VOL. XXV, NO. 4 BICOL, THE PHILIPPINES AUGUST 13-19, 2017 P5.

00

Robinsons Place sets Naga opening

Bicolanos and travellers, who use the “south road” to go from Metro Manila to
points as far as Mindanao, are in for a major treat. Robinsons Place Naga (Camarines
Sur) opens August 15 in the city that is also a major pilgrimage destination for the
regional patron saint, the Virgin of Peñafrancia.
Located within the city’s
first mixed-use development,
the three-level full-service
mall will anchor a multi-use
development project that will
include, when fully com-
pleted, office buildings and
two hotels. By expanding to
Naga, Robinsons Land Cor-
poration (RLC) acknowl-
edges that the city’s economy
is booming and there is a de-
mand for new developments
that has to be met.
RLC will not only bring
its commercial center but of-
fice buildings and hotels, too. The mall's atrium with its iconic
Local businesses wanting to
gabi-inspired ceiling.
raise their profiles can move
to the RLC office buildings tination, offering a wide va- Located on Roxas Ave.
that are now ready for oc- riety of food/restaurants and corner Almeda Highway,
cupancy. With RLC being well-known brands, both close to the Pan-Philippine
named Best Developer 2017 local and national. Both ex- Highway that brings those
by DOT Property Philip- terior and interior pay hom- who travel by road to points
pines, the fastest growing age to the features that make in the Visayas and Mindanao,
property portal and e-maga- Naga distinct. The gabi, the this can be an oasis where
zine in the country, the new main ingredient of the popu- weary travellers can stop for
address gives their business- lar dish laing, and the pili a little bit of fun and relax-
es added prestige. nut are incorporated into the ation before resuming their
Robinsons Place Naga mall’s design, as well as the journeys.
will be a one-stop shop des- landscaping. (Turn to page 10)

RTC STOPS
NAGA TREE
CUTTING
NAGA CITY --- The Re-
gional Trial Court Branch
27 here has ordered the De-
partment of Public Works
and Highways(DPWH) in
Bicol to stop the cutting of
trees lining the streets in at
least four barangays of this
city.
In a resolution dated Au-
gust 8, 2017, Judge Leo L.
Intia granted the petition of
plaintiffs led by Edgardo M.
Castro for the issuance of a
Temporary Environmental
Protection Order (TEPO)
against the defendants head-
ed by Danilo E. Versola, the
DPWH regional director.
Castro argued that the is-
suance of “TEPO is of ex-
treme urgency and the plain-
tiffs, the general public and
(Turn to page 11)

K-960 Aries St., Villa Grande Homes, Con. Grande, Naga City • TELEPHONE: (054) 884-93-76 • CP 0921-3183720 / 0929-245-7353 / 0920-5337766
2 BIKOL REPORTER
EDITORIAL
If Trees Could Talk
But they cannot.
So the children did it for them
via the printed word and ribbons,
expressing their hopes for a green
environment.
So, a group of concerned citizens
has asked the Court to stop the
DPWH from further annihilating them
in the name of road expansion and
development.
Fortunately, Judge Leo L. Intia of
RTC Branch 27 in Naga City heard
what these silent creatures were
saying.
They too have their own stories
and right to co-exist with us humans
who benefit from them.
What is happening in Naga is
no different from other parts of
the country where road widening
threatens thousands of century-old
trees lining what were once two-
laned streets.
Where trees become the helpless
victims in this frenzy of development,
one clear culprit is the lack of
foresight and urban planning.
Our government’s development
paradigm is centered on cities, so it
has become the magnet for migration
which made space a costly item.
Where these spaces were once
inhabited by trees and they are
earmarked for infrastructure projects,
they will be the first to go at the altar
of development.
Because their contribution to
development is not wholly seen or
appreciated, unlike lands on which
they grow. They are only credited
for shade, aesthetics or furniture.
Nothing more.
So if they could talk, they will say
they do more things than these.
Just think of Noah’s ark built on
wood. They are key to the survival of
the human race.
OPINION
“PHL Changing Partners”
(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).
TRADE PARTNERSHIPS: Under
the ASEAN leadership of Phl President
Duterte, China may have achieved the
upperhand in its trade relations with the
countries in Southeast Asia. The new
China-backed Regional Comprehensive
Economic Partnership (RCEP) was
a “dream come true” – what with the
previous pro-West orientation of most
ASEAN trading participants. The
advantage of China is its proximity to
the ASEAN Region – for its raw material
sourcing and sales of (cheaper) finished
products.
The American counter to this new
grouping is the US-led Trans-Pacific
Partnership which includes Japan and
South Korea and other US allies. We
will see in the next few years whether
the Philippines could get business
advantages in this new deal with China
and its supporters, even as we may
gradually lose trading benefits from the
US-Euro group of nations. Abangan
and mga kasunod na kabanata – para
malaman kung tama ang ating mga
ginawa!
LOWER GIR: The country’s gross
international reserves (GIR) decreased
to $80.78B as of end-July (down by
$535M). This is the second month in
a row that GIR fell because of bigger
outflows and past payments of FX
PDU30 signed Free Tuition FROM MY
Education Law & Simpler laws WINDOW
to make our lives simpler NENITA FUENTEBELLA PEÑONES
President Rodrigo Duterte signed the
“Free Tuition Education Law” inspite of
the opposition of his economic managers
because of the problems of where to get
the fund for this. The law grants tuition
free education to all state universities
and colleges (SUCs). Duterte believes
the benefit far outweigh the cost. Our
lawmakers now have the job of looking
for fund for this measure.
*****
In order not to tax the people for this,
I suggest that we legalize jueteng. After
all, it has always been with us in different
names and it is not the government
who benefits from it but those local
government officials, military men and
policemen who allowed themselves
to be corrupted by being protectors
in this illegal games. I refer only to the
corrupt officials, not all. If jueteng will be
legalized, the government can supervise
and regulate it. The income from licenses
and royalties will go to the government.
The “correadores” will have jobs by
employing themselves, since it is no
longer illegal. Above all, it can produced
tuition fee fund for education.
Cock-fighting is legal. Horse-racing
is legal. Many games of chance in the
casinos are legal. Why not jueteng? It
does not entail a lot of money. One can
bet even with one peso only. It is also the
game of the poor.
Well, my suggestion is only mine and
not of my relatives in politics.
*****
The following excerpts from the
column of Ex-Senator Manny Villar in
the Tempo dated August 9, 2017 is
informative and advantageous for the
VISIT OUR WEBSITE:
https://thebikolreporter.wordpress.com
OPINIONS
UNLIMITED
Atty. TONY (APA) ACYATAN
government debts. Compared to July
2016, reserves declined by $4.72B.
According to BSP, the GIR decline
was mainly due to outflows from its FX
operations. The natural law of supply
and demand is strongly at play in this
negative situation!
Current GIR is equivalent to 5.5 times
of Phl’s short term external debt (based
on original maturity) and 3.7 times based
on residual maturity. These are external
debt with one year or less maturity. This
includes principal payments maturing
in 12 months. BSP considers this GIR
level as adequate to cover 8.6-month
worth of imports of goods and payments
for services. (This development may
what triggered the decrease in the FX
value of the Phl Peso).
BUILD, BUILD, BUILD: Local
builders are contributing to a surge in
capital goods imports that has turned
the country’s current account surplus
into a deficit, resulting in the peso going
down in value to 11-year lows (against
the dollar) last month. Aside from private
construction projects - companies are
confident of more contracts coming from
the government in its drive to upgrade
its dilapidated roads, railways, ports and
airports, which have been a drag on the
economy.
Foreign and local businesses have
been frustrated with former President
Benigno Aquino’s Public Private
Partnership (PPP) projects, which often
took a long time to kick off because of
red tape. President Duterte is the game-
changer. He decided that all projects will
public to know so that they can benefit
from it. “Simple laws to make our lives
simpler”
Last week, the President signed
a trio of simple bills that I believe are
designed to make our people’s lives
simpler and easier.
First, President Rodrigo Duterte
signed into law Republic Act 10929
or the Free Internet Access in Public
Places Act.
It mandates the Department of
Information and Communications
Technology (DICT) to effect the provision
of free internet access in national and
local government offices, public basic
education institutions, state universities
and colleges, technology institutions,
public hospitals, health centers, and
rural health units, public parks, plazas,
libraries and barangay reading centers,
public airports and seaports, public
transport terminals.
In my previous column, I already
discussed the political and social
significance of universal internet access
which according to the United Nations
(UN) constitutes a fundamental social
and political right. But imagine how this
will impact the everyday lives of our
people.
Imagine yourself caught in the middle
of heavy rains with no public transport
in site. You can access the free internet
and send a Viber message to your loved
ones to tell them you’re okay and that
you will be home soon. Or you can
launch your Uber or Grab app and hope
to get a ride home.
What if you get lost trying to find a
friend’s house or a meeting place to
AUGUST 13-19, 2017
be entirely funded by the government.
His economic managers say this will
simplify the process. The president
says he plans a $180B “Build, Build,
Build” infrastructure campaign during
his term.
PROBLEMS, PROBLEMS:
There are two new big issues in the
news: the corruption scandal at the
Bureau of Customs wherein customs
brokers have come into the open
admitting that they are paying 0ff
some BOC officers and examiners
just to secure the release of the
shipments of their clients; and the
second is the revelations by the wife
of the COMELEC Chairman about the
SALN violations of her husband. This
could be more than a simple lovers’
quarrel! Wow – beware - the “fury of
a woman scorned”.
The second accusation against
the BOC Commissioner involves the
hiring of known athletes as Customs
confidential agents and intelligence
officers. The hirings were pre-cleared
with the Commission on Audit – so
the issue may eventually subside;
besides, other government offices do
similar style of personnel hirings.
In sum - what intrigues us – with
fear – is the similarity among the
violent deaths of people connected
with the Dept. of Finance, Customs
and BIR. We hope the killings do not
have a pattern!
PROVERB: The king that faithfully
judges the poor, shall have his throne
established forever.
do business? Well, you can use the
free internet and use Google Maps or
any other navigation apps to find your
way.
There are also implications
with regard to security, disaster
preparedness and citizen journalism.
How easier would it be for a ‘citizen
journalist’ to report a fire, a crime, or
flooding using Twitter or Facebook?
I hope government agencies not
only comply with this very good law
but also orient their organizations
towards better, more efficient service
using the internet. The Metro Manila
Development Authority (MMDA) for
instance, can use its great social
media presence to easily spot, and
respond to traffic violations, road
hazards, and the like.
Second, the chief executive also
signed Republic Act No. 10928 into
law extending the validity of passports
to 10 years. Although there are certain
limitations with regard to national
security, the law is envisioned to
“make traveling abroad easier and
to lessen the burden of citizens, who
would no longer need to keep on
renewing their passports every five
years”.
Imagine how simple this is. You
extend the period of validity and
you potentially shorten the queue of
people seeking renewal of passports
at the Department of Foreign Affairs
(DFA). I have always thought that
making citizens line up for hours is
demeaning and disrespectful, not to
mention a sign of inefficiency. This law
(Turn to page 11)
AUGUST 13-19, 2017 BUSINESS SECTION BIKOL REPORTER 3
 4 BIKOL REPORTER HALO-HALO AUGUST 13-19, 2017

