Independence day celebration in Candon City

Candon City Mayor Allen Singson and Vice Mayor Nestor Itchon led other city officials, city employees, officials and teachers from DepEd, students from different schools, barangay officials, members of the PNP, AFP, BFP, BJMP, non-governmental organizations, officials from national agencies like DPWH, DILG, and other sectors in the celebration of 111th independence celebration at the Plaza Wayawaya.

Other city officials present were City Councilors Alfonso Singson, Rhoda Abrero, Oseas Diasen, George Valdez, Angel Balagot, Rosario Villalobos and Aris Valdez.

The city officials had wreath laying on the monument of Dr. Jose Rizal and Don Isabelo Abaya, the city’s local hero.

After the wreath laying, a concelebrated mass followed at the St John de Sahagun Church with Nueva Segovia Archbishop Ernesto Salgado.

Candon is Model City of Region I

CANDON CITY was chosen recently by the Civic Service Commission as Model City of Region I.

The city was cited because of the following:
1. Formulation of its Citizen charter/ Manual of Operations which was drafted and approved in 2007. the 2009 edition of the charter is on its final editing.
2. Public assistance and complaint desk and suggestion box.
3. Anti- fixing posters
4. Business One Stop Shop as early as 2002
5. Conducted of advocacy on RA 9485 ( Anti-Rep Tape Act of 2007) to the barangays.

The CSC region I led by its Regional Director Atty Myrna Macatangay dropped by to the city recently as they were met by City Mayor Allen Singson, other city officials and the department heads.
City Mayor Singson with councilors Rhoda Abrero, Rosario Villalobos and the department heads met at the Sangguniang Panlungsod session hall for a program and later the CSC group toured the three- storey city hall.

Below are the photos of the said CSC visit.

JOB FAIR ATTRACTS 1, 400 APPLICANTS

JOB FAIR ATTRACTS 1, 400 APPLICANTS

CANDON CITY, Ilocos Sur- The recent two-day job fair sponsored by Deputy Speaker Eric Singson, Departmen of Labor and Employment and Philippine Overseas Employment Administration generated more than 1, 400 applicants for overseas employment.

“We are very glad with the turn out to help our constituents find employment overseas,” Singson said.

According to Nonette Villanueva- Regional Center Chief for Nothern Luzon of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration ( POEA), there were about 500 positions ready to be filled.

Among the jobs offered by the seven companies invited were nurses, engineers, domestic helpers, care givers, factor workers, drivers and others.

Singson who initiated the program said he asked the companies not to collect placement fees and other charges.

He even offered the companies to have their extension offices in the city to avoid further expenses from the applicants.

Mayors from the different towns of the second district came over to accompany their town mates.

Singson said that the continuous employment abroad will help in a way in the current economic turmoil because of the remittances they will be sending to their families here if they will make it. (LBJ)

