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"The Land of Smiling Beauty"

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Cagayan is the Regional Seat of the Cagayan Valley Region.

Tuguegarao City, the capital, is the seat of commerce and trade and center for learning. The province has 73 percent of the region’s potential fishing area.

Known as the spelunker’s, trekker’s, and gamefisher’s paradise rolled into one, Cagayan provides a never-ending adventure with ecotourism in the forefront of its offering. Both foreign and local tourists continue to explore its caves, engage in gamefishing expeditions, trek its mighty mountains and retreat to its centuries-old churches.

Present day chroniclers say that the name was derived from the word “tagay,” a kind of plant that grows abundantly in the northern part of the province. Thus, “Catagayan” which means a place where the tagay grows abundantly was shortened to “Cagayan,” the present name of the province.

Geography

Cagayan is a vast expanse of plains and valleys, bordered by mountains, running north to south both on its east and west ramparts. It is crisscrossed by rivers and creeks, the largest of which is the Cagayan River, which originates from from the Province of Nueva Vizcaya with a drainage area of about 27,300 sq. kms. and a groundwater reserve of 47,895 mcm. and traverses the province from south to north. The larger tributaries of the Cagayan River are the Pinacanauan River in Peñablanca in the southeast; the Dummun River in Gattaran and the Pared River in Alcala, both in central Cagayan; and the Zinundungan River in Lasam and the Matalag River in Rizal, both in the west. The other rivers in the province are the Chico River in southwest Cagayan at Tuao, the Pata River and Abulug River in the northwest, Buguey River in the north, and the Cabicungan River in the northeast. These rivers drain the plains and valleys of the province, and provide water for domestic and irrigation purposes, as well.

Beyond the Sierra Madres to the east, the coast fronting the Philippine Sea has strips of level land that could be utilized for economic activities. However, only Bolos Point in Gattaran is presently accessible and is being used as a small port. There are several other prospective ports on the Pacific Coast, most notable of which is Valley Cove in Baggao. Similarly, the northeastern and northwestern parts of Cagayan are strips of level land, hemmed in by the sea on the north and by the mountains and hills on the south.

Of its total land area, 28.19% or 253,831 hectares are flat to nearly level land. This consists of alluvial plains, river deltas, low wetlands, mangroves, and beaches. Most of these are found contiguous to the bodies of water, especially along the Cagayan, Pared, Dummun, Pinacanauan, Abulug, and Chico rivers. These areas are planted to rice and corn, subjected to frequent floods during the wet season.

The gentle and moderate slopes of the province, which constitute 6.08% and 13.48%, respectively of the total land area of the province are mostly contiguous to the level land, enclosing the plains of the meandering rivers and creeks. This arrangement forms the various dales or valleys found in between the hills of the province.

Majority of the rolling land to moderately steep areas which account for 17.07% of the province's total area are found at the foothills of the Sierra Madre and Cordillera mountains, separating the valleys and the mighty ranges.

Steep and very steep land which constitute 10.44% and 24.73%, respectively, of the total land area, or 94,030 hectares and 222,595 hectares, respectively, are found along the Cordilleras, in some parts of Sta. Praxedes, Claveria, Sanchez Mira, Pamplona, Lasam, Sto. Niño, and Rizal; and in the eastern parts of Santa Ana, Gonzaga, Lal-lo, Gattaran, Baggao and Peñablanca, as the northern mountains of the Sierra Madre range.

The Babuyan group of islands, which include the islands of Calayan, Babuyan, Dalupiri, Balintang and Camiguin, has a mixture of flat to nearly level land, and steep to very steep slopes. These islands have extensive coral reefs. There are two volcanoes in the Babuyan Islands: Mount Didicas off Camiguin island, which has a symmetrical cinder cone, about 215 meters above sea level, and Mount Pangasun in Babuyan island, which is about 840 meters above sea level and has two craters.

Another volcano found in Cagayan is Mount Kagua in Gonzaga in the northeast. It is being considered as a potential source of geothermal energy.

Scenic Attractions

As a tourism destination, Cagayan has a variety of areas with outstanding scenic beauty ranging from beaches, picturesque mountains, bird sanctuaries, game refuges, limestone caves, fluvial attractions, museums, historical landmarks and centuries-old churches

Cagayan's major tourism destinations are the Callao Caves in Peñablanca town and the Basilica Minore of Our Lady of Piat in the municipality of Piat.

The Callao Caves (declared under Republic Act 7357 as a National Park) is a 7-chambered cave with massive limestone formations running through a great length of the Pinacanauan River. One of its chambers features a stone altar illuminated by natural skylight, producing an eerie catacomb-like atmosphere. Also a treat is the spectacle of red-billed kalaw birds and daily charge of bats at dusk when millions pour out of the Bat's Cave.

The Basilica Minore of Our Lady of Piat houses the more than 365 year-old miraculuous image of Our Lady of Piat. The image which comes from Macao was originally enshrined in Lallo but the Dominicans brought it later to Piat to win the Itawes region to Christianity. Its feastday is every July 2nd of the year.

Other tourist spots and interesting sights in Cagayan are the following:

Sierra Cave (Peñablanca) - 20 meters away from the famous Callao Caves. Its biggest challenge is through crawling a very low and narrow opening called Celica's passage. The cave's attractions include calcite formations which look like a popcorn or a cauliflower when magnified by a macro lens. Flowstones, columns, stalactites and stalagmites also exist.

Camalaniugan Bell (Camalaniugan) - one of the oldest bell in the Philippines, forged in the year 1595, it was brought to Manila in February 1987 as one of the attractions during the 33rd International Eucharistic Congress.

St. Peter's Cathedral (Tuguegarao) - The seat of the Archdiocese of Tuguegarao, the biggest Spanish built church in the province.

Calvary Hills (Iguig) - This duplicate of the Fourteen Stations of the Cross set up amidst Spanish era ruins. It is situated atop an 11 hectare rolling terrain overlooking the Cagayan River. The images are more than lifesize concrete monuments standing on a hillside.

Provincial Capitol (Tuguegarao) - Seat of the provincial government of Cagayan. The complex offers a scenic view of the rolling hills, the Cagayan River, San Jacinto Seminary, Sierra Madre Mountains and Enrile Anticline.

Cagayan Museum and Historical Research Center (Tuguegarao) - An extensive collection of fossils, artifacts, antiques, artworks, enthnographic and liturgical works of the province are housed in the museum.

Magapit Suspension Bridge (Lallo) - This is the first suspension bridge in Asia linking the first and second districts of Cagayan leading to the Ilocos region.

Sta. Praxedes: Gateway to Ilocos Region (Sta. Praxedes) - The town going to the Ilocos region thru the Patapat bridge. The smallest town with only 11,000 hectares but has tourist spots with great promise. The Portabaga Falls and a long stretch of beach.

Angler's Mecca (San Vicente, Sta Ana) - Known as the sailfish country of the Philippines. The site of the annual and international sports fishing competition hosted by the Philippine Game Fishing Foundation (PGFF)

Palaui Island: Paradise of the North (Sta Ana) - A paradise for the water sports and mountaineering activities. This untouched paradise has an approximate area of 3,850 hectares with a shoreline of 20.6 kilometers. Abundant in marine resources and home of different monkeys, wild pigs, deer, sea turtles and various endemic and migratory birds.

Claveria is also blessed with a wealth of scenic attractins which include the following: the Lakay-Lakay Lagoon, the rocky formation along the Camalaggaon Caves, the Roadside Park overlooking the Claveria Bay, Macatel Falls with its crystal waters that run in abundance throughout the year, the Pata Lighthouse that offers a breathtaking experience, and the Claveria Beach Resort along the serene white sand coasts.

SOURCE: cagayano.tripod.com, DOT
ABOVE: Photo credits (L-R)
Flickr.com photos by dark skies (http://flickr.com/photos/31606585@N00/), Paul Uy (http://flickr.com/photos/pauluy/90159204/in/set-72157600119356890/), Rene Apilado (http://flickr.com/photos/33919362@N00/62504937/in/set-493953/) and Dom D (http://flickr.com/photos/daclan/)

http://www.globalpinoy.com/images/newtravel/maps/cagayan_map_bg.jpg


City:

Tuguegarao City (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tuguegarao_City)Municipalities:
Abulug (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abulug%2C_Cagayan)
Alcala (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alcala%2C_Cagayan)
Allacapan (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Allacapan%2C_Cagayan)
Amulung (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amulung%2C_Cagayan)
Aparri (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aparri%2C_Cagayan)
Baggao (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baggao%2C_Cagayan)
Ballesteros (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ballesteros%2C_Cagayan)
Buguey (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Buguey%2C_Cagayan)
Calayan (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calayan%2C_Cagayan)
Camalaniugan (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Camalaniugan%2C_Cagayan)
Claveria (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Claveria%2C_Cagayan)
Enrile (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Enrile%2C_Cagayan)
Gattaran (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gattaran%2C_Cagayan)
Gonzaga (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gonzaga%2C_Cagayan)
Iguig (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iguig%2C_Cagayan)
Lal-Lo (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lal-Lo%2C_Cagayan)
Lasam (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lasam%2C_Cagayan)
Pamplona (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pamplona%2C_Cagayan)
Peñablanca (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pe%C3%B1ablanca%2C_Cagayan)
Piat (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Piat%2C_Cagayan)
Rizal (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Rizal%2C_Cagayan)
Sanchez-Mira (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sanchez-Mira%2C_Cagayan)
Santa Ana (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Ana%2C_Cagayan)
Santa Praxedes (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Praxedes%2C_Cagayan)
Santa Teresita (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santa_Teresita%2C_Cagayan)
Santo Niño (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Santo_Ni%C3%B1o%2C_Cagayan) (Faire)
Solana (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Solana%2C_Cagayan)
Tuao (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tuao%2C_Cagayan)History

ARCHEOLOGICAL FINDINGS dating back to the Paleolithic Age indicate that the ancestors of modern humans had settled in Cagayan as early as 500,000 years ago. Man may have followed large mammals into the valley in search of game. The Agtas were probably the first modern humans to populate the vast Cagayan Valley region, followed by various Malayo-Polynesian groups who settled in the Cagayan plains and established culturally similar but ethically distinct communities.

Spanish explorer Juan de Salcedo explored the coast of Cagayan in 1572 and found the people conducting trade with Chinese and Japanese merchants. In 1582, after driving away Japanese pirates who had settled along the Cagayan coast, the Spaniards decided to settle in Lallo, which they renamed Nueva Segovia. In 1595, Nueva Segovia became the seat of a diocese, which covered the entire northern Luzon.

The pacification and settlement of the Cagayan proceeded slowly because of the hostility of the natives who were indisposed to colonization. Christian evangelization began in 1596 with the arrival of Dominican missionaries in Cagayan. Revolts continued to rock the province and threatened to supplant the Spanish colonial government in the area. These revolts found a continuing reservoir of support from the unconverted highland peoples who continually harassed the Christian settlement of the valley.

In the late 18th century, Cagayan felt the full impact of the tobacco monopoly. Cultivation of tobacco, which was an important article of trade and consumption, was initially prohibited. Anti-monopoly revolts broke out in 1787 and many settlements near the highlands were abandoned by natives who wanted to continue cultivating tobacco. Ten years later, tobacco cultivation was allowed in the valley and Cagayan soon became the single largest source of the cash crop in the archipelago. Ilokano migration into the valley facilitated the expansion of agriculture in the region. By the middle of the 19th century, the great number of Ilokano settlers allowed the Iloko language to supplant Ibanag as the regional lingua franca.

Under the Spaniards, the whole northeastern part of the island of Luzon, plus some small islands in the Balintang Channel constituted a single province of Cagayan. In 1839 the southern half of the valley was formed into a politico-military district of Nueva Vizcaya. In 1856, parts of Cagayan and Nueva Vizcaya were formed into the province of Isabela. Cagayan lost more territory with the formation of the partido of Itawes in 1889 and the comandancia of Apayao in 1890. The Americans delineated the present day limits of Cagayan in 1908.

In 1901, the United States Philippine Commission enacted Act No. 209 which in effect established the Provincial Government of Cagayan. In 1917, as contained in Act No. 2711, Cagayan was recognized as a grand division of the Philippine Islands. The province then comprised of 24 municipalities with Tuguegarao as its capital town.

During the Second World War, Japanese units landed in Aparri town a few days after the bombing of Pearl Harbor in December 1941. The valley again figured prominently in the plans of Japanese forces to defend it as a secure line of retreat to Taiwan in 1945. Filipino guerillas and American forces from Ilocos fmally drove the Japanese to the Cordilleras.

Population

Cagayan has a total population of 993,580 as of the year 2000 census of population, or 110.36 persons per square kilometer.

Language

Languages in the province are Ybanag, Ytawit, Malaweg, and Ilocano. Other ethnic groups that migrated to the province speak their own dialects. People in places where literacy is high speak and understand English and Pilipino.

Climate

Seasons in the province are not very pronounced. Relatively dry season occurs during the months of March to June and rainy season from July to October, although it is relatively cold during the months of November to February.

Industries

Agricultural products are rice, corn, peanut, beans, and fruits. Livestock products include cattle, hogs, carabaos, and poultry. Fishing various species of fish from the coastal towns is also undertaken. Woodcraft furniture made of hardwood, rattan, bamboo, and other indigenous materials are also available in the province.

SOURCE: DOT

The Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) is mandated (RA 7922) (http://www.ceza.gov.ph/pdf%20files/ra%207922%20%28almost%29.pdf) to supervise and manage the development of the Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Freeport (Cagayan Freeport) into a self-sustaining industrial, commercial, financial, and tourism / recreational center and Freeport with suitable retirement / residential areas, in order to create employment opportunities in and around the Cagayan Freeport, and to effectively encourage and attract legitimate and productive local and foreign investments.

The Cagayan Freeport was established through Republic Act No. 7922, otherwise known as the Cagayan Economic Zone Act of 1995. From 1997 up to the present, CEZA continues to initiate several projects to promote development in the Cagayan Freeport.

Mission

To develop, promote, manage and operate the Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Freeport as a viable investment hub for transshipment, agro-industrial business, and an attractive tourist destination in order to boost employment and economic opportunities in North philippines

Vision

We envision the Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Freeport to be developed as an agro-industrial growth zone; a major transshipment port; a tourist and eco-tourism haven; serving as a vibrant hub of economic activities in East and South East Asia; and catalyzing local development and employment in Northern Philippines. Source: CEZA (http://www.ceza.gov.ph/)

OPPORTUNITIES:


SEAPORT

Port Irene, a Multi-Purpose Cargo Port

Port Irene, together with the proposed airport, will be the key development components for the Cagayan Freeport. Located strategically along International shipping lanes, between the U.S. West Cost, Far East, and southeast Asian countries, Port Irene will be developed as a regional transshipment container and multi-purpose cargo port with full service capability and likewise as an enhanced shipping port. A 1,000-meter wharf is envisioned to be ultimately developed from an existing 15m x 189m pier.
Stage 1 Development Features
Construction of breaking water to protect the existing structure
Refurbishing the existing quay
Construction of a new quay 300 meters in length to take third generation container vessels
Dredging and deepening of the port area; the turning area and entrance channel to -14 meter depth
Development of a 25-hectare container stacking yard; and Supply container handling equipment.Stage 2 Development Features
Construction of additional quay 300 meters in length at an oblique angle to the Phase 1 quay, which is a dedicated container berth and will be equipped with complementary container cranes and equipment
Extension of the breakwaterAIRPORT

A Destination and Air Cargo Transshipment Point

The proposed airport of international standards and capacity to be situated in Gonzaga, will serve as a destination and air cargo transshipment point not only for the Luzon-South China growth area but also for the Southeast Asian region and the U.S. West Coast.
The Airport is envisioned to operate under the Global Transpark (GTP) system which integrates just-in-time manufacturing and distribution facilities with multi-modal transportation, advanced telecommunications and materials handling system to facilitate fast, flexible linkages between GTP locators and their suppliers and customers globally. The proposed phased developments for the new airport are as follows:
Stage 1 Development Features - Upgrading San Vicente
Initially, a realistic development program allows for the use of the existing airport at San Vicente, upgraded, followed later with the staged construction of a new airport at Gonzaga. Stage 1 would involved the upgrading of the San Vicente airport to facilitate easier access to and from the Cagayan Freeport.

The principal features of Stage 1 development are the following:
Upgrading the existing runway from about 640 meters to a runway length of 1,000m, this would allow Dash 7 or Dash 8 type aircraft (or their equivalent) to be operational
A commercial aircraft parking apron sized to accomodate at least two Dash 7 aircraft at any one time
Single taxiway links between the runway and the parking apron
A simple terminal building, with a total floor area of 500 sq.m and adjoining carpark
An operations building / control tower strategically located to serve ATC needs
A fire / rescue building with facilities to meet Category 6 level of services
Upgrading existing and utility like water, power and communication, etc. that are deemed essential for the safe operation of the airportStage 2 Development Features - Initial Phase of Airport
Once demand has built up and the upgraded airport at San Vicente is nearing its capacity the new airport at Gonzaga would be developed on Stage 2. This would provide the capacity to handle some 230 passengers per day (4 x B737 aircraft movements per day).
The principal features of the development are the following:
An initial runway length of 2,200 meters is recommended to facilitate direct operation of B737 aircraft operating out of the airport to NAIA in Manila and other nearby cities like Kaoshung and Hong Kong
A commercial aircraft parking apron sized to accomodate at least two B737s at any one time
Two taxiway links between the runway and the parking aprons
Development of the airport terminal and all its attendant facilities.Stage 3 Development Features
Principal features of Stage 3 developoment could take the form of one or all of the following, depending on actual demand at the time of proposed development:
Extension of the runway to 3,000 meters to accomodate larger capacity aircraft
Development and expansion of airside facilitiesHOUSING

Residential Facility

Another complementary facility in support of the key development thrusts of the Cagayan Freeport is the housing / residential facility, to particularly include residential housing subdivisions, composed of four (4) types: • Socialized housing for the worker groups and the residents;
• Economic housing for the white collar and skilled groups;
• High-scale housing for executives and expatriates;
• Vacation and retirement villas as part of the eco-tourism and leisure estate
The residential subdivisions for housing zone staff, inhabitants, locators and workers will be developed complete with community amenities.


AGRO-INDUSTRIAL

Santa Ana Regional Agro-industrial Growth Center (SARAIGC)

Based on the area's existing endowments, agro-industrial enhancement is seen as the take-off point for the immediate development of the area, hence, the development of the Sta. Ana Regional Agro-Industrial Growth Center of SARAIGC - one of the indentified proposed industrial centers in the country. The area covered by the Center is 800 hectares to be allocated as follows: industrial zone, residential zone, recreational zone, and the communication zone and expansion area.
Possible area for investment in the SARAIGC • Agriculture and Development Centers
• Fertilizer Production
• Feed Milling
• Food Processing
• High Value Crops Production
• Research and Development Facilities for the Poultry, Livestock & Marine Sectors
• Livestock and Poultry Raising
• Meat Processing
• Fish Production and Aquaculture
• Processing of Fish and other Marine Products
• Seaweeds and Carageenan Production and Processing
• Pulp and Paper Production
• Furniture Production


http://www.ceza.gov.ph/images/pic5.jpg
The CEZA Guest House/ photo from CEZA (http://www.ceza.gov.ph/)

LEISURE

Tourism and Leisure Complex

The proposed 200-hectare Tourism and Leisure Complex, situated in Barangay Mapurao, San Vincente, Sta. Ana, Cagayan Valley is envisioned to be a premier resort facility, complete with first-class hotel acommodations, sports and recreational facilities. It shall serve as a rest and recreation center for tourists and business executives, both local and foreign. At the same time, it is proposed that the development will also institute programs / activities that will create an awareness of the importance of eco-tourism.
The proposed complex will include the following features and amenities:
Eco-tourism facilities / Nature Trails
(equestrian trails/horseback-riding, mountain climbing/trekking)
sports/Recreational facilities
(e.g. Clubhouse, Golf Course, Tennis Courts, Basketball Courts, Swimming Pools, Gym)
Housing Accomodation facilities (condovillas)
Hotel-Casino Facilities
(retail and souvenir shops, restaurants, music lounges, fuinction rooms, casino game halls)
View decks, picnic cottages, pocket gardensTo support the above-proposed developments, the following infrastructure supports systems will be provided, including:
Power supply
Domestic water supply system
Access and internal road networks
Telecommunication facilitiesDistance Flight & Shipping Times to Key Cities
Source: CEZA (http://www.ceza.gov.ph/)


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Chart from CEZA (http://www.ceza.gov.ph/)

Getting Lost: Fabulous northeastern shores

By CHEN REYES-MENCIAS

Here’s a travel trivia. In the island of Luzon are two municipalities that are equidistant from Luneta, where the 0 km. marker is found. They are literally at the tip of Luzon, but on opposite ends. They are both indicated by kilometer markers that bear the numbers 642. One is located in the southern most tip, in the town of Matnog, Sorsogon. Its twin marker is at the northeastern end, in the coastal community of San Vicente, in the town of Sta. Ana, Cagayan.


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Manidad Island is shaped like a crocodile and is characterized by rock formations that produce flaked and cubed rock fragments. Photo courtesy of Chen Reyes-Mencias

Frontier destination

More than fifteen years ago it took me 24 hours to travel by land from Manila to the spot up north where the 642 km. marker now stands. Nowadays it takes half as long to get there. Good infrastructure accounts for the easier travel. The entire municipality of Sta. Ana is part of the Cagayan Freeport Zone. It is one of the fastest growing development area in the country. Tourism is a major focus of the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority, the government corporation mandated to manage the place. Sta. Ana prides itself of sweeping landscapes and seascapes that are now considered emerging destinations for tourists who are attracted to the wonders of nature. As far as tourism is concerned, the place is definitely frontier territory. Very few tourists have laid eyes on the amazing sceneries, flora and fauna of this place. After all it is literally at the end of the road.


The climate was rather fickle when I last visited. Amihan was still prevailing and yet it was like summer the day that I hopped on a boat to check out the northeastern shores. The sea was flat, the sun was scorching hot and the sky was like blue canvass. The boatman said that the northeast monsoon will be ending rather early this year. Although he adds that they still get rainy days occasionally. Perhaps due to its location, Sta. Ana has it own micro-climate. The locals even call the cold months winter because it can get really cold, especially when the Siberian wind blows in from the north. Summer however can be very hot and humid, extending all the way to August.

