Taga Danao ni Bai – Almendras: New ‘little president’
November 11, 2012
By Gil Cabacungan
Philippine Daily Inquirer, Nov. 11, 2012r
Jose Rene Almendras belongs to the innermost of President Benigno Aquino III’s inner circle of classmates, schoolmates and buddies from Ateneo de Manila University that hangs out with the bachelor Chief Executive at social events and after work, or travels with him on his foreign trips.
Almendras leads an exclusive trio in this inner circle that includes Cristino Naguiat Jr., the chair of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (Pagcor) and Romy Mercado, whose family used to own Red Ribbon Bakeshop until it was bought by Jollibee Foods Corp. in 2005.
One of the President’s chums, who asked not to be named, said the Almendras clique has become a source of envy among the President’s other friends and political allies for the way it has “barricaded” itself around the President to the exclusion of others.
Of the three, only Mercado does not hold a government post—and only because of questions about his citizenship, the source said.
Almendras did not respond to requests for an interview for this article.
Karaoke sessions
The Almendras clique has been dubbed the “Apo Hiking Society”—a reference to the popular 1970s pop trio, also from Ateneo—for the way they would regale the President during karaoke sessions with their medley of the top hits of their college days.
Mr. Aquino keeps his social circle tight and he apparently enjoys being with the Almendras group because he is known not to want to spend even a minute with anyone he does not like, particularly when he wants to relax, explained another friend close to the Almendras group.
“[But] is being close to the President enough to be appointed a power broker in Malacañang after failing to generate power in his previous job?” asked the jealous presidential chum.
That “power” dig refers to the latest manifestation of Mr. Aquino’s perceived partiality for Almendras.
Almendras, who was president of Manila Water when Mr. Aquino appointed him energy secretary in 2010, was deemed to have performed disappointingly at his new job when he failed to adequately deal with the worsening power crisis in Mindanao earlier this year and his exit was widely anticipated.
During the Mindanao power summit in April, Mr. Aquino said it was unfair for some people to make Almendras their “favorite whipping boy” for the high fuel prices burdening the country and the daily blackouts buffeting Mindanao.
On the advice of Almendras, the President said the solution was for the residents and businessmen of Mindanao to pay more to get a stable and sufficient power supply. This decision was widely criticized and fueled calls for the replacement of the energy secretary.
It also fanned rumors that the President was looking to move Almendras elsewhere.
Pumped-up job
Six months later, Almendras was appointed to the now revitalized position of Cabinet Secretary, which some pundits claimed was Mr. Aquino’s way of accommodating his friend.
However, this was deemed as having been done at the expense of another close friend, Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr., a claim that Malacañang mouthpieces adamantly denied.
It has been pointed out that Executive Order No. 99, which Mr. Aquino signed on Oct. 31, will transform the Office of the Cabinet Secretariat from a mere facilitator of information in the Palace and integrator of the President’s initiatives as envisioned originally in its creation in 1986, into a pumped-up office of the Cabinet Secretary.
With the vastly more powerful office, Almendras can identify the priority areas in Mr. Aquino’s Philippine Development Plan, realign targets and represent the President at meetings or events; sit in all Cabinet cluster meetings and join the National Economic and Development Authority (Neda) board executive committee and subcommittees on infrastructure, social work and investment; compel all state agencies and corporations to provide data and assistance to the Cabinet Secretary; and directly report to the President and run the Presidential Management Staff (PMS) and the Performance and Projects Management Office.
“Anybody that close to the President will be powerful,” said Nueva Ecija Rep. Rodolfo Antonino.
An Aquino ally in the Senate, who asked not to be identified, described Almendras’ Palace job as “a square peg in a round hole.”
He is a technocrat in a political position, said this Senate source, pointing out a similar misfit in the appointment of Leyte Gov. Jericho Petilla and Transportation Secretary Joseph E.A. Abaya, politicians who were plucked out near the end of their 9-year elective posts to manage the largely technocratic energy and transportation portfolios, respectively.
The source believes that Almendras probably lacks the political savvy to thrive in Malacañang’s “snake pit,” having spent most of his professional career at the top of some of the country’s Top 100 corporations.
An inspired choice
But Sen. Gregorio Honasan sees Almendras’ appointment in a different light, saying the President has made an intelligent choice.
“I think Secretary Almendras is an inspired move by the President, to appoint a management expert like him for a political job. I think he will provide the Palace with more stability and the President with more focus on what needs to get the job done with as little politics as possible,” Honasan said.
Aside from the presidency of Manila Water, which he assumed in 2009, Almendras also occupied key posts in various corporations during the nearly three decades he spent in the private sector.
He was a member of the management committee and concurrent head of the Visayas Mindanao Business and Operations Transformation Group.
He was also President and CEO of Cebu Holdings and Cebu Property Ventures and Development Corp., both parts of the Ayala Land Group.
Almendras also served as treasurer for the Aboitiz Co. and Aboitiz Equity Ventures.
An acknowledged international resource person on sustainable development, Almendras earned his business management degree from Ateneo de Manila University and completed the strategic business economics program at the University of Asia and the Pacific.
Antonino does not agree that Ochoa’s role would be diminished with the entry of Almendras into Malacañang.
