Kudos to SMART Communications for this very worthwhile move to help save our Mother Earth! We at WOWBatangas are hoping to take part in such laudable endeavor in the future.

PRESS RELEASE

SMART Joins Multi-Sector Effort to Preserve Calatagan Mangroves

Smart Communications Inc. (SMART) signed a multi-sectoral partnership on the preservation and conservation of the Calatagan coastal area on April 16, which covers one of the largest coastal municipalities located in the Verde Island Passage.

The Verde Island Passage, recognized as the global epicenter of marine biodiversity for having the “highest concentration of marine species of any region in the world’s oceans,” has been identified as one of the most threatened marine areas in the world due to changing climate temperatures.

At a gathering of scientists organized by Conservation International last year to assess the impacts of climate change on the Verde Island Passage, the inclusion of mangroves in protected areas was one of the recommended measures to protect and preserve the area.

Under the agreement with the Municipality of Calatagan, Batangas, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and people’s organization Samahan ng mga Artisanong Mangingisda sa Calatagan (SAMMACA), SMART will adopt selected areas of Calatagan to be part of the company’s tree planting and mangrove rehabilitation program, SMARTrees. The mangrove areas initially covered by the agreement are in Barangays Bagong Silang and Talibayog.

The MOA is an output of the multisectoral workshop planning that was held early March detailing a three-year mangrove planting project in Calatagan.

“SMART is very happy to be part of this public-private partnership. We are committed to help in the preservation of the Calatagan coastal area, and the Verde Island Passage” said SMART Public Affairs Group Head Ramon R. Isberto.

Prior to the signing ceremony, SMART employee-volunteers joined the local community and program partners in a mangrove planting in Barangay Bagong Silang. Some 5,000 mangrove propagules were planted in the whole day activity.

This is the second year that SMART is conducting mangrove planting activities in the municipality of Calatagan under the SMARTrees program. In 2009, SMART employee-volunteers and community partners were able to plant some 70,565 propagules in Barangays Balibago, Talibayog and Bagong Silang.

The nationwide reforestation efforts of SMART via the SMARTrees program has already resulted in the planting of over 500,000 seedlings and propagules in about 13 provinces across the country. Planting sites include Quezon, Batangas, Bulacan, Bataan, Palawan, and Camarines Sur in Luzon; Cebu, Iloilo, Negros Oriental, and Guimaras in Visayas; and Misamis Oriental, Zamboanga del Sur and Surigao del Norte in Mindanao.

SMART’s tree planting initiatives are part of Kabalikat, SMART’s corporate social responsibility program and community service program. In 2008, SMART became part of a three-year tree planting agreement forged in 2008 between telecoms leader and parent company Philippine Long Distance Telephone Co. (PLDT), SMART, the PLDT-SMART Foundation and Japan’s leading mobile telecommunications company NTT DOCOMO, Inc.

Technorati Tags: SMART community project, SMART communications inc, smart mangrove tree planting in calatagan batangas, SMARTrees program, Samahan ng mga Artisanong Mangingisda sa Calatagan (SAMMACA), DENR, mangrove trees in calatagan batangas, calatagan coastal area, verde island passage

Still undecided who would you vote for this coming election? Ang tanong, kilala n’yo ga ang lahat ng kandidato sa lugar n’yo? Baka sakaling makatulong, narito ang Official List of Candidates for 2010 Election – Batangas Province. (in alphabetical order – PART 1 Congressional Positions – Local Positions Lipa City)

Congressional Positions

District 1
APACIBLE, TOMAS VILLADOLID
ERMITA, EDUARDO RAMOS

Disrict 2
BERBERABE, GODOFREDO MARCAIDA
MANDANAS, HERMILANDO INGCO

Disrict 3
COLLANTES, NELSON PEREZ
DIMAYUGA, MA. CHONA MALOLES
HERNANDEZ, NICOMEDES FAJARDO
LAUREL, LUIS CARLOS RUFINO
REYES, CRISTETA CUEVAS
REYES, RODRIGO CONCEPCION

Disrict 4
BUSTAMANTE, PRAXEDES DIOLE
MENDOZA, MARK LLANDRO LATORRE

Provincial Positions

Provincial Governor
Lone District
MANDANAS, SR., MARCOS MILLARES
PLATERO, GAUDIOSO ORTILLA
RECTO, ROSA VILMA SANTOS
SANCHEZ, ARMANDO CARPIO

Provincial Vice-Governor
Lone District
ERMITA, EDWIN RAMOS
LEVISTE, JOSE ANTONIO II SERMONIA

Board Member
District 1
ALVAREZ, HORACIO QUIJANO
BAUSAS, LORENZO CLAUDIO
BONUAN, ALEXANDER LIMON
ROSALES, ROMAN HUERTAS
SALANGUIT, RODOLFO HERNANDO
SALAS, ARNEL LANDICHO

District 2
ACLAN, MANUEL SEVILLANO
ATIENZA, JOEL CANTOS
DE LEON, CHRISTOPHER STRAUSS
DE LOYOLA, FLORENCIO ABACAN
VILLENA, JULIAN BOBADILLA

