VOL. XXV, NO. 36 BICOL, THE PHILIPPINES MARCH 25-APRIL 1, 2018 P5.

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ANSWER RAPS: OMBUDSMAN

ORDERS BAAO OFFICIALS
By FRANK PEÑONES JR.
BAAO, CAMARINES SUR. - The Office of
the Ombudsman has directed incumbent and
VP Robredo backs divorce
former officials of this town to answer the charg-
es filed against them in connection with a lease
contract the local government unit signed with a
with certain conditions
LEGAZPI CITY -- Vice information center, said she
private corporation.
President Leni Robredo on believes the amendments of
Named respondents in the Bongcayao. Friday said she is open to existing laws like the “Fami-
case filed by municipal coun- Bismonte alleged that the supporting the proposed ly Code” are needed to make
cilor Dante O. Bismonte were said officials conspired with divorce law provided the the divorce process acces-
former Vice Mayor Cherry A. former Mayor Melquiades separation process is acces- sible for the poor.
Sapugay, incumbent council- I. Gaite in entering into “an sible to the poor and must She, however, said the di-
ors Miguel B. Bolalin Jr. and illegal, very irregular, unau- not curtail the constitutional vorce bill must not be rushed
Farah Rafaelita B. Besinio, thorized, highly anomalous provision protecting the and must be seriously dis-
ex-councilor Annalyn B. and grossly disadvantageous sanctity of marriage. cussed.
Vargas, Municipal Treasurer lease contract with Lamver Robredo, in an interview “Yung hope naman na-
Daisy S. Felix, Budget Of- Consolidated Complex Cor- here during the launching of tin dadaan pa to sa Senado,
ficer Hayres T. Baraero and poration, Inc. (LCC)”. Albay provincial library and (Turn to page 7)
Market Supervisor Odilia b. (Turn to page 7) VP ROBREDO

K-960 Aries St., Villa Grande Homes, Con. Grande, Naga City • TEL. (054) 884-93-76 • CP 0921-318-3720 / 0929-245-7353 / 0920-533-7766
2 BIKOL REPORTER
EDITORIAL
When Love
Grows Cold
This year’s observance of the Lenten season
is anchored on the theme culled from what
Jesus told the disciples at Mount of Olives:
“Because of the increase of iniquity, the love of
many will grow cold” (Mt 24:12).
How is this thawing out shown in our times?
Of late, Boracay has been in the spotlight
largely because of what tourism has done to the
island several times named as having the best
beach in the world.
Drone shots of the once pristine beaches
show a dark part of the seashore blackened by
obvious human effluence.
When in the future human beings will
eventually vanish from the earth, our presence
called by geologists as Anthropozoic, will be
shown by such tell-tale signs of human wastes
and garbage.
We have taken too literally the Biblical
incitement to “subdue the world,” and we have
pillaged the Earth as if we were pirates, as if its
resources are unlimited.
Our planet is warming because we have gone
cold to the fact that we are just one of so many
species in its fragile ecosystem.
Aptly, the Holy Father mentioned this human
neglect of the planet.
“Creation itself becomes a silent witness to
this cooling of charity. The earth is poisoned
by refuse, discarded out of carelessness or for
self-interest. The seas, themselves polluted,
engulf the remains of countless shipwrecked
victims of forced migration. The heavens, which
in God’s plan, were created to sing His praises,
are rent by engines raining down implements of
death,” the Pope said last year.
Charity growing cold is also a result of the
deception of the devil, who as “a liar and the
father of lies” (Jn 8:44), has always presented
evil as good, falsehood as truth.”
These words ring true in our times and we
know who these false prophets are.
Thus, this Lent the Holy Father calls us the
faithful to devote more time to prayer, to “enable
our hearts to root out our secret lies and forms of
self-deception, and then to find the consolation
God offers;” in giving alms which “sets us free
from greed and helps us to regard our neighbour
as a brother or sister;” and to go on fasting as it
“weakens our tendency to violence; it disarms
us and becomes an important opportunity
for growth. On the one hand, it allows us to
experience what the destitute and the starving
have to endure. On the other hand, it expresses
our own spiritual hunger and thirst for life in
God. Fasting wakes us up.”
OPINION
Income Tax
Deadlines
(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).
I/T DUE DATE: As in previous years
– the deadline for the filing of income tax
returns of both individuals and (calendar
year) corporations is on April 15. Said
deadline favors taxpayers and auditors
like us because it comes after the Holy
Week. There were times before when the
filing deadline falls exactly during the Holy
Week. Of course, there are corporate re-
ports that are also due for filing with the
Securities and Exchange Commission
(varying dates dependent on last number
of SEC Reg. certificates).
After the annual ITR deadline – then
comes the first quarter ITR due date. Un-
like in previous years, this time the first
quarter ITR shall be due on May 15, 2018.
Let us follow the advice of the Tax Agency
calling for early ITR filing. This comes
easy for regularly compliant taxpayers
since it is just a matter of consolidating
previously-filed ITRs supplemented by
filed business tax returns. The ITR must
be supported by audited financial state-
ments and other documents like Cert. of
Mgt. Responsibility.
DOF FUNDS LGUs: Finance Sec-
retary Carlos G. Dominguez III is urging
local government units (LGUs) to tap two
financing programs in building climate-
resilient communities and implementing
their development projects. LGUs can
Liza Soberano and
John Lloyd Cruz
How to be famous in the city not just in
the community: While paying for items I
bought in a mall in Davao City the cashier
asked for my name to be placed in the
receipt. I said, “Rudy Soberano”. She
looked at me and asked how I was related
to Liza Soberano. I said I am her father,
and then she started calling the other
girls to announce that the father of Liza
is around. In a famous restaurant in Cebu
City the customers were asked to submit
their names to be put in the waiting list.
When the receptionist asked for my name
I said, “John Lloyd Cruz”. The lady smiled
and said “You made my day Sir”.
*****
Our capitalist banking and financing
system is based on one and only one
principle; “capacity to pay”. Anybody can
deposit their hard-earned money but not
everyone can take a loan unless they can
prove to the bank that they can pay. Hence,
collaterals, business feasibility studies,
business experience, organization,
and background investigations will be
required. The loan applicants will be
asked to sign documents, often with
onerous conditions. How can the Poor
benefit from this system?
*****
Farm entrepreneurship: The
government wants to develop farmer
entrepreneurs? There are many ways,
but nobody is working on the “HOW” to
do it. Our project in a farming village in
Mindanao conducted a practical linear
analysis of poverty with a group of small
farmers. As usual they identified land
preparation equipment as their need. We
agreed on one condition that they will be
organized and trained into a common
service facility enterprise so that they
can use their implement not only for their
farms but also to rent them out to other
farmers.
The group accepted the challenge.
VISIT OUR WEBSITE:
https://thebikolreporter.wordpress.com
MARCH 25-APRIL 1, 2018
OPINIONS
UNLIMITED
Atty. TONY (APA) ACYATAN
take advantage of the People’s Survival
Fund (PSF) and the Municipal Develop-
ment Fund (MDF), which are both under
DOF to fund their climate change adapta-
tion projects as well as other projects to
strengthen community resources.
PSF was set up to implement climate
change-adaptation projects in vulnerable
communities, while MDF provides afford-
able loans to LGUs in financing local con-
structions like water systems, roads and
other infra-structure projects. According
to Dominguez, he will send MDF Office
(MDFO) and Bureau of Treasury person-
nel to provide local executives detailed
presentations of the lending programs
and to accept applications from interest-
ed LGUs. Barangays must study how to
avail!
WOMEN ENTREPRENEURS: The
Philippines has emerged as one of the
top countries in the world where women
entrepreneurs become successful. In a
Mastercard survey, the Philippines ranked
No. “9” in the Top 10 markets with stron-
gest supporting opportunities for women to
thrive as entrepreneurs. PHL is only a few
points lower than Belgium and Australia.
It means budding and established women
entrepreneurs here continue to progress
despite gender-related cultural biases.
Entrepreneurship is seen as a ticket
opportunity for women, as observed in
markets like the Philippines, Botswana,
Thailand, Poland, and Costa Rica. Al-
though supporting conditions for entrepre-
neurs in these markets are not as condu-
FROM
PLANET
KRYPTON
R.R BALDEMOR
When we went back for the scheduled
assessment we found out that the group
members were able to reduce their cost
of production, generate income from
equipment rental, saving for buying
small tools, they bought a small welding
machine, and were already thinking
of lending their money to members for
buying seedlings and fertilizers – all in a
span of 6 month!
So it can be done!
*****
Nash, my favorite driver in Mindanao
is an avid fan of basketball. One time we
were on the road he was talking about his
favorite PBA player - Johnny Abarientos.
This was our conversation:
Nash: “Boss, Johnny Abarientos is
being invited in the NBA. He could be
very rich and famous.”
Me: “In the NBA?”
Nash: “No Boss, in the PBA! But I think
He will have a problem.”
Me: “In the PBA?”
Nash: “No Boss, in the NBA! Because
there are many good guards in the
NBA, but maybe he will think it over and
choose.”
Me: “The NBA?”
Nash: “No Boss, the PBA.”
Me: “Nash we better change the topic,
we are going nowhere.”
Nash: “Yes Boss. I think you are
right.”
*****
In development work you don’t talk
about religion. You don’t talk about politics.
You just talk about MAN – until you got a
dressing down from your donors because
you are not gender sensitive.
*****
The devil is in the detail: The problem
in our legislative system is in the
preparation of the implementing rules and
regulation or IRR. Laws are often crafted
from researches and consultations, they
cive, they have a strong representation
of female business leaders, profession-
als and technical workers. With these
– female entrepreneurs have the likeli-
hood to emerge successful. Mabuhay
and Kababaihang Pilipina.
COCO-LEVY If things go well, ac-
tual budget disbursement of the coco
levy fund may finally happen in Sep-
tember, thereby ending the farmers’
plea that seems to have taken forever.
Phil. Coconut Authority (PCA) admin-
istrator Romulo de la Rosa said if the
Senate coconut levy trust fund bill will
be passed on third reading this month,
it will take at least six months before
actual fund disbursement may happen.
This is almost two years since Pres.
RRD promised to release the contro-
versial fund.
Under both versions of the House
and the Senate, a Trust Fund Commit-
tee will be formed – of which six of its
eleven members (majority) are either
from coconut farmers groups or their
representatives. Chaired by the DOF
Secretary and co-chaired by the DA
Secretary – said committee will man-
age fund investments. Initially, PCA is
supposed to be just part of the commit-
tee. But the Senate version has decid-
ed instead to give the fund to PCA for
management.
PROVERB: He who repents his
transgressions seeks love; but he
who repeats them separates even his
friends.
embody the great vision, goals and
objectives of the law; however, the
details are often left to the implementing
agencies to prepare. Unfortunately,
most of the time the people doing it
were not part of the crafting of the law;
result, we have many laws that are
either not operational or do not produce
the planned changes.
*****
Free and parallel TVET department:
Whether we like it or not, our colonial
culture gives delineations between the
white collar office employees and the
blue collar labourers. We look down at
vocational training and its graduates
as 2nd class citizens in terms of
employment. I don't have to explain.
How can we change that
perception?
It isn't because I am biased to
community-based training now, but
ever since I was a shop instructor in the
former NMYC, until I was the Executive
Director of the Institute of Vocational
Training and Development in TESDA,
my advocacy was on making Tech-Voc
as a separate and parallel department
of the department of education so it
can have its own decent identity and
focus on training first class manpower
for work in our industries.
The state of being second class
citizens in TVET will perpetuate as
long as the sector will be managed
by graduates from universities under
CHED or DepEd.
TVET Graduates deserves to be
first class citizens in the world of work,
and it can be done by raising TVET in
the same level of DepED and CHED!
*****
Corruption in development
assistance: And you think that all
rehabilitation programs in post-crisis
(Turn to page 4)
MARCH 25-APRIL 1, 2018 BUSINESS SECTION BIKOL REPORTER 3
 4 BIKOL REPORTER HALO-HALO MARCH 25-APRIL 1, 2018

