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<center>[[Catanduanes Province, Philippines|<font size=4>'''Province of Catanduanes'''</font>]] - [[Catanduanes Archived News|<font size=4 color=green>'''Archived News'''</font>]]</center>
<center>[[Catanduanes Province, Philippines|<font size=4>'''Province of Catanduanes'''</font>]] - [[Catanduanes Archived News|<font size=4 color=green>'''Archived News'''</font>]]</center>
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==CSC student wins AKB search for Outstanding Student of Bicol==
==Catanduanes to host 9th Regional OSY Encampment==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R05&article=841332317093
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R05&article=841336486212
*By: PIA
*By: Edna A. Bagadiong
*''March 21, 2012''
*''Friday, May 11, 2012''


VIRAC, Catanduanes- Jonathan V. Tulod, a fifth year Civil Engineering student of Catanduanes State Colleges (CSC) was awarded as one of the Ten Outstanding Students of Bicol (TOSB) for School Year 2011-212 by Ako Bicol Partylist (AKB), Philippine Association of College Student Advisers (PACSA) and Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Regional Office V.
BATO, Catanduanes- The Bato Central Elementary School in Bato East District, Catanduanes will host the 9th Regional Alternative Learning System (ALS) Out-of-School Youth (OSY) Summer Encampment 2012 of the Department of Education (DepEd) from May 21 to 25.


Tulod and nine other TOSB winners received a trophy and P20,000 cash prize each during the awarding ceremonies at the University of Saint Anthony in Iriga City on March 9, 2012.
The event with the theme, “Kung ALS Learner Ka, Naiiba Ka," will be participated by 13 divisions from Bicol region.


Jonathan, who is the editor in chief of the The Statesman, the official tertiary student publication of CSC, is set to earn his Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering degree as Cum Laude. He is also the Campus Chapter President of Youth for Christ (YFC), the youth arm of Couples for Christ, a Catholic Charismatic lay movement officially recognized by the Vatican and spread to already 68 provinces in the Philippines and over 60 countries worldwide. He also serves as one of the legislators of the CSC Federated College Student Council.
According to Mayor Rodriguez, the hosting of the said camp is part of the preparation on being a Hall of Famer of their town in the National Literacy Awards.
In his acceptance speech, he shared what went through during the interview portion of the search. He told the audience he was caught off guard when asked what leadership principle he clings to.


“But then, I just answered what perhaps my heart tells me and what the Holy Spirit dictates me to declare. So I said, I do not have a memorized John Maxwell leadership dictum, but I have always believed that leadership is synonymous to discipleship; it is just like what Jesus Christ did—he came to serve and not to be served, and so he is considered the most influential leader of all time, and that is the best leadership principle I would always hold on to,” he said.
The activity aims to: (a) equip OSYs with life skills (LS) and lifelong learning (LLL) necessary to become effective, efficient, and responsive citizens; (b) inculcate in the minds of OSYs spiritual and moral values; (c) strengthen self-reliant, dynamic, and creative future leaders to become effective catalysts/agents of change; and (d) acquaint the OSYs on ALS programs and projects.


He likewise acknowledged his leadership as editor in chief of the CSC Statesman which instilled in him the sense of social responsibility and expressed his gratitude most especially to his parents, as well as to his mentors and his YFC family for their integral part in molding and honing his personality.
Participants in the activity are ALL OSYs enrolled in ALS learning programs.


Prof. Ariel Buban, executive assistant of Ako Bicol Partylist said the search recognizes the priceless role of youth in nation building. He commended the awardees for being the epitome of excellence and pillars of quality education. He also encouraged the awardees to ‘walk the extra mile for the country’s future.’
There will be a registration fee of P550 per participant for training materials and food for resource speakers. Around 500 are expected to participate in the camp.


In his keynote speech, Congressman Rodel Batocabe of Ako Bicol said the awardees represent the very best that Bicol can offer. He stressed that the selection underwent a stringent process: the TOSB must have grades that are at least in the level of a cum laude; that they must not only be academically superior but must have also holistic perspective, leadership skills and talent to share to their schools, community, and the Bicol Region.
==Virac to hold Chess fest==
 
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R05&article=841336542214
He added that the essay competition was aimed to know the values and aspirations of the TOSB contenders and the interview portion was done to know more about their convictions and principles in life.  
*By: Edna A. Bagadiong
 
*''Wednesday, May 09, 2012''
He exhorted the awardees to “work really hard, and do better than us” and congratulated their parents for raising them well. He finally challenged the TOSB to “continue the fire of excellence and idealism burning through the years.”
 
Over 40 students in the region joined the annual search. The 10 awardees were selected from the 20 finalists. Last year, CSC’s entry, John Elmar B. Templonuevo, BSED and editor in chief of CSC Statesman also won the search. Two other students from CSC who were among the 20 finalists (Carlito Gelito and Francis Timbal both from College of Education) were also given certificates and P2,000 incentive.
 
