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vol. xxi, no. 34 Bicol, the philippines april 20-26, 2014 p5.00 ( 473-8888

Bongat bares State of City, hailsNaga as Bicol’s tiger economy

Mayor Bongat

EasterEasterHailing Naga City as Bicol’s roaring

Tiger Economy, City Mayor John G. Bongat Tuesday morning delivered his State of Our City Report which, among others, underscored the city govern-ment’s triumphs in economic develop-ment and socio-cultural impact that continue to sustain and even improve on the city’s popular title as a “maogmang

lugar,” or a happy place.Quoting Wikipedia’s definition of Tiger

Economy as an “Economy which undergoes rapid economic growth, usually accompa-nied by an increase in the standard of living,” Bongat presented graphs and data from inde-pendent sources which include Naga’s being named as one of the Top Ten Most Competi-

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But Mary stood weeping outside the tomb. as she wept, she bent over to look into the tomb; and she saw two angels in white, sitting where the body of Jesus had been lying. they said to her. ‘Woman, why are you weeping?’ She said to them, ‘they have taken away my Lord, and I do not know where they have laid him.’ When she said this, she turned around and saw Jesus standing there, but she did not know that it was Jesus. Jesus said to her, ‘Woman, why are you weeping? For whom are you looking?’ Supposing him to be the gardener, she said to him, ‘Sir, if you have carried him away, tell me where you have laid him, and I will take him away,’ Jesus said to her, ‘Mary!’ She turned and said to him in Hebrew, ‘Rabbouni!’ (which means teacher). Jesus said to her, ‘Do not hold on to me, because I have not yet ascended to the Father. But go to my brothers and say to them, “I am ascending to my Father and your Father, to my god and your god.” - John 20:11-17

EasterEasterfdwallpapers.com

Bikol reporter2 april 20-26, 2014oPinion

income tax returns,Preliminary income tax declarations

are also required to be submitted for the first three quarters each year. By quirks of regulations, the ITRs of individuals for the first quarter are also due on April 15! The next two quarters’ deadlines are set within 45 days after the quarter-ending. For corporate taxpayers, the quarterly income tax declarations are due within 60 days after the end of the quarter – May 30, August 30 and November 30.

OTHER TAXES: Notwithstanding the buzz of the income tax filing, the business tax returns must also be submitted and the taxes paid as these are filed. Percentage taxes (3%. or 5-7% GRT for banks) are due on April 20 (no distinction for monthly and quarterly returns). Monthly VAT declarations are due also within the first 20 days of the month following – but the quarterly VAT Return (which can rectify previous declarations) must be filed within 25 days after quarter-ending.

BIR Commissioner Kim Henares declared that the income tax deadline will NOT be extended. Hers is the good policy to instill in the minds of taxpayers that deadlines must be respected. Late filings are meted 25% surcharge regardless of number of days delay, plus 20% annual interest with compromise penalty (to redeem the criminal liability). Filipinos are wont to deadline observance, and now is the time for us to improve our regulatory compliance.

INTEREST: As the industrialized economies led by the US and European Union – start the revival of their business activities – the competition for foreign investments has become stiff. Our excellent rating as investment destination must be preserved – so our monetary authorities are trying their best to rein in potential inflation. The key they have chosen is to reduce money in circulation which has the effect of raising interest rates.

The financial policy has another positive side-effect. As domestic interest rates gradually move up, our local currency becomes “more respectable” in the eyes of domestic and foreign fund holders. Direct foreign investments are coming in (or back) and this should lead to stronger exchange rate for the Phl peso. The exchange rate is now in the mid-P44 versus US$1. It used to be P45++ when things did not look as rosy.

WISDOM: Our Resurrected Lord will provide us the strength to fight evil and to rise from our defeats.

(Atty. APA – chairs Acyatan & Co., CPAs-DFK International – is past chair of ASEAN Federation of CPAs, PICPA past president and Hall-of-Famer, and ACPAPP Lifetime Achievement Awardee).

HOLY DAYS: Starting today – each day of the week will have Spanish “surnames”: Domingo de Ramos, Huwebes and Viernes Santo, Sabado de Gloria, and Domingo Pascua. The nomenclatures are intended to remind people trhat we are in the last week of Lent – or the period of sacrifice and passion. Of course – the season of self-denial, fasting and abstinence (from our usual wants and desires) is a worthy prelude to our biggest Christian celebration – the Resurrection of Lord Jesus.

Easter Sunday should bring us cleansed joy and spiritual happiness. This is the day when we must look up to thank our Father for instituting the foundation of our faith. The resurrection of Jesus proves to us that there is life after death – and that our earthly lives are not the bee-all of our creation. Indeed – there is life beyond, so we must aspire and do our best to be entitled to enter the pearly gates of our Father’s Heaven.

DEADLINES: Many people are now aware that the end of the income tax-filing season is on April 15. This is so for those who adhere to the calendar year accounting period. (But there are corporations that are allowed by the BIR to adopt a non-calendar financial reporting year). With the annual deadline, many taxpayers, their accountants and auditors spend sleepless nights to craft financial statements that will support their annual

be one of the senatorial candidate of the Opposition.

When former Deputy Speaker NoliFuentebella told me about Pacquiao’s inclusion in the senatorial slate of the Opposition in 2016, I told him if he wants to add another LitoLapid in the Senate. He told me that Cong. Manny Pacquiao is different, because he stands and talks in the House of Representatives. Yes, I recall I saw him on TV talking about his province, Sarangani, which has no provincial hospital.

* * * * *Senate President Franklin Drilon and

House Speaker Feliciano Belmonte had been saying in press interviews that the Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro (CAB) will be approved by both House of Congress once President Benigno S. Aquino submits the agreement to them. It will be noted upon immediately since it will be submitted as an urgent bill. It seems it is a done deal already.

Nevertheless, for our thinking legis-lators, I am enumerating the following reasons of Sen. Miriam Defensor Santiago who reportedly said: “The recently signed Comprehensive Agreement on the Bangsamoro appears to facilitate the secession not only reduces the sovereignty of the central government but also provides that in the future, sovereign powers as have been reserved may be further increased

provided the Bangsamoro agrees.”1. The power of the central

government shall be determined by the agreement, thus turning Bangsamoro into a substate.

2. The Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao which is provided in the Constitution, will be abolished by mere agreement with the MILF, which is not surprising if you consider that the Bangsamoro is a substate;

3. Allocations to the Bangsamoro of all powers exercised by the national government over local government units;

4. Although the Constitution provides that the natural resources belong to the state, in the Bangsamoro territory, only Bangsamoro will have exclusive jurisdiction over natural resources.

5. The Annex on Power Sharing gives to Bangsamoro so-called exclusive powers which is defined as a toutology, as “powers or matters” over which authority and jurisdiction pertain to the Bangsamoro government”;

6. Only the Bangsamoro shall be under a ministerial form of government, while the rest of the county will operate under a presidential form of government;

7. The agreement in Part 7 provides that one of the functions of the Transition Commission is “to work on proposals to amend the Philippine Constitution for the purpose and enriching in the Constitution the agreements of the parties whenever necessary without derogating from any prior peace agreement.”

8. “What? The Agreement embodies the consent of the Executive Branch to amend the Philippine Constitution in order to accommodate the agreement! This is beyond ridiculous.

My appeal is ‘Please love the Philippines, the present and future generations and everything that God has given us.

Happy Easter to everyone! With the end of the Season of Lent, we know more what we need to do for our country and fellowmen and to God Almighty. Let’s continue praying for everyone and all the souls in purgatory.

* * * * *In his rematch with American boxer

Timothy Bradley, Jr. last Sunday at MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, USA, Filipino boxing icon Manny Pacquiao reclaimed the WBO World Welterweight he lost to Bradley in a controversial fight two years ago.

At the post-fight interview, Bradley said, “I have no excuse this time and I must take my loss like a man. I fought and lost to a true champion and the greatest fighter of all time.” With his statement, I salute Bradley for his sportsmanship.

