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Bicol labor sector seeks P37 daily wage hike

LEGAZPI CITY -- The labor sector in Bicol is asking for a P37.16 increase in the daily wage of agricultural and non-agricultural workers in the region.
The amount of increase is contained in a

joint petition recently filed with the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB) by the Alliance on Progressive Labor, Pinagkaisang Manggagawa sa Kooperatiba sa Kuryente-Bicol and the Camarines Sur Electric Cooperative Inde(Turn to page 9)

Best Float

The SM Float was adjudged first prize and became one of the highlights during the annual Peafrancia Civic and Float Parade in the recently concluded Peafrancia celebration in Naga City this September. This years concept is Peafrancia devotion and social transformation. Participants were from City hall, civic and non-government organizations, business and corporate establishments who also showcased their best floats.

PDEA warns public on food with poppy seeds

The Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency Bicol regional office has warned Bicolanos on food and culinary products that contain poppy seeds, particularly banned Kraft food dressing and dip products containing poppy seed.
This, after the PDEA recently received an email advisory from the Food and Drug Administration. PDEA Bicol Regional Director Archie A. Grande reminded the Bicolanos of the Joint PDEA/FDA Advisory on poppy seeds issued in February 2011, ordering all establishments to immediately stop the importation, sale, trading, administration, dispensation, distribution, delivery and transportation of poppy seeds and all other products containing poppy
(Turn to page 11)

FLUVIAL PROCESSION

BASILICA PHOTO

The Bicol Fiesta honoring its regional patroness, the Virgin of Peafrancia, reaches its climax yesterday afternoon (Sept. 21), when thousands of faithful devotees join the INA of Bicol in her fluvial procession bringing her back to the Basilica by the River.

bikol reporter

opinion

september 22-28, 2013

(Atty. APA chairs Acyatan & Co., CPAs-DFK International is PICPA past president and Hall-of-Famer, past chair of ASEAN Federation of CPAs, and ACPAPP Lifetime Achievement Awardee). JURISPRUDENCE: It is well established that adherence of legislative and executive policies with the Constitution can be tested by legal inquiry through our Judiciary. Judicial review is a necessary ingredient in our governance as a democracy. It is not saying that the Judiciary is more supreme than the Executive and Legislative departments. It thus confirms the supremacy of our Constitution. The power of review by the Judiciary over the exercise of executive prerogatives was exhibited in two recent court decisions. The Makati regional trial court BIR Revenue Memorandum No. 67-2012 which declared as (income/VAT) taxable the contributions by members to their non-stock, non-profit corporations, was ruled as invalid. The technical reason given for the judicial ruling was lack of due process, but it could also be that the RMC actually legislated a new tax. RELIEFS: In an earlier case, the Supreme Court speaking through the Chief Justice (G.R. 188550) held that the BIR must not impose additional requirements that would negate the availment of reliefs provided under international treaties. A taxpayer was denied preferential tax rates since he allegedly failed to comply with the requirements to avail of the tax treaty relief that it must be preceded by an application (RMO No. 1-2000). The

BIR ruling was declared invalid by the Supreme Court. The High Court emphasized that tax treaties are considered as laws to be respected by everyone including public and private agencies. The decision highlighted that as part of the law of the land we must adhere to the time honored principle of pacta sunt servanda (agreements must be kept). The legal battle (BIR usually appeals) is not yet finally resolved- but we can rest on the thought that in this country, the Judiciary can guarantee our rights under the Constitution. PAPAL EDICT: Our new Pope (Francis) has reiterated his call for the protection of women. He added that the current ban on female priests will not be amended. This and the other new papal pronouncements - were welcome by the greater majority of the 1.2 billion Catholics worldwide, but some sectors viewed them with concerns. They believe that Pope Francis should have followed through with the challenges of his predecessors (especially Pope John Paul). The Pope also asked Catholics

