Municipality of Pilar Welcomes Christmas With A SOMA and Christmas Lights

December 14, 2015; Pilar, Bataan – It will be another glowing Christmas in this little but fabulous town. Hon. Alicia D. Pizarro, the very talented and dynamic town Mayor spearheaded yet another successful Lighting Ceremony of Christmas Decorations at the frontage of the Municipal building. This is right after she delivered her State of the Municipality Address before the guests and townsfolk of the event.

Rev. Fr. Josue D. Enero, the parish priest of Pilar was present to bless the gathering. Mayor Pizarro reported about the current situation in the town. She reported that Pilar is really on its way to realizing its shout of “Angat Pilar”

She vaunted of the Angat Pilar ambulance and the various free health services available at the Rural Health Unit. The PNP Pilar, with one of its optometrist personnel also took the initiative for free eye check up. The municipality, with the various departments’ initiatives has made Pilar to becoming a Child Friendly Municipality, Smoke-Free Municipality, and in implementing proper waste management. In addition, many health-related activities such as Buntis Congress and Newborn Screening were conducted.

She also mentioned about the new fire truck and the Kasalang Bayan which enabled unmarried couples to finally tie their vows. She boasted about Pilar being the No. 1 rice-producing town in the province. In this light is the purchase of hand tractor for the agriculture industry of this town.

In addition, she mentioned the many programs and activities which made Pilar a preferred location for Eco-Tourism spot in Bataan, thus, the launching of Kasinagan Festival to be the name of the annual Fiesta celebration.

The many organizations in the town have been very active and cooperative as well. The OFW Family Circle entry to the Model OFW Family won at the Regional. The cooperatives were also active in various coop celebrations and were also blessed to be granted monetary interest-free loans from NGOs to be used for livelihood and enterprise projects of their members.

The “BahaySilungan” is for the youth astray to find shelter. The youth also has the t-shirt printing for business. The Day Care Centers were repaired to be conducive for our little learners. The ALS building donated by Cong. Catalina Bagasina of ALE Party List is already being utilized. An additional classroom for construction at Liyang Elementary School from the Municipality’s School Education Fund will be ready for use by S.Y. 2016-2017. NCII trainings were provided as well for out of school youth and those who want to learn skills. The trainings included welding and housekeeping.

The General Fund increased as well from P76M last 2014 to P85M for 2015. The Special Education Fund also increased from P3.1M on 2014 to P3.6M on 2015. In partnership with the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources are the many programs for the fishermen and fisherfolks.

Various road constructions were also reported such as concreting of road ofSitio Aquino in Ala-uli, improvement of Magsaysay Dam, genset pedestal, Rehabilitation Control of Talisay River in Diwa, Dunsulan Road, the road in Taglesville, Ala-uli, and drainage canals among others.

Certificates of Appreciation were also awarded to professors from the University of the Philippines Department of Food Science and Nutrition. These professors together with their students voluntarily went to the different barangays of Pilar to help out with health and nutrition concerns of the town’s folks.
Mayor Pizarro, together with Dr. Cherrielyne E.Naguit, Municipal Health Officer and OIC of the Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office, Ms. Annie E. Hipolito, Municipal Local Government Officer, Ms. Aurea I. Iguico, OSCA Head, and SPO2 Gilda R. Candido, Chief – Women and Children Protection Desk awarded the winners for Most Functional Barangay VAW Desk. The winners were as follows:

1st Place – Bgy. Balut II
2nd Place – Bgy. Diwa and Bgy. Sta. Rosa
3rd Place – Bgy. Wawa

The winners for the Most Functional BCPC awarded by Mayor Pizarro, Dr. Naguit, and Ms. Hipolito were:
1st Place – Bgy. Rizal
2nd Place – Bgy. Wawa
3rd Place – Bgy. Wakas North
Special Award – Bgy.Diwa

Mayor Pizarro and Dr. Naguit then awarded the winners for Seal of Good Barangay Health Governance. The winners were:
Green Award – Bgy. Wawa
Yellow – Bgy.Balut I, Bgy. Diwa, Bgy. Pantingan

The Best Christmas Belen in the Barangay was awarded by Mayor Pizarro and Vice-Mayor Marino H. Caguimbal. The winners were:
1st Place – Bgy. Wawa
2nd Place – Bgy. Poblacion
3rd Place – Bgy. Pantingan
Special Award – Bgy. Landing

Ms. Cecilia R. Garcia, member of the Pilar Tourism Council gave an inspirational Christmas message for the audience. Ms. Nikki Joy L. Enriquez and Ms. Mikaela T. Puzon serenaded the audience with Christmas carols.

Finally, the much-awaited lighting of the Christmas Decorations in the façade of the municipality was conducted. The assembly was awed by the beauteous fireworks as well.

Mr. Leo Espinosa and Ms. Melba Toletino, faculty from the Don Pablo Roman Memorial High School emceed the event.