Difference between revisions of "Catanduanes News"

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<center>[[Catanduanes Province, Philippines|<font size=4>'''Province of Catanduanes'''</font>]] - [[Catanduanes Archived News|<font size=4 color=green>'''Archived News'''</font>]]</center>
<center>[[Catanduanes Province, Philippines|<font size=4>'''Province of Catanduanes'''</font>]] - [[Catanduanes Archived News|<font size=4 color=green>'''Archived News'''</font>]]</center>
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==Bangko Sentral grants regulatory relief to banks affected by “Sendong”==
*Source: http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=1&t=1&id=70543
*By: Jerome Carlo R. Paunan
*''January 02, 2012''
To assist and ease the financial burden of bank customers adversely hit by tropical storm Sendong, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is granting regulatory relief measures to thrift, rural, and cooperative banks in the affected areas.
Sendong devastated several parts of the country, particularly the Visayas and Mindanao regions, on December 2011.
Eligible for the relief measures are those in the following areas identified by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council which include Region V: '''Catanduanes'''; Region VI: Capiz; Region VII: Bohol and Negros Oriental; Region IX: Zamboanga del Norte; Region X: Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental and Misamis Oriental; Region XI: Compostela Valley and Davao del Norte; Region XIII (CARAGA): Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur; and Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM): Lanao del Sur.
Similar relief measures were extended by the BSP to thrift and rural/cooperative banks in cities/provinces that were affected by landslide/flooding last September 2011 and previous typhoons such as Frank, Ondoy, Pepeng, Juaning, Mina, and Pedring.
In a statement, the BSP said that its policy-making body, the Monetary Board, has approved some temporary relief measures which include:
1. Reducing the five percent general loan loss provision to one percent for restructured loans of borrowers in the affected areas;
2. Excluding existing loans of borrowers in affected areas from the computation of past due ratios provided these are restructured or given relief;
3. Non-imposition of penalties on legal reserves deficiencies with head office and/or branches in the affected areas;
4. Moratorium on monthly payments due to BSP for banks with ongoing rehabilitation programs;
5. Subject to BSP approval, booking of allowance for probable losses on a staggered basis over maximum of five years for all types of credit extended to individual and businesses directly affected by the calamity;
6. Non-imposition of monetary penalties for delays in the submission of supervisory reports;
7. Allowing banks to provide financial assistance to their officers and employees who were affected by the calamity including those assistance that may not be within the scope of the existing BSP-approved Fringe Benefit Program;
8. Granting of a 60-day grace period to settle the outstanding rediscounting obligations as of December 15, 2011 with the BSP of all rediscounting banks in the affected areas; and
9. Allowing banks to restructure with the BSP, on a case-to-case basis, the outstanding rediscounted loans of borrowers affected by the calamity.
These measures will be in effect for a defined period and covered by additional specific and other prudential conditions, the BSP said.
==CSCLS tops 2nd Christmas Serenade==
==CSCLS tops 2nd Christmas Serenade==
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r05&id=70347
*Source: http://pia.gov.ph/?m=7&r=r05&id=70347

Revision as of 12:53, 2 January 2012

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Province of Catanduanes - Archived News

Bangko Sentral grants regulatory relief to banks affected by “Sendong”

To assist and ease the financial burden of bank customers adversely hit by tropical storm Sendong, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) is granting regulatory relief measures to thrift, rural, and cooperative banks in the affected areas.

Sendong devastated several parts of the country, particularly the Visayas and Mindanao regions, on December 2011.

Eligible for the relief measures are those in the following areas identified by the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council which include Region V: Catanduanes; Region VI: Capiz; Region VII: Bohol and Negros Oriental; Region IX: Zamboanga del Norte; Region X: Bukidnon, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental and Misamis Oriental; Region XI: Compostela Valley and Davao del Norte; Region XIII (CARAGA): Agusan del Sur and Surigao del Sur; and Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM): Lanao del Sur.

Similar relief measures were extended by the BSP to thrift and rural/cooperative banks in cities/provinces that were affected by landslide/flooding last September 2011 and previous typhoons such as Frank, Ondoy, Pepeng, Juaning, Mina, and Pedring.

In a statement, the BSP said that its policy-making body, the Monetary Board, has approved some temporary relief measures which include:

1. Reducing the five percent general loan loss provision to one percent for restructured loans of borrowers in the affected areas;

2. Excluding existing loans of borrowers in affected areas from the computation of past due ratios provided these are restructured or given relief;

3. Non-imposition of penalties on legal reserves deficiencies with head office and/or branches in the affected areas;

4. Moratorium on monthly payments due to BSP for banks with ongoing rehabilitation programs;

5. Subject to BSP approval, booking of allowance for probable losses on a staggered basis over maximum of five years for all types of credit extended to individual and businesses directly affected by the calamity;

6. Non-imposition of monetary penalties for delays in the submission of supervisory reports;

7. Allowing banks to provide financial assistance to their officers and employees who were affected by the calamity including those assistance that may not be within the scope of the existing BSP-approved Fringe Benefit Program;

8. Granting of a 60-day grace period to settle the outstanding rediscounting obligations as of December 15, 2011 with the BSP of all rediscounting banks in the affected areas; and

9. Allowing banks to restructure with the BSP, on a case-to-case basis, the outstanding rediscounted loans of borrowers affected by the calamity.

These measures will be in effect for a defined period and covered by additional specific and other prudential conditions, the BSP said.

CSCLS tops 2nd Christmas Serenade

VIRAC, Catanduanes- The Catanduanes State Colleges Laboratory Schools (CSCLS) Elementary Department was declared the champion of the 2nd Christmas Serenade held on Thursday, December 29 at Virac Plaza Rizal.

Featured on the second staging of the Christmas Serenade were voices of different children’s chorale from six contending primary schools in Virac town.

The said event was spearheaded by the Congressional District Office (CDO) under the leadership of Congressman Cesar V. Sarmiento.

The contest aims to display local music talents and provide a meaningful entertainment along with other performing arts displayed in Christmas Cheers celebration.

