Iriga City, Philippines — Noel Cabangon’s song titled Beautiful City of Iriga says it all. What used to be a former barrio where showbiz personalities like Nora Aunor, Eddie Ilarde, Jaime Fabregas and Rez Cortes hailed from has Mt. Iriga to calm everyone’s wondering mind, sinful delicacies and mouthwatering dishes (laing and pinangat) to satisfy one’s appetite and a city layout where you can find your basic needs in just a full turn around the plaza. The city’s charm emanates from its amiable people.
Rival schools University of Northeastern Philippines (UNEP) and University of Saint Anthony (USANT) showed everyone how united Irigueños are in the so-called Unified Grand Performance replete with bands and majorettes during the city’s recent 41st charter foundation day.
It was like a scene straight from Drumline and remained faithful to the movie’s theme of camaraderie. The showdown was also reminiscent of Bring It On: In It To Win It where the two cheerleading teams have to settle their differences to emerge victorious.
This act showed where Mayor Madelaine Alfelor-Gazmen wants to bring Iriga City. The joint performance of UNEP and USANT was definitely a “one dance for one Iriga” thing.
“Every year, we make it a point it (the foundation day) has to be different but on a higher level,” the mayor says.
“Right now, we are trying to revisit our history. Some of our history is baseless academically. We formed a committee to conduct the research and they have to be in Parañaque to go to the archive of a certain author, historian and priest.”
This cultural effort from the city government is one way of empowering Irigueños to put their act together and love their hometown.
“We will only know who we are until we learn what is our history and culture,” shares Alfelor-Gazmen.
Knowing their culture will be Irigueños’ deeper foundation and if ever they leave for greener pastures, they will never forget their identity because it stays with them.
Examples of those who have left Iriga and never forget their roots are this year’s Sumagang awardees, US-based Dr. Marietta Nagrampa-Almazan for Outstanding Achievements in Humanitarian and Community Service; lawyer Leila de Lima for Government Service; and Tshomlee Cabanos Go for Sports. Those who stayed in Iriga are Msgr. Luis Jonie Aguirre, H.P. for Socio Spiritual Service; UNEP Chorale for Music and Culture; and Irigueño Lifetime Achievement awardee lawyer Santiago Ortega Jr. Ortega Jr. owns Iriga Plaza Hotel and its convention center, Iriga Shopping Center and Shakeys Iriga which provide job opportunities to his kababayan and contribute to the city’s urbanized atmosphere. The Sumagang Awards recognizes Irigueños who have brought honor to the city and helped in its development.
Also gracing the event were Kim Chiu, Iya Villania, Bugoy Drilon and Mark Herras.
What’s next for Iriga?
The public market is now under construction. It is touted to increase the city’s revenues. An eco-park is also under construction. It is a way to attract more tourists visiting the Bicol Region.
A circumferential road is on Alfelor-Gazmen’s to-do list if ever she is elected in the 2010 elections. This will make the city’s progress spill over to neighboring towns.
Her dream is to turn Iriga City from fourth class municipality to second class. It is urbanized but laid-back with Filipino values intact.
“I believe in quality,” shares the lady mayor, who has sparked Iriga’s development as Irigueños will agree. “It’s not what you do with the hours but what you put in the hours. I have limited time. So, I have to work double time.”
Asked about any lessons in governance she has learned for the past five years, Alfelor-Gazmen replies, “We have to work together and be united. And it won’t hurt if you bridge the gap.”
“Humble yourself for the good of the people. If one is in the position, it is unavoidable for one to succumb to power. Sometimes one tends to forget the small details. These details are the most important things. These are (reasons) why some local executives lose focus. Being a mayor is not forever.”