KANTONG Biyahe ni FPJ (Part 1)

DIS *KARTE
*KUSYON
*KURSO
PUTIKON! Saro kan itutukdo sa museo kan kapatagan sa Pampanga, alagad,
FRANK PEÑONES JR.

orgulyo kan lugar na saro sa

Kapampangan Studies Center sa Holy saro ini kan rason kun ta’no ta dahilan kun ta’no ta an Pampanga

Battle of the Malls Angel University sa Angeles City iyo

an kun pa’no an mabuhay.
nagpadagos an rasa kan mga Agta
duman. Nakanood sinda na mabuhay
nagkaigwa na nin tolong Presidente
asin kadakul na mga promimenteng
May sarong seksyon an museo dawa yaon sa anino kan peligro kan mga syudadano.
Kapehan, kantahan, kahapotan. Saturday or Sunday manongod sa Pinatubo,partikularmente bulkan. Bako sana an kauswagan
8am or 5pm weekly pgm featuring guests from all walks sa pagputok kaini kan 1990. An mga Kapampangan, saro pangekonomiya an kusog nin
of life, anchored by radio, tv, print & social media celebs. Sa timeline kan bulkan, mahihiling man na mga namamanwaan na sarong lugar.
Wat sayeth thou? na ginatos nang taon an nakaagi, tataong pangatamanan an saindang An orgulyo, apresasyon kan
****** nasaray sa memorya sa paagi kan kasaysayan na lyabe man kan kasaysayan asin malinaw na
An orihinal na miembros kan PDP laban sa CamSur pagsasaysay kaini kan mga Agta padagos na pagkabuhay asin pagkamidbid kan sadiring kultura
matiripon man nganing mag-ayon guíraray sa bida duman an sarong osipon na sarong pagkusog kan saindang kultura. orog na mataong kusog boot na
politika, sabi ni ex-Mayor Romy Gontang kan Gainza metapora kan pagputok kan bulkan Sa paagi kan pagtipon asin padagos na mabuhay an sarong
soodma sa bisperas saindang banuaan. An PDP kaidto mga 600 nang taon an nakaagi. pagpahiling kaini sa museo, mahihiling rasa sa kinaban, siring sa mga
boot sabihon partidong daeng perak lalo na kan an Dai ini aram kan mga taga- an inaapod na “pride of place” o Kapampangan.
laban kaidto kontra ki ex-President Marcos pigngisihan
pati ta mayong paragastos sa kampanya. Pero may
mga tao sinda sa lambang banuaan kan provincia. An PELL
Still Alive and Kicking
pamayo kan PDP si ex-Sen. Nene Pimentel, ama kan
ngonian Senate President Koko Pimentel. Sa CamSur MELL
an saindang lider si depuntong abogado de campanilla Jokee BOTOR-REYES
saka ex-Mayor Bentoy Manlangit kan Tigaon. Saro sa
pinaka-aktibo kaidto si ex-kapitan Tacio de Borde kan The last time I run this column was and I get a nice good feeling to see his garden however is very fertile.
Pamplona. Maogma kaidto asin buronyog an partido months back but by God’s grace, I am them in bloom. Some of my plants I manage to teach a Grade 12
maski mayong kuarta, dakulang sacrificio sana nganing over 70 and yes, alive and still kicking. are ornamental and they do not bear subject that is a course in Media
ipaglaban an principio, sabi ni Gontang. Ngonian an When people ask me how I keep flowers but they provide my front and information Literacy but that
PDP partidong dakul kuarta. Kaiba na ngonian sinda myself still physically fit I said because yard with the greens. I have a long only gets my 4 hours a week and
I am a busy bee. And my mind works, row of zinnias that flower endlessly gives me a good pay. Wow. Regina
Cong. Nonoy Andaya, mga Alfelor asin Fuentebella.
I have been doing some other kinds of in different colors, red and pink and Mondi College, Inc. in Iriga is a
May Rex Villegas pa na harani daa ki Pres. Digong.
writing like oratorical and declamation yellow. I have yet to look for someone specialized school in accountancy
****** pieces, scripts for school events, who can give me white zinnias. My and business courses Dr.Eufemia
Battle of the malls. Giyera kan mga Taipans, mga beauty pageants, birthdays and even gumamelas have not flowered and Clemente-Ceguera runs the school
negosyanteng Chinese-Pinoys, Henry Sy vs John weddings. I am just trying to earn a hopefully they will do in a few months so efficiently with the support of
Gokongwei! Pigiiwalan ninda an kuarta sa bulsa kan living. I know some people miss my more. her sister-in-law Melba Clemente-
mga pobreng Bikolano/Pilipino! column and they tell me but I miss this I planted okra and siling labuyo and Ceguera. Kudos tp you both.
****** column myself even more. Pell mell I have two dwarfed lemon trees. At our I have three wonderful
Attn: UNC Cross Swords fraternity members.... is a title I have used in two weekly backyard are camote and kamoteng grandchildren with me who provide
Please be advised that 9 Sept. 2017 is our annual magazines I used to edit wayback kahoy planted by a neighbor who has me strength to carry on because
rank formation....Whole day actvity...mass will be in Manila and the word pell mell has neglected his vegetable garden that they are so caring. That really
celebrated at the UNC Chapel 7am....to be followed become a part of my writing life. also include string beans and squash. makes me feel I am not young
So, I am back and I hope I do not I now take care of them and almost anymore.
by a motorcade to 411 Resort, Tinangkihan, Libmanan,
lag anymore, pramis claim it is my garden now. The poor Well, writing is writhing. But one
CamSur, venue of our gathering....contribution:
My flower garden is taking a lot gardener got into trouble with the keeps writing for the love (and heck)
php300.... this year. Anniversary theme: 'UNC Cross
of my time especially in the morning police and now he is rotting in jail but of it.
Swords....at 60 strongly united.'.. - Antonio Aberca,
president.
******
Do the do’s, pray, visit your doctor regularly, do what
your doctor tells you to. Count your blessings and not
“Tungkos” featured in UNC
70th Anniversary exhibit
what's missing, do not obsess about every small thing,
do avoid loud and aggressive people (avoid being
one). Do smile, do forgive and forget, do give more
and expect less, do prepare for an eternal and happy The University of
life ahead! Nueva Caceres-Ayala
Education is observing its
Catanduanes revives year-long celebration of
its 70th year anniversary
save turtle drive with a three-part exhibit
which will be unveiled on
VIRAC, Catanduanes wards or incentives that could
August 15, 2017 at the JH
—To push the tempo in its boost their livelihood. lobby.
campaign to protect the ma- Municipal Councilor Al- According to UNC Mu-
rine animals and their natu- lan del Valle who pinched-hit seum Curator Frank Pe-
ral habitat, the provincial for Mayor Cua, congratulated nones Jr., the first exhibit
government of Catanduanes the people behind the SOS will feature a combined
relaunched the Save Our project. textual and visual docu-
Sea Turtles (SOS) project at Since Mayor Cua assumed mentation showing the
Barangay Talisoy here. office, the municipality of timeline of the history from
According to Governor San Andres has been active its founding in 1948 by Don
Joseph Cua, the recent re- in the advocacy to protect and Jaime J. Hernandez to its
launch of SOS was just to pep save the dwindling inventory present thrust as part of the
up what he started four years of sea turtles in its coastal wa- Ayala Education system.
ago during his second term as ters. It will also include a
governor. Also present during the performative piece where
He said that the campaign launching were representa- participants will tie their
has proved to be a success: 23 tives of Catanduanes Sus- memories of and dreams for MAIN GATE OF UNC
sea turtles have been released tainable Ecosystems Devel- UNC on a board with hand-
back to the wild in addition to opment Inc., Department of kerchiefs, reminiscent of the ishing Memories,” accord- will also play a video docu- depicting UNC’s history.
more than 100 sea turtles that Environment and Natural Re-
old practice of Bikol wom- ing to Penones. He said he mentary and interviews on Newly-named Assistant-
were returned to their natural sources, Bureau of Fisheries
en of “tungkos,” or keeping had invited members of the various personnel of the Vice President for Student
marine habitat with the help and Aquatic Resources and
of San Andres Mayor Peter their coins or mementos in a UNC HS Class of ’68 which UNC who have seen its rise Affairs Dr. Armin A. Ful-
Virac municipal government
Cua. handkerchief. When done, is observing its golden year and growth as the region’s lante is the over-all chair of
as well as barangay officials
Fishermen and other indi- the piece will turn out like a to be part of the opening ex- first university through a the foundation anniversary
and fisher folk, pupils and
viduals who surrendered cap- teachers of Talisoy Elemen- tapestry of memories. This hibit. TV monitor which will be celebration, which kicked
tured or found sea turtles to tary School. -EAB/PIA5- is along the first theme of He added that the Mar- set at the JH lobby which off in July 11 and will cul-
