INTRODUCTORY VIDEO

Other News

COMELEC wants more women candidate in barangay polls

An official of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) wants to see more women candidates in the barangay elections.

            “We will strongly advocate for many women to run as barangay chairpersons and barangay councilors,” Commissioner Rowena Guanzon, head of the  the Comelec - Gender and Development (GAD) Committee, said in an interview.

            In the 2013 midterm pools, of the 44,449 total candidates, 36,401 (81.89%) were male while 7,925 (17.82%) were female.

            Of the 17,969 that won, 14,331 (79.75%) were male while 3,580 (19.92%) were female.

            Guanzon believes the village poll is one election where women will have a better chance of running and winning as candidates.

            “This is the only election where the area that you need to go and campaign is small,” said  Guanzon.

            “You will also spend less since you are already known in your community, church... so this is really the election that women have a better chance of running as a candidate,” she added.

            Guanzon also expressed hope that since there are more female voters in the country, they will also be supportive of female candidates.

            “In other countries, they have a so-called women’s vote,”she said.

            During the May 9, 2016 polls, the number of registered female voters was 28,052,138 as compared to the 26,311,706 male registered voters.  -- June 6, 2016 

UBAS Corner by Rev. Jose Burce, Jr.

P/B Galimba: 10 taong tapat at matagumpay na paglilingkod sa barangay

Hindi madali sa anumang pamunuan, ang manatili sa kanyang posisyon ng mahabang panahon. Bakit ka nyo? Aba'y, iba’t-iba ang ugali ng mga tao sa ilalim ng isang pamunuan, at lagi’t-laging may katunggali ka sa politika.

     Sa taong ito ng 2018 ay isang buong dekada nang nanunungkulan si Atty. Renato U. Galimba bilang Punong Barangay dito sa ating kumunidad. Ano kaya ang sekreto o pinanghahawakan ni Atty. Galimba at naging matagumpay at mabunga ang kanyang pamumuno? Sang- ayon sa aking pag-aaral o pagsusuri, ang susi sa kanyang tagumpay ay ang pagkakaroon niya ng katangiang  tatlong "M" tulad ng mga sumusunod:

            1. Mapag-unawa.

            2. Mapagpakumbaba.

            3. Mapagpatawad.

            Ganito ang sinasabi sa Biblia tungkol sa tatlong “M” na ito:

            “Mapag-unawa” -- Rom 15:1 "Tayong malalakas sa paniniwala ay dapat tumulong sa mahihina at huwag ang pansariling kasiyahan lamang ang ating isipin."

            “Mapagpakumbaba” -- Santiago 4:6 Ngunit higit na malakas ang tulong na ibinigay sa atin ng Diyos. Sapagkat ang sabi sa Kasulatan: "Ang Diyos ay laban sa palalo, ngunit tumutulong sa mga mapagpakumbaba." Filipos 2:3 "Huwag kayong gumawa ng anoman dahil sa pansariling layunin o pagyayabang; sa halip, bilang tanda ng pagpapakumbaba, ituring ninyong higit ang iba kaysa inyong sarili."

            “Mapagpatawad” -- Mateo 6:14 "Sapagkat kung pinatatawad ninyo ang mga nagkakasala sa inyo, patatawarin din kayo ng inyong Amang nasa langit." Colosas 3:13 "Magpasensiya kayo sa isa't-isa. Kung may hinanakit kayo kaninuman, magpatawad kayo gaya ng pagpapatawad sa inyo ng Panginoon."

      Nagsiyasat ako sa kasulatan, at nabasa ko ang karanasan ni Apostol Pablo noon sa paglilingkod, na kung saan ay napansin niya na kung sa sarili lang niya ay hindi niya magagawa ang mga nagawa na niya, kung hindi dahil sa biyaya ng Diyos. Sabi sa 1 Corinto 15:10 "But by the grace of God I am what I am, and His grace toward me was not in vain. On the contrary, I worked harder than any of them, though it was not I, but the grace of God that is in me." Bagama't ang kontexto ng talatang ito ay paglilingkod sa Diyos sa pamamagitan ng pangangaral, pero ito ay kahalintulad ng paghihirap at pagsusumikap.

            Sa karanasan ng ating Punong Barangay Atty. Galimba, ay makikita rin ang kanyang paghihirap at pagsusumikap na maging matapat at maayos ang kanyang pamumuno, at makikita rin na kung hindi dahil sa biyaya ng Diyos, ay marahil hindi rin niya makakamtan ang tagumpay na ito.

            Dahil sa biyaya ng Diyos, napakalaki ang ipinagbago at ipinag-unlad ng ating kumunidad, ang Barangay Greater Lagro, sa panahon ng panunungkulan ni Atty. Galimba.  Gayun din, mas lalong hinamon ang kanyang pamumuno, nang atasan siya ng ating President Rodrigo Roa Duterte, na pangalagaan ang mga nabiktima ng ipinagbabawal na droga sa ating kumunidad.

            Para sa kaalaman ng lahat, dito lang sa Barangay Greater Lagro, ang maraming biktima ng ipinagbabawal na droga ang naka-graduate sa pamamagitan ng “Spiritual and Moral Recovery Program, at Counseling Sessions” na isinasagawa ng “Ugnayan ng Barangay at Mga Simbahan o UBAS” sa pangunguna ni Punong Barangay Atty. Galimba at mga Pastor o kinatawan ng iba’t-ibang sekta o religious group dito sa ating barangay. At dahil sa gawaing ito ay walang namatay o naging biktima sanhi ng kampanyang “Tokhang” ng ating kapulisan, ‘di tulad ng sa ibang barangay o kumunidad!

            Mayroon pang Christmas Party ng mga biktima na tinatawag na natin silang Reformist ngayon. Mayroon ding Family Outing, Camping, Capability Enhancement, Rover Scouting, at Swimming na ginanap para sa kapakanan ng ating mga Reformist.  

            Kaya’t, kayo na po, mga kabarangay, ang siyang magsabi o magpasiya, kung karapat-dapat ba na tumanggap ng mga iba’t-ibang pagkilala at parangal ang ating Barangay dahil sa mga nagawa o accomplisment na ito sa panahon ng pamumuno ng ating Punong Barangay Atty. Galimba.

