Cemeteries as tourist attractions

BALIWAG, Bulacan—Cemeteries must be preserved and developed into tourist destination, a heritage conservation group based in Bulacan urged.

Jaime Corpuz, chair of the Bulacan chapter of the Heritage Conservation Society (HCS) said cemeteries are not just home to dead loved ones.

He said that it is a repository of images and artifacts with cultural and historical, and resting place of people of importance.

“We have so much to learn about cemeteries, but not too many government unit or agency have seen its significance,” Corpuz said.

He said that monuments like mausoleum and sculpture in cemeteries are good basis for cultural and historical studies.

“Those are historical time pieces that will tell us how our ancestors lived in the past, and what are the influences of other countries to our culture by studying architecture and sculptures,” said Corpuz.

He stressed that cemeteries, especially those that are owned by the Church and by local government be protected and preserved.

Corpuz also proposed tourism programs like Lakbay Kaluluwa study tours be developed by local government units.

The same was echoed by Isagani Giron, the president emeritus of the Samahang Pangkasaysayan ng Bulacan (Sampaka).

 

He said that before a tourism program is developed, local government units must join hands with the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP) and the Catholic church in conducting inventory of materials with cultural and historical significance.

“We only go to cemeteries during All Saints day, but it is good subject for cultural and historical studies,” he said.

He cited the Malolos Catholic Cemetery which was built in 1680 as one of the oldest in the country and is the resting place of some of the remains of the members of the famous women of Malolos.

He also agreed with Corpuz that cemeteries are considered as second home to Filipinos, thus, the construction of house like mausoleums.

“Mausoleums are clear example of Spanish influence in our culture because native Filipinos do not have cemeteries, instead, our ancestors used to bury their dead by the river,” Giron explained.

For his part, Father Ruel Arcega of the St. Augustine parish here said that going to cemetery on All Saints day have deeper religious meaning.

““Ito ay pagkilala natin sa muling pagkabuhay, at sa huling araw ng paghuhukom, ang muling pagsasama ng kaluluwa at katawan katulad ng ipinakita ni Panginoong Hesus at Birheng Maria,” said Arcega

With regards to cultural dimension of mausoleums in cemeteries, the priest explained that it’s a testament of the difference betweenthe rich and poor.

On Saturday, the STAR took photos of the mausoleums inside the Sto. Cristo Catholic Cemetery here.

Some of the mausoleums even have a roof top and others were designed like a house complete with power and water supply and comfort room.  (Dino Balabo)

Samonte is new Bulacan chief prosecutor

MALOLOS CITY, Bulacan--Veteran trial lawyer Renato C. Samonte, Jr., is now the new Chief Provincial Prosecutor of Bulacan.

Samonte assumed the post vacated by Alfredo ‘Gerry’ Geronimo who retired from the government service last year.

Samonte is the eldest son of the late-Renato ‘Rening’ Samonte and Lucia dela Cruz of Taliptip, Bulakan, Bulacan and became the president of the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (Gat. Marcelo H. Del Pilar – Bulacan chapter) from 2009 to 2011.

       

Bulacan Governor Wilhelmino Sy-Alvarado welcomed the appointment of Samonte by President Aquino as a fitting tribute to the qualification and capability of a true-blue Bulakenyo at the helm of the prosecution service, an indispensable pillar in the administration of justice in the province.

          

Samonte, who has an extensive law practice all over Metro Manila and Central Luzon spanning three decades, finished A.B. Political Science at the Ateneo de Manila University and graduated from the San Beda College of Law in 1980.       

His adept skills as a trial lawyer was honed and polished during his more than 10 years practice at the Law office of Dakila F. Castro where he litigated high-profile criminal cases, one of these was the libel case filed by then President Corazon C. Aquino.

Chief Prosecutor Samonte is well-remembered for the brilliancy he displayed during Day 34 and Day 35 of the impeachment trial of SC Chief Justice Renato C. Corona where he crossed-examined former Manila Mayor Lito Atienza.

