Personal Circumstances

GERRY VIRTUDAZO-ARANETA' (born February 9, 1979) is a Filipino environmental planner, civil engineer, registered master plumber, experienced as town planner,  real estates developer consultant, development oriented  person, educator on its field of expertise and a dreamer of his faith- he crated for a purpose- to love God and to have a destiny that impacts the lives of others.

His distinction as the the first licensed Environmental Planner in his Province of Bohol after the enactment of Environmental Planning Act of 2013 (R.A. No. 10587)-  in the appointment of positions requiring the knowledge, skills, competence and qualifications of registered and licensed environmental planners. He is a civil engineer by profession, graduated Master of Public Administration and a Municipal Planning and Development Coordinator (MPDC) in the Municipality of Jagna, Bohol serving more than twelve (12) years of public servant. He owns the RS Environment Consultancy Services and a part-time professor in Holy Name University teaching Executive Diploma in Urban and Regional Planning Course- a qualifying course to take the Board Examination of becoming a Licensed Environmental Planner. He was once a General Manager of RICHLI Water, Richli Corporation in Tagbilran City - advocating enviromentally sustainable watersource using surface water.

EDUCATIONAL BACKGROUND
Born on February 9, 1979 at NMRT Hospital, Cagayan de Oro City, Misamis Oriental .Eldest among the eight (8) children of Julian Ursabia-Araneta and Floriana Bunjan-Virtudazo. Grow up in Brgy Ipil, Jagna, Bohol spending his elementary and secondary schools at Canuba Elementary School and Faraon National High School respectively as consistent highest honers and graduated Valedictorian and a recipient of DOST-SEI Scholarship grant taking Certificate of Technology speciliazing Electronics formerly Bohol Schoool of Arts and Trades. Graduated his formal baccalaureate degree of Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering at Bohol Island State University. He took also his Master in Public Administration in the University of the Visayas, Cebu City. Graduated Master of Ministry - Major in Administration and Development Graduated Basic Pastoral Theology - The Life of Christ. Currently taking up Doctor of Philosophy in Development Administration at Philippine Christian University; Dissertation Title : Increasing citizens' knowledge in the workings of local government of the Municipality of Jagna, Province of Bohol through interactive web portals.

Married to Anna Ria Baja-Araneta a Food Technologist and blessed with two (2) children namely Will Tyrone Araneta - currently Grade 7 as a Pisay Scholar in Argao, Cebu and Sabrina Tyra Araneta - Grade 1 at Bohol Child Head Start school in Bool, Tagbilaran City. They are presenyly residing at Unit 3007D Colorado Homes in Bgy Guiwanon, Baclayon, Bohol. Believer of Jesus Christ, born again Christian, having a spiritual transformation and acceptance of Jesus Christ as his Personal Saviour.

THE NAME GERRY

Meaning of Gerry: The name Gerry is an American baby name that means Ruling Spear. It is a feminine form of Gerald, meaning ruling spear. People with this name tend to initiate events, to be leaders rather than followers, with powerful personalities. They tend to be focused on specific goals, experience a wealth of creative new ideas, and have the ability to implement these ideas with efficiency and determination. They tend to be courageous and sometimes aggressive. As unique, creative individuals, they tend to resent authority, and are sometimes stubborn, proud, and impatient. People with this name have a deep inner desire for travel and adventure, and want to set their own pace in life without being governed by tradition

 BELIEFS AND STATEMENT OF FAITH

He is a Born again Christian, having a spiritual transformation and acceptance of Jesus Christ as Savior sometimes on November 16, 1999. In John 3:3-7, Jesus says to Nicodemus, "I tell you the truth, no one can see the kingdom of God unless he is born again." He claims his family as a the children of God and going to fellowship every Sundays at Jagna Christian Gospel Fellowship when they are in Jagna, Bohol and at Family Christian Fellowship in Cogon, Tagbilaran City when they are in Colorado Homes Subdivision, Guiwanon, Bohol and sometimes going to Christ Committed Fellowship in Pasig City whenever they are in Manila; Gerry believes in the Holy Trinity: one God that is divided into three persons, the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. He believes that Jesus himself is God, was born of a virgin, died on a cross, and was resurrected after three days; Saved by Faith alone, not by good works. Jesus is his Lord, from the Lord’s Lord's judgment and will spend eternity with Him in heaven. He believes that salvation is possible because upon Jesus' death, he became a perfect sacrifice as he never committed any sin; Transforming Power of God: He believes in the resurrection power of God. His faith is based on a living God, since Jesus was raised from the dead; Baptism: The ritual of baptism is used to symbolically identify with being buried with Christ and being reborn into a transformed existence, but physical baptism must be preceded by a spiritual one, where the person is "taken out of the devil's realm and baptized into Christ by the Holy Spirit himself."