God must have listened to the prayers of Pacman’s mother, Dionisia. This time, she prayed over her son, Manny, before the fight and continued praying the rosary during the fight and kept holding a stampita of the Holy Infant Jesus in her hand. She showed these on TV in the US because there were some people saying that she was cursing Bradley when she was just verbally praying. God must have seen the unwaivering faith of Mommy Dionisia while praying that He granted her wish. I also saw Manny’s faith in God when Dionisia was praying over him. Mommy Dionisia may be a laughing stock to others, but I see her strong faith in God and the loving heart of a mother.

Manny Pacquiao brought honor to our country once again and the Filipinos are proud of him. But BIR Commissioner Kim Henares immediately announced he should pay his tax obligation. If Henares will keep taunting Pacquiao for taxes even if Pacquiao has no plan to evade taxes, Kim Henares may make Cong. Manny Pacquiao a topnotcher in the senatorial race in 2016. Vice-Pres. JejomarBinay has already announced that Pacquiao will

editorial

Pope Francis continues to amaze us in ways always unexpected; and each time, he draws our deep admiration.

on Friday last week, he asked forgive-ness for priests who sexually abused chil-dren.

this is not only an act of utter humility, but an acceptance of the humanity of, even, the religious.

Rizal had long ago seen this malady, and so he was sent to his death at Bagum-bayan.

Fortunately, in our times, we have a Pope who sees the Church as also an institution peopled by humans, who err and therefore, not fully divine.

We think that this recognition of the lim-ited and flawed humanity of those in the priesthood, should be one lens from where this recent papal move should be viewed.

It is not a condemnation of the whole priesthood, but a way to remind priests of their humanity, and therefore, of the chal-lenge of holiness.

Where priests are pointed out for a sin like child molestation, it is also meant for us the faithful to become not as accusing voyeurs but as witnesses to god’s trans-forming power. It is so that we may learn to see god in that experience.

as Jesus himself told His disciples when He was asked about a man who was blind from birth (and whose blindness in those times was seen as a result of the sins of his parents): “It was not this man sinned, or his parents, but that the works of god might be displayed in him.”

We cannot prescribe how we may help our priests avoid sin, but perhaps, we can start in making them aware that we, the faithful, are also praying for and watching them. We can educate our children about their bodies as “sacred temples,” that who-soever violates them, priest or not, dese-crates them and are therefore liable to the laws of the Church and of the State.

Where priests therefore are defrocked or lose their jobs as was the case of the 555 who lost theirs from 2008 to 2012 world-wide, it is also meant to make the “old yeast,” be replaced by a new dough.

or in the words of the Corinthians, so that the old may be a “new creation.”

Happy Easter!

lee g. dullesco iiHead, Advertising Associates

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02082606

tel. no. (054) 475-6262

francisco peÑones Jr.Editor

0918-496-6354

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Bikol reporter 3april 20-26, 2014

albay hostsBalikatan 2014

PALM SUNDAY MASS Parishioners wave the "palaspas" for the priest to bless during the Palm Sunday observance at the naga Metropolitan

Cathedral, naga City on Sunday (april 13, 2014). (Pna photo by Roland nablo) lgi/ron

By JoHnny C. nunEz

LEGAZPI CITY -— Al-bay will host again the Phil-ippines-United States annual joint military exercises, Ba-likatan, with a month-long series of humanitarian and civic assistance (HCA) activi-ties in this city and in Guino-batan town, from April 21 to May 22.

The event is the fifth similar PHL-US military-related ac-tivities which Albay had hosted since 2007.

Despite disability, housewife earns 1st million NAGA CITY - Every one

encounters hardships in their lives, but when someone with a disability is able to over-come all the adversities and still finds optimism, it be-comes a piece of good news.

Such is the case of Fe Car-aza of Barangay Panicuason, this city, who earned her first million despite her disability. It took her a lot of commitment and a completely ‘no-fear’ atti-tude to achieve success.

Fe’s turning point came when she focused on selling nutritious food like soya bread, milk, carrot juice, veggie meat, tokwa, and malungay polv-oron.

“Salamat sa Diyos, kung ano ako ngayon ay dahil sa ti-yaga lang po (Thanks to God, what I have now is through my perseverance),” she proudly said.The disabilities she faced

Becoming an entrepreneur is not an easy task, but Fe has managed to make her business successful despite her condi-tion.

“Nagkaroon po ako ng acute psychiatric nerve injury,

Conservewater-DEnR

MANILA - With the onslaught of hot summer weather, the Department of Environment and Nat-ural Resources (DENR) is urging the public to be particularly mindful of their water consumption not only to save money on water bills, but more im-portantly, to protect this precious resource.

DENR Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje said that although water service providers have already assured that there would be a steady and ample supply of water during the dry months, usu-ally from March to May, “it would still be advisable for us to use our water supply prudently.”

“We have to consider that water is not only for domestic or household use,” Paje pointed out. “We have to share our supply with the agricultural sector to irrigate our farmlands, which are vulnerable during the dry season; and with the power sector to generate electricity

Balikatan 2014 (BK14) or-ganizers have earlier booked about 400 hotel rooms for the purpose, for a full month pe-riod, representing about 60% of high-end quality room capacity in the province.

Albay Gov. Joey Salceda said BK14 lends support to the provincial and local gov-ernment units community out-reach initiatives, enhances the program’s inter-operability be-tween the participants and local stakeholders, promote the BK14 Exercises and further enhance PHL-US bilateral relations.

Salceda said BK14 civic as-sistance activities will include Engineering Civic Assistance Program (ENCAP), Coopera-tive Healthcare (MED/VET) engagements, and Civil Mili-tary Operations and Communi-ty relations activities in Legazpi City, Guinobatan and several other nearby towns.

BK14 activities, held simul-taneously in other parts of the country, involve some 5,500 US and Filipino military personnel. In Albay, some 400 US soldiers will participate in the HCA.

Albay had consistently host-ed past humanitarian activities with US, most prominently, the Amphibious Landing Exercises or Phiblex last year, the US Pa-cific Angel in 2010, the RP-US Balikatan in 2009, and the visit of USS Peleliu in 2007.

For this year, BK14 will hold three ENCAPs in Guino-batan. In Barangay Malobago, it will construct a barangay health center and two class-rooms at the Malobago Ele-mentary School, aside from the repairs of the school’s sanitary, water and electrical facilities. In Barangay Mercedes it will also construct one classroom and re-pair other facilities.

In Legazpi City, ENCAP activities include the construc-tion of public toilet and water facilities in Barangay Pawa, and repair of the Tamaoyan El-ementary School in Barangay Tamaoyan and its sanitary, wa-ter and electrical facilities.

BK14’s Cooperative health engagement includes health symposia with professional health workers in at least five barangays of Legazpi City and Guinobatan town where AFP and US soldiers are already de-ployed.

“Brings back crowd favorite events”

CamSur celebrates Kaogma festivalThe provincial govern-

ment of Camarines Sur, with the youthful Gov. Migz Vil-lafuerte at the helm, brings back the festive color and fun to the Kaogma Festival with a roster of fun-filled events and activities like the Hot Kids 2014 and The Big V 2014 tra-ditionally scheduled during the last week of May in hom-age to the province’s 435th foundation anniversary on May 27, 2014.

Tagged as “the hottest fes-tival in the world,” Kaogma intends to raise the summer temperature to sizzling hot by presenting truly palatable ac-tivities that will surely draw the crowds from all over the province to the Capital town, more specifically, at the Capitol Complex where most of the ac-tion will happen.

Aside from the Dance Revo-lution earlier announced, the festival will also feature Hot Kids Star and Junior Edition where talented boys and girls aged 4-6 (Star Category) and 7-9 (Junior Category) will vie for the audience’s attention and of course, the cash prizes as well.

A grand audition will com-mence at the Capitol Conven-tion Center from 8:00 AM on May 5, 2014 where everyone with extra precocious kids fit-ting the age qualifications are welcome to showcase their unique or outstanding talents. On May 12, a talents presen-tation will commence at 4:00 PM at the same venue with the grand finals night happening on May 25, 2014.