Then lead counsel for the defense, justice Serafin Cuevas, was blanked and rebuffed not once but thrice by Prosecutor Samonte while grilling ex-Mayor Atienza in connection with the irregularity in the sale of the Basa-Guidote property in  Legarda, Manila.

Aside from playing golf, ‘Attorney Jun’ is also an avid gun-enthusiast like former IBP president Jose ‘Peng’ dela Rama and incumbent Bulacan IBP-chapter president Ted Villanueva.

He is also a boat-racing aficionado and once a member of the Philippine delegate to the RP-Japan boat-racing competition. Aside from being an all-around sports enthusiast,

Samonte is also a collector of vintage and fancy cars and a former president of the Mini-Cooper Club of Bulacan.—EMIL G. GAMOS

Complete list of candidates for provincial elective positions

GOVERNOR

Almera, Jaime Apuli, Ind

Balite, Ernesto Dayao, Ind

Sy-Alvarado, Wilhelmino Manucdoc, NUP

Cundangan, BM District 1

VICE GOVERNOR

Fernando, Daniel Ramirez, NUP

Lopez, Josephine Cagiwa, Ind

Ocampo, Jayson Olarte, Ind

BOARD MEMBER (District 1)

Cundangan, Jose Santos, Ind

Fermin, Michael Cristobal, NUP

Ople, Felix Vasquez, NUP

Ople, Therese Cheryll Baun, NUP

Uy, Grossman Dax, UNA

BOARD MEMBER (District 2)

Dela Cruz, Enrique, Jr., Villanueva, NUP

Posadas, Ramon Rivera, NUP

Trinidad, Reynaldo Mocorro, Ind

BOARD MEMBER (District 3)

Bernabe, Carlito Legazpi, Ind

Castro, Rino Valero, NUP

Sulit, Ernesto Salvador, LP

Viceo, Emelita Isidro, UNA

Violago, Peter Alvin Averia, Ind

Uy, BM District 1

BOARD MEMBER (District 4)

Alejo, Rodolfo Martinez, Ind

Almario, Romeo Espiritu, Ind

Baluyut, Allan Ray Agbayani, NP

Dela Merced, Hilario Jr., Antonio, Ind

Delos Santos, Enrique Jr., Angkiangko, NUP

Santos, Enry Laan, LP

Sarmiento, Eulogio III Cordova, NUP

Salim, Congressman District 1

Bernabe, BM District 3

CONGRESSMAN (District 1)

Salim, Sahiron Dulan, Ind

Sy-Alvarado, Ma. Victoria Reyes, NUP

CONGRESSMAN (District 2)

Cristobal, Joseph Jose, Ind

Deborja, Antonio Eugenio, PDP-Laban

Mendoza, Pedrito Canisio Roxas, LP

Ordanes, Pancho Pagsuguiron, Ind

Mendoza brother.  Joselito (L) Congressman District 3,
Doc Pete (R) Congressman District 2

Pancho, Gavini Cruz, NUP

Villafuerte, Jaime Espiritu, Ind

CONGRESSMAN (District 3)

Cabochan, Jose De Leon, UNA

Mendoza, Joselito Roxas, LP

Silverio, Ricardo Jr., Sison, PMP

Viudez, Enrique II Violago, Ind

CONGRESSMAN (District 4)

Lopez, Jovel Evangelista, Ind

Villarica, Linabelle Ruth Ramos, LP

CONGRESSMAN (Lone District, SJDM City)

Miso, Garret Ian Baulos, Ind

Montinola, Rogelio Filiu, Ind

Papin, Imelda Arcilla, Lakas CMD

Rejante, Albert Ginez, KBL

Robes, Arthur Bardillon, LP

Robes, Oscar De Vera, Ind

Loren to keynote 1st Bulacan Buildex 2012

MALOLOS CITY—Senator Loren Legarda is set to keynote the three day first Bulacan Builders Exposition (Buildex 2012) here starting Monday, October 15.

