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List of the 17 Regions in the Philippines
National - Capital Region ● I - Ilocos ● II - Cagayan ● III - C. Luzon ● IV-A - Calabarzon ● IV-B - Mimaropa ● V - Bicol ● VI - W. Visayas ● VII - C. Visayas ● VIII - E. Visayas ● IX - Zamboanga ● X - N. Mindanao ● XI - Davao ● XII - Soccsksargen ● XIII - Caraga ● XIV - CAR ● XV - BARMM

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Dietary supplement is a product that contains vitamins, minerals, herbs or other botanicals, amino acids, enzymes, and/or other ingredients intended to supplement the diet. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration has special labeling requirements for dietary supplements and treats them as foods, not drugs.

Manufacturers and distributors of dietary supplements and dietary ingredients are prohibited from marketing products that are adulterated or misbranded. That means that these firms are responsible for evaluating the safety and labeling of their products before marketing to ensure that they meet all the requirements of DSHEA and FDA regulations.

Wars of ancient history were about possessions, territory, power, control, family, betrayal, lover's quarrel, politics and sometimes religion.

But we are in the Modern era and supposedly more educated and enlightened .

Think about this. Don't just brush off these questions.

Why is RELIGION still involved in WARS? Isn't religion supposed to be about PEACE?
Ask yourself; What religion always campaign to have its religious laws be accepted as government laws, always involved in wars and consistently causing WARS, yet insists that it's a religion of peace?

WHY??

There are only two kinds of people who teach tolerance:

The Bullies. They want you to tolerate them so they can continue to maliciously deprive you. Do not believe these bullies teaching tolerance, saying that it’s the path to prevent hatred and prejudice.
The victims who are waiting for the right moment to retaliate. They can’t win yet, so they tolerate.

Salceda pushes fiscal, structural reforms for 'A' credit rating

Source:https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1077662
Thursday, August 15, 2019

By Mar Serrano (PNA)

LEGAZPI CITY -- Unless Congress amends the 83-year-old Public Service Act and introduce fiscal and structural reforms, it would be hard for the country to get a class “A” credit rating and be competitive in the global market, a Bicol solon said on Monday.

Albay Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda, House Ways and Means Committee chair, said President Rodrigo Duterte is determined to secure an “A” credit rating for the country by leveling up the fiscal reform momentum and priority legislations, which are designed to make the Philippines more competitive.

He said amending the old Public Service Act by putting up structural and fiscal reforms would secure the country an “A” credit rating.

He explained that the needed structural reforms would be in the form of infrastructures, faster internet, lower power costs, ease in doing business and tax reforms, which would make the country competitive in the global market.

“Getting an ‘A’ credit upgrade means lower interest expenses and lower risk premium for investing or lending to the Philippines, its government and its enterprises. A competitive Philippines means comfortable life for all and a better future for the next generation,” he explained.

Recent fiscal reforms have led to a credit rating upgrade from the agency Standard and Poor -- BBB+ from BBB, showing a strong vote of confidence to Duterte’s reform agenda.

Salceda, in an e-mailed statement to the Philippine News Agency, said TRAIN 2 or the Tax Reform for Attracting Better and High-Quality Opportunities (Trabaho) Bill, now called Corporate Income Tax and Incentives Reform Act or CITIRA, which is a certified priority legislation, will pass renewed scrutiny even if it reduces revenues and has a fiscal impact of negative five (on a scale of 1 to 10), but bears a positive structural impact of 10.

CITIRA, which was originally crafted by Salceda as a tax incentive for business, aims to reduce the corporate income tax from 30 percent to 20 percent by 2029, or 2 percent every two years.

He said the bill, once passed into law, could generate 1.4 million jobs within the same period.

He said passing CITIRA, the second package of the government’s comprehensive tax reform program, is meant to transfer the dynamism of the economy back to the private sector and make the country competitive with the rest of the world.

While it lowers the corporate income tax rate, it also modernizes the incentive system by granting superior incentives to companies who create quality jobs, train their people, invest in research and technology, and invest in less developed areas or places recovering from calamity or armed conflict, and urges the private sector to contribute to the future of the next generation of Filipinos.

“It’s all about love of country. You must learn to contribute and share for the sake of the next generation ... that’s how simple [TRAIN] package 2 is,” he said.

Salceda stressed that through the active partnership between Congress and the country’s economic managers, the country can take the truly needed economic direction to further boost investment and fetch an ‘A’ credit rating for the country in two years.

The success of teamwork in the Duterte administration could be summed up in two indicators: high growth rate of 6.2 percent in 2018 and falling poverty rate from 27.6 percent in the first half of 2015 to 21 percent in the first half of 2018, lifting six million Filipinos out of poverty, said Salceda, a noted economist.

COA reminds LGUs on usage of calamity funds

Source:https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1025909
Wednesday, August 14, 2019

By Casandra E. Balala (PIA-5)

LEGAZPI CITY (PIA) — The Commission on Audit (COA) in Bicol reminded the local government units (LGUs) to use their Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Funds (LDRRMF) in accordance with their LDRRM plans.

State auditor Mario Aguilar disclosed that some LGUs have no integrated and comprehensive LDRRM plan, something which affects the utilization of LDRRMF.

Under Section 21 of RA 10121, the LDRRM Council shall monitor and evaluate the use and disbursement of the LDRRMF based on the LDRRM plan as incorporated in the local development plans.

The law also says that the LDRRMF, formerly known as calamity fund, should not be less than five percent of the estimated revenue from the regular sources of LGUs.

This fund will support the LDRRM activities including pre-disaster preparedness, trainings, purchasing of life-saving rescue equipment, supplies and medicines, post-disaster activities, payment of premiums on calamity insurance and others.

On the appropriated LDRRMF, Aguilar explained that 30 percent should be allocated as the Quick Response Fund or the stand-by fund for the relief and recovery programs intended to the communities stricken by the calamity.

The 70 percent will be allotted for the disaster prevention and mitigation, preparedness, response, and rehabilitation and recovery.

It can also be utilized to procure early warning systems, preparedness equipment and other equipage for floods, earthquake, landslides, volcanic eruptions and other natural or man-made calamities.

Aguilar emphasized that to make an efficient disaster preparedness, LGUs should have a functioning LDRRM Council, permanent LDRRM officer and comprehensive LDRRM plan.

Aguilar also reiterated the lifting of their state of calamity declaration since some LGUs also forgot to make a resolution lifting the declaration in their area.

Vintage bomb found in Albay

Source:https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1077447
Tuesday, August 13, 2019

By Mar Serrano (PNA)

LEGAZPI CITY -- Villagers found an unexploded World War II bomb on the bank of the Yawa River in Barangay Binitayan, Daraga town in Albay province on Thursday, a town police official said.

Lt. Col. Rodelon Betita, Daraga police chief, said villagers immediately reported the bomb to the police station, prompting the police desk officer to request the Philippine National Police’s Explosive Ordnance Disposal (EOD) Unit in Camp Ola to check it.

Betita, in a phone interview, said the explosive was a 1,000-pound General Purpose bomb, which measured 124 cm. in length and 40 cm. in width. It was used during the Second World War.

He said these were dropped during the war by either American or Japanese bomber planes.

The EOD personnel used an excavator to remove the corroded vintage bomb at 11 a.m. and brought it to the police’s storage facility here.

DOH invites lactating moms to 'Hakab na Bicol 2019'

Source:https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1077208
Monday, August 12, 2019

By Connie Calipay

LEGAZPI CITY -- The Department of Health (DOH)-Bicol is inviting breastfeeding mothers, along with their babies, to attend the "Hakab na Bicol 2019", which aims to help educate all women of child-bearing age on the importance of giving breast milk only to infants until six months of age.

Dr. Rita Mae Ang-Bon, DOH-Bicol Family Cluster head, said in a phone interview on Wednesday that at least 200 mothers, babies, other family members and breastfeeding advocates from different towns and municipalities in Albay are expected to attend the event slated August 10 at the Ayala Mall here.

"Aside from breastfeeding, we will have a cooking demo on how we can provide local, nutritious foods for our babies, and re-lactation or lactation massage to help increase the milk supply of a mother," she added.

The event includes various activities such as a mini-discussion on policies regarding mothers breastfeeding in the office, "Zumba for Mommies and Babies" and the highlight, which will be the simultaneous breastfeeding by mothers.

Special prizes await mothers who can bring a Bakuna Card (for Fully Immunized Child); Expanded Newborn Screening result and Newborn Hearing Screening result.

"Hakab Na!" is the biggest simultaneous breastfeeding event spearheaded by the DOH, which is being held annually all over the Philippines to celebrate the World Breastfeeding Week and National Breastfeeding Month in August.

This year's theme is “Lakas ng magulang, sigla ng pagpapasuso-kalusugan, nutrisyon at kinabukasan ng kabataan”. (PNA)

Workers get over P10-M settlement from defunct hospital in Bicol

Source:https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1025643
Sunday, August 11, 2019

By Ernesto A. Delgado and Johana Vi Gasga (PIA5/DOLE5)

LEGAZPI CITY (PIA) — Better days lie ahead for 100 former workers of a hospital that went out of business in 2017 with their defunct employer committing to pay the remainder of their back wages and separation benefits amounting to more than P10.9 million.

The workers reached the settlement with Sto. Niño Hospital in Daet, Camarines Norte after the intervention of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) which stepped in when the privately-run hospital shut down on September 3, 2017 due to financial trouble.

“I am thankful to DOLE for facilitating the settlement,” said midwife Edna Zamudio, who had been with the hospital since it started operation in 1978.

“We have been given what was due us in return for our loyalty and service to the company for a very long time,” she said of the settlement which consists of P10,903,082.69 cash.

Zamudio stood to receive the highest package amounting to P467,548.

Johana Vi Gasga, DOLE regional information officer, said the settlement agreement requires Sto. Niño Hospital to pay its displaced workers back wages and separation benefits in five installments.

Gasga said the first three tranches were given to the workers on December 16, 2017; April 30, 2018; and June 13, 2019.

For the remaining tranches, the hospital issued postdated checks which will become due on December 13, 2019 and June 13, 2020, she added.

Lawyer Alvin Villamor, DOLE director for Bicol, said his office dispatched a mediation team after the displaced workers sought their assistance in securing their separation pay.

Villamor said he activated the agency’s quick-response team to evaluate the hospital’s compliance with labor laws to protect the workers’ right to benefits once displaced from their jobs.

“This is a collaborative effort—not only of the office. We commend the employer for assuming obligation and not abandoning the workers who had served them all through good and bad times,” he said.

Lawyer Joan Noya-Nidua, who mediated the agreement, said the settlement was an instance, in which the balancing of the workers’ rights and the management’s cause were taken into consideration.

“With such huge amount involved, extracting its fulfillment in the shortest time possible is a challenge the office has hurdled to ensure that the workers’ rightful claims will be given to them,” Nidua said.

BJMP-5 pleads for public acceptance of former PDLs

Source:https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1025458
Saturday, August 10, 2019

(PIA-5)

LEGAZPI CITY (PIA) — The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) Bicol urged the public to prevent discrimination and isolation towards former Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) as they go back to the community.

BJMP-5 Jail Senior Inspector (JSI) Joseph Lucila said that PDLs have capacities and opportunities for change through the bureaus humane safekeeping and development programs.

It was during his interview on the Uganayan sa Bikol Radio Program of Philippine Information Agency Region 5 aired at DWZR 828 Khz, Zoom Radio as part of the Police-Community Relations Month Celebration Forum on Air.

JSI Lucila said that the five pillars of the Criminal Justice System include law enforcement, prosecution, the court, BJMP and the community.

“However, if there’s a crime, the four were active except the community. It is a sad reality,” he explained.

He also referred to the people’s mindset that former PDLs are unacceptable to the society, something which hinders former PDLs from contributing and participating in the nation building.

He added that in order to enhance public safety, former PDLs should be allowed to become productive and law-abiding citizens in their integration to the society.

BJMP is mandated to take operational and administrative control over all city, district and municipal jails to address the concern of jail management and penology problems.

They provide systematic way of activities and institutionalized programs for the PDLs such as livelihood projects, educational and vocational trainings, recreation and sports, and religious or spiritual activities.

As part of the BJMP’s decongestion program, JSI Lucila said they apply RA 10592, which grant time deductions to good-behaving prisoners, either undergoing preventive imprisonment or serving sentence, depending on the time served in prison.

RA 10592 provides that in the first two years of imprisonment, a prisoner is entitled to a deduction of 20 days from his or her jail term for each month of good behavior. This is raised to 23 days on the third to fifth year, 25 days on the sixth to 10th year and 30 days on the 11th year and succeeding years of imprisonment.

“At any time during the period of imprisonment, he shall be allowed another deduction of 15 days, in addition to numbers one to four hereof, for each month of study, teaching or mentoring service time rendered,” the law says.

The BJMP recorded 8.09 percent decongestion in jails in the region or 264 jail releases out of the 3,261 jail population in June 2019.

Meanwhile, JSI Lucila affirmed that the capacity of jails is not enough especially due to the intense campaign of the present administration against illegal drugs. He added that majority of PDLs are charged with drug-related crimes.

DOH-Bicol reminds local authorities on proper fogging

Source:https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1077194
Friday, August 9, 2019

By Connie Calipay (PNA)

LEGAZPI CITY --- After the declaration of a national dengue epidemic by the Department of Health (DOH), authorities here reminded local officials and other health institutions on the standard use and proper fogging procedures.

In an interview on Wednesday, Dr. Aurora Teresa Daluro, regional epidemiologist of DOH-Bicol, said fogging is being done to immediately stop transmission of dengue, the last "S" in the "4S" strategy against dengue.

"We support fogging assuming it is done properly and within the standard procedure because there are other laws that we need to be mindful also, space spraying or fogging would kill the mosquitoes already infected with the dengue virus," she said.

Daluro added that fogging should be done while wearing protective clothing (long-sleeved shirt, rubber gloves, boots, half-face mask or gas mask, cap or plastic hard hats) and in the early morning (6:30-8-30 a.m.) or late afternoon (4-6 p.m.). Fogging should be done when dengue mosquitos are not active, there is no rain and the weather is not too hot.

"Eating, drinking and smoking during mixing and application of fogging is not allowed, children and domestic animals must be kept away from the area," she added.

Daluro said in indoor fogging, doors and all possible hiding places of mosquitoes must be open for easy penetration of fog/smoke.

She said fogging must be done at the remotest corner of the room opposite the open door, in high buildings, starting from the top floor. The machine must not be directed towards flammable objects (papers, curtains and cartons). The treated room must be closed for at least half an hour after fogging and nobody must be allowed to enter until after an hour or when the fog/smoke has gone down.

In outdoor fogging, spray downwind to upwind going against the direction of the wind. Direct fogs at all possible mosquito resting sites bushes, covered drains tree-shaded areas and hedges.

Daluro also reminded that a post-fogging procedure is important in order to ensure the safety of everyone.

"It is important to conduct clean-up activities such as removal or disposal of all unnecessary containers in the vicinity of houses, clean clogged gutters, puncture or cut into halves discarded tires and it must be done regularly," she added.

The fogging team must dispose of insecticide containers properly by burying them in dug pits away from water sources. Insecticide containers should not be reused and left-over insecticide must never be spilled into canals, streams or garbage, Daluro said.

IBP Albay Chapter pitches 'accessible' legal aid to indigent clients

Source:https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1025519
Thursday, August 8, 2019

By Casandra E. Balala

LEGAZPI CITY (PIA) — To guarantee access to adequate legal assistance and make it available to the public, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines (IBP) Albay Chapter strengthens its community legal aid services (CLAS).

“Justice is the obligation of everyone. Justice is a struggle everyone should participate. There are always lawyers who are willing to assist the people,” lawyer Bartolome R. Rayco, IBP Albay public relations officer, said.

IBP Albay provides free legal aid services to indigent individuals, groups or organizations under their CLAS program provided that they met the qualifications and they pass the two tests—merit and means test.

“For those who cannot afford private lawyers, the member of the bar [lawyer] will handle the case and will represent them in court for free if they are qualified,” Rayco said.

Aside from indigent people or qualified clients, IBP Albay also regularly visits jails to provide free legal consultation to the Persons Deprived of Liberty (PDLs) who wishes to inquire about their case procedures.

Rayco affirmed that most of their clients are PDLs seeking for guidance and knowledge of their criminal cases.

Meanwhile, IBP Albay also aims to bring awareness to the public of the existing laws and relatively new laws under revised penal code through their Developmental Legal Aid.

“One of the aspects of justice is the legal knowledge that people should know,” lawyer Elmo R. Inzon, IBP Albay vice president, said.

He added that the developmental legal aid would be more on reaching out to the community to do some legal aid services, consultations and seminars about laws instead of court representations.

Last month, IBP Albay provided lectures on cyberbullying to students and talked on court procedures and legal counselling to PDLs as part of the 24th Police-Community Relations Month Celebration.

PNP training center: Cops should live by the Honor Code

Source:https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1025456
Wednesday, August 7, 2019

By Casandra E. Balala (PIA-5)

LEGAZPI CITY (PIA) — With the police’s mandate “to serve and protect,” the Regional Training Center Bicol challenges the Philippine National Police (PNP) personnel to live by the Honor Code.

The Honor Code constitute the PNP’s pledge, “Do not lie, cheat, steal and do not tolerate among the policemen who do so.”

RTC-5 provides training and human resource development programs for the police cadets and PNP uniformed personnel so they may possess the knowledge, skills, attitudes and values necessary in the exercise of their profession.

“They should develop their character competency, their values, attitudes and the good manner and right conduct through our Honor Code,” Police Senior Master Sergeant (PSMS) Ryan P. Llenaresas, Chief Public Information Officer of RTC-5, said.

He added that aside from the skills, the police cadets and police officers should instill good character for their suppression and prevention of crimes.

PSMS Llenaresas also explained that there are three phases for the police training program—the investigation process, patrol operations, and internal security operations.

Last July 5, 2019, a total of 609 patrol officers have graduated from the RTC-5 who will proceed for the field training exercise for five months.

Meanwhile, PSMS Llenaresas said that they established “honesty store” in their training center to promote the Honor Code as well as to sustain their scholarship project under the “KASUROG CARE.”

“KASUROG means allies for progress and reform, while CARE stands for Community Assistance, Adopt the Scholar, Resiliency and Empathy,” he added.

The money that RTC-5 is getting from the honesty store was being used to support the needs of their elementary pupil scholars.

PSMS Llenaresas stated that KASUROG Care Services also includes the training and education to schools to encourage and orient aspiring police officers of the life of police, especially in terms of character competency.

In its continuous effort to attain peace and security, he encourages willing individuals to join the forces of PNP.

More than 6,000 workers regularized in Bicol

Source:https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1025508
Tuesday, August 6, 2019

By Danica D. Caballero (PIA-5)

LEGAZPI CITY (PIA) – In its steadfast advocacy to stop the "endo" (end of contract) scheme, the Department of Labor and Employment in Bicol (DOLE-5) reported a total of 6,029 workers from 246 establishments in the region were given regular employment for the first semester of 2019.

Of the number, 3,780 were regularized voluntarily by their employers while 2,249 were through inspections conducted by the labor department.

“We encourage employers to submit their roster of employees and voluntarily regularize their workers under illegal contractualization in their respective establishments. We reach out to the employers to comply and work with us to uplift the lives of the Bicolano workers,” said lawyer Alvin M. Villamor, DOLE-5 regional director.

Villamor added that of the 246 establishments that regularized their workers this semester, at least 106 companies regularized their employees upon inspection, while 140 establishments did it voluntarily.

To further promote regularization in Bicol region, the labor department conducts routine inspections and highlights the policy whenever there are labor management fora, wage consultation meetings and other labor-related activities.

RTF-ELCAC to guarantee quality of life for Bicolanos

Source:https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1025454
Monday, August 5, 2019

By Casandra E. Balala (PIA-5)

LEGAZPI CITY (PIA)—To ensure prosperity and adequate social services for the Bicolanos, the Regional Task Force to End Local Communist Armed Conflict (RTF-ELCAC) dubbed as “Task Force Katoninongan asin Kauswagan” was established in the region.

It was anchored from the National Task Force (NTF) to ELCAC in compliance with the Executive Order No. 70 issued by President Rodrigo Roa Duterte that institutionalizes the “Whole of Nation Approach” in attaining inclusive and sustainable peace.

The President himself chairs the NTF-ELCAC with the secretaries as members, while the RTF-ELCAC comprises the heads of different regional government offices in Bicol.

RTF-ELCAC aims to sustain peace and order among the local communities while addressing and providing the basic social services to the public, especially to the Geographically Isolated and Disadvantaged Areas (GIDAS).

From the 12 clusters at the national level, the RTF-ELCAC Bicol created nine clusters to come up with projects and strategies focusing on the sustainability of support services intervention.

It includes the clusters on “Situational Awareness and Knowledge Management, and Strategic Communication” that aims to provide effective dissemination of government programs; and “Local Government Empowerment” that seeks to develop, institutionalize and sustain peace building advocacy and good governance.

Other clusters are “Legal Cooperation” that will provide systematic and coordinated legal assistance; and “Localized Peace Engagement, E-CLIP and Amnesty Program” to implement the government’s reintegration program effectively for former rebels and their families as they return to mainstream society.

Meanwhile, the “Basic Services Cluster” ensures the delivery of basic services, projects and programs for the people while the “Livelihood, Poverty Reduction and Employment Cluster” will enhance job opportunities, ensure food security and empower communities.

The RTF-ELCAC also comprises the clusters on Infrastructure and Resource Management; Peace, Law Enforcement and Development Support; and Sectoral Unification, Capacity Building, Empowerment and Mobilization.

Task Force Katoninongan asin Kauswagan vows to ensure fair and direct delivery of social services to the poor, disadvantaged and marginalized sector as well as the rebel returnees in Bicol Region.

182K pupils in Bicol benefit from school-based feeding program

Source:https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1076631
Sunday, August 4, 2019

By Connie Calipay (PNA)

LEGAZPI CITY – A total of 182,462 pupils from Kindergarten to Grade 6 in Bicol Region are recipients of the Department of Education (DepEd) School-Based Feeding Program for school year 2019-2020.

Marites Rabulan, nutritionist of DepEd-Bicol, in a press conference early this week said the undertaking aims to improve classroom attendance and performance of students in public schools.

“The said beneficiaries come from 3,109 public schools in Bicol and include undernourished learners, who shall be provided for at least 120 feeding days," Rabulan said, adding this would improve the children’s health and nutrition as well as behavior.

Rabulan noted, however, that not all public schools in the region would benefit from the school feeding program since some schools do not have undernourished learners.

Some schools also have unliquidated releases for the previous feeding activities.

Documents showed the feeding activity will prioritize the Severely Wasted and Wasted pupils, or those who do not conform to the ideal height and weight based on the health chart.

Of the 13 schools’ division in the region, Camarines Sur has the highest number of beneficiaries with 66,983; followed by Albay-25,806; Masbate-24,661; Camarines Norte-20,702; Sorsogon-16,678; and Catanduanes-7,373.

For cities, Naga City has the highest with 3,689 beneficiaries; Sorsogon City-3,629; Legazpi City-3,462; Ligao City-3,303; Tabaco city-3,155; Iriga City with 1,552 and Masbate City-1,469.

Rabulan said a total of PHP394 million has been allocated for the feeding program this year.

“It will be PHP18 per learner per day for 120 days and it will be a lunch meal that will be served,” she said.

OCD-5 taps youth for disaster preparedness and resilience

Source:https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1025450
Saturday, August 3, 2019

By Sally Atento-Altea (SAA-PIA5/Albay)

LEGAZPI CITY, (PIA) – The Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) Regional Office V tapped the youth sector as active partners in disaster preparedness and resilience as they celebrate this year’s National Disaster Resilience Month (NDRM) in the Bicol region.

“The government aims to empower all sectors including the youth and young children and allow them to participate actively in building a culture of disaster resilience,” Office of the Civil Defense Region (OCD) 5 Director Claudio Yucot said.

OCD5 led the activities for the NDRM celebration, with the competition for Essay Writing and Poster Making for elementary and high school students in the region as one its highlights.

“Through activities such as the poster making and essay writing contests conducted as part of the annual observance of the National Disaster Consciousness Month (NDRM), the participants are able to appreciate their role in DRRM as community members that they can easily translate through art and in writing,” Yucot said.

Thirteen elementary students for the poster making and 12 high school students for the essay writing contest, representing Department of Education school divisions across the Bicol region, joined the competition.

The activity also aims to instill disaster preparedness especially among the young in building and strengthening disaster-resilient communities.

Winning entries will receive P10,000 for the first place and P8,000 and P5,000 for the second and third place respectively, while P2,000 each will be given to two consolation prizes.

OCD 5 will announce the winners at the NDRM celebration closing ceremony.

The NDRM poster making and essay writing contests were held on July 18 at the RELC Hall, DepED Region 5 compound in Rawis Legazpi City. The entries focused on the theme "Kahandaan sa Sakuna't Peligro para sa Tunay na Pagbabago."

The country celebrates National Disaster Resilience Month in the month of July by virtue of Executive Order No. 29 issued by President Rodrigo Duterte on June 28, 2017.

Formerly called National Disaster Consciousness Month, the observance was renamed NDRM to highlight the shift from disaster awareness building to disaster resilience.

DepEd Bicol directs schools to intensify anti-dengue campaign

Source:https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1025514
Friday, August 2, 2019

By Sally Atento-Altea (SAA-PIA5/Albay)

LEGAZPI CITY (PIA) -- Bicol region is among the five regions currently under “CODE RED” due to surging dengue cases, this means these areas have already breached the epidemic threshold.