The other Ten Outstanding Students of Bicol winners, aside from Jonathan V. Tulod of CSC are: Marlon S. Pontilla of University of Saint Anthony, Bryan E. Novio – Ligao Community Colleges, Patrixia Shirley D. Santos - Bicol University, Renier L. Ramirez – University of Northeastern Philippines, Monique B.Sabio, La Consolacion College, Jemalyn N. San Jose – University of Nueva Caceres, Mary Grace L. Villar – Ateneo de Naga University, Jason L. Castillo – Computer Communication Development Institute, and Ma. Clarissa A. Bombase – University of Nueva Caceres.


==Pandan police confiscates narra lumber==
VIRAC, Catanduanes- Virac is spearheading a chess tournament from May 26-27 to be held at Virac ABC Hall.
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R05&article=841332168862
*By: PIA
*''March 20, 2012''


PANDAN, Catanduanes-  Philippine National Police (PNP) Pandan Municipal Police Station confiscated a total of 222.8 board feet of narra in Barangay Canlubi, Pandan on March 2 at around 6:45 p.m.
The activity aims to develop and promote sports awareness of the participants especially the youth. It intends to bring out youth excellence in sports as a way to divert their attention from unconstructive and harmful activities that could ruin their lives and future.


A concerned citizen found the lumber abandoned in a roadside in said barangay and reported it to the police. The lumber, left by suspected illegal loggers, were hauled by P/Inspector Millard Bongalon at five of his men.
The tournament offers P5,000 for the first placer in the open category, with the age 16-under champion and age 12-under champion to earn P2,500 and P2,000, respectively. A Eureka chess set will also be given to champions in the three categories.


Breakdown of confiscated narra lumber are as follows: 24 pcs. 2x2x6;  15 pcs. 1x3x6;  and 6 pcs. 1x8x8 with a total amount of P11,125.
According to tournament coordinator Bonifacio Molina, those who are interested must bring a valid ID or photocopy of birth certificate. A registration fee of P200 for the open category and P100 for the age categories will be required per participant.


At present, the Pandan police is conducting a follow-up operations to know who were behind the illegal cutting of narra trees despite the implementation of total log ban in the country.
Deadline for the registration of enthusiasts is on May 25.


==Trike operators taught the intricacies of managing==
==6-hr brownouts plague Catanduanes==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R05&article=841331539405
*Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/189165/6-hr-brownouts-plague-catanduanes
*By: PIA
*By: Fernan Gianan
*''March 12, 2012''
*''Monday, May 07, 2012''


VIRAC, Catanduanes- The Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) Office of Transport Cooperatives, in cooperation with the Congressional District Office (CDO), conducted a seminar-workshop for trike operators and drivers from March 7-9, 2012 at Rackdell Inn, Virac, Catanduanes with the theme, “Traffic Rules, Franchising and Cooperative Development.”
VIRAC, Catanduanes–Just three days after President Benigno Aquino III led the ceremonial switch-on of the much-touted mini-hydroelectric plants of Sunwest Water and Electric Co. here, the entire Catanduanes grid began experiencing six-hour brownouts beginning Saturday when a bunker-fuel generating set conked out and the three hydro power plants on stream failed to deliver due to low water levels.


The activity was aimed at disseminating and supplementing sufficient knowledge to tricycle drivers and operators in terms of legalities regarding franschising, traffic rules, road signs, and to tackle group potentials as a significant sector of the community.
The First Catanduanes Electric Cooperative Inc. (Ficelco) began implementing “load shedding” in all 11 towns after the 3.6-megawatt generator set of the Catanduanes Power Generation Inc. (CPGI) broke down.


According to Congressman Cesar V. Sarmiento, said seminar is very important because of the concerns and important things that are beyond the knowledge of the transport groups.
This immediately took out 2.5 MW from the grid, resulting in a deficiency of 2 MW during peak load and 1 MW during off-peak hours.


Officials from the DOTC-Office of Transport Cooperative headed by Rommel Laurena visited the province last February 8, 2012 to finalize plans regarding the said activity.
Despite its admitted lack of funds for the continued operation of its genset, CPGI recently resumed power generation, although for 10 to 11 hours daily, after shutting it down for a few weeks.


During the duration of activity several topics were discussed such as: issues and concerns related to tricycle drivers, development of standard tricycle sidecar design prototyping, human values, motorcycle engine and preventive maintenance, legal mandates and role of local government units in Development of Transport Infra and Traffic Management, DOTC clean air initiatives, and road safety initiatives in the Philippines.
An official of the cooperative, who requested anonymity as he was not authorized to disclose details, told the INQUIRER last weekend that the company sent technicians from Manila to repair the genset.


Ways of reducing air pollution, basic traffic and Land Transportation Rules and Regulations, Techniques on Defensive Driving, Road Markings and formation and conversion of TODA into transport cooperatives.
“The CPGI plant was repaired Sunday night but it operated for only two hours while unannounced, short duration brownouts continued to be experienced,” said this coop official.