KANTONG An Sakong DIS *KARTE

*KUSYON

PUTIKON! Graduation Speech *KURSO

FRANK PEÑONES JR.

Tolong beses naman akon nagin
graduation speaker, enot sa sarong high
Buradol sa politika school, ika-duwa sa sarong kindergarten
school gabos sa Iriga, asin an panghuri,
mga naggradwar sa mga midbid asin
de-prestihiyoso asin moral na mga
unibersidad asin mga kolehiyo – iyo
baga an nagmumuda, nanhahabon,
sa kinaban o sa mga linalang?
Dai yan sa mga “matatagas” na
mga kurso. Yaon yan sa arte, sa
literatura, sa musika.

sabay an layog sa sarong central school sa Libmanan.

Dai pa ako naimbitahan sa sarong
kolehiyo asin dai ko man inaasahan ‘yan
kun bako man nanggagadan kan
saindang mga fraternity brothers?
Hain diyan an kahalagahan kan
Kaya, isikwal nindo si Satanas asin
sa saiyang mga padaya, paggradwar
nindo.
Liga Pres. Nabua, Cam. Sur Hon. Ruben D. Pasion peacefully ta big-time an pirmeng kinukua kayan, buhay nin tawo? Mayo ta dai man iyan Sarong banggi, mantang
joined His Creator (RIP) 6am today at Aquinas Hospital Leg. City...
katubuan mga politiko o mga artista. itinutukdo. Katubuan an tawo o an nagaandam maghanap nin trabaho,
Sincerest Sympathy & Heartfelt Condolences to the Bereaved
Family! Dai pa akong nadangog na kolehiyo kinaban, numero lang sinda, estadistika, inuman mo an kabilugan kan bulan.
*** sa Pilipinas na nangimbitar nin sarong demograpiya. Sinusukol sa ektarya Kun pwede, basahan mo nin
Flores (andaya) vs lhabas (lray/migz) n mlaor 2019. 99%. artist o kaya parasurat nganing asin kun gurano an madidilehensiya? rawit-dawit. Sasabihan ka kan
*** magin guest speaker ninda. Alagad, Hilinga an kadakul na mga auditing makakahiling saimo, sayang an aki ni
Malayogna an politikasacamsur. Jackpot! kun halimbawang mataan ako nin rules sa COA, na nagpapahiling na an kuyan…nakagradwar lang nakapay
*** pagkakataon, ini an sasabihon ko: numero unong harabunan nangyayari sana.
Buradolskapolitikasabayanlayog
Pakagraduation, lingawan na nindo sa gobyerno. Alagad, bako daw na siring na an
***
To d college grads, luk 4 life's meaning & direction not just job, an nanudan nindo. Hilinga daw an Hain an pagtukdo sa pangangataman kinaban?
material & financial success. Self s u but don't forget odrs. Leave