In response to this alarming concern, the Department of Education (DepEd) Region 5 stepped up to have its extensive campaign against dengue in order to protect school populace in their respective areas.

“School officials are hereby enjoined to mobilize all personnel to disseminate information on the prevention and control of dengue fever,” DepEd Bicol director Gilbert Sadsad said.

Sadsad pushed for close collaboration among parents-teachers-community associations (PTCAs), local government units (LGUs), and municipal health offices on information campaigns, practices, referrals, and mobilizations of concerned authorities to address dengue concerns.

He noted the maintenance of environmental sanitation in schools and communities by supporting the implementation of Aksyon Barangay Kontra Droga (ABKD), 4 o’clock habit, and enhanced 4S Strategy.

The 4S strategy stands for Search and destroy, Secure self-protection measures, Seek early consultation and Support fogging/misting during impending outbreak.

Wearing of dark clothing such as black or blue uniforms may also be suspended especially in areas declared as hot spots.

“Since the Aedes Aegypti mosquito is attracted to dark places or dark colors, temporary suspension on wearing of dark clothing, that is black or blue pants, shorts or skirts, is strongly advised,” Sadsad said.

“Make it a habit that all learners and other school personnel drink at least three glasses or eight ounces of clean, potable and safe water inside the school,” he added.

Chiefs of the School Governance and Operation Division (SGOD) are also directed to mobilize health and nutrition personnel to undertake various activities as stated in the Preventive Alert System for Schools (PASS) to identify and refer learners or teaching personnel with dengue fever signs and symptoms.

PASS is a systematic relay of information on a child's or teacher's state of health to appropriate personnel and/or agencies in the locality.

The Department of Health-Bicol had earlier identified 33 dengue hotspots in the Bicol region.

In Albay, declared as hotspots are Barangays Alobo, Anislag, Busay, Salvacion and Villahermosa in Daraga; Taysan in Legazpi City and Cale in Tiwi.

As of July 20, Albay has recorded 595 dengue cases with 10 deaths as of July 13.

Legazpi City features “green” initiatives at int'l forum

Source:https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1025282
Thursday, August 1, 2019

By Sally Atento-Altea (SAA-PIA5/Albay)

LEGAZPI CITY, (PIA) – Legazpi City’s Green Finance and Connectivity Infrastructure program took center stage at the third High-Level International Forum on Sustainable Urban Development in Chengdu, China held July 15-17.

City Mayor Noel Rosal, the only mayor in the Philippines invited in the said event, presented the program to the delegates, highlighting Legazpi City's dreams for a sustainable Low Emission Development (LED) through green building, smart growth and renewable energy use.

Also part of the delegates are 17 mayors from different countries and other high-level policymakers including urban managers, leading experts, entrepreneurs and senior media professionals.

Rosal said he was invited to the forum through the letter from the office of the UN-Habitat signed by Director Regional Office for Asia Atsushi Koresawa and the Pacific UN-Habitat and China Center for Urban Development (CCUD) Director Shi Yulong.

“The forum was sponsored and organized by the UN-HABITAT and the CCUD which has for its theme: “Talk to the World for green development”,” Rosal said.

During his presentation, Rosal highlighted the sustainability of the city’s tree planting activities not only in the upland barangays but also in parks and in the both sides of the roads to serve as shades and to make walking conducive for walkways and pedestrian.

Rosal also noted the city government’s initiative to adapt to the increasing heat index especially during summer season by transforming existing agricultural areas into a forest system by planting more fruit trees to absorb carbon dioxide and reduce Green Gas House (GGH) emission.

To reduce mobile combustion and air pollution, Rosal cited the promotion of Hybrid Mass Transport System and non-motorized mobility.

He also vowed to encourage owners of business establishments in the city to efficiently manage energy consumption.

Lawmaker apologizes for punching waiter

Source:https://www.philstar.com/nation/2019/07/13/1934220/lawmaker-apologizes-punching-waiter
Sunday, July 14, 2019

By Jess Diaz , Sheila Crisostomo (The Philippine Star)

MANILA, Philippines — A neophyte party-list lawmaker yesterday apologized for punching a waiter in Legazpi City, Albay last weekend, saying he is ”not a bully or a troublemaker.”

Alfredo delos Santos expressed his remorse a day after his party-list group, Ang Probinsyano, which is supposed to represent people in the provinces, announced it would investigate his behavior and ”would not hesitate to suspend or even remove” him as one of its two representatives in Congress.

The incident, which was caught on closed-circuit television camera, went viral.

“Regardless if I am a public servant or a private citizen, I should have not lost control of my emotions… I am really sorry that I have reacted the way I did. I should have known better. For that I am truly sorry. My emotions got the best of me,” Delos Santos said in a statement.

Delos Santos said he apologized to his victim, 20-year-old Christian Kent Alejo, his family and to the public ”for failing in their expectation of a public servant.”

He said he had reached out to Alejo and his family and they accepted his apology.

No excuse

“I have no excuse, only regret and the promise that it will not happen again. This single incident does not represent me or my values. I will prove it by working hard to deliver our party platform and campaign promises to fellow probinsyanos, and from hereon conduct myself as an exemplary public servant worthy of the trust and confidence our people placed on us,” Delos Santos said.

He also apologized to his party-list and his peers in Congress ”for dragging you into this controversy.”

Meanwhile, labor group Partido Manggagawa (PM) said Delos Santos should be removed from the roster of lawmakers in the House of Representatives by the ethics committee or his peers from Ang Probinsyano party-list if he would not resign.

”A party-list rep should bravely stand up for labor and take the government to task for the country being named as among the 10 worst countries for workers. Instead we have the sad spectacle of... Delos Santos punching an ordinary worker,” PM chairman Rene Magtubo said.

DOH-5 sounds alarm on 55% spike in dengue cases

Source:https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1024421
Saturday, July 13, 2019

By Danica D. Caballero (PIA-5)

LEGAZPI CITY (PIA) – As dengue cases in Bicol continue to rise to alarming level, the Department of Health in Bicol (DOH-5) is urging the public to always practice dengue prevention measures to control the disease.

“Barangays should engage in the “Aksyon Barangay Kontra Dengue” strategy. We can prevent dengue in as simple as cleaning our surroundings, backyards and the whole barangay,” said Dr. Ernie V. Vera, DOH-5 regional director.

The DOH-5 recorded 1,828 dengue cases during the first six months of the year, an increase of 55 percent from the 1,177 cases recorded in the same period in 2018. With the onset of the rainy season, the number to escalate.

The record revealed 22 deaths in the region with seven deaths each in Albay and Camarines Sur, followed by Sorsogon with five, and one apiece in Masbate, Camarines Norte, and Catanduanes.

The province of Camarines Sur has the highest number of cases with 876, followed by Albay, 321; Sorsogon, 291; Masbate, 131; Camarines Norte, 126; and Catanduanes, 91. Two other cases were reported but their location was unknown.

The DOH-5 has also identified two barangays (villages) in Naga City that are considered dengue hot spots. In Catanduanes, considered dengue hot spot is a village in Gigmoto.

Tagging barangays with the highest recorded incidence of dengue cases is part of the health department’s awareness campaign for the public.

To prevent and control dengue, the DOH-5 reiterates the 4S strategy. 4S stands for “search and destroy mosquito breeding places, self-protection measures, seek early consultation for fever lasting more than two days, and say yes to fogging” as a last resort when there is an impending outbreak.

“Individual and community commitment to eliminate mosquito breeding places and a clean environment are vital in dengue prevention,” Vera added.

Dengue symptoms include fever, rashes, bleeding, headaches, nausea and vomiting.

Plan to 'light up' Mayon Volcano draws flak

Source:https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1074666
Friday, July 12, 2019

By Mar Serrano (PNA)

LEGAZPI CITY -- Opposition to a proposed lighting project around Mt. Mayon is mounting, prompting Albay Governor Al Francis Bichara to ask the proponent to put the plan on hold.

Ako Bicol (AKB) Party-List president Elizaldy Co proposed the PHP500-million undertaking during an administration political rally at the Albay Astrodome here last April. He said spotlights set up around Mayon will accentuate its magnificent slopes.

The plan, according to AKB, is a milestone project that will further boost tourism in Bicol.

The party-list group further claimed that lighting up the volcano will “spark” economic activities in the region as it will attract more private investors to do business in Albay.

But netizens, scientists and environmentalists have criticized the plan for being impractical and damaging to the environment.

In an interview on Thursday, Bichara told the Philippine News Agency that he would “toe the line” regarding the sentiments of majority of his constituents who are strongly opposing the plan to light-up Mayon Volcano.

He added that he would ask for recommendations from environment officials and other stakeholders.

“We need to consult and get the sentiments of the people and authorities,” the governor said.

Asked if he would endorse the project, Bichara said, “I have other priority projects in line for the province.”

Dorothy Colle, Albay Provincial Tourism chief, in a text message, said she is "aware of the plan but it needs consultations from all stakeholders. It's premature for me to give statements pending discussions”.

Merlita Tariman, a freelance journalist, said lighting up Mt. Mayon "is one of the craziest, pettiest, ill-conceived proposals" she has ever come across. "Pailawan mo ang mga pobreng kabahayan, hindi iyang bulkan at kagubatan (Light up the homes of the poor, not the volcano and the forests),” she said.

"Imagine our province which suffers from the most outrageous power outages today would like to light up hectares of forest, while it cannot even sufficiently electrify its towns and cities; cannot even complete construction of its international airport for years now; cannot even push faster the operation of its dream modern seaport in Pantao for decades now; cannot even build good farm-to-market roads," Tariman added.

Lawyer Dominador Barrameda, a retired city prosecutor, said, “Don’t mess with Mayon’s natural beauty. It’s God-given.”

Marcial Tuanqui, former Albay Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) president, said the project is not for the best interest of Albayanos and the funds to be used therein must be used instead to light the village roads and other priority government projects.

“Mayon Volcano is best appreciated to be seen in its natural beauty be it in day or night time,” he added.

Architect Kristine Lagman said lighting up a tourist spot is a good idea, but not in the case of Mt. Mayon.

"It is done in other countries, lighting tourist spot, then there is the so-called 'lightings engineer' that design the idea but I think Mayon is not the right subject. Many lives will be affected, the environment, the eco-system, the animals that live within it," she said.

Lagman added that instead of Mayon, the parks, provincial capitol, and the city and municipal halls could be lighted.

Scientists and environmentalists, on the other hand, said putting spotlights around the volcano would affect the environment and the nocturnal animals living in its surroundings.

AKB has asked the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) through a letter for a formal endorsement of its plan to install laser and lights fixtures outside Mt. Mayon's 6-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ).

The certification is part of the requirements for the project to proceed.

Eduardo Laguerta, resident volcanologist of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) here, said in a separate interview that a similar letter was received by his office but he advised the AKB to hold a consultation with the proper government agencies, environmentalists, the public, and other stakeholders before proceeding with the project.

The DENR said the project needs to be studied as the Mt. Mayon Natural Park (MMNP) is one of the wonders of the world and a protected area under Republic Act 11038, or the Expanded National Integrated Protected Areas System (ENIPAS) Act of 2018. It added that the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) has management authority over the area.

Lawyer Antonio Abawag, former DENR regional executive director, in a letter to AKB, has referred the project to the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office (PENRO) in Albay for consultation and discussion with members of the MMNP-PAMB.

Police, community collaboration underscored in PCR month

Source:https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1024401
Thursday, July 11, 2019

By Danica D. Caballero (PIA-5)

LEGAZPI CITY (PIA) – The success of law enforcement depends on the coordination and collaboration between the police and the community.

The National Police Commission in Bicol (Napolcom-5) underscored this as Napolcom, Philippine National Police Office in Bicol (PNP-5) and members of its technical working group (TWG) geared up for the nationwide observance of Police Community Relations Month (PCRM) this July.

“Peace and order is not only the concern of the police but of the whole community. The PCRM is an opportune time to strengthen community participation in crime prevention,” said lawyer Josephmar Gil, the Napolcom-5 regional director.

This year's theme, "Sambayanan, Mahalagang Kaakibat ng Kapulisan sa Pagtaguyod ng Mapayapa at Maunlad na Bayan,” acknowledges that the police’s strong partnership with the community is the key in preventing crime and disorder.

“The cooperation of the public is very important in attaining a secure and peaceful community. Law enforcement is a whole-of- nation approach where everyone works together,” Gil said.

The observance kicked off with a foot parade and opening program last Monday (July 1) at Camp Simeon Ola in Legazpi City.

The Napolcom was to set up a one-stop information shop in a mall in Legazpi City “to let the public know the programs on crime and drug prevention, issues on insurgency and the mandate of Napolcom as well as other PCRM- TWGs including the PNP, Bureau of Fire Protection, Bureau of Jail Management and Penology and Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency,” Gil added.

This month, Napolcom will also undertake a quad media campaign, community outreach activities, blood-letting, lectures on crime and drug abuse prevention in schools, and forum on police recruitment.

The observance of PCRM in July every year was institutionalized by Presidential Proclamation No. 764 to develop closer interaction between the police and the community in handling peace and order concerns.

Legazpi in Albay, Zamboanga City conduct anti-dengue cleanup drives

Source:https://www.gmanetwork.com/news/news/regions/700973/legazpi-in-albay-zamboanga-city-conduct-anti-dengue-cleanup-drive/story/
Monday, July 15, 2019

By Dona Magsino (/LBG, GMA News)

Residents in some provinces in the country have stepped up their efforts to curb the rising number of dengue cases.

According to a report by Jam Sisante-Cayco on GMA's Balitanghali Weekend on Sunday, a fogging and cleanup operation was conducted in Legazpi City in Albay.

Over 2,000 dengue cases with 25 fatalities have been recorded in the province from January 1, 2019 to July 6, 2019, according to the Department of Health Regional Epidemiology Surveillance Unit.

Meanwhile, a massive "search and destroy" operation of mosquito breeding places was being undertaken in Zamboanga City in the Zamboanga Peninsula in Mindanao.

"Now we're doing the spray misting so that it will prevent mosquitoes from getting inside buildings," said city health officer Dr. Dulce Amor Miravit.

Meanwhile, authorities are also monitoring 12 barangays in Abra in the Cordillera Administrative Region in Luzon, amid rising dengue cases in the area.

One dengue patient died while around 400 cases have been reported from January 1, 2019 to July 12, 2019, according to the provincial health office.

It added that this figure was nine percent higher compared to the previous record during the same period last year.

A consultative meeting has already been conducted in the province to address the health issue.

According to the Department of Health, there were over 70,000 reported dengue cases nationwide as of May 2019. The number is projected to reach 200,000 by the end of the year.

The DOH advises the public to seek early consultation once symptoms such as high fever, rashes, vomiting, stomach pains, and nose-bleeding manifest.

DOH heightens drive to combat dengue in Bicol

Source:https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1140084/doh-heightens-drive-to-combat-dengue-in-bicol
Wednesday, July 10, 2019 3:48 pm

By Michael B. Jaucian [Correspondent, Inquirer Southern Luzon , Leti Boniol (Editor)]

LIGAO CITY – The Provincial Health Office (PHO) has declared Albay under code green as dengue cases continued to rise in the province since January.

Dr. Antonio Ludovice, acting head of PHO, said code green was declared to remind the public that there was a need to intensify the campaign to combat dengue and prevent the possible outbreak of the mosquito-borne disease.

“We put Albay on code green, meaning we need to reiterate and intensify the information education drive, misting, larvicide infiltration, and surveillance,” he said.

Records from the Department of Health in Bicol showed that 22 persons have died from dengue since January.

Albay and Camarines Sur had the most number of deaths with seven each, followed by Sorsogon with five.

The provinces of Camarines Norte, Catanduanes and Masbate also had one recorded death each.

Records from Albay’s PHO epidemiology surveillance unit said there were 1,203 dengue cases from January 1 to June 1.

Daraga town had the most number of cases with 204. Legazpi City had 184; Guinobatan had 157, and Tiwi had 103.

There were also 93 recorded dengue cases in Ligao City; 77 in Polangui; 74 in Pio Duran; 49 each in Camalig and Oas and 45 in Sto. Domingo.

In Tabaco City there were 43 dengue cases; 30 in Libon; 29 in Bacacay; 22 in Malinao; 17 in Malilipot; and 13 in Manito; nine in Jovellar; and five in Rapu-Rapu.

Ludovice said that because of the surge in dengue cases, rural health units in the province were running out of dengue testing kits.

“We have only 75 dengue testing kits at our stock room and we are requesting more from DOH Region 5,” he said.

Cecil Pan, the DOH dengue coordinator in Bicol, urged the Bicolanos to practice the 4S strategy.

The 4S stands for “Search and Destroy” mosquito breeding places, “Self-protection measures,” “Seek early consultation” for fever as early as one day, and “Say yes to fogging” as a last resort when there is an impending outbreak.

Dr. Jannish Alcala-Arellano, chief of the local health support division of DOH in Bicol, said they have also created a regional dengue task force for prevention, control, and response to the dengue outbreak.

“The objective and purpose are to provide technical assistance and overall direction on how we can decrease the number of dengue cases and prevent an outbreak,” she said.

DOH-5 warns public on rainy season diseases

Source:https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1024331
Tuesday, July 9, 2019

By Casandra E. Balala (PIA-5)

LEGAZPI CITY (PIA) — With the onset of the rainy season, the Department of Health in Bicol (DOH-5) is urging the public to take precautions against the so-called “WILD” illnesses.

WILD stands for water-borne diseases, influenza , leptospirosis and dengue—illnesses that are associated with the rainy season.

DOH-5 explained that water-borne diseases are caused by drinking water contaminated by human or animal feces. Water-borne diseases include diarrhea, typhoid fever, cholera, hepatitis A, and leptospirosis.

To avoid these diseases, DOH-5 advises the public to drink only filtered or boiled water, always wash hands before and after eating, store water in clean containers, and practice proper waste disposal and good personal hygiene.

Another common disease this rainy season is influenza, commonly known as the flu, which is characterized by cold-like symptoms and headaches. Flu is transmitted by droplets that enter the body through the nose or mouth.

DOH-5 recommends the public to avail themselves of annual influenza vaccination, get enough rest and drink plenty of liquids.

Due to the potential health risks of floodwater, DOH-5 also warns the public against leptospirosis that people usually acquire when they get contact with water or soil contaminated with the urine of infected animals.

DOH-5 said people should refrain from swimming or wading in potentially contaminated floodwater, use proper protection like boots and gloves, and control rats in the household.

When symptoms such as high fever, headache, abdominal pain, vomiting, red eyes and chills are observed, the public should seek early medical consultation and treatment.

Lastly, DOH-5 reminds the public of dengue fever, an acute viral infection caused by a bite of mosquito infected with any of the four dengue viruses.

Dengue symptoms include sudden onset of high fever which may last from two to seven days, weakness, skin rashes, nosebleeding, abdominal pain, vomiting, dark colored stools and difficulty in breathing.

To prevent dengue fever, DOH-5 is asking the public to take part in its “4S” campaign. 4 S stands for “search” and destroy mosquito breeding places, “secure” self protection from mosquito bite, “seek” early consultation when signs and symptoms of dengue occur, and “say” yes to fogging as a last resort when there is an impending outbreak.

In fact, “fighting dengue is as simple as keeping the surroundings clean,” the DOH-5 concluded.

PDEA-5 enforces encompassing strategy to curb illegal drugs

Source:https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1024311
Monday, July 8, 2019

By Casandra E. Balala (PIA-5)

LEGAZPI CITY (PIA) — With the arrest of drug dealers and a massive drug education drive, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency in Bicol (PDEA-5) enforced its “supply, demand and harm reduction” strategy to eradicate the illegal drug problem.

At a recent meeting of the Bicol Regional Peace and Order Council, PDEA-5 representatives reported that from last April to June, anti-narcotics operatives arrested 582 drug personalities and confiscated 9,945.96 grams of shabu, 247.98 grams of marijuana and 52,040.69 grams of cocaine.

The arrested included foreign nationals and high-value drug personalities.

The PDEA-5 said its strong law enforcement was intended to reduce the supply of drugs reaching the community.

In step with law enforcement, PDEA-5 waged a massive and relentless drug education campaign to prevent people from wanting to and taking illicit drugs.

Through conferences, lectures and seminars in schools, government offices, private workplaces and in mass media, PDEA-5 enlightened the community, the young people and drug users to enable them to make informed decisions about drugs.

Corollary to law enforcement and drug education campaign, PDEA-5 mounted multiple strategies to reduce the harmful consequences of drug use.

This included the launching of “Balay Silangan,” which serves as a home for persons who used drugs (PWUDs). With this joint project with local government units, PWUDs will have a safe haven while they are growing out of their drug use and preparing to be reintegrated into society.

PDEA-5 also launched the Drug Free Workplace Program in public and private sectors to promote a safe workplace for employees and clients.

Other harm reduction strategies of PDEA-5 included the Barangay Drug Clearing Program and the Project: Sagip Batang Solvent.

Light up Mayon Volcano? No plans yet, says Albay tourism official

Source:https://www.rappler.com/nation/234582-light-up-mayon-volcano-no-plans-yet
Sunday, July 7, 2019 1:52 pm

By Mavic Conde (Rappler.com)

How can anyone consider lighting up something the size of Mayon Volcano when Albay has power problems, some netizens ask

ALBAY, Philippines – What do you think about illuminating Mayon Volcano and then naming its lit version as "Aurora Bicolaris"?

A Facebook page called Majestic Mayon had posted a video that broached this idea on June 21. It was peddled as a “a sure game-changer to Philippine tourism and economy,” which will contribute to the national target of 40 million tourist arrivals, generate P30 billion revenues in the next 5 years, and create 6 million new jobs.

The video, which had 46,000 views as of last week, was no longer available as of posting. There was a poll on the same Facebook page, asking netizens whether one preferred normal light or dancing lights to brighten the volcano, which was also no longer available.

What remained of the proposal is a petition on change.org called "Light Up Mayon Volcano" tracing the idea to Ako Bicol party list and Albay Governor Al Francis Bichara.

It is addressed to the Department of Tourism, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Tourism Infrastructure and Enterprise Zone Authority, and the Tourism Promotion Board.

The petition said: "MAJESTIC MAYON LIGHTING PROJECT is envisioned by Ako Bicol Partylist and Albay Governor Al Francis Bichara which is in line with the Duterte Administration’s national goal in providing more jobs and sources of livelihood for all Filipinos especially for all Bicolanos,” through tourism.

To petition has drawn over 200 signatures, to date.

Provincial Tourism Officer Dorothy Colle said they had yet to receive any directives in relation to the proposal.

She also said that on June 25, the Protected Area Management Board (PAMB) invited AKO Bicol to present the project but it didn’t push through due to short notice. The presentation may take place during the next PAMB meeting on August 14, she added.

Legazpi resident volcanologist Eduardo Laguerta said that the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) in Albay recommended to AKO Bicol, in writing, that such a plan should involve public consultation and a consideration of its environmental impact, especially as the volcano is a protected area under the National Integrated Protected Areas System (NIPAS) law.

Mixed responses

Netizens who watched the video on the project before it was taken down had mostly negative reactions to the proposal.

While there were those who said the proposal deserved a chance, there were practical ones who cited the effect of lighting up Mayon on nocturnal animals in the area, the amount of energy it would consume, and how volcanic activity would destroy the light fixtures and waste taxpayers' money.

Instead of illuminating Mayon Volcano, they suggested lighting up streets and isolated areas that still had no electricity. They also couldn't help but ask how lighting a more than 5,000-hectare landmark could happen when the province had power supply issues.

Why not astrophotography?

While the Mayon illumination project remainedjust an idea, some travelers suggested promoting astrophotography in Bicol region to attract more tourists.

Joms Santos, a traveler who is into astrophotography, believed there was a big market for it.

“A lot are fascinated with astrophotography and Mayon is a perfect subject,” Santos said.

MILKY WAY SHOT. Captured at Villa Amada Farm Resort at past 3 am. Photo courtesy of Laurie Mae Gucilatar

“If there are easier ways in Albay to do the Milky Way shots via tours, I’d definitely join,” he said.

Santos said commuting posed a challenge because public transportation was not available 24/7.

A photography hobbyist who had been to Bicol several times was able to capture a Milky Way shot with Mayon in Tabaco City, thanks to a relatively remote farm that offered lodging.

Laurie Gucilatar, the person who took the photo, said the proposed illumination of Mayon would make capturing the Milky Way more challenging but still possible.

Dos Ocampo, a Manila-based video producer, liked the idea of lighting up the volcano for photography, but if it would disturb animals and consume a lot of electricity, he would rather keep it naturally lit.

DOTr assures completion of Bicol International Airport by June 2020

Source:https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1024156
Saturday July 6, 2019

By Sally Atento-Altea (SAA-PIA5/Albay)

LEGAZPI CITY (PIA) – The Bicol International Airport will be completed by June 2020 and will be operational four months after.

This was announced by Albay 2nd District Congressman Joey Sarte Salceda after his recent meeting with Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade to discuss the status of various DOTr projects in the Bicol region.

“I explained to Secretary Tugade that Albay is number 4 in domestic tourism arrivals and if you add the tourism traffic in Albay, Masbate and Sorsogon, this would push these numbers higher. He committed that the construction will be completed in June 2020. Another four months to start operations,” Salceda said.

Tugade has led the site inspection of the airport's construction in April 2019, citing 57% project completion.

DOTr reported that the airside of the airport comprising the airstrip, runway, taxiway, apron and perimeter and fence is already 100% complete, while the landside comprising all the buildings and the site development are currently in the works.

