An Open Letter to the Tanauan LGU; Re: Modernization of Tanauan Public Market
Arch. Hector Gomez April 3rd, 2008
Greetings!
I am writing this letter in regard to the proposed modernization of the Tanauan Public Market.
As a fellow Tanauananon, I fully support the move of the Tanauan LGU, thru our mayor’s leadership and initiative, in proposing this timely project that would truly benefit our local folks, as well as local and foreign visitors to our town. Recently, I’ve read about the news article on the web regarding the LGU’s effort to conduct a feasibility study on the matter and truly this is a step in the right direction (one thing that was not clear though is the parameter of the whole “modernization†project). In view of this, conducting the feasibility study, particularly by integrating the design and concept of the whole site development, including the design of its individual or group of buildings and related engineering components like drainage systems and utilities, is a vital step to determine the viability of the project. I am aware that there are certain individuals who oppose such project (and some are incorporating the issue of the construction of the municipal hall which is a totally different subject), but despite the negative criticisms, I am still convinced of the necessity of such project to replace the existing, old and dilapidated structures of the public market and improve the overall (site) planning of its surroundings in order to promote and safeguard the health, welfare and safety of the general public. The existing structures could become unsafe (or probably they are already unsafe!) and could pose greater danger to life and property. Also worth noting is the fact that there are certain requirements of the current Building Code standards that needed to be addressed (e.g. lack of parking spaces, barrier-free facilities, etc. to name only a few).
In the interest of my architect colleagues and the architectural profession, and in promoting quality planning and design of public and private buildings, I am of particular concern on certain individuals or entities that may be involved in such undertaking, particularly those who are/is conducting the feasibility study. In addition, I will still even be more concerned on the professionals who will be tasked to do the physical planning and architectural design of individual or group of buildings, if these certainly are included in the development. The reason behind is the fact that Republic Act 9266, “An Act providing for a more responsive and comprehensive regulation for the registration, licensing and practice of Architecture, repealing for the purpose Republic Act No. 545, “An Act regulating the practice of Architecture in the Philippines†was passed and became fully effective in the year 2004. This is a valid and subsisting law that prohibits individuals who are not registered and licensed architects to practice architecture in any part of the country.
As of this date, per the Professional Regulatory Board of Architecture, there is “no temporary restraining order (TRO), no writ of preliminary injunction (WPI) and no pending question on the constitutionality on any of its provisions.†All national and local government officials are therefore mandated under law to implement and enforce it. For the past years and decades, we’ve witnessed the poor planning and design of many of our public buildings and facilities around the country, apparently because they were designed by individuals who illegally practiced and offered architectural services — and are not architects registered and
licensed by the state. The fact is, they have done considerable injustice to the Filipino architects and the Architectural profession, and to the general public as a whole. We can notice things such as multiple violations of the National Building Code (lack of parking spaces required, openings on firewalls, improper setbacks, etc.), incorrect building orientations, poorly designed and uncomfortable living spaces, violations of the Accessibility Law on the requirements of barrier-free facilities, and the list goes on and on – and these all contributes to the degenerative quality of the natural and built environment. Besides, these are issues that relate to public interest, safety and welfare — and are clearly attributed to non-architect’s lack of academic training and professional experience in the design and physical planning of buildings and their environs.
I have been following closely the development of this proposed project, even though I’m far away from home, and hope that this becomes a reality in the near future. I trust that the LGU have done and will do the right thing at the get go and pray for the success of this project.
Lastly, I ask the LGU of Tanauan to support the full implementation of Republic Act 9266 as part of the progress of our beloved town.
Together, let’s support all Filipino architects!
All the best,
Hector L.I. Gomez II, UAP
Registered Architect
- Economy
- Comments(26)
i think your intention is already late. The feasibility study has been awarded already to somebody we do not know the qualifications. Good luch for the next Project.