Seagrass and mangroves

As the boat pulled away from the jetty, I noticed the long strands of seagrass growing from the shallow waters. I felt the excitement in my stomach as I recall stories that were told to me of people who have sighted dugongs here. This endangered species of marine mammal is only found in areas with extensive seagrass meadows. It is their habitat and they rely on certain types of seagrass for food. It follows then that if we lose this important ecosystem that the dugong will eventually become extinct.
We followed the coastline for some time, heading east. There are coves of white sandy beaches interspersed with pockets of beach forests and mangroves. I noticed a few wild agoho trees lining the shore. These tropical low-land fake pine trees are remnants of an old growth forest that had undergone conversions by humans. Beach forests are now rare in most parts of the country. They are being cleared to give way to resorts and other development. As the boatman steered closer to shore I saw a thick growth of mangrove trees ahead. An opening emerged and the boat was maneuvered effortlessly through it until we were cruising slowly along this aquatic wonderland called Gotan.

For a while all I could see were mangroves with long prop roots extending beyond the water level. I watched out for wild animals that may be hiding within this magnificent patch of life. The thick foliage of mangrove trees provides shelter for insects, reptiles and birds. We were in luck because more than five wild ducks flew away, obviously disturbed by the sound of the motor. There must be more since we were in the middle of the migration season. My guide told me that the best time for bird watching is early morning or late afternoon. Gotan however may only be reached by boat when the tide is high. Nature’s pulse had provided the perfect control for the entry of humans.

Mini Boracay and El Nido

Cruising further I noticed some rock islands capped with sturdy bonsai trees. They reminded me of the rocky pinnacles of El Nido in Palawan. They are not as tall, jagged and dramatic, but they have similar flora. For plants to grow on a rock is an amazing phenomenon. They are also called ultra-mafic or ultra-basic forests. The lack in moisture and soil stunts the growth of these plants and they end up with crooked roots and twisted trunks. Some of them must be more than a hundred years old. Their resilience to the harsh conditions of the environment dictates their ability to survive. Unfortunately, these bonsai plants are disappearing fast. They are being collected and sold by people who have no respect for life or understanding of the need to preserve rare natural heritage. I started to wonder if years from now visitors will still be able to gaze in awe at these age-old trees and enjoy them as much as I have.


http://www.nordis.net/blog/wp-content/files/chen2008_0210anguib.jpg


Often called the Boracay of the North, Anguib beach has been a well kept secret for many years. Due to its isolation very few visitors have actually walked its shores. Photo courtesy of Chen Reyes-Mencias
Moving further we came upon a long stretch of white beach called Anguib. It is like a mini Boracay, with soft white sand and emerald green water, but minus the crowd. Although there are small huts along the beach, they are few and far between. It is still pretty isolated and I was told that most of the time it is empty. Walking along this beach I came upon a man holding an octopus that he caught with his home-made speargun, wooden goggles and ply-wood fins. He proudly showed me his catch and demonstrated how to eat a local delicacy called maratangtang. In the Japanese restaurants it is called uni. Leaving the octopus on the beach, he ran to the water and came back with six sea urchins. He cracked them open and scooped out the gonads which he quickly placed in his mouth. After doing what he did I realized that it is indeed an acquired taste.

Crocodile at sea

After a day of exploring, learning and relaxing, we headed back to the port of San Vicente. Along the way we stopped at a long narrow island locally named Manidad. Approaching it from the west, it appeared like a crocodile with a big head and long snout. Its “body” is a rock formation that has interesting weathering patterns. The surface has been chipping away producing rock fragments that are flaky and cubed. On top are uncommon plant species that thrive in an environment with no soil and fresh water. Its narrow beach is dominated by coral rubbles and crushed shells indicating the presence of a coral reef nearby. Small whirlpools of currents flow all around it eroding its shores. It would have been perfect if not for the trash that were carelessly thrown near its “head” by some irresponsible tourist, no doubt.

The island seem to come alive as it echoes the lesson of the day. Nature may be able to endure the harshness of the wind, the currents, the tides and the rain. But it cannot bear the arrogance, greed and uncaring attitude of human beings.

Let me know what you think by sending me an email at wildexpeditions@yahoo.com. Visit my site: www.tourismplan.blogpot.com (http://www.tourismplan.blogpot.com) and learn how you can help protect destinations for them to last for many generations.

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Thanks to The Northern Dispatch Weekly (http://www.nordis.net/blog/?p=2172) for the Article

Senate President Villar visits Tuguegarao City officials

Tuguegarao City -- Senate President Manny Villar and wife Congresswoman Cynthia Villar visited their political friends here last week and at the same time discussed certain city projects and programs where he can be of help.

Shortly after his arrival at the Tuguegarao City airport a press conference was held at the airport lobby where he entertained and graciously answered questions from local mediamen.

He said Phil. politics is quite shaky this time because of the removal of Congressman Jose de Venecia as Speaker of the House, conduct of rallies as actions against the gov't and the ongoing investigation in the senate where many anomalies are cropping up.

He likewise expressed his desire to end the NBN-ZTE investigation in order to work for the legislation of the anti-wire tapping law, amendments to the procurement law and the anti-kidnapping activities.

Sen. Villar added that the senate will continue to pay attention to important bills for interest and benefit of the public and at the same time disclaim the impression of some groups and individuals that the senators are not performing their duties.

Meanwhile, Sen. Villar said that he will continue on promoting his advocacy dubbed as "Sipag at Tiyaga" that will give inspiration to the public to work hard and live a better life.

After the press conference, Sen. Villar mets with City Mayor Delfin T. Ting and former Mayor Randolph S. Ting at Hotel Delfino afterwhich he proceeded to Cauayan City and Santiago City in Isabela.

http://www.pia.gov.ph/default.asp?m=12&fi=p080219.htm&no=49

TUGUEGARAO CITY AWARDED MOST OUTSTANDING AGRICULTURAL AND FISHERY COUNCIL


http://www.tuguegaraocity.gov.ph/aprilpix2.jpg
CAFC members monitoring the Green House Project at Lingaling, Libag, Tuguegarao City.

The Department of Agriculture and the Regional Agricultural and Fishery Council (RAFC) named Tuguegarao City as the region’s Most Outstanding City Agricultural and Fishery Council (CAFC) of the year in the Gawad Saka Search on March this year.

With this award, the city’s CAFC qualifies for the national level placing first among five finalists all around the country.

Organized in 1987, CAFC is a non-government organization composed of farmers mostly in the eastern part of the city.

The group is supported by the City Government specifically the City Agriculture Office.

Mr. Oscar Buguina, Tuguegarao City CAFC Chairman said 60% of the members are composed of private individuals who are farmers while 40% comprised of members in the government sector.

“We aim to develop the economic status of the farmers,” says Buguina. In the process, we also advocate Agri-based projects of the city government like fish cage production, livelihood projects and development of fish cages and ponds.

Although the organization does not have a fund to speak of, they are proud to have conducted regular and special meetings for their different projects. Buguina mentioned the aid of the city in the form of a four wheel tractor that helped mobilized and fast-tracked farming activities.

Buguina said they were able to accomplish different programs and projects due to the support extended by the city government and other agencies which help them raise funds for the welfare of the farmers.


CITY DUMPSITE SOIL TESTED


Exploring the soil subsurface conditions of the City Dump Site at Carig Norte, the Geo Technical and Materials Testing Engineers from Manila headed by Engr. William C. Muñoz conducted a nine-day soil testing and investigation at the proposed Sanitary Land Fill from March 17-28,2007.

The group bored five holes to be able to determine the depth of excavation allowed in the area, the type of foundation or structural building which is appropriate for the area, and to make sure the liche (dagta) coming from waste materials wouldn’t penetrate or contaminate the ground water. These are all intended to secure the area.

Engr. Catherine Taguiam, program coordinator, said this test is necessary as it will serve as a basis for the treatment of liche especially as the city government plans to create a liche pond.

“If this project will prosper, management of our waste materials will be smoother thereby enabling us to take a better care of our environment, she added.

http://www.tuguegaraocity.gov.ph/news4.html

CEZA, private groups spend P11 B in ecozone infrastructure
spacer (http://www.mb.com.ph/BSNS20080225117833.html)

By BERNIE C. MAGKILAT

The Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) and a consortium of private sector groups are investing P11 billion for the construction of infrastructure projects particularly an international airport and seaport to jumpstart the development of the Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Freeport in Santa Ana, Cagayan.

CEZA administrator and CEO Jose Mari Ponce said they are looking at the completion of all the infrastructure facilities by 2010.

Of the total investment requirement, Ponce said between P5 billion to P6 billion would be used to for the construction of the international airport and P4 billion to P5 billion for the construction of the container port.

The funding for the international airport would be a combination of its own budgetary allocation from the national government and the private sector consortium led by the First Cagayan Leisure and Resort Corp., CEZA’s Internet casino master licensor, of businessman Alfredo Benitez group. They are eyeing an equity sharing of 60-40 in favor of CEZA.

Spanish-owned Banco Bilbao is also providing a 350-million euro open credit line that can be tapped for the airport project and to fund expansion projects of CEZA locators.

The Banco Bilbao, however, requires a sovereign guarantee for the loans from PhilExim bank.

"It is a priority for CEZA to build the airport this year," said Ponce, as he cited the rapid development of the Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Freeport.

He said the airport will have a runway of 1,500 meters to 2,000 meters to accommodate large aircraft filled with tourists and investors. The runway alone entails P2 billion in investments. Construction of the airport is expected to start this year in a 30-hectare privately-owned lot in Sta. Ana and is expected to be operational by 2009.

Ponce said the international airport will support the vision of CEZA to transform the economic zone and Freeport into a first-class tourist destination and a major transshipment point for trade in the Asia-Pacific rim, competing with the like of Hong Kong and Singapore.

The international airport will be complemented by various infrastructure and information technology projects that will solidify the position of the Freeport and economic zone as a tourism and investment destination.

While the international airport is under development, CEZA has developed the San Vicente airstrip to accommodate smaller chartered flights from Manila. Under a joint use agreement with the Philippine Navy, CEZA finalized the widening of the airstrip and started utilizing the facility since last year.

Larger aircraft are also using the Tuguegarao airport which presently caters to international chartered flights to and from Macau, and has a frequency of two flights per week to bring tourists to Sta. Ana while the CEZA international airport remains to be completed, Ponce added. Tuguegarao is 150 kilometers away from Sta. Ana.

On the other hand, Port Irene, the center of the Freeport zone, is being developed into a major transshipment hub of international standards for a total cost of P5 billion.

The port’s existing pier will be rehabilitated and lengthened to accommodate 20,00 deadweight tons vessels while the 7-hectare port area shall be developed into a container year with a capacity of 17,000 twenty-foot equivalent units (TEUs).

The development of the port will come in two phases, the construction of breakwater to protect the port from strong currents and waves, and the lengthening of the pier and development of the container yard.

The development of the seaport would be undertaken on a build-operate transfer scheme by the ASEAN Pacific International Terminals Inc., which is now owned by Filipino-owned Burgundy Group of Co.

"The goal is by 2010 all the infrastructure facilities are already operational including additional power capacity, roads and bridges," Ponce said.

Ponce said road development is ongoing to facilitate more investments related to eco-tourism projects. Other projects including waste and sewerage system, and waste disposal facilities are ready for implementation.

Ponce explained that when he took over CEZA in 2005, he ordered a shift in focus in the implementation of priority projects from transshipment port and agro-industrial strategy to eco-tourism.

Ponce has decided to push the development of eco-tourism first because there is already the demand for tourists and casino players from nearby countries particularly Macau, Taipei, China, Japan and Korea.

On the other hand, based on his study the transshipment and agroidnsutrial strategy can only become viable by 2012 yet.

Ponce’s move to prioritize eco-tourism has born fruit with the establishment of two major casino resort complexes Macau based Sun City and Xiamen-based Eastern Hawaii, built at a cost of nearly P1 billion, which is currently under expansion to provide a total of 600 rooms for foreign guests from the current 400 room capacity.

This has facilitated more tourist arrivals on the average of 200 a month via chartered international flights. In December last year, there were 300 tourists that came into Sta. Ana. The zone has also an available 400 hotel rooms.

The zone has been declared as Asia’s first and only interactive gaming jurisdiction by the International Association of Gaming Resources.

First Cagayan is also developing a ten-hectare cyber complex at a cost of P800 million, which will house a world-class, state-of the-art data center facility.

Ponce said that First Cagayan has invested heavily in telecommunications to provide the needs of investors. It has already completed the installation of microwave facilities connecting Aparri to Sta. Ana and the installation of an 85-kilometer fiber optic cabling facility from Lallo to Sta. Ana.

Through this fiber network, the Zone is interconnected to major telcos and can now offer high-capacity internet connectivity at competitive costs, ideal for various businesses such as offshore banking, call centers and other BPO ventures.

Now that the demand has been established in the Freeport, Ponce said they are now laying down the infrastructure projects to accommodate increased tourist arrivals and increased trade volume as transshipment hub.

Tuguegarao City residents to be issued ID cards


Tuguegarao -- City mayor Delfin Ting will soon issue identification cards to legitimate residents of Tuguegarao City which may be used later to avail of health services from the Peoples Emergency Hospital (PEH).

The ID cards are important to properly identify true residents of the place, Ting said.

He also said the hospital is undergoing total renovation to make it more comfortable for patients. The city government has likewise allocated some funds for the purchase of additional facilities and equipment aside from those that would be given by Health Secretary Francisco Duque III.

Mayor Ting emphasized that the PEH is constructed for the benefit of Tuguegaraoeños exclusively.

Once completed, the hospital will give free consultation, medication and other health services especially to those who can't afford to pay for hospital bills and medicines. (PIA Cagayan)

http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&r=&y=&mo=&fi=p080229.htm&no=03

Construction of Cagayan International Airport to start this year

Saturday, March 1, 2008 04:07 PM

TUGUEGARAO CITY -- The construction of another international airport is set to start this year as part of the national government's continued effort to transform this country's northernmost part into a world-class tourism and business investment destination.

Jose Mari Ponce, administrator of the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA), said that the construction of the airport, with an initial funding of P5 billion, would be a joint venture between CEZA and a multinational private firm with technical and supervisory assistance from the Department of Transportation and Communications.

The airport, which would be similar to that of the Diosdado Macapagal Airport in Clark Field, Pampanga, in terms of technology and capability, would be co-financed by a Spanish bank through an open credit scheme, Ponce said.

"It is a priority for CEZA to build the airport this year to complement the rapid development of the Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Freeport," said Ponce, also the CEZA's chief executive officer. -- Charlie Lagasca

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Local%20News&p=54&type=2&sec=2&aid=2008030136

Construction of P5-B Cagayan Int’l Airport to start this year

By Charlie Lagasca


TUGUEGARAO CITY – The construction of another international airport is set to start this year as part of the national government’s continued efforts to transform this country’s northernmost part into a world-class tourism and business investment destination.

Jose Mari Ponce, administrator of the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA), said that the construction of the airport, with an initial funding of P5-billion, would be a joint venture between CEZA and a multinational private firm with technical and supervisory assistance from the Department of Transportation and Communications.

The airport, which would be similar to that of the Diosdado Macapagal Airport in Clark Field, Pampanga, in terms of technology and capability, would be co-financed by a Spanish bank through an open credit scheme, Ponce said.

“It is a priority for CEZA to build the airport this year to complement the rapid development of the Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Freeport,” said Ponce, also the CEZA’s chief executive officer.

Based in Santa Ana, Cagayan, CEZA, which is under the Office of the President, was created in 1995 through Republic Act 7922. It covers the whole of Santa Ana town and the neighboring islands in the municipality of Aparri.

At present, CEZA has 68 local and foreign investors with initial combined investments of more than P8 billion, all for the development of CEZA as a first-class tourism destination and a major transshipment point for trade in the Asia-Pacific rim.

The airport, Ponce said, will have a runway of more than P1,500 meters to accommodate bigger aircrafts that would be expected to come in regular flights once the CEZA goes into full operation.

“The airport will be complemented by various infrastructure and information technology projects that will solidify the position of the Freeport and economic zone as a tourism and investment destination,” he said.

While the airport is under development, CEZA, he said, will be using the newly developed San Vicente Airstrip in Santa Ana to accommodate chartered flights from Manila through a joint use agreement with the Philippine Navy.

To complement the soon-to-be-inaugurated airport, the CEZA also has an international port in Port Irene.

To date, the construction of a multi-million-peso international hotel whose groundbreaking was led by President Arroyo last year is now ongoing while three online casinos managed by various international investors are operational and are being patronized by tourists from overseas.

http://www.philstar.com/archives.php?aid=2008030127&type=2

Oh how I miss my valley home.:(

Hello freightrunner! Post your hometown pictures here if you have some. :okay:

Getting Lost: Beyond Tuguegarao

By CHEN REYES-MENCIAS

The Semana Santais a lot of things to many people. To most Christians it is a time do their annual Visita Iglesiasor to act upon their panata.On the other hand many associate Holy Week as a time for vacation, travel to the province or to hit the beach. Or perhaps watch in awe the many rituals, processions and practices related to the annual religious event. Nevertheless, wherever we go and whatever we do during this time, it is important to slow down, reflect, pray or meditate and recognize Christ’s sacrifice to save humanity, or at the very least feel some form of spirituality in one’s heart.

http://www.nordis.net/blog/wp-content/files/chen2008_0323calvary.jpg
Fourteen larger-than-life monuments depicting the Stations of the Cross were built across an 11-hectare field. Photo courtesy of Chen Reyes-Mencias

Simple penance

North of Tuguegarao City are some interesting sites that may remind us of our Christian background and put us in a deep and insightful mood. The town of Iguig is famous for the Calvary Hills and its centuries-old church. Named after a chieftain called “Ig”, this town is one place where devotees congregate during Holy Week. It is famous for the St. James the Apostle Church that stands as a testament to the rich history of the place. It was built on top of a hill in 1765 after the first three were washed away by floods. This brick church is one of the few left in the country that has flying buttresses. It is completely made of bricks and for a very good reason. Iguig is known for brick-making. Even today there are still families engaged in producing clay pottery, brick tiles, decorative jars and earthen stoves.

Drawing a big crowd during Holy Week are 14 larger-than-life concrete monuments depicting Jesus Christ’s suffering before his death on Mount Calvary. The Stations of the Cross had been built across an 11-hectare expanse of rolling hills right at the back of the brick church. It was completed in 1982. It is the perfect location not only because of the landscape but also because of the fact that Iguig went through two major catastrophes in the past that decimated the population and wiped out almost all houses. Cholera in 1898 and a major fire had almost erased Iguig from the map. The resilience however gave the people strength to rebuild their lives. The Calvary Hills is perhaps a way to bring about blessings for the townsfolk and for the hundreds of visitors that flock during Holy Week. The hike between the Stations and across the open field, while exposed to the searing heat of the sun, is enough penance for most.

Nueva Segovia

Approximately two hours north of Iguig is the town of Lal-lo. It is another place that has a very deep historical background. When the Spaniards discovered it in 1582 they found it to be the ideal place to establish Christianity in Luzon. It was renamed Ciudad de Nueva Segovia. It became the fourth city to be founded in the Philippines after Cebu (1565), Manila (1571), and Naga (1575). Territory of the new diocese included the whole of northern Luzon from Zambales, Tarlac and Pangasinan all the way up to Ilocos. Lal-lo is located near the banks of the mighty Cagayan River. Archeologists say that during the Spanish era, the river used to be deep and galleons were able to come into the river through the delta in Aparri. Hence, there are speculations of possible archeological sites that may reveal relics of galleons that may have been built and repaired along the Cagayan River. The center of the diocese was later on transferred to Vigan.

http://www.nordis.net/blog/wp-content/files/chen2008_0323lallochurch.jpg
Lal-lo is known for the St. Dominic Church which now serves as a landmark for the former Nueva Segovia of Luzon. Photo courtesy of Chen Reyes-Mencias

In Lal-lo, is the church of St. Dominic which used to be the Church of Bagum-bayan during the Spanish era. It was founded by Fr. Diego de Soria and Tomas Castellar in 1594. Across the church is the century-old Evangelization Cross encased in glass. University of Santo Tomas founder Miguel de Benavides who became the first bishop of the diocese. recounted in his report to the Pope that “the grace of God had won over the natives of Cagayan to the Flockof which Christ is the Shepherd”. The bell tower of the brick church is already adorned with bonsai plants and has always been the subject of debate on whether it is actually sinking. It seems to be leaning on one side.

Oldest bell

Futher north is the town of Camalaniugan. In 1996 it celebrated its Quadricentennial Anniversary marking a significant milestone in the town’s history. A well preserved Horno still existsbeside the river that used to produce bricks for the churches in the area. But it is more popular for the Sancta Maria which is supposedly the oldest bell in the Far East. It is housed at the San Jacinto de Polonia Church. It was forged in 1595, a year before the Dominicans accepted the city’s ecclesiastical administration. Records indicate that the bell was transported to Manila in February 1937 for the 33rd International Eucharistic Congress. The bell is now in a tower that was built through a concerted effort by parishioners, local government and town folk.

http://www.nordis.net/blog/wp-content/files/chen2008_0323oldestbell.jpg
The Sancta Maria is the oldest bell in the Far East. Photo courtesy of Chen Reyes-Mencias

Bells are important to churches and they have a long history. They had been quite useful when clocks have not been invented yet, since they were rung to call people to prayer or to summon them for religious services. The church bell was also rung to provide a warning in times of danger.

More importantly, bells are rung to remind us of the presence of God. During the Lenten season, no bells of any size are rung between the end of the Gloria of the Mass on Holy Thursday and the beginning of Gloria on Holy Saturday, after which the Church and the believers anticipate the Resurrection of the Lord. This is heralded by the simultaneous and joyful ringing of the bells of churches all over the world, to announce that Christ has risen from the dead, to die no more.

Whether we spend the season inside a church or doing penance walking up a Calvary Hill like the one in Iguig, or perhaps hiking up the mountain or relaxing by the beach, may we be reflective in order to recognize a force much greater than us. May you find your own place of peace and bliss.

Let me know what you think. Send me an email at wildexpeditions@yahoo.com.

--
Article courtesy of The Northern Dispatch Weekly (http://www.nordis.net/blog/?p=2333)

Cagayan preparing for own wind power project

Friday, March 28, 2008 02:07 PM

Bangui– The Cagayan province is preparing for its own wind power project in Pamplona town like the famous giant windmills in Bangui town in Ilocos Norte.

Governor Alvaro Antonio is supporting the push for the alternative power source that would produce 27 megawatts of electric power, said lawyer Ferdinand Dumlao, chairman of the board of the proponent Northeast Wind Systems Corporation (NEWS).

The Pamplona Wind Energy Project (PWPP) is touted as a landmark in commemorating Cagayan’s position on global warming and protection of the environment, added Dumlao.

A wind study has already been conducted in Pamplona and is positive, Atty. Dumlao said.

