2nd best PESO in the country 2012

Testamento nang patuloy na pagbuti ng pamamahala gayundin ng pag-angat ng ekonomiya sa lungsod ang muling pagkakahirang sa Calapan bilang 2^nd Best Public Employment Services Office (PESO) - Component City Category.

Taong 2005 nang maitatag ang City PESO ng Calapan na ang pangunahing layunin ay makahikayat pa ng maraming employers na tiyak na makapagbibigay-kabuhayan sa mga Calapeño, pang-lokal man o pang-abroad. Tungkulin din nitong makipag-ugnayan sa Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) maging sa Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) at sa iba pang konsernadong ahensiya para masiguro ang maayos na kapakanan ng mga manggawang Calapeño.

Noong 2011 unang nakuha ng naturang opisina ang parehong parangal. Makalipas ang isang taon, muling lumaban sa maraming siyudad sa bansa ang City PESO kabilang na ang City of San Fernando, Pampanga na siyang nagwagi sa taong ito.

Ang mabilis na pagtaas ng employment rate sa lungsod ang pangunahing dahilan kung kaya naihanay ang city government sa may pinakamahuhusay na PESO Office sa buong bansa. Dagdag pa dito ang pagpasok ng malalaking investments na nakapagbigay ng trabaho para sa mga Calapeño.

Upang personal na tanggapin ang naturang parangal, tumulak patungong Baguio Country Club, Baguio City si PESO Manager at siya ring City Planning and Development Coordinator Marvin L. Panahon noong ika-11 ng Oktubre.

Samantala, ipinasa ng 5^th Sangguniang Panlungsod sa kanilang 53^rd regular session noong Setyembre 2011 ang Resolution No. 587, City Ordinance No. 16 “An Ordinance Establishing the Public Employment Services Office under the Office of the City Mayor and Adopting the Organizational Structure of the same and appropriating funds thereof.” upang kilalanin ang City PESO bilang isang ganap na institusyon.

Ang hakbang ding ito ang ginawa upang higit pang matutukan ng City PESO ang pagtataguyod ng mga proyekto at programang tutugon sa pagpapa-unlad ng kabuhayan sa lungsod.

Lubos naman ang pasasalamat ni G. Panahon na ngayo’y Regional President ng MIMAROPA Regional PESO Federation sa pamahalaan dahil sa suportang ibinibigay nito sa kaniyang tanggapan. Dahil dito, inaasahang mas maiaangat pa ang antas ng pamumuhay ng mga mamamayan sa Lungsod ng Calapan.

Proclamation No. 349, s. 2012

MALACAÑAN PALACE

MANILA

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES

PROCLAMATION NO. 349

DECLARING WEDNESDAY, 21 MARCH 2012, AS A SPECIAL (NON-WORKING) DAY IN THE CITY OF CALAPAN, PROVINCE OF ORIENTAL MINDORO

WHEREAS, Wednesday, 21 March 2012, marks the celebration of the 14^th Foundation Day anniversary of the City of Calapan;

WHEREAS, it is but fitting and proper that the people of the City of Calapan be given full opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion with appropriate ceremonies.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, PAQUITO N. OCHOA JR., Executive Secretary, by authority of His Excellency, BENIGNO S. AQUINO III, do hereby declare Wednesday, 21 March 2012, as a special (non-working) day in the City of Calapan,

IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the Republic of the Philippines to be affixed.

Done in the City of Manila, this 2^nd day of March, in the year of Our Lord, Two Thousand and Twelve.

By authority of the President:

(Sgd.) PAQUITO N. OCHOA JR.

Executive Secretary

CALAPAN BAY BY DAY AND NIGHT

Going to and from field work in Oriental Mindoro gave me the chance to appreciate the beauty of Calapan Bay. I was billeted in Calapan Bay hotel, a stone's throw away from Calapan City pier. For the first 3 days, I was disappointed. It was always raining. On the 4th and 5th day of my stay in the hotel, bright sunny mornings greeted me. It was a break from gloomy breakfasts.

Initially, I thought it was just an ordinary daily scene. But then peeping through the grills of the fence that separates the sea and the hotel, I noticed some people gleaning (it was a lowtide).  Again, another dramatic scene I always wanted to capture through my lenses.  So, I dashed back to my room and grabbed my camera backpack and in minutes, I was shooting the beautiful scenery. Thus for three mornings, what could be better than enjoying morning sun, sniffing the salty sea air, savoring your coffee while admiring this God-given scenery?  Lovely, isnt't it?

