13th Sangguniang Panglungsod Members – CITY OF NAGA

Hon. Mary Kyle Francine B. Tripulca

Bob Ursua — Fri, 14 May 2021 07:09:10 +0000

Hon. Mary Kyle Francine B. Tripulca

Mary Kyle Francine B. Tripulca is the Sangguniang Kabataan Federation President of the City of Naga. In college, she was an active student leader and held positions such as executive-secretary of the Junior Philippine Institute of Accountants and served as a Comelec Commissioner of the Ateneo de Naga University. She was also an active member of the Remontados Debate Society and through her contributions and awards received in regional and national competitions, she was given by the school an Achievement Award in Debate and Adjudication. For her love of government service, she was also an On-the-job Trainee at the Land Transportation Office. She then finished her studies and gained a degree on Bachelors of Science in Business Administration Major in Financial Management and Accounting.

Fresh from her undergraduate studies, she pursued her public service career as a Sangguniang Kabataan Chairwoman of Brgy. San Felipe, Naga City. In God’s grace, she has been elected as the President of the Federation in 2018. Since then, she has been serving her Youth Nagueños through crafting, implementing, and supporting series of Youth and Sports Development programs and policies which have holistically honed the youth. As an ex officio member of the Sangguniang Panlungsod of Naga, she has authored and co-authored a number of ordinances and resolutions which were great contributions to the legislative department of the City of Naga.

To pursue further studies, she is currently an 2nd year law student of the University of Nueva Caceres. This pursuit is also in line with her current career as a public servant. Considering the tough and busy schedule, she still manages to ensure the quality and efficiency of her public service to her constituents. In fact, her love for law is manifested in her performance as a member of the Sangguniang Panlungsod and the different memberships she has with various committees listed above. More importantly, as the Chairperson for the Youth and Sport Committee, she has ensured that Youth Nagueños enjoy unforgettable experiences in different projects that the Sangguniang Kabataan Federation provides like the Sports Festivals Tournaments, Linggo ng Kabataan, Summer Employment Opportunities both in the private and public sector, Scholarship Programs, Government Internship Programs and other projects where the learning and experiences will be surely treasured by the Young Nagueños for the rest of their lives.

Projects and Programs Read More

(Note: This article was first printed in Vol 1 of CONSEJO (Official publication of the 13th Sangguniang Panlungsod ng Naga) and posted in an earlier edition of this website.)

Hon. Antonio B. Beltran

Bob Ursua — Fri, 14 May 2021 06:45:43 +0000

Hon. Antonio “Dodit” B. Beltran

He is every “Kapitan’s Kapitan”.

Being President of the Association of Barangay Captains (ABC), he plays two roles as a leader. One for his Barangay Bagumbayan Norte, and the other for all the Barangay leaders.

At age 50, he has almost spent half of his lifetime in government and public service (23 years).

Like most elective public official at the local level, his entry was by being a kagawad. But being a Punong Barangay is his longest tenure as public servant, up unto the present.

Outside his barangay and the Sanggunian, he serves as the Regional Treasurer of the Liga ng mga Barangay sa Pilipinas. Since 1980, he acts as Master Initiator for Epsilon Sigma Beta (ESB) and Eagles Society of Bicolandia. He is also the secretary of Lions’ Club.

In his younger years as Corps Commander, he has moved his regiment to be the Over-all Champion ROTC Unit at the Penafrancia Festival Regional Military Parade Competition. A pre-cursor to leadership roles he would take in government and public service.

Like many other current and young leaders in the City, he looks up to the late DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo as an inspirational/influential person to his works in government and public service. More specifically, he admires the late secretary’s advocacy for effective governance in carrying out reforms.

At one time, losing in an election has not stopped him from running again and winning. An experience that keeps him motivated up until now.

Having served that long in public office, he considers three important aspects or values: great responsibility, accountability, and trust and respect. For him, responsibility is going beyond one’s self interest but those of the people he serves. Accountability on the hand, is being responsible for his decisions, actions and work performance, by remaining committed with high moral standards. And finally, trust in and respect to the people he serves so that they do the same to him, with a drive for good team work.

(Note: This article was first printed in Vol 1 of CONSEJO (Official publication of the 13th Sangguniang Panlungsod ng Naga) and posted in an earlier edition of this website.)

Hon. Jessie R. Albeus

Bob Ursua — Fri, 14 May 2021 06:33:59 +0000

Hon. Jessie “Doc Jess” R. Albeus, D.M.D.

