Binay visits Catanduanes, awards cash assistance to families of fallen soldiers

VIRAC, Catanduanes, April 29, (PIA)—Vice President Jejomar C. Binay led the awarding of cash assistance from the Alay sa Kawal Foundation, Inc. (ASK) to widows of Army soldiers killed in action in defense of the nation’s freedom.

The widows of five casualties from the 9th Infantry Division received P30,000 each during the awarding ceremony held last April 28 at the base camp of 83rd Infantry Battalion, 9th Infantry Division in Barangay Lictin, San Andres.

In his message, Binay, also chairman of foundation, paid tribute to the soldiers who were killed while performing their duties to the nation.

Also present during the awarding were 901st Brigade deputy commander Col. Generoso L. Bolina, Valenzuela Rep. Sherwin Gatchalian, 83rd IB commander Lt. Col. Zacarias B. Batalla Jr., PNP Provincial Director  Adelio Benjamin Castillo, Vice Governor Jose J. Teves, Jr., San Andres Mayor Peter C. Cua and former Gov. Joseph C. Cua.

ASK is the oldest non-governmental organization (NGO) devoted to the welfare of enlisted personnel in the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Founded in 1986 in the aftermath of the Edsa Revolution, ASK was meant as a gesture of thanks to the soldiers who sided with pro-change forces on that historic occasion.

Binay also led a people’s walk in this provncial capital, from the Kemji Resort to the Virac Public Market before paying a “courtesy call” to Governor Araceli B. Wong at the provincial capitol.

He also met with local officials and some senior citizens of Bato, Catanduanes and distributed wheelchairs to seniors and persons with disabilities in various towns of the island.

The Vice President also led the groundbreaking of various projects in various towns of the province. (EAB/EAD/PIA5-Catanduanes)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/841430348511/binay-visits-catanduanes-awards-cash-assistance-to-families-of-fallen-soldiers#sthash.ja02PTSh.dpuf

CamSur PESO set to conduct Special Recruitment Activity for Japan deployment

By: Ana-Liza S. Macatangay

PILI, Camarines Sur, April 27 (PIA) --- Job seekers who want to work in the island nation of Japan can now take this once in a lifetime chance by simply joining the 2-day Special Recruitment Activity (SRA) being spearheaded by the Provincial government of Camarines Sur through its Employment Center starting today until tomorrow, April 28

White Dove Recruitment Corporation in coordination with the CamSur Employment Center (CamSur PESO) headed by Sha Torallo is currently conducting a manpower recruitment pool, particularly for Camarinenses who are interested to try their luck in Japan. The former’s representatives will personally be around at the Capitol lobby of the Capitol Main building to assist the applicants.

Yet applicants who will pass the assessment need to study and learn the Nihonggo language. Japanese firms that would be accepting employees requires that their personnel have the know-how of the language to facilitate communication easier.

“There are 150 open slots for engineers with basic qualifications. They should be a graduate of any Engineering course or graduates of 4-year Bachelor of Technology, BSIT, BC Com Sci, male or female, 19-28 years old and with or without experience in the specific fields of engineering,” Torallo stated.

 Another 2,000 slot for technical workers are up for grabs for college graduates of any course or graduates of vocational courses. High school graduates will also be considered. Applicants should be from 18 to 19 years old, open to male applicants only, single or married.

 On top of the aforementioned qualifications, Japanese bosses pointed out that they are also looking for would-be employees who are willing to study the Japanese language or Nihonggo, has a keen interest to undergo skills training for self-improvement, preparedness to embrace Japanese culture and work ethics and a good attiude.

Interested participants may still avail of the said opportunity tomorrow at the Camarines Sur Provincial Capitol lobby, from 8am to 5pm. They should bring along with them 2 sets each of comprehensive resume with detailed job description with 2x2 photo in decent attire, Two (2) pieces 2x2 and 1x1 pictures, photocopy of NSO Birth Certificate.

 Additional inquiry may be directed at CamSur Employment Center at 2nd Floor, CapiCapitol Main Building, Cadlan, Pili is also readily accessible at telephone numbers 054-477-5858/477-7468/0939-9248752/0917-5020406/0906-8986473/0918316216/0933-9908591 or at their email address camsur_peso@yahoo.com. (LSMacatangay, JMTS/MMEC/PIAV/Camarines Sur)



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DTI partners with Export Marketing gurus, discuss business prospects with Bicol entreps

By: Ana-Liza S. Macatangay

NAGA CITY, April 24 (PIA) --- As the global market expands its horizon, so as the need for local entrepreneurs to acclimatize to the inevitable challenges of doing BUSINESS also increases. This includes making their products more competitive, more innovative and at par with its global counterparts.

This was the focus of the discussions spearheaded by two adept and business gurus from the Department of Trade (DTI) Export Marketing Bureau – Export Assistance and Business Matching Division Chief Sonia L. Rodriguez and Senior Trade and Investment Specialist Senen T. Briones.

The duo, who are both true-blooded Bicolanos, talked on raising the awareness of the businessmen and THOSE in the business sector on the opportunities and benefits of ASEAN Integration and European Union - Generalized Scheme of Preference Plus  (EU-GSP)  especially concerning Philippine Exporters.

Dubbed “Doing Business in the Free Trade Areas (DBFTA)- Overview of the ASEAN Economic Community and EU-GSP+”, the activity held yesterday at Doña Jamora Hall, Villa Caceres Hotel endeavors to INFORM local entrepreneurs that they can take advantage of the reduced tariffs for their goods - which can be translated to greater profit and better business prospect.

Invited to attend the event are Bicolano exporters, those involved in Micro Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), MEMBERS of the academe, especially those offering business courses, representatives from government agencies and members of the media.

DTI Provincial Director Edna Tejada STATED in her welcome remarks that they have invited representatives from various sectors to ensure that learning and discussions during the session will also be relayed to their respective communities.

“We want to spread the good news to our stakeholders that ASEAN has eliminated tariffs on 99 PER cent of its tariff lines and EU has granted zero duties to 6,274 Philippine products under the GSP+ scheme. We also want to share the good news under the Philippine FREE Trade Agreement. Our businessmen need to keep pace with the latest development of our ASEAN neighbors,” Tejada added.

DTI Spokesperson Jay Ablan also stated that the business atmosphere now is becoming more competitive, the reason why our LOCAL businessmen should also equip themselves with new innovations, be open to changes and see competition not as a threat but rather as an avenue to improve their craft and emerge as a better version of themselves as professional and seasoned entrepreneur.

 Rodriguez also discussed that the ASEAN Economic Community shall be the goal of regional economic integration by 2015.

 Under its roof are the things that all NATIONS wants to achieve: a single market and production base, which includes free flow of goods, services, investments and free flow of skilled labor; a highly competitive economic region, which consists of competitive policy, consumer protection, intellectual property rights, infrastructure development, taxation and e-commerce; a region of equitable economic development, which would result to SME development and  a region fully integrated into the global economy, which means an enhanced participation in global supply networks. (LSMacatangay, PIAV/Camarines Sur)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/861429862520/dti-partners-with-export-marketing-gurus-discuss-business-prospects-with-bicol-entreps#sthash.Kj2iVfN0.dpuf

NFA intensifies campaign for palay procurement

By: Ana-Liza S. Macatangay

NAGA CITY, April 27 (PIA)--- With the onset of the dry season, the National Food Authority (NFA) announced that they are now on the onset of procuring palay from farmers in the province.

NFA Senior Grains Operations Officer Reynaldo Magnaye during the FORUM@PIA held Friday at the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Provincial Office here, stated that this coming harvest season, they are opening their doors to farmers from the five (5) districts of Camarines Sur.

“NFA buys palay to legitimate farmers and registered farmer organizations only at  the government support price of P17.00 per kilogram, with additional incentives of Php 0.70 kg for delivery and drying fee or a total of P17.70. The base price of Php 17.00 per kilogram, plus incentive – 0.70 for individual farmers and 1.00 for farmer’s organization is for clean and dry palay only – which means that the palay has 14 per cent moisture content,” Magnaye added.

Magnaye also stated that wet palay is subject to price adjustment based on the moisture reading of the delivered commodity.  The higher the moisture content, the lower the price of the palay.

To accommodate farmers in the 1st and 2nd Districts of Camarines Sur who will be selling their palay, the NFA spokesperson also announced that the newly constructed NFA-GID warehouse in Libmanan is now fully operational to cater to the farmers and retailers.  NFA accredited retailers from the said areas can now get their rice allocation in Libmanan, instead of travelling to the municipality of Pili where the provincial office of NFA is located.

In support of this, the Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Office constructed an interior barangay road going to the said warehouse to make the passage easier for the members of the community and to make the transport of goods faster and stress-free.

Meanwhile, NFA Camarines Sur recently welcomed its new Provincial Manager in the person of Gloria M. Tabayag after its former Manager Edna R. De Guzman was promoted as Bicol Regional Manager and is now stationed in Legazpi City.  The official turn-over was held this March at the NFA Provincial Office located in Palestina, Pili, Camarines Sur.

Magnaye, in a press statement said that PM Tabayag is an Electrical Engineer by profession, started her stint at the NFA Central Office at the Technical Research Service Department (TRSD) and handled her first managerial stint as OIC of NFA-Agusan. She was assigned in various offices branches in Camiguin and Catanduanes before being assigned here in the Bicol Region.