For the contest guidelines, entry forms, and other pertinent details, interested parties can visit the Event Secretariat at the Capitol Convention Center or contact Erick del Rosario, the Event Chairman at CP# 09286655874.

Meanwhile, another crowd favorite activity, the Dalan sa Kalangitan, a singing compe-tition is reformatted with new twists and game play as the Big V 2014. The new title came from the idea that Camarines Sur is rich in talented voices and this contest will facilitate the natural talents to shine and those dreams to soon come to fulfillment.

The singing contest is open to all genders aged 15-25 years

on the contest day, Filipino citi-zens, a native of CamSur or a bona fide resident of the prov-ince for at least one year, and with pleasing personality.

A one-time screening is scheduled on May 5, 2014 at the Capitol Convention Center where interested contestants must bring with them the fol-lowing requirements: NSO Birth Certificate, valid ID, con-sent form from parents, if below 18 years old, two Talent pieces, one Close-Up and Full Body photos. The criteria for the said screening will be: Voice Qual-ity (Harmony, Timber, Depth)-40%; Song Rendition (Origi-nality & Interpretation)-30%; Star Quality-20%; Production Number/Execution-10% which totals to 100%.

Additional rules and guide-lines are as follows:

1. Winners and Runners-Up in any national singing contests are disqualified.

2. Recruitment shall start on April 1, 2014. Contestant and Talent Scouts may get the registration forms and require-ment list at the Event Sec-retariat. They may also call at Tel. No. 475-4442 or CP# 0928-5030514 or email them at jaime.letada@yahoo.com for more information.

3. Deadline for submission of entry shall be on April 30, 2014, 12NN. The screening process on May 5 will start at 10AM at the Capitol Conven-tion Center.

4. Contestants must sing only on A Capella during the screening. Background tracks and instruments are not al-lowed.

5. The decision of the Judg-ing Committee regarding the Screening Process shall be FI-NAL.

6. The results of the screen-ing shall be announced within 24 hours after the end of the screening process. Top 10 con-testants shall be notified through a phone call.

7. Upon notification, top contestants shall be available for the rehearsals, tapings, special appearances, and other contest-related events.

8. All contestants shall pro-vide talent material for their solo performances before the

AGAINST ALL ODDSDespite a nerve injury, Fe Caraza persisted pursuing her livelihood to earn her first one-million-pesos in income.

gov. vILLaFuERtEstart of the rehearsals.

9. During rehearsals, contes-tants will each draw a number to determine their contest piece. The pair who will do the battle mash up will be given a day to rehearse the song. (Time and venue to be announced.)

10. Contestants shall abide by the rules and schedule set by the Event Secretariat.

11. Disqualification can be given to contestants who do not follow rules, schedule, and guidelines.

12. The Organizing Com-mittee has the right to change or make amendments on the rules and mechanics set for the im-provement of the contest.

13. Contest night is on May 29, 2014, 7PM at the Kaogma Stage Area.

For the contest proper on May 29, the criteria for judging will be: Voice Quality-40%, Originality-30%, Audience Impact-20%, Production Num-ber/Execution-10% for a grand total of 100%.

Prizes at stake are: Grand Champion-P50,000.00+trophy; 1st Runner-Up-P30,000.00+trophy; 2nd Run-ner-Up-P20,000.00+trophy; 3rd Runner-Up-P10,000.00+trophy; Consola-tion Prize to 6 non-winners-P3,500.00 each.

Gov. Migz Villafuerte hopes to help develop and promote new talents and singing stars in the province especially amongst the youth who are close to his heart’s advocacy. - JMTS-MMEC

Sec. PaJE

(Turn to page 8)(Turn to page 8)

pero tinanggap ko yun, hindi ko ginawang hadlang ang kapan-sanan ko. Naisip kong magtra-baho kesa sa walang ginagawa. Kaya naman nagsimula ako na magtinda ng mga gulay para kumita (I had an acute psychiatric nerve injury but I accepted it and did not allow this to hamper my productivity. I thought of work-ing rather than doing nothing. So, I started selling vegetables to earn),” she said.

After a few years, Fe was en-

grossed in earning more money to grow her business.

With that, she failed to find time for her family.

“Nabuntis ng asawa ko ang katulong namin sa bahay. Galit na galit ako, pero inataman ko su aki ninda halos duwang taon ta kairak man, wara man kasalan su aki (My husband got our helper pregnant. I was so mad but I took care of their child for almost two years because I pitied the child. He has nothing to do with their

sin),” she stated.Fe and her husband even-

tually separated. Fe was left alone to take care of her four children.

“Nagdadasal ako kasi yung mga anak ko malung-kot sila. Pero maganda din na mag-isa lang ako, dahil nalalaman ko yung kakayanan ko. Mas maraming oras ko na nayayakap mga anak ko at na-sasabihan ko sila ng problema (I keep praying because my children are sad. But, it’s also good that Im alone, because I am able to know my strength. I also have more time to hug my children and I can talk to them about my problems),” she said.

Although struggling, Fe defied the odds and remained positive in order to provide the needs of her children.

“Noon ang hirap, from Panicuason ay 18 kilometers to Naga City kong minomo-tor. Nagbibitbit, naglalako ako ng mga produkto sa mga opisina kahit umuulan o tirik ang araw (Before, it was so hard. Rain of shine, I drove 18 kilometers from Panicuason to

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Bikol reporter4 april 20-26, 2014etCeterA

inner chessBy J. HEnRy DanICan

oFWs Coming HomeThere is nothing more wonderful than an OFW in the family

coming home to family who must have missed him terribly for two or three years. Three years is such a long time for the father of the family to have gone abroad for work. And now, he is home. That is the most wonderful thing especially if he is coming home loaded (with green bucks and plenty of chocolate cakes, hehe). It is a time for the family to bond together, have a wonderful time. It is also a time for the OFW to dialogue with a son or daughter who had not been very dedicated in his/her studies. And the “culprit” who accepts his misbehavior does not get a “pasalubong “ like a brand new cellphone of the latest model or an ipad mini unless he promises to be good especially in his studies. I am wary of some children left behind by their parents (maybe the mother or the father or both) and entrusted to a relative hoping they will take their studies seriously but never did. At the end of the semester, they get failing grades since they had been remiss in their duties as students. Poor parents who are banking on their children to be able to finish a course and maybe work like them outside the country and earn well and live better.

I have heard of many OFWs who have come home for a brief vacation or family visit said that if only the salary in the Philippines were high, they would not have thought of leaving the country and family. But they have to and pain of separation. Life in the Philippines is not actually very easy. The salary is low. Can you imagine a contractual worker paid a measly P200. a day and there are only five working days a week. How can suffice…for food. Education of the children, and other necessities. Some OFWs have met a terrible fate in the hand of their foreign employers, got incarcerated or else died and some never had their remains sent to their families.

At any rate, the OFW is home and he is thinking of going back to work after a month or so and it is loneliness again for him and his family. Godspeed. Good Luck.

Pinagkunfirmar sa Bikol Re-porter ni Engr.Solomon “Monmon ” Ngo, presidente kan Camarines Sur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CSCCI) na nagpasar an chamber nin sarong resolution na naka address sa DPWH central of-fice sa paagi ni Secretary Rogelio Singson asin copy furnished man an district office asin an ofisina rehiyonal kan DPWH. Sigun ki Ngo nakapalaman sa resolution an kahurutan na obligaron ninda an contratista kan patrabaho kan tulay sa San Jose sa banwaan kan Pili, Cam Sur tanganing magtrabaho nin 24/7. ini tanganing matapos na tu-los an tulay .

Inako ni Ngo sa Bikol Reporter na dakulang perwisyo ini bako san-ang sa mga negosyante kundi pati na sa mga namamanwaan , mga motorista asin iba pa na nagbabag-tas sa sinambit na tulay . Ini man an nagigin rason tanganing maprakasar an saindang mga kalakawan asin mga trabaho. Lalo na itong mga empleyado gikan sa Rinconada area asin pagtaraid na lugar na nag ta tra-baho sa syudad kan Naga.

