After the storm comes a bright new day so they say; so I was headed to a least known hideaway in the northeastern coastal board of Cagayan where the ferocious typhoon Mina reportedly unleashed its signal number 4 fury. ____________
Sunset in Sta. Ana, a source of inspiration for the poetic heart in the nostalgic town.
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There was no Media coverage attributed to the Sta. Ana, home of the awesome Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA), a chartered jurisdiction in Region 2 not within the power and control of the local government.This quiet fishing town some 120 kilometers northeast of Tuguegarao city has figured the headlines for the landfall of the signal number 4 strength super typhoon Mina, the second since typhoon Juan that ravaged the adjacent Isabela province and wrought over one billion pesos damages to crops and infrastructures.
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A lovely pair of horse grazing in the sunny morning near Port San Vicente against the backdrop of a mangrove forest where trees grow in the sea
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My way to this serene coastal town known for the free port of Irene and Port San Vicente did not much professed the passing of a violent onslaught.
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fishermen back to their trade on the fair and calm morning. At the distant view is the storm damaged MV Eagle Ferry which use to bring commuters to Calayan island also in the province of Cagayan.
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Few trees and post leaned along the highway but the impression of the place being the eye of The furious typhoon Mina is not distinct. Vice Mayor Jeremias Costales said although public infrastructures and homes did not incur much damages Typhoon Mina has wrought extensive devastation in his town's palay crops citing some P9 million damage report by the Municipal Agricultural office. "The palay crops were in their vegetative stage during the typhoon onslaught and farmers in this town need assistance from the provincial government to subsidize their replanting efforts," lamented Costales. _________
The distant view of the CEZA teeming with Business and Pleasure activities. Casinos here are exclusive to foreigners. Flocking to this place are mostly businessmen from Korea, Taiwan and Japan. To qualify entry, A Casino Player should keep at least $300 million in the bank and $30 million pocket money before being allowed to gamble.
Fresh catch from the sea unloaded at Port San Vicente "Bagsakan" where one could buy seafood that its fit for the budget __________
The Vice Mayor is seeking Cagayan Governor Alvaro Antonio to reconsider an earlier decision not to declare the province under "State of Calamity." The Governor earlier said the province did not suffered much from the onslaught of the typhoon to warrant the declaration of state of calamity since the provincial fund is enough to address any reported damage.
A wife giving verbal "instructions" to her husband before venturing into the sea with fellow fishermen.
However this mid October, Governor Antonio’s stance manifested a complete turnaround. He had to declare a State of Calamity this time in view of the recent twin calamities wrought by typhoons Quiel and Pedring. If Antonio still refuses to declare his turf under state of calamity; Cagayan’s untouched calamity fund goes back to Government coffers.
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My bed in the cozy accomodation at Countryside by the Sea Inn, Sta. Ana, Cagayan
__________ Sta. Ana seems to be unfazed with the developments taking place elsewhere, lifestyle remain rural and the its populace still cling to traditional values despite the sprouting signs of economic expansion only addressed to a privileged few.
A failed marital relation, hostile rapport and a gloomy environment; given preference to choose a new hometown to flee from the emotional remorse I long to escape, I would prefer relocating in Solano, Nueva Vizcaya.
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A historic piece of the past, a World War II anti aircraft gunner at the heroe's park in Solano town
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I had the opportunity to stay in that socially warm place for a sojourn during their Patronal Festivities bonding old ties and finding fresh relations and have a feel how this promising municipality fared well as a “county that never sleeps” in Cagayan valley.
Located some 250 kilometers north of Manila; Solano’s daily economic chores goes on from dusk till dawn. First hours at dawn till morning teem with scores of commuters passing this municipality from Manila and by nightfall, people going south cannot complete their journey without making the town a departure point before scouring the hour-long trek to the Caraballo ranges to leave Cagayan valley.
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A cozy view of Solano downtown, clean and shows sign of progressive rural setting
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Mayor Philip Dacayo, the man on the helm could vouch for the cityhood status of this town now boosting several establishments of banks, renowned food chains and groceries. However he believes there is more to work on to further usher his town to development.