District 3
BALBA, DIVINA GAGALANG
CORONA, ALFREDO CASTILLO
MALIJAN, ARTURO MALAPASCUA
PLATON, SIMEON MARTIN
RUNES, EDGAR LINGA
TOPACIO, FERDINAND SUMAGUE

District 4
ADAYA, ABELARDO MALALUAN
AFRICA, ROWENA SOMBRANO
ASA, ROBERT TORRALBA
BOLILIA, AMADO CARLOS IV ALZOLA
CAISIP, FEDERICO BAUTISTA
CATIPON, LEONILO ATIENZA
MENDOZA, ARIES DIOSO
VIRTUSIO, MABELLE DIMACULANGAN

Local Positions

Agoncillo

For Mayor
HUMARANG, JULIAN PIOL
MARTINEZ, GLORIOSO RAMOS

For Vice-Mayor
ATIENZA, MARIO MARTINEZ
REYES, DANIEL DE LEOS

For Councilors
ANDAL, GERENIAS VILLANUEVA
ANGULO, JOHN LANDICHO
BALANI, GUILLERMO DE SAGUN
BALBA, MARIO PALICPIC
BROTONEL, HERMAN CATAPANG
DE SAGUN, TIMOTEO ENCARNACION
ENCARNACION, DOMINGO CABELLO
ENRIQUEZ, LEONARDA AQUINO
HERNANDEZ, CONSTANTINO DE VILLA
LANDICHO, VICTORINO MATANGUIHAN
MARCELLANA, BENITO MALABANAN
MARTINEZ, MAY LACAP
MATIENZO, RANDY MAYUGA
MENDOZA, MA ZENAIDA E MORTEL
PALICPIC, BENIGNO MEDINA
PUNZALAN, MAURICE ENCARNACION
REYES, ALBERTO DE SAGUN
VERGARA, ATANACIO VERGARA

Alitagtag

For Mayor
ANDAL, ANTHONY FRANCIS GAINZA
PALINES, FLORANTE ROSALES
REYES, BERNARDO BANAWA
SALAZAR SR., NORIEL ADAN

For Vice-Mayor
MAGUNDAYAO, EUSEBIO MARASIGAN
REYES, GUILLERMO AGITO
SANDOVAL, AMBROSIO SANDOVAL

For Councilors
ADAJAR, ROGELIO ISABELO DIPALAC
ADALIN, ROMULO CABUNGCAL
ADAN, RODEL PALENCIA
AQUINO, MARCELINO AUTOR
ARGUELLES, FLAVIANO CASTILLO
CADANO, REYNALDO CAPULOY
CARAOS, RUEL MACALINTAL
CHAVEZ, ANTONIO TUBO
DIMAANDAL, EMILIANO ESGUERRA
DIMACULANGAN, ERWIN GIRON
GUTIERREZ, DELIO BALCON
GUTIERREZ SR., CRISOSTOMO ADELANTAR
HERNANDEZ, ALEX MAGPANTAY
HERNANDEZ, SAJID MAMER ESMILLER
ILAGAN, DIONISIO LAVIÑA
ILAGAN, REMEDIOS ADAYA
MARANAN, RAYMUNDO LAGATA
MARASIGAN, DONALD PUNZALAN
MARQUEZ, EDUARDO ROM
ORDANZA, RODOLFO NATIVIDAD
PAGSUYOIN, REYNALDO VERGARA
PONGGOS, EDILBERTO GUTIERREZ
QUIJANO JR., CONRADO PANALIGAN
REYES JR, BERNARDO CASTILLO
ROSALES, EUSEBIA MARISSA HERNANDEZ

Balayan

For Mayor
FRONDA, EMMANUEL ORFANO
MAGUNDAYAO, YOLANDA AGUILAR

For Vice-Mayor
CASTELO, ROMEL II MANINGAT
MARTINEZ, GERARDO RILLO

For Councilors
ABIAD, RITA DELACRUZ
ALANO, CICERO BARAIRO
ARADA, JOEL TANGLAO
BALBOA, JAY OCAMPO
BULASAG, FRANCISCO OLARTE
CHAVEZ, EFREN RODRIGUEZ
CHUA, ALLAN MICHAEL MARTINEZ
DIAZ, RENATO DE LOS REYES
ESPIRITU, ERNESTO ORTIZ
FRONDA II , EMMANUEL SALVADOR PAMINTUAN
GAMEZ, MARLON GARDUÑO
GATPANDAN, PETER ALCARAZ
JAVIER, GUILLERMO CRUZ
KING, RICARDO DY
MACALINDONG, RODEL LACSAMANA
MAGAHIS, EUDARDO II GAMEZ
MAGYAYA, ROGELIO BAUTISTA
MARTINEZ, MARLON PEDRAZA
PAMINTUAN, DANILO STA ANA
RODRIGUEZ, MAURICIO ALVAREZ