Only seven provinces in the entire country are recipients of the said program of DOTC.  
Edwin Tatel, plant supervisor of the National Power Corporation’s (Napocor) Catanduanes grid, revealed that Sunwest’s three mini-hydro power plants–Solong, Hitoma I and Balongbong–have been contributing barely 25 percent of its nominal capability due to low water levels in their respective reservoirs brought about by the lack of rain in past weeks.


==CSC spearheads logo design contest for Linggo ng Kalikasan==
The trio account for 80 percent of the total power demand during rainy days when they deliver a total of 5.4 MW.
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R05&article=841331266794
*By: GSRubio
*''March 09, 2012''


VIRAC, Catanduanes- As a kick-off to the annual Linggo ng Kalikasan celebration, the Catanduanes State Colleges will spearhead the Logo Designing Contest which is open to all interested Catandunganons who have a  flair for graphics design and visual arts.
Part of the slack is taken up by the Monark mobile gensets which is rented by Napocor at high cost and operating for at least 12 hours daily as per contract.


The entry must capture the essence of the theme, “Sa Turismo at Kalikasan, Nakasalalay ang Matatag na Kinabukasan.”
Napocor officials have said that should CPGI’s genset be sidelined, the Monark gensets would be operated beyond the contracted hours but this would severely impact Napocor’s budgetary allocations for the Catanduanes grid.


The criteria for judging are: originality (40%), content/relevance (25%), format/aesthetic appeal (25%), and creativity/overall impact (10%). It must also have a written explanation on the concept contained in the logo. A certification as to the originality of the logo signed by the participant is also required. Should complaints arise, prize will be forfeited, if ever the entry wins. As such, the certification must also be attached to the email or file together with the entry.
Among the issues presented to Malacañang officials for possible consideration by the President during his May 2 visit here were the possibility of the Department of Budget and Management’s restoring the budget for the aborted purchase of three new diesel gensets for Napocor’s Marinawa plant and funding for the 69-KV transmission line.


The entries can be submitted electronically in JPEG format at catanduanes_state_colleges@yahoo.com, with the subject “Logo Entry” or can be forwarded in CD/DVD or flash drive to the Office of the Executive Assistance Services, Catanduanes State Colleges.
The request for the restoration of the genset funding was allegedly set aside but Governor Joseph Cua said he was able to ask the President to reconsider the provision of P250 million for the transmission line, with the matter referred to Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras during Cua’s brief conversation with Mr. Aquino during the latter’s visit in the province for the inauguration of the state-of the-art Doppler radar in Bato town.


For clarity and sharpness of image, the logo entry must have a minimum of 300 DPI resolution. The deadline for submission is on March 13, 2012.
The island grid has around 35,000 member-consumers paying probably one of the highest power costs in the country at about P12 per kilowatt hour despite the operation of the three hydro plants.


Top three entries will receive the following prizes: First Prize - P3,000.00, Second Prize - 2,000.00 and Third Prize - 1,000.00.
==2010 Catanduanes PGR lower than 2000 - NSO==
 
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R05&article=841335793779
The first prize winner logo will be used in the Linggo ng Kalikasan Celebration to be spearheaded by the Provincial Government of Catanduanes, together with national and local government agencies in the Catanduanes on June 18-22, 2012.
 
==Korean agency starts survey on Virac airport upgrade==
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=841330671529
*By: Edna A. Bagadiong
*By: Edna A. Bagadiong
*''March 07, 2012''
*''Friday, May 04, 2012''


VIRAC, Catanduanes- The Korean International Cooperation Agency (KOICA), in cooperation with the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) and Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP), has started preliminary survey of the Virac Airport here recently.
VIRAC, Catanduanes- President Benigno S. Aquino III signed Proclamation No. 362 on March 30, 2012 declaring as official the 2010 Population of the Philippines by Province, City/Municipality and Barangay based on the 2010 Census of Population and Housing (2010 CPH) conducted by the National Statistics Office.


According to Engr. Raul Glorioso of CAAP, the upgrading of the province's sole airport is a proposed project of DOTC to KOICA to upgrade and develop Virac airport at par with other airports in other countries.
The total population of the province of Catanduanes as of May 1, 2010 was 246,300 based on the 2010 CPH. The 2010 population is higher by 30,944 compared to the 2000 population of 215,356. In 1990, the total population was 187,000.


The said offer also came up due to flight cancellations when the weather is cloudy due to landing inconvenience which caused flights to return to Manila. Aside from these, the current airport lacks strong lights that should serve as guide of pilots if the weather is cloudy due to heavy rains.
This translates to an average annual population growth rate (PGR) of 1.35 percent for the period 2000 to 2010 which is slightly lower by 0.07 percent than the 1990-2000 PGR of 1.42 percent.


Cabana also said that if the project materializes, the cost of the upgrading will reach an estimate of $3 million that will be granted by KOICA which will cover obstruction removal, construction of new apron, passenger terminal building, taxiway, administration building, airport drainage system, vehicle parking area, perimeter fence, fire station building, procurement of air navigation and communications equipment, crash, fire and rescue (CFR) vehicle and maintenance vehicle.
Virac has the largest population with 66,951, followed by San Andres with 35,779 and Caramoran with 28,063. The combined population of these three areas comprised 53.1 percent of the province of Catanduanes population.