Tobacco industry is now saving grace

Tobacco industry is now saving grace

CANDON CITY, Ilocos Sur- The once dubbed sunset industry has not only risen but blossomed again for two years now.
It is proves to be the saving grace to the tobacco growers and in a way to the country amidst the economic turmoil.
Because of the good tobacco season last year after five cropping season losses, there is noticeable increase of farmers and area planted all over the four Virginia tobacco producing provinces.
The best part is the staggering all time high rise of prices of flue cured tobacco that put tobacco growers in near disbelief.
“This is the best season I had. The prices are unbelievable,” farmer Danilo Valdez said.
Valdez, 36, of Candon City, Ilocos Sur is a care taker of two- hectare plantation of Lawyer Robert Tudayan along the mountains of Palacapac, Candon City, Ilocos Sur.
He was able to sell his top grade ( class AA) and lowest grade ( reject) flue cured neutral flavor tobacco at P90 and P60 per kilo respectively.
These are way up the agreed floor prices of flue- cured Virginia Tobacco; Grade AA- P61.00; A- P59.00 ; B – P57.00; C – P55.00; D – P50.00; E
– P49.00; F1 – P45.00; F2 – P42.00; and R – P23.00.
The said prices was the result of the tripartite conference between and among tobacco farmers (farmers’ sector), the cigarette manufacturers (buyers’ sector) and the National Tobacco Administration ( NTA) in 2007 which is applicable up to this tobacco season.
It was supposed to be safeguarding measure of possible low prices but never occurred this season.
The steady high prices of tobacco was due to the demand of tobacco trading centers.
Veteran tobacco buyer David Wagayen of Candon City assessed that tobacco companies have not met their quota and continuous to buy with the same price.
“The quality is the determining factor,” Wagayen, a 17-year tobacco buyer, said.
Wagayen who is still completing his 500 tons quota admitted that he even purchased as high as P100 per kilo of Class AA.
The sudden blossom of the top cash crop of the Ilocanos is saving them in the current economic meltdown all over the world.
Efraim Dayap, Sr., Senior Tobacco Production and Regulation Officer of NTA- Candon Branch, said that in their monitor there are many Overseas Filipino Workers affected by the crisis who have good back to tobacco planting which they did not regret.
James Villanueva, 44, Gabor, Tagudin, Ilocos Sur an OFW of 10 years, decided to plant tobacco for very good reasons.
His full blast planting of his 1.5 hectares earning him P150, 000 enough to compensate his earnings abroad and was able to continue completing the construction of their bungalow house.
“I was lucky to go full blast planting. Hopefully this will continue next year,” Villanueva said.
Villanueva planted the Virginia tobacco full-flavor variety whose volume of demand had increased tremendously.
The full- flavour variety has more nicotine content compared to the Neutral variety which is the traditional kind being planted.
Even OFW aspirant and still unemployed graduates choose tobacco as option.
Dayap’s only son, Efraim, 26, graduate of education course in 2007, elected to do the planting in their ¾ hectare land.
He planted the native tobacco variety through contract growing scheme offered by the Universal Leaf Philippines Inc, a mother trading center, based in Agoo, La Union.
He was able to earn about P40, 000 in the four-month long tobacco season.
“It was a good option as I wait of possible employment,” Dayap, Jr said.
Over all there is an increase of 11.2 percent from the areas planted in the four producing provinces covered by the NTA.
Based on the data obtained from the NTA, there are 17, 580 hectares planted in Abra (1, 796.50 hectares), Ilocos Norte ( 1, 766.45 hectares), Ilocos Sur (11, 673.43 hectares) and La Union ( 3, 573.85 hectares).
There is also 8.24 percent rise in the number of farmers that whoplant or go back again to tobacco planting.
There are 25, 513 farmers that planted tobacco this season compared to that of 23, 571 that planted last year in the said four producing provinces.
As the tobacco season ends this month, you can imagine that tobacco growers have at least a smile in their faces and surely they have visited their respective banks.
Leoncio Balbin Jr.

2009 CNHS commencement speech of Atty. Marife Lynn Pascua

COMMENCEMENT SPEECH
(Delivered by Atty. Marife Lynn C. Organo-Pascua on the occasion of the 63rd Commencement Exercises of the Candon National High School, Candon City, Ilocos Sur, April 3, 2009)

Mr. Jorge M. Reinante, our City Schools Division Superintendent, and his supervisory staff; our esteemed principal, Mrs. Pacita L. Basabas; heads of the different departments, members of the faculty and staff, the graduating class of 2009, parents, visitors and all –

Twenty-six (26) years ago when I graduated from this school, I never thought of this day when I would be privileged to speak during your graduation ceremonies. Congratulations to all the graduates, your accomplishment truly speaks of your intellectual power, hard work and commitment. And I am deeply honored to be in your presence this morning.

As you reach this new milestone, you should thank your parents, guardians, teachers and those who labored hard to help you achieve your secondary education. They, too, deserve to be congratulated. And so at this point, may I ask all the graduates to rise and give a standing ovation and round of applause to all the people who really made this day possible for you.

College education is your best investment for the future. In a global economy where the most valuable skill you can sell is your knowledge, college education is no longer just a pathway to opportunity – it is a prerequisite. In other words, college education is the key that will allow you to move up in the world, seek better jobs and ultimately succeed in life.

If you look forward to a better life in the future, the challenge is for you to get a college education. But as you start on this new pursuit, I would like to impart some motherly advice.

First. Study your options well. Know where you’re good at and choose a college course that best suits your capabilities. Changing courses means additional financial burden to your family and waste of time, effort and resources on your part.

Second. Choose a course that is employable. Do not pursue an impressive course if it is not in demand in the job market. Your goal should not just to earn a degree but to find suitable employment after college.

Third. Seize every opportunity. There are scholarship programs that provide free college education and allowances to deserving students. If you qualify and be able to maintain your scholarship standing, there would be least expense in your studies and the money saved would be used for other equally-important family needs.

Fourth. Conquer all odds. The world out there is complicated and unpredictable and problems will surely flock your way. Face them with strength and determination. Since problems are intended to make you better persons, treat every problem as a positive opportunity for you to become more matured and responsible.

Perhaps my story can inspire.