The view from Calapan Bay Hotel's rear veranda.

A fisherman catching some fish.

Wide view of Capalan City Pier.

A gleaner, apparently collecting clams and other edibles.

However, I did not have much chance of capturing Calapan Bay by nightfall.  It was either raining at night or too late when I reach the hotel from field work.  I had a full week and felt drained and sometimes I would just doze off until dinner time.

When it was dinnertime on my second to the last night in the hotel, a beautiful sunset became a reliever to my worn out body. Again, I ran back to my room to get my camera! (I seem to have a penchant of not bringing my camera with me! Well, it happens.  Besides I had to dine and not shoot.).

 Thinking that sunsets happen so fast I felt I had to do it again. Unlike my other previous sunset photos, it was not very dramatic, but then, sunsets always fascinates me. I was careful not to have camera shake as I did not have a tripod with me (Yeah, a lame excuse!). I tried on some, but I only made some good shots, especially in some long exposures, and increasing the ISO is the only way to have it fast.

Sunset in Calapan Bay.

Super Cat heading to Batangas Port. Trying on an incandescent white balance.

President Aquino leads the ceremonial switch-on of 45 sitios under the Sitio Electrification Program of ORMECO

President Benigno S. Aquino III, accompanied by Oriental Mindoro Gov. Alfonso Umali Jr., Oriental Mindoro 1st Dist. Rep. Rodolfo Valencia, ORMECO General Manager & CEO Romeo Cuasay and Oriental Mindoro 2nd Dist. Rep. Reynaldo Umali, pulls the lever of the main switch that will light the big red bulbs in the map representing the 45 sitios electrified during the ceremonial switch-on of the 45 Sitios under the Sitio Electrification Program of Oriental Mindoro Electric Cooperative Inc. (ORMECO) at the Recreation and Events Center, ORMECO Main Office, Barangay Santa Isabel, Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro Friday (March 2, 2012. The 45 sitios are the initial recipients of the Sitio Electrification Program of President Aquino under the auspices of the Department of Energy (DOE) and the National Electrification Administration (NEA). (Photo by: Ryan Lim/ Malacañang Photo Bureau/PNA)

President Aquino at the ceremonial switch-on of the 2.1MW Lower Cascade of the Linao-Cawayan Mini-Hydro Power Plant

President Benigno S. Aquino III leads the ceremonial switch-on of the 2.1-megawatt Lower Cascade of the Linao-Cawayan Mini-Hydro Power Plant at the Recreation and Events Center, Oriental Mindoro Electric Cooperative (ORMECO) Main Office in Barangay Santa Isabel, Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro Friday (March 2, 2012). The ceremony marked the start of the full operation of the power plant facility. Also in photo are Oriental Mindoro Gov. Alfonso Umali Jr., Oriental Mindoro 2nd Dist. Rep. Reynaldo Umali, Oriental Mindoro 1st Dist. Rep. Rodolfo Valencia and ORMECO General Manager & CEO Romeo Cuasay. (Photo by Jay Morales/ MalacaÒang Photo Bureau/PNA)

President Aquino arrives in Calapan City for the ceremonial switch-on of ORMECO’s Sitio Electrification Program

President Benigno S. Aquino III is welcomed by Southern Luzon Command (SOLCOM) chief Lt. Gen. Roland Detabali upon his arrival for the ceremonial switch-on of the Sitio Electrification Program of Oriental Mindoro Electric Cooperative Inc. (ORMECO) at the Recreation and Events Center, ORMECO Main Office, Barangay Santa Isabel, Calapan City, Oriental Mindoro Friday (March 2, 2012). Electricity has been provided to some 45 sitios that benefit 978 initial families, the recipients of the Sitio Electrification Program of President Aquino under the auspices of the Department of Energy and the National Electrification Administration. (Photo by Jay Morales/Malacañang Photo Bureau/PNA)

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Grow with the Dalubhasaan ng Lungsod ng Calapan!

Congratulations for choosing the City College of Calapan (Dalubhasaan ng Lungsod ng Calapan) as a path for your educational journey! We are here to help you be successful and have the experienced faculty and qualified staff to support you.  We provide a student-centered environment that is at the core of our mission.