A lawyer by profession, the Mayor believes Solano and other municipalities can exact revenues with the continuing establishment of cellular sites. First however, his development team should study the status of other jurisdictions having the same proposal before handing the issue to the Municipal council.
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Releasing the Baloons by local officials headed by Mayor Dacayo and Vice Mayor Labasan signal the start of the festivities in connection to the feast day of St. Louis de Beltran of Solano
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The town has recently held festivities for its Patron- Saint Louis de Beltran while Catholics also flocked to pay homage to Cagayan Valley’s Patron Our Lady of Piat which made a weeklong stay at the Solano Parish Church. Activities to the merrymaking and galore showcased by the town were organized by Councilwoman Regie Valino- Valdez.___________
The sunday services for Solano's Patron St. Louis de Beltran officiated by Bayombong Bishop Ramon Villena
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Bayombong Bishop Ramon Villena celebrated the Sunday feast mass as he reiterated Christians’ commitment for the protection and preservation of the province’s natural wealth. He renewed his call for the rejection of mining.
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Bishop Villena paying homage to "Apo Baket", Our Lady of Piat.. Cagayan Valley's Patron
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During a forum at the provincial capitol; Solano Vice Mayor Alex Labasan lamented that the existing mining laws seemed tailor made for the whims of the national government whose approval has been superseding the position of the local government.
He said at the moment, local officials could not, and even if they can- impose their position on mining issues particularly how the activity could be regulated.
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The people to be rekoned with when it comes to mining should be us... stresses Vice Mayor Labasan
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So far, Solanoans have many reasons to thank the heavens since their town is the least affected by the onslaught of the series of typhoons that hit northern Luzon.
The Vice Mayor said, most of those damaged in his turf are old and dilapidated houses and a pocket of mudslides in some remote mountainside villages.
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Challenges lies ahead to the leadership of Mayor Dacayo to make Solano not only an even better place, but the Best.
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“Pasalamat tayo wala na si (typhoon) Ramon at di nagpunta dito; ang narito ngayon ay ang inyong si Bishop Ramon,” the Bishop said after the celebration. ___________
Despite the unleash of Pedring and Quiel's fury, Solano folks find time to showcase their bounty harvest during the One Barangay, One Product micro enerpreneur expo held at the Heroes park, Governor Luisa Cuaresma of Nueva Vizcaya graced the affair.
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The Governor is flanked by active women leaders Board Member Rina Balgos and Councilwoman Regie Valino-Valdez
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Solano is currently enhancing its “One Barangay, One Product” program, a micro enterprise counterpart of provincial government’s program of sustaining Nueva Vizcaya industries and products.
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"Patupat", a native "malagkit" delicacy of Solano
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The Popular "Tupig" - roasted "Malagkit" with "Buko" and peanuts of Solano (below) during the One Barangay One Product Expo
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Solano’s barangays have showcased their products during the mini trade fair at the town’s heroes’ park early October.
At the scene at the Solano government center; Parish Priest father Edmund Beronio has renewed the Local Government Unit’s faith with the blessing and dedication of the municipal hall and its facilities in its continuing service to the public.___________
Father Edmund blessing one of the local government's heavy equipment, "whatever you do, do it for the Glory of God."
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Solano will go a long way to prosperity with the optimism and active response of its leaders and grassroots supporters.
ILAGAN, Isabela- In terms of Faith; there is no delineation for the Church and State according newly installed Rev. Fr. Edmundo Castaneda as head of the Saint Ferdinand Parish in the poblacion of the Capital of Ilagan.
Fr. Castaneda commented on the conduct of public service emphasizing on the honesty and service oriented delivery of basic services to the people by officials regardless of their religious belief and creed.
Barely a week since assigned here, the new Parish Priest said he does not mind if the feast of Ilagan's Patron Saint- King Ferdinand of Castille has been overshadowed by the ongoing conduct of the secular “Mam-mangui” (Corn) Festivities of the Municipal Government initiated by Mayor Josemarie Diaz.