            Ngunit kung ako ang tatanungin, itinuturing kong biyaya ng Diyos na binigyan tayo ng isang uliran at matapat na namumuno na taglay ang suporta ng kanyang buong pamilya na tulad ni Punong Barangay Atty. Renato U. Galimba. (Rev. Jose Burce, Jr.)

Here and Elsewhere by Romy Lofamia

Barangay Captain Galimba: A hard act to follow

 

            Whether we like it or not, the man at the helm of Barangay Greater Lagro, in the person of Atty. Renato “Rene” Galimba, will relinquish the position of barangay chairmanship to whoever will win in this year’s coming barangay elections. This, after rendering the maximum allowed consecutive three terms, totaling over ten productive years of dedicated service to the community.

            During the full decade that Atty. Galimba served as chief executive of Barangay Greater Lagro, the community has experienced a transformation that is both unprecedented and remarkable. What was once considered as a moribund, laid back community, Barangay Greater Lagro leapfrogged its development towards progress and has now positioned itself as one of the most attractive residential, educational, religious and commercial destinations in this part of the metropolis.   

            Visible indicators of progress include completed and on-going reconstruction/cementing of roads and some vertical infra-projects around the community.  Considered also the much improved quality of maintaining peace-and-order, beautification and health awareness programs, and education support structures, among others, all in honest pursuit of his self-imposed mission/vision to deliver the most needed public services to his constituents under the principle of righteous governance.  Such distrinctive achievements almost always earned awards of recognition and appreciation from the concerned authorities and civic and religious organizations.

            These indicators of progress are visible manifestations of a one-of-a-kind productive leadership in Barangay Greater Lagro by a visionary and committed leader like Barangy Catain Atty. Renato Galimba.

            To my mind, and according to some concerned tru-blue Lagronians, Rene, as Atty. Galimba is fondly called, is really one action-personified typical leader worthy of emulation having a soft heart for the poor, the oppressed, the underprivileged and the uninfluential, a strictly just and justly strict disciplinarian barangay chairman. The direction of his governance rides on the rule of law, compassion and innate wisdom.

            Atty. Galimba is one-of-a-kind practicing lawyer whose integrity, diligence and humility are beyond question, much more his mind is open to bright ideas, opinions and suggestions. Certainly, he would be missed by real true-blue Lagronians, friends and colleagues in the circle of professionals in our beloved community -- floodless, clean and beautiful rolling terrains, and away from the maddening crowd of traffic congestions, peopled mostly by government professional retirees - peace-loving and law-abiding citizens whose culture is within the norm of today’s fast modernizing trend yet civilized.

            Somewhere in the pages of this Special Commemorative Issue of our community publication some of Atty. Galimba’s significant achievements during his ten solid fruitful years are fully documented.  All of which reasons his constituents will certainly be forever grateful for such memorable legacies in his honor.

            In capsule, Barangay Captain Rene U. Galimba is a lawyer by profession, a former U.P. law lecturer by avocation, a loving husband and father by family love-and care, a deeply religious Catholic faithful and lay minister, and a hard-working barangay chairman by dedication, and which position of chairmanship he will gracefully endorse to whoever wins the top-leadership in Barangay Greater Lagro this coming Barangay elections.

            Whether we like it or not, the man at the helm of Barangay Greater Lagro, in the person of Atty. Renato “Rene” Galimba, will relinquish the position of barangay chairmanship to whoever will win in this year’s coming barangay elections. This, after rendering the maximum allowed consecutive three terms, totaling over ten productive years of dedicated service to the community.

            During the full decade that Atty. Galimba served as chief executive of Barangay Greater Lagro, the community has experienced a transformation that is both unprecedented and remarkable.  What was once considered as a moribund, laid back community, Barangay Greater Lagro leapfrogged its development towards progress and has now positioned itself as one of the most attractive residential, educational, religious and commercial destinations in this part of the metropolis.   

            Visible indicators of progress include completed and on-going reconstruction/cementing of roads and some vertical infra-projects around the community.  Consider also the much improved quality of maintaining peace-and-order, beautification and health awareness programs, and education support structures, among others, all in honest pursuit of his self-imposed mission/vision to deliver the most needed public services to his constituents under the principle of righteous governance.  Such distrinctive achievements almost always earned awards of recognition and appreciation from the concerned authorities and civic and religious organizations.

            These indicators of progress are visible manifestations of a one-of-a-kind productive leadership in Barangay Greater Lagro by a visionary and committed leader like Barangy Catain Atty. Renato Galimba.

            To my mind, and according to some concerned tru-blue Lagronians, Rene, as Atty. Galimba is fondly called, is really one action-personified typical leader worthy of emulation having a soft heart for the poor, the oppressed, the underprivileged and the uninfluential, a strictly just and justly strict disciplinarian barangay chairman. The direction of his governance rides on the rule of law, compassion and innate wisdom.

            Atty. Galimba is one-of-a-kind practicing lawyer whose integrity, diligence and humility are beyond question, much more his mind is open to bright ideas, opionions and suggestions. Certainly, he would be missed by real true-blue Lagronians, friends and colleages in the circle of professionals in our beloved community -- floodless, clean and beautiful rolling terrains, and away from the maddening crowd of traffic congestions, peopled mostly by government professional retirees - peace-loving and law-abiding citizens whose culture is within the norm of today’s fast modernizing trend yet civilized.

            Somewhere in the pages of this Special Commemorative Issue of our community publication some of Atty. Galimba’s significant achievements during his ten solid fruitful years are fully documented.  All of which reasons his constituents will certainly be forever grateful for such memorable legacies in his honor.

            In capsule, Barangay Captain Rene U. Galimba is a lawyer by profession, a former U.P. law lecturer by avocation, a loving husband and father by family love-and care, a deeply religious Catholic faithful and lay minister, and a hard-working barangay chairman by dedication, and which position of chairmanship he will gracefully endorse to whoever wins the top-leadership in Barangay Greater Lagro this coming Barangay elections.