We are here to help you prepare for a bright future full of endless possibilities.  With dedication to access a spirit of support through student services and focus on student success through outstanding quality of education that I invite you to explore this Student Handbook to learn more about City College of Calapan.

We, as an institution, promote participation, diversity, collegiality, innovation and stewardship.  At every level, we seek to demonstrate that our primary mission is to help you succeed.  All are core values at the City College of Calapan.

City College of Calapan is an energetic and collaborative member of the Calapan community.  Set in the heart of the City, we are proud to be a campus that nurtures and encourages diversity in our student body, staff, faculty, and courses.

Our mission is dedicated to working collaboratively with our community to enhance the economic and social development of the city.  We have outstanding academic programs that help students with their educational goals.

Further, we have a strong Code of Ethics and Excellence Guide for all faculty, students and staff.  There is a profound appreciation of and respect for the dignity and worth of each member of our community.  The Handbook includes the following values, fairness, civility, integrity, respect and trust.

Thank you for choosing the City College of Calapan! I am confident that you will find this part of your journey enlightening, rewarding and enjoyable because at City College of Calapan, we “seek to create a learning community that celebrates diversity, nurtures personal growth, and inspires academic leadership.”

Please come and find out what we have to offer.  We hope you will explore all the growth opportunities here at City College of Calapan.  I look forward to seeing you in campus.

Sincerely,

Atty. Paulino Salvador “Doy” C. Leachon

Mayor, City of Calapan

                                                                               City College of Calapan Chairman, Board of Trustees

Pagtatanim sa kabundukan

Muling nagsagawa ng maramihang pagtatanim ng mga puno  ang samahan ng   bikers ng Oriental Mindoro nitong Pebrero 27, sa Sitio Arigoy, Barangay Calsapa, bayan ng San Teodoro.
Ayon kay Community Affairs Officer IV Roberto O. Mendoza, nasa 200-pananim na lawaan at apitong ay pinagtulungang itinanim ng bikers ng lalawigan at ng mga kawani ng pamahalaang bayan ng San Teodoro bilang proteksyon na rin sa itinatayong ‘Linao Cawayan Mini-Hydro Power Plant’ sa nabanggit na lugar.

Sinabi naman ni Chapter President Dennis Amuguis ng Calapan Mountain Bikers Calapan City, na patuloy ding susuporta sa mga adhikain ng pamahalaaang panlalawigan ang mga samahan ng bikers sa lungsod ng Calapan at sa mga bayan ng  Baco, San Teodoro, Puerto Galera at Victoria. (Provincial Information Office)

SuperCat - SuperFerry Travel and Leisure - Discounts

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BACOLOD-ILOILO SCHEDULE Effective February 12, 2012, the trip schedule for Bacolod to Ilo-ilo and Ilo-ilo to Bacolod will be as follows: BACOLOD - ILOILO 6:00 A.M. 8:00 A.M 9:30 A.M. 12:30P.M. 3:15 PM 5:05 PM ILOILO - BACOLOD 6:00 A.M. 8:00 A.M 9:30 A.M. 12:30P.M. 3:15 PM 5:05 PM   NEW SCHEDULE Effective January 28, 2012, new sailing schedule for Cebu to Tagbilaran and Tagbilaran to Cebu will be as follows: CEBU - TAGBILARAN 8:30 A.M. 12:50 P.M 5:10 P.M. TAGBILARAN - CEBU 10:40 A.M. 3:00 P.M. 7:20 P.M.   SAFEKEEPING SERVICE FEE Effective December 1, 2010, deposited Firearms will be charge with a safekeeping service fee with the following details: Short Firearm: Ph 50.00 Long Firearm : Ph 100.00 In excess of three (3) ammunition for short firearm Ph25.00 In excess of three (3) ammunition for long firearm Ph50.00   INFANT FEE Effective December 1, 2010, Infants 2 years old and below will be charge with infant fee of Ph25.00 VAT inclusive   CALAPAN - BATANGAS ONLINE Calapan - The SuperCat ticketing system in the Calapan Oriental Mindoro - Batangas route is already computerized and online effective November 16, 2010. Passengers can now buy tickets in advance, round trip, open-dated, prepaid and as well as tickets for SuperCat's other routes such as Bacolod - Iloilo, Cebu - Ormoc and Cebu - Tagbilaran at Batangas and Calapan ports or at any USSC (formerly RCPI) authorized outlets.   BUSINESS CLASS Travel in style and privacy via SuperCat business class accommodation. Available in Cebu Ormoc, Cebu Tagbilaran, Bacolod Iloilo routes only.   USSC OUTLETS Travelling is now even more convenient by making it accessible to the passengers to buy their tickets. SuperCat tickets are now available at your nearest USSC (formerly RCPI Western Union) outlets for a minimal service fee of PhP 25.00 per ticket. USSC also sells tickets for advance booking and all routes served by SuperCat   NON AIRCON PROMO RATES With SuperCat, you now have a choice to travel at cheaper rates through the non-aircon accommodation rates. One way fare for the Calapan Batangas route is PhP 240 and for the Bacolod Iloilo route it is PhP 250.   PH300 ROUND TRIP FARE SuperCat offers P300 return trip promo for Cebu-Tagbilaran or Tagbilaran-Cebu upon purchase of a one way fare of P530 (exclusive of terminal fee).Return trip must be within ONE WEEK from the first travel. For more details, please contact 032-233700 or email us at scat-customercare@SuperCat.com.ph   LIBRENG SAKAY SA JD We have "Libreng Sakay Sa JD Bus Promo" from/to Tacloban & Naval and via SuperCat at P740 only. You can have a round trip Libreng Sakay Sa JD from/to Tacloban & Naval via SuperCat at only Ph 1,480.Return trip must be within ONE WEEK from the first travel. For more details, please contact 032-233700 or email us at scat-customercare@SuperCat.com.ph