ILAGAN PATRON SAINT, KING FERDINAND OF CASTILLES
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THE PARISH CHURCH OF SAINT FERDINAND
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Casteneda said he understands the changes in time having his Parish limited to the realm of the poblacion and immediate vicinities since the Cathedral has been moved to Gamu town.
Castaneda said Ilagan Parishoners are still active and are responding to Church activities specially those in line with the feast day of the Patron to include the regular novena prayers held in the Church in veneration of the saint.
BLACK CLOUDS HOVERING ILAGAN: "WRAT OF THE GODS?"
At the town hall along Rizal St. at the Poblacion; Municipal and Barangay officials have been making their festival creation as merry as ever even as the tail of the leaving typhoon Chedeng apparently spoiled slated activities in line of the “Mam-Magui” hype. The Municipal Information Office relayed in a morning radio broadcast of the possible scrapping of some festival activities organized by Mayor Diaz to include the catching fray of Ilaguenos of greased pigs and chickens for their “pulutan” in the streets of the town earlier closed by the Police for the event.
At the evening of May 27; the town proper remained apparently an abandoned settlement had not for a free concert held at the Community center where bulk of residents in the poblacion jampacked the forsaken and dilapidated public hall if only to catch a feel that the capital is celebrating its fiesta.
The concert had left the carnival set up at the town's south end a run for its existence that night since the the people's lack of interest to flock the place has been coupled by the muddy grounds brought by continuous rains and lack of attractions to persuade promenaders.
DEAD TOWN PROPER: IS THERE A FIESTA???
Castaneda said it is not fair to equate the drab fiesta of Ilagan to the wrath of the Gods having been neglected by the festival hypes conducted by local officials. First; he said the “Mam-Mangui” is an exclusive celebration of the local government and secondly; the Church feels more comfortable celebrating the religious feast day free from political influence.
In fact; Castaneda said said local officials admitted they could not participate in sponsoring the Feast Day Mass of St. Ferdinand on May 30 and even sought the possibility of moving the celebration to the 29th. The Local Government's reason: officials will be busy conducting the Parade event on the very date of the feast day.
However; Castaneda slated an LGU sponsored mass in the Patron's honor on the 29th but the real feast day mass still goes on at the 30th.
Raymund Catindig
CAMP ADDURU, TUGUEGARAO CITY- The mood was busy.. the top man of the helm of the Philippine National Police, Director General Raul Bacalzo; was due here then last Monday to commend his boys reportedly for a “Job Well Done” neutralizing their rebel foe Jose Asco a.k.a Kumander Baylon in an engagement days earlier in Baragay Lakambini, town of Tuao. Four alleged rebels were killed with Asco.A POLICE OPERATIVE INVENTORIES THE AMMOS AND OTHER ARMAMENTS PRIOR TO POLICE DIRECTOR GENERAL RAUL BACALZO'S ARRIVAL AT CAMP MARCELO ADDURU, TUGUEGARAO CITY
Asco's band of 30 rag tag partisans armed with shaky and aging automatic rifles became a pain in the ass of the Police and Military for their cat-and-dog conduct of pursuit in western Cagayan particularly in Rizal, Tuao, Lasam and Sto. Nino since November 2010.
What gave the government the ire to annihilate Asco and his group was their responsibility in the ambush-slay of five Policemen last February in Rizal town that killed its Chief of Police- Sr. Insp. Antonino Rueco. Rueco's wife Mary Ann- a policewoman also died in the assault.
A LIPSTICK, FEMININE WASH, FACE POWDER AND OTHER FEMALE ITEMS WERE AMONG THOSE RECOVERED FROM THE REBELS.. ONE OF THOSE REPORTED DEAD IS A FEMALE AND HER BODY IS STILL SPRAWLED AT THE MORTUARY.
