO found mammoth support from the Sangguniang Bayan Members led by Vice Mayor Bernardo Abalos, all Department Heads and Employees of the municipality from the local and national levels.

Mayor Herminio Romero (2^nd from right) leads the rally for environmental protection along the main thoroughfares of Barangay  Poblacion.

The Poblacion Barangay Council headed by its chieftain, PB Samuel Villanueva, Poblacion Barangay Tanods, Poblacion Barangay Health Workers, employees of Mangaldan Water District under General Manager Engr. Marcelo Petonio, Mangaldan PNP headed by P/Supt. Mateo Casupang, some Nursing students of the University of Pangasinan and student leaders of Mangaldan National High School also manifested warm support to said campaign with a beautifully coined theme: Taga-Mangaldan Ka… Mi-biang Ka… parad “KALIKASAN” 2011 (You are From Mangaldan…Take Part… for the “Environment” 2011).

Wearing their respective uniforms (mostly colored t-shirts with catchwords and phrases of green and ecological themes) and protective gears, the environmental advocates blared out significant “noise” for action. They carried posters and placards with slogans enjoining all Mangaldanians to join the noble cause. Some crusaders even wore shirts covered with leaves and other materials found around the environment if only to voice out their calls for environmental protection. Others brought sacks, garbage bags, forceps and other cleaning materials to demonstrate their appeal.

“It’s time we go out and educate our own kabaleyans (town mates) about proper waste segregation, waste reduction, recycling, composting, clean-up drives, tree planting and greening of our environment. Let us gain the support of our people through this activity” says Mayor Romero in his speech during the short program held in front of the Municipal Hall before the rally. It would be noted that the environmentalist mayor has been distributing seedlings annually since 2004. (See related story.)

On the same vein, Vice Mayor Abalos pointed out, “We are all Mangaldanians hence we have to be part of this endeavor for our environment. If we will not do it nobody will do it for us. If we will not love, clean and protect our environment, nobody will do it for us.” Coun. Alberto Leo Fabia, SB Chairman for Environment, Waste Management and Pollution Control, likewise persuaded everyone to act now before it would be too late.

BOODLE FIGHT. The successful rally for environmental protection finished off with a boodle fight prepared by the LGU through the Accounting Office, GSO and HRMO. This is the second time that Mayor Romero hosted such kind of activity. The first one was a joint-activity with the Association of Meat Entrepreneurs of Mangaldan (AMEM).

Mayor Herminio A. Romero (right) and Vice Mayor Bernardo C. Abalos (left) gamely lead LGU employees and all pro-environmental enthusiasts in a boodle fight at the municipal motor pool after the rally for Kalikasan.

This time, all pro-environment enthusiasts shared a delectable meal of lechon, chicken-pork adobo, stir fried Baguio vegetable, bananas, fried galunggong (big-bellied round scad) and rice piled on top of banana leaves. By eating on the same table with their bare hands, patterned after the Military style of eating, Mangaldanians have exhibited unity, solidarity and teamwork for Mother Earth.

BEST SLOGAN. One of the highlights of the rally for Kalikasan was the Best Slogan Contest. The participants’ placards with slogans were judged on the following criteria: 70% for originality, relevance and adherence to Kalikasan theme; 20% for clarity of message, construction and rhyme; and 10% for presentation and overall impact.

The Board of Judges: Dr. Teresita Cera (Chairman), Dr. Jupiter Petilla and Jonas Dizon (Members) picked out one of the entries from the Treasury Office as the best slogan which reads – “Pian malimgas so Mangaldan, Sarilin dili so panggapuan, Aliguas na baley so nagamoran. Abante Mangaldan!”

The Treasury department got Php 3,000.00 cash prize. Entries from the Cooperative and Population Offices won the second and third prize respectively and were rewarded Php 2,000.00 and Php 1,000.00 respectively. The awarding ceremony was held at the Municipal Grounds on September 26, 2011 during the Monday Ritual and Closing Program of the 111th Anniversary of the Philippine Civil Service Commission.

P-Noy PhilHealth Cards Distributed in Mangaldan

By Rosallie R. Hulipas

MANGALDAN, PANGASINAN. A total of 3089 eligible indigents in Mangaldan and their respective dependents can already avail PhilHealth benefits under the sponsored program of the National Household Targeting System (NHTS) for Poverty Reduction. The NHTS has been adopted by PhilHealth as a tool in identifying the indigent who really deserves the PhilHealth Card.

Said PhilHealth ID distribution was held at the Macario Ydia Development Center on August 24, 2011. The activity was supervised by Ms. Josephine Quiton, Division Chief of PhilHealth Regional Office I, Mayor Herminio A. Romero, Councilor Teresa M. Abalos, Sangguniang Bayan, Chairman on Health and Dr. Ophelia T. Rivera, Municipal Health Officer.

Also present to witness the affair were Ms. Priscilla Mejia, staff of the Municipal Social Welfare and Development and chieftains of the 30 barangays led by no less than the LIGA President, Councilor Ritchie DG. Abalos. Coun. Abalos likewise represented his father, Vice Mayor Bernardo C. Abalos by delivering his special message.

