Bishop Gainza Trade Fair launched

By Analiza S. Macatangay

NAGA CITY, June 6 (PIA) -- More than 80 exhibitors are expected to attend the Bishop Francisco Gainza Trade Fair (BFGT) this year, as part of the activities lined up for the feast of Our Lady of Peñafrancia celebration.

This was confirmed by Fr. Marc Real, BFGT Project Director during the Press launch of the said project this morning at the Trade Fair venue, Elias Angeles Street, here.

“We are bringing the fair to downtown Naga where the action and excitement of Peñafrancia celebration happens. The fair site will be just a few meters away from the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral where thousands of devotees of Ina flock during the festivities,” Real added.

Last year, the trade fair organizer was lauded by participating entities as it recorded huge sales and has gained strong support from its stakeholders. Partakers were mostly Bicolano entrepreneurs whose line of business is aligned with processed foods, decors, and furniture, housewares, organic and natural products, and souvenir items.

This year, the seven-day trade extravaganza will feature not only food processors and handicraft makers but will also invite consolidators and franchise businesses. Added attractions are the inclusion of agricultural products, tourism facilities and vehicles. Contests will be introduced to encourage people from all walks of life. Entrepreneurial trainings including managerial and vocational courses will also be offered with minimal fees.

The Archdiocese of Caceres, the event’s organizer, through the Caceres Social Action Foundation, Inc. (CASAFI) is certain that with these new innovations they will integrate on the side, they will be able to attract more people from all walks of life to be part of the trade event.

The activity aims to provide an opportunity to aspiring small and medium entrepreneurs to introduce and market their products in the Bicol region. With devotees and pilgrims coming from various parts of the country, there is a great possibility that local wares will also reach other markets, even outside the country.

The fair trade is set to start on September 6, a day before the Traslacion, with highlights culminating on the 16th during the Feast day of our Lady of Peñafrancia, the Patroness of Bicolandia. (LSMacatangay-PIA 5, Camarines Sur)


Albay town benefits from Navy, NGO, and partners’ “Bayanihan”

By Marlon A. Loterte

LEGAZPI CITY, June 6 (PIA) -- True to its commitment to serve the locales, the Naval Forces Southern Luzon (NAVFORSOL) has spearheaded anew last June 1 a medical and dental mission cum social services for the residents of Barangay Cabasan in Cagraray Island of Bacacy town

NAVFORSOL has partnered with Socio-Economic Development Program (SEDP) of Social Action Center of Diocese of Legazpi City and Bacacay municipal government for the humanitarian mission.

It can be recalled that NAVFORSOL has celebrated last year its foundation anniversary highlighted by mangrove planting activity in the said barangay when punong barangay Roger Barrameda requested if the group can go back to deliver medical and dental services to its residents.

Also with the support of Dios Mabalos Foundation, Congregation of Servants of Jesus of Charity, Olei Mayon Team, and the Philippine Coastguard, the outreach program also provided feeding services, free eye glasses and therapeutic massage to more than 500 beneficiaries.

Newly assigned dental surgeon, Captain Philip Jayson Sadueste (DS), leads NAVFORSOL medical anD dental team from Naval Station Julhasan Arasain here.

“I am from Albay but this is the very first time that I ever visited Cagraray Island. We forgot that we are having an outreach project, I thought we were on an island adventure with the sumptuous food prepared and warmth welcome given by the community,” said Cpt. Sadueste.

Mary Lovely C Cate, from SEDP, said “I feel happy serving people in different parts of the country and working with other organizations. It may be tiring but I had a lot of fun serving people to the fullest.”

“Yes, it’s tiring, but a single smile and a glimpse of happiness from the populace could ease million sweats,” Cate added.

Among services provided are free medical check- up for 167 patients, 105 for dental services, 138 for eyes and ears check-up, and 38 beneficiaries for therapeutic massage. Free haircut was also given by Civil Affairs unit of Team Navy to students in preparation for the opening of classes.

“Team NAVFORSOL’s efforts in bringing health services in the remote areas particularly in the countryside has extended their helping hands to the less fortunate communities on its area of responsibility highlighting that the fleet-marine team is not just a warrior fighter for armed struggles but indeed an ambassador for peace and development among its constituents.

The strong collaboration between stakeholders and the Team NAVFORSOL answers the true essence of “Bayanihan,” which calls for the participation of all society in order to address the nation’s pursuits for Peace and development.

