Bicol Tourism Summit promises brighter prospects for the region

By Ana-Liza S. Macatangay

NAGA CITY, Dec. 9 (PIA) --- “This summit will certainly shed new light on the potential and new tourism products and services, as well as guide stakeholders from the government and private sector for a sustainable and responsible tourism development.”

Thus stated Naga City Mayor John Bongat on the brighter prospects that await every Bicolano after the successful holding of the 2-day Bicol Regional Tourism summit held November 28 to 29 at The Tent, Avenue Plaza ,here.

The summit, which gathered all tourism stakeholders from all over the region, showcased the current state of the country’s tourism industry and served as a venue where every partaker can find ways to collaborate and complement their respective line of interests to the over-all goal of enhancing the tourism industry.

This was also aligned to the mandate of President Rodrigo Roa- Duterte to transform the tourism sector into one of the most viable economic drivers that would propel inclusive growth in consonance with the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP).

DOT Undersecretary Alma Rita D. Jimenez during her discussion on promoting growth and competitiveness through sustainable development, emphasized that under the Duterte administration, local government units will be given more definitive role in the promotion, not only of their local tourism, but also of the regional and national potentials as well.

Bongat stated that Bicol tourism has already crafted its own niche in the tourism industry and Naga City is not far behind when it comes to efforts and innovations to entice more visitors and make their stay truly an unforgettable experience.

“With the help of the DOT , Naga has continuously improved the quality of service of our tourism enterprises and workers by investing in regular trainings to enhance the skills and knowledge of tourism workers, and by conducting joint inspections quarterly of tourism businesses, we are able to maintain standards as expected by tourists travelling to Naga and making Naga a jump-off point to other tourism places or destinations in the region.”

Bongat also acknowledged the outstanding innovations and interventions crafted by the Arts, Culture and Tourism Office (ACTO) headed by Alec Santos, especially its personalized approach in assisting tourism enterprises and stakeholders. This, he said, has led to the steady growth of tourism arrivals in the city and the region.

Santos believes that more than the number of tourists coming in, LGUs also needs to give attention to other things.

"Success in Naga and Bicol's tourism industry cannot be measured solely in tourist arrivals. Tourism planners and stakeholders like LGUs need to focus as well on what's important: generating income and creating jobs. That is the essence of sustainable, responsible and inclusive tourism development,” Santos added.

In closing, Bongat said that the summit will provide Bicol’s tourism stakeholders the chance to gain new knowledge and insights into our Region’s potential as a tourism destination. (MAL/LSM/JRM-PIA5/Camarines Sur)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/861480653181/bicol-ttourism-summit-promises-brighter-prospects-for-the-region#sthash.VbMzM5th.dpuf

Bicolanos elated over Pres. Duterte’s visit in Albay

LEGAZPI CITY, Dec 9 (PIA) – Bicolanos expressed their elation and eagerness over President Rodrigo Roa Duterte’s visit in the province of Albay to lead groundbreaking of the Bicol International Airport (BIA) in barangay Alobo, Daraga Albay and to grace the 7th year anniversary of the Federalismo Alyansa ng Bicol (FAB) at the Legazpi City Convention Center.

The BIA Development Project was initially planned in 2010 with a budget amounting to P1.544 billion. It aims to develop a new airport with international standards and would replace the existing Legaspi City Airport to accommodate bigger aircrafts and serve a larger volume of passengers.

FAB, formerly the Bicol Autonomy Movement, has been advocating for an autonomous region for Bicol and was renamed as suggested by President Duterte, who was then Mayor of Davao City.

 “He lost here during the elections, but he still showed that he is doing his job. What took the previous administration three years to do, he was able to do in four months,” Albay congressman Joey Salceda said referring to the release of P700 million fund for the construction of the landside facilities of the BIA and the bidding out of the P1.71-billion expansion of the airport.

“We thank President Duterte for this decisive action and we are confident that an international airport will sustain the gains of Albay tourism,” Salceda furthered.

Public school teacher Evelyn Grageda said, “This is a historical event for Bicol with our beloved President Duterte as the guest. On the very site will be our Bicol International airport. Wow..an honor and privilege for Bicolanos.”

Government employee Lita Felipe added, “An international airport is a magnet for big investments for Bicol. It will jumpstart development. Bicol is so rich in flora and fauna. The conservation of its biodiversity is important. Kudos to people of Albay.”

Bicolano OFWs likewise expressed their anticipation for faster and easier air transportation.

“Wow! Thank you lord! Thank you tatay president. Siguro next na uwi ko I can fly direct to Bicol from where i am now,” Alexis Lacson said.

Eric Remolacio, an OFW in Taiwan, agreed,  “Good compliment for our president. Bicol Intl Airport will provide easy access transportation among Bicolanos especially to all OFWs. .

OFW from Qatar Jose Cantuba Cedino added, “Sa wakas mag kakaroon na ng international airport ang bayan namin. Kahit na talo ka sa bicol dimo pinabayaan.”

“Thank u President Duterte from Bicolana here in Macau!!!God gave us a good and sincere president like u! Ur a blessing to us!!!Thank u po!!, ” former teacher and now OFW Vangie Gubat posted.

 Bicolanos also lauded the President’s support despite not fully supporting him during election,

“No vindictiveness even though he was not fully supported last election. Still here he is, giving hope to Bicolanos,” said uniformed personnel Lion Venzuela.