“His (Almendras) job is to ensure administrative efficiency in the implementation of the policies and programs of the President,” he said in a text message.
A source close t Ochoa said the so-called little president has welcomed the entry of Almendras and dismissed speculations of any rivalry between two of the President’s closest friends.
“Let’s just see how it unfolds,” said House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte Jr., another one of the President’s allies.
According to House Minority Leader Danilo Suarez, being neither with “Balay” or “Samar”—the two warring factions around the President, so named for the divided and separate campaign headquarters of Mr. Aquino in the 2010 presidential campaign—Almendras would serve as a sort of “watchdog” inside the Palace.
“I think his presence will serve to defuse the tension between the two groups. The President has said he has his eyes and ears in every department and Almendras will serve as his eyes and ears in Malacañang,” Suarez said
Taga Danao: Rene Almendras, the new Dept of Energy Secretary
June 29, 2010
Aquino names Cabinet, Old, new faces in official family
By Gil C. Cabacungan Jr.
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 00:40:00 06/30/2010
Rene, the youngest among the children of the late "Sir Pinong & Ma'am Rosing" Almendras
The new faces in Aquino’s Cabinet are Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa Jr. and Secretaries Voltaire Gazmin (defense), Br. Armin Luistro (education), Proceso Alcala (agriculture), Enrique Ona (health), Alberto Lim (tourism), Mario Montejo (science and technology), Jose Rene Almendras (energy), and Virgilio delos Reyes (agrarian reform).
Also new are Julia Andrea Abad, Presidential Management Staff chief; Edwin Lacierda and Eduardo de Mesa, Aquino’s spokesperson and chief legal counsel, respectively; and Patricia Licuanan, Commission on Higher Education chair.
The others who have served in previous administrations are Secretaries Alberto Romulo (foreign affairs), Cesar Purisima (finance), Leila de Lima (justice), Florencio “Butch” Abad (budget), Cayetano Paderanga (socioeconomic planning), Jose de Jesus (transportation and communication), Gregorio Domingo (trade and industry), Corazon “Dinky” Soliman (social welfare), and Rogelio Singson (public works), and Bureau of Internal Revenue Commissioner Kim Jacinto Henares, and Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita “Ging” Deles.
Aquino also chose two career officers to head their departments—Environment Secretary Ramon Paje and Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz.
Aquino also announced that Maj. Gen. Ricardo David would succeed Armed Forces Chief of Staff Gen. Delfin Bangit, and that Philippine National Police Director General Jesus Versoza would stay on until his retirement in December.
He was adamant about not appointing any of his relatives to posts in his administration, although he has a father-and-daughter team—the Abads—in his Cabinet.
Ace Durano maybe out, but Rene Almendras is likely in Aquino Cabinet
June 12, 2010
A cause bigger than one’s own
By Malou Guanzon-Apalisok
Cebu Daily News First Posted 05/24/2010
Rene Almendras
How does Cebu figure under a Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III presidency?
One answer might be forthcoming in the shape of the Noynoy Aquino Cabinet. The names of possible appointees are currently making the rounds of text messages. The list reminds me of the stuff that a bride customarily brings to her wedding for good luck: “something old and something new.”
Former members of the Arroyo Cabinet Dinky Soliman, Cesar Purisima, Avelino Cruz and Florencio Abad are in the list. Members of the so-called Hyatt 10, they turned against President Arroyo in 2005 at the height of the Garci tapes controversy. Dinky is said to be a shoo-in for the Social Welfare and Development Department, Purisima as Finance Secretary, Cruz as Justice Secretary and Abad as Education top honcho.
Also included is Philip “Popoy” Juico, former Department of Agrarian Reform Secretary during the early days of the Cory administration. Online reports say Popoy will be going back to the Agrarian office while his wife Margie, who once served as Cory’s appointments secretary, will be appointed chair of the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office.
The inclusion of the Juico couple in the new Cabinet has triggered the resurrection of issues against the so-called Kamag-anak, Inc. This has incensed former Tarlac congressman Jose Cojuangco and rightly so. The issues are unsubstantiated, rehashed and sound like a broken record. Critics pointing a finger against Noynoy’s relatives better put or shut up.
New names in the incoming Aquino Cabinet include lawyer Paquito “Jojo” Ochoa as Executive Secretary, Bong Naguiat as chair of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation and Cebuano Jose Rene Almendras as Secretary of the Department of Public Works and Highways. One of their shared qualities is a long-standing friendship with the incoming president.
Last week’s banner story about Rene Almendras immediately sent ripples in the political circle but especially in the corporate world, where he is held in high esteem.
Almendras is currently President of Manila Water Company, Inc. He also sits in the Ayala Corporation as managing director. Before this, he held top positions with Ayala Land Inc., and was also president and CEO of two listed companies managed by the Ayala Land Group, Cebu Holdings, Inc. and Cebu Property Ventures and Development Corp. He was also Chairman of the Ayala Land Group Bidding Committee and head of the Strategic Procurement Division. Among top 100 business executives in the Philippines, I would say Rene would be in the upper 20 bracket.