the government received re- Catanduanes the exhibit, which is “Cher- keting Office of the UNC also features two murals minate next year.
AUGUST 13-19, 2017 BUSINESS SECTION BIKOL REPORTER 5
6 BIKOL REPORTER
LOOM-WEAVING PROJECT
The NGCP and the DOST-PTRIA recently signed an angreement with the LGU Buhi, for the
conduct of various trainings meant to promote and improve the loom-weaving industry
in the town. The MOA was signed by Hon. Margarita M. Aguinillo, Mayor, Buhi, CamSur;
NGCP District Office represented by Engr. George Duque, Head, HVDC-Naga Converter
Station; DOST-PTRI-Norly Villar, Head, Technology Transfer and Promotion; Jenny
Afroilan and Rico Guangco of NGCP’s Corporate Initiatives and Advocacies Division. The
“BARO” program, together with the Department of Science and Technology-Philippine
Textile Research Institute (DOST-PTRI) will seek to preserve promote, and improve the
loom-weaving industry and help increase the income of local weavers. The 20 program
participants of the Buhi One Town One Product Association (BOKPA) will undergo a one-
week training in basic handloom weaving and will explore advance weaving techniques in
order to have their skills upgraded to meet the demand for high quality of handloom woven
materials. After the one week training on advance handloom weaving, participants will
undergo another training as part of the project, training on Basic Product Development
and Marketing set on September 25-29, 2017. NGCP has sponsored for the cost of the
training, provision of 5 modified handloom weaving machines and yarns.
DILG urges LGUs to create
smoke-free task force
MANILA - The Depart-
ment of Interior and Local
Government (DILG) is en-
couraging local government
units (LGUs) to support the
nationwide smoking ban
by creating their respective
Smoke-Free Task Forces
that will help implement
the ban in the communities.
The nationwide smok-
ing ban took effect last July
22, 2017 after President Ro-
drigo Roa Duterte signed Ex-
ecutive Order No. 26 which
mandates the establishment
of a smoke-free environ-
ment in public and enclosed
spaces.
In a directive, the DILG
called on the LGUs to im-
mediately organize a local
Smoke-Free Task Force that
will be responsible for the
apprehension of violators
and the institution of criminal
proceedings for violations of
the EO.
The said Task Force is ex-
pected to work closely with
Vet office scores high vs rabies
LEGAZPI CITY -- Le-
gazpi City Veterinary of-
ficer Dr. Nancy Andes on
Wednesday commended all
the members of the vacci-
nating team for the success-
ful anti-rabies campaign in-
volving vaccinating of dogs
roaming around in the 70
villages of this city for the
first half of the year as part
of the city’s high density
and stray dog elimination
drive.
Andes said that out of the
22,673 target dogs for vacci-
nation, the city team has vac-
cinated around 21,412 dogs
from January to June or 94.4
percent.
She urged all the pet own-
ers to make themselves re-
sponsible for caring for their
pets and also to establish their
own animal pound at their
backyards to ensure their
dogs could not roam in the
streets and other public plac-
es as one way of reducing the
dog bites and preventing the
spread of rabies cases in the
community.
Andes said the villages
of Bigaa, Taysan and Gogon
have already established
their own Dog pound and Pet
Cemetery at their own respec-
tive areas while Barangays 13
Ilawod West and Mariawa
have constructed their own
dog pound but no Pet Cem-
etery while Barangay Sagpon
has its own animal shelter.
She asked all the barangay
leaders to regularly imple-
ment the City’s Anti- Rabies
Ordinance as part of eliminat-
Brgys tapped for consumer protection
By ANA-LIZA S. MACATANGAY
AS end-users of goods
and services, consumers
are at vulnerable state,
particularly when it comes
the Philippine National Po-
lice (PNP) in implementing
the order, including the ap-
prehension of violators.
DILG Assistant Secretary
for Plans and Programs Epi-
maco Densing III said that
the commitment of LGUs is
crucial to successfully ex-
ecute the order as factors like
proximity and familiarity
with the communities within
their jurisdiction is vital in its
implementation.
"We put a premium in pri-
oritizing public health which
is why the LGUs' full par-
ticipation and commitment
are required as they are key
for the success and proper
implementation of EO 26,"
Densing said in a statement
on Wednesday.
"Napakaimportante ang
mga LGU at barangay kasi
sila ang nasa ground (The
LGUs and barangays are very
important because they are
on the ground)," he added.
(Turn to page 9)
AUGUST 13-19, 2017
STRAY DOGS IN LEGAZPI CITY
ing the dog bite cases in the
community in support to the
national government’s rabies
and control program.
All the pet owners are re-
quired to register their dogs at
their respective barangay halls
after which the City Veteri-
nary Office (CVO) will issue
a dog registration certificate to
the pet owners.
At the age of three months,
dogs should be vaccinated
and the owners should always
consult a veterinarian regard-
ing the status of the health of
their animals, she added.
Andes said that her of-
fice is continuously capturing
stray dogs roaming around the
streets also as one way of re-
ducing vehicle accident in the
community.
She also urged all the own-
ers of the dogs captured in
the streets to claim their pets
at the CVO, otherwise these
will be given up for adoption
to other interested pet lovers
or will be impounded at the
city’s animal pound in Baran-
to product deception and
fraud employed by some
unscrupulous businessmen.
This situation prompted
the Department of Trade and
Industry’s (DTI) provincial
office in Camarines Sur to
conduct a seminar on advo-
cating consumerism. Dubbed
“Promoting Consumer Vigi-
lance Among Barangays In
Naga City,” the event was
held Tuesday, July 25, at the
Avenue Plaza Convention
Center here.
Attended by barangay of-
ficials and representatives,
the seminar sought to help
barangays increase aware-
ness on consumer activism in
the barangays and promote
consumers’ welfare in this
city and the adjoining nearby
municipalities.
“We want to convey to
our consumers, particularly
in the barangay level, that
the attention given by DTI
to the business sector is the
same as to the consumers –
that of protecting their rights
as consumers. We have con-
sumerism movements mostly
in schools and professionals,
but now we want this move-
ment to be strengthened by
involving the barangays,”
DTI Camarines Sur Provin-
cial Head Edna Tejada said.
Participants were given
gay Banquerohan.
Based on the ordinance,
all the pet owners who violate
this law, shall pay a fine of Php
1,000 or face imprisonment
of 5 to 10 days for the first
offense while second time of-
fenders will pay a fine of Php
2,000 or face imprisonment of
15 to 20 days. Those who vio-
late for the third time will pay
Php3,000 or be imprisonment
from 25 to 30 days.
High density anti-rabies
vaccination is an annual activ-
ity of the CVO that seeks to
maintain the city’s status as a
zero-rabies territory.
Rabies is a virus that may
affect the brain and spinal cord
of the victim. Patients who are
afflicted with rabies show loss
of appetite and weakness that
could lead to death.
Andes said her office has
conducted a yearly lecture on
“responsible pet ownership”
and “rabies awareness” on
pet owners during barangay
assemblies. -Emmanuel
Solis/PNA
lectures on their rights and
responsibilities as consum-
ers, namely; the right to ba-
sic needs, safety, informa-
tion, choice, representation,
redress, consumer education,
and healthy environment.
Jay Percival Ablan, DTI
consumer protection divi-
sion chief, lectured on RA
7394 or the Consumer Act
of the Philippines, emphasiz-
ing the State policy to protect
the consumers, promote their
general welfare and estab-
lish standards of conduct for
business and industry.
Mayor John G. Bongat
graced the occasion and ex-
pressed his full support to the
activity. He said consumers
should indeed be armed with
information to avoid fraudu-
lent dealings and safeguard
their rights as end-users.
“This activity is on how
residents in the barangays
can help consumers and how
we can protect ourselves that
what we buy has the right
price and right quality as it
affects our health, livelihood,
as well as the environment,”
Mayor Bongat said.
“We promote business,
we promote entrepreneur-
ship, self-employment for
everyone to have a quality
way of life; however, we do
not tolerate deception and
fraud just to gain profit,”
Bongat added.
AUGUST 13-19, 2017 BUSINESS SECTION BIKOL REPORTER 7
 8 BIKOL REPORTER AUGUST 13-19, 2017

