Naga and Iriga Cities, and Camarines Sur Province - Compiled Threads [Archive] - Page 29

garzland

May 5th, 2009, 02:08 PM

That was a lengthy post but was a good read. You have poured in your thoughts very well. It is structurally good. Anyhow, I have also input my thoughts. I hope forumers would also be enlightened.

Who are you referring to, kev? Just for clarification :lol:

I definitely agree. While only two provinces are enjoying the bigger chunks of the pie, four are neglected. The RDC was created in the first place to be the direct contact of the NG (National Government) to have the ENTIRE region taken care of. Now, I just don't understand why only these two biggest provinces by population and annual income. Yeah, everybody knows they provide huge income for the RDC, though the RDC doesn't directly benefit from it. The RDC officials and those nincompoops think that these two provinces should be further improved for the betterment of the region. No doubt that they have a point and I do take that. Everyone does, I guess. But I think it should not be done at the expense of the other provinces. They also have the right to prosper and to be attended to by the RDC.

RDC is meant to serve the whole region not just one or two provinces. That is the failure of RDC nowadays. Just look at Catanduanes and Masbate, these are the two most deprived and most depressed provinces in the region. Yes, they get share but not a fair share. Supposedly, big chunks should be poured into the most depressed areas so as to uplift their status.

I like GMA but she's fickle-minded at times. She's indeed a woman. Everyone knows of her decentralization plan for Metro Manila. Why not do it to ALL regions that need it? Bicol definitely needs it. Wealth distribution in our region is highly not equal. There are ONLY two economic centers in Bicol - Legazpi and Naga. All others are pretending. All other places are experiencing incidences of poverty. And poverty, as per defined by the NG, is the phenomenon where a person is not able to eat three times daily - simple as that. I guess what's better is to consider the needs of the province and equate that with a government office that will help the province be alleviated. One really good example that Matanglawin has cited is the establishment of PAG-ASA in Catanduanes since it experiences heavy storms during the wet season.

Naga and Legazpi have been economic centers since the 70's and until now there's no new economic powerhouse that could rival these two from outside of the provinces of these two cities. Through RDC, it's not impossible to create new economic centers by pouring in infrastructure projects in other provinces.

Location doesn't greatly really matter on PAG-ASA, thus, Catanduanes deserves to host PAG-ASA.

This should be highly taken into consideration with our city since there has been studies that when abrupt global climate changes happen, central Camarines Sur, where Naga City is located, would most probably be underwater after a few decades. Not only that, coastal areas of the entire region, as well as the island provinces of Catanduanes and Masbate, must be prioritized.

Sounds horrible!

The RDC team is there to lead the entire region into prosperity, not only one or two provinces. Yes, it is indeed a tedious process and, with the current global situation, it is not very easy to just attract investors unless, of course, the place has already been established as a commercial center.

Agree!

I heard of this when I was still in Naga. Has the LTO Reg'l Office transferred to Naga yet?

No news about it... I don't know what happened.

This is what I'm waiting for! Toyota in the house! :banana:

Where's Cosco? Is it a new gasoline station?

I hope we hear news about this. An expansion of SM City Naga just after it opened is indeed good news!

I can't wait for that to happen.

Naga Boy

May 5th, 2009, 02:10 PM

After hosting the WWB championship for 2 consecutive years, the only country in the wrold to do so, here comes another good news.:banana::banana:

http://www.century-properties.com/sohocentral/images/inq-logo.jpg

Ironman Comes to Town

By Anne Jambora
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 19:07:00 05/04/2009

Filed Under: Sport, Health

MANILA, Philippines – The “holy grail” of triathlon is finally coming to the shores of the Philippines as the country hosts for the first time the prestigious Ironman event. Dubbed the “Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Philippines,” it will be held on August 23 at the CamSur Watersports Complex (CWC) in the Bicol Region.

The ultimate test of endurance participated by the fittest athletes in the world, the brand-name Ironman incorporates the three disciplines of swimming, cycling and running into one physically and mentally intense event. World-class Ironman, such as 2007 World Champion Chris McCormack, eight-time Ironman New Zealand champion Cameron Brown and 11-time Ironman champ Lisa Bentley, among others, have already signed up to joining the Ironman 70.3 Philippines. They will be competing for as much as $25,000 in prize money.

http://images.inquirer.net/media/showbizandstyle/lifestyle/lifestyle/images/pic-05050559420161.jpg

Sunrise Events Inc. president Wilfred Steven Uytengsu, the man responsible for bringing in and organizing the Ironman 70.3 Philippines, said the race has three goals: to create a memorable experience for the triathletes by experiencing first hand the Filipino hospitality and other attractions offered in the country; to locally develop the sport of triathlon; and to create a world-class event by making it among the top international sporting events in the region.

A Half Ironman, the Ironman 70.3 Philippines is still more than twice the distance of an Olympic triathlon: 1.9-kilometer swim, 90-kilometer bike and 21.1-kilometer run (1.2-mile swim, 56-mile bike and 13.1-mile run, hence 70.3). The Ironman distance is 3.8-kilometer swim, 180- kilometer bike and a full marathon of 42.2- kilometer run. The standard or Olympic distance is 1.5- kilometer swim, 40- kilometer bike and 10- kilometer run.

“The Philippines doesn’t have a world-class triathlete yet so we thought the Ironman 70.3 would be just right for us,” Uytengsu said. “Many people ask about doing a real triathlon, referring to an Ironman, but I can assure you that an Olympic-distance race is quite taxing itself,” he said.

Uytengsu said the Ironman 70.3 Philippines offers a relay for a group of three members. Available in several categories—men, women, mixed, corporate and collegiate—the relay division is designed to make new participants discover the joy and challenge of the sport.

Certainly not the sport that requires an athlete to be 7’2”, such as basketball, for instance, Uytengsu is optimistic that over time the country will be able to produce world-class triathletes. “All you need is guts—a lot of guts, discipline and knowledge on the science behind such endurance sport,” he said.

A special prize money for the Filipino athlete is also up for grabs: first place, P50,000; second, P30,000; third, P20,000 for both men and women.

Uytengsu said the event was well-timed for pros as well since it was just seven weeks away from the Ford Ironman World Championship in Kailua-Kona, Hawaii. He said Ironman 70.3 Philippines was also an excellent training for the Foster Grant Ironman World Championship 70.3 in Clearwater, Florida. The two annual events every October and November are the most prestigious Ironman events in the world.

Since its dry run April 5, the “Cobra Ironman 70.3 Philippines” has attracted more than 240 participants from all over the world. Triathletes from the US, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan and Slovakia will be flying into the country this August. Uytengsu expects even more countries to confirm participation in the next few weeks.

“We also want to encourage triathletes and their families to explore other parts of this beautiful country. We show our support to Tourism Secretary Ace Durano by promoting sports tourism in the country,” he said.

Mindful of security, Uytengsu, along with the World Triathlon Corp., owner of the brand-name Ironman, decided to hold the event at the CWC, where Camarines Sur Governor LRay Villafuerte assured of closing roads in the area, which are critical for the bike leg of the race.

The race course kicks off at the large lagoon of the CWC, completes an out and back loop before running up to the smaller lagoon. Triathletes will have a short but sweet sweeping view of the ocean on their bike route, and will run multiple loops throughout CWC through paved sections of rice paddies with the majestic view of Mount Isarog as backdrop. This route, said Uytengsu, will also make the event a spectator-friendly race.

Register at the official website www.ironman703phil.com. Fee is $200, while groups of three for relay can register under a collegiate or corporate setup for $300.

The “Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Philippines” is sponsored by Asia Brewery’s Cobra Energy Drink, Globe Telecoms and the Department of Tourism. Official carriers are the Philippine Airlines and Air Philippines. Other sponsors include Solar Sports, ABS-CBN Publishing, Philippine Star, Gatorade, Timex, Oakley, New Balance, SKI Construction, Hammer Gel and Alaska Milk.

kevinb

May 5th, 2009, 02:18 PM

Who are you referring to, kev? Just for clarification :lol:

Ooopss. I'm referring to Matanglawin. :D

Naga and Legazpi have been economic centers since the 70's and until now there's no new economic powerhouse that could rival these two from outside of the provinces of these two cities. Through RDC, it's not impossible to create new economic centers by pouring in infrastructure projects in other provinces.

Yeah. Though tedious, it is possible. Down right possible.

Sounds horrible!

It does sound horrible. Dapat umayos ang government.

Where's Cosco? Is it a new gasoline station?

Methinks it's near the Mitsubishi and Hyundai showrooms.

After hosting the WWB championship for 2 consecutive years, the only country in the world to do so, here comes another good news.:banana::banana:

http://www.century-properties.com/sohocentral/images/inq-logo.jpg

Ironman Comes to Town

By Anne Jambora
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 19:07:00 05/04/2009

Filed Under: Sport, Health

MANILA, Philippines – The “holy grail” of triathlon is finally coming to the shores of the Philippines as the country hosts for the first time the prestigious Ironman event. Dubbed the “Cobra Energy Drink Ironman 70.3 Philippines,” it will be held on August 23 at the CamSur Watersports Complex (CWC) in the Bicol Region.

I'm damn proud!:banana:

garzland

May 5th, 2009, 02:26 PM

bobbymay74

May 5th, 2009, 02:27 PM

I am not for privatization of the market. This will not do good for small entrepreneurs.[/QUOTE]

Correct. many is against it, That's why the local government will probably just have it rented to some fastfood companies than privatizing the public market.

rhyzrockerz

May 5th, 2009, 02:27 PM

http://images.rhyzrockerz.multiply.com/image/1/photos/18/500x500/1/Rai-rai2135-001.jpg?et=QT2%2CDu%2CepOxH7D%2Ctl4JbPw&nmid=239651091

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http://images.rhyzrockerz.multiply.com/image/1/photos/18/500x500/4/Sm-city-001.jpg?et=kELJW%2B%2CKPYmAiPFc6oF6UQ&nmid=239651091

http://images.rhyzrockerz.multiply.com/image/1/photos/17/500x500/18/Rai-rai2119-001.jpg?et=krNKZni9Tu74GyRK2iRsOw&nmid=239635307

Source:http://rhyzrockerz.multiply.com

garzland

May 5th, 2009, 02:27 PM

http://images.rhyzrockerz.multiply.com/image/1/photos/17/500x500/4/Firew0rkz-001.jpg?et=h%2BcoMhIT9odOIMe7Hjty1A&nmid=239635307

http://images.rhyzrockerz.multiply.com/image/1/photos/17/500x500/16/Rai-rai2098-001.jpg?et=L4kjTfbGEl930KLxFsJtdQ&nmid=239635307

Fountains

http://images.rhyzrockerz.multiply.com/image/1/photos/17/500x500/19/Rai-rai2127-001.jpg?et=V7XVooT3lKKehjW0J2624w&nmid=239635307

http://images.rhyzrockerz.multiply.com/image/1/photos/17/500x500/20/Rai-rai2131-001.jpg?et=UqOB9BWfi0ms34O0A2%2BnrQ&nmid=239635307

Nice shots, rhyz! Your efforts paid off!

rhyzrockerz

May 5th, 2009, 02:30 PM

I am not for privatization of the market. This will not do good for small entrepreneurs.

Correct. many is against it, That's why the local government will probably just have it rented to some fastfood companies than privatizing the public market.[/QUOTE]

Sir ngunyan taka lang nahiling magpost na mayong kulay ang font mo..haha:lol:
sa RDC,,, no comment nalang ako.. bahala kamu!!:lol:

kevinb

May 5th, 2009, 02:31 PM

kevinb

May 5th, 2009, 02:32 PM

bobbymay74

May 5th, 2009, 02:33 PM

Where's Cosco? Is it a new gasoline station?

It's along Diversion Road, not far from the Almeda Highway "neck". Cosco gasoline station is just across the BT2 furniture shop building.

kevinb

May 5th, 2009, 02:34 PM

^^ Aah. Gets. It's the highway going to Pili! :D

garzland

May 5th, 2009, 02:34 PM

Correct. many is against it, That's why the local government will probably just have it rented to some fastfood companies than privatizing the public market.

Sir ngunyan taka lang nahiling magpost na mayong kulay ang font mo..haha:lol:
sa RDC,,, no comment nalang ako.. bahala kamu!!:lol:

[/QUOTE]

Sir ngunyan taka lang nahiling magpost na mayong kulay ang font mo..haha:lol:
sa RDC,,, no comment nalang ako.. bahala kamu!!:lol:

Adik! :lol:[/QUOTE]

Amid the seriousness, there is a joker :lol:

kevinb

May 5th, 2009, 02:35 PM

^^ Agree. :lol:

garzland

May 5th, 2009, 02:35 PM

Naga Boy

May 5th, 2009, 02:35 PM

Camsur has been the favorite of major medical conventions lately, this is according the the Naga City and Camsur tourism Office.

1. Philippine Society of Gynecologic Oncology had their mid- year Convention at CWC last March 2009.

2. Philippine Urological Society had their midyear convention in Naga last April 2009.

3. Philippine Society of Endocrinology of Metabolism Annual Thyroid Forum was also held in Naga City last January 2009.

4. Philippine Society of Gastroenterology would also be having their Annual Convention in Naga City on August 2009.

5. Thomasian Endocrine Progress Incorporated and the Society of Thomasian Internists would also have their Annual Convention in Naga on April 2010.

6. And the grandest of them all the Philippine Medical Society would be having their Annual Convention in Naga City on May, 2010.

I have not counted the numerous conventions of other professional organizations.

According to the Camarines Sur Medical Society – the only complain of the delegates is the limited number of seats and due to small planes.

Half of the delegates used the Legazpi route because of the more flexible flight schedule but complained that the trip to Manila was shorter than the trip to CamSur.

See what I mean. I am not against having an international airport in Albay. Let there be one. This is not sourgraping- CamSur needs a decent airport that could accommodate bigger planes.

The need is urgent.

bobbymay74

May 5th, 2009, 02:36 PM

Sir ngunyan taka lang nahiling magpost na mayong kulay ang font mo..haha:lol:
sa RDC,,, no comment nalang ako.. bahala kamu!!:lol:

Adik! :lol:[/QUOTE]

We will wait for you Kevin, anytime when you come home. How's the job? My Sup malakas uminom madalas kami sa Molino. I'm trying to change other font and color :cheers::nuts:

garzland

May 5th, 2009, 02:40 PM

^^Is kevin going to be with us when he comes home?

kevinb

May 5th, 2009, 02:41 PM

^^ Thanks Bobby. I think I might be home on June 10 due to my father's second death anniversary. But I'm still deciding. Lilipat kasi kami ng bahay and the cost of moving is not funny. I want somewhere nearer Makati to avoid heavy traffic and expensive fare when commuting. Basta I'll update you guys here if I'm coming home.

Thanks for asking. My jobs OK. It pays well though at times I think I need more. :lol:

I need to get promoted soon!:bash:

kevinb

May 5th, 2009, 02:41 PM

^^Is kevin going to be with us when he comes home?

Definitely. That is IF I go home. :D

bobbymay74

May 5th, 2009, 02:43 PM

garzland

May 5th, 2009, 02:44 PM

^^I thought you're gonna be home this Saturday.

Anyway, we're always available especially on Saturdays and Sundays.

rhyzrockerz

May 5th, 2009, 02:44 PM

Where's Cosco? Is it a new gasoline station?

It's along Diversion Road, not far from the Almeda Highway "neck". Cosco gasoline station is just across the BT2 furniture shop building.

ay may kulay na ang font ni sir bobbymay:lol:nice one!

Love the night shots @Rhyz! :cheers:

haha!!nagtataraba ang puso ko!! salamat sa complement sir!

Nice shots, rhyz! Your efforts paid off!
huh?Your efforts paid off!??dai ko sya ma gets? thank you mag giraray

Sir ngunyan taka lang nahiling magpost na mayong kulay ang font mo..haha:lol:
sa RDC,,, no comment nalang ako.. bahala kamu!!:lol:

Adik! :lol:[/QUOTE]

Amid the seriousness, there is a joker :lol:[/QUOTE]

dapat kasi wag masyado maging siryoso sa buhay!

bobbymay74

May 5th, 2009, 02:46 PM

rhyzrockerz

May 5th, 2009, 02:46 PM

^^I thought you're gonna be home this Saturday.

Anyway, we're always available especially on Saturdays and Sundays.

dai ko sure pag sunday ta birthday kang father ko... mahali daa po kami!

kevinb

May 5th, 2009, 02:46 PM

^^I thought you're gonna be home this Saturday.

Anyway, we're always available especially on Saturdays and Sundays.

Huh?! I never said I'm gonna be home this Saturday. :lol:

Sure. Will tell you guys if I'm going home or not. :okay:

haha!!nagtataraba ang puso ko!! salamat sa complement sir!

You're welcome Rhyz. :D

huh?Your efforts paid off!??dai ko sya ma gets? thank you mag giraray

You're subtle innocence makes me laugh. :D

kevinb

May 5th, 2009, 02:47 PM

I always admired Kevin. a great guy

Ayos! May tatao pa palan mambola dyan sa Naga. :lol:

garzland

May 5th, 2009, 02:47 PM

huh?Your efforts paid off!??dai ko sya ma gets? thank you mag giraray

Nagpagod ka sa pagkuha ng pictures na 'yan at maganda ang kinalabasan kaya it paid off...Tama ba?

Adik! :lol:[/QUOTE]

Amid the seriousness, there is a joker :lol:[/QUOTE]

dapat kasi wag masyado maging siryoso sa buhay![/QUOTE]

Agree, baka tumanda tayo ng wala sa oras. :lol:

kevinb

May 5th, 2009, 02:47 PM

Nagpagod ka sa pagkuha ng pictures na 'yan at maganda ang kinalabasan kaya it paid off...Tama ba?

Yep. That's right. :)

garzland

May 5th, 2009, 02:49 PM

^^Gee, thanks! Kala ko mali ako....

bobbymay74

May 5th, 2009, 02:50 PM

^^I thought you're gonna be home this Saturday.

Anyway, we're always available especially on Saturdays and Sundays.

and also Garz, he is like Manny Pacman. The longer he is with us the better, very sharp.

kevinb

May 5th, 2009, 02:52 PM

and also Garz, he is like Manny Pacman. The longer he is with us the better, very sharp.

:lol: If I didn't know you better, I'd think you're hitting on me! :lol:

garzland

May 5th, 2009, 02:53 PM

^^Oh, thanks! I never expected to be compared with Pacman. That's a great compliment po, sir bobbymay!

rhyzrockerz

May 5th, 2009, 02:55 PM

garzland

May 5th, 2009, 02:55 PM

:lol: If I didn't know you better, I'd think you're hitting on me! :lol:

Are you sure? :lol:

garzland

May 5th, 2009, 02:56 PM

kevinb

May 5th, 2009, 02:56 PM

Are you sure? :lol:

Huy! Stop that! :lol:

Naga Boy

May 5th, 2009, 02:59 PM

Development for Whom?

The euphoria is still hanging in the air with the opening of the SM City in Naga. At last Bicolanos would have the chance to experience shopping in a mall which is comparable to the best malls anywhere in the Philippines and at par with those in the major capitals of the world. We are happy of course with this development even as our thoughts and concern are also with those small businessmen whose livelihood might be affected with the operation of this gigantic mall. Let us not just think about them but we can do something tangible; continue to patronize the small businesses in the Old CBD. Let us hope that our officials would do everything it would take to make the Old Centro as viable, attractive and dynamic as possible. These entrepreneurs in the Old Centro and also in the other parts of the city are the unsung heroes of Naga City’s vitality. Partly, we owe to their entrepreneurial spirit, dedication and perseverance where Naga City is now, where we are now.

Naga City despite losing most of the Regional Government Offices in the 1970’s has catapulted itself to one of the most exciting places in the Philippines, a good investment area, a magnet for investors. I could remember still in 1977 when then President Marcos came to Naga as guest in the opening celebration of the 400th year of Christianization of the Bicol region. There was a meeting conducted at the PNB Building where the provincial, city, business, civic and religious leaders were gathered make a last ditch effort to try to convince Marcos to have the regional offices stay in Naga. The request was denied and in the afternoon Marcos proceeded to Legazpi and before a jubilant crowd proclaimed Legazpi City the new Regional Government Center.

After that, pain and gloom descended on Naga as the Regional Offices left one by one except for a few. And some of us even for a moment started to wonder whether we are still deserving of that sentimental sobriquet; “The Heart of Bikol.” A bit of history a slice of the past. But, today, our people who makes up our city has risen from that painful memory and proclaimed to all and sundry that our people are truly brave. Truly Oragons. That we could rise from disappointments and failures and build a city worthy of being called the Heart of Bikol. Despite having been neglected by the national government and left to fend for its own we have worked hard as honorable Filipinos and Bikolanos and attained our present stature armed with faith in ourselves and in God that this city is capable to attain its dreams and sustain it’s march to progress and hopeful of a more glorious future.

Lately there has been a spate of emotional reactions re: the proposed Bicol International Airport in Daraga, Albay and the rehabilitation of the severely damaged Pantao Port both being harped as priority projects for the province of Albay. This was announced by RDC Chairman and Albay Governor Salceda. In fairness to Salceda the International Airport has long been proposed in the RDC and has passed during the terms of Luis Villafuerte, Jesse Robredo and L-Ray Villafuerte respectively. Pantao Port is Salceda’s dream project.

That it has again awakened the sensitivities gave rise to flurry of reactions and comments from both pros and cons is an invitation to think and scrutinize how we as a region and specifically the RDC as an agency of the government make decisions for the people of this region.

If I am not mistaken the RDC is composed of people coming from the cross section of Bicolanos; elected officials, regional government directors, the academe and other civic leaders and other sectoral representatives. Decisions are made in consensus but the Chairman is vested with some powers. I wish one from the RDC would enlighten us on how this group works.

The announcement of Gov. Salceda of the twin projects which are both located in Albay has elicited dissatisfaction and opposition from some forumers. I think that these comments are worth looking into and try to see if they hold water. For me there is indeed a good reason to ask why all these high budgeted projects are all being located in Albay. Most of the Regional Government offices are there, the Bicol Regional Agro-Industrial Center (has failed to attract locators but much government fund has already been wasted) is already there, there are two International Ports there. It is the Regional Testing Center for state examinations. Now again the International Airport and the Regional Port. Ano man daw kaya ta gabos na sanang darakulang proyekto kang Bikol rayaon duman? How about the other provinces? Paano na man palan ang Masbate, Catanduanes, Sorsogon and Camarines Norte.

In fact the two provinces of Albay and Camarines Sur are the ones perennially quarreling and jockeying to host these projects to the detriment of the other provinces and the most perplexing of them all is that the governors and mayors of the other provinces have chosen to remain silent when they are deprived of the most elemental and basic right to receive equal attention. There seems to be something wrong in the RDC in this aspect. I do not know if I am right.

At the start of President Gloria Macapagal’s presidency we recall how she mentioned in her speech (on a visit to Bicol) that it is not wise to “put all the eggs in one basket.” She was referring to developmental projects in the region. But look at what is happening. Even the Bicol Medical Center which is supposed to be mandated by law to be the “ Medical Center” of the Region has been bypassed and the Lung, Kidney and Heart Centers established in the BRTTH in Albay. When the RDC passed a resolution asking the President to establish the national office of the DPWH in Pili, there was a very strong objection from Mr. Salceda. What is happening here?

It is not surprising therefore and I could understand why people would start to call the RDC-V as Albay Development Center. We know that Albay lies ate the center of Bicol, geographically and we cannot fault the people of Albay of their advantaged location but to always claim that Albay or Legazpi is the most strategic location to build or construct all regional projects is wrong. It goes against the very idea of what is strategic and definitely against common sense. That is why as we could notice, the National Government Offices are being relocated from Manila and dispersed to the regions to spur the development of underdeveloped areas and build new growth centers. That trend must cascade down to our regions. Now, where is the equitable distribution of development projects in this region? Can we understand now why Siruma remains to be undeveloped or that the NPA’s are still very active in Sorsogon?

The natural calamities that struck the region some years back would have been a great wake-up call for our government planners. We cannot over emphasize anymore that the oppositors to situate the Regional Center in Rawis in Legazpi had been proven right. It is not only vulnerable to volcanic eruption, the place is not also safe from other natural phenomena such as tsunamis. We seem not to have learned our lesson.

We here in Camarines Sur is not also immune from natural disasters and calamities. No one is immune from these natural phenomena and that is why we need to be pro-active in our plans and decision making. That is why it would not also be good for us to claim an exclusive right to host all these super projects. The world is faced with the ill effects of climate change. The voice of experts are common in their view that the Philippines is specially vulnerable to the ill effects of this global warming. With this view in mind,
Ano Daw Kung…

1. Instead of building an International Airport let us first have a serious look on our cities and towns and try to identify which ones are the most vulnerable and identify the best ways by which we can protect them from floods and encroaching sea waters. Let us build up dikes and build and elevate river embankments. What use do we have of an International Airport or two International Airports when our houses are swept away by floods, rice fields inundated by rising sea waters? Why not channel the funds for this airport into flood mitigation/control programs?

(We thank and commend the Naga City council who have been in the forefront of raising the consciousness of people and challenging the wisdom of powers that be in spending scarce government funds and balance it against present situation and future needs.)

2. Let us look closely into the workings of our RDC and see how we can optimize it’s development role guided by the right principles. The people there are also our people. They are there for a good reason but sometimes like us too they need to be reminded of their roles. (That is why we need each other. No man is an island.) That development meant to be regionally oriented and not favoring only one province or a politically privileged group of people. Let us speak what is in our hearts and minds. Let us make these threads jump…

3. Since the government is dispersing the National Offices why not invite the National Weather Office, PAG-ASA to put up its National Headquarters in Catanduanes province? The province is the doormat of many typhoons.

4. The University of the Philippines might set up its Bikol Branch. Again, Camarines Sur and Albay are competing with each other to host the campus of this State University. Calling the province of Sorsogon to make its presence felt in the RDC and strongly propose the establishment of UP Bikol in Sorsogon City. And since the PNR will be extended to Sorsogon and will become the Southern Terminus of PNR then it is rather better to build the Regional Port there rather than in Pantao. Sorsogon is nearer to the islands in the Visayas and Mindanao and can ably handle these ships. Was there not a proposed international port there?

5. My fellow forumers in this thread will take care of Masbate. I have run out of space and time.

Dios marhay na Aldaw po sa saindo gabos.

Patronage politics is the reason why most places in the Philippines is not progressing.

Naga progressed when Robredo decided not to be a stamp- pad politician of his uncle/mentor 'the great trapo' Ex Camsur Governor and presently congressman Luis Villafuerte who does nothing but lick ass of whoever is in power.

Naga being a chartered city was declared the most improved City in Asia by Newsweek's Asiaweek Magazine in 1994. CameSur lagged behind.

When Governor LRey did a Robredo- (defied his father) look what happened to Camsur.

The City and the Province progressed due to their own effort, sweat and blood, despite lack of government support.

Progress due to patronage politics stops when the patron cease to be in power.

wheel of steel

May 5th, 2009, 03:01 PM

rhyzrockerz

May 5th, 2009, 03:03 PM

Nagpagod ka sa pagkuha ng pictures na 'yan at maganda ang kinalabasan kaya it paid off...Tama ba?

Adik! :lol:

Amid the seriousness, there is a joker :lol:[/QUOTE]

dapat kasi wag masyado maging siryoso sa buhay![/QUOTE]

Agree, baka tumanda tayo ng wala sa oras. :lol:[/QUOTE]

Yep. That's right. :)

ah ganun pala yun.. ako kasi ginagawa ko ito hindi lang para sa thread kundi sa lahat ng nagueño sa earth na avid reader ng thread..
nakakaproud ng subra pag ganito ang nangyayari sa lugar mo!:)
Mabuhay ang naga city.!

kevinb

May 5th, 2009, 03:04 PM

All systems go for 12th Tour of CamSur (http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&r=&y=&mo=&fi=p090505.htm&no=80)

by GB Claveria

Camarines Sur Province (5 May) -- Its all system go for the Tour of Camarines Sur 2009 on May 26-27 highlighting this year's Kaogma Festival marking the 430th Foundation Anniversary of this province.

The Provincial Government here, led by Governor LRay Villafuerte, has spearheaded the staging of the Tour of Camarines.

Already known across the country, the bicycle race has drawn over 150 riders from all over the country as of registration cut-off time.

Over 50 riders, including national race veterans, come from nine other provinces and cities, led by 2003 Tour of Pilipinas champion Arnel Quirimit from Pangasinan and Merculio Ramos of Tarlac, who emerged first runner-up of the recently concluded Luquigaz Tour of Luzon'09.

Bicol riders, many of whom are veterans of the previous eleven Tour of Camarines Sur the likes of 2006 race champion Alvin Benosa, team mates Michael Pili and Alan Ricafort of Iriga City, this province, are however expected to give the visiting cyclists a stiff run for the top place.

The three-day bicycle race will traverse all four districts of the province; reeling off on May 25 from Caramoan to Goa, via Presentacion, Lagonoy and San Jose. The first lap of the race is a daunting rugged and predominantly steep 77-kilometer stretch, known among riders as the "killer lap" of the tour.