At present, Virac airport already has an administration building and a fire station building which shall result in changes in funds and other concerns.
Four municipalities had an average annual PGR which is higher than the provincial average for the period 2000 to 2010. These are Caramoran (1.66 percent), Bagamanoc (1.62 percent), Virac (1.61 percent), and San Miguel (1.46 percent).


It is also expected to increase air traffic demand (passenger, aircraft and cargo), stimulate business trade and investment opportunities, speed up movement of passengers, goods and services and increase economic growth and activities.
Among the top five barangays with largest population are San Isidro Village (4,262), Cavinitan (3,484), Cabugao (2,989), Bigaa (2,777), and Cabcab (2,750).


Virac airport runway and apron stretches at 1,886 which needs to be rehabilitated due to some joints and cracks.
==Gas Find At Recto Bank To Address Energy Woes==
*Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/358623/gas-find-at-recto-bank-to-address-energy-woes
*By: MADEL R. SABATER
*''Thursday, May 03, 2012''


Moreover, according to CAAP, from the average annual passenger traffic of 19,845 Virac airport recorded a significant increase in the last three years reaching 43,279 passengers in 2011.
BATO, Catanduanes – President Benigno S. Aquino III yesterday said the Philippine government will exercise its rights at the Recto Bank, noting it would help the country in its goal towards energy sufficiency.


Meanwhile, the province is very optimistic that the plans of the airport upgrading will prosper since it shall benefit everyone especially in terms of the province's tourism. The survey will last for more or less one week.  
“We will exercise all of our rights,” the President assured.


==90 nurses completes RN HEALS program==
Business conglomerate Manny V. Pangilinan had said the standoff between the Philippines and China may affect oil and gas explorations at the Recto Bank, which was discovered to contain more natural gas than the Malampaya natural gas field in Palawan.
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R05&article=841330930537
*By: PIA
*''March 05, 2012''


VIRAC, Catanduanes- A total of 90 nurses completed the RN-HEALS of the Department of Health (DOH) in collaboration with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and Department of Social Welfare and Development.
The Malampaya natural gas field currently supplies about 40 percent of Luzon’s energy needs.


RN HEALS, an acronym for Registered Nurses for Health Enhancement And Local Service, is expected to address the shortage of skilled and experienced nurses in 1,221 rural and unserved or underserved communities for one year.
“There are realities, they’re a very big country economically, po¬litically, and even population-wise when there is no comparison with us. But that doesn’t change the fact that we believe we are in the right and we are obligated to fight for that which is right,” he stressed.


It was started last year to provide essential health services to all Filipinos and as well as address the issue of nurses’ unemployment.
The President added there are other oil and gas finds within Philippine territory that would help the country in its goal towards energy sufficiency.


In this connection, an exit conference was held last February 15, 2012 at Rackdell Inn wherein the 90 nurses received certificates of Deployment and Competency warded by Governor Joseph C. Cua who was the guest speaker of the event, Provincial Health Team Leader Dr. Gladys Escote and representatives from supporting agencies.
He said 66.8 percent of the country’s energy requirements are met by indigenous resources.


Aside from P8,000 monthly stipend, an additional P2,000 allowance were also provided by local government units for each nurse.
“But we expect that to increase as we go along,” he said.


Meanwhile, the next batch of nurses that will qualify for the RN HEALS program succeeding the previous batch will be announced this week.
President Aquino said the country continues to conduct a dialogue with China to resolve the territorial dispute, but insisted that the Recto Bank is part of Philippine territory.
 
According to Dr. Escote, out of the 130 nurses who applied for the program, only 95 will get their slots.
 
==Business one-stop-shop increases tax collection in 7 towns==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=841330499066
*By: PIA
*''February 29, 2012''
VIRAC, Catanduanes- All it had to do was hasten the process of business permits and the buiness sector fully appreciated, as shown by the increase in tax collection.
 
A significant increase in business taxes has been observed in seven towns here in Catanduanes following the implementation of the Business Permits and Licensing System (BPLS) Upscaling Reforms Program of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).
 
The BPLS program is aimed at limiting  the processing time of the local government unit to issue business permits and licenses to a maximum of 10 days from the date of submission of the application form as required by the Anti-Red Tape Law, using a unified form each for new applications and renewals and limiting the number of steps in processing applications for new applications and renewals.
 
Among the towns that experienced higher taxes and fees paid by business establishments in their respective locale as stated in a report submitted by DTI and DILG, Caramoran town has the most number of increase with registrants increasing from six in January 2011 to 118 this 2012 wherein its tax collection from business registration boomed from P52,193.73 to P296,338.24 or nearly five times the figure for the previous year.
Viga came in second with 92 registrants increasing by 171 percent in collection from P139,541.75 to P378, 670.32. The province's capital town is in 3rd with 127 percent increase from 14 to 754 registrants with an increased revenue from P3.9 million in 2011 to P8.9 million this January, 2012.
 
