P140 Million worth of road projects completed in Partido area, Camarines Sur

by Lucy V. Castañeda

LEGAZPI CITY, July 11 (PIA/DPWH) -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Bicol Region has completed the P140 million worth of concreting projects in the 4th district (Partido Area) in Camarines Sur.

DPWH V Regional Director Danilo Dequito said that the P140 million is part of the allocation released in the last quarter of 2010, for the implementation of Various Infrastructure Including Local Projects (VIILP).

“P35 M was allotted for Goa-Tinambac, Goa Section; P45 M for Goa-Tinambac, Tinambac Section; and, P60 M for Tinambac-Tamban Road, both for Tinambac and Tamban Sections,” the director added.

“Through the right projects of the DPWH we can now pass through concrete roads,” said Camarines Sur 4th District Representative and Lower House Deputy Speaker Noli Fuentebella, during the inauguration of the projects early last month graced by no less than the Secretary of DPWH, Honorable Rogelio Singson.

“In the old days, we have to wait for good weather so as muddied road would dry up for public transport to resume operations,” Fuentebella added.

Engineer Jose Remo, retired employee of Camarines Sur District Engineering Office (DEO), now 91, said “that is a dream come true” after waiting for almost 60 years since their office opened Goa-Tinambac Road.

Members of the Sangguniang Bayan of Tinambac also expressed their gratitude to

the DPWH Secretary for the realization of the road concreting projects in their municipality through Resolution No. 11-045, series of 2011.

“We have an aggressive program to improve the quality and safety of our national roads and bridges in the next five years particularly those that lead to tourist destinations and urban centers,” Secretary Singson said.

“Camarines Sur, because of its tourism attributes will be given priority,” he added.

Camarines Sur legislative districts have a total allocation of P1.243 billion in the DPWH FY 2011 Infrastructure Program (based on GAA-RA 10147), broken down as follow: P77.591M; P718.683M; 23.471M; 344.315M; and, P79.249M, respectively from first to fifth districts. (MAL/LVC, DPWH V)

Copper-zinc mine wins 11th Saringaya award

LEGAZPI CITY, July 11 (PIA/RRMI) -- Rapu-Rapu Polymetallic Project (RRPP) has won this year’s plum Saringaya Award for large-scale industry category.

The Department of Environment Natural Resources - Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) regional office here presented the award to RRPP for its “responsive and effective implementation of environmental management and social development programs that ensured protection of the environment and socio-economic development of the impacted barangays.

Roger A. Corpus, president of Rapu-Rapu Minerals, Inc. received the award on behalf of the RRPP during the Saringaya awarding rites held at the Casablanca Hotel, Legazpi City on June 30, closing of this year’s celebration of Philippine Environment Month.

Legazpi City Mayor Carmen Geraldine Rosal, in her welcome address, urged that we should do our part so that the forest will truly be at our service, expounding on the theme of this year’s Environment month celebrations: Forest: At Your Service.

Director Juan Miguel Cuna of the Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB), guest of honor and keynote speaker at the awarding ceremonies, said that with Saringaya, the Bicolanos have taken the campaign on environment protection, climate change adaptation and disaster mitigation a step further.

“This (Saringaya Awards) is definitely one fine example of making environmental protection truly participatory. I am indeed deeply heartened and inspired to be surrounded by people who persist in finding better ways to protect the environment. May your efforts be emulated by others,” Cuna said in his keynote speech.

The principal organizers of the Saringaya Awards who graced the occasion were: Assistant Director Gilbert C. Gonzales of EMB (Central Office), regional executive director Joselin Marcus E. Fragada of DENR V, director Reynulfo A. Juan of MGB-V, and Dr. William Palaypayon, regional technical director of the Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau (ERDB) and chair of the 2011 Saringaya Awards Committee.

Also present were DENR-V RTD Felix C. Mendoza of the Protected Areas, Wildlife and Coastal Zone Management (PAWCZM), RTD Pedro L. Noble of Land Management Service (LMS), and RTD Antonio A. Abawag of Forest Management Service (FMS).

