posted Jan 20, 2010 11:30 PM by Barangay Tortugas
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updated Jan 20, 2010 11:41 PM
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posted Dec 3, 2009 2:49 AM by Barangay Tortugas
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updated Dec 8, 2009 5:19 PM
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PNLG (PEMSEA NETWORK of LOCAL GOVERNMENTS for a
SUSTAINABLE COASTAL DEVELOPMENT) - a self-sustaining network of local
governments implementing the International Creative Management. This forum
started last Nov. 20 -23, 2009 here in Balanga City, an event
promoting the Management of Natural and Man-made Hazard Prevention, Habitat
Protection, Restoration and Management, Coastal and Ocean Governance, Water Use
and Supply Management, Food Security and Livelihood Management and Pollution
Reduction and Waste Management. Nov. 22, 2009 was a successful day here at Balanga
City Wetland Park (formerly Bay park), wherein prominent officials from East Asian
Country and other delegates here in the Philippines participated in this event
including local officials from different Barangays in the City of Balanga, City
& Provincial Department Heads, CFARMC, Bantay Dagat and all other concerned
agencies . Tortugas Barangay Council headed by Barangay Captain Victor A. Baluyot
Jr. together with the Barangay Tanods joined force, making Barangay Tortugas a well
accommodating place to our guests. Barangay Captain Baluyot and our ever
supportive City Mayor, Jose Enrique “Joet” S. Garcia III, gave an inspiring message
to the said event. Barangay Tortugas was also thankful to Honorable Governor
Enrique Tet Garcia, the man behind this event and also to Congressman
Abet Garcia for inspiring us to be an advocate to a sustainable environment and
to a sustainable coastal development. |
posted Nov 24, 2009 9:47 PM by Barangay Tortugas
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updated Nov 24, 2009 10:38 PM
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The international coastal
clean up day was successfully done last September 2009 in Barangay Tortugas,
Balanga City, Bataan. With great passion and enthusiasm, more than 600
volunteers from the local residents to city and provincial government employees
and department heads and several attached agencies joined efforts in the said
drive. Various civic and religious groups likewise showed their support.
Members of The United Methodist Church, College students from MAAP and BPSU,
the Rotary Club, the Lions Club, Knights of Columbus and the Philippine
National Police were also there. What a great sight to see these people
purposely geared and ready to do their bits in cleaning this part of the
coastal area. The Barangay Officials of
Tortugas, headed by Punong Barangay Victor A. Baluyot Jr. were so thankful
first to God for blessing us with such untouched coastal area, now a sanctuary
for various rare bird species. Second to the city and provincial tourism
council for supporting us in visualizing, developing and improving this Balanga
City Wet land Park to a much natural habitat-which is equally good for our
environment. With a vision for it to be a center for tourism and one which is
something for the next generation could look forward to see too. An awareness
program was previously launched and today, many people fully understood now the
importance of preserving the environment for the ecosystem.
It was a great fun day all in
all. People in government and civic
positions were in one with the ordinary people in showing that everybody is
needed in maintaining a clean environment for a better community for everyone
to enjoy.
As always, an event is not an
event if there is no food to share. There were hot pandesal and coffee prepared
by the Balanga City Government, the
Barangay Council of Tortugas, The United Methodist Church, and the Rotary Club
of Balanga, many thanks to you all.
Once again, our sincere
gratitude to our Governor Tet Garcia, Congressman Abet Garcia, Mayor Joet
Garcia and Vice Mayor Noel Valdecañas and to all the members of the City
Council for always being the first in supporting and allocating our local
barangay programs. Mabuhay kayong lahat! All Glory be to God! |
posted Oct 1, 2009 10:27 PM by Barangay Tortugas
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updated Oct 1, 2009 11:09 PM
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The 5th Philippine Bird Festival, the country’s largest celebration of avifaunal diversity and bird lore awareness, is set to take off on October 9 in Balanga City in Bataan. Balanga holds the Philippine record for hosting the largest concentration of wintering shorebirds from the Asian mainland and Japan.
Bird watchers, conservationist and nature enthusiasts from here and abroad are expected to flock to the Bataan Provincial Bird Festival, the country’s largest celebration of avifaunal diversity and bird lore awareness. The Philippine Bird Festival will mark the arrival from the Asian mainland and Japan of wintering shorebirds with the official dedication of the Balanga Nature and Wetland Park, the first protected wetland park in the whole Manila Bay area.
Themed Ibong Dayo, Kaibigan Tayo! (The Migrant Birds: Our Friends), this year’s bird festival aims to drum public support for the conservation and awareness of the Balanga wetlands, where more than 15,000 individual birds were on record during the Asian Waterbird Census in January.