Gov. Antonio is facilitating the agreement of all stakeholders including electric cooperatives in Cagayan to finally endorse the project. - Artemio Dumlao

Cagayan town wants 116-year-old lighthouse declared a historic site

By Charlie Lagasca
Wednesday, April 2, 2008

SANTA ANA, Cagayan – This northern coastal town, described to be one of the “Boracays of the North,” has renewed its bid for the national government to declare its 116-year-old lighthouse a cultural and heritage site in an effort to save one of such remaining Spanish-era structures in the country from further ruin.

Mayor Norberto Victor Rodriguez said their long-pending bid for the National Commission on Culture and the Arts (NCAA) and the National Historical Institute (NHI) to declare Cape Engaño, one of the 27 lighthouses built during the 400-year Spanish occupation, a historical and heritage site, has again been brought to the fore in the wake of the edifice’s deteriorating state.

The lighthouse, now under the lighthouse division of the Department of Transportation and Communications, used to be the “guiding light” to sailors and fishermen, including Spanish and Chinese merchants plying the Batanes and Babuyan Claro seas and the Pacific side of Northern Luzon.

“The alarming state of the lighthouse has awakened our consciousness to find ways to preserve it not only as a part of our local history but also as a part of the country’s cultural heritage,” said Dindo Danao, who hails from this northernmost Cagayan town.

Though still sturdy, the lighthouse, also known as El Faro de Cabo Engaño, has been vandalized and many structures in its compound no longer have roofs, exposing them to the elements.

“The NHI was astounded by what they saw in the lighthouse and said that it would take at least P5 million to rehabilitate it. Instead, they suggested that the building’s present condition be maintained to prevent its further deterioration,” said Gloria Jamora*bon, the town’s tourism operations assistant officer.

Earlier, the Santa Ana-based Cagayan Economic Zone Authority, which is attached to the Office of the President, said there have been talks with the Spanish government for possible support in reconstructing the fortress-like structure, made of bricks of volcanic sources and which stands on volcanic rock.

http://www.philstar.com/archives.php?aid=2008040136&type=2

No rice shortage in Cagayan

Tuguegarao City -- Farmers and government officials declared today that there is no rice shortage in the province of Cagayan contrary to reports of rice shortage in some areas of the country particularly in Metro Manila.

Cagayan Provincial Agriculturist Mildred Abella stressed that the province is not experiencing any rice shortage. In fact, the province remains to be a surplus area in rice production and contributes to the rice needs of other provinces outside region 2.

She also said that the province remains as the rice bowl of the Cagayan Valley Region.

To further prove that there is no rice shortage, three farmers from Alcala and Solana, Cagayan and also from Tuguegarao City testified that they have good harvest this season, yielding even more than their expected harvest.

Judy Bernabe, a farmer from Solana said he was able to harvest recently some 140 cavans of rice from his 1.2 hectare rice field compared to the 132 cavans he harvested last year.

Meantime, Marlene Estrada, a statistician from the Department of Agriculture regional office said the province is expecting to harvest more than 300,000 metric tons of rice when the harvesting period ends this May.

National Food Authority (NFA) provincial manager Rocky Valdez, on the other hand, assured that there is enough rice supply in the province.

He likewise mentioned that the office received recently the first shipment of 30,000 bags of rice from Vietnam and about 100 bags more will arrive next week.

http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&fi=p080407.htm&no=09

Saturday, April 19, 2008
A pilgrimage to Cagayan

A WIDE grassland view of the mountains facing the Pacific Ocean like no other picturesque view in the country welcomed me to the sunny province of Cagayan.

After the agonizing 10-hour journey from Baguio City, passing through the provinces of Nueva Vizcaya, Nueva Ecija and Isabela, I reached Cagayan with a lot of expectations only to be drawn back to the basics. That is, of course, what I call my Cagayan adventure as a spiritual awakening because of two sites that draw me back closer to my Creator.

Hidden in the province's interiors are two of the most visited pilgrimage sites during holy week in the valley region -- the Callao Cave and the Basilica of Our Lady of Piat.

Callao Caves

In the town of Peñablanca, Cagayan, a 30-minute bus ride from the capital of the province of Tuguegarao, is the seven-chamber Callao Cave.

Located in the barangays of Parabba and Quibal beside the majestic Cagayan River, the caves provide sanctuary to bats and other endemic animals.

Once used as a camp of Japanese forces during World War II, the cave may be reached after trekking through more than two hundred cemented mossy steps in just 15 minutes form the gate entrance.

Inside the long winding tunnels of the cave, one can marvel at the man-made chapel in the first chamber of the cave where a crevice in the ceiling provides illumination creating a natural cathedral vista.

However, my expectations were rather short-lived as I saw some stalactites and stalagmites inside the cave vandalized probably due to the high tourism influx. All I could do was pray inside the cave's chapel and sigh at the once glorious and well-talked-about tourist destination in Cagayan.

The spectacular view inside the once glorious cave was gone as sights of plastic wrappers and bottles probably left by tourists were not a rarity. I just wish that the local authorities would take notice at their prime tourist destination or these wonders of nature would be gone forever.

Our Lady of Piat

After a few hours of scouring the interiors of the cave, our group went to another pilgrimage site that for more than 400 years played a significant role in the devotion of the people in Cagayan Valley -- the Shrine of Our Lady of Piat.

Located in the town of Piat, Cagayan named after the image, the shrine hosts the brown Madonna statue that the locals claim as miraculous. The image of Our Lady of Piat was crafted in Macau and assumed to have been inspired by Mexico's Virgin of Guadalupe.

According to the nuns who sell miraculous oils to devotees, the image of the Virgin Mary was once fair skinned until it became dark brown to resemble the complexion that of the Cagayanons.

The Basilica houses a museum, which displays a wide array of religious articles, vestments and liturgical artifacts that reflects the 400-year-long history of the arrival of the image in the country.

Believed to be a powerful intercessor to those who have ailments, I offered a prayer inside the shrine that I realized a few weeks after came true.

Ibanag Delicacies

Lastly, before I left the province of Cagayan, I never forgot the food that also made the land of the Ibanags famous.

One of the more popular pasalubongs bought by tourists is the Alcala milk candy. It is almost similar to the pastillas sold in Bulacan although the difference would be its flattened rectangular shape and that it is made of pure Carabao's milk.

Another favorite for tourists to buy in Tuguegarao are the Cacao balls that would easily melt in boiling water for a delightful chocolate drink that's best served during breakfast.

Other favorites I never failed to buy were the Carne Ibanag Longanisa that is almost similar to Vigan's longanisa except probably for its light orange color and the Chicharabao or fried garlic-flavored Carabao fat that I enjoyed eating on the bus trip back to Baguio.

All in all, the Cagayan experience is indeed both a delight for the soul as well for adventure seekers like me. (JMA)

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/static/bag/2008/04/19/feat/a.pilgrimage.to.cagayan.html

Natural gas deposits waiting to be tapped in Cagayan

NARVACAN, Ilocos Sur - An estimated $350 million worth of natural gas is waiting to be tapped in Amulung, Cagayan in northern Philippines, officials of the privately-held Monte Oro Resources and Energy Corporation (MOREC) said.

Edward Durkee, the company’s chief geologist, said that natural gas deposits in the landlocked town can be converted into liquefied petroleum gas and compressed natural gas, which could be valued anywhere from $300 to $350 million.

According to Durkee, the company was already given an exploration permit to determine the total amount of natural gas in the area.

Amulung Mayor Pacita de Leon said that the company was able to secure its exploration permit because it was expected to offer livelihood opportunities for the town’s residents.

Amulung is a 4th Class municipality with a population of about 44,000.

Considered cleaner than fossil-based fuels, natural gas can be used to generate electricity by using turbines.

Established in 2005, MOREC was formed specifically to invest in Mining, Oil & Gas and Infrastructure investments in the Philippines. - GMANews.TV

http://www.gmanews.tv/story/91832/Natural-gas-deposits-waiting-to-be-tapped-in-Cagayan

RP-Macau air deal raises seats from 850 to 13,100 weekly
By Veronica Uy
INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines -- As more Filipinos work in Macau, the Philippines and the former Portugal territory signed an air agreement increasing the number of flight seats 15-fold from 850 a week to 13,100, an official of the Department of Foreign Affairs told INQUIRER.net Thursday.


Foreign Affairs Undersecretary for Administration Franklin Ebdalin, vice chairman of the Philippine negotiating team for air talks with foreign governments, called the agreement finalized last April 24 as "short of open skies with Macau."


Under the Philippines-Macau agreement, a total of 3,600 seats will be allocated for Manila-Macau flights per week and vice versa; 6,000 seats weekly for Philippine carriers flying from Clark and Subic; and another 3,500 seats weekly for carriers outside Manila, Clark, and Subic (like Cebu, Davao, and Tuguegarao).


"We obtained a better deal with Macau because [the agreement] takes care of all the requirements for all our carriers in terms of seats capacity," he said.

Cagayan is the 3rd largest province in the Philippines...

BOC to create 2 collection districts in Cagayan, Bataan

By Iris C. Gonzales
Friday, May 2, 2008

The Bureau of Customs (BOC) will create two collection districts in Cagayan and Bataan due to the expected increase in investors in the two areas.

BOC commissioner Napoleon Morales said the agency is anticipating the influx of investors given the developments at the Cagayan economic zone.

As such, the BOC will create a collection district in Aparri in Cagayan and in the Port of Limay in Bataan due to the expected increase in investors.

Morales said the ultimate goal is to enhance revenues, facilitate trade and enhance trade security.

“We will try to plug all smuggling loopholes,” Morales said.

The Customs chief said the agency would issue a memorandum next month to implement the plan.

The BOC is under heavy pressure to meet its targets to enable the government to balance the budget this year as had been planned.

As of the first quarter of the year, the National Government incurred a budget deficit of P51.6 billion or P400 million lower than the P52 billion deficit recorded in the same period last year and P8.7 billion lower than the programmed deficit of P60.2 billion for the period.

Revenues in the first quarter increased by 6.8 percent to P253.5 billion from P237.3 billion recorded in the same period last year. This is also P4 billion higher or 1.6 percent above the revenue target for the period of P249.6 billion.

Of this amount, revenues generated by the BOC during the quarter went up by 21.5 percent to P48.9 billion from P40.2 billion, but short of the P51.8 billion target for the quarter by P2.9 billion or 5.6 percent.

In March, revenues of the BOC climbed 23.1 percent to P18.5 billion from P15 billion in the same period last year.

http://philstar.com/archives.php?aid=2008050123&type=2

http://http://business.inquirer.net/money/breakingnews/view/20080504-134524/P8-B-Cagayan-airport-to-break-ground-this-year (http://http//business.inquirer.net/money/breakingnews/view/20080504-134524/P8-B-Cagayan-airport-to-break-ground-this-year)

P8-B Cagayan airport to break ground this year


By Ronnel Domingo
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 19:32:00 05/04/2008


MANILA, Philippines--Investments and tourism revenues are expected to flow stronger into Cagayan Valley as the Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Freeport prepares for this year's construction of an P8-billion airport.

Jose Mari B. Ponce, administrator and chief executive of the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority, said in a statement that the project, which will be undertaken through a joint venture with First Cagayan Leisure and Resort Corp., would cement the ecozone's status as the main lure for investments and tourism earnings in the region.

Ponce said the planned international airport would transform the free port into a major transshipment point for trade in the Asia-Pacific rim, competing with the likes of Hong Kong and Singapore.

The project involves a planned international airport designed to accommodate Boeing 737s and is targeted to start operations in 2010.

Cagayan Valley or Region 2 groups the northeastern Luzon provinces of Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino and Batanes.

Ponce said a six-month feasibility study was expected to be completed by mid-2008, which may allow the project to break ground within the year.

Citing the National Economic and Development Authority's 2007 regional economic situationer for Cagayan Valley, Ponce said the CSEZFP has lured a total of 70 locator firms that have committed to invest P8.19 billion--representing up to 3,236 jobs--since its creation in 1995.

Ponce said that as a major economic hub in Cagayan, the CSEZFP in Sta. Ana town was the fastest growing industrial, logistics and tourism hub in the country.

"With more investments expected to come in over the next few months (through the airport project), we expect CSEZFP to maintain its role as a catalyst of growth in the region," he said.

The official said Neda's report showed that investments in the region were largely dominated by the expanding number of locators in the free port.

He said the bulk of the investment growth came from interactive gaming support services, which increased by 70.6 percent to P2.9 billion in 2007 from P1.7 billion in 2006.

The report also credited CSEZFP for generating 2,609 jobs as of 2007.

Ponce quoted the NEDA report as saying "without the CSEZFP gains, decreases in investments experienced in the other sectors could not be cushioned."

He added that based on the data provided by the Business Name Registration of the Department of Trade and Industry, the region's total investment outside CSEZFP fell 74 percent from P6.7 billion in 2006 to P1.8 billion in 2007.

As for tourism, total expenditures in the region hit P1.43 billion in 2007 while the number of domestic tourists reached 623,431 and those of foreign arrivals reached 20,462.

:applause::applause::applause:

^^So this will be in Sta. Ana town and not Tuguegarao? Just curious.

Mayor bats for Aparri Economic Zone

Tuguegarao City -- During the 94th Regional Development Council (RDC) meeting held at the Aparri, Cagayan recently, Aparri mayor Ismael Tumaru proposed for the establishment of a Special Economic Zone and Freeport in his municipality.

He said his proposal could complement CEZA of Sta. Ana considering the proximity of the municipality to Taiwan which is considered the Central Trade for Global market.

Considering that Aparri is only 45 minutes travel by plane to Taiwan, the municipality could readily establish international trade if provided with a seaport and airport or airstrip, Tumaru said.

He likewise proposed for the development of the mouth of the Cagayan River and turn it into a central for trade and domestic and international products.

Tumaru foresees international and domestic ships to traverse the Cagayan River when this project is realized, thus, giving access to eco-tourism and employment development.

The abundance of wind and wave in the municipality are promising potentials for power generation that could invite viable investors in the future as well.

Mayor Tumaru's proposal was approved and endorsed by RDC 2 to be included in its Regional Priority Program. (PIA Cagayan)

http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&r=&y=&mo=&fi=p080505.htm&no=08

Economic Zone in Aparri proposed

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan — Aparri mayor Ismael Tumaru proposed for the establishment of a Special Economic Zone and Freeport in his municipality.

He said his proposal could complement Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) of Sta. Ana considering the proximity of the municipality to Taiwan, which is considered the Central Trade for Global market.

He likewise proposed for the development of the mouth of the Cagayan River into a center for trade for domestic and international products.

Mayor Tumaru’s proposal was approved and endorsed by the Cagayan Regional Development Council (RDC) to be included in its Regional Priority Program. PIA-Cagayan

Cabugao ecozone, saan a makikumpitensia iti Cagayan: Cong. Ronald
Tawid News

VIGAN CITY - Kas ekspektaren ni Cong. Ronald Singson, adda senador a saan a pabor iti gakat a mamagbalin iti Cabugao nga economic and free port zone agsipud iti amak a makikumpitensia daytoy iti ecozone a naipasdek iti probinsiana.

Ngem kinuna ni Singson a nakapatpatangnan dagiti dadduma a senador ket awan ti isusupiatda iti nasao a gakat.

Kinuna ni Singson a mangnamnama a kalpasan a maipalawagna a nalaing ti pagsayaatan ti nasao nga Cabugao economic and free port zone, kas dagiti maparnuay a panggedan, ken maibaut a negosio, malawlawagan met la dagiti mangkonkontra iti gakat.

Maysa ni Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile a mangkonkontra iti panagbalin ti Cabugao nga economic and freeport zone agsipud iti posible a panagbalin daytoy a kakumpitensia ti economic zone a naipasdek iti Cagayan.

Segun ken ni Singson, duadua laeng ken ni Dip. Garcia iti Bataan a dimmatag iti public hearing iti Senado, nupay adda dagiti padada nga agilinlinteg a nangipila iti umasping a gakat para iti lugarda.

Kinuna ni Singson a “binanatan” ida ni Sen. Enrile ket saan a nakasungbat ni Garcia kadagiti sinaludsod ti senador.

“Medio nakasungbattayo met,” kinuna ni Singson sana innayon a “hopefully, malawlawagantayo met laeng ni Sen. Enrile a no kabaelanda nga ag-succeed ti economic and freeport zone iti Cagayan, kabaelantayo met ditoy Ilocos Sur.”

Impalgak ni Singson a nailatangen ti P5 milion para iti consultancy a mangaramid iti feasibility study ti Cabugao economic and free port zone, manipud iti inception, legislation, agingga iti implementasion, infrastructure, port operations ken dadduma pay.

“Masapul ti detalyado a feasibility study tapno isunto met la ti pangdepensatayo iti Senado tapno maipakitatayo no feasible wenno saan,” kinuna ni Singson.

Kinuna ni Singson a no maipasdeken ti economic and freeport zone, adunton ti establisamiento a maipatakder kas dagiti paktoria, hotel, gaming, entertainment ken dadduma pay ket saanton a mapan iti Manila wenno ballasiw-taaw nga agsapul iti trabaho dagiti agindeg agsipud ta adunto dagiti maparnuay a panggedan.

Kinuna ni Singson a saan a maikkatan ti pamastrekan ti Cagayan, ta “sabali ti investorda, sabali met ti investorstayo.”

“Ti justificationtayo, no matuladtayo ti success ti Cagayan economic and freeport zone authority ditoy Ilocos Sur, nasayaat unay, pagsayaatan ti gobiernotayo a nasional,” kinuna ti diputado.

http://www.tawidnewsmag.com/content/view/2368/66/

Leisure firm to develop Cagayan int'l airport

By Judith Balea
abs-cbnNEWS.com

In a bid to boost tourism in northwest of Luzon, publicly listed Leisure and Resorts World Corp. (LRWC) has tied up with the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority for the development of a P4 billion international airport in Sta. Ana in Cagayan province.

LRWC president Alfredo Benitez told reporters that the company would participate in the project through the donation of a 79-hectare property and some cash infusion.

He said of the total land area, 40 hectares would be devoted to the airport itself while the rest would be for other aviation-related facilities such as hangars. The project is slated for completion in a year and a half, beginning this year. The first phase will consist of a 1.7-kilometer runway.

"The company has been positioned to tap the overseas markets. Slowly, we'll bring them into the Philippines, creating more employment and generating more revenues for the government," said Benitez.

LRWC, through subsidiary First Cagayan Leisure and Resorts Corp., operates an online casino hub inside the Cagayan ecozone, with players coming from Macau via chartered flights arranged by the company.

It began carrying players on an 80-seater jet plane in late 2007, during Thursdays and Saturdays.

LRWC is set to add flights every Tuesday and Friday from Xiamen, China, subject to the approval of the Chinese government.

Benitez said company revenues are projected to jump threefold when operation of the Cagayan airport starts.

He said the company's business in Cagayan province accounts for about 12 percent of total revenues and 40 percent of net income.

In the first quarter, LRWC, which is also engaged in the hotel business, posted a 5-percent drop in net profit to P39.3 million from P41.4 million due to a higher interest expense.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryId=118659

Cebu Pacific's Piso fare for new routes Naga, Tuguegarao and San Jose!
http://philippine-airlines.info/2008/05/19/new-short-term-economy-roundtrip-promotional-fares-from-manila-to-asia-via-philippine-airlines-pal/

http://cebupacificair.com/banners/seatsale_banner052008.gif

Cebu Pacific (CEB) will start daily flights from Manila to Tuguegarao and Naga on June 17 and 24 respectively, and to San Jose, Occidental Mindoro on July 1, 2008 using brand new ATR 72-500 aircraft.

The P1 one-way fare seat sale runs from May 21 to 27, 2008 and is valid for travel until August 31, 2008. After the seat sale, the year-round Go fare for Manila-Tuguegarao starts at P288, while the Manila-Naga and Manila-San Jose routes start at P88. Fares are exclusive of surcharges and government tax.

Lance Y. Gokongwei, Cebu PAcific president and chief executive officer, said, “We hope that the opening of these new routes will spur travel and business growth in these areas as we have done in other parts of the country where we currently operate. The new services will also increase convenience for tourists who can now enjoy the attractions offered in these areas.”

With these new addition to the airline’s network, Cebu Pacific has the most domestic destinations than any other airline in the country.

The Manila-Tuguegarao flight departs at 5:55am and arrives in Tuguegarao at 7:05am. The return flight departs at 7:25am and lands in Manila at 8:35am.

The flight from Manila to Naga leaves at 1:15pm and arrives in Naga at 2:10pm. The return flight departs from Naga at 2:30pm and arrives in Manila at 3:25pm.

The Manila-San Jose flight departs at 4:00pm and arrives in San Jose at 4:50pm. The return flight takes off at 5:10pm and lands in Manila at 6:00pm.

“With our brand new ATR aircraft, we are now able to serve developing markets such as Tuguegarao, Naga and Mindoro. We expect to open more routes as soon as we take delivery of four more ATR aircraft this year,” Gokongwei said.

Gokongwei added that the best way to book flights is though www.cebupacificair.com.

Cebu Pacific flew 5.5 million passengers in 2007. It has a fleet of ten A319s, eight A320s, and two ATR 72-500 aircraft. The airline flies to 14, soon to be 16 international destinations with the addition of Kaohsiung in June and Kota Kinabalu on July. It will also fly to 24 domestic destinations with the addition of these new routes in the coming months.

http://www.cebupacificairlines.ph/cebu-pacific-offers-p1-fare-to-tuguegarao-naga-and-san-jose-mindoro/

Jai alai game revival up

By Elaine Ruzul S. Ramos

Spain’s Eusko Basque plans to revive the jai alai game in the Philippines by putting up a fronton in joint venture with local companies inside the Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Freeport in Cagayan province.

Ecozone administrator and chief executive Jose Mari Ponce said in a presentation during a Philippines-Spain business meeting yesterday that negotiations were under way for the comeback of jai alai with Eusko Basque teaming with a local company.

Chris Valenzona, the zone authority’s public relations chief, told reporters at the sidelines of the event that the Spanish firm had registered with the Cagayan ecozone and indicated to push through with the project within the year.

Jai alai, a game that originated in Basque, Spain, is played with a long, curved wicker basket, or cesta, strapped to the wrist for throwing or catching a small, hard ball against a three-walled court.

Publicly listed Belle Corp. attempted to operate the jai alai game in the country in the 90’s in partnership with state-owned Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. Congress, however, refused to grant the company a franchise.

Eusko Basque has not identified the proposed site of the jai alai fronton.

The ecozone is diversifying its gaming portfolio to suit the needs of its growing overseas market of online gamers.