Once completed in July 2020, the BIA is expected to accommodate 2 million passengers annually with the new and higher capacity facilities and enhanced safety of airport operation.

“Sec, you restored my faith in our future!” Salceda said during the meeting.

Hailed as the 'Most Scenic Gateway', BIA is expected to boost Bicol's tourism arrival and help Albay become an economic powerhouse.

To ensure and safeguard continuous construction, soldiers and police have also tightened security around the BIA.

NFA-Bicol excludes Albay in gov't rice distribution

Source:https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1074088
Friday July 5, 2019

By Jorge Hallare (PNA)

LEGAZPI CITY -- Only the poorest of the poor in five out of six provinces in Bicol will continue to receive allocation of government rice starting in September this year, an official of the National Food Authority (NFA) said on Thursday.

In an interview, NFA regional director Henry Tristeza said based on a memorandum they received from their central office, Albay will not be among the provinces where the poor would be allowed to buy NFA rice in selected markets and distributors after August 31.

"The identified locations in Bicol are Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Sorsogon, Masbate and Catanduanes," he said.

Asked why Albay is not included, Tristeza said, "Albay province is not included based on the recommendation submitted by the Department of Social Welfare and Development Office (DSWD) regional office and through the surveys conducted by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA) on the numbers of the poorest of the poor families".

The NFA official said he already submitted on Tuesday to their central office a letter requesting to also allocate NFA rice to some island villages and coastal areas in Albay that they visited, where there are also poverty-stricken families.

Tristeza said the DSWD has identified the areas in the five provinces that will be given priority.

As to the number and identity of the poorest families, the NFA is still coordinating with the local social welfare development officers, he said.

DOH-Bicol steps up household, school-based deworming of kids

Source:https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1073967
Thursday July 4, 2019 4:37 pm

By Mar Serrano (PNA)

LEGAZPI CITY -- The Department of Health in Bicol has intensified its household and school-based deworming campaign to curb the high incidence of intestinal worm infection covering 2.5 million children in the region.

The DOH data indicate that six out 10 children or 67 percent of children aged one to 18 years old are infected with intestinal worms, said Francia Genorga, DOH Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis coordinator.

In an interview Wednesday, she said Bicol has the highest level of Soil-Transmitted Helminthiasis (STH) infection cases in the country with 67.4 percent based on the 2013-2015 STH infection study.

Other regions with high prevalence of intestinal worms were Regions 7 (Central Visayas, 55 percent); 4-B (Mimaropa, 40 percent); Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (37 percent); 3 (Central Luzon, 32 percent); 9 (Zamboanga Peninsula, 27 percent); Caraga (22 percent); and National Capital Region (21 percent).

Meanwhile, the Cordillera Autonomous Region had the lowest prevalence rate with only 7 percent.

Genorga said a 30-percent prevalence rate is the acceptable standard based on a World Health Organization (WHO) study.

“The rising intestinal worm infection incidence is now alarming as this can affect the children’s growth and health condition,” she said.

Genorga noted that the 2003 prevalence study showed that nine out of 10 children or 93 percent had intestinal worms, but this remarkably improved in 2015, when the prevalence rate went down to 67 percent.

Sorsogon province had the highest prevalence rate of 89 percent while Albay had the lowest with 44 percent; Masbate, 77 percent; Catanduanes, 63 percent; Camarines Norte, 57 percent; and Camarines Sur, 52 percent.

For this year's campaign, the DOH expects to deworm at least 78 percent of the target or 2 million children aged 1 to 18 years old.

Genorga said the STH causes malnutrition, anemia, weakness and impaired physical and cognitive development.

When asked what would be the cause of the increasing prevalence rate of worm infection among children, she said one of the reasons is the Dengvaxia scare as parents fear the medication's possible side effects and adverse reactions.

2019 Nutrition Month celebration kicks off in Albay

Source:https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1024050
Wednesday July 3, 2019

By Sally Atento-Altea (SAA-PIA5/Albay)

LEGAZPI CITY, (PIA) -- The National Nutrition Council (NNC) Region 5 launched on July 1, Monday, the regional celebration of the Nutrition Month in the province of Albay with the theme “Kumain nang Wasto at Maging Aktibo…Push Natin ‘to!”

“The theme encourages everyone to advocate and realize the importance of healthy diet, increased physical activity and reduced sedentary behavior. Pushing the advocacy means that each and everyone can contribute to better nutrition and physical activity for better health,” NNC nutrition program coordinator Arlene R. Reario said.

The nutrition month launching in Albay featured a fun walk and biking for fitness from the Ayala Mall to Embarcadero de Legazpi. It was capped off with Zumba and games for both children and adults.

Elementary students from Victory Village, the host barangay, actively joined the Laro ng Lahi facilitated by the NNC and Department of Health. Among the games are Luksong Lubid, Tumbang Preso, Bingkay, Patintero and Tiyokol.

Reario said the campaign also aims to encourage the food industry and food establishments to produce and make available healthier options.

“The campaign also aims to advocate for the enactment of national and local legislation/policies at the workplace, school and other venues that are supportive of an enabling environment for healthy diets and physical activity,” Reario added.

Registered nutritionists from various health service providers also conducted nutrition assessment and counseling while the Legazpi City Agriculture Office distributed nutritious seeds for planting. Various barangays in the city also joined the poster slogan contest.

To apply and carry on this year’s theme for the Nutrition Month, the NNC together with other partners and stakeholders, pushes for at least an hour or more of physical activity every day, reduction of screen time to two hours or less each day and eating of three food groups every day for variety.

DTI confiscates P2.1-M uncertified products in Bicol

Source:https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1073824
Tuesday, July 2, 2019 8:51 pm

By Connie Calipay (PNA)

LEGAZPI CITY -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) regional office here has confiscated PHP2.1-million worth of uncertified products after monitoring violations of safety and quality policies throughout the region for the period of May-June.

Jocelyn Berango, DTI-Bicol spokesperson, said in an interview on Tuesday that a notice of violation was issued to 22 establishments upon inspection and evaluation of products, particularly construction materials which did not conform to standards set by the Bureau of Philippine Standards of DTI.

"The inspection is part of DTI's program to ensure consumers’ safety and well-being in terms of buying products. The confiscated products do not have the required Product Standard (PS) and Imported Commodity Clearance (ICC) stickers, while some were found to be selling deceptive products, a violation of Republic Acts (RAs) 4109 and 7394, otherwise known as the Product Standards Law and the Consumer Act of the Philippines," she said.

Berango confirmed that the 22 establishments are from Masbate with 2; Catanduanes-2; Camarines Sur-2; Albay-5; Sorsogon-2 and Camarines Norte-9.

The products inspected included steel bars, electrical tapes, circuit breakers, outlets, plugs, snap switches, lead-acid batteries, fire extinguishers, and plastic chairs and stools.

DTI Regional Director Jocelyn Blanco advised the public to be discriminating when buying goods and commodities in order to get the best value for their money. “Each one should be cautious and must look for the appropriate markings particularly on the mandatory products," she said.

"We are serious on our quest to eradicate uncertified products in the market," Blanco added.

She said consumers in Bicol may contact their office for complaints through landline numbers 480-5721 or 480-5720 local 109, or follow the DTI on social media.

Salceda sees more structural reforms

Source:http://manilastandard.net/business/economy-trade/298659/salceda-sees-more-structural-reforms-.html
Monday July 1, 2019 7:10 pm

(Manila Standard Business)

More sweeping second wave of structural reforms may be expected in the next three years, powered and backstopped by legislations in both houses of Congress where the administration claims a supermajority.

Albay Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda, the Lower House’s resident economist, said many reform initiatives would be focused on “investments making the Philippines more globally competitive.”

Salceda said the expected reforms, primarily in three tracks—economic, political and social—will become a third pillar of the ‘Dutertenomics,' an economic strategy aimed to attain “a rapid expansion of state capacity both financial and political to thrust the economy on a higher growth trajectory.”

‘Dutertenomics,’ which Salceda coined, aims to “create mass middle class and lift five million families over the poverty hurdle... partly to catch up with the (country’s) fast-growing regional peers, but more to break the social dysfunction and increase people’s confidence in the government and the system.”

Water supply in Albay town villages starts to improve

Source:https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1073612
Sunday June 30, 2019

By Connie Calipay (PNA)

OAS, Albay – After a month of suffering water shortage, the residents in three villages here are now all smiles as their water supply has started to improve.

Noel Nieva, a 33-year-old resident of Barangay Rizal who owns a "carinderia" (eatery), expressed relief over the availability of water starting last Sunday.

“Okay na ang tubig, malaking bagay na may tubig na at hindi na kami na magagastusan sa pagbili ng tubig (It’s good to have water, it’s a big thing to have water, we can save now by not buying water)” Nieva said in an interview on Friday.

He hopes that the supply will continue and not just for a short time.

Nieva said in the past weeks, his PHP800 income from his food business went down to PHP600 because of water expenses.

"Since water supply is back, I think my daily income will be better now,” he said.

Another villager, Celso Reamon gave the same positive reaction.

“Salamat sa lahat ng tumulong para maibalik ang supply ng tubig, sana dirediretso na ang serbisyo ng tubig (Thank you to all who helped to bring back the water supply in our barangay, I hope this is for good),” he said.

Rizal village chief, Crispin Sotto, thanked the officials who helped solve their water shortage problem.

“We’re happy that water is back in our barangay, after almost a month of suffering, it is good now,” he said.

Sotto lauded Albay 3rd district Rep. Fernando Gonzales’ effort to bring back the water supply in their area.

He said the 270 households or 1,094 people in their village are now happy.

“Hindi na kami nahihirapan mag-igib ng tubig at balik na sa normal (We are okay now, no more struggle in fetching water and no more additional expenses, it’s all back to normal),” he said.

But Consorcia Ranosa, Ligao City Water District general manager, said some areas here still experience low water supply.

"It is not yet enough, water supply is being distributed to severely affected barangays," she noted.

Ranosa said the water district supplies water to Ligao and the three villages of Rizal, Calzada and part of Bongoran in Oas town.

“Nagkataon talaga na kulang talaga (supply of water is really low)… malayo pa tayo sa supply compared sa demand kaya hinati-hati muna natin sila, (Sharing of water is what we are doing here. Water supply is not enough to meet the demand, that is why we need to share and schedule the distribution of water),” she added.

Ranosa said their office is continuously monitoring the supply of water which is expected to further improve with the onset of rainy season.

Gonzales said, “I was happy that the Ligao City Water District (LCWD), with strong and effective emergency measures to resolve the water shortage in their service area in Ligao City and the accompanying rains, has partially restored water services in the affected areas”.

He said he requested the LCWD to provide water to residents of Barangay in Oas even at night in the meantime.

Gonzales' former chief of staff, now Rep.-elect Fernando Cabredo, in a separate interview, said a PHP40-million fund is included in the province's budgetary allocation for the repair, rehabilitation and improvements of the water system in Oas.

“The implementing agency is the Department of Public Works and Highway with regards to the projects and assuming that the project is completed, the problem now is the source of water,” he added.

Cabredo denied speculations that politics is the reason for the water shortage in the villages.

“Ang arog kaiyan na problema dai ninda pagpara lagan ki motibo sa politika, tapos na ang politika (With that kind of problem, let’s not put politics in it) Let's work together for the betterment of the people of 3rd district,” he said.

Oas Mayor Domingo Escoto Jr., meanwhile, said: “Our priority is to ensure that the pipelines of our water system are clean and usable. I need the cooperation of the people to ensure the connection is okay”.

He assured the villagers that his office is doing everything to help and serve the people with their basic needs.

Security tightened around Bicol Intl Airport as construction continues

Source:https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1135204/security-tightened-around-bicol-intl-airport-as-construction-continues
Saturday June 29, 2019

By Michael B. Jaucian [Correspondent, Inquirer Southern Luzon, Leti Z. Boniol (Editor)]

DARAGA, Albay –– Soldiers and police have tightened the security around the Bicol International Airport (BIA) in Alobo village as the construction of buildings and facilities on it nears completion.

Col. Andrew Costelo, chief of staff at the military’s 9th Infantry Division based in Pili, Camarines Sur, said the Joint Task Force Bicolandia, in coordination with the Bicol police, has strengthened the security in the vital installations to eliminate the threat posed by New People’s Army rebels.

He said the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the Philippine National Police needed to protect the BIA from possible attacks by rebels.

The project, which started in 2005 with its construction beginning in 2009, has long been delayed after communist rebels allegedly attacked the project by torching the heavy equipment several times.

“In support to the developmental efforts of the government the JTF Bicolandia under the leadership of Major General Fernando T. Trinidad, commanding officer of 9ID, has assigned one company of regular troops from the 31st Infantry Battalion, CAFGU Active Auxilliary (CAA) from the 5th CAA Albay Company who are civilian volunteers in the area, and a platoon of the 2nd Albay PNP mobile force who will safeguard the airport 24/7,” he said in a statement.

Albay 2nd District Rep. Joey Salceda, who pushed for the project, said BIA, which is considered the flagship project in Albay province, would be completed and operational in June 2020 as assured by Department of Transportation Sec. Arthur Tugade.

“The completion of the BIA would further boost tourists’ flow to the region wherein Albay is No. 4 in domestic tourism arrivals, and the figure would even further rise if its number is taken in total with the combined Albay-Masbate-Sorsogon traffic,” Salceda said.

Work on the BIA project is in full blast to meet the June 27, 2020 deadline for the terminal, and Nov. 2, for the land-side facilities, he added.

As of May 30, the project was 57-percent completed.

“Once the BIA is operational it is expected to play a major role in achieving a target potential of 20 million tourist arrivals annually. In the first quarter of this year, the country posted a record high of 7.6 percent growth, about 2.2 million arrivals,” he said.

6 Bicolano’s top 10 in Nurse Licensure Exam

Source:http://bicoltoday.com/2019/06/23/6-bicolanos-top-10-in-nurse-licensure-exam/
Friday June 28, 2019

(BicolToday.com News Team)

LEGAZPI CITY – Six Bicolano nursing graduates lands in the top ten ranking in the recent Nurse Licensure Examination (NLE) given by the Professional Regulation Commission Board of Nursing. The 5,059 out of 9,691 examinees who took the exam in the cities of Manila, Baguio, Cagayan de Oro, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Legazpi, Lucena, Pagadian, Tacloban, Tuguegarao and Zamboanga this June 2019 were the successful examinees.

The six Bicolano are graduates from Bicol University and Catanduanes State University, who were in the top 10 are Darlene Grace Sabinosa Ranera (Bicol University-Polangui) and D N Albert Teves Timajo (Catanduanes State University-Virac) got 7th place with an average rating of 86.20%, while Edgar Philip Romanillos Patriarca (Bicol University-Tabaco) in 8th place with an average rating of 86.00%, Cecil-An Salivio Dalanon (Bicol University-Legazpi) got the 9th place with an average rating of 85.80% and the 10th place was Melannie Sta Rosa Camasis (Bicol University-Legazpi) with an average rating of 85.60%.

Pursuant to Section 16, of Republic Act No. 9173, “all successful candidates in the examination shall be required to take an oath of professional before the Board or any government official authorized to administer oaths prior to entering upon the nursing practice”.

The PRC in a release said, that from July 3 to July 12, 2019, registration for the issuance of Professional Identification Card (ID) and Certificate of Registration will be done on-line. Please go to www.prc.gov.ph and follow instructions for initial registration. Those who will register are required to bring the following: downloaded duly accomplished Oath Form or Panunumpa ng Propesyonal, notice of admission (for identification only), 2 pieces passport sized pictures (colored with white background and complete name tag), 2 sets of documentary stamps and 1 piece short brown envelope. Successful examinees should personally register and sign in the Roster of Registered Professionals.

The members of the Board of Nursing who conducted the licensure examination are Glenda S. Arquiza as Chairman and for its members are Carmelita C. Divinagracia, Gloria B. Arcos, Carfredda P. Dumlao, Florence C. Cawaon and Cora A. Añonuevo. [BicolToday.com]

Bicol health officials continue fight vs. measles, dengue

Source:https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1073318
Thursday June 27, 2019

By Mar Serrano (PNA)

LEGAZPI CITY -- Health officials in Bicol are continuously finding ways to address measles and dengue cases that continue to rise to alarming levels, prompting the Department of Health (DOH) office in the region to sustain its “red flag” health alert status.

DOH data indicated that during the first semester of this year, measles cases rose to an unprecedented rate of 1,401 percent as compared to the same period last year.

Dr. Ernie Vera, acting DOH regional director, said Tuesday that 1,261 cases, all involving children, were reported from January to June 2019. Fifteen of the victims succumbed to the disease.

There were only 84 measles cases reported during the first semester of last year.

This year, Camarines Sur has the highest number of cases with 406, followed by Albay – 373; Sorsogon – 243; Masbate – 162; Camarines Norte – 59; and Catanduanes – 17. One case is a transient coming from an undisclosed area, the report said.

The DOH advised the public to be vigilant and to refer anyone showing symptoms of measles to the nearest health facility for early diagnosis and prompt case management.

Measles symptoms include cough, colds, red eyes, fever, and skin rashes.

Meanwhile, dengue has claimed the lives of 22 people in Bicol this year, Vera said.

Quoting reports from DOH surveillance units, he said dengue cases continue to rise with a total of 1,828 during the first half of this year as compared to last year’s 1,177, showing a 55-percent surge.

Camarines Sur has the highest number of cases with 876, followed by Albay with 321; Sorsogon – 291; Masbate -- 131; Camarines Norte -- 126; Catanduanes – 81; and transients - 2.

DOH record showed Albay and Camarines Sur had seven deaths each followed by Sorsogon with five, and one each in Camarines Norte, Catanduanes, and Masbate.

The DOH has also declared “Dengue Hotspots” in two villages in Naga City in Camarines Sur and one in Gigmoto town in Catanduanes.

To control and prevent the spread of the mosquito-borne disease, the Health department reiterated its call to residents to practice the 4S strategy: Search and Destroy mosquito breeding places, Self-protection measures, Seek early consultation for fever as early as one day, and Say yes to fogging as a last resort when there is an impending outbreak.

Public consultation on Universal Health Care to kick off in Bicol

Source:https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1134269/public-consultation-on-universal-health-care-to-kick-off-in-bicol
Wednesday June 26, 2019 1:48 pm

By Mar S. Arguelles (Inquirer Southern Luzon)

LEGAZPI CITY –– A public consultation on the Universal Health Care (UHC), including the draft Implementing Rules and Regulations (IRR), would kick off in Bicol on July 4 and 5, the Department of Health (DOH) said.

Dr. Ernie Vera, acting director of DOH in Bicol, said the UHC IRR public hearings would be held on July 4 in Sorsogon and July 5 in Masbate.

The public hearing was expected to be attended by the provincial governors, town and city mayors, stakeholders in the 36 towns and cities in Sorsogon and Masbate.

DOH-Bicol officials would orient and consult local officials and the public on the UHC-IRR.

Vera said the remaining four provinces and cities were still being scheduled for the next endorsement.

Salient features to be brought out during the consultation meeting include UHC benefits, access to quality and affordable health care, primary health care focused on the health system, financing, service delivery, and local health system, regulations.

The DOH also plans to hold larger consultations in Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao.

Albay newsmen learn DRRM in one-day seminar

Source:https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1073296
Tuesday, June 25, 2019 7:32 pm

By Connie Calipay (PNA)

LEGAZPI CITY -- A group of journalists from Albay province on Tuesday attended a one-day seminar-workshop here aimed at equipping them with knowledge and understanding of Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) that is very important during calamities.

The activity held at St. Ellis Hotel was sponsored by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) in Bicol and participated in by 40 media practitioners.

Mar Arguelles, Philippine Daily Inquirer-South Luzon correspondent, said the seminar would improve mediamen's reporting by expanding the topic about disaster risk reduction.

"It is important that the media practitioners in Albay become aware and equipped with information in terms of DRRM. How can we report accurately if we don't know the basic," he added.

Claudio Yucot, OCD regional director, expressed gratitude to all participants for their support and interaction.

“Media has been the link of OCD in disseminating information to the public in giving factual, accurate and timely information regarding hazards and disasters,” he said.

Yucot noted that the media is important in making a disaster-resilient community.

Topics discussed during the training were Earthquake and Volcanic hazards; Updates on Mayon and Bulusan Volcanoes; Philippine DRRM System and Regional DRRMC-Bicol Operation Center.

Meanwhile, Eduardo Laguerta, resident volcanologist here of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs), said Alert Level 2 remains in effect on Mayon Volcano.

"This means that Mayon is at a moderate level of unrest," he noted.

Laguerta said the public must be aware of sudden explosions, lava collapses, pyroclastic density currents (PDCs) and ashfall, which can still occur and threaten areas in the upper to middle slopes of the volcano.

"People residing close to these danger areas are advised to observe precautions associated with rockfalls, PDCs and ashfall," he added.

DOTr eyes completion of Bicol Int’l Airport by June 2020

Source:https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1073100
Monday June 24, 2019

By Johnny C. Nunez (PNA)

DARAGA, Albay -- Department of Transportation (DOTr) Secretary Arthur Tugade has assured Bicolanos the Bicol International Airport (BIA), now under construction in Barangay Alobo here, would be completed in June 2020, and would be operational shortly after then.

Albay 2nd District Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda said Tugade made the promise during a recent meeting at the Department of Transportation (DOTr) headquarters in Clark, Pampanga where a briefing was held on the status of the PHP4.8-billion BIA and other projects of the agency in the regions.

The completion of the airport project is seen to provide a strategic and huge boost to the country’s economy, particularly the tourism industry, as it is projected to unlock the vast potential of Southern Luzon especially the Bicol Region, with its wealth in tourism assets and attractions.

“You restored my faith in our future,” Salceda told Tugade following the latter’s assurance of the 2020 completion of BIA, which is hailed as the country’s “Most Scenic Gateway.”

During the Clark meeting, Salceda updated Tugade that Albay is No. 4 in domestic tourism arrivals, and would even further increase if its number is taken in total with the combined Albay-Masbate-Sorsogon traffic.

The accelerated completion of the BIA would further boost tourists’ flow to the region, he said.

The BIA project is fully funded and work on it is in full blast to meet the June 27, 2020 deadline for the terminal, and November 2, 2019 for the land-side facilities.

As of May 30 this year, the project is 57 percent completed.

During the briefing, Tugade also said that DOTr had already resolved several technical concerns that have delayed the project, among them “the works on the required four-meter deep embankment of 25-centimeter thickness per layer to ensure good compaction, and the relocation of the transmission towers of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines that could obstruct the runway approach.”

Strongly pushed by Salceda during his earlier stint in Congress, and later as Albay governor and Bicol Regional Development Council chairman for nine years, the BIA project started in 2005 but construction began only in 2009.

Hampered by several hitches and delays, Salceda said Tugade’s pledge shows the “executive decisiveness of the Duterte administration in delivering urgent development projects nationwide such as the BIA, a vital infrastructure which is crucial to country.”

The Albay lawmaker said the BIA is expected to play a major role in achieving a target potential of 20 million tourist arrivals annually when it starts operation.

In the first quarter of this year, the country posted a record high 7.6-percent growth, which was about 2.2 million arrivals.

Salceda further said “the role of the BIA will be huge since the Department of Tourism (DOT) has upped its campaign in bringing foreign ambassadors to the country’s globally known, yet less visited destinations.”

Tourists flying in via the BIA will land right at the heart of the Bicol region’s tourism hub, Albay province, home to the world’s iconic Mayon volcano and the Cagsawa Ruins, without travelling far from the airport to visit them, he pointed out.

DOT said the country’s tourism uptrend has been boosted primarily by “a lot of direct flights by our carriers, most specially the newly established routes with Japan and Australia.”

South Korea remains as the Philippines’ top source of foreign tourists, followed by China, the United States, Japan and Australia.

DA-Bicol turns over P3-M building to Albay town coop

Source:https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1073002
Sunday June 23, 2019

By Connie Calipay (PNA)

TABACO CITY – The Department of Agriculture (DA) regional office here has turned over a newly constructed building worth PHP3 million under the High Value Commercial Development Program to the Mt. Mayon Pili Producers Multi-Purpose Cooperative (MMPPC).

Emily Bordado, DA spokesperson, in a phone interview on Friday, said the DA and the cooperative shall use the building for its commercial pili processing operations.

"The building located in a 500-square meter parcel of land within the compound of the DA Albay Research and Development Center (ARDC) in Barangay Buang in this city, is envisioned to help the pili farmers and processors in the province and develop new pili and pili-based products/by-products," Bordado said.

She added that DA shall monitor and evaluate the progress of the commercial operations of the facility and provide technical assistance and conduct research and related activities on pili and its by-products.

In his message during the turnover ceremonies earlier this week, DA Regional Technical Director for Operations and Extension Rodel P. Tornilla emphasized that "for this building to be operational, machineries and equipment should be put in place”.

Bordado said Roberto Pacis, a member of the board of directors of the MMPPC, thanked the DA for entrusting to their coop the said building to be used for their processing operations but added that they need the agency’s assistance in procuring the needed equipment for the facility.

He urged his fellow coop members and their other partners to continue supporting the efforts and plans of the cooperative.

Tornilla, in response to the request of the coop for the DA to help in the purchase of needed equipment, said he will try to look for fund sources.

Grace Tordilla, executive director of the Philippines Pili Industry League Inc., noted that “there is a big demand for pili oil in the global market and we have to catch up with the global requirement”.

She added that after the successful conduct of the 1st Pili Scientific Conference in Naga City recently, a lot of foreign investors have been contacting her group about pili and its by-products.