The first termer City Councilor Jessie R. Albeus remarkably made a difference in Naga City politics in the May 2019 elections, when as an independent candidate he won the last seat in the City Council breaking the “ubos kun ubos” voting trend that has reigned the city for 27 years.

Councilor Doc Jess, as he is popularly known for, run for a public office with passion to serve the Nagueños with the optimistic spirit of being a “man for others” and pushing for his advocacy for a good oral health program which is one of the least priorities of the government. His career in public service started in 2014 when he was appointed as Barangay Kagawad of Tabuco replacing his mother, former Barangay Kagawad Gloria R. Albeus. He was elected as Punong Barangay in 2007 – 2010.

True to his advocacy, after his assumption of Office as a duly elected City Official, Doc Jess distributed portable Dental Chairs at Tabuco Central Elementary School, Calauag Elementary School, Teodoro Moscoso Elementary School in Carolina and at R.V. Maramba Elementary School in San Felipe from September 2019 to January 2020.

The idealism of this man is always on the optimism side. Thrice he run for City councilor in 2010, 2014 and 2016 local elections but unsuccessful. Instead, he focused his passion to serve by working efficiently as Chapter President of the Philippine Dental Association (PDA) – Camarines Sur Chapter for two (2) terms from July 2012 to June 2014, where his efforts was recognized by PDA as Most Outstanding Chapter and Chapter President in the Bicol Region in 2013. He rose to the PDA National Position in 2014 when he was elected as Majority Floor Leader of the House Delegates, the Legislative Body of the PDA. In 2015 – 2016, he was elected as Secretary General of the PDA. From 2016 – 2018, he was elected as Speaker Pro Tempore and subsequently in the year 2018 – 2019, the 1st Nagueno and the 3rd Bicolano to be elected as Speaker of the House of Delegates (HOD), in the 56 years history of the HOD, the highest position in the Legislative Body of PDA that was established in 1965. After his successful start in the HOD, he was elected as Board of Trustee for two (2) terms during the period June 2019 to May 2021. He is one of the few leaders of the PDA who have successfully served both the legislative and the executive branches.

Doc Jess likewise served as Alumni President of Ateneo de Naga University General Alumni Association (ADNUGAA) in 2014. Among the legacies Doc Jess left in the ADNUGAA was the allocation of funds for the ADNUGAA scholarship grants and the institutionalization of the Ateneo Alumni League (AAL) Sports Program.

Enthused by his services with PDA, one of his Legislative Agendas is to collaborate and pursue oral health programs and awareness campaigns in the City. Hence, his authored and approved Ordinance No. 2019 – 070 – Ordinance Declaring the month of February of every year as the Naga City Dental Health Month.

Just recently, a very challenging Ordinance gave Councilor JRA the opportunity for public service to have an interesting impact when he authored the approval of Ordinance No. 2021 – 014 or the Ordinance operationalizing the Freedom of Information (FOI) in the City Government of Naga that would put into use in the LGU level the constitutional provisions on public disclosure of state transactions involving public interest and the right of the people to information on matters of public concern. He believed that this will augment the City’s efforts in creating a more transparent and accountable government and to empower Nagueños. According to him, it is in their empowerment that governance towards a progressive society can be achieved.

(Note: This article was first printed in Vol 1 of CONSEJO (Official publication of the 13th Sangguniang Panlungsod ng Naga) and posted in an earlier edition of this website.)

Hon. Jose B. Perez

Bob Ursua — Fri, 14 May 2021 05:45:28 +0000

Hon. Jose “Joe” B. Perez

JOSE B. PEREZ is a first-timer member of Sangguniang Panlungsod as city councilor.

Before his entry into politics, Perez was editor-in-chief of Bicol Mail, a regional newspaper in Bicolandia. He was also the editor-in-chief of the first daily newspaper in the region, Bikol Daily (now defunct), an ambitious and pioneering venture in local print journalism.

But Joe, as he is fondly called by allies and foes, also wore other hats, especially when he was younger who thirst for more knowledge and wanted to gain more skill and experience. He worked as legislative staff officer at the Senate under the mentorship of then Sen. Raul S. Roco and became the chief of staff of then Congressman James S. Jacob. After the congressional stint, Joe joined the team of then multi-awarded City Mayor Jesse M. Robredo as tourism and press relations officer. He edited at least two books by the charismatic and famous city mayor whose achievements in people empowerment and good governance have been hailed by scholars and fellow local political leaders all over the world.