The champion school, CSCLS received P20, 000. Virac Pilot Elementary School (VPES), the 2nd placer received P15, 000 while the 3rd place, Gogon Central Elementary School (GCES) took home P10, 000.

Other participating schools were Hawan Elementary School, Taytay Elementary School and Virac Central Elementary school. Each received P3, 000 as consolation prize.

The groups were composed of not more than twenty (20) members who are all bona fide pupils of the school they represent and one conductor who is a faculty member in the same competing school.

The contending chorale groups rendered a generic pre-arranged song ‘Carol of the Bells’ and another Christmas jingle of their choice in either “acapella” version or with live guitar-piano accompaniments only. Each school was given a minimum of six minutes but not exceed eight minutes presentation time.

Customized shirts of the contestants were provided by the congressional district office which also served as a part of their costumes.

Criteria for judging included 30% equally allotted for musicality (tone quality, pitch, power, control, phrase); musicianship (balance, blend, accuracy of rhythm and diction); and visual appeal (costume, posture and poise, gesture, expression and techniques).

Audience appeal, with 10% came from attitude towards audience, response from audience and general appeal.

Aside from the competition, a stand-up comedian from Manila and a fireworks display graced the congressman’s night.

Local students to benefit from SEEDS Program

VIRAC, Catanduanes- The Jollibee Foods Corporation's Skills Enhancement and Education Development for Students (SEEDS) program being implemented by JFC stores nationwide is expected to benefit local students in the province after the launching of its 746th branch nationwide in Virac last December 20, 2011.

SEEDS program aims to help qualified students pursue post-secondary education through the provision of financial assistance and to enable students to acquire job competencies – skills, attitudes and work values through in-store training, thus enhancing employability upon completion of post-secondary education.

The program components are the following: Interest-free tuition loan (max. amount of P12,000 for semestral schools; P10,000 for trimestral schools), training stipend net of tuition loan, in-store training ranging from 24-36 hours/week during regular semester and 48 training hours/week during school breaks and values formation and leadership development programs

Qualified to participate in the program are those 18-26 years old, at least High School graduate and enrolled in participating partner schools, with a GWA of 80 percent or higher, possess a strong desire to finish post-secondary education, of good moral character, demonstrate character traits that are suited to the service industry and not a recipient of any scholarship grant. Students from marginalized families will be given utmost priority.

SEEDS is a joint project of Jollibee Foods Corporation & the Department of Labor & Employment under the YE-YE Program which is a DOLE project addressing the education-to-employment (E2E) needs of the youth which envisions them as educated, endowed with proper work habits, disciplined and highly employable.

The Jollibee store in the province was blessed last December 19, 2011 and formally opened on December 20 with 115 employees where 65 of which are Catandunganons.

New floods wipe villages out

The fresh floods in the Visayas and Mindanao affected more than 10,00 families, but no fatalities were reported even as raging floodwaters wiped out two “puroks” or subvillages in Bukidnon, authorities said on Wednesday.

However, the flood-causing rains spawned by a low pressure area (LPA) and the tail-end of a cold on Monday and Tuesday killed at least six people in Luzon, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said.

In its bulletin issued late Wednesday afternoon, the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) said the number of flash flood victims in Caraga region, composed of five provinces and six cities, rose to 11,768 families or 57,874 individuals.

As of press time, the NDRRMC also reported that the weather has improved and floodwaters have subsided in most of the 240 villages and 14 affected provinces nationwide.

In Bukidnon, Col. Leopoldo Galon, spokesman of the Eastern Mindanao Command (Eastmincom) said flash floods due to continuous rain since Monday “completely wiped out two puroks in Barangay Batangan, Valencia City.”

Houses and properties of residents were washed out by flood including agricultural crops, said Galon.

He said no casualty was reported as the affected families were immediately rescued by responding military and police personnel.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) said 915 flood victims temporarily sought shelter in three evacuation centers.

But the LPA which dumped heavy rains in parts of Luzon, particularly Isabela, Mindoro, and Catanduanes claimed six lives.

Four people drowned in Isabela province after their ferryboat capsized due to strong water current while crossing Magat River going to Ifugao.

Two other people died in flooding that hit Barangay San Isidro, Tabogon in Cebu, while a one-year-old child, identified as Roan Libres, was reported missing in Barangay San Roque, Surigao City.

In Caraga, Army 8th Infantry Battalion Spokesman Jorge Jallorina said: “Some 400 families more have returned today to their respective houses after the water subsided.”

In Agusan del Sur, flooding occurred in Barangays Novele, Cabawan, Libuac, and part of Poblacion in Rosario, Agusan del Sur. A total of 42 families persons were rescued and evacuated to Bayugan East Central Elementary School.

Meanwhile, flooding was also experienced in Davao Del Norte due to the overflowing of Saug/Lubuganon river and Ilog creek. Flood water increased throughout the night, affecting low-lying areas in the towns of Compostela, Montevista, New Bataan, Monkayo, Maco and Nabunturan, all of Compostela Valley.

The NDRRMC said 15 houses were totally destroyed in Barangays Florida and Gupitan in Kapalong, Davao del Norte. Agricultural land planted with banana and rice and the Delta Banana Packing Plant in Kapalong were also destroyed by the floods.

In the Visayas, flooding occurred in the provinces of Capiz and Negros Occidental affecting more than 1,000 families. A landslide was also reported in Banga, Aklan where five houses were destroyed.

Flooded areas in Cebu were Barangays Guadalupe and Mabolo in Cebu City; Barangays Umapad, Banilad, and Paknaan in Mandaue City; Barangays Cansaga and Pitogo in Consolacion, Barangay Cotcot in Carmen, Barangay Flores in Catarmon, Barangay Bagatayan in Sogod; Barangays Look, Poblacion, Maslog and Guinacol in Danao City; Barangay Maslog, Tabogon; Barangays Sta Lucia and Poblacion in Asturias, Barangay Tungkil , Minglanilla and Baragay Mabolo in Cebu City; and Barangays Umapad, Banilad, Pakinaan and Magulkay in Mandaue City.