About 80 percent of the ecozone locators are into interactive gaming, translating into revenues of P20 million a year.

The ecozone operator is also looking at dog racing and horse racing as additional online game businesses.

It plans to broadcast jai alai, dog racing and horse racing live via the Internet.

http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=business1_may21_2008

Tuguegarao creates city literacy coordinating council

Tuguegarao City -- Mayor Delfin T. Ting signed Executive Order # 09 Creating and Organizing the Tuguegarao City Literacy Coordinating Council in support to the government's call to adapt measures to eradicate illiteracy.

Administrative Order No. 324 signed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo mandates all government agencies and local government units to come up with Literacy Coordinating Council-Blueprint for Action (LCC-BPA) as a framework or guideline in developing policies and implementation programs and projects related to literacy.

Mayor Ting said the council will serve as the over-all advisory and coordinating body that will provide policies and programs as well as recommend strategies for a campaign to total eradicate illiteracy in the city and formulate measures on the establishment and maintenance of a city bank and information exchange dissemination system to support the literacy efforts.

The council is composed of the City Mayor as Chairman, Vice Mayor as Vice Chair, City Planning and Development Officer as the secretariat, and co-members are the Chairman of the Committee on Education-SP, Chairman of the Committee on Barangay Affairs-SP, City Schools Division Superintendent, CILG, PIA Region 2, NEDA Region 2, CSWD, CPDO, NGOs, and the Rotary Club of Tuguegarao.

EO #09 likewise mandates the council to look for ways on how to raise funds to support the literacy programs, projects and activities; identify successful management schemes of literacy programs and strengthen support structures for literacy at the city level.

Mayor Ting believes that through the newly created council, problems on the city's illiteracy rate can be resolved. (PIA Cagayan)

http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&r=&y=&mo=&fi=p080527.htm&no=31

Getting Lost: Oceans of bliss

By CHEN REYES-MENCIAS

Have you fantasized of being an astronaut hopping on the surface of the moon? Can you imagine the thrill of being in another world and feeling honored you are one of the privileged few to actually experience that environment? How would you like to feel that way and not even leave planet earth?

Inner Space

2008 is the Year of the Reef and all over the planet people are celebrating the blissful wonders of the underwater world. For 13 years, I have been teaching people how to dive and I have been ushering new recruits from young professionals, parents, families, and even a few who started out being anxious in the water. They all have one thing in common. They are all adventurers who were not afraid to explore something new and the exuberance of discovery.

http://www.nordis.net/blog/wp-content/files/chen2008_0525tidalcorals.jpg
SHALLOW HAVENS. In some places in the Philippines inter tidal zones become havens for coral species resilient to the extreme conditions.These shallow reef areas have great potentials for snorkeling activities. Photo courtesy of Chen Reyes-Mencias

Whether you SCUBA dive or you float on the surface with a mask and snorkel, the courage to venture into the marine environment is something that Filipinos must learn to muster. Afterall the Philippines is an archipelago and the coastal area presents endless opportunities for recreation, education and outdoor sports. For years, marine biologists insist that the Philippines is part of the coral triangle. Dr. Kent Carpenter is a scientist who came out with a report that points to the Philippines as the center of marine biodiversity in the planet. This underscores the need to preserve marine resources of the country.

Celebrating the sea

It is with this knowledge that the 7th “Celebrate the Sea” Marine Imagery Festival is being held in the Philippines this year. The newly opened state-of-the-art Manila Ocean Park is hosting this festival expected to draw in photographers, videographers and lovers of the sea from all over the world on June 13-15. During its launch in 2002 some 5,500 entries were received from 38 countries. This year, the organizers expect even more. The worldfs best marine images and films will be showcased. Visitors will witness the magnificence of the underwater environment through the eyes of those who have explored and documented it.

It is the aim of the festival to stimulate interest and enthusiasm and consequently inspire action for the sake of the sea. Usec. Cynthia Carrion of the Department of Tourism emphasizes the need to act now, lest we leave a world where children no longer see marine life that will be depicted in the fabulous images during the festival.

http://www.nordis.net/blog/wp-content/files/chen2008_0525shark.jpg
SHARK INDICATORS. Divers still have opportuntiies to encounter sharks in remote reef areas that have not been disturbed by humans. Sharks are top predators and their presence indicate the state of the marine environment. Photo courtesy of Chen Reyes-Mencias

“The Philippines is rich in marine resources and a source of pride for the Filipinos,” says Carrion.

Professional photographer Michael Aw also pointed out that a lot of things are going on with the environment that result to increased degradation. People should be aware of what we may lose if we continue to act irresponsibly. Celebrate the Sea is held in association with the World Festival of Underwater Pictures also known as the “Cannes of Underwater Films Festival”.

The organizers intend to make the city of Manila as the permanent home of the festival for three years. This will invariably position it as the capital of underwater imagery in the Asia Pacific, Aw announced at a press conference at Manila Ocean Park.

Frontier territory

Manila may soon become the center of marine imagery in the world and the Verde Island Passage, between Mindoro and Batangas as the “center of the center in marine biodiversity,” based on Carpenter’s report. The long stretch of coastline of Luzon holds many secrets and most are unexplored dive sites that may show great potential for underwater exploration. The eastern seaboard from Aurora to Cagayan is virtually untouched and very few divers have actually seen it. The lack of access and facilities protected the area from uncontrolled development which usually results to the loss of integrity in the environment.

Underwater photographer Gutsy Tuazon claims to have seen species of marine snails he has not seen anywhere else. The islands that dot the Babuyan and Balintang Channel including Kalayaan, Camiguin, Fuga, Mabbag, Barit, Didicas and Batanes group of islands await discovery.

Sec. Jose Mari Ponce, CEO of the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority said these islands are like treasures that are kept as reserves in the meantime since there are currently no facilities and infrastructure.

“When development booms in the Cagayan Freeport, these places will be opened up for tourism, including diving,” Ponce adds.

Carrion who heads the Philippine Commission on Sports SCUBA Diving (PCSSD) is keen on using a standardized method in conducting surveys of reefs for tourism purposes. Developed by Bluewater Consultancy, this survey method will determine the potential of a place for diving and snorkeling and identify levels of difficulty, presence of marine life and underwater formations.

This will be a crucial step towards mapping out the dive sites all over the country so that their protection will be justified.

Wild seduction

Being underwater is like falling in love.

There are simply no words to perfectly describe the feeling. It just needs to be experienced. Hovering in mid-water weightless is a far-cry from what humans are used to. A few kicks of your fins and you glide smoothly through the water like a fish. You marvel at the beautiful branching corals sprinkled with a cascading shower of tiny fishes.

http://www.nordis.net/blog/wp-content/files/chen2008_0525redfish.jpg
COLORFUL WORLD. The ocean is a repository of a wide variety of life forms,most of which are very colorful. The ability to blend with the surrounding area is an adaptation that some fishes have developed. Photo courtesy of Chen Reyes-Mencias

As you hang effortlessly above the reef you are reminded of the many unfitting descriptions you have heard about the underwater world. Nature’s ostentatious display of life in its prolific diversity may be captured by cameras but they pale in comparison to the real thing.

In the book The Ocean Word, my favorite icon Jacques Yves Cousteau said, “...the earth is the only planet with an appreciable supply of liquid water. This rare gift is essential for life… We have very little time left to reverse the trend if we are to hand over a healthy earth to future generations.”

Let me know what you think. Send me an email at wildexpeditions@yahoo.com. If you wish to view the incredible collection of images during the Celebrate the Sea Festival, visit http://www.CelebratetheSea.com or send an email to cts@oneocean.com.

COURTESY OF: nordis.net (http://www.nordis.net/blog/?p=2578#more-2578)

Can we have some pictures here of this place? Please!

Anong sasakyan pag galing sa Tuguegarao Airport papuntang terminal ng bus/Van biyaheng Isabela?

Anong sasakyan pag galing sa Tuguegarao Airport papuntang terminal ng bus/Van biyaheng Isabela?

magtricycle ka na lang, next year pa kami mag-uumpisa ng taxi operation namin hehe.:cheers:

Hi guys, may tanong lang ako. Ano ba ang mga tourist attractions o 'yung mga lugar na dapat talagang puntahan sa Tuguegarao at sa buong Cagayan (except for the churches)? I was convincing my parents kasi na pumunta kami d'yan for our next summer vacation pero hindi daw sila convinced dahil wala daw view ng ocean at tsaka puro lang bundok ang makikita mo tapos may NPA pa at maheheat stroke pa daw sa 38C temperatura sa Tuguegarao. Hope you guys can help. Thanks!

pictures din po ng Pamplona hehehe, that's my late father's hometown.

Feature: Wind farm for Cagayan and Batanes provinces

Tuguegarao City -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources regional office posed the possibility of putting up a wind farm in the provinces of Cagayan and Batanes as an alternative source of energy.

Regional Executive Director Clarence Baguilat said the office already started conducting surveys and initial talks with foreign investors who would be interested to invest in the project.

For Cagayan, DENR surveyed the municipalities of Claveria, Sanchez Mira and Pamplona to determine their potential for a windmill project.

For Batanes, the office has conducted initial dialogues with foreign investors from Taiwan. However, it has yet to look into the laws enacted by Congress regarding the declaration of the Batanes Group of Islands as protected landscape and seascape.

Baguilat likewise explained that during the trial period, only one windmill will be erected to test the wind and air potential of the area.

The wind farm project was encouraged by officials of the different provinces to be able to generate an alternative energy as a means to mitigate global warming, Baguilat added. (PIA Cagayan (http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&r=&y=&mo=&fi=p080624.htm&no=35))

IPVG sets up data center in Cagayan

By Lawrence Casiraya
INQUIRER.net (http://technology.inquirer.net/infotech/infotech/view/20080628-145340/IPVG-sets-up-data-center-in-Cagayan)


MANILA, Philippines -- IPVG Corp. has entered into a joint venture creating a data center in Cagayan province to provide hosting services for online gaming companies based abroad.

Called First Cagayan Converge Data Center Inc. (FCCDI), the joint venture is between First Cagayan Leisure and Resort Corp (FCLRC) and IP-Converge, the data center subsidiary of IPVG.

FCLRC holds a 60-percent stake in FCCDCI, located in an IT park at the Cagayan Special Economic Zone (CSEZ) in Sta. Ana, about two hours away from the capital city of Tuguegarao.

Rene Nunez, FCLRC vice president, said total investment in the data center is somewhere between $3 million and $5 million.

FCLRC is already hosting around eight foreign companies in Cagayan. These companies operate online casinos, with hosting and support services provided from Cagayan.

CSEZ is the only ecozone allowed by law to accommodate online gaming as a tourism-related industry. FCLRC already hosts at least 18 more companies at the main IP-Converge facility located at the RCBC Tower in Makati City.

The plan, according to Nunez, is to fully migrate hosting and support services for all online gaming clients to the data center in Cagayan.

Most of these gaming companies operate within Asia Pacific, including Macau. Some of these companies operate both Web-based and "land-based" casinos, Nunez said.

"By law, we cannot take in bets from the Philippines and the United States. We manage the IP traffic," Nunez noted. FCLRC is also building a resort in the economic zone meant for client-operators bringing in their players for tourism activities in Cagayan.

Nunez noted a booming online casino market, especially in Asia Pacific, with total legal bets amounting to $10 billion.

Visit www.missuniverse.com or www.nbc.com to vote for Miss Philippines for the Best National Costume award at the Miss Universe 2008 pageant. Vote ASAP kasi baka mag-close na ang voting. Thanks and God bless!

Customs forms Limay port

By Lawrence Agcaoili

The Bureau of Customs has added a new port in Bataan as part of the government’s efforts to boost revenue collections and curb the rampant smuggling of oil products.

Customs Commissioner Napoleon Morales on July 3 issued an order creating the country’s 16th port, to be known as the Port of Limay.

Morales said the Port of Limay would serve as the principal port of entry and have jurisdiction over the entire province of Bataan, except in areas controlled by the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority.

He added that Mariveles would be the subport of entry. The order removes the jurisdiction of the Port of Manila over the subports of Limay and Mariveles.

The agency monitors the operations of 15 ports, namely Manila, Batangas, the Manila International Container Port, Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Subic, Iloilo, Tacloban, Clark, Cebu, Surigao, Zamboanga, Davao, Cagayan de Oro, San Fernando in La Union, and Legaspi.

The new port will likely handle all oil importations, boosting the government’s campaign against rampant oil smuggling.

Swiss-owned inspection services provider Societe Generale de Surveillance and chemical giant BASF of Germany have offered to provide technology for the private sector-initiated fuel marking scheme aimed at curbing rampant oil smuggling in the country.

The scheme will initially be tested in Subic Bay, Clark special ecozone, and Batangas and be implemented in other ports through a nationwide rollout.

Estimates showed that the government was losing as much as P9.5 billion in potential revenues every year due to rampant smuggling of petroleum products into the country. About P7 billion in excise tax payments and P2.5 billion in import duties are lost every year due to oil smuggling.

Customs is also contemplating on adding another port in Cagayan Valley, most likely in Aparri, in anticipation of the influx of investors locating inside the Cagayan special economic zone.

Customs is tasked to collect P254.5 billion this year or 21.5 percent higher than last year’s P209.4 billion. The agency in 2007 missed its P228.2-billion collection goal by P18.8 billion.

http://www.manilastandardtoday.com/?page=business1_july10_2008

^^Aparri was a major port during the Spanish regime up to the early 1900's. It was the original seat of commerce in Cagayan Valley before Tuguegarao and Santiago came to their own. Rebuilding the port and installing new and modern facilities will restore Aparri to its old glory and will provide employment to locals out there.

Crime volume in Cagayan decreasing - PNP

Tuguegarao City -- The Cagayan Police Provincial Office (CPPO) reported a 12% decrease in crime volume in the province for the first half of this year.

P/SSupt. Jude W. Santos, Provincial Director, said his office recorded crime volume only 194 incidents compared to last year's 220. It decreased by 26% or 12%.

Santos explained that index crimes have increased by 12% compared to last year however for the non-index crimes there was a substantial decrease of 32%.

Of the index crimes, murder remained the most prevalent with 37 incidents, followed by physical injuries 24, homicide 16, rape 13, robbery and theft 11 each.

Santos said the average monthly crime rate for the period is 3.43 per 100,000 populations, reflecting a decrease of 0.47 or 125 as compared to last years 3.90.

Among the municipalities with index crimes, Tuguegarao city had the highest crime rate with 36 incidents followed by Aparri 10 and Baggao and Solana 7 incidents each while Buguey, Ballesteros, Piat, Calayan, Abulug and Lallo had only one crime incident for the year.

On the campaign against illegal drugs, 18 persons were arrested and 9.5 kilograms of marijuana leaves were recovered at Babuyan Claro Island.

"The decrease in the crime volume is the result of the implementation of police visibility and in the implementation of the crime prevention program with the cooperation of the LGU's, Law Enforcement Agencies and active support of the community," Santos stressed.

Meantime, Santos also reported other accomplishments like construction and renovation of the provincial office gate, arch and guard post costing P300,000 and the on-going renovation of the Multi-Purpose Hall into a two (2) storey building with a project cost of One Million Two Hundred Thousand pesos.

As other special concerns, PNP Cagayan extends security to the on-going construction of the Anguib Highway from Brgy. San Vicente to Anguib point in Sta. Ana Cagayan as part of the CEZA Eco-Tourism Development Project.

Secure the on-going construction of the airport at Sta. Ana, the dredging of the Cagayan River bed, the extraction of iron or black sand from Camalaniugan, and the quarrying on Wangag river in Gonzaga which is being opposed by some sectors of the community. (PIA Cagayan)

http://www.pia.gov.ph/default.asp?m=12&r=&y=&mo=&fi=p080721.htm&no=59

Local Peace and Security Assembly convenes in Tuguegarao City (http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&r=&y=&mo=&fi=p080725.htm&no=79)

Tuguegarao City (25 July) -- National Security Adviser Norberto B. Gonzales and representatives from the national government will meet with local government and sectoral leaders of the Cagayan Valley Region to discuss and strengthen initiatives and mechanisms to promote peace and security in the region.

The conference-workshop dubbed as "Local Peace and Security Assembly (LPSA) will be held at Hotel Roma here on July 30-31 this year.

Ltc. Francis Jude S. Lauengco chief, Public Information and Advocacy Office said the activity aims to bring together the major stakeholders of the region to agree on solutions to peace and security problems.

He said the stakeholders are required to formulate and implement an action plan taking into consideration the unique features of the region.

The outputs will then be presented to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo who will grace the occasion on the 31st.

Some 200 participants to include members of the cabinet, local government officials, AFP and PNP members, recognized leaders of the civil society, business groups, religious institutions and the academe are expected to attend the 2-day LPSA.

The LPSA is a continuing drive in various regions of the country in response to the clamor of LGUs and local stakeholders for support to their conflict-resolution and peace building initiatives.

LPSAs have already been conducted in Region 7, CARAGA, Region 08, CALABARZON, Region 5 and 11, CAR and Region 6. (PIA Cagayan) [top]

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I'm interested about Claveria, Aparri, and Sta. Praxedes... can somebody post pics?

Pan de sal made of seaweed is rich in Iodine

goodnewspilipinas.com

TUGUEGARAO CITY -- Apart from flour being used in making bread, fisherfolk in a northern Cagayan town have come up with an alternative in producing the Filipinos’ favorite breakfast fare: seaweed pan de sal.

This is one of the possible byproducts that experts from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) are now discovering in partnership with the Rural Improvement Club (RIC), whose members are mostly fisherfolk of Buguey town, some 130 kilometers north of the regional capital, Tuguegarao City.

BFAR said that pan de sal may be made from seaweed, particularly the Gracillaria species, locally known in the Iluko term as ur-urmut, which abounds here and in the Ilocos region.

According to BFAR Regional Director Jovita Ayson, this may be done through the extraction from the seaweed of the byproduct agar, popularly known as gulaman or gelatin.

BFAR experts have taught RIC members on the extraction process in recent trainings held here.

Upon extraction, the technicians said the agar or gulaman may be mixed with flour and baked into seaweed pan de sal or combined with other products.

According to Jessie Gaspar, head of the BFAR station here, the seaweed that residents regularly harvest are now valued even more after their training in agar processing.

“Dried seaweeds from (here) are exported all the way to Bulacan. This technology shall enable our RIC members to have more income from seaweeds instead of just selling it in fresh or dried form,” Gaspar said.

One of the trainers, Dr. Lorna Pimentel, head of the BFAR central office’s fish processing section, said agar is in demand worldwide for use in food, pharmaceutical and industrial applications.

Aside from pan de sal, she said, studies are also being made to expand the use of seaweed as a major ingredient in popular food products.

“Soon to be out are seaweed pan de sal, seaweed lychee, and seaweed maja blanca,” she said.

Meanwhile, plans are in the works for a village-level seaweed processing plant in Barangay Minanga here to enable RIC members to profit economically from the additional knowledge and training they received from the BFAR experts.

The plants would process the ur-urmot into agar or gulaman bars which may later be sold wholesale or retail in supermarkets and groceries in urban areas.

Ayson also said they are introducing ur-urmot production in other coastal areas of the province to increase their economic benefits from its production and processing as well as to promote their nutritional value as seaweed are known to be rich in iodine.

http://showbizandstyle.inquirer.net/breakingnews/breakingnews/view/20080802-152253/Pan-de-sal-made-of-seaweed-is-rich-in-Iodine

I Love the North (http://www.philstar.com/archives.php?aid=200808015&type=2)

by Emmanuel Balmes
Saturday, August 2, 2008
The reason why I chose not a specific location is because I've been to not just one place up north but different places and all of those places amazed me. My Name is Emmanuel Balmes, and I am a an Engineer by profession and a motorcycle rider by heart. It was Holy Week of 2007 that we took on a long journey from Manila all the way to the tip of Northern Luzon on a motorcycle. No, it wasn't a high displacement motorbike but an underbone, particularly a 125cc type, just like the ones you see everyday on our streets.

Me and two other bikers, plus a biker who rode with us only up to La Union, traversed Manila, Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Pangasinan, La Union, Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte and down via Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Nueva Ecija, Bulacan and Manila. Bikers know it as a Clockwise North Loop wherein we are going up north on the west side and going down via the east side. That was almost 1,500 kilometers of roads in 3 days. Attached are some pictures during our ride.

We spend the first night in Pagudpud Beach which is so serene, minus the locals and foreigners that trooped there since it was a holiday, then we went on a Side Trip to Aparri Beach just to take a picture of the Black Beach and what is considered as the northernmost part of Luzon then spent the night in Tuguegarao and also went to the famous Callao Caves as you can see, we had a nice picture here with the light from the outside of the cave shining down on us.

This was actually my first super duper long ride as my previous rides before were only around 400 kilometers to and fro. And to tell you the truth, I didn't even get a single body ache from that ride. Me and my riding buddy are now looking forward to conquering Visayas, particularly Leyte and General Santos in Mindanao. I will never tire of exploring my own country, the Philippines. Now, if only the prices of gasoline can go down, that would be better.

WE RIDE, WE CONQUER



Here are some of our pictures…


http://www.philstar.com/newphilstar/www/image/20080801/mmc1.jpg

http://www.philstar.com/newphilstar/www/image/20080801/mmc2.jpg

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http://www.philstar.com/newphilstar/www/image/20080801/mmc10.jpg

PGMA assures construction of new international airport in Sta. Ana, Cagayan

Tuguegarao City (4 August) -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo hailed the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) for creating thousands of local jobs for local employment and the ongoing expansion of the airport at Sta. Ana, Cagayan.

The President visited CEZA to get an update on her commitment projects mentioned in her previous State of the Nation Addresses.

She said the creation of thousands of jobs is a result of the operation of Port Irene and the Amusement center in Sta. Ana.

"The airport was expanded, bigger then one in Boracay, and a new international airport is about to be built," President Arroyo said.

Originally, the Sta. Ana airstrip is one of the commitment projects of the President for Region II in her 2007 SONA to be developed as international airport.

The President also appreciated the beautiful beaches of North Cagayan most especially the newly discovered Anguib Beach in Sta. Ana, which she said be showcased to foreign tourist.

She also mentioned that there are foreign investors who already expressed to build resort near Anguib beach. They are just waiting for the international airport to be built, she added.