Mercado,
Let us all hope that those who were awarded are really in the know of what they are into and…. not much grease was applied to some alderman/men with dirty palms!!!! It is impossible nobody was greased!! Balita e mga cronies ni ………. ang naka bag ng kontrata!!! Wouldn’t there be some information about who they are and everything about the plans for the project posted in some areas for the taongbayan to read?? Where I am,everytime a project is planned EVERYTHING ABOUT IT IS PUBLISHED IN SOME NEWSPAPERS.RESIDENTS ARE GIVEN THE CHANCE TO VOICE OUT.THEN THERE ARE ALSO SOME MEETINGS IN PUBLIC FOR ALL THOSE WHO WANT TO KNOW THE PLANS.THE PUBLIC IS CONSULTED BEFORE A PLAN IS EXECUTED.WHAT IS HAPPENING LOCALLY IN TANAUAN IS SOME SORT OF A CIRCUS.ZARZUELA OR MORO-MORO!! This not surprising because nobody REALLY wants to object. Most are TOO GUNG HO on them-the city aldermen!! Kaya pagmerong lang nakikitang bulok saka uusok ang ilong.Come on folks Tanauan is a place of intelligent people not YES people!! THINK!!!!!!!!!
And let us also hope that NOT ALL THE BUDGET IS SPENT JUST FOR THE FEASIBILITY STUDY WHICH FOR 6 MONTHS IS A LONG ONE !!! “BREAK A LEG” to the people of Tanauan!!!
Lapit na talaga ang fiesta ng bayan.Simulan na ang paghahanda.Mabuhay ang Tanauan!! Ang mga pangkaraniwang mamayan!!
Wow! Kaupay unta kun maayad na an aton merkado publiko. Magmamahusay na an aton bungto.
Pero mayda ako mga reservations hine nga project. Baga damo la it nasulod hit ak hunahuna. Maupay upayan gad kun mayda mga proyekto nga nakikita pero it cannot be denied that corruption is a fact in all government projects.
Siring han mga una nga blogs dinhe nga ini daw ma cost hin P40,000,000.00. An akon paghinumdum han mga nauna nga comments/blogs nga ine daw guin propose hin usa nga nakaasawa hin taga tanauan ngadto kan Mayor didto hin usa nga katitirok ha manila han okasyon na fiesta celebration han mga taga Tanauan didto ha Manila. Maupay nga proposal. May nabasahan guihap ako nga an aton municipal government is capable of seeking a loan of up to P70M, pero it huhuramon daw la ha bangko is P40M para daw hine nga project. Pero ine nga P40m daw is tentative pala. It could go up. Imposible humabubo kay tungod han price escalation. Ha official website han Tanauan, may comment didto nga nasiring and web administrator nga magkakamay ada daw bidding han paghimo han feasibility study. Pero duda na ako hine kay earlier to that explanation han site administrator may usa ako nabasahan dinhe nga nasiring an aton tinahod nga mayor nga an nag propose daw hin project asya daw an pinaka habubo ang gin aaro nga fee para pag prepare han project feasibility study. Pera man an guin aaro han mahimo han project feasibility study? An siring mga 3% daw LA han project cost.
Pakiana ko la? Kakan-o himua an bidding han mahimo han feasibility study? Pero ine an akon na obserbahan. Dida han Mercado ha Tanauan nagpatawag an market administrator hin usa nga ura urada nga meeting. An mga magtirinda gin tagan la hin gutiay nga panahon para hine nga meeting with the group who will make the project feasibility study. Kun baga yana nag announce nga may meeting daw tapos kinabuwasan dayon ang meeting han aga. Mayda gad man dida mga organisasyon hin mga magtirinda sugad han mga parag isda, parag karne, ang mag pruprutas ngan an mga ada ha dry goods. An mga presidente hine nga mga grupo waray nga magpa meeting liwat han ira mga miyembro para magka ada hin usa nga stand han issue.
Come the following day. Hin-o an sinisiring nga bisitia nga mag hihimo han feasibility study? Mismo an kan Mayor kaistorya ha Manila. Salit kun mayda man bidding hito kadudaduda na. Ako an hadto, nakawitness na ako hin di la usa nga public bidding DAW hin govenrment office. An nananabo rigged an bidding. Magkasarabwat an nadidto. Muro-moro la it kaurogan nga bidding ha government offices. Siguro baga adto ito ha 95%.