Although without not much narrative information; my mind is wandering afar how the two wounded Policemen figured in the reported “firefight” in Barangay Lakambini are getting “kudos” from their boss who was on his way to this camp via airplane. In an account by one policeman; the two ran for safety hitting one of them at the leg, and the other grazed by a bullet on the face.
FOOD SUPPLIES OF CANNED GOODS SUCH AS SARDINES AND A SACK OF RICE ARE AMONG THE ITEMS THE REBELS CARRY WITH THEM WHENEVER THEY GO. THEY GET HUNGRY TOO LIKE THE AVERAGE FILIPINO MASSESS.
During my heydays coverage with the military; I remember the process of conferring commendation among soldiers for their heroic deeds entails a narration of their feat and how they were able to deserve such citation for valor.
Anyway, after taking photographs of supposed armaments and personal effects recovered from the rebels from the encounter site; I decided to drop to the Regional Office of the Commission on Human Rights to verify the alleged Children casualties in Barangay Lakambini. Reportedly; the children were used by the rebels as Human Shields from the pursuing Policemen.
THE HAMMER AND SICKLE SYMBOL OF COMMUNISM; THE CHR VIEWED HOWEVER THAT THE ATTROCITIES IN RIZAL IS PURELY "A FAMILY AFFAIR."
CHR Chief Investigator Perlita Agana said the family name Asco really does ring the bell in the war-torn Rizal. Though the slain rebel commander hails from that place; two other family members were figured in two cases of Human Rights violation cases filed with Agana's office. The Ascos alluded were members of the Police force and were complained for armed harassment by their neighbors, townmates and even relatives.
According to Agana; the armed conflict in Rizal and its immediate neighboring towns known as the “Zinundungan Valey area” can be cited as a “Family affair.” Most armed related cases she said, involved blood relatives.
While there are prominent New People's Army personalities hail from the said place; the same realm has likewise produced avid military and police supporters.
CELLPHONES RECOVERED IN THE ENCOUNTER SCENE. A BIG HELP FOR THE REBELS MOBILIZATION REPLACING THEIR TRADITIONAL EMPLOYMENT TO PEOPLE RUNNING AS THEIR "PASA-BILIS"
Agana admitted people in the area are more antagonized against the military than police authorities.
She said the Rizal townsfolk still bear their indignation against the military whom they suspect executing and burying Nelson Ascena, the Sangguniang Kabataan Chairman of Barangay San Juan years back. A case was filed by the CHR against one “Lt. Pascua”, the latter was THER'ES PLAYING CARDS AS PASS TIME, ALSO RECOVERED FROM REBEL POSSESSION WERE PERSONAL EFFECT, BENDED SPOON.. BUT NO CONDOMS. THEY PROBABLY DON'T SUPPORT PRESIDENT AQUINO'S RH BILL
said to have been relieved to his mother unit at Camp Aguinaldo in Metro Manila while the case is moving on its turtle phase.
The atrocities in Rizal and its neighboring realm is more of a family affair said the CHR investigator. Kumander Baylon's men involved in Ambushing Rueco's party where from Rizal.. so as those policemen killed in the assault were from the same town.
Well, Bacalzo was said to be arriving at this camp by noon time to Publicly announce his commendation for his boys for their accomplishment in neutralizing Asco and his group- “a job well done.”
“No thanks” I just told myself. I have to catch the next bus back to Isabela. I'm not that stupid heralding the General's hurray for a feat involving Filipinos killing fellow Filipinos.
ILAGAN, Isabela- Clarita 37 sends her two teenage sons for a summer training on sports undertaken at the oval of the once renowned Paguirigan Stadium at the gateway to the poblacion of this provincial capital. Her purpose was to make wise use of the summer vacation for the development of her offspring's sports enthusiasm and most of all- keep her sons away from imminent danger posed by various social elements.
Little did she know; she was courting disaster.
ONCE A CLASSIC VIEW OF THE PROVINCIAL CAPITAL OF ILAGAN AS YOU ENTER THE POBLACION AREA IS NOW A PICTURE OF NEGLECT AND GOVERNMENT INDIFFERENCE
The ruins of the Pascual Paguirigan Stadium Grandstand inside the Isabela National High School (INHS) compound has been left the way it was- forsaken since its devastation a broad daylight fire in 2003.