The second lap starts from Goa, crossing Tinambac, Calabanga, Bombon, Naga City, Pili, Bula and ends in Baao, with mostly paved 83-kilometer relatively easy-to-sprint distance for the survivors of the previous day's killer lap.

The third stage, dubbed the "endurance lap", kicks off from Baao and riders will negotiate a total stretch of 150-kilometer that will draw a circuit through Iriga City, Nabua, Bula, Minalabac, Sipocot, Cabusao, Libmanan, Pamplona, San Fernando, Milaor, Naga City ending a the Provincial Capitol Grounds in Cadlan, Pili town here.

The Tour of Camarines Sur features three categories-Sports, Fun Riders and Team-to be run simultaneously. (MMEC/PIA)

garzland

May 5th, 2009, 03:13 PM

Taken today, May 5, 2009 at PNR Naga City by me. Naga City PNR construction involves the repair and rehabilitation of existing station facilities including the main building, maintenance shed, PNR personnel office and construction of a new building. The PNR exterior design will be totally remodelled. A new dome shape structure will be constructed at the center of the old building.

Perspective of the New PNR Naga City Central Station
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3573/3504204390_59dfa8b95b_o.jpg
Various Construction Activity Photos
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3403/3503388313_b91f3516be_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3612/3503388203_7bfeae620e_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3354/3504200594_210176c126_o.jpg
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3625/3504200426_750d6ec3a4_o.jpg

PNR Cars Stranded after Reming on this small photo.
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3593/3503410441_9df900164d.jpg?v=0

^^Are you still here in Naga, Wheel of steel? Thanks for sharing that. We are not aware of the PNR's new central train station here. I'm glad that it's now being started.

Patronage politics is the reason why most places in the Philippines is not progressing.

Naga progressed when Robredo decided not to be a stamp- pad politician of his uncle/mentor 'the great trapo' Ex Camsur Governor and presently congressman Luis Villafuerte who does nothing but lick ass of whoever is in power.

Naga being a chartered city was declared the most improved City in Asia by Newsweek's Asiaweek Magazine in 1994. CameSur lagged behind.

When Governor LRey did a Robredo- (defied his father) look what happened to Camsur.

The City and the Province progressed due to their own effort, sweat and blood, despite lack of government support.

Progress due to patronage politics stops when the patron cease to be in power.

That's the problem of patronage politics. I'm proud that our local leaders has done their best in uplifting the status of our city and province despite the lack of support from NG.

Arild

May 5th, 2009, 03:56 PM

Dam now I understand 1 thing;-)
I´w always wanted to take the train to Naga when we been on the way to Bicol.
You see I just love traveling by train as you get to see so mush on the way!
But my dear wife has always REFUSED ;-)

Now I get the picture why she always denied me having the plesure to travel by train to Naga;-)

garzland

May 5th, 2009, 04:00 PM

^^Once this is done, I'm sure you're wife won't refuse anymore to travel by train.

garzland

May 5th, 2009, 04:08 PM

http://images.rhyzrockerz.multiply.com/image/1/photos/17/500x500/9/Rai-rai2067-001.jpg?et=eWj7JhXnzqkA6GhOAlg1Qw&nmid=239635307

http://images.rhyzrockerz.multiply.com/image/1/photos/17/500x500/10/Rai-rai2072-001.jpg?et=toR8cLDQ207wxIiClKa4pQ&nmid=239635307

http://images.rhyzrockerz.multiply.com/image/1/photos/17/500x500/12/Rai-rai2076-001.jpg?et=B7Rul7n5VJj%2B%2C42rKoV7iw&nmid=239635307

http://images.rhyzrockerz.multiply.com/image/1/photos/17/500x500/13/Rai-rai2082-001.jpg?et=fJPv%2BRaYwc9bidTcMCzRHw&nmid=239635307

Sm Cinema

http://images.rhyzrockerz.multiply.com/image/1/photos/17/500x500/14/Rai-rai2087-001.jpg?et=kWi4ohMvM5o6UFmkOXEdYg&nmid=239635307

http://images.rhyzrockerz.multiply.com/image/1/photos/17/500x500/15/Rai-rai2092-001.jpg?et=jWOjr0FlylQ1FeBBPm38ow&nmid=239635307

Just a reminder, for those who want to try SM Cinemas, the ticket costs a hundred. You won't regret it. It has a superb surround sound and a very comfortable seat.

Cinema 1 - Wolverine
Cinema 2 - T2
Cinema 3 - Monsters Vs. Aliens
Cinema 4 - Wolverine

These are simultaneously being shown in Manila.

Arild

May 5th, 2009, 04:16 PM

I´m alredy exited and looking wery mush forward to that trip in future!

Arild

May 5th, 2009, 04:22 PM

wheel of steel

May 5th, 2009, 04:41 PM

^^Are you still here in Naga, Wheel of steel? Thanks for sharing that. We are not aware of the PNR's new central train station here. I'm glad that it's now being started.

That's the problem of patronage politics. I'm proud that our local leaders has done their best in uplifting the status of our city and province despite the lack of support from NG.

Nasa Ligao na me garzland... Just sneaking... he hehe...

Naga Boy

May 5th, 2009, 05:42 PM

Did you know that Cosmic Bowling Lane at the Regent Hotel in Naga is the only fully automated, fully computerized 10 pin bowling facility in the Bicol Region?

It 0pened about 6 years ago in 2003.

Read old News Clip Below:

Newest landmarks rise
Automated bowling center opens

Naga’s exquisite cuisine, modern leisure amenities, excellent billeting service, and vibrant nightlife get added boost with the formal opening on Sunday, February 23, of new landmarks along the busy Elias Angeles Street in the city’s downtown district.

Toto Tan, Jr., one of the city’s emerging young dynamic businessmen announced the full completion of the Naga Regent Hotel, the Cosmic Lanes featuring modern bowling and billiards and disco, the ultra-modern designed Buddies Café (formerly Gud Buddies on its new location).

The Cosmic Lanes, Bicol’s only automated tenpin bowling center, features 8 tenpin bowling lanes with automatic scoring, automatic pin setter, with bowling balls and pins that glow in the dark. Within the gaming center are Brunswick-designed Jaguar billiard tables, XBOX (by Microsoft) arced games with 29” Samsung Flat TVs for kids.

http://www.naga.gov.ph/journal/regent.jpg

The Naga Regent Hotel is the latest to ever rise in the city’s burgeoning hotel and accommodation industry. It has an elevator service, modern audio-visual equipment, banquet, concert and conference facilities the biggest of which is the Golden Pavilion Convention Center which can seat as much as 1,000 persons. On its ground floor is the famous Oyster Villa Restaurant which serves delectable and exotic Chinese and Filipino dishes.

Betchie Anor, hotel and convention center marketing manager, said a motorcade will precede the opening rites with Naga City Jesse M. Robredo as guest of honor during the ceremonial cutting of ribbons on Sunday.

The Naga City Visitors Center and the Naga City Investment Board have lent support for the successful and colorful opening rites that include wider media coverage and attendance by guests who will be treated to free games and dinner by the hotel and Cosmic Lanes management.

Naga Boy

May 5th, 2009, 06:01 PM

josh2

May 5th, 2009, 06:12 PM

sorry hindi ako nakasama sa E.B. kainis ung bagyo sobrang ulan ng umuwi ako,pero nakapunta ako ng SM,sobrang ganda ung design,maganda ung moviehouses,supermarket, tska dept store,tska my fountain,sobrang ganda, sana may expansion agad.kasi i know laging matao jan araw araw,kayang kaya pang lakihan kahit triple pa nyan.
Go Naga... Nakaka proud....:banana:

josh2

May 5th, 2009, 06:14 PM

kaya lang nung mag shop ako, hindi nai-swipe SM Advantage Card ko hehehehe,nainis ako sa cashier,btw bago pa kasi okay lang. Sayang nang points hehehe

Naga Boy

May 5th, 2009, 06:15 PM

“More High-Paying Jobs Available to Filipinos”

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said the government will be able to realize its dream of providing more decent and high-paying jobs for the Filipino people now that the international businessmen have recognized the capability of the Philippines to become a developed country in the near future.

Trade and Industry Secretary Peter Favila, on the other hand reported to the President that the Philippines ’stood tall’ in front of top businessmen of the world who recognized the Arroyo administration’s efforts to bring back the positive momentum of the economy.

Secretary Favila said the international community, especially top businessmen, acknowledged the growing economy of the Philippines under the Arroyo administration.

As a result of this, Favila said the Kenneth Tachman, CEO of Teletech, a leading business process outsourcing company in the world, had the intentions to expand their business in the Philippines.

Teletech is planning to establish five new call centers in the country. DTI is eyeing Camarines Sur in Bicol, Valencia town in Negros Oriental, Dumaguete City and Davao as new locations for Teletech’s expansion program.

Teletech is also planning to buy an island in the country to be developed as a tourist resort after learning that tourism is one of the biggest income earners of the Philippines.

Aside from call centers, Favila told the President that Prakash Hinduja, who owns big businesses in India and is one of the top 1,000 corporations in the world, also expressed his strong intention to expand his call center operations and establish a manufacturing company in the country.

Source:“More High-Paying Jobs Available to Filipinos”

josh2

May 5th, 2009, 06:30 PM

http://images.rhyzrockerz.multiply.com/image/1/photos/20/500x500/4/Rai-rai2078.jpg?et=lcN7QWgYAgD3uu0TyC%2BhfA&nmid=239664329
Didma lang mga tao sa likod ni garz..:):lol::banana:

http://images.rhyzrockerz.multiply.com/image/1/photos/20/500x500/6/Rai-rai2081.jpg?et=ZDiNthQE100Kr2%2CHdDOCKw&nmid=239664329
walang paki alam tao sa likod ko... kong anu anu kasi tinitingnan sa baba!!:lol:

parang fresh na fresh ung mukha ni garz ha, si rhyz naman rakista ang dating hehehehe. maorag baga.
sayang dae ako nakaiba di sana nakabale man kuta na ako digdi,hehehee
sana nahiling man nindo kagwapuhan ko huhuhu.
dito sa manila e.b. tayo next hehehe.

hakz2007

May 6th, 2009, 01:45 AM

^^On May 9, Saturday, bar hopping and probably CWC. Hope you really come with us this time!

How about Pili's income compared to Nabua?

mataas naman ng konti ang income ng Pili sa Nabua....

^^On May 9, Saturday, bar hopping and probably CWC. Hope you really come with us this time!

Paki-kaag kan complete details as to what time ang assembly and where and etc.

Please iron out the details....

Pumunta ako kagabi sa Sm Naga at bumili ng Advantage Card...Sayang din naman kasi palagi akong nagtatravel all over the Philippines.

Sayang din naman ng points....last week nasa SM Baguio ako..then pagdating sa Maynila SM Mall of Asia naman....

garzland

May 6th, 2009, 02:10 AM

parang fresh na fresh ung mukha ni garz ha, si rhyz naman rakista ang dating hehehehe. maorag baga.
sayang dae ako nakaiba di sana nakabale man kuta na ako digdi,hehehee
sana nahiling man nindo kagwapuhan ko huhuhu.
dito sa manila e.b. tayo next hehehe.

Do I look really fresh?:lol:
Are you in Manila now, Josh2?

mataas naman ng konti ang income ng Pili sa Nabua....

Thanks for the info!

Paki-kaag kan complete details as to what time ang assembly and where and etc.

Please iron out the details....

Okay for those who are interested:

Assembly time is 6:00 AM at E-Mall's entrance Elias Angeles St. side
Itineraties:
1. Swimming at CWC Pool (We must be here earlier as soon as possible)
2. Dinner somewhere in Magsaysay or SM (Let's talk about this once we have assembled)
3. Bar Hopping at Magsaysay

garzland

May 6th, 2009, 02:17 AM

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zLEnajP3-EI/SgAhorw8ZPI/AAAAAAAAAfU/iB9NhWMLtEc/s200/IMG_7048.jpg

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zLEnajP3-EI/SgAhoUjfqcI/AAAAAAAAAfM/vymf_iDG8qo/s200/IMG_7040.jpg

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zLEnajP3-EI/SgAhoUjfqcI/AAAAAAAAAfM/vymf_iDG8qo/s200/IMG_7040.jpg

Good news for pizza lovers/pizza addicts and Yellow Cab Pizza Fanatics!!
Yellow Cab Pizza Co. is now open in Naga City.
For deliveries within Naga City... call 472-2222

Source:http://nagacitydeck.blogspot.com/

Do you have any idea about the price of the pizzas in Yellowcab, Sir Naga_boy?

sorry hindi ako nakasama sa E.B. kainis ung bagyo sobrang ulan ng umuwi ako,pero nakapunta ako ng SM,sobrang ganda ung design,maganda ung moviehouses,supermarket, tska dept store,tska my fountain,sobrang ganda, sana may expansion agad.kasi i know laging matao jan araw araw,kayang kaya pang lakihan kahit triple pa nyan.
Go Naga... Nakaka proud....:banana:

When did you go there? Probably, after 3 months there will be an expansion.

18 Years ago I was on cinema in Manila before the film started they started to play the Philippine national anthem and ewerybody rased up to sing along.
Are you still doing this in the cinemas before a film start?

Some cinemas still do that but when I watched a movie at SM Cinema 4 they didn't play the National Anthem. Perhaps, they do it before the first showing of the film for the day.

garzland

May 6th, 2009, 02:22 AM

Nasa Ligao na me garzland... Just sneaking... he hehe...

Thanks for sneaking out here. :lol:

“More High-Paying Jobs Available to Filipinos”

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo said the government will be able to realize its dream of providing more decent and high-paying jobs for the Filipino people now that the international businessmen have recognized the capability of the Philippines to become a developed country in the near future.

Trade and Industry Secretary Peter Favila, on the other hand reported to the President that the Philippines ’stood tall’ in front of top businessmen of the world who recognized the Arroyo administration’s efforts to bring back the positive momentum of the economy.

Secretary Favila said the international community, especially top businessmen, acknowledged the growing economy of the Philippines under the Arroyo administration.

As a result of this, Favila said the Kenneth Tachman, CEO of Teletech, a leading business process outsourcing company in the world, had the intentions to expand their business in the Philippines.

Teletech is planning to establish five new call centers in the country. DTI is eyeing Camarines Sur in Bicol, Valencia town in Negros Oriental, Dumaguete City and Davao as new locations for Teletech’s expansion program.

Teletech is also planning to buy an island in the country to be developed as a tourist resort after learning that tourism is one of the biggest income earners of the Philippines.

Aside from call centers, Favila told the President that Prakash Hinduja, who owns big businesses in India and is one of the top 1,000 corporations in the world, also expressed his strong intention to expand his call center operations and establish a manufacturing company in the country.

Source:“More High-Paying Jobs Available to Filipinos”

Glad to know that IT Industry is booming also in Camarines Sur.

Did you know that Cosmic Bowling Lane at the Regent Hotel in Naga is the only fully automated, fully computerized 10 pin bowling facility in the Bicol Region?

It 0pened about 6 years ago in 2003.

Read old News Clip Below:

Newest landmarks rise
Automated bowling center opens

Naga’s exquisite cuisine, modern leisure amenities, excellent billeting service, and vibrant nightlife get added boost with the formal opening on Sunday, February 23, of new landmarks along the busy Elias Angeles Street in the city’s downtown district.

Toto Tan, Jr., one of the city’s emerging young dynamic businessmen announced the full completion of the Naga Regent Hotel, the Cosmic Lanes featuring modern bowling and billiards and disco, the ultra-modern designed Buddies Café (formerly Gud Buddies on its new location).

The Cosmic Lanes, Bicol’s only automated tenpin bowling center, features 8 tenpin bowling lanes with automatic scoring, automatic pin setter, with bowling balls and pins that glow in the dark. Within the gaming center are Brunswick-designed Jaguar billiard tables, XBOX (by Microsoft) arced games with 29” Samsung Flat TVs for kids.

http://www.naga.gov.ph/journal/regent.jpg

The Naga Regent Hotel is the latest to ever rise in the city’s burgeoning hotel and accommodation industry. It has an elevator service, modern audio-visual equipment, banquet, concert and conference facilities the biggest of which is the Golden Pavilion Convention Center which can seat as much as 1,000 persons. On its ground floor is the famous Oyster Villa Restaurant which serves delectable and exotic Chinese and Filipino dishes.

Betchie Anor, hotel and convention center marketing manager, said a motorcade will precede the opening rites with Naga City Jesse M. Robredo as guest of honor during the ceremonial cutting of ribbons on Sunday.

The Naga City Visitors Center and the Naga City Investment Board have lent support for the successful and colorful opening rites that include wider media coverage and attendance by guests who will be treated to free games and dinner by the hotel and Cosmic Lanes management.

Haven't tried that bowling center.

garzland

May 6th, 2009, 04:44 AM

akosijamir

May 6th, 2009, 05:43 AM

Assembly time is 6:00 AM at E-Mall's entrance Elias Angeles St. side
Itineraries:
1. Swimming at CWC Pool (We must be here earlier as soon as possible)
2. Dinner somewhere in Magsaysay or SM (Let's talk about this once we have assembled)
3. Bar Hopping at Magsaysay

I hope I could join the EB. I'll be in Iriga this Saturday but I'll try to be back at Naga before 8pm. Hopefully, I could still join the dinner or bar hopping. I'll get the number of Rhyz and I'll text him if ever.ÜÜ

ok lang ryhz??hehehe

nasusupog kaya ako.hahah..lol

akosijamir

May 6th, 2009, 05:55 AM

Completion of Naga City Coliseum (Phase V) in the Philippines

World Bank

Status: Closed

-------------------------------------
General Information

Opportunity Type:
Works
Country/Region:
Philippines
Publication Date:
Feb 25, 2009
Contract Award
Add Contract Award
Notice/Contract Number:
001638-2008-08 805195
Project Summary
Reference Number 805195
Procuring Entity CITY OF NAGA, CAMARINES SUR
Title Completion of Naga City Coliseum (Phase V) in the Philippines
Area of Delivery Camarines Sur

Solicitation Number: 001638-2008-08
Trade Agreement: WB Procurement Guidelines
Procurement Mode: Public Bidding
Classification: Goods
Category: Construction Projects
Estimated Budget for the Contract: PHP 133,468,000.00
Delivery Period: 365 Day/s
Client Agency:
Contact Person: Francisco M Mendoza
BAC Chairman
City Hall Complex, J.Q. Miranda St.,
Naga City
Camarines Sur
Philippines 4400
63-054-4732055
63-054-8111286
info@naga.gov.ph
Status Active
Associated Components 1
Bid Supplements 2
Document Request List 4
Date Published 13/02/2009
Last Updated / Time 20/02/2009 09:49 AM
Closing Date / Time 10/03/2009 15:00 PM

Description

The Land Bank of the Philippines has received a loan from the World Bank toward the cost of Support for Strategic Local Development Investment Project (S2LDIP) and it intends to apply part of the proceeds of this loan to be on-lent to the Local Government Units (LGUs), public utilities or private operators providing local infrastructure services.

The City Government of Naga has received a loan from LBP under the World Bank-assisted S2LDIP loan facility. The City Government of Naga now invites sealed Bids from eligible Bidders for the construction of coliseum building under the contract: Completion of Naga City Coliseum (Phase V), Contract Reference No.: 001638-2008-08. Completion of the Works is required in three hundred sixty five (365) calendar days.

source: http://www.devex.com/projects/completion-of-naga-city-coliseum-phase-v-in-the-philippines-2
**************

Naga Coliseum should be done soon. It would be an added attraction to the city. More concert, PBA, conferences/conventions... Can't wait to see CBD II after 3 years.

CBD Bus Terminal, CBD Market-Market, SM and Naga City Colisuem.
what's next in CBD II? ...CBDIII..lol

akosijamir

May 6th, 2009, 06:14 AM

Email Interview with Mayor Jesse Robredo, Naga City

Dear Alecks,

Below are my responses to your questions:

What do you think are the Code's best features that have helped revolutionize local administration and
development as far as Naga's experience is concerned?

From our experience, and from our participation in international conferences on decentralization, the
Code provisions promoting participation and partnerships actually stand out as its best features, mainly
because it is where Naga City carved its niche – participative governance which has become
part and parcel of our 2015 vision.
Of course, having more resources, more power and more authority than ever before – which the Code
made possible – is desirable, especially for the well meaning executives. But they do not always
translate into what is best for the public and for the local community. What we need are social
accountability mechanisms that will ensure improved outcomes at the level of ordinary citizens. Which
is why I put premium on the provisions on participation and partnerships because they form part of
these accountability mechanisms.
In reading and implementing the Code, I always look back at Section 3, which contains the 13
operative principles of decentralization. To me, this is very important because that particular section
captures the whole essence of local autonomy and the potentials of what the Code can do for local
communities. But like the Parable of the Talents, these principles will only be meaningful if used fully,
and not consigned to the dustbin like the wicked slave did who merely buried the Lord's gold under the
ground.
In conceptualizing initiatives aimed at improving service quality to our citizens and customers, and in
promoting local development of the city, the 12th principle – involving the private sector in local
governance – has served Naga very well. This was further elaborated on under Sections 34-36
(which comprise an entire chapter on LGU-NGO-PO relations); it became the legal basis for our
internationally recognized Empowerment Ordinance of 1997, which led to the establishment of the
Naga City People's Council (NCPC), the local federation of NGOs and POs that is effectively
co-governing with us in the city.
Today, people participation – both by organized groups and by individual citizens – is not just a
buzzword in Naga; it has defined that way governance is practised in the city, and has improved
outcomes precisely because of its inclusive nature. The most recent affirmation came from the
draft progress report on the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in Bicol, which was
commissioned by the NEDA, covering the six provinces and three cities of the region. Naga did very,
very well in that report.

On the other hand, what are its features that have tended to hinder or delay the forward march of
LGUs like Naga?

One of my top advocacies these days is education, spurred by our experience in reinventing the Naga
City School Board. There are various reasons, but to me, the most important is its long-term
implication: quality basic education is the best way of securing Naga's future, and in ensuring
whatever advances we have made in participative governance and in building a more livable city will
not go to waste. If we can make our public school system world-class – at par with, if not better than
their private sector counterparts – then Naga will produce a steady stream of competent servant
leaders like the late Raul Roco and incumbent Sen. Joker Arroyo.
But under the Code, the Local School Board is woefully underutilized, reflecting a centralized public
school system that, for the last three decades, has simply failed to work. The provisions regarding the
LSB, to my mind, reinforces this institutional ineffectiveness and worse, shackles progressive
communities like Naga, Bulacan, Cebu and Marikina.
A related issue – although not strictly Code-related, but again has to do with the central-vs.-local
dynamics inherent in any decentralization experience – is what I believe are counterproductive rules in
regard to procurement, as well as financial management. The intentions behind the new Procurement
Law are laudable, but they are severely constricting our institutional capability to respond when
needed. The documentary requirements asked of potential bidders are so voluminous, and the process
they need to go through (from securing bid documents to collecting payment) too laborious they turn
off suppliers who could have provided the goods and services we need at a much lower cost. Truth of
the matter is, this effectively constitutes barrier to entry, which actually puts government at
a disadvantage.
There is also the issue of the Commission on Audit's restriction in regard to computerizing our
financial management system. A COA circular bars us from doing so, mainly because COA has
developed its own proprietary system that it intends to implement all over the country. But we have
seen that much-ballyhooed system COA is effectively imposing and plainly, I am not impressed. Our
EDP, with the help of the local ICT community in Naga, can actually come up with a superior system.

In light of the latter, what do you think are particular areas that need to be improved or addressed?

In regard to education, a wholly centralized public school system runs against the grain of the
decentralization movement that is reshaping public governance all over the world, which the 1991 LGC
brought forth in the Philippines. I am therefore advocating calibrated decentralization of basic
education – in localities which are administratively and financial ready, and will demand for this type
of arrangement.
In regard to procurement and government financial management, the bottomline is differentiation: all
localities are not only created unequal, but over time, thanks to the opportunities of decentralization
opened up by the Code, some have become better than most. It is bad policy to pursue a one-size-fitsall
approach that fails to recognize these nuances. The national government will do well in allowing
localities with good track record in procurement, ICT development and overall LGU management the
required flexibility to innovate, do more with less, and improve outputs and outcomes – which will
redound to the benefit of their constituents. These "entrepreneurial LGUs" need to be rewarded, instead
of being chained by some archaic rules and mindsets.

What are your specific recommendations in so far as amending or introducing new provisions in the
Code?

At the end of the day, the Code needs to be revisited in regard to its avowed objectives, and there are
three: (a) Responsive and accountable local government structure (Sec. 2a); (b) Exacting public
accountability (Sec. 2b); and (c) Building stakeholdership (Sec. 2c).
My proposals in regard to education, procurement and financial management outlined above already
forms part of my recommendations for the first objective. To that, I will add the need for a more
responsive and relevant sharing scheme for the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA), which will remain a
controversial issue in view of the continuing effort to convert more towns into cities. I have written
several papers about it, but for brevity, let me highlight the following recommendations:
1. More realistic sharing based on current demographics. Philippine cities today are supporting
between 34-43% of the population. Obviously, a 23% share is no longer tenable. The most logical
source would be the share of provinces, which have emerged as clear winners under the current
scheme.
2. Portability of municipal IRA. Allowing municipalities up for cityhood to bring along their
municipal IRA allocation will mitigate the huge cost of conversion. (The additional 57 cities converted
since 1991, for example, represents an opportunity cost of P238 million for each of the 60 original
cities.) One possible approach is to assign a fixed municipal IRA share that will be automatically
transferred to the cities' total IRA for every approved conversion. Another is treating the municipal and
city IRA shares as one pool so any further conversion will not affect the total.
3. Inclusion of performance-based criterion. At least five percent (5%) of the annual IRA should be
set aside as a performance-based facility which will be shared among provinces, cities and
municipalities based on their efficiency and effectiveness in mobilizing local revenues. This will
encourage them to pay attention to fiscal discipline and more efficient governance.
Finally, let me end by touching on the 2nd and 3rd objectives, which is related to what I pointed out
about the Parable of the Talents. You will recall that in that parable, the wicked slave – who buried the
gold entrusted to him – was punished by our Lord by casting him into the darkness. This resonates
clearly with the need to exact accountability among local officials, and the Code can explicitly mandate
a performance evaluation system among elected officials – particularly chief executives – that will rate
them comprehensively, and whose results should be publicized nationwide to allow for comparison.
This will empower voters with a solid basis for their decisions come election day: whether to reward
their leaders with another term, or cast them off into political oblivion.
I hope you find the above in order.

Jesse Robredo

source: http://www.pcij.org/blog/wp-docs/Robredo_email_interview.pdf

akosijamir

May 6th, 2009, 06:18 AM

PIA Press Release
2009/03/30

Naga City (30 March) -- The city government here hurdles anew the Presidential Award for the Most Child-Friendly City, independent city category besting Santiago City.

This city earned the award for the second time in a row on the basis of the efforts of the city government, under the leadership of Mayor Jesse N. Robredo, to innovate and sustained programs for the welfare of children particularly on the education sector.

Robredo stated programs like the Naga Early Education and Development Program, a comprehensive pre-school education that addresses the need for improved access, equity and quality of education; EDUCARE-the City's Educare Montessori System, where 20 per cent of its centers have already been accredited by the DWSD tool; Nutri Dunong and Iskolar Kan Ciudad help parents from financially distressed families to send and maintain children in school; HELP Learning Center; Naga City Special Education Program and QUEEN - Quarterly Universal Elementary Education in Naga City, have won us this recognition which will continue to inspire us to better serve our constituteents.

The Sangguniang Kabataan has also manifested its support by providing 70 per cent of its budget to educational assistance to indigent students

Mayor Jesse N. Robredo received the trophy and a cash prize of P300,000 from Her Excellency Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo held at Malacañang Palace during the awarding ceremony for Child-Friendly Municipalities and Cities last March 12.

He was joined by Mr. Jim Reblando, the City Social Welfare and Development Officer and Mrs. Corazon B. Miña of the Department of Social Welfare and Development Field Office 5.

Through the concerted efforts of the Naga City Council for the Protection of Children and its partners, Naga City was again vested as the most child-friendly city in the Bicol region and one of the finalists for the Most Child-Friendly City recognition at the national level for 2008.

It has been a national finalist since 2002 and won for the award first time in 2006. Naga's desire to be a child-friendly city became a commitment.

Driven by the strong determination to give the Nagueños a more and nurturing and caring environment, Naga is a child-friendly place to watch.

Meanwhile, the town of Casiguran is the 2008 Regional Awardee for the search and a finalist to the national competition for the 4th to 6th class category. The finalists have also received trophies from President Arroyo.

The search for the Most Child-Friendly City/Municipality which was launched in November 1998 aims to: a) give national recognition to municipalities and cities and are considered as "child friendly", b) to encourage LGUs to recognize and address issues and concerns affecting/effecting the full realization of the rights of children, c) heighten the awareness of the LGUs on the rights of children, and, d) monitor and evaluate the implementation of programs and services for children. (EEJerusalem, DSWD/PIA) [top]

dandelionne

May 6th, 2009, 06:57 AM

18 Years ago I was on cinema in Manila before the film started they started to play the Philippine national anthem and ewerybody rased up to sing along.
Are you still doing this in the cinemas before a film start?