Holy Week Celebration in PH

ur home, family but don't forget ur roots! God bless.
***
Politikangonian. Kapamilya vs kapamilya. An tao mayo
ninkapuso. Federalismo? No nono!
Holy Week in the Philip- ers bear ornately woven palm jacent or near the church in most tableaux are excluded from the
Sunday Gospel: Mk 14:1 — 15:47* (or Mk 15:1-39) pines (Filipino: Mahal na fronds to church for blessing by Philippine settlements). Good Friday Procession.
Early in the morning, the chief priests, the elders and the teachers Araw; Spanish: Semana San- the priest before or after Mass. Holy Monday Maundy Thursday
of the Law (that is, the whole Council or Sanhedrin) had their plan ta) is a significant religious Many Filipinos then bring the Before the Second World Maundy Thursday (Huwe-
ready. They put Jesus in chains, led him away and handed him over observance for the country’s fronds home and place these War, the Recollect Order in Ma- bes Santo) is a public holiday,
to Pilate. Pilate asked him, “Are you the King of the Jews?” Jesus Roman Catholic majority and on doors, lintels or windows, in nila held its famous Procession and marks the beginning of the
answered, “You say so.” As the chief priests accused Jesus of many most Protestant groups. the belief that the blessed palms of the Passion of Christ on Holy Paschal Triduum.
things, Pilate asked him again, “Have you no answer at all? See how It begins on Palm Sunday and (considered by the Church as Monday (Lunes Santo). The Prior to reforms in the wake
many charges they bring against you.” But Jesus gave no further continues on through to Black sacramentals) can ward off de- most famous image was that of the Second Vatican Council,
answers, much to Pilate’s surprise. At every Passover festival, Pilate Saturday. Many communities mons and avert lightning. of the purportedly miraculous the Procession of the Passion
used to free any prisoner the people asked for. Now there was a man observe Spanish-influenced Some places hold a proces- Black Nazarene. of Christ was held on Maundy
called Barabbas, jailed with the rioters who had committed murder in Catholic rituals such as proces- sion into the church before the After the Recollects’ church Thursday. This was later trans-
the uprising. When the crowd went up to ask Pilate the usual favor,
sions, that have been syncretised service, a common starting point was destroyed in the 1945 ferred to Holy Wednesday for
he said to them, “Do you want me to set free the King of the Jews?”
with elements of pre-Hispanic being an ermita/visita (chapel of bombing of the city, only the Latin Rite Catholics, with the
for herealized that the chief priests had handed Jesus over to him out
of envy. But the chief priests stirred up the crowd to ask instead for beliefs. This is evident in some ease) several blocks away. The Black Nazarene image survived Philippine Independent Church
the release of Barabbas. Pilate replied, “And what shall I do with the ritual practices not sanctioned presiding priest either walks the and was transferred to Quiapo retaining the Maundy Thursday
man you call King of the Jews?” The crowd shouted back, “Crucify by the universal Church and the route or, in imitation of Jesus’ Church. date. Among the most famous
him!” Pilate asked, “What evil has he done?” But they shouted the many superstitions associated triumphal entry, is led on horse- Holy Wednesday processions of the Philippine
louder, “Crucify him!” As Pilate wanted to please the people, he freed with the occasion. back to the church. Sometimes a In the provinces of Pam- Independent Church are those
Barabbas; and having had Jesus flogged, Pilate handed him over to During the Easter Triduum statue of Christ riding a donkey panga, Bulacan, Rizal, Laguna, of Concepcion, Malabon, Santa
be crucified. (…) The soldiers led him out of the city to crucify him. On (Maundy Thursday until Black (known as the Humenta) is used and in the Ilocandia, a long pro- Cruz and Paete, Laguna.
the way they met Simon of Cyrene, father of Alexander and Rufus, Saturday), businesses are closed instead. cession of the Passion of Christ The first rite of the day is the
who was coming in from the country, and forced him to carry the cross for part or all of the three days. Whether a statue or the priest is held in the evening on Holy Chrism Mass, in which parish-
of Jesus. When they had led him to the place called Golgotha, which Local terrestrial television and is used for the procession, a cus- Wednesday (Miyérkules Santo). ioners join their parish priest
means the Skull, they offered him wine mixed with myrrh, but he would most radio stations usually go tom in some parts is for women Except in the Bulacan towns of for morning Mass in the cathe-
not take it. Then they nailed him to the cross, and divided his clothes off the air. Those that remain on to cover the route with special, Baliuag and Pulilan, the Passion (Turn to page 6)
among themselves, casting lots to decide what every man should air (such as stations owned by sometimes heirloom cloths or
take. It was about nine o’clock in the morning when they crucified
various denominations) operate aprons known as tapis (literally,
him. The statement of his offense was displayed above his head,
and it read, “The King of the Jews.” They also crucified two robbers
on shorter broadcasting hours, “wraparound”). This is to recall
with him, one on his right and one on his left. And the Scripture was and feature seasonal program- how the excited Jerusalemites
fulfilled which says: And with lawless ones he was numbered. (…) ming such religious films and spread their cloaks before Christ
When noon came, darkness fell over the whole land and lasted until news coverage of various ser- as he entered the city.
three o’clock; and at three o’clock Jesus cried out in a loud voice, vices and rites (thus, this is the Upon reaching the church
“Eloi, Eloi, lammasabachthani?” which means, “My God, my God, why only country in the world to do or some other designated spot,
have you deserted me?” As soon as they heard these words, some so). Cable television channels in children dressed as angels sing
of the bystanders said, “Listen! He is calling for Elijah.” And one of the Philippines, however, con- the day’s antiphon, Hosanna
them went quickly to fill a sponge with bitter wine, and putting it on tinue to broadcast their normal Filio David (“Hosanna to the
a reed, gave it to him to drink, saying, “Now let’s see whether Elijah programming. Son of Davíd”) in Latin or the
comes to take him down.” But Jesus uttered a loud cry and gave Palm Sunday vernacular, and set to traditional
up his spirit. And immediately the curtain that enclosed the temple A priest blesses palms on hymn tunes.
Sanctuary was torn in two from top to bottom. The captain, who was Palm Sunday in the church of The blessing of palms and
standing in front of him, saw how Jesus died and heard the cry he
Plaridel, Bulacan (2012). the intonation of the antiphon
gave; and he said, “Truly, this man was the Son of God.” PALM SUNDAY
On Palm Sunday (Linggo ng often occurs in the church’s
Lectio Divina
Read: The Passion of our Lord, emerging out of a passion for
Palaspás, Domingo de Ramos, parvise, its parking lot, or the
his people. God undergoes human violence to protect and redeem “Branch Sunday”), worship- town plaza (which is usually ad-
us from our own violence. Though he was God, he assumed human
condition to raise us to the divine.
Reflect: The greatest of suffering one can undergo is the suffering
resulting out of betrayals by those whom one deeply loves. How great
had been the suffering of Jesus! He, God, is betrayed by everyone
around – his own beloved disciples, family members, those who
received his favors, his own people, the entire humanity whom he
had created. But he willingly bears it out of love and mercy.
Pray: Pray for true repentance for your sins against God and
neighbor.
Act: Mend a broken relationship.