Pulso by Prof. Domingo G. Landicho

ATTY. RENATO U. GALIMBA
DANGAL NG PAMAYANAN

 

            Itinuturing kong kaloob ng Diyos at banal na tadhana ang pagkakasadlak ko at ng aking pamilya sa Barangay Greater Lagro.

            Permanenteng namamalagi kami sa Lagro mula pa ng 1981, bagaman at pag-aari na namin ang lugal na naging tahanan ng buo naming mag-anak noon pang 1976.

            Kapag inisip ko ang pagsisi-mula, maituturing na isa kami sa pinakaunang gulugod ng pamayanan ng Barangay Greater Lagro, halos bagnos pa mamang ng makabagong lansangan ang dinadaanan, nagpapaikot-ikot sa pagmamaneho, tinatahak ang kugon at talahib, ginugulat ng malalim na tarik at guwang ng La Mesa para namin masapit ang dulo ng kalyeng kalauna’y naging Salubong na gumitna sa maikling daan ngayo’y tinatawag na Mimosa.

            Parang panaginip, dinatnan nami’y banghay ng isang mababang bahay na sementadong bungalow, na ngayong ito’y aming ipinaayos at iniangat, ay natuklasan ng aming mga karpinterong Bikolano na nakatayo sa matibay na adobe.

            Mula sa pangungupahan sa Mandaluyong, sa bahay na ari ng tiyahin ni Edna May na nakatira sa Amerika, lumipat na kami sa Lagro, at mula mga panahon ng 1981, sinimulan ko na ang pagpupunla ng mga puno, waring iniisip kong gayahin ang kinagisnan kong nayon sa Luntal ng Taal, Batangas na bago ako puma-Maynila ay pinaglingkuran ko bilang tinyente del baryo ng tatlong taon, habang nagtuturo ako sa kolehiyo sa Batangas City.

            Isinilang ng bisyon ni Pangulong Ferdinand E. Marcos ang pamayanan ng Lagro, para sa pamayanan ng mga taumbayan na naglilingkod sa pamahalaan. Kung ang panaginip na pagpapabahay sa mga pangkaraniwang Pilipino ay naipagpatuloy at napakalawak, ang sosyal na gusot at problema ng walang tirahan, baha, trapiko, polusyon at kriminalidad sa kasalukuyan kaipala ay natapatan na ng lunas nang maaga.

-o-0-o-

            Nakatutuwa, dito sa Lagro, nagkatipon-tipon ang pamayanan na may kanya-kanyang pangarap at pag-iisip. Katulad ko, wala akong iniisip kundi ang pagtuwang ko sa pagpapabuti ng pamayanan. Alam kong ito rin ang diwang gumabay sa lahat.

            Sa aking palagay, napaka-halagang bagay ang ating ginagawang pamimili ng ating mga lider. Bahagi ito ng proseso ng demokrasya.

            At dahil sa likas na katangian ng pamayanan ng Barangay Greater Lagro, nasa gitnang uri (middle class) na nag-iisip at nagsusuri lagi tayong wasto sa nagiging pasiya.

            Halimbawa: sa pagpili natin ng Punong Barangay, maituturing na ang pagtatampok sa kasalukuyang Punong Barangay, si Atty. RENATO U. GALIMBA bilang Puno at Ama ng barangay nang tatlong sunod-sunod na termino mula noong Disyembre 2007 hanggang sa ngayon ay walang pasubaling makatarungang pasiya.

            At pagkatapos ng isang taong pagkakaupo, noong 2009 nag-umpisa nang umani ang ating Punong Barangay ng Greater Lagro ng halos lahat na pinapangarap na parangal at gantimpala bilang pagkilala ng kanyang paglilingkod, gaya ng mga sumusunod:

            2009 --  BEST PUBLIC SERVANT AWARDEE, mula sa Multi-Media International Foundation; ang News Update National Newspaper at ang DWAD Hotline Balita “Ugnayan ng Masa,”; “BEST PERFORMING PUNONG BARANGAY OF DISTRICT 2, QC”, mula sa “Young Women’s Christian Association of Quezon City (YWCA-QC 38th Founding Anniversary Celebration; at “PHILIPPINE QUALITY SERVICE AWARD OF EXCELLENCE, YWCA-QC.”

            2010 -- “BLUE DIAMOND” AWARDEE FOR EXCELLENCE AS PUBLIC SERVANT, mula “Young Women’s Christian Association ng QC, YWCA-QC 39th Founding Anniversary Celebration; “OUTSTANDING PUNONG BARANGAY OF QC”, YWCA-QC 39 Founding Anniversary; Special Awardee-- “BEST BARANGAY SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES” -- mula sa Pamahalaan ng Lungsod Quezon.

            2011 -- MOST OUTSTANDING PUNONG BARANGAY NG QUEZON CITY -- “Young Women’s Christian Association of Quezon City; “GAWAD KARINGAL” PUBLIC OFFICIAL INDIVIDUAL RECOGNITION mula QC Police District, 72nd Founding Anniversary Celebration QCPD.

            2012 -- “MOST DISTINGUISHED PUNONG BARANGAY OF QUEZON CITY”, mula sa United Alliance of Leaders in the World (UALW); “DISTINGUISHED NATIONAL LEADER OF THE NATIONAL CAPITAL REGION (NCR)”, mula sa United Alliance of Leaders in the World (UALW).