YES. SM and Ayala Cinemas play the Phil.National Anthem during the first and last showing. I dont know with Robinsons.

akosijamir

May 6th, 2009, 07:19 AM

Since the World Bank introduced its Cities Development Project in the country in 1999, Philippine cities have become a hub of creative development activities, demonstrating the willingness and ability of local governments to take the development agenda into their own hands.

A dynamic development process has been taking place in the nation’s cities, led by the League of Cities of the Philippines. Since the World Bank introduced its Cities Development Project in the country in 1999, Philippine cities have become the hub of creative development activities that have demonstrated the willingness and ability of local governments to take the development agenda into their own hands. Nine years later, the League’s commitment to sharing the benefits of the City Development Strategies (CDS) program with as many local cities as possible is bearing fruit.

Poster Child for CDS

The Philippines has, in fact, become the poster child for the City Development Strategies program. According to Christopher Pablo, the World Bank’s Task Team Leader for CDS, the country has the highest number of cities—61 out of 120—under CDS. Worldwide, there are 150 cities under CDS.

Under CDS, the World Bank provides technical assistance to help cities addresses four key issues: livability, good governance, bankability and competitiveness. These four pillars are based on the realization that cities are “engines of growth” and therefore require integrated and comprehensive development approaches, drawn up with the participation of all stakeholders in order to ensure long-term commitment and sustainability.

“The Philippines has the most well-established, broad-based, locally-grounded CDS program in the world,” said R. Mukami Kariuki, the World Bank’s Local Government Program Coordinator in Manila.

And the success factor, she said, is “local ownership of CDS by the League of Cities”.
The LCP runs the CDS program with funding from the Cities Alliance and the Japanese Government coursed through the World Bank. “The League’s leadership role is strong and it has a very positive attitude towards strengthening its members’ knowledge and capacity,” Mukami asserted.

At the start of the CDS program in 1999, the World Bank met with seven Philippine cities and made them choose among themselves which one would be the pilot CDS city in the country. Without hesitation, the mayors asserted that all seven of them should be in the program. “From the start, they decided this was something they would do together as a group,” said Mukami.

Public Policy Forum in Manila

Annually, the Cities Alliance, a coalition of cities around the world and their development partners who are committed to promoting successful approaches to poverty reduction, brings cities together in a Public Policy Forum for a direct dialogue with bilateral and multilateral agencies and financial institutions. The Forum is also a venue to promote the developmental role of local governments and helps cities obtain coherent international support. The Philippines became a member of the Cities Alliance in October 2007.

The Public Policy Forum is held in different cities as a platform for the host country to share its best practices and lessons learned in development, and to learn from the experiences of other cities in the world.

Last year, the forum was hosted by the Philippine Government through the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) and organized jointly with the League of Cities. The theme was “Leveraging Resources for Livable Cities”. Co-sponsored by the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank, UN Habitat, the League of Cities of the Philippines and Cities Alliance, the forum showcased the transformation of dying cities into livable communities.

Rapid Urbanization

In her keynote speech at a dinner that marked the start of the country’s membership in Cities Alliance, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo cited the role of the nation’s cities in national development: “We have moved this nation forward—I'm glad to say—on the strength of our partnership with city mayors and other local government executives who form the backbone of our government.”
Noting that the Philippines is among the most rapidly urbanizing countries in the region, she warned: “This is a double-edged challenge. On the one hand, rapid urbanization drives high economic growth; but on the other, it can also aggravate poverty and social inequalities.”

By 2050, the urbanization rate is expected to reach 80%, said LCP Secretary General Mayor Mel Senen Sarmiento of Calbayog City in his presentation at the Forum He observed that, “unplanned and uncontrolled, many urban areas are performing far below their potential.” It is essential therefore that cities are prepared for rapid urbanization, which is precisely what the CDS program aims to support.

“Through the CDS, cities have adopted a new approach to managing their cities,” said Mayor Sarmiento. “First and foremost is the realization of the city as an economic space. Cities are identifying their competitive advantages and maximizing these in promoting local economic development.”

Cities have also come to recognize their role in provincial, regional and national development and the importance of cooperation with other cities and municipalities in their areas, said Mayor Sarmiento “in order to build synergies among their development initiatives”. Thus, access roads have been built between cities. Calbayog in Samar and San Fernando in La Union, have even cascaded the CDS process to surrounding municipalities for better integration and coordination. For their part, Naga and Iloilo are taking the lead in creating metropolitan-type arrangements with their neighbors.

Mayors now see that they are not mere service providers but enablers of development. Said Mayor Sarmiento, “Now local chief executives are running their cities more like corporations, focusing on their core competencies and mandates and outsourcing tasks which may be done by others.” They are exploring new ways of doing things and networking to learn from each other new ways of doing business.

LGUs have also realized that governance must be participatory, meaning, that it includes partnerships with local NGOs, business groups, church and other sectors of the community to ensure that their plans and programs are supported by those who are most affected by them. Naga City, under Mayor Jesse Robredo, has demonstrated a successful model of good governance which includes the establishment of a People’s Council and the drafting of a People’s Charter, that is now being adopted by other cities.

Scaling-up CDS

Since 2001, the Cities Alliance has given more than $1.5 million in grants for the preparation of city development strategies to 61 Philippine cities and the implementation of slum upgrading programs in 10 cities.

According to Mayor Sarmiento, since 2001, the Cities Alliance has given more than $1.5 million in grants for the preparation of city development strategies to 61 Philippine cities and the implementation of slum upgrading programs in 10 cities. Various multilateral and donor agencies have given more than $4 million to CDS cities in terms of technical assistance grants to support LGUs that have coherent and comprehensive development plans. Moreover, more than $8 million have been invested in CDS cities from re-lending programs of multilateral agencies. Other sources of funding for CDS projects are the LGU budget, private banks, the private sector and national government agencies. In all, CDS cities have secured over $20 million in investments from local and international sources.

At present, the League is seeking more assistance from Cities Alliance and its development partners in order to “scale-up” CDS in the Philippines. The League of Cities wants to extend CDS coverage to all of the country’s 120 cities. It would also like to see more initiatives by cities in bringing the CDS process downstream to the barangays and upstream to the provincial level.

Mayor Sarmiento said that the League is now working with the national government to ensure that the CDS process is institutionalized in the national planning framework, as an essential step in building “coherence of efforts” among the national government and donor and financing institutions in support of local government priorities.

Speaking to participants of the 2007 Public Policy Forum in Manila five years after he first came to see CDS in action in the Philippines, Christian Delvoie, World Bank Director for Sustainable Development for East Asia and the Pacific Region, was all praises what he called the “dynamism of the development process” led by LGUs in the country. He spoke of the need to bring Philippine cities up to the next level of development by establishing benchmarks that will enable them to compete more effectively in the region and worldwide; helping cities get international credit rating to improve their bankability; improving the business environment and investment climate to enhance competitiveness; and ensuring the delivery of public services through partnerships with the private sector and civil society.

“Mayors must now be CEOs,” Mr. Delvoie said, “The competition is not among countries but cities.”

Source: Paulynn Sicam, World Bank consultant, World Bank Manila Country Office website
http://www.worldbank.org.ph

garzland

May 6th, 2009, 07:27 AM

garzland

May 6th, 2009, 07:28 AM

I hope I could join the EB. I'll be in Iriga this Saturday but I'll try to be back at Naga before 8pm. Hopefully, I could still join the dinner or bar hopping. I'll get the number of Rhyz and I'll text him if ever.ÜÜ

ok lang ryhz??hehehe

nasusupog kaya ako.hahah..lol

Hope you can really join the EB. Tano man ta masusupog ka? Kita-kita man sana hehehe.

YES. SM and Ayala Cinemas play the Phil.National Anthem during the first and last showing. I dont know with Robinsons.

My guess is right, thanks!

hakz2007

May 6th, 2009, 08:45 AM

Do I look really fresh?:lol:
Are you in Manila now, Josh2?

Thanks for the info!

Okay for those who are interested:

Assembly time is 6:00 AM at E-Mall's entrance Elias Angeles St. side
Itineraties:
1. Swimming at CWC Pool (We must be here earlier as soon as possible)
2. Dinner somewhere in Magsaysay or SM (Let's talk about this once we have assembled)
3. Bar Hopping at Magsaysay

okay thanks for the infos...i will attend pero sa aldaw lang..ang bar hopping dae na me makakaiba...

tomorrow kc punta ako ng masbate city dti provincial office then balik ako sa friday...then May 9 sa eyeball ako....

May 9 p.m. punta me legazpi city, then May 10...i will be departing for baguio again....hectic schedule ko.....

hakz2007

May 6th, 2009, 09:35 AM

Top 10 April 2009 Midwifery

The successful examinees who garnered the top 10 places in the Midwife Licensure Examination April 2009 are:

1. Iris Mae Belgado Relles, Bicol University-Tabaco City, Albay - 89.50%
2. Maiden Joy Nieva Mendez, Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges-Nabua - 88.95%
3. Florian Maurene Privaldos Palma, Naga College Foundation - 88.90%
4. Trixia Delos Santos Ortiz, Saint Joseph College-Cavite City - 88.85%
5. Karen May Novilla Mojica, Saint Joseph College-Cavite City - 88.75%
6. Jeanie Allen Marie Ibarrientos Beltran, Bicol University-Tabaco City, Albay - 88.65%
7. Harlene Mediado Baylon, Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges-Nabua - 88.60%
8. Jean Hazel Malto Firaza, Bicol University-Tabaco City, Albay - 88.50%
9. Ameera Sarah Niebres Baylon, Camarines Sur Polytechnic Colleges-Nabua - 88.35%
10. John Patrick Morales Dimarucot, Central Luzon Doctors’ Hospital Educational Institution - 88.20%

FYI: Though from Bicol University, the 1st and 6th placers are from Nabua. The 1st Placer, Iris Mae Relles is the daughter of Divina Belgado and Juan Relles of San Nicolas and La Opinion respectively.

The 6th placer, Jeanie Allen Beltran is the daughter of Dr. Stephen Beltran, the Municipal Health Officer of Nabua.

hakz2007

May 6th, 2009, 09:39 AM

randism

May 6th, 2009, 10:39 AM

5 out of the Top 10 Midwifery Board Passers are from Nabua!

"Nabua - the Midwifery Capital of the Philippines"

:banana::banana:congrats po sa ngamin na passers:banana::banana:

randism

May 6th, 2009, 10:45 AM

garzland

May 6th, 2009, 10:48 AM

5 out of the Top 10 Midwifery Board Passers are from Nabua!

"Nabua - the Midwifery Capital of the Philippines"

:banana::banana:congrats po sa ngamin na passers:banana::banana:

Congratulations to 5 Nabueños for getting into the top 10....Are there schools in Naga City offering Midwifery?

_mike

May 6th, 2009, 12:29 PM

5 out of the Top 10 Midwifery Board Passers are from Nabua!
Congrats sa mga board passers! :cheers:

"Nabua - the Midwifery Capital of the Philippines"

Congratulations to 5 Nabueños for getting into the top 10....Are there schools in Naga City offering Midwifery?

I believe Naga College Foundation and Ago Foundation (if it's still existing :D) both offer midwifery courses.

garzland

May 6th, 2009, 12:40 PM

^^Then what happened to NCF's midwifery education. No one was able to make it in the top 10.

_mike

May 6th, 2009, 01:06 PM

garzland

May 6th, 2009, 01:27 PM

^^Oops, sorry. I didn't see that!:D

I'm just wondering why most of the topnotchers are from Bicol? Where are those from prestigious universities in Manila?

kevinb

May 6th, 2009, 01:39 PM

18 Years ago I was on cinema in Manila before the film started they started to play the Philippine national anthem and ewerybody rased up to sing along.
Are you still doing this in the cinemas before a film start?

They still play the national anthem but no one stands now.

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_zLEnajP3-EI/SgAhorw8ZPI/AAAAAAAAAfU/iB9NhWMLtEc/s200/IMG_7048.jpg

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zLEnajP3-EI/SgAhoUjfqcI/AAAAAAAAAfM/vymf_iDG8qo/s200/IMG_7040.jpg

http://3.bp.blogspot.com/_zLEnajP3-EI/SgAhoUjfqcI/AAAAAAAAAfM/vymf_iDG8qo/s200/IMG_7040.jpg

Good news for pizza lovers/pizza addicts and Yellow Cab Pizza Fanatics!!
Yellow Cab Pizza Co. is now open in Naga City.
For deliveries within Naga City... call 472-2222

Source:http://nagacitydeck.blogspot.com/

Yellow Cab in Naga! I love their potato halves and new yorker pizza!

“More High-Paying Jobs Available to Filipinos”

Teletech is planning to establish five new call centers in the country. DTI is eyeing Camarines Sur in Bicol, Valencia town in Negros Oriental, Dumaguete City and Davao as new locations for Teletech’s expansion program.

Source:“More High-Paying Jobs Available to Filipinos”

Really good news! But I thought TeleTech has decided to put up a site in Embarcadero? :?

dandelionne

May 6th, 2009, 02:00 PM

They still play the national anthem but no one stands now.

Maybe at your place. Cz when I was in Cebu almost everyone stands up at the beating of the national anthem,even foreigners. Same goes in Manila.

garzland

May 6th, 2009, 02:12 PM

They still play the national anthem but no one stands now.
In Bichara cinemas, people still dd stand when I watch there.

Yellow Cab in Naga! I love their potato halves and new yorker pizza!
How much is the pizza?

Really good news! But I thought TeleTech has decided to put up a site in Embarcadero? :?

Maybe, they're planning in both areas.

kevinb

May 6th, 2009, 02:20 PM

Maybe at your place. Cz when I was in Cebu almost everyone stands up at the beating of the national anthem,even foreigners. Same goes in Manila.

Dunno. I'm here in Manila and I haven't experienced it in Ayala or in SM.

How much is the pizza?

I'm not sure. I seldomly go to Yellow Cab. Fan ako ng Sbarro eh. :D

What I will assure you is that it's not cheap. :lol:

garzland

May 6th, 2009, 02:39 PM

^^It's probably more expensive than Pizza Hut...

Arild

May 6th, 2009, 05:03 PM

YES. SM and Ayala Cinemas play the Phil.National Anthem during the first and last showing. I dont know with Robinsons.

Thanks then I must go to see a movie when we arive as I like to feel that paitriotism agin it was greate and somthing wery new for me;-):banana:
So if you see a forigner standing up in a Naga Cinema July 1 that will be me;-)

garzland

May 7th, 2009, 12:44 AM

^^Just curious, are you really a foreigner? What nationality?

garzland

May 7th, 2009, 12:47 AM

Naga’s i-Serve project to expedite delivery of services (http://positivenewsmedia.net/am2/publish/Health_21/index.shtml)

NAGA CITY, May 7 (PNA) --- Residents here will have another novel opportunity to fast track business transactions with the local government and other agencies. This, after the local government’s Innovative Service & Value Entitlement (i-Serve) program becomes operational following its formal public launching on May 17, at 2 o’clock in the afternoon, at the Naga City Gymnasium here.

The program, which falls under the innovative management component of the city government’s i-Governance initiative, will make governance processes and delivery of services more expeditious by maximizing the potentials of Information and Communications Technology (ICT).

Naga City, dubbed as the most multi-awarded local government unit for its innovative governance, has been a recipient of the 2004 United Nations Public Service Awards, for its commendable application of Information and Technology in Local Government.

The award was conferred by the UN-Department of Economic and Social Affairs on June 23, 2004. It is also a Hall of Famer after being cited thrice in a row by the National Computer Center as the local government unit with the best city website in 2004, 2005, and 2006.

Mayor Jesse Robredo stressed that the city’s i-Governance is a platform that seeks to advocate transparency, encourage meaningful participation by bringing the current partnership-and-participation-driven model of Naga governance to the level of the individual to ensure that all citizens have a voice in government decision-making and maximize the capabilities of ICT currently available to the local government as a “people tool,” enabling the city to expand is engagement with its constituency.

The i-Serve program is an innovation of the present procedures under the i-Governance which is being implemented by individual city agencies. It is a system change from recording on logbooks or forms to a unified computerized information system, which can facilitate immediate report generation and service improvement.

Consequently, the web-based i-Serve program also serves as a performance assessment tool for service quality and quantity evaluation of the individual agencies concerned and a continuing service innovation with the assistance of the i-Serve Information and Action Center.

Robredo said the program is also a service quality assurance project of the city government that will put into work a unified information system addressing problems in services integration, convergence and delivery.

It is also designed to record, monitor, and evaluate the delivery of basic services through the use of a computerized system which accounts and reports all service transactions utilizing the city website, www.naga.gov.ph.

The program will facilitate the availability of benefits and privileges by the target beneficiaries of the Naga City Privilege Card who are at least 18 years old, registered voter of the city, have filled up the i-Serve membership form and have had digital picture taken at the Electronic Data Processing Unit of the city.

Project Coordinator Nicolas C. Motos Jr. said i-Serve cards will be distributed during the launching day to the residents coming from barangays Abella, Dinaga, Igualdad, Sabang, San Francisco, and Sta. Cruz who underwent interviews during the data profiling last year.

Meanwhile, MMO Card Corporation president Marlyn Monte-Ortiz said her company will activate at least one card per household for it to be used as credit card in buying retail products at the Naga City Public Market.

She said the idea is being pushed through independently by MMO Card Corporation under its own venture called MMO’s Public Market Technology Development Project (PMTDP).

The Manila-based private company opens to qualified i-Serve cardholders the enrollment/membership in PMTDP which will also be launched along with the i-Serve program on May 17.
MMO is the city government’s partner in i-Serve program which collaborated in the series of data gathering/profiling activities in the city and the production of the Naga City Privilege Cards. (PNA)

randism

May 7th, 2009, 03:17 AM

They still play the national anthem but no one stands now.

Yellow Cab in Naga! I love their potato halves and new yorker pizza!

Really good news! But I thought TeleTech has decided to put up a site in Embarcadero? :?

siguro napag isip2 nila na nature's threat still there sea side yun eh by the pacific.and business process outsourcing needs stable and high to excellent capacity of telecommunication infrastructure which is in bicol CamSur and NagaCity has the ready capacity to cater as evidence all five Telco company are all upgrading and in fastract mode for Aerial and underground fiber optic cable roll out.For globe they are now ready to introduce Globelines outside of manila first in Bicol Naga city

venntro

May 7th, 2009, 03:54 AM

SM retail network reaches 100 with Bicol mall opening (http://http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=464890&publicationSubCategoryId=66)
By Zinnia B. Dela Peña Updated May 07, 2009 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines – SM Investments Corp., the holding firm for the various business interests of retail tycoon Henry Sy, said the number of its nationwide retail network has hit (SMIC) 100 with the opening of a department store and supermarket in Naga, Camarines Sur.

The group’s retail network now consists of 34 SM department stores, 25 SM supermarkets, 14 SaveMore branches, 13 SM hypermarkets and 14 Makro outlets.

SM Naga is the group’s 34th shopping mall and the first in the Bicol region. It has a gross floor area (GFA) of 64,870 square meters.

For the rest of the year, the SM Group will open a department store at the Annex of SM City Rosales, one more department store, one supermarket, eight SaveMore branches and six hypermarkets.

“SM retail’s sustained expansion nationwide fits well with the country’s consistently robust and dynamic consumer sector. Domestic consumer spending, supported to a large extent by remittances from overseas Filipinos, continues to grow. Thus, with the opening of SM’s 100th retail outlet, we intend to further enhance our product and service delivery, for the benefit of the millions of consumers within the SM world,” said SMIC president Harley T. Sy.

Last year, the group opened supermarkets in EDSA Pasay, Parkmall Cebu, Nagtahan, Marikina, Tanay, North EDSA and Cubao.

The total selling area of the SM supermarkets and hypermarkets consist of 256,007 square meters and 142,316 sqm.,respectively.

Slated for opening this year include SM Pamplona in Las Pinas and SM Rosario, Cavite. Sky Garden, an expansion phase of SM North EDSA, is also set to open this year. All these will expand SM’s gross floor area by five percent to 4.5 million sqm from only 4.3 million sqm in end-2008.

In the pipeline are SM Tarlac; SM San Pablo and Calamba in Laguna and SM Commonwealth. Makro, an unlisted company engaged in buying and selling of food and non-food items under warehouse club format, has 14 stores with total leasable space of 107,555 sqm. It was acquired by SMIC in 2007, through its parent holding company, Rappel Holdings Inc.

SMIC’s assets include SM Prime, the largest shopping mall builder in the country; Banco de Oro, the second-biggest lender in the nation by market value; SM Development Corp., which builds residential towers and offices for call centers; and SM Department Stores, the group’s vehicle for grocery operations.

Arild

May 7th, 2009, 04:23 AM

^^Just curious, are you really a foreigner? What nationality?

I´m Finn but still Caramoanon in hart!

garzland

May 7th, 2009, 04:29 AM

^^I'm glad you're heart is for Caramoan. I never expected that. You have fallen in love to Caramoan. I can't blame you, it's such a paradise.... Are you staying here for good?

Btw, I haven't welcomed you yet, I think... Welcome to this thread, Arild! :grouphug:

garzland

May 7th, 2009, 04:33 AM

siguro napag isip2 nila na nature's threat still there sea side yun eh by the pacific.and business process outsourcing needs stable and high to excellent capacity of telecommunication infrastructure which is in bicol CamSur and NagaCity has the ready capacity to cater as evidence all five Telco company are all upgrading and in fastract mode for Aerial and underground fiber optic cable roll out.For globe they are now ready to introduce Globelines outside of manila first in Bicol Naga city

Maybe they'll be putting branches in these two key cities in the region. But choosing Cam. Sur as their location is excellent since it's safer.

Thanks God, some companies are starting to make their utility wires or cables underground. Wish, Casureco would follow this. Kailan kaya yan :lol:

garzland

May 7th, 2009, 04:46 AM

garycooper

May 7th, 2009, 04:54 AM

Patronage politics is the reason why most places in the Philippines is not progressing.

Naga progressed when Robredo decided not to be a stamp- pad politician of his uncle/mentor 'the great trapo' Ex Camsur Governor and presently congressman Luis Villafuerte who does nothing but lick ass of whoever is in power.

Naga being a chartered city was declared the most improved City in Asia by Newsweek's Asiaweek Magazine in 1994. CameSur lagged behind.

When Governor LRey did a Robredo- (defied his father) look what happened to Camsur.

The City and the Province progressed due to their own effort, sweat and blood, despite lack of government support.

Progress due to patronage politics stops when the patron cease to be in power.

I completely agree with you here Naga Boy. What Naga and CamSur are now experiencing can be attributed primarily to the good governance of Jessie Robredo and LRay Villafuerte. I really salute these two guys. I wish we also have them in Legazpi and Albay.

The irony here is that the old man Congressman Villafuerte is supposed to be entrenched in the highest echelon of political power in the present administration being the President of GMA's own political party KAMPI. For all intents and purposes he could have used this position to pull strings so developments will be brought to Bicol or at least to CamSur. But all he does is politicking. This is where the line is drawn between him and Governor Salceda. At least the good Governor with his direct connection to Malacanang, he pulls strings to bring the developments to his province. I know some of you from CamSur are grumbling that Governor Salceda is bringing all the big projects to Albay. But of course. If you were in his place you will do the same, bring all the projects to Camsur. But the thing here is people from his place are at least benefiting from all these.

For me, RDC is not the deciding factor as to where the development of any place in Bicol is concerned. It is in the leadership of the province or city. Whether you are within the administration side or not, the leader of the place is the key. Example? You don't have to go far - Robredo and LRay. They are both in the opposition but look what they have done.

This early, I'm rooting for the possible presidential candidacy of Chiz Escudero not because I believe in him totally but because we can pin some hope on him to bring development to Bicol just like what Marcos brought to Ilocos. If he wants to improve travel to Sorsogon, there is no way CamNorte, Camsur and Albay will not benefit. See what I mean? Cheers!:cheers:

hakz2007

May 7th, 2009, 05:58 AM

I believe Naga College Foundation and Ago Foundation (if it's still existing :D) both offer midwifery courses.

Just arrived in Masbate City at 11:11 a.m. today. Time of departure was 7:29 a.m.

Lunch at Jollibee, Masbate City.

Will be going to DTI Provincial Office in the afternoon.

Arild

May 7th, 2009, 06:08 AM

Salamat garzland Staying for good not yes but eventually when our daughter is finished with her school here.
There are still some years left as nene´s only 11 years yet.
But the time is runing fast as I have somthing to look forward to.
A pension in Caramoan, Bicol:banana::cheers::banana::banana::banana::cheers:
^^I'm glad you're heart is for Caramoan. I never expected that. You have fallen in love to Caramoan. I can't blame you, it's such a paradise.... Are you staying here for good?

Btw, I haven't welcomed you yet, I think... Welcome to this thread, Arild! :grouphug:

hakz2007

May 7th, 2009, 06:13 AM

hakz2007

May 7th, 2009, 06:17 AM

Did you know that Kun Tao is from Nabua, Camarines Sur?

New martial art ‘Kun tao’ promotes fitness

By Marge C. Enriquez
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 19:06:00 05/04/2009

Filed Under: Martial Arts (general), Health

MANILA, Philippines – Asian martial arts will be the next big thing after outdoor fitness activities such as triathlons.

According to the New York Times, martial arts studios in the United States are eclipsing Dunkin’ Donuts outlets. Over two million Americans are getting into Oriental combat disciplines for sport or self-defense.

Many devotees are attracted by the combination of athletic strength and mental concentration. The article quotes an exercise physiologist as saying that the explosive combination of expanding and shortening, contracting and releasing the muscles build up power and suppleness. The coordination of various parts of the body at one time, while changing the center of balance and gravity, help strengthen the core muscles.

Martin Camara, chiropractor and head of the Intercare Healthcare Systems, sees “kun tao,” an unheard of martial art form, as a tool for wellness. Unlike other martial art forms which had become mere contact sports or combat disciplines, he was attracted to “kun tao” because of its holistic approach and philosophy.

He explains that “kun tao” originates from traditional military training, infused with oriental philosophies and practices such as meditation, breathing and the path to enlightenment.

“These contribute to the higher sense of awareness,” says Camara.

Complete workout

He was trained in the Imua Shan Tung style, which is characterized by sparingness of movement, animal stances, dynamically graceful blocking and suave wallops, circular and linear movements, high and low kicks, immobilizing the opponent, sweeping strokes and throwing—all of which have an elastic quality.

Camara learned this martial art from his associate, Doctor Armand Soto, his classmate at the prestigious Palmer School of Chiropractic and co-founder of Intercare. Soto is the Lineage Holder of Imua Shan Tung Kuntao, the system developed by a Dutch-Indonesian martial artist, Otto Vander Groen. Camara holds an honorary fourth-degree black belt for applying the principles in his profession.

Both “kun tao” and oriental healing arts focus on restoring balance and vitality to the body and realigns, the body, mind and soul. He views “kun tao’s” exercises and mental disciplines help in preventing joint and muscle dysfunctions, reduce stress, pump up body circulation and respiratory efficiency, increase range of motion and lessen pain. Hence, the Intercare staffers are also made to study it under Martin Boassen, a Norwegian health practitioner and a third-degree black belter.

“Kun tao is complete body conditioning. It is good to know how defend yourself. It’s better to know it and not need it than need it and not know it. If you had to do one thing that could involve physical and mental capacities and a meditative state, kun tao has everything,” says Camara.

The 90-minute workout consists of a warm-up stretching for 20 minutes, 45 minutes of fundamental movements and sparring. Towards the end of the workout, you pull out all the stops with physical strengthening exercises such as power jumps and tough push-ups.

These movements are coordinated with a variety of breathing processes. “Breathing emphasizes the potency of the movement. It supplies power to the muscles. Without breathing, you lose power. It also focuses the mind and sharpens the senses,” says Boassen.

Camara adds that in traditional Chinese healing arts, energy is controlled by breath. “Breathing drives energy to areas where you want them to go. Proper and coordinated breathing strengthens the diaphragm which, in turn, stabilizes the lower back and the abdomen for a stronger core.”

Benefits

Weight loss comes from the execution of the movements through cardiovascular conditioning and muscle tone from the static strengthening. “As you use the whole body, it draws out a lot of its resources, ” says Boassen.

“Kun tao” has psychological benefits such as conquering fear by constantly confronting it. Boassen explains, “When you’re past the beginner level, you are confronted with things that seem scary such as fighting and dropping. You learn to overcome them. In falling, you learn counter falling and how to become one with the ground as you fall. It becomes part of your strength and enhances your discipline. You train your brain and you think of obstacles as a tool against the blockage, instead of letting your mind magnify the obstacles.”

Camara says aside from his improved flexibility and muscle strength, he has gained more from the mental benefits of kun tao training. “The exercises are meditative. As the mind becomes clearer, you realize what is important. Kun tao allowed me to focus on what is important in life and helped me to separate from the ego. It has disciplined me to prioritize my time with work and children and build better relationships.”