Dra. Llanto leads inspection of night market for food safety

Last February 3, City Health Officer Dra. Basilisa M. Llanto leads the initial inspection of all food handlers that are working in the Night Market.

According to Dra. Llanto, she decided to make the initial inspection together with the staff of Environmental Health and Sanitation Division to check if all food handlers are complying on PD 856 or the Code on Sanitation of the Philippines. This is also one way of checking the rumors that the food being

sold here are unsafe and exposed to various pathogenic bacteria and viruses.

Upon inspection, several food handlers were reminded to observe good personal hygiene and practices such as: wearing clean working garment and hair restraint; clean hands, arms and fingernails before working. Also, those who failed to show their health certificates were ordered to comply with the requirements prior to the issuance of individual certificates.

“Unsafe food causes acute and lifelong diseases that range from diarrhea to various forms of cancer wherein more than 200 diseases are reported being spread by food contamination,” said Dra. Llanto who ordered a follow-up inspection scheduled this month of February.

Meanwhile, there will be a schedule of consecutive seminars for food handling which will start on first quarter of 2012 to generate greater awareness on food safety.

Oral hygiene among daycare children addressed

CHSD conducted dental outreach program

In relation to the 8^th National Dental Health Month, the City Health and Sanitation Department celebrated the yearly event through the introduction of Fit for School Program and dental outreach program last February 14 at Barangay Navotas.

With the theme “Ngiting Matamis, Ngiping Malilinis, Dala ay Pag-asa, Tunay na Ligaya,” the CHSD targeted the daycare children of Navotas in the promotion of oral health care.

The Fit for School Program for daycare children which was launched last year aims to educate and promote healthy behavior among daycare children. The children are also encouraged to be advocates in making handwashing with soap and toothbrushing a routine way in the family life.

In support, City Mayor Doy C. Leachon and Vice Mayor CA Jojo Perez led the line of activities at the barangay. Mayor Leachon commended the dental outreach program which served more than 300 indigents. He hopes that through this program there will be a significant reduction in the absenteeism of a child and will greatly improve their school performance.

Seeing the warm welcome and high participation of the barangay people, Mayor Leachon together with City Health Officer Dra. Basilisa M. Llanto vowed to give more medical and dental missions this 2012 even to the far flung barangays.

In her speech, City Dentist Dra. Simonette Dalisay said that the celebration is considered one of the most important events of the Dental Section of CHSD. It highlights the importance of oral hygiene and dental health as an integral part in promoting the general well being of every individual.

Through the celebration, the CHSD was able to remind everyone of tooth care and good dental hygiene. With the continuing support of City Social Welfare Officer Juvy Bahia who also graced the event, the health program will surely be a success.

Meanwhile, a number of dental check-ups among the daycare schools are in line for the whole month of February.