FROM PLANET KRYPTON . . .

situations always help the victims? News accounts of corruption SANTO ENTIERO MAUNDY THURSDAY
are not without basis. In fishing villages hit by flood, tsunami or
typhoons, for example, project staff would buy fishing boats
for distribution to affected fishermen but would distribute them
randomly to people, even to those who have not even been to
the sea. When the real fishermen-victims complain they will ask
for more money from their donors and use the money to pay-off
the non-fishermen recipients to retake their boats (that they will
not use anyway) and give them to the fishermen-complainants.
Then they will submit reports of mission accomplished to their
donors complete with colour photographs of handover etc.
Meanwhile the money intended to purchase new boats is
lost in the technicalities.

Sometimes the donor does not know what is happening,

sometimes, however, the donors know but don’t bother to
check – they just condemn what happened, after the project. GOOD FRIDAY EASTER SUNDAY
 MARCH 25-APRIL 1, 2018
Bicol grocery chain backs ending “endo”
TABACO CITY -- The
war to stop ‘endo’ continues
to gain ground in Bicol.
Lotte Mart, a growing gro-
cery store chain with main
branch here, has voluntarily
regularized 54 of its workers
comprising the first batch to
be given regular employment
status.
In a report to Labor Secre-
tary Silvestre Bello III, Bicol
Regional Director Exequiel
Sarcauga said Lotte Mart sub-
mitted the names of the first
batch of regularized workers
after their appointment papers
were signed late last week.
“Ending endo is our priority
here and we welcome voluntary
regularization such as this,”
Sarcauga added.
Lotte Mart HR head Raquel
Baclao said, “This is the first
time that we are issuing ap-
pointment papers to our work-
ers. It’s a positive move for us
as we wanted to really comply
with labor laws. Perhaps DOLE
can also help us orient our work-
ers that with these appointment
documents is the responsibility
on the part of our employees to
perform better.”
She also said the regular-
ization was only the first batch
since they plan to regularize all
their personnel who pass the
six-month probationary period.
Lotte Mart owner Ricky
Tang said they will also regu-
larize workers of its sister com-
pany, Oriental Bazaar, which is
bigger and with branches in Ta-
baco City and Daraga in Albay
Bicol Outstanding students picked
PS ROQUE
NABUA, Camarines
Sur – A student of the Cat-
anduanes State University
topped this year’s Search
for Ten Outstanding Stu-
dents in Bicol.
“To be recognized as one
of the ten outstanding students
of Bicol means to continue the
crusade we believe in to pur-
sue progress, to effect change,
to serve others more than our-
selves. The distinction must
not rest on the name itself;
it must go beyond that,” Ace
John Tabuzo said in a speech
at the awarding ceremony at
Camarines Sur Polytechnic
Colleges.
Keynote speaker Presiden-
tial Spokesperson Atty. Harry
Roque commended all the
parents who always support
their children.
“As I look at the ten out-
standing students of Bicol, I
know that all 10 of you will
make a profound impact
not only in the Bicol but in
the rest of the country, har-
ness and discipline not only
and will open a third branch in
Ligao City.
Combined, Lotte Mart and
Oriental Bazaar will regularize
a total of 139 workers before
the end of March.
“We welcome this move.
This is one big leap for us.
Imagine one of the boom-
ing grocery chains in a major
city voluntarily regularizing
its workers. They are setting a
good example,” DOLE Bicol
Assistant Regional Director
Rovelinda Dela Rosa said.
To encourage more volun-
tarily regularization like that
of Lotte Mart and Oriental Ba-
zaar, DOLE Bicol even plans to
stage promotional activities for
establishments voluntarily end-
ing ENDO.
“Yes, because of their good
deed we promote them by tell-
ing Bicolanos to buy on stores
who are labor law complaint!
We have a very good relation-
ship with the media here and
it will be their reward!,” Dela
Rosa said.
The voluntarily regulariza-
tion materialized after a conduct
of several conferences with the
management of Lotte Mart by
Mr. Raymond Escalante, a La-
bor inspection and hearing of-
ficer of DOLE Albay.
“Kudos to DOLE Albay for
this magnificent accomplish-
ment. We hope that more will
come and that other provincial
offices will also follow this vol-
untary regularization track,”
Sarcauga said. – Raymond P.
Escalante
to achieve personal goals of
uplifting your personal life as
well as your immediate family
but also recognize as models
students from different state
universities you have benefit-
ed much from the oil of hard-
ship of others,” Roque added.
Other awardees included
Jessa Brioso of Camarines
Polytechnic Colleges who
ranked second; followed
by Joan Redota of Univer-
sity of Nueva Caceres; Eric
NEWS REPORTER BIKOL REPORTER 5
Members and partners of the Investments in Loving Organizations for Village Economies (ILOVE) Foundation gamely did the
“heart pose” together to embody the spirit of the “Quest for LOVE” which is to search for “loving organizations” working for
the transformation of poor communities into social and economic enterprises. (From left to right) Ecosystem Technologies
International Inc. President Robert Y. So, Department of Trade and Industry Assistant Secretary Ameenah A. Fajardo, Department
of National Defense Undersecretary Cesar B. Yano, Fidelina A. Corcuera of ILOVE Foundation, Department of Public Works and
Highways Secretary Mark A. Villar, Senator Loren B. Legarda, ILOVE Foundation Head Gina L. Lopez, Department of Science
and Technology Secretary Fortunato T. de la Peña, Department of Tourism Assistant secretary Reynaldo L. Ching, Department
of Social Welfare and Development Undersecretary Malou Turalde-Jarabe, and Technical Education and Skills Development
Authority Director-in-Charge Sonia S. Lipio during the Quest for LOVE launch held on 9 March 2018 at the Palm Grove, The
Rockwell Club, Makati City. (Text by Laurence M. San Pedro and photo by Gerardo G. Palad, DOST-STII)
Mayon-affected schools to delay closing of classes
LEGAZPI CITY -- At DepEd-Bicol spokesperson, due to recent floodings, heavy Anoling Elementary School in
least six schools with 102 May Jumamil, said in an inter- rains and the eruption of May- Camalig, with 14 classrooms;
classrooms still occupied by view Thursday their Albay Di- on,” she said. and Muladbucad Elementary
Mayon evacuees will delay vision had already requested Cedric Daep, chief of the School in Guinobatan, with six
their closing of classes to give for a delay in the closing of Albay Public Safety and Emer- classrooms.
way to make-up sessions, the classes in schools located 6-9 gency Management Office “The evacuees in these
Department of Education’s km. away from Mayon Vol- (Apsemo), said schools still schools are not yet allowed