            At sa matapat at mahusay na pamumuno ni Atty. Galimba, ang ating pamayanang Barangay Greater Lagro ay nagtamo ng mga natatanging karangalan (“HUWARANG BARANGAY” AWARDS) mula sa pamahalaan  ng Lungod Quezon gaya ng mga sumusunod:

            + - Champion, “2011 Best Barangay Peace and Order Committee”

            + - Champion, “2011 BEST BARANGAY LUPONG TAGAPAMAYAPA”

            + - Champion, “2011 BEST BARANGAY GENDER PRACTICES & RESPONSIVE GOVERNANCE”

            + - Champion, “2012 BEST BARANGAY PEACE AND ORDER COMMITTEE”

            + - Champion, “2012 BEST BARANGAY LUPONG TAGAPAMAYAPA”

            + - Champion, “2012 BEST BARANGAY SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES”

            + - Champion - “2013 BEST BARANGAY PEACE AND ORDER COMMITTEE”

            +  -  1st Runner-Up  -  “2013 BEST BARANGAY GENDER PRACTICES & RESPPONSIVE GOVERNANCE”

            + - Champion, “2014 BEST BARANGAY PEACE AND ORDER COMMITTEE”

            + - Champion, “2014 BEST BARANGAY LUPONG TAGAPAMAYAPA”

            + - Champion, “2014 BEST BARANGAY SOLID WASTE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES”

            + - Champion, “2014 BEST BARANGAY IN QUALITY LEGISLATION”

            +  -  Winner  -  “2016 Seal of Good Housekeeping - GAWAD DANGAL NG LUNGSOD”

            +  -  Winner  -  “2017 Seal of Good Housekeeping - GAWAD DANGAL NG LUNGSOD”.

            Ang “GAWAD DANGAL NG LUNGSOD” ay siyang pinakamataas na parangal na taon-taong iginagawad ng pamahalaang Lungsod at DILG sa “Best Performing Barangay” mula sa kabuuang142 barangay dito sa Lungsod Quezon. 

            At dahil ang ating barangay ay nakamit ang nasabing parangal sa dalawang magkasunod na taon (2016 at 2017), tayo ay siyang  nag-iisang kandidato para sa pinakamimithing “HALL OF FAME AWARD” na ibinibigay sa isang barangay na magkakamit ng nasabing parangal nang tatlong sunod-sunod na taon.  

            At sa tulong-tulong nating pagsisikap at sama-samang panalangin, tayo ay umaasa na mapapasa atin ang natatanging parangal at maluluklok and ating pinakamamahal na barangay sa “HALL OF FAME” ng “Seal of Good Housekeeping”.

            Ako ay naniniwala, ang namumuno ay kumukuha ng lakas at diwa sa pamayanang kaniyang pinaglilingkuran.

            Ang mga tagumpay at pagkilala na iginawad sa ating Punong Barangay, Atty. Renato U. Galimba ay tagumpay at pagkilala rin sa dangal ng pamayanan ng Barangay Greater Lagro. (Domingo G. Landicho)

The Other Side by Avery Cruz

BEWARE: THE MASTERS OF ‘TRUE LIES’

            The term “True Lies” is not related to the 1994 blockbuster action movie of Arnold Schwarzenegger but if you googled it, 99% percent of the results produced are very much related to the movie. So I searched the list of idioms and  idiomatic  expressions and  found no  trace  of  the  phrase.

            But after using the application called “Google Translate”, I  came  out  with  the  Filipino translation “Totoong  Kasinungalingan”  which,  for me is  the perfect translation  I was looking  for.

            This translation of the term “true lies” is what may be considered 100% absolute lie. Lying is something which everyone  commits in everyday life since our childhood days. Yes, no one can escape from the reality that all people have irresistively lied in one way or another as stated in the world’s all-time  bestselling  book, “The  Bible”.  Saint Paul wrote to the Romans in chapter 3 verse 4, that says, "God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightiest overcome when thou art judged”.

            Yes, no one is exempted from lying. One type of lie is “white lie” which is a more subtle kind of lie. This is being used, for example, when administering a bitter tasting medicine to a child and knew that most probably, he would just spit it out. In situations like this, the white lie usually comes in by telling the child that it tastes fruity sweet as candy so it will not put into waste and the child will recover from his ailment.

            This lie is considered harmless and that it can be applied in order to protect your loved ones or to avoid destruction of relationships.

            “Half-truth” is another type of lie with a dash of a little truth or sometimes with 50/50 content -- half-true and half-lie.  This is usually employed by gossipmongers to sound more convincing to their listeners (victims) which after sometime will become a word-of-mouth, that is, spreading across the neighborhood.

            “Psuedologia Fantastica”, also known as pathological lying  is another example of a  “true  lie”. This is a type of mental  illness  that have compulsive lying  that in the long run the persons who acquired this kind of disorder believed that they are telling the truth and unaware that they are only fooling themselves by living in the world of fantasy.

-o-0-o-

            After learning brief descriptions of some of the many forms of the word “lie” and a mental disorder on lying then we already have an idea it is up to us to decipher the words we hear from influential people like preachers, politicians, especially from the political candidates who will run for a position this coming barangay elections.

            Our unsolicited advice or suggestion to our fellow residents/voters here in our community is for us to always remember to make some time to verify and ask for proof or physical evidence from the liars gallivanting in our community. These cohorts of political wannabes have been coached to tell tall tales to residents who are unaware of the truth.

            Please check their characters, backgrounds, real objectives, attitudes (if possible); what have they done to improve the community and what future will they bring to our neighborhood. Let us not be fooled by these people who may be wittingly or unwittingly trying to lead us to go back to where we were twenty years  ago, where there was rampant proliferation of drugs, frequent fraternity wars, and unclean surroundings.

            Let us learn and profit from the experiences of the past. Let us not give these charlatans a chance to mislead and waylay us from the true path which our barangay under the present leadership has been leading us into. Let us  reject and totally repudiate the importuning's of these people who are masters of the art of making and spreading  “True Lies” to mislead  us.

            Let us not cast our lot on the wrong people. Let us think of progress, not retrogress, upgrade not retrograde. Let  us unite and stand on the side of those who have proven themselves as tested and highly capable leaders. (Avery Cruz)

Editor Speak by Feliciano U. Galimba, Jr.

WORDS THAT CHEER AND INSPIRE

 

 With this issue. the GREATER LAGRO GAZETTE begins another year of publication.  And like in the past similar occasions, there will be no celebrations or testimonial rites to mark this significant milestone in the existence of the publication. Neither is there any special issue of the GAZETTE to mark this event.

            What we offer our readers is still the same community/public news-magazine, with balanced, reliable and well-researched materials, including authoritative and timely articles from our equally authoritative, astute and well-informed writers and contributors.