PROVINCIAL MEDIA FORUM JAM MADRID/PIA CAMSUR

DSWD Asst. Regional Director for Operation Arwin O. Razo answers question updates on DWD programs and services, held at Villa Caceres Hotel on August
from Grace Inocentes of RMN-DWNX during the provincial media forum after the 4, 2017.

New lights installed

at Legazpi's streets,
Safe motherhood congress mulled
The local government

public spaces unit here wants to arrest

LEGAZPI CITY -- Tour-
ists and local residents will
now be able to enjoy more
the beauty of Legazpi City
during night time because
of the newly installed lights
on both sides of the stretch
of Washington Drive going
to the Airport Road and in
Barangay Cruzada here.
Legazpi Mayor Noel E.
Rosal, who, on Friday led the
switch-on of the new lights,
said the project will serve not
only as protection for all the
Legazpeneos and visitors but
will also add to the beauty of
the city.
“It will give more attrac-
tion to all the viewers and
other visitors to the beauty of
the Legazpi, especially during
nighttime. It is also very im-
portant to all the motorists and
other riders from other neigh-
boring provinces and munici-
palities because if they see
AIRPORT LIGHTS
Airport Road at Washington Drive and Lakandula were
recently installed with new bright lights. Legazpi City Mayor
Noel Rosal said next in line is the long stretch of Rizal Street.
these well lighted roads while
riding at night time, then they
can easily see that they are ap-
proaching the city of fun and
adventure," the mayor pointed
out.
Aside from benefiting visi-
tors and motorists, the resi-
dents are more secure during
their nighttime activities as
the streets will be free from
any criminality, he added.
City Tourism Officer
Agapita Parces, on the other
hand, said having new light
fixtures on the roads is very
timely as they are preparing
for the opening of the yearly
Ibalong Festival in mid-Au-
gust wherein a huge number
of international and local tour-
ists are expected to arrive to
witness the different sporting
events.
Based on the initial meet-
ing, Pacres said the opening of
the festival will be on August
cases of maternal deaths in
poor communities brought
about by pregnancy and
childbirth delivery.
Reports said that the num-
ber of deaths in the least eco-
nomically resilient communi-
ties (LERCs) is higher than in
any area of the city as most of
the pregnant mothers in im-
poverished areas have limited
resources in gaining access to
improve their knowledge on
safe childbirth delivery.
“Inadequate knowledge
on maternal care before, dur-
ing and after child delivery
also put the mothers at great
risk,” says Dr. Joen Sebas-
tian, a community medical
doctor who partners with the
Ginhawang Nagueño and the
City Social Welfare and De-
velopment Office in organiz-
11 with a holy mass at the Al-
bay Cathedral to be followed
by a parade of floats with the
images of villains as well as
monsters and the three heroes
Handiong, Baltog and Ban-
tong.
The parade that will be par-
ticipated in by different stake-
holders of the city will start in
front of the City Hall going
to the main thoroughfare of
Rizal Street and to the front of
Yashano Mall, Gaisano Mall,
101 Mall and LCC Ayala
Mall, all located at the city’s
central business district, and
then end at the city’s southern
boulevard in Barangay Dap-
dap wherein the formal open-
ing program will be held, she
added.
Pacres said this year’s Iba-
long Festival is expected to be
witnessed by a big number of
tourists considering the fact
that the event will be consid-
ered as one of the grandest
BUNTIS CONGRESS
A medical doctor from the Naga City Hospital conducts blood-typing on several pregnant
mothers who attended the safe motherhood congress.
ing the safe motherhood con-
gress which was conducted
celebrations ever with dif-
ferent unique and exciting
events.
The Ibalong Festival is a
non-religious festivity in this
city based on the Ibalong epic.
It celebrates the epic story of
Ibalong who was accompa-
nied by three legendary he-
roes namely Handyong, Bal-
tog and Bantong.
Meanwhile, Mayor Rosal
said another lighting project
of his administration is re-
placing the old solar lights on
Rizal Street going to the city’s
Central Business District with
new imported lights from Ko-
rea.
The city chief execu-
tive noted that all the solar
lights from Rizal Street will
be transferred in front of the
regional center at Barangay
Rawis along the major high-
ways going to the 1st district
of the Province of Albay.
-Emmanuel P. Solis/PNA
last July 25, this year.
It was also observed that
expectant mothers in poor ar-
eas are hardly provided with
financial assistance and other
resources being made avail-
able by the government.
The Ginhawang Nagueño
(GN) program was created by
Mayor John G. Bongat under
EO 2014-094. The program
is holistic in nature that ad-
dresses sanitation, educa-
tion, health and nutrition,
and livelihood needs. It now
covers 25 communities in 14
barangays with 800 families
belonging to the poorest of
the poor.
GN Program Manager
Eric Jason Salvino said it
can be expected that thru the
holding of the safe moth-
erhood congress may help
decrease the number of ma-
ternal deaths in poor commu-
nities.
Aside from raising the
awareness on safe mother-
hood and responsible parent-
CEPPIO
hood, the activity also aims to
identify the teenage pregnant
mothers in LERCs so that
they can be provided with
linkages for support from the
City Population and Nutri-
tion Office (CPNO) and the
Adolescent Care Unit of the
Bicol Medical Center.
The activity, which was
conducted in the form of
seminar cum medical check-
up, has the following sub-
ject matters: antenatal and
postnatal care, responsible
parenthood and family plan-
ning, First 1000 days of life,
blood-typing and urinaly-
sis dipstick, blood pressure
monitoring and check-up
with Doppler and vaccina-
tion, nutritional counselling
and teenage pregnancy coun-
selling.
Lectures are provided by
competent personnel from
CPNO, Naga City Hospital,
City College of Naga, City
Health Office, and the Bicol
Medical Center.