(DepEd) office in Bicol has cano. occupied by Mayon evacuees to decamp as their homes are
said. Jumamil said the extension are the Tabaco National High located inside the permanent
of classes would not go beyond School, San Antonio Elemen- danger zone and the extended
April 15. The official closing is
April 6.
“They requested for exten-
tary School and Mayon Ele-
mentary School in Tabaco City,
with 42 classrooms occupied;
danger zone,” Daep said.
He said at least 1,641 fami-
lies, or 6,484 persons, would
sion because they have to hold Malilipot Central School and remain in the evacuation cen-
Mirabueno of Camarines Sur
make-up classes for the days San Jose Elementary School in ters until Mayon’s alert is fur-
Polytechnic Colleges; Mika that classes were suspended Malilipot, with 40 classrooms; ther lowered. -PNA
Ramos of Marines Polytech-
nic Colleges Foundation;
Mark Adrian Henera of Di-
vine Word Colleges; Arnel
SSS offers again loan restructuring
Turiano of University of Saint
Anthony; Aira Mae Diocariza
with penalty condonation
of Ligao Community College; More than 250,000 mem- not able to apply, this is your “Loan payment is inevitable
Gene Harvey Amoroso of Ca- bers of the state-run Social time to clean your outstand- for our members. Even if they
Security System (SSS) will ing loan balance and regain avoid paying the loan amount
marines Sur Polytechnic Col-
benefit from the Loan Re- your good-standing with SSS,” at present, these loans - the
leges; and Bob Vincent Gon- structuring Program (LRP) Dooc said. principal amount plus interests
zales of University of Saint with penalty condonation The LRP allows member- and penalties - will be deduct-
Anthony. -PNA that will be offered from borrowers to settle their over- ed from any final benefit they
April 2 to October 1, 2018. due loan principal and interest are entitled to like retirement,
SSS President and Chief in full or by installment under total permanent disability and
Executive Officer Emmanuel a restructured term depend- death,” Dooc said.
F. Dooc said the re-implemen- ing on their capacity. For both Dooc, however, reminded
tation of the LRP that condones schemes, SSS shall waive all borrowers who have approved
penalties of borrowers with the loan penalties after the LRP applications in 2016 to
past due loans is a response to member has completed paying 2017 that they are no longer
the widespread clamor of those the restructured loan. qualified to apply under the
members who were not able to The program covers all second LRP.
Moreover, members grant-
avail of the LRP offered last member-borrowers who have
April 2016 to April 2017. past due loans like the Sal- ed with any final benefit claim
“We would like to express ary Loan, Emergency Loan, prior to the LRP availment pe-
our gratitude to Pres. Rodrigo Educational Loan (old), Study riod and those who committed
Duterte for granting us the au- Now Pay Later Plan, Voc-Tech fraud against the SSS are dis-
thority to allow our member- Loans, Y2K Loans and Invest- qualified from the program.
borrowers to clean up their ments Incentive Loan. Likewise, approved LRP
loan accounts with SSS to be To qualify under the second applicants cannot participate in
able to fully enjoy their bene- LRP, the loan must be past due any future SSS loan condona-
fits as members of the pension for at least six months from the tion or restructuring programs
fund,” Dooc said. start of the second implemen- to instill credit discipline.
SSS implemented the first tation of LRP. “While the availment period
LRP in April 2016 with a one- Member-borrowers must be of the LRP is just six months,
year availment period that gen- residing or working as of the we still expect to generate
erated roughly P6 billion for date of the disaster in a calam- about P1.2 billion income from
the pension fund and benefited ity/disaster-stricken area de- the program and condone some
more than 800,000 individual clared by the National Disaster P2.85 billion penalties of our
member-borrowers. Risk Reduction and Manage- members. This is our way of
“While many have benefit- ment Council (NDRRMC) or helping our members to clear
ed from the Loan Restructuring their obligations within their
in the case of Ondoy, by the
Program implemented in 2016, National Government. capacity, as well as making
we have also received numer- All 256 SSS branches and sure that they have a secured
ous requests from members to service offices nationwide will future with their entitlement to
extend or re-implement it. As I start accepting applications full SSS benefits because we
can recall, members flocked to to LRP starting April 2, 2018. at SSS know that a majority of
our branches on the deadline of Qualified members only have our members have undergone
the previous LRP last April 27, six months to avail of the pro- difficulties caused by disasters
2017. So for those who were gram or until October 2, 2018. and calamities,” Dooc said.
 6 BIKOL REPORTER
DISASTER PREPAREDNESS
Resource speakersr from various government agencies briefed participants in the gathering called “Babae, Handa Ka Ba?” on
ways to avoid danger in times of calamities, as part of the celebration of the Womens Month.
HOLY WEEK CELEBRATION . . .
dral, especially in the large dio-
ceses and archdioceses. Many
priests[who?] consider this to be
the day when they renew their
priestly vows. This Mass, over
which presides the bishop of the
diocese, is when the Chrism, oil
of catechumens and the oil for
the sick are consecrated after
the homily. Priests bring the oils
to their respective parishes after
the service and store these for
future use.
The main observance of
the day is the last Mass before
Easter, the Mass of the Lord's
Supper. This usually includes a
re-enactment of the Washing of
the Feet of the Twelve Apostles,
and is followed by a proces-
sion of the Blessed Sacrament,
which is placed in the Altar of
Repose. Churches remain open
until midnight for those who
want to venerate the Blessed
Sacrament, with others going to
one of several priests on standby
to confess their sins.
One of the most important
Holy Week traditions in the
Philippines is the Visita Iglesia
(Spanish for "church visit", also
known as the Seven Churches
Visitation).[1] Throughout the
day, worshipers pray the Sta-
tions of the Cross inside or out-
side the church, while at night
after services, the faithful may
also pray before the Blessed
Sacrament at the Altar of Re-
pose.[2]
Good Friday
Good Friday, (Biyernes
Santo) is the second public holi-
day of the week. It is observed
with solemn street processions,
the Way of the Cross, the com-
memoration of Jesus' Seven
Last Words (”Siete Palabras”)
and the Senákulo, which in
some places has already begun
on Palm Sunday.
Mass is not celebrated during
this day but the people gather at
the church for the Veneration of
Cross and the Mass of the Pre-
sanctified. The service begins at
three in the afternoon, the time