Sinabi pa ni Ngo na huli man sa sobrang traffic inaaabot nin poon saro hastang duwang oras na naka istambay an mga vehikulo. Mis-mong si Ngo an nakareparo na kun aldaw nin Domingo mayo na nin nag ta trabaho sa tulay.. kaya na-kapagtaram siya na medyo relax an patrabaho kan DPWH. Bako man suba suba an tulay na ini kaya dapat na madalion na ini siring kan nahi-hiling ninda duman sa Metro Ma-nila na aldaw -bangui an patrabaho. Ini man an saro sa rason kun tano ta hinuhurot kan chamber na gibohon ng aro aldaw o 24/7 an patrabaho.,

“An ordinance declaring the entire municipality of Caramoan as No quarrying and Mining Zone and other purposes” Digdi man nagsen-tro an orolay kan Committee on Mines and Geo Sciences sa Sang-

Pinagpanginutan ni Atty Nor-een San Luis-Lutey , Regional Di-rector kan Land Transportation Office (LTO) asin ni Engr, Roel Alsisto Regional Director kan Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) an sarong importanteng tiripon , ini inapod na Transport Sum-mit on the Enhancement of Tour-ist Transport Services, GOCC programs/Services and Public Consultatation on the Proposed Revision of LTO Administrative Fines and Penalties.

Sa pakikipag olay kan Bikol Reporter ki Director Lutey sinabi kaini na pinagsaro ninda sa sarong okasyon an tulong mga tema. Pinag imbitaran ninda an Philhealth, PAG-IBIG , SSS, Dept of Tourism asin iba pang ahensya para man sa pagtulod kan turismo sa paagi kan sector kan transportasyon , asin an pag imponer kan mga penalidad sa mga pagbalga na nakokomitir kan transport sector. Ikinaogma man ini ni Lutey huli ta dagmang an mga partisipante sa tiripon na ginibo sa Avenue Plaza Hotel kan nagtalikod na Semana Santa. Yaon man an presencia kan mga ofisyal

Dakulaon man na marhay an impact kaini sa mga negosyante huli ta obligado sinda na magtao man nin overtime pay sa mga em-pleyado na haros inaabot naman nin sobra sa oras huli man sa perwisyo kan tulay kaya prakasado man an saindang trabaho. Sa presente halat na sana kan chamber an kasimbagan kan ofisina ni Singson.

Mientrastanto afwera kan pa-gigin presidente kan CSCCI si Ngo an bagong mailihir man na presi-dente kan Information Communi-cation Technology (ICT) council duman sa Iriga Rinconada Area, ini sarong konseho na mamamayo asin iyo an maimbitar sa mga inves-tors na magkaag nin call center sa Iriga –Rinconada area, ini kabaing kan Sutherland na yaon sa capito-lio provincial kan Cam Sur. Target kan conseho iyo na maka attract nin mga negosyo arog kan BPO asin iba pa..Digdi man makakacrear nin empleo asin mga bagong negosyo sa Rinconada.

Naglalaom si Ngo na kun mag-kakatotoo ini magkakaigwa naman nin mga 24 hours na convenience store , mga restaurant asin iba pa sa Syudad kan Iriga asin Rinconada Area. .Chain reaction man an mang-yayari kun magkakaigwa nin call center sa sinambit na lugar. Huhuro-ton man ni Ngo sa mga eskwelahan sa syudad na mag ofrisir na nin mga short term courses arog kan English proficiency asin pinaglalaoman na dakol na an mga mapa enroll sa na-sabing kurso kun mahiling na ma-triyumpo an sinambit na proyecto. Sigun pa ki Ngo an over-all chair-man kan council mayong iba kundi an alcalde kan syudad kan Iriga, Mayor Ronald Felix “”Ganggang “ Alfelor.

guniang Panlalawigan kan Cam Sur, Presente sa sinambit na hearng iyo mismo an chairman kan komite na si Board Member Amador “Ba-dong ” SImando, Vice Chairman Board Member Angel Naval asin

kan gobyerno arog kan LTFRB sa paagi ni Regional Director Roel Al-sisto asin iba pang ofisyal na nagin speaker sa tiripon.

Sa open forum na ginibo nagpa-hayag kan saindang mga problema, reklamo asin pagtuyaw an mga par-tisipante lalo na an mga operator nin mga pampublikong lunadan.. Saro sa tinawan nin doon kan mga ini iyo an halangkawon na penali-dad sa mga nakakakomitir nin mga traffic violation. Sinabi ni Director Lutey na an gabos na suhestiyon an titiponon ninda asin ini an ipapa-dara sa secretaryo kan DOTC.

Tinukduan man an mga drivers nin pampasaherong mga vehikulo kun papano magigin responsive sa mga local o international tourist na nagbibisita sa saindang lugar.

Katakod kaini, pinag oyunan ni Lutey na itaas an penalidad gi-kan sa sais mil pesos gibohon ng un milyon pesos an penalidad du-man sa mga colorum na mga buses na nagbibiyahe gikan sa mga pro-vincia pasiring sa Metro Manila.. Sinabi kan ofisyal na huli sa ha-babang penalidad pinagmamarhay kan mga driver asin operator kan

(Padagos sa pahina 9)

(Padagos sa pahina 8)

an mga miyembo na sinda Board Members Warren Senar, Emmanu-el Noble, Maymay Pacamarra asin Darius Nopra.

Sa proposed resolution na pinagpadrinuhan ni Simando bi-nasa kaini an sarong portion sa 1987 Constution, section 2, Article 12 , Provides “that the explora-tion, development and utilization of mineral resources shall be un-der the full control and supervi-sion of the State, under the Local Gov’t Code of 1991 provides that LGUs have the duty and authority to protect and co manage the envi-ronment and enhance the right of the people to a balanced ecology”” binasehan man kan proposed reso-lution an R.A.9445 na ipinasar kan Congreso. “ An act declaring the islands of Lahuy, Cotivas,Binahuan , Luksuhin,Malibagan asin iba pang isla na yaon sa norteng sulnu-pan na parte kan Caramoan , Cam Sur bilang tourist zone. Asin kun declarado ining tourist zone bawal

an pagmimina sa sinambit na mga lugar.

An committee hearing an pinag atindiran man kan mga kapitanes de baranggay sa sinambit na ban-waan. Alagad dai man nakaabot si Bgry Kapitan Mercy Sueno kan Gata, Caramoan . Yaon man an pres-encia ni Konsehal Eduardo Bonita kan banwaan kan Caramoan. sigun ki Bonita an saindang banwaan an luway luway na nagdadakula asin nag aasenso kaya an saiyang mga kababayan an nagpapagayon asin nagpapatugdok nin mga konkretng harong asin kaiba dyan an gravel and sand. An pakiolay ni Bonita na an mga saradit na namamanwaan an dai pagpugulan na magkua nin baybay asin graba. Papano naman sinda kun hahalian nin hanapbuhay. Kun sinda an makua nin graba asin baybay sa ibang lugar, mas mama-hal asin harayo sa lugar,. Mas gusto ni Bonita na i regulate an pag kua nin quarry materials asin an pagmi-

Bikol reporter 5april 20-26, 2014

Happy Easter!

Greetings from:

Engr. SOLOMON NGOPresident

CamSur Chamber of Commerceand Industry

PresidentInformation Communication technology

Iriga - Rinconada Area

Happy Easter!

Greetings from:

Hon. RONALD FELIX “Ganggang” ALFELOR

City MayorIriga City

OPLAN LIGTAS BIYAHE,SEMANA SANTA 2014

Land Transportation OfficeRawis, Legazpi City

Atty. NOREEN SAN LUIS-LUTEYRegional Director

Bikol reporter6 april 20-26, 2014

the teacher as Community LeaderBy BRanDo BagayaWa Panga

Iriga Central School, Iriga City

Much is expected from a teacher. His is a responsibility that is not confined to the classroom alone. He has to assume a much bigger role in his community and that is indeed very noble. That is why as a teacher, I feel elated knowing that I am not just a molder of the youth in school but that I am a community leader, the kind that commands respect among the people in the community. That is a challenge. That is something that I have to keep in my heart. With that kind of awareness in me I must therefore be perceptive of the things around me. I must keep to mind that I am not just a community member but a leader.