The NDRRMC said floods also hit Barangays Tacuranga, Cogon and Cangumbang Palo, Leyte due to heavy rains. A minor flooding was also monitored at the low-lying areas of St. Bernard, Southern Leyte due to intermittent rains, while a landslide occurred in Mahaplag-sogod road.

Health office launches Iwas-Paputok campaign

VIRAC, CATANDUANES- The Provincial Health Office here in Catanduanes have launched a campaign dubbed as “Aksyon: Paputok Inquiry Reduction” or APIR (give me five) for a safe, accident-free Christmas and New Year Celebration in the entire province.

The said campaign was launched by the Department of Health last November 2011 which aims to lessen the incidents involving the use of firecrackers and is pursuant to Republic Act No. 7183.

Under Republic Act 7183, manufacture, sale, distribution, and use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices are regulated and controlled to ensure public safety, order and national security as well as the enhancement of the cultural traditions.

In the five reminders of APIR, the dangers of using firecrackers are emphasized especially on the hands of a child. According to DOH’s data, most victims are children aged 10 below with 330 cases last year, comprising 34 percent of the cases.

The reminders of APIR are as follows: the use of firecrackers is dangerous, all kinds of firecrackers or similar entities are not allowed to be used by kids, keep safe from people who are using firecrackers, do not pick firecrackers that failed to blast off and go to the nearest hospital for immediate treatment if you suffered from any injury caused by firecrackers.

In line with this, PHO is very positive that the campaign will prosper and will yield good outcomes compared to previous government campaigns to lessen the victims of firecrackers in the country.

They also urge the public that instead of using firecrackers, people should use small trumpets and beating pots or pans to, "scare away evil spirits."

Moreover, the local government units of the eleven towns of the province and the media are cooperating in strengthening the advocacy of the DOH against firecrackers use.

Virac, Bato sign sisterhood pact with Makati City

VIRAC, Catanduanes- The towns of Virac and Bato here signed sisterhood agreements last November 23, 2011 at the Makati City Hall with Makati.

Present during the signing of the separate memorandum of agreement (MOA) were Bato Mayor Eulogio Rodriguez and Virac Mayor Jose Alberto II with the members of their respective Sangguniang Bayan and Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay Jr.

The MOA will strengthen the friendship ties and mutual understanding of the local government units through exchanges in Science and Technology, Culture and Arts, Tourism, Planning and Urban Development, Commerce and Trade and Industry, Education and Sports Development, Environmental Protection, Public Health and Social Services, and other concerns.

The said towns will also benefit from the sisterhood with regards to the expected assistance from Binay which includes donation of books and multicab, scholarship grants at the University of Makati for the indigent students, calamity assistance, training programs for local officials, and on-the-job observation tours of best practices at the city of Makati to share he best practices.

PRC conducts Mobile Outreach Program in Catanduanes

VIRAC, Catanduanes- The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) conducted a Mobile Outreach Program at the provincial capitol of Catanduanes on November 25-26.

It is the first time for PRC to conduct such service in Catanduanes. According to regional director, Elenita Tan of PRC, the said program aims to make it easy for applicants in the renewal of licenses, registration of new passers, and application for those who would like to take the examination on December 29.

She also said that their program will continue and their agency is also considering the establishment of an extension office in the province.

Repeaters, she added, will have to take the examination on January 30, 2012; while on March 11, 2012 it will be the turn for those taking the Licensure Examination for Teachers (2012).

Those benefited by the program were thankful since it helped them save a lot in terms of convenience, time, money, and effort.

Catanduanes State Colleges, Gender and Development committee lead campaign against violence on women

VIRAC, Catanduanes- The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) here conducted a five-day training on Water Search and Rescue from November 21-25, 2011 at Twin Rock Beach Resort, Virac, Catanduanes.

The said training was organized by PDRRMO pursuant to the memorandum agreement between the provincial government and the Coast Guard in view of the growing number of local fishermen lost at sea during typhoons and bad weather conditions.

Around 57 individuals from five towns of the province participated the said training where only 54 finished the rigorous training conducted by six instructors under the command of LTJG. Jimmy Naisod of the Philippine Coast Guard Bicol Special Operations UNit.

Municipalities of Pandan, Panganiban, Gigmoto and Baras have nine (9) participants each and twelve (12) trainees from the town of Viga.

The fund for the said activity came from Governor Joseph C. Cua's administration with counterpart funding of the participating LGUs.

Catanduanes State Colleges, Gender and Development committee lead campaign against violence on women

VIRAC, Catanduanes- The Catanduanes State Colleges (CSC) Gender and Development (GAD) Committee spearheads the 18-day Campaign to End Violence Agianst Women (VAW) which started last November 25, 2011 and will end on December 12.

In 1999, the UN General Assembly designated 25 November as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Violence against women and girls is a problem of pandemic proportions.

Women's activists have marked 25 November as a day against violence since 1981. The date commemorates the brutal assassination of the three Mirabal sisters, political activists in the Dominican Republic, in 1960 on orders of Dominican dictator Rafael Trujillo (1930-1961).

As a support to the campaign, Dr. Minerva I. Morales, SUC President III of CSC issued a memorandum requiring all teaching, non-teaching personnel and students, except Grades I to IV to participate in the parade and mass held last November 25.

In connection, a Seminar for CSC employees on VAW was held on the same day at the CSC Little Theater from 1:00-5:00 p.m. A whole-day training for Security Guards on Gender Sensitization is also being held today, Nov. 28 and on December 13 at the CSC Little Theater.

Moreover, a Gender Awareness Seminar for Student leaders will also be conducted on December 14 at the audio-visual room for the whole day.

Students from the different college of CSC also joined the activity.

500 day care pupils celebrate early X-mas with Rotary Club

VIRAC, Catanduanes- A total of 500 Day Care Pupils from San Andres town here received an early Christmas present in forms of bags and school supplies from the Rotary Club of Parañaque East as part of their educational program last November 19, 2011 at San Andres Central Elementary School Gymnasium.