Jesus is said to have died. As the
Mass of this day has no Ana-
phora (liturgy), the Commu-
nion given to congregants was
already consecrated during the
Mass of the Lord's Supper.
In some communities (most
famously in the province of
Pampanga), the processions in-
clude devotees who self-flagel-
late and sometimes even have
themselves nailed to crosses as
expressions of penance, in ful-
filment of a vow, or in thanks-
giving for a prayer granted.
The pabasa, or continuous
chanting of the Pasyón (the Fili-
pino epic narrative of Christ's
life, Passion, Death, and Resur-
rection), usually concludes on
this day. Television and radio
stations also air Siete Palabras
services from large churches
in Manila, usually beginning at
noon.
Santo Entierro
The usual highlight of Good
Friday is the Santo Entierro
("holy interment"), which is
both the name of the rite itself
and of the statue of the dead
Christ used in it. Comparable to
the Eastern Orthodox practice
of processing the epitaphios,
the calandra or bier carrying
the Santo Entierro is brought
around town, normally followed
by images of saints connected
to the Passion narrative such as
Peter and John the Evangelist.
Tradition dictates that the image
of the Virgin Mary, dressed in
black and gold as the mourning
Mater Dolorosa, is always the
final image in the procession.
Some places accord the
Santo Entierro traditional, pre-
Christian funeral rites such as
washing the corpse, laying the
body in state, or seating it in a
funerary chair. In Paete, Laguna
the icon of the Santo Entierro is
smoked over burning lansones
peelings: during the procession,
the calandra makes several stops,
and each time is placed over the
burning peelings. At each pause,
a crier turns towards the bier and
shouts, "¡Señor! Misericordia,
Señor!" ("Lord! Mercy, Lord!"),
to which the congregation re-
sponds, "¡Misericordia, Señor!"
("Mercy, Lord!").
Among the famous biers of
the Dead Christ can be seen in
Paete, Guagua, Sasmuan, Agoo,
San Pablo, Molo, Iloilo, Bali-
wag, Vigan and Silay. Some are
century old and commissioned
from the famous talleres of
Asuncion and Maximo Vicente.
In Alimodian, Iloilo the San-
to Entierro is interred at the door
of the parish church to enable
veneration, usually by kissing
the icon's feet. There is also a
large crucifix before the altar for
people to venerate and kiss. At
night, young girls dressed and
the Mater Dolorosa, barefoot
and bearing lit candles, hold
a procession around the town
square to meditate and mourn
Christ, reenacting the burial
CEPPIO
rites Christ's female disciples
gave him.
Popular culture
Several taboos are customar-
ily observed on this day, such as
an avoidance of excessive noise-
making, and in older times bath-
ing (except for health reasons).
The prohibitions are usually
effective after 15:00 PHT, the
hour of Christ’s death according
to scripture, and begins a period
of ritual mourning. Children,
in particular, were traditionally
discouraged from outdoor play,
with elders cautioning that since
“God is dead”, evil spirits are
freely roaming the earth and
ready to harm people.
The ritual mourning and gen-
erally somber mood attached to
this day gave rise to the Tagalog
idiom "Mukhâ kang Biyernes
Santo." Literally translating to
"You’ve a face like Good Fri-
day," it refers to a sad person's
demeanor resembling that of the
suffering Christ.
Easter Sunday
Easter (Linggó ng Pagka-
buhay) is marked with joyous
celebrations, the first being the
pre-dawn rite or sometimes 3:00
AM (Witching Hour) called Sa-
lubong in Filipino and Sugat in
Cebuano and Hiligaynon (both
calques of the rite’s Spanish
name Encuentro, "meeting").
The ritual is meant to depict
the apocryphal reunion of Christ
and his Mother, the Virgin Mary,
after the Resurrection. Statues
of both are borne in two sepa-
rate processions that converge
MARCH 25-APRIL 1, 2018
at a designated area called a this lofty perch, the angel chants
Galilea (“Galilee”), which is the Regina Coeli in Latin or in
often any open space near the the vernacular, sometimes ac-
church. Depending on the size companied by similarly dressed
and wealth of the congregation, students representing the angel-
the processions include statues ic choirs.
of any or all the Myrrhbearers, The high point is when the
particularly the Three Marys principal angel dramatically re-
(Mary, mother of James, Mary moves the veil from the Virgin’s
Magdalene, and Mary Salome), icon, signalling the abrupt end
along with Peter and John the to her grieving and the period of
Evangelist. By custom, the two mourning. The veil may simply
processions are sex-segregated, be pulled off the statue, or tied
with male worshipers following to balloons or doves that are
the Risen Christ, twelve men in released into the dawn sky. The
costume as the Apostles, and sorrowing Virgin is thus ritually
icons of male saints, while fe- transformed into Nuestra Se-
male congregants accompany ñora de Alegria ("Our Lady of
icons of the Virgin Mary and Joy"); in celebratory veneration,
female saints. Those in the pro- the angels throw flower pet-
cession hold lit tapers, and often als at the icons of the rejoicing
recite the rosary as a brass band Mother and her Risen Son while
plays hymns and joyful music. confetti are thrown into both im-
The icon of the Virgin Mary, ages. The moment is punctuated
still called the Mater Dolorosa, is by bells pealing, brass bands
clothed or draped in a black veil playing, and fireworks. The re-
(Tagalog: lambóng) to show her united congregation then gath-
bereavement. An “angel” (often ers for the first Mass of Easter
a small girl in costume) stands in the church.
at or is suspended in mid-air In some parishes, this rite is
from the Galilea (which may be held earlier at midnight on Eas-
a permanent or temporary scaf- ter Sunday immediately follow-
fold, or even a house’s window ing the Easter Vigil proper, but
festooned with flowers). From with the same format.
Republic of the Philippines
LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRY OFFICE
Province: Camarines Sur
City/Municipality: Libmanan
NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC
CFN-
CCE-0012-2018 R.A.10172
In compliance with the publication requirement and
pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1
Guidelines in the Implementation of the Administrative Order
No. 1 Series of 2012 (IRR on R.A. 10172), Notice is hereby
served to the public that ROSSELE MAGNO ROYALES has
filed with this Office, a Petition for Correction of entry in
the in the child’s sex from “FEMALE” to “MALE” in the
certificate of live birth of ROSSELE MAGNO ROYALES
at Libmanan, Camarines Sur and whose parents are
ROGELIO A. ROYALES and LYDIA R. MAGNO.
Any person adversely affected by said petition may
file his written opposition with this office not later than March
31, 2018.
(Sgd.) EMILIE S. AGNES-DAIRAO
Municipal Civil Registrar
BIKOL REPORTER
Published: March 18 and 25, 2018