Pressed for a reaction, Almendras’ elder sister, Provincial Board member Agnes Magpale said her brother is not likely to accept the offer because “maayo ang iyang pagkabutang” (he is comfortable where he is now). The reactions of Ma’am Agnes though would qualify as the understatement of the year because according to a good friend of mine who happens to be Rene’s co-worker in ALI, “super maayo ang pagkabutang ni Rene.”
Rene’s ability and talent in bringing about success to a number of Ayala big-ticket projects is almost legendary. It is a fact that as one goes up the corporate ladder, one finds himself alienated from ordinary workers, but I gathered that Rene is not only well-respected by his peers but also loved by the workforce of the Ayala group.
Stories about Almendras popping up in the workplace to invite mid-level supervisors for coffee abound, as well as his tendency to join the ‘commoners’ during major corporate events when Fernando, Jaza, etc. descend from the virtual Mt. Olympus. Thus when it was time for Rene to leave Cebu to assume the top position of Manila Water Company and make Makati his home base many workers were teary-eyed.
Very capable, dedicated, a track record for honesty and integrity and a heart that holds a soft spot for the ordinary man are attributes that should put Rene on top of the Aquino Cabinet list but especially in the DPWH. I will not bore readers with the background of the department to explain the urgency of the problem. Suffice it to say that even the World Bank weighed on the issue by exposing the bid rigging of WB-funded road projects in 2009. The report exposed how deep and embedded is the system of graft and corruption in the department. By Noynoy’s own calculation, some P280 billion was lost to graft in 2009 alone.
Will Rene bite? Many think he will not and they understand. Someone gave me a picture of the kind of compensation and perks that a man in Rene’s position receives and my eyes almost popped out. If he decides to stay in the corporate world, it will be on account of his family who wish for him a life of peace and contentment.
However, I think Rene also realizes the challenge of the moment. To be called to the task of helping put the country on the road to moral recovery is the chance of a lifetime. Without a doubt, Rene is in the pinnacle of professional success, but among great men and women, one’s purest possibility can only happen if he goes to battle for a cause bigger than his own.
A REAL WAR HERO, COL. ALEJANDRO ALMENDRAS: MILITARY STRATEGIST
May 9, 2006
(Editor’s Note: While browsing some reading materials at the Cebuano Studies Center of the University of San Carlos during a visit to the USC Library in Cebu – I came across an old book – THE CEBU PATRIOTS IN ACTION – published in 1946 and authored by Cayetano Villamor, a guerrilla officer during the war. Only two Danawanons were featured and considered war heroes and patriots. A lesser known Danawanon hailed as a valiant war hero was a certain Capt. Agripino Casia. He died in combat bravely fighting against the Japanese invaders.
While in Danao Elementary School I never heard about these two Danawanon patriots who fought bravely against the Japanese. Their names were never mentioned by our History teachers. And sadly, not a street, not even a tree has been named in their memory. Monching)
**************
Colonel Alejandro Almendras, A Military Strategist
by: Cayetano Villamor, author, “The Cebu Patriots in Action”, published 1946.
Times change and the hearts of men change with them. The statement is absolutely correct.
But I propose to make an exception. With greatest confidence and with an enormous lift of my heart I can forcefully state that our people sincerely believe our recent resistance against Japan will always remain a glorious chapter of our country’s history.
There should be no controversy on this point. You and I cannot quarrel with Fate and cannot successfully rise against posterity’s verdict.
It is therefore fitting and proper that honor, pride and glory, in fact, everything that is best and sacred in our people be given the patriots. Their sacrifices and miseries gladly undertaken because they love their country readily found responsive echoes in our hearts.
This is precisely the reason why I always greet with respect and appreciation Lieutenant Colonel Alejandro D. Almendras, a brilliant mind, a forceful and persuasive character.
During the most perilous years of our national existence this dashing and energetic leader cheerfully defended his country and its institutions.
DAUSA Medical Mission Surgeon Dr. Gregory Canga Dies, 53
November 27, 2014
Dr. Koko Canga during a DAUSA Medical Mission with sister DAUSA Vice President Candy Canga, a Californai RN
Dr. Gregory ‘Koko’ Canga, a good friend to many of us, one of the pioneer volunteer surgeons of the DAUSA Medical Mission, passed away on Thursday morning, November 27, 2014, at the Danao Provincial Hospital.
He will be terribly missed by hundreds of Danawanons whose lives he saved during his active practice of medicine, mostly getting pro bono delicate surgical procedures.
Dr. Canga who once served as president of the Philippine College of Surgeons – Central & Eastern Visayas Chapter, had sent several surgeons as volunteer at the annual medical mission in Danao City.
Dr. Koko along with Dr. Lito Almendras had firmed up the partnership of the Philippine College of Surgeons and Danao Association USA making the medical mission in Danao City a regular event.
Koko was an older brother of Candy Canga, former DAUSA Vice President who helped the establishment of the association’s scholarship program.
His mother Ms. Rose Canga, a retired nurse, has been a regular medical mission volunteer for several years.
According to Candy wake will be at the Canga family home in Danao. She will notify DAUSA for the schedule of internment and church service as soon as final preparation is made.
Koko is survived by his wife Lisa, a registered nurse.