Municipal Mayor Antonio Romano and Councilor Jonathan Joson were in attendance during the gift-giving which benefited 29 Day Care Centers in the said town.

The program aims to help pupils especially those in remote barangays to improve their performance ast school.

Rotary Club of Parañaque has been actively supporting series of medical missions in the province which already benefit 5,000 recipients. They are also providing medicines and medicinal supplies to local hospitals and other groups.

The said gift-giving program is also in cooperation with the Congressional District Office under the leadership of Congressman Cesar V. Sarmiento of the Lone District of Catanduanes.

Palace declares Dec. 7 as special holiday in Virac

VIRAC, Catanduanes- Malacañang declared December 7, 2011 as a special non-working holiday in the capital town Virac for the celebration of Virac Fiesta.

According to Proclamation No. 827 issued last November 9, 2011 by Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa by authority of President Benigno Simeon Aquino III, declaring Dec. 7 a holiday is but fitting and proper for the people of Virac to have an opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion.

The celebration of the town’s foundation day also coincides with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 7-8, 2011 which actually starts on November 28 with a Novenario at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral at 5:30 p.m.

Moreover, an Agro-Fair which shall feature best products offered by the town will be held as part of the celebration. There will also be Virac Idol and Best Dance Crew contests on December 2, still a part of the week-long celebration.

On Dec. 3, the Virac Videoke Challenge will be held followed by the Million Volunteer Run spearheaded by the Philippine Red Cross Catanduanes Chapter and Battle of the Bands as well as Beer Plaza on the next day, Dec. 4.

A civic-military parade around Virac downtown and a shoot fest dubbed as Pistoleros’ Shoot Fest at Camp Francisco Camacho will take place on December 7 followed by the vesper ball in the evening.

In the final day of Dec. 8, a concelebrated mass to be led by Bishop Manolo A. delos Santos will be held followed by indigenous and parlor games at Plaza Rizal.

2nd Provincial Christmas Serenade Competition set

VIRAC, Catanduanes- The 2nd Provincial Christmas Serenade Competition in the province will be held on December 2011 during the Congressman's Night of the annual Christmas Cheers at Plaza Rizal which will start on December 16.

Twelve invited schools from the province are expected to participate in the said competition. There shall only be one official entry per participating school and it shall be composed of not more than 20 members who are all bona fide pupils of the school they represent and one conductor who is a faculty in the same competing school.

The chorale group shall sing two songs: one standard song "Carol of the Bells" and the other one is a song of their choice that could be interpreted either in a Capella or accompanied with live guitar or piano only.

The Congressional District Office spearheads the competition and encourages participants to use recycled or indigenous materials as part of their lower garments since the t-shirts will be provided by the office.

The performance proper shall only be six minutes and shall not exceed eight minutes presentation time.

A total of P63,000 cash prize will be given to participants where the champion shall receive P20,000, P15,000 for the first runner up; P10,000 for the second runner-up; and P2,000 shall be given to non-winning groups.

PLDT's 'Gabay Guro' project benefits Bato

VIRAC, Catanduanes- Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT) has benefited teachers both form elementary and secondary schools of Bato, Catanduanes in connection with the launching of its "Gabay Guro" project last November 4, 2011 in Bato Rural High School.

PLDT Vice-President Deng Kibanoff said that the project is an advocacy of PLDT Samrt Foundation for the teachers throughout the country. According to him, they will not become PLDT executives if not for their teachers and the project is one way of giving back to their mentors.

The project offers livelihood programs like internet cafe, inetrnet card, cellphone card wherein teachers will be officials dealers of PLDT facilities.

With regards to housing project, the official said that they are still in the process of negotiating with the Local Government Units (LGUs) of the 11 towns in the province. They are also offering scholarship programs for students who wish to take up education in college. At present, they already have 300 student scholars.

According to Bato Mayor Eulogio Rodriguez, when they heared about the project, they went immediately together with his wife Mrs. mely Rodriguez to the office of PLDT here and pledged their support to the project.

Meanwhile, teachers of the said town were thankful since the project is a great help to them. The training conducted by PLDT is according to them very helpful since it gave new knowledge and enabled them to reflect their jobs and duties as teachers.

Around 160 elementary and secondary teachers attended the training.

Project 11-11-11 has 118,000 trees planted

VIRAC, Catanduanes- The Congressional District Office (CDO) here in Catanduanes recorded a total of 118,883 trees planted during the Project 11-11-11 tree planting activity last November 11, 2011.

The province-wide whole-day activity was participated in by different sectors of the community namely barangay councils, water/energy providers, private offices, government agencies, municipal LGU’s, schools (elementary, secondary, tertiary), various organizations, private individuals and the contractor association.

A large percentage of the planted trees came from municipal LGU’s of the 11 towns in the province that planted a total of 61,500 seedlings province-wide. Those covered by various organizations recorded a total of 17,170, 13,240 from the government offices, 7, 600 from contractor association, 6, 021 from barangay councils, 8,798 from various schools in Virac, 2,050 from water/energy providers, 2,194 from private individuals and 310 planted seedlings from private offices.

According to Congressman Cesar V. Sarmiento, the event was a big success. “The support extended by the many sectors in the province (local government units (provincial government, 11 towns and barangays, schools, students, government agencies, non-government organizations, etc) was overwhelming and impressive” he added.

He likewise extended his gratitude to everyone who supported his initiative.

On the same day, the solon planted a tree with Court Administrator Midas Marquez before the unveiling of the marker for the statue of the Lady Justice in front of the Catanduanes Hall of Justice where the latter is the guest of honor.

Cong. Sarmiento, Justice Marquez lead unveiling of lady justice statue

VIRAC, Catanduanes- Congressman Cesar V. Sarmiento of the Lone District of Catanduanes led the unveiling of the statue of Lady Justice in front of the Hall of Justice, Provincial Capitol Compound, Virac, Catanduanes this morning, November 11, 2011 with Supreme Court of the Philippines' Court Administrator, Hon. Jose Midas P. Marquez as the guest of honor.