Balete

For Mayor
HIDALGO, LEOVINO OJALES
PAMPLONA, LUDIVINA AWATIN
REYES, MARISSA GARCIA

For Vice-Mayor
GARCIA, RODOLFO MENDOZA
JAVIER, REGINA GALVE
MARALIT, WILSON VILLAPANDO

For Councilors
AGUADO, TOMASITO MACATANGAY
ATIENZA, ERLINDA LUMBERA
CAFE, DANILO BALBA
CATAPANG, JOVITO LINATOC
DACAYMAT, DANILO ABAINCIA
DE OCAMPO, JOSE RUEL ROXAS
DE OCAMPO, NESTORIO ALVEZ
DEL MUNDO, VIRGILIO ROXAS
DIOKNO, SERVILLANO NIPAY
ENCALLADO, RODANTE MARALIT
FETIZANAN, EMILY OLAN
GOB, RESURRECCION GONZAGA
HERNANDEZ, DOMINGO DIMAANO
LAS, LUDINO DIOKNO
LLANES, MICHAEL ROCAFORT
LUMBERA, PEDRO RECIO
MAALA, GABRIEL MENDOZA
MALALUAN, ROLDAN LALOMA
MARALIT, LORETO JIMENEZ
MAYA, GILBERTO MAGPANTAY
MERCADO, ADELIA CATAPANG
OCAMPO, PEDRO MAYA
OCAMPO, QUINTIN DE OCAMPO
ORZO, DIONISIO CARANDANG
PALMAS, ROGELIO MARASIGAN
PAYO, ALVIN TAPIA
RAMIREZ, CAMILO ABROGINA
RAMIREZ, ROLANDO IGLE
ROXAS, ROGER SOLOMON
TASICO, RHYAN KATIGBAK
VALENCIA, REMO DIMAANO

Batangas City

For Mayor
BERBERABE, EMILIO F JR ACOSTA
DIMACUHA, VILMA ABAYA
EBORA, CASIANO TALBAN

For Vice-Mayor
ALDOVER, GLENN MONTALBO
DIMACUHA, NESTOR ESTELEYDEZ
TOLENTINO, JOSE VIRGILIO YLAGAN

For Councilors
ABALOS, ROSALINA ANDER
AMBIDA, MA CLAUDETTE USON
ANDAL, REGINALD MAGSOMBOL
ANDAL, VEKSLER JASON GUERRA
ATIENZA, MICHAEL PEREZ
ATIENZA, SERGIE REX MONTALES
BISA, CARLITO DIMAANO
BLANCO, HAMILTON GUINHAWA
BOBILA, RODEL BOY DAPUL
BOOL, EDDIE EVANGELISTA
BRUCAL, FELIXBERTO VILLANUEVA
BUTED, DEXTER RESPICIO
CANTOS, VICTORIANO CLERIGO
CHAVEZ, RUEL JAVIER
CLAVERIA, RUEL CHAVEZ
CRUZ, RENATO DE CASTRO
DELA ROCA, GERARDO ARELLANO
FERRIOLS, ELIZALDE, JR. MACALINDONG
JAVIER, SOLOMON MONTEBON
LAZARTE, ARMANDO CHAVEZ
MACARAIG, LUISA FAYTAREN
MACARANDANG, NARCISO BESARES
MARIÑO, MARIO VITTORIO AGREGADO
PORTUGAL, ELOISA ANGELA DE LOYOLA
TIAMSIM, RYAN ANONUEVO
WONG, JAYSON MONTEMAYOR

Bauan

For Mayor
BAUTISTA, AGRIPINO DIMAYUGA
DOLOR, RYANH MAÑEBO

For Vice-Mayor
BACONG, ROMEO AGULO
CRUZAT, RONALD EVANGELISTA
MAGBOO, JUAN MAGBOO
MASANGCAY, GAUDENCIO MARANAN

For Councilors
ABRAHAN, RAULITO AGBAY
ABRAHAN, WILLIAM CASTILLO
BACAL, PRESNEDY NOCHE
BACULI, ELMAR ARENAS
BASILAN, ROMEL BRUAL
BAUTISTA, NOEL CARINGAL
BOONGALING, AMADEO MARASIGAN
CASAPAO, JULIAN CASAPAO
CASTILLO, JOSE ROSELLER HERNANDEZ
CASTILLO, NICOLAS CASAPAO
DALANGIN, YANILLE ACLAN
DE JOYA, AUGUSTINE CONTRERAS
DIMALIBOT, DODI SIMON JR. DOLOR
DIPASUPIL, ALEX MENDOZA
DOLOR, HERMINIO MAÑEBO
GIMENO, KELVIN REX DALANGIN
MAGSINO, MISAEL CARINGAL
MONILLA, JEROME ALVIN BANTUGON
RIEGO, JERLON DIMAYACYAC
VALDEZ, NEIL PAGLINAWAN