Moreover, Pandan listed an increase of 73 percent in business taxes from P143, 052.76 to P247,545.48 with registrants rising from 100 to 182. Meanwhile, Bato town recorded 121 registrants from 84 with a tax collection growing from 29 percent to P774,079.18.
 
San Miguel town still does not have data while San Andres registrants grew from 256 to 284 but its tax revenue fell from P1.06 million to P884,680.85 this year.
 
According to William Aldea, Local Government Operation Officer, the significant increase in tax collection was due to the establishment of Business One-Stop Shop desks in the said towns which sped up the approval of permits and licenses in January, 2012.
 
==Suspected NPA leader captured in Catanduanes==
*Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/148209/suspected-npa-leader-captured-in-catanduanes
*By: Mar S. Arguelles
*''February 18, 2012''
Government troops captured a suspected leader of the New People’s Army in Catanduanes in an encounter Friday morning, an Army commander in the Bicol region said Saturday.
 
Colonel Arthur Ang, commander of the 901st Infantry Brigade, identified the alleged NPA  leader in a telephone interview as Lorenzo Jimenez “alias” Enzo, 33, a native of Gigmoto who was believed operating in the eastern side of Catanduanes. Friday’s encounter occurred on the outskirts of Gigmoto.
 
Ang said that at around 9:30 a.m. Friday, Jimenez and five other NPA rebels were cornered after a five-minute firefight with troops from the 83rd Infantry Battalion in Barangay Sioron, six kilometers away from Gigmoto  and 52 kms  from Virac, the provincial capital.
 
Captain Edmar Gambot, leader of the government troops, said in his report that the captured rebel had raised his hands in surrender. “I instructed my combat medics to check for wounds upon his capture,” said Gambot.
 
Troops seized an Uzi sub-machinegun from Jimenez while an M16 armalite rifle was recovered during clearing operations.
 
Ang directed pursuit of the five fleeing rebels and turned Jimenez over to the Gigmoto Municipal Police Office.
 
==Communist rebel killed in Catanduanes clash==
*Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/147393/communist-rebel-killed-in-catanduanes-clash
*By: Frances Mangosing
*''February 17, 2012''
A communist rebel was killed while another was arrested after a clash with soldiers in Catanduanes Friday, a military spokesman said.
 
Major Harold Cabunoc said troops from the Philippine Army’s 83rd Infantry Battalion led by Lieutenant Colonel Rodolfo Batang encountered an undetermined number of guerrillas in Barangay Sioron, Gigmoto town at around 9:30 a.m.
 
“We acted on the report by concerned residents that heavily armed rebels were extorting money in the area,” said Batang.
 
The rebels fled after the clash that lasted five minutes, added Cabunoc.
 
The soldiers were able to confiscate an M16 rifle and uzi sub machine gun from the rebels.
 
No one was hurt among the troops, he said.
 
==Girl Scouts conduct tree planting activity==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R05&article=841329375444
*By: PIA
*''February 16, 2012''
SAN ANDRES, Catanduanes- Girl Scouts from the San Andres Vocational School (SAVS) participated in helping in greening the environment through a tree planting activity on February 4, 2012 at 8:00 a.m.
The said activity was undertaken as part of the Girl Scouting Program and SAVS’ Green Surroundings Program.
 
The former is an action plan covering the whole Girl Scouting environment of fun, adventure, and challenges where girls working alone or in small groups live the Girl Scout Promise (GSP) and develop themselves in self-reliance, self-esteem, and service with the guidance of able and caring adults.
 
This is also under the eight-point challenge of GSP which is the Challenge of Environment stating that protection and conservation of the natural resources is very important local and global issue.
 
On the other hand, the school’s greening program is in support of the nationwide endeavor to protect and preserve the environment.
 
The tree planting coincides with the yes-o camp wherein aside from GSP members, students of SAVS and faculty members of the school were able to participate in the activity.
 
==FICELCO: Power rates remain below P11 per-kilowatt-hour==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?menu=2&webregion=R05&article=841328856089
*By: Edna A. Bagadiong
*''February 12, 2012''
VIRAC, Catanduanes- First Catanduanes Electric Cooperative, Inc. (FICELCO) said that power rates in the province in overall are still below P11 per kilowatt-hour for residential and commercial users.
Clarification came after the announcement of National Power Corporation that there will be a P1.43/kwh hike in the generation rate.
According to FICELCO management, the low electric rate is due to contribution of the three hydroelectric power plants to Catanduanes grid. However, they made it clear that the NPC rate hike has yet to be reflected in the power bill for the period December 26, 2011 to January 25, 2012 and will be imposed this month.
In a computation released by FICELCO, the power bill for January, 2012 will be lower than the bill last November, 2011 except for public buildings. Said decrease is due to the lower generation charge for the month with P3.6900 per kwh compared to P5.1998 for November 2011 since renewable power contributed a big portion of the total generation mix.
Therefore, actual cost for a residential consumer with 100-kwh consumption will be P10.5121/kwh while commercial users will be charged P9.3525/kwh due to lower distribution and supply system charges.
Moreover, public buildings will be charged P9.1282/kwh while street lights will have P14.5312/kwh.
 