not to judge gays. He said he is not in a position to judge homosexuals who are of goodwill and in search of God. His recent declarations made clear that the Pope does not think like a classicist who sees the world in unchanging categories. He was likened to Jesus Christ as a storyteller. The papal interview did not change Catholic Church policies but the tone was changed to being closer to reality. AMBITION: The continuing longing of MNLF founder Nur Misuari to be in constant limelight was revealed in the recent Zamboanga siege by his men. But his cowardice was highlighted as developments unfold. He may have directed the battle from a distance and with a ready alibi (sickness) should the MNLF factions damaging actions fail. He will wash his hands over the death of his men not to mention the huge damages it caused Zamboanga City and the nation in general. Another ambition which may have been unduly tarnished was that of Misuaris UP classmate VP Jojo Binays. He had to show his face (on TV and in Zamboanga), afraid that he might be overshadowed by DILG Secretary Mar Roxas. Pres. Noynoy stayed in the embattled city to assure his favorite cabinet member that the latter is the manin-command. To Roxas credit he did not try to upstage the president. Thats mutual loyalty! PROVERBS: Positive revival has to begin with someone; stand up and let it begin with you!

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I believe everybody wants to be happy, especially at the time when we are confronted with many man-made problems and the wrath of nature. The following column of Celine Olaguer Sarte, in the Philippine Daily Inquirer dated August 16, 2013 may help us somehow. It is entitled Rules and Guidelines for a Happy Life, but it suggests here that we make our own rules and guidelines for a happy life and abide by them. The Golden Rule and, corollary to it, the Law of Karma which I really believe. Experience will tell you that the good and bad you do to others come back to you, multiplied. Cleanliness is next to godliness. Cleanliness also means no clutter. Some people go so far as saying that if your room or house is cluttered, so is your mind and/or your life. Honesty is the best policy. Its always easier to tell the truth. When you tell a lie, you have to spin a web of lies thereafter. Sooner or later, youll be caught in that web. Forget and forgive. I put forget first because forgive easily follows. Dont dwell on past hurts and wrongs done to you. This prolongs the pain and will make you bitter and your life miserable. Once you become a senior citizen, it is useless to get angry or stressed, even if you have good reason to be, because it makes

your blood pressure soar. Be kind and gentle in all the events of life. This wont be easy, but good manners and right conduct will help. From Sister Caridad, OSB: Be a lady of Christian character. This was the finished product she expected from her Scholastican students. Remember the parable of the talents? You are told to make the most of the talents, skills and gifts you have been endowed with, or woe unto you. Well, then, aim high, shoot for the stars, and do your very best. If at first you dont succeed, try, try again. Of course, you wont always succeed because you arent God. Be ready to accept failure, with a sense of humor, and move on. Take the last seat rather than the first (Luke 14: 7-13) even when you have attained smashing SRO success.

Be a helping hand with a cheerful heart, but dont wait for thanks or reward in return. On the other hand, always express your thanks and appreciation for whatever good is done or given to you, no matter how small. Have a grateful heart and a grateful mind (from G. Rubin). Be happy and thankful for what you have now. Imagine if you were to lose all of it at once and you have to start from scratch again. Use the silverware, the crystal and the bone china now. And starting today, show/express your love and care for family and friends. The days are long and the years are short. Life is too short to save your good things and your good deeds for later because, truly, later may never come. Take time to smell the roses, to hear the music, to read, read some more, and read even more. Dont take yourself too seriously. Laugh and the world laughs with you. Gift yourself and others with the joy of laughter. May no one be less good for having come within your influence, no one less true, less kind, less noble for having been your fellow traveler toward eternal life. Finally: What doth it profit a man if he gain the whole world and suffer the loss of his own soul?

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september 22-28, 2013

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september 22-28, 2013

IRIGA CITY --- The University of Northeastern Philippines (UNEP), together with the Legal Education Board (LEB) recently sealed a pact to spearhead a confab that endeavors to update all law deans and professors in Region 5 of the latest trends and approach in teaching law. The event, dubbed Interdisciplinary Approach to the Teaching of Law is slated on September 28. In a letter to UNEP President Atty. Remelisa AlfelorMoraleda, LEB Chairman Justice Hilarion L. Aquino expressed the boards intention to hold the second cycle of the said lecture series at the said university. This will be specifically in partnership with UNEP College of Law where Moraleda is also its concurrent OIC Dean. Moraleda acknowledged the partnership believing that the gathering will benefit her and her colleagues in acquainting themselves with the current development in interdisciplinary law, which is now being taught in the United States, Europe and in some jurisdictions in Asia. Lawyers, like us should really keep ourselves abreast of the latest trends in other disciplines in order to manage the growing intricacies particularly concerning the practice of our profession. This confab will be very