Finding himself in the good company of excellent mentors and distinguished political leaders, Joe feels it comfortable filling in the shoes of an honest politician-cum-public servant. In fact, when he finally entered politics, he permeated himself with the mantra that says: “The only reason to be in politics is public service.”

Today, he performs his job as both an effective lawmaker and a true representative of his people. As legislator, he has prepared himself to be imbued with a deep sense of responsibility to make laws consistent with what his people and the community need. And as a public servant, he goes down to the community and answers their call for advice and assistance with wise and immediate result.

As a “newbie”, he finds himself fortunate to chair three of the city council’s important committees: the SP committees on consumer protection; city properties, and; investment, trade, industry and economic enterprises.

Only recently, he was in the maelstrom of rationalizing the prices of pork while ensuring their supply amidst the excessive rising of their retail price brought about by the pestering negative impact of the African Swine Fever. The disease virtually wiped out the supply of live hogs in the local market. The councilor also leads and acts fast in the investigation of complaints forwarded by consumers regarding services and products that had been procured from dishonest and profiteering traders.

As chairman of the committee on city properties, City Councilor Perez has been on his toes resolving the problem of certain city properties with lapses in record-keeping control and proper disposition, particularly those pending litigation or lacking documentation, especially with regard to deeds of donation and similar transactions.

As former vice-president for chamber management and eventually as secretary-general of the multi-awarded Metro Naga Naga Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Perez was strongly lobbied by his chamber mates to join the slate of the Naga Team in the last 2018 elections as city councilor. It was not surprising therefore that he took the task of the chairmanship of the committee on investment and trade with so much dedication and commitment. Today, his committee is earnestly deliberating on the salient provisions of the proposed Revised Naga City Investment Code despite the harsh realities of the Covid-19 pandemic that has badly shaken the country’s and the city’s otherwise robust economic environment. Nevertheless, the committee never wanes in its primary task of formulating incentive plans and programs designed to encourage businessmen and big corporations, both from inside the city and across the seas, to establish their industrial and commercial complexes, branches, and subsidiaries in the city.

For a first-termer like Councilor Joe Perez, there is a long and rough road ahead even as he vows to keep his contract with his people with excellent and dynamic results. As legislator, he believes that he has the full responsibility to enact laws and innovate on ideas by giving flesh and bone to the principles of good governance and efficient and responsive public service.

(Note: This article was first printed in Vol 1 of CONSEJO (Official publication of the 13th Sangguniang Panlungsod ng Naga) and posted in an earlier edition of this website.)

Hon. Jose C. Rañola

Bob Ursua — Fri, 14 May 2021 05:12:57 +0000

Hon. Jose “Sonny” C. Rañola, M.D.

The “DOCTOR IS IN THE HOUSE.” This may sound cliché, but this is truly what makes him dear and endeared to the City. In an article about him, in his bid for re-election to the Sanggunian in 2016; written by Jason B. Neola and published in the City Government’s magazine, Naga City SMILES; he is introduced as “the silent activist who makes himself heard by the masses”, and “a man with a big heart”.

He pioneered the philanthropic medical assistance program via a radio program entitled, “Salamat po, Doktor”, which introduced him to the community as a young medical practitioner then. Coupled with actual medical missions, the radio program ran for almost a decade. The article states, “ . . . Sonny, as he (is) fondly called, declared war along with volunteer doctors, nurses, ophthalmologists, dentists, and social workers, on the common enemies of the poor: pulmonary ailments, intestinal parasites, bad teeth, poor eyesight, stomach disorders, malnutrition and other more serious surgical cases which the needy are better prepared to die for that pay for”.

Though he mostly spent his medical profession in private entities like the St. John Hospital (in Naga City) where he served as its medical director for 33 years, and the NICC Doctors Hospital (also in Naga City), the “man with a big heart for the poor believe(d) he can serve well his fellow Naguenos as a city councilor”.

He has been a city councilor for 13 years and has twice become a top notcher councilor in the Naga local elections. In the same article, he says, “the city government has substantial resources and the capability to collaborate with other agencies to be able to provide the things that would uplift the well-being of our constituents, especially on matters about health.”

For all his works in both private and public sectors, including those which he dedicated to serving the community, especially the underprivileged, they have earned for him the following awards and accolades: Most Outstanding Bicolano Physician for 2013-2014 given by the Bicol Chapter of the Philippine Medical Association; and “The Outstanding Physician in Community Service” (TOPICS) given by the auxiliaries to the Philippine Medical Association; among others.