The FORUM@PIA was attended by members of the local media in the province, representing radio, television and print. The forum is a regular program of PIA Camarines Sur Provincial office which seeks to empower the citizenry by giving them up to date information, especially regarding services being offered by other government agencies in the province.  (LSMacatangay, PIAV/Camarines Sur)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/861430099695/nfa-intensifies-campaign-for-palay-procurement#sthash.v8J5yIWw.dpuf

PNP announces vacant positions for non-uniformed personnel in Catanduanes

VIRAC, Catanduanes, April 23, (PIA) - The Police Provincial OFFICE here has announced a NUMBER of vacant POSITIONS on non-uniformed personnel in the provincial headquarters and some municipal police STATIONS in Catanduanes.

PNP Catanduanes provincial director PSSupt. Adelio Benjamin Castillo said the positions to be filled up are based on the data of Regional Personnel and Human Resource Development Division of the Police Regional OFFICE declaring the Unfilled Quota for Non-Uniformed Personnel in the province.

 Castillo said vacant positions and place of assignment are as FOLLOWS: Catanduanes PPO (Unfilled); PHQ- One (1) Admin Aide VI/ CEO II (SG 6); Caramoran MPS - One (1) Admin Asst III/ Comp Oprtr II (SG-9); Gigmoto MPS - One (1) Admin Asst I/ Comp Oprtr I (SG-7); Panganiban MPS - Two (2) Admin Asst I/ Comp Oprtr I (SG-7); and San Andres MPS - One (1) Admin Asst III/ Comp Oprtr II (SG-9).

Further, applicants for above mentioned positions should meet the required qualification standards to wit:

For Administrative Assistant III/ Computer Operator II: salary grade-9, monthly salary- P 16,051.00, education-Completion of two years studies in College or High School Grad with relevant vocational/trade course , eligibility-Career Service (Sub-Professional) First Level Eligibility; (MC 11, s. 1996 - Cat I), 1 year relevant experience, 4 Hours relevant TRAINING.

On the other hand, the following are qualification for Administrative Assistant I/ Computer Operator I: salary grade-7, monthly salary- P 13,890.00, education-completion of two years studies in College or High School Grad with relevant vocational/trade course, eligibility- Career Service (Sub-Professional) First Level Eligibility; (MC 11, s. 1996 - Cat I), Experience and Training none required.

Meanwhile the requirements for Administrative Aide IV/ Communications Equipment OPERATOR I are: salary grade-4, monthly salary- P 11,181.00, education- completion of two years studies in College or High School Grad with relevant voc/trade course, eligibility- None required (MC 10, s 2013 - Cat II), Experience and Training none required.

Interested APPLICANTS must submit their Complete Application Folder at the Admin Branch of Catanduanes Police Provincial Office, Camp Francisco Camacho, Virac, Catanduanes. (MAL/EAB/CATPPO/PIA5/Catanduanes)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/841429705432/pnp-announces-vacant-positions-for-non-uniformed-personnel-in-catanduanes#sthash.FP3XiSXr.dpuf

More local governments sending complete teams for LCCAP/BCRP training

LEGAZPI CITY, April 23 (PIA) – More local government units (LGUs) are sending their complete teams to the training-workshop on the formulation of both their Local Climate Change Action Plans (LCCAPs) and the Barangay Contingency and Recovery Plans (BCRPs).

LCCAP was designed for the technical staff of provincial, city and municipal governments for their Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) integration into policies, projects and programs to attain zero casualty goals and make their communities resilient to impacts of climate-related disasters.

The BCRP, on the other hand, equips the barangays with concrete response mechanisms prior to, during and after calamities, as they are at the frontline of all types of disasters.

The latest of these LGUs is the municipality of Gen. Mariano Alvarez, Cavite (GMA) with a total of 117 participants that made up the majority of the LCCAP/BCRP Batch 24 held here Apr. 8-10, this year.

GMA-Cavite Mayor Walter Echaverria, Jr. personally joined the teams from his office, the municipal council and all his barangay chairmen including their Task Force Kabataan.

Alfonso local government, also in Cavite, has followed suit and already advised the LCCAD secretariat of its reservation for at least 65 participants in the month of May, while other LGUs have also sent advance information that they will do the same.

Northern Samar’s capital town of Catarman initiated the first complete BCRP training team for all their barangay captains last July 2-4, 2014 after its municipal technical team finished its LCCAP.

Following this example set by Catarman mayor Francisco Rosales, Jr, the towns of Can-Avid Eastern Samar and Bangar, La Union also availed the BCRP last Sep. 10-12, 2014 then Dulag, Leyte led by Mayor Manuel Sia Que last Oct. 22-24, 2014.

With these undertakings, Echaverria is confident that GMA-Cavite is among the LGUs all over the country that are now equipped with the documentary tools for accessing the Php1-billion People’s Survival Fund (PSF) and other supports from national agencies, as well as international financial grants relative to Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) and Disaster Risk and Vulnerability Reduction (DRVR) programs/projects.

Earlier, Legazpi City Mayor Noel E. Rosal enjoined fellow cities across the country and all the other LGUs to take advantage of the funds available for those who have come up with their respective LCCAP/BCRPs.

Rosal, who is regional representative to the League of Cities of the Philippines (LCP) and a staunch advocate of Disaster Risk and Vulnerability Reduction (DRVR), said LGUs should tap the PSF to solve the woes of climate impacts in their respective localities once and for all.

PSF is a special Php 1-Billion for financing climate change adaptation programs and projects of LGUs and communities pursuant to PSF Act (Republic Act 10174), which amended RA 9729 otherwise known as Climate Change Act of 2009.

“The LCCAP/BCRP Documents as outputs from the said trainings unburden all LGUs that have undergone the course from difficulties of both budgeting aspects, allocations and re-calibrating their plans and policies. And besides, these documents automatically become inputs to their Comprehensive Land Use and Development Plans (CLUDPs) and Comprehensive Development Plans (CDPs),” said Manuel ‘Nong’ C. Rangasa, the resident trainer and the Executive Director of the Local Climate Change Adaptation for Development (LCCAD).

LCCAP/BCRP is also a documentary tool capable of obtaining fund support from national government agencies and financial grants from international institutions, such as that of Pantukan, Compostela Valley and Catarman, Northern Samar. Pantukan joined LCCAP Batch-2 last Apr. 23-25, 2014, and Pantukan MDRRMO Nick Bryan C. Patalinghug personally announced said foreign funding grant last Oct. 29-31, 2014 during the Batch 16 LCCAP Training. (MAL/RMN-LCCAD/PIA5)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/771429775086/more-local-governments-sending-complete-teams-for-lccap-bcrp-training#sthash.551qRIHS.dpuf

Bicol RDC's Migration, Development Committee crafts measures to ensure protection, rights of Filipino migrants

LEGAZPI CITY, April 23 (PIA) -- The creation of the Committee on Migration and Development (CMD) in Bicol is seen to institutionalize the programs and sustain initiatives in mainstraming migration and development in the region.

In the recently conducted planning workshop, the committtee has identified gaps in carrying out policies and programs on migration and development, including database development; pre-departure needs such as orientation seminar, medical certification, trainings and skill certifications; investment opportunities and advocacy initiatives.

For database development, the committee has recommended to concerned agencies to come up with a common and accurate statistics on Filipino migrants.

The concerned agencies, including the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA), Philippine Overseas Employent Authority (POEA), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) and Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA), among others, should lead the profiling of Filipino migrants with standard data format in provincies, cities and municipalities to facilitate the consolidation of data in the regional and national levels.

“We need to synchronize the data to ensure consistency on the statistics pertaining to Filipino migrants.  The Philippine embassies, Bureau of Immigration and Deportation (BID) and DFA can also be tapped for further data verification,” said NEDA Bicol director Agnes Espinas, who also co-chaired the CMD.

The data or profile of onducomented OFWs or mignrants can als0 be sourced out from PSA survey or local government-initiated Community-Based Management System (CBMS), according to here,

The committee also observed that completion of recruitment or hiring and deployment process are usually done in Metro Manila incurring more time and resources for one who wants to work abroad.

There are so far neither recruitment agencies in the region authorized to conduct the pre-departure oreintation seminar (PDOS) nor clinics or hospital in the region that are allowed to issue medical certificate, trainings and issuance of certification for this purpose but all are done in Manila.

The committee deemed it necessary and recommended that such should be made available and accessible in the region.

The same recommended the inclusion of seminar on responsible parenthood for parents and psycho-social sessions for children in the conduct of PDOS.

Concerns of returning OFWs, according to the report of the committee, should also be addressed by the agencies on economic sector the likes of mapping of BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES, incentives and capital or financing window that will cater to their needs.

Agencies concerned can provide them counselling and mentoring throughout business incubation.

While the same overseer group recommended that CMD, especially agencies with OFW or migrant Filipinos focused-concerns should step up information, education and communication drive among the populace and advocacy campaign among policy makers and decision makers pertaining to the numerous government programs and policies for the protection of rights and welfare of the sector.

The committee is created by virtue of Resolution No. 55, series of 2014, of the Regional Development Council (RDC) of Bicol to help expedite local processing of documentation and provide easy access for trainings to develop skills among overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) and migrants.

The CMD also intends to promote the complementation of intervetions among stakeholders to address concerns arising from migration and developments from pre-departure to re-integration.