The wetlands of Puerto Rivas in Balanga City Attract one of the largest concentration of migrant shorebirds and waterfowl anywhere in the Philippines, According to the Wild Bird Club of the Philippines (WBCP), the country’s leading bird watching society and organizer of the Philippine Bird Festival.
“The Balanga wetlands consistently land in the country’s top 5 wetlands with the most number of wintering water birds, which included Candaba Marsh in Pampanga and Olango Island in Cebu,” said WBCP president Michael Lu, who participated in the annual survey. These three sites are on the Asian flyway, but the Balanga wetlands located across the Bay from Metro Manila continues to be a surprise, “We hope to bring attention to the need to conserve the entire coastline and waters of Manila bay,” he said.
The Balanga wetlands are being promoted as a bird watching destination by the Adventure Philippine campaign of the Department of Tourism and the Recreational Outdoor Exchange, according to Lu.
Bird Festival Committee chair Alice Villa-Real said the annual event hopes to raise the bar of awareness about the bird life of the islands, promote public interest in conservation and encourage the creation of more public green spaces.
Villa-Real said there are more than 600 species of birds in the Philippines, no fewer than 200 are found only in the archipelago. She also said places like the mudflats and remaining mangroves of the Manila Bay coastline provide a temporary home for migrant birds like the rare Chinese Egret, Grey Heron (talabong), Whiskered Terns (kanaway), sandpipers and plovers (tarinting).
This year’s Bird Festival will open with the dedication ceremony at the balanga Nature and Wetland Park in Tortugas, followed by street dancing by local troupes along the route to the new plaza Mayor de Balanga. The exhibit of bird photos, lectures and film screenings at the People’s Center in the capitol grounds will be open to the public free of charge. Organizers said an activity center featuring bird-themed games, arts and crafts, and face painting will be on tap for the young and the young at heart.
The Provincial Government is simultaneously staging a trade fair on the Capitol grounds that would feature the best products from 12 towns in Bataan.
The Philippine Bird Festival was launched by local bird watching hobbyists in 2005 and has since brought the message of birdlife awareness and conservation to Cebu City and Puerto Princesa in Palawan, two of the country’s important bird areas.
Similar events take place throughout the world each year, attracting large numbers of bird watchers, scientists and nature enthusiasts. In Asia, some of the well-known events are the annual Taipei International Birdwatching Fair in Taiwan and Malaysia’s Raptor Watch Week.
This year’s Philippine bird Festival is sponsored by the City of Balanga and the Province of bataan, Department of Tourism, Team Energy Foundation, Genesis Transport, primer Group, Recreational Outdoor Exchange (ROX), & Columbia Outdoor Wear.
Taiwan’s Wild Bird Society of Taipei, Kaoshiung Wild Bird Society and Chinese Wild Bird Federation, the Bird Conservation Society of Thailand, Hong kong Birdwatching Society, the Nature Society of Singapore and the Malaysia Nature Society have announced their participation in this year’s festival.
Local conversation organizations Philippine eagle Foundation of Davao, the Katala Foundation of Palawan, World Wide Fund for Nature-Philippines, Isla Biodiversity Conversation Foundation, the Polillo Island Biodiversity Conversation Foundation, Pederasyon sa Nagkahiusang mga Mag-uuma nga Nanalipud ug Napasig-uli sa Kinaiyahan Inc. Of Dumaguete, Birdwatch Palawan, Philippine Biodiversity Conversation Foundation and Cebu Biodiversity Conversation Foundation, the Municipality of Candaba Pampanga, the City of Bisling in Surigao Del Sur also made known their support for the Balanga event. |
posted Aug 24, 2009 7:35 PM by Barangay Tortugas
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updated Aug 24, 2009 11:39 PM
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For the longest time, water supply had been one of the greatest problems of the residents of Barangay Tortugas. The lack of household water system and community artesian wells drying up make their lives miserable. Many had to depend on water peddlers which equated to additional house expense or suffer the long queues themselves just to get some potable water. The wait is finally over. On July the 2nd, the new Barangay Water system was unveiled to all, with the help of distinct members of local City government, Councillor Vianca Venzon Gozon, Councillor Liza A. Vasquez and Congressman Abet Garcia represented by Ms. Joan Soyangco.Tortugas United Methodist Church pastor, Rev. Billy Torres also graced the occasion and blessed the new water system.This milestone would not have been achieved without the tireless efforts of all Barangay Tortugas council members, led by Barangay Captain Victor A. Baluyot Jr. This would also not have been possible without the endless support of city Mayor Joet Garcia and Vice Mayor Noel Valdecanas, Gov. Tet Garcia and Cong. Abet Garcia whose good governance benefited not just Barangay Tortugas but also the metropolitan Bataan.This project was part of the prize when Tortugas was named “Pinakatatanging Barangay sa Lungsod ng Balanga”. The Barangay council is hopeful that the residents , in welcoming this precious gift of water, would make all the efforts to enjoy it through responsible use. Let’s build a clean and healthy lifestyle and mold a strong Barangay Tortugas.We would like to give our sincere thanks to all of you, most especially to our Lord Jesus Christ.. May God Bless us all. |
posted Aug 24, 2009 7:32 PM by Barangay Tortugas
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updated Aug 25, 2009 5:21 PM
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Barangay Tortugas did it! The much awaited results of the friendly competition for the Most Oustanding Barangay in the City of Balanga which was launched by our beloved Mayor, Hon. Joet S. Garcia, was finally announced. Barangay Tortugas brought the bacon home! This was after a very rigid evaluation done by the members of the City Government of Balanga. The grand prize in the amount of P2 million to fund infrastructure was accepted with great pride by the Sangguniang Barangay and Sangguniang Kabataan of Tortugas headed by Barangay Captain Victor A. Baluyot Jr.