MATH OLYMPICS WINNERS
The City Government of Naga awarded a Certificate of Commendation to Jenelle Bernice
R. Barbosa, a Grade 6 student of Ateneo de Naga University Grade School, for winning a
Bronze Medal both in the Calculation and Comprehensive Parts in the Individual Contest
of the 2017 China Primary Mathematics Olympiad held last July 26-31, 2017 at Hangzhou
Zhejiang, China. Mayor John Bongat congratulating Dominic O. Villegas (center photo)
of St. Joseph School for winning a silver award in the 2017 Singapore International
CEPPIO
Mathematics Olympiad Challenge from July 14-17, 2017 another Silver Award at the 2017
International Mathematics Wizard Challenge from May 19-24 in China, and another Silver
Award at the Singapore and Asian Cities Mathematics Olympiad from April 8-11; as well
as a similar commendation for Hans Mackenzie D. Uy of the same school for winning
a Silver Award in the 2017 World Mathematics Invitational Finals held in Vietnam from
July 14-18, 2017, and a Bronze Medal in the Singapore and Asian Cities Mathematics
Olympiad from April 8-11.
 AUGUST 13-19, 2017 BIKOL REPORTER 9
CARD SME Bank now serving Zamboangeños
CARD SME Bank stitution (CARD MRI)
continues to widen its whose mission is to em-
reach as it opened a power the socio-econom-
branch in Zamboanga ically challenged families
City last July 31, 2017. in the country. It also pro-
It is the second branch vides a holistic approach
of the banking institu- to development by giv-
tion in the Mindanao ing the unserved and un-
region and is located at derserved families the
WLK Building, Veter- financial access, afford-
ans Avenue, Zone III, able insurance premiums,
Zamboanga City. education, health, liveli-
Now with 22 branches, hood and other programs
CARD SME Bank aims and services that would ZAMBOANGA OPENING
Atty. Wilfredo Domo-ong, Member of CARD SME Bank Board of Directors; Imam Ibrahim Kausali, HJI Edwina Wadjad, MI
to make its products and help them transcend pov- Supervisor of CAMIA/CPMI and Aristeo A. Dequito, President and CEO of CARD SME Bank joined the ribbon-cutting ceremony
services accessible to erty. marking the opening of CARD’s new branch.
more individuals and
families who want to start
their own business or ex-
pand an existing one. As
a full-fledge thrift bank,
it offers a wide-range of
banking products and ser-
vices such as savings or
deposit accounts, busi-
ness loans, agri-loan, and
housing and car loan.
CARD SME Bank is a
proud member of CARD
Mutually Reinforcing In-

DILG . . .
"Hopefully, maitayo na
agad ang mga Smoke-Free
Task Force para ma-imple-
ment na ng buo ang EO at
maminimize ang panininga-
rilyo hanggang sa mga komu-
nidad (the Smoke-Free Task
Force will be immediately es-
tablished to fully implement
the EO and minimize smok-
ing up to the communities),"
Densing said.
The DILG official also
encouraged the public to use
Hotline 8888 to send in their
complaints of establishments
and individuals not comply-
ing with the order.
"Huwag kayong mata-
kot, ngayon na ang panahon
para makisali sa pagbabago,
magreklamo kayo at within
a few days tutugon ang ating
mga ahensya (Don't be afraid,
now is the time to join in the
reforms, file a complaint and
within a few days, our agen-
cies will act on it)," he said.
The DILG also urged
the LGUs to develop, pro-
mote and implement Local
Smoking Cessation Program
consistent with the National
Smoking Cessation program
of the Department of Health.
Smokers who are willing
to quit or those who are found
violating the EO may be re-
ferred to the Local Smoking
Cessation Program and its fa-
cilities. (PTR/PNA)