The celebration concluded with one shot feeding, distribution of free slippers, vitamins, toothpaste and toothbrush for adults; toothbrush kits for the daycare children, free dentures, a magical show and a valentine’s day treat to women wherein Mayor Doy and Vice Mayor Perez personally gave flowers to them.

Mayor Doy, kumpirmadong nananatili bilang district chairman ng partido Liberal para sa Oriental Mindoro

Opisyal na idineklara at kinumpirma ng Liberal Party (LP) si Mayor Doy C.  Leachon bilang District Chairman of the 1st District of Oriental Mindoro. Base ito sa isang memorandum na nilagdaan ni LP Director General Ma. Gladys Cruz-Sta.Rita noong ika-25 ng Enero 2012.

Ayon sa memorandum, nagkaroon ng maliit na pagkakamali sa nilalaman ng inimprentang 65th Anniversary Commemorative Magazine ng Liberal Party noong Enero 2011 kung saan hindi nabanggit ang pagiging District Chairman ni Mayor Leachon. Bagkus, ang nabanggit dito ay ang pagiging City Chairman ng Punong Lungsod para sa Calapan. Kaya’t kinumpirma agad ng nasabing partido ang pagkakatalaga kay Mayor Leachon bilang District Chairman ng unang distrito ng Oriental Mindoro upang maresolba at matuldukan ang anumang ‘di pagkakaunawaan at pagkalito.

Kinumpirma din ito ni BM Henry Bacurnay, National President ng Provincial Board Members of the  League of the Philippines (PBMLP). Aniya, ang impormasyong nailahad sa naimprentang LP magazine ukol sa party chairmanship ng lalawigan ay isang “honest mistake.”

Ayon din kay Undersecretary Chito Gascon, dating Former Director General ng LP,  “no local party appointments were issued after the 2010 elections in Oriental Mindoro and unless otherwise later issued by proper party authorities, the policy is status quo.” Patunay ito na si Mayor Leachon na itinalaga noong Marso 2010 bilang  LP District Chairman para sa 1st District ng Oriental Mindoro, ang nananatili at nag nag-iisang District Chairman ng partido sa unang distrito ng lalawigan.

Noong Marso 2010, personal na nanumpa sa tungkulin si Mayor Leachon sa harap ni Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III na siya ring National Chairman ng LP. Doon din ay tinanggap ng Alkalde ang sertipiko ng kanyang pagkakatalaga sa tungkulin. Kasama sa kanyang oath-taking si LP Oriental Mindoro Provincial Chairman Alfonso V. Umali, Jr. na siya ring gobernador ng nasabing lalawigan.

Ang LP ay isa sa mga pinakamatandang political parties sa bansa na itinayo noon pang ika-19 ng Enero 1946 ni Manuel Roxas, ang unang pangulo ng Third Philippine Republic. Isang karangalan ang mapabilang sa partidong ito sapagkat naging instrumento ang samahan sa mahahalagang bahagi ng kasaysayan ng bansa upang mangibabaw ang karapatang pantao at pagpapanatili ng kalayaan ng bawat          Pilipino.

Bukod kay Pangulong Noynoy Aquino, kabilang sa mga kilalang miyembro ng samahan sina DOTC Secretary Mar Roxas, Senator Franklin Drilon, Speaker Feliciano Belmonte, DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo at ang yumaong bayani ng Pilipinas na si Ninoy Aquino.

Calapan keeps ISO 9001 certificate

CALAPAN CITY—Calapan City has maintained its International Organization for Standardization (ISO) 9001 certification for its development and quality service to the public.

Mayor Paulino Salvador Leachon said Calapenos are extremely proud of having received another ISO certification.

“This is a major achievement and a compliance milestone,” he said in a press statement.

Calapan is among four recipients of the prestigious ISO 9001 certification out of 122 local government units that vied for it.

Leachon accepted the certification in Malacañang on Jan. 16 from President Aquino.

The three other certificate recipients are Dagupan City in Pangasinan, Tanauan City in Batangas and San Fernando City in La Union.

The certificate is a recognition of the quality of the city’s public service which Lea Carpio, the city’s planning development officer, said was due to the streamlining of various processes in businesses and service delivery.

