One Town, One Product Philippines

There's something that all of us KaPandi should be proud about. The Bagong Barrio Multi-Purpose Cooperative was awarded this year as Most Outstanding SME of Bulacan and Model OTOP of Bulacan for its Specialized Garments (Barongs and Gowns), besting other entries.

The residents of Bagong Barrio had been laboring for years, creating fashionable yet affordable gowns and barongs for the Filipinos. Most of them have shops in Divisoria and Baclaran in order to have a share of a bigger market.

Allegedly getting no support from the then local government, they decided to band together and form the now existing cooperative. The much needed attention did not come until the Provincial Department of Trade and Industry started supporting the cooperative members by helping promote their products, and subsidizing booth fees on trade fairs. It was, as they say, a struggle at first. Now the cooperative is reaping awards for their hard work and dedication to their craft.

A couple of months ago, the BBMPC, together with representatives from DTI Bulacan, invited Mayor Bobby Oca in one of their management meetings where their concerns and support needs were aired. They formally presented to him as well the newly-created brand Disenyo Pandi. Mayor Bobby ensured the group of his commitment to support the cooperative in their endeavors.




A few weeks later, direction signage were put up by the LGU staff on key areas of Pandi to welcome visitors from the First National OTOP Summit held at the Philippine Trade Training Center, Pasay City.






BBMPC hosted a short welcome program headed by the young and dynamic tandem of Mr. Danny Rivera (current President of BBMPC), and Mr. Sonny Antonio (former President of BBMPC). The hosts guided the visitors to the exhibit area on their newly-built building, then later on proceeded to one of the member's shops to show a sample of how the garments were meticulously made.

Keep up the good work, BBMPC!

Senior Citizens Promote Inang Filipina Shrine

The Senior Citizens of Pandi gathered at the Inang Filipina Shrine in Bgy. Real de Cacarong to celebrate the season last Saturday, December 15, 2007. Gracing the occasion was Mayor Bobby Oca, Councilor Evangelina Sandel, Mr. Pepe Ordonez of FSCAP, OSCA Chairman Mr. Baby Santos, OSCA President Mrs. Maring Alcaraz, former OSCA President Mr. Adriano Laderas, and Mr. Benjamin Fajardo, OSCA Founding President (not in order as in the picture).

The venue was specifically chosen by the OSCA members as a way to promote the shrine, collectively expressing sadness that the historical site had not been given adequate attention in the past, and that even residents of Pandi are not aware of its significance nor the story behind it. The shrine is allegedly the site of the First Philippine Republic where a community ("walled city") of Katipuneros once existed, headed by then Gen. Eusebio Roque. It is also where the young Gregorio del Pilar fought his first battle.This shrine, together with the Biak-na-Bato Republic, and the Malolos Republic are all depicted in the seal of Bulacan Province. Upon assumption to post, Mayor Bobby Oca had requested the local DECS Supervisor that the history of Inang Filipina shrine be taught in all public schools in Pandi so that children may become well-versed with this legacy.

Students and teachers of Manuel G. Santos Memorial School headed by Mrs. Fely Cruz performed an excerpt on the battle that ensued between the Katipuneros and the Spaniards at that time, prompting some people in the audience to get teary-eyed. Sincere gratitude to you, Tita Fely, for providing the blast-from-the-past number. May you never get tired of perpetuating the history of Inang Filipina to the future generations of KaPandi! As for the senior citizens of Pandi, they have proven once again that indeed, ang mga Katandaan ang syang Gabay ng mga Kabataan.

SERBISYO SA MGA NEGOSYANTE!

Employees of the local government of Pandi involved in the processing of business licenses and permits underwent re-orientation today, as they gear up to increase efficiency of the LGU's licensing system. This is still in line with Mayor Bobby Oca's commitment in supporting the business sector of Pandi. This is also aligned with the national government's goal of avoiding red tape and possible corruption in government. Speeding up the application/renewal process and making things easier for the businesspeople will hopefully encourage more registration and renewal come 2008. Conducting the orientation is Sir Orestes of DTI and Sir Benjie of DILG, with Mam Baby of DTI lending support. The DTI lecturer commented that it was a first for them to have an LGU request for re-orientation, clearly expressing its desire to have the program implemented, both for the benefit of the license applicants, and the LGU employees, as it will make their job easier yet efficient.

Pandi Lechon Parade 2007

The residents of Pandi held last December 7 its annual Lechon Parade as part of the 10-day celebration of the town fiesta. Those who actively participated in the parade were representatives of schools and organizations in Pandi. Kudos to the family of Hermana Mrs. Belen M. Tuason, Mr. Sonny Mendoza (Mayor's Office), and volunteers who made the festivity a success!

Making the event more meaningful was the presence of members of the First Philippine Mt. Everest Expedition (FPMEE) Team, who graciously accepted the municipality's invitation in such a short notice (Thanks, Sir Art Valdez, FPMEE founder and team leader). They are spreading the message to the whole country and to the rest of the world: Kaya ng Pinoy! as proven by the (FPMEE) members Leo Oracion and Erwin "Pastor" Emata by being the first Filipinos to reach the summit of Mt. Everest in 2005, a feat accomplished by three Filipinas the following year -- Noelle Wenceslao, Carina Dayondon, and Janet Belarmino, proving that yes, Kaya ng Pinay! as well.

This is the same message that newly-elected Mayor Bobby Oca wants to emphasize to his constituents, especially to the youth of Pandi --- ang minimithing pagbabago at pag-asenso ng bayan ng Pandi ay posible sa pagkakaisa at pagtutulungan! Determination, team work and prayers are important if we are to achieve our collective goals for Pandi.

But more importantly, we need to change our mindset for the better, uplift the esteem of most of the residents, and believe that we can achieve progress if we work on it!

To the delight of the guests, a lechon was dressed up as a mountaineer complete with a paper mountain and the flag of the Philippines beside it as a tribute. Great job, Mr. Freddie Concepcion, municipal planning and development officer, Ms. Baby Mendoza, community affairs assistant,and Mr. Ato Mendoza, incidental resident artist of the munisipyo!

Thanks to ABS-CBN's Umagang Kay Ganda production staff and crew, by live coverage, we were able to send the message to the public that it is safe to patronize pork meat from Pandi, as well as showcase the creative yet affordable barong tagalog and gowns made by members of the Bagong Barrio Multi-Purpose Cooperative. The BBMPC was recently declared winner of the 2007 Model OTOP (one town, one product) of Bulacan award. Their designs are branded Disenyo Pandi. Watch out for more news as the local government of Pandi continue to promote the Disenyo Pandi brand! Shown here are some of the Gowns and Barongs modeled by young residents of Pandi, together with Ms. Carina Dayondon and Ms. Noelle Wenceslao (Mt. Everest Summitteers), and Dr. RTed Esguerra (expedition Physician). Not on the picture is Mr. Fred Jamili, mountaineering pioneer in the Philippines, adventure races organizer and co-founder of the FPMEE.

FYI: The annual lechon parade is celebrated to support and help boost one of the major industries in the town, hog raising. It is estimated that approximately 60% of pork meat supplies in Metro Manila come from Bulacan.