The awarding was held last December 27, 2008 in the City plaza together with the recognition ceremony given to the past abc presidents and and all barangay captains who served in their respective barangays.
But wait, there's more! Barangay Tortugas also received the Best in Peace and Order Program with a cash gift of P50 thousand. Again, this would be used to further enhance current initiatives in placed.
25 Barangays joined the said competition. Lead by their Barangay Captains and Councilors, each demonstrated their ingenuity, efficiency and passion in improving their local barangays-something that all deserve recognition.
The second prize of P1.5 million and third prize of P1 million were won by Barangay Central and Barangay Bagong Silang respectively. All remaining barangays each received P 150 thousand or a service vehicle for use in everyday operations.
During a short interview with Barangay Captain Vic Baluyot, he reiterated that "Barangay Tortugas would really like to win this contest not so much for the prestige of the award but more for the joy of in creating an habitable and peace loving community through the consorted effort of everyone". And his parting words were, " ang pagkapanalo ng aming barangay ay pagkapanalo ng lahat ng barangay at pagkapanalo ng buong lungsod ng balanga".
In conclusion, the Peace and Order, the Cleacliness drive, the Health and Nutrition and all other services can be noticed in any barangay in the City of Balanga. This much was an anticipated result of another program of our ever innovative Mayor Joet Garcia. Saludo kami sa inyo sir!
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posted Aug 24, 2009 7:27 PM by Barangay Tortugas
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updated Aug 24, 2009 9:12 PM
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The Barangay Day Program was made possible through the efforts of
Barangay Captain Anselmo Sanchez who is the present President of the League of
Barangays. The objective of which is to appreciate and recognize the
contributions of the Sanggunian in their respective barangays.
The said annual Barangay Day celebration was finally put in place after a bill
had been passed through the co-operation of our good Mayor of Balanga, Honorable
Joet Garcia and Vice Mayor Noel Valdecanaz and
the rest of the members of the city council.
Everyone was excited because this event was a first in the city of Balanga. The
25 Barangays were grouped into 5 clusters. Each cluster was represented by a
color. The Red Cluster consisted of Brgy. Talisay, Brgy. Pto.
Rivas Lote, Brgy. Pto. Rivas Itaas, Brgy. Pto. Rivas Ibaba and Brgy. Tortugas;
the White Cluster consisted of Brgy. Dona Francisca, Brgy.
Tuyo, Brgy. Bagong bayan. Brgy. Malabia and Brgy. Sibacan; the Blue
Cluster consisted of Brgy. Central, Brgy. Proper, Brgy. West, Brgy.
North at Brgy. Cataning; the Yellow Cluster consisted of Brgy.
Poblacion, Brgy. San Jose, Brgy. Cabog-Cabog, Brgy. Tanato and Brgy.
Dangcol; the Green Cluster consisted of Brgy. Bagong Silang, Brgy.
Munting Batangas, Brgy. Ibayo, Brgy. Tenejero and Bargy. Camacho.
The celebration began by a thanksgiving mass at Balanga Cathedral followed by a
parade which was joined by all Barangay Officials. There was a muse for each
cluster who then showed their individual talents in singing and dancing. A
question and answer portion added excitement in choosing this years' Barangay clusters' muse. The
winner will be announced at the Recognition and Awards Night of the same date.