CIGARETTE
SMOKING IS
DANGEROUS
TO YOUR
HEALTH!
 10 BIKOL REPORTER
BAKWIT FROM MARAWI
Twenty-eight Marawi families who are in Naga City received Aside from the said goods, they will also receive livelihood
relief goods from the city government at the City Hall Grounds. assistance under Resolution No. 2017-358.
Republic of the Philippines ROBINSONS PLACE SETS . . .
LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRY OFFICE
Robinsons Place Naga is
Province: Camarines Sur
only 11 kilometers away from
City of Naga
the city airport, 2.8 km from
Ateneo de Naga University,
NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC
CCE-0265-2017 2.9 km from the Our Lady of
In compliance with the publication requirement and pursu- Peñafrancia Basilica Minore
ant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1 Guide- and 1.3 km from the Jesse
lines in the Implementation of the Administrative Order No. Robredo Coliseum. It is along
1 Series of 2012 (IRR on R.A. 10172), Notice is hereby major public transportation
served to the public that JOMARIE BASQUIÑA CEPRES routes. Shoppers can go to
has filed with this Office, a Petition for correction of entry and from the mall in jeepneys,
in Sex from “MALE” to “FEMALE” in the certificate of live
multicabs and vans; on buses
birth of JOMARIE BASQUIÑA CEPRES at Naga City,
and other means of transporta-
Camarines Sur and whose parents are ____________ and
tion.
CHERRY BASQUIÑA CEPRES.
With a floor area of 62,500
Any person adversely affected by said petition may
square meters on a land area of
file his written opposition with this office not later than
67,300 square meters, Robin-
August 20, 2017.
sons Place Naga will become
(Sgd.) ALEXANDER M. CAYETANO the premier family destina-
City Civil Registrar tion for locals and those who
Naga City, Camarines Sur live in neighboring areas, as
BIKOL REPORTER well as a popular stopover for
Published: August 6 and 13, 2017
long-distance travelers with
its carefully chosen blend of
shopping, entertainment and
Republic of the Philippines
recreational, and food shops.
LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRY OFFICE
Among other things, the mall
Province: Camarines Sur
will also have a supermarket,
City/Municipality: Libmanan
department store, specialty
shops, boutiques, and a variety
NOTICE FOR PUBLICATION of eating places.
The most popular and loved
In compliance with Section No. 5 of R.A. No. 9048,
food places in the city will find
a Notice is hereby served to the public that ISABELITA T.
ADAN has filed with this Office, a Petition for Change of
a new and more convenient
First Name from “FRANCIA” to “ISABELITA” in the birth home in the mall, which will
certificate of FRANCIA TALAY, who was born on Sep- also showcase home-grown
tember 18, 1954 at Libod, Libmanan, Camarines Sur and enterprises as well as busi-
whose parents are ISABELO TALAY and SOLIDAD TAOC. nesses from Camarines Sur
and other Bicol provinces.
Any person adversely affected by said petition may They will be sharing a space
file his written opposition with this office not later than with nationally and interna-
August 19, 2017. tionally renowned brands.
Local and foreign tourists
(Sgd.) EMILIE S. AGNES-DAIRAO will find most of the things
Municipal Civil Registrar Camarines Sur and the whole
Bicol are known for and dis-
BIKOL REPORTER cover that there is more to the
region aside from the laing and
Published: August 6 and 13, 2017
pili products they are familiar
AUGUST 13-19, 2017
ers will frequent Payless Shoe the-art cinemas for a complete
Source as they buy the most af- movie experience. Movie-lov-
fordable and stylish footwear. ers will get to enjoy both local
Foodies’ most liked fast-food and international films which
chains and bakeshops are also includes one 3D theater. “Not
in level 1 such as BonChon only will we offer more than
Chicken, Bigg’s Diner, Bob 1,500 seats to accommodate
Marlin, J. Emmanuel Pastries, movie blockbusters, Robinsons
Caramel Bakeshop and Bak- Movieworld will be building
er’s Plaza. great cinemas for great movie
Level 2 houses different no- experience,” says Bomboy
table brands in furniture, shoes Lim, Robinsons Movieworld’s
and clothing such as La Sedia, general manager. Snack coun-
World Balance, Outland and ters are and other food outlets
Vise Versa. Bicol Shirts City are conveniently located on the
is also located in this level same floor as the Cinema.
where locals and tourists can To better serve the mall’s
CEPPIO
buy souvenirs for their loved patrons, Robinsons Place Na-
ones. For the techy custom- ga’s Lingkod Pinoy Center is
ers, they will enjoy shopping at open to provide a more conve-
the Sync Apple Reseller where nient way of transacting busi-
they can buy the latest gadgets ness with different government
and phone accessories of good agencies. The Lingkod Pinoy
with. Local stores will offer
quality. Shoppers can also Center will include a Pag-IBIG
distinctly Bicolano souvenir
avail other services from West- Member Services branch as
items and several restaurants
ern Union, LBC, EuroLink well as various government
will introduce visitors to au-
Travel Agency, Core Pacific agencies such as Philhealth
thentic Bicol cuisine that is
Foreign Exchange and Paras which will offer Member Reg-
far more diverse than the la-
Alter Station. istration or Enrollment and up-
ing, though extremely popular,
Level 3 features a wide- dating of member’s accounts
may suggest.
range of beauty care services services; SSS which will ex-
For tourists who want a
for its customers. Beauty clin- tend its Issuance of SS num-
more natural setting when they
ics such as Skin Station, Skin ber for employees/self – em-
dine, they will find themselves
Perfect, Bioessence and salons ployed members, issuance of
closer to nature at al fresco res-
such as Jesi Mendez, Nailandia ID Number, status verification,
taurants such as the Earthquake
and Nails.Glow can help its membership contribution and
where monster shakes with
clients to look and feel their loans benefits claims services;
Bikolano-Pinoy twist such as
best. Additional go-to places TESDA which will provide in-
the VP Leni Quake Shake and
in the mall include Kidzoona formation on available Appren-
P. Détente Quake Shakes await