Age is not an issue. Camara saw the late kun tao master Edgar Vander Groen, a scrawny octogenarian who kicked a hefty six-foot opponent. “As you get older, life experiences changes the way you move. The more hardships you’ve endured, the focus will be different.”

Kuntaw History

Origin and history as stated by 4th generation GrandMaster Lanada in his book 'Kuntaw - The Ancient Filipino Martial Arts' states, "Many people from other countries made the Philippines their home bringing with them many new fighting styles, contributing to the culture and martial way of fighting with both steel and rattan weapons (Kali) and hand and foot fighting (Kuntaw). No one can be sure exactly how Kuntaw and Kali originated, but it has proven to be an effective fighting art."

There are two theories passed down from his father and Grandfather.

One - Kuntaw is derived from two words - kunsagrado, meaning 'sacred', and hataw, meaning 'strike', thus Kuntaw - meaning 'sacred strike'. Taught to Muslim royalties 'Maharlika' along with Kali and developed in antiquity by an unknown person or persons.

Two - that Kuntaw came from Kuntao, the 'o' being changed to 'w' to better conform to the local dialect of the region. Kuntao traces its roots back 1500 years to ancient China. Legend tells of a Taoist Priest named Lama Darmon who left the Shaolin Temple during the Mongols Yuan Dynasty (1279-1368) and migrated to Indonesia. He was a master of Shaolin Chuan-fa 'Fist Fighting', Tai Chi Chuan, and Pa Kwa Zen (Pa Kua Chang) 'Eight Diagram Heaven'. With the heavy concentration of Muslims and the change in language his art became know as Koon-Tao 'Fist Way' or Chinese Kun-Tao.

Trading ships between the Philippines and Indonesia are presumed to have introduced Chinese Kun-Tao. The Muslims adopted it and made Kuntaw a secretive art taught to the Maharlika and thus Kuntaw concentrated in Mindanao and the southern Philippines, which is predominantly Muslim. The Maharlika trained in it alongside Kali. Here another transformation occurred and the fist was dropped almost entirely, emphasis was kept to open hand striking, soft defensive techniques, kicking, and groundfighting making Kuntaw a distinctly Filipino art.
There are few if any written records of this time period in the Philippines left, training and history is passed down through family trees, thus the secrecy. First written records came in 1521 when Magellan arrived at Cebu island.
Magellan involved himself in tribal disputes, him and many of his men died at the hands of Datu (Chief) Lapu-Lapu of Mactan island, who were trained in the Kali/Kuntawan way. The Natives were armed only with bamboo spears, blow-pipes, and fire hardened sticks (kampilan). They made a good showing of their skills against Magellan and his men armed with muskets, swords, and wearing battle armor. To this day Lapu-Lapu is regarded as the first Hero of the Philippines.
The Spaniards eventually returned and with superior weapons and tactics, such as converting tribes to Christianity and using them to conquer neighboring tribes, they started their 400 year reign, 1565-1889. The Muslims were never quite defeated and kept their faith intact and their skills secret. Soncuya, a Spanish historian of this time period mentions Filipino schools called 'Bothoan' that taught Kali and Kuntaw from the 13th century to the start of the Spanish occupation.
During the Spanish occupation many laws were imposed under the Royal Decree of King Philip II in 1583. All forms of martial arts were outlawed as well as the carrying of bladed weapons. Spanish was being taught in schools and Spanish surnames were directed to be used by all native Filipinos. The arts as seen were named Arnis de Mano 'Harness of Hand', Espada y Daga 'Sword and Dagger" and Escrima 'Fencing'.
The outlawing of training brought another major change in the arts. The Filipinos devised the Moro-Moro plays depicting the conquering and Christianization of the native Filipinos. Using sticks and wooden swords they were able to disguise training as play acting. Sticks were widely available and were used in the rice fields or jungles to search out snakes. Sticks replaced swords and the stick fighting arts became predominant and evolved to the present forms.
Through the Moro-Moro plays Kuntaws' present advanced forms were born, such as Singkilan, Maya, Sagayan and the Sayawans' (dancing). With stickfighting arts evolving the hand and foot fighting arts became separate entities again. The Kuntawan way predominated, but other arts such as Sikaran (foot fighting similar to Savate), Gumol/ Buno (native wrestling) appeared and ironically both are next to completely extinct.
The Spanish occupation came to an end when Admiral Dewey sailed into Manila bay and sunk the Spanish fleet during the Spanish/American war in 1898. During this change the Filipinos revolted and were finally subdued in 1901 with the capture of their leader Aguinaldo. Thus started the American occupation, but with the goal of giving independence once the government and people were trained to sustain themselves.

This set the stage for the coming of present day Kuntaw. In 1901 following the ceasing of hostilities with America an adventurer from the Tausog tribe of Mindanao - Yuyong Huenyo Lanyada came north to Luzon island to seek his fortune. He settled in Ogbon, Nabua, Cam Sur, which is close to Naga city and the Mayon volcano, in Albay province, Bicol region. This was an exceptionally fertile area close to the Abaca river and lakes Buhi and Bato. He changed the spelling of his name to better conform to the local dialect to - Yuyong Henyo Lanada.
In 1905 Yong Iban Lanada was born and in 1936 the present day GrandMaster - Carlito A. Lanada was born. The art of Kuntaw was passed from father to son as tradition dictated. In 1942 World War II was in progress and the Japanese occupied the Philippines. Yong Iban by then was well known for his Kuntawan way and was nicknamed 'Pilato', after Ponce Pilot, and became a commander in the Filipino guerilla fighters movement. Training his men in the Kuntawan way and trading sticks for bolos brought out the deadly Kali side of Arnis. Carlito then 6-9 years of age was used as a messenger carrying messages in coconuts to guerilla leaders. To this day he still remembers those nightly runs and the effectiveness of his families Kuntaw.
The conclusion of the occupation and war in 1945, started the real training for Carlito. His Lolo (Grandfather) Yuyong passed away in 1946 and his father became his mentor in the Kuntawan way. Carlito traveled with him when he went to local betting matches. Usually bets were in sacks of rice and rules/types of weapons if any were formalized before each match, many of which were death matches. He watched as his father won countless matches and his fame continued. Thus came his drive for training and knowledge in the martial way. Once of age he took the spirit of his Lolo and journeyed north in 1957 to find his fortune.
He settled in Olongapo city outside the U.S. Naval base, Subic Bay. By now other arts were arriving, Karate styles from Okinawa and Japan, Moo Du Kwon and Tae Kwan Do from Korea, and various Chinese Kung-Fu styles. To date his Kuntaw had been characterized by the use of the open hand and feet in combination with holding and locking techniques, it was a complete and effective guerrilla fighting style used in connection with Kali. Viewing, studying, and applying the various techniques available he saw the use of the fist and the formalizing of an art to proliferate it. With this in mind he formed the Philippine Karate/Kung-fu (Kuntaw) Association in 1957.
Being innovative and wanting an eclectic art he kept the soft catlike moves of his forefathers legacy and incorporated the best techniques he could find and developed hard style, thus comes the closing of the circle and the return of the fist art. Kuntaw is a hard/soft style with 43 distinctive forms, 86 basics, Arnis as its weapon, 7 lower belt levels, 5 black belt levels, 3 Master levels, 1 GrandMaster, and 1 Great-GrandMaster (retirement level). This hard/soft combination gives rise to numerous avenues of response to any kind of attack. Locks, throws, joint manipulations, sweeps, and punishing blows used in conjunction or simultaneously with a myriad of blocks characterizes Kuntaw today. To date his father had introduced the predecessor forms H-form 1, 2, and 4 and Sayawan forms 1, 2, and 4. The advanced forms Singkilan, Sampaguita, Mayon and Ibon-Limbas (Aguila) Eagle form were kept for the higher levels and specifically for family. Carrying this further he organized and perfected the forms X-A/B 1-5 (performed left then right side), added H-form 3, 5 and Sayawan 3, 5 and Maya for the beginners to study and perfect techniques. Advanced forms added were Kuntaw 1-3, Sagayan 1-3, Silangan, and Naga (Narra).
Blows are directed to vital points, this art is called Sapol. Out of the 108 recognized points on the body. Kuntaw stresses 36 major points that can be easily struck, grabbed or twisted for the greatest effect. These are further defined into one of the following categories: Vital - cause grave damage or death, Secondary - cause serious injury such as internal hemorrhaging, breathing difficulties or break bones, and temporary - cause pain, numbness, or loss of breath.
Power is what will make your blows effective. Kuntaw recognizes two types of power, external force and inner power (Kusog pang lo-ob), which is called Chi for Chinese arts and Ki for Japanese arts.
External force is that power developed from constant practice of technique with the proper use of the hip (balakang) and body (katawan). This is the bodies physical strength derived from weight training and dynamic tension. Proper use of weights is taught and dynamic tension, which is part of the advanced forms.
Inner power (Kusog pang lo-ob) is that power developed from practice of forms (anyo), breathing techniques (langhap), and meditation (pagnilay-nilay). The combination of these in conjunction with proper body mechanics and technique lead to this amazing power. This is why it takes many years to master and is taught at the advanced belt levels. Mastering external force is a good lead-in to this art.
Kuntaw Arnis (Kali) (formally Bugtungan), sometimes referred to as Kuntaw Lima - Lima (Five - Five), is the weapon art taught to students brown belt and above. Students are giving time to learn proper body mechanics first before giving a kampilan (stick), this way they can concentrate on the kampilan, which is an extension of the arm. There are 25 basics consisting of 5 strikes, 5 thrusts, 5 blocks, 5 disarms, and 5 locks, this the reference as Kuntaw Lima - Lima. Five basic forms and two advanced forms are taught. Numerous techniques are derived giving rise to a myriad of responses with any kind of kampilan.
In 1966 GrandMaster Lanada was rewarded by his peers the title of 'Youngest Filipino Martial Art Founder', in 1968 his organization became a founding member of the World Union of Karate-Do Organizations (WUKO), and in 1970 he became one of the founding members of the Philippine Karate Association. He changed the name of his organization to Maharlika Kuntaw Association, honoring the Filipino Muslim royalties from which Kuntaw came from. In 1974 he changed the name to Kuntaw ng Pilipinas following his award for work in the Filipino martial arts by then President Ferdinand Marcos, thus completing the formalization of Kuntaw as a completely Filipino national art.
With the closeness to the American base he trained many Americans and other foreigners, as well as many Filipinos who migrated to other countries. These Kuntawistas went to such countries as America, Saudi Arabia, Japan, England, United Arab Emirates, Canada, and many other countries to establish schools of their own. Thus in 1979 he held the inauguration of the International Kuntaw Federation (I.K.F.) thereby uniting all members of Kuntaw worldwide.
To date the Kuntaw Temple in Olongapo City is being cared for and run by his eldest son Carlito A. Lanada, Jr., and GrandMaster Lanada has moved to America with most of his family and bases the I.K.F. main headquarters in California. Within a few years of coming to the U.S. he had garnered the highest award by being a recipient of the Presidential Sports Award as a Martial Arts GrandMaster in 1993. GrandMaster Lanada has completed his book 'KUNTAW - The Ancient Filipino Martial Arts' in January of 1995 and has commenced compilation of an advanced book on Kuntaw. In 1996 he was inducted into the Martial Arts Museum of America and the International Karate Hall of Fame.
Kuntaw has come of age, from obscurity to international renown. In 1997 he founded a new worldwide organization - World Unified Council of Martial Arts, with 5 other GrandMasters.
The future is bright, his students and students-students are performing well and taking top places in any tournament they enter, either forms or sparring. Next step - to continue his life's dream as instilled in him from his father and mentor Great-GrandMaster Yong Iban Lanada (deceased 1982) and to pass on the legacy of Kuntaw to his kids, grand-kids, and all his devoted Kuntawistas.

Source: http://www.kuntaw.com/history.htm

akosijamir

May 7th, 2009, 08:19 AM

pwerte mag kinalas ngonian....

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/__abpEiACqgE/R4mDRokzfQI/AAAAAAAACGw/5WnECFLr97I/s1600/Kinalas.jpg

source: http://bigberto.blogspot.com/2007/05/kinalas.html

Ronskie

May 7th, 2009, 08:47 AM

Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 20:09:00 05/06/2009

Filed Under: Retail, Investments, Company Information

Most Read Other Most Read Stories x
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Close this MANILA, Philippines—SM group has hit the 100-store mark in the Philippines with last Friday’s opening of a new SM department store and a new supermarket at its newest shopping mall SM City Naga in Camarines Sur.

SM Investments Corp. reported to the Philippine Stock Exchange that its network now consisted of 34 SM department stores, 25 SM supermarkets, 14 SaveMore branches, 13 SM hypermarkets and 14 Makro outlets.

SM’s retail business is divided into two main segments, the nonfood group, which is principally SM department stores, and the food group, composed of SM supermarkets, SaveMore stores, SM hypermarkets and Makro outlets. The group expects a double-digit growth in retail sales to continue for the rest of the year.

“SM retail’s sustained expansion nationwide fits well with the country’s consistently robust and dynamic consumer sector. Domestic consumer spending, supported to a large extent by remittances from overseas Filipinos, continues to grow. Thus, with the opening of SM’s 100th retail outlet, we intend to further enhance our product and service delivery for the benefit of the millions of consumers within the SM world,” SMIC president Harley Sy said in a statement.

The high-volume, low-margin food and nonfood retail merchandising business accounts for the lion’s share or 85 percent of SMIC’s about P115 billion in annual revenues. In terms of net earnings, it contributes 40 percent, still the biggest contributor to the business, followed by shopping mall (SM Prime) with a 36-percent income contribution.

The group will also soon open a new SM department store at the Annex of SM City Rosales. For the rest of 2009, SM plans to open one more department store, one supermarket, eight SaveMore branches and six hypermarkets.

hakz2007

May 7th, 2009, 09:38 AM

By Tetch Torres
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 14:38:00 05/07/2009

Filed Under: Local authorities, Judiciary (system of justice)

MANILA, Philippines – The Supreme Court has denied with finality appeals to reverse its ruling that declared as unconstitutional laws that converted 16 municipalities into cities.

Voting 6-5, the court voided the following Republic Acts: 9389 (Baybay City in Leyte), 9390 (Bogo City in Cebu), 9391 (Catbalogan City in Samar), 9392 (Tandag City in Surigao del Sur), 9393 (Lamitan City in Basilan), 9394 (Borongan City in Samar), 9398 (Tayabas City in Quezon), 9404 (Tabuk City in Kalinga), 9405 (Bayugan City in Agusan del Sur), 9407 (Batac City in Ilocos Norte), 9408 (Mati City in Davao Oriental), 9409 (Guihulngan City in Negros Oriental), 9434 (Cabadbaran City in Agusan del Norte), 9435 (El Salvador City in Misamis Oriental), 9436 (Carcar City in Cebu), and 9491 (Naga City in Cebu).

“In view of the denial of the second motion for reconsideration, no further pleadings shall be entertained. Let entry of judgment be made in due course,” the high court said in a three-page resolution.

The court had voided the said laws converting the municipalities into cities in a resolution dated November 18, 2008.

The court said the municipalities were not exempt from the income requirement for cities of P100 million.

The income requirement for cities was raised to P100 million from P20 million after Republic Act 9009 amended the Local Government Code. The laws converting the 16 municipalities into cities were passed after RA 9009 took effect.

The court said “limiting the exemption only to the 16 municipalities violates the requirement that the classification must apply to all similarly situated.”

The high court made the ruling following a petition by the League of Cities of the Philippines, saying a wholesale conversion of municipalities into cities would reduce the share of existing cities of the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA).

hakz2007

May 7th, 2009, 09:39 AM

mainiton digdi sa masbate....siram sana kan danggit...

hakz2007

May 7th, 2009, 10:39 AM

All systems go for 12th Tour of CamSur

by GB Claveria

Camarines Sur Province (5 May) -- Its all system go for the Tour of Camarines Sur 2009 on May 26-27 highlighting this year's Kaogma Festival marking the 430th Foundation Anniversary of this province.

The Provincial Government here, led by Governor LRay Villafuerte, has spearheaded the staging of the Tour of Camarines.

Already known across the country, the bicycle race has drawn over 150 riders from all over the country as of registration cut-off time.

Over 50 riders, including national race veterans, come from nine other provinces and cities, led by 2003 Tour of Pilipinas champion Arnel Quirimit from Pangasinan and Merculio Ramos of Tarlac, who emerged first runner-up of the recently concluded Luquigaz Tour of Luzon'09.

Bicol riders, many of whom are veterans of the previous eleven Tour of Camarines Sur the likes of 2006 race champion Alvin Benosa, team mates Michael Pili and Alan Ricafort of Iriga City, this province, are however expected to give the visiting cyclists a stiff run for the top place.

The three-day bicycle race will traverse all four districts of the province; reeling off on May 25 from Caramoan to Goa, via Presentacion, Lagonoy and San Jose. The first lap of the race is a daunting rugged and predominantly steep 77-kilometer stretch, known among riders as the "killer lap" of the tour.

The second lap starts from Goa, crossing Tinambac, Calabanga, Bombon, Naga City, Pili, Bula and ends in Baao, with mostly paved 83-kilometer relatively easy-to-sprint distance for the survivors of the previous day's killer lap.

The third stage, dubbed the "endurance lap", kicks off from Baao and riders will negotiate a total stretch of 150-kilometer that will draw a circuit through Iriga City, Nabua, Bula, Minalabac, Sipocot, Cabusao, Libmanan, Pamplona, San Fernando, Milaor, Naga City ending a the Provincial Capitol Grounds in Cadlan, Pili town here.

The Tour of Camarines Sur features three categories-Sports, Fun Riders and Team-to be run simultaneously.

garzland

May 7th, 2009, 11:00 AM

Salamat garzland Staying for good not yes but eventually when our daughter is finished with her school here.
There are still some years left as nene´s only 11 years yet.
But the time is runing fast as I have somthing to look forward to.
A pension in Caramoan, Bicol:banana::cheers::banana::banana::banana::cheers:

Seems you know well how to speak our language. Good luck to your stay here, Arild! :cheers:

garzland

May 7th, 2009, 11:03 AM

Just arrived in Masbate City at 11:11 a.m. today. Time of departure was 7:29 a.m.

Lunch at Jollibee, Masbate City.

Will be going to DTI Provincial Office in the afternoon.

Seems very busy. Hope you can surely come with us on Saturday.

ayawu

May 7th, 2009, 11:28 AM

Here's the answer from Mr. Naga_boy

It might be Albay's idea but I believe it was brought out when Albay was still the top tourist drawer in the region. Time has changed. Thus, the plans could have been changed. Besides you already have an airport of international standards. Wouldn't it be fair if Cam. Sur should have one airport with equal standards of yours? Isn't that selfishness? Btw, as I have previously stated, the construction is already on-going so we can't do nothing but to wait for one that we have deprived for. This is just a case that the RDC must have been carefully studied.

And if we are talking about the location then all other provinces surrounding it are all to be pitied for.
Just imagine if international airport, international seaport, medical centers and educational centers will be planned to be established there, then, how about the other provinces? All blessings are in one basket. That's why I don't want UP Bicol to be set up here in Cam, Sur (I heard news regarding CSSAC to become UPBicol) nor in Albay (I heard that BU will become UP Bicol, too). I would rather see it somewhere in Sorsogon or Cam. Norte.

It would be good if each province has one center to be put up so as to have a fair share of everything. Napapagod ang taga-Masbate magtravel sa Albay, kung mayroong isang center sa Masbate di makararanas din ang taga-Albay kung pano magpagod magtravel sa Masbate, same goes with the other provinces.

Peace out!

Hahah. Toinks, the reason why developments are not still widespread coz funds has always been a constraint. That's why they have to look for the best possible location where to put all these infrastructures. Albay has been favored over and over again because of its CENTRAL LOCATION. Always remember that the Gov't doesn't have enough money to put the same structures to all the provinces. It wouldn't be cost-effective.

If you want to put all the regional departments in Masbate, it is a no-brainer decision coz it's WAY FARTHER from the rest of the other Bicolanos. Remember that Masbate is at the southernmost portion of the region. Albay is in the middle, that's why Albay is the location!

ayawu

May 7th, 2009, 11:30 AM

As it seems, putting up an international airport in Albay isn't much of a bad decision at all!

ayawu

May 7th, 2009, 11:35 AM

I hope u guys won't accuse Albay for selfishness. Infrastructures are mostly put up here because of GOOD LOCATION and not because of selfishness. Try to ponder the reasons why first before accusing. You're ruining the good ties between the 2 provinces...

ayawu

May 7th, 2009, 11:36 AM

I have no time for posting anymore but I have more reasons why I want the airport in Albay and not in Cam Sur...

_mike

May 7th, 2009, 11:47 AM

^^wow init hehe...cool lang padi...as what Garz have mentioned, and as we are all aware of, the airport construction is already underway...we can't do nothing to stop that and try to have it constructed in another place instead...as it stands, camsur, with the influx and steady growth of local/foreign tourists, urgently needs an airport that is at par with the international standards and can accomodate the steady growth of tourist arrivals...and with regard to selfishness, no comment na lang :D hehe ...we're keeping our fingers crossed..i just wish that the feasibility study for an airport in libmanan would push through...if i remember it correctly, someone has posted a bidding notice for a pre-feasibility study for an airport in libmanan...:cheers:

narumduman ko palan, does anyone has an update regarding the canaman-libmanan diversion road? :D

marlon_ld

May 7th, 2009, 11:51 AM

_mike

May 7th, 2009, 11:55 AM

hi,

it's nice t0 kn0w that our thread now is very active..:)

i also noticed the friendship that f0rumers, both the new ones and some familiar names here has started to build...hope i can be part 0f the circle..hehehe!

im not very active with the discussions here but i always visit the site...it's here that i check the latest happenings in our bel0ved city..

wish i can contribute more!

gudluck guys! keep the nagueno spirit alive!

Welcome padi! :D :cheers:

kevinb

May 7th, 2009, 12:56 PM

siguro napag isip2 nila na nature's threat still there sea side yun eh by the pacific.and business process outsourcing needs stable and high to excellent capacity of telecommunication infrastructure which is in bicol CamSur and NagaCity has the ready capacity to cater as evidence all five Telco company are all upgrading and in fastract mode for Aerial and underground fiber optic cable roll out.For globe they are now ready to introduce Globelines outside of manila first in Bicol Naga city

Globelines gonna penetrate Naga? Gudjeb! :banana:

Sana pati PLDT. :D

garzland

May 7th, 2009, 01:12 PM

Hahah. Toinks, the reason why developments are not still widespread coz funds has always been a constraint. That's why they have to look for the best possible location where to put all these infrastructures. Albay has been favored over and over again because of its CENTRAL LOCATION. Always remember that the Gov't doesn't have enough money to put the same structures to all the provinces. It wouldn't be cost-effective.

If you want to put all the regional departments in Masbate, it is a no-brainer decision coz it's WAY FARTHER from the rest of the other Bicolanos. Remember that Masbate is at the southernmost portion of the region. Albay is in the middle, that's why Albay is the location!

Toink! That's it, the government doesn't have enough funds so why waste money? I reiterate, Legazpi has already an international standard airport and Cam. Sur has none. So, it would have been better if the government had prioritized putting up an international airport in Cam. Sur rather than building another one in the same location. Isn't it a waste of money?

Did I say all the regional departments should be put in Masbate? No. What I said is putting a government center in each province of the region. One or two government centers would be enough depending on the location's strength or weakness. For instance; Cam. Sur is the food basket of Bicol so Department of Agriculture should stay here, Catanduanes is very prone to typhoons so PAG-ASA must be placed there, Department of Tourism could be placed in Sorsogon, (even Cam. Sur is the top tourist destination, I would love to see it there), DOST could be placed in Cam. Norte, DOJ could be placed in Masbate, DepEd must stay in Albay. See what I mean?

Putting it all together in one place violates the law of decentralization. Look at what is being done by the national government, most national offices are now being transferred in other regions so as to decongest Metro Manila andfollow the decentralization process.

Of course, it hurts to talk about this since, in the first place, Albay will get affected, your beloved province. :cheers:

Btw,There was a news of transferring out of some government centers before. According to it, this was proposed due to the present location's prone to natural calamities. That's why, here we are talking about prospects of where to transfer these offices if ever.

garzland

May 7th, 2009, 01:20 PM

I have no time for posting anymore but I have more reasons why I want the airport in Albay and not in Cam Sur...
We love to hear your reasons so as to clear us up. Mind you, we won't get hurt. :)
I hope u guys won't accuse Albay for selfishness. Infrastructures are mostly put up here because of GOOD LOCATION and not because of selfishness. Try to ponder the reasons why first before accusing. You're ruining the good ties between the 2 provinces...
We don't accuse the province itself, it's someone behind it.

Look at it this way, Cam. Sur hosted most of the regional offices in the 70's but, unfortunately, most of those were transferred in Albay due to political reason if I'm not mistaken. Cam. Sur is not in a central location but it was able to host those regional offices. Thus, it only shows that the location does not matter alone. So, if you reiterate about choosing Albay for its location then I'm totally sorry 'coz I won't believe you.:)

If ever, the governor of Cam. Sur does the same thing as yours, I would be of great disappointment....

Btw, this is not to ruin the ties between the two provinces but rather clearing up uncleared things that are hanging up at the back of our minds. It would be good, if it's brought out so as to make all things clear.

garzland

May 7th, 2009, 01:37 PM

olineil

May 7th, 2009, 02:45 PM

We love to hear your reasons so as to clear us up. Mind you, we won't get hurt. :)

We don't accuse the province itself, it's someone behind it.

Look at it this way, Cam. Sur hosted most of the regional offices in the 70's but, unfortunately, most of those were transferred in Albay due to political reason if I'm not mistaken. Cam. Sur is not in a central location but it was able to host those regional offices. Thus, it only shows that the location does not matter alone. So, if you reiterate about choosing Albay for its location then I'm totally sorry 'coz I won't believe you.:)

If ever, the governor of Cam. Sur does the same thing as yours, I would be of great disappointment....

Btw, this is not to ruin the ties between the two provinces but rather clearing up uncleared things that are hanging up at the back of our minds. It would be good, if it's brought out so as to make all things clear.

Guys...I think you are misunderstanding "Decentralization" of government. Decentralizing does not mean throwing all government offices to other places as against to a central location. Decentralization of government is giving autonomous power for every region or at the most province so as to have their own legislative council outside of the clout of Metro Manila. In other words Federalism or Parliamentary. If we take a look at the US they have all their Key Federal offices just a stone throws away from the whitehouse. Similarly Malaysia has created Puttrajaya to house all National Government offices in one gigantic area. It is just logical to put a government center in a certain place where it is accessible to Majority of the populace as a one-stop shop. Ideally it should be in a neutral area but in the real world there is no such thing. There will always be a geographic center for a certain region and "Unfortunately" for the rest of the region it is Albay. Yes I have to admit, it is a bonus for us albayanos that the government center is in our backyard... but it is also unfortunate for us since this will always be a catalyst for envy thus, we and our politicians are subject to backlashes just because of this situation alone. Though it is not official that Albay is the Regional Government Center (or Regional Capital) it is the logical geographic center of the region.... thus warranting it to host this government offices. Look heres an analogy, Our Father earns the bread for our family, thus he takes care of the money so that her can spend and distribute this blessing to everyone when needed... is it unfair for the father to hold all the money since he is the central member of the family or should he distribute the money to his children so that there is no sibling rivalry?

axel(08)brixx

May 7th, 2009, 02:59 PM

Hello Naga City ...!! it's raining heavy here in Marikina City ..!!

Welcome to all newbie guys ...!! :)

bobbymay74

May 7th, 2009, 03:05 PM

fil07

May 7th, 2009, 03:09 PM

narumduman ko palan, does anyone has an update regarding the canaman-libmanan diversion road? :D

watch this clip

Air Philippines landing in Naga Airport (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kn57usyOxxI)
2:50 San Miguel Bay
3:33 Bungad Island, Canaman- dyan ang proposed Libmanan-Canaman bridge
3:54 Cagbunga, Libmanan
4:13 Iquin, Canaman - inland islet
3:35 Gainza
5:21 Milaor
5:50 Minalabac proper

garzland

May 7th, 2009, 03:12 PM

This is really a good news, Having same "city name" is really confusing to others, specially in business matters. This is a good decision coming from the Supreme Court

I'm in favor, in that case, because some of these cities are actually don't deserve to be called as cities. Wish, the government would level up its standards in transforming municipalities to cities.

garzland

May 7th, 2009, 03:13 PM

Guys...I think you are misunderstanding "Decentralization" of government. Decentralizing does not mean throwing all government offices to other places as against to a central location. Decentralization of government is giving autonomous power for every region or at the most province so as to have their own legislative council outside of the clout of Metro Manila. In other words Federalism or Parliamentary. If we take a look at the US they have all their Key Federal offices just a stone throws away from the whitehouse. Similarly Malaysia has created Puttrajaya to house all National Government offices in one gigantic area. It is just logical to put a government center in a certain place where it is accessible to Majority of the populace as a one-stop shop. Ideally it should be in a neutral area but in the real world there is no such thing. There will always be a geographic center for a certain region and "Unfortunately" for the rest of the region it is Albay. Yes I have to admit, it is a bonus for us albayanos that the government center is in our backyard... but it is also unfortunate for us since this will always be a catalyst for envy thus, we and our politicians are subject to backlashes just because of this situation alone. Though it is not official that Albay is the Regional Government Center (or Regional Capital) it is the logical geographic center of the region.... thus warranting it to host this government offices. Look heres an analogy, Our Father earns the bread for our family, thus he takes care of the money so that her can spend and distribute this blessing to everyone when needed... is it unfair for the father to hold all the money since he is the central member of the family or should he distribute the money to his children so that there is no sibling rivalry?

