Featured Interview

Interview with the Brgy. Captain
By: Ma. Alexandria Daileg and Nadine Castro

Last July 26, 2008 our group interviewed the 58-year-old Curva’s Brgy. Kagawad Hon. Virginia Arcillas in behalf of the Brgy. Captain Hon. Noelcito C. Wagas.

Group 2: Good Morning Ma'am!
Brgy. Kagawad: Maayong buntag sad ninyo. Thank you for visiting the humble Brgy. of Curva.

Group 2: Ma'am, we would to ask the background and history of Curva since you are the current Brgy. Kagawad of this place.
Brgy. Kagawad: Go on students.

Group 2: How many is the populaton of people here as of the recent NSO Census Honorable and the land area?
Brgy. Kagawad: Approximately 2600 people and estimated 500 hectares.

Group 2: Since you are an old inhabitant of this community, can you describe Curva then and now?
Brgy. Kagawad: Well, life in Curva way back 1970’s was really difficult. Water supply and electricity were not available and we have rough road because the government cannot support it. Ahmmm..the…citizens here get their supplies in existing wells, rivers and spring. In the middle of 1990’s, we already have water supply and electricity supply as well as concrete roads.

Group 2: We are a bit confused. Could you please tell us the history of Brgy. Curva?
Brgy. Kagawad: The Brgy. was called Brgy. Curva in the late 19th century because of the sharp curve of the road as you approach the boundary of Curva and Brgy. Margen. It was once owned by the clan of Codilla and Martinez.

Group 2: Can you please site the livelihood of the people here in Curva?
Brgy. Kagawad: There are several livelihoods here in Curva. The main livelihood is agriculture because Curva is basically surrounded with vast hectares of rice fields. The other is animal raising since most of the families living here have piggeries, poultries and barnyards.

We have also Residential Real Estate Properties, at this time almost all real estate in Curva found on electronically is residential. Classes of properties in this category. include single-family residences, raw land, lots with added structures, apartments, condo buildings, etc. Unlike commercial real estate, residential real estate property might be furnished, or semi-furnished with for example coffee tables or in addition to other furniture. And speaking of furniture business, we have also a well renowned bamboo furniture industry. Most of the people in Ormoc proper and other neighboring towns purchased their furniture set here, for decades, Curva is known for its bamboo industry.

Group 2: Where can we find the center of the bamboo making?
Brgy. Kagawad: We can find it in Sitio Baugo. It was started by the family of Alvarado a decade ago and was followed by other families. It was then the start of their livelihood.

Group 2: Thank you ma'am for the information you’ve shared us!
Brgy. Kagawad: Salamat sad sa inyong pagbisita, ug pagpili sa
Curva sa inyong school project.

Interview with the Pioneer Maker
By: Elisha Niña Cabahug and Kirstin Heinsel Badilla

After we visit the Barangay Hall last July 26, 2008, we hurriedly went to the center of bamboo furniture making in Curva, in Sitio Baugo. There we caught Mang Simon "Sitoy" Alvarado making set bamboo furniture.

Group 2: Good morning Mang Sitoy.
Maker: Good morning too. What can I do for you?

Group 2: We heard from Hon. Arcillas that you were one of the best manufacturers
bamboo furniture here in Curva. Can we ask some information about your
Bamboo business?
Maker: Sure students. Go on

Group 2: When did this business started?
Maker: Actually, my father started this business early 1980’s and when he died he pass
this business to me.

Group 2: Oh really! Its been decades since your family started this business. By the
way, where do you get your supply of bamboos?
Maker: The bamboos are from Cabaliwan, Puertobello.

Group 2: Is it too from here?
Maker: More or less 10 km.

Group 2: How much did your father spend in starting this business?
Maker: I think its about 800 pesos

Group 2: How long does it take you to finish a complete set of furniture? We mean this
sala set?
Maker: It depends. If I have at least two helpers we can finish this in a week, but if I’m
alone I could hardly finish even one furniture. It takes me a month to complete
this set.

Group 2: How much does this complete set cost?
Maker: The maximum price is 2000 pesos.

Group 2: Thank you so much for your time and the information you have extended.
Maker: You’re very welcome.