AFFILIATION AND INVOLVEMENT

Member, The Fraternal Order of Eagles Philippine Eagle = Service through Strong Brotherhood. Past President of Capt Goyo Lions Club Interntional, Former President, League of Local Planners and Development Coordinators Inc. - Bohol Chapter (January 2020- present), Educator/Professor Urban Development Learning Program (UDLP) at Holy Name University, Consultant, Alona Land Development Corporation, President, Colorado Bohol Homeowners Association, Inc, Guiwanon, Baclayon, Bohol (June 2018-July 2020) Member, Baclayon Municipal Development Council; Vice President, Council of Present and Past Lions Club Presidents of Bohol; Past President, Jagna Capt Goyo Lions Club International Jagna, Bohol June 2016 to 2018;Vice President, League of Local Planners and Development Coordinators in Central Visayas (November 2017 up to present); Treasurer League of Local Planning and Development Coordinators of the Philippines – Region 7, League of Local Planning and Development Coordinators of the Philippines – Bohol Chapter, Interim Officer of Philippine Institute of Environmental Planners (PIEP) – Bohol Chapter; Active Member, Philippine Institute of Environmental Planners (PIEP); Member, Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers (PICE); Member, National Master Plumber Association of the Philippines (NAMPAP); Member, JICA Alumni Association of the Philippines (JAAP); Corporate Secretary, Jagna Christian Gospel Fellowship

TAKING THE RESPONSIBILITIES AS A FATHER OF EIGHT SIBLINGS, AS ELDEST SON EXPERIENCING HARDSHIPS IN GROWING UP

As eldest of eight siblings, he grow up and experience life that is full of hardships and difficulties in order to survive for a living since his father is not rich man to sustain and provide their children needs. In 1996, their family became  broken , his father left the house and his mother also looking for a domestic job to support their family. Since then, his father did not support them anymore and they survive with the salary of his mother as “labandera” and domestic helper in Manila together with his brother Dosito. He graduated with highest honors in elementary and high school, he passed scholarship examination - a DOST-SEI government scholar recepient. Born to be a leader from his elementary, high school and college days. He was also serving as SK Chairman in his hometown Bgy Ipil, Jagna, Bohol. He is motivated by difficulties and hardships in life of which he had no choice but to study hard, thinking that someday he can get over the trials and diifuclties in life especially surviving a broken family, striving hard to finish at least a high school graduate. He lives in a makeshift house dwellings but rich in garden vegetables especially the basic malunggay and spices as their source of viand and food for the table. He had passed all those hardships and sacrifices - working student, government scholar and graduated Associate in Electronics Technology and Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering of the same school (BISU) and had got his PRC licenses as registered civil engineer, licensed environmental planner, registered master plumber and graduated as master in public administration, master in theology major in public administration.

BORN AGAIN CHRISTIAN ON NOVEMBER 19, 1999 EXPERIENCING A SPIRITUAL RENEWAL

Started as an inquisitive person asking to whom we really worship as God and the Life of Jesus Christ. Have a lot of questions regarding the faith in God, why worship Mary and the other saints. One of the leaders of Campus Youth Ministry in the Catholic church during his youth days until he was unsatisfied by the explanation of the priest about salvation and doctrine of faith . Before landed as born again christian, he underwent various religious denomination such as March of Faith, Bible Baptist, Jehovahs witnesses, Seventh Day Adventist, Iglesia ni Kristo and many more but landed and stay in the discipleship ministry of Mr. Keith Patterson an American missionary with Sir Leonardo Ranas Ministry in Brgy Looc, Jagna; Accepted Jesus Christ as his Personal Saviour and born again on November 19, 1999 and from there he believes that Holy Spirit dwells in his life; he was baptised in water as a symbol of a renewed life. From thereon, hunger for more spiritual growth and development and decided to join the Study of Theological Expansion Training (TEXT Class) under Rev Pastor Edwin Ranan D.D. of JCGF Church and completed with Diploma in 2005; Formally join Jagna Christian Gospel Fellowship - a SEC registered independent church located in Bgy Cantagay, Jagna, Bohol. At present time, his family is now attending regular fellowship at Family Christian Fellowship in Bgy Cogon, Tagbilaran City and cell group meetings every Thursday nights.

INSPIRING GOD'S WORK IN HIS LIFE

He fully understand God's wisdom that Jesus Christ died in the cross to saved the world and by grace of God, received the holy spirit after accepting Jesus Christ as his personal saviour and had hope for eternal life after death; He claim the promise God not to abandon or forsake in times of need, trials and difficulties; Amazingly answered prayers and requests. Guide and protects at all times especially during disasters. He declared that Jesus Christ controls his life, his decisions, his feelings and desires of his heart. He proclaims the good news of salvation only through faith of Christ. He made sacrifices for his family, able to help various people closed to his heart. His sacrifices was reap with good fruits, like sending his almost all siblings to go to college and successfully graduated and landed a job. His ultimate desire in life is to fulfil the callings of Jesus Christ to make use of his skills, talents and capabilities for the Glory of God.