The event also coincides with the tree planting activity dubbed as project 11-11-11 which was also initiated and spearheaded by the Congressman.

The construction of statue of the Lady of Justice was commissioned and funded by Congressman Cesar V. Sarmiento amounting P350,000.

In his speech, Rep. Sarmiento said that the statue will serve as the image of the strong belief and confidence in the power and supremacy of the law as well as the trust in the justice system of the people of Catanduanes.

"As the statue shows us, the scales that the lady justice hold represent the impartiality with which the justice is served; the sword signifies the power that is held by those making the decision and the blindfold shows that justice is not subject to influence", he added.

Furthermore, according to the solon, justice is all about caring, sharing and giving what is due and rightful, honest and fair to our fellowmen and the surroundings.

Also present in the occasion is Bishop Manolo A. delos Santos of the Diocese, Hon. Lelu P. Contreras and a representative of Governor Joseph C. Cua.

Tagalog news: 11-11-11 tree planting, kasado na

VIRAC, Catanduanes- Handang-handa na ang Congressional District Office sa pamumuno ni Congressman Cesar V. Sarmiento sa tree planting activity o ang "11-11-11" project na isasagawa sa Nobyembre 11, 2011.

Ayon kay Cong. Sarmiento, target ng naturang programa na makapagtanim ng 111,111 puno sa buong lalawigan na kung saan ay nais ring masungkit ng kongresista ang Guness World record para sa pinakamaraming punong naitanim nang sabay-sabay sa ilalim ng pet project niya.

Noong isang linggo ay nakatanggap na ang local agencies at non-government organizations sa buong lalawigan ng mahigit 94,300 planting materials kung saan ang malaking porsyento ay galing sa Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

Bilang suporta naman sa naturang programa ay magtatanim naman ng mahigit 3,000 magrove propagules ang pamahalaang panlalawigan sa pamumuno ni Governor Joseph C. Cua sa mga coastal areas at mahigit 500 na puno sa mga lugar na apektado ng kaingin at illegal logging.

Kaugnay nito, nagpalabas na si Gov. Cua ng memorandum na nag-uutos sa mga kawani ng pamahalaan na makiisa sa one-day province-wide activity.

Samantala, nagkaisa naman ang 11 bayan ng Catanduanes na magtanim ng 65,000 puno na lalahukan ng mga volunteer schools, offices at private groups sa kanilang mga lugar.

Sa kasalukuyan, mahigit 103,650 tree seedlings na ang naipapamahagi ng Congressional District Office na kung maitatanim sa darating na biyernes ay doble sa bilang ng mga naitanim ng worl-record holder sa simultaneous tree-planting event.

Sa Guiness Book of World Record, umaabot sa 7,000 kalahok ang sabay-sabay na nagtanim ng 64,096 na puno sa 31,000 hektaryang lupa sa mga bayan ng Siruma at Tinambac Camarines Sur noong Pebrero 23, 2011 sa ilalim ni Governor LRay Villafuerte.

Umaasa naman si Cong. Sarmiento na magiging matagumpay ang naturang aktbidad na inaasahang lalahukan ng iba't-ibang grupo sa lalawigan.

NFA to conduct business forum

VIRAC, Catanduanes- The National Food Authority (NFA) Provincial Office will spearhead a business forum on November 10, 2011 at the Rakdell Hotel, San Roque, Virac, Catanduanes in connection with the NFA's continuing advocacy campaign to promote consumption of iron-fortified rice as mandated by R.A. 8976 (Philippine Food fortification Act of 200).

The advocacy campaign on rice fortification is geared toward addressing the iron deficiency anemia (IDA) which is prevalent in Bicol Region most specifically in Catanduanes.

According to NFA, they believe that with the help of the different sectors of the community, their campaign in promoting the health and nutritional benefits of the I-Ricr in the province will be more effective.

In preparation for the forum, NFA will conduct a meeting with the school heads, rice retailers/wholesalers and millers, representatives from the consumers, religious sectors and media.

Public urged to join Project 11-11-11

VIRAC, Catanduanes- Congressman Cesar V. Sarmiento of the lone district of Catanduanes is asking the support of the public for his "Project 11-11-11".

Project 11-11-11 is a tree-planting activity which aims to plant 111,111 trees on November 11, 2011 in the 11 towns of the province.

The solon has started the same project last January 11, 2011 which targeted 11 thousand trees in the 11 towns of Catanduanes. The province-wide activity resulted in the planting of about 34,000 trees.

"We have done that before, we can make things happen again this time" said Sarmiento as he asked for support from his constituents to make the event successful.

"Paging all Catandunganons, let's get together writing HISTORY in the field of environmental protection" he added.

3 students to represent Catanduanes in the 20th PSQ Regional Finals

VIRAC, Catanduanes- Three freshmen students from Catanduanes State Colleges (CSC) and Catanduanes College will represent the province in the 20th Philippine Statistical Quiz (PSQ) Regional finals on November 17 in Legazpi City.

William Angelo Gonzales and Acer Villanueva of CSC got the first and second place during the provincial elimination held by the NSO Catanduanes Provincial Office last October 10, while Eunice Isuela of Catanduanes College took the last spot after finishing third.

The contestants will be accompanied by their coaches Vicente Padilla of CSC and Nieva Vega of Catanduanes College for the regional finals.

The winner of the regional elimination will be the representative to the PSQ National Finals on December 6.

The PSQ seeks to assess the competency and skills of students in statistics as acquired from the secondary curriculum; promote, enhance and instill awareness and appreciation of the importance and value of science, statistics in particular, among studentry; and, generate public awareness on the important uses of statistics and win overall support for all government statistical activities.

6 sitios in Catanduanes to have electricity

VIRAC, Catanduanes- Six sitios in three towns of the province will be able to have power soon after the National Electrification Administration (NEA) released the amount of P2,004,067.48 for the project.

The funding was secured by Congressman Cesar V. Sarmiento from the NEA during the House Committee deliberation on the agency’s budget recently.