When I graduated with BS Biology in 1987, I was resigned to the idea of pursuing a medical degree because of limited financial resources. So I started to look for a job suited to my college course. Unfortunately, I couldn’t even qualify as a Biology teacher because I didn’t have units in Principles and Methods of Teaching. So I searched for every possibility until I finally got employed, although with odd jobs not actually related to my college course. After several years, I got married and started with a family. In 1997 or ten years after graduating from college, I pursued a degree in Bachelor of Laws after qualifying as a scholar of the city government of Manila.

The challenges I went through were not simple, they were actually tough and difficult. I was then employed at the Philippine Senate and after office hours, I went on to attend night classes. When I reached home later in the night, usually at past 9p.m., my young children were already fast asleep. Saturday was not a free day either because I also had classes the whole day. Sunday was my only available time for my family but I would spend half of the day reading my books.

My life revolved around this hectic schedule for four years. But I was able to surpass. Modesty aside, I was also able to maintain my academic scholarship throughout Law School and even managed to graduate on top of my class.

You might be wondering how I was able to make it. There is nothing impossible with hard work, intense perseverance and firm determination. You, too, can make a difference in your lives. If you want to succeed, nurture the right attitude and you will be surely guided in the right direction.

Thank you and good luck in all your endeavors.

Villamin is Cnhs 2009 top grad

Villamin is Cnhs 2009 top grad

Jessie James Villamin likens life as a movie.
During his graduation day he essayed the lead role without doubt.
Villamin graduated class Valedictorian among 492 graduates of Candon National High School.
“I am very proud of myself,” Villamin said
You cannot blame him for he worked hard for it.
Backing him up are his parents.
Jessie parents, Engr. Mario and Dr. Rosalie are both Overseas Filipino Workers based in Saudi Arabia.
Villamin in his 45- minute valedictory address pointed out his parents great sacrifices for him and his siblings.
“… the reason of my long-year-sacrificing to get all these awards! The root of every success I had in my life, the core of every victory I received- My parents, to you, mom and da, first I would like to say “ I love you so much.” Your hardship there at Saudi have been fruitful,” Villamin said.

He admitted that his parents missed his graduation because of the high travel cause.

Villamin, 16, of San Antonio, Candon City, and also elementary class valedictorian of Candon North Central School said that he really aspired to be the best in his class the first day he entered high school.
It was not easy.
In his first year, he could only ranked third.
He persevered and his labor paid off.
After his sophomore year, he was already on top of his class.
Being on top is not that easy as he has to face academic demands and extra curricular activities.
He felt the effects of it as his extra curricular activities consumed much of his time that he fell to second place during the second grading in his senior year.
He was able to recovered and regain his top post.

During their graduation, he end up having 35 gold medals hanging on his neck.
In his 45 minute- valedictory address, he did not fail to appreciate the people who help him made it.
His parents, family members, classmates and his mentors.
He is now gearing up for his college education.
He is an upcoming BS biology student of University of the Philippines- Baguio where he hopes to end up as Doctor of Medicine someday.
In ten years he projected to have at least fulfilled some of his dream.
As for the moment, he still cherishes his fulfilled high school dream.
In his movie, ‘true to life story’ with story line about his “High School Life” is closest to his heart because he is the anchor being the lead actor. . .the class valedictorian.

111th Foundation:Candon City at 8

111th Foundation:
Candon City at 8

One of the most dynamic city of northern Luzon had blossomed as it reached its eight anniversary with festivities befitting it.
A successful week long fiesta, 8th Tobacco Festival, was the centrepiece of the celebration.
“Reaching the 8th anniversary of our city hood with very dynamic and moving forward city is always must to celebration as thanks giving,” Candon City Mayor Allen Singson said.
Candon attained its city hood in March 28, 22001 after the passing of Republic Act 9018 authored by then Congresswoman Grace Singson in the 11th Congress.
Highlighting the week long celebration were the crowd drawers National Motocross Leg elimination ( March 22).
The country’s best riders dominated the event with top rider Kenneth San Andres coming out victorious.
A full-packed crowd flooded the national highway along the central district of to witnessed the grand parade and street dancing competition
The different secondary and tertiary schools in the city participate in the street dancing.
Sea of people trooped to the Candon City Beach Front in Darapidap, Candon City to watch the Mr. and Ms Ilocandia Bikini Open 2009.
The ball room dancing skills of barangay officials, personnel from the Department of Education, women’s group came to the fore during the highly anticipated administration/ balikbayan/ barangay as ball room dancing presentations took center stage.
The world acclaim Philippine Philharmonic Orchestra with the initiated of Deputy Speaker Eric Singson, performed at the St John Sahagun Church together with local talents and the City’s Children’s choir.
The 12 most lovely and prettiest faces representing the four tobacco producing provinces; Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, La Union and Abra; competed for the prestigious Miss Virginia Tobacco 2009 with National Tobacco Administration- Candon Branch bet Kashmir Marjorie Hernaez winning it.
The battles of sports games were also very successful.
The city government sponsored chess, beach volley ball, boxing, taekwondo, 10-k run, mountain bike fun race, air soft and soccer competition.
Observers noted that this year’s tobacco festival edition is one of the best staged ever.
“We fully appreciate the support of all parties that made our fiesta celebration an affair to remember and cherish,” City Councilor George Valdez, Chairman of the City Fiesta Executive Committee 2009, said.
Also giving tireless efforts was Madam Freda Luz Singson, wife of City Mayor Singson. ( LBJ)