2019 Le Tour de Filipinas organizers laud Legazpi City LGU

Source:https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1023514
Saturday June 22, 2019

By Sally Atento-Altea (SAA-PIA5/Albay)

LEGAZPI CITY, (PIA) – The organizers of the 2019 Le Tour de Filipinas expressed gratitude for the full support and warm accommodation of its partners including this City government.

The final stage of the race was capped off in Legazpi City, June 18, out and back in the city via Donsol, Sorsogon. The sporting event was conducted from June 14 to 18, with five stages starting from Tagaytay City.

Donna May Lina, sporting event’s chairman, said she was amazed by the well- paved and widened concrete roads of Legazpi City and other parts of the province of Albay and Sorsogon.

“These kinds of roads are fit for the cycling competition and other similar sporting events,” she said.

Lina said the recent Le Tour de Filipinas 10th edition was very successful, recognizing the invaluable support of their partners and the communities.

“Most of all we would like to give our most heartfelt thanks all the wonderful communities and cycling fans that we met along the way. Their energy and excitement are the reason we can say that the 10th anniversary of Le Tour de Filipinas was a success,” the event organizer said.

City Mayor Noel E. Rosal said such kind of sporting event has showcased the infrastructure development of Legazpi particularly the southern section of the city.

“Sports tourism is a good jumping board to showcase some of our idyllic places and infrastructure improvements that will surely promote the city’s tourist destinations,” he said.

Rosal cited that this coming August, different sporting events will be held in this city as part of the 28th year celebration of Ibalong Festival, which is expected to again boost the number of tourist arrivals in the city.

The 26 year old Dutch cyclist Jeroen Meijers of China’s Taiyuan Miogee Cycling Team has raced his way as the champion in the recently conducted Le tour de Filipinas 10th edition.

The second placer was Singaporean Goh Choon Huat of Malaysia’s TSG Cycling Team with Aussie Angus Lyrons of Australia’s Oliver’s Real Food Racing.

GSIS invites applicants to its 2019 enhanced scholarship program

Source:https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1023517
Friday June 21, 2019

By Sally Atento-Altea

LEGAZPI CITY (PIA) – The Government Service Insurance System (GSIS) – Legazpi Branch is accepting applications for the enhanced GSIS Scholarship Program (GSP) for academic year 2019-2020 until June 24.

“GSIS has opened 400 scholarship slots nationwide for children or dependents of low-income GSIS members and pensioners below 60 years of age with permanent total disability (PTD),” GSIS Legazpi officer-in-charge Erwin Roallos said.

“Scholars will be chosen via electronic raffle after validation of applications,” Roallos added.

Under the GSP, scholars can receive up to PHP 40,000.00 per academic year for tuition and miscellaneous and PHP3,000.00 allowance per month.

To avail of this program, the GSIS member must be an active permanent employee with at least three years in government service, a salary grade of 24 or below (or its equivalent job level) and have paid premium contributions for the last six months.

Single or married members may nominate their children or dependents who rely on them for support. PTD pensioners below 60 years old may nominate their child only.

Nominees must be incoming freshmen who have been accepted in any four- or five-year course or in priority courses in Commission on Higher Education (CHED)-recognized schools with its own charter or a school qualified by the CHED as Levels IV and III, autonomous or deregulated.

Roallos cited that of the 400 slots, 40 will be allotted to dependents of persons with disabilities, indigenous peoples and solo or single parents.

“In 2018, 24 slots were allotted for the Bicol region,” Roallos said.

Furthermore, scholars who will graduate as cum laude, magna cum laude, and summa cum laude will receive monetary incentives of PHP20,000, PHP30,000, and PHP50,000 respectively.

The GSP application forms, requirements, and scholarship terms and conditions are available online at www.gsis.gov.ph.

Interested members may submit their application at the GSIS-Legazpi Branch office at Alternate Rd, Bitano, Legazpi City. For further inquiries, call their office at 480-4685 or email gsisscholarship@gsis.gov.ph.

'Bata Balik Eskwela' urges kids to go back to school

Source:https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1023352
Thursday June 20, 2019

By Casandra E. Balala (PIA-Albay)

LEGAZPI CITY (PIA)—The Department of Social Welfare and Development in Bicol (DSWD-5) has launched its “Bata Balik Eskwela” (BBE) campaign to ensure that the children beneficiaries of Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) will enroll in classes.

Glorei Lindio, DSWD-5 information officer for 4Ps, said the campaign aims to encourage the children to return to school and continue their education so they can fully maximize the benefits of 4Ps.

DSWD’s 4Ps is a human development program of the national government that invests in the health and education of poor households, particularly of children aged 18 and below.

For its educational grant, every monitored child in elementary receives P300 per month while the high school children beneficiaries receives P500 per month each. The program covers only three children per household.

Lindio explained that the education grant will be given to children beneficiaries every after two months.

“For example, the education grant for February and March will be given in May. Another month [April] is allotted for our monitoring and updating to ensure that these children are coming to school consistently,” she said.

Meanwhile, DSWD-5 Regional Director Arnel B. Garcia said the campaign addresses the children’s difficulties in pursuing their studies. It includes financial challenges, children who are engaged in early marriage or early pregnancy, and children who are sickly.

The BBE campaign includes current activities of 4Ps such as youth and family development sessions that are designed to develop a positive mindset among the youth and parents, especially in valuing education.

It also contains various interventions such as case management to help the children and its family cope up with their problems, particularly on how to meet the child’s school needs.

“Under the BBE, children beneficiaries will be equipped with necessary life skills so that they will realize their full potentials to contribute meaningfully to improving the condition of their families,” Garcia said.

As of this writing, DSWD-5 is monitoring 818,131 children covered by 4Ps in Bicol. Of the number, 9,940 were already sent back to schools while 19,655 were subject for case management intervention.

Twin commemorations draw attention to plight of child laborers

Source:https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1023378
Wednesday June 19, 2019

By Casandra E. Balala (PIA-5/Albay)

LEGAZPI CITY (PIA) — A child welfare group reminded the public about the Philippines’ obligation to get rid of child labor in the country.

The group Educo Philippines sounded the reminder as it marked the observance of World Day Against Child Labor last June 12, which took on a new meaning as it coincided with the 121st anniversary of the proclamation of Philippine Independence.

Elaborating on this year’s theme, “Children shouldn’t work in field, but on dreams,” Educo Philippines asserted that "children should live in a world where they fully enjoy their rights in pursuing their dreams."

Educo Philippines communications specialist Grekka Sarmiento said poverty remains the primary reason why children in Filipino families opt to work and abandon school.

Educo Philippines' report on child education released in 2018 showed that child laborers eventually lose their interest in school and dropout.

Most of child laborers tend to help or supplement their family’s income that is why they prefer to work even at an early age.

In Bicol, only 85 percent of boys and 91 percent of girls finish elementary. Only half of these figures finish high school.

Educo also presented a study published on the CNU Journal of Higher Education in 2014 where dropping out from school by working children takes effect when the income is not enough.

Also, Educo affirmed that child labor is highest in the agriculture industry where children are part of producing rice, corn, bananas, rubber, sugarcane and even tobacco.

Child labor is also rampant in services and industry work such as producing fashion accessories, gold, pyrotechnics and even pornography. In line with this, Educo reiterated the State of the World’s Children by United Nations Children’s Fund citing that the Philippines has become the top global source of child pornography in 2017.

As an international development non-government organization working in education and the protection of children, Sarmiento stated that Educo has invested in strengthening structures that ensure child rights and child protection in communities around Bicol.

According to Educo, as the commemoration coincides with the 121st Independence Day celebration, genuine freedom and independence is yet to be felt by millions of families across the country who remain with limited access to decent work that pays enough for a person to lead a life of dignity.

PH riders make podium

Source:http://tempo.com.ph/2019/06/17/ph-riders-make-podium/
Tuesday, June 18, 2019

By Nick Giongco

LEGAZPI CITY – The Philippines finally caught up with the rest of the foreign contingent after Dominic Perez and former champion Mark Galedo finished second and third behind Stage 3 winner Samuel Hill of Australia on Sunday as the Le Tour de Filipinas enters the final two phases.

Hill of Team Nero Bianchi clocked four hours and 12 seconds in conquering the 183.7-kilometer lap that began in Daet, Camarines Norte.

Perez of 7Eleven Cliqq-Air21 51 seconds later (4:34.03) while Galedo, the 2014 champion of the event, was not far behind, arriving three seconds later (4:34.06).

Hill, a 23-year-old from Newcastle, was a part of a five-man lead pack that broke away early.

“To win today, I could not express it. It means so much,” said Hill, who described the pair of Filipino pursuers, Perez and Galedo, as “very strong.”

The major move by the Filipino riders and Hill’s surprise win, however, didn’t jumble the overall standings with Dutch first lap winner Jeiron Meijers maintaining his possession of the purple jersey, symbol of the overall leader, followed by Goh Choon Huat of Terengganu TSG Cycling and Angus Lyons of Oliver’s Real Food.

Host entry Felipe Marcelo of 7Eleven Cliqq-Air21 is at tenth spot overall, two minutes and 36 behind Meijers.

Perez, 24, thought he and Galedo, could ride-by-side with Hill but the rider from Down Under just sped away with ten kilometers left before the finish.

The last two stages will start and finish in the Albay capital with Stage 4 – 176 kilometers – proceeding well into Gubat, Sorsogon, before heading back to the heart of Albay via Daraga.

Stage 5 will be138.1 trek that will breeze through Donsol, Sorsogon, before making its return trip here via Ligao, Guinobatan and Camalig.

This tenth edition of the Le Tour is sanctioned by the UCI.

Albay farmers affected by dry spell get P1.1-M assistance

Source:https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1072367
Monday, June 17, 2019

By Connie Calipay (PNA)

LEGAZPI CITY -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in Bicol has provided assistance to the local government units (LGUs) in Albay province, whose farmers have been affected by the dry spell brought by the El Niño weather phenomenon.

DSWD Bicol Regional Director Arnel Garcia said family food packs were distributed to the farmers in the towns of Pioduran, Guinobatan, and Manito, and the cities of Ligao and Tabaco, who took part in DSWD’s Food-for-Work Program.

"DSWD provided a total of 3,160 food packs or PHP1.1-million worth, each food packs contains six kilos of rice, four tin cans of corned beef, four tin cans of sardines and six packs of energy drink or coffee sufficient for five members of a family and good for two days," the director said in an interview on Friday.

DSWD Bicol has coordinated with the provincial and municipal agriculture offices in monitoring disaster relief operations through its DSWD employees deployed in local government units (LGUs).

Garcia added that LGUs need to submit a project proposal and official list of farmers affected by the El Niño to avail of the DSWD’s Food-for-Work program.

"The DSWD field workers will facilitate the distribution of the relief goods after the proposed community work has been done by the target beneficiaries," Garcia said.

Albay was placed under the state of calamity last April 12.

Albay’s waterless villages cry for help

Source:https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1072246
Sunday, June 16, 2019

By Connie Calipay (PNA)

OAS, Albay -- Thousands of residents in three villages here are complaining of the water shortage they have been experiencing for almost a month now.

Norie Ann Carmona, a 40-year-old from Barangay Rizal, said a single drop of water from the faucet is already like gold and should not be wasted.

"Ok lang mawalan ng kuryente, wag lang tubig. Kami dito, mag-i-isang buwan na walang tubig. Kaya hirap na hirap talaga (A brownout would be better than not having water. We’ve been without water for almost a month now. That is why it is so difficult)," she told the Philippine News Agency (PNA).

In an interview, Carmona said this is the first time she has experienced water shortage.

“Pasakit talaga to sa amin, sa pang araw-araw na pagluto, pagligo at sa pagkain namin. Idagdag pa ang gastos namin sa pagbili ng tubig. (This is really an additional burden for us, especially in our daily chores -- cooking, bathing – not to mention the additional expenses),” she said.

Carmona noted that her PHP298 water bill per month has increased to PHP380 per day.

"I hope this water shortage comes to an end. We deserve water, too,” she said.

Nida Bayona, 55, has the same problem. Bayona complained that her husband has suffered stomach pain and skin rashes because of deep well water.

“Sumakit ang tiyan niya tapos nag-tae na siya. Sumunod naman ako. May mga rashes na ako sa likod dahil sa tubig na ginagamit namin galing sa poso (He experienced stomach pains and diarrhea. I have rashes on my back because of the water from the well),” she said.

Rizal village chief, Crispin Sotto, acknowledged that the water shortage is affecting the entire barangay.

“We’re experiencing water scarcity -- not even a single drop (of water), mag-i-isang buwan na after eleksyon (almost a month now since election),” he said.

Sotto added that the water district did not give a concrete timeline. “They have not told us until when this would be,” he added.

He said the 270 households or 1,094 people under his constituency are suffering.

“They need to put water into drums and pails just to save water from deep well. Meron po mga Jetmatic na pinagkukunan, pero kailangan i-filter, kasi may amoy at hindi pwede gamitin sa pagluto, kaya bumibili pa din ng tubig sa ibang barangay (There is water coming from Jetmatic but it needs to be filtered because it smells and we can’t use it for cooking. Thus, we have to buy water from other barangays),” Sotto said.

As part of the LGU’s action, Oas Mayor Domingo Escoto, in a letter, requested the assistance of the Bureau of Fire Protection to temporarily provide water to the affected barangays of Rizal, Calzada, and Bongoran.

“Rationing to the respective barangays until the water supply is restored as per schedule: Barangay Rizal –Tuesday and Friday; Calzada -- Monday and Thursday; and for Bongoran --Wednesday and Saturday, all twice a day 8 a.m. to 10 a.m.; 4 p.m. to 6 p.m.,” the letter stated.

Meanwhile, in Calzada, village chief Edgar Relleve requested from the Ligao Water District at least three hours of water supply every day.

“I already requested Ligao Water District for at least three hours a day, but no response yet,” Relleve said, adding that the water shortage bothers him since no definite date has been given when the problem would be solved.

Carmona, Bayona, Sotto, and Relleve are all clients and members of the Ligao City Water District.

Jorge Valencia, technical operation head of the Ligao City Water District, said in an interview on Thursday that the current water supply is very low compared to the demand.

"Sa ngayon, wala po talagang tubig. Sobrang init po ang nakikita natin rason kung bakit walang tubig (There is really no water supply at present. We see the extreme heat as the reason for the water shortage),” Valencia said.

He added that the El Niño has greatly contributed to the water shortage the residents have been experiencing.

“Almost 30 percent of our supply ang nawala (is gone) because of too much heat and we are continuously conducting monitoring, and pipe lining (among others),” he added.

Valencia did not give a fixed date when the water would return since they don’t want to give the affected barangays false hope.

Salceda files bill, eyes schools of technology

Source:http://manilastandard.net/business/biz-plus/296110/salceda-files-bill-eyes-schools-of-technology.html
Friday, May 31, 2019 8:00 pm

(Manila Standard Business)

Albay Rep. Joey Sarte Salceda recently filed a bill in Congress seeking the establishment of Schools of the Future in Technology that will serve as pillars of basic Philippine education and provide “Filipino students the benefit of technological innovations and prepare them for the challenges of future economic and employment realities.”

Titled the Philippine Schools of the Future Technology Act of 2019, Salceda said his proposal (HB 9142) answered the need to “close the technological and knowledge gap,” with the onset of the Fourth Industrial Revolution that is expected to “disrupt traditional business and employment models, render certain professions obsolete and displace some sectors of the workforce whose jobs are bound to be automated.”

Citing various researches, Salceda said half of today’s activities could be digitally enabled by 2025, technology being an indispensable tool in almost all facets of human activity. “About 65 percent of current work skills become obsolete in two years due to technological innovations… and this phase is seen to intensify in the years ahead,” he added.

P400-K shabu seized from 4 suspects in Legazpi City

Source:https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1071142
Thursday, May 30, 2019 7:36 pm

By Mar Serrano (PNA)

LEGAZPI CITY -- Anti-narcotics operatives on Thursday seized 60 grams of suspected shabu worth PHP408,000 from four alleged drug pushers during an operation in a coastal village in this city, according to a Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) report.

Arrested were Jing Balaguer, 52; her brother Levis, 27; Dennis Nunez, 26; and Nixon Aguilar, 47, all residents of Barangay San Roque this city, said Cotton Talento, PDEA Bicol spokesperson.

The suspects earlier agreed to sell shabu to an undercover PDEA agent at 10:45 a.m. in the said village.

Seized during the drug buy-bust operation was a plastic bag containing 50 grams of crystalline substance believed to be shabu and a medium heat-sealed plastic sachet containing another 10 grams, also suspected shabu.

PDEA considers Barangay San Roque as an illegal drug hotspot village.

DepEd Bicol opens Balik Eskwela assistance centers

Source: https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1022582
Wednesday, May 29, 2019

By Sally Atento-Altea (SAA-PIA5/Albay)

LEGAZPI CITY, (PIA) – The Department of Education (DepEd) Regional Office 5 launched Monday, May 27 the Oplan Balik Eskwela (OBE) program to address queries and concerns for the opening of classes.

“The OBE is part of DepEd’s effort to ensure that learners are properly enrolled and able to attend school on the first day of classes. It aims to address problems, queries and other concerns commonly encountered by the public at the start of the school year,” DepEd Bicol information officer Mayflor Marie Jumamil said.

To assist and respond to these concerns, DepED Bicol led the creation of the OBE Inter-agency Task Force, a collaboration of various government agencies involved in various school opening matters.

Part of the program is the setting up of OBE Public Assistance Command Centers (PACC) in all schools in the region to serve as information and complaints processing and routing mechanism.

“Through the PACC, the public can lodge concerns to ensure smooth opening of classes,” Jumamil said.

Jumamil cited the submission of birth certificates authenticated by the Philippine Statistics Authority as one of the common school enrollment concerns.

“Under the DepEd enrollment policy, birth certificate with PSA validation is required. However, if not available during enrollment, birth certificate from local registrar or barangay certification containing the name of child, date of birth, gender and name of parents can be submitted,” she said.

“However, the PSA authenticated birth certificate must be submitted within the school year,” Jumamil added.

Furthermore, DepEd Bicol Director Gilbert T. Sadsad assured that the opening of classes on June 3 will be a learning day for all students and teachers.

“June 3 will be a learning day for all students and classes in the region. We ensure that June 3 is indeed the 1st learning day for students and teachers," Sadsad said.

Sadsad likewise stressed on the vital role of parents in instilling values to their children, with the schools as secondary partners.

“We often hear parents say, bakit walang values ang ating mga anak? Di ba sila tinuturuan sa mg schools?” he said.

“There are no schools that did not teach values but there are families who did not teach values. The point is, instilling values should start at homes and families,” Sadsad stressed on.

The OBE launching on May 27 at the Ayala Malls- Legazpi featured services of OBE Task Force member agencies such as provision of food supplements for school children from the Department of Health and distribution of IEC materials from the Philippine Information Agency and Office of Civil Defense.

A public command system comprised of the member agencies was also part of the set up to answer public concerns during the school opening and start of classes.

Albay representative asks SC to stop EDSA provincial bus ban

Source:https://www.bworldonline.com/albay-representative-asks-sc-to-stop-edsa-provincial-bus-ban/
Tuesday, May 28, 2019

By Vann Marlo M. Villegas

ALBAY 2ND District Rep. Clemente Joey S. Salceda asked the Supreme Court (SC) to halt the Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) from implementing its regulation banning provincial buses along EDSA.

This is the second petition to be filed against MMDA Regulation No. 19-002, dated March 26 this year, which prohibits the issuance and revokes existing permits of public utility bus (PUB) terminals and operators along EDSA.

AKO Bicol Partylist, in a petition filed last April 29, sought to nullify the new policy, which is planned for full implementation by June.

In his 15-page petition, Mr. Salceda sought the issuance of a temporary restraining order or preliminary injunction against the regulation, saying its implementation “will not resolve the traffic congestion in EDSA.”

Citing statistics from Land Transportation Office, Mr. Salceda noted that there are only 4,000 provincial buses that pass along EDSA compared to the 2.8 million cars in the National Capital Region. Only 1,500 going to Metro Manila are from the south while 2,500 are from the north. Of the north-bound buses, 236 are from Albay.

He also said that transferring the bus station to designated hubs north and south of the capital will aggravate the situation and cause “additional burden” to people from the provinces.

“There is no correlation between the original rooms of the affected PUBs and the congestion of traffic in EDSA since the traffic congestion in EDSA during office hours are caused by private vehicles and city public buses, not by affected PUBs,” he said.

The Albay representative also assailed the regulation saying it violates existing franchises of PUBs issued by the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board and lease agreements between the operators of the buses and terminal owners.

He said that most of the affected passengers are “poor people, if not, small time businessmen from the provinces carrying their goods to and from Metro Manila or travel to the big city for some other personal business,” he said.

NEDA Bill gains support

Source:https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1070750
Monday, May 27, 2019 5:08 pm

By Mar Serrano (PNA)

LEGAZPI CITY -- The National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) in Bicol has welcomed a measure filed in the Lower House, whih seeks to widen the agency's mandate to better pursue the much-needed economic reforms - as provided by the 1987 Constitution.

Albay Rep. Joey Salceda authored House Bill 8527, also known as the "NEDA Bill", and aims to convert NEDA into an independent economic planning agency.

Salceda, citing Article XII, Section 9 of the 1987 Constitution, said Congress is mandated to pass a law that would convert NEDA from an interim body into a stand-alone economic planning agency.

Salceda, in a press statement said, reorganizing NEDA into an independent planning government agency is imperative and cannot be ignored because the 1987 Constitution mandates it and because this move is needed to cope with current economic reform initiatives.

Salceda said “the Constitutional provision was not given attention by the country’s legislators for 32 years.”

Agnes Espinas Tolentino, NEDA regional director, said “we are in agreement with the proposal for a strengthen NEDA.”

“In fact, Cong. Salceda, before coming up with his own version of the NEDA Bill, has had consultation with our NEDA officials. Hence, what he has proposed resulted from such consultation," she said.

Tolentino, in an interview said, “our hope for much improved linkage between planning and programming and budgeting will be fully realized once this bill gets to be approved.”

Tolentino, however, said as to the matter of being an independent planning agency, “we believe that we are independent now. For me, independence may vary depending on our concept.”

She said that “if being independent would mean that our head should not be appointed by the President or the agency, budget should not be approved by Congress or the basis for coming up with the Philippine Development Plan should not include the agenda of the incumbent President, then this would truly be independence redefined.”

Salceda, in pushing for his NEDA bill said, “The current set-up of the NEDA as the interim “independent planning agency” is no longer adequate to cope with various reform initiatives on the economy and development.”

Quoting studies by the World Bank, Asian Development Bank, Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development, and Philippine Institute of Development Studies, Salceda said the government’s planning, policy-making, programming, and budgeting processes have become fragmented, uncoordinated, and often interrupted.

The implementation of plans, programs, and policies has, at many times, been delayed and inefficient. Even the sensible policies and programs that address root causes of problems and that have long-term impact often get disrupted, discontinued, or not given due attention, he added.

Salceda said his bill would give credence to NEDA’s independence by following reform provisions such as strengthening of NEDA’s oversight functions and the institutionalization of a Planning Call.

“Strengthening NEDA’s oversight function over the Executive Departments will subsequently lead to the synchronization of the government’s planning process with programming and budgeting,” Salceda said.

LTO-5 promotes road safety among school kids

Source:https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1022421
Sunday, May 26, 2019

By Casandra E. Balala (PIA-V)

LEGAZPI CITY (PIA)—The Land Transportation Office in Bicol (LTO-5) is educating school children about road safety to reduce road crashes in the region.

“We really have to educate the youth. Road safety should start from the students and self-discipline should start at their young age,” Noreen San Luis-Lutey, LTO-5 regional director, said.

Through the “Students Today, Road Users Tomorrow” campaign of LTO-5, students will be knowledgeable of traffic rules and regulations, and go back to the basic rules on road courtesy and safety through the help of mass and social media.

In observance of the road safety month this May, LTO-5 encourages students to learn about the traffic rules and regulations, one of which is the use of standard protective motorcycle helmet pursuant to the RA 10054.

Another road safety measure is the use of seatbelt under the RA 8750.

LTO-5 also appealed to the youth to be mindful of anti-drunk and drugged driving law that prohibits a person from driving under the influence of alcohol, drugs and other similar substances.

LTO-5 also advises the students on the Anti-Distracted Driving Act of 2016 which outlaws the use of mobile phone or any electronic gadgets while driving.

“There are many laws on road safety and security that we must enforce to prevent road crashes and serious injuries. We must follow these laws,” Philippine National Police (PNP) Regional Director Arnel Escobal said.

Meanwhile, Lutey announced their plan to create a regional road safety task force that will constantly monitor illegal activities on the road.

She added that the plan was still under further study and should it’s creation happen, the road safety task force might include the LTO, PNP, Highway Patrol Group, Land Transportation and Regulatory Board, and the Public Safety Officers of every municipality.

“Road crash is preventable. It is part of our social responsibility,” Lutey said.

She added that the right term to be used from now on is road crash rather than road accident.

Le Tour de Filipinas officials urge youth to embrace sports

Source:https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1070617
Saturday, May 25, 2019

By Connie Calipay (PNA)

LEGAZPI CITY -- Organizers of Le Tour de Filipinas, who chose the nearly perfect cone-shaped Mayon Volcano here as backdrop of the 10th edition of the professional road bicycle race, urged the youth to embrace and engaged in sports.