CALAPAN HYMN

Calapan Lungsod na Minamahal

Sa palad ng Diyos nagkahugis ang pag-asa
Hamak na pook umusbong at ngkabunga
Lungsod ng Calapan 'di malilimutan
Kahit nakalipas na taong nagdaan


Ikaw ang mutya nga tuwa't kapayapaan
Huwaran at lakas ng maraming bayan
Maayang paligid, talino ng tao
Bukas na daan sa Silangang Mindoro

KORO:
Magdiwang Oh Lungsod ng Calapan

Kaisang puso , isang pananaw

Mabuhay lungsod na minamahal
Pinanday tungo sa kaunlaran


Lungsod na sa amin ay lumingap
Umakay ka sa magandang palad
Parangalan bantayog ng giting
Puso't diwa ang nagbuklod sa amin

Refrain:
Oh! Magdiwang mga Calapeño
Lungsod na hinirang
Ingata't pagyamanin

(Repeat Chorus)

HISTORY AND CULTURE OF CALAPAN CITY

Calapan was formerly a small village before the establishment of the first Religious District in Baco. The District convent was transferred to Calapan in 1733 and began its jurisdiction over the Northern Mindoro Ecclesiastical Area.

In the early 18^th century, the town occupied only a strip of land stretching from Ibaba to Ilaya in a cross – formed facing the present church and cut-off by a river. In the course of the century, succeeding barrios were founded.

In 1837, the capital of the province was moved from Puerto Galera to Calapan. When Mindoro became a part of Marinduque on June 13, 1902, under Act. No. 423, the capital of Mindoro was transferred to Puerto Galera under the Law. It was re-transferred to Calapan in 1903 for geographical and transportation purposes. 

When Mindoro was detached from Marinduque on November 10, 1902, Baco, Puerto Galera and San Teodoro were annexed to Calapan in 1905 under Act. 1280, adding a total area of 843 sq. km. of land. In 1902, under Act 2824, the three (3) municipalities gained their independence.

In 1919, the boundary dispute between Calapan and Naujan was adjudicated by Presidentes Agustin Quijano of Calapan and Agustin Garong of Naujan over a portion of the territory of what is now known as the present boundary. The portion of agricultural area was awarded to Naujan, thus, making the area of Calapan much smaller as compared to that of Naujan which is now considered as the biggest municipality of the province.

At present, Calapan has an area of only 250.06 sq. km (according to LMB). It has also jurisdiction over the three (3) Baco Islets on the Calapan Bay and the two (2) Silonay Islets.

The City of Calapan has been transformed as a component city on March 21, 1998. Its conversion was based on Republic Act 8475, enacted by Congress and signed into law by President Fidel V. Ramos on February 2, 1998. In a plebiscite held on March 21, 1998, majority of Calapeños ratified the conversion of Calapan into a city. It is the first and only city in the province of Oriental Mindoro.

Important Contact Numbers in Calapan City

Office of the City Mayor

Tel:         (043)  288-2496
Telefax:  (043)  288-2509

City Information Office
Tel:         (043)  288-2333

City Public Safety Department
Tel:         (043)  288-1111, 288-1212

City Philippine National Police
Tel:         (043)  288-166, 288-163

Philippine Ports Authority
Tel:         (043)  288-1268, 288-6187

Air Transportation Office
Tel:         (043)  288-3105

Bureau of Fire Protection
Tel:         (043)  288-5617

Provincial Hospital
Tel:         (043)  288-5130

Passenger’s Tourist Assistance Center
Tel:         (043)  288-1389

City Technology and Livelihood Development Center
Tel:         (043)  288-1197

LIST OF CALAPAN MAYORS

DOY C. LEACHON 2007-PRESENT	CARLOS B. BRUCAL 2004-2007
ARNAN C. PANALIGAN 1995-2004 Vice-Governor 2004-2005 Governor 2005-PRESENT	ROSALIA I. UMALI 1988-1995
CESARIO M. CUETO 1980-1986	JOSE P. LEIDO 1972-1980
NESTOR E. ABOBOTO 1968-1972
ANTONIO L. ADRIATICO 1956-1962
DIOSDADO GUTIERREZ SR. 1952	FELIMON M. SAMACO 1948-51
RODOLFO A. IGNACIO 1946-1947	DEMETRIO ABOBOTO 1946
DAMASO ABAC 1946	FRANCISCO S. INFANTADO 1945-1946
EPIFANIO M. CUETO 1941-1942	BENIGNO M. SALES 1938-1941

ECOTOURISM DESTINATIONS OF CALAPAN CITY

 Harka Piloto is a marine sanctuary located in Silonay Island in the eastern part of the city, the sanctuary is actively protected by the local government. Given its protected status, Harka Piloto is now an ideal site for diving and snorkeling.

