Naga Consumer Watch
Sa Tabing Ilog (STI)
By Joey D. Co

My eldest daughter Eileen Rose was among the more than 350 students from the Grade 9 classes of the Universidad de Santa Isabel (USI) who marched in the streets that ended in the City Hall last September 9. Together with the same number of college students, teachers and parents they wanted to dramatize their PROTEST against STI and other joints selling beer and liquors along Peñafrancia Avenue which is just a stone’s throw away from the said school.

I wonder why in this city, there is a need for students, teachers and parents to resort to protest action so that concerned authorities will act on the gross violation of the city ordinances by these establishments.

In the first place why enact an ordinance (City Ordinance No. 89-095) that prohibits the sale of intoxicating drinks (especially to minors) in nearby schools and church premises if same were not to be implemented? If these honky-tonk hang-outs operate with mayor’s permits, perhaps the city mayor must give a plausible excuse to the USI sisters and students.

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The NCW also reiterates its appeal to the City officials to strictly enforce the no smoking ordinance in public conveyance. Section 107 of Ordinance 92-048 or The Revised Health and Sanitary Code of Naga City clearly states, “Smoking shall not be allowed in public conveyance, jeepneys, buses, within the territorial jurisdiction of Naga City.”

In case they have forgotten, said ordinance was enacted by the Sanggunian Panlunsod on November 11, 1992 and approved by the City Mayor on November 23, 1992. WISH KO LANG: After 12 years, maybe they can now start the serious implementation of the said ordinance.

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Ms Alaine Fornoles of the Environmental Protection International Philippines (EPIP) has recently pointed to us the equally depressing sight of uniformed high school students nonchalantly smoking in public places. Among the places monitored are the Metropolitan Cathedral premises, Naga Central School- Sport Complex compound, the stores and eateries near Naga College Foundation, BCAT, CamHigh along the stretch of Peñafrancia Avenue. If only the policy of no selling of cigarettes to the minors is strictly enforced, these things could have been prevented and abated.

Talking about the proverbial needle in a haystack, there is an eatery along the Peñafrancia Avenue that does not sell cigarettes and intoxicating drinks despite the incessant clamor of its customers (mostly students). The place is the Loneil’s Eatery (in front of Digitel) which is managed and owned by Ms. Lorie Trinidad. She told this column that since she stopped selling cigarettes and liquors three years ago, other nearby establishments followed suit. Although Lorie and her kind continue to suffer significantly from lost sales, they consider it their little contribution in upholding the welfare of the young students, and in compliance with the seemingly forgotten city ordinance.

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Looking at the brighter side, the “Heart of Bikol” is once again in a festive mood. Business establishments would definitely experience a surge in sales and business patronage as tens of thousands of guests, and visitors flock to this city for the annual local holiday celebration. However, to most ordinary folks this is the time to be entertained by the planned public activities, as it would be nearly impossible to “entertain” would be visitors due to the debilitating economic crunch.

Although our city is not a perfect place, we are proud of her rich historical and cultural heritage, the warm hospitality of her people, and the innovativeness and dynamism in local governance. Citizens can air their grievances, and expect to be listened to. We just don’t raise problems and concerns, but also propose appropriate solutions to address it. In NAGA, we call this approach with another STI. Satuyang Tarabangan Ini.

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The members of the family of the late U.S. Navy Salvador S. Sales of Nabua, Camarines Sur would like to express their gratitude to relatives and friends who have expressed their sympathy during their time of bereavement.

Uncle Badong, who is the maternal uncle of my wife, died from pneumonia and complications from sepsis at the National Kidney Institute last September 1, 2004. He was interred at the Nabua Catholic Cemetery last September 7, 2004. He retired from the U.S. Navy with the rank of chief mate after twenty years of service. He taught in La Opinion Elementary School in Nabua before World War II, and was recruited by the U.S. Navy stationed at Samar.

He was survived by his wife pharmacist Loreto Fortuno-Sales, children Dr. Rose Sales, Dr. Jesse Sales, and Francie Sales-Oliveros, grandchildren Alexis, Michael, and Pauline. They are all residing and practicing their respective medical professions in the USA.