The teacher, in fact, is one who is looked upon as a model of a responsible citizen, is possible an epitome of discipline and respect. And If he is to be respected by his pupils and the community, the first that he has to keep in mind is that respect begins with self.

Even before, the teacher has always been a person consulted by his community in many things other than academics. He is asked to stand as a godparent in the baptism of a child or a sponsor in a wedding. He is called upon to settle community disputes, whether agrarian. He is asked as an intermediary between husbands and wives who do not settle their domestic problem or whose relationship is going to the rocks. Even in financial difficulties, the teacher is consulted to solutions. Even on trivial matters. This is how strong the influence of a teacher is in his community.

He is asked opinions on matters regarding the community and even the state. With these add-on responsibilities which I also like to call opportunities to serve, the teacher is a potent factor in the development of the community. That is why, there is every reason why the teacher should be knowledgeable of many things because in many instances his opinions are sought. The teacher therefore must be a person of versatility. These are manifestations of respect that a teacher is accorded in his community. And this, a teacher must give that matter seriously and lives up to the expectations of the people who really looks upon him not just a teacher but someone greater than that and that is a community leader. He is not just a teacher for nothing but a man for all seasons.

A leader is a leader is a leader. How true because the teacher cannot let go his responsibility in the community to lead. He is in the forefront in community activities like rabus, health and sanitation, cultural events, religious and spiritual activities and the likes.

The teacher is a community leader. In all honesty, he is.

on Choosing a Commencement SpeakerBy JayzIL a. MontEnEgRo, t1

Lohong Elementary School, Ragay District Graduation Day is the final culminating activity of the school

year. Commencement Exercises they say is not the end of the students’ struggles and sacrifices in a particular stage, rather the start of another and higher stage of their pursuit for their dreams and ambitions through education.

Finding and choosing a Commencement Speaker is of the focal points in PTA meetings on the agendum: Graduation Rites. More often, the nominated names are of those alumni of the school who graduated with honors, specially the class valedictorians and salutatorians. Running very close are generous politicians with whom both teachers and parents love for being accommodating and amiable. Members of prominent families are also often times nominated. Recently, “Balikbayans” were able to penetrate the list of target and prospective speakers. Seldom do ordinary graduates and ordinary civilians are given the chance to even nominated, and if happens so, they rarely make it to the choice.

I wonder why this has become the culture of Filipinos to look up with much admiration and with deep reverence to powerful individuals that they neglect to at least consider that an average man and woman could be a good example and an ideal role model to the young graduates.

Come to think of it, majority of the graduates are average, if not below average students. Chances are, only 10 or less are awarded with honors or with merits for being a leader or for their exemplary character traits. On this concern, for whom is the concern of choosing the Commencement Speaker – for the majority or the chosen few who are bestowed with gifts of intelligence and talents?

Why not find someone who was once an ordinary and average student yet managed to do his best to achieve his dreams and ambitions? Anyway, success is just a state of the mind. A person might be a farmer or a vendor or a fisherman, yet with his sacrifices, he managed to live a comfortable life with his family that is adored in the community. Someone could just be a rank-in-file employee yet he is observing the epitome of honesty and loyalty to the service. She could be a simple and elderly nurse who has been treating the patients with kindness and concern through the years.

The Commencement Exercises Guest Speaker of Lohong Elementary School last March 27, 2014 was Mrs. Maria Eje - Hernandez, a retired School Principal who is known for her humility and simplicity. A part of her speech was that of describing herself as “Hindi mayaman, hindi maganda, hindi matalino at hindi sikat”. She stated that she could feel the utmost love and respect of other people and that she is very grateful to God for making her who and what she is, that had it not for her weaknesses and shortcomings, she could not have tried her best to do what she could for the sake and benefit of the pupils and teachers in the schools where she was assigned, and she could have not reached out to the poor and needy if she was rich, powerful and famous. Ma’am Apaz is indeed the perfect Commencement Speaker that Lohong Elementary School ever had.

I kept that lesson within myself – that an average personality could be the greatest role model to the many. Commencement Exercises is of affair that could pave the way for simple, average persons to celebrate their simplicity and humility where young people could look up to as their role model.

MASBATE CITY -- The 21th Rodeo Masbateño Fes-tival unsaddled on Saturday as it culminated five straight days of festivities showcas-ing the best breed of cattle in the country where ranch-ers, cowboys, cowgirls, cow-hands, stockmen and traders gathered for a cause: to bol-ster sports and agri-tourism here.

“The purpose of Rodeo fes-tivity is to showcase around the country our livestock and tour-ism industry. Though before it was politically laden as it was run by politicians, forgetting that the Rodeo Masbateno Inc. is a corporation, this is our own way of honoring farmers not only the ranchers but also the cowhands -- our devout part-ners in the farms,” said Judge Manuel Sese, president of the RMI.

The annual Rodeo festival also hopes to reinvigorate the dying cattle industry here as majority of the children of the ranchers opt to work in the big cities than to follow the footsteps of their parents, Sese added.

Started in 1993 in the prov-ince of Masbate, the so-called “Cattle Capital of the Phil-ippines,” Rodeo Masbateno features a display by local cowboys and cowgirls of their muscles and brains, dexterity, and correct and safe techniques in handling cattle.

It portrays the daring and persevering character of the Masbateños as local cow-boys and cowgirls compete in western-style rodeo events like bull riding, wrestling, lassoing and handling where men and women are dressed in cowboy outfits to perform the feats.

The thrilling show of skills involves several categories such as those for school men, school women, professional men and professional women contests.

These events draw people from the other parts of the Phil-ippines and around the world as international cowboys and bull riders also participate in the competitions.

Also included in the events are a fair and exhibitions and trade of cattle and horses.

Through this annual event, cattle ranchers, horse breeders and feedlot operators showcase their best products as the ranch-ers breed the best and prepare for the show annually here.

Culturally rooted in the island province of Masbate where cattle are abundant, the Rodeo Masbateño is a day-to-day ranch practice that has

LIGAO CITY -- Thou-sands of devotees are again expected to flock to the Ka-wa-Kawa Hill Natural Park in Barangay Tuburan here to observe the Lenten season or enjoy the ecological beauty of the place, about two kilo-meters from the city proper.

The 250-meter high Kawa-Kawa (cauldron shape) Hill of-fers devotees a unique spiritual experience in commemorating the Passion of Jesus Christ as life-sized sculptures of the Via Crucis (Way of the Cross) line up along its slopes.

The sculptures were de-signed and made by Conrado Balubayan, a sculptor from Sta Cruz, Laguna.

For the past six years, the Kawa-Kawa Hill Natural Park has been a traditional and pop-ular place of devotion among Roman Catholics coming from various parts of the country where devotees reflect on their sins and how Jesus suffered and died for the redemption of mankind, according to Albay Rep. Fernando Gonzalez.

In an interview on Friday, Gonzalez claimed that over 100,000 devotees and visitors are expected to arrive at the Ka-wa-Kawa Hill this Holy Week for the Way of the Cross.

He said that last year over 100,000 devotees visited the Via Crucis, while in 2010 and 2011 the City Tourism Office recorded 506,000 foreign and local visitors to have visited the city’s top tourist destina-tion.

Gonzalez said the life-sized images portray the Passion of Christ by way of the 14 Sta-tions of the Cross starting from the Last Supper to the Resur-rection of Jesus Christ.

The Kawa-kawa Hill is ac-

Pinoyexchange.com

KAWA-KAWA CALLSLigao City’s natural hilly landmark has been transformed into a religious pilgrimage site, thanks to the vision of its owner, albay Representative Fernando gonzalez, who recreated the via Crucis along its rolling slopes.