LEGISLATION AND CHAIRMANSHIPS Read More

(Note: This article was first printed in Vol 1 of CONSEJO (Official publication of the 13th Sangguniang Panlungsod ng Naga) and posted in an earlier edition of this website.)

Hon. Salvador M. Del Castillo

Bob Ursua — Fri, 14 May 2021 03:54:42 +0000

Hon. Salvador “Badong” M. Del Castillo, J.D., C.P.A.

Standing tall at 5’11”, one could mistake him for a military man, And by his built, he could easily pass for a high-ranking officer still on active service.

He towers above the ranks of men and women of the 13th Sangguniang Panlungsod. Like a soldier and a gentleman, he stands proud in gallantry at the age of 70.

If he were a soldier, he is surely bemedaled. If he were an officer, his rank is multi-colored.

And at his age, he is still very much active in government and public service which runs for 47.5 years.

He started his career in government and public service in 1971, and has landed in the following positions: Chief Accountant and City Accountant at the City Treasurer’s Office, and City Administrator; all under the City Government of Naga. Then he became Executive Director of the Bureau of Local Government Finance, under the Department of Finance (main office) in Manila. He was twice elected into the Sangguniang Panlungsod ng Naga, first in 2004 and then in 2016; now running for twelve (12) years.

As a CPA-lawyer, he is an active member of both the Philippine Institute of Certified Public Accountants (1986) and the Integrated Bar of the Philippines.

He has received the Dangal ng Bayan award from the Civil Service Commission in 1995, and the Outstanding Employee award from the City Government of Naga in 1989; and the Model Employee award also from the City Government of Naga in 1985.

Among the key persons and individuals, living or not) who has inspired him to do his best while in government and public service is former US President John Fitzgerald Kennedy. According to the honorable councilor, “it is because of his (Kennedy) philosophy that people should not always think of what the government can do for them, but should also think of what they can do for the government.”

(Note: This article was first printed in Vol 1 of CONSEJO (Official publication of the 13th Sangguniang Panlungsod ng Naga) and posted in an earlier edition of this website.)

Hon. Vidal P. Castillo

Bob Ursua — Fri, 14 May 2021 03:32:29 +0000

Hon. Vidal P. Castillo

In the Sanggunian, he wears a hard hat. He, being chair of committee on infrastructure, brings with him 43 years of experience in construction and engineering works, a wealth of expertise and know how that he contributes to the Sanggunian, which eventually benefits the entire city of Naga and its constituents.

Similarly, his 25 years in government and public service cannot be left unrecognized, starting as Barangay Kagawad for a term, and as Barangay Captain for four uninterrupted terms, and another full term, had it not been for an election prohibition. His 5th election as Barangay Captain brought him to the Sanggunian being the President of Liga ng mga Barangay. From then on, he has remained in the Sanggunian as a full-fledged elected Councilor.

At present, he is the Charter President of Naga City Oragon 101 Lions Club.

In 1995, he was cited as Outstanding Barangay Official by the Provincial Government of Camarines Sur and Philippine Radio Corporation. Same citation was given in 2003 but, this time, given by Sec. Eleseo Gozon of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources.

Also in the same year, he was given the privilege to attend a teleconference with Pres. Glora Macapagal Arroyo. And in 2004, Barangay Calauag, for which he served as Punong Barangay, was chosen as Regional Model Barangay for Eco Waste Management.

He considers the late DILG Secretary Jesse Robredo as a key influential person to his career in government and public service, having been one of Robredo’s companions when he started his journey in local politics in Naga. He is one of the witnesses to Robredo’s passion and dedication to public service, and the latter’s vision for good governance. Such values and vision are what kept him inspired in doing government and public service.

One time in his life, as a young materials inspector for a construction project somewhere in the hilly grasslands of Camarines Norte, he had a grueling experience of survival that made him earn the trust and confidence of his superior. At that time, when public transportation was scarce, he volunteered to walk for hours and miles long to look for food and water in the dark deep late night. Having found help, he returned to his companions of three at around three in the early morning. That introduced him to what will become a wealthy experience and background in construction work.

He further considers his long stint in public service at the barangay level as a crucial factor to his present legislative agenda and committee works. Driven by the same passion and dedication, he was instrumental in the increase of the Liga ng mga Barangay fund from some PhP 300,000 to a million pesos in 2014. Since then, it has been on the up trend reaching to some 5.7M pesos. Similarly, he batted for the increase of Barangay Support Fund from three hundred thousand pesos to half a million pesos, for the barangay infrastructure projects.