where kids can learn and enjoy ticeship/Leadership programs,
its customers. They can also
a series of activities and Sports Information on Assessment
dine at the Tugawe Cove Café
Zone where sports enthusiasts & Certifications, and Career
which serves grilled chicken,
can choose from a variety of Guidance & Counseling. PHL-
laing, and crab paella paired
sports apparel. Some restau- Post shall be made available to
with soup and dessert. The res-
rants are also located in this the public for its services like
taurant also has a bar, where
level such as the Naga Gar- issuance of Postal Identifica-
visitors can party with friends.
den, Western Plate, Smokey tion ID, Sale of postage stamps
Additional al fresco restaurants
Minaluto, and Ice Blinkers and philatelic items; accep-
which can delight its visitors
with their famous halo-halo. tance of letters & parcels; elec-
include Choobi-Choobi which
The Robinsons Movieworld tronic postal money order and
serves Filipino comfort food,
is also located in the third level acceptance of Philhealth pay-
the Crown Park with their va-
of the mall with its six state-of- ment.: - Lorie Guirindola
rieties of Dimsums, and Triboo
Grill for their special “Triboo
Chicken” served with a side EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT
WITH RATIFICATION OF DEED OF SALE
dish of tomato with onion and
unique blend of spices. Food-
Notice is hereby given that the named parties are the
ies will also enjoy popular
surviving heirs of the late JUAN R. SAN ANDRES, who
restaurants such as Hap Chan, died on May 01, 1985 at Sampaloc, Manila, left a parcel
Kenny Rogers Roasters, Naga of land situated at Peñafrancia Avenue, Naga City covered
Ramen, Chef Mama, Leylam by TCT Number 57776; that for and in consideration of the
Shawarma, Kuya J and the sum of ONE MILLION EIGHT HUNDRED THOUSAND
Starbuck’s Coffee. (P1,800,000.00) pesos, paid by ELPIDIO OCCIANO, of
Popular shops and fast-food legal age, with residence and postal address in Naga City,
chains are housed in each floor CamSur, the Heirs/Vendors do hereby SELL, CONVEY
of the mall to delight its shop- and TRANSFER by way of Absolute Sale their rights,
pers. In Level one, commercial interests and participation on the parcel of land described;
as acknowledged before Notary Public Atty. P. R. Perfecto,
brands such as G&G, Alberto,
Converse, Bayo, Guess and Doc. No. 227, Page No. 46, Book No. 27, Series of 2016.
Levi’s are some of the shops
BIKOL REPORTER
where consumers can buy the
Published: July 30; August 6 and 13, 2017
trendiest clothes. Shoe lov-
FOR JULY
NAME OF DECEASED DATE OF INTERMENT
WILHELMINA G. OGUAN JULY 1, 2017
HANNELYN V. AMADOR JULY 2, 2017
CONRADO M. DIMAANO JULY 2, 2017
NADINA S. TALASAN JULY 2, 2017
ALFREDO P. BONITA JULY 2, 2017
JOSE S.J. INFELIZ JULY 3, 2017
MELQUIADES M. MANLAGÑIT JULY 9, 2017
LEONOR M. BARRAMEDA JULY 8, 2017
TRINIDAD A. GALIDO JULY 9, 2017
PACITA E. ASANZA JULY 11, 2017
SALVACION F. NUÑEZ JULY 15, 2017
SALVADOR B. ABADILLOS JULY 16, 2017
ZACARIAS S.J. RIVERA JULY 19, 2017
AMADA I. ORBITA JULY 24, 2017
RAMON B. SERRANO SR. JULY 26, 2017
MAY S.A. SOBREVILLA JULY 29, 2017
 AUGUST 13-19, 2017
Naga joins 50th ASEAN foundation lighting ceremony
By ARMIE B. GUNAY
With the Association of
Southeast Asian Nations
(ASEAN) celebrating its
50th Commemoration of
Solidarity, Naga City, along-
side with other cities in the
country, joins in the ASEAN
Landmark Lighting Cere-
mony, Tuesday night, mark-
ing the event.
At around 7p.m., the
ASEAN lantern, situated at
Plaza Quince Martires, was lit
simultaneous with the Light-
ing Ceremony of the other cit-
ies in the country celebrating
the event.
Joining the occasion were
the city officials and the aca-
deme, together with other lo-
cals of the city who came by
to witness the event.
Giving even more signifi-
DPWH BICOL READY FOR ASEAN MEET . . .
tourist destinations and
packaging these with reliable
infrastructure facilities will
definitely encourage domestic
and foreign visitors in the
region.
A boost in tourism industry
connotes economic progress,
and DPWH will do its best to
provide ASEAN guests with
convenient road travel, Versola
said.
"We give them good im-
pression and they will surely
be carriers of good news for
Bicol, he said.
Garnet Bercasio, a resident
FROM MY WINDOW . . .
hopefully can address that
concern. And with Secretary
Allan Peter Cayetano at the
helm of DFA, I am hopeful
long lines would be a thing of
the past.
More and more Filipinos
are traveling abroad.
They are exposed to the
culture and society of
other countries. They can
compare and hopefully
do something productive
when they come back to
WANTED HOUSEMAID
Please Contact:
(054) 884-93-76 • 0929-254-7353
11
cance in the commemoration
of the ASEAN 50th founding
anniversary were the differ-
ent cultural dances and song
numbers signifying the cul-
tural identities of the ASEAN
member-countries, exhibited
by the cultural dance troupe
and choir groups of the vari-
ous participating schools in
the city, who performed their
turns during the night, among
which are the University of
Nueva Caceres Glee Club,
Naga Central School 1 Chil-
dren’s Rondalla, Universi-
dad de Sta. Isabel Vincentian
Performing Arts Group, Naga
College Foundation Choir and
the Camarines Sur National
High School Dance Troupe.
Together, the groups joined
hands in the singing of the
ASEAN theme song during
their finale performance.
of Bacacay, Albay said, "We
are very excited for the upcom-
ing meeting, with the clean and
safe roads, we are expecting it
NATIONWIDE SMOKING BAN . . .
measure.
Making himself as the best
example, Salceda quit smok-
ing two weeks before signing
his anti-smoking provincial
ordinance. Three months af-
ter quitting smoking, Salceda
called on his former classmate
and political ally President Be-
nigno Aquino to quit smoking
the country. In other words,
more travel equals bigger
perspective. This law helps
us achieve that.
Third, Republic Act No.
10930 was also signed into
law extending the validity
period of drivers’ licenses
to five years. Additionally,
drivers who have no traffic
violation during the five-
year period can renew their
driver’s license for a validity
of 10 years.
BIKOL REPORTER
UNDER ONE LIGHT, WE ARE ONE ASEAN CEPPIO
