Cat’nes gets over P500-M in project allocation from 2012 nat’l budget

by Edna A Bagadiong

VIRAC, Catanduanes, November 3 (PIA) -- Catanduanes province has been allotted over P500 Million in programs and projects next year as programmed in the recently approved General Appropriations Act aside from the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF).

The allocation is included in the respective budgets of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH), Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC), Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the Department of Agriculture (DA).

According to the Office of Congressman Cesar V. Sarmiento, DPWH alone has allocated the total amount of P492, 325,000.00 for several vital infrastructure projects for Catanduanes which does not include the concreting of the 59-kilometer Catanduanes Circumferential Road section from Viga to Pandan under the Road Upgrading and Preservation Project Funded by the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA).

In the DPWH budget, just over 10 kilometers of intermittent sections of the circumferential road, including three sections of two kilometers each, will be upgraded from existing gravel to paved road.

An additional 1,299 lineal meters will be paved along the Panganiban-Sabloyon national road and the Baras-Gigmoto-Viga national secondary road which will cost the nat’l government a total of P318, 095,000.

On the other hand, the amount of P37, 739,000 will be spent for the rehabilitation, reconstruction and/or strengthening of bridges along national roads, specifically Cabugao, Labandera, Mayngaway and Bato bridges.

Moreover, according to Rep. Sarmiento, the Paturok Bridge in San Andres will be replaced with a new span tube which will cost P108M.

Aside from the mentioned projects, remaining budget will be spent for the completion of lighthouse in Bote, Bato town, upgrading of San Andres and Virac ports, replacement of Land Transportation Office, Construction of Irrigation projects and others. (PIA Catanduanes)


Band of Mercy, Sorsogon gov’t to conduct mission for children with cleft palate

by Irma A. Guhit

SORSOGON CITY, November 3 (PIA) -- A two-day medical mission will be conducted here from November 4-5 by the Philippine Band of Mercy (PBM) and the provincial government of Sorsogon at the Fernando S. Duran Sr. Memorial Hospital (FSDMH) to operate on children ages 10 months to 15 years old with cleft palate.

Last January 29-30, 2011, the PBM in partnership with the provincial government of Sorsogon had conducted an operation to 40 patients with cleft palate deformities at the same hospital.

According to Mr. Fernando Hugo, FSDMH OIC hospital administrator said there are still patients who have not been operated on and suggested continuing the on the above dates.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) between the PBM and the province of Sorsogon has been signed by PBM president and trustee, Jesus Perez Cardenas and governor Raul R. Lee.

The MOU spells out the role of both parties especially in providing treatment and rehabilitation to the qualified indigent with complete medical services.

The PBM is a non-stock non-profit organization under the Republic of the Philippines established in 1937 and serves as a foundation for children that conducts surgical and provide curative medicine and supplies to children with cleft palate deformities. (PIA Sorsogon)

Baler, Siargao surfers dominates 2011 Majestic Surfing Cup

by Edna A Bagadiong

VIRAC, Catanduanes, November 3 (PIA) -- Surfers from Baler, Aurora and Siargao both won the championship crown in the recently concluded Open and Junior Category of the Majestic Surfing Cup at Puraran Beach Resort.

In the open category, Romel Rojo of Baler Aurora bagged the crown. Martin Taniegra of Catanduanes got the 2nd place while Jeff Delatorre of La Union got the 3rd place and Rodolfo Alcala of Siargao placed 4th. Prizes ranging from P50,000-P10,000 were given to the winners of the open category and a consolation prize of P2,500 and P1,500 were given to the semi-finalists and quarter finalists respectively.

Meanwhile, Peter Alipayo of Siargao grabbed the 1st place in the Junior Category. Loloy Lugalo (Siargao) placed 2nd, Edmund Tanael (Baras, Catanduanes)- 3rd, and Cris Tanael of Baras got the 4th place. They also got the prize of P25,000, P15,000, P10,000 and P5,000 according to their rank. Consolation prizes were also given to the semi-finalists and quarter-finalists with prizes of P1,500 and P1,000 respectively.

The surfing cup was spearheaded by the Local Government of Baras under the leadership of Mayor Chito Chi.

The said activity was also in line with the 66th Foundation Anniversary of Catanduanes. (PIA Catanduanes)

NFA to conduct business forum
by Edna A Bagadiong

VIRAC, Catanduanes, November 3 (PIA) -- 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. (PIA Catanduanes)