            But, yes, the GAZETTE enters its 11th year of publication with this issue. And for 10 continuous years now, it has been coming off the press to flow into the mainstream of activities of the inhabitants of the community to whom this publication is committed to serve in the first place.  Throughout this relatively short span of time that it has existed, the GAZETTE has, time and again, found itself in dire straits -- in a manner of speaking, struggling to keep its head above waters and bravely standing on its own feet even during its critical formative years.

            Come  to  think of  it, it seemed  it was only yesterday that we started working and coming out with the maiden issue of this community news-magazine.  And during the relatively short span of ten years, we at the GAZETTE never gave much  thought and attention about counting  the years.  We were too preoccupied about working hard to make sure that these days, weeks, months or years would really count.

            As the recognized one and only barangay/community publication of its kind in the whole of Quezon City -- if not in the whole metropolis and the country for that matter -- which comes out regularly, the GAZETTE has been receiving feedback -- countless testimonials and endorsements not only from the residents of the community but also from the general public in Quezon City and elsewhere in the metropolis. 

            And although the feedback that we at the GAZETTE have been receiving have not always been flattering to us, these have been eliciting the best response from us. The good words have cheered and inspired us to continue doing what we consider a good job.  But the critical feedback have goaded and spurred us to work even harder for excellence in the performance of our task.

            But all things considered, we believe that we have done a good job and that for this, we have so many reasons to celebrate and be proud of.

            But if we  have  good  reasons  to  celebrate, we feel we have even more  special reasons  to  be grateful  of and  so many people to  be  thankful  to.    And  we,  at  the  GAZETTE, certainly  do  not  want  to  pass  this  opportunity  to  let  those  who  have  helped  and  supported  us,  in  one  way  or  another,  know  that we  deeply  appreciate  what  they  have  done and  are  still  doing  for  us.

            To our  Barangay officials  headed by our out-going Chairman, Atty. Renato U. Galimba (now on the last few months of his unprecedented third and last term of office) and  the previous and new sets of Sangguniang Barangay members, for their full and unqualified support, without which this publication would never have seen print.

            To the editors and staff members, including our consulting and contributing editors and writers  and  the  rest of  the officers and employees  of  the  Local Government  of Barangay Greater Lagro, for providing their services for free and for spending their time, effort and  sometimes  their personal  resources to help advance the cause of the GAZETTE.

            And to our numerous  Special Friends --- well-meaning  individuals, associations,  companies  and  institutions --  who  have  supported  and stood  by  us  since  the  onset  of  this undertaking. Their  invaluable  support  came  in many  ways  and  forms.

            But  what  we  appreciate  and  cherish most  are  their  good  and  encouraging  words -- and  their  critical,  constructive  advice,  comments  and  recommendations.  If we were to mention all the names of  these  “Special  Friends” here, it would probably need a whole page of this publication to accommodate the complete list. We are sure however,  that whoever and wherever they are and if they are reading this piece now, deep in their hearts,  they will know  they belong to this special group.

            We, at the helm of the GREATER LAGRO GAZETTE, would like to think that by this unprecedented show of generosity and support, these “special friends” have manifested their “extra special” and unconditional trust and confidence on our capability and competence to really  come out with a fairly respectable publication such as the “GAZETTE”.

            It was a most humbling but encouraging thought and if the results of the forthcoming barangay and SK elections should find us still in a position to continue with this noble undertaking, we give our word that we shall continue doing our best to live up to their expectations. But for now, we could only take our hats off and express our appreciation and gratitude to everybody in the most simple of terms:

            “Thank  you!  Thank  you ever so much!” (Felciano U. Galimba, Jr.)

From My Window by Riz E. Quiaoit, Jr.

CELEBRATING HOW FAR WE’VE COME

 

            HUGE MILESTONE FOR LAGRO: Back in the early 1970s, Lagro was a desolate and forlorn housing village. It was then part of what was once known as Barangay Pasong Putik. Its environs were dumping grounds for victims of bizarre and unknown killings thus gaining the notoriety of a killing field.

            Evoking fear of death, no taxi or jeepney would dare travel or bring anyone to the place especially at night. When darkness loomed, late travelers or passersby cowered in fear lest they fall prey to robbers/thieves or become victims of what evil men do. Few would ever think of coming or living here.

            Lagro, now a barangay in itself, has transformed into a vibrant, peaceful and progressive community. Good roads lead to it.  It abounds with shopping malls and full of delightful amenities. The place is alluring, admired and often visited.

            Indeed, the place is so loved that residents pride themselves in being called "Lagronians" -- a far cry from what the community was then some years back.

            For all its beauty, serenity and beneficence, Lagro also bears the hallmarks of having its regular community newspaper (The GREATER LAGRO GAZETTE), eco-parks and sports facilities for exercise and relaxation.

            The back-to-back highest level awards (2016 and 2017) -- "Seal of Good Housekeeping - GAWAD DANGAL NG LUNGSOD" -- given by the DILG and Quezon City LGU is a testimonial and recognition to Lagro's honor and luster.

            During the past decade or so under the administration of the present leadership, how far have we come?

            You be the judge.

-o-O-o-

            NO STOPPING VILLAGE POLLS: All systems go for the Barangay and SK elections originally set in October 2016, rescheduled in October 2017 and then reset to May 14, 2018. Now there is definitely no more stopping the village polls. Everyone is prepared, including COMELEC and so are the candidates and the voters. Talks, thoughts or moves for postponement are rather "strange", totally irrelevant or speculative and doomed.

-o-O-o-

            THE HEART OF "PAMAYANAN": A sense of community is the heart of "pamayanan". It involves promoting camaraderie among barangay residents. Building a community entails warmth, togetherness and harmonious relationship. Over the past years there have been issues or conflicts between residents and between neighbors. Developing a strong sense of community and learning to become responsible for each other is a source of pride for "Lagronians" as it makes them feel that the people who live in the village are good people.