The symbolic lantern, signifying peace, progress and solidarity, was lit Tuesday night during the ASEAN Landmark Lighting
at Plaza Quince Martires led by the city officials, students, and participating agencies. The celebration, a milestone in the
Philippine History, was simultaneously done in 74 local government units in the entire Philippines, along with ASEAN Member
States.
Explaining to the Nague- countries, particularly with country to another, itong pag for economic development
ños the significance of the the exchange of goods and the exercise kan man-iba ibang among ASEAN countries, but
ASEAN, City Mayor John practice of profession, since propesyon, dae na lang po also the opportunity for en-
Bongat gave emphasis to the the ASEAN economic inte- siya limitado sa kanya-kan- tire ASEAN region to group
connectivity the association gration in 2016. yang nasyon,” explained Bon- together and arise as one of
creates among its 10 member- “Pati si pag- export and gat, adding also that it broad- the economic powers in the
import of goods from one ens the opportunities not only world.
to be very productive and pro-
mote the beauty of Albay."
This road safety and clean-
liness program of the DPWH
will not just benefit the
ASEAN delegates but also the
entire Albay province includ-
ing the motorists, vendors, and
especially the tourists, Berca-
sio added.
Bercasio's husband is work-
ing in Legazpi City and needs
to travel an hour daily back to
Bacacay.
because doing so would make
the president’s frail body im-
prove.
There was this anecdote LEARNING VISIT CEPPIO
The Municipal Government of Tanay, Rizal visited Naga City to learn about Solid Waste
that in one instance after dining
Management Environmental Governance, Disaster Resiliency and People Empowerment.
early at Hotel Casablanca, here, They also conducted various field visits and interaction with barangay officials and Market
the then governor felt the urge Enterprise and Promotions Office (MEPO) at Naga City People's Mall.
of getting back to his old habit
of lighting a stick of cigarette,
while thinking that there were
no other customers because it
was still early in the evening.
But to the governor’s surprise,
the waitress who apparently
did not know him in person ap-
proached Salceda and pointed
to him the “No Smoking” sign
on the restaurant’s wall.
Tabaco City Mayor Krisel
Lagman Luistro said that with
Pres. Duterte’s signing of the
executive order banning smok-
ing in public places, many are
forced to strictly heed the or-
der, unlike before when even a
police officer was complained
of to have been blowing ciga-
rette smokes while at his post
inside the police station.
RTC STOPS . . .
other stakeholders, including
minors and generations yet
unborn represented by plain-
tiffs will suffer grave injus-
tice and irreparable injury if
defendants are not immedi-
ately restrained from cutting
the remaining trees.”
The Court said it is “con-
vinced” of the allegations in
the complaint thus it issued
the TEPO halting the cutting
of trees along the Liboton-
Magsaysay Road, covering
barangays Liboton, Penafran-
cia, Balatas, and Concepcion;
and along the Naga-Panicua-
son road covering barangay
San Felipe.
PAGE 12 BICOL, THE PHILIPPINES
DPWH Bicol ready for ASEAN meet
MISIBIS BAY RESORT
Nationwide smoking ban
vindicates Salceda’s ‘No Smoking’
human logo campaign scheme
By MANLY M. UGALDE
LEGAZPI CITY --- With
the nationwide enforcement
of smoking ban that took ef-
fect last Sunday (July 23),
many Albayanos felt that
their former Governor now
Rep. Joey Salceda was am-
ply vindicated after being
criticized for spending tax-
payers’ money to form an
anti-smoking logo composed
of 12,000 warm human bod-
ies inside the Bicol Univer-
sity to show to the world
the Albayanos’ no-nonsense
anti-tobacco campaign.
Many Albay citizens
hailed their former governor
for his serious drive against
smoking despite the fact that
Salceda himself was a heavy
cigarette smoker, consuming
3 packs a day, until the day
in 2011 that he signed a local
ordinance banning smoking in
all public places in the entire
Albay province while he was
its incumbent governor.
His critics, however, had
taken Salceda to task for
AUGUST 13-19, 2017
By CONNIE DESTURA
LEGAZPI CITY ---
The Department of Pub-
lic Works and Highways
(DPWH) regional office here
is all set to ensure road safe-
ty and cleanliness for the As-
sociation of South East Asia
Nation (ASEAN) meeting as
Albay province is one of the
venues of the series of con-
ferences, a top official of the
agency said.
Danilo Versola, DPWH
regional director, in an inter-
view Tuesday said mainte-
nance engineers both from the
regional and district engineer-
ing offices were dispatched
to check on the informative,
directional and warning signs
installed on the conspicuous
places of the highway.
"We make sure that the
travelling ASEAN delegates
are provided with clean and
safe roads from the start to the
end of their stay in Bicol", he
said.
Versola also ordered the
prepositioning of tiptop con-
spending so much taxpayers’
money and resources to form
that human logo that caught
the attention of the border-
less social media and national
news networks, but which the
governor only took in stride.
Despite the provincial
ordinance against smoking,
however, Salceda found his
campaign hardly being en-
forced with local executives,
especially those in the mu-
nicipalities, lacking the po-
litical will to enforce the local
(Turn to page 11)
struction equipment and
maintenance crews on road
sections that are prone to ero-
sions, slide and flooding.
"Ongoing projects along
busy road stretch have suf-
ficient warning signs, with
traffic lights, flagmen, and
maintain good housekeeping
--- as well as the thermoplas-
tic pavement markings, he
added.
Those that are faded are
replaced and pavement mark-
ings are retouched.
Versola also said he
directed his field engineers to
give extra attention to the road
from Legazpi City Airport
covering some 37-kilometer
stretch to Misibis Bay
Resort in Bacacay, Albay,
the venue of the meeting and
to the prospect tourist spot
destinations of the delegates
-- Lignon Hill in Legazpi
City; Cagsawa Ruins in
Daraga, Albay; Legazpi
Boulevard and Sumlang Lake
in Camalig.
Bicol region has amazing
(Turn to page 11)