MAN VS BEASTFalling off a bull, as this competitors during the recent Rodeo Festival in Masbate experienced, is just one of the thrills of pitting one’s skills against a rampaging beast.

tually a natural park nestled on a 30-hectare land in Barangay Tuburan, some 25 kilometers from Legazpi City.

The area is fast becoming a religious as well as a tourist destination in Albay because of its amenities.

The life-sized sculptures are being managed by the Car-melite Nuns of the Holy Trin-ity where its Divine Mercy Monastery is also situated at the foot of the hill, beside the sculpted Last Supper.

Asked what inspired him to put up the Via Crucis at his 30-hectare land here, Gonzalez said the idea came from Mother Trinidad of the Carmelite Nuns of the Sacred Heart based in Sta Cruz, Laguna.

“At first they approached and told me that they wanted to establish a Divine Mercy Mon-astery and shrine at the foot of the Kawa-Kawa Hill, to which I readily agreed,” he said.

In the process, the congress-man said, the Carmelite nuns

also proposed the construction of life-sized Way of the Cross which he found viable.

“The whole idea was theirs and I found it as an excellent project that would make the place the religious, sports and tourism hub of the province,” the lawmaker said.

Since 2007, after his stint as Albay governor, he started de-veloping the area which is now famous for its Kawa-Kawa Hill Natural Park where people can enjoy nature, hold sports and spiritual events.

This Lenten Season, aside from the daily religious prac-tice by individuals or groups reflecting by way of praying, the Divine Mercy Monastery conducts the 14 Stations of the Cross at Kawa-Kawa Hills at 4:30 p.m. every Friday.

The Kawa-Kawa goes into a transformation from a geo-logical wonder -- owing to its cauldron-shaped top, beautiful view, pristine environs, abun-dance of trees and birds, and magnificent sunrise and sunset -- into a spiritual experience with the presence of the 14 Sta-tions of the Cross.

From station to station, devotees follow the Passion of Jesus, going up the 1,050-meter-high hill and around the circumference of the crater.

Stopping at each station for prayers, devotees said they experience the feeling of how Jesus suffered and endured his passion.

The city government of Ligao also provides medical assistance and standby ambu-lance as well as security and traffic personnel to maintain order in the movement of peo-ple and vehicles.

Another significant prepa-ration for the Holy Week at the Kawa-Kawa is the planting of sunflowers.

Visitors and devotees can expect to see and experience the presence of the beautiful sunflowers of Kawa-Kawa dur-ing their visit and pilgrimage.

The sunflower, planted at a four-hectare land at the foot and on top of the hill, is a sight to enjoy.

The beauty of the scenery and the slopes of the crater full of the yellow flowers facing the morning sun are wonders to witness.

Kawakawa is also a perfect destination for family recre-ational activities.

Along the path are benches and a treehouse café for people who want to take a rest from trekking and have some re-

been turned into a display of games and fun.

In September 2, 2002, Presi-dent Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo declared the island province of Masbate as the Rodeo Capital of the Philippines.

The annual Rodeo festivity was organized in 1993 by lo-cal ranchers and businessmen through the initiative of former governor Emilio R. Espinosa, Jr. with the aim of promoting the age-old cattle industry of the province, having once led in its production.

Eventually, Rodeo turned into an avenue for promoting local tourism.

Today, under the leadership of Sese, presiding judge of Re-gional Trial Court Branch 49, the festival aims to bring back the glory of Masbate as the number one cattle producer in the country.

“We are also encouraging the children of the ranchers to love the farm. It is also our desire to unite the Masbateños as our politics become divi-sive. Under our leadership the RMI members, irrespective of their political affiliations, work together to bolster our quest for development and promote sports and tourism,” Sese said. - PNA

freshment.A viewing deck at the top

of the hill allows the people to view the cityscape while en-joying the fresh air.

The amphitheater-like cra-ter of the hill is also perfect for children to play around and en-joy the ATV ride.

The Kawakawa Manage-ment Group headed by Gon-zalez and the City Government of Ligao under Mayor Patty Gonzalez-Alsua continue to make the improvements of fa-cilities of the Kawa-Kawa to respond to the ever-increasing number of visitors. -PNA

(photo courtesy of gPI-MRo)

Bikol reporter 7april 20-26, 2014

Rep. RoBREDo

Her husband’s legacy will live and will remain to be one of the most modest means of serving the people—the tsinelas leadership that our very own Bicolano leader, the late DILG Sec. Jesse M. Ro-bredo left to us after he per-ished in that un- fateful plane crash more than a year ago.

This kind of leadership was shared by his wife, now Camarines Sur 3rd District Representative Hon. Maria Leonor Gerona-Robredo dur-ing the University of North-eastern Philippines’ (UNEP) 66th Graduation rites over the weekend.

“When my husband died, the world took notice of this

particular brand of servant leadership which many re-ferred to as “tsinelas leader-ship.” They said Tsinelas lead-ership is about the willingness na lumusob sa baha; to be will-ing to go where you normally do not go –to the most remote areas just to be with the most disadvantaged people,” Robre-do said in her speech.

The 370-UNEP graduates were all ears and seemed to be intently fascinated in listening to the message that the lady solon wished them to absorb. Robredo continued by posing a question and a challenge to the graduates.

“As you pass through the halls of your university one

last time, I ask you to think about what tsinelas means to you. Ask yourself. If you were to don the slippers of service, how would you do it? There are many ways to serve the tsinelas-leadership fashion- in your family, community, at work. Make it your own. Jess has passed on, but you can bring it alive.”

Also under the theme for this year: “2014 graduates in the forefront of a seamless economy”, Robredo also chal-lenged the graduates to be de-mand driven and for them to be able to identify and fit them-selves to the needs of their re-spective communities.

She lamented the fact that

many preferred to leave to look for a greener pasture when there are local opportunities here where they are called to serve. She said that each grad-uate should see first the value of themselves before embark-ing on a journey of finding themselves under the sun.

Robredo also recalled his husband’s famous adage that “it is not the one-time drama of a street revolution that will take us where we want to go. It is having comprehensive program of transparency and accountability. The real revo-lution is our collective acts of daily service.”

Before Robredo left the portals of the university, UNEP

President Atty. Remelisa Al-felor-Moraleda handed over a cash donation to the Jesse M. Robredo Foundation. This, Moraleda said will be used by the JMR Foundation to feed more mouths, sustain more families and help those who are in dire need.

Moraleda also left a chal-lenging message to this year’s graduates.

“I hope that they use this success that they have achieved to propel them to greater suc-cess in the future --- and I hope that they bring along with them, not just the knowledge but most especially the good attitude and values that they learned here in the university.

Bikol reporter8 april 20-26, 2014

naME oF DECEaSED DatE oF IntERMEntMaRIa a. DEL RoSaRIo March 1, 20141. RoDoLFo M. PoRtERIa March 2, 20142. DoMIngo P. BaLanE March 4, 20143. SantIago aLEJanDRo B. SaRtE March 4, 20144. ELIzaBEtH a. San anDRES March 5, 20145. JoSE JuSto D. RaMBoyong March 9, 20146. SILvEStRE P. BazaR March 12, 20147. JoEL D. aguILaR March 12, 20148. RoMEo B. EuStE March 14, 20149. antonIo R. DELoS SantoS March 15, 201410. gavIna P. aQuIno March 17, 201411. EDISon D. tan March 22, 201412. BIEnvEnIDo R. naPay JR March 19, 201413. RoSaRIo MaRIa C. ConRaDo March 24, 201414. JoSEFIna B. JuLIa March 27, 201415.