The missions were just one of the numerous socio-economic and environmental development programs of NAVFORSOL being conducted jointly with other stakeholders in line with the Armed Forces of the Philippines Internal Peace and Security Plan (IPSP) “Bayanihan.”

“Activities like this have reminded the people to appreciate the AFP IPSP ‘bayanihan’ or its collaboration to partner agencies in order to attain peace and progress in their community. Whenever the needs of the people are effectively and efficiently addressed, internal armed threats are also addressed” said Commodore Abraham F. Celzo AFP, Commander of NAVFORSOL. (MAL/DFNieva-NAVFORSOL/PIA/Albay)


eGov Awards for LGU launched

By Ana-Liza S. Macatangay

NAGA CITY, June 6 (PIA) -- The National ICT Confederation of the Philippines (NICP), in collaboration with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), local government units (LGUs) and Cyber City teleservices, has launched over the weekend the eGov Awards for LGU at the Avenue Plaza Hotel here, with DILG Sec. Jesse M. Robredo guest of honor.

The convergence of these entities was born out of the desire to encourage the effective and cost-efficient utilization of information and communications technology (ICT) in the delivery of services and usher a positive change towards governance.

This also endeavors to comment, collate, and document best practices of the local government units in integrating ICT in their processes which will serve as a model and benchmarks to other LGUs.

Atty. Jocelle Batapa-Sigue, NICP President, said that NICP project intends to champion the countryside in terms of ICT development.

“We want to improve the business ecosystem of the LGUs and motivate the private and business sector to actively participate and invest in the growth of the LGUs. This would also promote transparency in governance,” Sigue added.

The award is divided into two categories and intends to acknowledge two major bureaus of the government: the Best in eGov Customer Empowerment or G2C award and the Best in eGov Business Empowerment or the G2B Awards. This will highlight the importance of e-governance as a compelling force in continually improving our strategies for the best delivery of services to the community.

The eGov Awards for LGU is a concrete example of the public-private partnership program being pushed by the Aquino administration. The tripartite partnership involving NICP, DILG, and the Cyber City also gives a clear picture on how it should be properly executed.

The agreement is also in consonance with the Philippine Digital Strategy and the Philippine ICT Roadmap 2011-2016. It aims to alter local governance into becoming a competitive force in the upcoming years, by utilizing available communication technology.

DILG Secretary Robredo also gave emphasis on the significant role of the LGUs in the proliferation of ICT initiatives to further enhance their delivery of services to their respective communities. Adherence to this technology, he believes, will also promote transparency and professionalism among the LGUs.

The first eGov Awards for LGU will recognize its pioneering awardees during the 5th NICP National ICT Simmit at Sta. Rosa, Laguna in November 2012. (LSMacatangay-PIA Camarines Sur)




Reforms, good economic agenda pushing PHL's GDP growth: Salceda

By Marlon A. Loterte

LEGAZPI CITY, June 6 (PIA) -- Albay Governor Joey Salceda said that the country's 6.4-percent gross domestic product (GDP) in the first quarter was principally driven by net exports, overseas Filipino workers' remittances, and household spending.

The economic momentum on the supply side was driven by an agriculture turnaround of +2.4 percent after two quarters of decline.

He, however, said industry slowed down to 2.2 percent from 3.3 in the previous quarter but the services sector recovered and jumped two folds by 2.6 percent from 1.3 percent.

On the demand side, the growth came mainly from net exports and the robust household spending, he said.

Salceda validated the National Statistical Coordination Board’s 1st Quarter report, claiming that GDP rose this quarter by 6.4 percent compared to the 4.9 percent growth last year.

Romulo Virola, NSCB Secretary General, in a press statement, said the country’s economy is moving in a high gear after four quarters of lackluster performance last year.

The Philippine economy is off to a rousing start in the year of the “water dragon,” with a growth rate of 6.4 percent in the first quarter of this year, a 1.5 percent leap from last year, he said.

The NSCB report claimed that on a seasonally adjusted basis, GDP gained momentum, growing by 2.5 percent in the first quarter of this year while the gross national income (GNI) grew by a slower pace of 1.3 percent.

With projected population reaching 95.2 million, per capita GDP grew by 6.4 percent while per capita GNI grew by 4 percent and per capita of Household Final Consumption Expenditures grew by 4.9 percent, the report said. (MAL/MSA-PIA V/Albay)