First and foremost,as I have posted earlier, there was a news of transferring out of some government centers before. According to it, this was proposed due to the present location's prone to natural calamities. That's why, here we are talking about prospects of where to transfer these offices if ever.

You may be correct but every province has it's strengths and weaknesses which need an immediate action. As I have said, it depends on the location's weakness and strength. If the location, let say, Catanduanes, is very much prone to natural calamities it is just right to put PAG-ASA regional center there over the other provinces since it needs a very immediate action or whatsoever regarding that matter, same goes with the other. Other centers that don't depend much on the location's strengths and weaknesses could be considered to be placed in a central location and that is Albay.

Regarding the analogy, it's not unfair for a father to hold the money. It is his privilege to hold such; however, being the head of the family he must know who needs the most before giving it to the child. Why give it to the child who doesn't actually need it the most and urgent? Thus, as the head of the family, he must know how to prioritize and diagnose the problem of each child so as to know who will be given much attention and action urgently.:)

kevinb

May 7th, 2009, 03:28 PM

Regarding the analogy, it's not unfair for a father to hold the money. It is his privilege to hold such; however, being the head of the family he must know who needs the most before giving it to the child. Why give it to the child who doesn't actually need it the most and urgent? Thus, as the head of the family, he must know how to prioritize and diagnose the one who needs the money the most.

Very well said, Garz. Very well said. :applause:

garzland

May 7th, 2009, 03:30 PM

^^Thank you, kev! :lol:

kevinb

May 7th, 2009, 03:35 PM

You're welcome. :tongue2:

bobbymay74

May 7th, 2009, 03:44 PM

^^Thank you, kev! :lol:

Lalo tumatagal lalo tumitindi, Galing mo Garz :banana:

garzland

May 7th, 2009, 03:45 PM

^^Thanks, Bobbymay! :)

Btw, I saw the construction of Toyota Building at the back of Cosco. It's a bit decent and large enough. We'll take a pic of it soon.

kevinb

May 7th, 2009, 03:52 PM

Yey! Can you also take pics of the other new car stores there? Please?:D

Oh, BTW, I might be home during the third week of June. :)

garzland

May 7th, 2009, 03:54 PM

^^Ok, we will. As we head for CWC, we'll take pics of them.

Hope we can jam at that time...

kevinb

May 7th, 2009, 03:56 PM

^^ Thanks a many! :D

Sana. If I have lots of free time, we'll jam. SM or Magsaysay. :D

garzland

May 7th, 2009, 04:02 PM

^^Probably Magsaysay. SM is over-crowded while Magsaysay is more decent since it's a bit quiet and just enough for us to celebrate the arrival of the pioneer of this thread.:lol:

kevinb

May 7th, 2009, 04:07 PM

Shucks. Pioneer talaga. Hehehe. Siguro Magsaysay is better. I'm thinking of meeting with you guys during the night. Inuman galore! :lol:

garzland

May 7th, 2009, 04:13 PM

^^Matira ang matibay :lol:

San Diego would be good or probably East and West in Crown Hotel or Avenue Square. I tell you, East and West is one of the best. You'll get to witness the beautiful Plaza Quince Martirez sparkling at night. San Diego and East and West have videoke so for those who love to sing, bring it on!

kevinb

May 7th, 2009, 04:14 PM

Eeeeehhhh! Sa Magsaysay nga eh! Wag sa may Quince Martirez. :tongue2:

_mike

May 7th, 2009, 04:19 PM

^^Matira ang matibay :lol:

San Diego would be good or probably East and West in Crown Hotel or Avenue Square. I tell, East and West is one of the best. You'll get to witness the beautiful Plaza Quince Martirez sparkling at night. San Diego and East and West have videoke so for those who love to sing, bring it on!

Wow...sayang, i'll be in Naga on the 2nd week of June...Then on the 30th til July 2nd... :D

San Diego is a good place. I could also suggest Bistro Roberto, if you guys are into live band performances hehe

garzland

May 7th, 2009, 04:20 PM

^^Ngek! Oo nga pala! Sorry! Then Avenue Square is the best location.

garzland

May 7th, 2009, 04:23 PM

Wow...sayang, i'll be in Naga on the 2nd week of June...Then on the 30th til July 2nd... :D

San Diego is a good place. I could also suggest Bistro Roberto, if you guys are into live band performances hehe

Well, I love that idea!

Second week of June could be on June 10?

Is Lolo's Bar still holding live band performances, btw? 'Coz it seems it's been turned into a restaurant.

_mike

May 7th, 2009, 04:24 PM

Lalo tumatagal lalo tumitindi, Galing mo Garz :banana:
:cheers: agree
^^Probably Magsaysay. SM is over-crowded while Magsaysay is more decent since it's a bit quiet and just enough for us to celebrate the arrival of the pioneer of this thread.:lol:
Pioneer ka pala kev ng thread... cheers! :cheers:
Shucks. Pioneer talaga. Hehehe. Siguro Magsaysay is better. I'm thinking of meeting with you guys during the night. Inuman galore! :lol:
waah...garo para-inum palan ang pioneer kan thread. peace! :D

_mike

May 7th, 2009, 04:26 PM

Well, I love that idea!

Is Lolo's Bar still holding live band performances, btw? 'Coz it seems it's been turned into a restaurant.

Not sure garz, the last time i've been to lolo's was...hmmm, if memory serves me right, the place was still at trader's square :bash:...tama ba, nasa avenue square na ung lolo's?

garzland

May 7th, 2009, 04:29 PM

^^Right! When it was in Trader's Square, it had live band performances. Now, it's no longer that way.

bobbymay74

May 7th, 2009, 04:35 PM

[QUOTE=_mike;36317786]:cheers: agree

Pioneer ka pala kev ng thread... cheers! :cheers:

I will drink to that Kev :cheers: If we will be in San diego, Kev ikaw ang mag solo sa karaoke, kami ni Garz ang back up mo. kung sa bistro Kev, ikaw nasa unahan para malapit sa banda beauties lalo na kung hot legs mga singers :nuts: kami ni Garz sa likod lang,:banana:

_mike

May 7th, 2009, 04:39 PM

Well, I love that idea!

Second week of June could be on June 10?

Is Lolo's Bar still holding live band performances, btw? 'Coz it seems it's been turned into a restaurant.

Will be coming over to attend friend's wedding on the 13th. I might be in Naga on the 12th (a holiday :banana:) then leave for Laguna on the 16th...Hope i could meet up with you guys...

garzland

May 7th, 2009, 04:40 PM

^^Pwede rin akong makisali sa karaoke para umalis ang nakapaligid at masolo natin ang lugar :lol:

San Diego is indeed a nice place for this. If you want to play billiards there, you can; if you want to watch live band, there is; if you want to just have a conversation, you can.

garzland

May 7th, 2009, 04:41 PM

Will be coming over to attend friend's wedding on the 13th. I might be in Naga on the 12th (a holiday :banana:) then leave for Laguna on the 16th...Hope i could meet up with you guys...

Most probably, we would be meeting up with you on June 12 since it's holiday. Inuman galore naman siguro 'to. :lol:

olineil

May 7th, 2009, 04:43 PM

Look heres an analogy, Our Father earns the bread for our family, thus he takes care of the money so that her can spend and distribute this blessing to everyone when needed... is it unfair for the father to hold all the money since he is the central member of the family or should he distribute the money to his children so that there is no sibling rivalry?

Isn't this already what I said. When needed then distribute the blessings. Again when needed. You can't give a first year college allowance to a grade 5 student can you? Much like build an international container port in matnog when there are no single heavy industry nearby. Pantao port was commissioned for the benefit of the exporting industries of albay & camsur + additional accessibility benefit for the other provinces if needed. Now regarding building SLIA you have a point that camsur is in dire need of a better airport. But building SLIA in camsur just because your province is the top tourist destination now is too camsur/naga-centric. What if sorsogon overtakes camsur & albay in the next 5 years or 10. Should we build another international airport there? Then if catanduanes overtakes us? Then what? So isn't it easy to understand why this is the decision of the RDC? I'd say the best logical move is to upgrade naga airport with a longer runway until SLIA is operational since both legazpi and naga airports will be decomissioned when SLIA becomes a reality. And before SLIA is operational, RDC should fast track the GMA highway and really make it a dedicated highway for the benefit of faster travel to and from the airport from camsur. Also the existing maharlika highway should be upgraded to a dedicated highway even with just single lanes first but with enough Row on the center to upgrade it to 2-3 lanes bothways for the future demand. They should also push for a commuter train with a station at the new airport. This should initially service naga-legazpi route and when able sorsogon and camnorte. Catanduanes should be serviced by fastcraft with direct rail stations at tabaco and matnog or pilar.

Uswag naga & legazpi! Peace kita mga kabanwa!

garzland

May 7th, 2009, 04:56 PM

^^I would agree on International Container Port as that is meant to serve heavy industries and unfortunately, Sorsogon does not have much of it yet.

With regard to the airport, if Sorsogon overtakes Cam. Sur & Albay in the next 5 years or 10, build another airport? The answer is no. Again, it's a waste of money. Why build if there are already available international airports well-established in these two areas. The point that I'm taking on here is that while there is the availability of fund on building another airport at this very moment, it must have been carefully studied as to where else it should be built and what province is urgently needing it the most. See what I mean? I may favor building another airport there if the present airport is as the same as Camarines Sur's very own airport's status. But you have an airport at par with international standards and then suddenly another airport, at par again with international standards, is being built there? All the beautiful airports at par with international standards are built in one place, FOR WHAT?

It's like: Hey, we are geographically located at the center of the region so we must have 2 airports at par with international standards. Is that it? How illogical.

Peace! :)

garzland

May 7th, 2009, 05:58 PM

I completely agree with you here Naga Boy. What Naga and CamSur are now experiencing can be attributed primarily to the good governance of Jessie Robredo and LRay Villafuerte. I really salute these two guys. I wish we also have them in Legazpi and Albay.

The irony here is that the old man Congressman Villafuerte is supposed to be entrenched in the highest echelon of political power in the present administration being the President of GMA's own political party KAMPI. For all intents and purposes he could have used this position to pull strings so developments will be brought to Bicol or at least to CamSur. But all he does is politicking. This is where the line is drawn between him and Governor Salceda. At least the good Governor with his direct connection to Malacanang, he pulls strings to bring the developments to his province. I know some of you from CamSur are grumbling that Governor Salceda is bringing all the big projects to Albay. But of course. If you were in his place you will do the same, bring all the projects to Camsur. But the thing here is people from his place are at least benefiting from all these.

For me, RDC is not the deciding factor as to where the development of any place in Bicol is concerned. It is in the leadership of the province or city. Whether you are within the administration side or not, the leader of the place is the key. Example? You don't have to go far - Robredo and LRay. They are both in the opposition but look what they have done.

This early, I'm rooting for the possible presidential candidacy of Chiz Escudero not because I believe in him totally but because we can pin some hope on him to bring development to Bicol just like what Marcos brought to Ilocos. If he wants to improve travel to Sorsogon, there is no way CamNorte, Camsur and Albay will not benefit. See what I mean? Cheers!:cheers:

Unfortunately, there are many politicians who are not like Mayor Robredo nor Gov. LRay, and RDC could have lent a helping hand to these unfortunate places. Well, let's see!

Yes, definitely he would be of great help for us Bicolanos. But to remind you future president, don't forget Catanduanes and Masbate as these are geographically and economically the most deprived provinces in the region. You have the power to perk up things there.

:cheers:

akosijamir

May 8th, 2009, 01:09 AM

May 01, 2009 11:19:00
Doris Dumlao
Philippine Daily Inquirer

MANILA, Philippines -- Shopping mall giant SM Prime Holdings, Inc. opened Friday a mall in Naga City, the first SM mall in the Bicol region and also the first new mall to be opened this year by Henry Sy, the country's richest man.

The new mall in Naga City, the 34th in the SM chain, has a gross floor area of 64,870 square meters (sqm) and occupies 46,801 sqm of land. It has a leasable area of 31,398 sqm, 94 percent of which has already been awarded to various tenants.

The major tenants are SM Department Store and SM Supermarket, which will occupy 11,991 sqm and 6,413 sqm of floor space, respectively.

"Naga City may be considered as the nerve center of the Bicol region. It is home to large business establishments, universities, hotels, and regional government offices. It is also a transportation hub with the Naga Transport Exchange servicing almost all of the region's inter-municipality transportation. Its tourism industry is highlighted by the presence of the world-class CamSur Watersports Complex, one of the top tourist destinations in the country which played host to the 2008 world wakeboarding championship. These attributes make Naga City an ideal and suitable location for an SM mall," SM Prime president Hans Sy said in a press statement.

Other mall tenants include SM Appliance, Jollibee, Greenwich, Red Ribbon, Chowking, Max's, Gerry's Grill, National Bookstore, Watsons, and Ace Hardware, among others.

SM City Naga's amenities include a food court; four cinemas with a combined seating capacity of 1,400; and parking slots for over 1,000 vehicles.

For the rest of 2009, SM Prime is scheduled to open SM City Rosario in Cavite, SM City Pamplona in Las Piñas, the Sky Garden at SM City North Edsa and launch its expansion of SM City Rosales in Pangasinan.

By year end, the country's largest shopping mall empire is expected to have 36 malls in the country, with an estimated gross floor area of 4.9 million sqm. It also has three existing malls in mainland China and plans to build three more.

source: http://www.inquirer.net/

[dx]

May 8th, 2009, 02:03 AM

Hello everyone,

I have received a complaint regarding some allegedly "agitating", "unwarranted" statements. If your post is deleted consider it as a warning. You are free to report any post that you deem offensive and out of line.

Meanwhile, the following articles should help disprove the notion that the RDC serves the needs of only one province.

RDC 5 recommends projects for Economic Resiliency Plan (ERP) (http://neda5.net/rdc_web_2008/index.html)

The Regional Development Council identified projects for inclusion in the Economic Resiliency Plan (ERP), during its February 4 meeting at the NEDA Region 5, Legazpi City.

According to RDC Chairman, Governor Joey Sarte Salceda, the government must invest in infrastructure to create jobs and upgrade the country’s capital stock for faster economic growth. The proposed priority infrastructure projects are supportive to the objectives and strategies of the Updated Bicol Regional Development Plan (RDP).

The RDC recommended immediate implementation of the following infrastructure projects:

(1) Construction of Bicol International Airport (New Legazpi Airport);
(2) Rehabilitation of Pantao Port;
(3) Concreting of Libon-Marocmoc-Pantao Road;
(4) Improvement of Catanduanes Circumferential Road, Phase 2;
(5) Improvement of Sipocot-Baao Road Section;
(6) Construction of Caramoan Peninsula Road;
(7) Construction GMA Highway (Cam. Sur-Albay diversion Road);
(8) Construction of Albay West Coast Road;
(9) Concreting of Bagong Silang-Capalonga Road;
(10) Concreting of Tinambac-Siruma Road;
(11) Improvement and asphalt overlaying of Andaya Highway;
(12) Construction of Balud Port;
(13) BRBWMP – Flood and Hazard Mitigation component;
(14) BRBWMP – Irrigation Modernization Component;
(15) BRBWMP – Watershed Management and Development Component;
(16) Libmanan-Cabusao Dam Project;
(17) Mainline South Railway Project, Phase 1B (Lucena-Legazpi Section;)
(18) Mainline South Railway Project Phase II (Extension to Matnog, Sorsogon.

***

P16.3-B investment in various projects in Bicol region seen (http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=202846)

LEGAZPI CITY, May 6 (PNA) – The Regional Development Council (RDC) in Bicol has identified and endorsed a P16.3 billion worth of various socio-economic and infrastructure projects to cushion the impact of the global financial crunch and spur the region’s economy by 2010.

RDC Bicol chairman Joey Salceda said during the full council meeting held Wednesday that comprehensive regional measures are now in placed to help reduce inflation in Bicol. Salceda said the provincial government of Camarines Sur has allotted some P10 million as start-up capital for micro-lending in the province. They will put up a small business that will benefit some 20,000 micro-entrepreneurs of 60,000 families.

The Department of Agrarian Reform’s P8.6-billion allotment to develop agrarian reform communities (ARCs) in provinces with high incidence of poverty will include 152 ARC beneficiaries in Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte and Sorsogon.

“The fund comes from Asian Development Fund and the OPEC Fund for International Development (OFID),” Salceda said. He told the RDC members that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo issued an Executive Order no. 779, amending Executive Order 634, citing that the Bicol Calamity Assistance and Rehabilitation Effort Committee (B-CARE) needs more time to complete its mandate after enduring some setbacks causing inevitable spillover until June 2010.

Salceda said the Spanish government, through the Agencia Espanol de Cooperacion International para el Desarrollo (AECID), turned over P110 million worth of infrastructure projects to Albay province.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) regional office here, on the other hand, bidded out a total of P2.923 billion pump-priming projects as part of the stimulus program of the government. The amount covers the implementation of a total of 87 projects in the six provinces of the Bicol region.

In rice production, the Department of Agriculture (DA) regional office reported that more than P80 million worth of potential rice yield by farmers in the provinces of Catanduanes, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes and Sorsogon were lost due to continues rains and floods in the past several weeks of January 2009.

In Albay province, thousands of rats attacks some 700 hectares of rice lands and feasted on newly-planted rice crops, thus threatening the rice production target of the province. Salceda earmarked some half a million for the purchase of the much needed rodenticides and other preventive farm inputs against other pests. Continuous rains and floods since December last year were blamed for the hiding places to look for food and alternative shelters. (PNA)
LDV/LQ/MDR

garzland

May 8th, 2009, 02:22 AM

^^We've been reported? Naghanap pala ng SOS :lol: :cheers:

Thanks, dx! At least you have enlightened us, especially me, a bit. But regarding the airport?:ohno:

Is there any other project for Masbate?

If we haven't brought this out, our questions would still be hanging out at the back of our minds. So, at least, it's a bit clear to us.

bobbymay74

May 8th, 2009, 02:40 AM

I-Serve Project to be launched

Email this article | Post a comment
Thursday May 7, 2009
Naga’s i-Serve project to be launched

NAGA CITY --- Nagueños will have another novel opportunity to speed up business transactions with the local government and other agencies. This, after the local government’s Innovative Service & Value Entitlement (i-Serve) program becomes operational following its formal public launching on May 17, at 2 o’clock in the afternoon, at the Naga City Gymnasium here.

The program, which falls under the innovative management component of the city government’s i-Governance initiative, will make governance processes and delivery of services more expeditious by maximizing the potentials of Information and Communications Technology (ICT).

Naga City, dubbed as the most multi-awarded local government unit for its innovative governance has been a recipient of the 2004 United Nations Public Service Awards, for its commendable application of Information and Technology in Local Government. The award was conferred by the UN-Department of Economic and Social Affairs on June 23, 2004. It is also a Hall of Famer after being cited thrice in a row by the National Computer Center as the local government unit with the best city website in 2004, 2005, and 2006.

Mayor Robredo stressed that the city’s i-Governance is a platform that seeks to advocate transparency, encourage meaningful participation by bringing the current partnership-and-participation-driven model of Naga governance to the level of the individual to ensure that all citizens have a voice in government decision-making and maximize the capabilities of ICT currently available to the local government as a “people tool,” enabling the city to expand is engagement with its constituency.

The i-Serve program is an innovation of the present procedures under the i-Governance which is being implemented by individual city agencies. It is a system change from recording on logbooks or forms to a unified computerized information system, which can facilitate immediate report generation and service improvement.

Consequently, the web-based i-Serve program also serves as a performance assessment tool for service quality and quantity evaluation of the individual agencies concerned and a continuing service innovation with the assistance of the i-Serve Information and Action Center.

Robredo said the program is also a service quality assurance project of the city government that will put into work a unified information system addressing problems in services integration, convergence and delivery.

It is also designed to record, monitor, and evaluate the delivery of basic services through the use of a computerized system which accounts and reports all service transactions utilizing the city website, www.naga.gov.ph.

The program will facilitate the availment of benefits and privileges by the target beneficiaries of the Naga City Privilege Card who are at least 18 years old, a registered voter of the city, have filled up the i-Serve membership form and have digital picture taken at the Electronic Data Processing Unit of the city.

Project Coordinator Nicolas C. Motos Jr. said i-Serve cards will be distributed during the launching day to the residents coming from barangays Abella, Dinaga, Igualdad, Sabang, San Francisco, and Sta. Cruz who underwent interviews during the data profiling last year.

Meanwhile, MMO Card Corporation President Marlyn Monte-Ortiz (of Naga City and Milaor, Camarines Sur) said her company will activate at least one card per household for it to be used as credit card in buying retail products at the Naga City Public Market.

She said the idea is being pushed through independently by MMO Card Corporation under its own venture called MMO’s Public Market Technology Development Project (PMTDP).

The Manila-based private company opens to qualified i-Serve cardholders the enrolment/membership in PMTDP which will also be launched along with the i-Serve program on May 17.

MMO is the city government’s partner in i-Serve program which collaborated in the series of data gathering/profiling activities in the city and the production of the Naga City Privilege Cards.
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Thursday May 7, 2009

COMMENTS on this Article

21'st Century Privilege Card, great Innovation

akosijamir

May 8th, 2009, 02:45 AM

http://images.shirlygache.multiply.com/image/7/photos/3/600x600/26/pulang-daga-resort-Paracale-C.-N..jpg?et=esN9ypQi%2C0XeXzCHiBwXTQ&nmid=103737853

http://images.shirlygache.multiply.com/image/7/photos/3/600x600/27/pulang-daga-paracale.jpg?et=st5yyuOKq9nlbQ6bpWBU7A&nmid=103737853

http://images.shirlygache.multiply.com/image/7/photos/3/600x600/28/pulang-daga.jpg?et=CEG2%2BAw%2CQI8oJaAoYRv%2C%2Cw&nmid=103737853

source: multiply.com

akosijamir

May 8th, 2009, 02:54 AM

By Mike dela Rama

LEGAZPI CITY, May 7 (PNA) – The Philippine National Railways (PNR) management announced Wednesday that construction of new central station in Naga city to serve as railway terminal in Bicol is expected to be completed before the end of 2009.

Nicolas Beda Priela, Private Sector Consultant To the PNR, told members of the Regional Development Council (RDC) during the full council meeting that repair and rehabilitation of rail tracks and bridges were on-going.

He said the PNR south rail rehabilitation and reopening of Manila-Bicol line include the refurbishing of two locomotive engines and five passenger coaches stranded at the PNR Naga Station since Typhoons Milenyo and Reming in 2006 and repair of selected train stations between the coverage area.

Other works to be undertaken for the reopening of the Manila-Bicol line were the replacement of rotten wooden ties with concrete ties, replacement of rotten bridge and switch ties, widening of embankments, construction of concrete lined ditch canals, refurbishment of rolling stocks including locomotive engines, passenger coaches as well as freight cars.

“Our target completion will be on December 2009 and target full operation is on May 2010,” Priela said.

For the partial mechanization of track maintenance, the management will also implement full computerization of all PNR operational systems procedures.

On the initial stage were the improvement and strengthening of two major bridges and 7 minor bridges; Improvement of drainage system;

Provision of protection devices in 46 road-rail level crossings; rehabilitation of stations and flag stops;

Rehabilitation of signaling and communication equipment and facilities, and acquisition of 15 train sets.

“All these are now on its initial stage,” Priela said.

He also said that upgrading and implementation of the south rail and Sorsogon Extension Project Phase 1-A are included in the major short term rehabilitation plan of the PNR Bicol line.

The component of south rail-Sorsogon Extension Project include: a) upgrading from rehabilitation of the existing narrow gauge rail to establishment of new standard gauge rail tracks along side the existing Manila-Bicol line; b) implementation of the upgraded project with the new standard gauge rail for the high speed passenger train service. (PNA)
DCT/wi/LQ/MDR/cbd

source: http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=202890

fil07

May 8th, 2009, 03:32 AM

http://www.naga.gov.ph/gallery/photos/1/1_20090504083044.jpg

Mayor Jesse Robredo with local historian Jose Barrameda Jr. and artist Jose Barcena Jr. during the formal unveiling of the proposed heroes monument at the historic Almeda's residence along Abella Street. The monument will depict heroism and courage of Bicolano heroes and martyrs during the Spanish revolution, the proposed location is the center island along Caceres Street historically is known as Pugad Lawin.

fil07

May 8th, 2009, 03:33 AM

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_0vuQhag2Uqk/SM-BYLA21FI/AAAAAAAAAVY/eb7KiPf91Kg/s320/Plaza+de+Nueva+Caceres.JPG

garycooper

May 8th, 2009, 03:40 AM

Unfortunately, there are many politicians who are not like Mayor Robredo nor Gov. LRay, and RDC could have lent a helping hand to these unfortunate places. Well, let's see!

Yes, definitely he would be of great help for us Bicolanos. But to remind you future president, don't forget Catanduanes and Masbate as these are geographically and economically the most deprived provinces in the region. You have the power to perk up things there.

:cheers:

That is why I salute you people from Camarines Sur and Naga for choosing to elect Robredo and LRay against all odds. Had you chosen the candidates of Luis Villafuerte and the administration, maybe you won't have the kind of development that you have now and SM would not have decided to build its first mall in Bicol in your city. Investors go to places where they are welcomed so they have peace of mind that they won't be shortchanged because they get the full cooperation of the leadership of the place.

If you will go to the Ilocos Region now, the first thing that you will notice is the very good condition of the roads from Pangasinan to Ilocos Norte and even up to Abra. These roads were built in the late sixties and early seventies and up to now they only have minor repairs. So that is now about 40 years! The reason? Marcos made sure that the quality of these roads when they were built were of the top quality. Compare these roads now to the Maharlika Highway in Bicol which was also built in the early seventies and you will find out that the Bicol highway have had countless major repairs already. The Bicol highways suffered the same fate like any other road projects in the Philippines - from the corrupt practices of our government officials - the commissioners! Catanduanes and Masbate are part of Bicol so I'm sure they will enjoy the benefits too. Sayang, Raul Roco should have been our first Bicolano president.

fil07

May 8th, 2009, 03:47 AM

Your beloved governor (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IZFqSOL2iHA)

olineil

May 8th, 2009, 03:57 AM

It's like: Hey, we are geographically located at the center of the region so we must have 2 airports at par with international standards. Is that it? How illogical.

Peace! :)

garz, nobody's gonna have 2 airports nowhere. I'll say it again existing legazpi will be decomissioned including naga's when SLIA is operational. I will be the first to protest if this happens (leaving both airports still operating). That would be plain stupidity. What's wasteful is commissioning another feasibility study and possibility of building an airport in libmanan when existing naga airport can easily be upgraded.

Here are pros and cons of building the new
airport re few possible places in camsur and albay:
Libmanan or rinconada area:
pros:
- located in the most active tourism destination at the moment.
Cons:
- only 3 province will have direct access
- very prone to flooding in rinconada
- libmanan, not sure but the travel distance will be detrimental to Masbate, sorsogon & catanduanes.

Daraga:
pros:
- 3 provinces has direct land access + catanduanes has direct port link to albay.
- accessible to northern Samar via sorsogon.
- situated in a plataue so flooding is alreadyruled out.
- stone throws away from a railroad
- still very accessible to camsurs tourist destination.
cons:
- distance is detimental to cam norte

fil07

May 8th, 2009, 04:15 AM

Today's PDA-PBB CamSur audition was postponed due to Typhoon Emong. Baka sa SM na ang audition. Try kamo. haha

fil07

May 8th, 2009, 04:19 AM

Dato and LRay plan to contruct an airport in Libmanan and Caramoan, respectively.

garzland

May 8th, 2009, 04:23 AM

garz, nobody's gonna have 2 airports nowhere. I'll say it again existing legazpi will be decomissioned including naga's when SLIA is operational. I will be the first to protest if this happens (leaving both airports still operating). That would be plain stupidity. What's wasteful is commissioning another feasibility study and possibility of building an airport in libmanan when existing naga airport can easily be upgraded.

Here are pros and cons of building the new
airport re few possible places in camsur and albay:
Libmanan or rinconada area:
pros:
- located in the most active tourism destination at the moment.
Cons:
- only 3 province will have direct access
- very prone to flooding in rinconada
- libmanan, not sure but the travel distance will be detrimental to Masbate, sorsogon & catanduanes.