The committee is also tasked to monitor the implementation of migration and development programs at the local level, further, carry out advocacy activities to ensure protection of rights and welfare of migrants.  (MAL-PIA5/Albay)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/771429771746/rdcs-migration-development-committee-crafts-measures-to-ensure-protection-rights-of-filipino-migrants#sthash.2RH1tWy3.dpuf

Comelec cites Coast Guard for the rescue of stranded employees off CamNorte waters

LEGAZPI CITY, April 22 (PIA) -- The Commission on Elections (Comelec) thanked the Coast Guard for rescuing six employees of the commission who were left stranded for hours off the waters of Camarines Norte after the motorized banca they were in malfunctioned.

Comelec spokesman James Jimenez said the team, headed by Mercedes, Camarines Norte Election Officer Emily Basilonia, was returning from their scheduled Satellite Registration on April 18, 2015 in Barangay Lalawigan, the farthest in Mercedes town, when their boat suddenly went dead in the water.

The team was later rescued at 8:00 in the evening by a private banca and a team from the Philippine Coast Guard.

“Taos puso kaming nagpapasalamat sa Philippine Coast Guard sa kanilang maagap na pagsaklolo sa mga kasamahan naming nabalaho sa karagatan ng Camarines Norte. Sinasaluduhan din namin sila Election Officer Emily Basilonia at kaniyang mga kasamahan sa kanilang katapangan na suungin ang panganib, matiyak lamang na makapag-rehistro ang mga kababayan nating nasa malalayo para sila ay makaboto (We are really grateful to the Coast Guard for their immediate action that resulted to the rescue of our team off Camarines Norte waters. While the commission would also like to cite Election Officer Emily Basilonia and her team who because of the dedication to service to ensure that residents from these far flung village will be able to register to vote, they pur their lives at risk),” said Jimenez.

The poll body spokesman said that he hopes the perils faced by Comelec employees in their effort to reach out to the public, even in the far-flung areas, during satellite voter registrations will inspire others to take time to visit their local Comelec offices to register or to have their biometric data taken. (MAL/Comelec/PIA5)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/771429750339/comelec-cites-coast-guard-for-the-rescue-of-stranded-employees-off-camnorte-waters#sthash.S4Uz5xSd.dpuf

DSWD development partners hold support mission in Bicol

LEGAZPI CITY, Apr 21(PIA) – Development partners of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) along with key officials of the national government agencies (NGAs) recently visited two towns in Bicol for the Third Implementation Support Mission to look into the enhancements of Kalahi-CIDSS program.

As part of the visit, members of the World Bank, Asian Development Bank (ADB), National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) and Department of Education (DepEd) split up into two groups to simultaneously interview stakeholders at the community and municipal level in Donsol and Gubat, both Kalahi-CIDSS areas in the province of Sorsogon.

The visit is part of the oversight activities for the monitoring and evaluation of Kalahi-CIDSS program t determine progress in meeting covenants/agreements from the last mission including compliance to fiduciary and safeguards requirements, identify key implementation lessons and challenges and their implications to operational policy, operational systems and procedures and project support; and consult stakeholders including partner NGAs on policy enhancements to support implementation.

According to DSWD Bicol director Arnel Garcia, DSWD needs the commitment of different partners and stakeholders to support Kalahi-CIDSS to meet the needs of its partner-beneficiaries in a timely manner noting that the mission is an integral part of improving systems and policies of the program.

The mission jumped-off with a consultation dialogue with the mayors and their department heads who gave feedbacks on Kalahi-CIDSS’ implementation.

Donsol Mayor Josephine Alcantara is among the grateful recipients of the programs and projects received from DSWD and other NGAs.

“The local government unit is the poorest branch of the government but we appreciate all their support being poured into our municipality,” she said.

Marilou Padua of World Bank, head of the mission, commended the communities visited including the resolute commitment of residents in Brgy. Gura, Donsol.

The said village proposed the construction of a school building in 2011 under Kalahi-CIDSS but gave way to other communities since the grant fund can only suffice for 15 projects.

However, they freely accepted and completely understood the result because it was based on criteria they have agreed on.

“Brgy. Gura demonstrated empowerment because they suspended gratification for the benefit of others,” Padua said.

Moreover, Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT), a development partner of Kalahi-CIDSS supporting the national government’s thrust to provide basic education and reduce poverty, funded the construction of their school building last year.

World Bank and Asian Development Bank are also funding partners of the program.

The mission team in Bicol is comprised of Ludy Anducta, Danilo Lapid and Tomas Sta Maria of the World Bank; Alice Tiongson of ADB, Gloria P. Madayag and Emer Rojas of NAPC; Rowena dela Cruz of DepEd; Amante Sabangan and Engr. Abe Cea from the National Project Management Office of Kalahi-CIDSS.

Kalahi-CIDSS is a DSWD program that seeks to help alleviate poverty through community-driven development (CDD).

The operations of the community-driven development (CDD) approach expanded into a national scale, which was tried and proven effective by Kalahi-CIDSS.

Some101 poor municipalities in Bicol are under its expansion from 2014 to 2019 with a total of grant of Php4, 497,448,178.

CDD puts power back in the hands of the people by giving them the opportunity to make informed decisions on locally identified options for development and manage resources to implement sub-projects that address needs identified by communities themselves.(MAL/SAA-PIA5/Albay)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2571429603380/dswd-developm

DSWD enumeration in Rapu-Rapu town ongoing

LEGAZPI CITY, Apr 21(PIA) – The Department of Social Welfare and Development Bicol has started its second round of household assessment in the municipality of Rapu-Rapu, Albay to update the list of poor families in the region.

Rapu-Rapu was piloted for the conduct of the second round of household assessment due to its geographic location.  Some 6,649 households are to be assessed and targeted to be finished in 45 days.

 “In this second enumeration, we will ensure that no one will be left behind, said DSWD Regional Director Arnel Garcia.

 Bicol wide, Listahanan has a target of 1.08 million households to be assessed. Through this assessment, a new batch of poor families will be identified to become beneficiaries of social protection programs.

This will also enable the department to track changes or developments in the lives of poor households who were identified in the previous assessment.

Meanwhile, on-going screening of applicants for all positions is being done by the department in preparation for the region wide enumeration.

Shortlisted applicants will immediately undergo training upon deployment.

Listahanan is an information management system that identifies who and where the poor are. It is available to national government agencies, local government units, and other social protection stakeholders a comprehensive list of poor families in need of assistance.(MAL/SAA/DSWD5/PIA5/Albay)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2571429599925/dswd-enumeration-in-rapu-rapu-town-ongoing#sthash.OpBKhLn1.dpuf

Tour of Papal relics visits Naga City

By: Ana-Liza S. Macatangay

NAGA CITY, April 21 (PIA) --- The Office of the Vice Postulator for the Cause for Canonization of Blessed Ivan Merz in the Philippines has partnered with various religious and private organizations to bring to the faithfuls religious vestiges that speaks of Filipinos’ deep religiosity.

Dubbed “Tu Es Petrus”, the Tour of Papal relics showcases various historical and sacred collection of liturgical vessels used during the papal masses, stoles used by the various Popes  and concelebrating priests during masses and special occasions and other things or belongings used by St. John Paul II, Pope Benedict XVII, Pope Benedict and Pope Francis, among others.

 Fr. Dave Caesar Dela Cruz, Director of the Office of the Vice Postulation said that SM City Naga is the second place that they have visited as part of their provincial tour. The first provincial leg was in SM City Lucena last week.

The team started their tour after Pope Francis’ visit in the Philippines in January this year.  Their first stop-over was at the Araneta Coliseum, followed by their visit in Cubao before embarking on their provincial journey.

Gabriel Adrian Mendez, one of the official custodians of the Tu Es Petrus said that they endeavor to share the inexplicable feeling of having to touch and see the relics that were used by Pope Francis during his visit in the Philippines since not everyone was not given a chance to personally see the Pope during his stay in our country.

“We. Filipinos have a strong sense of attachment to the things that were used by significant people that touched our lives. So we decided to bring here in Naga City all of these relics for other people to see. We plan to go to as many places as we can to share this journey,” Mendez added.

The Tour of the Papal Relics at SM City Naga will be until Thursday, April 23 before it moves out to SM Lipa in Batangas.

SM City Naga PIO Tina Sumayao enjoins everyone to come and see the relics temporarily housed at the SM City Naga Activity Center. She added that the exhibit will provide Bicolanos the chance to see the various religious memoirs that are significant to our Catholic faith.

 Other religious collections that can be found as part of the exhibit include the pebbles from the house of St, Peter, pebbles and shells from the shore of the Sea of Galilee, rock and soil from the Church of Primacy of St. Peter, where the church commemorates and allegedly marks the spot of Jesus’ reinstatement of St. Peter as chief among the apostles.

The alb and amice of St. John Paul II used during the mass for beatification of St. Raphael Kalinowki and St. Albert Chmielowski on June 22, 1981 in Krakow, Poland were also part of the exhibit, including the hair strands of St. John Paul II, his cloth imbued with blood, leaves and twigs from the olive tree he planted in Mt. Nebo, the chalice that he used during his mass and the sacred linens that he used by in Poland in 1983.

The relics of the particles of bones of all  \canonized popes were also displayed in the exhibit area including the Missalette for the beautification and canonization of St. John Paul II, canonization medal of St. John XXIII and St John Paul II, Missal during his papal  mass  and the stole for concelebrating priests during the beatification of Lorezo Ruiz in 1981.