Didto han public hearing ha Mercado nasiring ito nga nakaasawa hin Basas nga taga Tanauan, nga damo na daw an ira nahimo nga mga mercado. Karuyag sidngon hiara ini nga grupo sumulod hin mga transaction ha gobyerno. Maaram na ine hira kun hira hin-o it mga hihiluton para mag push through an project. Pastilan diri kita kakulop la katawo. Masiring mga waray hiton mananabo nga mag kaka ada hin lagayan kay diri man nakapot it head of office hit kuarta. Lukuhin natin ang ating sarili. It nananabo pag isyo hit check payment ha contractor, adto na it panduhol hit padulas. Danay pa ito ngani nauuna kun agresibo manngaro it mga na sign hit papeles. Waray hito pinipermahan hin gintatagan.
Adi pa. Ha sige nga istorya han mga taga manila nga bga maupay manbulatik nga ngatanan daw nga mga pwesto ha mercado ira pahuhurohalugon hin 50% of the present size, tapos magdudugang daw hira hin mga pwesto kay para daw mas madamo it makapag tinda. Mayda usa nga nagpakiana kun and total area ba ha present nga mercado pahahaluagon? An baton diri daw. Aanhon dawla nga paagi an an usa nga pie pagmamamlunon hin duro damo pero padudurudagkoon nga slice? Incredible. Pero mahulat la ako hit mananabo.
Damo pa gad it ak idudugang unta pero tilakat pa ako. Next time nala it iba.
tga-tulay,
The real issue I want to put forward in my open letter is about certain professionals who illegally practice architecture in the country.
I hope that the LGU will address this at the beginning of any project proposals, especially for services which only require the skills of a registered and licensed architect. Project feasibility studies IS under the scope of architectural services and REQUIRES a registered and licensed architect to do the job.
HG,
Kung di ako nagkakamali ikaw e ARCHITECT din. And like you’re saying FEASIBILITY STUDIES ARE UNDER THE SCOPE OF QUALIFIED,COMPE-
TENT AND REGISTERED ARCHITECTS! So I believe you can do the job!! In doing so you are sure that the final result would not be another TAGPI-TAGPI AT HULUGAN NA TRABAJONG MALI!!
Kasi ang sinasabi ni TAGA TULAY, it is DISTURBING!! O.K. Taga Tulay might not have any proof,but what if it is TRUE huh?? I’d like to believe myself that the amount of PHP40 million is a good amount for the palengke. With almost everything having price adjustments today,I have a feeling the project will be started as planned then the work will be STALLED FOR AN INDEFINITE PERIOD. RAZON: NO MONEY!!And that’s where my mind starts to bear on something-EVIL about those responsible for the project. DO NOT FORGET WHAT HAPPENED TO THE MUNICIPAL BUILDING!! WHATEVER CAUSED THE DELAYS ONLY “THEY” HAVE THE EXPLANATIONS!!! LET US HOPE IT DOESN’T OCCUR TO THE PUBLIC MARKET!!
Where I WORKED DELAYS DUE TO LACK OF MONEY OR MATERIALS WERE SURE REASONS FOR ” UNTIMELY VACATIONS”. That is correct! You see we had to study very well the project. There was always ample time for the study and MONEY. So we didn’t have any reason to let the job get delayed. Let us also hope that the company/ies doing the feasibility studies of the project are REALLY COMPETENTS AND NOT JUST MGA KAKILALA NG “ALAM MO NA ANG TINUTUKOY KO KUNG SINO” and they don’t have “MANOS NEGRAS”. But do you think this is possible?? That there will be no “PALM GREASING”?? Just curious!! NB: “MANOS NEGRAS” is self explanatory!
The local town fiesta is past approaching.Most of the townspeople will spend all they can.And some are taking advantage of the “HOSPITALITY”. Even total strangers get to eat FREE in the feast.And after the feast people are worrying on how to pay for the money borrowed for the feast. THIS NASTY PRACTICE HAS TO BE ELIMINATED!! LITTLE BY LITTLE!!! MABUHAY ANG BAYAN NG TANAUAN.IPAGPATULOY ANG KAUNLARAN!!! KEEP ON BLOGGING!!