Students were having their Physical Education classes in the grandstand shortly before noon on a hot summer day of April 14 when an overheating ceiling fan sparked and swiftly spread its flames in the structure's old dried up roof. Students and teachers helplessly watched the fire aggravated by the hot summer temperature ate the grandstand in less than an hour.
THE FILTHY RUINS OF THE GRANDSTAND POSES AND ADDITIONAL HAZARD TO STUDENTS' HEALTH BESIDES THE IMMINENT DANGER POSED BY LEANING WOODEN POSTS
The stadium was once a splendor of the town's historic past greets every visitor going in and out of the municipal proper.
Upon the assumption to office of newly elected Governor Grace Padaca the in May of the following year; School Principal Oscar Martinez has been requesting her office for the Provincial Engineering Office to undertake the demolition of the stadium remnants. Although the school was assured by the Padaca Administration of its favorable response; the assurance remained an empty promise.
OFFICIALS OF ILAGAN SHOULD ADOPT THE FORMER PAGURIGAN STADIUM FOR SANITATION THAN WASTING TIME DOING JUNKETS AT THE DESOLATED STA. VICTORIA NATIONAL PARK WHEREIN THE MUNICIPALITY DOESN'T DERIVE MUCH INCOME FROM DEVELOPING THE PLACE
By 2010, after losing her bid for a third term to incumbent Gov. Faustino Dy III; Padaca is gone but the Pagurigan Stadium ruins still remains. The ruins echoes the government's stance of neglect and indifference views Andriano Mata 39, who dries his palay harvest in the pavement of the stadium's once basketball and volleyball courts. Built during the early 50s Paguirigan stadium was site of the 1978 Palarong Pambansa.
Late October of the same year; Typhoon Juan lashed its peak signal number 4 winds followed by torrential cold front rains until December causing the ruin's huge wooden pillars to fall and some to leaned thus, posing imminent danger to the public, mostly students frequenting the area.
THE "PERYAHAN" CARAVAN IS CURRENTLY SETTING UP ITSELF AT THE STADIUM'S OVAL WHERE ITS TEMPORARY SETTLERS WANTONLY DSPOSE THEIR SHIT AROUND THE AREA. ALTHOUGH THE PLACE IS UNDER THE JURISDICTION OF THE ISABELA NATIONAL HIGH SCHOOL; EDUCATION OFFICIALS DENY EXACTING PROCEEDS OF THE COLLECTIONS OF THE FIESTA CARAVAN WHICH COULD AT LEAST HELP THE SCHOOL REHABILITATE ITSELF FROM THE DAMAGES WROUGHT BY THE LAST TYPHOON. MAYOR JOSEMARIE DIAZ SHOULD AT LEAST MAKE PUBLIC HOW MUCH THE LOCAL GOVERNMENT RAKES DURING THE OPERATION OF THIS "PERYAHAN" THROUGH PUBLIC ACCOUNTING AFTER THE MAY 30 PATRONAL TOWN FIESTA. THIS IS FOR PUBLIC INFORMATION WHERE ILAGUENOS TAXES GO. AT THE BACKGROUND IS THE BLUE TOWNHALL BUILDING; WHILE IT IS IMPOSINGLY STANDING AT ITS FRONT, LURKS THE FILTHY SITE OF NEGLECT IN THIS TOWN ASPIRING TO BE A CITY.
At present; the May festivities is at its center stage in the stadium. The Carnival has already setup its Bingos, rides and various gimmicks in the vicinity of Ilagan's most hazardous place.
People will come for good time and pleasure.
Little did they know... they are courting disaster.
PEACE!
It has been almost five years since I overlooked and ignored this very place where I once spent 16 years of family life. When I left for a job in Manila in 2007, hardly I noticed the sorry state of my backyard where thick grasses had replaced the colorful ornamentals that have once earned the awe and admiration of visitors.