Latest collections include the one used by the current Catholic Church Pope, Pope Francis like the exact replica of the Milter (head dress) worn by Pope Francis during his masses in the Philippines, condiments of sri Lankan Arilines for Pope Francis, Sede vacante medal of cardinal Tarciso Bertone SDB (Benedict to Francis),and  rosaries blessed and given by Pope Francis, among others.  (LSMacatangay, PIAV/Camarines Sur)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/861429587583/tour-of-papal-relics-visits-naga-city#sthash.kE8JVn4b.dpuf

DENR Bicol forms team to ensure implementation of mangrove, beach forest development project

LEGAZPI CITY, April 21 (PIA) – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Bicol regional office will form a composite action team to ensure the implementation of the Mangrove and Beach Forest Development Project (MBFDP) in the region.

DENR Bicol regional director Gilbert C. Gonzales has ordered the formation of the team, composed of DENR personnel, to conduct site assessment, validation and mapping, and determine the sources of planting materials to be used.

The team is comprised of DENR Bicol personnel, with overall coordinator from the Ecosystems Research and Development Bureau, while the Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office of each province in cooperation with the local government units and with technical support of other agencies will overseer project implementation.

The project implementation will involve site preparation and other activities to be done in one year and nine months, which will then be taken over by registered people’s organizations.

DENR Bicol, according to Gonzales, has since started the nursery plantation development, capacity building in communities and monitoring. The agency targets 7,144 hectares for the implementation of the MBFDP, including  Albay, with 1,000 hectares (has); Camarines Norte, 1,900 has; Camarines Sur, 1,100 has; Catanduanes, 700 has; Masbate, 2,130 has; and Sorsogon, 314 has.

Some P134 million has been allocated for the entire Bicol that will cover cost for site preparation, validation, planting and maintenance of the seedlings.

The biggest chunk of the budget is allotted for the collection of beach forest and mangrove seedlings or propagules, which will eat up 67 percent of the budget.

The P1 billion MBFDP was conceived for the rehabilitation of mangrove and beach forest, especially in areas damaged by typhoons as the national government’s means of strengthening the country’s coastline and to serve as its strategy against climate change.

The project is part of the rehabilitation and reconstruction program of the government and is based on FY 2014 General Appropriations Act (RA No. 10633) Section XIV.  (MAL-PIA5/Albay)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/771429580566/denr-bicol-forms-team-to-ensure-implementation-of-mangrove-beach-forest-development-project-#sthash.CshrR9ka.dpuf

DOST opens nominations for International Publications and Awards for Granted Patents and Registered Utility Model

LEGAZPI CITY, April 20 (PIA) -- The National Academy of Science and Technology (NAST) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has announced the commencement and opening for nominations for the Search International Publications and Awards for Granted Patents and Registered Utility Models.

DOST Bicol regional director Tomas B. Briñas encouraged qualified researchers and/or professors with worthwhile Research and Development (R&D) work to join in this DOST competition.

Likewise, the member-agencies of Sicence and Technology (S&T) networks [Bicol Consortium for Agriculture Resources Research and Development (BCARRD); Bicol Consortium for Industry and Engineering Research and Development (BCIERD) and Bicol Consortium for Health Research and Development (BCHRD)] are requested to disseminate this information in the region.

The awards program pursues “Evaluation and Improvement of the Research Publication and IP Productivity of the DOST R&D Institutes”

Nominees should submit two (2) reprints or photocopies of the publication, duly accomplished application form and the printed copy of the screenshot of page from Thomson Reuters and/or Scopus Master List of Accredited Journals for the year in which the paper was published to DOST-NAST, Philippine Science Heritage Center, DOST Complex, Bicutan, Taguig City.

Also required is an electronic copy of said application in pdf format through email at secretariat@nast.ph or nastrpeawards@gmail.com. Deadline for the submission of entries/nominations is not later than 25 September 2015.

For more queries, interested staff/network members may coordinate with Niño B. Rodil, Science Research Specialist I of the NAST,  at telephone nos. (02) 838-7766 and at mentioned email addresses. (MAL/POL-DOST5/PIA5)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/771429500961/dost-opens-nominations-for-international-publications-and-awards-for-granted-patents-and-registered-utility-model#sthash.NqRQSfHe.dpuf

Sorsogon City inaugurates Rompeolas Food Court; other developments soon to rise

By:  Bennie A. Recebido

SORSOGON CITY, April 18, 2015 (PIA) – A cleaner,  more orderly and systematic Baywalk is now what the visitors and city folks could see in the newly face-lifted Rompeolas located at the Pier Site, this City.

The place was further enhanced by the establishment of the Rompeolas Food Court and the Fishball Stalls, inaugurated on April 14, with Mayor Sally A. Lee taking the lead in the ribbon cutting ceremony.

In her message, Mayor Lee said it was her long dream to establish a place in the city that would offer a perfect place for family bonding and prevent lethargy among adolescents and seniors. The establishment of the Food Court and provision of systematic procedures for the Fishball Vendors at the Baywalk is one of her granted wish list for Sorsoganons.

“Before, whenever I am asked what Sorsogon City can offer to tourists and visitors aside from its natural beauty and attractions, I cannot give concrete answer, but now I can already boast to anyone that we have our Rompeolas or the City Baywalk with a boulevard that serves as promenade, a venue that offers spectacular views of sunrise and sunset, and food courts to stuff hungry stomachs as thus, ideal for cooling down and family bonding,” Mayor Lee said.

The blessing and inauguration were attended by representatives from the business sector, city government, National Government Agencies, media and other sectors of Sorsogon City community.

Five stalls in duplex form were provided by LGU Sorsogon City to 10 members of the Rompeolas Fishball Vendors Association as part of the city’s livelihood assistance program for Sorsoganons. The stalls are now lined up in a more systematic way while centralized tables and chairs were provided for food-trippers.

Two open self-service restaurants that will offer variety of seafoods and other foods native of Sorsogon will also soon be operational.

Jennifer Pareja, President of the Rompeolas Fishball Vendors Association said they are grateful to the city government of Sorsogon through Mayor Lee and the city council for the livelihood opportunity given to them.

“The stalls were awarded to us by the City-LGU for free. Our counterpart here is to maintain the stalls and give P5.00 for the daily cleanliness and maintenance of the area. There is another P5-peso contribution of members which is remitted to our association to be used as our contingency fund,” said Pareja.

Stall owner Mr. Edgar Camacho, on the other hand, said “now, we do not just depend on fishing as our major source of livelihood, we have this stall that helps us augment our daily income”.  Camacho is one among the 200 relocated families who were previously exposed to typhoon hazards at the Pier Site in Sorsogon City.

The partakers who witnessed the inauguration were unanimous in expressing appreciation to the move of the city government to offer a wholesome hang-out for the people of all walks of life in Sorsogon.

The Baywalk is open to the public. It has a viewdeck where visitors can have a look of the mountains around the Rompeolas and the magnificent Bulusan Volcano as background of the bay’s view.

Visitors who want to have additional relaxation can avail of reflexology services from the members of the association of 4Ps Women Reflexologists who were also provided a space at the Baywalk.

Meanwhile, aside from the new amenities that were introduced, there are also on-going developments for the Rompeolas to cater to the needs of increasing tourists in the city.

The construction of the coastal highway which Senator Francis Escudero and Sorsogon 1st District Representative Evelina Escudero had pledged is now underway.  The 22-hectare coastal highway will help decongest the city traffic once completed and provide an additional space for a walkway.

For water activities at the bay, according to Lee, new kayaks will be added to the existing twelve kayaks that are available for free to visitors. Floating cottages will also be placed in the lagoon at the breakwater. Leisure Park for elders and children will also soon be established at the entrance of the Rompeolas.

“We will also make the entire Rompeolas a wi-fi area,” she added.

Currently, there are five existing gazebos and ten shades at the Baywalk area. (LSM, BARecebido, PIA-5/Sorsogon)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/801429309855/sorsogon-city-inaugurates-rompeolas-food-court-other-developments-soon-to-rise#sthash.ROcpX6dc.dpuf

Sorsogon City inaugurates Rompeolas Food Court; other developments soon to rise

By:  Bennie A. Recebido

SORSOGON CITY, April 18, 2015 (PIA) – A cleaner,  more orderly and systematic Baywalk is now what the visitors and city folks could see in the newly face-lifted Rompeolas located at the Pier Site, this City.

The place was further enhanced by the establishment of the Rompeolas Food Court and the Fishball Stalls, inaugurated on April 14, with Mayor Sally A. Lee taking the lead in the ribbon cutting ceremony.

In her message, Mayor Lee said it was her long dream to establish a place in the city that would offer a perfect place for family bonding and prevent lethargy among adolescents and seniors. The establishment of the Food Court and provision of systematic procedures for the Fishball Vendors at the Baywalk is one of her granted wish list for Sorsoganons.

“Before, whenever I am asked what Sorsogon City can offer to tourists and visitors aside from its natural beauty and attractions, I cannot give concrete answer, but now I can already boast to anyone that we have our Rompeolas or the City Baywalk with a boulevard that serves as promenade, a venue that offers spectacular views of sunrise and sunset, and food courts to stuff hungry stomachs as thus, ideal for cooling down and family bonding,” Mayor Lee said.