Apple… este Sulodnon,
Bisan unanhon ko pagbasa hit im mga baton naglilipong tak ulo, sering pa nagka-saksaksinagol.
Anyways, siguro maaram ka man nga over 20K na it registered nga arkitekto ha Pilipinas. Ngan makikita nimo ha website hit Professional Regulatory Board of Architecture (www.architectureboard.ph) kon hin-o it klaro nga rehistrado nga mga arkitekto ha Pilipinas. Pakadto hiton section hit Roster of Registered Architects para hit full list. In other words, diri la hi ako it puede makapag-practice hin architecture ha aton. But this is not my point of objection. PERO diri liwat ako nag-oobject nga magka-ada hini na project, in fact, I support the move of the LGU 100%. It akon la na it LGU maghun-huna na kon diri arkitekto it nag-dedesign o naghihimo hit feasibility study (for the least) hini na proposed public market nga ini VIOLATION hit RA 9266. Basaha na la it akon open letter hin maupay kon kay-ano nga rason.
HG,
I agree 100% with you about the feasible study of the public market-that said work SHOULD BE DONE ONLY BY LICENSED AND QUALIFIED PEOPLE IN THEIR PROFESSIONS-and not cronies of whoever are in it!! But I have misgivings about them - those who won the contract bidding. Taga Tulay has posted a very disturbing blog.And I believe there is some truth in it.Don’t You?
Anyways,true or not,what Taga Tulay has posted - the “usual palm grease” in public works - I do not think it is to disappear so soon. It is a malady in the our politics!!
And so the feasible study is already underway with the townspeople not knowing who / what company won the contract bidding. Ain’t this a little weird?? Just asking eh!!!
Apple,
sering ni mayor waray pa man iton ig-award. to date, libre pa iton na feasibility. basaha gad hin maupay it baton ni mayor.
pamati ko awarded na an feasibility study kay mayda na napakadi ha mercado nga nangaro hin informasion ha mga magtirinda kay hira daw an mahimo han feasibility study. ito nga grupo nagpakilala an ira pinakamayor nga hiya daw naka asawa hin basas nga taga tanauan. hiya gihap ito an nag propose hine nga project kan mayor didto ha manila han kanan La fraternidad tanauena fiesta celebration. Hiya an nag istorya nga hiya an nag propose, iya grupo an mahimo han feadibility study. AMEN.
Taga Tulay,
Magdasal na lang tayong mga biktima hin panlilimbong kay diri gud man liwat mahihimo nga mamatay ang mga katagang “ANG LAGAY”. Ito ay salot at peste pero this is a favorite word of those practicing it! They might even come to call it “not only challenging and lucrative,it is also an adventure”!! Wow man,these are the people who don’t want PINAS to be removed from ” THE MOST CORRUPT COUNTRIES IN THE WORLD” list.Kakahiya!!!!!! But then they don’t have it! HIYA!!!
The PUBLIC MARKET PROJECT??? Pagwalang himala na mangyari diyan aba e magaaaral na ako lumangoy!! Bakit??? Kasi aasikasuhin na rin NILA ang nakakapesteng pollution problem na ginagawa ng edible oil factory at magiging malinis na ang tubig sa dalampasigan.Maaari na akong maligo sa dagat!!!!
Keep on blogging.This is our only way of making them (corrupt ones) think twice before someone puts grease in their dirty palms!!! Be on the alert!! Always!!
Six months is too long for a feasibility study for a project. Make it 4 months and have your designs posted even though, some of your people are still into that feasibility study, so there will be more people to look at it, and if there are others who will have the chance to see your posted design, and the town officials, can have the chance to review, and you will see, that, some of your residents will appreciate it, that, you have given them the chance to look at it. Don’t forget that Jesus’ Second Coming is already here on Earth, among human beings.
I agree with you Amy. I think they can squeeze the schedule.