Daraga:
pros:
- 3 provinces has direct land access + catanduanes has direct port link to albay.
- accessible to northern Samar via sorsogon.
- situated in a plataue so flooding is alreadyruled out.
- stone throws away from a railroad
- still very accessible to camsurs tourist destination.
cons:
- distance is detimental to cam norte

Upgrading Naga airport is costlier than upgrading Legazpi airport, if that's the case. Remember that Legazpi airport is already at par with international standards compared to Naga's. So, building a new one in Cam. Sur and upgrading Legazpi's would be more feasible rather than upgrading Naga's and building a new one there.

• Legazpi's present airport would serve nearer areas such as Sorsogon, Catandiuanes, some portions of Masbate, Samar, and, of course, Albay.
• Naga's would serve southern Quezon, Cam. Norte, some portions of Masbate, and Cam. Sur itself.

Rinconada flooding? Naah, not a big deal 'coz that's just for a moment and besides GMA Highway is underway.

garycooper

May 8th, 2009, 05:23 AM

Upgrading Naga airport is costlier than upgrading Legazpi airport, if that's the case. Remember that Legazpi airport is already at par with international standards compared to Naga's. So, building a new one in Cam. Sur and upgrading Legazpi's would be more feasible rather than upgrading Naga's and building a new one there.

• Legazpi's present airport would serve nearer areas such as Sorsogon, Catandiuanes, some portions of Masbate, Samar, and, of course, Albay.
• Naga's would serve southern Quezon, Cam. Norte, some portions of Masbate, and Cam. Sur itself.

Rinconada flooding? Naah, not a big deal 'coz that's just for a moment and besides GMA Highway is underway.

I believe the Naga airport in Pili should be improved even with the BIA in Daraga. Naga's airport is still very important for Domestic flights and it should still be profitable. However, Bicol should only have one international airport and the choice of Daraga/Legazpi is the most logical for reason of convenience for the other provinces. It is still convenient to use a local international airport in Daraga if you are from the other Bicol provinces, because it is nearer and cheaper rather than going to Manila. Like if somebody from Daet or Matnog wants to go to Hongkong, if the flight is available at BIA, then this traveler will no longer have to go to NAIA. Imagine if you will go to NAIA you will still travel overnight if you will come from Bicol and maybe stay another overnight in Manila. Whereas if we now have the BIA, you will only travel 2 to 3 hours to get to the airport for your Hongkong flight.

randism

May 8th, 2009, 05:50 AM

I believe the Naga airport in Pili should be improved even with the BIA in Daraga. Naga's airport is still very important for Domestic flights and it should still be profitable. However, Bicol should only have one international airport and the choice of Daraga/Legazpi is the most logical for reason of convenience for the other provinces. It is still convenient to use a local international airport in Daraga if you are from the other Bicol provinces, because it is nearer and cheaper rather than going to Manila. Like if somebody from Daet or Matnog wants to go to Hongkong, if the flight is available at BIA, then this traveler will no longer have to go to NAIA. Imagine if you will go to NAIA you will still travel overnight if you will come from Bicol and maybe stay another overnight in Manila. Whereas if we now have the BIA, you will only travel 2 to 3 hours to get to the airport for your Hongkong flight.

wheww!! okey lang siguro magkaigwa nin duwang modern airport and in the time of operation good luck kong sisay ang mag prosper so be it....sya ang maging international anyway libmanan airport development well not swallow much of that government fund because there will be a JV for it with private sector.

randism

May 8th, 2009, 06:10 AM

Dato and LRay plan to contruct an airport in Libmanan and Caramoan, respectively.

Rather than an airstrip maybe a rail road is more feasible from Naga city to southernmost point of Caramoan,in anticipation of the future, Who know's a mega bridge can be a real possibility for the whole province of Catanduanes to be connected to the mainland of luzon,since southernmost point of Caramoan and the northeastern tip of San Andres town in Catanduanes with Palompon island in the middle is just merely less than 10km:)

garzland

May 8th, 2009, 10:13 AM

I believe the Naga airport in Pili should be improved even with the BIA in Daraga. Naga's airport is still very important for Domestic flights and it should still be profitable. However, Bicol should only have one international airport and the choice of Daraga/Legazpi is the most logical for reason of convenience for the other provinces. It is still convenient to use a local international airport in Daraga if you are from the other Bicol provinces, because it is nearer and cheaper rather than going to Manila. Like if somebody from Daet or Matnog wants to go to Hongkong, if the flight is available at BIA, then this traveler will no longer have to go to NAIA. Imagine if you will go to NAIA you will still travel overnight if you will come from Bicol and maybe stay another overnight in Manila. Whereas if we now have the BIA, you will only travel 2 to 3 hours to get to the airport for your Hongkong flight.

Naga's airport is actually profitable; however, most of its supposed-to-be passengers chose Legazpi over Naga's as it is more convenient due to its longer runway that's why, most of you may say, that Legazpi airport is booming. If you read newspapers and listen over the radio, you will see and hear the complaints regarding Naga Airport.

Do you think bigger airlines such as PAL, Cebu Pacific and many others would choose Naga? Definitely not? Why? Because of its runway, as simple as that. Large aircraft could not be accommodated in Naga airport that's why more airline companies are choosing Legzapi over Naga. That's plain and simple! Kaya natural, lalapit at lalapit ang malaking manok sa napakalaking palay! Iyong maliit na palay, iiwanan ng malaking manok kasi hindi kasya sa kanya yun...

garzland

May 8th, 2009, 10:19 AM

wheww!! okey lang siguro magkaigwa nin duwang modern airport and in the time of operation good luck kong sisay ang mag prosper so be it....sya ang maging international anyway libmanan airport development well not swallow much of that government fund because there will be a JV for it with private sector.

Having two international airports is not a problem. Bacolod and Iloilo have international airports. Bacolod serves the areas of Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental while Iloilo serves the whole island of Panay.

If ever, SLIA would be realized, it would serve,as I have mentioned, Southern Quezon, Cam. Norte, some parts of Masbate, and Cam. Sur.

Let's see, which will be more profitable.

lochinvar

May 8th, 2009, 11:01 AM

hakz2007

May 8th, 2009, 11:43 AM

just arrived from Masbate....mainit duman mauran digdi sa CamSur....

ETD Masbate Port - 10:07 a.m.
ETA Pilar Port - 1:54 p.m.

Back to Nabua - 4:38 p.m.

My Schedule tomorrow:

6 a.m. - Will attend the Eyeball
3:30 p.m. - Going to Legazpi City

May 10 - BAck to Baguio City...

gurugeri

May 8th, 2009, 01:31 PM

Was in Naga yesterday but wasn't able to get inside of SM. Was simply looking at it from the outside the van terminal. My co-teacher said hindi pa pala nagbubukas yung ibang tenants? How true?

garzland

May 8th, 2009, 01:53 PM

^^Probably 4-6 stores are not yet opened. This includes Maxx Restaurant, a computer store, and I forgot the others. They're still fixing and do some finishing touches of their stores.

garzland

May 8th, 2009, 01:55 PM

Kaogma festival at SM City Naga (http://www.bicolmail.com/issue/2009/may07/xsmc.html)

The fun just can't stop at SM City Naga. The Kaogma Festival, the hottest festival in the world, goes to the coolest mall in town!

May 6 is the elimination for the finalists of the Hotkids Talent Search. Witness Bicolano rising stars showcase their wares in all cuteness and wit. Watch them sing, dance, act and what-not?

May 7 is the day for the dance floor. Watch the hippest dance moves and flashiest flips during the CamSur: The Blaze and Wave Adventure featuring The LRay Dancers.

May 15 is a date to remember for all who wear their hearts for crooners and divas. The sweetest voices will converge for the Kaogma Dalan sa Kalangitan. Be there when the mall heats up with sunny falsettos and cools down with icy crack voices as the best of the best Bicolano singers compete for their way to stardom heaven.

May 24 has advocacy rhyming with fanfare and glamor as beauty queens and designers showcase their grace and art for the Ms. Kaogma Charity and Fashion Show. Catch the catwalk, get caught in bliss as beauty and charity combine.

Truly the fun just can't stop at SM City Naga. We've got it all for you!

garzland

May 8th, 2009, 01:58 PM

Bicol biz week, South Luzon Area confab reel off in Naga (http://www.bicolmail.com/issue/2009/may07/xbiz.html)

NAGA CITY --- The much awaited week long 5th Bicol Business Week will kick off Wednesday next week (May 10) with the opening program at 4:00 p.m. at the elegant Avenue Plaza here, to be followed by the formal cutting of ribbons of the trade fair and exhibits at the Avenue Plaza grounds.

The business week will be twinbilled by the holding here of the 18th South Luzon Area Conference, an annual regional conference of various business chambers of commerce in Luzon south of Manila. This is not the first time that this city, in cooperation with the multi- awarded Metro Naga Chamber of commerce and Industry, has been hosting this prestigious gathering of business leaders from Bicol, the Calabarzon area, and the outlying cities south of Metro Manila.

Mayor Jesse M. Robredo and the city’s first lady, Atty. Leni G. Robredo, will lead the formal opening, to be assisted by Alberto Bercasio, president of the Metro Naga Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Trade and Industry Regional Director Jocelyn Lb. Blanco, Bicol Regional Governor of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) Nicolas Beda Priela, 5th Bicol Business Week Chairman Helios B. Pastoral, and PCCI South Luzon Vice President Apolinar E. Aure, guest of honor.

All Bicol regional and provincial directors of various agencies, as well as all Bicol chamber presidents have been invited to grace and witness the grand occasion, Bercasio said.

During the program, PCCI VP for South Luzon Aure will deliver the keynote address after the welcome messages by Bercasio and Robredo.

Bercasio said all 53 slots for the weeklong trade exhibits have been taken that will showcase Bicol products and services along the front parking lot of the trendy Avenue Plaza hotel.

“How to Start Your Own Business” seminars will be held from 1:00 pm to 5:00 pm daily at the function room of Max’s restaurant at Avenue Square.

Lecture series will include “Finding the Right Market for the Right Products” (May 12, Avenue Plaza Function Room), “Technoforum on Application of Cleaner Production” (May 13, Wok Food Garden), “Technologies Energy Efficiency for SME’s Exhibitors Night” (May 13, Lolo’s Bar), “Human Nature Business Opportunity” May 14, Wok Food Garden), “Chamber Management Workshop” May 14, La Piazza 1, Avenue Plaza Hotel), “Opportunities and Technologies in Organic Food Production” (May 14, Wok Food Garden) and “Forum on World Fair Trade Day: Big Bang in Bicol” (La Piazza 2 &3, Avenue Plaza Hotel.

On May 15-16 will reel off the South Luzon Area Confence at the Avenue Plaza Hotel.

Both the 5th Bicol Business Week and the 18 South Luzon Area Conference will be culminated by the “Halyao Awards”, or the awarding ceremonies of the year’s outstanding Bicolano businessmen.

axel(08)brixx

May 8th, 2009, 02:09 PM

Is there a possibility of accommodation? Why not put the projected airport in the middle, i.e., somewhere near Iriga, while the first buckhoe is still not yet starting in Daraga? One added incentive, you can hear Nora Aunor sing while there. :lol:

Why not a trio dude, invite Victor Wood & Imelda Papin let them serenade the passengers ^8^v

Well, although neighboring province of Quezon has 3 (?) airports these are only classified as a community airport even our Naga Airport is more better baka AFP nga lang halos ang gumagamit nyan eh. If we put a new airport in CamSur it will cover a huge amount of passenger from Southern Luzon (Quezon & Cam. Norte +++) as well as BIA will serve as far as Northern Samar ++++

By the way Libmanan Airport is on it's way na rin pala.

garzland

May 8th, 2009, 02:36 PM

^^Will Libmanan Airport really be materialized?

Naga Boy

May 8th, 2009, 05:25 PM

Was in Naga yesterday but wasn't able to get inside of SM. Was simply looking at it from the outside the van terminal. My co-teacher said hindi pa pala nagbubukas yung ibang tenants? How true?

Still being built at SM City and to open this May:
1. McDonalds
2. Gerry's Grill
3. Goldilocks
4. Max's
5. Billabong
6. Toy Kingdon
7. Our Home
8. M. Lhuillier
9. Smart
10. Globe
11, Netopia
12. PC Depo
13. Naga Bingo
14. Nokia

garzland

May 9th, 2009, 12:07 AM

^^Dami pa pala. Kala ko kunti lang 'yon. Is that Nokia Center Sir Naga Boy?

randism

May 9th, 2009, 02:16 AM

Is there a possibility of accommodation? Why not put the projected airport in the middle, i.e., somewhere near Iriga, while the first buckhoe is still not yet starting in Daraga? One added incentive, you can hear Nora Aunor sing while there. :lol:

with all odds yun ang dapat na ginawa!kisyo ganito daw prone to baha eh yun sa ibang bansa nga sa Dagat pa mismo ginawa just to consider proximity! ganto na lang..Kong ayaw palaging may dahilan kong gusto palaging may paraan...hehehe kanta ba 2? or kasabihan lang?

axel(08)brixx

May 9th, 2009, 04:41 AM

^^Dami pa pala. Kala ko kunti lang 'yon. Is that Nokia Center Sir Naga Boy?

wow sir Garz it seems that there will be a Nokia Service Center in Naga soon.

Now you don't have to travel here in Manila bringing your Nokia Phone @ service center ^^

axel(08)brixx

May 9th, 2009, 04:46 AM

^^Will Libmanan Airport really be materialized?

I really dont know Sir, I only got info's from here and some bicol related sites.

randism

May 9th, 2009, 05:00 AM

wow sir Garz it seems that there will be a Nokia Service Center in Naga soon.

Now you don't have to travel here in Manila bringing your Nokia Phone @ service center ^^

Maybe its just another Nokia Care Accredited Shop
and service center i guess, but Nokia itself hindi siguro..

randism

May 9th, 2009, 06:15 AM

Why not a trio dude, invite Victor Wood & Imelda Papin let them serenade the passengers ^8^v

Well, although neighboring province of Quezon has 3 (?) airports these are only classified as a community airport even our Naga Airport is more better baka AFP nga lang halos ang gumagamit nyan eh. If we put a new airport in CamSur it will cover a huge amount of passenger from Southern Luzon (Quezon & Cam. Norte +++) as well as BIA will serve as far as Northern Samar ++++

By the way Libmanan Airport is on it's way na rin pala.

Possibly Catanduanes with Tabaco City to Naga City is just more or less One hour with the opening of new Gov.F.Alfelor Highway that traverse via Hanawan in Ocampo C.S and Malinao in Albay,Hopefully LTFRB should release more Franchise for Van and Bus soon...:)

kaniguan78

May 9th, 2009, 08:36 AM

Hello there! May may outlet po ba ng crocs sa SM Naga?

olineil

May 9th, 2009, 01:56 PM

with all odds yun ang dapat na ginawa!kisyo ganito daw prone to baha eh yun sa ibang bansa nga sa Dagat pa mismo ginawa just to consider proximity! ganto na lang..Kong ayaw palaging may dahilan kong gusto palaging may paraan...hehehe kanta ba 2? or kasabihan lang?

Ok lang naman kung sa Rinconada area... yun nga lang we are a Developing nation... we don't have that extra resources to build an airport in not so ideal geological condition. Look the proposed airport was studied by japanese experts no less. The two final contenders were Bariis, Legazpi and Alobo, Daraga. I am pretty sure that they considered a site somewhere near the border of CamSur and Albay in rinconada area. Finally they chose Alobo for one of the biggest reason, its on a plateau and the area is relatively flat and will be cheapest to implement grading works. They said Bariis though is also in an elevated area, has too many rolling hills and would jack up the cost of the project. So if they chose a place in flood prone rinconada (which is the reason why the roads in this part of bicol are also always in constant repair) the project would need to allocate large amounts of money just for back-filling the area above flood level. Not to mention, the access roads must be back-filled also above flood levels. Then the existing maharlika highway will be inaccessible during flood. So most probably the airport operations will have to be closed or will be adversely affected during this times.

Also add to that, the amount of flood water that will be displaced because of the back-fill which would result to flooding of areas that would usually not experience one.

So.... may rason nga naman diba?

axel(08)brixx

May 9th, 2009, 02:16 PM

Hello there! May may outlet po ba ng crocs sa SM Naga?

I think it has a retailer there in Naga name "25TH AVENUE"

I’m not sure if it has an outlet inside SM City Naga.:)

lochinvar

May 9th, 2009, 02:44 PM

"I am pretty sure that they considered a site somewhere near the border of CamSur and Albay in rinconada area."

Have the Japanese experts heard or considered heavily the sentiments of Camarines Sur or most of the voices heard were from Albay? Additional money for elevating the accessory roads and runway is not comparable to the ever increasing demand for two airports.

national guard

May 9th, 2009, 03:48 PM

Having two international airports is not a problem. Bacolod and Iloilo have international airports. Bacolod serves the areas of Negros Occidental and Negros Oriental while Iloilo serves the whole island of Panay.

If ever, SLIA would be realized, it would serve,as I have mentioned, Southern Quezon, Cam. Norte, some parts of Masbate, and Cam. Sur.

Let's see, which will be more profitable.

@garzland, NBSA ( New Bacolod-Silay Airport ) caters mostly to Bacolod and Negros Occidental passengers. Dumaguete in Negros Oriental has its own domestic airport.

garzland

May 9th, 2009, 07:25 PM

Hello there! May may outlet po ba ng crocs sa SM Naga?

Yes, there is an outlet at SM City Naga.

garzland

May 9th, 2009, 07:31 PM

I think it has a retailer there in Naga name "25TH AVENUE"

I’m not sure if it has an outlet inside SM City Naga.:)

Yes, it has.

@garzland, NBSA ( New Bacolod-Silay Airport ) caters mostly to Bacolod and Negros Occidental passengers. Dumaguete in Negros Oriental has its own domestic airport.

Thanks, I stand corrected.

fil07

May 9th, 2009, 07:49 PM

Nainutan mo ko a. Nagbulos pa kaya ko. hehe.

fil07

May 9th, 2009, 07:51 PM

TOWN MAYOR URGES
Declare Bicol as calamity-prone area
(http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/regions/view/20090509-204069/Declare-Bicol-as-calamity-prone-area)
By Jonas Cabiles Soltes
Inquirer Southern Luzon
First Posted 21:01:00 05/09/2009

Filed Under: Weather, Disasters (general)

NAGA CITY, Philippines -- Mayor Tito Sarion of Daet, Camarines Norte, says the national government should declare several provinces and regions, including Bicol, as calamity-prone areas entitled to certain privileges when it comes to disaster amelioration.

Sarion told the Inquirer in a recent interview there was a need to institutionalize a system on disaster preparedness and response.

“Perhaps, the national government should declare typhoon or calamity-prone areas as the initial step. The national government can then allocate funds for the insurance of basic government infrastructures like schools, hospitals and roads affected by landslides and erosion,” he said.

He said providing insurance coverage for government infrastructure would ascertain that their structural requirements are met with the highest standard.

“The insurance companies will be good instruments to see to it that government projects are done under the highest quality standards because they can run after contractors for any variance in programs of work,” he added.

Sarion said he agreed with Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero who said earlier this week that the government should construct permanent evacuation centers and typhoon-resistant roads and bridges in the Bicol region.

Lying in the country’s typhoon belt, Sarion’s town and province are hard-hit by flash floods during the rainy season.

fil07

May 9th, 2009, 10:18 PM

Lakas-Kampi marriage gives birth to Palaka (http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=politics3_may9_2009)

By Christine Herrera

Negotiations for a merger among Lakas, Kampi and coalition members are running into difficulties but even then, party stalwarts don’t seem to run out of creative juices.

Stressing the need to speed up the process, one of them came up with this coinage: Palaka.

Palaka is short for Partido Lakas-Kampi, according to Agusan del Sur Rep. Rodolfo “Ompong” Plaza, an opposition party whip of the Nationalist People’s Coalition.

Plaza was making light of the situation after he saw his “very close friend” Bureau of Immigration Commissioner Marcelino Libanan shedding tears when he sent to the altar his first to be married and eldest daughter Eloisa Salvacion, who tied the knot with Christopher Sheen Gonzales at the Manila Cathedral on Thursday.

The father of the bride, also a Lakas party whip, cheered up at the idea and did not also mind that President Arroyo, the interim president of the two parties, was there as a principal sponsor to the Gonzales-Libanan wedding.

President Arroyo could not join the light banter because she was swamped with guests who wanted her pictures taken with them shortly before she was driven back to the Palace.

Libanan has five children— four daughters and only son.

During cocktails prior to the main reception at One Esplanade at the SM Central Business Park on Seaside corner Bay Boulevard in Pasay City, Libanan popped up the possibility of the Nacionalista Party of Senator Manny Villar joining the merger.

What happens if Villar’s NP coalesces with Lakas-Kampi? What would Palaka become?” Libanan asked. Plaza appeared clueless and asked, “Ano?”

“With NP joining in, Palaka becomes Palaka Na Po,” said Libanan, with presidential adviser Gabriel Claudio, Water Utilities chairman Prospero Pichay Jr., both of Lakas, and Leyte Rep. Martin Romualdez of Kampi and House Minority member and Cagayan de Oro Rep. Rufus Rodriguez joining in the coining game.

Claudio, Pichay, Romualdez and Rodriguez also stood as sponsors to the wedding.

Claudio was designated head of the panel to pursue the merger after House Speaker Prospero Nograles and Camarines Sur Rep. Luis Villafuerte resigned as presidents of Lakas and Kampi, respectively.

Nograles was also a principal sponsor but was airborne from the United States at the time the wedding was held. He sent House Deputy Speaker Raul del Mar to stand as proxy on his behalf. Nograles touched down at 8:45 Thursday night.

The other prominent sponsors included Senator Juan Miguel Zubiri, Trade Secretary Peter Favila, Rep. Florencio Noel, Plaza’s wife Shirley Pelaez-Plaza, National Telecommunications Commission Commissioner Ruel Canobas, Ambassador Francis Chua, and showbiz personality Eugenio Abunda Jr., popularly known as Boy Abunda, among others. There were 23 pairs of sponsors.

The two party presidents relinquished their posts to give President Arroyo a free hand in putting an end to the “political bickering” especially at the local level.

Not to be outdone, Plaza said the Palaka would be fortunate if they could convince the NPC to coalesce with Lakas-Kampi and NP owing to the earlier proposal of Nograles and Villafuerte to push for Senator Francis Joseph “Chiz” Escudero as the merged parties’ standard-bearer.

What is your take on this? What are the chances of the three major parties joining forces?

garzland

May 10th, 2009, 03:29 AM

Nainutan mo ko a. Nagbulos pa kaya ko. hehe.

Ako diretso na kaya saka na nagbulos.

TOWN MAYOR URGES
Declare Bicol as calamity-prone area
(http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/breakingnews/regions/view/20090509-204069/Declare-Bicol-as-calamity-prone-area)
By Jonas Cabiles Soltes
Inquirer Southern Luzon
First Posted 21:01:00 05/09/2009

Filed Under: Weather, Disasters (general)

NAGA CITY, Philippines -- Mayor Tito Sarion of Daet, Camarines Norte, says the national government should declare several provinces and regions, including Bicol, as calamity-prone areas entitled to certain privileges when it comes to disaster amelioration.

Sarion told the Inquirer in a recent interview there was a need to institutionalize a system on disaster preparedness and response.

“Perhaps, the national government should declare typhoon or calamity-prone areas as the initial step. The national government can then allocate funds for the insurance of basic government infrastructures like schools, hospitals and roads affected by landslides and erosion,” he said.

He said providing insurance coverage for government infrastructure would ascertain that their structural requirements are met with the highest standard.

“The insurance companies will be good instruments to see to it that government projects are done under the highest quality standards because they can run after contractors for any variance in programs of work,” he added.

Sarion said he agreed with Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero who said earlier this week that the government should construct permanent evacuation centers and typhoon-resistant roads and bridges in the Bicol region.

Lying in the country’s typhoon belt, Sarion’s town and province are hard-hit by flash floods during the rainy season.

This is indeed a nice move from our politicians. All efforts and money will just be wasted if not given much attention like this.

hakz2007

May 10th, 2009, 06:18 AM

Bicol issues travel advisory on conditions of national road damaged by typhoon
by LV Castañeda

Legazpi City (8 May) -- Due to damages wrought by Typhoon Dante on May 1 to 3, 2009, The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) regional office here has advised the public that the following road sections of the national road of Bicol region are rendered not passable/hardly passable to all kinds of vehicles, as of 11:00 a.m. today:

1. Rawis Bridge (Rangas Bridge), Bacon District, Sorsogon City Km. 589+679 (Bacon-Manito Road) -- Bridge approaches totally collapsed. District Engineering Office of Sorsogon will install coco bridge to make the road passable to motorists. Expected to be opened to traffic on Saturday, May 9, 2009.

2. Andaya Highway, Taysan, Lupi (Km. 337+200) -- Half lane closed to traffic due to eroded embankment.

3. Brgy. Plaridel, Sta. Elena section, Camarines Norte (Km. 255+820 to Km. 255+870) -- Half lane closed to traffic due to eroded embankment/slip road

4. Brgy. Bagong Silang II, Labo Section, Cams. Norte (Km. 302+300) -- Half lane road due to slippery embankment/heavily shuttered pavement. If heavy rains continue to hit the province, the exiting one lane PCCP might collapse and there will be closure of traffic. If this occurs, the municipality of Capalonga will be isolated.

5. Caramoran-Pandan Road Section (Catanduanes Circumferential Road) -- Hardly passable due to landslides. All municipalities in Catanduanes are now accessible.

DPWH Bicol Regional Director Orlando Roces said maintenance crews are on standby in areas that have recurring landslides for emergency rehabilitation.

As of this writing, clearing operations are ongoing on affected road sections.

Roces, meanwhile, announced that road sections that were previously reported impassable are now open to all types of vehicles including Madarag Box Culvert at Barangay Guinlajon, Sorsogon City as of 1:00 p.m. of May 5, 2009 and Sta. Elena-Daet Section, Camarines Norte as of May 4, 2009, afternoon.

hakz2007

May 10th, 2009, 06:34 AM

Schedule of Events

http://http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/7586/56003465.jpg

garzland

May 10th, 2009, 07:11 AM

Ok lang naman kung sa Rinconada area... yun nga lang we are a Developing nation... we don't have that extra resources to build an airport in not so ideal geological condition. Look the proposed airport was studied by japanese experts no less. The two final contenders were Bariis, Legazpi and Alobo, Daraga. I am pretty sure that they considered a site somewhere near the border of CamSur and Albay in rinconada area. Finally they chose Alobo for one of the biggest reason, its on a plateau and the area is relatively flat and will be cheapest to implement grading works. They said Bariis though is also in an elevated area, has too many rolling hills and would jack up the cost of the project. So if they chose a place in flood prone rinconada (which is the reason why the roads in this part of bicol are also always in constant repair) the project would need to allocate large amounts of money just for back-filling the area above flood level. Not to mention, the access roads must be back-filled also above flood levels. Then the existing maharlika highway will be inaccessible during flood. So most probably the airport operations will have to be closed or will be adversely affected during this times.

Also add to that, the amount of flood water that will be displaced because of the back-fill which would result to flooding of areas that would usually not experience one.

So.... may rason nga naman diba?

Can somebody post here the other contenders for this airport, please?

Rinconada has some elevated portions also if I'm not mistaken which means not all parts are being flooded. Regarding flooding, it can be attributed also to the failure of drainage systems in that area. Thus, it can really be remedied if there's a will and if the airport is really meant to be built in that area.

Building the airport there in Rinconada would mean a lot to the government since they would be saving millions of money for not upgrading Naga Airport.

randism

May 10th, 2009, 08:18 AM

Ok lang naman kung sa Rinconada area... yun nga lang we are a Developing nation... we don't have that extra resources to build an airport in not so ideal geological condition. Look the proposed airport was studied by japanese experts no less. The two final contenders were Bariis, Legazpi and Alobo, Daraga. I am pretty sure that they considered a site somewhere near the border of CamSur and Albay in rinconada area. Finally they chose Alobo for one of the biggest reason, its on a plateau and the area is relatively flat and will be cheapest to implement grading works. They said Bariis though is also in an elevated area, has too many rolling hills and would jack up the cost of the project. So if they chose a place in flood prone rinconada (which is the reason why the roads in this part of bicol are also always in constant repair) the project would need to allocate large amounts of money just for back-filling the area above flood level. Not to mention, the access roads must be back-filled also above flood levels. Then the existing maharlika highway will be inaccessible during flood. So most probably the airport operations will have to be closed or will be adversely affected during this times.

Also add to that, the amount of flood water that will be displaced because of the back-fill which would result to flooding of areas that would usually not experience one.

So.... may rason nga naman diba?

hi olineil fyi..not all part of rinconada area are flood prone,so be it..to be honest nothing that people of Camsur or Camnorte can do about it anymore,"you have the best horse in town":)so i guess its going to be a kkk..in any way it is for the common good ..

olineil

May 10th, 2009, 12:51 PM

Rinconada has some elevated portions also if I'm not mistaken which means not all parts are being flooded. Regarding flooding, it can be attributed also to the failure of drainage systems in that area. Thus, it can really be remedied if there's a will and if the airport is really meant to be built in that area.