According to NEA Deputy Administrator for Field Operations, Edilberto Bassig , the sitios covered by the project are Abaca and Harapan in Brgy. Abihao (Baras), Caranguian in Barangay Oga (Pandan), Buenavista in Barangay Salvacion (Pandan), Caruyo in Brgy. Balangonan (Pandan), Dayhagan in Brgy. Suchan (Bagamanoc).

First Catanduanes Electric Cooperative, Inc.

(FICELCO), however, revealed that the project would actually involve eight sitios with a total cost of P1,864,799.80, as a number of the sitios in the NEA list have already been energized.

The cooperative management is reportedly including other unenergized sitios in the bidding, set for October 13. The unexpended funding would either be returned to NEA or allocated for the extension of distribution lines to unserved sitios.

The residents of the covered barangays are thankful for the continuous effort of the government for the improvement of their areas.

1st LGU inter-office ballroom competition set

VIRAC, Catanduanes- In connection with the celebration of the Catandungan Festival 2011, an LGU Inter-Office Ballroom Competition will be held on October 26, 2011, 8:00 p.m. at the Provincial Capitol Dome, Virac, Catanduanes.

The said contest is open to all municipal LGUs and to local and national offices in the province. There will be three (3) categories to be contested namely: Cha-cha, Tango and Rumba. Only permanent employees will be allowed to join the contest with only one pair representing each office or agency. The time allotment is only two minutes per dance category, hence a total of 6 minutes per agency. Live band will play the music during the competition.

Criteria for judging are the following: Interpretation (grace, rhythm, expression and rapport with partners), 30%; Mastery (precision, uniformity, steps and movements), 25%; Variety of steps (easy and difficult), 25%; Stage Presence (discipline and projection), 10% and Appropriateness of attire is 10% for a total of 100%.

Members of the committee for the siad event are Prof. Rico M. Romero, Chairman; Prof. Chatita Lorenzana, member; Mr. Carlos Donn Bagadiong, Member, Mr. Christopher Tud, member and Ms. Jeny Magallanes, member.

In line of this, a workshop will be conducted before the said competition and a final rehearsal will also be held.

Classes suspended due to typhoon Pedring

VIRAC, Catanduanes- Classes in all levels of public and private schools in the province were suspended amid the passing of typhoon "Pedring" in the province.

Weather disturbance brought by Pedring also caused the cancellation of flights via Manila to Virac and vice versa. Vessels are also not allowed to sail due to big wvaes and strong winds.

The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) noted a number of landslides in the municipality of Viga, Catanduanes.

Roads in some areas are also not passable due to flash floods and heavy rain.

Moreover, MDRRMCs are advised to take appropriate actions and raise warnings in their area of jurisdictions.

DILG awards ‘Seal of Good Housekeeping’ to 3 Catanduanes towns

VIRAC, Catanduanes- The Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) here bestowed its ‘Seal of Good Housekeeping’ to the towns of Pandan, Viga and San Miguel for passing the agency’s 2011 assessment on good governance and performance.

According to DILG Sec. Jesse Robredo in a letter to the town executives last week, the said achievement was an affirmation of the towns’ commitment to good governance and performance particularly in demonstrating transparency and greater accountability, putting value on the full disclosure policy to encourage constituents’ and stakeholders’ participation in governance, and the practice of sound fiscal management highlighted by the absence of diverse COA opinion in the financial statements and transactions.

He likewise urged the mayors of the towns to continue improving the performance towards excellence in local governance for a more efficient and effective service delivery to the people and continuing improvement in the development outcomes.

The said towns moreover are entitled to access the Performance Challenge Fund (PCF), a subsidy to assist the LGU to jumpstart local development initiatives aligned with the thrusts and priorities of the national government in the form of P1 million according to DILG officials, for 20% Local Development Projects in the annual Investment Program (AIP) and funded out of the 20% Local Development Fund.

The LGUs were given 30 days within which to submit a letter of intent proposal documents, Sanggunian resolution authorizing the LCE to enter into a memorandum of agreement, approving the allocation of counterpart funds to the PCF subsidy, and certifying that the project is included in the 2011 AIP.

According to DILG provincial office, the said towns made the grade during round 1 during the assessment while San Andres and Virac passed the second round which will also be awarded the Seal of Good Housekeeping coming days.

Gov't gives priority to Catanduanes

Government has strongly moved to swiftly upgrade the country’s poor provinces by prioritizing them in the budgeting process.

Typhoon-beleaguered Catanduanes is among the provinces that will receive huge funding for its national roads.

Rep. Cesar Sarmiento disclosed that the P682.7-million concrete paving of the Catanduanes Circumferential Improvement Road, project is under way.

Sarmiento and Gov. Joseph Cua recently led the groundbreaking ceremonies in Baras town to signal start of the project that will pave a total 29 kilometers of national road covering the towns of Bato, Baras, Gigmoto, Panganiban, Viga, Caramoran, and San Andres.

The P682.7-million outlay is part of three-year plan to upgrade by 2014 all the 315 national roads in the province.

Sarmiento said Catanduanes expects another P500 million in national funds next year for similar concreting projects as it anticipates releases from P1.4 billion committed by the Japan International Cooperation “Agency for the provincial highway.

The solon said the bidding process for the Catanduanes Circumferential Road Project under the JICA Road Upgrading and Preservation Project has started.

Acquisition of road right-of-way on lands to be traversed by the highway has also begun.

Willy Galang of the DPWH Environmental and Social Safeguards Office said the distribution of road rights documents to landowners along the Viga Pandan national road is ongoing.

Payment of government obligations will start in the first quarter of 2010.

Sarmiento lauded the Aquino administration for including the province in the priority list of developmental projects.

Rep. Sarmiento calls to care for the environment

VIRAC, Catanduanes- Amid reports from local tabloids in the province regarding the rampant illegal cutting of trees in Catanduanes, Cong. Cesar V. Sarmiento has called on his constituents to show care to the environment.