Amy,
Your suggestions ring some tones!! Good of you then!! But bad again mi vida eh. You have again inserted your being knowledgeable of HIM!! Can’t you for your own love,not post comments without involving HIM!! HIM has nothing to do with the palengke modernization.El progreso del proyecto dependera de los politicos nina y no de EL!! Ojala que todo anda bien con los studios del proyecto.Nada de manos negras eh!!! Ciaooo!
Buenas tardes a ti!!
ay di ko naintindihan an imo urhi nga mga pulong. insulares o peninsulares ka ba? pasensya na la iday kay di ako maaram mag español. maaram ka man ha huron kami nanagko.
Donya Ortica,
Magpareho la kita nga duha. Didto guihapon ako ha sulod igiun anak ngan didto guihapon dako. Iton amon baryo inaagui an ticadto ha Dagami!! O anong say mo??
Good day!!!
ay maupay ka kay may ada kalsada ha iyo pa dagami……………kami didi pastilan kay kangga la hin karabaw it nakaka-agi ngan malamiri kun tag-uran, nagsasarang pa it mga linta…………….
Maupay nga aga Mayor,
You are right when you said some have posted some negative comments.This is a healthy sign Mayor. People can’t just forget some sad experiences from the past administrators. They have the right to express what they have in their minds. If you say you have no relatives or inaanaks in the municipality as employees then you have nothing to worry about at all.
WE ALL HOPE THAT WHAT IS IN THE MAKING (PALENGKE REHAB) WILL HAVE GOOD RESULTS AND NOT FINGER POINTINGS IN THE FUTURE. MAY YOU HAVE MORE YEARS TO LIVE TO SEE AND SAVOR THE GOOD FRUITS OF YOUR DEEDS AS A GOOD MAYOR!!! MABUHAY ANG TANAUAN!!! MABUHAY ANG MAYOR!!
BUT ONE THING REALLY NEEDS YOUR ATTENTION! COULD YOU PLEASE CHECK HOW’S THE GOING WITH THE WASTE DISCHARGE OF THE LOCAL EDIBLE OIL MANUFACTURING COMPANY?? JUST CURIOUS YOUR HONOR.
Ako ay isang sulodnon lamang pero taga dinhi guihapon ha Tanauan!!!
Maraming salamat po!!!!
Huh! Diri pa ngani nahuhuman an munisipyo, merkado na liwat it titikangan? one at a time please.. bangin anhi makuha hin pondo para mahuman la it munisipyo. Pwede ito manabo?
As long as your town has the budget, your town officials can do it. Mabuhay to Tanauan energetic town officials, who are making a lot of effort to make their town a better place to live, with a better economy to have. Don’t you think so? Mabuhay to all Tanauanons
In fairness to the mayor, the proposed budget for the public market is separate from the municipal hall. So I don’t think this is an issue.
Also, there is always an accounting when it comes to government projects. So let us not resort to hearsays. The mayor knows exactly what he is doing. Makuri la it puro la kita hin bagolbol, waray man liwat gin-propropose nga solution.
Ex Lgu,
You are very much right!! This is what those bloody conquistadores (daw) left behind after looting our country. Yong mga tarantado tamaan sana ng malalakas na kidlat.And it ain’t just that!! Some insiders even do business with the government by employing people underground ( mga patay na nasa payroll). Anak ng tipaklong!! Sa halip na tulungan ang bayan sa pagpapaunlad ala e ninanakawan pa!! I hope there are no such dead employes in the Tanauan payroll!!
Mr. HG, I believe should get back to Tanauan and be one of those “REAL” architects of the town. He is I hope an honest guy and not a yes one. And this word -”LAGAY”- is not in his vocabulary. Yet!!
Getting back to corruption. In South America this corruption thing is very much alive. I was driving a car one time.Unfortunately I violated a traffic rule. The apprehending guy told me like” if you’d hand me something your problem is done”. Man that was gross!! It is not different from Pinas.And I don’t think it is going to disappear soon.The corruption I mean.