Months earlier then; I have been sleeping beside a bottle of Blue Gin to elude my guilt of losing my family who has left for Europe. Their departure was the ultimate response of my wife to end what she called a turbulent relationship.
From thereon; I have always tried to restore my complacence. But even when I tried to change the color of the living room's wall or to rearrange the furnitures into different position; the feel of a home I can never more redeem from the house.
I was given a chance to start anew in the city and had my depression overcome by my affection for the work I was given. It was far from my Job of apparently courting enemies than friends; in the city however- it was the other way around.
On weekdays I mingle with the city peasants handling the livelihood programs of the Congressman of Pasay City. On weekends; I manage the feeding program for street children with the Parishes of the same city. Funny; I had the room to enjoy my vices on thoughts that I was finally free. My sudden change of heart was perhaps spontaneous; It was not the kind of satisfaction I have been longing for.
You would not believe that I shed tears when the time finally came I was already at the end of the line. My work has ceased; I have to leave the city, my friends, my room and my home which has sheltered me from the long lost years of loneliness. But I was already a different person then; I have to face life and move on without drowning my sorrows with Blue Gin like I did before.
I went back to Ilagan to a place I feel downtrodden. Worst; I witnessed how the Super typhoon destroyed the house and its immediate vicinity. After a storm comes the sun they say; as I was passing my time thinking of any possible employment, my cellphone rang and the Editor of my current newspaper told me to stay in this devastated town and send stories of the ongoing events after the onslaught.
I was back to my former Job that I once swore I would never get it back; perhaps destiny has something stored for me. I learned to appreciate life, new challenges, new friends. It is all in the matter of accepting it.
It is now that I feel the beauty of life - This time I could hardly believe that flowers are growing in my backyard.
PUNTA, Aparri, Cagayan- Life goes on normal here at the tip of Luzon island where the China sea and the Pacific Ocean meets. A handful commercial stores were closed in the observance of Maundy Thursday. Other than the hot 34 to 36 degree temperature recorded in the province; no other signs give a bit of impression that it is Holy Week.
BARANGAY PUNTA, A QUIET FISHING VILLAGE IN THE NORTHERNMOST TIP OF LUZON ISLAND IN THE MUNICIPALITY OF APARRI, CAGAYAN.
Thirty five years ago, I use to hear the traditional “Pabasa” in every corner of Ilagan and in my grandparents' place in Cabagan so as in Tuguegarao, Cagayan. The same tradition is known here as “Pasyon” narrating the passion of Jesus Christ prior to his crucifixion and eventual resurrection sung for days and nights during the holy week.
HOLY FRIDAY PROCESSION IN ILAGAN, ISABELA
A local radio station in Cauayan city was commercializing the topic of the waning tradition asking texters to send in their views for discussion. Sadly, its morning anchor; apparently ignorant of the topic read in haste text feedbacks 10 minutes before the end of his show. Worst, he read stupid text queries pertinent to their ongoing raffle draw, amid the pressing topic.
Greetings and the sharing of your thoughts over their airlanes are no longer free as it was before. One should send it through text to their exclusive text portal where your two-peso text message are accumulated as their network share of the income.
It was totally disastrous for an age-old culture and tradition ending up into such commercialized scheme instead of being discussed intelligently to educate the uninformed.
THE FAMOUS MAGAPIT SUSPENSION BRIDGE IN LALLO, CAGAYAN. GATEWAY TO THE ILOCANDIA
Off to the 15th Century Church of Nueva Segovia
Packing my things; I am off to Lallo, Cagayan- site of the very first church erected in northern Luzon and Cagayan Valley's cradle of Christianity.
Christianity was established in here in 1582 when Dominican Cristobal Salvatierra and the Augustinian Francisco Rodriguez accompanied by the Spanish troops under the command of Captain Juan Pablo Carreon initiated the first religious mission.