Calaca

For Mayor
HERNANDEZ, MARLON MARASIGAN
ONA, SOFRONIO JR. CALANOG

For Vice-Mayor
ATIENZA, LORDILANDO DEL MUNDO
KATIGBAK, AGNES INUMERABLE

For Councilors
ATIENZA, DIOSDADO DE LOS REYES
CASANOVA, BRIGIDO APOLONIA
CASANOVA, NEHEMIAS APOLONIA
DAJOYAG, PRIMA CASANOVA
DE JOYA, CHARLIE HERNANDEZ
ILAGAN, LURDAN MARQUEZ
LANDICHO, ROBERTO DE LOS REYES
MACALALAD, LUIS MACATANGAY
MACALINDONG, ANSELMO LOPEZ
MACATANGAY, ROLANDO CABRERA
MATULAC, NIÑO GLENN MARQUINEZ
ONTANGCO, DEOVIC MARCIAL
SALAZAR, ROBERTO ROBILLOS
SALE, ROBENSON MATALOG
TUMBAGA, IRENEO MERCADO
VALENCIA, RAMON JR TENORIO

Calatagan

For Mayor
PALACIO, RAMIRO MACALALAD
PALACIO, SOPHIA GRANDEZA

For Vice-Mayor
BAUTISTA, RUBEN CONCEPCION
COZ, JOSE JR ZAMORA
PANTOJA, LENIE CAISIP

For Councilors
ANZALDO, MICHAEL DE ASIS
AYTONA, GLENN ZAPATA
BASCO, CESARIO DE CASTRO
CAILAO, RENIE GOZANO
CAISIP, ROLANDO HERNANDEZ
CASANOVA, BERNARDINO BAUTISTA
DE LARA, FLERIDA CAUNAN
DELA CRUZ, JOHN CHRISTOPHER VILLANUEVA
ELEFANTE, IRENE GAMEZ
JAVIER, CESARIO LANGUITAN
LIGAN, FELIX MARTINEZ
MEDINA, WILLIAM ROXAS
RODRIGUEZ, FRANCISCO MANGUIAT
ROL, KIM RUEL RODRIGUEZ
SAYO, GODOFREDO INCIONG
TORRES, HARLAN JENERO DEPUSOY
UMANDAL, MAXIMO HERNANDEZ
ZAPATERO, PABLO ESGUERRA

Cuenca

For Mayor
ENDAYA, CELERINO ATIENZA
REMO, EDMUNDO HARI

For Vice-Mayor
CUEVAS, LUCINA MAGPANTAY
LA ROSA, DANILO MAGSOMBOL

For Councilors
ADIA, LAARNI HABULAN
ARADA, ISMAEL MATIBAG
BACONG, CHRISTOPHER CHAVEZ
CARAAN, ROSARIO CHARITY INCIONG
CHAVEZ, APOLONIO HARI
CUEVAS, IREN PRADO
CUEVAS, ROMULO PALMA
HARINA, FRANCISCO PRANE
HOSEÑA, LORDLITO MARQUEZ
LA ROSA, ROLANDO MAGSOMBOL
LARCIA, HENRY ARADA
MAGPANTAY, ALEXANDER MALABAG
MALABAG, FELOMINO PALINES
MATIBAG, DAKILA CATABAY
MAULEON, CORNELIO SANDOVAL
MENDOZA, ANTONIO CARINO
MERCADO, ANTONIO CORSAME
ROBLES, RHOMEL ILAO
YU, GERALDINE LORIA

Ibaan

For Mayor
HERNANDEZ, REMEGIO ALDAY
MARASIGAN, CESAR PEREA
TOREJA, JUAN VALENCIA

For Vice-Mayor
ROSAL, NORBERTO REAL
YABYABIN, SIXTO ILAGAN

For Councilors
ARELLANO, GERRY RICERO
ARELLANO, SOCRATES RICERO
BANAWA, REDENTOR DE CASTRO
BENITEZ, ANTONIO CABIO
BLANCO, ISRAEL TORRALBA
CABATAY, HENRICO VELASCO
CHUA, PAUL JOHN GUERRA
CORTEZ, DIGNA RABANO
DE CASTRO, RODEL DE CASTRO
ESMANA, ALBERTO CLAVERIA
FORTUS JR., JOSE RAMOS
GONZALES, RYAN PAUL ESPINA
GUERRA, MATEO DIMAANO
GUERRA, ROGELIO PARADELA
ILAGAN, DOMINGO BARTE
MAPUTI, VICTORIANO REUS
MARALIT, FORTUNATO RAMOS
MENDOZA, JUVY MARANAN
PANALIGAN, JULLIUS DIOMAMPO
PANGANIBAN, PEDRO REYES
PATAL, ADELAIDO COMIA
ROALLOS, LANI PASIA
SABALLA, AMADO MARALIT
SAEZ, JAIME MENDOZA
TORINO, BRILL JOHN PATEÑA
TORRANO, JUN REYES