Meantime, the acceleration of Port Irene's development as the country's most gateway to Asia and the Pacific is one of the priority projects presented to the President by the participants of the Local Peace and Security Assembly composed of Local Government officials, Church officials, NGOs, Academe, Peoples Organizations, business and private sectors of the region. (PIA Cagayan)

http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&r=&y=&mo=&fi=p080804.htm&no=15

I Love the North (http://www.philstar.com/archives.php?aid=200808015&type=2)

by Emmanuel Balmes
Saturday, August 2, 2008
The reason why I chose not a specific location is because I've been to not just one place up north but different places and all of those places amazed me. My Name is Emmanuel Balmes, and I am a an Engineer by profession and a motorcycle rider by heart. It was Holy Week of 2007 that we took on a long journey from Manila all the way to the tip of Northern Luzon on a motorcycle. No, it wasn't a high displacement motorbike but an underbone, particularly a 125cc type, just like the ones you see everyday on our streets.

Me and two other bikers, plus a biker who rode with us only up to La Union, traversed Manila, Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Pangasinan, La Union, Ilocos Sur, Ilocos Norte and down via Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Nueva Ecija, Bulacan and Manila. Bikers know it as a Clockwise North Loop wherein we are going up north on the west side and going down via the east side. That was almost 1,500 kilometers of roads in 3 days. Attached are some pictures during our ride.

We spend the first night in Pagudpud Beach which is so serene, minus the locals and foreigners that trooped there since it was a holiday, then we went on a Side Trip to Aparri Beach just to take a picture of the Black Beach and what is considered as the northernmost part of Luzon then spent the night in Tuguegarao and also went to the famous Callao Caves as you can see, we had a nice picture here with the light from the outside of the cave shining down on us.

This was actually my first super duper long ride as my previous rides before were only around 400 kilometers to and fro. And to tell you the truth, I didn't even get a single body ache from that ride. Me and my riding buddy are now looking forward to conquering Visayas, particularly Leyte and General Santos in Mindanao. I will never tire of exploring my own country, the Philippines. Now, if only the prices of gasoline can go down, that would be better.

WE RIDE, WE CONQUER



Here are some of our pictures…


http://www.philstar.com/newphilstar/www/image/20080801/mmc1.jpg

http://www.philstar.com/newphilstar/www/image/20080801/mmc2.jpg

http://www.philstar.com/newphilstar/www/image/20080801/mmc3.jpg

http://www.philstar.com/newphilstar/www/image/20080801/mmc4.jpg

http://www.philstar.com/newphilstar/www/image/20080801/mmc5.jpg

http://www.philstar.com/newphilstar/www/image/20080801/mmc6.jpg

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http://www.philstar.com/newphilstar/www/image/20080801/mmc10.jpg

Thanks for visiting Cagayan.

RP’s 2nd windmill project set in Cagayan

Monday, August 11, 2008

CAGAYAN – After announcing plans to build a P5-billion international airport in this northernmost province, the Arroyo administration is also set to put up here the country’s second windmill project.

President Arroyo disclosed the plan to construct a multimillion-peso windmill along Cagayan’s northern coastline during the first regional peace and security assembly recently held in Tuguegarao City.

The President earlier also announced government plans to establish call centers at the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority, now being strengthened as North-Luzon’s economic and tourism hub, and the continued rehabilitation of the Bagabag airport in Nueva Vizcaya, the threshold to Cagayan Valley.

The region also covers Isabela, the country’s topmost corn and rice-producing province, Quirino and the island province of Batanes.

The country’s first windmill project, which generates energy from wind, is located in Bangui, Ilocos Norte. It is a joint project of the Dutch and Philippine governments.

Globally, wind power generation has increased more than fivefold in the last seven years.

“Along with other projects being readied for this region… is the construction of a windmill, which is part of our efforts to further develop the region’s capacity as the country’s food basket,” the President said.

She said the windmill project is also in line with the government’s thrust to increase the use of renewable fuels and save dollars from the importation of petroleum products.

Experts have recommended wind power as a cheap and renewable energy source. It is now one of the major sources of electricity in most developed countries such as Denmark, Spain, Portugal, Germany and Ireland. – Charlie Lagasca

http://philstar.com/archives.php?aid=2008081069&type=2

Arroyo create Cagayan River Basin panel (http://www.bworldonline.com/BW081608/content.php?id=073)
PRESIDENT GLORIA Macapagal-Arroyo has formed a panel that will undertake measures to protect the Cagayan River Basin from environmental degradation and to harness it for economic development.

The panel, named the Cagayan River Basin Project Management Office, was created via Executive Order no. 747 signed by the President last Aug. 1.

It was tasked to prepare an "integrated river basin management and development plan" for the Cagayan River Basin, which covers parts of Isabela, Cagayan, Mountain Province, Nueva Vizcaya and Quezon provinces.

Other responsibilities of the panel include implementing and monitoring of water and watershed policies, studies, management actions and investment in the river basin, organizing and establishing structures and policies necessary to undertake basin-wide programs and projects, and developing a portfolio of local government projects in the river basin.

In her order, Mrs. Arroyo said ensuring proper management of the Cagayan River basin is important since this can be developed as an "efficient and cheaper mode of transportation for products and tourists."

The Cagayan River Project Management Office was placed under the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). It will have the following personnel: project management officer; deputy project management officer; and technical staff from the following agencies: National Economic Development Authority, Departments of Public Works and Highways, Agriculture, Budget and Management, National Irrigation Administration, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, National Water Resources Board, Cagayan Economic Zone Authority, Land Bank of the Philippines and the academe.

The panel’s funds will come from the P500-million River Basin Control Funds released in 2006.

The Cagayan River basin comprises an area of 25,469 square kilometers and the river flows into a northerly direction from its headwaters in Nueva Vizcaya province to its mouth in the Babuyan Channel near Aparri, Cagayan.

The Cagayan Valley Region is one of the top producers of rice and grain in the country. — Alexis Douglas B. Romero

DAR implements potable water supply and sanitation projects in ARCs
Tuguegarao City (29 August) -- The Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Provincial office has successfully implemented its Community-managed Potable Water Supply and Sanitation (CPWASS) projects in Agrarian Reform Communities (ARCs).

Engr. Eunomio Israel, PARO-Division Chief, said the program aims to enhance agrarian reform beneficiary household access to water and sanitation services by improving the water supply and sanitation in each family thru low-cost, culturally acceptable and appropriate technologies that can be managed and sustained by the community.

The program which was piloted in two remote barangays in the municipalities of Baggao and Piat, Cagayan was found to be successful and beneficial to the community.

Engr. Edward Maguddayao, Project Focal Person, said the project is for the poor and depressed barangays with contaminated water supply. It requires the installation and demonstration of a low-cost water supply technology and sanitation system.

Aside from the potable water system project, Israel and Maguddayao also introduced the bio-gas production project wherein the manure of animals or human beings and even the bio-degradable waste materials can be converted into methane gas as an alternative source of energy for cooking.

They likewise plan to introduce the project to the provincial government to solicit its support for technology transfer because this project will not only benefit the rural areas but also the urban areas.

The water supply sanitation and the biogas projects require about P15,000 for construction and implementation. (PIA Cagayan) [top]

2008/08/29

Dredging destroys aquatic ecosystem and environment, says BFAR
Tuguegarao City (29 August) -- Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) Regional Director Jovita P. Ayson expressed concern on the possible effects of the dredging activity on the aquatic ecosystem and environment of Cagayan.

She said result of the ocular survey and studies conducted by the technical team of BFAR on the ongoing dredging activities along the shores of the Cagayan River confirmed the huge extraction of river sand in the municipalities of Lallo, Aparri and Camalaniugan by a large scale capacity dredge and ships.

Ayson said dredging may result to the modification of the river bed. The extraction of gravel and sand may also lead to the destruction of the habitat, spawning areas and food producing zones.

Based on studies, some areas in the municipality of Lallo are identified as spawning areas for endemic clams that live predominantly in sandy river beds and also the migratory path for catadromous fishes. Sand extraction may therefore greatly affect their natural habitat and spawning grounds.

The team also noticed that there was no proper disposal of cement bags found along the shores. They said the cement bags contain alkaline compounds that may increase the power hydrogen level of the water.

Ayson said dredging is a term given to digging, gathering or pulling out of materials to deepen waterways, create harbors, channels, locks and berths, desilt lakes and keep river entrances and approaches clear for boat ramps.

Dredging activity causes adverse effects on aquatic resources, may change the environment and create disturbance on the aquatic ecosystem.

She explained that BFAR does not object the ongoing project, however, the proponents and sponsors should have conducted thorough research on the possible impact of the activity first so that mitigating measures may be made to protect the aquatic resources in the areas affected.

Meanwhile, the dredging was approved by the local government units with an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) issued by the Environment Management Bureau (EMB). However, other pertinent documents, permits and clearances from other line agencies such as DOLE, DOH, DPWH, BFAR, PPA and PCG were not secured.

Project implementors should furnish the concerned agencies with the detailed proposal and plan of action of the dredging activity for them to ensure that it is properly undertaken and well-managed," Ayson added. (PIA Cagayan) [top]

CEZA optimistic on boosting local economy

By Purita S. Licas

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Oct. 9 - The Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) which manage the Cagayan Special Economic and Freeport Zone (CSEFZ) in the northeastern town of Sta. Ana has expressed optimism that it will further boost the local economy.

Undersecretary Jose Mari Ponce who is also the CEZA Administrator said the economic zone was able to encourage 68 locators last year, 41 of which are predominantly into interactive gaining support services.

As of May this year, the locators have already pumped in P8.19 million in fresh money, Ponce said.

The administrator also said that as a result of the operation of the economic zone, the local tourism industry has noted the influx of domestic and foreign tourists with a total tourists expenditures of P1.43 billion last year.

The presence of the freeport will also translate to substantial savings in terms of time and cost of transport of products between the economic zone and those of the Asian countries particularly the industrial giants like Taiwan, China, Japan and South Korea.

The economic zone has a total land area of almost 54,119 hectares in the towns of Sta. Ana and Aparri.

With the advantage of proximity to major economies in Asia, the economic zone is envisioned to be developed as a major transhipment port, agro-industrial growth zone and a tourist and eco-tourism haven in Northern Philippines.

Ponce said the joint venture between CEZA and the First Cagayan Leisure and Resort Corporation, and the upcoming construction of San Vicente Airport will further boost investments and locators into the economic zone.(PNA)

http://news.balita.ph/2008/10/09/ceza-optimistic-on-boosting-local-economy/

TRO backing Port Irene cars ends today

By Melvin Gascon
Philippine Daily Inquirer

SANTIAGO CITY – A Cagayan court on Thursday stopped the implementation of an executive order banning the importation of used cars into freeports in the country, including the Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Freeport (CSEZF) in Santa Ana, Cagayan.

Judge Rolando Velasco, of the regional trial court in Aparri, Cagayan, issued a three-day temporary restraining order (TRO) on the implementation of Executive Order No. 156, following the filing on Tuesday of a petition assailing the constitutionality of the order, according to Jaime Vicente, president of the Automotive Rebuilding Industry of Cagayan (ARIC).

The TRO ends Oct. 11. The court scheduled for Monday a hearing on whether or not the TRO would be extended for 17 more days.

But Vicente said: “This TRO gives us a breathing space for a few days. Since its issuance, our members were able to complete transactions with a number of buyers.”

Equal protection

Eleven members of ARIC filed the petition questioning the validity of EO 156 for supposedly being in violation of their constitutional right to equal protection of the law and for being a restraint on trade, Vicente said.

The petition was an apparent move from ARIC to block a directive from Customs Commissioner Napoleon Morales ordering a stop to the thriving used-car trade at Port Irene, the main port operated by the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (Ceza) in Santa Ana.

The Office of the Solicitor General earlier issued a legal pronouncement that the recent Supreme Court ruling on Subic Bay Freeport used car importations applied also to economic zones outside of that former United States naval base.

Subsequently, Jose Mari Ponce, Ceza administrator, ordered the suspension of the approval of registration papers of imported second-hand vehicles within the zone.

As a result, Ceza port officials said they would not issue gate passes to all imported vehicles that would arrive at Port Irene, including those with clearance from the Bureau of Customs and the Land Transportation Office.

But Vicente said their business should not be considered illegal because the government allows big car manufacturers to import European, Korean and Japanese cars and sell these as whole units locally.

Pineapple and pine tree

He said his group believed that the recent Supreme Court ruling banning importation of second-hand vehicles into the Subic freeport does not apply to the car-dealing activities at CSEZF.

“The ruling (involving car importation) in Subic does not apply to us because what we questioned in that case was only a specific section of EO 156 and its applicability. In this case, we are now questioning the constitutionality of EO 156 itself,” he said.

“That case in (Subic) is a pineapple; this one is a pine tree,” he added.

The TRO was seen as a “big psychological boost” for many used car buyers who had become apprehensive about the business since the car-trading controversy at CSEZF came about middle of this year.

http://newsinfo.inquirer.net/inquirerheadlines/regions/view/20081011-165815/TRO-backing-Port-Irene-cars-ends-today

Imported second-hand cars in Port Irene bound for re-export
FLORO TAGUINOD, GMANews.TV
10/14/2008 | 09:28 PM

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Philippines - Like first world nations, the Philippines may soon be exporting cars to other countries too. The difference is that the Philippine exports are pre-owned imported cars that cannot be sold inside the Philippines because of a recent Palace order banning the trading of used-cars locally.

Executive Order No. 156 stemmed from controversies involving the importation of used cars via the Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Free Port (CEZA), which the American Chamber of Commerce (Amcham) earlier alleged to be a smugglers haven, an accusation that CEZA officials and the provincial government of Cagayan denied.

Veering from their previous position that the order did not cover Port Irene and other parts of Cagayan, CEZA Administrator Jose Mari Ponce explained that EO 156 will have to be implemented inside the Port.

Ponce’s statement was echoed by CEZA-Port Irene principal engineer Julian Gonzales who said that they are expecting the arrival of more shipments of used cars in the coming days, “but the shipments will have to be put on hold until the issue of its legality can be resolved."

CEZA officials said the re-exportation of second-hand cars has been considered as one way to keep the business of rebuilding and re-selling of used cars in the province afloat.

According to CEZA deputy administrator Nilo Aleguer, the possibility of re-exporting the cars will help avert investment pullout by car importers and dealers inside the Port and the displacement of hundreds of workers involved in the used-car business.

Aleguer, who earlier proposed the move, said that re-exporting the used cars will be looked into seriously “once the court does not accede to the importers’ petition."

Earlier, the Association of Rebuilding Industries of Cagayan (ARIC) sought a temporary restraining order (TRO) with the Aparri regional trial court questioning Ponce’s the constitutionality of EO 156.

Jimmy Vicente, ARIC president, said the move is expected to temporarily soften a sudden negative bearing on the economic needs of some 1,000 car industry workers.

ARIC was able to acquire a three-day TRO from Aparri RTC Judge Rolando Velasco, who said that he would decide Monday (Oct.13), whether to issue a longer 17-day TRO.

“We are confident that Judge Velasco will recognize the significance of our request for a TRO extension as these sudden and unforeseen developments will surely have a diverse effect on the industry and to the people who depend on it, “he said.

“We are ready to take the case to the highest level if the situation warrants, but right now we are focused on discussing the merits of the case including its constitutionality once the petition for TRO extension is settled giving us enough time to review our position," he added.

Vicente, however, aired his approval of Aleguer’s recommendation to have the used cars re-exported to other countries while both parties are in the process of seeking for a workable solution that will be amenable to all individuals affected by EO 156.

We are also eyeing the possibility of disassembling the vehicles and selling its parts and other accessories as second-hand assemblies," he said.

Approximately 400 imported pre-owned cars enter Port Irene in a month and nearly P40,000 is spent to rebuild a single car. This translates roughly to about P16 million in gross income which is being distributed to around 800 head of families who rely heavily on the car industry here.

CEZA was created in 1995 under Republic Act 7922, authored by Sen. Juan Ponce Enrile, a native of Gonzaga town in Cagayan. - GMANews.TV ArticlesMedia Links

Cagayan gov to form task force vs illegal logging
10/14/2008

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Philippines – Cagayan governor Alvaro Antonio is set to form a task force to combat the illegal logging activities in the province, particularly along the Sierra Madre mountain range.

Antonio said he has decided to form the task force after reports reached him that some influential and top level personalities are behind the illegal logging activities in Cagayan.

He however declined to give out names pending a thorough investigation on the reports.

Recently, the provincial board unanimously passed on first reading the banning of all trucks loaded with lumber passing through checkpoints after 5 p.m.

The Sierra Madre mountain range traverses the provinces of Nueva Vizcaya down to Isabela and stretching towards Cagayan. It remains to be the one of the country’s remaining heavily forested areas but is widely threatened by uncontrolled logging activities. - Floro Taguinod, GMANews.TV

Cagayan allots P3M to build disaster management operation center

Tuguegarao City -- The Provincial Government of Cagayan has allocated some 3 million pesos to build a new Disaster Management Center to house the Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council and the organized rescue teams.

Mr. Bonifacio Cuarteros, PDCC Coordinator and Rescue-29 President, said the amount was already approved by the legislative board and the construction of the building may take place soon.

Cuarteros said the center is designed to operate on a 24 hours 7 days (24/7) basis to entertain and respond immediately to any call or reports from the people of Cagayan anywhere and in whatever disaster that needs the help of the rescue teams.

He also said the officials promised the council to allot additional funds for the purchase of additional facilities and equipment to be used inside the operation center and during their rescue operations.

On the other hand, Cuarteros said they continue doing trainings to equip more their volunteer members and they also cater to invitations of other provinces for trainings and lectures other rescue teams on disaster risk management and response.

As of this time, PDCC Cagayan has rubber boats, life saving equipment and kits but it is not enough to ensure delivery of a well equipped rescue operation. (PIA Cagayan)

http://www.pia.gov.ph/default.asp?m=12&r=&y=&mo=&fi=p081013.htm&no=71

Cagayan PTO conducts 4th Tourism Industry Congress
Tuguegarao City (13 October) -- The Provincial Tourism Office (PTO) of Cagayan conducted recently the 4th Tourism Related Industry Congress to assess and consider sustainable tourism sites of the province and to discuss how tourism respond to the challenges of climate change.

Dr. Artemio T. Antolin, Chairman-Environment and Development Alternative Solution, Inc., discussed the alternative practices for a sustainable tourism that covers the careful assessment of tourism sites and on how to develop appropriate tourism products of the province.

Antolin also tackled the strategic tourism marketing plan, tourism policy enforcement and monitoring to attract tourists and to provide greater satisfaction of tourists while in the province.

He also enumerated some of the ecotourism products of Cagayan that are classified under forests, caves, rivers, waterfalls, lakes, coral reefs, mangroves, mountains and indigenous cultural communities.

"Tourists want value for their money, part of which is quality services, tourist attraction at all levels and a quality natural and socio-cultural resources. We must find new and alternative tourism products and incorporate it mix products that offers new experiences to the consumers", Antolin said.

Meantime, Hon. Rodolfo G. Alvarado, Board Member- 3rd District, discussed how tourism must respond to the challenges of climate change that affects the tourism industry.

He said tourism can respond to the challenges by enacting laws in the preservation of the remaining natural resources that promote eco-tourism industry such as forest parks, beaches, bodies of water, mountain ranges with scenic beauty and other natural parks that may serve as tourist attractions.

Adoption of new laws to mitigate climate change can help protect the scenic attractions that will surely generate income and employment, Alvarado added. (PIA Cagayan) [top]

Cagayan, Nueva Vizcaya studes top regional tourism quiz
Cabarroguis, Quirino (13 October) -- Students from Cagayan and Nueva Vizcaya provinces emerged champions in this year's Regional Tourism Quiz Bee (RTQB) held recently at the CFFQI Training Hall here.

Maria Edessa D. Tumbali, a fourth year student of the Cagayan National High School (CNHS) in Tuguegarao City and John Albert C. Benesa, a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science student of Nueva Vizcaya State University (NVSU) were adjudged as first placers in the secondary and tertiary levels respectively.

Other winners in the secondary level were: Marjorie B. Nicolas of Aldersgate College H.S. Department, Solano, NV (second place), and Florence D. Pelena of Gadu High School, Solana, Cag. (third place).

For the tertiary level, the other winners were Mc John Paul A. Fantonia, BS Accountancy student of Saint Paul University, Tuguegarao City (second place), and Robert Daco, BS in Information Technology student of STI, Cauayan City.

The RTQB is a yearly event in celebration of the National Tourism Week from September 22- 26 to develop tourism awareness among the youth.

Director Blessilda Diwa of the Department of Tourism challenged the youth to become active partners in promoting the tourism industry of the region. "Huwag maging dayuhan sa sariling bayan," Diwa added.

Diwa who welcomed the participants in behalf of Governor Dax Cua said this year's celebration is centered on the theme "Tourism: Responding to the Challenge of Climate Change."

Provincial Tourism Officer Aurea Martinez for her part stressed the need to mitigate the effects of global warming which is happening now, by way of educating the youth on the adverse effects and causes of the warming of the climate system. (PIA Quirino) [top]

PDC Cagayan endorses 10 "Uni Bridges" and 3 ARISP projects to RDC
Tuguegarao City (23 October) -- The Provincial Development Council (PDC) of Cagayan has favorably endorsed to the Regional Development Council (RDC) 10 Universal Bridges and 3 Agrarian Reform Infrastructure Support Projects (ARISP) for funding.

Gov. Alvaro Antonio, Council chair said the 10 'Uni Bridges' that needs funding and under the "Tulay ng Pangulo para sa Kaunlarang Pang-Agraryo" of the Department of Agrarian Reform program.

These projects are located in Allacapan, Baggao, Buguey, Sto Nino, Alacala, Tuao, Gattaran, Sta. Ana, and 2 in Abulug.

Alfredo B. Lorenzo, Jr., OIC-Provincial Agrarian Reform Officer said that 3 Agrarian Reform Communities (ARCs) are likewise qualified for the Agrarian Reform Infrastructure Support Project (ARISP). These are the Eastern Iguig ARC, Malaueg ARC of Rizal, and Sta. Isabel ARC of Buguey.

The ARISP projects are intended to construct and rehabilitate Communal Irrigation Systems, Farm to Market Roads, Integrated Post Harvest Facilities, establish potable rural water system, organize Peoples Organizations (POs) and help in agricultural development.

The RDC, on the other hand, thanked the national government for considering some of the municipalities as recipients of the Universal Bridges and ARISP projects because these are the contributory factors in the development of the province.

PIA Daily News Reader

PIA Press Release
2008/10/23

Priests urge local execs to stop mining operations in Cagayan
Tuguegarao City (23 October) -- The Archdiocese of Tuguegarao called on the local officials of Cagayan to stop immediately the mining operations along the Cagayan River and the coastal areas and adhere to the cry of the people who may be affected by the dredging activities.

Fr. Gary Agcaoili, President of the Priests' Assembly, issued a statement of concern stating that the mining operations must be stopped while further studies are conducted as suggested by the Cagayan Riverine Zone Development Plan of the Regional Development Council (RDC).