Mayor Romero in his speech thanked the national government for this worthwhile program on health that has reached the impoverish members of the town. “God forbids but when you get sick or any member of your family gets sick, you can already avail of hospital benefits for a very minimal charge or even be discharged from the government hospital without paying anything,” Mayor Romero remarks to the delight of the beneficiaries.

Earlier this year, Mayor Romero also distributed PhilHealth IDs to casual and job order employees of the LGU and to a number of indigent members from various barangays as part of the health agenda of his local administration. It can be recalled that in 2010, the provincial government thru Governor Amado T. Espino and the 4^th District Office of Pangasinan thru Congresswoman Gina P. de Venecia have similarly distributed PhilHealth cards to indigent Mangaldanians.

 

Top photo shows Mayor Herminio A. Romero stressing the benefits of PhilHealth cards to the beneficiaries (down photo).

 

LGU-Mangaldan Recognized by BBCY

By Rosallie R. Hulipas

MANGALDAN, PANGASINAN. The local government unit of Mangaldan was recognized by the Breaking Barriers for Children and Young Adults with Disabilities (BBCY) for its commendable partnership and support throughout the implementation of the BBCY project and for its commitment to sustain the operations of the Stimulation and Therapeutic Activity Center (STAC).

The awarding ceremony was held during the Partner’s Summit at the Great Eastern Hotel in Quezon City on August 26, 2011. The BBCY is a joint project of the Katipunan ng May Kapansanan sa Pilipinas, Inc. (KAMPI) and the Danish Society of Polio and Accident Victims (PTU).

It can be recalled that the BBCY formerly Breaking Barriers for Children (BBC) was launched in Mangaldan during the first term of office of Mayor Herminio A. Romero in 2004. The Mangaldan STAC was funded by BBC on its initial year. But since 2005 the LGU has been allocating fund for STAC operations in its annual budget. This year the center with a total of 120 CWD-beneficiaries is operating on a Php 250,000.00 budget.  

Programs and services of Mangaldan STAC include Physiatrist Consultation scheduled twice a year (every first quarter and last quarter of the year) to determine the mental and physical capacity of CWDs; Physical Therapy sessions for CWDs diagnosed with physical disabilities; Special Education and Occupational Therapy for children diagnosed with mental disability; Hydrotherapy Treatment twice a year; and, Referrals for CWDs who need surgery or further medical examinations and treatments.

A supplemental feeding to STAC beneficiaries is scheduled every last Thursday of the month, while, Counseling and Home Visits are conducted to those who do not come regularly to the center. Also, the STAC staff and parents undergo trainings conducted by BBCY in order to provide them new strategies and approaches in the management of CWDs.

“All these and other social, physical and rehabilitation activities make the work of STAC staff quite tedious but fulfilling,” says Ms. Gina Quidilig, a physical therapist assigned at the STAC, when asked how they do about at the activity center. Ms. Quidilig together with Ms. Rowena de Guzman, Social Welfare Officer III, represented Mayor Romero during the awarding ceremony in Great Eastern Hotel.

 

Photo shows Mayor Herminio A. Romero (4^th from left) and Vice Mayor Bernardo C. Abalos (3^rd from right) presenting the BBCY plaque of recognition and BBCY books to the staff of Mangaldan - Stimulation and Therapeutic Activity Center during the Flag Raising Ceremony held at the municipal grounds on September 5, 2011. Also in the photo (L-R) are Councilors Manny P. Cabrera, Alberto Leo M. Fabia, Joel C. Meneses, Gina G. Quidilig, Sandra M. de Guzman, Raquel M. Ducusin, Rowena C. de Guzman of DSWD and Councilors Teresa M. Abalos and Joseph Emmanuel B. Cera.

MANGALDAN LGU & PNP SPONSOR 2-DAY WASAR TRAINING

By Rosallie R. Hulipas

MANGALDAN - In observance of the Declaration of the Month of July as National Disaster Consciousness Month and as part of the PNP Master Plan SAKLOLO MILENYO (Disaster Response & Management), a two-day Refresher Training on Water Search and Rescue (WASAR) Operations was conducted by the Local Government Unit of Mangaldan through the Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (MDRRMC) and the Mangaldan Police Station to selected composite rescue teams of this municipality numbering to 60 participants.

This activity aims to prepare said rescue teams during emergency situations particularly during onslaught of typhoons and disasters. The training was  composed of a lecture which was held on July 28, 2011 at the Conference Room, Presidencia Municipal, Mangaldan, Pangasinan while the practical exercises was held on July 29, 2011 at the San Fabian Beach in San Fabian, Pangasinan. Training Team from the Naval Special Operations Group (NAVSOG) of the Philippine Navy, AFP based at the Naval Forces Northern Luzon led by LTJG JUAN C TARROZA PN with seven (7) enlisted personnel were invited as lecturers / trainers during the 2-day training.