FOR FEBRUARY
NAME OF DECEASED DATE OF INTERMENT

JOSE D. GIGANTONE SR. FEBRUARY 1, 2018

MANUEL F. DELOS REYES FEBRUARY 2, 2018
JOVEL A. TAYOTO FEBRUARY 3, 2018
ERIC NARCISO E. ASANZA FEBRUARY 3, 2018
ZENAIDA R. SURALTA FEBRUARY 8, 2018
CANUTO P. SURALTA FEBRUARY 8, 2018
GRACIA B. BUSTAMANTE FEBRUARY 8, 2018
LIAM SEBASTIAN D. GANUELAS FEBRUARY 6, 2018
EDGAR SJ. ALEJANDRIA FEBRUARY 10, 2018
FRANCISCO S. SEGARRA FEBRUARY 10, 2018
EDITA P. RAFER FEBRUARY 12, 2018
ROLANDO O. RAFER FEBRUARY 12, 2018
LOREMER C. REDITA FEBRUARY 14, 2018
ELIZABETH A. REBLANDO FEBRUARY 15, 2018
JOSEFA P. REY FEBRUARY 16, 2018
JOSE B. REDITA SR. FEBRUARY 14, 2018
LUISA L. ROSALES FEBRUARY 19, 2018
ALEX PAUL F. ALMERO FEBRUARY 17, 2018
MARINA D. RAMOS FEBRUARY 21, 2018
RAQUEL D. CAMPANA FEBRUARY 21, 2018
NIEVES C. BADILLA FEBRUARY 28, 2018
ANTONIO D. ESPEJO FEBRUARY 27, 2018
EUFRECINA M. RODRIGUEZ FEBRUARY 28, 2018
 MARCH 25-APRIL 1, 2018
ANSWER RAPS: OMBUDSMAN . . .
The same contract led to
the dismissal of Gaite last year
when the Ombudsman found
him guilty of violating a munic-
ipal ordinance when he entered
into the said contract with LCC
covering 1,704-square meter
area of the town’s public mar-
ket for 25 years when the Mu-
nicipal Revised Market Code
pegs the period of lease to only
five years.
In his complaint, Bismonte
said that the respondents, as
members of the Market Awards
and Regulation Committee
violated the provisions of the
municipal ordinance when they
voted to allow the mayor to en-
ter into the contract of lease.
Bismonte said Baraero, who
BIKOL REPORTER 7
has a 5-year experience as chair
of the Bids and Awards Com-
mittee of the town, particularly
did not fully disclose to LCC
the existence of the municipal
ordinance as well as the pay-
ment of “goodwill money” by
the winning bidder for the lease
contract.
He said that this is confirmed
in the letter last year of the LCC
to Municipal Treasurer where
it answered that the deposit of
“goodwill money” was never
mentioned in the invitation to
bid for the lease as otherwise
they would not have joined
in the bidding as the goodwill
money would have a “negative
impact on their projected return
of investment.”

VP ROBREDO BACKS DIVORCE . . .

sana magkaroon ng masusing
debate ukol dito (Our hope is
this will be discussed in the
Senate, I hope there will be
intensive debate about this),”
she said.
With a vote of 134-57-2,
the House of Representatives
on Monday approved on third
Robredo urged all women
in Albay to continue the cam-
paign and create vigilance
among women to rise, resist
and be united against vio-
lence. MANAPOT RIVER REHAB JMTS/RBMJR/MMEC with photos from PGO
"Economic empowerment Camarines Sur Gov. Migz Villafuerte through the EDMERO has launched the Manapot River Rehabilitation Conservation and
for women gives her in the Development Project in Caramoan last March 14, 2018 with 600 plus youth getting involved in the said environmental project.

Manapot River rehab project launched

position to fight for her rights.
and final reading the Absolute
She is in a better position to
Divorce Bill.
Meanwhile, Robredo tell that "I will not allow my-
joined the Albayano in the cel- self to be abuse anymore",”
she said. PILI, Camarines Sur. The alize that if everyone will care lum of the CCC, a province- The Manapot River, which
ebration of international cru- Provincial Government of the same way we did today, we owned school with free tuition, extends to 14 kilometers, is a
sade to end violence against The vice president also
Camarines Sur, through the can turn back the river to the to inspire its students to inten- source of water for agriculture,
women (VAW) as the keynote witnessed the ceremonial
Environment, Disaster Man- way it was or even better,” said sify environmental programs. industry, and household pur-
speaker. turnover to next year's cam-
agement, and Emergency Noverten Angeles, Supreme The project consists of six poses. It is also a major desti-
This year’s event carries paign host, the Department of Response Office (EDMERO) Student Government President strategies for its continuous nation for recreation of nearby
the theme “1B Rising for Soli- Education (DepEd) regional launched the Manapot River of the CCC. “We plan to coordi- implementation, namely, river communities and local tourists.
darity." office. -Connie Calipay/PNA Rehabilitation, Conservation, nate with Barangay Local Gov- bank stabilization, regular river The project is also part of
and Development Project on ernment Units to ensure that the clean-ups, EMAS application, the Save Caramoan Peninsula
NAGA JOINS WOMEN’S MONTH . . . 14 March 2018 in the munici- project will be implemented at installation of IEC materials, Project which aims to encour-
be conducted until this Friday the culminating activity of the pality of Caramoan, Cama- grassroots level,” he added. organization of Bantay Ilog age the public to actively par-
in celebration of the Women’s celebration on Friday, March rines Sur. The launching was The provincial government groups, and profiling of fami- ticipate in ensuring a safe and
participated by over 600 youth will integrate environmental lies residing along the rivers to healthy environment in Cara-
Month 2018 which include 23, 2018.
members from the Caramoan education in the school curricu- assess their sanitation practices. moan. -Jan Marie Ramos
seminars on Non- Govern- Women’s month celebra- Community College (CCC),
ment Agencies (NGAs) ser- tion, with the theme, ‘We El Verde Youth for Climate
vices, legal consultations, Make Change Work for Wom- Action, and Caramoan Coral
disaster awareness, financial en’, highlights the empower- Reefs Project (CCRP) Orga-
management, corn for health, ment of women as significant nization. This is part of the
kitchen waste fertilizer, among contributors in the overall build-up activities for the up-
others. progress and development coming World Water Day on
Vice President Leni Robre- of the community. -Armie B. 22 March 2018 and Earth Day
do is also expected to grace Gunay, CEPPIO on 22 April 2018.
“It is important to imple-
ment environmental projects
EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT in Caramoan, since it is one of
Notice is hereby given that the named parties are the the top destinations for water
legitimate and sole Heirs of CIRILO M. VERA CRUZ who sports enthusiasts all over the
died in Naga City, Camarines Sur on January 13, 2017, world. The youth is instrumen-
without any Will nor any debt; left properties which are tal in implementing these proj-
conjugal, a certain parcel of residential house and lot ects; they are enthusiastic in
situated in the Barangay Concepcion Grande, Naga City; conducting activities, they live
likewise, the deceased left THIRTY-ONE THOUSAND SIX in an era where environmental
HUNDRED FIFTEEN (31, 615) Common Shares of Stock of issues have loomed large, and
Andres Soriano Corporation; that pursuant to Sec. 1, Rule 74 they can introduce fresh ideas
of the Revised Rules of Court of the Philippines, the parties to help resolve these issues,”
all of legal age have agreed to divide and adjudicate the real said Emman Cleodoro, Envi-
properties described in equal shares; that the children/Heirs ronmental Advocacy Officer
hereby Waive their rights, interest and participation in favor from EDMERO.
of their mother Melba T. Vera Cruz, the mentioned Common Simultaneous activities were
Shares of Stock of Andres Soriano Corporation and all its held in seven barangays cov-
derivative income, if any; as acknowledged before Notary ered by the Manapot River in
Public Atty. Francisco R. Velasco, Doc. No. 662, Page No. Caramoan, namely, Barangay
34, Book No. XXII, Series of 2018. Hanopol, Salvacion, Caputatan,
Ili-Centro, Tawog, Terogo, and
BIKOL REPORTER Ilawod. A total of 300 trees were
Published: March 11, 18 and 25, 2018 planted along the river banks in
Barangay Hanopol, 250 in Sal-
vacion, 250 in Caputatan, 200
in Ili-Centro, 250 in Tawas, 250
in Terogo, and 300 in Ilawod.
The youth also held clean-up
activities, installed informative
IEC materials, and applied 540
liters of a solution used to clean
waters called Effective Micro-
organism Activated Solution
(EMAS) in public canals.
The youth were also ori-
ented on the current situation
of the Manapot River, benefits
of river restoration, and fresh-
water ecosystem. Following
the orientation, the participants
pledged their commitment and
presented their plans for the
project maintenance.
“This project made me re-
PAGE 8 BICOL, THE PHILIPPINES MARCH 25-APRIL 1, 2018