"Illegal cutting of trees in our place is getting rampant (again) according to newspaper reports. This is alarming and disturbing because if these activities remain unabated - that will lead to great destruction of our island", Sarmiento said.

Moreover, the congressman said that everyone must take part in solving such problem and it can be done by reporting any incident of illegal cutting of trees to the concerned authorities.

He also urged the (multi-agency) Task Force Anti-Illegal Logging to be more aggressive in tracking down these illegal activities via filing of charges against the violators and making your accomplishments known to the public.

"Do your share in saving our province from landslides, floods and disasters - in doing so you are protecting the lives and properties of our kababayans (who may be your relative and/or friend)", he added.

It can be noted that the government has implemented total log ban to reduce forest and other environmental destruction.

NSO Catanduanes gathers data on energy use of households

VIRAC, Catanduanes- The National Statistics Office (NSO) provincial office here will conduct the 2011 Household Energy Consumption Survey (2011 HECS) this month NSO Catanduanes stated that the 2011 HECS is a special survey that gathers information on households’ utilization of fuels, supply systems and the pattern of energy use and other variables that may be useful to assess the current energy profiles of different households and communities in the country.

The data collected from this survey, according to the office, shall provide the Department of Energy (DOE) with updated and reliable bases for an effective household energy strategy for the Philippines.

The primary goal of the 2011 HECS is to generate comprehensive and reliable data/information on household energy consumption, and analyze end-use energy consumption and preferences in the residential sector. The survey results will be used for formulating and implementing policies and programs that aim to improve the quality of life of the Filipinos.

Like all censuses and surveys undertaken by NSO, the conduct of these two surveys is authorized by various legislative acts and presidential directives including Commonwealth Act No. 591, Presidential Decree No. 418, Executive Order No. 121, Executive Order No. 352, Executive Order No. 5.

Furthermore, the survey aims to provide detailed information about the changing energy consumption patterns in Filipino households, as well as socio-economic conditions affecting energy use; establish the fuel/energy mix of the residential sector based on tis energy consumption; determine the most energy consuming appliances, devices and equipment for household activities; assess the current energy efficiency and conservation techniques in the residential sector vis-à-vis government programs for implementation of energy consumption regulation for household appliances and equipment; measure and analyze the incidence of inter-fuel substitution in the households and; determine awareness and/or perception of the household on major energy issues (i.e. nuclear energy) and developments (energy labeling program, renewable energy, natural gas) in the energy sector.

The reporting unit is the household. Pursuant to the provision of Section 4 of Act 591, information obtained from the respondents shall be held strictly confidential and shall not be divulged to any person except authorized NSO personnel acting in the performance of their duties and Section 3 of the same law provides the penalty clause for non-compliance of the survey.

In the province, five (5) sample barangays, will be ivisited in the municipalities of Baras- 2 barangays, Caramoran- 1 barangay, Pandan-1 barangay and San Andres-2 barangays.

Sanggunian to conduct forum on power system reliability and sustainability

VIRAC, Catanduanes- The Provincial Government through the SP Committee on energy chaired by Hon. PBM Roger F. Pereyra will be holding a "Forum on Catanduanes Power System Reliability and Sustainability" on Tuesday, September 20, 2011, 8:00 in the morning at the Provincial Capitol Dome.

The forum aims to clarify issues regarding the power and electricity supply in the province.

A program will be held in connection with the activity. Governor Joseph C. Cua is expected to deliver his message during the opening program. A Bird's Eye View of Catanduanes Power Outlook will be given by Hon. Roger Pereyra.

Engr. Rodolfo G. Mendoza, OIC-General Manager (FICELCO) will give a talk regarding FICELCO then and Now Gaps and Current Concerns.

Moreover, First Catanduanes Electric Cooeprative, Inc. (FICELCO), Catanduanes Power Generation, Inc. (CPGI), Sunwest Water and Electric Power Co. Inc. (SUWECO)and National Power Corporation (NPC) will present solutions to power problems- short and long term action plans.

After the Presentation of Proposed Compromise Undertaking Agreement by Engr. Serafin Marcaida, SPUG-Catanduanes, an open forum will be held.

A Memorandum of Joint Undertaking will takaplace after with NEA, FICELCO, CPGI, SUWECO, NPC, LGU and LCE as signatories to be witnessed by Business Sector, Church Academe, PNP, UKAG, PWEE PMA, Catanduanes Chapter Hotel and Rest. Ass., NGOs and POs.

Rep. Sarmiento allocates P1.5M for TESDA Scholarship

VIRAC, Catanduanes- Congressman Cesar V. Sarmiento of the lone district of Catanduanes announced last week an additional P1.5 million allocation for scholarships in technical and vocational courses for the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

The allocation is for scholarship slots at the newly-started training centers in Viga and Pandan, while some will be given to the TESDA-operated Cabugao School of Handicraft and Cottage Industries in Bato.

According to Sarmiento, the additional funding will make the scholarship program more proportionate and balance with those from the northern towns requiring less expense in studying closer to their home.

He likewise urged scholars to be diligent and creative in learning and using their skills in preparation for the job opportunities that will come their way from considerable number of vital infrastructure projects set to be implemented in Catanduanes.

Of the P1 million charged to Sarmiento's Priority Development Fund (PDAF) and the P1.5 million released from he Private Education Student Fund Assistance which is allocated to congressional districts nationwide, a total of 349 scholarships slots have been opened for Catanduanes Youths.

The scholarship slots are divided in the following courses: Massage Therapy (37), Bartending (54), Computer Hardware Servicing (70), Commercial Cooking (70), Food and Beverage Services (30), Housekeeping (52) and Front Office Services (36).

5 cops wounded in NPA attack in Catanduanes

Five policemen were wounded in an ambush by suspected members of the New People’s Army on Saturday in Catanduanes province.

Radio dzMM reported that the five police officers sustained bullet wounds on their arms and legs. They are all out of danger.

Among those wounded is the deputy chief of police of Caramoran Police Station, Inspector Rene Bea.