helpful as various topics regarding interdisciplinary approach to the teaching of law will be discussed by our distinguished speakers, Moraleda stated. The lecture series will cover subjects or topics in the following category: Law, Economics and Finance; Law, Diplomacy and International Relations; Law, Politics and Governance and Law, Jurisprudence and Philosophy. San Beda Graduate School of Law Professor Karen B. Jimeno will deliver her talk on Law, Economics and Finance while Dean Jose Manuel L. Diokno from De La Salle University College of Law will tackle the lecture on Law, Social Justice and Special Concerns. Pamantasan ng Lungsod ng Maynila College of Law Dean Ernesto P. Maceda Jr. will also share his thoughts on Law, Governance and Public Service while Fr. Ranhilio C. Aquino, San Beda Graduate School of Law Dean was tasked to deliver his lecture on Law, Philosophy and Jurisprudence. Partakers will be given a chance to interact with the speakers and raise their queries on the lectures during the Open Forum session scheduled after each talk. To cover the day-long affair, each participant will be charged with a P1,000.00 registration fee, inclusive of

Granchildren and relatives of Naga hero Elias Angeles visited Wednesday, September 18, his monument at the 9th Infantry Division Philippine Army Camp named after him in Pili, Camarines Sur to commemorate the 115th year of the successful uprising of the Filipino Revolutionaries led by him and Felix Plazo against the Spanish Colonial Authorities in 1898. Thanksgiving masses both for Elias Angeles and Felix Plazo were offered, one at the San Francisco Church, site of the uprising, and the other at the Our Lady of Peafrancia Shrine which the relatives attended. They also offered flowers at his monument. Souvenir photo of the visit shows standing immediately beside his bronze statue are his granddaughters Elba Angeles to his right and Teresita Angeles-Genova to his left. Both are daughters of the heros eldest, Leoncio and wife Felisa Villafuerte. Others in the picture are grand nephews and grand nieces, grand niece-in-laws, grand son-in-law, great grand nephews and great-great grandchildren. Standing from left are Tony Amparado, Peafrancia Angeles-Padua and Agnes Angeles II (great grandson) and wife Cherry. To the left of Teresita are

KINS VISIT HEROS MONUMENT

the meals and other miscellaneous expenses. Moraleda enjoins all the Law Deans and Law professors to partake of this rare occasion. We want everyone in the profession to align our legal

education with the current training and be at par with the contemporary international standards so I am inviting our colleagues to join us this September 28 at the University of Northeastern Philippines, Moraleda said in closing.

Jenny Genova, Edna Amparado, Manuel Genova, Jr. and Manuel Genova III. Seated from left are Bonic Amparado, Ruben Amparado, Pangkoy Genova, and the children, Vaughn Angles, Yvane and Sean Genova (great-great grand children), and Nong2 Amparado. At left background are inscribed names of the soldiers of the 9th Infantry Division who gave their lives fighting the enemies of the state in Bicol. The Heros Memorial at Camp Elias Angeles reads: This camp was named after COLONEL ELIAS LAKANDULA ANGELES who became one of the leaders of the revolt of Nueva Caceres and a prominent figure in the resistance movement during the Spanish Regime and American occupation that fought for the liberation of Camarines Sur. Colonel Angeles, son of Pedro Angeles and Fortunata Lakandula was born on 20 July, 1891 at Sto. Tomas, Pasig, Rizal. He took his early education at barrio Palatiw (now San Agustin) and his secondary education at San Juan de Letran. He married Encarnacion Cardenas Angeles of Naga on 06 April 1906 and they were blessed with three children namely: Leoncio, Luz and Eliza. In 1891, he worked as Guardia Sibil and at the age of 22 he joined the Katipunan led by Andres Bonifacio. He was assigned at Nueva Caceres (now Naga City) in 1896 with the rank of Corporal of Gwardya Sibil and fought for the cause of the Katipunan. He organized a group named Barangay Maluningning that also secretly joined the Katipunan. Furthermore, this Memorial is dedicated to soldiers of the 9th Infantry Division who gallantly and selflessly gave their lives fighting the enemies of the state in Bicol Region.

