Organizers dedicate CCA Conference for Tourism to Robredo 

LEGAZPI CITY, August 23 (PIA) --- Amid the grief and pain now being felt throughout the country over the tragic death of Secretary Jesse Robredo of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, organizers of the First Philippine Tourism Conference on Climate Change Adaptation deemed it proper to dedicate the national event to the Secretary as an expression of gratitude for his staunch support to the cause of climate change adaptation.

Earlier at the onset of preparations for this historic conference, Robredo issued Memorandum Circular No. 2012-108 “enjoining all concerned local government officials and functionaries to participate” in the PTCCCA.

Robredo said, “With their participation to this activity, we move one step closer to our goals of building awareness, engaging action, advancing legislation and education as well as supporting scientific advancement in the study of climate change and the environment and their impacts.”

Legazpi City Mayor Geraldine B. Rosal and Department of Tourism Regional Director Maria “Nini” Ong Ravanilla disclosed that the Opening Prayer on Day 1 of the three-day conference will also be offered for the repose of the soul of Secretary Robredo.

Former Legazpi City Mayor Noel Rosal, a bosom friend of the Secretary will lead the prayer while the participants will be holding lighted candles.

LCCAD President and Chairman Nong Rangasa who is also the PTCCCA conference director said it is to be expected that the PTCCCA will be tinged with mourning as almost all the participants will come from offices under the umbrella of the DILG.

"An epitome of a good and honest government official, Jesse Robredo will be remembered not as a politician but as a compassionate person, an influential and extraordinary leader, and a good family man among many other qualities that made him beloved by the rich and poor alike," Rangasa said.

"Soon his name will be a lingering tune in the heart of every caring Filipino, but one thing is for sure right now: he will be treading the “Daang Matuwid” towards “ home” to those “whose deeds are blameless and whose hearts are pure,” he added. (MAL/CMVicuna-LCCAD/PIA5)


Senator supports water sourcing project

By Marlon A. Loterte

LEGAZPI CITY, Aug 23 (PIA) –- The Sorsogon City Water District (SCWD) and the Casiguran Water District (CWD) are expecting assistance from the office of Sen. Francis Escudero, after he spoke with the management and board of the two water districts.

In the meeting, Escudero inquired on how the two are going through with the proposed water supply sourcing of SCWD from the Orok Spring in Inlagadian, Casiguran.

He also asked on the options that can be considered to pursue the project at the soonest possible time.

Engineer Eduardo Tejada, general manager of CWD, said that while Orok Springs has more than enough water to offer SCWD, they need to set up transmission facilities from the source to Trece Martinez down to Abuyog, which will be separately installed for SCWD.

Six-inch and a four-inch diameter pipelines, including a control valve and other fittings will be installed.

Tejada added that applying for a loan for the purpose may be considered provided the cost of water, monthly consumption and billing should be fixed at a rate, which would fairly compensate their loan amortization.

Jesus F. Fumera, SCWD board of directors chair, and Nelson Doloirason, SCWD director, said the management’s intention of installing a bigger storage tank or reservoir in Brgy. Abuyog is to ensure adequate water storage for concessionaires in the eastern area of the city and probably replace old pipelines.

While the possibilities are high for the pursuit of the project, both parties are open for mutual coordination and development of an appropriate program of work (POW).

Escudero advised both parties that they may consider applying for a loan based on the POW and he would lobby for its approval at the Local Water Utilities Administration.

He added that he will also try to look for ways to backup the project by any means possible.

A follow-up meeting and consultation is scheduled by the Senator on September 15 this year.

The meeting, which was held during the wake of the late Congressman Sonny Escudero III in their residence in Buhatan, Sorsogon was also attended by SCWD Vice Chair Sylvia R. Lao, Secretary Teresita N. Borromeo, Budget Division Manager Orlando Gacias, Maintenance Division OIC Andy Fercia; and CWD board of directors chair Ruiz. (MAL/MMLJ-SCWD/PIA5)


Daet City mayor cites Robredo as his idol, mentor and friend

By Rosalita Base-Manlangit

DAET, Camarines Norte, August 23 (PIA) -- “Secretary Jesse Robredo was my idol, mentor and friend,” said Mayor Tito Sarion of Daet yesterday during the Daet Press Corps meeting.

As a youth leader, Sarion said he wanted to emulate Robredo and other leaders like former Sen. Raul Roco and Cong. Marcial Pimental.

He said many of his advocacies and ideas in governance and politics are inspired by the successes of Robredo in Naga City.

The mayor said he also advocated independence from national subsidies and even established a political force in his own, doing away with traditional political power.

“To a mayor like me, to become a Robredo is a dream – to be given such recognition like the Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM), Kondrad Adenuaer and Ramon Magsaysay Awards,” Sarion said.

Mayor Sarion said as a mentor, Robredo coached them to become manager and champions.

The late secretary, he said, was deeply committed in making the country great again by way of changing the core values of good government and the values of local leaders as vanguards of the local development.

Sarion said that was not learned from the books.

He cited that Jesse was a friend – a friend so special that they listen to him.

“He was reliable and a man of word. Even how busy and far he was, he see to it that he will come and meet up to a commitment. When he say Yes, it’s 100 percent yes,” Sarion said.

“Jesse, wherever you are, your character as a person will continue to inspire us. In behalf of the people of Daet, thank you very much,” he added. (MAL/RBM-PIA5/Camarines Norte)


DOTC Sec. Roxas all praises for Sec. Robredo's daughters

By Aida A. Naz

Naga City, Aug 23 (PIA) -- Transportation Secretary Mar Roxas was all praises on the three daughters of the late Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo.

Secretary Robredo left behind three daughters Jessica Marie, 25; Tricia, 18 and Jillian, 11.

“Nakakabilib ang katatagan nila sa panahong mula pa ng hinanahap si Jesse (Their fortitude that they showed, from the time Jesse was reported missing, was truly remarkable)," Roxas said.

He added that the search and rescue operations, the two elder daughters would ask about the blow by blow operations, the plane’s skid marks, where the documents were found, including the safety of the divers.

Roxas also said that in the words of his generation, the girls have class, dignity and grace under pressure. This only shows that they were brought up well by parents Jesse and Leni, he said.

Jessica Marie, nicknamed Aika, works at Chevron. Her sister Tricia is currently a student of Ateneo de Manila University while youngest Jillian is an elementary pupil at Universidad de Sta. Isabel here.

Jillian is also medalist in national swimming and international math competitions. (MAL/AAN-PIA5)