One of the highlights of the event was the parade of the official logos of each
Barangay. Each logo was to depict the Barangays' present community standing.
After the ceremonial presentation, each flag will remain in each respective
Barangay Hall.
Each Barangay Captain expressed their gratitude for the help of Mayor Joet
Garcia who funded the cost of making the 25 logo flags.
This first part of this very organised program ended
on a happy note. MABUHAY ANG LAHAT NG BARANGAY SA LUNGSOD NG BALANGA! LONG
LIVE!!!
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posted Aug 24, 2009 7:22 PM by Barangay Tortugas
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updated Aug 25, 2009 5:29 PM
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A joint undertaking on Diabetic
Awareness and Screening of Bataan (Host) Lions Club
and late Reynaldo S. Samson Foundation was held at Barangay Tortugas, Balanga City, November 24, 2008 at 6:00am to
10:00am.
Barangay Captain
Victor A. Baluyot Jr. and Lions Club President Chad dela Fuente spearheaded the
activity / project. Together with the Lions Club officers and members, Dr.
Anita M. de Dios, Luisa D. Quiñones, Mary Lou D. Perral, Manuel Camacho as well
as the Orion Galaxy Lions Club headed by Victoria Bagtas, Nilda Bagtas, Fher
Gallardo and Tess David.
Barangay Captain
Victor A. Baluyot Jr. with the Sangguniang Barangay, conducted the activity
orderly. There were 202 persons being screened and 35 females and 26 males with
a total of 65 persons were found to be diabetic.
They were
adviced to have diet, exercise and consult a doctor for those whose blood sugar
is too high. The teachers and staff of Tortugas Elementary School
were also screened. The wife of the late Reynaldo S. Samson and the sister of
the BHLC president donated 200 strips for the project.
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posted Aug 24, 2009 7:16 PM by Barangay Tortugas
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updated Aug 25, 2009 12:08 AM
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From the bottom
of our hearts, barangay Tortugas would like to once again thank Governor Tet
Garcia, Congressman Abet Garcia, and Mayor Joet Garcia for being the triad
force in reacquainting us with the nature that is nearly lost. We appreciate
your support and effort in making this tiny barangay a known entity nationwide,
if not worldwide just yet by making Tortugas Bay Park a Bird Watching Site.
Inviting national officials to come here reflects their serious commitment in
the preservation of bird life.
October 16, 2008
marks the time when Barangay Tortugas takes centre stage as one of President
Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s cabinet members, the Honorable Secretary of the Department
of Tourism, Ace Durano personally visits our Bay Park. The presence of
Secretary Ace Durano adds excitement and pride can be felt among the Tortugas
residents and all the other guests from the Provincial Government, the City
Government of Balanga, officials from the NGO and representatives from
religious groups.
This momentous
visit is in conjunction with the inauguration of the Bird Watching Site.
Secretary Ace Durano, Congressman Abet, Governor Tet and Mayor Joet fly kites
to symbolize birds freely flying in our area.
We are truly
grateful to the following personalities and agencies that are continuously
helping us: all the department heads of the City Tourism Council, MISO, City
Agriculture Office and the GSO. Special
mention is given to to Sir Rudy De Mesa for his time in bringing out the
potential of our barangay and to be recognized as a tourist park in the city of
Balanga, province of Bataan. Special thanks are given to Sir Micheal C. Lu,
President of Wild Bird Club of the Philippines who is responsible for the
discovery of 24 bird species at Tortugas Bay Park Bird Watching Site. We also
acknowledge Dr. Joey Soriano who is giving us helpful information and
instructions on how to improve and look after these birds who find sanctuary in
our Bay Park. Not so long ago, a Chinese Egret, an endangered species was also
sighted here.
‘Iyeeeks!’ has
been the word of the day. Secretary Ace Durano says it several times throughout
the program to the enjoyment of the locals. ‘Iyeeeks!’ is a slang word of the
residents of Tortugas which varies its meaning depending on the emotions being
expressed. We say it if we are genuinely satisfied, surprised, thankful or
appreciative. On this note, we say our big ‘Iyeeeks!’ to the Garcias' for
inspiring us to give our best service for our barangay. We believe in the
reforms the 3Gs are doing. A progressive barangay would mean a progressive city
and a progressive city would mean a progressive provincial government thus
making a progressive Philippines.
Finally, by
everyone doing their part to preserve this bird sanctuary, we can ensure that
future generations do not only see these beautiful creatures in books, but
experience and appreciate them in its full glory. Let us not fail God in
looking after His creations. Let His creations WOW us...WOW Tortugas...WOW
Balanga...WOW Bataan...WOW Philippines!!!
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