Agcaoili said the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) believes that dredging or quarrying in lower portion of the Cagayan River may cause saltwater to flow into the river and be pumped into the irrigation systems inland.

He also said that dredging can create disturbance in the aquatic ecosystem that may cause adverse effects on the income of fishermen who depend on the river for their livelihood. It may also result in the disappearance of certain species of shellfish and fish.

"Magnetite (iron ore) mining also threatens the communities living in the coastal areas of the province especially in Aparri which sits below sea level. Saltwater intrusion into their agricultural lands is not a remote possibility," Agcaoili added.

The priests' assembly likewise expressed that the rapid expansion of mining activities in the province and the alleged dredging of the Cagayan River have brought anxiety to the people. The activities eventually destroy the environment and adversely affect the lives of the people, they said

"The right to life of people is inseparable from the right to sources of food and livelihood. Allowing the interest of mining corporations to prevail over people's right to these sources amounts to violating their right to life," the clergy stated. (PIA Cagayan) [top]

PIA Press Release
2008/10/23

"Martsa ng Kapayapaan sa Cagayan" slated
Tuguegarao City (23 October) -- the Peace March/Rally to be conducted here on November 7 this year is one of the province's stand on the challenge posed by PGMA to address the insurgency problem in the country.

Cagayan Prov'l Gov. Alvaro Antonio said the activity is also an off-shoot of the workshop in the recently concluded Local Peace and Security Assembly (LPSA) held in this city with no less than the President in attendance.

He said the peace march/rally is important as it demonstrates the province's share in curbing criminality and insurgency.

During the Peace and Order Council - Special Action Committee meeting, Regional Director Purita Licas of the PIA said the Peace Rally is a laudable activity because never has there been a rally of this kind staged by the prov'l gov't unlike the left-leaning and progressive organizations who stage their rallies in strategic places in the city very often.

The forthcoming peace march/rally will counteract the rallies of said organizations and at the same time show that the gov't is serious in its fight against criminality and insurgency and other rebel-armed groups in the province and in the country, she added.

For his part, Lt. Col. James Joven, Company Commander of the 17th IB, 51ID Phil. Army explained that the activity is one instance wherein the gov't and other sectors of the community stand their right against armed groups and be serious in eradicating them in order that development will take place.

He also urged all sectors to support the military's plan and progress for an insurgent-free Cagayan.

Meantime, Provincial Director Elpidio Durwin of the DILG expects about 10,000 or more participants from the local gov't units, academe, military, nat'l gov't agencies, non-gov't organizations and other sectors to join the activity.

Assembly areas are Petron Station at Pengue and Pengue Tanza Elementary School, Shell Station at Buntun and at the St. Peter's Cathedral grounds.

The march will start simultaneously at about 8:30 am to culminate at the Arranz Grandstand for the rally. (PIA Cagayan) [top]

PIA Daily News Reader

PIA Press Release
2008/10/23

Cagayan prioritizes infra projects, programs for 2009
Tuguegarao City (23 October) -- The Provincial Development Council (PDC) of Cagayan has approved the proposed programs, projects and activities of the Province of Cagayan under the annual investment plan for 2009.

PDC chair Gov. Alvaro Antonio approved a total of 193 million pesos for non-infra and infra projects as prioritized by the council for the development of the province.

The council approved P129.5 million for infrastructure projects broke down into four programs namely infrastructure support to LGUs, P29M; other special infrastructure programs, P15.5M; regravelling of roads provincewide, P30M; and various infra projects lodged under the Prov'l Engineers' office is P55M.

For the non-infra programs and projects, PDC allotted P49M for economic development such as agriculture and fishery, tourism promotion, environmental protection, economic enterprises development, culture and arts development, public health, animal health and livestock, scholarship and social welfare programs.

Gov. Antonio said all Local Government Units of the province will likewise receive P2M each as support of the provincial government to their priority projects.

"By the year 2030 and beyond, Cagayan will become the center for institution, agro-industrial, eco-tourism and international trade, globally competitive, God-loving people living in ecologically balanced ecosystem, with state of the art infrastructure facilities," the Governor said.

Meantime, the PDC also approved 8 Non-Government Organizations as members of the Provincial Development Council, namely; Cagayan Media Association, Inc., Young Men's Christian Association of the Philippines, PROCESS Luzon Association, Integrated Midwives Association of the Philippines, Cagayan Sugarcane Planters Assoc., Cagayan Valley Partners in Peoples Development, Federation of Senior Citizens Association and NORPHIL Farmers Multi-Purpose cooperative. (PIA Cagayan) [top]

Rare 5-petalled flower unveiled in Cagayan
By Charlie Lagasca Updated November 21, 2008 12:00 AM


The five-petalled Rafflesia leonardi, which was discovered in the Cagayan rain forest, has been unveiled following almost six months of lab studies by local and international botanists. CHARLIE LAGASCA
TUGUEGARAO CITY – A five-petal flower, believed to be the only one of its kind in the world and endemic to this province’s rainforest, was unveiled here earlier this week.

Without roots, stems or leaves, the flower, named Rafflesia leonardi, was discovered last May by a multi-sectoral group with the aid of Agta tribesmen at the remote Sitio Kinapawan in coastal Lallo town, three hours from this bustling northernmost capital.

But the flower’s formal unveiling, according to Perla Visorro, president of the Cagayan Valley Partners in People Development (Cavapped), was only made Monday after almost six months of laboratory studies and research by local and international botanists to further determine and prove its rarity.

The flower, which takes nine to 10 months to fully bloom but starts to wilt after around seven days, was named after Filipino botanist Leonardo Co of Conservation International, who confirmed it as a new species of Rafflesia five months after the flower’s discovery.

The flower, which is around 1.5 meters in diameter and only thrives in the rainforest here, was discovered some 300-700 meters above sea level within the Kinapawan forest of the Sierra Madre mountain range.

Visorro said the new species, whose features are similar to R. lobata and R. manillana, was the fourth Rafflesia species found in Luzon and eighth all over the country.

However, among the world’s Rafflesia species, the Rafflesia leonardi is the only one with a diaphragm.

PIA Daily News Reader

PIA Press Release
2008/12/11

Sec. Arthur Yap inaugurates SWIP project in Cagayan
Tuguegarao City (11 December) -- Department of Agriculture Sec. Arthur Yap visited the province recently where he inaugurated the Small Water Impounding Project (SWIP) in Liwan, Enrile and assessed the extent of damages brought about by the flood that hit Cagayan.

The Liwan Norte Small Water Impounding Project is a joint undertaking of Provincial Government and the Department of Agriculture intended to provide supplemental irrigation, fish production, soil and water conservation, flood mitigation and erosion, and recreation of some 200 residents in the area.

The project was built with a total cost of 18.5 million pesos, 10 million from the local government and 8.5 million from the Department of Agriculture.

It can also provide supplemental irrigation to 200 rice farmers in the area and neighboring municipalities.

"The project is more than a small water impounding. It is a communal irrigation system that caters to large area for agricultural production. I believe that this will give more rice production in this province and help in the goal of the administration in attaining rice self-sufficiency," Yap said.

The project was implemented by the provincial local government unit with an area of 500 hectares. The physical features of the dam included 15 meters in height, 280 meters in length, 20 meters spillway width, 25 hectares pond area and a minimum storage capacity of 112,500 cubic meters.

Sec. Yap and Governor Antonio confirmed to add more SWIP projects in Amulung, Gattaran, Allacapan, Lasam and Tuguegarao City.

He also mentioned some programs of his agency like free seedlings and fertilizer that will end in 2009. By 2010, DA will focus on infrastructure like irrigations.

The Secretary also ordered other local chief executives to submit their proposals for possible funding; however, he vocally stated that he will prioritize those who will lay down their counterparts.

"We have so many projects in the country and there are many request for our help but I surely extend my support to those who will give their counterpart and make the project as one among their priorities. No counterpart from the LGU, No support from DA," Yap said. (PIA Cagayan) [top]

PIA Daily News Reader

PIA Press Release
2008/12/22

VP Noli hails Tuguegarao officials as champions of development
Tuguegarao City (22 December) -- Vice President Noli De Castro hailed officials of this city as champions of development amazed by its physical improvement and significant progress.

VP De Castro, guest of honor during the 9th City Charter Day at the New City Hall, said the city geared to its height of development as it displayed new development projects and programs.

The Vice President was amazed seeing the symbolic and towering New City Hall building as one among the great accomplishments of Mayor Delfin T. Ting and his son former Mayor Randolf S. Ting, aside from the other infrastructure projects with the help of other officials.

"If Peoples Champ Manny Pacquiao was dubbed as the pride of Filipinos, Mayor Ting is the pride of Tuguegarao and Cagayan. This beautiful, untraditional and towering City Hall, which looks like a hotel, is a symbol of your success and development," he said.

Aside from the infrastructure projects, VP De Castro cheered the city government for garnering different national and international distinctions such as the 2002 City of the Year Award, National Literacy Award, Local Government Leadership Award, Most Competitive City, National Kabalikat Award, Outstanding City Mayor, Child Friendly City-Hall of Fame Award and other national awards which are extraordinary.

VP De Castro also admired the strategic poverty reduction agenda and community development programs of Mayor Ting leading to alleviation of scantiness and environmental progress of the city, aiming to become the model city of the north.

"The development of this city showcases the unity of the officials. This may not be as developed as this is, without the support of other elected officials, department heads and most specially you, as the constituents. I admire you of your unity…" De Castro uttered. (PIA Cagayan) [top]

PIA Press Release
2008/12/22

Mayor vows support for housing projects in Tuguegarao City
Tuguegarao City (22 December) -- City Mayor Delfin Ting assured his support for housing projects for the benefit of Tuguegaraoenos as Vice President Noli De Castro lobbied the scheme of the project to the city officials during his visit here recently.

Vice President De Castro said that home acquisition is one of the priority projects of the government aimed to give affordable homes to those who don't have their own homes especially the ordinary families.

During his visit, De Castro persuaded City Mayor Delfin Ting to indicate in his priority agenda the development of housing projects.

Mayor Ting responded immediately by stating that the city government has reserved 22 hectares of land ready for housing projects.

The Vice President explained that the housing units can be availed through Pag-ibig with low interest rate.

He said the housing projects in other regions helped so much in alleviating poverty and responding to the basic needs of the people most specially workers of the government who could hardly build up their own shelter.

"Why would you opt to rent a house or room if you can afford to have your own? We are advocating this project because we know that this is one basic need of every one, a shelter," De Castro said.

VP De Castro and Mayor Ting assured partners in pursuing the project for its immediate implementation next year. (PIA Cagayan) [top]

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DPWH officials serve as Santas to flood-affected communities of Cagayan
Enrile, Cagayan (22 December) -- Officials and employees of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) regional office played Santa Claus to the poor families of Barangay Batu this municipality who were greatly affected by the recent flood.

Regional Director Eugenio R. Pipo Jr. and his staff joyfully distributed about 200 gift packs in the said barangay as their Christmas gift and assistance to those who lost their livelihood.

Pipo said the gift giving was a simultaneously activity of all DPWH Regional Offices nationwide.

"We chose this barangay because it is one of the most heavily damaged barangays in the province during the recent flashflood. Majority of the households here are farmers who lost their livelihood. They deserved these gifts to make them feel the true essence of Christmas," Pipo said.

The gift packs included rice, can goods, coffee, creamer, sugar and noodles, toys for children 0-2 yrs. old and cash gifts for children aged 3-10 yrs. old.

Meantime, Barangay Chairman Edelia Tanguilan expressed her appreciation for the efforts of the officials and employees of DPWH in reaching out to this remote barangays. (PIA Cagayan) [top]

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Biggest wind farm to rise in Cagayan
By Alena Mae S. Flores

THE biggest wind farm is expected to rise soon in Southeast Asia after Northpoint Wind Power Corp. announced it will build a 40-megawatt facility worth $95 million in Aparri, Cagayan.

Northpoint is a subsidiary of NorthWind Power Development Corp., the company that built the 33-MW wind farm in Bangui, Ilocos Norte, the largest so far in Southeast Asia.

NorthWind chairman Ferdinand Dumlao said they planned to start building the Aparri facility within the year, and that they were negotiating financing packages with Japanese, Danish and Spanish investors.

He said the company could now concentrate on the Aparri wind farm after it completed expanding the Bangui facility, which originally generated only 24.75MW for power distributors in Ilocos Norte.

The facility consists of 15 turbines on 70-meter towers on the town’s shore.

NorthWind, a joint venture with Danish investors, borrowed $13.1 million from the Danish International Development Agency in October last year to raise the Bangui facility’s capacity to 33MW at a total project cost of $50 milllion.

“We are pursuing our expansion plans because wind is a renewable form of energy, and it is very timely because of the passage of the Renewable Energy Bill. At the same time, wind projects are very environmental friendly,” Dumlao said.

He said the support of Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, Aparri Mayor Ismael Tumaru, and Cagayan Gov. Alvaro Antonio were crucial to the success of the project.

The passage of the Renewable Energy Bill, Dumlao said, would also help entice investors to pour more funds into the capital-intensive projects, which would help the government lessen its dependence on traditional fossil fuel.

The government aims to harness 200MW to 400MW from wind energy sources in the next 15 years to 20 years, and has announced the availability of 10 sites in Luzon, seven in the Visayas, and one in Mindanao for potential projects.

The department has also been promoting several financing arrangements available to investors, including several programs of the Development Bank of the Philippines.

The United Nations Development Programme-Global Environment Facility also offers assistance in project preparation and in securing loan guarantees for wind projects.

The Philippine Export-Import Credit Agency likewise provides loan guarantees to selected wind power projects such as the Bangui Bay wind farm.

PIA Press Release
2009/01/21

PGMA prioritizes CEZA projects for Region 2 in 2009
Tuguegarao City (21 January) -- Secretary Jose Mari B. Ponce, Chief Executive Officer and Administrator of the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA), bared the priority projects of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in the Cagayan Freeport for 2009.

Sec. Ponce said the Roll-On-Roll-Off (RORO) vessel is expected to operate this year to service the eastern parts of Luzon such as Aurora, Isabela, Cagayan and Batanes provinces including its different islands.

"The President has already instructed the Development Bank of the Philippines to release the funds for the completion of the RORO project. It is expected that the project will be opened this year to serve the coastal zones and to solve the problems on sea disasters," Ponce said

At the same time, the 2nd phase of the breakwater project at Port Irene will be constructed. This will pave the way for the rehabilitation of the port, considered as transshipment port in Northern Luzon with P1.4 Billion project cost.

Ponce also said the construction of the International Airport in Sta. Ana will start this year upon approval of its feasibility study which was conducted by the private sector, the government's partner in establishing the airport.

Another project that will surely boost job generation in the region will be the opening and operation of the Cyber Park to promote call center and medical transcription industries in Cagayan Valley.

Sec. Ponce also revealed that the road leading to the famous Anguib Beach in Sta. Ana, the white beach of Cagayan with a golf course, is expected to be finished this year.

"There many other projects to be implemented within CEZA this year which will surely propel job generation and tourism and boost the economy of the whole Cagayan Valley Region," Ponce added.

Ponce also revealed that CEZA incurred double employment generation last year with more than 5,800 employed individuals in the different sectors as compared to 2007 with 3,000 generated employments. (PIA Cagayan) [top]

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DPWH to classify Tuguegarao RGC main road as national road
Tuguegarao City (21 January) – The Regional Development Council (RDC) has requested the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to classify the main road of the Regional Government Center (RGC) as a national road and to allocate funds for its development and maintenance.

DPWH 2 Regional Dir. Eugenio R. Pipo said the Cagayan Valley Regional Government Center is a 60 hectare lot intended to house 72 regional government offices and institutions in order to provide a one-stop government service center in the region.

He said, up to this date, the 7km-RGC road network which was developed in 1983 under the JICA funded Cagayan Integrated Agricultural Development Project (CIADP), which includes a 1.2km of main road, 2.31 km of secondary road and 3.45km access roads remained unclassified.

"The non-classification of the road network resulted in the absence of a regular funding allocation for its development and maintenance that's why we push for the classification of the road into a national road to ensure its regular funding…" Pipio said.

The Director further said that the lack of preventive road maintenance, coupled with unregulated water run-off due to lack of drainage system has caused the rapid deterioration of RGC roads especially the most frequently used main road.

The resolution was endorsed to Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, DPWH Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane, Jr. and to the Congressmen of Region 2 for their support and consideration.

The RGC main road connects the Maharlika Highway and the By-pass Road with entrance beside the Cagayan Valley Medical Center, passing the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas, the proposed Regional Convention Center and Sports Complex, to the Tuguegarao City Hall and leading to the Cagayan Provincial Capitol. (PIA Cagayan) [top]

Cagayan, Isabela tops in sex abuse cases in Region 2 (http://http://www.gmanews.tv/story/149593/Cagayan-Isabela-tops-in-sex-abuse-cases-in-Region-2)
02/19/2009 | 08:18 PM

TUGUEGARAO, Philippines – Police have intensified their efforts to curb sexual abuse following reports of the rising number of rape cases in Cagayan Valley region (Region 2).

In a report, Sr. Inspector Myrna Domingo of the Philippine National Police’s regional office disclosed that of the 98 recorded cases in the region between 2008 and the current month, with Isabela accounting for 35 followed by Cagayan with 33. Nueva Vizcaya posted 18 and Quirino had 10.

Batanes which is noted for its claim to zero crime rate did not report any rape incident.

Earlier, the Commission on Human Rights (CHR) in Region 2 blamed low regard for morality as a precursor to sexual abuse, particularly against minors.

“The PNP report is just a tip of the iceberg. We surmise that many more victims chose to remain silent out of fear and the stigma that goes with the experience," said one CHR personnel.

The clergy have also called on the authorities to put a stop on the proliferation of smut materials being sold openly on the streets. The availability of pornographic materials, according to the Church, is one of the culprits for the rising cases of sexual abuse.

Data show that more than 50 percent of molestations were committed by acquaintances like long time neighbors, classmates, and friends of the victims’ parents and some by in-laws or persons in authority including blood relatives or stepfathers. - Floro Taguinod, GMANews.T

Calayan folks elated over prospect of new seaworthy vessel (http://http://www.gmanews.tv/story/149594/Calayan-folks-elated-over-prospect-of-new-seaworthy-vessel)
FLORO TAGUINOD, GMANews.TV
02/19/2009 | 08:25 PM

TUGUEGARAO, Philippines - Jubilance have finally taken over the gloom that hounded the people of Calayan Island since the tragic sea disaster two months ago.

The accident, which happened a few days before Christmas, took the lives of more than 50 people who were on their way to celebrate the holidays with their relatives in mainland Cagayan.

In an interview, Calayan Mayor Joseph Llopis announced that a bigger and more seaworthy vessel will be arriving at their port very soon to once again service the islanders.

Llopis said a resolution have been passed by the local council to apply for a bank loan in addition to the P10 million support pledged by Governor Alvaro Antonio and P15 million from Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile’s development fund for the acquisition of a new boat.

According to the mayor, the new boat is sturdier, can cut travel time by half, and capable of ferrying a maximum of 200 people in a round-trip journey to and from the mainland, a treat for the islanders who have to cram into a small boat and sail for eight hours across dangerous waters.

Travel within the Calayan group of islands have been limited since the tragedy due to fears of another accident since its old and small boats have been declared by the Maritime Industry Authority unfit for long sea journeys.

The Calayan Islands lie midway between mainland Aparri and the Batanes group of islands dotting the China Sea on the northernmost tip of Luzon. - GMANews.TV

Cagayan News
Cagayan North eyed as Asia's windsurfing capital
Updated February 11, 2009 12:00 AM


MANILA, Philippines - Tourism officials and adventure aficionados have discovered an idyllic windsurfing destination in the northeastern part of Luzon, which is fast emerging as a water sports destination.

A joint team from the Department of Tourism (DOT) and the private sector recently explored Anguib beach, its white beach and crystal clear waters in Sta. Ana town, Cagayan province, and found the area perfect for windsurfing, which is fast gaining popularity in the country, thanks to foreign and local enthusiasts.

“Hands down Anguib beach is a lot better than Bulabog Beach on Boracay island,” said Manny Cabili, president of the Philippine Windsurfing/Kitesurfing Association (PWA).

Cabili described Anguib beach as “Boracay 30 years ago, with clear blue waters and white sand.” Anguib also has better, wider and bigger reef protected by a lagoon.

Bulabog Beach, stretching along the east coast side of Boracay has become too crowded for surfers, and is full of sea urchins. Construction activities have also spoiled the natural beauty of the beach.

Anguib, which is surrounded on the east by the Pacific Ocean and on the north by the Babuyan Channel, is touted as the next best site for wind and kite surfing in Asia, because it has consistent wind (amihan or northeast winds from November to March). It also has flat water that gives surfers better environment to enjoy.

It shall be noted that wind, flat water and seamanship are the three key factors that surfers have to look for in a good place for the water sports.

The northern coastal town of Sta. Ana, which is a part of the 54,000-hectare Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Freeport, is also a popular fishing mecca, because of the abundance of huge game fish in its waters.

Tourism Undersecretary Oscar Palabyab and Department of Tourism regional director Blessida Diwa led the soft launching of the windsurfing exhibition on Jan. 23 and 24.

“The windsurfing activity will definitely build capacity of tourism in the region,” said Diwa.

The windsurfing event, co-organized by officials of the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA), drew participation from both local and international windsurfers.

“This is a new window of opportunity to boost sports tourism in the country,” said Palabyab. “This is a good way of increasing our capacity in frontier and adventure tourism.”

Palabyab said promoting windsurfing in Cagayan North is aligned with DOT’s campaign to promote the countryside that offers alternative sites and activities, in addition to the usual tourism offerings.

Sta. Ana town in Cagayan North is 642 kilometers or 12 hours away by car from Manila. From the coastal village of San Vicente, one has to ride a boat to get to Anguib beach and several other popular eco-tourism destinations such as Palaui Island and Gotan beach.

Cagayan Valley ranks as the seventh top regional destination for tourists in the country. In 2008, it generated P1.6 billion in tourist receipts from the arrivals of 670,000 visitors, including 32,000 foreign tourists.

About half of the tourists in the region go to Cagayan province, which is one of the largest in the country, while the rest visit Batanes, Nueva Vizcaya, Isabela and Quirino.

Sta. Ana has also been attracting international visitors because of its distinction as Asia’s first and only interactive gaming jurisdiction, set in motion by CEZA when it transformed Port Irene into a Special Economic Zone and Freeport.