Artist Matt Euzen said, “The best President. Kahit hindi nanalo sa Bicolandia handa pa rin nyang tulungan ang mga Bicolano! Yan ang maurag!

Bicolana Arg JD added, “Always remember #PRRD is not a politician. He is a true public servant. Kaya kesihudang hindi nya kaalyado o kakampi noong eleksyon nandyan pa rin sya para sumuporta sa ikakabuti ng Bicol. (MAL/SAA-PIA5/Albay)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2571481277900/bicolanos-elated-over-pres-duterte-s-visit-in-albay#sthash.pQW8a4pk.dpuf

Children’s month celebration in Bicol highlights valuable role of children in society

LEGAZPI CITY, Dec 1 (PIA) – The Regional Council for the Welfare of Children and the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Bicol led this year’s children’s month celebration in the region themed ““Isulong, Kalidad na Edukasyon Para sa Lahat ng Bata.”

“The Children’s Month Celebration is a time to recognize the value of Filipino Children as the most valuable asset in the society. The theme focuses on the rights of children to education,” DSWD Bicol director Arnel B. Garcia said.

Garcia added that the celebration also aims to instill the significance of the adoption of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child (UNCRC) in the Filipino consciousness.

The UNCRC is a human rights treaty which sets out the civil, political, economic, social, health and cultural rights of children.

Among the activities conducted are roll-out training on monitoring, reporting and response system (MRRS) on the grave child rights violations in the context of armed conflict on November 15-17, training for selected school children on basic emergency first aid for children on November 23 and regional poster making contest on child pornography for selected school children on November 24.

The celebration culminated on November 28 with an ecumenical service, pledge of commitment of various agencies, testimonials from the different sector of children and recognition of different partners.

The Bicol Network Children (BNC) and Regional Juvenile Justice and Welfare Council likewise led the “Kalinga Hindi Kulungan: Bicol Youth Meet” on November 29 highlighted by a dialogue between adults and children on House Bill 02 which seeks to lower the Minimum Age of Criminal Responsibility (MACR) of Filipino children from 15 to 9 years old.

DSWD assistant director Victoria Tagum and Saligan Bicol discussed and clarified the bill and its impact to children and community.

HB 02 was filed in the 17th Congress of the Republic of the Philippines by house speaker Pantaleon Alvarez and Capiz representative Fredenil Castro.

The said Bill aims to criminalize children to stop adult criminals from using them and to teach them how to take responsibility for their actions because, according to the Bill, nineyear-olds already have better discernment due to their access to the internet. (MAL/SAA/PIA5/Albay)

- See more at: http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/2571480581575/children-s-month-celebration-in-bicol-highlights-valuable-role-of-children-in-society#sthash.6qv4gVoW.dpuf

A-PAD holds disaster-resiliency confab for MSMEs in Bicol

By Ana-Liza S. Macatangay

NAGA CITY, Dec.1 (PIA) -- A community of entrepreneurs from the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), gathered together at the Villa Caceres Hotel here for the 3-day Business Community Planning (BCP) and Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (DRRM) training seminar primarily to mainstream business community and resiliency of local enterprises.

The activity, which started November 28 and capped its final program yesterday, November 30, endeavors to create a more resilient business community, more adaptive to the call of the changing times and enjoin individuals ready to extend its helping arm to the needy most especially during the most vulnerable situaitons.

Maricris Biñas, Asia Pacific Alliance for Disaster Management-Philippines (A-PAD Philippines) regional coordinator in Bicol stated that the confab was primarily conducted in cognizant of the great role that Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) play in the development of community disaster resilience.

“A-PAD Philippines conducted this training to enhance awareness and instill the importance of BCP and DRRM among selected MSMEs and other stakeholders. During the course of the confab, we have recognized some concerns, like the need to map existing MSMEs, strengthen public and private partnership and the inclusion of BCPs in local disaster risk reduction and management plans,” Biñas added.

Metro Naga Development Council Project Officer Totoy Badiola said that disaster preparedness will only get an optimum result once shared with other collaborators, especially with the intervention of the local government units, including public organizations and the private sector.

“The LGUs need the cooperation and support of the private sector in implementing a comprehensive DRRM plan.  Multi-stakeholder collaboration is how A-PAD Philippines operates.”

More than 40 participants representing various cooperatives and stakeholders coming from the food and agriculture sectors took part in the said confab. They were tasked to come up or formulate with their own business continuity strategies, aligning the real scenario in their respective business concerns.

Metro Naga Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MNCCI) president Gilbert Albero emphasized the importance of the training to the micro and small local enterprises, particularly in ensuring that the operation of their respective business will not be hampered by the onslaught of any disaster.

“Preparedness always plays the key role in ensuring that our respective businesses will not suffer the brunt of a disaster. We have to be resilient so that we can also help others who are in need.”

The 3-day confab was organized by the Citizen’s Disaster Response Center Foundation, Inc. (CDRC) in collaboration with Tarabang para sa Bicol, Inc., MNCCI. Kapisasan ng mga Brodkaster nf Piipinas-Camarines Sur, Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA), MNDC, Mariners Polytechnic Colleges (MPC), Naga City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) -Camarines Sur Provincial Office. (LSM-PIA5/Camarines Sur)