==OPPAP extends livelihood assistance to former NPA rebels==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=841328855513
*By: Edna A. Bagadiong
*''February 11, 2012''


VIRAC, Catanduanes- The Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPPAP) recently awarded checks ranging from P10,000 to P50,000 in funding for livelihood projects to 12 former members of the New People’s Army (NPA) in Catanduanes under the Social Integration Program (SIP).
“Sumama ‘yung problem sa Recto (Recto Bank became part of the problem) because of the nine dash theory that was espoused publicly in 2009,” he said.


The former members of the rebel group received their checks in a simple ceremony held last week at the headquarters of the Philippine Army 83rd Infantry Battalion in Lictin, San Andres. Philippine National Police (PNP) provincial director Senior Superintendent Lito Pitallano, provincial consultant on social welfare and development Priscilla Navar and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) representative William Aldea awarded the checks to the individuals.
“The UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) gives us, we believe, certain rights together with China who is also a signatory, amongst them the exclu¬sive economic zone. This is clearly within our exclusive economic zone. Recto (Bank) is about 150 kilome¬ters from Palawan, and China’s closest island or territory is Hainan at 570-plus kilometers. The UNCLOS gives us 200 miles which will not be equivalent to 500,” he stressed.


The recipients of the project are: Jolito Eugenio of Pandan, P50,000; Pablo Antonio of Caramoran, P50,000; Mary Jane of Viga, P40,000; Clarita Frias of Pandan, P50,000; Rowell Fernandez of Baras, P20,000; Joseph Interior of Panda, P50,000; Mergilda Tevar of Caramoran, P10,000, Ronnel Eugenio of Pandan, P20,000; Alfredo Base of San Andres, P45,000; Michael Rodriguez of Pandan, P50,000; Juanito Lucero of Caramoran and Almir Español of Viga with P12,000 each.
It can be recalled that a service contract owned by Pangilinan discovered that Recto Bank contains some 16.612 trillion cubic feet of natural gas.
Said individuals underwent prior evaluation conducted by the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) regional office.


Navar said 10 more former rebels are now being processed while evaluation will be scheduled for new the surrenderees.
Malacañang had said it is a welcome development, particularly to secure the energy needs of the country.


Major Gaspar Panopio, the representative of 83rd IB commander Lt. Col. Rodolfo Batang expressed gratitude to OPPAP, provincial government and national agencies for their support to the program. He also advised the recipients to develop the projects for the benefit of their families and to change their life for the better.
==Japan finances upgrade of Philippine weather stations==
*Source: http://globalnation.inquirer.net/35407/japan-finances-upgrade-of-philippine-weather-stations
*By: Jerry E. Esplanada
*''Tuesday, May 01, 2012''


He likewise encouraged and assured those who are still members of the group that the government will help them to regain their former lives.
Japan financed the modernization of the government’s meteorological radar stations in Catanduanes, Cagayan and Samar to the tune of 3.35 billion yen (about P1.77 billion), according to the Japanese Embassy.


On the other hand, the recipients who were all absorbed by the army as Civilian Armed Forces Geographical Unit (CAFGU) volunteers were thankful since the project will help them start a new life.  
Consul General Motohiko Kato, the embassy’s deputy chief of mission, is scheduled to attend Wednesday’s inauguration of the refurbished radar station in Virac, Catanduanes.


==NSO celebrates Civil Registration Month==
“The project, funded by a Japanese government grant amounting to 3.35 billion yen, aims to effectively prevent damages that tropical cyclones and other severe weather phenomena may cause by enhancing the weather monitoring and information dissemination capability of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration,” the embassy said in a press statement.
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=841328585092
*By: PIA
*''February 07, 2012''


VIRAC, Catanduanes- The National Statistics Office is celebrating the Civil Registration Month (CRM) pursuant to Proclamation No. 682 “Declaring the Month of February of every year as Civil Registration Month” with the theme: “Tamang Rehistro Pananagutan ng Bawat Pilipino."
It said the project included the “installation of meteorological data display and satellite data communication systems and the replacement of old meteorological radar systems in Virac, as well as in Aparri, Cagayan and Guiuan, Samar, with Doppler (S-band) radar systems.”


The observance of Civil Registration Month aims to remind the citizenry of their duty to register acts and events concerning the status of persons, enhance nationwide awareness and appreciation of the legal, administrative, and statistical values of civil registry documents and underscore the necessity for Congress to provide adequate funds for enforcement and administration of laws on civil registration.
The embassy said “this project is expected to further strengthen the strategic partnership between Japan and the Philippines, as well as consolidate the bonds of friendship between the peoples of the two countries.”