Fiesta Exec Chair: “Successful fiesta”

Fiesta Exec Chair:
“Successful fiesta”

Take it from the chair himself, the 2009 tobacco festival was very successful from all angles.
This is how City Councilor George Valdez, Fiesta Executive Chairman 2009 said as his post evaluation.
“It was a resounding success because we have very nice show and full backing of everybody and officials like the Deputy Speaker Singson and city officials,” Valdez said.
Valdez said that the week long “Tobacco Festival” continuous to improve to meet the demands and expectations of the Candonians and tourists.

This year’s fiesta, as in previous celebrations, offered arrays of activities that were intended to bring joy and laughter, show of thank of thanksgiving, and unforgettable performances that would stick to everybody’s memory.

This year’s fiesta offered the ball room dancing as the main show during the administration, balikbayan and barangay night.
Noted beauty searches like the Miss Virginia Tobacco and Mr and Miss Ilocandia Bikini open had solid crowd to watch it.
This year’s fiesta also for the first time offered the world reknowned Philippine PhilHarmonic Orchestra that perform at the St. John de Sahagun Church together with local talents and choir.

The street dancing with tobacco as motif drew thousands in the streets to watch the three hour show including their shown at the grounds of Candon South Central School.

Valdez noted that there are big improvements in the shows, activities and performances.

Valdez, 1st term city councilor, was chosen unanimously as Executive Chair of 2009 fiesta by officials and members of the Fiesta Executive committee in a meeting.
( LBJ)

Candon City’s favorite food turns Holy Rosary

Instead of the usual round plastic beads, Candon City’s favorite delicacy calamay ( glutinous rice cake) was utilized as beads on

March 25 in honor of the annunciation of the Bless Mary and in line with the thanksgiving offer for the said product for the city’s fiesta festivities.

“It is in honor and celebration of the annunciation of the Bless Mother Mary and for the city’s calamay product,” Parish Priest Vicente Avila, the initiator of the project, said.

March 25 is historic to this city as it is its fiesta day celebration in honor to the 111^th foundation of Candon.

The  calamay makers/ vendors of Bagar, Candon City produced 59 calamay to match the number of the beads of a holy rosary with a wooden cross at the start.

The calamay vendors themselves with some additional church goers mostly clad in white shirt held  calamay placed inside coconut shell draped with dried banana trunks.

The Parish’s Integrated Youth Ministry and male choir led the recitation of the holy rosary.

Each time part of the rosary is recited, the calamay bead holders take their places in a circle marked with church staff tying each calamay which eventually formed a living rosary.

The 30- minute whole holy recitation took place in front of the St. John Sahagun Church.

They later carried the connected calamay to the grotto and had a mass with Avila officiating.

“We are very happy because our product was used and our way also of saying thank you to the lord,” Liza Abaya, President of the Candon City Calamay Vendors said.

Of course the city government appreciated the initiative of the church.

“We are elated with Fr. Avila’s concept. It combines our devotion and thanksgiving,” City Mayor Allen Singson said.

The calamay were later given to the church goers.

Candon Fiesta Admin Nite 09

the administration/ barangay/ balikbayan night was celebrated with  evening of ball room dancing. The main guest was  Ilocos Sur  Vice gov. Jeremias Singson. Hosting him and the other guests were Deputy Speaker Eric Singson, former Congresswoman Grace Singson, City Mayor Allen Singso and the other city officials.

Actress and ball room dancing guru Regine Tolentino was the main performer during the ball room dancing.

Barangay officials, their spouses, members of the non-governmental organizations, private sector, staff from the DepEd were the main participants of the ball room dancing.