DAUSA Pays Last Respect to a Good Friend and Member, Winston Misa
November 28, 2009
A number of DAUSA members took a respite from a long Thanksgiving weekend to pay their last respect and attend the memorial service of a good friend and fellow member, Winston Misa held Saturday, November 30, 2009 at the St. Peter and St. Paul Catholic Church in Alta Loma, California.
Winston was the husband of Pat Osmena-Misa, DAUSA’s first Educational Mission Coordinator. The Misa couple was the first to come forward when the Adopt-a-Student Project was initiated in 2000. They readily volunteered to sponsor 10 DAUSA scholars who all graduated from a 4-year bachelor’s degree in Education from the Cebu State College – Danao City Campus. Because of their admirable example others followed, and to date over 50 students have been helped and currently employed, mostly as public school teachers.
Winston died in Malaga, Spain on November 13, 2009, on the 6th day of their 15-day European tour. (Below is an article in the Freeman, written by Winston’s friend, and fraternity bro, Boy Regner Mercado)
| Everybody dies…nobody dies By Boy Regner Mercado (The Freeman) Updated November 28, 2009 12:00 AM |
CEBU, Philippines – “Everybody dies…Nobody dies.” In deep pain, I write for the sudden passing of a friend of mine, Winston Escanilla Misa, president of the KMTri-E Foundation. He died on November 13, 2009 while on vacation in Spain with his wife, the former Pat Osmena, a close relative of the Almendras clan of Danao. He had a heart attack. Death came like a thief in the night. Pat lost a soulmate and their daughters Kim and Pearl lost a loving father. I lost a dear friend. When death came, Winston was 66 years old.
“Everybody Dies…Nobody Dies.” As I hugged Pat, I felt deep loss just like the feeling I had when I lost my wife 19 years ago to a mugger’s bullet. Pat lost someone so close to her, who loved her and protected her through all these years. Winston was a good husband, a provider, a loving father, and a friend. Through the eyes of his daughter Pearl, I see Winston’s inquisitive when we analyzed a problem at hand. The somehow strict countenance of Kim, his other daughter, reminds me of the time he admonished me for being out of line in ribbing a fellow brother who hails from Bohol. All I said then was “Forgive me…Mea Culpa, Mea maxima culpa,” and he answered, “Amen.”
“Everybody Dies…Nobody Dies.” Winston was a professed conservative and I will always be a liberal. But it never bothered us. We talked of things that unite us rather than of things that divide us. Winston was smart and bright. He can discuss in an intelligent and rational way what works and how to make it work. He can grasp and understand the writings of Stephen Hawking about how the universe came to be and could understand what Mark Twain wants to convey in his works.
He went to UP Diliman and then finished his Mechanical Engineering degree at USC. He joined General Milling Corporation in Lapulapu City after passing the board in 1965; sometime in 1969, the family migrated to the U.S. He studied for a time at UCLA and took the Professional Engineering (P.E.) California State Examination. He was a licensed California P.E. At the time of his death, he was connected with HMC Architectural and Engineering and was tasked in evaluating and assessing drawings, and writing engineering specifications. He will be missed…and he will not die as long as he is remembered for his works….the underground subways in Los Angeles, the international airports in Ontario and Los Angeles Airports, the Kaiser Hospitals, and various school constructions.
30 Major Surgeries in 3 Days at the DAUSA Medical Mission
September 24, 2008
The annual DAUSA Medical Mission in Danao City jointly sponsored by Danao Association USA, Inc., the City Government of Danao City and the Philippine College of Surgeons ended Thursday, September 18, 2008, with a record breaking performance by surgeon volunteers from Cebu Doctors Hospital, led by Dr. Lito Almendras, who successfuly performed 30 major surgical procedures in 3 days.
Three U.S. based surgeons, Drs. Julian Banzon, Florentino Lleva and Lorenz Alaan, Danao Hospital Chief Dr. Indino and Dr. Melba Arribas from Manila jointly performed around 150 minor surgical procedures, such as cyst removal, etc., performing the procedures at a corner of the hospital building, under a very hot and humid condition.
For the first time consultations and medicine dispensing which used to be done right at the Danao District Hospital compound, had been moved to the newly renovated and air-conditioned Danao City Civic Center.
The move was hailed by medical volunteers, patients as well as by hosptial staff as it lessened the crowd at the hospital. Only patients scheduled for minor and major surgeries were entertained at the hospital and all the rest were comfortably seated, waiting their turn at the air-conditioned Civic Center.
As usual over 2000 indigent Danawanons were seen by doctor volunteers at the Civic Center, received their needed medications and some multi-vitamins that were contributed by well-meaning DAUSA members and supporters.
Aside from medicines and medical supples provided by DAUSA’s regular donors, IMA World Health of New Windsor, Maryland and Americares of Stamford, Connecticut, the City Government of Danao through the City Health Office also provided several boxes of medicines to meet the needs of people seeking help during the 3-day medical mission. IMA has been assisting the DAUSA Medical Mission since 1999, and Americares since 2002.
The Free Dental Clinic with a 6-seater Mobile Dental Van provided by the City of Cebu was also moved outside the Civic Center and listed over 300 people getting dentral extractions, free tootpaste and medicines.