The system of civil registration was established in the Philippines on the 27th of February 1931 through the enactment of Act 3753, “An Act to Establish A Civil Register”. Act No. 3753 requires the continuous and compulsory recording of births, deaths, marriages, and other acts and events concerning the civil status of persons. The civil status of a person starts at birth and ends in death.
Last weekend, the embassy announced the release of an additional 600 million yen (about P315 million) in fresh development aid to the Philippines.


As part of the celebration, there will be free issuance of certifications and authentications in NSO Manila and NSO Regional Offices and the Office of the Civil Registrars will issue certifications on births, deaths and marriages for free on February 27. The office of the NSO and MCRs had lined up activities like display streamer/poster and conduct civil registration forum, mass weddings, mobile registration, information dissemination, BUNTIS Congress and slogan contest during the whole month of celebration.
The grant will go to the rehabilitation of an undisclosed number of roads and other public infrastructure damaged by recent typhoons, the embassy said.

Latest revision as of 14:36, 11 May 2012

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Province of Catanduanes - Archived News

Catanduanes to host 9th Regional OSY Encampment

BATO, Catanduanes- The Bato Central Elementary School in Bato East District, Catanduanes will host the 9th Regional Alternative Learning System (ALS) Out-of-School Youth (OSY) Summer Encampment 2012 of the Department of Education (DepEd) from May 21 to 25.

The event with the theme, “Kung ALS Learner Ka, Naiiba Ka," will be participated by 13 divisions from Bicol region.

According to Mayor Rodriguez, the hosting of the said camp is part of the preparation on being a Hall of Famer of their town in the National Literacy Awards.

The activity aims to: (a) equip OSYs with life skills (LS) and lifelong learning (LLL) necessary to become effective, efficient, and responsive citizens; (b) inculcate in the minds of OSYs spiritual and moral values; (c) strengthen self-reliant, dynamic, and creative future leaders to become effective catalysts/agents of change; and (d) acquaint the OSYs on ALS programs and projects.

Participants in the activity are ALL OSYs enrolled in ALS learning programs.

There will be a registration fee of P550 per participant for training materials and food for resource speakers. Around 500 are expected to participate in the camp.

Virac to hold Chess fest

VIRAC, Catanduanes- Virac is spearheading a chess tournament from May 26-27 to be held at Virac ABC Hall.

The activity aims to develop and promote sports awareness of the participants especially the youth. It intends to bring out youth excellence in sports as a way to divert their attention from unconstructive and harmful activities that could ruin their lives and future.

The tournament offers P5,000 for the first placer in the open category, with the age 16-under champion and age 12-under champion to earn P2,500 and P2,000, respectively. A Eureka chess set will also be given to champions in the three categories.

According to tournament coordinator Bonifacio Molina, those who are interested must bring a valid ID or photocopy of birth certificate. A registration fee of P200 for the open category and P100 for the age categories will be required per participant.

Deadline for the registration of enthusiasts is on May 25.

6-hr brownouts plague Catanduanes

VIRAC, Catanduanes–Just three days after President Benigno Aquino III led the ceremonial switch-on of the much-touted mini-hydroelectric plants of Sunwest Water and Electric Co. here, the entire Catanduanes grid began experiencing six-hour brownouts beginning Saturday when a bunker-fuel generating set conked out and the three hydro power plants on stream failed to deliver due to low water levels.

The First Catanduanes Electric Cooperative Inc. (Ficelco) began implementing “load shedding” in all 11 towns after the 3.6-megawatt generator set of the Catanduanes Power Generation Inc. (CPGI) broke down.

This immediately took out 2.5 MW from the grid, resulting in a deficiency of 2 MW during peak load and 1 MW during off-peak hours.

Despite its admitted lack of funds for the continued operation of its genset, CPGI recently resumed power generation, although for 10 to 11 hours daily, after shutting it down for a few weeks.

An official of the cooperative, who requested anonymity as he was not authorized to disclose details, told the INQUIRER last weekend that the company sent technicians from Manila to repair the genset.

“The CPGI plant was repaired Sunday night but it operated for only two hours while unannounced, short duration brownouts continued to be experienced,” said this coop official.

Edwin Tatel, plant supervisor of the National Power Corporation’s (Napocor) Catanduanes grid, revealed that Sunwest’s three mini-hydro power plants–Solong, Hitoma I and Balongbong–have been contributing barely 25 percent of its nominal capability due to low water levels in their respective reservoirs brought about by the lack of rain in past weeks.

The trio account for 80 percent of the total power demand during rainy days when they deliver a total of 5.4 MW.

Part of the slack is taken up by the Monark mobile gensets which is rented by Napocor at high cost and operating for at least 12 hours daily as per contract.

Napocor officials have said that should CPGI’s genset be sidelined, the Monark gensets would be operated beyond the contracted hours but this would severely impact Napocor’s budgetary allocations for the Catanduanes grid.

Among the issues presented to Malacañang officials for possible consideration by the President during his May 2 visit here were the possibility of the Department of Budget and Management’s restoring the budget for the aborted purchase of three new diesel gensets for Napocor’s Marinawa plant and funding for the 69-KV transmission line.