“We are inspiring them (youth) by doing sports activities like this, by showing them what is like and how it is done, we want to show them the excitement and engagement of this sport,” said Donna May Lina, president of Le Tour de Filipinas, in a press conference on Wednesday (May 23).

She said 75 cyclists, representing 11 foreign teams and four local clubs, will participate in the five-stage 2019 Le Tour de Filipinas slated from June 14 to 18.

The foreign cycling teams with five riders each will come from Australia, Japan, Malaysia, Indonesia, China, Hong Kong, Singapore, Thailand and Iran.

On the other hand, the local teams representing the Philippines are 7-Eleven Cliqq AIR21 RBP; Go for Gold; Philippine National Team and Bike Extreme.

Lina said the Tagaytay City climb and the winding roads leading to and from Donsol will test the mettle of the 75 cyclists.

The race will kick off on June 14 with a short yet demanding 129.50-kilometer Stage 1 in Tagaytay City to be followed by 194.90-km Stage 2 from Pagbilao, Quezon to Deat, Camarines Norte on June 15; Stage 3’s 183.70-km stretch from Daet to Legazpi City on June 16; and, Stage 4’s 176-km race from Legazpi City via Sorsogon and Gubat and back to Albay on June 17.

The final stage covering 145.80-km race will be held on June 18 in Donsol, Sorsogon.

Lina said Legazpi City became a favorite site for Le Tour de Filipinas due its warm welcome, organized route and clean air.

“We want to elevate the level of race organizing and the level of engagement” she said.

Meanwhile, Mayor Noel Rosal expressed gratitude to the organizers for giving Legazpi City the opportunity to be exposed internationally.

"It will be an honor for us here in Legazpi, this time it will focus not only the rural areas of our provinces but will also showcase outskirts area in our provinces,” Rosal said.

DOST launches regional invention fair

Source:https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/05/23/dost-launches-regional-invention-fair/
Friday, May 24, 2019

By Dhel Nazario

The Department of Science and Technology Region V (DOST-V) in partnership with the Technology Application and Promotions Institute (DOST-TAPI) and various science and technology networks in the region will conduct the 2019 Bicol Regional Invention Contests and Exhibits (BRICE) on October.

The event will be held in Legazpi City, back to back with the Regional Science and Technology Week (RSTW) Celebration.

BRICE is conducted every other year, alternately with the National Invention Contests and Exhibits (NICE) pursuant to Section 4 Republic Act no. 7459, also known as “Inventors and Invention Incentives Act of the Philippines”.

As a regional competition, BRICE recognizes outstanding inventive and creative works in five categories namely: Outstanding Invention (Tuklas Award); Outstanding Utility Model (UM); Outstanding Industrial Design (ID); Outstanding Creative Research (Likha Award) in two sub-categories: government funded and private funded; and Outstanding Student Creative Research (Sibol Award) for high school and college students.

Also, BRICE serves as qualifying round and the regional champions compete during NICE in November of the following year.

Qualified inventors, individual designers, makers, and professional/student researchers are required to submit their BRICE entries together with the necessary documents completely filled up, signed by contestants and notarized entry forms to DOST V, Regional Center Site, Rawis, Legazpi City on or before September 6 until 5 in the afternoon.

Pre-screening of entries is set on September 9. Only the owners of qualified entries shall be notified for their participation in BRICE. Interested participants can visit the website http://region5.dost.gov.ph.

DSWD Bicol offers 3,670 jobs for Listahanan

Source:https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1022367
Thursday, May 23, 2019

By Sally Atento-Altea (SAA/DSWD5-PIA5/Albay)

LEGAZPI CITY (PIA) – The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Regional Office 5 is currently accepting applications for at least 3,760 workers for the 3rd round of Listahanan household assessment.

“With this, we can check the progress in the lives of the previously identified poor and determine a new set of poor households who will be prioritized as recipients of government’s programs,” DSWD Bicol Regional Director Arnel Garcia said.

The assessment will be conducted from July-December this year.

Bicol region ranked fifth among the 17 regions nationwide with the highest targets for assessment, which will cover 1,143,846 households regionwide.

With this target, the agency needs to engage 3,670 workers. This comprises 2,383 Enumerators, 477 Area Supervisors, 95 Area Coordinators, 477 Encoders, and 238 Verifiers.

The DSWD advises all job seekers to prepare their application letters and resume for submission to the DSWD Field Office V at Magnolia St. PBN, Buraguis, Legazpi City.

Other details of the vacancies have been posted in DSWD and PIA Albay Facebook pages and other information bulletins.

Deadline of application is on May 24, 2019.

Meanwhile, Garcia encouraged the public to participate in the household assessment to be conducted this year. The public must be aware and should have close coordination with the barangay officials for the schedule of assessment.

“The participation of the community is very essential, that’s why we wanted them to get involve to ensure that no poor households should be left behind,” Garcia said.

The first Listahanan database was completed in 2011 wherein 461,242 households were identified as poor in the Bicol region. The Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) program or the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) has been its main user.

In 2015, the DSWD has identified 372,451 poor households out of the 1,082,582 households assessed in the region. From this, beneficiaries were identified for the department’s Unconditional Cash Transfer (UCT), a cash aid given to the poorest of the poor in effect from the Tax Reform for Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN) law.

Under Executive Order 867, all national government agencies (NGAs) are mandated to use the Listahanan data for their programs and services to the poor.Likewise, the DSWD should update the data every four years.

Other national government agencies such as Philhealth, Department of Health (DOH), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), among others, use the Listahanan data for their poverty reduction programs.

Listahanan is an information management system that identifies who and where the poor are. The list of poor makes available to national government agencies (NGAs) and other social protection stakeholders which serves as the basis in identifying beneficiaries of their programs and services thus allows them to focus resources to those who need assistance the most.

Newly-elected city councilors vow to support Legazpi City’s programs

Source:https://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1070432
Wednesday, May 22, 2019 7:03 pm

By Emmanuel Solis (PNA)

LEGAZPI CITY -- The newly-elected members of the city council have vowed to enact ordinances and adopt resolutions that would support the administration’s programs and projects for the city's continuous prosperity.

Reelected Vice Mayor Robert Bobby Cristobal, in an interview on Wednesday, said he will support programs that would create more job opportunities to spur economic activities in the city.

“We will maintain the harmonious relationship with all members of the city council and the executive department in order to improve the basic services to the people,” said Cristobal, a former provincial board member.

He said that in the absence of a lawyer among the council members, the hiring of a legal consultant to help with legal matters is in order to make sure that all transactions in the city are legal.

Reelected City Councilor Vince Baltazar III said he will continue to push for programs that would benefit the youth, such as those on sports development; improve health care services; and ensure the construction of farm-to-market roads and other infrastructures.

He noted that he will support the implementation of the 911 Communications and Emergency Response Center and other efforts to improve peace and order in the city.

Baltazar started his career in politics when he was only 17 years old. He was elected as Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) chairman of Barangay 13, Ilawod West and served as SK Federation president in Legazpi City from 2007 to 2010.

In 2010, he was elected vice president of the Liga ng mga Barangay and became an ex-officio member of the city council until 2013. He topped three consecutive local elections from 2013 until 2019 as regular member of the city council.

For newly-elected City Councilor Diego Obido, the creation of a special committee on media relations is needed to maintain the good partnership between the city administration and the media industry.

“I also want to establish a barangay special day as one way of (bringing) services closer to the people in the community,” Obido said.

He also plans to sponsor ordinances and resolutions that would strengthen the programs and projects for senior citizens and women’s organizations.

A broadcaster-turned-politician, Obido is a newcomer city councilor, ranking eighth in the recently conducted mid-term elections.

Councilor Lilian Ramirez, meanwhile, said she will support the program of the city’s tourism industry and the business sector to improve the city’s economic standing.

She noted that she will also support the education sector to provide high-quality education to students.

Ramirez is a retired teacher, a former punong barangay of Oro Site, and a city councilor on her last term.

Fishermen discover P5.3-cocaine in Albay

Source:https://news.mb.com.ph/2019/05/20/fishermen-discover-p5-3-cocaine-in-albay/
Tuesday, May 21, 2019

By Niño Luces

CAMP OLA, Albay – A brick of suspected cocaine worth about P5.3 million was found by two fishermen at the shores of Minaulang Palay, Barangay Calanaga, Rapu-Rapu town in Albay last Sunday.

Police Major Malu Calubaquib, spokesperson of Police Regional Office 5 (PRO-5), said Adonis Bellen y Bolaños, 59, and Alvin Bellen y Alfonso, 35, both fishermen and residents of Barangay Nagcalsot, Rapu-Rapu, Albay, found the illegal drug weighing at least one kilo at the rocky portion of the shore.

The illegal drug was turned over by the fishermen, accompanied by barangay officials, to the Rapu-Rapu Municipal Police Station (MPS) and then later turned over to Regional Crime Laboratory in Camp General Simeon Ola, in Legazpi City for examination.

According to Cotton Yuson-Talento, spokesperson of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Bicol, the recovered drug has an estimated street value of P5.3 million.

Man killed in mauling incident in Tabaco City

Source:https://newsinfo.inquirer.net/1120980/man-killed-in-mauling-incident-in-tabaco-city
Monday, May 20, 2019 11:54 am

By Mark Francis Banay [Inquirer Southern Luzon/ Julie Espinosa (Editor)]

TABACO CITY — A 47-year-old man died after being hit with a rock several times in a village here on Sunday, police said Monday.

A report from the Tabaco City police, said that according to witnesses, Irineo Casquejo of Malinao, Albay, was having a drinking session with a group of men when one of them suddenly grabbed a rock and smashed him repeatedly, which led to his death in Barangay San Isidro at around 3:30 p.m.

On Monday, policemen were still looking for the unidentified suspect who fled after the incident.

Youth officials, cancer patient among PPCRV volunteers in Albay

Source:https://www.rappler.com/nation/politics/elections/2019/230941-ppcrv-volunteers-albay-2019-elections
Sunday, May 19, 2019

By Mavic Conde (Rappler.com)

Meet some of the volunteers of the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting in Albay

ALBAY, Philippines – They assisted in the midterm election as poll watchers, documenters, and stand-ins at the command center.

They stayed until the election returns had been secured, monitored the transmission, and remained available for a rescheduled feeding because of a breakdown of a vote counting machine (VCM) or a Secure Digital (SD) card malfunction.

The election volunteers of the Parish Pastoral Council for Responsible Voting (PPCRV) performed all these tasks without getting anything in return.

The youth volunteers

Mark Anthony Bongalbal and Maybelle Bogñalbal served as poll watchers in the 2019 midterm elections in Tabaco City. They helped voters find their names and corresponding precinct numbers, wrote down the information on a sheet of paper, and gave it to the voters.

They reported inconsistencies – from non-working machines, names that should not be on the voter’s list, and later during the vote counting (if there was any).

For the two youth volunteers, putting such skills into practice are among the benefits of volunteering. Both agreed that it helped enhance skills they needed as youth leaders, from being patient to being organized. Mark is a Sangguniang Kabataan chairman and May is an SK treasurer.

Mark said his mother had discouraged him to become a volunteer because it was tiring and he would not get paid for it, but he persisted, as he wanted to do his part in the midterm elections.

Other volunteers from Tabaco city were teachers. They went around voting precincts in Tabaco to give snacks and collect incidence reports.

The cancer patient

Salvacion Basaysay has been a PPCRV volunteer in Daraga, Albay since 2009. Majority of those assigned at the Daraga North Elementary School were repeat volunteers, in their 40s.

Only two of them were youth volunteers, both not of voting age.

Once in a while, Basaysay would be greeted by a millennial voter. She told the two youth volunteers that they were former PPCRV youth volunteers who were already working professionals.

She told the youth volunteers that they should be voting already, so that they could appreciate the procedure and what needed to be guarded. (READ: Youth and elections: Is there such a thing as a 'youth vote'?)

One of the youth volunteers said she decided to serve as she was on her summer break. She also hoped to encourage the participation of more youth volunteers from her barangay in the next elections.

According to Basaysay, youth mobilization should start at the barangay level through the barangay pastoral council and, ideally, in cooperation with SK leaders.

She later revealed in the conversation that she's a cancer patient, though it didn’t show except for the dark spots around her eyes.

“While I undergo treatments, I don’t condition my mind that I am sick,” said Basaysay, adding that she was also careful not to overextend herself.

In Tiwi, Albay, there were 39 PPCRV youth and 11 adult volunteers.

According to PPRCV Tiwi president Jing Colina, the parish Youth Commission was in charge of recruiting volunteers.

The high number of volunteers was natural because the assigned team knew where to look for them, said Colina.

They stayed up until 2 am to receive election returns and for a quick count.

It proved that with the right team, more youth volunteers can be encouraged to join.

Albay elections peaceful, results credible despite glitches in VCMs, SD cards

Source:https://pia.gov.ph/news/articles/1022116
Saturday, May 18, 2019

By Sally Atento-Altea (SAA-PIA5/Albay)

LEGAZPI CITY, (PIA) – The Commission on Elections (COMELEC) has affirmed the conduct of credible and peaceful elections in Albay despite defects in vote counting machines (VCMs) and SD cards.

“Election in Albay has been generally peaceful. The PNP has not reported any untoward incidents,” Commission on Election Albay election officer Atty. Neil Canicula said.

Credibility despite glitches

Canicula reported 116 re-configurated SD cards and a total of 38 technically defective VCMs, 15 of which are in Tabaco, 10 in Legazpi and 13 in Daraga.

“Delay is the only effect of defective VCMs and SD cards. There were no changes in vote,” Canicula said.

“The VCMs are reliable. The VCMs encountered technical problems but once restored, they performed with perfect outputs,” he added.

The election officer also denied allegations of tampering or cheating due to reported difference in ballot votes and voter’s receipt.

“COMELEC has conducted automated election system since 2010. None of the election protests questioning the accuracy and validity of the PCOS and VCM proved that results were affected. In fact, we have measures like the final testing and sealing just to test the accuracy of the vote,” Canicula added.

To further check and verify the electronically transmitted result, COMELEC will be conducting Random Manual Audit (RAM) in selected clustered precincts in the province.

“RAM will not be done in the field but in a center in Metro Manila. For Albay, polling precincts in Sto.Domingo, Legazpi City and Ligao City have been chosen,” he said.

Canicula also noted the presence of teachers in the electoral boards to ensure the integrity of the election.

“Let us not forget that most of our electoral boards are public school teachers from the Department of Education. I am 100% confident that they protected their integrity, profession and commitment to the Filipino people,” stressed Canicula.

Vote-Buying

The election officer said the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Albay has not reported official complaints and apprehensions on vote buying.

“There were no official result on vote buying complaints and apprehensions according to PNP provincial director PCOL Wilson Asueta,” Canicula said.

Business and leisure in Legazpi City

Source: https://business.inquirer.net/270345/business-and-leisure-in-legazpi-city
Friday, May 17, 2019

By Bernard L. Supetran

Dubbed the ‘City of Fun and Adventure,’ it is the aerial gateway and regional center of Bicolandia

Legazpi City, the provincial capital of Albay, is widely known as home to the iconic Mayon Volcano which towers over the Bicol region.

But beyond this Instagrammable geological monument, the city is a rising urban and tourism hub which has been literally living under its shadow for the longest time.

Dubbed the “City of Fun and Adventure,” Legazpi City is the aerial gateway and regional center of Bicolandia. Because of its numerous, cheaper flights, it serves as the alternate airport for Masbate, Camarines Sur and Catanduanes, aside from servicing regular passengers from Albay and Sorsogon. There are also daily flights to Cebu, which connects Legazpi to Visayas and Mindanao.

The new Bicol International Airport, slated to be completed by 2020, can accommodate 2 million passengers annually. Hailed by the Department of Transportation as the “most scenic gateway,” it is located in the neighboring Daraga town and is connected by Legazpi Boulevard, one of the longest bay roads outside Metro Manila.

The road, which hugs Albay Gulf, has spurred appreciation of real estate along the sleepy coastal barangays, and has transformed the area into a tourism and recreational zone. Also being developed along the boulevard is the Dapdap Waterfront Park which will have an esplanade, amphitheater, beach volleyball court, elderly fitness yard, children’s playground and skateboard court.

Convention City

In recent years, Legazpi made its mark by hosting a series of national and international conferences and events because of its convention facilities, good hotel facilities, urban amenities and ease of movement.

Recognizing the potential of the MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) sector, the city government itself built its own convention center adjacent to the airport to supplement the Ibalong Centrum for Recreation and the province-run Albay Astrodome. This market accounts for bulk of the city’s 1.2 million annual foreign and domestic tourists.

A sought-after venue is the four-star The Oriental Legazpi, arguably the best in Bicol which started luring convention goers when it was opened in 2011 by the home-grown LKY Group of Companies. The 112-room Department of Tourism-accredited lodging boasts of a grand ballroom with a 1,200-seat theater-type capacity, six function rooms, three dining outlets, a spa, a fitness gym and an infinity pool with a stunning view of Mayon.

Its concessionaire, Donsol Eco-Tour offers package tours to attendees and their families, such as all-terrain vehicle (ATV) rides at the lava trail, butanding or whaleshark interaction in Donsol, heritage tours around Albay and scuba diving in Masbate and Legazpi.

Beefing up the city’s room inventory is the newly-opened 83-room The Oriental Hotel Albay in the downtown area, the former site of a luxe accommodation in the 1990s. Upon completion, the hotel will have three dining outlets, a pool, gym, wellness spa and souvenir shops. Also set to be built at the back of the hotel is a convention center that can accommodate up to 3,000 guests.

As Bicolandia’s transport hub, the city government entered into a trailblazing joint venture agreement in 2009 with the LKY Group’s Grand Terminal Management Services Inc. for the development and operation of an integrated terminal for public utility vehicles.

A first of its kind in Southern Luzon, the 4-ha transport facility is strategically located at the central business district, which houses the newly-opened SM City, the LCC Ayala Mall, Gaisano Mall and old downtown area. The terminal recently underwent a massive upgrading to ensure a comfortable commuting experience within the region.

The city plays a focal role in the metropolitan area being crafted by former Albay Governor and now Rep. Joey Salceda, who intends to come up with an integrated plan for the province’s second district.

Called the Guicadale Corridor, the concept aims to synergize the tourism and business potentials in the towns of Guinobatan, Camalig, and Daraga, and benefit from Legazpi’s unprecedented economic boom.

Business-friendly climate

Aside from its natural allure, one of its magnets for firms is its business-friendly climate, stability of the political landscape, and peace and order situation.

According to City Mayor Noel Rosal, Legazpi was named the country’s Most Business-Friendly City (Component City Category) last year by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI).

The prestigious award, which was conferred during the 44th Philippine Business Conference, highlighted the efforts of local government units (LGUs) in implementing good governance reforms to promote trade and investments, employment, transparency, accountability and efficiency in delivering business services.

He noted that some P30 billion worth of investments have been poured into Legazpi’s economy in the retail sector, property, tourism and business process outsourcing by various conglomerates and local businesses for the past 10 years.

Rosal also disclosed that the local city council has enacted an investment and incentive code to promote entrepreneurship by encouraging micro, small and medium enterprises (MSME) among its residents.

The city was also cited by the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) as a Seal of Good Local Governance (SGLG) Hall of Famer for bagging the award from 2016 to 2018.

Earlier in 2014, it ranked second in the Livable Cities Design Challenge by the National Competitiveness Council and the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation.

So as Legazpi marks its 60th charter day next month, travelers to the city can only look forward to more bright prospects for both business and leisure, apart from gazing at Mayon’s mesmerizing, perfect cone.

DSWD-Bicol to hire 3.6K workers for Listahanan program

Source: https://www.sunstar.com.ph/article/1069355
Thursday, May 16, 2019

By Connie Calipay (PNA)

LEGAZPI CITY -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) will hire 3,670 workers for the Listahanan program that will assess 1.1 million households in the Bicol region.

DSWD 5 (Bicol) Director Arnel Garcia, in an interview on Thursday, said through the Listahanan, the department can check the progress in the lives of the previously identified poor households and determine a new set that will be given priority as beneficiaries of government programs.

"The hiring of 2,383 enumerators, 477 area supervisors, 95 area coordinators, 477 encoders, and 238 verifiers will start in June as part of the preparations for the third round of household assessment to be conducted in July to December of this year," Garcia said.

He advised all jobseekers to prepare their application letters and resumes for submission to the agency as soon as the authority to hire has been approved and details of the vacancies have been posted on the DSWD Facebook page and other information bulletins.

The director also encouraged the public to participate in the household assessment to be conducted this year. “The participation of the community is very essential, that’s why we want them to get involved to ensure that no poor household should be left behind,” Garcia said.

The Listahanan is an information management system that identifies who and where the poor are. The list of indigent citizens is made available to national government agencies and other social protection stakeholders and serves as the basis in identifying beneficiaries of their programs and services, thus allowing them to focus resources to those who need assistance the most.

National government agencies that use the Listahanan data for their poverty reduction programs include the Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth), Department of Health, Department of Labor and Employment, and Commission on Higher Education.

Albay Archived News

The older news reports are kept here.