Laurel

For Mayor
AMO, RANDY JAMES ESPINAL
PANGANIBAN, JOHN BENEDICT PETRASANTA
PARRILLA, CELSO ARISTOTLE MENDOZA

For Vice-Mayor
MACARAIG, GREGORIO PALOMENO
RODRIGUEZ, ANGELITO MENDOZA
VILLANUEVA, FLORENCIO ORLANES

For Councilors
AUSTRIA, FELIMON PALO
BALBA, MARCELO MENDOZA
BUÑO, MARCELA CABILLO
CALINISAN, JULIE ARIOLA
DALISAY, TADEO BITUIN
DALISAY, WILFREDO CANTA
DE GRANO, GREGORIA LANDICHO
DE VILLA, OLIVA CARANDANG
DEL MUNDO, ANGERICO ABUYOG
ENDAYA, VINCENT DALISAY
GARCIA, VIRGILIO AUSTRIA
GARDIOLA, EUGENIO BISCOCHO
GARDIOLA, LUCIANO DALISAY
GONZALES, FLORENCIO GENIL
GONZALES, GAVINO ENDOZO
LANDICHO, ANDREO MAALA
LANDICHO, REGINA ENDOZO
MALIGAYA, PRIMITIVO ENDOZO
MATIENZO, ANDRES AGOJO
MAYUGA, MARIVIC ARRIOLA
MERCADO, ROBERTO SOLIS
PANGANIBAN, EFREN MALIGAYA
PORNEA, JESERFINA NATANAUAN
SOLIS, DOMINADOR SERRANO
ULITIN, EDUARDO MASICAT
VERGARA, ERIBERTO DE CASTRO

Lemery

For Mayor
ALILIO, EULALIO MENDOZA
ORNALES, GERALDINE CATAPANG

For Vice-Mayor
BENDAÑA, JAYVEE CONCEPCION
SOLIS, HONORLITO BALBOA

For Councilors
ANDAL, JOSE JR CABRERA
BELLO, CHRISTOPHER J MARASIGAN
CUEVAS, NESTOR DUMAGO
DE CASTRO, RODOLDO JR. AVISO
DELA LUNA, ROMEO TIBAYAN
DELA ROSA, JUANITO LUYA
ENDOZO, NORIEL CATAPANG
HOLGADO, HERBERTO AQUINO
LEYBA, CANDIDO H JR MULINGTAPANG
MARCELLANA, DANTE CAROLINO
ORLINA, BIENVENIDO LACERNA
RAZON, RENWICK BATOCTOY
ROSALES, MA SIMONETTE GAMO
TERANIA, FLORAIDA CADAWAS
VERGARA, VINCENT UMALI
VIDAL, MELECIO ALILING
VILALE, JERRY CRUZ

Lian

For Mayor
LAGUS, CESAR MUNDO
VERGARA, OSITA PUGAY

For Vice-Mayor
DELOS REYES, JAIME CUNAMAY
LIMJOCO, ALEXANDER LEJANO
MAGBAGO, BENITO ARTEZA
PALAHANG, JAY-AR JAVIER

For Councilors
AUSTRIA, ERWIN MACALINDONG
BONUAN, EXEQUIEL LIMON
BUTIONG, LAURO ABRATIQUE
CAISIP, CARLITO CABADIN
CARAIG, BUENAVENTURA DE LUNA
CASTILLO, LOPITO MANALO
CHAVEZ, CESAR BAYLOSIS
DELOS REYES, APOLINARIO MACALINDONG
DELOS REYES, PATRICIO, JR. SAN JUAN
DELOS REYES, TOMAS MACALINDONG
ILAGAN, CICERO RAÑOLA
JONSON, LEOPOLDO AGUINALDO
LAGUS, FLORANTE JR CASTROJERES
LAPITAN JR., ROMEO MALINAY
LEJANO, ELMER MENDOZA
MAGYAYA, ROLAND HERNANDEZ
MARANAN, ELISEO LAGUERTA
MASIPAG JR., FLORENCIO MADERAZO
PELAGIO, MONICO, JR. HERNANDEZ
VERGARA, SUZZET PUGAY

Lipa City

For Mayor
GOZOS, OSCAR LUCERO
SABILI, MEYNARDO ASA

For Vice-Mayor
LOPEZ, LYDIO JR. ALTAMIRANO
PANGANIBAN, MARIO LASIN

For Councilors
AFRICA, ERIC BEN
ALBALATE, MARIO MACASADIA
ANCIANO, JONAS PUNZALAN
BATHAN, RAMIR MAGPILE
DY, PANG LIM
HERNANDEZ, MA CONCEPCION RUFINO
ILAGAN, GUILLERMO HERNANDEZ
LIBREA, VIRGILIO JR. UMALI
LINA, MIGUEL III POLICARPIO
LINATOC, DONATO OCAMPO
MACALA, ARIES DIOKNO
MACALALAD, ROBERTO SILVA
MACASAET, ISAGANI RICAFORT
MAGPARANGALAN, LARRY FABELLON
MARTIN, RIZALDE DUMAPAY
MAUHAY, DOMINADOR MAGTIBAY
MEDINA, MARIO MALALUAN
MONTEALTO, RAUL ABRENICA
PUA, JOEL DELLOSA
RECTO, EMMANUEL TOLEDO
ROCAFORT, AVIOR RECIO
SANGALANG, ROY LANDICHO
SARMIENTO, RONNEL ENRIQUEZ
SILVA, MERLO PEÑA
TAMAYO, ROBERTO CO
UMALI, RALPH PETER SHEKER
VILLANUEVA, NOEL ARCILLAS