Around 20 DAUSA Members and officers led by Dr. Anita Cal-Jackson actively did their share in making DAUSA’s commitment to help the city’s poor get the medical assistance they badly need a huge success.
The DAUSA Medical Mission has always been a big success, since it started in 1998, has become an institution and eagely awaited by many people who cannot afford to go to Cebu City for treatment, especially those needing surgical interventions.
On Friday evening, September 19, 2008, the City Government of Danao led by Mayor Ramon Durano III and other city officials tendered dinner and entertained all medical mission volunteers, Balik Danao people, and distributed certificates of recognitions to all participants. (Monching)
About Us
January 17, 2008
Danao Association USA, Inc. (DAUSA)
Danao Association USA, Inc. is a registered non-profit organization, whose members are U.S. and Canadian residents, born, raised or whose roots have come from Danao City, Cebu, Philippines.
Objectives
DAUSA aims to foster mutual understanding and unity among its members; promote, preserve and instill in their children desirable Filipino values, Danawanon’s strong religious beliefs and traditions; stimulate their interest about Danao City, its historical- cultural heritage; promote projects geared towards improving the quality of life of the city’s poorest of the poor.
First Elected President – Crosine Roble
DAUSA was formally organized sometime in 1993 starting with some 40 Danawanon families in the Los Angeles area. Through Crosine Roble’s initiative and with the help of Fr. Jonathan Lao, Citas Villareal, Letty Toledo, Minviluz Lavidez among others, the first gathering of Danawanons in a public place took place on September 19, 1993 at the Holy Innocents School Social Hall in Long Beach, California. Fr. Jonathan Lao flew from New York to officiate the eucharistic mass in honor the Danao City’s patron saint, Santo Tomas de Villanueva. For this first public fiesta celebration in Long Beach, California, Mrs. Josefa Espera of Maslog, Danao donated a hand-carved wooden 3.5 ft. statue of Santo Tomas. Memet Brava of Looc hand-carried this 40-lb. icon in a flight from Cebu to Los Angeles.
At this event Fr. Lao and Marilou Navarro-Ceniza presided the first election officers and Crosine was the unanimous choice to become the first elected president. Inocentes Tecala, an attorney connected with the U.S. Department of Justine in Washington, D.C. drafted the Associations’ Articles of Incorporation and By-laws. In the beginning, association activities were mainly for the purpose of socializing and getting in touch with fellow Danawanon residents in Southern California. This was held once a year to coincide the the fiesta in Danao City and the feast of Santo Tomas de Villanueva.
The Pioneers – The late Amparo Perez of S.F. and Marieta Palos of L.A.
To most people’s recollection, it was Marieta Palos who started the fiesta tradition in the Los Angeles area on September 1988 who had gathered together many Danawanons at their home. However, much earlier than that, the late Amparo Perez, and his son Rudy and wife Doris, actively promoted the veneration of Santo Tomas de Villanueva, and would invite all Danawanons in the Bay area to celebrate the feast of Danao City’s patron saint. Word of mouth spread about this fiesta celebration and Danawanons would simply show up without formal invitation, bringing food for the occasion, either in San Francisco through Amparing Perez or in Los Angeles at Marieta Palos’s residence.
At a gathering in Marieta Palos’ residence on the fiesta of Santo Nino on January, 1990, there was an attempt by a few Danawanons to formally organize the group into an association. Marieta Palos declined to become president and made a suggestion that Ote Almendras would be designated president, Ramon Barriga, vice-president and Melinda Aquino to act as treasurer. Unfortunately, the designated officers failed to meet or plan out any activity.
In 1991 and 1992, aside from Marieta Palos whose home was situated in the City of Los Angeles, two other families held their own separate fiesta celebrations, Benny Peralta and Paeng Mangubat both in Long Beach. They invited the same people to observe the fiesta at their respective homes. This situation somehow made some people to worry that Danawanons in Southern California were beginning to form into factions. To some it was fun, they went fiesta hopping – three parties in a single day.
Kaming Danawanon Newsletter
In 1994, Ramon Barriga released the first Kaming Danawanon Newsletters chronicling association activities and reporting some interesting events in Danao, spiced with some funny and nostalgic articles about old Danao. It was circulated prior to the fiesta and distributed during the fiesta celebration.
Dr. Plutarco Almendras, President 1995 – 97
When Dr. Plutarco Almendras was elected president, he encouraged the continuation of the newsletter to come out more regularly, and he provided funds to print more copies and mail out to the members all over U.S. Dr. Almendras also had his wife Gloria, and cousin Loretta, both doctors, write column articles to the newsletters during its initial stage.
Editing, proofreading and printing of Kaming Danawanon was done with the help of Ramon’s two daughters, Mariel and Monette. At first, the newsletter came out once every three months (1994 – 1996), then once every two months since 1997. Because of the newsletter, membership during Dr. Plutarco’s term, grew to nearly 300, paying .00 annual membership fee. The newsletter, in a way, bonded more closely Danawanons, not only in the U.S. but also those in Canada.
