Nagueños commemorate Jesse’s 100th day

By Analiza S. Macatangay

NAGA CITY, Nov. 27 (PIA) -- Thousands of supporters joined the commemoration yesterday of the 100th day following the death of the late DILG Secretary and this city's former Mayor Jesse M. Robredo.

The commemoration day commenced with the "Walk for Jesse" joined by supporters, allies, family, relatives and friends carrying along flowers and candles towards the city hall where the “Light a Candle for Jesse" ceremonies followed.

Simultaneous candle lighting, participated in by Jesse’s friends coming from all over the Bicol Region and even other parts of the country was held around 6:30 p.m. meant to remember the late Secretary as the bastion of good governance, a legacy that he has left in the hearts of many.

At the Eternal Gardens' commemoration rites, the public were shown the video in a wide screen of the conferment rites of the Quezon Service Cross Award to Robredo by President Aquino in Malacanang earlier on the same day.

President Aquino lobbied for the recognition by seeking the nod of both Houses of Congress. Consequently, the Houses of the Representatives and the Senate both concurred with separate resolutions for the approval of the recognition.

The Quezon Service Cross Award is the highest recognition a Filipino can receive from the Republic meant to honor an outstanding civilian or public servant who has showed an exemplary deed in selflessly promoting the interest of his nation.

The posthumous accolade was received by his wife, Atty. Leni Robredo and daughters Aika, Patricia and Jillian at the Rizal Hall, Malacanang Palace yesterday.

The first recipient of the award was Carlos P. Romulo in 1951. Robredo was its 5th recipient.

Aquino, during his speech on the conferment, stated that the inscription in the medal which reads “Sic Floret Republica” (make the republic flourish) aptly describes what Robredo contributed to the country in his lifetime.

“All of Jesse’s works from transforming Naga, to the reforms he instituted when he headed the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) are rooted in his love for his family, for his fellowmen, for his community and for the nation,” the President stated.

A video presentation of the life of Robredo was also shown depicting his humble “tsinelas” leadership – from his stint as chief executive of Naga City for nine unprecedented terms until he assumed the post as DILG Secretary.

A musical tribute was also given to him, with featured homegrown Bicolano artists – Alibata, Elementals, Tanikala, 4k Barrel and Retrojam.

Atty. Robredo expressed her gratitude to all the supporters for the continuous outpouring of support for his late husband. (MAL/LSM-PIA5 Camarines Sur)



Tourism Congress starts today in Naga City

By Analiza S. Macatangay

NAGA CITY, Nov. 27 (PIA) -- Tourism key players and stakeholders from the six provinces, seven cities and several municipalities of Bicol region, are expected to converge at the Jesse M. Robredo Coliseum today for the 11th Bicol Regional Tourism Congress.

The Bicol Regional Tourism Council, chaired by Danny De Leon, in partnership with the Metro Naga Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MNCCI), Department of Tourism (DOT) and the city government here, spearheads the activity. This aims to establish a performing and well-designed network of tourism advocates, policy makers, and tourism service providers who will respond to the emerging needs of tourism clients all over the globe.

The Congress also aims to sustain the rise of tourism industry in the region and share with the participants the distinctive tourism development strategies and introduce them to the innovative approaches in line with the promotion of tourism.

Invited to grace the occasion are Puerto Princesa , Palawan Mayor Edward Hagedorn, Mayor John T. Yap of Kalibo, Aklan, Rosemarie Galang, national president of the National Association of Independent Travel Agencies (NAITAS), Camarines Sur Governor L-Ray Villafuerte, and DOT Regional Director Maria O. Ravanilla.

Representatives from the academe, particularly from colleges, universities, and vocational schools that offer tourism-related courses, are also expected to attend the congress.

Organizers believe that the activity will serve as a perfect venue to update professors and teaching personnel of the latest trend in the tourism industry. It could also serve as a venue for networking.

As part of the continuing eighth Bicol Business Week activity, the Bicol Regional Tourism Congress also aspires to explore a platform of collaboration and cooperation between industry partners and to learn from tourism leaders.