Hi Garz, here's my real sentiment for this project. They could have just upgraded Legazpi Airport to have a bigger terminal and tarmac to accommodate more flights... the runway is already relatively long so its fine. Naga Aiport runway to be extended to accommodate larger aircraft + a new terminal. This way maybe the government would only spend about P1B? rather than P3B. They could have used the P2B to start upgrading the Maharlika highway to a REAL highway. Even then, this new airport proposal will be for the common good of everyone so lets just support this.

hi olineil fyi..not all part of rinconada area are flood prone,so be it..to be honest nothing that people of Camsur or Camnorte can do about it anymore,"you have the best horse in town":)so i guess its going to be a kkk..in any way it is for the common good ..

To address Garz/ Randism info about rinconada flooding and flood zones. Here is my best observation. Rinconada area is a natural flood plain, hence that area is very fertile and where most of our agri products are derived from. Why the flooding got worse is because when the government decided to build the Maharlika Highway, they essentially created a built up area where the maharlika highway just cuts thru the flood plains. This created a DAMMING effect on both sides of the devided flood plain essentially stopping the natural flow of flood waters to drain properly. In the late 90's they tried to fix this by installing concrete culvert pipes every few hundred meters or less that lets flood water flow from one side to the other. This remedy was not enough since the volume of flood water still overwhelms the culvert pipes and the damming effect wasn't mitigated. So during stormy season, the embankment gets soaked in flood waters and weakens the support on the roadway creating pot holes and worse road portions gets washed off. The construction of Maharlika highway specifically in the Rinconada area was an Engineering Blunder. They should have invested heavily in a proper storm drain system to counter the damming effect. If you can see NLEX viaduct in this photo below:
http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/6255/northluzonexpresswayie8.jpg
You would wonder why that highway is elevated when its only cutting thru ricefields. Because this area is a natural water catchment (flood plains) therefore with this design the storm water still flows naturally. The government needs to do this in rinconada or a properly engineered storm drain canals which would mean additional Billions of pesos so they can build an airport in that portion of our beloved homeland. I wish this was the case, but unfortuantely mahirap lang ang bansa natin.

six

May 10th, 2009, 04:10 PM

hakz2007

May 10th, 2009, 04:22 PM

LCC Mall-Daraga
http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/9271/23614306.jpg

LCC Mall-Nabua
http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/2663/43086242.jpg

http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/1410/83313325.jpg

LCC Mall-Naga City
http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/9317/94129913.jpg

http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/2199/70810937.jpg

LCC Supermarket - Sorsogon
http://img186.imageshack.us/img186/1077/59465477.jpg

http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/6412/24127855.jpg

LCC Supermarket - Legazpi
http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/9354/99813389.jpg

http://img186.imageshack.us/img186/360/63686195.jpg

LCC Hypermarket-Sorsogon
http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/8959/87572116.jpg

bobbymay74

May 10th, 2009, 04:38 PM

hakz2007

May 10th, 2009, 04:52 PM

Hi Haks, good evening. is this a new LCC Malls or just re-modelling the former buildings of NAGA and Legaspi LCC Malls? thanks

Some are remodelling like LCC Daraga...But LCC supermarkets are new ones..

bobbymay74

May 10th, 2009, 04:58 PM

Some are remodelling like LCC Daraga...But LCC supermarkets are new ones..

Thanks.

garzland

May 10th, 2009, 05:20 PM

Hi Garz, here's my real sentiment for this project. They could have just upgraded Legazpi Airport to have a bigger terminal and tarmac to accommodate more flights... the runway is already relatively long so its fine. Naga Aiport runway to be extended to accommodate larger aircraft + a new terminal. This way maybe the government would only spend about P1B? rather than P3B. They could have used the P2B to start upgrading the Maharlika highway to a REAL highway. Even then, this new airport proposal will be for the common good of everyone so lets just support this.

For that, I finally rest my case.

Well, pertaining on the BIA, I actually support the project. Anyhow, that is for the betterment of our region. It's just that there are things that are needed to be asked and answered, clarification for that matter. As I have said, I won't get hurt whatever it may be.

After days of exchanging ideas regarding this matter, I've taken my point and so are yours. I guess, we've learned from each other.

Regarding the new proposal, I'm just hoping that it will really be pushed thru. We are in dire need of it!

Btw, nice rebuttal, olineil! :cheers:

garzland

May 10th, 2009, 05:27 PM

Some are remodelling like LCC Daraga...But LCC supermarkets are new ones..

Thank God, they're remodeling LCC Naga. A 12-year old mall deserves to be remodeled to catch up with the other malls in terms of design. I wish Robertson Mall would follow soon. They don't entice customers nowadays. With the presence of huge malls such as LCC and SM, Robertson Mall must do something or else it would be left out.

LCC Mall-Daraga
http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/9271/23614306.jpg

LCC Mall-Nabua
http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/2663/43086242.jpg

http://img172.imageshack.us/img172/1410/83313325.jpg

LCC Mall-Naga City
http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/9317/94129913.jpg

http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/2199/70810937.jpg

LCC Supermarket - Sorsogon
http://img186.imageshack.us/img186/1077/59465477.jpg

http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/6412/24127855.jpg

LCC Supermarket - Legazpi
http://img14.imageshack.us/img14/9354/99813389.jpg

http://img186.imageshack.us/img186/360/63686195.jpg

LCC Hypermarket-Sorsogon
http://img19.imageshack.us/img19/8959/87572116.jpg

Those are fantastic designs. Very modern. I like most the design of LCC Nabua - looks a bit greenbelt.

garzland

May 10th, 2009, 05:37 PM

Veteran cyclists to grace Tour of CamSur (http://www.bicolmail.com/issue/2009/may07/xgrace.html)

PILI, Camarines Sur --- Tour of CamSur’s hall of famer five-time champion Eusebio “Eboy” Quiñones (1998, 2002, 2003, 2007 and 2008) of Basud, Camarines Norte and a host of other veteran mountain bike cyclists will be at the forefront of another thrilling Tour of Camarines Sur sponsored by Governor LRay Villafuerte and now on its twelfth successive year as one of the major highlights of the Kaogma Festival to mark the 420th Foundation Anniversary of the province.

A total of 255 riders, 59 in the Sports category and 196 in the Fun Riders category, have registered for this year’s race that will have a total prize purse of almost half a million pesos.

Other mountain biking personalities who have signed up for this year’s three-lap Tour are Eboy’s teammate and wingman 2007 Tour champion Frederick Feliciano, 2006 Tour Fun Rider champion Julius Mark Bonzo, 2005 champion Bryant Sepnio, and 2008 runner-up Nilo Estayo.

Also entered for their first time in the Tour are 2003 Tour of Luzon champion Arnel Quirimit and 2009 Liquigaz Tour of Luzon runner-up Merculio Ramos, Jr.

Tour director Engr. Jordan Re. Chavez III, however, announced a slight change in the Tour’s itinerary as part of the original route may be impassable due to landslide damages that might not be repaired in due time.

“We wanted to maintain the tradition of including Caramoan Peninsula in the route because the Tour originally started there, but the safety of the riders and the Tour management comes first” Engr. Chavez said.

The revised route will now be: First Lap (May 25) – Provincial Capitol to Goa via Cararayan, San Isidro, Carolina in Naga City, Bombon, Calabanga, Tinambac, Tierra Nevada. Lap 2 (May 26) – Goa to Baao via Tigaon, Hanawan in Ocampo, Buhi, Iriga City, Bato, Nabua, Bula, and Pawili in Pili. Lap 3 (May 27) – Baao to Provincial Capitol via Pawili in Pili, Mataoroc in Minalabac, San Fernando, Pamplona, part of Libmanan, Sipocot, Cabusao, part of Libmanan, Pamplona, San Fernando, Milaor, Almeda Highway in Naga City and Provincial Capitol in Cadlan, Pili. (GBClaveria/MMEC)

fil07

May 10th, 2009, 08:26 PM

FOR 1ST QUARTER OF 2009
Cebu now RP’s top tourist destination (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/regions/view/20090510-204255/Cebu-now-RPs-top-tourist-destination)

By Nestor P. Burgos Jr.
Inquirer Visayas
First Posted 21:53:00 05/10/2009

ILOILO CITY, Iloilo—Cebu has become the country’s top tourist destination based on tourist arrivals, according to the Department of Tourism.

The province led 14 other key tourist destinations in the country, including the world-famous Boracay Island in tourist arrivals from January to March.

Data from the DOT on tourist arrivals for the first quarter showed that 422,239 tourists went to Cebu, nearly 3 percent higher than the 410,597 tourists who went to the province during the same period last year.

Boracay was second with 158,030 arrivals, followed by Davao City (156,468), Camarines Sur (140,220), Zambales (88,718), and Bohol (71,876).

The increase reflected the growth in over-all tourist arrivals in the country during the period, reaching 10.33 percent or a total of 1.3 million from last year’s 1.1 million, the DOT said.

Cebu was also the most frequently visited destination by foreign tourists with 184,790 arrivals, or drawing nearly half of the 383,608 foreign tourists who visited the country. It was followed by Boracay (63,903), Zambales (25,252), Camarines Sur (24,976), and Bohol (24,350).

Overall, the volume of domestic tourists visiting key destinations grew faster at 13 percent while, foreign arrivals recorded a 4-percent increase in the first quarter.

Eduardo Jarque, tourism undersecretary for planning and promotions, credited the rise of tourist arrivals in the regions, especially Cebu, to more and cheaper direct flights, and better infrastructure, including hotels, pensions houses, and ancestral homes to accommodate tourists.

“Manila has become a stopover for leisure travelers who proceed to the regions like Cebu,” Jarque told the Inquirer in a phone interview on Sunday.

He said it has developed into a lifestyle for expatriates and other tourists to head to the provinces and beaches for a vacation.

Cebu has become a center of the tourism upswing because it combines a rich historical backdrop, modern infrastructure, and varied destinations, according to Jarque.

But, he said, tourist arrivals on Boracay continue to grow with more hotel rooms needed because the existing hotels are always fully booked.

“Among island resorts, Boracay remains the top tourist drawer with tourist arrivals growing by an average of 6 percent annually for the past decade,” said Edwin Trompeta, tourism director of Western Visayas.

----------

Tourist arrivals for the first quarter (foreign tourists)
CEBU 422,239 (184,790 or 43.76%)
BORACAY 158,030 (63,903 or 40.43%)
DAVAO CITY 156,468
CAMSUR 140,220 (24,976 or 17.81%) - interesting
ZAMBALES 88,718 (25,252 or 28.46%)
BOHOL 71,876 (24,350 or 33.88%)

Matteo

May 10th, 2009, 08:46 PM

bobbymay74

May 11th, 2009, 01:21 AM

[QUOTE=garzland;36450944]Thank God, they're remodeling LCC Naga. A 12-year old mall deserves to be remodeled to catch up with the other malls in terms of design. I wish Robertson Mall would follow soon. They don't entice customers nowadays. With the presence of huge malls such as LCC and SM, Robertson Mall must do something or else it would be left out.

Definitely true. Our small or medium scale Malls/ department stores in Naga needs to UPGRADE their physical structures , UPDATE the Managerial organization in-order to SURVIVE, and INNOVATE in-order to COMPETE with the incoming Manila or overseas base businesses.

I have so much confidence with Romy Tan, a man with so much courage, a truly a 21st century Corporate Warrior. Keep up the good work, your one of a model Bicolano Businessman .

TRADITIONAL BUSINESS IS OBSOLETE

garzland

May 11th, 2009, 02:32 AM

wonder why lcc's not putting a store/mall in iriga.
i mean nabua gets one but the other camarines sur city doesnt.
they dont have any other decent shopping places except for sampaguita dept store. i remember iriga city have tons of hardware stores.
the only lcc there is la consolacion college.

LCC Nabua was supposed to be built in Iriga, according to a source. However, there's still problems with store owners leasing in the building where LCC will be put up as their contracts or whatsoever are not yet expired.

garzland

May 11th, 2009, 02:41 AM

Definitely true. Our small or medium scale Malls/ department stores in Naga needs to UPGRADE their physical structures , UPDATE the Managerial organization in-order to SURVIVE, and INNOVATE in-order to COMPETE with the incoming Manila or overseas base businesses.

I have so much confidence with Romy Tan, a man with so much courage, a truly a 21st century Corporate Warrior. Keep up the good work, your one of a model Bicolano Businessman .

TRADITIONAL BUSINESS IS OBSOLETE

After all, he's one of the few Bicolano businessmen who kept the Naga City economy afloat during its hard times. Innovation is the key to keep his business as alive as it was before.

FOR 1ST QUARTER OF 2009
Cebu now RP’s top tourist destination (http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/regions/view/20090510-204255/Cebu-now-RPs-top-tourist-destination)

By Nestor P. Burgos Jr.
Inquirer Visayas
First Posted 21:53:00 05/10/2009

ILOILO CITY, Iloilo—Cebu has become the country’s top tourist destination based on tourist arrivals, according to the Department of Tourism.

The province led 14 other key tourist destinations in the country, including the world-famous Boracay Island in tourist arrivals from January to March.

Data from the DOT on tourist arrivals for the first quarter showed that 422,239 tourists went to Cebu, nearly 3 percent higher than the 410,597 tourists who went to the province during the same period last year.

Boracay was second with 158,030 arrivals, followed by Davao City (156,468), Camarines Sur (140,220), Zambales (88,718), and Bohol (71,876).

The increase reflected the growth in over-all tourist arrivals in the country during the period, reaching 10.33 percent or a total of 1.3 million from last year’s 1.1 million, the DOT said.

Cebu was also the most frequently visited destination by foreign tourists with 184,790 arrivals, or drawing nearly half of the 383,608 foreign tourists who visited the country. It was followed by Boracay (63,903), Zambales (25,252), Camarines Sur (24,976), and Bohol (24,350).

Overall, the volume of domestic tourists visiting key destinations grew faster at 13 percent while, foreign arrivals recorded a 4-percent increase in the first quarter.

Eduardo Jarque, tourism undersecretary for planning and promotions, credited the rise of tourist arrivals in the regions, especially Cebu, to more and cheaper direct flights, and better infrastructure, including hotels, pensions houses, and ancestral homes to accommodate tourists.

“Manila has become a stopover for leisure travelers who proceed to the regions like Cebu,” Jarque told the Inquirer in a phone interview on Sunday.

He said it has developed into a lifestyle for expatriates and other tourists to head to the provinces and beaches for a vacation.

Cebu has become a center of the tourism upswing because it combines a rich historical backdrop, modern infrastructure, and varied destinations, according to Jarque.

But, he said, tourist arrivals on Boracay continue to grow with more hotel rooms needed because the existing hotels are always fully booked.

“Among island resorts, Boracay remains the top tourist drawer with tourist arrivals growing by an average of 6 percent annually for the past decade,” said Edwin Trompeta, tourism director of Western Visayas.

----------

Tourist arrivals for the first quarter (foreign tourists)
CEBU 422,239 (184,790 or 43.76%)
BORACAY 158,030 (63,903 or 40.43%)
DAVAO CITY 156,468
CAMSUR 140,220 (24,976 or 17.81%) - interesting
ZAMBALES 88,718 (25,252 or 28.46%)
BOHOL 71,876 (24,350 or 33.88%)

Fourth in domestic and foreign tourist arrivals. From zero and we're on the top 4 tourist destinations in the country; by far, the province's best performance ever.:banana::banana::banana:

olineil

May 11th, 2009, 02:56 AM

Btw, nice rebuttal, olineil! :cheers:

Thanks... You too. Nothing interest me more than an intellectual dicussion.
cheers!

marlowe_cano

May 11th, 2009, 05:23 AM

After all, he's one of the few Bicolano businessmen who kept the Naga City economy afloat during its hard times. Innovation is the key to keep his business as alive as it was before.

Fourth in domestic and foreign tourist arrivals. From zero and we're on the top 4 tourist destinations in the country; by far, the province's best performance ever.:banana::banana::banana:

CamSur, ur undeniably the best.. can't wait to see you.. along with Naga City... The next city to watch out!!! Can't wait to party there on friday night... :banana: :dance:
guys, what bars do u recommend me to visit and dance the night out? where ateneans from naga do frequent.... im a chavacano atenista...

For the record: I remember when the PRISAA Nationals was held in ZC last year, the team from ateneo de naga univ. were given special room for them to stay in ADZU campus.. a room with A/C that others has none... hehe... :)

And garzland, if there are any office there of CWC in naga, can u please contact if there are still available rooms in CWC that is the container-type room w/ AC... i found it in camsurwatersportscomplex.com... for May 27 & 28... The contact numbers here in Makati office are always busy.... please do me a favor Garzland! Gracias! :)

garzland

May 11th, 2009, 05:46 AM

^^Visit Magsaysay Avenue. It's the entertainment center of the city where you can find restos and bars. If you're into disco then Bistro Roberto is the best for you located at Villa Caceres Hotel along Magsaysay Avenue.

CWC does not have office here in Naga. I think, the best that you could do is for you to contact CWC as you can arrange time and query for rates on those villas as well as vans.

Wow, Naga Ateneans received VIP treatment pala diyan! Thanks for that....

Good luck to your trip! Enjoy!

hakz2007

May 11th, 2009, 06:23 AM

Entrepreneurs usually tread on unchartered waters, and become the trailblazers that propel the growth of the local economy. But it takes a man with a vision and tenacity to challenge and compete with the market leaders (or giants) of the oil industry. These giants are Shell which controls 38% of the market, Petron (35% share), and Caltex (22% share). The independent players (including SEAOIL) account for only 5% share of the Philippine petroleum market.

Mr. Adolfo Olivan is a Naga-based businessman whose pioneering spirit and business acumen made the SEAOIL known not only as a quality brand of petroleum products and lubricants but also the choice of many Bicolano motorists today.

Mr. Olivan, 68 years old, and “Apeng” to his friends, learned the ropes of doing business from his father at the coastal town of Pasacao, Camarines Sur. He started with a sari-sari store, copra trading, and eventually with a hardware store. He also engaged in several agribusiness ventures, aquaculture, and has pioneered in the manufacturing of animal feeds.

While busy managing his various businesses, Mr. Olivan also joined civic organizations like the Rotary. However he feels like a fish in the sea water when he involved himself in the local Naga City Chamber of Commerce & Industry which he eventually led as its president in 1984 up to 1988. Under his dynamic leadership the local chamber received national recognition, and was able to access projects and funds from international partners like GTZ (German Technical Cooperation), and the Technonet Asia (Singapore-based), government institutions like the Department of Trade & Industry (DTI), and the National livelihood Support Fund (NLSF) among others.

Always looking for an opportunity to serve others, he also involved himself in the charitable and humanitarian projects of the Filipino-Chinese Chamber of Commerce & Industry. As a recognized business leader, he was oftentimes invited as a resource speaker in business fora and symposia of schools and universities. With his noble purpose of giving recognition to the outstanding businesspersons in the Bicol region, he initiated and funded the annual “Halyao Award’, held during the culmination night of the Bicol Business Week under the auspices of the Metro-Naga Chamber of Commerce & Industry since 2005.

He is also in the forefront in times of calamities like typhoons, fire, and other emergencies marshalling the business community to extend aid, and the needed assistance to the affected persons and communities. Although he is happy to extend public service, public office is not his cup of tea. He does not enjoy the limelight unlike his elder brother, the late councilor Benito Olivan of Naga City.

In 2001, Mr. Olivan opened the Olivan SEAOIL gasoline station in a grassy lot near the bridge along Magsaysay road in Naga City. It is located right beside a large Shell station that is why nobody thought that it would survive the competition. But his business sense told him that he can pull it through despite the odds.

Since the motorists do not know SEAOIL then, and the quality and reliability of its petroleum products, Mr. Olivan put his credibility at stake. He would let his friends and other businessmen try the petroleum products, and persuades them to continue using it. Through perseverance and sales strategies like giving group discounts to jeepney drivers, giving freebies, and personal campaign, the sales of his gasoline station improved year after year.

Mr. Olivan would oftentimes observe the services rendered by the gasoline boys in other gasoline stations, and he would solicitously encourage his own personnel to imitate said good practices. Maybe because of the competitive pricing and improved customer service the gasoline station slowly thrives. Today, 50% of the sale comes from the regular customers or “suki”, 30% are from walk-in motorists, and 20% comprised the institutional or commercial buyers.

The disadvantage of small independent players in the oil industry according to Mr. Olivan is that they have to purchase the inventory of petroleum by cash. And every time there are price increases, they need to produce additional capital to be able to get the normal volume of supply. It means that they have to shoulder the cost of money for the inventory, so much so that sometimes they just break even. Petroleum products have inelastic prices. They are having a stiff competition with the multi-national oil players that is why they have to be contented with small profit margins.

It is a tricky business to be able to balance the need to make some profit, and at the same time to maintain goodwill with one’s customers, according to Mr. Olivan. But it is a good thing that SEAOIL Philippines is very supportive to its dealers. SEAOIL has a year-round support program consisting of company-wide promotional activities, direct marketing consultancy, and a 24-hour technical assistance package.

SEAOIL Philippines is the first independent petroleum player to open a gasoline retail station. Technologically-driven, customer-focused and globally competitive, SEAOIL Philippines is harnessing all its energies to become the leading force in the country’s oil industry Today, the SEAOIL Group of Companies employs over 500 highly motivated and skilled personnel and constitutes over 1% of the country’s annual downstream oil industry’s revenue of 240 billion pesos. It currently has 105 stations nationwide, most of which are franchised to dealers who enjoy a low-risk investment yielding stable returns.

In the short term, SEAOIL is aggressively constructing more gasoline service stations at strategic locations consistent with its aim to be the supplier of choice for the A, B, C and D market segments. As a Filipino-owned company, SEAOIL Chairman Francis C. Yu said, SEAOIL has the competitive advantage in its unique perspective and understanding of the needs of the distinctly Filipino market. In the long run, the company envisions itself to be the most omnipresent player in the oil industry, with a retail fuel outlet at every corner.

The SEAOIL Group of Companies manifests an advocacy of environmental protection through its continuous development of products that lessen, if not eradicate toxic emissions from vehicles. It has partnered with ABS-CBN’s Bantay Kalikasan Program to enforce measures that would help clean the country’s environment. It likewise led the nation’s oil industry in offering 2004 Clean Air Act compliant fuels and is currently a strong proponent of the Department of Energy’s drive to develop renewable sources of energy

-0-

With the inspiring growth of the Olivan SEAOIL, Mr. Olivan believes that with his sons Donald and Howard, and daughters Dr. Wenny, Christine, and Aileen helping him mange their family businesses, they can reach new heights. Especially so that their 7,000 square meter-property is strategically located in the busy business hub in front of Avenue Square along Magsaysay Avenue, Naga City.

They agreed that now is the time to think big, and open new frontiers for the changing business landscape and consumer preferences in Naga City. The growing number of highly mobile, tech- savvy, financially stable consumers need a new and dynamic place to shop, bank, fill their fuel tanks, have an appointment with the dentist, or have their cars repaired with utmost convenience.

And that is the reason why from its modest beginnings and countless difficulties, the Olivan SEAOIL has now metamorphosed into a Mega Station being the biggest in the Bicol region. It has 28 personnel, and operates longer hours from 5 AM to 10 PM daily. It also accepts credit cards payment. It is being ably managed by Mr. Olivan’s two youngest daughters Christine and Aileen.

SEAOIL differentiates its products in the market through its unique additive blend, Generation Five (G5). G5 is added to all of its fuel products, keeping engines clean; giving faster and cleaner tank filling; reducing harmful emissions; protecting engines from scuffing, wear and pitting; and further lessening fuel miscibility with water. SEAOIL Industrial Diesel Oil (IDO) is designed for medium and low-speed diesel engines operating in stationary.

E10 is reformulated gasoline which combines regular 90% unleaded/premium petroleum gasoline and 10% ethanol (ethyl alcohol). It boosts octane levels for better engine performance and reduced exhaust emissions. E-thanol10 is water-free and is produced from the fermentation of agricultural materials such as sugarcane, corn and cassava, potato, etc. Unlike pure fossil fuels, E-10 is practically renewable, environment-friendly, and will soon reduce the country’s dependence on imported petroleum.

Lubricants Seaoil is a leading provider of a complete line of world class lubrication systems that are custom engineered to fit the exact requirements of its customers in the automotive, construction, marine, transportation, power and manufacturing industries. GEO SUPREME is a multi-grade oil (SAE 20W-50) specifically formulated to meet the most severe requirements of all makes and types of gasoline engines

To complement the SEAOIL Mega Station the Olivan family have invited the Ford San Pablo to open its first showroom and sales office in the Bicol region. They will be selling the American brand of Ford vehicles and SUVs that include the Ford Escape, Focus, Lynx Ghia, Expedition, and others. There is a bay area to provide repair and maintenance service to their customers.

To complement the Olivan Builders that sell constructions and hardware materials by wholesale and retail, the eldest son Donald opened, and manages the latest and the most modern Olivan Home Depot that specializes in home furnishing & finishing materials, floorings like tile & granites, bath & water closets, faucets & sinks, light fixtures & chandeliers, paints, doors, and many home improvement items. The spacious, well-stocked, and well-arranged displays will help you choose the right selection of materials especially with the helpful tips of the store assistants ready to serve you. The fastidious and imaginative Don is just too happy to know the needs and wants of his customers and satisfy them. He also continuously updates himself and his staff on the latest trend and innovation on home improvement so that they can introduce it to the discriminating tastes of the Bicolano homeowners.

On the other hand, the Total Smile of Dr. Wenny Olivan-Villegas has state-of-the-art dental facility to serve dental care needs of her patients. Of course, the ready and able staff of the BDO headed by its energetic Branch Manager Tony G. Camalla, Marketing Officer Mario C. Ibardaloza, and Cashier Carol Castro would just be very happy to serve their invaluable clients at their new branch besides the Olivan Home Depot. The bank premise is well-secured and has ample parking space.

Indeed, the Olivans have come a long way, opening new frontiers for high-gear living!

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hakz2007

May 11th, 2009, 07:12 AM

Huni na ang mga litrato kan baha sa Nabua because of Typhoon Dante, courtesy of jobas of Nabua Forum:

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garzland

May 11th, 2009, 08:45 AM

^^Binaha ang fiesta sa diyan sa Nabua. Grabe pala! How's there now? Nag-submerged na ba 'yung tubig, hakz?

garzland

May 11th, 2009, 08:50 AM

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Mayor Jesse Robredo with local historian Jose Barrameda Jr. and artist Jose Barcena Jr. during the formal unveiling of the proposed heroes monument at the historic Almeda's residence along Abella Street. The monument will depict heroism and courage of Bicolano heroes and martyrs during the Spanish revolution, the proposed location is the center island along Caceres Street historically is known as Pugad Lawin.

Great monument! Another landmark for the city. Mayor Robredo admitted that he is weak on heritage aspect. I'm glad that he faces one of his weakest points well.

garzland

May 11th, 2009, 09:36 AM

4 Nagueños chosen as TOSP regional awardees (http://www.bicolmail.com/issue/2009/may07/xtosp.html)
By Ira Sheena C. Howard,
TOSP National Awardee 2008

Felix Neil L. Torallo, Ateneo de Naga University (ADNU) AB Communication, Dianna A. Aborde, ADNU AB-BS Education-English, Marjorie Joy P. Alcozar, ADNU BSBA Marketing Managament, and Clint Vincent DV. Belen, University of Nueva Caceres (UNC) BS Accountancy were chosen as regional awardees in this year’s ceremony held at the Universidad de Santa Isabel (USI) last 4 May 2009 after the two-day formation program and an interview of the Board of Judges comprised of Dr. Juan Estevez, Jr., Rotary International, Dr. Virgilio Ludovice, Department of Health (DOH), Ms. Patrocinio H. Felizmenio, Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Dr. Emmanuel H. Buban, Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), and Mrs. Elena M. Espinas, National Economic and Development Agency (NEDA). The four (4) Nagueños were among the seven (7) regional finalists which also include Angela Margarette M. Barcellano, Bicol University (BU) AB English, Jonathan Jaime G. Guerrero, BU BS Biology, and Rhea F. Villafranca, Camarines Sur State Agricultural Colleges (CSSAC) – Sipocot Campus. These four outstanding youth leaders will also be Region V’s bet to the national level where awarding will take place at Malacañang Palace, with no less than Her Excellency, President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, as guest of honor.

The TOSP is an annual search for young men and women who are worth emulating for their excellent academic performance, exemplary leadership skill, and self-driven passion to be of service to others, especially to fellow Filipinos.

The Search, which began in 1961, was the brainchild of businessman Jose Concepcion, Jr. and it has produced brilliant men and women who have made a difference in other people’s lives in areas such as business, academe, church and civil society. Among its outstanding alumni are the late Sen. Raul S. Roco and his wife, Sonia Malasarte-Roco, Atty. Rene Saguisag, Atty. Ricardo Puno, Victoria Pineda-Garchitorena, Ramon del Rosario and Fr. Manoling Francisco.