(Note: This article was first printed in Vol 1 of CONSEJO (Official publication of the 13th Sangguniang Panlungsod ng Naga) and posted in an earlier edition of this website.)

Hon. Elmer S. Baldemoro

Bob Ursua — Fri, 14 May 2021 03:05:01 +0000

Voters would remember him by his campaign slogan, Team Balde; that included a “pail” for a visual reference (balde is Bikol/Tagalog for pail). It was an effective campaign strategy that made him win and complete the 9-year/3-term limit.

He started as SK Kagawad, then as Barangay Secretary, to Punong Barangay to City Councilor; an unbroken record of government and public service for 27 years.

Outside the Sanggunian, he has served as secretary of the Philippine Councilors League since 2016; as an active member of the National Movement of Young Legislators since 2013; and as president of Triskelion Alumni Organization-Naga City since 2018.

His tireless work and dedicated service have led to earning the following awards for the City, namely; the Most Child Friendly City (2018) given by the Council for the Welfare of Children, the Apolinario Mabini Award (2018) from the Philippine Foundation for the Rehabilitation of the Disabled (PFRD), and the Vulcan Award (2021) given by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD-Region 5). He also received a Special Service Award in 2018, from the University of Nueva Caceres.

Like many other young Nagueño leaders, he draws inspiration from the late Secretary Jesse Robredo, more particularly on the latter’s management and leadership style.

In his first bout in politics as he joined the Sangguniang Kabataan local elections, he was and remains humbled by the experience of winning and ending up as topnotcher SK even without campaigning.

His legislative and committee works are driven by three important: advocacy for children, advocacy for PWDs, and support for the barangays.

Among his key legislations are: (2020-072) the Persons with Disability (PWD) Code of Naga City, (2018-055) Revised Comprehensive Children’s Code of Naga City, (2016-001) Barangay Volunteers Retirement Ordinance, (2015-032) Barangay Empowerment Ordinance of Naga City, and (2021-009) the Tabang-Tugang Progam (Covid-19 Response).

Hon. Mila S.D. Raquid-Arroyo

Bob Ursua — Fri, 14 May 2021 02:32:33 +0000

If going by her moniker, she strides by the MILES. At age 56, she has been and remains a public servant for 20 years, seventeen of which, as a City Councilor.

Her first entry to government service was as Executive Assistant to the Presidential Commission for the Urban Poor. Then she served as Director of Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council, Project Administrator of National Government Center Housing Project before joining Sentro ng Alternatibong Lingap Panlegal (SALIGAN) as Branch Coordinator. All these have paved the way for her work at the Sanggunian, especially in housing and in what was then called as “urban poor” and now as informal settlers.

Her entry to politics was as City Councilor. But that is not to say without a preparation in terms of a degree or in academics where she was awarded as Outstanding College Student of Naga City (given by the Naga City Jaycees), graduated cum laude, and passed the bar. She repaid her alma mater by serving as a Trustee of Ateneo de Naga University for eleven years. She is also a Council Member of the International Planned Parenthood Federation, and as a lawyer, of the Intergrated Bar of the Philippines. She was also chosen as one of The Outstanding Young Women of Naga City by the Naga City Jaycees (Carinosa).

Two key influential/inspirational individuals in her work in government and public service are Fr. Bill Kreutz and Mayor Jesse Robredo. Fr. Kreutz is one of the founders of the Jesuit Volunteers Philippines (JVP). According to her, Fr. Bill continually inspired her to achieve to become the best person she can be, and to devote her talents for the upliftment of the poor. Mayor Jesse Robredo, for his part, made her realize that working for the poor can be made easier and far reaching if government mandate and resources are used through effective and efficient legislation.

Having graduated from a Jesuit school, she joined the JVP. Another key inspirational/influential event in her life that is still very much part of her work as City Councilor. Her volunteer work at the JVP-assigned area with the poor made her realize that one of the services that is so inaccessible to them is the services of a lawyer. That prompted her to study law and dedicate her life to work for reforms in government. She treasures the 30 long years of working for and the poor, as it makes her more focused in looking for ways and means to empower them towards self-reliance. Another is the work with an NGO (non-government organization), particularly SALIGAN. There she recognized the importance of counting on the strength of people participation in governance in order to make it work. And finally, her being representative to the Philippine Council for Sustainable Development (PCSD) where she actualized her love for the environment, and be continually challenged to do more to protect the environment.