inner chess
By LEONOR V. RELATORES Elementary School Teacher I Inapatan Elementary School Nabua West District Inapatan, Nabua, Camarines Sur, is one of the developing barangay in the town of Nabua. It is one of the largest barangay in the town of Nabua. Farming is their main source of income. The community has been very fortunate to have been chosen as one of the recipients of the Intervida Philippines Foundation. It is a non-government organization sponsored by generous people from Spain. In partnership with the Department of Education (DepEd), yearly Intervida donates school supplies to the pupils of Inapatan Elementary School such as: notebooks, art/coloring kits, pencils, ballpens as well as teaching aids for teachers. Likewise, the said foundation also sponsored the Enhance Reading Program of the school. The school is also a recipient of P70,000.00 cost of materials to improve the Reading Room. They provide books and other reading materials in the reading room. Aside from the aid in the school, Intervida also donated materials for the construction of comfort rooms to less privilege people in the barangay, like CR bowls, cement and hollow blocks because according to them, a healthy lifestyle means healthy children and healthy mind. Before the Intervida came to Inapatan, the barangay was also a recipient of the outreach program of the Ateneo de Naga University with the theme: Operation Tulong Dunong for six consecutive years from school year 2002 to 2008. The said program conducts summer classes every April and May. There were eighty-eight (88) students in the different department and ten (10) professors in the field. It was headed by Mr. Elmer Sto. Domingo and Mr. Larry Sucatre at the center for Community Development. The outreach program also give some livelihood program in the barangay like the pig dispersal. They also donated books and playing apparatus in the school and tents for the boys and girls scouts. The outreach program of the Ateneo de Naga and Intervida Philippines Foundation yields a great measure of success and helps a lot in the high academic achievement level of the pupils of IES. As a proof, the school got an average rating of 87.3% in the recently conducted National Achievement Test. The school rank 3rd in the 17 schools in Nabua West District with the supervision of the Public Schools District Supervisor Dr. Esteban R. Olda and with the help of the teachers and through the guidance of Mrs. Arlene S. Taller, the school principal.
by j. henry danican

september 22-28, 2013

bikol reporter

viva la virgen!

bikol reporter

september 22-28, 2013

A Barangay Nutrition Scholar(BNS) of this city is vying in this years national search for the Most Outstanding BNS of the country, the Bicol Regional Director of the National Nutrition Council (NNC) announced here today. Director Arlene Reario said that Jimnah A. Llagas of barangay Sagrada will be competing against 16 other regional finalists from among whom the top eight (8) national winners will be declared on November 6, 2013 in Manila.

Llagas is Bicols regional BNS awardee this year; while Iriga will also receive the Green Banner Award for the

second time for having the regions best nutrition program among its seven cities.Reario
(Turn to page 10)

DePaRtMeNt oF toURIsM
Regional Center Site, Rawis, Legazpi City 4500 Tel. No.: (052) 482-0715 481-5593 Fax No.: 482-0712 Email Address: dot_bicol@yahoo.com website: www.gayonbicol.com.ph

princess bea 1 & 2

Ragay, Camarines Sur
Republic of the Philippines

TeCHNICAL eduCATION ANd SKILLS deVeLOPMeNT AuTHORITy

472-85-75

september 22-28, 2013

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bikol reporter

september 22-28, 2013

Welcome Devotees and Pilgrims of Our Lady of Peafrancia! Greetings from:

Mayor JUN & AZON LAGASCA and Family

San Fernando, Camarines Sur
The biggest Marian celebration in Asia. Happy Feast Day Mama Mary VIVA LA VIRGEN! VIVA EL DIVINO ROSTRO!
Greetings from:

Nee: Ella Sevilla Kids: Hazel, Pao-Pao, Danix, Boboy

To our devotees, pilgrims & guests

Engr. & Mrs. DANNY F. ORGAYA

Happy feast day OUR LADY OF PEAFRANCIA! VIVA EL DIVINO ROSTRO! VIVA LA VIRGEN! Fiesta greetings from: Engr. ROY L. GIANAN Pili, Camarines Sur

and Family

Happy fiesta! VIVA LA VIRGEN!

Greetings from:

Engr. NESTOR M. DIALOGO and Family

Zone 1 Balatas, Naga City

Mabuhay si INA Nuestra Seora de Peafrancia, an patrona kan Bikolandia. VIVA EL DIVINO ROSTRO! VIVA LA VIRGEN!