-o-O-o-

            KEEPING LAGRO FIRE SAFE: Barangay residents are reminded of the start of "Fire Prevention Month". Fire safety is a shared responsibility of government and the citizens. Villagers are reminded and encouraged to be responsible in keeping a fire-safe environment. DILG has urged BFP to "fight fire with fire" highlighting the latter's burning passion and commitment to keep everyone safe from the danger and destruction that fire brings to life and property.

-o-O-o-

            LIVING WITH PURPOSE: A New Year begins in February under the Chinese calendar. The dog as its zodiac sign. Whatever zodiac sign we're born in, the important things is living with purpose. Fascinating as life is, it's nothing unless given to what an American novelist says "Something of value". A career, a sport or hobby, fame, wealth - nothing of these will have lasting significance. Service, as one writer puts it, is the true "pathway to real significance." It is through ministry that we give meaning to our lives and make a difference. If you are not involved in any service or ministry your life has certainly no meaning at all. You're like a ship without a rudder. 'Di ba?

-o-O-o-

            HOUSES DIVIDED: There are perceived signs of chaos and confusion at the White House in the U.S. The same situation is obtaining in our own Supreme Court. A face-off between President Trump and his own party (GOP) over immigration, tariff and foreign policy issues was recently bared by CNN, BBC and other foreign media. Similarly, a Supreme Court turmoil was reported as CJ Sereno was at odds with her fellow justices, judges nationwide and SC employees on questions about her psychological capacity, integrity and managerial competence. CJ Sereno is being asked to resign to save the honor and integrity of the "Judicatura" or face impeachment.

-o-O-o-

            #MYFREEDOMDAY: March 14 was hashtagged as the start of “World Freedom Day”. Across the globe over 100 nations raised their voices against modern-day slavery  and human trafficking. Amidst these voices the question was raised, "What does freedom mean?" Distilled from the multitude of thoughts and views expressed, one thing stood out. Freedom is the inherent attribute or essence of being human. It is the ability to think, say or do anything in a libertarian way. Meaning, in unrestricted and uninhibited manner without hurting or infringing on the rights and interests of others. For, after all, the exercise of freedom in itself entails responsibility. Aber, anong say nyo?

-o-O-o-

            ON THE LIGHTER SIDE: Men's sexuality is like the three (3) types of volcanoes, namely: active, dormant and extinct. In younger days, men's need for sex is super charged. This tends to wane in middle age to the point of becoming somewhat dormant characterized by the so-called "patay - sindi" or "off and on". 

            When one becomes an elderly, sexuality is practically 'dead' like an extinct volcano. However, there have been cases where dormant, inactive or even extinct volcanoes can awaken, revive or reactivate. In the same way, men's sexuality can.

            How? Read the book by Abercio V.Rotor, Ph. D., entitled, Sexual Vitality. (Riz E. Quiaoit, Jr.)

Special Feature

The making of new Barangay Traditions

Philippine Independence Day Celebration

 

Every year, the 12th of June, is a red-letter day as the whole country commemorates its independence as a nation.  And it was on that auspicious 12th day of June 2008, that the residents of Barangay Greater Lagro, as one people united with one purpose, came out in droves and joined the nation in celebrating the 110th year of independence of the Republic of the Philippines with a colorful civic parade and an elaborate flag-raising ceremony right within the community.

            It was the first time ever that such an affair was held in the history of Barangay Greater Lagro since it achieved its present status as an independent local government unit in 1997. 

            A brain-child of then newly installed Barangay Captain, Atty. Renato U. Galimba, the event was replicated the following year and then every year thereafter.

              Enjoying the popular support and uncompromising acceptance and participation by the great majority of the people in the community, the event soon became an annual observance and emerged as part of a growing number of evolving new community traditions.

              That year’s celebration was marked by an enchanting and heart-warming display of the kind of patriotism and loyalty and love for flag and country -- and of God --  by the people in the community.  It proved to be an occasion which gave them the opportunity to show the kind of unity, understanding and cooperation that have been prevailing among the residents within the barangay.

            That affair was spear-headed by the Barangay LGU and the Knights of Columbus, Fr. Walter De Vilder Assy. (ACN 2895), in collaboration with various people’s and non-government organizations, the religious, educational and business community and other sectors of society within the barangay.

            The civic motorcade/parade, which kicked off the festivities, started at the Centennial Park situated at the south-end portion of the barangay and snaked through the main thoroughfares and ended at Misa de Gallo Street in front of the Lagro High School where an elaborate flag-raising ceremony took place.

 

 

 

 

Community Flag-Raising Ceremonies

 

            It was on a sunny Monday morning in December 2007, which happened to be the first official working day of the first three-year term of Atty. Renato U. Galimba as the newly elected and installed chief executive of the Local Government of Barangay Greater Lagro, when the first civic flag-raising ceremony was held. 

            The affair was attended/participated in by the new set of barangay officials who were elected during the October 2007 barangay elections; newly appointed barangay staff/employees, city officials and guests and multitude of residents belonging to the various sectors of society within the community.

            It was the first time that an event of such great magnitude was ever held or seen in the history of the barangay since it became an independent local government unit in 1997.  And since then, this initial occasion was to be replicated -- in terms of attendance and scope of participation by the inhabitants of the community -- the next Monday of the following week and every Monday of the succeeding weeks and months and years thereafter.

            That groundbreaking event, like the other new observances/practices introduced and held during the first term of office of Barangay Captain Renato Galimba, soon became a most anticipated and participated regular weekly community affair and became part of the evolving community traditions.

            In a special message which appeared in his regular column in the Greater Lagro Gazette entitled “The Chairman speaks”, Atty. Galimba, emphasized the value and significance of holding a regular weekly flag-raising ceremony as follows:     

               “-x-x-x- ...Only by presenting a compact and undivided front to all issues of the day can we hope to erect the foundations of a strong and enduring community. 

            “We consider as rallying points of our unity, the Flag; the National Anthem; the Oath to the National Emblem (Panunumpa sa Watawat ng Pilipinas); and our duly elected officials or leaders. 

            “The Flag, because it symbolizes the sacrifices of our heroes and harmonizes our common tradition and heritage.

            “The National Anthem, because it epitomizes the trials and tribulations, and crystalizes the longings and aspirations of our people.