The blessing and inauguration were attended by representatives from the business sector, city government, National Government Agencies, media and other sectors of Sorsogon City community.

Five stalls in duplex form were provided by LGU Sorsogon City to 10 members of the Rompeolas Fishball Vendors Association as part of the city’s livelihood assistance program for Sorsoganons. The stalls are now lined up in a more systematic way while centralized tables and chairs were provided for food-trippers.

Two open self-service restaurants that will offer variety of seafoods and other foods native of Sorsogon will also soon be operational.

Jennifer Pareja, President of the Rompeolas Fishball Vendors Association said they are grateful to the city government of Sorsogon through Mayor Lee and the city council for the livelihood opportunity given to them.

“The stalls were awarded to us by the City-LGU for free. Our counterpart here is to maintain the stalls and give P5.00 for the daily cleanliness and maintenance of the area. There is another P5-peso contribution of members which is remitted to our association to be used as our contingency fund,” said Pareja.

Stall owner Mr. Edgar Camacho, on the other hand, said “now, we do not just depend on fishing as our major source of livelihood, we have this stall that helps us augment our daily income”.  Camacho is one among the 200 relocated families who were previously exposed to typhoon hazards at the Pier Site in Sorsogon City.

The partakers who witnessed the inauguration were unanimous in expressing appreciation to the move of the city government to offer a wholesome hang-out for the people of all walks of life in Sorsogon.

The Baywalk is open to the public. It has a viewdeck where visitors can have a look of the mountains around the Rompeolas and the magnificent Bulusan Volcano as background of the bay’s view.

Visitors who want to have additional relaxation can avail of reflexology services from the members of the association of 4Ps Women Reflexologists who were also provided a space at the Baywalk.

Meanwhile, aside from the new amenities that were introduced, there are also on-going developments for the Rompeolas to cater to the needs of increasing tourists in the city.

The construction of the coastal highway which Senator Francis Escudero and Sorsogon 1st District Representative Evelina Escudero had pledged is now underway.  The 22-hectare coastal highway will help decongest the city traffic once completed and provide an additional space for a walkway.

For water activities at the bay, according to Lee, new kayaks will be added to the existing twelve kayaks that are available for free to visitors. Floating cottages will also be placed in the lagoon at the breakwater. Leisure Park for elders and children will also soon be established at the entrance of the Rompeolas.

“We will also make the entire Rompeolas a wi-fi area,” she added.

Currently, there are five existing gazebos and ten shades at the Baywalk area. (LSM, BARecebido, PIA-5/Sorsogon)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/801429309855/sorsogon-city-inaugurates-rompeolas-food-court-other-developments-soon-to-rise#sthash.ROcpX6dc.dpuf

Naga City Youth Officials take oath

By: Ana-Liza S. Macatangay

NAGA CITY, April 15 (PIA) --- An old adage that says that the youth is the hope of the Fatherland still holds true, at least for the city government of this city as they continue to promote the youth’s ideals and open windows of opportunities to aspiring young leaders.

Last Monday, the new set of City Youth Officials (CYO) took their oath of office as the newly sworn young frontrunners who will take the reign of the city’s governance until May 31. They will be handling the city’s operations except in areas which are policy determining and areas that would require financial disbursements.

This City Youth program is pursuant to SP Ordinance No. 2007-008 as amended by Ordinance No. 2009-017 institutionalizing the celebration of the City Youth month. Under the given term or duration of office, the city youth officials, mainly composed of City Youth Mayors, Vice-Mayors, Youth Councilors and Department Heads will have a hands-on experience on how to run a city government.

Mayor John Bongat lauded the young leader’s persistence and passion to be part of the city’s governance and take part in the promotion of the good practices that the city has been doing for the past decades.

 “In this program, we are opening the door of the City to the youth for them to learn what we mean by good governance. We want them to learn transparency. At a young age, we are giving the youth the opportunity to be part of our government.  This is what our former Mayor, the late Jesse M. Robredo called “inclusive and participating governance as transparency seal,” Bongat added.

 Camarines Sur 3rd District Representative Leni Robredo also graced the oath-taking ceremony and challenged the young leaders to pursue the good deeds that they have started even after their term is over- to retain the good values and keep a humble spirit in spite of the great power under their sleeves.

 “My challenge to the CYOs is the maintenance because I think, like me, the Barangay Officials, the City Officials, the Naga City employees, that’s the most difficult thing to do.  All of us started in the service with the right intention. But the question is, how many of us ends and still clean? I think, every day we have to look at it, every day we have to pray that in the middle of all the temptations, we can remember the reason why we are in this service.”

Newly-sworn in City Youth Mayor Ruby Jane L. Bandola accepted the challenge.

“Hopefully, our involvement and empowerment will not stop with City Youth Officials alone. Hopefully, it will not stop with the Youth Month alone.  It will be a continuous journey, that needs the collected effort of all citizens of Naga, but as for the challenge of being the frontliners for this change, CYO 2015 gladly accepts it.”

City Councilor Ray-An Cydrick Rentoy, the youngest and one of the most active Councilors of the City, also crafted the Naga City Code through Ordinance No. 2012-035. The resolution has been acknowledged by the National Youth Commission (NYC) through a resolution en banc lauding the initiative of the city’s local officials in coming up with such a comprehensive code for the Naga City youth. (LSMacatangay, PIAV/Camarines Sur)

Implementation of Integrated Bicol River Basin Master Plan underway

LEGAZPI CITY, Apr 14 (PIA) – The Bicol Regional Development Council (RDC) has formally approved the Integrated Bicol River Basin (BRB) Management and Development Master Plan in a meeting recently held by stakeholders and institutions pushing for its protection.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Bicol director and BRB Management Council chair Gilbert Gonzales said the BRB Master Plan includes the programs and strategies to be implemented under three components.

 The first component aims to prepare the ecosystem and community in facing the risk of climate change including protection of forests and rehabilitation of mangrove plantations.

The second component involves encouragement of investors in production areas through construction of new irrigation systems, sanitary landfill and other needed structures.

The last component stresses the need to strengthen management of the BRB which includes establishment of a Sub-basin Management Council, conduct of information education campaign, capability enhancement training and many others.

Gonzales added that the implementation of the Integrated BRP master plan has a total budget allocation of P31 million.

“Government agencies including PAGASA, DTI, DPWH, NIA, DA, BFAR, DOT, DILG and DENR will be helping each other to allocate fund for the 15-year term implementation of the plan,” he said.

The special order for the establishment of the BRB Coordination Office was issued in 2012 to render technical and administrative support to the BRB Management Council under the RDC and its technical working group. It is also under the EO 816-2009 and EO 510-2006 directing the creation of River Basin Control Office to be managed by the DENR.

 The Bicol River Basin is the eighth largest basin in the country with a total of 317,103 hectares covering the provinces of Albay, Camarines Sur and Camarines Norte.

Among the challenges it is currently facing are flooding which affects agriculture and settlements, destruction of forest covers, dwindling fish catch due to illegal fishing, conversion of mangrove areas, pollution and many others. It is also inside the typhoon belt area thus affected by strong typhoons every year.(MAL/SAA-PIA5/Albay)

Kenyan wins 5th edition of Mayon 360 Ultramarathon in Albay, breaks records by clocking 5:36:44

LEGAZPI CITY, April 12 (PIA) -- Running for 5 hours, 36 minutes and 44 seconds  with a minimum speed of 16 km per hour at the highways surrounding  Mayon Volcano in Albay, a 29 year old Kenyan broke the record by  defeating the current  Bicolano title holder in Mayon 360 Ultramarathon on Saturday.

The Mayon 360 Ultramarathon, renowned as centerpiece event of this year’s Daragang Magayon Festival 2015, was sponsored by the Provincial Government of Albay, Junior Chamber International (JCI) Legazpi Inc. and Smart Telecommunications.

Elliud Kering, 29 of Kenya bagged this year championships of Mayon 360 Ultramarathon finishing the race ahead by one hour and thirty one minutes  against second placer Bong Postrado, 35 of Masbate posting a 6:07:36 sec. run, while last years title holder Mario Malinao , 26, of this city  came third place completing the race at 6 hours 17 minutes.

Coming in the fourth and fifth place respectively, were Marino Lagyap with 6:30:47 run and Chito Gonzales with 6:39:26 run.

For the 160 kilometer a 32 hours run category  Ogerio Lao. 39 of Caramoran, Catnaduanes completed the race in 23 hours, 47 min. and 13 seconds, and with a 56 minutes  margin  Lao was followed by Reynaldo Oros, 51 of Samar (24:03:36)the second placer and Bonifacio Balleras, 44 of this city who was only two seconds behind Oros placed third.

The 160KM run category had 46 registered runners of this only 37 finished the race. The 32 hour run started 2:00AM Friday and expected to end Saturday.

Kering stand 5’9 a Kenyan national  before winning his years race has joined the Mayon 360 race  twice in 2012 and 2013, during those two past races he did not make it to the top three places.

Asked how he felt about the race, Kering said he had not encountered any difficulties during the race except for a “bad stomach” where he was able to “relieve” himself near a place along the road.

He said “I did my best keeping up the lead specially at the home stretch in the last five kilometres of the race.”

Maglinao the reigning race champion last year and in 2013 who  also broke record failed  to hold on and defend his championship crown and place on third.