The request for the restoration of the genset funding was allegedly set aside but Governor Joseph Cua said he was able to ask the President to reconsider the provision of P250 million for the transmission line, with the matter referred to Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras during Cua’s brief conversation with Mr. Aquino during the latter’s visit in the province for the inauguration of the state-of the-art Doppler radar in Bato town.

The island grid has around 35,000 member-consumers paying probably one of the highest power costs in the country at about P12 per kilowatt hour despite the operation of the three hydro plants.

2010 Catanduanes PGR lower than 2000 - NSO

VIRAC, Catanduanes- President Benigno S. Aquino III signed Proclamation No. 362 on March 30, 2012 declaring as official the 2010 Population of the Philippines by Province, City/Municipality and Barangay based on the 2010 Census of Population and Housing (2010 CPH) conducted by the National Statistics Office.

The total population of the province of Catanduanes as of May 1, 2010 was 246,300 based on the 2010 CPH. The 2010 population is higher by 30,944 compared to the 2000 population of 215,356. In 1990, the total population was 187,000.

This translates to an average annual population growth rate (PGR) of 1.35 percent for the period 2000 to 2010 which is slightly lower by 0.07 percent than the 1990-2000 PGR of 1.42 percent.

Virac has the largest population with 66,951, followed by San Andres with 35,779 and Caramoran with 28,063. The combined population of these three areas comprised 53.1 percent of the province of Catanduanes population.

Four municipalities had an average annual PGR which is higher than the provincial average for the period 2000 to 2010. These are Caramoran (1.66 percent), Bagamanoc (1.62 percent), Virac (1.61 percent), and San Miguel (1.46 percent).

Among the top five barangays with largest population are San Isidro Village (4,262), Cavinitan (3,484), Cabugao (2,989), Bigaa (2,777), and Cabcab (2,750).

Gas Find At Recto Bank To Address Energy Woes

BATO, Catanduanes – President Benigno S. Aquino III yesterday said the Philippine government will exercise its rights at the Recto Bank, noting it would help the country in its goal towards energy sufficiency.

“We will exercise all of our rights,” the President assured.

Business conglomerate Manny V. Pangilinan had said the standoff between the Philippines and China may affect oil and gas explorations at the Recto Bank, which was discovered to contain more natural gas than the Malampaya natural gas field in Palawan.

The Malampaya natural gas field currently supplies about 40 percent of Luzon’s energy needs.

“There are realities, they’re a very big country economically, po¬litically, and even population-wise when there is no comparison with us. But that doesn’t change the fact that we believe we are in the right and we are obligated to fight for that which is right,” he stressed.

The President added there are other oil and gas finds within Philippine territory that would help the country in its goal towards energy sufficiency.

He said 66.8 percent of the country’s energy requirements are met by indigenous resources.

“But we expect that to increase as we go along,” he said.

President Aquino said the country continues to conduct a dialogue with China to resolve the territorial dispute, but insisted that the Recto Bank is part of Philippine territory.

“Sumama ‘yung problem sa Recto (Recto Bank became part of the problem) because of the nine dash theory that was espoused publicly in 2009,” he said.

“The UNCLOS (United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea) gives us, we believe, certain rights together with China who is also a signatory, amongst them the exclu¬sive economic zone. This is clearly within our exclusive economic zone. Recto (Bank) is about 150 kilome¬ters from Palawan, and China’s closest island or territory is Hainan at 570-plus kilometers. The UNCLOS gives us 200 miles which will not be equivalent to 500,” he stressed.

It can be recalled that a service contract owned by Pangilinan discovered that Recto Bank contains some 16.612 trillion cubic feet of natural gas.

Malacañang had said it is a welcome development, particularly to secure the energy needs of the country.

Japan finances upgrade of Philippine weather stations

Japan financed the modernization of the government’s meteorological radar stations in Catanduanes, Cagayan and Samar to the tune of 3.35 billion yen (about P1.77 billion), according to the Japanese Embassy.

Consul General Motohiko Kato, the embassy’s deputy chief of mission, is scheduled to attend Wednesday’s inauguration of the refurbished radar station in Virac, Catanduanes.

“The project, funded by a Japanese government grant amounting to 3.35 billion yen, aims to effectively prevent damages that tropical cyclones and other severe weather phenomena may cause by enhancing the weather monitoring and information dissemination capability of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration,” the embassy said in a press statement.

It said the project included the “installation of meteorological data display and satellite data communication systems and the replacement of old meteorological radar systems in Virac, as well as in Aparri, Cagayan and Guiuan, Samar, with Doppler (S-band) radar systems.”

The embassy said “this project is expected to further strengthen the strategic partnership between Japan and the Philippines, as well as consolidate the bonds of friendship between the peoples of the two countries.”

Last weekend, the embassy announced the release of an additional 600 million yen (about P315 million) in fresh development aid to the Philippines.

The grant will go to the rehabilitation of an undisclosed number of roads and other public infrastructure damaged by recent typhoons, the embassy said.

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