RAIN OF FIRE

Cesar G. Bonilla
Ilocos Sur gems

BANTAY, Ilocos Sur -- The province of Ilocos Sur known is known as “The Heritage Village of the Philippines” where culture and history converge to become a living museum of a spirited past. The Ilocanos prize highly the moral and spiritual values of life.

The true yardstick by which the goodness and efficiency of a government of an administration is measured is its actual accomplishment in terms of the people’s livelihood and development of their potentials.
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This writer was given a chance to interview the Chapter President of the Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE) in Ilocos Sur in the person of Dr. Gavino A. Castaneda, a man of great ability who is a humble, charismatic, and diligent worker in government, an asset to the Department of Public Works and Highways in Bantay, Ilocos Sur.

Under his leadership, the PICE Ilocos Sur Chapter sponsored medical and dental missions in different parts of Ilocos Sur particularly, Bantay. They also coordinated with various institutions for a blood-letting program and tree planting in Sacuyya, Santa. Castaneda’s philosophy is centered on life, service, and love and it is but fitting that PICE Ilocos Sur Chapter was chosen the Most Outstanding Chapter (Category B) in the entire Philippines.

Dr. Gabby’s charisma is a great factor in establishing the goodwill of the organization which is now helping Gawad Kalinga. Aside from the medical-dental missions, they also spearheaded a feeding program and fire safety seminar. The PICE Ilocos Sur Chapter is also actively helping engineering students of the University of Northern Philippines on how to improve their craft relative to engineering.

On-the-job students can learn much through actual work, lectures and lessons from professional engineers. So many infrastructure projects like the Quirino Bridge can be a good site for students to see. PICE entered into a memorandum of agreement with Gawad Kalinga and as a result, members of PICE will serve as technical men in numerous housing for the poor.

Castaneda is a pride of Ilocos Sur although he maintains a low profile. I was informed by Dr. Gabby that PICE has been busy preparing for its next programs on November: Search for Mutya ng PICE 2008 on Nov. 13, motorcade from Vigan to Candon on Nov. 14 followed by a medical and dental mission at Santiago on Nov. 15. The Palaro at Camp Elpidio Quirino, Bulag, Bantay will be on Nov. 16, with the awarding of winners and ticket raffle. The group is also celebrating the PICEmasko come Christmas season.

The 2008 chapter officers of PICE. Ilocos Sur Chapter are Dr. Gavino Castaneda (president), Nestor B. Pajaro (vice-president, 1st District), Pablo Alconis (vice-President, upland), Nelia V. Aman (secretary), Raynaldo R. Ablog (treasurer) Wilfredo Reyes (business manager), Saturnino Tablada (PRO).

The board of directors are Paciano Singson, Jr., Teotimo L. Devera, Carina R. Munoz, Leonardo Paet, Eslier Organo, Armand Quitevis, Dominador Pastor, Demetrio Sabalburo, and Medel Quitoriano.
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I would like to greet the honorable men in uniform in Camp Elpidio Quirino Bulag, Bantay, Ilocos Sur like police Supt. Ricardo B. Dayag, group director of the 103rd PPMG and Col. Rey Anthonin de Peralta. All are members of the Philippine National Police and Armed Foces of the Philippines assigned in Ilocos Sur.
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The Saviour’s Christian Academy’s motto is: Champions are made not born, at Saviour’s we make them.” The mission of SCA is to provide students with a balanced and well-rounded education, develop their full potential, and nurture them as good citizens, mindful of their responsibilities to family, society, and country.

I would like to thank Rev. Bryan, and Madam Barnette for their accommodating attitude to the Northern Philippine Times. Others are faculty members Ester Tayamen, Venus Garcia Favian, Rhea Bartolome, Mia Domingo, Gloria Parico, Sheryll de la Cruz, Vladimir Magayano, Rhozel Gaces, Lerma Valencia, Moreen Caluya, Romely Tutaan, Charieze Aguinaldo, Madelyn Gorospe, Roxanne Lucas, Noemi Cabugon, Jonathan de Guzman, Marifel Collado, Marissa Andres, Christian Layugan, Diana Bonoan, Dondee tayamen, Jervic Tayamen and Decilva Favian. I likewise, would like to mention Romelyn Labayog and Gemma Chua. Madam Gemma is working at Aniceto Mansion in Vigan City.
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Humanities encompasses everything including arts, language, literature, culture, history, philosophy, religion and other branches of learning. As an instructor of this challenging subject, I impart humanities for the development of civilization and recognition of the worthiness of man.

Respect for other’s religion or belief is also a good trait of modern man. To safeguard the sanctity of life who is threatened because of barbarism, envy, hate, revenge, and greed must be the primordial task of higher authorities. Appreciating the beauty of nature and culture is also humanities.