Among her key legislations are: (Covid response) establishment and operationalization of community learning hubs in the barangays of the City, instituting measures to promote public health, safety and protection; (urban housing and settlements) changes in the composition of the City’s urban development and housing board, implementation of the City’s local shelter plan; and (urban agriculture) strengthening the implementation of urban agriculture program of the City; among others.

Hon. Gregorio R. Abonal

Bob Ursua — Fri, 14 May 2021 02:02:42 +0000

Greg Abonal is the only other lay teacher cited in the 2000 Ramon Magsaysay Award profile of the late Naga City Mayor and Philippine Secretary of the Interior and Local Government Jesse M. Robredo. The profile written by Lorna Kalaw-Tirol reads:“ . . . Robredo remembers his English teacher Greg Abonal for having taught him not only English but, more important, the art of living. How clearly Roberdo recalls Abonal’s constant reminders: “the process is more important than what you learn:” “grades, while important, are not your life:” “ faith is important, as is honesty, and exams are not only to test what you’ve learned but to test your character as well.”

No wonder, the late City Mayor always wanted Greg Abonal among his working team in the local government in his beloved city, “An Maogmang Lugar.” Unable to entice his teacher to join the City Council and the Advisory Committee of the School Board beginning 2007, members of these committees all agree that Greg Abonal’s participation and contribution to these committees were productive and exceptional.

Having been part of the School Board, Greg Abonal sees many more prospects for the city government to assist the Department of Education in improving education in Naga. He sees fine tuning of the current programs for education but is especially excited about a formation program for school administrators and teachers as foundation for any educational improvement.

Youngest brother to Councilor Esteban Abonal, Jr., Greg Abonal brings to the city both sterling qualifications and intentions in the field of education.

He taught English at the Ateneo de Naga High School beginning in 1970. Among his earlier students were James Jacob, Ulan Sarmiento and Jesse Robredo. He was appointed Principal in 1978 but kept teaching stint with then City Mayor John Bongat among his former students. After 14 years as principal, Greg Abonal left for further studies and returned to teach in the Ateneo College. He was again appointed Principal in 2001 and was tasked to transfer the High School to a new campus in Barangay Pacol and especially to convert the all-boys high school to coeducation, admitting girls beginning in 2003.

He completed his 26th year as high school Principal in 2013, the longest in the Ateneo de Naga by anyone, Jesuit priest or layman.

The latter part of the 80’s called for his direct involvement in the affairs of local and national education. Even only as high school principal, he was elected President of the Caceres Educational Conference (Camarines Sur and Camarines Norte) and then of the Bicol Association of Catholic Schools. He went on to be nationally elected to the Board of Directors of the Catholic Educational Association of the Philippines (CEAP), concurrently serving as Regional Director and Regional Coordinator for Bicol, positions normally reserved for school heads and university presidents.

Archbishop Leonardo Legaspi did not hesitate to name him Superintendent of Catholic Schools for Caceres even though he was only a lay person. Again he went further to be designated Regional Coordinator of the Superintendents of Bicol in the national Superintendents’ Commission of the CEAP.

These achievements merited for him the Ateneo de Naga Golden Jubilee Outstanding Alumnus Award for Education in 1990. Shortly after that, he was elected to the Board of Trustees of the Ateneo de Naga University and served until February 2012, fulfilling the maximum of four terms (12 years).

Other than his formal studies, Greg Abonal gathered a wealth of knowledge through seminars and workshops and especially in the School Administrators’ Program spanning over five years, a course offered at Fordham University adapted for the Catholic schools administrators of Asia and Oceania but eventually accommodated others from Europe and Africa. He also was the lone Filipino and one of three Asians in the 6th Oxford Conference on Literature Teaching Abroad. In the Ateneo de Naga, Greg Abonal is known for being strict, as a teacher and especially as principal.

He explains: “Strictness is not exclusive to Greg Abonal. All the principals before me were strict. All principals after me will be strict. That is the culture of the Ateneo de Naga. In fact, that is the culture of all Jesuit schools, especially in the formative levels of basic education. Character formation for young people requires a caring environment of defined structures and structured procedures that young people must be guided through to adhere to and eventually adopt as their own. Excellence begins with high standards.

High standards can be achieved only through discipline. Look. Our young people here, our students, have been and will be happy about the school environment, climate, and culture. The Ateneo de Naga after all is the original “an maogmang lugar”.”