Engr. & Mrs. EDUARDO A. ALEJO JR.

Nee: Debbie Estraero and Sons
Naga City

Fiesta Greetings from: Department of Public Works and Highways 3rd Engineering District Office

Si INA an satuyang padangat, mamomoton na Nuestra Seora de Peafrancia. VIVA LA VIRGEN! VIVA EL DIVINO ROSTRO!

Engr. GEMMA B. TIMBANG

OIC, District Engineer

Engr. ELEANOR L. AREOLA

OIC, Asst. District Engineer

Caraycayon, Tigaon, Camarines Sur

Staff & Personnel

Greetings from: The Municipality of Lupi, Camarines Sur Mayor BOBBY M. MATAMOROSA Vice Mayor JOSIE S. ACERO Councilors: NOEL AGRAVANTE IGOR RIEGO NONOY MATAMOROSA EDEN BRINA BABY MACALINDONG AMBO ABERGOS LEN-LEN SAROL EDDIE AGUILAR

Welcome devotees, pilgrims and visitors to the Pilgrim City, on the occasion of the annual feast of Our Lady of Peafrancia. VIVA EL DIVINO ROSTRO! VIVA LA VIRGEN!

"UBOS KUN UBOS, GABOS KUN GABOS TEAM"

september 22-28, 2013

bikol reporter

By Ana-Liza S. Macatangay

NAGA CITY The Bicol Regional Cooperative Development Council (BRCDC) will gather members of various coops from the different provinces in the Bicol region to identify cooperative entrepreneurial opportunities and provide prospects for aspiring and young industrialists to contribute to economic growth. BRCDC, in partnership with it provincial counterpart in Camarines Sur and Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), has slated a Regional Cooperative Congress from October 3 to 5 here to showcase the roles and contributions of the cooperative sector in pursuit of economic development in the context of the Philippine Development Plan 20112016. The 3-day confab forms part of the month-long celebration of the Cooperative Month in October this year that evolves on the theme: Cooperative paves the way for inclusive growth. CDA Naga City Senior Cooperative Development Specialist Ma. Grace P. Layosa said the assembly aims to sustain the growth of cooperatives in the region that would eventually help produce more jobs, draw the majority into the economic and social mainstream and reduce mass poverty, as stipulated in the PDP 2011-2016 under the administration of President Benigno Aquino III. With the current state

of cooperatives in the Philippines, inclusive growth is really not far to achieve. Cooperatives are distinct and it can create its way to achieve inclusive growth simply by living and following the values of cooperative, that is, self-help, self-responsibility, democracy, equality, equity, and solidarity, Layosa said in an interview.

The confab will also feature discussions on the preparation of the Code of Governance and Ethical Standards that will strengthen the commitment of cooperatives to protect, promote and advance the interest and welfare of the organization and the community, in general. Resource persons from the regional offices of the Department of Trade and

Industry (DTI) and the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) will also delve on May Pera sa Basura project, while from BangkoSentralngPilipinas (BSP) will expound on Truth in Lending Act. Representatives from the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) were invited to give update in Taxation laws while other participating agencies like the Department

of Tourism (DOT), Department of Agriculture (DA), Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and DTI will share lectures on business opportunities. CDA Bicol Regional Director Atty. Ma. Lourdes M. Pesino-Pacao in a letter addressed to their fellow cooperators cited that the discussions are relevant insights that cooperatives can learn from and would enable

them to have a firm grasp on cooperative entrepreneurial opportunities. Other topics on enhancing business for the cooperative towards community development will be discussed by resource persons from BangkoSentralngPilippinas (BSP), Land Bank, United Coconut Planters Bank(UCPB) and Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP), DA, and DTI.

pendent Union Employees (CINDUEM). The petitioners justify the amount of increase as recovery of real wage in the amount of P66.43 for non-agriculture and P60.11 for agriculture which the sector sought in a petition last year but was not granted in full. They are also asking for the activation of the Regional Tripartite Monitoring Board to ensure compliance by employers in the region with the new minimum wage that the RTWPB is expected to set based on the petition. DOLE Regional Director Nathaniel Lacambra, who also sits as RTWPB chair, said the board will start a series of public hearings on the petition in all the six provinces of Bicol early next month. The hearings, expected to be attended by management and labor representatives, are scheduled on Oct. 3 in Masbate, Oct. 8 in Catanduanes, Oct. 10 in Sorsogon, Oct. 17 in Camarines Sur, Oct. 18 in Camarines Norte and Oct. 21 in Albay, Lacambra said. -PNA