Maglinao  in an interview said for the past three weeks he was complaining about a bad or sore knee he however prepared for the competition.

He said while he was on the run for his 20th kilometre stretch along the Guinobatan road  he then felt a discomfort on his right knee that  slowed me down a little bit, but luckily he still made it the third place.

While for Postrado the second placer told the Inquirer that this is the third time that he joined the race  and always made it to the second of third place.

The race is a 50 mile or 80 kilometer road run around the Mayon Volcano covering 77 villages in the cities of Legazpi, Ligao and Tabaco and the towns of Daraga, Camalig, Guinobatan, Malilipot and Sto Domingo.

However. the 160Km race also  covered the same route three cities and seven towns plus the town of Pio Duran a coastal town  located in the West Coast of Albay.

The race has at least four categories this include the 80Km race, 2 man relay, 4-man relay and the newest is the 160km race, acc0rding to Dennis Shi, event chairman of the  Jaycee’s  Club International (JCI) in this city.

Shi said under the 80Km, and the relay race participants  were given at least 16 hours to complete the race while the 160km race runners were allowed to race for 32 hours.

Under the 80 and 160 kilometer race a participant have an average of 5km per hour run to complete the race, Shi said.

Shi said close to 500 runners in all categories participated in this year race, there were two  oldest participant one was  74 year old  and another was 68 while the youngest was 14 year old boy.

In the past competitions, a Kenyan held the crown in 2012 running 6 hours and 12 minutes, in 2013 and 2014 Mario Malinao held on the crown with a running time of 6 hours and 7 minutes and 6 hours and one minute, respectively.

The Albay’s epic Ultramarathon, who had since attracted foreign and local running enthusiasts, is now on its 5th Edition showcasing Albay as one of the prime running sports venue in the country that will test the speed and endurance of runners in this epic race and showcase tourist attractions along the course comprising of eight towns and three cities of the province.

The race will started from the Peñaranda Park in front of the city hall and the provincial capitol here, and went through an all-paved road, with close to 60 percent asphalt and 40 percent concrete, passing along 77 barangays in eight towns and three cities of the province surrounding the Mayon Volcano.

Gun start sounded at 4:00 am and the race ended on the same day, with a cut off time of 16 hours or 8:00 pm, at the same park to complete the 360-degree route.

The route showcases Albay’s tourist destinations including Cagsawa Ruins in Daraga town ad the adjacent Camalig town, the home to the popular Albayano dish pinangat, and a good site for heritage tour for having the most number of Spanish houses in the province.

The town of Guinobatan comes next known as the hometown of local hero Gen. Simeon Ola, the last Albayano general to surrender to the American troops during the Filipino-American war, and for its unique Guinobatan longganisa.

While Ligao City features the famous Kawa-Kawa Hill, where pilgrims scale its 236-meter elevation during Holy Week to meditate in its Stations of the Cross featuring life-sized statues, and known for its vast plantation of sunflowers that inspired the city's Sunflower Festival.

Another is in Barangay Buang, Tabaco City, at the junction leading to the Mayon Skyline Park nestled on the slope of the volcano at 2,500 feet elevation.

Tabaco City showcases two churches in Albay that are registered in the National Historical Institute as National Heritage Site--the St. John the Baptist Church--stands.

Malilipot town, known for being home to abaca twine or “lubid” makers, is next.

Next is Sto. Domingo, home of Potenciano Gregorio, the composer of the immortal Bicolano love song “Sarung Banggi” and the unique monument with Gat Andres Bonifacio on top and Dr. Jose Rizal at the base.

Sto. Domingo is also frequently visited by tourists and vacationers for its black sand beaches resorts located at Barangay Kalayukai.

The race ends in Legazpi City, known as the buzzling business hub of the province where tourism has made its mark and contributed much in its social progress and economic expansion.

This city is where tourists, and locales alike, feast thier eyes on a panoramic view of nature at its best, enjoy a buffet of new recipes and creative cuisine with taste that is uniquely Bicolano, avail of well-crafted souvenirs, and experience the warmth its people that is routed in rich culture and embedded in its traditions.

Mayon 360º is only among the various rare and extreme sport events highlighted in the 2015 Daragang Magayon Festival that refers to the province’s mythical legend of Daragang Magayon (beautiful lady) from where Mt. Mayon derived its name.

It can be recalled that  the Department of Tourism (DOT) cited in 2011 the Mayon 360º ultramarathon as the Best Tourism Event in the country under the Sports/Wellness Category in the provincial level category, while garnering a handfull from the South Luzon Area and National awards program of JCI Philippines.

The race is sanctioned by the Philippine Association of Ultrarunners. (MAL/MSA/PIA5/Albay)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/771428973030/kenyan-wins-5th-edition-of-mayon-360-ultramarathon-in-albay-breaks-records-by-clocking-5-36-44#sthash.vQrQOIo7.dpuf

LGU-Daet honors Ten Outstanding Women

By Rosalita B. Manlangit

DAET, Camarines Norte, April 10 (PIA) — The municipal government of Daet announced the ten outstanding women of the town during its culminating activity in line with the National Women’s Month Celebration held here recently.

Mayor Tito S. Sarion said that the honorees are Daeteños who have proven their ability to lead, inspire and enable others, somebody who gave their commitment in the organization, dedication and sustained their advocacy. They too possessed remarkable accomplishment that has major impact towards a gender fair society and to the community.

The awards’ recipients this 2014 are SPO1 Rosalinda B. Tenso, Women and Children Protection Desk (WCPD) Investigator of PNP; Mercy P. Canindo, Rural Health Midwife of LGU-Daet; Estela E. Dames, retired DILG officer; Madonna B. Ramores, barangay councilor, Emma P. Demin, Teacher III, Dogongan Elementary School; Maria Ofelia A. Calubaquib, research officer of MDRRMO; Cleotilde B. David, RIC President/retired Agriculturist; Princes Joy C. Burse, 4th year Mining Engineering Student at UP Diliman; Jhessa France A. Dela Cruz, Bachelor in Secondary Education student of CNSC and Rosie E. Encinas, day care teacher at Angel Day Care Center.

Honorees were chosen from various professions, namely, judicial service,  protective and security services, professional services, academe and education services, volunteerism, social and community services, philanthropic, culture and arts, math, science and technology, entrepreneurship; non-government organization and civic organization, media public information and journalism, government service and sports, and those with disability.

Also in line with the celebration, the local government also bared that a total of 29 women have donated their blood during the bloodletting activity conducted recently. The activity carried the theme: “Babae: Dugo mo Buhay ko”.

Aside from the said activities the local government also had the hanging of streamer, lecture on the preventive measures and livelihood programs for the entertainment establishment workers (EEWs) and Women’s Congress.

This year’s theme for the celebration is “Juana, Desisyon Mo ay Mahalaga sa Kinabukasan ng Bawat Isa, Ikaw Na!.(LSM, RBM-PIA5/Camarines Norte)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/871428637485/lgu-daet-honors-ten-outstanding-women#sthash.u5S50pwV.dpuf

LGU Naga honors veterans as it commemorates Day of Valor

By: Ana-Liza S. Macatangay

NAGA CITY, April 10 (PIA) --- As it joins the entire nation in commemorating the 73rd year of Araw ng Kagitingan or Day of Valor, this city also celebrated today the 70th death anniversary of one of Bicol’s valiant heroes, Lt. Delfin C. Rosales and the observance of Philippine Veteran’s week.

In a meaningful yet brief ceremony held at the Naga City hall grounds this morning, Mayor John G. Bongat reiterated the reason why we have to honor and remember our fallen heroes and live by heart what was written in the historical pages of our forebears’ struggles, including the sacrifices made by our forefathers.

“It is only fitting, that we should not only commemorate, but make the spirit of these dead alive, not only in our minds, but also in our hearts. What is most important in this gathering is the understanding of what we are commemorating and how this understanding will be applied in our present lives, whatever our status is in the government.  We remember them since they sacrificed not only for themselves, but for our people and for our nation,” Bongat said.

Bongat added that as Naguenos celebrate these three significant events, they also have to remember the reason behind the death, martyrdom and sacrifices of these great men of courage. He then challenged everyone to bring out that “hero” inside them by simply looking at the spectrum of sacrifice as a worthy endeavor.

“What is the effect of this to me as a Nagueno … as a Filipino?  If you are a teacher, teach well; if you are a Policeman, find ways to give Naguenos that sense of security that they will walk with peace of mind, without fear. We at the City hall, what do we have to do to make our clients happy? That will be through genuine public service. The buzz word is sacrifice.”

Bongat was joined by all the members of the Sangguniang Panlunsod, various Department Heads and office personnel, including the members of the media in remembering these significant occasions.

The officers and men of the 9th Infantry Division, Philippine Army carried the wreath and rendered the 21 volley fire in honor of the fallen heroes and in recognition of their great sacrifices in order to give their countrymen their much coveted freedom. The unified troops which include the 9th ID, PA, Naga City Police Office of the Phillippine National Police (PNP) and the Naga City Fire Station, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) rendered the hand salutes.