For the last four years, the Bicol Region has produced youth leaders who made it to the top ten, namely; Butch Saulon (2005), Ben Secretario (2007), Julie Lucille del Valle (2007) and Ira Sheena Howard (2008).

hakz2007

May 11th, 2009, 09:51 AM

^^Binaha ang fiesta sa diyan sa Nabua. Grabe pala! How's there now? Nag-submerged na ba 'yung tubig, hakz?

sa mga kabasan na lang baga may tubig...

ayawu

May 11th, 2009, 10:10 AM

We love to hear your reasons so as to clear us up. Mind you, we won't get hurt. :)

We don't accuse the province itself, it's someone behind it.

Then why do u have to use the term "province" in the first place? Don't you know that Albayanos can read what you've just written?

Look at it this way, Cam. Sur hosted most of the regional offices in the 70's but, unfortunately, most of those were transferred in Albay due to political reason if I'm not mistaken. Cam. Sur is not in a central location but it was able to host those regional offices. Thus, it only shows that the location does not matter alone. So, if you reiterate about choosing Albay for its location then I'm totally sorry 'coz I won't believe you.:)

the reason may have been political but Bicolanos coming from Masbate, Catanduanes and Sorsogon are prejudiced as to the distance if the regional offices are hosted by Cam Sur. The total combined population of these three provinces is far greater than the population of Cam Norte.

Btw, this is not to ruin the ties between the two provinces but rather clearing up uncleared things that are hanging up at the back of our minds. It would be good, if it's brought out so as to make all things clear.

If you don't want to ruin ties between the two provinces, stop calling Albay selfish. Whether you have stated that or merely implied, the effect is still the same. Albay is not selfish. I reiterate: Albay is chosen where infrastructures are built because of its good location and not because of politics. Sour-graping might have caused you to believe that the reasons behind are merely political.

I'm sorry for the burst of emotions. If you are this loyal and loving to your beloved province, you'd understand why. I hope you guys would stop claiming Albay as selfish. Rather, let's see the reasons why OBJECTIVELY.

ayawu

May 11th, 2009, 10:16 AM

Did I say all the regional departments should be put in Masbate? No. What I said is putting a government center in each province of the region. One or two government centers would be enough depending on the location's strength or weakness. For instance; Cam. Sur is the food basket of Bicol so Department of Agriculture should stay here, Catanduanes is very prone to typhoons so PAG-ASA must be placed there, Department of Tourism could be placed in Sorsogon, (even Cam. Sur is the top tourist destination, I would love to see it there), DOST could be placed in Cam. Norte, DOJ could be placed in Masbate, DepEd must stay in Albay. See what I mean?

So correspondences between all these departments would be SO DIFFICULT because they are scattered all over the region. Not to mention, a person who needs to visit two or more departments would be prejudiced of the privilege to visit them in one-stop shop manner.

ayawu

May 11th, 2009, 10:20 AM

If we haven't brought this out, our questions would still be hanging out at the back of our minds. So, at least, it's a bit clear to us.

Please do so in a VERY VERY DIPLOMATIC MANNER.

ayawu

May 11th, 2009, 10:31 AM

garzland

May 11th, 2009, 10:55 AM

Please do so in a VERY VERY DIPLOMATIC MANNER.

You might have been misinterpreted me, and I'm sorry for that!

Then why do u have to use the term "province" in the first place? Don't you know that Albayanos can read what you've just written?

It is imperative that there's someone behind it.

the reason may have been political but Bicolanos coming from Masbate, Catanduanes and Sorsogon are prejudiced as to the distance if the regional offices are hosted by Cam Sur. The total combined population of these three provinces is far greater than the population of Cam Norte.

Why are there regional offices in Cam. Sur? Why did they put it here in Cam. Sur? If mainly the reason is location then Cam. Sur does not deserve to have one even, but why?

DA, NIA, SSS, GSIS, NHA, and many others are some of the regional offices being hosted by Cam. Sur

If you don't want to ruin ties between the two provinces, stop calling Albay selfish. Whether you have stated that or merely implied, the effect is still the same. Albay is not selfish. I reiterate: Albay is chosen where infrastructures are built because of its good location and not because of politics. Sour-graping might have caused you to believe that the reasons behind are merely political.

There was no sour-graping there, we're just supposed-to-be taking the opportunity of building the airport in Cam. Sur while there is a budget allocated for this as the present airport is not convenient to travelers.

Calling your province a selfish: that was before when there were queries needed to be answered, and I feel sorry for that. Whether we like it or not, political is a great factor in this matter.

I'm sorry for the burst of emotions. If you are this loyal and loving to your beloved province, you'd understand why. I hope you guys would stop claiming Albay as selfish. Rather, let's see the reasons why OBJECTIVELY.

I understand. Me, either.

the problem with the current location of Legazpi's airport is its closeness to Legazpi's CBDs. It needs to be transferred so we can have more available space for commercial development.

No need to worries, BIA is underway so no need to transfer Legazpi Airport to another place as it would need another huge allocation of budget. What authorities must do is to shut it down and turn it into a commercial district.

So correspondences between all these departments would be SO DIFFICULT because they are scattered all over the region. Not to mention, a person who needs to visit two or more departments would be prejudiced of the privilege to visit them in one-stop shop manner.

I guess, it wouldn't be like that since only the offices in accordance with the provinces' strength and weakness are needed to be transferred, thus, the majority remains. As I have said, one or two would be enough. That means a total of 4 to 8 regional offices will be distributed to the other 4 provinces excluding Cam. Sur.

gurugeri

May 11th, 2009, 11:03 AM

I cannot begin to imagine regional offices being in Catanduanes or Masbate. It would cause a tremendous amount of everything--time, money, and effort--just to reach these places. The sea is not always friendly to voyagers. The distance is another problem. And let us not forget the very long time for one to reach these island provinces. Besides that, insurgency problems, especially in Masbate, are a force to be reckoned with. While there are benefits to decentralization as others may have observed to be beneficial, the drawbacks are greater.

For me, the regional offices should stay where they are. I believe the government should focus its attention to problems more pressing than this decentralization prospects, hence needing to be solved on the soonest time.

I also cannot begin to think that Albay is selfish. It's also quite unethical to call someone a horse. While the word was quoted, it was a blatant insult to our governor, who, by the way, is not a horse. I mean, what a bizarre comparison.

While we consider ourselves intellectual (at least in this forum), our words do not seem to prove that.

ayawu

May 11th, 2009, 11:08 AM

RE: BIA. why it's supposed to be in Albay and not Cam Sur

Let's take a look at history first...

Mid/Late 90s: Some politicians in Albay initiated contemplation about building an international airport in the province. Reason? It's not because Albay was the top tourist drawer in the region or anything else to that effect. The biggest reason is to make Bicol Region more accessible to tourists. There are other reasons. Probably, the governor then, Bichara, was planning to make Albay more internationally-renowned to tourists. His focus then, as implied by his actions, was to focus on tourism. The international airport, as it seems, was just part of his tourism program. During those times, Albay became the top tourist drawer in the region. That was partly because of his efforts and partly because of Albay's natural beauty. But I reiterate, the biggest reason is to make Albay and the rest of the region more accessible to tourists. This isn't a short-term or a mid-term plan. Obviously, the fact that there aren't much tourists then as now, the plan was more of a LONG-TERM nature.

around 2000 - experts came in to find the right location. Places considered: one in Legazpi, one in Daraga, one in Polangui, one in Cam Sur. If I'm not mistaken, a portion in Ligao was also considered. Daraga was considered the most favorable. Studies have already been conducted. and this was done by no mere ordinary individuals. They were experts.

2001-04 - I don't know what happened during these years. I guess they were looking for funds but were unable to do so. This needs a lot of political connection considering the fact that we have a semi-arbitrary president.

2004 - end of Bichara's term as governor.

2006 - CWC opened. During the same year, budget was already allocated for the project (courtesy of Joey Salceda). This was also the first year when Cam Sur has overtaken Albay when it comes to tourist arrivals. Note, it was 5/6 years prior when Daraga was already chosen as a site.

2007 - GMA's son was elected. Rumors are now spread that the airport would be in Libmanan. This needs an FS first considering that Daraga (amongst other contingents) was already chosen.

2009 (now) - some people are saying that we need the airport to be located in Cam Sur because it is now the current top tourist drawer. I beg to differ. Here are my reasons:

1. The reason why Albay politicians back in the 90s initiated contemplating about putting up an international airport in Albay is not because it is the top tourist drawer. Albay has plans to improve tourism then and part of the plan is to put up an international airport, w/c is not a short term project. Rather, a LONG-TERM one. That's why even if some people believe that putting up an international airport is not warranted, the politicians think the other way around because their perspective is a much "farther future" than ordinary folks may think. Change in politics is probably the biggest reason why Albay trailed to Cam Sur these days.

2. Location. Albay has undeniably the best location in the region. Albay, being the choice for regional offices has cut down travel time for folks coming from the majority of the region.

3. Cam Sur may be the top tourist drawer NOW. But considering the volatility of times, Cam Sur is not a logical site. The reason why Cam Sur is the top tourist drawer is ADVERTISING and MARKETING. Before Villafuerte, Cam Sur trailed. So, this just means, to benefit the whole region just in case TIMES CHANGE, Albay is the most logical site because of its proximity to the other provinces of the region. Take note, Quezon and Cam Norte do not need an airport just as much as Catanduanes, Masbate, Sorsogon, and Northern Samar do. The latter provinces are simply farther from Manila than the others. Furthermore, an island known as Biri, Northern Samar can attract as much tourists as Caramoan does. Biri is actually more unique for it doesn't look like any other island in the world. Caramoan looks like Coron. It just needs ADVERTISING and MARKETING. The same goes for other destinations in the Bicol Region.

4. Taking advantage of what's already there. If we put the int'l airport in Cam Sur, only fewer buses, vans and jeepneys would be benefited (considering if most of the tourists still prefer Caramoan and CWC). Putting it in Albay creates more effective economic catalyst. Considering that the routes would be longer, more buses, vans and jeepneys would be benefited. Don't underestimate what this could mean! Money coming from these businesses would be bigger. Thus, more benefits.

5. Don't underestimate the beauty of Mayon. According to many I've encountered, especially the first-time tourists, they consider Mayon as the most beautiful volcano they've ever seen. Mayon will continue as an attraction.

As a whole, putting up the int'l airport in Albay is more beneficial than putting it up in Cam Sur. But, of course, most of you are from Cam Sur, so you might be covered in prejudice in reading this one. However, if I have my way, here's what I want to happen:

1. Transfer airport from Legazpi to Daraga. Upgrade it into an international one.
2. Improve/upgrade Naga airport for the convenience of Naga's people.

So, there you have it.

ayawu

May 11th, 2009, 11:22 AM

Why are there regional offices in Cam. Sur? Why did they put it here in Cam. Sur? If mainly the reason is location then Cam. Sur does not deserve to have one even, but why?

DA, NIA, SSS, GSIS, NHA, and many others are some of the regional offices being hosted by Cam. Sur

But the regional departments are located in Albay with the exception of DA. the others you've mentioned are not even departments. their chief executives must have chosen cam sur. but, if most Bicolanos have their way, these should be in Albay as location is and should always be a good factor for decision-making.

Calling your province a selfish: that was before when there were queries needed to be answered, and I feel sorry for that. Whether we like it or not, political is a great factor in this matter.

calling a province selfish is NEVER PROPER in these forums. That will just invite cvc messages that our mods abhor. so there's never a compelling reason to do that.

I guess, it wouldn't be like that since only the offices in accordance with the provinces' strength and weakness are needed to be transferred, thus, the majority remains. As I have said, one or two would be enough. That means a total of 4 to 8 departments will be distributed to the other 4 provinces excluding Cam. Sur.

transfering a regional office, even just one, is not a good decision for me right now. my reason would be the same: correspondence would be harder.

ayawu

May 11th, 2009, 11:30 AM

No need to worries, BIA is underway so no need to transfer Legazpi Airport to another place as it would need another huge allocation of budget. What authorities must do is to shut it down and turn it into a commercial district.

What I mean is, the BIA should replace the current Legazpi airport...

garzland

May 11th, 2009, 11:36 AM

But the regional departments are located in Albay with the exception of DA. the others you've mentioned are not even departments. their chief executives must have chosen cam sur. but, if most Bicolanos have their way, these should be in Albay as location is and should always be a good factor for decision-making.

That's why I always refer to regional offices and often used departments. PAG-ASA is not a department either.

calling a province selfish is NEVER PROPER in these forums. That will just invite cvc messages that our mods abhor. so there's never a compelling reason to do that.

I could not think of a better word on how to describe that situation, that's why. Again, sorry.

transfering a regional office, even just one, is not a good decision for me right now. my reason would be the same: correspondence would be harder.

Just to remind you, btw, that we have arrived into this discussion due to the humor proliferating of transferring the regional offices in other provinces, That's why, I personally presented my idea on how and where it would be if ever. The time might not permit to materialize it right now as we have budget constraints but if ever that would be my idea. And that means Sour-graping was not my intention for that matter.

garzland

May 11th, 2009, 11:47 AM

garzland

May 11th, 2009, 01:12 PM

There's a reason why airplanes landing in Naga Airport are not that fully-filled up. Sir Naga_boy can explain that well. But if we talk about its previous record, from 2 flights a week it has grown more than that to a peak of four flights a day .

Andaya Highway? We're aiming on that... Hanggang aim na lang. I don't know when it will be a world class one. I wish RDC could lend a hand on this matter.

Fortunately, tourism has grown so much in the region. Unfortunately, it leads by Cam. Sur.:)

olineil

May 11th, 2009, 01:23 PM

http://i87.photobucket.com/albums/k153/sixth2006/Bato.jpg
FLOOD. Heavy flooding hits Bato and Baao areas of Camarines Sur inundating vast tracts
of ricelands. This photograph was taken by this reporter while on board the Philippine
Airlines from Manila to the Legazpi City domestic airport Monday. RHAYDZ B. BARCIA
Source: Bicol Mail (http://www.bicolmail.com/issue/2009/may07/peps&events.html)

Huni na ang mga litrato kan baha sa Nabua because of Typhoon Dante, courtesy of jobas of Nabua Forum:

http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/9843/41339142.png

http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/4624/51527219.png

http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/4738/73587374.png

http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/8629/97746786.png

http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/9867/45004106.png

http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/4563/27663019.png

http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/471/62200484.png

http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/8133/66054936.png

http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/9769/21758076.png

http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/448/31256566.png

http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/9307/23339160.png

http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/7460/27864216.png

http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/9793/47051701.png

http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/1848/85292713.png

http://img154.imageshack.us/img154/8940/65579844.png

http://img18.imageshack.us/img18/126/44048865.png

http://img13.imageshack.us/img13/1300/36798392.png

http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/3470/86716350.png

http://img8.imageshack.us/img8/7794/67846922.png

http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/4407/70327654.png

http://img23.imageshack.us/img23/6729/98473477.png

http://img16.imageshack.us/img16/4695/24079616.png

http://img5.imageshack.us/img5/5294/59617660.png

If a picture speaks a thousand words... then I don't need to reiterate why the Rinconada Area was dismissed by the experts as a geologically ideal place to build SLIA or BIA(whatever the name should be).

Sind24

May 11th, 2009, 01:49 PM

Naga airport faces closure
Within 5 years, experts says

By Sandy Vargas

PILI, Camarines Sur — Despite the innovations attained by the City of Naga in public governance which are recognized worldwide, the city and Camarines Sur stand to lose its “unfriendly” airport in 5 years, an airport authority, who requested anonymity, said.

It is noted that the airport which is nestled on the foot of Mt. Isarog here that services the locally-profitable PAL 737 airplane of 140 passengers has a runway stretch of only 1,402 square meters, short of 428 of the standard 1,830 square meters.

The present landing space restricts the normal load of a PAL 737 causing added cargo to be diverted to Legazpi airport. The Naga passenger, in turn, has to wait for the delivery of his extra cargo from Legazpi City which is 99 kms away via the Maharlika highway.

Manila to Naga flights, the airport authority pointed out, require ace pilots who can apply a dexterous brake maneuver to spare the aircraft from plunging into the 40-meter deep quarrying site on the left of the airfield, or on the right towards the national highway, if not on the rice fields up front. Passengers notice the sudden jolt whenever PAL touches down the Naga airport.

“It needs real guts. The airport manager should be praying everytime a plane arrives”, he said.

He disclosed that in about 5 years when only airbuses with some 400-passenger capacity will eventually be used by airlines, the runway would no longer be feasible, hence its imminent closure.

It will be recalled that the last time the runway was expanded was during the time of former Tourism Secretary Eduardo Pilapil who appropriated P10M for the expanded length.

Erstwhile DOTC Secretary Pete Prado, Congressman Rolando Andaya, Sr. and Senator Raul Roco each gave their token share for the airport development. None came during the incumbency of legislators James Jacob and Cho Roco in spite of repeated appeals. Jacob, however, attempted to study a reorientation of the runway which would affect several hectares of productive rice farms on the eastern and southern side of the runway. Such plan was bitterly opposed by the affected farmers.

Airport Manager Ed Ramos, in a separate interview, said there is a need or the local politicos, especially lawmakers Rolando Andaya, Luis Villafuerte, Felix Alfelor and Noli Fuentebella should work together and to stand united in solving the airport’s problems to thwart its immenent closure.

Ramos claimed that the Air Transportation Office (ATO) program on the reorientation of runway to its perpendicular form for correct wind adjustment which is presently pending in Congress should do the job.

He said, “before the 3rd reading in Congress was held in abeyance, the government during the incumbency of Pres. Joseph Estrada was ready to increase payments of P100,000 per hectare to farm owners from the negotiated price of P50,000 for farms affected in the expansion.”

The needed upgrading and rehabilitation could transform the Naga facility into an alternate international, all weather airport to serve the expected growth of tourism, trade and industry in Camarines Sur and adjacent provinces.

He said a plan to build a new airport somewhere in San Fernando or Pamplona may be an expensive, if not inviable, proposition. “Re-orienting the present runway for its needed length and safe expanse will entail relatively lower budget, the extra amount to be expended for other basic facilities such as VIP rooms, comfort rooms, covered shed for well-wishers and other safety equipment,” he said.

Ramos, a seasoned airport manager and an AIM graduate, envied other places in the country with comparatively better airports such as Davao City were economic boom where alternate international or better standard airports were developed.

In the meantime, he said, the pre-departure area should be expanded and a VIP room provided. Construction of typhoon-damaged perimeter fence with parking space and toilets are likewise under implementation. “Work pace is determined by release of funds from the central office through Assistant Secretary Nilo C. Jatico, who takes care of all ATO problems.”

It was also learned that Pili town could generate additional income from business billboards that can be installed along the municipal road leading to the airport.
Seeking information from PAL Manager Efren Badong, who appeared to be initially annoyed when presented the conditions of stakeholders of the only airline using the airport, this reporter was told that PAL assists in improving the present needs of the Naga airport whenever possible.

Citing instances of tourism development, Badong said it is only at his airport that there is no tourism booth to showcase Naga City and Camarines Sur unlike all other airports in the country or abroad that even maintain comprehensive tourism promotion areas.

Ramos, meanwhile, expressed his appreciation to the Bicol Mail for bringing to the attention of its readers and the public the deteriorating conditions obtaining at the airport. He said he has sent a copy of this paper’s issue last week to ATO Undersecretary Jatico for his information and appropriate action.

Masbate sea, air transport paralyzed
By EDGAR J. TAMAYO
April 17, 2009, 5:20pm

Masbate City — City officials here have called on the Department of Transportation and Communications (DoTC) to allocate funds for the improvement of the provincial airport so that regular plane flights from Manila to Masbate and vice versa can be resumed.

Vice Mayor Alan B. Cos said that the sangguniang panglungsod (city council) passed early last year a resolution seeking funds for the airport project, but the city has not received a positive response from the DoTC.

Sources said that DoTC has released some P11 million to a congressman for the improvement of the airport, particularly asphalting of the runway and acquisition of safety landing facilities. “However, the improvement of the airstrip has suffered delays for unknown reason,” Cos said.

The delay prompted Zest Airlines, formerly Asian Spirit, to stop its flights to the province for one month now, thereby paralyzing air transport from Masbate to Manila, Legaspi, and Cebu. Cos said the airline executives reportedly aired fears of accidents that might cost lives and property if the airport is not improved.

Cos said that the recent flights to Masbate took place during the four-day annual celebration of the Rodeo Masbateño Festival early this month when Sea Air Transport made three flights to Masbate.

Montenegro Shipping Lines also plied the Masbate-Lucena route to ferry people who attended the festival.

He said that the sea transport from Masbate to Manila via Lucena City in Quezon has stopped for unknown reason.

__________________________________________________

^^^^^^^^
If only they knew (whoever they are) :ohno:

It's good to have an international airport but I think it's still premature and impractical. Legazpi has a decent airport of international standards already and putting up an international airport in daraga to replace the decent airport of legazpi is rather insulting to the camarinenses and masbatenyos; and a waste of money having said that the one in legazpi is still in good condition.

Reasoning out that the new airport in daraga would serve the whole region is not even good enough because of the absence of superior highways in the region.

IMO Reorienting the naga airport, rehabilitating the masbate airport and acquiring of new instruments to the present airports of Bicol is the most practical thing to do. as much as possible, no new airport. RDC can build one, when the infrastracture of Bicol is already in good and proper condition.

However, the thing (daraga airport) is already at hand and let's just support the project in any way we can. Let's just hope that these two airports (naga and masbate) would also receive the same priority that has been given by the RDC to the albay airport.

________________________________________

Moving on to the regional center topic, I beg to disagree to some of the forumers. I agree with them when they said having albay as the regional center will benefit the most. But how about cam norte and Naga? We cannot just pass them the burden knowing that cam norte too is a part of bicol, and naga is the business center having the most number of business establishments in Bicol. We also cannot just leave them rotting just by sacrificing them by putting all the big projects in albay just to benefit most. If we will have an analogy it's like irresponsible parenting. It's like a parent neglecting two of there children for the benefit of the other 4. Bicol would not be called bicol without the camarines provinces. We cannot just concentrate on the 4 provinces at the expense of 2.

So in IMO, it still better to have say 2/3 of the regional offices in albay and 1/3 in the north. Or they can always put an annex of each offices in the north so as to have a fair share. It is bicol and it would always be divided into two because of it's geography. We can always follow what the san miguel corp did with its plants in Bicol. It has a North and a South Bicol plant.

I believe that putting up two international airports in the midst of poverty and crisis is selfishness; and concenrating on the majority at the expense of others is also selfishness. Let us not be blinded
_________________________________________

I hope I won't be misunderstood. I'm not bashing anyone. I'm just sharing my idea. BTW long time no post.:) Just dropping by hehe...

garzland

May 11th, 2009, 02:03 PM

First and foremost, welcome back, sind24! Where have you been all those years? You missed the EB

Naga airport faces closure
Within 5 years, experts says

By Sandy Vargas

PILI, Camarines Sur — Despite the innovations attained by the City of Naga in public governance which are recognized worldwide, the city and Camarines Sur stand to lose its “unfriendly” airport in 5 years, an airport authority, who requested anonymity, said.

It is noted that the airport which is nestled on the foot of Mt. Isarog here that services the locally-profitable PAL 737 airplane of 140 passengers has a runway stretch of only 1,402 square meters, short of 428 of the standard 1,830 square meters.

The present landing space restricts the normal load of a PAL 737 causing added cargo to be diverted to Legazpi airport. The Naga passenger, in turn, has to wait for the delivery of his extra cargo from Legazpi City which is 99 kms away via the Maharlika highway.

Manila to Naga flights, the airport authority pointed out, require ace pilots who can apply a dexterous brake maneuver to spare the aircraft from plunging into the 40-meter deep quarrying site on the left of the airfield, or on the right towards the national highway, if not on the rice fields up front. Passengers notice the sudden jolt whenever PAL touches down the Naga airport.

“It needs real guts. The airport manager should be praying everytime a plane arrives”, he said.

He disclosed that in about 5 years when only airbuses with some 400-passenger capacity will eventually be used by airlines, the runway would no longer be feasible, hence its imminent closure.

It will be recalled that the last time the runway was expanded was during the time of former Tourism Secretary Eduardo Pilapil who appropriated P10M for the expanded length.

Erstwhile DOTC Secretary Pete Prado, Congressman Rolando Andaya, Sr. and Senator Raul Roco each gave their token share for the airport development. None came during the incumbency of legislators James Jacob and Cho Roco in spite of repeated appeals. Jacob, however, attempted to study a reorientation of the runway which would affect several hectares of productive rice farms on the eastern and southern side of the runway. Such plan was bitterly opposed by the affected farmers.

Airport Manager Ed Ramos, in a separate interview, said there is a need or the local politicos, especially lawmakers Rolando Andaya, Luis Villafuerte, Felix Alfelor and Noli Fuentebella should work together and to stand united in solving the airport’s problems to thwart its immenent closure.

Ramos claimed that the Air Transportation Office (ATO) program on the reorientation of runway to its perpendicular form for correct wind adjustment which is presently pending in Congress should do the job.

He said, “before the 3rd reading in Congress was held in abeyance, the government during the incumbency of Pres. Joseph Estrada was ready to increase payments of P100,000 per hectare to farm owners from the negotiated price of P50,000 for farms affected in the expansion.”

The needed upgrading and rehabilitation could transform the Naga facility into an alternate international, all weather airport to serve the expected growth of tourism, trade and industry in Camarines Sur and adjacent provinces.

He said a plan to build a new airport somewhere in San Fernando or Pamplona may be an expensive, if not inviable, proposition. “Re-orienting the present runway for its needed length and safe expanse will entail relatively lower budget, the extra amount to be expended for other basic facilities such as VIP rooms, comfort rooms, covered shed for well-wishers and other safety equipment,” he said.

Ramos, a seasoned airport manager and an AIM graduate, envied other places in the country with comparatively better airports such as Davao City were economic boom where alternate international or better standard airports were developed.

In the meantime, he said, the pre-departure area should be expanded and a VIP room provided. Construction of typhoon-damaged perimeter fence with parking space and toilets are likewise under implementation. “Work pace is determined by release of funds from the central office through Assistant Secretary Nilo C. Jatico, who takes care of all ATO problems.”

It was also learned that Pili town could generate additional income from business billboards that can be installed along the municipal road leading to the airport.
Seeking information from PAL Manager Efren Badong, who appeared to be initially annoyed when presented the conditions of stakeholders of the only airline using the airport, this reporter was told that PAL assists in improving the present needs of the Naga airport whenever possible.

Citing instances of tourism development, Badong said it is only at his airport that there is no tourism booth to showcase Naga City and Camarines Sur unlike all other airports in the country or abroad that even maintain comprehensive tourism promotion areas.

Ramos, meanwhile, expressed his appreciation to the Bicol Mail for bringing to the attention of its readers and the public the deteriorating conditions obtaining at the airport. He said he has sent a copy of this paper’s issue last week to ATO Undersecretary Jatico for his information and appropriate action.

This is what I've been pointing about. Thanks for bringing this out, sind!

__________________________________________________

^^^^^^^^
If only they knew (whoever they are) :ohno:

It's good to have an international airport but I think it's still premature and impractical. Legazpi has a decent airport of international standards already and putting up an international airport in daraga to replace the decent airport of legazpi is rather insulting to the camarinenses and masbatenyos; and a waste of money having said that the one in legazpi is still in good condition.

Reasoning out that the new airport in daraga would serve the whole region is not even good enough because of the absence of superior highways in the region.

IMO Reorienting the naga airport, rehabilitating the masbate airport and acquiring of new instruments to the present airports of Bicol is the most practical thing to do. as much as possible, no new airport. RDC can build one, when the infrastracture of Bicol is already in good and proper condition.

However, the thing (daraga airport) is already at hand and let's just support the project in any way we can. Let's just hope that these two airports (naga and masbate) would also receive the same priority that has been given by the RDC to the albay airport.

________________________________________

Moving on to the regional center topic, I beg to disagree to some of the forumers. I agree with them when they said having albay as the regional center will benefit the most. But how about cam norte and Naga? We cannot just pass them the burden knowing that cam norte too is a part of bicol, and naga is the business center having the most number of business establishments in Bicol. We also cannot just leave them rotting just by sacrificing them by putting all the big projects in albay just to benefit most. If we will have an analogy it's like irresponsible parenting. It's like a parent neglecting two of there children for the benefit of the other 4. Bicol would not be called bicol without the camarines provinces. We cannot just concentrate on the 4 provinces at the expense of 2.

So in IMO, it still better to have say 2/3 of the regional offices in albay and 1/3 in the north. Or they can always put an annex of each offices in the north so as to have a fair share. It is bicol and it would always be divided into two because of it's geography. We can always follow what the san miguel corp did with its plants in Bicol. It has a North and a South Bicol plant.

I believe that putting up two international airports in the midst of poverty and crisis is selfishness; and concenrating on the majority at the expense of others is also selfishness. Let us not be blinded
_________________________________________

I hope I won't be misunderstood. I'm not bashing anyone. I'm just sharing my idea. BTW long time no post.:) Just dropping by hehe...

Points well taken! Btw, you just said Selfish? Hmmm.... Something's gonna happen again.