So what do you think is the solution to the corruption problem? If there is at all.It really not just hampers growth and development it. It makes a place sick.Is politics in Pinas hopeless?? I hope to read more comments with sense on this site.Comments relevant to the issues of Tanauan. Not people looking for some others to be their religious converts. Thanks.Ciaooooo!!!!!!
Tacloban has recently filled the position for city architect. I hope Tanauan will follow suit for the municipal (architect) level. There is a growing number of licensed architects in the region, and I guess finding one will not be too difficult. It’s vital for our town to have one to properly evaluate the designs and proposals for planning and public buildings. This will also be in compliance with Article IV, Section 35 of RA 9266:
SEC. 35. Positions in Government Requiring the Services of Registered and Licensed Architects. - Within three (3) years from the effectivity of this Act, all existing and proposed positions in the local and national government, whether career, permanent, temporary or contractual and primarily requiring the services of an architect shall be filled only by registered and licensed architects.
Also, would recommend that the position of Building Official be filled up by a licensed architect.
Magaling ang panukala mo HG!!! Dapat talaga e completo ang bayan ng Tanauan ng mga LICENSED,REGISTERED AT TRULY QUALIFIED PEOPLE to handle matters in improving the town.In short magaling ang utak at hindi “YES” PERSON.So how is that going to happen?? In what way is that going to be done? Kasi alam na natin na ang padrino system is very much alive. Kahit na kulilat sa board ,registered but lacking the necessary talino y experiensiya , basta me kakilala sa loob e pasok siya.KAKAHIYA!! Don’t tell me I am joking!! I ain’t joking mister. Sorry kung me natamaan ako!! ES UN HECHO!!!!!!
I don’t mind Tanauan employing some kamaganaks of some insiders.BUT THAT GUY SHOULD REALLY KNOW THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN”TONTO AND BOBO”!!
MABUHAY AN TANAUAN.IPADAYON ANG KAUNLARAN!! BAWASAN ANG “SOBORNO”!!!!
Yes.. you’re right. A lot of employees in Tanauan LGU are not qualified. Nakasulod hira because kay sumuporta hira han political party han nakalingkod yana or mayda kakilala ha sulod or kadikit. Sad to say usa ini hira nga bulok nga sistema hit Philippine government.
Hi, Hector. . .
Thank you so much for all the suggestions you made which I am happy to inform you that we are favorably considering them like the design of the market, hiring of architects, etc.
We appreciate so much for your inputs to our dream of coming up with a modern market building.
Regarding the hiring of an architect, we will soon be coming up with a new organizational structure and we will make sure to include the position of an Architect.
Because of my many appointments and work, I could hardly open our website and other websites but if ever I do open our own website for comments and suggestions. Kaya, as much as possible, write to our web so that I could read your mail.
There were side comments of your open letter which are very insulting to some officials and employees. I will not dignify their comments by answering them. Anyway, Tanauananons know what we are doing and let the people judge us later. Our LGU would not have been honored by the Civil Service Commission as the Best LGU in Region VIII and Most Business Firendly in the whole country by the Phil Chamber of Commerce and Industry if the perceptions or allegations of those who made negative comments are true. I could have earned millions of pesos in the past elections had I succumbed to the offers. I have no relatives working in the LGU unlike the past administrators of the town.
Anyway, thanks again for all the trouble of writing and the many ideas you shared with us. Hope others who have nothing to do will follow your pagmamalasakit han aton bungto.
We will keep you and all the Tanauananons posted on the update of the feasibility study which will commence next month and will last for about 4 to 6 months. The same and the design will be posted in our web.
Damo nga Salamat and God Bless.
Mano Roque
Mr.H.Gomez,
I understand the Mayor is in need of someone of your title!! I believe you posses the necessary qualifications of an architect so if you want to help through your knowledge,this could be it!! Or you are not a Waray?? Why not try it??
Let’s keep on discussing relevant issues of Tanauan to let the public know what is good and not good and what is going on in Tanauan!! Keep on blogging.Apat na buwan lang e fiesta na naman ha sawang. Oh, how I miss it!!! The fiesta,man!!!