Kaming Danawanon in the Internet
In the later part of 1995 Mariel Barriga created a web-site for Kaming Danawanon Newsletter. DAUSA’s appearance in the internet drew great excitement among a few DAUSA members and other cyber-enthusiast from Danao who began exploring the cyber-world.. The Kaming Danawanon Guest Book that Mariel set up started a forum among Danawanons all over the U.S. as well as other parts of the world, Australia, Bahamas, Thailand, etc. As more contents had to be added, Celso Barriga, a professional software engineer from New Hampshire, took over from Mariel the maintenance of the website, and gave Virtual Danao City a more professional look. Years later – in Y2K – Celso obtained a domain name for the DAUSA website: dausa.org. Presently, Wayne and Tess Johns of London, England provided free hosting of DAUSA’s website in exchange for Celso’s free professional consultation.
Ramon Barriga – Gemma Montegrande Team
On September 21, 1997 a third set of DAUSA officers got elected during a fiesta celebration held in Lakewood, California. Ramon Barriga was chosen president and Gemma Montegrande, vice president. Inocentes Tecala who flew from Washington D.C. inducted the new officers. Also, on this particular occasion, Msgr. Alfeo Manaili who came to California for a short visit, officiated the mass.
Medical Mission Project
Two months after the induction of new officers, a meeting of all the officers was called to discuss possible projects. The officers decided and unanimously agreed to conduct a medical mission at the Danao General Hospital considering the many DAUSA members in the medical field, doctors, nurses, med-techs, etc.
A survey-letter was circulated to all medical professional Danawanons asking them to fill the survey form, indicating whether they could be active participant in the medical mission, or just as contributor of medicines or medical supplies or cash. The Medical Mission Committee headed by Dr. Anita Cal Jackson, Dr. Loretta Montesclaros, Cecilia Barriga, R.N., Natie Almeda, R.N., scheduled the medical mission a week after the city fiesta, providing an opportunity for the participants to attend the fiesta, at the same time, do community service through the medical mission.
The results was very encouraging. In less than a month, we received pledges from fellow Danawanons to either participate or contribute. Dr. Julian Banzon and his wife Amparo, a nurse, were the first to respond to Dr. Jackson’s appeal, that they would join. Dr. Banzon had been doing solo medical missions in Danao many years back.
Medicine Collectors/Contributors and the Med Mission Volunteers
The campaign for medicines and medical supplies started as early as January, 1998 for the medical mission scheduled on September 22 – 24, 1998. Main source of supplies were the Danawanon nurses and doctors. They collected medical samples from medical clinics, unused or excess medicines from convalescent hospitals.
Among those who actively collected or contributed medicines were Dr. Anita Cal-Jackson, Drs. Plutarco and Gloria Almendras, Dr. Loretta Montesclaros, Monette Cabahug, Timmy Laurente, Verne Dayondon, Celsa Banzon, Fred and Natie Almeda, and Dr. Vic Oyas of Arizona. Starting May we shipped out to Danao by ocean freight as many as four balikbayan boxes of medicines and surgical supplies every month until August of 1998.
Meantime, the Medical Mission Committee contacted local doctors in Danao to participate in the medical mission to volunteer side by side with U.S.-based Danawanon doctors. A Danawanon doctor in Manila, a noted cardiologist at St. Luke Medical Center in Manila, Dr. Macrina Barriga, was invited to participate and she did join, at her own expense.
Dr. Loretta Montesclaros invited a prominent Danawanon surgeon practicing in Cebu City, Dr. Lito Almendras, and local doctors, such as Dr. Cynthia Duterte, Dr. Jojo Arsenal, Dr. Merwyn Gomez to join the medical mission. Dr. Gregory Canga also pledged to join, after being contacted by e-mail.
DAUSA was also able to enlist the support and participation of the Manila-based St. Martin de Porres Catholic Medical Mission Guild, whose doctors are well-known experts in oral maxillo-facial surgeries. They handled the cleft-lip and cleft-palate surgeries. The group is headed by a UCLA graduate and Harvard trained surgeon, Dr. Ted Nicholoff, a young Filipino-American doctor who devoted his talent to charity.
Dinner-Dance and Fiesta in the Park
To raise funds for the Medical Mission and at the same time celebrate the fiesta and the association’s 5th Anniversary, the first DAUSA formal dinner dance was held at the Holiday Inn Hotel in Torrance on September 12, 1998. There were over 300 guests coming from all over United States. Then outgoing Cebu 5th District Congressman Ramon Durano III was invited as guest speaker and Msgr. Pascual Ypil delivered the invocation.
The fiesta celebration continued the next day, Sunday, with a mass presided by Msgr. Pascual Ypil followed with a big pot luck luncheon at the Long Beach Recreation Center Social Hall.
First DAUSA Medical Mission Sept. 22 – 24, 1998
The first Medical Mission jointly conducted by DAUSA Medical Mission Team and the St. Martin de Porres Catholic Medical Mission Guild held on September 22-24, 1998 was a mega success. Key to the success was the support extended by the City Government of Danao, the Danao General Hospital and the Government Officials of the City and Province of Cebu.