List continues here: LOBO – TUY

Technorati Tags: official list of election candidates batangas, batangas election, candidates for congress batangas province, district 1, district 2, district 3, district 4, candidates for governor batangas, election candidates batangas, agoncillo, alitagtag, balayan, balete, batangas city, bauan, calaca, calatagan, cuenca, ibaan, laurel, lemery, lian, lipa city

This is the first full-feature contribution from one of our avid readers, Rodelio “Del” Hernandez of Lipa City. He shared with us the written accounts and photos of his visit to Calatagan’s gallant lighthouse of Cape Santiago..

If you want your work to be published on our site, click HERE.

REVISITING EL FARO DE CABO SANTIAGO

“Even with time and the elements acting against them, the beauty that the Spanish engineers erected on our soil cannot be erased. It is time that we, the inheritors of this patrimony should do what we can to ensure its survival for the next 100 years. For these lights not only lit the souls and imagination of those who chanced upon them; they also guided a nation to progress.” (Manuel Maximo Noche Lopez Del Castillo: “The Spanish Colonial Lighthouses in the Philippines”)

the Cape Santiago compound

Constructed in December 15, 1890 by Spanish engineers, the Calatagan Lighthouse is reportedly one of the oldest working lighthouses in the country, providing guidance of approach to Manila Bay, lighting up the Verde Island passage, the San Bernardino Strait onto the southern route across the islands (Faro de Punta de Malabrigo in Lobo – 1896, is the other lighthouse in the province of Batangas).

full view of the lighthouse

With its Spanish title of Faro de Cabo Santiago (Lighthouse of Cape Santiago), the lighthouse is also called Punta de Santiago (Santiago Point) or Cape Santiago, named after Don Santiago Zobel who, accordingly donated the approximately one-hectare property where the structure is located.

We embarked on a journey to said lighthouse, coming from the eastern part of Batangas (from Manila, it’s via SLEX onward through the STAR-Calabarzon Road), passing through the Cuenca-Alitagtag-Taal-Balayan route. From Balayan, there’s a westward road passing through barangays Sambat, Canda and Duhatan, a 15-minute stretch leading to the Balibago intersection of the Lian-Calatagan road (a right-turn would lead to Matabungkay beach about two kms. away). We turned left, noticing many signages of prominent resorts as we went on until we came to the sprawling Hacienda Bigaa (Zobel family) area, eastside of the national road, before reaching the town of Calatagan.

closer view of CS lighthouse

We turned right through an unpaved path, then left, carefully tracing the course to avoid the aroma bushes (with their protective 1-inch sharp thorns) and after a few turns, we reached an inclined approach where a padlocked makeshift gate to the lighthouse blocked the entry to the premises. From the Balayan take-off point, it took us approximately less than an hour to reach Cape Santiago.

We were met by the lighthouse keeper with whom we coordinated earlier. His name is Antonio C. Coz, Jr. or Jun, a third generation lighthouse keeper whose devotion to his job had apparently helped stave off further deterioration of the century-old facility.

Jun narrated to us how the lighthouse was attacked by the Americans during the 2nd World War, because a Japanese garrison was situated nearby. He showed us the battle scars on the steel gate’s grills (which are as thick as a man’s thumb) due to the impact of 50-caliber bullets fired by strafing American warplanes. His grandfather was the first lighthouse keeper, followed by his father who was almost killed by the Japanese on account of his uncle’s joining the band of guerillas during the war.

the original lighting device

We carefully negotiated the old and narrow, spiral steel staircase of the tower consisting of 65 steps from the base to the opening at the top of the lighthouse, which was no mean feat for those with hip or limb afflictions. The top of the lighthouse was made of a glass-panelled enclosure protecting the equipment which housed the lamp and original lenses (later research after this travel revealed that technology of lighthouse lenses was improved with the introduction of Fresnel [pronounced FREH nel] lenses in 1822, ranked according to the order of their magnitude, from the first to the sixth order (the first order being the largest, most powerful and expensive, having the longest focal length).

present solar operational bulb

From atop the parola, we had a magnificent vista of the surroundings, with the wide expanse of Calatagan Bay at the west, the conjoining hills and beach fronts extending from north to south of the parola, while ongoing real estate development marked the eastern part of the historic landmark. At that point, we were approximately perched some 92 feet above sea level, since the hilly elevation of the Cape Santiago Lighthouse was 41 ft. while the structure itself stood 51 ft. from the ground.