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-==Albay puts Xmas festival on hold, readies preemptive evacuation for coming typhoon==
+<!--- DO NOT EDIT ABOVE THIS LINE --->
-*Source: http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/284620/news/regions/albay-puts-xmas-festival-on-hold-readies-preemptive-evacuation-for-coming-typhoon
+==[[Salceda pushes fiscal, structural reforms for 'A' credit rating]]==
-*By: LBG, GMA News
-*''Saturday, December 01, 2012''
-As a powerful typhoon moved closer to the Philippines, authorities in Albay are putting on hold the province's annual "Karangahan" month-long green Christmas festival and preparing a preemptive evacuation of residents instead.
-Governor Jose Salceda directed the month-long Karangahan Festival placed “on hold” starting December 4, according to a report on state-run Philippines News Agency Saturday.
-The PNA report said a full-blown preemptive evacuation is to start on Dec. 4
-State weather forecasters had said the cyclone, internationally codenamed Bopha, is likely to enter the Philippine area of responsibility Monday. Once it does, it will be locally codenamed "Pablo."
-Only last Nov. 26, Albay residents lighted a 50-foot Christmas tree with abaca fiber and 5,000 pili samplings at Peñaranda Park in front of the capitol building, to mark an environment-friendly Christmas.
-It was in line with the theme “no fireworks, no plastic and smoke free” program, according to a separate PNA report.
-Also, it said that during a meeting to prepare for the typhoon, PAGASA regional weatherman Liberato Dalida Jr. had said there is a possibility the typhoon's power could match that of Reming and Ondoy, both destructive cyclones.
-Dalida was quoted in the PNA report as saying there is a chance Pablo will be nearest Albay at 200 km by December 4.
-With the scenario, Office of Civil Defense Bicol head Bernardo Rafaelito Alejandro IV placed the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council on red alert.
-He also ordered local municipal and city disaster risk reduction management councils to be on heightened alert and to activate their respective disaster operation centers.
-'''Typhoon intensifies'''
-The Japan Meteorological Agency's 2:45 p.m. update indicated the typhoon had intensified to "very strong," with winds of up to 90 knots (166.68 kph) and gustiness of up to 130 knots (240.76 kph).
-On the other hand, PAGASA's 5 p.m. bulletin said Bopha was estimated at 1,600 km east of Southern Mindanao as of 2 p.m., with maximum sustained winds of 165 kph and gustiness of upt to 200 kph.
-It said Bopha is forecast to move west-northwest at 20 kph.
-"Mindanao will have partly cloudy skies with isolated brief rain showers or thunderstorms. Metro Manila and the rest of the country will experience fair weather," it said.
-The coastal waters along these areas will be moderate to rough, it added.
-==Tsunami-warning systems installed in Pangasinan, Albay –DOST==
-*Source: http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/284490/scitech/technology/tsunami-warning-systems-installed-in-pangasinan-albay-ndash-dost
-*By: Edgardo Tugade
-*''Friday, November 30, 2012''
-The Philippine Institute of  Volcanology and Seismology (PHIVOLCS) and the Advanced Science and Technology Institute (ASTI) have installed tsunami detection systems that provide real-time information and warning signals in high-risk coastal communities in Pangasinan and Albay, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) reported.
-Dubbed the Community Tsunami Detection and Warning System, the locally-developed equipment are part of a grant-in-aid project of the DOST called “Establishment of a Cost-Effective Local Tsunami Early Warning System for Selected High-Risk Coastal Communities of the Philippines” or TeWS, a cost-efficient yet reliable system for tsunami forecasts and timely disaster response.
-The technology basically consists of a platform with a 15-meter high pole, the DOST explained. Two types of sensors are attached to this pole: the ASTI-designed ultrasonic tide gage sensor, which notes the rise and fall of the sea level; and the PHIVOLCS-designed wet and dry sensors. The wet sensor detects post-earthquake receding water which may signal an impending tsunami, while the dry sensor determines if water has already hit the pole. The wet sensor is installed at one-, five-, and 10-meter heights above sea level.
-Information generated by the system reaches the local government unit (LGU) in near real-time, the department revealed. In cases when an earthquake is strong enough to cause a tsunami, the LGU can sound off the warning siren to warn those living in coastal areas and give them enough time to prepare and flee their homes, thus allowing the Philippines to climb several notches higher in the area of disaster preparedness and management.
-The department said the PHIVOLCS and the ASTI installed the complete set of tsunami ultrasonic sensors off Bolinao, Pangasinan in the Lingayen Gulf last September. Later, tsunami warning sirens were installed in these pilot barangays: Barangay Poblacion in Bolinao, Poblacion in Lingayen, and Gueset, Pugaro, and Binloc in Dagupan City.
-In Albay Gulf, the tsunami detection system  and a warning siren was installed in the municipality of  Rapu Rapu and four other warning systems were put in place in the capital city of Legazpi.
-Two warning sirens are also being built in Subic: two in Olongapo, and one in the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority, the DOST said.
-==Duty Free Philippines opens store in Legazpi City==
-*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=771354170282
-*By: Shannah Marie O. Montales
-*''Thursday, November 29, 2012''
-LEGAZPI CITY– Not too long after the opening of the night market, Embarcadero de Legazpi has also opened the Duty Free Philippines (DFP) Legazpi branch last Sunday, November 25.
-Recognized by the Department of Tourism (DOT) under Executive Order No. 46, the Duty Free Philippines is a corporation established to maneuver the duty-and tax-free merchandising system in the Philippines.
-Its program is responsible in enhancing service facilities for tourists while exercising foreign exchange and regulating revenue for the government.
-Duty Free Philippines’ mission is to satisfy the shopping needs of the international travelers in an efficient service environment while showcasing the Filipino traits of warmth and hospitality.
-As a world-class travel retailer,it also carries out the task of building a stable and responsive company which enhances its employees’ professional growth and well being and supports the development of the country’s tourism industry.
-Imported and labelled fragrances, chocolates, confectioneries, liquor, designer bags, trendy apparels, and even gadgets not found in other malls and department stores in this city await the chic, international shoppers.
-The products are all sold in US currency; but Philippine Peso holders can adjust their money with the price of the product in the shop’s standard currency.
-“Though it still has limited products compared to other Duty Free Philippines branches in the country, almost all the quality products which can be found in some branches are also here in the Legazpi branch,” said Estrella Monserate, a repatriate and Overseas Filipino Worker in Dubai.
-“The November 25 event was only a partial opening. The grand opening will be on December,” explained Chester Celso Olitin of Embarcadero de Legazpi’s Leasing Department.
-Certainly, Bicolanos will be looking forward to this especially that this is the first branch of the said shop in the region.
-“For a more unique shopping experience, I am inviting everyone to visit Duty Free Legazpi in Embarcadero de Legazpi. Invite your family, friends, and loved ones to shop in our newest member of the Embarcadero de Legazpi family, Duty Free Legazpi.” said Olitin.
-==Waterfront lifestyle mall showcases weekend night market fair==
-*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=771353979930
-*By: Shannah Marie O. Montales
-*''Tuesday, November 27, 2012''
-LEGAZPI CITY- A waterfront lifestyle mall in this city has added another attraction seen to allure Legazpeno and visitors alike with the opening of a night market.
-Chester Celso Olitin of the waterfront mall’s Leasing Department said Embarcadero de Legazpi has since Friday last week opened the night market with an exciting combination of a wide range of products and a sense of community that awaits the consumers.
-The the idea of putting up a night market in in Embarcadero de Legazpi, came from the idea of flourishing night market phenomenon in Metro Manila and across the country. Open-air night markets are also very popular across Asia Countries like Hong Kong, China, Thailand, Singapore and South Korea.
-Embarcadero de Legazpi, according to Olitin, has adopted this concept suitable to the demands of the Albayanos.
-Olitin also cited that people should check out the Embarcadero de Legazpi Night Market as it showcases yummy treats – good and affordable food are available and everyone can enjoy a variety.
-One may also indulge into pricey goodies – people who are low in the budget and even those who would want to save a little money need not to worry for clothes, fashion accessories, pillows, trinkets, art, and other bazaar items are sold at very affordable prices.
-The concept also promotes a sense of community – an informal crowded setup and the fact that some of the owners personally staff the stalls themselves to enthusiastically explain their products to their customers engenders a sense of community that cannot be seen in other markets.
-Anyone can take a break from shopping in the waterfront mall or a long jog from Puro to eat some potato chips and cool down with a sip of fresh buko shake while meeting new friends and enjoying the live band music.
-The opening of the night market was highlighted with a blessing of the location, followed by a fireworks display and the trademark Batucada Show [a style of Brazillian music performed by a group or ensemble of percussion which is influenced by African culture (yahoo.com)] of Embarcadero de Legazpi.
-“Embarcadero de Legazpi is basically a night mall and people flock over to it during the night so it is very suitable to have a night market open here,” he added.
-The Embarcadero de Legazpi Night Market is the first night market in this city.
-“Legazpeños, tourists, shoppers and all are gladly invited to visit Embarcadero de Legazpi’s Night Market. Affordable items can be bought at affor`dable prices. Everyone is welcome to party with us and shop at our Night Market, the first one in Legazpi City,” Olitin said.
-The night market is open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 5:00 p.m.-12:00 mn until December.
-==Albay’s smoke-free ordinance now in effect==
-*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=771353893968
-*By: Marlon A. Loterte
-*''Monday, November 26, 2012''
-LEGAZPI CITY- The provincial government of Albay has publicly launched on November 19 one of the province’s landmark ordinance prohibiting smoking in all public places manifesting an intensified campaign to ensure healthy lifestyle and protection of environment.
-At least 500 anti-smoking advocates from government sectors, led by Albay provincial government officials, and private sectors thronged to the main streets of this city joining the advocacy parade and converged at the provincial park for the launching program.
-The anti-smoking provincial ordinance takes effect 90 days after publication in local newspaper of general circulation.
-The said ordinance was authored by board member and Committee on Health and Social Services chairman Herbert Borja and signed by Albay governor Joey Salceda last May 16 this year.
-The launching of the provincial ordinance also paves the way for the full implementation of plans and activities and enforcement of policies that would apply to all persons, whether natural or juridical, whether resident or not, and all places, found in the three cities and 15 municipalities of Albay.
-Borja said the legislative measure aims to protect and promote the right to health of the people, hence, the ordinance prohibiting smoking in public, private places whether enclosed or outdoor.
-The ordinance also prohibits the purchase and sale of cigarettes and other tobacco products to minors. It also imposes restrictions on advertising, promotion, and sponsorship activities of tobacco companies.
-Also under this ordinance under section 9, referring to penalties, the provision states that any person found violating this ordinance will be fined P 500 for the first offense; P 1,000 for the second offense; and P 3,000 for the third and subsequent offenses.
-In case the violator has no money to pay the fine he or she may opt to render community service such as cleaning the parks, canals, esteros, public markets and other public places or tree planting.
-Tasked to pursue information dissemination and monitor the enforcement of anti-smoking advocacies of the province is the Smoke-Free Albay Network (SFAN).
-SFAN was created through executive order No. 13-201 signed in October last year by Governor Joey Salceda, also the honorary chair, to monitor and encourage the enforcement of laws, circulars, ordinances and resolutions on anti-smoking.
-It, too, promotes healthy lifestyle.
-SFAN is an aggregation of national government agencies, local government offices and non-government organizations, including religious groups.
-The provincial government’s provincial ordinance on anti-smoking complements programs of the Department of Health (DOH) but also the Civil Service Commission (CSC) which are mandated to promote public health through regulating cigarette or tobacco-smoking in public places.
-Also highlighting the launch were messages on commitment of supports, led by board members and Committee on Environment chair Arnold Embestro, sectors of health, education, non-government organizations and civic society, national government offices, military and police, among others.
-==Karangahan’ Green Christmas ’12 kicks off Nov. 25==
-*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=771353656985
-*By: Marlon A. Loterte
-*''Saturday, November 24, 2012''
-LEGAZPI CITY– Karangahan sa Pasko: Albay Green Christmas kicks off Sunday, Nov. 25, marking a month-long holiday season celebration and advocacy campaign for healthy living, environment care and zero casualty goal in the province.
-Albay Gov. Joey Salceda said this year’s Karangahan is zeroing in on fortifying family ties through showcase of numerous fun fares for every family and the entire community to indulge in for the holiday season and pursuing safe environment underlining ‘plastic-free, smoke-free and zero casualty from firecracker in the month-long revelry.
-Karangahan is a Bicol term derived from the root word 'ranga', which refers to a higher level of joy and contentment, and later was used to mean endearment.
-Salceda will lead the official opening of the Karangahan sa Pasko: Albay Green Christmas on Sunday night at Penaranda Park with the lighting of the 20-meter high Green Christmas Tree, a symbol that enjoys a central position in the Christmas celebration of Albayanos.
-Karangahan is launched year after year with the lighting of this Green Christmas tree in a new concept that is assembled from over 3,000 Pili tree seedlings showcasing the campaign for proper solid waste management through a ‘no plastics – less garbage’ celebration.
-Las Piñas Rep. Cynthia Villar and former Senator Miguel Zubiri will join the governor in the switching on the lights of the Green Christmas tree, while GMA-7 artist LJ Reyes and rock band Itchyworms will stage an entertainment show on the same opening night.
-In 2010, Albay Green Christmas was held essentially to pursue advocacy for less pollution and reduced carbon emissions through ‘iwas paputok’ with zero casualty goal on holiday seasons and proper solid waste disposal through ‘no plastics and less waste revelries.
-Salceda has since issued a memorandum to provincial government heads, employees and barangay officials strictly prohibiting the use and explosion of firecrackers and encouraging the use of organic and indigenous materials for decorations and food serving instead of plastics.
-As the festivity evolves, new ingredients were added to bring out the bests in Albay and among Albayanos articulated last year by culinary arts and other cultural forms.
-Of the many activities lined up of the Albay Green Christmas this year, of special interests anew are the Culinaria Albay that showcase Albay’s local cuisine and its world-competitive restaurants, Paskuhan Karangahan nightly entertainment, Luntiang Pasko garden show, Barangay on-site Green Christmas Belen contest, Pasko sa Kapitolyo-Agrikulturang Organiko, sports fests, trade fair, Albay art exhibition, Green Santa, sectoral day, among others.
-Karangahan fittingly describes the relationship of Albayanos in the endearment (ranga) to its culture, arts, history and nature; collective and unrelenting advocacy for climate change adaptation, environmental protection; and sense of pride and attachment to place given its evolving dynamics of community-building.
-==Feature: AlMaSor Tourism Alliance gaining headway==
-*Source: www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=771353480961
-*By: Marlon A. Loterte
-*''Thursday, November 22, 2012''
-The risk seems worth it. To those who frequent the place, distance and perhaps proximity would matter less, much more travel time. We ask you, why not try to make the most of it. Take off to the islands of the Masbate province that offer adventures to everyone who wants to discover some off the beaten path.
-With the Regional Development Council (RDC) of Bicol pursuing the Albay-Masbate-Sorsogon Tourism Alliance, or AlMaSorTA, the tourism road map for the entire region is seen to achieve development not only in mainland Bicol but also in the island province of Masbate.
-This calls for a more integrated and comprehensive promotion strategy to market the potentials of tourism industry eyeing some 650,000 foreign tourist arrivals in the area annually within five years.
-The alliance among the three provinces complements another Bicol regional tourism cluster already in place -- the Catanduanes-Camarines Sur-Camarines Norte Tourism Link (CCTL).
-The recent familiarization trip to Masbate, with this writer joining the AlMaSorTA Technical Working Group (TWG) on Tourism of Bicol Regional Development Council (RDC), has revealed anew the hidden treasures right in the heart of the Philippines with the provinces’ undisturbed natural reefs and reserves, natural white sand beaches and clear blue water, natural rock formations, caves, waterfalls, flora and fauna, local delicacies, crafts, culture and heritage, among other Masbate’s pride and best destinations.
-In AlMaSorTA, Albay will serve as gateway to Sorsogon and Masbate.
-Tour packages can start from Albay’s tourist destinations, then move among Sorsogon best destinations and then off to the islands of Masbate province, providing travelers a scenic voyage, seeing islands with rolling hills left and right, a lighthouse and the energizing sea breeze.
-Tourism activities could start with a trip to areas by or downslope Mayon volcano, Cagsawa ruins, Wildlife Park, Lignon Hill view deck and Puro Boulevard. This can extend to the renowned Misibis Rain Tree Resorts and the nearby Cagraray Eco Park, caves, beaches, spring resorts, among other natural wonders.
-Sorsogon comes next as tourists may choose to interact with the “butanding,” or whale shark, in Donsol town or tour significant historical places and bask in the pristine white sand beaches along the Pacific coastlines, enjoy the ice-cold sulfuric waters of spring resorts or dip into the hot spring down the slopes of Bulusan volcano in Irosin town. They may even try trekking to Bulusan volcano, and then take a side trip to Bulusan lake and natural park.
-And, of course, no one should miss the long and winding fine white sand of Subic beach in Matnog, much more interacting with different species of marine wildlife at Juag Lagoon.
-From Sorsogon via Pilar or Bulan towns, one can take the three- to four-hour trip by sea, either via the Roll on-Roll off (RoRo) ferries, fast crafts and outrigger boats – and, rest assured, the vessels are registered with concerned government agency to ensure sea worthiness, and that they are equipped with communication facilities, lifesaving gear and competent crew -- going to Masbate’s several ports in Ticao Island or Masbate mainland for another fun and adventure at sea or by land.
-One can also take the RoRo or outrigger boats via Pioduran in Albay en route to Claveria municipal port that will take less than a 30-minute trip by land to enjoy the sights and… yes, sea food, in Barangay San Isidro with a more than five-kilometer stretch of fine white sand beaches facing the Sibuyan strait.
-Vice mayor Froilan Andueza, in an interfacing with the members of the TWG-RDC, cited and proposed the rehabilitation and improvement of road networks and facilities in Claveria-San Isidro-Boca Engano that will provide easy access to locales with tourists getting around the municipality.
-The proposal was also recommended for inclusion in the convergence program for tourism of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and Department of Tourism (DOT).
-Citing another showcase of Burias Island is San Pascual town, some 58 kilometer from Claveria town proper by land, although the roads remain unpaved or not concreted and only few public transports, mostly motorbike knows as “habla-habal” taxi. Only a few passengers prefer to take sea travel, however, with the trip taking some three or more hours.
-San Pascual town boasts of several islands, including Sombrero that also serves as a sea turtle sanctuary, Tinalisayan islet and sandbar, Guindoyanan point sunken galleon that is labeled the heart (geographic center) of the Philippine archipelago, and Templo, among others.
-One can also visit on one of Masbate’s three major islands of Ticao Island, the beautiful beaches, diving sites to interact with manta rays and sharks, coral garden for snorkeling, natural springs and waterfalls, and whale shark watching.
-Off Ticao Island during the dinner meeting with chief executives of the four municipalities, TWG-RDC recommended consolidated efforts and measures in the implementations of their respective tourism development plans identifying projects for private-sector investments which could be packaged into one investment brochure for dissemination to potential investors; develop a common local incentive codes; implement business permit and licensing system (BPLS) reforms;
-Avail of productivity programs of the DOLE and RTWPB to improve services of tourism-related establishments; tap the assistance of the cave committee and the regional eco-tourism committee of the DENR (for caves and eco-tourism development, respectively); and with Mayor Espiloy of Monreal as member of the RDC, he can make representation of the concerns of Ticao Island particularly the problems common to all local government units, which is illegal fishing.
-On the third day of the familiarization sorties, Mayor Socrates Tuason and the city officials hosted a luncheon meeting with the TWG-RDC, the city tourism office focuses its development on the city’s eco-tourism development areas, promoting the bio-diversity triangle which consists of Pawa Mangrove Park, Bugsayon Marine Sanctuary, and the Buntod Marine Sanctuary.
-Masbate City, according to Tuazon, is also mulling and at present pursuing to be the primary key service center for Masbate province.
-Masbate Governor Rizalina Seachon-Lanete, meanwhile, was appreciative of the TWG-RDC brief visit to the province, noting that the rounds of Masbate’s tourism potentials, consequently, the efforts pursued through the help of the RDC, Masbate will no longer be left out in pursuit for development of the mainland Bicol.
-Bicol RDC chair and Albay Gov. Jose Salceda had initiated such strategic approach to accelerate tourism development and enhance the attractiveness of Bicol as a tourist destination.
-The RDC chair believed that the realignment of tourism activities in all provinces in the region will enable the Bicol peninsula to have a more coherent market positioning and promotion.
-He said the cluster needs the completion of several priority projects for its external market access.
-Salceda also earlier cited the need for infrastructure development to make the region fully accessible through Southern Luzon International Airport in Daraga, Albay seen to be completed in 2014; the modernization of the South Railways under the DOTC with the South Central Station in Barangay Comun, Camalig, Albay and spur lines to Legazpi City and to Matnog, Sorsogon; the proposed four-lane Naga-Legazpi freeway to link CCTL with AlMaSor, among others.
-Salceda spearheaded the organization of the alliance, signing early this year an agreement of group cooperation with Masbate Gov. Rizalina Seachon-Lanete and Sorsogon Gov. Raul Lee.
-==Proposal to tax text messaging slammed==
-*Source: http://businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/news/economy/3649-proposal-to-tax-text-messaging-slammed
-*By: businessmirror.com.ph
-*''Tuesday, November 20, 2012''
-Legazpi City—The recent suggestion from an International Monetary Fund (IMF) official to tax mobile-phone messages has sparked criticisms from local officials here, calling it an “intervention on domestic economic policy.”
-Albay Gov. Joey Salceda, in a statement,  said the SMS (short messaging system) bundle pricing is so cheap and offers room to be taxed at only about P0.10 per text, but “more communications is still better than less communication, and given a base of 100 million cellular subscribers, a tax on text is unlikely to be progressive and could prove to be regressive since it could disrupt the initially low pricing points.”
-The suggestion to tax SMS was made by IMF chief Christine Lagarde during a recent news conference in Malacañang, taking the cue from the favorable reception of the “sin” tax bill, and saying it is “another good revenue source for the Philippine government.” She said telephone coverage in the country of nearly 100 million people has reached 112 percent. The Philippines is dubbed as the world’s “texting capital.”
-In his Facebook account, Salceda a reknown economist and former adviser to Philippine presidents, slammed the proposal as out of place and a bad idea, and called IMF an interventionist: “Bad habits are harder to break. Pakialamerang IMF at wala sa lugar at wala sa tamang kaisipan.” His statement was titled: “No to IMF intervention  on domestic economic policy.”
-“If you want higher revenues, then let us improve collections. If collections are at their structural limits, let us broaden the base for taxation, reduce exemptions—let us pass the fiscal incentives rationalization. If not, let us increase the excise tax on mining. If we really have to increase taxes on text, it must be by increasing tax rates on all products,” he added.
-Salceda pointed out that while he “fully and consistently advocates higher taxes on sin products to reduce their consumption and to pay for their negative impacts, SMS has no consumptive logic, neither does it promote any “intrinsic evil.” A former congressman, he supported many revenue measures and has authored the expanded value-added tax law.
-“Tax it if texting or cellular-phone use disturbs work and lowers labor productivity, but this is largely conjectural. And the negative impact on productivity could be easily corrected and controlled,” he said.
-Imposing tax on SMS “because it promotes infidelity is an uncommon thinking and treads on a very slippery slope of logic that opens virtually many other facets of life to increased taxation—like motels, tricycle drivers, movie houses. Excise tax on prostitution—any one? In any case, policy-making must be evidence-based, not opinion-driven,” the governor stressed.
-“So let’s tax industrial success or let us punish marketing innovations and technological advances because they boost profitability. Well, telecom firms already pay 12-percent VAT, 32-percent income tax and enjoy no fiscal incentives just like everybody else. So, why an excise tax on texts? Does texting use up non-repeating resources like mining which is taxed only 2 percent?” he said
-==Albayano’s ‘100 Kislap’ named best fiction, Nat’l Book Award==
-*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=771353302990
-*By: PIA
-*''Monday, November 19, 2012''
-LEGAZPI CITY- "100 Kislap" by Bikolano writer Abdon M. Balde Jr. was awarded the 2011 National Book Award for Best Book of Fiction by the National Book Development Board and the Manila Critics Circle during its 31st National Book Awards ceremonies held November 17 at the Old Senate Session Hall of the National Museum of the Philippines, City of Manila.
-Balde hails from Busac, Oas, Albay. He is Albay’s Poet Laureate and provincial government consultant for Cultural Affairs. He is the current chairman of the Unyon ng mga Manunulat sa Pilipinas and also a board member of the Filipinas Copywrite Licensing Society.
-The award is Balde’s fourth.
-The book, 100 Kislap, is a collection of 100 short-short fiction, each story not more than 150 words.
-These are stories of love and passion, betrayal and revenge, crime and retribution, myths and legends, realism, absurdity, fantasy, and many, many more.
-The citation reads, “After writing novels and lengthy stories, Balde has shown remarkable discipline in writing a hundred stories each of which does not exceed 150 words. By doing so, he reluctantly promoted the writing of "dagli" in the Philippines, a tradition at the turn of the 20th century that was restrained and suppressed by critics who were supporting the short story genre of the Americans.
-In 100 Kislap, Balde heightened the effect of the dagli with his exemplary use of humor and irony. Balde’s example is proof that literary works need not be long and boring.
-His third book, “Mayong,” a collection of the legends surrounding Mayon Volcano told in the present-day settings, won National Book Award for the year 2003, “for its engrossing narrative set in the Bikol Region—written in mellifluous Tagalog or Filipino—one that merges deathless legend and fantastic lore with the romance of present-day realities, in the process weaving a well-told tale of the crossover between the natural and the supernatural.”
-His novel, “Hunyango sa Bato,” won the 2004 National Book Award and the Juan C. Laya Prize for Best Novel in Vernacular Language and was cited as “ a novel daring in style, topic, and characterization, a novel unafraid to challenge what were previously thought to be unbreakable rules of writing and language, a novel forcing the reader to remember past events that still mold the present, a chameleon-like novel showing only one true color.”
-Another collection of short stories, “Calvary Road,” won the 2005 National Book Award and the Juan C. Laya Prize for Best Book of Fiction.
-The citation read, “There are 32, count them, 32 very short stories, pinioned by the textured covers of Cavalry Road. There is painful truth, delicious uncertainty and confident craft in these tales. Its scope is ambitious and its scale is impressive. It is a narrative road to be trekked in bits and pieces, to be savored one story at a time. Balde’s invitation is not one to be ignored.”