Organized by the Bulacan Chamber of Commerce and Industry (BCCI) in coordination with the provincial government, Buildex 2012 is expected to draw more than  a thousand businessmen here and from nearby province including Metro Manila.

The three day exposition will also showcase at least 80 participating exhibitors, including property developers, contractors, architects, interior decorators, furniture and furnishings, construction supplies, home financing, landscaping and all the things needed to build a house.

Nani Mallari, the executive director of the BCCI said that Legarda is expected to speak on her green advocacies in relation to sustainable property development and designs.

“She is one of the most vocal official on utilization of green technologies for development,” Mallari said noting that the senator’s office confirmed participation as early as last week.

Aside from Legarda, Governor Wilhelmino Alvarado and Mayor Lorna Silverio of San Rafael town were also tapped to speak at the opening of the three day exposition.

Alvarado will speak on the initiatives of the provincial government based on the provincial physical framework plan, while Silverio will present accomplishments for the successful development of her town drew over P500-Million in investments last year.

The first of its kind in the province, Buildex 2012 was organized to put Bulacan in the map in terms of property development.

Violeta Luna, president of the BCCI said that the province’s strategic location made it one of the premier areas north in Manila for investors.

However, she said that for many years, Bulacan was only seen as a place to invest in manufacturing and warehousing.

 “Buildex 2012 not only hopes to support the property and construction industry sectors in the province of Bulacan, ultimately, it wants to promote Bulacan as the ideal place to live in,”Luna said.

Aside from exhibitions, Luna said that there will also be free consultations on design, financing, and property documentation and processing for prospective property owners.

“To those who’ll come and visit they will be able to witness the original art pieces of Bulacan artists, who will conduct free sketching on the exhibit site. Raffle prizes also await patrons and visitors during the 3-day fair, they can also learn from the masters in property development trends and product standards in the speakership series,” she added.

Holcim to launch sustainable construction advocacy

MALOLOS CITY—Holcim Cement, one of the largest cement producer in the

country is set to launch a sustainable construction program in

Bulacan.

This came as the province suffered from flooding last month  that left

more than P500-Million in damages and led the provincial government to

place Bulacan under the state of calamity.

Gillian Cortez, a public relations specialist of Holcim Cement based

in Norzagaray town said that while their company is not involved in

construction, they felt the moral responsibility in introducing

sustainability.

“Sustainable construction is everybody’s concern because we need

resources in the future,” she said noting that the program will be

formally launched in the province next month.

She admitted that “cement production will never be green, but we can

make it responsible,” and stressed that concrete can be recycled.

Cortez noted that since commercial production of cement started in the

Bulacan more than 70 years, demand for cement, a primary ingredient

for concrete continue to grow.

Records showed that materials used in constructing houses before the

1940’s were primarily wood.

But it has changed since the discovery of limestone in Norzagaray town

and the commercial operations of Republic Cement, the first commercial

cement plant in the country which is now under the La Farge

Corporation.

Cortez said that Augustinian friars and local businessmen started the

commercial production of cement in Norzagaray after the second World

War.

Since then, she said that culture of construction has shifted to

cement and concrete.

At present, there ar least five giant cement plants in Norzagaray town.

“As our economy grows, there will always be demand for cement because

its discovery has changed the culture in construction of structures,”

she said .

Like Holcim Cement, Republic Cement’s production facilities is located

at Nrozagaray, a town in eastern Bulacan which is home to three other

giant cement plants.

Cortez also noted that based on 2010 data, the country has a backlog

of 3.75-M in low coast housing, and 1.2-M in single detach houses.

“If we will not implement sustainable construction, we will not be

able to address black logs in housing,” she said and explained that

sustainable construction involves utilization of available raw

materials, and not just cement and concrete. 

Bulacan bats for green technology

MALOLOS CITY—The provincial government of Bulacan bats for green

technology and demanded that told subdivision developers in the

province to implement the same in housing projects.

