Postgen Villanueva Inaugurates The Newly-Renovated Kabankalan Post Office

No less than the Postmaster General himself, the Hon. Hector R.R. Villanueva, did the ceremonial ribbon-cutting during the inauguration and blessing of the newly-renovated Kabankalan Post Office in Negros Occidental on July 28, 2008.

It should be worth noting that Kabankalan Post Office was renovated upon the request of former Kabankalan Post Office Postmaster, Linda A. Ramos, at practically no cost to the corporation.

Postgen Villanueva is extremely grateful to Kabankalan Mayor, Hon. Pedro P. Zayco, Jr., and to the city of Kabankalan, for providing the materials and the labor which amounted to at least P 500,000.00, to give Kabankalan Post Office its new look. This is, indeed, a big help to Philpost, a corporation trying its best to rise above the challenges of being self-sufficient while at the same time, living up to the mandate of making the postal service available in every town. In return for all these, the Postmaster General promises a more efficient service in this progressive city.

The affair coincided with the 11th Charter Day Celebration of Kabankalan, and was attended by Mayor Pedro P. Zayco and his wife Mercedita N. Zayco, Vice Mayor Delia O. Anacan and several city council officials, Board Member Raul Rivera, Philippine Postal Savings Bank Himamaylan Branch Manager Adolfo P. Mangao, Jr., Philpost-6 RD Lilia O. Barcelon and staff, Acting Operations Director Benjie S. Yotoko, Chief Legal Officer Atty. Stevenson G. Conlu, APDM of Northern Negros Occidental Engr. Rolly M. Mamon, APDM of Southern Negros Occidental Richie R. Cardiel, Postmasters of Kabankalan Cluster, and the former Kabankalan Postmaster Linda A. Ramos.

Postmaster I Nonym Bandola currently sits as Postmaster of Kabankalan Post Office.

Philpost Holds Audition for Koro Kartero

Iloilo City Post Office Letter Carriers not only can deliver mails efficiently or excel in basketball --- they can also sing.

Having recognized this, some Philpost 6 staff, with the support of RD Lilia O. Barcelon, decided to tap the talents of ICPO to form an all-male choir to be dubbed, Koro Kartero.

This project aims to:
1) provide an avenue for letter carriers to showcase their musical gifts
2) provide an activity that is both healthy and stimulating
3) motivate our letter carriers by making them feel confident and good about themselves
4) provide an opportunity to compete in contests or participate in programs of other government agencies, thus strengthening relationships with other government agencies
5) build the image of Philpost

Auditions were held on July 25, 2008, during which those with more than average singing abilities, the willingness to be trained, and the determination to devote an hour or two every week for practice sessions, were selected.

The following Letter Carriers shall compose Koro Kartero:

1) Romeo de la Cueva
2) Sandy Bedia
3) Enrico Celerian, Jr.
4) Bobby Cerbas
5) Rosewil Minerva
6) Henry Hitones
7) John Alingalan
8) Ramon Castelo, Jr.
9) Jaime Salarda
10) Anthony Velez
11) Elcid Agsam
12) Ivan Seth Java
13) Renan Prado
14) Joseph Karol Tan as instrumentalist

PHILPOST 6 BAGS THE 1ST ILOILO NATIONAL GOV’T. OFFICES (IloNGO) SUMMER BASKETBALL LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIP TROPHY

Besides having an efficient delivery work force, there is one other thing that Philpost 6 can be proud of --- a strong basketball team.

In the recently concluded 1st Iloilo National Government Offices (IloNGO) Summer Basketball League, Philpost 6 bagged the championship crown, proving that delivering mails is not its only expertise.

The championship game was a close fight between Philpost and DPWH, with Philpost edging by just four points (64-60). All who watched the game could attest that it was a thriller until the end-of-the-game buzzer sounded.

Providing inspiration during the championship game was the Regional Director herself, Lilia O. Barcelon. Many Section Chiefs of the region, the Postal District Managers of Southern and Northern Negros Occ. District, the Antique and the Metro Iloilo and Guimaras District, and some postal employees were also there. Even the representatives of the Postal Employees Union of the Philippines (PEUP) who happened to be in the region at that time to deliver relief goods also watched the game. Such a representation motivated and inspired the Philpost Team not to settle for anything less than the championship crown.

The Philpost Basketball Team was organized by Operations Director and Playing Manager, Atty. Benjie S. Yotoko, and is composed of Iloilo City Post Office Letter Carrier Francisco Gefes as coach, Edmundo Cabañas as assistant coach, and letter carriers from the different postal districts, namely Othmar Ilejay (co-captain), Glenn Ferrer (co-captain), Diego Bautista, Mario de la Puerta, Cezar Robit, Rene Tagala, Archie Sorallo, Edgar Deocampo, Helbert Soleño, Ivan Java, Renan Prado, Joseph Tan, Elcid Agsam, G'nel Salvacion, Lynuel Pelobello, and Jayrold Granzo. Indeed, the victory was a sweet one for Philpost, for the players themselves, and organizers of the Philpost Team who were untiring in their support, both moral and financial just to reach this far.