Hon. Salvador G. Cajot, Philippine Veterans Federation District Commander of Camarines Sur expressed his gratitude to Bongat for the city government’s untiring support to the plight of the veterans.  (LSMacatangay, PIAV/Camarines Sur)

 - See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/861428645683/lgu-naga-honors-veterans-as-it-commemorates-day-of-valor#sthash.plqFBBNF.dpuf

LGU Naga to strengthen local juvenile program

By: Ana-Liza S. Macatangay

NAGA CITY, April 9 (PIA) --- Not resting on its laurels even after being acknowledged as center of excellence in child-friendly programs and advocacies, this city continues to incessantly create programs that seeks to further strengthen its child-oriented governance practices.

City Mayor John Bongat anchored these programs on the vision of creating a haven for the children where they are happy because they feel loved and secured. This concept led to the creation of various endeavors particularly in core areas like health and nutrition, child protection and welfare, education and inclusivity.

The latest of which is the proposal crafted and submitted by the Naga City Council for the Welfare and Protection of Children (NCCWPC) dubbed as the Naga City Comprehensive Local Juvenile Intervention Program or CLJIP. NCCWPC is chaired by Bongat himself and by Sangguniang Panlunsod (SP) on Children chaired by City Councilor Elmer S. Baldemoro.

CJLIP endeavors to address the major problems and challenges confronting children particularly those categorized as Children at risk (CAR) and Children in conflict with the law (CICL).

Some of these snags include the strong percentage of migration specifically the in-flux of in-migrants, persisting traditional belief that children involved in petty offenses should feel the brunt of the law, limited capability-building opportunities for all personnel involved in CAR/CICL programs and lack of participation of some parents during meetings, among others.

Baldemoro said that the establishment of a comprehensive juvenile program through various interventions aims to address the aforementioned problems, identify the causes and cycle of offending, provide assistance to affected children and create an alternative modes to avoid the child’s contact with the formal justice system, basing it on the set CJINP framework.

“The primary intervention would be on the developmental aspect which includes rooting out the causes of offending and supplement it with programs on advocacy and health and nutrition and other related programs. Second is the protective and preventive intervention which will assist the CAR and CICL and to prevent them from offending and the third intervention would be the remedial.  This includes measures to address the needs of children who have committed an offense,” Baldemoro added.

To monitor the development of the program, a local juvenile justice information system will be created. Updates regarding the program will be submitted to the SP for adaption and will be forwarded to the NCCWPC for implementation.

 CLJIP, once approved will be added to the 20 existing child-focused city ordinances already being implemented by the city, including the two new ordinances – the Institutionalization of NCCWPC and creation of the Children Affairs’ Office and the institutionalization of the Most Child-Friendly Barangay Awards.

Since 2010, Bongat has already issued 17 child-focused Executive Orders to ensure that children’s rights are not neglected and that their welfare is protected. (LSMacatangay, PIAV/Camarines Sur)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/861428561816/lgu-naga-to-strengthen-local-juvenile-program#sthash.HXbu21Oe.dpuf

LGU Libmanan fetes local hero, celebrates Handiong Festival

By: Ana-Liza S. Macatangay

LIBMANAN, Camarines Sur, April 9 (PIA) --- On its 5th Handiong Festival and celebration of Libmanan’s 441st Foundation Anniversary, Libmaneños chose to rekindle the sense of heroism and look back on the sacrifices and bravery of their local hero, Handiong.

Libmanan Mayor Marilyn Jimenez stated that the week-long celebration of Handiong Festival aims to remind the young generation how the town’s civilization started and for them to imitate the good deeds that Handiong possessed and the tenets that he lived by, not to mention his bravery and love for his people.

Handiong is known in the archives of Bicol history as the brave warrior who wiped out the monsters that were creating havoc over the peaceful land of Ibalon.  The restoration of peace in his place brought forth many good things, one of which is the creation of an equal law that no one will be called masters nor slaves. Everyone will all have an equal footing.

Jimenez said that these traits are worth-emulating and should be continued and nurtured by the upcoming generation.

“We do not want to lose sight of these valuable principles and ethics and one way of continually reminding our youth about these is through the celebration of Handiong Festival where we commemorate the blessings of having a great hero in the name of Handiong- the very reason too why we have a progressive Libmanan.”

One of the highlights of the celebration is the annual Libmanan Regatta competition. Here, all the best rowers will show off their stamina and harmony in paddling in order to grab the championship crown.  The municipalities of Cabusao, Calabanga, Camaligan, Magarao joined the race which was held at the historic wide river of Libmanan.

The recently concluded competition was divided into three categories: the 10-man team, 6-man team and the dragon boat competition.  Paddlers from LGU Magarao grabbed the first place under the 10-man category, followed by Calabanga as 2nd placer and Cabusao in the 3rd place.

Rowers from Camaligan grabbed the first place in the 6-man team category, Calabanga – 2nd and Magarao got the third place. Magarao redeemed another win when it got the 1st place in the Dragon boat competition.

Aside from honoring Handiong, the local government through the Municipal Programs and Events Section headed by its Chief, Ruel “Bibby” Jimenez also intends to promote the preservation of their culture and the promotion of their tourist sites to domestic and local tourists. Some of the activities which were conducted in line with this objective include the launching of the Inland cultural heritage Ecotourism tour and marine ecotourism adventure, Handiong Exhibits and Fair, among others.

 Various programs were also launched to protect and preserve the environment. This includes the Buhayon an Salog program or river revival program which kicked off through the dispersal of fingerlings in the river and the Libmanan Riverbanks vegetation and forestation program, a soil erosion control disaster mitigation measure.

The town of Libmanan is considered as an extremely large municipality with a total of 75 barangays under its reign. (LSMacatangay, PIAV/Camarines Sur)



- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/861428561717/lgu-libmanan-fetes-local-hero-celebrates-handiong-festival#sthash.RTLzybNF.dpuf

DENR forestry program benefits 9K upland farmers in Bicol

Sally Atento-Altea

LEGAZPI CITY, Apr 8 (PIA) – Nearly 9,000 upland farmers and individuals in the Bicol region continue to benefit from the livelihood and agro-forestry programs under the Community-based Forestry Management (CBFM) Program of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

DENR Bicol director Gilbert Gonzales said based from the CBFM data in the region from 2007 to 2015, some 117 sites or a total of 49, 142.34 hectares of forest have been covered by the program benefitting some 8,824 individuals in the whole region.

Gonzales added that the memorandum of agreement has been signed last month between the DENR and implementing people’s organizations for the newly approved CBFM projects in the region this year.

“A total of 305 hectares and 240 beneficiaries were added in the program’s list from the province of Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Albay and Catanduanes,” Gonzales said.

Included in the CBFM program are residents using lands for farming inside or near the identified forest lands or are dependent on forest resources for their livelihood.

These residents were also organized as legitimate people’s organization to represent the concern and interest of each member and to ensure that the forest land entrusted to their care are protected and maintained.

Among the projects implemented under the CBFM program in the region are construction of bunkhouses and nurseries, establishment of agroforestry plantation including forest and fruit trees and vegetable or cash crop production, composting and purchase and distribution of farm carabaos to members of people’s organization.

The CBFM was adopted in the region in 1994 and was implemented in October 10, 1996 under EO no. 263 as a national strategy geared towards sustainable use of forest resources. (MAL/SAA-PIA5/DENR5))

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2571428474174/denr-forestry-program-benefits-9k-upland-farmers-in-bicol#sthash.OwtPIyZ2.dpuf

Stakeholders push women empowerment in Camarines Norte

Rosalita B. Manlangit

DAET, Camarines Norte, April 8 (PIA) – The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Camarines Norte Provincial Police Office (CNPPO) and the provincial government continuously promotes women empowerment in this province through mainstreaming in their various programs and projects.

This was discussed during the monthly kapihan dubbed as “Talakayan sa PIA” of the Camarines Norte Information Center held recently in line with the National Women’s Month Celebration with the theme “Juana, Desisyon Mo ay Mahalaga sa Kinabukasan ng Bawat Isa, Ikaw Na!.

Forester Marizon Vega, Gender and Development (GAD) focal person said that they have conducted “Dalaw Turo” recently in Camarines Norte High School educating female students on their rights and welfare. The program is being held three years now.

She said that they have re-echoed Gender Sensitivity training for women in Cayucyucan in Mercedes town recently.

Vega said that they are also pushing projects in the barangays intended for women to participate in order to have additional livelihood.

Police Officer 3 Monica San Juan of the Women and Children’s Protection Desk (WCPD) of the CNPPO on the other hand said that their counterpart at the municipal level are regularly conducting lectures in barangays on Republic Act 9262 on Anti-Violence Against Women and their Children’s Act and other laws protecting the sector.

She said that in celebration of Women’s Month they did the hanging of streamer and information dissemination on the whole month of March.

An orientation on violence against women was conducted for men policemen to strengthen their awareness held on March 17, she said.

A total of 207 cases of abused women have been recorded last year which are higher as compared to 83 cases in 2013. The cases are either filed in court, pending or referred for investigation. The increase in number showed that women now are aware of their rights and are not afraid of revealing themselves, she said.

She also cited that violence against children also have increased last year with 323 cases as compared to 147 in 2013.

Acting Provincial Social Welfare Officer Cynthia de la Cruz on the other hand said that they are maintaining the center for abused women and children at the “Halfway Home” located in Bagasbas, Daet.

She said that victims of abused children like rape are being turned over to their relatives who can also take care of them while others with none are being trained for livelihood for them to live with their own at the age of 18.