            “The Oath to the National Emblem (Panunumpa sa Watawat ng Pilipinas), because it affirms the unconditional loyalty and allegiance of our people to our national flag and to the country to which it stands for. 

            “And our duly elected officials, because they are the ones who have been chosen by the majority of our people to lead us and  to hold the reins of our government, which in our case, the Local Government of Barangay Greater Lagro. 

            “Whether by force of an official mandate, directive, canon or law or by a subliminal show of civic-mindedness or patriotic fervor and devotion to our motherland, this day affords us the opportunity to gather and stand as one people of one race and renew our affirmation of loyalty and servitude to our National Flag and the country by which it stands for.

            “I direct therefore, this appeal to my fellow barangay officials and employees.  Let us be the first to show the example.  You know my sentiments about the matter.  Please take heed.”

 

 

 

 

Barangay and Patronal Fiesta

 

            Were in our country, fiesta celebrations are the most salient parts of our culture and traditions.  Held mostly during the months of May and June, fiestas are characterized by merrymaking, prayers and thanksgiving. But most important, these events invariably showcase the customs, heritage and traditions unique to a particular place or community and celebrated year after year. 

            Here in Barangay Greater Lagro, the traditional Patronal Fiesta used to be held yearly on the 40th day after Easter Sunday, though the celebration was usually held on the Sunday nearest to the 40th day.

            In May 2009 however, the  observance of the Patronal Fiesta in our community had been more encompassing and lasted longer. 

            That year, Atty. Renato U. Galimba, who was chosen as Hermano Mayor -- together with his espouse, Josie as Hermana Mayor -- and considering his mandated position as then the newly elected Barangay Captain, decided to hold -- for the first time ever -- a Barangay Fiesta in conjunction with the observance of the traditional Patronal Fiesta.

            And so, through this act of inspired leadership and vision, the seed of a new tradition was sown, not on hard, concrete grounds, but on soft and fertile hearts and minds of civic-spirited people in the community.  So much so, that in the ensuing years, it soon became a traditional annual festivity that is much awaited and observed by the people in the barangay.  

            That momentous, ground-breaking event was a month-long celebration characterized by an enchanting display of songs, dances, stage plays, sports, religious rites, among many others.

            Moreover, the  occasion gave the residents the opportunity to show the kind of unity, understanding and cooperation that has been prevailing among the people in the community.

 

 

 

Barangay Foundation Day

 

            Barangay Greater Lagro celebrated its Foundation Day Anniversary on September 10, 2009 with a colorful civic motorcade/parade and a simple but meaningful flag-raising ceremony.  It was the first time that such an affair was held in the 12-year history of the barangay since it acquired its status as an independent local government unit in 1997.

            The date and month of the observance, however, was subsequently changed and moved to the 8th of December the following year and the years thereafter upon the instance of Quezon  City Councilor Godofredo T. Liban II, who was the principal proponent/author of the City Ordinance (Ord. No. SP-439, S-2006) which led to the creation of the barangay.  Councilor Liban correctly pointed out that Barangay Greater Lagro was officially proclaimed as an independent LGU through a plebiscite held on December 8, 2007.

            Nevertheless, this development did not in any way change or diminish the significance and the fervor that the occasion has been eliciting from the residence of the community during the succeeding years.  If at all, the change of date only added pump, color  and gaiety to the occasion, considering that it now falls within the traditional Christmas Season.

            Like what happened when the barangay held -- also for the first time -- its month-long celebration of its  barangay and patronal fiesta in May that same year, that groundbreaking observance in September 2009 signaled the start of the emergence of another evolving new tradition in the community.

                 Again, the observance was an occasion  which afforded them the opportunity to show or demonstrate the kind of unity, understanding and cooperation that prevail among the residents within the barangay.

            The day-long festivities  included a medical, dental and optical missions.  Also part of the festivities were one-day mini-tournaments involving sports disciplines such as basketball, tennis and chess.    

            The affair was spear-headed by the barangay LGU headed by its Chairman, Atty. Renato U. Galimba and his Council, in collaboration with the various peoples’ and non-government organizations, religious groups/sects, educational and business communities and other sectors of society within the barangay.

 

 

 

“Araw ng Kagitingan”

 

                        t was on a Friday,                          the 9th day of April                                    2010 when, for the first time ever, a colorful civic motorcade/parade was held in Barangay Greater Lagro in celebration of the “Araw Ng Kagitingan”. 

            This ground-breaking event served as a fitting tribute and recognition by a grateful community to the heroism of their countrymen who fought and died in the struggle to defend the Filipino nation’s freedom and democracy.

            Another brain-child of Barangay Captain, Atty. Renato U. Galimba, the affair was spearheaded by the Local Government of Barangay Greater Lagro and the Knights of Columbus, Fr. Walter De Vilder Assembly (ACN 2895), in collaboration with the Barangay Development Advisory Council (BDAC) which is composed of the various peoples’ and non-government organizations, including the other religions/sects, educational and business communities and other sectors of society within the barangay.

               And so, once again, just like what happened in the case of the community’s observance of the country’s “Araw ng Kalayaan”, the event elicited instant popular support and uncompromising acceptance and participation by the great majority of the people in the community. 

            The event soon became an annual observance and emerged as another part of a growing number of evolving new community traditions.

            During the said affair, certificates of appreciation were awarded by the local government of Barangay Greater Lagro to World War II Veterans, most of whom came and/or belonged to the “Sapang Palay Post”.

 

Guest Editorial

A VISION OF THE FUTURE

 

            If it were a line graph, imagine a steep rise settling on a plateau of awards and honors gained principally in the last ten years. Steered by a strong leader and council whose terms invariably spanned with those of three presidents of the country, including the present, the challenge today is, “Quo vadis, Lagro?”

            Where is Barangay Greater Lagro headed for is a question that confronts incoming leaders after Atty Renato U. Galimba bows out at the expiration of his three consecutive terms as Barangay Chairman in about two months time. 

            Chairman Galimba will be leaving behind a village metamorphosed into a complex community that spontaneously grew up during its 21-year history as one of the most progressive urban barangays not only in Metro Manila but in the Philippines.