PERSONAL VISION AND GOALS

Gerry's personal vision is to live out God’s dreams for his life and he will benefit humanity with it. God has called him to be a teacher and a coach to help others more successfully run the race of life - Hebrews 12:1-3. He wants to encourage everyone that, no matter how old we are or what we've been through, God has a good plan for our lives. God wants to fill our hearts with a sense of destiny and purpose that will satisfy our soul. Jeremiah 29:11 tells us that God knows the thoughts and plans He has for us; plans for welfare and peace and not for evil, to give us hope in our final outcome. He's life’s vision defines who he want to be, what he want to be known for and the set of experiences and accomplishments he aim for. His vision helps define the goals by giving him a framework to evaluate those goals. He said, in order to realised his vision, He commit himself to pursue a life that is pleasing to God, peaceful mind and a peaceful life. Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and he will establish your plans - Proverbs 16:3 GOALS : To be a person his children look to with pride when they say, “This is my dad.” To be the one his children come to for love, comfort, and understanding; To have his deeds always match my words through the grace of God; To be the friend known as caring and always willing to listen empathetically to their concerns. He will use his private victories unselfishly by trying to create value for others; He wants to have a career/life that includes constant learning and improvement for himself, but that also creates an atmosphere of pleasurable learning and improvement for others. He want to work with and around people, and it is important to him that they like him; but it is even more important to him that they feel that He have helped them in some way – not necessarily that he do a specific good deed, but more that some kindness or thoughtfulness or wisdom of him had touched them. Through listening to and serving others, He will learn new ideas and gain different perspectives. He will strive to gain mastery over life’s challenges through increasing his circle of influence and emphasising those areas of concern over which I have no control. It is important to me to live my life in a way that shows kindness, care, and concern for family and friends and even strangers. Earn respect for myself based on a recognition of his accomplishments and abilities, maintains a sense of appreciation of the beauty of nature, and have a sense of humor.

FAMILY : Spending Quality time and family relationships; Provide healthy foods for the family. Experience a decent and comfortable living. Acquire a simple and fuel economy service vehicle.

SPIRITUALITY: Attend regular fellowship every Sunday. Join cell groups meeting once a week. Share the words of God, bible study and discipleship to anyone.

PHYSICAL WELL-BEING: Regular medical health check-up at least once a year like executive panel, comprehensive exam, extensive blood work, vision and hearing tests, and checks for heart disease, cancer, osteoporosis, dental care and other chronic conditions. Personal grooming, massage and hygiene. Sweating activities - biking, sauna, walking, gym fitness, zumba, basketball, etc.

LEISURE: Fun of backyard vegetable gardening. Leisure, sports and recreation activities. Strolling and Travelling new places.

BEING WORK: I keep on busy in works and ensure a productive day I want to ensure to have a sense of pride of my accomplishment, my personal achievement can be an inspiring for others Involvement of the community, build contact and find support.

TEAMWORK AND FAMILY RELATIONSHIP: Our family is working as a team, everyone feels supported and able to contribute. It’s easier to work as a team when everyone understands where they stand, so it helps to have clear expectations, limits and boundaries.

ENCOURAGEMENT TO TYRONE & TYRA : Sharing household chores. Even Tyrone and Tyra like the feeling of belonging that comes from making a contribution – sometimes, at least! Include Tyrone and Tyra in decisions about things like family activities, rules and holidays. Give everyone – including my children – a chance to have their say. Family meetings is a good way to do this. Take an interest in each other’s lives. Share family stories and memories.

GUIDING QUOTE: I should learn to enjoy every minute of my life. To be happy now. I don't wait for something outside of ourselves to make us happy in the future. I always think how really precious is the time we have to spend, whether it's at work or with our family. Every minute should be enjoyed and savored. Stress is real, but we always have a choice--we can let it consume us or we learn to control it. we are contented with what you have, because God has said, "Never will I leave you; never will I forsake you." - Hebrews 13:54

A real man loves his wife, and places his family as the most important thing in life. Nothing has brought me more peace and content in life than simply being a good husband and a father. Getting rid of a person with high temper, instead talk in soft when he/she lower already their emotions I store up food, I count my savings everyday for our future. (principle of the ants) 

LIVING IN URBAN AREAS LIKE COLORADO HOMES- BOHOL

It is a dream come true for him having been acquired a subdivision house and lot in Colorado Homes, Bgy Guiwanon, Baclayon, Bohol. It is his greatest desire to live in an urban area after growing up in a rural environment and continue to fulfil his dreams. He grew up in Jagna, schooling in Jagna, works in Jagna, married in Jagna and getting old in Jagna hehe. The reasons of living near the urban areas is to experience accessibility to entertainments, medical care and services, quality schools, museums, malls, groceries, cinemas, fast foods, boutiques, restaurants, shopping, etc. Living near the city also had a chance to met more people and hang out with, more banks, public transit, walkability in the morning and holidays. We also exposed to multiple cultures pf which most important people around you doesn't bother about what are you doing and why are you doing they mind with there own business. You can fulfill all your dreams here with your hard work smartness and determination. Public events such as parades, fireworks, farmers markets, art fairs, sporting events and generally nicer homes.

God's 5 Purposes for Ruling Spear to Follow

We were planned for God's pleasure so your first purpose is to offer real worship.

We were formed for God's family so your second purpose is to enjoy real fellowship.

We were created to become like Christ, so your third purpose is to learn real discipleship.

We were shaped for serving God so your fourth purpose is to practice real ministry.

We were made for a mission so you fifth purpose is to live out real evangelism.