For MaRCH

Balatas Road, Brgy. Balatas, Naga City

24K PaWnSHoPgeneral Luna St., naga City

AUCTION SALE on May 02, 2014 of all unredeemed articles pledged from SEPtEMBER-oCtoBER 2013 at 8:30 a.m.BIKoL REPoRtERPublished: aPRIL 20, 2014

R. GUINHAWA PaWnSHoPgeneral Luna St., naga City

AUCTION SALE on May 09, 2014 of all unredeemed articles pledged from SEPtEMBER-oCtoBER 2013 at 8:30 a.m.BIKoL REPoRtERPublished: aPRIL 20, 2014

EXtRaJuDICIaL SEttLEMEnt oF EStatE aMong HEIRS

Notice is hereby given that the named parties are the surviving wife and children of the late MANUEL P. BENITO, who died on October 30, 2009 in Naga City without any will or testament and with no known debts, left a parcel of land covered with TCT No. 13790, with residential house situated at del Rosario, Canaman, Camarines Sur, the parties all of legal age and with full civil capacity to contract, agree to divide and adjudicate among themselves the described property in equal shares; as acknowledged before Notary Public Atty. Maico T. Julia, Jr.; Doc. No. 60, Page No. 12, Book No. 361, Series of 2014.

BIKOL REPORTERPublished: April 20, 27 and May 4, 2014

EXtRaJuDICIaL SEttLEMEnt oF EStatE aMong HEIRS

Notice is hereby given that the named parties are the surviving wife and children of the late MANUEL P. BENITO, who died on October 30, 2009 in Naga City without any will or testament and with no known debts, left a memorial lot he acquired at Peñafrancia Memorial Park Corporation located at Balatas, Naga City: Area-Court of Peñafrancia, S.P. Garden, Section F, Block 020, Lot No. 001-006, the parties all of legal age and with full civil capacity to contract, agree to divide and adjudicate among themselves the described memorial lot in equal shares; as acknowledged before Notary Public Atty. Maico T. Julia, Jr.; Doc. No. 293, Page No. 59, Book No. 355, Series of 2014.BIKOL REPORTERPublished: April 20, 27 and May 4, 2014

tive Cities in the country in 2013 and the Ateneo de Naga 2014 First Quarter Poll on Naga City Poverty and Governance which showed the city mayor enjoying a high satisfaction rating of 59.5% among Naga constituents, 49.3% for Vice Mayor Nelson Legacion, and 49.6% for city councilors.

Bongat said this is the fi rst time that Naga landed in the Top Ten Most Competitive Cit-ies ranking (from 19th in 2012) which is normally dominated by bigger cities. Bicolwide, Naga has been lording it over as No.1 most competitive city in terms of infrastructure, eco-nomic dynamism, and govern-ment effi ciency.

The competitiveness index is an annual ranking of Philip-pine cities developed by the Na-tional Competitiveness Coun-cil, together with the Regional Competitiveness Committees and the United States Agency for International development (USAID).

Mayor Bongat disclosed that the city’s investment and marketing campaign during the past three years (2010-2013)

Bongat Bares state . . .focused on Naga as a 1) com-mercial center and distribution hub, 2) an IT-BPO center, 3) a fi nancial center, and 4) a tour-ism transit point and destina-tion.

He said that during the 3-year period, Naga generated P4.97B in new investments which translated to 19,840 new jobs during the same period.

He said that when he fi rst took over city hall, there were only 34 accommodation estab-lishments in the city which now have grown to 59. No wonder, the city registered 859,743 tourist arrivals in 2013 alone, the highest for any city and province in Bicol.

Attended by stakeholders and representatives from vari-ous sectors of the city and the newly-sworn in city youth of-fi cials, the State of Our City Report was the main agenda of this week’s regular session of the Sangguniang Panlungsod which was presided over by Vice Mayor Nelson Legacion. It was held at the People’s Hall inside the City Hall compound to accommodate the expected large audience that came to lis-

ten to the city mayor’s address, unmindful of the intermittent rains outside.

What is our formula in turn-ing the city into Bicol’s tiger economy? The mayor asked. And he answered his own ques-tion by pointing to the city’s “strong organization” from both within and without city hall.

He said that such strong or-ganization has been character-ized by a motivated workforce and inclusive and responsive decision-making that brought about higher productivity, higher trust level, and higher effi ciency.

The resulting economic im-pact and socio-cultural impact, the mayor explained, translate to better service delivery which is the true essence of effi cient and responsive governance.

Economic impact further-more brings improved busi-ness confi dence that roars like a tiger economy. Socio-cultural impact, on the other hand, pro-duces a happier Nagueno who breathes and raises his family within the confi nes of a livable city that others call a “Maog-mang Lugar.” – naga.gov.ph.

Balikatan is a long-standing joint military activity between the US and the Philippines. It is a process of continuous learning and enhancement on the inter-operability of their respective military units which also serve to further strengthen the relationship between the two countries.

Salceda said BK14 activi-ties include a series of fi eld trainings Naval Station in San Miguel, San Antonio in Zam-bales; Puerto Princesa City in Palawan; Fort Magsaysay in Nueva Ecija; Clark Air Base in Pampanga; Ternate in Cavite; and Crow Valley in Tarlac.

alBay hosts. . .

that is more in demand now for cooling purposes.”

The environment chief said that while it is true that with the sweltering summer heat comes added pressure on water con-sumption, it would help if ev-eryone watches on a daily basis and limits their water usage as much as possible.

He advised people to apply to water usage the same prin-ciples used in solid waste man-agement.

“Reduce water wastage by using only the amount you need. Reuse what you can for other purposes such as using laundry water to clean your cars or fl oors or in fl ushing toilets,” Paje said.

He added: “Make water conservation a habit, no mat-ter what the season, and adopt a lifestyle that would have less negative impact on our precious water supply.”

Paje also called on the pub-lic to avoid throwing their trash everywhere as it could end up clogging waterways and con-taminating the water supply.

He warned that since very little rainfall is expected dur-ing summer, waterways could end up clogged or stagnant and become breeding grounds for disease-carrying insects, as well as cause fl ooding in the ensuing rainy season.

The DENR head likewise appealed to visitors of ecotour-ism sites to respect nature by keeping it all in a natural and pristine state as possible.

“With the Holy Week just around the corner, let us not only refl ect on our purpose in life, but also on what we can proactively do for our Mother Earth especially in light of cli-mate change,” Paje said.

conserve . . .

colorum na mga buses na magpa-huri huri pag rehistro huli ta kayang kaya man bayaran an penalidad .Napag olayan sa tiripon na maski pa maglangkaw an penalidad kun mayo man intensiyon na magbalga o mag komitir nin traffi c violation dai man afectado an operator.

Pinag-oyunan man ni Direc-

‘oplan ligtas Biyahe . . .tor Lutey an plano kan DOTC na luway luway naman na i phase out an mga luma ng modelo nin mga buses asin i modernized na ini..Nagtutubod an ofi syal na kadak-lan sa mga aksidente sa tinampo an nag dedepende sa road worthi-ness kan mga vehikulo. kun kaidto bako pang marhay an mga tinampo alagad ngonian marhay na an mga kalsada kaya parakaskasan na an dalagan kan mga behikulo, An DOTC an nagsusugo na kun an modelo kan vehikulo 15ng taon na an operasyon dapat ng ribayan ini nin bago huli ta nakasalalay digdi an buhay kan mga pasahero.

Mientrastanto, ngonian na pa-nahon kan kwaresma , ipinaglansar kan LTO an Oplan Ligtas Biyahe, Semana Santa 2014. An LTO asin an LTFRB na parehong nasa irarum kan DOTC an nasa heightened alert na kun sain an gabos na mga em-pleyado kan duwang ahensiyang ini an tinawanan nin instruction na magkundusir nin inspection

asin magduhol nin asistensya o tabang sa mga motorista sa ob-heto na magin marhay asin harayo sa anuman na peligro an gabos na mga namamanwaan digdi sa mga probinsiya sa Rehiyon Bikol , Nagtugdok man nin mga motorist assistance booth, nagkundusir nin inspection sa mga terminal , an mga lunadan an dai pinapalarga lalo na kun igwa nin violation arog kan kalbo an gulong , maluya an preno, mayo nin mga signal lights asin iba pang pagbalga. Ini tanganing mai-wasan man an anuman na aksidente sa tinampo.