“We will also showcase the beauty of the Bicol Region and other selected tourists spots, as natural tourist destinations, along with their unique cultural festivals and indigenous products, equipped with the necessary infrastructure, professional pool of tourism service providers, and a friendly culture of friendship and hospitality,” De Leon added.

The tourism stakeholders attending this Congress will also have a chance to mingle and interact with the speakers during the panel discussions and open forum. During the break-out sessions, travel and tour operators, tourism and hospitality educators and students, hotel, restaurant and resorts owners and operators and government policy makers can also take the time to exchange other avenues to enhance their respective services and programs. (MAL/LSM-PIA5, Camarines Sur)



Waterfront lifestyle mall showcases weekend night market fair

 LEGAZPI CITY, Nov. 27 (PIA) -- A waterfront lifestyle mall in this city has added another attraction seen to allure Legazpeno and visitors alike with the opening of a night market.

Chester Celso Olitin of the waterfront mall’s Leasing Department said Embarcadero de Legazpi has since Friday last week opened the night market with an exciting combination of a wide range of products and a sense of community that awaits the consumers.

The the idea of putting up a night market in in Embarcadero de Legazpi, came from the idea of flourishing night market phenomenon in Metro Manila and across the country. Open-air night markets are also very popular across Asia Countries like Hong Kong, China, Thailand, Singapore and South Korea.

Embarcadero de Legazpi, according to Olitin, has adopted this concept suitable to the demands of the Albayanos.

Olitin also cited that people should check out the Embarcadero de Legazpi Night Market as it showcases yummy treats – good and affordable food are available and everyone can enjoy a variety.

One may also indulge into pricey goodies – people who are low in the budget and even those who would want to save a little money need not to worry for clothes, fashion accessories, pillows, trinkets, art, and other bazaar items are sold at very affordable prices.

The concept also promotes a sense of community – an informal crowded setup and the fact that some of the owners personally staff the stalls themselves to enthusiastically explain their products to their customers engenders a sense of community that cannot be seen in other markets.

Anyone can take a break from shopping in the waterfront mall or a long jog from Puro to eat some potato chips and cool down with a sip of fresh buko shake while meeting new friends and enjoying the live band music.

The opening of the night market was highlighted with a blessing of the location, followed by a fireworks display and the trademark Batucada Show [a style of Brazillian music performed by a group or ensemble of percussion which is influenced by African culture (yahoo.com)] of Embarcadero de Legazpi.

“Embarcadero de Legazpi is basically a night mall and people flock over to it during the night so it is very suitable to have a night market open here,” he added.

The Embarcadero de Legazpi Night Market is the first night market in this city.

“Legazpeños, tourists, shoppers and all are gladly invited to visit Embarcadero de Legazpi’s Night Market. Affordable items can be bought at affor`dable prices. Everyone is welcome to party with us and shop at our Night Market, the first one in Legazpi City,” Olitin said.

The night market is open on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 5:00 p.m.-12:00 mn until December. (Shannah Marie O. Montales/MAL-PIA5/Albay)


CSU stude notches 2nd place in Regional Stat Quiz

By Edna A. Bagadiong

VIRAC, Catanduanes, Nov. 27 (PIA) -- A first year student from Catanduanes State University bagged the second place in the 21st Philippine Statistics Quiz (PSQ) Regional Championship held in Legazpi City on November 20, 2012.

Alvin B. Llabore, 1st year BS Accountancy student from Lictin, San Andres, is one point shy from Regional Champion Amiel Luis Villar of Divine Word College-Legazpi who garnered 21 points.

Villar will represent Region 5 in the National Finals that will be held on December 4, 2012 in Metro Manila, at stake include P30,000 cash prize.

Llabore received a trophy, check amounting to P3,000 and other souvenir items.

During the provincial eliminations of the 21st PSQ held at NSO Catanduanes Provincial Office on October 22, 2012, Llabore got the 1st place.

Other participants who represented Catanduanes to the said event were Rosario Peralta of Catanduanes State University-Panganiban Campus and Jamille Kaye T. Dayawon, also from Catanduanes State University (Main Campus).