A huge crowd showed up at the hospital the day before the medical mission started. On the last day, police had to be called to control the crowed. Nearly 1,500 patients were served, including 18 cleft-lip, 18 major and about 40 minor surgeries.
With the local officials and NGO’s working hand in hand in the project, everyone got so inspired that everyone pledged to help make the medical mission a yearly event. Other than those coming from the U.S. and Manila, local Danao doctors and nurses also contributed their free time and professional services.
City Councilor Rosemarie Dira and Dr. Mary Ann Arsenal served as chairperson and vice chairperson for the Danao City Medical Mission Committee. Dr. Julian Banzon, a surgeon practicing in Chicago and Dr. Anita Cal Jackson led the U.S. team.
Among the U.S. Nurses were Natividad Almeda, Cecilia Barriga, Chona Diao, Petit Banzon, Leizl Entero, Bella Miro and Timmy Laurente. Among local doctors were Dr. Camilo Tomboc, Danao General Hospital Administrator, Dr. Simeon Sato, Dr. Mary Ann Arsenal and husband Dr. Jojo Arsenal, a surgeon; Drs. Cynthia Duterte, Wilfredo Ypil, Jr., Merwyn Gomez, Drs. Wilfredo and Proclyn Gesulga (Micronesia); Dr. Mary Liz Ferolino and Dr. Joseph Hope Cal.
Coming from Manila were five doctors from the St. Martin de Porres Catholic Medical Mission Guild led by Dr. Ted Nicholoff, Executive Director. A prominent cardiologist from St. Luke Medical Center in Manila, Dr. Macrino Barriga also volunteered her services fro two days.
2nd DAUSA Medical Mission Sept. 21 – 23, 1999
The 2nd DAUSA Medical Mission held on September 21 – 23, 1999, mainly had the same participants as in the previous years, but this time, the Philippine College of Surgeons, headed by Dr. Florencia Miel, sent 30 volunteers, surgeons and nurses from Cebu City. Two prominent surgeons practicing in Cebu City, Dr. Lito Almendras and Dr. Gregory Canga, both native Danawanons, served as lead-surgeons in the 2nd Medical Missions. Again, the St. Martin de Porres Catholic Medical Mission Guild, handled the cleft-lip/cleft-palate surgeries, giving back hope, dignity and smile to over 20 children and adults.
The number of people who showed up in the second medical mission more than doubled. They not only came from Danao but also from neighboring towns as far as Borbon, some from Asturias and Bantayan Island.
During the second DAUSA Medical Mission, Dr. Anita Cal-Jackson was able to enlist the support of a big drug company, SmithKline. Two Americans representing the company went to Danao to observe. They provided the anti-biotics and even contributed cash to buy more medicines in Cebu City. DAUSA Treasurer Melinda Aquino herself came along with the team to make sure the Medical Mission would have enough funds to meet emergency purchases.
Dr. Vic Oyas of Arizona, Drs. Peping and Tessie Laude of New York, not only volunteered their time and professional services during the 2nd DAUSA Medical Mission, they also brought with them expensive medicines and supplies. With Dr. Anita Cal-Jackson, other medical volunteers from the U.S. included Dr. Jocelyn Gargantos, Natie Almeda, R.N. Candy Canga, R.N., Cecilia Barriga, R.N., Adolfo Famas, R.N., Annalee Gorre, R.N., Medical Technologist Bebe Orquiza, Respiratory Therapist Dyesebel Alvaro, ICR Nurse Myrna Ypil.
A new computer was donated to the Hospital during this time through Rudy Lofranco of Texas. DAUSA Board of Trustee Joe Campo, also from Texas, also turned over to the hospital a brand new printer and scanner.
Educational Mission
While the DAUSA Medical Team and local volunteers were busy at the hospital, the DAUSA Educational Mission Team led by Marieta Palos, made its first appearance and distributed books, school supplies to several elementary schools and barangay high schools. Suba High School got a TV set, VCR and also a medical first aid cabinet which DAUSA Board of Trustee Nick Gonzalez committed to supply to this particular school.
The Educational Mission was then made a component of the annual DAUSA Medical Mission. With Marieta Palos visiting barrio elementary schools were Grace Ypil of Chicago, Emma Duterte from Australia and Candy Canga of Modesto, California.
The 3-day medical-surgical and educational mission has been videotaped with Candy Canga experty acting as reporter.
3rd DAUSA Medical Mission Sept. 19 – 21, 2000
The City of Danao expressed its appreciation and gratitude for the unselfish efforts of many DAUSA Medical-Surgical-Dental and Educational Missions volunteers entertaining them with a sumptous dinner, dance and songs at the culmination night, ending the 3-day medical mission on Sept. 19-21 at the Danao City Gym.
The mission was another huge success, reaching out and making a big difference in the lives of our less fortunate fellow Danawanons.
The medical group had performed 15 major surgeries and over 100 minor surgeries and must have seen close to 2000 individuals for consultations. The Dental group, which got introduced for the first time, through Crosine Roble’s initiative, was a big hit. Cebu City’s Dental Mobile Unit has U.S. standard equipments and the dentists volunteers, one from Chicago, five from Danao, are all skilled dental professionals. An Italian-American dentist from Chicago, Dr. Giusto Romano joined Danao’s local dentral practitioners in the first DAUSA’s free dental clinic.
