KALICAS officers inducted, KAPUSO launched

By OSCAR A. LABRO
April 5, 2006

CATBALOGAN, Samar  – More or less, 300 representatives from the different community associations of Samar, converged at the Samar State University, Mercedes Campus last March 4, 2006 at 9:00 in the morning. The whole day activity, which was also a reunion of leaders and community organizers, was initiated by the KALICAS (Katig-uban Han Mga Lideres Ug Community Associations Han Samar) convenors, Messrs. Doy L. Lontes and Fernando Niego. The overwhelming response to the KALICAS invitation was in time for the commemoration of the 3rd founding anniversary of the said organization.

KALICAS had its formal organizing last February 8, 2002 under the leadership of Mr. Rudy Raytos. With its primary purpose of equipping its members with livelihood opportunities as a registered cooperative, KALICAS initiators have presented project proposals and development programs for funding, which is expected to empower its members and ultimately bring socio-economic reforms in their respective communities.

The reunion was highlighted by the induction into office of the newly elected set of officers. A reorganizational meeting held last February 11, 2006 at the Boy Scout Bldg. Catbalogan, Samar resulted in the election of Mr. Federico M. Porcil as President; Parding S. Aban, Vice President; Susana M. Babon and Susana R. Marco, Secretaries; Marita L. Ecleo, Treasurer, Cecilia M. Poblete, Assistant Treasurer and Elmer P. Ponferrada and Celestina B. Abit, Auditors.

Hon. Catalino V. Figueroa, congressman for the 2nd District of Samar, did the honors of inducting the said officers. In an inspirational message delivered by the congressman immediately after the induction, he challenged the leaders present to be more responsive to the calls for good governance. He encouraged the group to be more participative in the social issues and be conscience-stricken in their succeeding choices of government officials to ensure that the basic needs of the Samarnons be effectively addressed. Hon. Figueroa fearlessly exposed and lambasted the poor governance and political priorities of the incumbent provincial chief executive, which he said, is adversely affecting the development of Samar, making more Samareños poorer and people’s lives more miserable.

The KALICAS Anniversary was also graced by Hon. Neliphtha Figueroa, Municipal Mayor of Zumarraga and President of the Mayor’s League of the Philippines, Samar Chapter. Mayor Figueroa proudly narrated her accomplishments in the municipality of Zumarraga with this statement, “ Kun nabuhat ko ini ha Zumarraga, kaya ko liwat ini buhaton ha bug-os nga Samar, kun iyo kikinahanglanon an akon serbisyo.” She further jokingly replied, “Deri la ako maglalakat o magjo-jogging…madalagan gud ako!”, when asked for her possibility to run for a higher provincial position in the next local elections. It must be recalled that Mayor Figueroa was heard criticizing and condemning the kind of governance that the Samarenos are receiving from Governor Mila Tan. Her track record in the government service is now being placed under scrutiny by the voting public as a possible strong gubernatorial bet for the province.

Finally, the KALICAS disseminated an open letter for all Samarnons to get united in initiating socio-economic and political reforms. Simultaneous with the anniversary celebration, was the launching of the KAPUSO. This will serve as the political arm of the KALICAS. Hopefully, the KAPUSO will pursue its advocacies for a more transparent political agenda, corrupt-free bureaucracy, clean and honest elections and an empowered citizenry.