The Philpost Basketball Team immensely thanks the management of Philpost for the support, and the following sponsors: Andrew Philip Que, Margaret Ruth Florete, Aldin Lim, ATO manager Alan Java, former postal employee Francisca Rodriguez, Rick Martin, Foremost Milling, Wilhelm Divinagracia, and Pepsi AVP and General Manager Lyndon Cuadra.

We Are Truly Blessed

July 21 - Representatives from PEUP, Merle Narvaes, Marlyn Abuel and Danny Javellana, were in PPC Region 6 since Sunday, July 20, 2008, bringing with them more relief goods for the typhoon victims in the Region. They will visit calamity-stricken Kalibo, Aklan, on July 22, before heading back to Manila.

Today, we received partial cash donations from PPC Region 2, headed by Dir. Jesus Michael N. De Guzman, amounting to P 1,500.00, and PPC CAR, headed by Dir. Tomas T. Baggay, amounting to P 1,000.00.

LOOB Inc. Japan, a Non-Government Organization, also sent two boxes of clothes.

Philpost 6 is truly blessed to have your continued support!

Madamo guid nga salamat.

ManCom Hosts Dinner Party For Two Retiring Officials

Thirty two years in the postal service is no ordinary feat; in fact, it is something worthy of commendation --- and Philpost 6 recognizes that.

On July 18, 2008, upon the instruction of RD Lilia O. Barcelon, members of the PPC-6 Management Committee hosted a dinner party at Emilion Restaurant, Grand Dame Hotel, for two retiring officials, Raul M. Yap (Postmaster VI) and Derlina A. Cadudu-an (Cashier III).

There wasn’t much funfare at the party; no horns were blared, no red carpet was laid on the floor. It was, plain and simple, a gathering of friends, an occasion to share stories, remembering the good times and the bad. The party ended with the giving of plaques and tokens of appreciation, for which Mr. Yap and Ms. Cadudu-an were so grateful. Both will be retiring from the service on July 31, 2008 with a bagful of memories.

It was, indeed, a relaxing and memorable experience, especially for the two officials who were deeply moved by the honor given them.

HOMELESS, BUT NOT HOPELESS

There are many lessons learned from Typhoon Frank, and there are many good things that happened as well. Hearts were moved, relationships strengthened, and everyone offered a helping hand. No questions needed to be asked; no justifications were necessary. Postal 6 employees naturally and readily responded to cries for help from fellow postal employees.

Regional postal employees contributed at least P 4,000 in cash, and this was used to buy food, water, blankets, and many other household items. The Acting Operations Director, Benjie Yotoko, immediately went to Kalibo to offer moral support and supervise the clean-up operation of Kalibo P.O. The indefatigable Regional Director Lilia O. Barcelon braved the bad weather and rough roads to personally bring relief goods, food, and hope to the victims. The postal employees were so moved by the untiring support of Director Barcelon.

The postal district of Antique, under the leadership of Ms. Elsa Pameroyan, brought bags of relief goods to Kalibo. Employees of Roxas City Post Office also gave food and clothes to the victims in Kalibo. The Philippine Postal Corporation Credit Cooperative, under the chairmanship of Atty. Stevenson Conlu, released P 20,000 for each affected postal district.

The Central Office continues to offer support to Region 6. The Postmaster General, Hector R.R. Villanueva, through the initiative of APMG Luis D. Carlos, authorized the release of P 300,000 for the immediate repairs of the post offices and to buy the necessary relief goods for at least 100 postal employees who have either lost their abodes or much of their treasured properties.

The PPC Medical Clinic, led by Dr. Francisco Cojuanco, sent six boxes of medicines. Just

today, July 15, we received 15 boxes from PPC Region IX, headed by Regional Director Carlo S. Argana. The boxes contained slippers, noodles, sardines, coffee, clothes, shoes, and bags.

Retired postal employee Aurora Bonifacio spearheaded a project that sought donations from retired postal employees, including the former APMG for Marketing, Felipe Hidalgo, Jr. Ms. Bonifacio is presently in the region with Linda Vayson to personally deliver six boxes of medicines, clothes, and shoes.

A box from DEMS-CMEC containing children’s clothes also came in today. Mrs. Liza Binondo sent a box of clothes as well.

Donations continue to pour in. We are deeply moved by the overwhelming response from postal workers all over the Philippines. With all the support coming from fellow postal employees, the thought of moving on and starting anew becomes bearable.

Typhoon Frank left many employees homeless, but definitely not hopeless. So, you see, Frank has not taken everything away, because for as long as there’s hope, anything is possible.

As they say, there is sunshine after the rain, after all …

The New Look of The Philpost Tiangge at Iloilo City Post Office

Upon the instruction of Regional Director Lilia O. Barcelon, the Philpost Tiangge at Iloilo City Post Office has undergone some physical changes. Gone are the old and dilapidated table tops that used to enclose the Post Shop. In place are newly constructed counters that are both attractive and functional. The counters come with cabinets to keep things organized, and make the area look neat and clean.