The Educational group, led by Pat O. Misa, the current Chief of Educational Mission having handed out some typewriters, has been besieged with requests from barrio school principals for their share of typewriters, used computers, sports equipments and books. Pat O. Misa also distributed books and school supplies to some school principals including a VCR which went to Cabungahan High School.
DAUSA Adopt-a-Student led by Darling Dayondon met the initial 26 DAUSA scholars and some Cebu State College – Sabang Campus officilas at the school’s Home Economics Building. They had a get-to-know-you lunch.
A student spokesman for the the DAUSA scholars expressed the difficulty of some kids from the far mountain barrios as they could not afford to buy books and project materials. One almost dropped out for this reason.
An instant pass-the-hat was initiated grossing over 0.00 and was given to the guidance counsellor to meet some of the scholars’ immediate needs.
Adopt-a-Student Project
Adopt-a-Student Project is one major association project that is aggressively being pursued by Candy Canga and Martinette Dayondon, two very active and supportive DAUSA officers, assigned to manage the project.
The principal of the five barangay high schools in Danao were asked to identify poor and deserving students desiring to pursue college education at the Cebu State College of Science and Technology – Danao City Campus. DAUSA Members who had volunteered to participate in the projet adopt and support these students for the 4-year period of college, paying .00 per year for each student. At present, DAUSA members are supporting 38 students.
Danao City Little League
The Association had also embarked another project aimed at helping school children of Danao learn to play baseball. Several volunteers were asked to adopt a school and donate to these schools needed sports equipments, such as little league bats, gloves, balls and other baseball accessories. Project Manager responsible for the Danao City Little Leauge Assistance is Ben Jackson, husband of Dr. Anita Cal-Jackson, Chief of Medical Mission.
Two schools, Suba and Guinacot Elementary Schools were initial recipients of baseball equipments, which DAUSA donors bought from garage/yard sales or thrift stores.
2007 Champions of the Earth–Includes a Danawanon, also Al Gore
February 21, 2007
Award winners announced on Eve of Governing Council/Global Ministerial Environment Forum
(One of the 7 awardees is Eliza Gozun of World Bank, daughter of DAUSA Member Socorro Almendras-Gillera. Monching)
Nairobi, 1 February 2007 – – Seven leaders whose achievements range from chemical safety, sustainable waste management and the greening of sporting events to the conservation of deserts, rainforests and the global climate are to be honoured as Champions of the Earth 2007, the UN Environment Programme (UNEP) announced today.
The winners, who will be presented with their awards at a special ceremony in Singapore on 19 April, were named as:
• His Excellency Mr. Cherif Rahmani for advancing environmental law in Algeria and for his role in leading the Year for Deserts and Desertification.
• Elisea ‘Bebet’ Gillera Gozun for pushing forward the environmental agenda in her native Philippines by winning the trust of business leaders, non-governmental organizations and political decision-makers alike;
• Viveka Bohn of Sweden for playing a prominent role in multilateral negotiations and her leadership in global efforts to ensure chemical safety;
• Her Excellency Ms. Marina Silva of Brazil for her tireless fight to protect the Amazon rainforest while taking into account the perspectives of people who use the resources in their daily lives;
• Al Gore of the United States for making environmental protection a pillar of his public service and for educating the world on the dangers posed by rising greenhouse gas emissions;
• His Royal Highness Prince Hassan Bin Talal of Jordan for his belief in transboundary collaboration to protect the environment and for addressing environmental issues in a holistic manner;
• Jacques Rogge and the International Olympic Committee (IOC) for advancing the sport and environment agenda by providing greater resources to sustainable development and for introducing stringent environmental requirements for cities bidding to host Olympic Games.
Mai-Mai Barriga Domaboc & Co. – A Day with the Orphans
February 4, 2007
As soon as my morning alarm cracked up my entire house, I went straight to the altar and prayed my visit would somehow be successful.
I have a lot hang ups in my mind and I always wished my day with the orphans would make me forget about my daily-yet-shallow-problems. I took a quick shower and did all my finishing touches.
The weather was perfect. The chocolates were already in the party bags and the toys were already piled up and were good to go. I was hoping I could catch up with my mom who happened to go to work as early as 7 am.
I was a bit nervous as to how the kids would accept me knowing how much they enjoyed the company of the DAUSA members who visited them last September.
I was at least happy because I would be giving out the toys and chocolates from PJ Mallari who was one of the DAUSA members who visited the kids.
I heard my friend honking her Starex Van and I knew we were good go. I was amazed how my highschool friends responded to my invitation when I saw the boxes of Juice, the tuperwares piled up with hotdogs, spaghetti, marshmallows and sliced bread. I didn’t expect they have the sincerest intention to help.
The day was bright, the sun was warm and I can feel my heart pounding while I was walking down the tiny little aisle going to that little house. The kids welcomed us with a warm hug so I guess they knew we were coming over to visit.
It was like around 2 in the afternoon when we got to Danao and the kids were in their tantrum moods since we disturbed their afternoon nap. I told them who I was and they were smiling when I told them the toys I have are for them from their Kuya PJ.