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Home > Regions > Luzon Cagayan export zone to create more jobs in 2009
FLORO TAGUINOD, GMANews.TV
01/27/2009 | 09:50 PM

Email this | Email the Editor | Print | ShareThisMANILA, Philippines - The Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) expects to employ 50 percent more workers in 2009 than last year after it was considered as a presidential priority project.

After a court banned the entry of second-hand cars inside the Freeport last October – a decision that resulted in massive layoffs – the facility now expects to generate new jobs.

Positions will be available in the call center industry as well as companies engaged in medical transcription, tourism, shipping, and construction industries.

To further hike employment in the zone, a Roll-On-Roll-Off (RORO) vessel – expected to solve sea disaster problems in the area – will soon operate, serving the provinces of Aurora, Isabela, Cagayan and Batanes, the CEZA said.

Construction is also expected to start this year for the second phase of the P1.4 billion breakwater project at Port Irene, and the International Airport in Sta. Ana with the involvement of the private sector.

A road leading to Anguib Beach, considered as the country’s next Boracay, is also expected to begin this year. The beach includes a golf course.

CEZA is home to two major casino/resort complexes-the Macau based Sun City and Xiamen-based Eastern Hawaii.

The zone has also been declared as Asia’s first and only interactive gaming jurisdiction by the International Association of Gaming Resources. - GMANews.TV

Ceza projects for Region 2 bared


TUGUEGARAO CITY -- Secretary Jose Mari Ponce, chief executive officer and administrator of the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (Ceza), bared the priority projects of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in the Cagayan Freeport for 2009.

Secretary Ponce said the Roll-On-Roll-Off (Roro) vessel is expected to operate this year to service the eastern parts of Luzon such as Aurora, Isabela, Cagayan and Batanes provinces including its different islands.

Arroyo Watch: Sun.Star blog on President Arroyo

"The President (Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo) has already instructed the Development Bank of the Philippines to release the funds for the completion of the Roro project. It is expected the project will be opened this year to serve the coastal zones and to solve the problems on sea disasters," Ponce said.

At the same time, the second phase of the breakwater project at Port Irene will be constructed. This will pave the way for the rehabilitation of the port, considered as a transshipment port in Northern Luzon with a P1.4-billion project cost.

Ponce added the construction of the International Airport in Sta. Ana will start this year upon approval of its feasibility study which was conducted by the private sector, government's partner in establishing the airport.

Another project which will surely boost job generation in the region will be the opening and operation of the Cyber Park to promote call center and medical transcription industries in Cagayan Valley.

Ponce also revealed the road leading to the famous Anguib Beach in Sta. Ana, the white beach of Cagayan with a golf course, is expected to be finished this year.

"There are many other projects to be implemented within Ceza this year which will surely propel job generation and tourism and boost the economy of the whole Cagayan Valley Region," he added.

Ponce also revealed that Ceza incurred double employment generation last year with more than 5,800 employed individuals in various sectors and sectors as compared to the 3,000 jobs created in 2007.:cheers:

PIA Press Release
2009/02/23

CSU promotes technology commercialization projects
Tuguegarao City (23 February) -- In support to the thrust of the present administration on poverty alleviation, the Cagayan State University (CSU) is implementing and enhancing its research and development programs to promote technology management and commercialization.

Dr. Roger P. Perez, University President, said under the extension programs, they implemented the technology commercialization projects aimed to alleviate poverty by increasing productivity, income, food production and sustainable use of resources through massive technology promotion and commercialization.

The programs specifically promote and commercialize technologies that are economically viable, socially acceptable and environment friendly to accelerate productivity and maximize the utilization of marginalized agricultural farms and resources.

The President said 3 technologies were already successfully promoted and commercialized.

"Our Mushroom Culturing, Peanut Production and Vegetable Production were successfully studied and implemented in different community pilot areas by our agriculture students from CSU- Gonzaga, Lal-lo, Piat and Sanchez Mira, Cagayan that offers agriculture courses," Perez said.

The program develops the entrepreneurial capability of young farmers and agriculture graduates of the university to ensure their meaningful involvement in agriculture and to generate employment.

Perez said the projects were promoted primarily for poor farmers and unemployed individuals.

On their extension programs, Perez said they are responding to the needs of providing technical assistance and relevant skills, knowledge and values to different private and public organizations and agencies through non-formal education.

"We have coordinated and conducted several non-degree trainings to different units, majority of which are community-based as commonly requested by clients and agencies and the biggest number of participants were farmers, unemployed women, government officials, teachers and other professionals," Perez added.

In addition, Perez also enumerated several community involvement activities of faculty, staff and students of the university such the blood letting, health examination services, backyard food production, socio-cultural development and other technical programs. (PIA Cagayan)

CSU builds global links
Tuguegarao City (23 February) -- The Cagayan State University (CSU) has established linkage globally with different universities and colleges in order to evolve into an international university specializing in academic and extension undertakings.

University President Dr. Roger P. Perez said the scholar tie-up with the Kosin University (KU) in Busan, South Korea by way of an exchange program is becoming stronger.

As of now, CSU has 3 students studying the Korean culture and language, and 1 faculty teaching English subject in Kosin University at the expense of KU, while some students of KU are also in CSU to observe and immerse with CSUans.

Perez also said a community radio station will soon be established in Lagum, Penablañca to be funded by the Kosin University. We are also working on a sisterhood program with them to enable us to offer a dentistry course at CSU, he added.

Other than KU, CSU has also linked with Beijing, China accepting some 120 Chinese students in consortium with the Manila Business College (MBC). The students are now enrolled in different graduate courses at MBC.

Perez also said they will also start tying-up with Hongkong also in partnership with MBC, to offer graduate courses.

He explained that due to the distance of Manila to Cagayan, they send professors from CSU to MBC to undertake the program.

MBC believes in giving quality education to enable individuals become competent and dedicated in the upliftment of the social and economic status of graduates to become responsive to the needs of times. Its vision is to continuously develop into an international university specializing in Business and Computer Education.

Other links are the University of Kerala in India, and the HCMI in USA that recruits dedicated and hardworking healthcare professionals for its clients. HCM is among the most respected Healthcare Institutions in the USA. It operates its global healthcare professional's recruitment network through its offices in Canada, USA, Singapore, India and Philippines.

Furthermore, CSU was also chosen by the University of the Philippines for its Open University (UPOU), established as the fifth constituent university in the University of the Philippines System.

Its mandate is to provide education opportunities to individuals aspiring for higher education and improved qualifications but who are unable to take advantage of traditional modes of education.

"Cagayan State University with its partnership with UPOU is currently the only learning center in the region for UPOU students," Perez said.

Meantime, CSU now has 10 Indian, 8 Nepalist, 3 Pakistani, 2 Kenyans, 2 Nigerians, 1 German and 1 American students enrolled in different courses.

Perez said the effort in pushing the internalization program of CSU aims to achieve a globally competitive standard of education in academics, research, extension and production. (PIA Cagayan) [top]

Plantation Villas Tuguegarao

FX33LLNeMoY

Farmers from Cagayan province arrive in Manila (http://http://www.gmanews.tv/story/150994/Farmers-from-Cagayan-province-arrive-in-Manila)
03/02/2009 | 02:11 PM

MANILA, Philippines - Farmers from Cagayan province arrived in Manila Monday to push for genuine land reform, a radio report said.

Radio dzBB reported that the farmers arrived in Muntinlupa City at 8 a.m. and reached Las Piñas City at 10 a.m.

They had planned a stop over at a Parañaque City church before proceeding to Baclaran and then to the De La Salle University campus in Manila.

Several groups of farmers from the provinces arrived in Manila in past weeks to push for genuine land reform. - GMANews.TV

Cagayan Freeport creates about 6,000 jobs
Posted on February 9th, 2009
under Biz Progress

Thousands of Filipinos have found jobs at the Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Freeport, as the new economic hub in northeast Luzon continued to draw fresh investments and international tourists.

Cagayan Economic Zone Authority Administrator and CEO Jose Mari Ponce reported that in just seven years, the number of potential jobs in the economic zone increased exponentially from just 195 in 2002 to 5,918 as of August 2008.

The 2008 employment expectation in the economic zone rose 80 percent from 3,283 potential jobs that were registered in 2007. Potential job generation was estimated at 2,541 in 2006.

“Once these investments become fully operational, we expect more jobs to be created for Filipinos not only in Cagayan province, but also in other provinces of Cagayan Valley (Region 2),” said Ponce.

Cagayan Valley groups the northeast Luzon provinces of Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino, and Batanes.

Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Freeport in Sta. Ana, Cagayan is the fastest-growing industrial, logistics and tourism hub in the country. It was established in February 1995, by virtue of Republic Act No. 7922. CEZA manages the Freeport and attracts new locators into the economic zone.
Ponce said that as of end-August 2008, CEZA had 87 locators, of which 49 were already operational with actual investments of P3.826 billion.

The 87 locators have actually committed to invest a total of P16.4 billion. In 2007, there were only 68 registered enterprises and in 2006, the number stood at 55.

These investments are in real estate, banking, port operations, aviation, interactive gaming, tourism and resort services, agro-industrial, leisure facilities, international fishing, telecommunications, software development, management services, trading and importation, mining and quarrying, among others.

Following the increase in investment registrations, estimated operating revenues of CEZA climbed to more than P200 million in 2008 from P139 million in 2007.

Among the largest investments are two leisure-resort and gaming support service complexes, with a total of 600 rooms, including villas, KTV, water sports facilities and restaurants that are now operational.A 2007 regional economic situationer prepared by the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) in Cagayan Valley has already cited the importance of the economic zone as an investment magnet and job generator in the region.

“The expansion and improvement of Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Freeport changed the investment climate in the region,” the NEDA report said.

The Freeport also boosted tourism in Cagayan Valley, as thousands of foreign and domestic tourists visited and infused money in the region. These tourists came particularly for the gaming facilities at the economic zone.

Ponce said the economic zone’s contribution to Cagayan Valley became more pronounced as a driver of economic growth and employment generation in the region in 2008.



--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Check out this Cagayan video from numbernyn.

L8AZJqWVcIY:cheers:

Soldiers in Cagayan wary over gay recruitment (http://http://www.gmanews.tv/story/152255/Soldiers-in-Cagayan-wary-over-gay-recruitment)
FLORO TAGUINOD, GMANews.TV
03/11/2009 | 03:10 PM

TUGUEGARAO, Philippines – Army officials from this northern province are not sure how gay people can equally perform the job of enlisted personnel who are already serving in the military.

In an interview, Col. Remegio de Vera, commanding officer of the Army’s 501st Infantry Brigade (IB) in Cagayan, said that if he will have his way, he would prefer to stick to the traditional military recruitment of straight men and women.

“I don’t have anything against gay people but I am still in the dark, I cannot imagine how they will perform and discharge their duties once they are accepted in the military," he said.

De Vera was reacting to the statement of Philippine Army spokesman Lt. Col. Romeo Brawner Jr. that the Army has opened its gates to gay people.

In a recent television interview, Brawner said the Army welcomes everybody who wants be in the service including gay people.

“There will be no discrimination as long as the applicant is physically, emotionally and mentally fit. We will be happy to work and even go to war with them," Brawner said.

The military is traditionally a male-dominated organization up until the US and other European countries, in recent years, have started accepting gay and bi-sexuals in their armed forces.

In the Philippines, the decision which emanated from the military top brass has created a stir among some soldiers and “gay hate" groups who still regard “machismo" as the main requirement to be able to enter the military service.

An Army sergeant from Camp Melchor dela Cruz in Gamu, Isabela — who declined to be named — said he and other troopers will welcome the recruits with open arms but are also worried how gay people can handle life in a war zone.

“In combat, we put our lives in the hands of other soldiers. I don’t want to judge their worth but I can’t help but wonder how we can rely on gays, baka alagaan lang namin sila sa halip na makipaglaban sa kaaway," he said.

(Instead of fighting the enemy, we might turn out to be their baby-sitters)

At least 3,900 recruits from the 6,700 required by the Armed Forces of the Philippinesd (AFP) this year are needed by the Army. - GMANews.TV

Cagayan casino plan relies on opening of new airport
The Cagayan Freeport and Special Economic Zone is projecting to create over 5,000 additional jobs with the expected entry of three land-based casino operators once the international airport in Sta. Ana starts operations next year.

Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (Ceza) spokesman Chris Valenzona said the three proponents in the casino operations have been negotiating for years but their final decision as to the amount of investments and timetable for the proposed project would entirely depend on the completion of the airport. He said there is one major American firm and two Chinese companies who expressed interest in putting up casino operations in the zone.

The presence of land-based gaming facilities inside the zone, apart from the existing on-line casinos are expected to boost further the tourism activities in the area, he added.

With the expected increased in job generation, Valenzona said the zone’s contribution to Cagayan Valley became more pronounced as a driver of economic growth and employment generation in the region.

Thousands of Filipinos have found jobs at the Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Freeport, as the new economic hub in northeast Luzon continued to draw fresh investments and international tourists.

In just seven years, the number of potential jobs in the economic zone increased exponentially from 195 in 2002 to 5,918 in 2008.

The 2008 employment expectation in the economic zone rose to 80 percent from 3,283 potential jobs that were registered in 2007. Potential job generation was estimated at 2,541 in 2008 alone.

Cagayan Valley groups the northeast Luzon provinces of Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino and Batanes.

Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Freeport in Sta. Ana, Cagayan is the fastest growing industrial, logistics and tourism hub in the country. It was established in February 1995, by virtue of Republic Act 7922. Ceza manages the freeport and attracts new locators into the economic zone.

To date, Ceza has 87 locators, of which 49 were already operational with actual investments of P3.826 billion.

The 87 locators have actually committed to invest a total of P16.4 billion. In 2007, there were only 68 registered enterprises and in 2006, the number stood at 55. Ayen Infante

Top 10 PMA graduating cadets share humble beginnings
Manila Times
12 March 2009 | 1:10 AM

FORT DEL Pilar, Baguio City: Majority of this year’s top 10 graduating members of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) Masiglahi Class 2009 were raised by middle-income parents but they have proven their worth in the premier military institution in Asia.

A check on the profile of the top 10 class members revealed that their fathers were plain farmer in their respective provinces while their mothers were plain housewives.

Another distinction they shared with one another was having graduated valedictorians or with honors in their secondary education.

Topping this year’s PMA graduation is 23-year-old Air Force cadet Karl Winston Cacanindin of Aurora province whose father is a draftsman while his mother is a high school teacher.

Cacanindin, who will graduate magna cum laude, will receive the Presidential Saber and PGMA Achievement Award for academic excellence from President Gloria Arroyo, who will be the guest of honor and speaker during the graduation rites at the Borromeo Fields on March 16.

The valedictorian will also receive the Philippine Air Force Saber, Athletic Saber, Mathematics and Natural Sciences plaques besides the Joint United States Military Assistance Group or Jusmag award.

This year’s salutatorian is Army Cadet Leemuel Manicdo, 22, from Moncada, Tarlac, whose father is a mechanic and mother, another simple housewife.

Manicdo, who graduated as high school salutatorian, will receive the Vice Presidential Saber, Philippine Army Saber, Academics Group award, Humanities, Management, Social Sciences and Army Professional courses plaques, Jusmag award, Association of Generals and Flag Officers award and for the Australian Defense best over all performance award.

Navy Cadet Roger Flores, 25, of Iloilo City, who was raised by an accountant father and housewife mother, ranked number three in the class. He will receive the Secretary of National Defense Saber, Philippine Navy Saber and Jusmag award.

Fourth is Navy Cadet Nelson Liwanag, 24, of Tanauan, Batangas, whose father is a farmer while his mother is a vendor. He will receive the Navy Professional Courses plaque, Australian Defense Best Over all performance in the Navy and Jusmag award.

Army Cadet Larry Longe Mayao, 25, of Mainit, Bontoc, Mountain Province is ranked fifth and the only Cordillerans to be in the elite rank of topnotch cadets this year.

Mayao, who graduated from Pines City National High School and Pinsao Elementary School, was 10 years old when his mother passed on. His father was once a laborer who had to raise him along with nine other siblings.

Assistant PMA Supt. Brig. Gen. Rommel Martin of Bontoc, Mountain Province and member of PMA Class 1978 congratulated Mayao for proving that a cadet from the minority group was in equal footing with the other cadets.

Another Army cadet, Erick Ryan Mabborang at age 23 is among the younger graduating cadets is the son of farmers from Enrile, Cagayan, ranked sixth over all.

Army Cadet Carlito Santiago, 24, of Isabela, whose parents are farmers and traders, ranked 7th and he will receive the PGMA Achievement Award for Excellence, Chief of Staff Saber and Tactics Group award.

Army Cadet Glenn de Ramos, 22, of Pasay City whose parents are farmer and housewife ranked 8th and one of the brigade commanders of the class.

Just as Filipino women are celebrating the Women’s Month, Air Force Cadet Cynthia Forteza, 22, of Urbiztondo, Pangasinan landed ninth place in the overall roll of merits.

Forteza is also the recipient of the Computing and Info Sciences plaque, Leadership plaque, Air Force Professional Courses plaque and Australian Defense Best Overall Performance award.

Completing the topnotch list is Air Force Cadet Christopher Ian Dupalco, 22, of Bohol, whose father had died and raised by his mother, a teacher.

PMA Supt. Vice Admiral Leo-nardo Calderon Jr. told reporters that the topnotch graduating cadets have good academic records during their elementary and high school days, even with parents from low and middle-income earners.

There are 161 male and 23 female members of the Masiglahi Class 2009. One hundred of them will join the Army, 37 in the Air Force and 47 in the Navy.-- Harley F. Palangchao

PIA Press Release
2009/03/19

VP De Castro spearheads opening of People General Hospital
Tuguegarao City (19 March) -- Vice-President Noli De Castro graced the opening and spearheaded the ribbon cutting of the expanded Tuguegarao City People's General Hospital (PGH).

The Vice President congratulated the city officials and the Tuguegaraoenos for the project which was built through their own initiative and budget as an immediate response to the health care needs of the people.

"Every time I step in this city, there are always new and additional projects and programs of the government. I salute Mayor Ting and his colleagues in the city government for sustaining City Development Strategies (CDS) that strengthen your programs and projects toward development," the Vice President said.

De Castro also said Tuguegarao City is one among few cities who are patronizing CDS as a key to success and progress, and a culture in good governance.

The Vide President also witnessed the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between the city government and the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation for the health cards of some 10,000 beneficiaries. He also personally handed the cards to the beneficiaries.

The new PGH is timely in hiring some of the newly licensed nurse of the city and it responds to President Arroyo's Nurses Assigned in Rural Areas (NARS) program which gives opportunity to licensed nurse to be employed and practice their profession in their hometown, De Castro added. (PIA Cagayan) [top]

DepEd 2 launches "Bawat Bata Nasa Eskuwela" program (http://positivenewsmedia.net/am2/publish/Education_20/DepEd_2_launches_Bawat_Bata_Nasa_Eskuwela_program.shtml)

TUGUEGARAO CITY, May 1 (PNA) – The Department of Education (DepEd) Regional Office 2 launched recently the "Bawat Bata, Nasa Eskwela", its version for the Reaching all Children (REACH) program of the DepEd national level.

The move is to solve the continuously declining trend in the participation, completion and achievement rates in the elementary and secondary schools in the region.

Assistant Regional Director Lourdes G. Angoluan said that there is a need for a collaborative effort to address the pressing problem, saying the Filipino youth could no longer wait.

Based on 2007 to 2009 DepEd reports, the region's participation rate in the elementary level dropped off from 76.51 percent to 71.69 percent and secondary level from 46.78 to 45.53 percent.

According to the report, the continuous decline of enrollment rate is due to the poor economic situation prevailing in Cagayan Valley region.

The “Bawat Bata, Nasa Eskwela” is aimed at finding and reaching the unschooled children, retaining the insufficiently schooled ones and consequently keep them since the longer they stay in school, the higher chances for them to learn, to develop skills needed in seeking gainful employment and the capacity to manage their own lives.

Angoluan said that DepEd will embark on a combination of strategies for networking and linkages employing “catch and hold” interventions, capitalizing on strong stakeholders partnership.

Among the demand-side interventions to be employed are as follows: Adopt-a-Child, PTCA Lobbying Against Community Distractions, Individual Scholarship Grant, PTCA Scholarship Grant, PTCA Subsidy for the Indigents, Community Cooperative Association Funds Allocation for Indigents, Pasok at Balik-Eskwela Program and others.

Under the supply-side interventions, DepEd will continue enriching the existing programs and providing Alternative Delivery Programs.

From April to May 2009, all division offices shall be conducting meetings with stakeholders, orientation and family mapping with the assistance of barangay councils.

”Poverty is the biggest factor that keeps the children and youth from enrolling or regularly attending school and so Project REACH demands and empowers all stakeholders to extend assistance even beyond the workplace and working hours when necessary to minimize if not eradicate potential drop-outs in school,” Angoluan said.
”DepEd 2 ensures that all measures are taken so that the Filipino youth in the region are provided with the basic learning needs,“ Angoluan said. (PNA)

Media group to advocate good nutrition in Cagayan Valley (http://positivenewsmedia.net/am2/publish/Health_21/Media_group_to_advocate_good_nutrition_in_Cagayan_Valley.shtml)

TUGUEGARAO CITY, May 1 (PNA) – The National Nutrition Committee (NNC) in Region II has tapped the media group of Cagayan to conduct a massive information and education campaign to promote good nutrition and food security as the core component of the Accelerated Hunger Mitigation Program of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s administration.

Rhodora G. Maestre, NNC coordinator, said multimedia is a powerful tool to educate and inform the public on the facts and information to promote good nutrition and food security.

”The task is very much challenging because I want our media friends to do a saturation and maximum exposure of nutrition messages to instill awareness on the public on the means and ways to maintain nutrition,” Maestre said.

In response, the group came up with a unified theme of the program dubbed as “Sa Bahay ni IFAN, Gutom Natutugunan”.

Each media representative from different stations plans to allocate a slot to discuss topics in relation to good nutrition.

Maestre also tapped the media core group to spearhead a nutri-caravan to be held in a nutritionally depressed barangay in Sta. Ana, Cagayan on July 10. This aims to educate the people on the healthy style, the right kind and right amount of food to eat, the ways and means to maintain the provision of food for the table of each family and other programs to promote god nutrition.
Maestre believed that through these programs, the province will be able to achieve a zero malnutrition rate, mitigate hunger and address food crisis. (PNA)

Cagayan board member pushes for a low carbon lifestyle (http://positivenewsmedia.net/am2/publish/Cities_And_Towns_23/Cagayan_board_member_pushes_for_a_low_carbon_lifestyle.shtml)

TUGUEGARAO CITY, May 6 (PNA) – A Cagayan board member and staunch environment advocate has exhorted all concerned individuals to live a low carbon lifestyle, saying the only way to stop environmental degradation is by carbon reduction.