Llabore was coached by Professor Vicente G. Padilla of Catanduanes State University-Math Department.

The PSQ is an annual search aimed to assess the competency and skills of students in statistics as acquired from the secondary education curriculum.

It also hopes to promote, enhance, and instill awareness and appreciation of the importance and value of science, statistics in particular, among the students. (MAL/EAB/NSO/PIA5)



DOE to spearhead multi-sectoral advocacy in Naga City

By Analiza S. Macatangay

NAGA CITY, Nov. 27 (PIA) -- The Department of Energy (DOE) and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) here will hold a multi-sectoral advocacy campaign on downstream oil industry from November 28 to 29 at the Regent Hotel here.

The discussion will focus on the Liquid Petroleum Products (LPP) and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) laws, rules, and regulations, among others, in line with government’s thrust in ensuring a competitive market under a regime of fair prices, adequate and continuous supply of environmentally-clean and high quality petroleum products.

The advocacy drive also pursues Republic Act 8479 otherwise known as the “Downstream Oil Industry Deregulation Act of 1998.”

Media practitioners from different outlets in the province are invited on the first day of the forum, November 28 from 1 to 5 p.m. including the local chief executives and administrators of various local government units in the province.

DOE-OIMB director Zenaida Y. Monsada, together with other DOE officials, will be the resource persons.

The second part of the interfacing on November 29 from 9 a.m. to 12 pm, target participants are personnel from the LGU’s business and licensing office, municipal treasurer, Bureau of Fire Protection heads of office or employees and LGU staff directly involved in the approval of transactions in the municipal offices.

After the forum, DOE officials, and the participants will troop to the nearest gasoline station for the actual calibration.

The activity also endeavors to create and equip a critical mass of communicators that would serve as channels in disseminating the advantages and current development on the Downstream Oil Industry and to raise the awareness of stakeholders that the passage of the law encourages competition and the entry of new players in the market.

The briefing is part of the DOE’s continuous effort to inform and educate the public thru information and communication campaigns on Downstream Oil Industry (DOI) not just for the key industry players like the LPP retail outlets, LPG establishments but for the information of consumers and other stakeholders including women’s organizations, local government units, and the general public. (MAL/LSM-PIA5, Camarines Sur)


Camarines Norte formulates disaster risk reduction and management plan

By Rosalita B. Manlangit

DAET, Camarines Norte, Nov. 27 (PIA) -- The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) in this province has finally crafted the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan (PDRRMP) in a series of talks and workshops within this month fulfilling the requirements of RA No. 10121 of 2010, which provides the legal basis for policies, plans, and programs to deal with disasters.

PDRRM office chief Carlos Galvez said that the formulation of the plan covers the four thematic areas namely the Disaster Prevention and Mitigation; Disaster Preparedness; Disaster Response and Disaster Rehabilitation and Recovery which corresponds to the structure of the PDRRMC.

Galvez said that the plan for the year 2011-2028, also in line with the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Plan (NDRRMP), is consistent with the NDRRM framework that serves as the principal guide to disaster risk reduction efforts of the country.

The framework envisions a country of “safer, adaptive and disaster resilient Filipino communities toward sustainable development.”

Galvez said that the plan will be integrated to the Climate Change Adaptation and Management Plan (CCAMP) previously formulated in order to have a comprehensive or wholistic PDRRM/CCAM plan for the province on the first week of December.

He said that the PDRRM/CCAM framework will also served as a guide for the municipality to have their MDRRM/CCAM plan and for the barangay for their BDRRM/CCAM plan.

It will be recalled that the PDRRMO has already conducted several trainings for disaster preparedness and response held at the DRR Training Institute or Sanayang Pangkaligtasan at Sitio Mat-i barangay Sto.Domingo in Vinzons town, the first training facilities in the bicol region.

He added that the province is aiming for a zero casualty when it comes to disaster as envisioned by Governor Edgardo Tallado. (MAL/RBM-PIA5, Camarines Norte)