-Balde was also conferred the 2010 Ani ng Dangal Award by President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, the 2009 South East Asian Writers Award by the Crown Prince of Thailand and the 2009 Bikol Regional Artist Award for Literary Arts by Mayor Jesse Robredo.
-He has won the 2003 Rokyaw Ibalong Award for Most Outstanding Bikolano in Literature and a Palanca Award for Short Story in the same year.
-==Aquino names 2nd state university in Bicol==
-*Source: businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/news/regions/3342-aquino-names-2nd-state-university-in-bicol
-*By: Manly M. Ugalde
-*''Sunday, November 18, 2012''
-LEGAZPI CITY—There are now two state universities in Bicol.
-The second, signed into law by President Aquino, surprisingly is in the depressed island of Catanduanes, one of the six provinces in the region.
-Albay Gov. Joey Sarte Salceda broke the news, saying the former Catanduanes State Colleges had earned the reputation of providing good education to students in the region.  He said students come as far as Camarines Norte, Masbate, Sorsogon, Camarines Sur and Albay.
-Both the Bicol University (BU) and Catanduanes State University (CSU) also have records of doing well, if not topping board examinations, particularly in the field of engineering. A BU graduate bagged the top score in the civil engineering board a few years ago.  Its graduates have consistently landed in the top 10.
-Salceda said the state-owned BU and CSU are giving astounding performance in the field of education which other state colleges in the region are competitively following suit.
-He said his province has already produced, under his stewardship, more than 160,000 scholars.  BU bagged the first and second slots in the recently held electrical engineering board examination.  In the last board exams for mechanical engineering in Septmeber 2012, BU again grabbed the second and 10th slots, a development that is a source of much pride to the local learning institution.
-Salceda said every person has the right to a higher education, adding that under his program, the Albay Higher Education Contractual Scheme (Ahecs), the provincial board had passed an ordinance creating its own Department of Education, probably the only one in the country.
-He said Ahecs scholars are granted a P5,000 enrollment assistance until graduation. BU has 54 contracted educators in Albay.
-Records showed a CSU graduate and son of a poor and ordinary fisherman topped the 2011 board exams for civil engineering with two others garnering the second and third slots, a feat that bolted the virtually unknown college institution into prominence.
-CSU officials said the school still charges the lowest tuition with an average of P3,000 per semester compared to other state colleges of reputed status.
-According to CSU President Minerva L. Morales, the conversion of the Catanduanes State Colleges into a university was actually signed by President Aquino on October 19. The President also signed the conversion of Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges in Naga City to Bicol State College of Applied Sciences and Technology under Republic Act (RA) 10231.
-Morales said the President was initially reluctant to sign the state college’s conversion due to the existing moratorium in the creation of new state colleges and conversion into universities. However, before the President left for New Zealand, he signed RA 10229 converting the Catandunes State Colleges into a university.
-CSU was initially known as the Catanduanes National Agriculture and Trade School. It was later renamed the Catanduanes Agriculture and Industrial College. In 1971 it was converted into the Catanduanes State Colleges worked out by the late Rep. Jose M. Alberto credited with the construction of the present sprawling 120-hectare school dubbed as the best and conducive learning institution in the region.
-Catanduanes Gov. Joseph Cua said that with the state college’s conversion to a university, “we expect more enrollees from other Bicol provinces. He said CSU’s current student population was already nearing 8,000.
-==4 drug pushers nabbed in Legazpi==
-*Source: http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/11/17/12/4-drug-pushers-nabbed-legazpi
-*By: ABS-CBNnews.com
-*''Saturday, November 17, 2012''
-Four alleged drug pushers were arrested in buy-bust operations in Legazpi City last November 14, the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said.
-PDEA Director General Undersecretary Arturo Cacdac Jr. said in a statement released Saturday that members of the PDEA and Philippine National Police (PNP) confiscated 39 grams of shabu worth P200,000 in two separate entrapment operations in Legazpi.
-The four suspects were identified as Michael Basco, 37; Michelle Vargas, 26; Rowena Duran, 22; and Kristine Relucio, 22.
-Basco and Vargas were arrested by PDEA Regional Office 5 after receiving the marked money from a poseur-buyer in Tahao Road, Barangay Cruzada at around 4 p.m.
-Seized from them were 35 grams of shabu worth over P175,000.
-At around 6 p.m., another buy-bust operation was conducted by PDEA agents in Governor Forbez Street, Barangay Bay-Bay.
-Duran and Relucio were arrested after selling four grams of shabu to a PDEA poseur-buyer.
-The four suspects will face charges for violation of Section 5 (Sale of Dangerous Drugs) in relation to Section 26 (Conspiracy), Article II of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.
-==DOLE steps up drive against child labor, leads advocacy run==
-*Source: www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=771352940766
-*By: Marlon A. Loterte
-*''Thursday, November 15, 2012''
-LEGAZPI CITY- Alarmed over the increasing incidence of child labor in the Bicol region, the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is seeking people’s participation to address this social menace.
-DOLE 5 Regional Director Nathaniel V. Lacambra said the agency will spearhead the “Run Against Child Labor” to inform, educate and call for action among the various sectors and general public in campaign against incidence of children engaged in hazardous work.
-Lacambra said the fun run cum information and advocacy drive is a five-kilometer run that intends to raise people's awareness on the hazard of children working in hazardous environment.
-The rising incidence of child labor in the region has prompted the agency to intensify related campaigns in partnership with local chief executives and the Department of Social Welfare and Development .
-A survey by the National Statistics Office (NSO) has indicated that some 300,000 children in Bicol have been engaged in hazardous work.
-NSO and the International Labor Organization (ILO) last year, indicated that Central Luzon tops the list of areas that have the highest incidence of child labor with 316,000 followed by Bicol region with 300,000, Western Visayas – 250,000, Northern Mindanao – 248,000, and Central Visayas with 225,000 child laborers.
-Lacambra said they aim to remove Bicol from the list of regions with high incidence of child labor.
-The study indicated that the country has a total of 30 million children with ages ranging from 5 to 17 years. Of this figure, 5.4 million or 19 percent are considered as working children.
-“We are still in the process of validating the results of the survey. It’s hard to accept that we have this figure. This is the reason why we need to step-up our child labor program,” he said.
-Taking part in conducting the “Run Against Child Labor” marathon are the DOLE 5 Employees Cooperative (Dolevecco), DOLE 5 Employees Union (DOLEV EU), and DOLE Regional Coordinating Committee as collaborators.
-The fun run is one of the regional office's celebratory activities for the DOLE's 79th Foundation anniversary on December 8.
-At stake during the fun run, Lacambra said, are prizes ranging from P7,000 for 1st prize, P5,000 for 2nd prize, and P3,000 for 3rd prize.
-The proceeds of the marathon will be allotted for the 2013 Project Angel Tree, which gets 30 percent share. Project Angel Tree is an annual gift-giving and feeding event sponsored by the DOLE in partnership with private establishments.
-Participants in the “Run Against Child Labor” will be charged a registration fee of P200, inclusive of a t-shirt.
-Dolevecco chairman and DOLEV EU president Raymond Escalante said the fun run is the organizations' way of showing their support to the leadership of Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz and her anti-child labor agenda.
-"The employees' union and the cooperative also share the burden on how to achieve our goal of eliminating child labor, particularly in its worst forms. Through cooperation with our leaders here in the region and at the central office, we know we could end this child labor menace in Bicol," he said.
-==Christmas fest in Albay==
-*Source: http://manilastandardtoday.com/2012/11/13/christmas-fest-in-albay/
-*By: Manila Standard Today
-*''Tuesday, November 13, 2012''
-Albay province will commence its month-long Karangahan sa Pasko: Albay Green Christmas 2012 Edition on Nov. 25. The festival will further underscore the ‘plastic-free, smoke-free and Zero Casualty’ advocacy and goals of the province.
-The festival culminates on Christmas Day and constitutes the last of the province’s long list of year-round festivities.
-Karangahan sa Pasko will also present the province’s giant 60-foot Christmas tree in a new concept at the Albay Park. The Christmas tree was assembled from over 3,000 Pili tree seedlings.
-Albay Gov. Joey S. Salceda recently issued a memorandum to provincial workers prohibiting the use and explosion of firecrackers and encouraging the use of organic and indigenous materials for decorations and food serving.
-==Bicol Express delayed again==
-*Source: http://businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/news/regions/2257-bicol-express-delayed-again
-*By: Manly M. Ugalde
-*''Thursday, November 08, 2012''
-LEGAZPI CITY—The much-awaited train travel to this city from Manila has been suspended. Chances are, it will be delayed for another two months.
-Philippine National Railway (PNR) general manager Junio “June” Ragragio said during the regular Regional Development Council meeting early last month it would resume its operation the last week of October or the first week of November following the completion of the 40-meter long Travesia bridge in Guinobatan town, 22 kilometers from Legazpi.
-The so-called “Bicol Express” train had not serviced Legazpi for the past six years.
-Ragragio said the expected train travel to Legazpi starts the regular Manila – Legazpi travel operation of the once famous Bicol Express.
-Albay Gov. Joey Sarte Salceda who presided at the RDC meeting hailed the PNR management, saying the much-awaited Bicol Express operation to Legazpi was a big economic booster. He added the train operation “should not be left behind” by the national government in its modernization program.
-Legazpi City Mayor Geraldine Rosal said the much-awaited train arrival, however, was aborted when a train was derailed in Sariaya town as a result of bad weather.
-PNR spokesman Paul Dequiros said it may take two months to complete the repair of the damage caused by the incident on the bridge, some stations, and the washed-out embankment.
-Before the Sariaya incident, the PNR train had already been servicing Ligao City in Albay almost six years after Typhoon Reming devastated the area in November 2006.
-Residents along railroad tracks in Legazpi and nearby Daraga town, however, were skeptical about the resumption of the train’s operation, citing two fatal incidents.  One involved a man who was crushed to death while resting inside his car parked at the railroad near the family residence in Legazpi.  Late last month a resident in Polangui town was crushed to death while crossing the railway.
-A Legazpi City official who asked not to be named for lack of authority to talk said the PNR modernization program that would include a local Legazpi-Naga City operation similar to the Light Rail Transit may not prosper in the region.
-The source said trains plying the Bicol route particularly Albay, a disaster-prone area, could not traverse the tracks which are often destroyed by floods. They said Typhoon Reming inflicted heavy damage on PNR tracks, with mudflow burying the tracks in barangay Busay, Daraga town. He said informal settlers also congest railroad tracks, which deters the PNR rehabilitation and modernization program.
-In 2006, then-Albay Cong. Joey Sarte Salceda asked the government to relocate the regional center from Legazpi City to Naga City, saying his province was a disaster-prone area. Salceda made the recommendation when he was a speaker in a commencement exercise of a local university.
-PNR said some 50,000 squatter-families reside along the railroad tracks from Legazpi to Calamba, Laguna. The presence of illegal settlers along the route poses a threat to the rehabilitation and modernization of the PNR. Relocation of the squatters would cost P12 billion at P250,000 per family. The PNR said it did not have the money to implement it.
-Ragragio said the PNR operation in Bicol was not making money yet but the rehabilitation continues. He said PNR’s rehabilitation and modernization program includes the operation of the 90-km. Legazpi–Naga route similar to the LRT in Metro Manila.
-At the Legaspi-Daraga railroad sites alone, squatters already live very close to the railways. The space is just enough to allow a train to squeeze itself through.
-==Bicol city police chief sacked==
-*Source: http://businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/news/regions/2143-bicol-city-police-chief-sacked
-*By: Manly M. Ugalde
-*''Wednesday, November 07, 2012''
-TABACO CITY, Albay—During his month-long tenure as police chief of this city, Col. Adan Magdasoc rid Tabaco of the illegal numbers game and drug trafficking that tremendously worried city residents.
-Surprised members of the city council now want to know why the Philippine National Police regional and provincial command suddenly relieved Magdasoc from his post on Nov. 1.
-Magdasoc had replaced Col. Nilo Berdin who was Tabaco police chief for only three months. PNP chief director general Nicanor Bartolome sought Berdin’s for dismissal from service following Camp Crame’s probe citing him responsible over the missing ammunitions in Maguindanao under his custody when he was CIDG chief of the  Autonomous Regions for Muslims Mindanao. The ammunitions reportedly served as vital evidence in the multiple murder cases filed against the Ampatuans.
-Tabaco residents said they felt secure the way Magdasoc launched his campaign against drugs and the illegal numbers game, saying it was the first time the city was spared from the rampant illegal numbers game like jueteng, jai-alai and their bookies. They added that those involved in the illegal drug trade were on the run.
-PNP regional director Chief Supt. Jose Arne De Los Santos would not answer text messages same with Albay police provincial director Col. Ruben Sodsod and his spokesman provincial deputy commander for administration Col. Paulino Belga.
-Tabaco vice mayor Rey Bragais told reporters the city council was caught flat-footed over the sudden relief of Magdasoc he described as a “no non-sense” police official who showed  that illegal operations can be licked if only the police wanted to.
- Councilor Oscar Rocha said the case of Magdasoc was similar to the case of Special Police Officer 2 Victor Borjal who was relieved in Tabaco and reassigned to another town some three months ago after arresting jueteng collectors and raiding bookies. Borjal’s relief was ordered by Sodsod who was then newly designated provincial police director.
-Last week, Camp Crame ordered relieve Camarines Sur provincial police director Col. Ramon Ranara, this time for not acting against jueteng and jai-alai operations despite orders coming from then-Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo.
-Rocha lamented that Magdasoc was ridding Tabaco City of the illegal numbers game including drugs which his predecessors failed to do. He mentioned about former police chief Col. Joel Turla Ada who after two years as police chief tried to disturb jueteng operation. The next time that happened, Ada was relieved by Sodsod, Rocha said.
-Mayor Krisel Lagman-Luistro could not be reached for comment but civic officer lawyer Teddy Contacto partly blamed the city leadership for the relief of Magdasoc. Contacto claimed that residents are wondering why the city leadership seemed allergic on police officers who were performing their duties. He said his classmate, Bocalbos who also became Tabaco police chief before Ada had even expressed a sigh of relief when he was ordered relieved.
-==Cambodian DRR managers to study best practices at Albay's Climate Change Academy==
-*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=771352163741
-*By: PIA
-*''Tuesday, November 06,2012''
-LEGAZPI CITY- Fifteen members of the Cambodian Joint Climate Change Initiative (JCCI) are visiting Albay this week to study in brief the province’s valuable strategies on climate change adaptation (CCA) and disaster risk reduction (DRR).
-Albay Gov. Joey Salceda said the visitors will be in the province for five days starting November 5, for a learning exchange with the Climate Change Academy and to share approaches on coping mechanisms through community based organizations.
-The group will have a meeting with Salceda at the Climate Change Academy of Albay where they will be provided an opportunity to personally hear the governor discuss Albay’s holistic approach to CCA and DRR, which had elevated the province to a world class category in the campaign on climate adaptation.
-Albay is UN’s global model in in CCA and DRR and Salceda had been proclaimed its Senior Global Champion and spokesman, and now sits as director of the Green Climate Fund of the United Nations Framework Convention on climate Change representing Asia.
-The province had since then become a venue of many seminars and trainings, and visits from CCA and DRR practitioners from other countries, and specially most recently after the establishment of the the Climate Change Academy at the Bicol University, in this city.
-The academy is first of its kind in Asia and was also a brainchild of Salceda, who pioneered CCA and DRR in local governance and made popular the ‘zero casualty’ and ‘preemptive evacuation’ strategies which has since then adopted by the national government and other LGUs .
-The visiting group is organized particularly under the Joint Climate Change Initiative of Capacity Development of Cambodian Non-Government Organizations and funded by Forum Syd of the Swedish International Development Cooperation Agency.
-The visit is coordinated by the Ateneo School of Government, led by Jessica Asne Dator –Bercilla who coordinated the learning exchange.
-Bercilla in a recent letter to Salceda, said the visitors will have sessions on: Climate Change Legal Framework, Programmes and Approaches in the Philippines at the Oriental Hotel; Learning Exchange with the Climate Change Academy of Albay at the Bicol University; share experiences on various projects of community based organizations.
-The group is set visit the island town of Rapu-rapu to learn how it had coped with disasters, and ‘give them a chance to reflect on the challenges of living in small islands’ .
-The Cambodians are also scheduled to visit Sorsogon City for a visit on a community based adaptation program and in Bulan town, Sorsogon for a session on national resource management.
-==Controversial Philhydro now owned by Maynilad==
-*Source: http://businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/news/regions/1914-controversial-philhydro-now-owned-by-maynilad
-*By: Manly M. Ugalde
-*''Monday, November 05,2012''
-LEGAZPI CITY—Philhydro, the controversial water-supply company that has serviced this city for five years, is now owned by Maynilad.
-Former Legazpi Mayor and now city administrator Noel Rosal confirmed the sale, adding, however, that he did not know how much it was bought and what prompted Maynilad to buy the water supplier that signed a contract with Legazpi City Water District (LCWD) five years ago.
-Philhydro was found by health authorities during a probe conducted by the city council in early 2011 of supplying dirty water to the city residents.
-Continuing laboratory tests on its water samples also proved the water supplied to the city’s 25,000 consumers was unfit for drinking. The latest findings from the University of the Philippines Natural Science Research Institute (UPNSRI) released last month also confirmed the water was dirty.
-A source from the local business community said Philhydro was a creation of a few top officials from the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA) and LCWD.
-Irene Solmirano of Entry Pinay who exposed the dirty water Philhydro supplied said the company tapped the Yawa River, known as a dumping ground of human waste, as its source of water allegedly after it found “the dismal condition of the water reservoir in Barangay Bogtong” here.
-Bicol Urban Poor coordinator Numeriano de la Torre said Philhydro facilities, manned by only one or two personnel, could not possibly produce the potable mineral-type of water it boasted in exchange for its “exorbitant water rate.”
-According to documents, Philhydro operated without a business permit from City Hall and minus an operational clearance from the Department of Health regional office for five years. The absence of permits was unmasked only when the city council conducted its probe early last year about the safety of Philhydro water.
-Councilor  Rolly Rosal, committee chairman on public utilities, said that during the probe, Philhydro and LCWD “even had the nerve” to finger consumer-owned pipelines as the possible sources of the yellowish dirty water usually accompanied by mud which health officials claimed was unfit even for laundry washing and bathing.
-The former mayor said he believes Maynilad would be a better water supplier.
-Probers from the Commission on Audit last year ordered a P150-million Philhydro-LCWD disallowance covering an initial period of 2008-2009.
-Following the findings of the Philhydro dirty water early in 2011, the water supplier late last year had its water sample examined by UPNSRI with minor negative findings   which was highlighted by LWUA as worthy enough for drinking. The UP finding was likewise endorsed by a health assistant secretary who downplayed the negative findings as very minor the documents showed.
-Last week former Mayor Rosal said the UP result released last month showed Philhydro water remained unfit for drinking, with a certified hardness of 327 when the maximum allowed was 300. It also rated 640 for dissolved solids against the maximum allowed of 500 for the national standard for drinking water.
-==RTC orders funds of sleepy Bicol town garnished==
-*Source: http://businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/news/regions/1619-rtc-orders-funds-of-sleepy-bicol-town-garnished
-*By: Manly M. Ugalde
-*''Thursday, November 01, 2012''
-LIGAO CITY, Albay—A Regional Trial Court (RTC) judge here has ordered the garnishment of less than P1-million funds of the sleepy Oas town in Albay for the local government unit’s (LGU) refusing to pay the salary of  a town official who turned whistle-blower.
-But the whistleblower said though the court order was in his favor, the RTC has not compelled the town mayor and the Oas LGU to pay his claims equivalent to 18 months’ salary as of the end of last September.
-The town has an annual budget of P72 million, according to documents, and can easily pay the whistle-blower’s unpaid salary.
-Court records showed that Oas  municipal planning and development officer (MPDO) Jose Carlos Torres filed a complaint in court against Mayor Gregorio Ricarte for withholding his salaries starting May 2011 after he exposed an alleged extraordinary bloated land deal worth P15 million,  the actual and real cost of which was only P5 million. Added to his expose’ were several scandals involving water project payment and purchase of allegedly bloated multi-cab units. Investigation of these incidents are all pending in the Office of the Ombudsman.
-Ricarte denied the charge and pointed to his accuser as among the town’s alleged shady-deal operators during his predecessors’ time.
-Nevertheless, Ricarte, using an executive order he issued, ordered his treasurer and accountant to withhold Torres’ salaries on allegations the whistleblower went on Absence Without Leave (AWOL), citing the municipal employees’ log book.
-Torres said he never went on AWOL and that he had been attending seminars during the alleged period of his AWOL.  He said the mayor merely replaced him as an MPDO and was placed on floating status after getting the ire of the mayor for allegedly resisting corruption in the town.
-Torres said he had been the town MPDO for three decades and was never required to sign in the log book. He said he was a mid-level officer whose duties require him to be in the field.  He said the log book requirement came only after he became a whistleblower
-In his order dated Aug. 3, 2012 Judge Alben Rabe of RTC Branch 12  said Ricarte committed violations and ordered him to release the withheld salaries of Torres from May 2011 to Sept 2012 or a total of P884,155.
-Torres said Ricarte ignored the judge’s order, prompting Torres to seek a mandamus order which the court granted in its order dated Sept. 26, 2012.
-Ricarte went to the Court of Appeals but pending the CA resolution, Judge Rabe ordered on Oct. 10, 2012,  the garnishment of the town’s funds equivalent to Torres’ unpaid salaries in the town’s depository at the Land Bank Ligao City Branch.
-Torres said that despite of the court order, he has yet to receive the garnished money, saying that the town’s LandBank account no longer has the fund to pay his salary. He claimed the mayor was manipulating the situation to make him suffer.
-He said, “I wish the Office of the Ombudsman would find the time to decide n the five major criminal and administrative cases I filed against the mayor more than a year ago. He claimed the cases are backed by documents he presented.
-==Contact Center ng Bayan leads toward better governance==
+{{:Salceda pushes fiscal, structural reforms for 'A' credit rating}}
-*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=771351577369
-*By: Marlon A. Loterte
-*''Tuesday, October 30, 2012''
-LEGAZPI CITY- A direct access channel for airing complaints, concerns, feedback and recommendations to government agencies is now possible with the launch of the Contact Center ng Bayan (CCB) of the Civil Service Commission (CSC).
+==[[COA reminds LGUs on usage of calamity funds]]==
-For the program’s initial implementation, Contact Center ng Bayan places allows one loop access to six participating agencies – Bureau of Internal Revenue, CSC, Department of Health, Department of Trade and Industry, National Computer Center, and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation.
+{{:COA reminds LGUs on usage of calamity funds}}
-The program will also provide information on the services and basic policies of the said agencies.
+==[[Vintage bomb found in Albay]]==
-The creation of the contact center is anchored on the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007, a law which aims to improve public service delivery.
+{{:Vintage bomb found in Albay}}
-The public can access the center by dialing 1-6565 using PLDT and Digitel landlines nationwide. Five pesos plus VAT will be charged per call. CCB agents will attend to client concerns Monday to Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
+==[[DOH invites lactating moms to 'Hakab na Bicol 2019']]==
-CCB is not only a tool to address the citizens’ concerns but also a mechanism where the public can contribute in achieving quality public service.
+{{:DOH invites lactating moms to 'Hakab na Bicol 2019'}}
-The CCB will not only provide general information on the policies and procedures of participating agencies. It will also act as a two-way platform that will allow the public to express their feedback and complaints on the quality of front line public service delivery.
+==[[Workers get over P10-M settlement from defunct hospital in Bicol]]==
-Other contact channels such as email and SMS Text will be developed and implemented within the next three months.
+{{:Workers get over P10-M settlement from defunct hospital in Bicol}}
-Also in the offing are the other components of the CCB that include website, interactive voice response system, contact center agents, customer relationship management system, review and utilization of the analytic, and special action team.
+==[[BJMP-5 pleads for public acceptance of former PDLs]]==
-==123 rescued from disabled boat off Burias==
+{{:BJMP-5 pleads for public acceptance of former PDLs}}
-*Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/296656/123-rescued-from-disabled-boat-off-burias
-*By: Mar S. Arguelles
-*''Saturday, October 27, 2012''
-The Philippine Navy rescued 123 people from a motorboat that stalled amid foul weather off Burias Island in Masbate early Saturday.
+==[[DOH-Bicol reminds local authorities on proper fogging]]==
-Ensign Chibar Bullos, spokesperson of the Naval Forces Southern Luzon based in this city, said the patrol gunboat PG 374  was dispatched to a search-and-rescue mission after the naval station  received a report at 2:30 a.m. that the motor boat M/B Brian was in distress in the vicinity of Cueva Point, Burias Island.
+{{:DOH-Bicol reminds local authorities on proper fogging}}
-The boat, which had a crew of five, had come from Claveria, a town on the southern part of Burias, and was transporting 18 teachers and some 100 students to a district sporting event in San Pascual, on the northern part of the island, Bullos said.
+==[[IBP Albay Chapter pitches 'accessible' legal aid to indigent clients]]==
-==Albay disaster execs order fishers not to sail due to ‘Ofel’==
+{{:IBP Albay Chapter pitches 'accessible' legal aid to indigent clients}}
-*Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/295118/albay-disaster-execs-order-fishers-not-to-sail-due-to-ofel
-*By: Mar S. Arguelles
-*''Thursday, October 25, 2012''
-LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines—Bracing for moderate to heavy rains forecast to hit Bicol, disaster authorities in Albay issued on Wednesday a “no-sailing” order to fishermen, a preparedness measure, as “Ofel” intensified into a topical storm and hovered over the Visayas and Mindanao regions.
+==[[PNP training center: Cops should live by the Honor Code]]==
-Albay Governor Joey Salceda, Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council chairman, said the no-sail policy would initially apply to fishermen but once a public storm signal is raised in Bicol, the policy would apply to all sea craft in various ports in the province.
+{{:PNP training center: Cops should live by the Honor Code}}
-In an emergency meeting, the PDRRMC directed the Philippine Coast Guard to strictly enforce the policy for fishermen in coastal villages across the province.
+==[[More than 6,000 workers regularized in Bicol]]==