De La Cruz said that in line with the celebration they have conducted Seminar on related law on Anti-Violence Against Women and Children with DSWD Regional Director Arnel B. Garcia as their guest and this was followed by a visit at the “Halfway Home”.

De la Cruz said that the provincial government is also sustaining action center for walk-in client women that need medical, psychiatric and other interventions.

The “Talakayan sa PIA” was facilitated ICM Rosalita B. Manlangit and attended by various media practitioners from print and broadcast in the province. (RBM-PIA5/Camarines Norte)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/871428453335/stakeholders-push-women-empowerment-in-camarines-norte#sthash.S9pGabo6.dpuf

CamSur 4th District Solon sets priorities on education

By: Ana-Liza S. Macatangay

NAGA CITY, April 6 (PIA) --- Underprivileged but deserving High School graduates can still pursue their college dream through the various government programs offering scholarship assistance and grants in their respective localities.

This was the statement made by Camarines Sur 4th District Congressman Felix William “Wimpy” Fuentebella during a pre-Lenten Season get-together with the members of the local media at Abo Farm, Tigaon, Camarines Sur, Monday. The simple gathering also served as a welcome dinner for couple Valenzuela Councilor Shalani Soledad and Pasig City Representative Roman Romulo.

Soledad accompanied her husband who was invited as Guest Speaker at the Partido State University (PSU) during its 14th Commencement Exercises with the theme "Quality Graduates in the Face of ASEAN Integration".

Fuentebella stated that Romulo’s presence also speaks of his own aggressive advocacy to help indigent students acquire their much-coveted college education by informing them of the various scholarship grants that is up for grabs for state colleges and universities (SUCs) all throughout the country.

“There are a lot of poor but deserving students but there seems to be a problem on how they can have an easy access to scholarship grants, particularly with the guidelines set by other patrons like the Commission on Higher Education (CHED).  I already anticipated this, so I transferred all my education funds to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) if CHED cannot immediately act up on this.”

The exclusion of the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) from the local legislator’s fund brought fear among the scholars sponsored by politicians after it was declared unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.

Fuentebella, in order not to severely affect his constituents, has thought of resorting to other avenues so as not to derail the education of his scholars. One of which is to transfer the education fund to DSWD for implementation. He also made mention of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and its internship program which can assist the students in pursuing their education.

Romulo, who is the current Chairman of the House Committee on Higher and Technical Education and one of the sponsors of the Iskolar ng Bayan bill, said that this legislation will allow poor families to fulfill their dreams of sending their children to college.

 “ We have Republic Act 10648 or the Iskolar ng Bayan program which allows  top ten students of every High School to enroll and be admitted to SUCs of his choice within his province. We have already 8,000 public High Schools and that would translate to 80,000 scholars who can benefit from this program,” Romulo added.

 The Iskolar ng Bayan Act of 2014 was signed into law by President Benigno Aquino III in November last year.

Romulo also informed his audience, mostly scholars and professors of PSU and LGU Chief Executives within the 4th District of Camarines Sur, that the UniFAST Bill which has already passed its 3rd and final reading is on its way to the Senate for deliberation.

Under this proposed bill, student financial assistance programs can be in the form of scholarship, grants-in aid, students’ loan, socialized tuition fees and other modalities that the UniFAST Board may develop. (LSMacatangay, PIAV/Camarines Sur)



- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/861428368909/camsur-4th-district-solon-sets-priorities-on-education#sthash.OJcWFRZS.dpuf

PBM pushes for registration, vaccination of dogs

VIRAC,  Catanduanes, April 1 (PIA) – A resolution requiring dog owners to register and let their dogs be vaccinated has been filed by a Provincial Board Member (PBM) before the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

In the resoliton filed by PBM Jorge C. Reyes, all dogs ages three months and above shall be required to be registered and be vaccinated to avoid rabies.

Said resoultion was also in line with the creation of Municipal at Barangay Rabies Control Committees at Municipal Anti-Rabies Task Force in support to the rational implementation of the National Rabies Control Program.

Stated in the resoultion are the responsibilities of dog owners. If approved, an annual registration fee of P30.00 per dogwill be paid to the barangay for the first dog and an addtional of P100.00 annual fee each for the other dogs.

Amount which will be collected by the barangay will be used for the Rabies Prevention and Control Program of the respective barangay.

According to Dr. Jane C. Rubio, Provincial Veterinarian, Barangay Chairmans will be tasked to create the Barangay Rabies Control Committee (BRCC) which shall lead the registration of dogs in their area of jurisdiction. They will also be required to report to the Municipal Rabies Control Committee (MRCC) which shall be headed by the respective Municipal Mayor.

Rubio said that aside from preventing rabies, the resolution will also promote the welfare of the dogs. (EAB/PIA Catanduanes)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/841427841477/pbm-pushes-for-registration-vaccination-of-dogs#sthash.IocvWjur.dpuf

Camarines Sur PDRRMC convenes as Typhoon Maysak threatens the province

By: Ana-Liza S. Macatangay

PILI, Camarines Sur, April 1 (PIA) ---  With a 50 to 60 percent strike probabilities based on the initial and early forecasts of Typhhon Maysak’s track hitting the province, the provincial government of Camarines Sur wasted no time and immediately called for an emergency meeting of all the members of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) today.

All the preparations, from securing the families living near the sea and coastal waters to the pre-positioning of relief goods to be delivered in far flung areas which could be severely hit by the typhoon were already put in place.

Based on unofficial calculations of TS Maysak’s paths this morning, the provinces of Catanduanes, Camarines Norte and the Partido District in Camarines Sur, have a 50—60 probability of being hit , 20-30 for Masbate and 40 to 50 percent for the rest of the Bicol Region.

Relative to this, the PDRRMC under the direction of Camarines Sur Governor Migz Villafuerte is expected to issue succeeding advisories to various MDRRMCs to keep a vigilant eye on flood and landslide prone areas in various parts of the province particularly those in the hinterlands.

Rescue units, involving the Philippine National Police (PNP), Philippine Coast Guard, Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) and the Philippine Army among others, were already alerted to keep themselves posted on the latest bulletin regarding TS Maysak.

Meanwhile this morning, Naga City Mayor John Bongat also convened the city’s various department heads in anticipation of the TS Maysak’s entry anytime tomorrow, Maundy Thursday until Sunday.  Bongat during the Naga City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NCDRRMC) meeting already directed the rescue units to also stay vigilant until after the bad weather is over.

Bongat also directed the City Social Welfare Development Office to prepare food packs for any eventualities.  Emergency vehicles and personnel were tasked to stand by and keep abreast of the latest weather bulletin.

Typhoon Maysak will be renamed Chedeng once it enters the Philippine area of responsibility (PAR). It is packed with sustained winds of 215kph and gustiness of up to 250kph. (LSMacatangay, PIAV/Camarines Sur)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/861427870090/camarines-sur-pdrrmc-convenes-as-typhoon-maysak-threatens-the-province#sthash.BhlQJDjQ.dpuf

LTO warns motorists: “ No Registration, No Travel”

By: Ana-Liza S. Macatangay

NAGA CITY, April 1 (PIA) ---  Land Transportation Office (LTO) Bicol Regional Director Noreen San Luis-Lutey cautions motorists who will hit the roads for the Lenten break this week to seriously heed the LTOs warning that they will not spare anyone from their strict implementation of the “No Registration, No Travel” policy, not even in the spirit of the holy season.

Lutey, in an interview this morning stated that motorists, especially those who will be driving 4-wheeled vehicles going to the various provinces in the region, should ensure that their vehicles are supported with pertinent documents.  This is to spare them from delays and other undeserving circumstances like flagging them on the road or the risk of being apprehended.

“We are doing this not to cause discomfort to our travelers but to ensure their safety while on the road.  Pursuant to the directives issued by our Central office, we will strictly implement the stipulated provisions and will issue corresponding penalties and sanctions to erring vehicle owners,” Lutey added.

No Registration, No Travel” policy is based on Memorandum Circular No. AVT-2015-1927 issued by the LTO on March 20.  Clearly inscribed on its pages were the words: ”Starting 01 April 2015, no four (4)-wheeled motor vehicle can be used, driven or operated on the roads without being duly registered with the Land Transportation Office (LTO) pursuant to R.A. 4136, Joint Administrative Order No. 2014-01 and other applicable rules and regulations.”

Lutey further stated that car buyers should also be vigilant in checking their documents. Some car dealers are saying that registration papers are being forwarded to the LTO office yet in most circumstances, there is no truth to this claim.  Normally, Lutey added, it will only take seven (7) working days for the Official Receipt (OR), Certificate of Registration (CR) and plate number to be released.

A hefty P10,000.00 fine will be charged to the owner of an unregistered vehicle who will be caught using it on the road and another P1,000.00 charged for the erring driver.

Yet Lutey said that the penalty also depends on the surrounding circumstances.

“If the driver can present a Certificate of Registration and Official Receipt of the vehicle to prove that it has been registered, he or she will only be charge with P5,000.00 as penalty for his failure to attach license plates. If we want a hassle-free travel, all we have to do is follow the law,” Lutey started.

Also in line with OPLAN Semana Santa, LTO personnel, as part of their routine during the road’s peak season, also visit terminals and check the worthiness of public vehicles that will ply longer routes. (LSMacatangay, PIAV/Camarines Sur)



- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/861427873321/lto-warns-motorists-no-registration-no-travel-#sthash.6JnZIw5E.dpuf