The Philpost Tiangge offers the following products and services:
1) Postal ID
2) Lamination
3) Acceptance of IEMS mails
4) Philpost PAK
5) Packaging
6) Packaging accessories (packaging tape, scotch tape, Styrofoam envelopes
7) Native products
8) Philatelic items
9) Globe Autoload

Without a doubt, returning customers will love the new look of the Philpost Tiangge.

Face-lifting the Parcel Post Section of Iloilo City Post Office

If you have been to the Parcel Post Section of Iloilo City Post Office before, you will definitely notice how much that area of the Post Office has improved.

APDM Arlyn C. Cababasay and Acting Postmaster Nonito Pelobello, thru the support of Regional Director Lilia O. Barcelon, pushed for the facelifting of the Parcel Post Section. New sets of fluorescent lights have been installed, cabinets and shelves were repaired and cleaned. A platform has been fabricated to hold the parcels so they don’t get wet and soggy when water seeps through the floors during rainy season. The tables are neatly covered, and the parcels are now arranged in an organized and orderly manner. Minor painting jobs are also being undertaken to further beautify the Parcel Post Section.

The Parcel Post Section is being manned by Mrs. Remia Carumba who is really exerting efforts for this beautification project.

APMG Carlos in Aklan

The APMG for Administration, Luis D. Carlos was in Region 6 on July 7-9, specifically to have a personal assessment of the damage brought by Typhoon Frank to postal facilities in Aklan and some parts of Iloilo, particularly San Enrique, Jaro, Pavia, and Sta. Barbara.

APMG Carlos gave instructions to the Resident Engineer, Rolly M. Mamon, for the immediate repairs of certain buildings, facilities, and equipment. The energetic APMG also emphasized the need for an effective IT system in the post office.

Typhoon Frank in Western Visayas

When Typhoon Frank lashed out its fury in Western Visayas, almost every one came unprepared. Landslides and flashfloods affected a great number of people, particularly in the provinces of Iloilo and Aklan. Approximately 100 postal employees were not spared of the wrath brought by Typhoon Frank. Houses were either washed away or destroyed by the dark, murky waters.

Relief operations are being conducted in Aklan, organized by no less than the PPC-6 Regional Director herself, Director Lilia O. Barcelon. Donations in kind and cash poured in from fellow postal employees. The Philippine Postal Corporation Credit Cooperative also contributed P 20,000 to every postal district affected. In addition to these, through the initiative of APMG for Administration Luis D. Carlos, Postmaster General Hector RR. Villanueva authorized the release of the amount of P 300,000 out of the funds of the Corporation to enable the relief mission in Aklan, the hardest hit postal district. As of July 2, there is still no electricity in Aklan, and telephone lines are all out of order. Water supply has become available only on July 2

Mails, packages and accountable forms were soaked in mud and water; so too were our mail vans. Repairs are being undertaken at the moment. There is a lot of cleaning to do, both inside the post office and its surroundings. There are a lot of repairs to be done. The Kalibo Post Office is a sorry sight and needs total rehabilitation. Tables, chairs, and other basic office equipment are needed.

No dispatches have been made since June 23 up to the present. Mails from CMEC temporarily rerouted to or accepted at Roxas City are already collected for processing in Kalibo Sub-DC. The post office is still in the process of opening the mailbags received since the typhoon hit the province on June 21, 2008.

Despite all these, Kalibo Post Office begun accepting items for mailing in the interest of the service. Delivery of mails has resumed on Monday, July 7.

Philpost 6 Joins the 110th Independence Day Celebration

Philpost 6 participated in what could be the most colorful and festive Independence Day Celebrations in Iloilo City on June 12, 2008.

The 110th Independence Day Celebration, which was spearhead by the Regional Association of National Government Executives (RANGE), began with a military and civic parade, and followed by a flag caravan of 11 floats creatively designed to depict significant events leading to the Philippine’s eventual independence.

Philpost co-sponsored the float bearing the theme “The Making of the Philippine Flag”, with Postal Bank and eight other agencies – HLURB, DOH, OCD, TELOF, NSO, SEC, HDMF, and PCSO. Fifty Iloilo City Letter Carriers on board their motorcycles led the Philpost float.

AdFin Director, Iris G. Sargado was the designated coordinator of the activity she spent a lot of time and effort to ensure that everything would be in place ... and it certainly was!

The caravan provided an avenue for Philpost to share in something big and meaningful as the Philippine Independence.

Philpost 6 as a Top Government Remitting Agency

Of all the PhilHealth remitting and reporting agencies in Region 6, Philpost 6 ranked 3rd. A Plaque of Recognition was given to Philpost on May 7, 2008, at the Iloilo Grand Hotel, Iloilo City. The plaque was received by PSO II Jose Marie Granzo.

On July 1, 2008, the Pag-Ibig Fund also recognized Philpost as among the Top Government Remitting Agencies, a feat made possible because of the support of the Central Office in sending us the required funds on time.