-Salceda advised residents not to cross flood waters or swollen rivers. He also directed various local disaster councils to activate their respective operation centers for close monitoring of weather bulletins and PDRRMC advisories.
+{{:More than 6,000 workers regularized in Bicol}}
-==Albay fishers get support==
+==[[RTF-ELCAC to guarantee quality of life for Bicolanos]]==
-*Source: http://manilastandardtoday.com/2012/10/23/albay-fishers-get-support/
-*By: Manila Standard Today
-*''Tuesday, October 23, 2012''
-POOR and marginalized Albay fisherman can now look forward to a more sustainable livelihood after their provincial government provided them vital fishing gear.
+{{:RTF-ELCAC to guarantee quality of life for Bicolanos}}
-The Albay office in Makati City said their provincial government recently distributed fishing equipment to over 200 sustenance fishermen under its CRABS++ program as part of its continuing fight against poverty particularly in coastal villages.
+==[[182K pupils in Bicol benefit from school-based feeding program]]==
-CRABS stands for the four main islands of Albay along its Pacific coast—Cagraray, Rapurapu, Batan and San Miguel—where a special poverty alleviation program was pioneered by Albay Gov. Joey Salceda. It is also the acronym for Coastal Resource Agri-Bio System Development Program Strategy or CRABS++, the special program’s official name.
+{{:182K pupils in Bicol benefit from school-based feeding program}}
-From Legazpi City, Salceda said the distribution of fishing gear is also aimed at fully stamping out sporadic illegal fishing in the waters of Albay, protecting the environment and providing sustainable income source for marginal fishermen in these areas.
+==[[OCD-5 taps youth for disaster preparedness and resilience]]==
-The CRABS++ or CRABS plus-plus program is referred to as such because its original area coverage —the four islands—was expanded to include Albay’s western coastal areas. A contracted survey of resources in these areas by the Pacific Blue, a group of foreign and local divers. will be completed shortly.
+{{:OCD-5 taps youth for disaster preparedness and resilience}}
-Salceda said CRABS++ is designed to help develop Albay’s coastal barangays through new and improved ways to optimize if not maximize the beneficial utilization of, and development of the area’s resources and potentials.
+==[[DepEd Bicol directs schools to intensify anti-dengue campaign]]==
-The 200 sets of fishing gear came from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources in the form of a grant, approved by BFAR Regional Director Dennis V. Del Socorro.
+{{:DepEd Bicol directs schools to intensify anti-dengue campaign}}
-==Albay officials bullish on Poet Laureate’s role in tourism enhancement==
+==[[Legazpi City features “green” initiatives at int'l forum]]==
-*Source: http://manilastandardtoday.com/2012/10/22/albay-officials-bullish-on-poet-laureates-role-in-tourism-enhancement/
-*By: manilastandardtoday.com
-*''Monday, October 22, 2012''
-LEGAZPI CITY – Albay officials here have expressed bullish optimism the Poet Laureate office they established recently will do wonders to the tourism development program of their province.
+{{:Legazpi City features “green” initiatives at int'l forum}}
-The honorific Poet Laureate position was created through an ordinance passed by the Albay Sangguniang Panlalawigan recently. It has been tasked to oversee, promote and enhance the implementation of the cultural and literary programs of the province and made a part of its Provincial Education Department (PED).
+==[[Lawmaker apologizes for punching waiter]]==
-Albay Gov. Joey Salceda has implemented various innovative governance and tourism-oriented programs here, along with festivals and literary events including poetry promotion which is seen by many to have added depth and substance to the Albayano culture.
+{{:Lawmaker apologizes for punching waiter}}
-Albay has already made impressive strides and gains in tourism development. Records show its tourist arrivals in 2011 had hit 178,000, an increase that was significantly higher than the national growth rate for the year.
+==[[DOH-5 sounds alarm on 55% spike in dengue cases]]==
-Board Member Embestro who authored the ordinance creating the office said literature and poetry play a significant role in the rich cultural heritage of Albayanos as manifested by their many festivals held year round. Among such festivals are the Magayon, Daragang Magayon, Ibalong, Cagsawa, Pulang Angui, Arandurugan, Quipia, Lubid, and Coron.
+{{:DOH-5 sounds alarm on 55% spike in dengue cases}}
-Embestro said the program of the Poet Laureate office will lend a more romantic essence to their province’s tourism program since “literature shapes diverse lives and poetry stimulates people to better appreciate and comprehend culture and history.”
+==[[Plan to 'light up' Mayon Volcano draws flak]]==
-In promptly approving the position, Salceda pointed out that in the olden days, a Poet Laureate is a regular post in the King’s Court.
+{{:Plan to 'light up' Mayon Volcano draws flak}}
-Albay recently hosted the two-day First Asean Tourism Workshop on Climate Change which was attended by tourism ministers and policy makers from the 10 member-countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) which groups Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Laos, Malaysia, Myanmar, the Philippines, Singapore, Thailand and Vietnam.
+==[[Police, community collaboration underscored in PCR month]]==
-==Farmers’ co-ops disown seized rice==
+{{:Police, community collaboration underscored in PCR month}}
-*Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/291630/farmers-co-ops-disown-seized-rice
-*By: Mar S. Arguelles
-*''Friday, October 19, 2012''
-Firm surfaces at hearing to claim ownership of shipment from Vietnam
+==[[Legazpi in Albay, Zamboanga City conduct anti-dengue cleanup drives]]==
-LEGAZPI CITY—The mystery deepens over the P141 million worth of rice believed to be smuggled from Vietnam and which found its way to this city’s port.
+{{:Legazpi in Albay, Zamboanga City conduct anti-dengue cleanup drives}}
-At a hearing yesterday here, three farmers’ groups that were listed as consignees of the rice shipment denied that they sought permits to import the rice.
+==[[DOH heightens drive to combat dengue in Bicol]]==
-Representatives of the farmers groups—Ugnayan Magbubukid ng San Isidro, Pampanga (Ugnayan); Karapatan Takusa Multi-Purpose Cooperative Malipampang Concerned Citizen Inc. (Karapatan) and Samahan ng Magsasakang Kapampangan at Katagalogan (SMKK)—told the Bureau of Customs that they did not import the rice.
+{{:DOH heightens drive to combat dengue in Bicol}}
-In the same hearing, a private firm surfaced to claim ownership of the shipment. Representatives of the firm Green Valley United Corp. told Customs officials at the hearing that the firm is the shipment’s owner although it is not listed as a consignee.
+==[[DOH-5 warns public on rainy season diseases]]==
-The shipment, consisting of 94,000 bags of Vietnam rice, arrived at the city port last Sept. 2. It was consigned to the National Food Authority on behalf of several farmers’ cooperatives that included the three groups that denied having any role in the importation.
+{{:DOH-5 warns public on rainy season diseases}}
-A list of the consignees purportedly showed that 21,000 bags were for Ugnayan, 21,000 bags were for Karapatan and 18,000 bags were for SMKK. The three farmers’ cooperatives, however, denied that they were consignees of the rice shipment.
+==[[PDEA-5 enforces  encompassing strategy to curb illegal drugs]]==
-Only two of the farmers’ groups that are listed as consignees acknowledged the importation. They are the Sili Multi-Purpose Cooperative and the Samahan ng mga Kapampangan sa San Ildefonso. Representatives of the two groups claimed they have importation documents.
+{{:PDEA-5 enforces  encompassing strategy to curb illegal drugs}}
-Also at the Customs hearing here, the lawyer of Ming Truong Shipping Lines, the agent that brought in the rice, filed a motion asking Customs officials to release the vessel used for the shipment, MV Minh Tuan 68, and discharge the rice cargo.
+==[[Light up Mayon Volcano? No plans yet, says Albay tourism official]]==
-The Customs bureau had issued a warrant of seizure and detention that prevented the vessel from leaving the city port and prevented the release of the rice cargo.
+{{:Light up Mayon Volcano? No plans yet, says Albay tourism official}}
-The shipping company claimed that it has been incurring huge losses since the vessel was prevented from leaving the city port and kept docked there for more than a month now.
+==[[DOTr assures completion of Bicol International Airport by June 2020]]==
-Christopher Inducil, lawyer and Customs hearing officer, said the Customs bureau would soon decide when to release the vessel. Inducil said the vessel was found to have complied with environmental laws after an inspection by the Philippine Coast Guard.
+{{:DOTr assures completion of Bicol International Airport by June 2020}}
-Inducil said the bureau would also decide on a request by those behind the rice shipment to transfer the venue of the hearing to the Customs office in Manila. A decision may be out on this matter by Nov. 8, according to Inducil.
+==[[NFA-Bicol excludes Albay in gov't rice distribution]]==
-==Controversy over Vietnam rice heats up==
+{{:NFA-Bicol excludes Albay in gov't rice distribution}}
-*Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/291416/controversy-over-vietnam-rice-heats-up
-*By: Mar S. Arguelles
-*''Thursday, October 18, 2012''
-LEGAZPI CITY, Philippines—The controversy over the allegedly smuggled 94,000 bags of Vietnam rice worth P141 million continued to brew after three of the consignees of the National Food Authority denied they ordered the importation while another organization not on the list claimed ownership of part of the shipment.
+==[[DOH-Bicol steps up household, school-based deworming of kids]]==
-At the Bureau of Customs hearing held here on Wednesday, representatives of supposed consignees Ugnayan Magbubukid ng San Isidro, Pampanga, Karapatan Takusa Multi Purpose Cooperative Malipampang Concerned Citizen Inc., and Samahan ng Magsasakang Kapampangan at Katagalogan denied they participated in the importation of the 94,000 bags rice.
+{{:DOH-Bicol steps up household, school-based deworming of kids}}
-Representatives of these multipurpose cooperatives told the hearing officers they had no knowledge of the rice importation.
+==[[2019 Nutrition Month celebration kicks off in Albay]]==
-Only the Sili Multi Purpose Cooperative, and the Samahan ng mga Kapampangan sa San Ildefonso–who were on the list of consignees–claimed ownership of the imported rice, saying they have the import documents.
+{{:2019 Nutrition Month celebration kicks off in Albay}}
-In an unusual turn of events, the representatives of Green Valley United Corp. appeared at the hearing and claimed ownership of the shipment although their entity was not included in the NFA list of consignees.
+==[[DTI confiscates P2.1-M uncertified products in Bicol]]==
-The 94,000 bags of Vietnam rice arrived at the Legazpi port on September 2.
+{{:DTI confiscates P2.1-M uncertified products in Bicol}}
-The cargo was consigned to the NFA for the account of the Ugnayan  Magbubukid ng San Isidro, Inc., Magumbali, Candaba, Pampanga (21,000 bags of Vietnam rice); Karapatan Takusa Multi Purpose Coop of Mapanicqui Candaba, Palawan (21,000 bags); Malipampang Concern Citizen Multi Purpose Coop, Malipampang, San Ildefonso Bulacan (18,000 bags); Samahan ng Magsasakang Capangpangan at Katagalogan Multi Purpose Coop, Garlang San Ildefonso, Bulacan (18,000 bags); and Sili Multi Purpose Coop, Sili Naguilian La Union (16,000 bags).
+==[[Salceda sees more structural reforms]]==
-At the hearing, the legal counsel of Ming Truong Shipping lines, the agent of Vietnamese vessel M/V Minh Tuan 68 that brought the cargo to this city, filed a motion requesting the BOC to release the vessel and discharge the cargo subject of the BOC Warrant of Seizure and Detention (WSD).
+{{:Salceda sees more structural reforms}}
-The shipping company claimed it has incurred huge revenue losses because the vessel has been detained at the port of Legazpi for more than a month.
+==[[Water supply in Albay town villages starts to improve]]==
-Lawyer Christopher Inducil, BOC hearing officer, said they would soon decide on when to release the vessel after noting that shipping company has addressed all the environmental violations earlier found by inspectors from the Philippine Coast Guard.
+{{:Water supply in Albay town villages starts to improve}}
-Inducil said there was also a request from the consignees to change the hearing venue to the BOC office in Manila. The matter would be decided on the hearing to be held here on November 8, he said.
+==[[Security tightened around Bicol Intl Airport as construction continues]]==
-==DTI urges consumers to be vigilant==
+{{:Security tightened around Bicol Intl Airport as construction continues}}
-*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=771350436024
-*By: Sally A. Atento
-*''Wednesday, October 17, 2012''
-LEGAZPI CITY- In time for the observance of the Consumers Welfare Month this October, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) has reminded anew consumers to be vigilant especially in buying goods and services.
+==[[6 Bicolano’s top 10 in Nurse Licensure Exam]]==
-“We advise consumer to always be vigilant and critically aware of their rights in buying goods and services. Their purchase should be commensurate with the money parted,” said DTI Consumer Welfare Division (CWD) Chief Helen Manila in the Ugnayan sa Bicol radio program of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) here.
+{{:6 Bicolano’s top 10 in Nurse Licensure Exam}}
-Manila said DTI will be conducting various activities in the region as the leading agency for this year’s celebration.
+==[[Bicol health officials continue fight vs. measles, dengue]]==
-In line with the theme “Get organized, be heard, be empowered” said activities will focus on consumer rights education as stated in the Republic Act 7394 or the Consumer Act of the Philippines.
+{{:Bicol health officials continue fight vs. measles, dengue}}
-“Under this act, consumers have eight basic rights. These include the right to basic needs, safety, information, representation, choice, redress, consumer education and healthy environment,” Manila explained.
+==[[Public consultation on Universal Health Care to kick off in Bicol]]==
-Manila said the need for consumers to be aware of misleading labels and advertisements by reading the specified information especially the precautions and warning in using it.
+{{:Public consultation on Universal Health Care to kick off in Bicol}}
-“They can even file a complaint if the information does not correspond with the actual product. We have our consumer complaint desks not only in our office but also in different business establishments to address the concerns of our consumers,” said the DTI CWD chief.
+==[[Albay newsmen learn DRRM in one-day seminar]]==
-Also clarified is the “no return, no exchange” policy which has been prohibited by the DTI.
+{{:Albay newsmen learn DRRM in one-day seminar}}
-Manila said the agency should be notified about stores that have a “no return, no exchange” policy. She said, however, that such policy is not absolute. Consumers are allowed to return or exchange products only due to defects and not simply because they changed their mind about wanting the product.
+==[[DOTr eyes completion of Bicol Int’l Airport by June 2020]]==
-==Man, wife and sis-in-law nabbed for drugs==
+{{:DOTr eyes completion of Bicol Int’l Airport by June 2020}}
-*Source: http://www.philstar.com/nation/article.aspx?publicationsubcategoryid=200&articleid=858369
-*By: www.philstar.com
-*''Thursday, October 11, 2012''
-A man, his wife and sister-in-law were arrested in an anti-narcotics operation in Tabaco City, Albay on Wednesday morning.
+==[[DA-Bicol turns over P3-M building to Albay town coop]]==
-Christian Frivaldo, deputy regional director of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency-Bicol, identified the suspects as Adonis Villanueva, his wife Airene Kallos and sister-in-law Lani.
+{{:DA-Bicol turns over P3-M building to Albay town coop}}
-Frivaldo said that that suspects were arrested after joint teams from the PDEA and Albay provincial police office searched their house in Barangay Sto. Cristo, which resulted in the confiscation of 12 sachets of suspected shabu and several drug paraphernalia.
+==[[2019 Le Tour de Filipinas organizers laud Legazpi City LGU]]==
-Charges for violations of Section 11, Article II of Republic Act 9165 have been filed against the three suspects at the City Prosecutors Office.
+{{:2019 Le Tour de Filipinas organizers laud Legazpi City LGU}}
-==Tabaco City wants to be named country’s ‘padyak’ capital==
+==[[GSIS invites applicants to its 2019 enhanced scholarship program]]==
-*Source: http://businessmirror.com.ph/index.php/news/regions/318-tabaco-city-wants-to-be-named-country-s-padyak-capital
-*By: Manly M. Ugalde
-*''Tuesday, October 09, 2012''
-TABACO CITY, Albay— Known for its cutlery making, this city of 45 barangays continues the building of manually operated tricycles called “padyak.”
+{{:GSIS invites applicants to its 2019 enhanced scholarship program}}
-This “city of love” wants to be unofficially declared as the “padyak” capital of the country and recognized as such in the Guinness Book of World Records.
+==[['Bata Balik Eskwela' urges kids to go back to school]]==
-Estimated to number around 10,000 units when Tabaco became a city nine years ago, City Hall statistics, however, show that only about 600 operate with duly registered and duly issued plate numbers.
+{{:'Bata Balik Eskwela' urges kids to go back to school}}
-About three decades ago, a “padyak” owner said tricycles were free to operate without any registration but then mayor Jaime Berces tried to limit their numger because of the rampant complaints of overcharging.
+==[[Twin commemorations draw attention to plight of child laborers]]==
-Berces thus imposed the mandatory registration, and the issuance of plate and body numbers to help them trace erring drivers. He also wanted to limit the number of units to decongest Tabaco roads.
+{{:Twin commemorations draw attention to plight of child laborers}}
-To make his campaign effective, Berces even imposed registration charges in addition to the 25- centavo daily ticket collected on “padyak” by city collectors. Berces’ formula, however, went ineffective as “padyak” units continued to proliferate. He then increased the registration fee to P300. At that time, about 2,000 units were already operating.
+==[[PH riders make podium]]==
-Today, Tabaco City has to contend with accommodating “padyak” units. To decongest traffic, the city barred the units from using the city national poblacion road from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily.
+{{:PH riders make podium}}
-Today, about 10,000 residents make the “padyak” their main source of livelihood.  Mayor Krisel Lagman-Luistro wants Tabaco recognized in the Guinness Book of World Records as the “padyak” capital of the Philippines.  Luistro even included with pride “padyak” parade with operators in uniform during a colorful annual celebration of the city’s Tabak festival.
+==[[Albay farmers affected by dry spell get P1.1-M assistance]]==
-But traffic policemen admit that tricycles have become a bane in the city, saying operators do not earn enough for a decent livelihood. They said a “padyak” operator seldom earns P100 a day, blaming the low income to the excessive numbers of units operating daily and night.
+{{:Albay farmers affected by dry spell get P1.1-M assistance}}
-City Councilor Fred Adalla, chair committee on public utilities and transportation admitted the problem facing the city about the proliferation of tricycles saying passengers are complaining they are victims of high charges ranging from P30 to P50. But he said the city is not stopping in looking for solutions to minimize the problem.
+==[[Albay’s waterless villages cry for help]]==
-==Bicol Express Online Ticket Mulled==
+{{:Albay’s waterless villages cry for help}}
-*Source: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/375988/bicol-express-online-ticket-mulled
-*By: KRIS BAYOS
-*''Friday, October 05, 2012''
-The Philippine National Railways (PNR) is mulling the implementation of online ticketing for the interprovincial trips of the Bicol Express as soon as it will start operations up to Legazpi City in Albay.
+==[[Salceda files bill, eyes schools of technology]]==
-PNR General Manager Junio Ragrario said it is inconveniencing Bicol Express passengers is they have to go to the train station twice: first, to buy their tickets ahead of scheduled trips and second, to board their assigned trains on the date of travel.
+{{:Salceda files bill, eyes schools of technology}}
-“We are mulling the possibility of ticketing for Bicol Express through the Internet so that passengers will only have to go to the train station once, which is during their scheduled trips,” Ragrario added.
+==[[P400-K shabu seized from 4 suspects in Legazpi City]]==
-The rail official said the online ticketing that they are studying to use for the Bicol Express would be similar to the online ticketing for airline passengers.
+{{:P400-K shabu seized from 4 suspects in Legazpi City}}
-But since online ticketing would require payment using credit cards, it may not be convenient for all types of passengers, Ragrario said, adding that cash payment for advance ticketing at train stations may still be available for the benefit of those who do not have credit cards.
+==[[DepEd Bicol opens Balik Eskwela assistance centers]]==
-However, the PNR’s commuter line running from Tutuban in Manila to Alabang in Muntinlupa City will still implement manual ticketing until the government bids out an automatic fare collection system for the PNR, and the Light and Metro Rail Transit systems.
+{{:DepEd Bicol opens Balik Eskwela assistance centers}}
-Meanwhile, the rehabilitation of rail tracks and train stations in Albay is ongoing to allow the Bicol Express to run up to Legazpi City before the annual exodus of people to the provinces for their Christmas and New Year’s vacation.
+==[[Albay representative asks SC to stop EDSA provincial bus ban]]==
-“We target to finish by December so that the Bicol Express could transport passengers up to Legazpi City in time for Christmas,” he said.
+{{:Albay representative asks SC to stop EDSA provincial bus ban}}
-Ragrario said the trip from Manila to Legazpi City aboard Bicol Express will be 13 to 14 hours long but they will make its fare “very competitive” with the rates of ordinary buses to lure passengers to opt for the comfort of rail travel.
+==[[NEDA Bill gains support]]==
-Wooden larch ties are being installed in the Travesia bridge between Polangui and Guinobatan. There are at least 15 to 20 kilometers of rail tracks between Guinobatan and Legazpi City that need inspection and rehabilitation before the PNR’s Bicol Express can service the route. The stations in Guinobatan, Camalig, Daraga and Legazpi City will also need renovation for the reopening.
+{{:NEDA Bill gains support}}
-There is a total distance of 30 kilometer between Ligao and Legazpi City stations and a total of 478 kilometers from Tutuban to Legazpi City.
+==[[LTO-5 promotes road safety among school kids]]==
-==Albay allots P36-M fund for higher education scholarship==
+{{:LTO-5 promotes road safety among school kids}}
-*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=771349312379
-*By: Sally A. Atento
-*''Thursday, October 04, 2012''
-LEGAZPI CITY- This province is taking into heart that education may free one from poverty hence, the province of Albay has allocated P36 million for its Albay Higher Education Contractual Scheme (AHECS) scholarship program benefiting around 34,000 scholars in the province.
+==[[Le Tour de Filipinas officials urge youth to embrace sports]]==
-Albay Governor Jose Salceda said 14,000 of these scholars are expected to graduate this year from their four-year course.
+{{:Le Tour de Filipinas officials urge youth to embrace sports}}
-Salceda noted that the AHECS program has produced around 144,000 to 186,000 scholars from 53 colleges and universities in the province since its implementation in 2010.
+==[[DOST launches regional invention fair]]==
-Scholars under the said program are supported until they graduate through a deferred payment scheme. Part of their school fees are paid by the provincial government through the P5, 000 enrollment assistance given per semester of study.
+{{:DOST launches regional invention fair}}
-Committee on Education chairman and Albay board member Arnold Embestro, however, said that they temporarily stopped accepting AHECS scholars this year due to the unexpected budget cut from the internal revenue allotment of the province.
+==[[DSWD Bicol offers 3,670 jobs for Listahanan]]==
-Acceptance of new AHECS scholars is expected to resume next year.
+{{:DSWD Bicol offers 3,670 jobs for Listahanan}}
-Meanwhile, Salceda clarified that the provincial government has ongoing education assistance programs for deserving college students aside from the AHECS such as the Emergency Financial Assistance to Students in Tertiary Education.
+==[[Newly-elected city councilors vow to support Legazpi City’s programs]]==
-The AHECS program is part of the Education Quality for Albayanos (Equal) project of Salceda which aims to produce a college graduate in every Albayano home.
+{{:Newly-elected city councilors vow to support Legazpi City’s programs}}
-==78 monitored for dengue-like disease in Albay village — health official==
+==[[Fishermen discover P5.3-cocaine in Albay]]==
-*Source: www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/276450/news/regions/78-monitored-for-dengue-like-disease-in-albay-village-mdash-health-official
-*By: KBK, GMA News
-*''Tuesday, October 02, 2012''
-Some 78 residents in a village in Albay province are being monitored for a dengue-like disease, the provincial health officer there said Tuesday.
+{{:Fishermen discover P5.3-cocaine in Albay}}
-Provincial health office head Dr. Luis Mendoza said that while the 78 showed signs of chikungunya, a viral disease spread by mosquitoes that causes fever and severe joint pain, they did not need to be hospitalized.
-"Nang nagpunta kami kahapon para i-validate namin, ang initial, umabot na lang sa 78. Ang iba hindi talaga chikungunya," Mendoza said in an interview on dzBB radio. "Walang naospital, outpatient lahat."
-He said they have taken blood samples from the patients and are continuously monitoring the situation.
-Mendoza stressed residents must keep their surroundings clean to prevent mosquitoes that carry the disease from breeding. "Kailangan maglinis pa rin," he said.
-A separate report on state-run Philippine Information Agency cited initial reports that 83 residents in Barangay San Ramon in Rapu-Rapu in Albay were afflicted by chikungunya.
-Albay Governor Jose Salceda ordered Mendoza to check on the reported sudden rise of chikungunya cases over the last three weeks there.
-Symptoms, treatment
-The World Health Organization’s March 2008 fact sheet said symptoms of chikungunya include muscle pain, headache, nausea, fatigue and rashes.
-“The disease shares some clinical signs with dengue, and can be misdiagnosed in areas where dengue is common. There is no cure for the disease. Treatment is focused on relieving the symptoms,” the WHO said.
-It added the proximity of mosquito breeding sites to human habitation is a significant risk factor for chikungunya.
-The WHO said the disease occurs in Africa, Asia and the Indian subcontinent though it has recently spread to Europe and the Americas.
-Signs and symptoms include an abrupt onset of fever frequently accompanied by joint pain.
-“The joint pain is often very debilitating, but usually ends within a few days or weeks. Most patients recover fully, but in some cases joint pain may persist for several months, or even years. Occasional cases of eye, neurological and heart complications have been reported, as well as gastrointestinal complaints. Serious complications are not common, but in older people, the disease can contribute to the cause of death. Often symptoms in infected individuals are mild and the infection may go unrecognized, or be misdiagnosed in areas where dengue occurs,” it said.
-After the bite of an infected mosquito, illness occurs usually between four and eight days but can range from two to 12 days.
-“There are no specific drugs to cure the disease. Treatment is directed primarily at relieving the symptoms, including the joint pain. There is no commercial chikungunya vaccine,” the WHO said.
-==83 villagers fall ill with Chikungunya fever in Albay’s Rapu-rapu==
+==[[Man killed in mauling incident in Tabaco City]]==
-*Source: http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/280632/83-villagers-fall-ill-with-chikungunya-fever-in-albays-rapu-rapu
-*By: Mar S. Arguelles
-*''Monday, October 01, 2012''
-LEGAZPI CITY, ALBAY, Philippines – Chikungunya fever, a mosquito-borne disease, struck a village on Batan Island of the town of Rapu-Rapu in Albay, afflicting some 83 villagers, Albay Gov. Joey Salceda said Monday.
+{{:Man killed in mauling incident in Tabaco City}}
-Salceda said he has directed Dr. Luis Mendoza, the provincial health officer, to check on the reported sudden rise of the chikungunya fever cases over the last three weeks in Barangay San Ramon, Batan.
+==[[Youth officials, cancer patient among PPCRV volunteers in Albay]]==
-Chikungunya fever is similar to dengue but is milder in form and without bleeding. Symptoms include on and off fever, rashes and muscle and body pains, according to the Department of Health.
+{{:Youth officials, cancer patient among PPCRV volunteers in Albay}}
-The governor said municipal health employees reported that the cases of the mosquito-borne disease in the Barangay San Ramon stood at 70 in the middle of September and surged to 83 cases by the end of the month.
+==[[Albay elections peaceful, results credible despite glitches in VCMs, SD cards]]==
-Batan is one of the three islands under the town of Rapu-Rapu.
+{{:Albay elections peaceful, results credible despite glitches in VCMs, SD cards}}
-The others are Guinanayan and Rapu-Rapu, where the town center is situated.
+==[[Business and leisure in Legazpi City]]==
-Batan is only accessible by boat and is about three hours by boat from this city.
+{{:Business and leisure in Legazpi City}}
-Salceda said he also directed the provincial health office to closely coordinate with the municipal health office employees due to the absence of a full time municipal doctor in the area.
+==[[DSWD-Bicol to hire 3.6K workers for Listahanan program]]==
-He said a PHO epidemiology surveillance team would start gathering laboratory examinations specimens from the patients that would be sent brought to the Department of Health (DOH) in Bicol, located in this city, for analysis.
+{{:DSWD-Bicol to hire 3.6K workers for Listahanan program}}
-Mendoza, who went to Batan with a team of medical personnel, brought along medicines to treat the patients that fell ill of chikungunya fever.
+==[[Albay Archived News]]==
+The older news reports are kept [[Albay Archived News|here]].

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