 The island has a total area of 26.7 hectares and the marine sanctuary was established in 2004 which led to the organization of Bantay Dagat volunteers.

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Aganhao Island

 Located near Silonay Island, Aganhao has a small strip of white sand beach frequented by local excursionists. In terms of ecotourism development, Aganhao  serves as a spill-over site for potential visitors to Harka Piloto Marine Sanctuary.

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Baco-Chico Islets

 These islets are located in Calapan Bay. The reefs surrounding the islands has a potential for scuba diving.

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Baruyan River

 This is a long river that ends at Caluangan Lake. Highly ideal for river cruising (or kayaking). What makes the river more interesting is that it is not clogged by any man-made development such as fish pens. Together with the lake, the sites still possess the character of a rural ambience most attractive to tourists seeking such kind of an experience.

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Caluangan Lake

 A wide lake that that is surprisingly still unclogged by fish pens. With Baruyan River as the connecting attraction, tourists can have leisurely cruises or kayaking activities in Caluangan Lake.

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Ecotourism Sites in Calapan City

ECO-ADVENTURE

Scuba Diving

 Calapan City has a good potential for scuba diving given the wide expanse of its marine territory and a good number of small islands. The city also serves as a natural spill-over area for the established diving destinations such as Batangas and Puerto Galera.

Muck Diving

 Muck diving is a fairly new activity that involves scuba diving and to a large extent, macro photography. One opportunity presented by muck diving is that it does not require pristine, large tracts of coral reefs. In fact, muck diving would be most successful in areas where other substrates such as sand or mud would be present. Calapan Bay has wide areas that have good potential for muck diving offering different substrates such as sand, seagrass, and small coral heads.

Harka Piloto Marine Sanctuary as an island marine school

Students and conservation personalities shall be encouraged to visit the area for possible learning opportunities.

Snorkeling

Snorkeling is highly ideal and it could also bring more visitors to Harka Piloto. With a good coral cover, it will also validate the site as an outdoor learning area (marine camp).

Scuba Diving

Since most of the dive sites in Batangas and Puerto Galera are fairly visited by most domestic scuba divers, Harka Piloto is marketed as a new dive site.

Kayaking

To be introduced as an add-on, kayaking will provide the visual attractiveness of the Harka Piloto as a recreation area.

Glass-bottom Boat

As part of the educational and recreation programs in Harka Piloto, a glass bottom boat will be introduced in the area. Said boat takes care of the guests who cannot swim or would opt to view the living corals and other marine life on board a board. This also affords the one trip or a guide to handle more guests compared to snorkeling that would require lower ratio between guides and guests.

River Cruising  

Baruyan River, together with Caluangan Lake was developed into an ideal river cruising destination. Simple development such as the establishment of raft or kayak stations was established in the area through the help of hotels and resorts owners. This helps the existing accommodation facilities to have the chance to offer more activities for their guests who prefer simple activities.

Mountain Biking, Hiking, and Trail Running  

These are activities that are easily introduced in the interiors of Calapan City. Community trails already exist and can easily be utilized for these activities. One site that is promoted is the Bulusan Eco-Trail that has an expanse that includes the premises of the Calapan Recreational and Zoological Park to rivers systems, forests, and the Suqui Beach area.

Calapan Recreational and Zoological Park Tour  

Already an existing park used by locals to savor nature, this area was improved to become a zoo to make its landscape more ideal for tourist use. Aside from the improved landscape, other improvements came in the form of the following:

• Planting of more bird trees (fruit-bearing trees) in order to attract more birds and make it into an ideal birdwatching site

• Adding more outdoor facilities for camping, picnics, and outdoor sports

• Zipline and Wall Climbing Adventure

Skim Boarding  

The wide and shallow expanse of beach areas in Calapan make it ideal for skim boarding which has been gaining enthusiasts and visitors to sites offering such activity.

Rock Climbing  

The south-eastern part of the Silonay Island has a rock wall that could be an ideal site for rock climbing.

Birdwatching

The Department of Tourism is going full-blast in marketing the Philippines as a birdwatching destination. With a good number of bird species in the whole of Mindoro Island, Calapan develops birdwatching as an ecotourism activity, or link it to other possible birdwatching sites such as Naujan Lake and Mt. Halcon.