north view of Calatagan Bay

There was a time (1990-1995) when the main building accommodated transient guests but said endeavor was short-lived on account of the scarcity of funds to maintain it. It is due to the same financial constraint that the two (2) service buildings are presently in a sad state of disrepair, not to mention the fact that there is no official approach to the site because the area surrounding the lighthouse premises is privately-owned property.

south view of Calatagan Bay

Hopes are high that such move would materialize as it is deemed most providential to this historically significant icon of light which had served as a necessary beacon to seafarers for the last 117 years. At present, El Faro de Cabo Santiago is continuously extending its service to sea-worthy streamers plying the local routes to and from Manila as well as to international port of calls with the help of the other “Cape Santiagos” providing unsolicited guidance for maritime travelers. (April 2008)

This article was published in Beacon Post Magazine which I co-edited (catering to cooperatives) in June 2008. It also appeared on the maiden issue of the nationwide electric co-ops newspaper, Current News (July 2009) where I was Associate Editor. — Del Hernandez

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Typhoon Basyang took 38 lives in the CALABARZON area and left with unexpected destructions in the region. The country is still up to face around 20 more typhoons towards the end of the year.

The provincial government of Batangas has given financial assistance to the victims of Basyang all over the province. Monetary support was provided to the families of the victims who were killed when Basyang hit Luzon last Tuesday.

The Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council, together with the provincial Chief of Staff and Batangas police director Senior Superintendent Alberto Supapo, visited parts of the province which suffered the most – Talisay and Laurel.

Donations and other forms of assistance were also provided to victims who are still in evacuation centers in the towns of Nasugbu, Lian, Calatagan, Talisay, Laurel, and Balayan.

How historic a province or a particular town is can only be learned of if the people who were part of it preserved both the intangible and tangible memories for the succeeding generations to discover.

Batangas is also endowed with historical attractions which every Batangueño should visit or at least have a knowledge of. Let’s go back in time and discover how history unfolded for us with the popular historical attractions of Batangas!

Casa de Segunda

The ancestral residence of one of the most notable families in Lipa City – the Katigbak clan. Probably the most prominent member of the family was Segunda Katigbak who was claimed to be our National Hero, Dr. Jose Rizal’s first love. The house was transformed into a museum and was declared by the National Historical Commission as a heritage house.

Casa de Segunda is located at 198 Calle Rizal, Lipa City.

Mabini Shrine

This cradles the memories of Sublime Paralytic, Apolinario Mabini. His personal belongings which all became part of his childhood days are showcased in the museum. This is also where his remains were put to rest. The Mabini Shrine can be found in Barrio Talaga in Tanauan, the hero’s hometown.

Punta de Santiago

This lighthouse in Calatagan offers a panoramic view of the Balayan Bay. The construction was started by Magin Pers y Pers in December 15, 1890 and was continued by Guillermo Brockman later on. Sometimes it’s called Faro de Punta Santiago or simply Cape Santiago.

The lighthouse had withstood the past wars and colonization periods from the Spanish to American to Japanese invasion. And right now, it is one of the famous destinations in Calatagan.

Kapit-bisig sa gitna kalamidad – sana’y manatiling matatag ang bayanihan ng mga Batanggenyo at laging tapat at taos-puso ang paglilingkod ng mga tao sa gobyerno ng lalawigan ng Batangas.

PRESS RELEASE
Batangas Capitol
July 29, 2010

Apektado ng bagyong Basyang at Army Worm sa 1st district binigyang tulong

Nasugbu, Batangas - Naghandog ng tulong para sa mga apektadong magsasaka at mga pamilyang apektado ng bagyong basyang sa unang distrito ng Batangas ang Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Batangas sa pamamagitan ng pagsasagawa ng Operation: Army Worm Crack Down at Financial Assistance Distribution.

Pinangunahan ni Batangas Governor Vilma Santos-Recto ang pagbibigay tulong sa may 1065 na apektadong mga magsasaka at 1228 na pamilya na naapektuhan ng bagyo sa Dr. Francisco Calingasan Mem. Colleges Foundation Gymnasium noong ika-29 ng Hulyo 2010.

Ipinamahagi sa mga magsasaka mula sa may 75 Barangay mula sa bayan ng Nasugbu, Lian, Tuy, Balayan, Calatagan, Calaca, Lemery at Taal ang mga pesticides at back pack pesticide sprayers na handog ng Provincial Agriculture Office para sugpuin ang pesteng uod sa mga pananim.

Tumanggap naman ng financial assistance na nagkakahalaga ng kabuuang P4 na milyong piso para sa lahat ng indibidwal na lubhang naapektuhan ng sirain ni bagyong Basyang ang kanilang mga tahanan.

97 pamilya na totally damaged ang tahanan ang tumanggap ng halagang pitong libong piso, habang ang mga pamilyang partially damaged ang mga ari-arian ay pinagkalooban ng talong libong piso.

Sa kanyang pagharap sa mga taga unang distrito, ipinagbigay alam ni Governor Vi ang mga agarang hakbang na ginawa ng kanyang paumunuan sa pag-talima sa mga pangunahing pangangailangan ng mga apektadong bayan ng dalawang magkasunod na kalamidad.