During the Opening Ceremony held at the Conference Room,  CAPT ROMMEL JUDE G. ONG PN (GSC), Commander of the Disaster Response Task Group, Region 1 and concurrent Deputy Commander, Naval Forces Northern Luzon was the Guest of Honor & Speaker; while Special Guests include ATTY. MONDAY A. SAMSON, Provincial Director-NAPOLCOM, Pangasinan Provincial Office, HON. ALFREDO M. SORIANO, Municipal Councilor and Chairman of the SB Committee on Peace and Order and Public Safety; CAPT JORGE DE VERA PN (Ret), Action Officer, MDRRMC, PSUPT MATEO C. CASUPANG, COP – Mangaldan Police Station.  Meanwhile participants mainly composed of personnel from Mangaldan PS, BFP, MTRG, DELTACOM, NGOs, DepEd and LGU-Mangaldan with the active involvement of Brgy Officials of seven (7) selected flood prone barangays.

The said activity ended with a Closing Program on July 29, 2011 at 5:30 in the afternoon wherein HON HERMINIO A ROMERO, Municipal Mayor of this town as Guest of Honor & Speaker which was highlighted by the awarding of Certificates of Training to all the participants and Certificates of Commendation to the NAVSOG Training Team. Budgetary requirements of said training were sourced out from the MDRRMC Calamity Fund for CY 2011. (rrh – Data and Photos from COP MATEO C. CASUPANG & PNP Staff)

PNP Personnel of Mangaldan PS while applying the lecture they have learned from the Philippine Navy Training Team during the 2nd Day of the WASAR Refresher Training Course held in San Fabian Beach on July 29, 2011.

 

Participants to the 2 Day WASAR Refresher Training posed for a souvenir picture at the San Fabian Beach, San Fabian, Pangasinan on July 29, 2011.

 

HON. HERMINIO A. ROMERO, Municipal Mayor delivers his message to the participants during the Closing Ceremony held on July 29, 2011 at the Presidencia Municipal, Mangaldan, Pangasinan.

 

HERO is Outstanding Mayor Anew

Rosallie R. Hulipas

MANGALDAN – Mayor Herminio A. Romero, this municipality, was awarded another Plaque of Recognition as Outstanding Mayor by Pangasinan Division II during the 5th Division Alternative Learning System (ALS) Summit on August 12, 2011 at CAP Building, Urdaneta City.

Romero was honored by ALS Implementers and Stakeholders in grateful acknowledgment of his wholehearted commitment and strong support in the implementation of ALS Programs and Projects in the Division of Pangasinan II.

In an interview, Romero remarked that his office has been implementing the ALS Programs and Projects even while still the Vice Mayor of Mangaldan. Romero was accompanied by principals and teachers of various schools headed by Dr. Cleofe Nabua, District II Supervisor, and officers of senior citizens associations of Mangaldan.

It shall be noted that the local government unit of Mangaldan ranked 3rd in the search for the 2010 National Literacy Awards’ Most Outstanding Local Government Unit (Municipal Level Class A) category, where the LGU got a plaque and a cash prize of Php 50,000.00 from the Chairperson of LCC and DepEd Undersecretary, Hon. Rizalino D. Rivera during the awarding ceremony held at the Teachers Camp on September 10, 2010.

Mayor Herminio Romero (center) poses with District II Supervisor, Dr. Cleofe Nabua (left) and Board Member Ranjit Shahani of the 6th District of Pangasinan.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mayor Herminio Romero (1st row, center) is flanked by principals and teachers of various schools and officers of senior citizens associations of Mangaldan.

 

IT STARTED AS A DREAM ...IT IS NOW A REALITY ! !

 
 
 
 
 CONGRATULATIONS  TO  THE  DREAMERS   AND  TO  THE   PEOPLE   WHO  MADE  THAT  DREAM  A  REALITY  , MOST  PARTICULARLY  TO  MANGALDAN  MAYOR  HERMINIO  A.  ROMERO  , WHO  IS  THE  MAIN  MOVER  OF  THIS   SPECIAL  PROJECT ..... (  by  Marie  A.  Junio )

SURPRISE PARTY AS MOM TURNS 80

Wilina   ( aka Leny ) Cancino Guiang , the  present  secretary  of  MAREVA ( Mangaldan  Residents of  Vancouver ) , went  home  last  March   with  her  family  to  attend  her  Mom's 80th  birthday  celebration  in  Mangaldan . Her  youngest  brother , also  a  resident  of  Vancouver , followed  later . She  now  shares  the  exciting  and memorable  celebration  which   was  supposed  to  be  a  surprise  event  for  her  Mom . If  anybody  spilled  the  beans  or  not  , that  we  don't  know , but  the  pictures  show  the  happiness  of  the  celebrant  to  see  her  children  and  their  families   and  friends  sharing  the  special  day  with  her .

 I  may  not  be there , Leny , but  I  share  the  joy  and  excitement  of  that  occasion  by  looking  at  the   pictures . OUR  KABALEYANS  IN  VANCOUVER WISH  YOU   A  MUCH  BELATED   HAPPY  BIRTHDAY , TIA  ( OR  ATCHI  OR  BAI  )  CARMEN  ! !   GOD  BLESS  YOU  ! !

Marie  A  . Junio