10 bikol reporter
By Rica T. Torres & Jojo F. Aquio As hundreds of thousands of devotees and tourists flock to the Pilgrim City of Naga in honor of the Our Lady of Penafrancia, GMA, the countrys leading TV network participated in this years celebration of the feast of Bicolandias patroness as three of its most prized stars primetime queen Marian Rivera and the royal couple of drama Kris Bernal and Aljur Abrenica wowed Bicolanos during the Kapuso Fans Day. On Sunday, Sept. 22 at 6 PM, Bicolanos got a treat from no less than Marian Rivera together with My Husbands Lover Bettina Carlos and TV hostcomedian Boobay at the Plaza Quezon in downtown Naga. GMA Networks participation kicked off Thursday, Sept. 19 when the cast of its newest inspirational drama series Prinsesa ng Buhay Ko topbilled by Kris and Aljur joined the Penafrancia Civic Parade aboard the Parade on Sept. 20 including the special live coverage of the fluvial procession on Sept. 21 from 4:45 to 5:30 PM. The Penafrancia Festival is one of Luzons major festivities and Network gives it the importance it so deserves by bringing some of GMAs brightest stars to Naga not only to thank its supportersin person but more importantly to rejoice with them and showing their oneness with Bicolanos, Oliver Amoroso, GMAs Regional TV Assistant Vice President said. A full feature of GMAs participation during the Penafrance fiesta will be seen on Lets Fiesta TV Special, which airs on Oct. 6 via the Networks regional stations in Bicol, Cebu, Davao, Iloilo, Dagupan, Ilocos, GenSan, Bacolod, and Cagayan De Oro City.

september 22-28, 2013

RIVERA
Kapuso float. With them are costars LJ Reyes, Lian Paz, and the freshest member of the Kapuso family, Renz Fernandez. Next stop for the Prinsesa ng Buhay Ko cast was a Kapuso Barangayan hosted by Day Offs Mike Pekto Nacua. Fans from Pili, Camarines Sur got the chance to see the Kapuso stars at the Pili Sports Complex. GMA Bicols News and Public Affairs also covered on live television the various activities during the festivities with flash bulletins during the Civic Parada on Sept. 19, Military

THE UPTOWN INFIRMARY

Soon to rise in Barangay Carolina, Naga City is the Our Lady of Lourdes Infirmary (Naga City Uptown Infirmary) in the implementation of the city's thrust to bring health services and facilities closer to its constituents, particularly the poor. Last 17 September, the GroundBreaking Ceremony was held with the City Officials headed by Mayor John Bongat and the C. Pasia Realty Inc., (Tony O. Pasia, President) the donor of the lot. The Infirmary will be financed by the 10M grant that the City Government obtained from the Department of Health (DOH) with Nelson Legacion.

By Ana-Liza S. Macatangay NAGA CITY To check on the status of its ongoing Core Social Protection Programs implemented in various municipalities in Camarines Sur, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Regional Office will conduct a Media tour on October 1, together with representatives from tri-media agencies. The municipalities of Gainza and Bombon, two of the 23 municipalities in Camarines Sur where the Kapit-Bisig Laban saKahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHICIDDS) is implemented, will be the recipients of the visit. Aside from the actual stopover at the project sites, members of the community will have a chance to interact with the DSWD personnel and members of the media here. First stop will be the town of Bombon where DSWD had assisted the construction of Pagao Water System worth P1,263.742.05 and a Daycare Center in Barangay San Francisco costing P797,490.50. Other projects in Bombon include the construction of day care centers in Barangays Sto. Domingo and San Roque, construction of Health Station in Barangay Sampaloc, and construction of drainage canal in Barangay San Jose. A total of 525 children were enrolled at the three Day care centers while 280 households will benefit from the constructed water system, where they will be assured of a safe and potable drinking water. In the afternoon, the team will proceed in the municipality of Gainza where 5 projects were implemented and funded