            Simultaneous growth of adjoining barangays, principally North Fairview and Pasong Putik Proper, saw the rise of three giant shopping malls -- SM, Robinsons, and Fairview Terraces; four big academic institutions led by Our Lady of Fatima University, STI and AMA University; and a growing number of houses of worship, hospitals and clinic, business establishments, SMEs, modern residences, and entertainment centers, among others.

            Before the decade ends, MRT 7 shall then have connected through Regalado Highway, Quirino Highway, and Commonwealth Avenue the whole area complex. It is a main thoroughfare in Barangay Greater Lagro to Mindanao Avenue and the Neopolitan Business Park.

            Barangay Greater Lagro has indeed metamorphosed from a GSIS housing project in the early seventies. Today, the barangay encompasses La Mesa Dam, Hilltop Subdivision, Sitio Milan of Neopolitan Subdivision, Villa Vienna Subdivision and Lagro Subdivision, which is the biggest and the center of the barangay local government (LGU).

            As Manila grew into a metropolitan city in the sixties and seventies, inevitably the growth of its suburbs had to spread farther. Its original residents and influx of people from the provinces seeking space to breath and place to have their own homes, began to settle in new areas which included sprawling Novaliches which extends to Lagro subdivision. In spite of its distance and poor accessibility then, the area soon transformed from countryside to a vibrant urban center. Yet in the early stage, who would like to settle some twenty kilometers away from downtown Manila?

            But demography tells us why. Three generations jointly came like links in a chain, with the millennials -- those born into the new millennium and immediately thereafter -- dominating our postmodern society. On the other hand, longevity of the older generation broke all records, creating a major demographic force. This is a pattern experienced in many parts of the world which explains the birth of urban centers and growth of cities into metropolises and megapolises.

            Metro Manila is about to graduate into a megacity with a population of more than 15 million, spilling into our own Greater Lagro area with more than two million residents. Worldwide, there are 7.7 billion people in the world, half of them ensconced in urban centers, and more are on the way in a kind of exodus.

            There is an adage “All roads lead to Rome.” to describe the failure of society ruled by centralized power which explained the rise and fall of the Roman Empire, so with a dozen past civilizations, by world renown historian Edward Gibbon. Exodus to cities has been a syndrome with people moving en masse from the rural to urban areas.

            Boom in economy is associated with growth of cities. So with the standard of living, and a progressive life in general. Today the “world is wired at all its corners” by Internet. We cannot live today without the Internet. Cyberspace is the extension of our daily lives. But we cannot live without heeding to limitation.

            Limits to Growth (1972) by DH Meadow warns us of “progress gone stray,” building up into a dinosaur that led to its demise. On the other hand, more and more economies agree with EF Schumacher’s scholarly book “Small Is Beautiful: A Study of Economics As If People Mattered” (1973). The phrase “Small Is Beautiful” is often used to champion small, appropriate technologies that are believed to empower people.

            “Future Shock,” a 1970 book by the futurist Alvin Toffler, defines the term “future shock” as a certain psychological state of individuals and entire societies. His shortest definition for the term is a personal perception of “too much change in too short a period of time,” spurred by an accelerative thrust of technology. To which FH Hornedo tersely defined our postmodernism era as “living tomorrow today in a free fall,” pointing out to man’s helplessness adrift towards an unknown future.

            Without controls the Malthusian theory warns us of a scenario of arithmetic food growth with simultaneous geometric human population growth predicted a future when humans would have no resources to survive on. To avoid such a catastrophe, Malthus urged controls on population growth.

            Our postmodern society appears to be vulnerable to socio-economic failure. While cities are the centers of education and culture, they too, are the breeding ground of poverty, lawlessness, breakdown of values. Cities are orphaned ganglia or nerve centers severed from the countryside. As a consequence both sides suffer. The parameters of

progress are visibly artificial and short-term, measured by immediate returns and not by sustainability that insures the future of the next generations.

            Lagronians of the “I Generation” (i-gen) precedes the coming of Pheonix Generation. This is the very essence in choosing the right leaders who are undoubtedly capable of carrying such responsibility and accountability to make Barangay Greater Lagro a little corner of Eden to all three generations under one roof, and in ushering the newest generation, Phoenix Generation.

            In the coming Phoenix Generation, according to futurist and sociologist, KL Dennis, humanity is entering a momentous phase in its history. Being born today is a generation of children that will radically reinvent human society, moving our culture from competition, control, and censorship toward connection, communication, and compassion.

            But we have to look into the brighter side of life guided by the power of the human spirit, reflected in Plato’s Republic, a Utopian society, and in the testimonies of residents that Barangay Greater Lagro is a beautiful place no other place in the world can compare.

            On a plateau where we now stand, on a pedestal of honors and awards we are proud of as Lagronians, lies around us a view far and wide that takes us to a mystery -- what lies yonder in time and space.

            Barangay Greater Lagro is a microcosm of a global community. It mirrors local and international events like the coming and passing of seasons that make history.

            Barangay Greater Lagro has the potential capability of plotting its course guided by the philosophies of Meadow, Gibbon, Toffler, Schumacher, Malthus, Plato and in real terms and most crucial of all, the philosophy of the present leadership under President Rodrigo Duterte translated down the line to the barangay level as exemplified by outgoing barangay chairman, Atty. Renato U. Galimba.

            A strong and responsive leadership though proven in the past and present, is committed to the continuity of progress, that “life must go on,” and we mean an enlightened, compassionate, loving, fulfilled -- and above all, a life by the people, for the people, of the people with the guidance of the Almighty.

            This is Barangay Greater Lagro in the making. 

-o-0-o-

By Dr. Abe V. Rotor -- Award-winning author of “The Living with Nature Handbook” (Gintong Aklat Award 2003) and “Living with Nature in Our Times” (National Book Award 2008); Recipient “Father Jose P. Burgos Achievement Award” (2016); professor, University of Santo Tomas, De La Salle University-D; former Director, National Food Authority; and Consultant on food and agriculture, Senate of the Philippines.