Pres. Duterte names new

PRESIDENTIAL ADVISER FOR BICOL NAGA CITY --- Former Regional Trial Court
Judge Marvel C. Clavecilla was appointed Presi-
dential Adviser for Bicol Affairs by President Ro-
drigo Duterte, replacing another Bicolano, Dante
L. Jimenez.
Clavecilla’s appointment
was contained in a letter dated
March 9, 2018 sent by letter
Executive Secretary Salvador
Medialdea of the Office of the
President of the Philippines.
Prior to his appointment,
Clavecilla served as a mem-
ber of the Board of Directors
THAI VISITORS #NAGASMILESTOTHEWORLD
of the Philippine National Oil
Women from the nine (9) regions in Thailand visited Naga City to learn and exchange experience on the agricultural practices
of the City Government involving the women sector like community-based food production programs and processing. The Company which he joined af-
Rural Improvement Club (RIC) headed by City Councilor Cecilia V. De Asis, welcomed the participants of the program which is ter retiring as presiding judge Judge CLAVECILLA
a result of the bilateral cooperation in agriculture of the Philippines with the Thailand Government under which a group of rural at the Municipal Trial Court
women from the country will also be conducting the same in Thailand in the coming month of June, 2018. Branch 2 in Naga City and chairman in the Regional De-
Regional Trial Court Branch 3 velopment Council (RDC) and

₱50-M for abaca rehab handed over in Pili, Camarines Sur.

LEGAZPI CITY -- The
Department of Agriculture
regional office in Bicol has
turned over a PHP50-mil-
lion check to the provincial
government of Catand-
uanes for the rehabilitation
of its typhoon-damaged
abaca areas, a DA official
said Tuesday.
Emily Bordado, regional
information officer of DA-
Bicol, in an interview told
the Philippine News Agency
(PNA) that the check was
turned over by DA regional
executive director Elena de
los Santos to Catanduanes
Governor Joseph Cua in a
project briefing during the
recent launching of the reha-
bilitation project of typhoon-
damaged abaca areas in the
province.
"The PHP50 million
aims to rebuild the source of
livelihood of 13,529 abaca
farmers affected by Ty-
phoon Nina and rehabilitate
15,034.06 hectares of abaca
damaged by Typhoon Nina.
Gov. CUA
Among the priority areas
for validation are the abaca
farmers who participated in
the PhilFIDA-monitored,
farmer-initiated Abaca Re-
habilitation/Replanting Ac-
tivity in 2017," Bordado
added.
Cua thanked the DA for
its support to the long-antic-
ipated rehabilitation project
in Catanduanes, which is
one of the top producers of
abaca worldwide.
De los Santos recalled
that in 2017, DA-Bicol
funded a total of PHP85.16
million-worth of projects un-
Dir. DELOS SANTOS
der the DA regular programs
and rehabilitation efforts in
the province after Typhoon
Nina.
Catanduanes is one of the
priority provinces included
in the Special Area for Ag-
ricultural Development in
Bicol.
Catanduanes, known as
the Abaca Capital of the
Philippines, accounts for 90
percent of the regional aver-
age abaca production with
22,755 metric tons.
The National Disaster
Risk Reduction Manage-
ment Council Post Disaster
Needs Assessment report-
ed that the province lost
PHP1.4-billion worth of fi-
ber and needs PHP42 billion
for its rehabilitation after Ty-
phoon Nina devastated the
province in December 2016.
-PNA/ Connie Calipay
Naga joins Women’s Month Celebration
Joining the National
Women’s Month Celebra-
tion every month of March,
as part also of the world-
wide celebration of the In-
ternational Women’s Day
(IWD), the City Govern-
ment of Naga held the open-
ing ceremonies of the week-
long celebration, Monday,
March 19, at the Naga City
People’s Hall.
The celebration kicked- off
with a parade which started
from the JMR coliseum to the
City Hall Grounds, joined by
the representatives from the
barangays and other govern-
ment and non-government
agencies who also took part
The post is mandated to
coordinate and promote all the
policies and directions of the
government with the different
national government agencies
and multisector organizations
in the Bicol Region aside from
echoing the sentiments of the
Bicolanos to the president.
“As presidential adviser for
Bicol Affairs, I will sit as vice-
thereafter in the Flag Raising
Ceremony together with the
City Government Officials
and City Hall Employees.
Mayor John Bongat led the
Oath-Taking of the new set
of the Naga City Council for
Women (NCCW).
After which, a Eucharistic
Celebration initiated by Rev.
Fr. Domingo Florido was
conducted at the Naga City
People’s Hall.
Following the mass, the
opening program proper of
the celebration started with
the ribbon cutting to open the
Trade Fair which exhibited lo-
cal produce, organic herbs and
crafts by local entrepreneurs.
the Regional Peace and Order
Council as I am also tasked to
inform the Office of the Presi-
dent about the happenings that
are taking place in our region
in so far as the development,
and peace and order situations
are concerned,” he said.
He will hold office at the
Integrated Bar of the Philip-
pines (IBP) building located
at Naga City Hall Compound.
Ms. Maria Kristine Jose-
fina G. Balmes, the Deputy
Executive Director for Opera-
tions of the Philippine Com-
mission on Women (PCW)
joined the city’s celebration,
where she led the Symbolic
Re-certification of the city’s
Barangay Grow Negosyo Pro-
gram and the Naga City Ban-
tay Familia, Inc.
The Naga City Breastfeed-
ing Program was also certified
by the PCW just this year.
Other activities included in
the celebration are fun games
and Healthy Lifestyle Zumba.
More forums and consul-
tations on various topics will
(Turn to page 7)

BULA TOWN VISIT ALEX BUSTAMANTE

Gov. Migz Villafuerte recently visited barangay Balaogan of this town headed by Mayor Amelita ‘Megay’ Ibasco, where he also distributed NFA rice to the barangay
constituents.