through KALAHI-CIDDS grant and counterpart fund from the local government unit. Part of the projects in the said municipality is the construction of drainage canals in Barangays Loob and District II covering Zones 2,3, and 4. Cost for the two barangay projects totaled P1,428,456.70. KALAHI-CIDDS grant was P1,040,048.00 while 388,408.75 came from the LGU as counterpart fund. In District 1, the fully covered drainage canal worth P735,541.05 will also be part of the site tour. A training center for Out of School Youth (OSY) and mothers was also constructed in Barangay Cagbunga worth P754,105.58 and a center for handicraft located in Barangay Malbong is worth P745,030.08. The projects are expected to improve the living conditions of the local community and give them ready access to the governments services. They were implemented in line with the PantawidPamilyang Pilipino program (4Ps) and sustainable Livelihood Program (SLP). DSWD Regional Director Arnel B. Garcia said the activity will be open to the media to give them the opportunity to monitor DSWDs projects at the community level. The project was first implemented in the 8 municipalities in Camarines Sur in 2003. It includes the towns of Garchitorena, Balatan, Del Gallego, Minalabac, Pasacao, Presentacion, Sagay, and Siruma and covers 152 barangays. In the project expansion phase which started in 2012, projects were funded by the Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) where 15 more municipalities were covered.

LEGAZPI CITY - The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) Bicol regional office here has warned beneficiaries of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) in the region against dealing with loans sharks. There are about 357,000 Bicolano families identified as poorest of the poor that regularly receive financial subsidy under the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) scheme of the program and most of them, reports said, have been turning to unscrupulous money lenders every time they need fast cash, using their receivables from the CCT as guarantee of payment. These money lenders impose 20 percent in interest, most of the time collected in advance or deducted from the loan proceeds of the borrowers who need to surrender their automated teller machine (ATM) cards to ensure future payment. On agreement that her full name would not be published, a certain Mrs. Lomerio, a CCT grantee from the nearby Daraga, Albay, admitted that she and most in the neighborhood who are 4Ps grantees deal with a money lender in the community that collects 20 percent interest. It is the easiest and fastest way of having cash every time we need some for urgent family needs like medicine for the sick, food, school expenses or to pay electricity bills. Except for this loan shark, there is no one here to whom we can run to when we need instant cash she told the PNA in local dialect. Every CCT recipient is provided by the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) with an ATM card to facilitate convenient withdrawals of their cash subsidy that amounts to as much as P1,900 monthly when the family has three children in

school. The 4Ps maximum grant package per household amounts to P1,400 a month, where P300 is paid for every child who complies with the 85 percent required school attendance for the month and can be given to a maximum of three children per household. Additionally, the household is entitled to P500 per month for complying with health and nutrition conditions. The amount of the grant is based on the number of children per household and compliance to program conditions. In most cases in Bicol, payments are made by the LBP in quarterly basis that could entitle a beneficiary nearly P6,000 per lump sum payout. It is in their mode of payment, however, that drives cash-hungry beneficiaries to loan sharks. According to Lito Tuanqui, a former banker here, the practice puts the 4Ps program in a very awkward position, which defeats its purpose of giving the poorest of the poor a respite from the whips of poverty. This year alone, the government will spend about P6 billion to subsidize the cash needs of the 357,000 4Ps beneficiaries through CCT in Bicol and granting that half of them patronize the services of loan sharks, 20 percent of the P3 billion, which is a whopping P600 million, is falling into the

hands of these loan sharks, he said. Arnel Garcia, the DSWD regional director, on Tuesday here said his agency knows that the grant is a big help in augmenting Bicols poor families daily needs that is why it is making sure the beneficiaries receive their grants in the easiest, fastest and most economical way. LBP is the only authorized agency to disburse cash grants and to ensure that beneficiaries receive their grants promptly and not spend so much for their transportation in going

to the bank, it has authorized money-transfer agents such as G-Cash Remit, Philippine Postal Corporation and other conduits like rural banks and cooperatives to deliver the grants to the beneficiaries, Garcia said. On dealing with loan sharks, he said, his office has been repeatedly dissuading beneficiaries from it, warning them that it could lead to their disqualification from 4Ps once proven that the cash grants they are receiving are not wholly used according to the conditions set by the program. -PNA

Iriga . . .
accompanied Department of Health Assistant Secretary Ma. Bernardita Flore, and other officials of the NNC who paid a courtesy call with City Mayor Felix Ronald Y. Alfelor. Her group later on proceeded to Barangay Sagrada as part of the evaluation process for the search.