THE HISTORIC 15TH CENTURY CHURCH OF NUEVA SEGOVIA
Carreon was appointed first Governor or the Alcalde-Mayor of Cagayan Valley- one of the four first provinces (Alcadia) in Luzon. The other being Manila, Camarines and Ilocos. Carreon drove away Japanese pirates holding base in Cagayan shores after which established the Spanish settlement in Lallo where the religious also made their base.
Lallo was renamed to Nueva Segovia and became the Capital of Cagayan and seat of the Diocese by that name.
The Diocese of Nueva Segovia has jurisdiction over the entire Northern Luzon. Its first Bishop is Miguel de Buenavides who later became Archbishop of Manila and founder of the country's oldest educational institution- the University of Sto. Tomas.
Nueva Segovia was not only known as the seat of Christianity in Cagayan Valley but also the very first territory to be considered a City with 27,000 Christianized population.
The territory of Nueva Segovia in 1588 has 50 private and royal encomiendas that pay regular tribute to the government, has a fort manned by 40 soldiers and an Augustinian monastery.
I told myself perhaps I can find Filipino Lenten traditions still practiced in the place other than the usual Thursday noon mass, good Friday readings on the seven last words of Christ, the procession of the “Enteirro” (dead Chirst) and the Suday “Salubong” depicting the risen Christ meeting his mother, the Blessed Virgin Mary.
THE CONSTRUCTED STAGE FOR THE "SALUBONG" ON SUNDAY HAS OBLITERATED THE CENTURIES OLD WOODEN CROSS INFRONT THE CHURCH
Boarding a Bus bound for Vigan Ilocos Sur from Tuguegarao City; my next stop is Barangay Magapit; home of the famous suspension bridge leading the highway to Ilocos region in the west. I am heading north to Aparri and soon dropped to what they call “crossroad”- a junction in the place where one waits for a ride in all four directions. The other two is east to Sta. Ana, home of the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) and Port Irene and south is from where I came from in the Capital of Tuguegarao city.
I found the usual beerhouse tunes heard from Videoke joints in the vicinity instead of the sorrowful rhythm of the “Pasyon.” Girls aged 18-24 working in the area in their summer outfit apparently had their lenten break too; they have just finished taking lunch when I asked where the waiting place of the local center-driven cycles (which is the famous counterpart of the “toot-toots” in Thailand). Instead, much sturdy multicabs that resembles the centerbikes took the line of the Magapit-Lallo route.
Nueva Segovia
Boarding down to the famous 15th century church of Nueva Segovia; the old heritage place was just beside the national highway. It was then that I realized that the historic church was very much accessible. The only reason why no one notices it is because the church's rear is the one facing the highway and its facade could be found in the community's interior facing Cagayan river.
THE REAR OF THE CHURCH IS FACING THE HIGHWAY
THE CHURCH'S MODERN DAY RENOVATED INTERIOR
THE SPANISH TIMES PULPIT WHERE "PADRE DAMASO" TELLS INDIOS WHAT TO AND WHAT NOT TO DO
No signs of any lenten activities is seen from the town proper except for the constructed stage for the conduct of the traditional “Salubong” that has obliterated the centuries old wooden cross encased in glass infront of the church. “Hindi na uso ang mga pasyon at penitensiya ngayon” comments the man doing the electric wiring installed around the “salubong” stage made with board. If Nueva Vizcaya Bishop Ramon Villena is around; the man would get a tongue lashing lecture from the prelate. Villena expressed concern over our vanishing cultural practices concealed by intense commercialization. In one point, the latest news was about the plan to bastardize the traditional passion into rap version to suit the interest of the youth.
CENTURIES OLD BRICKS, MUTE WITNESS TO THIS HISTORIC TOWN
THE HISTORIC CHURCH IS ACTUALLY LOCATED IN THIS PLACE CALLED "KALABASA"
IN BIG MALLS IN THE CITY, THERE ARE "WATERLESS" URINALS, IN THIS QUIET HISTORIC CHURCH THERE IS A "WATERLESS" COMMUNAL TOILET- LITERALLY
THE OFFICIALS OF LALLO IS VOCAL IN SENDING PRESIDENT NOYNOY AQUINO'S STANCE IN POPULATION MANAGEMENT EVEN THOUGH TREATHENED WITH EXCOMMUNICATION CONVEYED IN THIS SIGN AT THE CHURCH'S VICINITY
At the community hall besides the church was a meeting of the local farmers' group concerning their venture.