Bea and his men were on board a patrol car transporting a shooting victim when they were attacked by an unknown number of rebels along Barangay Mabini.

The policemen said some of the suspects were possibly wounded in the incident.

Refund of reconnection fee from Virac water service provider sought

VIRAC, Catanduanes- The United Katandungan Against Graft and Corruption (UKAG) urged the Virac Water District (VIWAD) to cease and desist from imposing the P600 reconnection fee and to refund customers who have been charged the fee.

UKAG president Eddie Rodulfo in his letter dated August 22 described the implementation of VIWAD Board Resolution No. 33, series of 2010 which increases the reconnection fee from P100 to P600 effective last January as immoral, unreasonable, arbitrary and illegal.

The anti-graft group noted that the increase did not undergo public hearing, which it said is a mandatory requirement pursuant to Sec. 63 of Presidential Decree 198. It also cited Letter of Instruction No. 700 which states that such hearings shall be conducted prior to any proposed increase in water rates.

VIWAD board and management has come under fire from consumers for implementing the recconection fee of P600 which they described as unconscionable and excessive compared to FICELCO's P50.

UKAG is still waiting for the immediate response of VIWAD on the issue.

Typhoon Mina's death toll reaches 29; 5 still missing

The death toll from Typhoon Mina (international name Namnadol) has increased to 29 with five more people still missing, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) reported today.

The NDRRMC said in its 6 a.m. update that the three additional fatalities were recorded in La Union, Baguio City and Abra.

The five missing people were Fred Nantes Sr., a fisherman from Catanduanes; Roger Marqued, who was swept by Buaya River's strong current at the height of the typhoon; Apolonio Licupa of Liwan West, Rizal in Kalinga province; Antonia Tacio, who was buried by the pile of garbage in Benguet; and Dagul Joaquin from Abra.

The NDRRMC said that a total of 348, 473 were affected by the typhoon in seven regions in Luzon and at least 44,300 remained in evacuation centers.

The damage to agriculture and infrastructure from the typhoon, the strongest so far to hit the country, has been pegged at P1.409 billion.

Tagalog news: Mga kawani ng pamahalaan sa Catanduanes, handa sa pagdiriwang ng anibersaryo ng Serbisyo Sibil

VIRAC, Catanduanes- Pangungunahan ng Catanduanes Association of Chiefs of Government Offices (CACGO) at ng Catanduanes Council of Personnel Officers (CCPO) ang pagdiriwang ng Serbisyo Sibil na may temang: "Championing R.A.C.E.: Public Service Excellence at Full Speed" (Responsive, Accessible, Corteous and Effective Public Service.

Sa isang memorandum na ipinalabas ni Governor Joseph C. Cua,nanawagan sa mga kawani ng pamahalaan na makiisa sa iba't-ibang aktibidad ng pagdiriwang.

Sa Setyembre 5, 2011, maraming Health and Wellness activities ang isasagawa katulad ng Walk For Fun kung saan inaasahang lalahok lahat na public workers at Hataw para sa mga empleyado ng pamahalaan.

Sa Setyembre 9 naman ay isasagawa ang isang Environment Awareness and Protection kung saan isang Beach Clean-Up at Family Day ang isasagawa. Ayon sa mga organizers ng mga aktibidad, ang mga naturang gawain ay mahalaga upang mapanatili ang malinis na kapaligiran. Mahalaga rin umano ang family day upang magkaroon ng pagkakataong makapagrelax ang mga empleyado kasama ang kanilang pamilya.

Isasagawa naman sa Setyembre 23 ang Orientation on Disaster Risk Reduction and Management, CACGO Business Meeting at Government Workers Fellowship Night.

Ang pagdiriwang ngayong taon ay nakapokus sa adhikain ni Pangulong Benigno S. Aquino III na daang matuwid sa kanyang pakikipaglaban sa korapsyon sa pamahalaan.

Umaasa naman ang mga organizers na magiging matagumpay ang naturang selebrasyon.

‘Mina’ death toll climbs to 22–NDRRMC

The death toll due to typhoon “Mina” (international name: Nanmadol) has climbed to 22 while 12 others remain missing, the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC) said Tuesday.

In its latest situation report, the NDRRMC said that 70,820 families or 300,959 persons were affected by Typhoon Mina in 16 provinces in Regions 1(Ilocos), 2(Cagayan), 3(Central Luzon), 5(Biicol), 6(Western Visayas), the National Capital Region and the Cordillera Administrative Region.

In its latest tally, the NDRRMC identified the casualties as Mark Errol Colipano, 23 of Quezon City who died after being buried under a collapsed concrete wall; John Rey Bautista and Reajen Bautista from San Fabian Pangasinan who were buried in a mudslide; Andes Calaro, 82, of Sarrat, Ilocos Norte and Pablo Lazaro of Piddig, Ilocos Norte who both drowned; Rome Ping-ilin from Mt. Province, Romeo Dang-alan, Jr. of Gregorio del Pilar, Rustom Paul Joaquin or Quirino and Mark Lester Agdeppa of Sinait, all in Ilocos Sur and who all died due to drowning.

In Benguet province, eight people were confirmed dead all due to various landslide incidents and were identified as Apolinario Flores, Gefonie Cael, Revillar Flores, odolfo Gagucas, Alex Magno, Floro Sulliven, Franco Flores and Noemi Cael.

Meanwhile, casualties from Abra were identified as Dindo Candido and Bragas Domingo.

In Zambales, the lone fatality was identified as Ruel Cabalic Soria of San Marcelino town, who died due to drowning.

In Catanduanes, one person was also confirmed dead due to drowning and was identified as Nelson Vergara of Baras town.

In Zamboanga del Sur, Jerffrey Entag Pagatpat of Bayog town was also confirmed dead due to a landslide incident.

Several others remain missing in La Union, Ilocos Sur, Kalinga, Benguet, Abra, including five fishermen from Infanta, Pangasinan, the NDRRMC said.

Mina has left the Philippine Area of Responsibility and was moving towards Taiwan, the NDRRMC said.

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