Name of Deceased Date of Interment 1. PABLO V. BELENO SR. August 2, 2013 2. FIDEL A. YU August 4, 2013 3. ELFERIO O. ORENDAIN SR. August 5, 2013 4. ROMEO E. TUAZON August 4, 2013 5. PRIMO B. BELBES August 3, 2013 6. FLORA R. APARIL August 11, 2013 7. ANITA L. MANUBAY August 10, 2013 8. LAILA ELIZABETH ANGELINE August 9, 2013 B. HOLMAN 9. LUIS R. PORTILLO August 18, 2013 10. LISERIO M. DE JESUS August 19, 2013 11. CARLOS C. ABELARDO August 20, 2013 12. HENRY SL. RESURRECCION August 20, 2013 13. FERNANDO S. INOPIA August 20, 2013 14. WILHELM A. SAN ANDRES August 21, 2013

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bikol reporter

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they learn to other members of their club and be creative and resourceful to come up with new designs and products. Meanwhile DA GAD focal person Aloha Gigi Baaria lauded the efforts of the participants for the

beautiful output. She particularly thanked Alicia Jamoralin the Rural-Based Organization Coordinator of Sorsogon for sharing her expertise and skill in pili shell craft making. Baaria added that another training will be conducted and this

time it will be on furnitures, lampshades and decorative frames using pili shells. As their training output they were able to produce bracelets, leis, choker/necklace, earrings and dividers using pili shells. -mabelle roa-ilan

Nabua, Camarines Sur - The Department of Agriculture under its Agri-Pinoy High Value Commercial Crops and Gender and Development Project recently conducted a training on pili shell craft making to some 25 Rural Improvement Club and 4H club members in the region. This is part of the interventions of the

program to come up with value adding projects and activities on major commodities in the region like pili. It also aims to provide rural women additional income by using the waste products of pili. According to HVCDP Coordinator Rosita Imperial , DA will continue to conduct trainings on value adding on major com-

modities not only to rural women but to interested micro entrepreneurs. She added that to ensure that after the training the group will apply what they learn and produce quality products out of shell craft the program provided each group with one unit press drill, one unit bench vise and hacksaw. She urged the participants to share what

Peoples Inquiry

Alfredo Macasinag

A concerned citizen inquires to the top level management team of DENR Bicol during the Peoples Day in Daet, Camarines Norte. Mayor Tito Sarion of Daet and DENR Bicols top management led by Regional Executive Director Gilbert Gonzales (2nd from right) EMB Regional Director Roberto Sheen Regional Technical Directors (from left) Pedro Noble of Lands Management Service, Felix Mendoza of Protected Areas Wildlife and Coastal Zone Management and Atty. Antonio Abawag of Forest Management Service answered all queries made by the participants. The Peoples Day event intends to bring DENR frontline services to the public as a commitment to the Anti-Red Tape (ARTA) Program of the government.

seed. Grande said that pursuant to RA 9165 otherwise known as the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, importation, sale, trading, administration, dispensation, delivery, dispensation, distribution and

transportation of dangerous drugs regardless of the quantity or purity involved, are prohibited -- including any or all species of Opium Poppy, or any part and substances therefrom, even for floral, decorative or culinary purposes.

Opium poppy, he said, contains substances that can cause psycho-active effects and is addictive because it has traces of morphine, codeine and others such as heroin. The PDEA Bicol chief said all poppy seeds containing food and culinary products are banned from entering the Philippine market because of the tendency for them to be abused. The PDEA and the FDA then ordered that all supermarkets and groceries pull out from their shelves the said products and immediately inform the FDA via telephone no. (02) 857-1900 and email info@fda.gov.ph and report@fda.gov.ph. Grande also advised all Bicolano consumers in possession of the mentioned Kraft products to discontinue their use and immediately surrender these to the nearest PDEA or FDA office, or in the Center for Health Development regional office in the Department of Health regional office. He further encouraged all local government units to assist FDA inspectors in monitoring and reporting of activities related to the sale, movement and importation of products containing poppy seeds. -PNA

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september 22-28, 2013