Sa presente pinaglalaoman na dagmang na mga pasahero an madagsa sa mga terminal tangan-ing magpuli sa mga probinsiya para man sa panahon kan semana santa kaya tanganing dai man magkulang kulang nin mga lunadan, nagtao nin special permit an LTFRB , alagad iyan ngonian sana man na panahon asin limitado sana man an saindang operasyon asin tutugutan sagkod na matapos an semana santa. -Myra Revilla

Bikol reporter 9april 20-26, 2014

Jimm’s coffee mix conquered most of the festivals in the country like the Bicol’s Pride Rodeo Festival in Masbate City last April 8-13, 2014. Organized by the Rodeo Masbateno Inc. with Goldshine Pharmaceuticals Inc. maker’s of Jimm’s Coffee Mix as one of the sponsors participate in the annual trade fair showcasing local products.

GPI personnel conducted free coffee taste and selling with giveaways for those who visited the area. Over 25,000 estimated crowd (according to the organizer) draw the crowd in the rodeo

grandstand and arena. The main activity started with the grand parade and ended

with the awarding and grand fireworks display. Nightly shows, concerts , bazaars, and cultural games comprises the weeklong festival.

GPI makers of Jimm’s Coffee mix continue to conquer Philippine Festivals. ANG SAYA SA RODEO FESTIVAL WITH JIMM’S COFFEE MIX! KAKAIBA SA LAHAT! -- (GPI-MRO)

Naga City with my motorcycleto sell products in offices),” she re-called.

It was even harder for Fe whose

despite disaBility . . .right leg is paralyzed when her mo-torcycle broke down in one of her trips.

“‘Yung mga tao tinitingnan

ako. Si Ma’am Lenny Robredo nakita rin ako na kailangan kong iikot yung sarili kong patalikod para paandarin yung motor. Ewan ko kung natuwa siya sa akin o naa-wa siya pero tinulungan niya ako sa aking negosyo (People were looking at me. Ma’am Lenny Ro-bredo also saw how I struggled to start the motorcycle using my left leg to kick and pedal. I am not sure if she was amazed or she just pit-ied me but she helped me with my business),” she said.Her success

In order to sustain the needs of her children, she continued to ex-plore new things for her business.

She focused on making nutri-tious food, experimenting by add-ing 20% of soya pulp in her prod-ucts.

Her business took a positive turn when she joined the GROW Negosyo (growing opportunities), a project of the local government providing capital assistance to mi-cro and macro entrepreneurs in the city.

In 2010, she was awarded as “Maugmang Nagenya”, an award provided by the local government to individuals who have attained success despite all the struggles in life.

It was on the same year as well when the local government chose her nutritious products to be the main dish in the Supplementary Feeding program of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

“Halos P20,000 a day ang kini-kita ko na noon in 60 days. (I was earning almost P20,000 a day at that time for 60 days),” she said.

She then made her first P1.2-million sales.

“Sa pangatlong kontrata ko sa Supplementary Feeding, masayang masaya ako sa oportunidad na naipagkaloob sa akin ng Diyos at sa mga taong tumulong sa akin (With my third contract in the Sup-plementary Feeding, I am so happy with the opportunity given to me by God and the the people who helped me),” she added.

Now, instead of using a mo-torcycle, she was able to buy an owner-type jeepney to deliver her products.

She was also able to build two concrete houses.

“Yung isa po ay bakery na namin. May mga equipment na rin ako sa paggawa ng bread (One of my houses was converted into a

bakery shop. I also have an equip-ment to produce bread),” Fe hap-pily related.

In addition, she was able to set up a Grow Negosyo Stall.

“Dito lang po sa stall ay nakak-abenta ako ng P2,000 a day bukod sa aming bakery (Here in the stall, I am able to earn P2,000 a day apart from my earnings in our bakery),” she enthused.Returning the blessings

Fe is proud to say that as part of caring for the needs of fellow persons with disabilities (PWDs), she employed the parents of child-PWDs in the village.

“Nakikita ko po ang pag-angat nila dahil nabigyan sila ng trabaho (I saw their improvement because they were provided with jobs),” she said.

Two out of the nine employees in her bakery are also beneficia-ries of Pantawid Pamilyang Pili-pino Program, the conditional cash transfer program implemented by DSWD.

Fe said that she wanted to be an inspiration to others, especially to her fellow PWDs.

“Kailangan lang pong maging masipag. Huwag nating gawing da-hilan ang ating kapansanan. Mag-pasalamat pa tayo dahil buhay tayo (We need to be industrious. Let us not allow our disability to hinder us from being productive. Thank God that we are alive),” she remarked.

Fe stressed that being prayer-ful, hardworking, and kind to your loved ones and to other people are the exact ingredients for success.

na. Itugot an pag quarry ,itugot an small scale mining asin papondo-hon an darakulang pagmimina..

Alagad dai pinag oyonan ni Si-mando an kahurutan ni Bonita, pag sinabing quarrying bako sanang gustong sabihon kaini an gravel and sand kundi kairiba nan digdi an ibang mineral arog kan marble, manganese asin iba pa . alagad dai digdi kaiba an gold, asin silver huli ta ini an pinagmimina. Ini huli man sa existing law dapit sa pagbabawal sa pag quarry asin pag mina.

Sigun man ki OIC PNP Pro-vincial Director Arnold Albis na yaon man sa hearing, saindang ipapasunod an anuman na ley na ipasar kan provincial board man-tang sinda iyo man an implement-ing agency. Mientrastanto , an Task Force Kalikasan an pinagbilog kan

ipinagBaBawal na . . .ofisina kan gobernador tannganing magbantay sa kapalibutan. Kun may mga pagbalga, nasa poder kan gobernador tanganing maghagad nin ayuda gikan sa Phil. Army asin PNP tanganing papondohon an ille-gal na actividad arog kan pagmina sa sarong lugar.

Sigun ki Simando bago man aprobaran kan Sangguniang Pan-lalawigan kan Camarines Sur an ordinansa para sa totalmenteng pagbabawal kan pag quarry asin an pag mimina sa bilog na banwaan kan Caramoan, mag oorolay nguna an komite kun mapasiring duman sa banwaan kan Caramoan tangan-ing mag kundusir nin public hear-ing asin tiponon an gabos na mga datos .

Marurumduman na nagin mainit an isyu sa pagminina duman sa Brgy Gata sa Caramoan , Camarines Sur kan apat na mga minero asin mga residente kan lugar an nagkagara-dan na an nagin ugat iyo so boot an pagmina sa lugar. Nasundan pa ini nin iba pang kariribokan , Pinagsa-hotan man ni Kapitana Sueno an Task Force Sagip Kalikasan na iyo an may kaginibuhan kan krimen alagad ini an pinahimutikan man kan TF Sagip Kalikasan .

Matapos na makaabot sa kaara-man ni Gov Migz Villafuerte an bareta nagpaluwas man ini nin pahayag na siya iyo mismo an ma-pakulong sa TF Sagip Kalikasan kun mapatunayan sa imbistigasyon na imbuelto an mga ini sa pangya-yari. Sinabi pa man kan hoben na gobernador na ipapaabot niya sa national na level kan NBI huli ta sarong local na ofisyal kan NBI an nagpapaabot na kan saiyang conclu-sion samantalang dai pa man ngani tapos an imbitigasyon lalo pa ta an mga tauhan kan Sagip Kalikasan na ipinasairarum sa paraffin test na negatibo sa powder burns.

Mientrastanto, an NBI, PNP asin an MGB ang padagos an pag-kundusir nin imbistigasyon sa lugar na pinagyarihan kan krimen asin sa huring dispatsa kan mga infor-masyon, mientras na pinagsusurat an baretang ini dagmang na mga gamit sa pagmimina arog kan mga bull mill asin iba pa an bitbit na kan mga tauhan kan National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) PNP asin kan Mines and Geo Sciences Bureau (MGB ) asin dadarahon an mga ini gikan sa Caramoan , ibabagsak sa Tamban sa banwaan kan Tinambac asin dagos ng dadarahon sa ofisina kan NBI sa syudad kan Naga.

Bikol reporter10 april 20-26, 2014