Still no trace of any cultural lenten practice.. a van on its way to the next town of Aparri has just stopped to unload passengers. I boarded in.
Aparri, the heat is on
Upon arriving at the town proper just as you cross the bridge is the silent public market. This is since the noisy fish vendors, dealers and stevedores are on a Lenten break. The fish section is at the immediate facade facing the main road as you can smell the stench of hoarded fish along “calle commercio.” No wonder, the famous air conditioned food chain across the street had flies. I could not imagine how it looked like four years ago when I saw its inauguration on a television news footage. Its customers lined up until fifteen meters outside the small food outlet of about eight to 10 tables.
APARRI DOWNTOWN SCENERY, MAUNDY THURSDAY
The heat was intense, 34 to 36 degrees celsius, disclosed the local Philippine Information Agency posted on its Facebook account. Michael Divina 29 told me I brought the sunshine. Two days earlier, it was raining cats and dogs.
A VINTAGE HOUSE IN APARRI'S RESIDENTIAL DISTRICT
“Maganda ang dating niyo sir; maganda ang araw” Michael, a criminology graduate said. He currently drives a tricycle for a living while he waits to pass the board exams and hopes to land a job with the Philippine National Police.
THE NEWLY RENOVATED ST. PETER THELMO CHURCH
The parish is currently doing the finishing touches of their renovated church as Assistant Parish Priest Rev. Adelbert Barut gladly permitted me to feel free taking pictures. The Church is as huge as the Ilagan cathedral the way I see it from the outside.
APARRI PATRON, SAN PEDRO DE THELMO
Aparri is celebrating their Patronal Fiesta on the 10th of May. The group of wandering fanfare conducting Bingo and other fiesta betting, rides and unusual people have just arrived installing their tent and makeshift stalls infront of the church. Still no trace of any traditional Lenten practices around.
LOCALS PREPARE THEIR DRIED STIFF FISH FOR MARKETING
Not far from the church is Petron's oil depot beside the sea. Michael suggested that we see the seaside of Barangay Punta where the Cagayan river meets the sea.
Groups were having good time picnic in the sea. Three days ago; Tuguegarao Archbishop lamented most Christians are preoccupied more on planning their out of town shindig than finding the peace of reflection and retrospect.
Punta is a busy district where you find the locals drying their fish and selecting sizes of those already dried and stiff ones for market trading even on a Maundy Thursday. The same is with the Taiwanse funded magnetized sand quarrying in the shores of Punta whom Michael says, an object of intense protest of residents because of the environmental threat it poses to the community like erosion, siltation and the sudden surge of water during high tide. New People's Army rebels had earlier denounced the Taiwanese firm and had its facilities and equipments burned last year.
Nanang Seling a grandmother aged 65 said her townmate's indignation seem to have been a lone cry in the wilderness. The Political leadership in Aparri is like a private company, where the patriarch only hands down his position to his son, then wife then back to himself laments Nanang Seling. This is after consuming the election ban for running a fourth consecutive term in the same elective position.
APARRI FISHERMEN ON A LENTEN BREAK
The sun is going down; I have to wrap up and catch the last trip back to Tuguegarao city.
I believe I found what I have been looking for.
I saw the Passion of Christ in all the places I went through in one day.
Our sufferings wrought by disregard, negligence, commercialism, exploitation, indifference, greed and arrogance were reflected in the situations I have encountered.
The social circumstances I found were more sorrowful than looking at the scene of the blood letting flagellation or the marathon “Pasyon” I planned to see.
“Ang paghihirap natin ay hindi parusa kundi daan patungo sa pagbabago”- Ilagan Bishop Joseph Amangi Nacua, April 22 Lenten Message.