Arlene Pascual, head of the Provincial Planning and Development Office

(PPDO) told businessmen who participated in a recent forum that

developers must study and implement how to use green technologies

being utilized in the United States and Europe.

She said that utilization of green technologies can be as simple as

deigning the house based on there the wind blows.

“We have to understand that there is climate change and all we can do

is adapt to make our communities resilient,” Pascual said.

She said that adaptation to climate change along with disaster risk

reduction are two of the major policies crafted and being implemented

by the provincial government.

Pascual cited technologies being implemented in Venice, a city which

usually submerge during high tide.

She said that Venicians found way to construct houses that follows the

sea water rise.

“They have houses that literally floats,” she said.

Other examples of green technologies for building constructions is the

design of the house.

Pascual said that simple architectural design wherein houses are built

with large windows facing normal wind patterns.

She said that following wind pattern in constructing houses will allow

more air to make the house cooler and reduce energy consumption.

The same is true when houses are built with large windows which allows

more natural light and reduce use of energy.

Other possible green technology includes rainwater harvesting.

The said technology allows catching of rainwater and impounding it on

drums for latwer utilization.

Harvested rainwater can be used for cleaning the houses or washing

equipment, vehicles and other others.  It can also be used to water

plants.

Pascual said that utilization of rain water not only saves water but

help prevents flooding.

Earlier, former Environment Secretary Bebet Gozun said that using

light colored paint in houses and other structures can help reduce

impacts of climate change.

She said that light colored roofs can reflect heat back to atmosphere,

while dark colored paint used on roofs attracts more heat.

Austerity to mark Bulacan’s annual Singkaban Fiesta

MALOLOS CITY—This year’s Singkaban Fiesta in Bulacan will be marked by austerity as the province still reels from calamity brought by floods spawned by the southwest monsoon and typhoons Helen and Igme.

The celebrations will start on Saturday and will end on September 15, which will be highlighted by the annual observance of the opening of the Malolos Congress.

The opening on Saturday will be cover the awarding of recognition to outstanding barangays and village workers in the province.

Governor Wilhelmino Alvarado said they slashed the budget for the annual Singkaban Fiesta to P2 million from last year’s P10 million.

He said the reduction of the festival’s budget is partly dictated by the fact that the province is still trying to get on its feet after the provincial government placed it under a state of calamity last month.

“The state of calamity remains and we are still assisting our fellow Bulakenyos to get back on their feet,” Alvarado said.

He explained that the province cannot afford a grand celebration this year as it will look like an insult to Bulakenyos hit by calamities.

As the biggest festival in the province, Singkaban Fiesta from September 8 to 15 used to be celebrated with pomp and grandeur showcasing the colorful culture and history of the province.

It is usually marked with street parades coupled with street dancing and other cultural presentations.

But this year, the provincial government decided to reduce the cultural presentations and give more importance to trade fairs.

Meanwhile, the opening of the annual festival will be highlighted by the Gawad Galing Barangay(GGB) awarding ceremony.

The Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO) the secretariat of the GGB said five outstanding barangays will be feted along with barangay chairs, and councilmen.

Also to be awarded are outstanding barangay health workers, tanods, mother leaders, Lingkod Lingap sa Nayon, and Barangay Training and Employment Coordinators.

“This is one way of showing our sincere gratitude to the people who in times of needs will always be willing to assist our fellow Bulakenyos.

Sila ‘yung mga taong umulan, umaraw, kahit disoras ng gabi, na kakatok ng kapitbahay para magbigay ng tulong. Sila ‘yung mga taong madalas hindi nabibigyan ng tamang pagkilala kaya ngayon gusto nating ibigay sa kanila kung ano ‘yung nararapat para sa kanila at maipadama na para sa atin, mahalaga sila,” said Alvarado.

He added that recognizing outstanding barangays in the province will contribute to better public service as they will serve as inspiration and models to other barangay officials.