Thankful to the award-giving body, Corpus said in his acceptance remarks that RRPP is more committed now more than ever to responsible mining.

“We protect the environment by adopting best practices in the mining industry as we make sure our environmental management systems are safe and reliable. This award makes us even more determined to carry out environmental protection and conservation programs as part of our corporate commitment,” Corpus said.

RRPP won the award on the strength of its dedication to operate the polymetallic mine, with the least of environmental disturbance. The mine produces copper and zinc concentrates with gold and silver by-products.

Other Saringaya awardees for this year are Ms. Amelita Conzales (Individual category), the Tactical Operation Group 5, 1st Air Division, Philippine Air Force (Other Government Agency category), the Corporate Network for Disaster Response (Non-government organization/People’s Organization category), the Municipality of Ragay (Local Government Unit category), Masbate Gold Project of Filminera Resources Corporation and Rapu-Rapu Polymetallic Project of Rapu-Rapu Minerals, Inc. and Rapu-Rapu Processing, Inc. (DENR-covered industries category), and the EDC-BGPF Environmental Management Department (Special category).

The Saringaya Awards of DENR Region V was launched in 2000 to recognize individuals, groups, organizations, and offices for their sustained efforts in environmental protection and conservation in the Bicol region. Saringaya is an ancient Bicol term that means “abundant, lush and healthy environment”.(MAL/RRMI)

Peace and Order Council mulls anti drug summit in Bicol

by Ed de Leon

LEGAZPI CITY, July 11 (PIA) -- The Regional Peace and Order Council (RPOC) will organize and convene an Anti Drug Abuse Summit in the region bringing in all stakeholders to map out an integrated and more effective anti-drug abuse campaigns and strategies in the region.

The proposal was discussed during the recent RPOC meeting held in this city last week presided over by RPOC chairman and Camarines Norte Governor Edgardo Tallado Jr, after the the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) regional office presented its midyear accomplishment report to the body.

The suggestion was made by Gov. Tallado and Major Gen. Josue Gaverza, 9th Division Commanding General , and further endorsed by Archie Grande, PDEA Bicol regional director.

Tallado said that the schedule and the venue will be worked out and the list of participants will drawn from all stakeholder and the schedule will be announced later.

During the conference, PDEA reported that during the period from January to June of this year they were able to arrest 141 persons including four minors and confiscated 139.125 grams of Shabu and 277.563 grams of Marijuana with the combined estimated value of P2,134,446.76.

Grande said that the arrestw were made during the conduct of more than 105 operations, including 24 of which were made by PDEA, 81 were joint operations with other law enforcement agencies.

Among those arrested included 62 pushers, 74 in possession, six users, five maintainers of drug den, one courier, two cohorts and one cultivator of marijuana.

Grande said for the second semester of the 2011, they will further intensify their campaigns against illegal drug trade in 146 identified barangays affected by the illegal drug trade.

Archie bared that 34 barangays are in Albay, 24 in Camarines Norte, 41 in Camarines Sur, 14 in Catanduanes , 31 in Masbate and two in Sorsosogn.

"With more coordinated efforts with all law enforcement agencies and strong partnership with local government executives, I believe that we will be able to further reduce the barangays were the illegal drug trade operate," Grande said. (MAL/EDL, PIA V)

Tiwi launches Coron Fest 2011 photo competition

LEGAZPI CITY, July 11 (PIA) –- The municipal government of Tiwi in Albay province invites all amateur or professional digital photography enthusiasts to join the photography competition in line with the Coron Festival 2011.

The photo contest intends to showcase Tiwi through photos which will be displayed during the Coron Festival 2011 in August.

Guidelines provide that the images that will be shown to the public through the photo exhibit are 1. sceneries within the town of Tiwi, 2. products of the town that can be offered to market, 3. local people, 4. tourist destinations, 5. interaction of people in the town, 6. religious activities, 7. important landmarks e.g. old houses, churches, ruins,.

Photographers can only submit a maximum of two (2) entries per category, while photo entries should be submitted in print and submit in CD in JPEG format, printed in 8" " x 10" , un-mounted and borderless photo may undergo digital retouch on density, contrast adjustment and minor cropping.