Ipinaabot nito partikular sa mga naging biktima ni basyang ang maigting na pagahahanda at pakikipag ugnayan sa mga lokal na pamahalaan at mga lider barangay para sa mga mahahalagang impormasyon.

“Pakiusap ko po sa mga tao, lalo na yun mga malalapit sa dalampasigan, ilog at mga labak na pakinggan po natin ang mga awtoridad, pag sinabi po may signal na ang bagyo at patuloy na lumalakas agad na po tayong lumikas sapagkat walang kapantay na kapalit ang buhay ng bawat isa sa inyo” wika ng Gobernador.

Pinagbigay alam din nito ang kahandaan ng mga evacuation areas para sa kanilang mga pangangailangan

Kasamang naki-isa sa damayang bayan sina 1st District Congressman Tom Apacible, 1st District Board Members, Roman Rosales at Loring Bausan, Vice Governor Mark Leviste, Chief of Staff at Provincial Agriculture Office Head Pedrito Martin Dijan Jr, Provincial Social Welfare Department Head Jocelyn Montalbo. /Edwin V. Zabarte/PIO

Visit the Calatagan, Batangas page for all information on Calatagan.

• Popular for white sand beaches
• Founded on 1912

POPULATION
Population as of 2010 census: 51,997
Density: 460/km2 (1,200/sq mi)
 
GEOGRAPHY
Total Land Area: 112.00 km2 (43.24 sq mi)
Coordinates: 13°50′N 120°38′E
 
BOUNDARIES
North – Municipality of Lian, Batangas
Northeast – Municipality of Balayan, Batangas
East – Balayan Bay and Pagaspas Bay
West – South China Sea
South – Isla Verde Passage

Last Updated: September 5, 2013

Visit the Calatagan, Batangas page for all information on Calatagan.

The town is the site of the historically and archeologically famous “Calatagan Excavation” whose antique pottery and other utensils contributed important facts about the culture and activities of the Filipinas before the coming of the Spaniards. Archeologists find mostly pottery of Chinese Origin, dug from six large cemeteries and unearthed by archeologists, Prof. Olov; T.R Jones and Prof. Robert B. Fox, as well as the conclusion made by Prof. K. Otley Bayer which points out the existence of a sizeable pre-Spanish population in the town. The same studies suggest that there was direct Chinese trade by water in Calatagan and this trade could have centered at a place called Balong-Bato, where an entrance thru the reef, which surrounds Calatagan, is still presently used by vessels coming from Mindoro and Manila.

The land occupied by the municipality of Calatagan was acquired by Don Domingo Roxas from the Spanish Crown in 1829 and was called Hacienda De Calatagan. The successors Don Pedro P. Roxas and Don Antonio R. Roxas continued to develop it and by the first decade of the century, it has progressed sufficiently.

In 1931, Doña Carmen Roxas, the last heir of the the Roxas Clan transferred ownership of the Hacienda to the Zobel brothers, Don Jacobo and Don Alfonso. During the time of the Zobels, the hacienda came to be known as “Central Azucarera de Calatagan” or simply “Central Carmen” when referring to the sugar milling complex.

In 1934, the barangays of Baha and Talibayog which were parts of the Municipality of Balayan were annexed to Calatagan since surveys slow that they are part of the land titled to the original owner of Hacienda Calatagan. This added a big area for the municipality

In 1957, a decade after the Philippines gained independence from the Americans, the Land Tenure Administration, upon petition of the people of Calatagan bought the Hacienda Lands from the Zobels. These were apportioned to the inhabitants and sold to them at PhP5.00 per hectare payable in installment within a period of 25 years.

History of Calatagan taken from Calatagan’s Official Government Website.

Last Updated: September 11, 2013

Visit the Calatagan, Batangas page for all information on Calatagan.

This is the current set of government officials in Calatagan, Batangas elected last 2013 elections. Their terms will expire on 2016.

Mayor: HON. SOPHIA G. PALACIO
Vice Mayor: HON. GLENN Z. AYTONA

Councilors
REXIO P. BAUTISTA
HARLAN JENERO D. TORRES
NOEL A. DELAS ALAS
GODOFREDO I. SAYO
JOSE Z. COZ JR.
ARENATO A. AFABLE
ELIGIO C. BAUTISTA
ROLANDO H. CAISIP

Last Updated: September 17, 2013

Visit the Calatagan, Batangas page for all information on Calatagan.

Calatagan is politically subdivided into 25 barangays.

• Barangay 1 (Pob.)
• Barangay 2 (Pob.)
• Barangay 3 (Pob.)
• Barangay 4 (Pob.)
• Bagong Silang
• Baha
• Balibago
• Balitoc
• Biga
• Bucal
• Carlosa
• Carretunan
• Encarnacion
• Gulod
• Hukay
• Lucsuhin
• Luya
• Paraiso
• Quilitisan
• Real
• Sambungan
• Santa Ana
• Talibayog
• Talisay
• Tanagan

Last Updated: September 5, 2013