Committee's final approval is final in the selection of entries.

Forty (40) images will be selected from among the entries for display and qualified for judging.

A people's choice award shall be given to the entry with the most number of votes at the exhibit area (Old Ceramics Bldg.) Non Tiwinhon judges will sit as panel of judges.

Committee members shall be disqualified to enter the contest however, they may opt to display their best photos of interest as non competition entries. . Entitled to a maximum of two (2) photos.

Deadline of submission is on July 22, 2011.

Entry forms and submission of entries will be at the Secretariat’s Office, Office of the Mayor, and may contact Ms. Lulu C. Deogracias or Ms. Shalie Coralde

Prizes at stake include Best Photograph - Places of Interest Category, P3,000.00; Products of Interest Category, P3,000.00; People's Choice Award, P2,000.00 (MAL, PIA V)


CHED designates Asetre as CSC OIC

by Edna A. Bagadiong

VIRAC, Catanduanes, July 11 (PIA) -- The Commission on Higher Education designated Dr. Asuncion V. Asetre as Officer-In-Charge (OIC) of the Office of the President of Catanduanes State Colleges (CSC) starting today, July 8, 2011 until a new CSC President is elected.

The designation of Dr. Asetre, College Professor of CSC was pursuant to the pertinent provision of Republic Act No. 8292, otherwise known as the "Higher Education Modernization Act of 1997", Article VII, Section 30 of its Implementing Rules and Regulations, and in the exigency of the service.

Asetre is directed by CHED to discharge all duties and responsibilities of the University President and shall be entitled to receive remuneration and other allowances applicable to the said position, except the basic salary.

It can be noted that Asetre the president of CSC from 2003 ended her term yesterday, July 7, 2011 but due to delay in election for the college's presidency, she was appointed as

The Order was signed by Patricia B. Licuanan, Ph.D., Chairperson of CHED. (MAL/EAB, PIA Catanduanes)

DOE, LTO distribute Pantawid Pasada cards in Camarines Norte

by Rosalita Base-Manlangit

DAET, Camarines Norte, July 11 (PIA) -- “Maganda at malaking tulong ang ibinigay ng gobyerno na subsidy sa gasolina sa aming mahihirap at sana ay may susunod pa” thus stated Noli Gravador, 44 years old from Talisay town, a jeepney operator during the Pantawid Pasada Launching and distribution of Pantawid Pasada cards Thursday (July 7)at the Agro-Sports Center here.

Noli Gravador is one of the 417 beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pasada Program for the jeepney operator/drivers in this province.

During the launching, Director Zenaida Y. Monsada of the Oil Industry Management Bureau, Department of Energy (DOE) stressed that the Pantawid Pasada program is just an assistance and not a long term help for operators/drivers of tricycle and jeepneys to ease the rising fuel costs.

She clarified that documents needed for the distribution of cards include: original and photocopy of current confirmation certificate from the Land Transporation Franchising Regulatory Board (LTFRB) and if not available, they can bring the original and photocopy of Certificate of Public Convenience, (Decision Order); photocopy of OR (from April 2010-March 2011)/CR and original and photocophy of one valid ID with picture.

She said that those with no available documents can claim their cards at the Land Transportation Office (LTO) anytime for the next days.

She added that the cards will be loaded with P1,050 and can only be used for diesel in gasoline stations with Pantawid Pasada/Larga na gasolina tarpauline.

LTO OIC Regional Director Neil Sadia on the other hand said that Pantawid Pasada Program beneficiaries in the Bicol Region reached 4,876 with 2,000 additional applicants and they have already conducted same activity last week in Sorsogon/Albay while last July 6 in Camarines Sur and they are to schedule the distribution in the provinces of Catanduanes and Masbate.

Governor Edgardo Tallado on the other hand lauded President Benigno Aquino III for helping the poor wherein he continuously supports those past administrations programs for indigents and added the subsidy for other sectors. (MAL/RBM, PIA Camarines Norte)