Board Member Rodolfo Alvarado in a press forum here recently has reiterated his call for a carbon reduction by avoiding activities that can cause too much carbon emission such as improper management of wastes, too much use of vehicles, incandescent lights, electronic devices (television, computers, cellphone chargers), styrofoams and plastics.

Alvarado said he has sponsored a resolution banning the use of plastic in the province and this has been adopted by Tuguegarao City and other municipalities here.

"Plant more trees for leaves of these trees could help in cleaning the air by absorbing the carbon being emitted by vehicles and some industrial firms,” he said.

Meanwhile, the Regional Multi-Sectoral Forest Protection Committee-Technical Working Group on information dissemination campaign has called on all residents of Cagayan Valley region to participate in guarding the remaining forests and other natural resources in the region against the illegal activities of unscrupulous individuals.

The RMSFP-TWG on IEC/Advocacy, composed of PIA, CAVAPPED, ISU, DENR and a Ballesteros-based non-government organization, has also appealed to all concerned to manage their garbage properly for this will produce methane, a greenhouse gas having a global warming potential.

”We are now experiencing the threat of climate change which is a result of our wrongdoings. We should act to correct these now,” the environmental advocates said.

The group also recommend simple tips such as: conserve water and energy, avoid eating in fastfoods that are using plastics and styrofoams, use rattan baskets and paper bags when going to market, walk or use bikes when one needs to take a short trip, practices the 3Rs: re-use, reduce and recycle, dump garbage properly, plant more trees, among others.
This in compliance to the 2009 Earth Day celebration anchored on the theme “Tubig at Lupa Buhayin, Hangin Linisin, Batas Tuparin (Revive Water and Land, Clean Up the Air, Enforce the Law),” (PNA)

70 Tour de Cagayan cyclists traverse Manila to Sta. Ana, Cagayan (http://positivenewsmedia.net/am2/publish/Sports_28/70_Tour_de_Cagayan_cyclists_traverse_Manila_to_Sta_Ana_Cagayan.shtml)

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan, May 15 (PNA)-– Starting from Metro Manila to the northern tip of Cagayan Province, some 70 selected cyclists will traverse the challenging highways of the 746-kilometer, five- day bicycle race from May 10-14 to bag the cash prize of up to P100,000 cash in the “Tour de Cagayan”.

The Tour de Cagayan organized by the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) started at Pasig City and passed through the provinces of Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Nueva Vizcaya, Isabela, and finish line in Sta. Ana, Cagayan.

Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile led the inaugural kick off at Pasig City together with Rizal Gov. Jujun Ynares and CEZA Administrator and CEO Jose Mari B. Ponce.

Chris Valenzona, spokesperson of CEZA said, Tour de Cagayan is a part of the agency’s commitment to promote tourism in the Cagayan Valley Region and help raise funds for CEZA’s social welfare development projects.

“The main objective of the event is to fund the Lingkod CEZA program, and promote cycling as a lifestyle sport and as a green mode of transport,” Valenzona said.

The cyclist to finish the whole race in the shortest time will be crowned the overall champion and will bring home P100,000 in cash, the second placer P75,000 and the third 60,000 pesos.
The Tour de Cagayan 2009 is supervised by the Games and Amusement Board (GAB).(PNA)

Pinoy MD program now on its fourth year (http://positivenewsmedia.net/am2/publish/Health_21/Pinoy_MD_program_now_on_its_fourth_year.shtml)

TUGUEGARAO CITY, May 21 (PNA) – The Office of the Department of Health (DOH) here recently announced it was in the process of validating the papers of the applicants to fill in the nine slots for the Pinoy MD program in Region II.

Sandra Sangab, Nurse V of the DOH, said the lucky nine qualifiers will be enrolled at the Cagayan State University Carig Campus, the only medical school in Region II that forged partnership with the DOH and Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) in the implementation of the Pinoy MD program.

These scholars will be entitled to free tuition, miscellaneous/laboratory fees, living subsidy, lodging allowance, daily transportation allowance, book and uniform allowance, she added.

The Pinoy MD program, a five-year medical education scholarship, is a priority medical scholarship program of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo to mitigate if not avert the foreseen problem of medical workforce crisis in the country.

Sangab stressed that the program is open to all applicants provided that they meet the minimum basic qualifications such as NMAT percentile score of 40 and, must be physically and mentally fit to address the health care needs of the community.

”Priority will be given to applicants who have a combined gross family income of Php 50,000/month or Php600,000/annum or lower and who are part of, or are children of Barangay Health Workers, Government Employees or Indigenous People (IP),” Sangab said.

The scholars must adhere to the PMO Scholar Contract which states that they must finish the course in five years time, pass the medical board examination in two years, and must render two years of service to the government.
Failure to comply with the contract would mean reimbursement of all the expenses incurred while in scholarship grant. (PNA)

BFAR 2 joins nationwide reforestation project (http://positivenewsmedia.com/am2/publish/Cities_And_Towns_23/BFAR_2_joins_nationwide_reforestation_project.shtml)

TUGUEGARAO CITY, CAGAYAN, June 5 (PNA) – The fisheries bureau in the region has recently joined the nationwide reforestation project by spearheading mangrove planting activities in the municipalities of Claveria and Buguey, this province.

According to BFAR RO2 Regional Director Jovita Ayson, a total of 600 mangrove propagules were planted in both municipalities, in addition to 300 seedlings earlier planted in Bagabag, Nueva Vizcaya.

Ayson said that this mangrove and upland reforestation project dubbed “Puno Ko, Sagip Buhay Mo” is one of the highlights of the Farmers and Fisherfolk Month last May.

“This project is BFAR’s contribution to mitigate effects of climate change and global warming and at the same time arrest decline of mangrove forests in the country,” Ayson said.

A total of 50,000 mangrove propagules were likewise transplanted in Region 4A with Atimonan, Quezon as lead area for the activity’s kick-off ceremonies. Other BFAR regional offices also led reforestation activities in their respective jurisdiction.

Already in its third year, the Puno Ko, Sagip Buhay Mo project is BFAR and fisherfolk’s action to revive the once vast mangrove forests in the country.

Statistical data reveal that from 500,000 hectares in 1998, mangrove areas shrank to only about 120,500 hectares in 2004.

Aside from being a habitat to fishes and other marine species, mangroves also provide services such as coastal protection, erosion control, sediment stabilization, flood regulation, nutrient supply, and regeneration and treatment of particulate wastes.
Reviving mangroves, therefore, is imperative to enable man to continue deriving benefits from this invaluable resource, BFAR said. (PNA)

PDEA taps 3 NGOs to champion war against illegal drugs (http://positivenewsmedia.net/am2/publish/Cities_And_Towns_23/PDEA_taps_3_NGOs_to_champion_war_against_illegal_drugs.shtml)

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan, June 21 (PNA)-– Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Director General Dionisio Santiago has welcomed the expression of commitment by three organizations to champion the noble cause of winning the war against illegal drugs in Region 2 and nearby provinces.

Santiago led the signing of a memorandum of agreement (MOA) between PDEA and the 1st Kalinga Ready Rescue Battalion (KRRB), 1st Cagayan Ready Rescue Battalion (CRRB) and the Samahan ng mga Mangingisda sa Rehiyon at Lokal (SAMARAL) to herald the onset of a better cooperation and coordination between law enforcement agencies and the community to fight illegal drugs.

Santiago said the MOA signing is anchored on the spirit of law implementation and the desire to combine manpower, resource and efforts towards the achievement of the vision of a genuinely drug-free society.

“This is consistent with our thrust, which aims to empower various sectors, including government and non-government organizations to be more pro-active anti-drug crusaders and advocates,” Santiago said.

He said drug syndicates, pushers and hard core users continue to abound in the communities but PDEA and the anti-drug crusaders are exerting an honest effort in identifying the high value or high profile targets and to cause the neutralization of said problem as the drug trade has become an immensely lucrative business.

During the visit of the Director General in the region, he likewise awarded plaques and certificates of recognition to the Santiago City Police Officers and non-commissioned officers as commendation to their efforts and accomplishments on drug related activities.
Santiago further graced the anti-drug seminar and MOA signing activity in Cauayan City with the Isabela Volunteers Against Crime and the 1st Isabela Ready Rescue Battalion (IRRB).(PNA)

Life & Entertainment stories
Pilgrimage tourism flourishes in Cagayan
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Diether suffers seizure in California

Pilgrimage tourism flourishes in Cagayan

by Lito Cinco

The huge courtyard of St. Peter’s Cathedral in Tuguegarao City was overflowing for the concelebrated evening mass last Sunday even as the procession of Marian images that followed took more than 30 minutes just to get out of the patio.

It was an impressive testament to the Filipinos’ deep religious faith, something that the Cagayan North Visitors Convention Bureau recognized as one of its strengths in bringing in both local and foreign visitors.

Actually, it was the very first time that the Marian Voyage of Peace—with the nine different Marian images coming from different churches in Luzon—was held. It took the CNVCB several years in conceptualizing and planning the project, a collaboration among the Archdiocese of Tuguegarao, the provincial and city governments, and the Department of Tourism as part of the 426th founding year of the region.

And this writer was part of a media group from Metro Manila that was invited by the Tourism Department to witness the historical event that attracted thousands and thousands of local and visiting devotees. “We expect anywhere from 50,000 to 100,000 visitors for this more than week-long celebration that will end with the feast day of Our Lady of Piat on July 2,” said Tourism regional director Bless Diwa.

Cult following

On her feast day, Our Lady of Piat attracts the most number of visitors from all over the world, including Americans and Europeans, and a lot of balikbayans, who have pledged their devotion to Our Lady in gratitude for favors granted in the past.

For his part, CNVCB chairman Lito Luna, cited the cooperation of everyone in the region, including the different parishes that were invited to take part in the event described as the Blessed Virgin Mary In Her Different Titles Visiting the Cagayan Valley Families.

“We wanted to do something new, something different for the occasion and as it is, the event became a total community project for us and definitely, we will sustain and make this event grow,” he said.

On her own, Tuguegarao’s Our Lady of Piat is one of the most popular Marian figures in the country, with a lot of devotees not just from here but all over the world. Around nine churches have been built in her honor. Stories of her miraculous manifestations are so numerous, one whole page of this newspaper would not be enough to document them.

“I have been a devotee of Our Lady of Piat for a long time already. When my youngest son was six months old, he was diagnosed with leukemia and not given strong chances to survive. Now he is already 13 years old,” added Diwa.

Other stories we heard from other devotees about this miraculous lady include her walking around town. In fact, sometimes she is said to be seen with muddy feet in the morning.

She was the last to leave for the procession, preceded by the other visiting Marian images, including the Our Lady of Charity from Agoo, La Union, where the Nuestra Señora del Mar de Cautiva from Sto. Tomas and Our Lady of Namacpacan from Luna, came from.

Other images were the Nuestra Señora de Caridad from Bantay, Ilocos Sur; Our Lady of Badoc from Ilocos Norte; Our Lady of Guibang from Gamu, Isabela; Our Lady of Manaoag from Pangasinan; Our Lady of Immaculate Conception from Malolos, Bulacan, and one from Metro Manila; and Our Lady of Fatima from Valenzuela.

Stations of the Cross

Aside from St. Peter’s Cathedral, our media group also visited the St. James Parish church in Iguig, just outside Tuguegarao City limits. Spread across 11 hectares of verdant rolling hills are larger-than-life sized concrete Stations of the Cross, each depicting Jesus’ suffering before His death on Mt. Calvary.

Adding to the natural beauty of the place is the panoramic view of the surroundings, including the mighty Cagayan River, reminiscent of the River of Jordan, according to local folks.

Unfortunately, a lot of the statues have peeling paint and worse, missing limbs, diminishing the solemnity of the place.

And since the Tourism Department combined the religious tour with adventure, the group was also brought to experience the Callao Cave in Peñablanca plus a cruise in the Pinacanauan River, but then that is a separate story altogether.

A Pilgrimage to the QueenMarian images rouse faith (and tourism) from Filipino devoteesBy Texts by JACKY LYNNE A. OIGA, Photo by RUDY LIWANAGJuly 4, 2009, 4:15pmIn 1964, a prolonged drought hit Cagayan region, severely affecting its indigenous people called the Itawes. They suffered from starvation, their farm animals died from heat, crops and foliage withered from lack of rain. Desperate to seek help, the townspeople turned to their parish priest to ask for guidance. The cleric advised them to make peace with the Lord and begin a novena to Our Lady of Piat. In the middle of their prayer, a miracle happened, torrential rain fell ending the town’s lingering famine and reviving the people’s receding faith.

From that day on, overwhelming accounts of Our Lady of Piat’s miraculous intercessions spread like fire all over the country. The Blessed Mother is believed to heal all kinds of illness for devotees who humbly search for help and divine intervention.

Four hundred years later, the pilgrimage to the Shrine of Our Lady of Piat remains to be a significant event in the lives of the people of Cagayan Valley. This year, the unflinching devotion to the Blessed Mother sparked a renewed tourism campaign that is anchored on the Marian Voyage of Peace.

A holy gathering

Nine Marian images from the Northern Philippines, in their different titles, arrived in Cagayan recently to join Our Lady of Piat in the first ever Marian Voyage of Peace: Our Lady of Fatima (Valenzuela) Our Lady of Badoc (Ilocos Norte), Immaculate Conception (Bulacan), Our Lady of Charity (Agoo, La Union), Nuesta Señora del Mar de Cautiva (Sto. Tomas, La Union), Nuestra Señora de Caridad (Ilocos Sur), Our Lady of Guibang (Isabela), Our Lady of Namacpacan (Luna, La Union), and (Our Lady of Manaog (Pangasinan).

Organized by the Cagayan North Convention & Visitors Bureau (CNCVB), Archdiocese of Tuguegarao, and the Department of Tourism (DOT), the Marian Voyage of Peace began with a fluvial procession of

Our Lady of Piat from Aparri to Tuguegarao City. The other Marian images were housed in assigned repository churches within the vicariate of Tuguegarao City, Peñablanca, and Iguig to allow devotees to do their Visita Iglesia.

But the highlight of the event took place at the cathedral patio of Sts. Peter and Paul Metropolitan Cathedral where a mass in the name of the Blessed Mother was officiated and was followed by a Marian procession around Tuguegarao City.

“Three years ago, the CNCVB was asked to come up with a signature event that could really depict Cagayan. And since Cagayanos are known for their religiosity and devotion to Our Lady of Piat, we wanted to do an event that could bring together devotees and pilgrims of the Blessed Mother through her different images and titles from the Northern Philippines,” explained CNCVB Chairman, Joselito Luna.

Also, the Marian Voyage of Peace coincided with the 426th founding anniversary of the province of Cagayan and the Feast Day of Our Lady of Piat last Friday, July 2.

Merging faith with tourism

With over 18 Spanish Architectural churches along the tourism highway, Cagayan Valley has always been known as one of the major pilgrimage tourism destinations in the country. However, what others seem to forget is that Cagayan Valley Region also boasts of adventure tourism spots for caving, river boating, fishing, bird watching, wind surfing and diving.

DoT Regional Director Bless Diwa believes that the influx of devotees and pilgrims can help boost Cagayan Valley’s tourism industry by promoting its unique sights and travel packages.

“The DoT is keen on supporting the Marian Voyage of Peace because with its huge following from devotees not only from the Philippines but in other countries, we get an opportunity to tell our local and foreign tourists about the beauty of Cagayan and hospitality of the Cagayanos,” said Diwa.

Among the tour packages offered by the DOT and CNCVB are: an exploration of Callao Caves, a seven-chambered, white rock cave that houses massive limestone and rock formations and a small chapel for devotees; a river cruise of the breathtaking Pinacanauan River in Peñablanca; a trek to Iguig Calvary Halls where life-size depictions of the Stations of the Cross can be found; and a heritage tour of Spanish Colonial Churches around Cagayan.

According to Diwa, the success of the Marian Voyage of Peace is enough reason for them to sustain such event regardless of the cost and extensive preparations.

“We believe that Cagayan is ready to take more risks in promoting our region. It’s time for us to be vigilant in turning Cagayan into a full-blown pilgrimage and adventure destination,” she added.

RDCC 2 unveils Disaster Consciousness Month activities (http://pia.gov.ph/?m=12&fi=p090706.htm&no=25&r=&y=&mo=)

Tuguegarao City (6 July) -- Regional Disaster Coordinating Council (RDCC) Chairman Police Chief Superintendent Roberto M. Damian, PNP 2-Regional Director, has unveiled the series of event in the kick-off ceremony of the observation of Disaster Consciousness Month this July.

Damian said with the theme: "Pag-alerto, Malayo sa Peligro", the disaster consciousness month significantly manifest to remind the people to be always prepared for any eventuality.

He said RDCC has a handful of activities and preparations to ensure information dissemination and active participation of the public in achieving the goals of the worthy endeavor.

"With the various activities lined up, RDCC 2 aims to educate and prepare the public on hazard mitigation and awareness through public information campaign on typhoon and flood awareness.

Damian further mentioned that with the relentless campaign and concerted effort, plus the support of the public on disaster risk management, he believes that they can assure safety of the people.

In addition, Regional Director Melchito M. Castro of the Office of the Civil Defense, said the series of activities regionwide includes the static display showcasing the response equipments of rescue groups and photo exhibit of RDCC member agencies in action, demo on first aid and basic life support, demo on the use of fir extinguisher, community kitchen demo, orientation on earthquake drill tree planting, operation linis kanal, slogan and poster making contest, and disaster risk management seminars.

Castro said RDCC 2 believe that the static display of response equipment and photo exhibit would be a good medium of information sharing and dissemination by promoting and heightening peoples awareness on the framework of disaster risk management.

Meanwhile, Regional Director Purita S. Licas of the Philippine Information Agency, said that one best way to get prepared against disasters and to stamp out their possible damage to humans is to plant trees.

She said planting trees may avert or mitigate what she considered a disaster Cagayanos are currently facing- the excessive heat happening in the midst of a wet or rainy season.

The too much heat people in region 2 are experiencing, she said, could also be a disaster because it has been immensely affecting the agriculture sector.

"We are already experiencing bad production. Our farmers hardly produce as much as they could during rainy season," the Director said

The kick-off program was capped by highway accident drill performed by the combined forces of the Philippine National Police, Philippine National Red Cross, Department of Health and the Bureau of Fire Protection. (Ver/PIA 2)

People, matanong ko lang po, possible po ba ang round-trip from Manila to Tuguegarao? I mean, aalis ako ng umaga then babalik din ako ng hapon before gabi? May delays po ba? Gaano katagal? Salamat po.

People, matanong ko lang po, possible po ba ang round-trip from Manila to Tuguegarao? I mean, aalis ako ng umaga then babalik din ako ng hapon before gabi? May delays po ba? Gaano katagal? Salamat po.

I think Tuguegarao is 12 hours away by bus from Manila. You might take 24 hours to have a roundtrip from manila - tuguegarao - manila.

PIA Press Release
2009/07/06

Lallo revs up economic status
Lal-lo, Cagayan (6 July) -- The lady Mayor of this municipality has proudly reported to her constituents her significant accomplishments in her term in gearing up the economic status of this town.

Mayor Maria Olivia B. Pascual has sustained the economic development of Lallo in the attainment of first class municipality status.

Pascual said based on the certification of the commission on audit, the town coffer posted an average annual income of 66.8 million pesos. Based on standards, local government units with average annual income of 55 million pesos or more can be classified as first class municipality.

"The economic growth of our municipality can be attributed by the intensified tax collection like the "operation suyod", "animal branding campaign" which has resulted to the increase in business and real property taxes, fees and charges," Pascual said.

On the other hand, The Mayor also presented the awards reaped by the municipality this year.

For the third time, Lal-lo won Green Banner Award from the national Nutrition Council. The Regional Rabies Task Force cited the municipalities' best practice in the implementation of Rabies Prevention and Control Program. Other awards are the Gawad Saka for the Rural Improvement Club of San Lorenzo and recently placed second in the Regional Zero Basura Olympics Garbology Marathon.

Other than these, Pascual reported the infrastructure development projects and other socio-economic development programs within her administration. (Ver/PIA 2) [top]

People, matanong ko lang po, possible po ba ang round-trip from Manila to Tuguegarao? I mean, aalis ako ng umaga then babalik din ako ng hapon before gabi? May delays po ba? Gaano katagal? Salamat po.

Kung sasakay ka sa super deluxe na either Victory or Florida via SCTEX pwede siguro 10 hrs. Check mo yung mga non-stop trips nila baka mas mabilis pa.

CSU opens program for local executives (http://positivenewsmedia.com/am2/publish/Education_20/CSU_opens_program_for_local_executives.shtml)

TUGUEGARAO CITY, July 7 (PNA) - The Cagayan State University (CSU) has approved a program that would recognize and professionalize practicing local officials to earn a college degree.

Prof. Archimedes Articulo, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences of CSU, where the new program will be implemented, said that CSU vice president Fr. Ranhilio C. Aquino had allowed him to credit local government officials who were in the public service, but failed to get a college degree because of pressures of work and other personal reasons.

He said the program was called Cagayan State University Alternative Delivery System for Tertiary Education for Elected Local Government Officials (CSU-AdeSTE).

Articulo said barangay councilors, barangay chairmen, municipal or city councilors, vice mayors, mayors, provincial board members, vice governors and governors would benefit from the program.

Articulo said that past studies that looked into the profile of local government unit (LGU) officials would show that many of them never went to college, but have completed secondary education and that many of those who graduated high school do not qualify for the Expanded Tertiary Education Equivalency Accreditation Program (ETEEAP).

He clarified that the new system his college would adopt was different from ETEEAP.

"ETEEAP is rigid. It requires the presentation of too many documents. But in CSU-ADeSTE, applicants will just have to prove that they are local officials with at least one completed term of office, at least 22 years old and no criminal record, and then they can be admitted immediately to the program,"the dean said.

Under the CSU-ADeSTE, applicants should submit their authenticated birth certificate, certificate of election, most recent academic record, certificates of trainings and workshops, accomplished application form and other documents showing their capability in the field.

They, too should pass the oral examination to be administered by the college.

Qualified students will meet with their professors to be named by the dean at least twice a month on Saturdays and Sundays.

They will be provided with modules and other instructional materials to support learning.

After three semesters and after satisfactorily completing all academic requirements, ADeSTE students will be conferred the degree, Bachelor of Arts major in Political Science (ABPS).
Interested applicants are urged to log in to www.csu.edu.ph/cas or call (078) 846-7496 and speak with Dean Articulo or Prof. Kristine De Leon, program coordinator of ABPS. (PNA)

CHED gives scholarships to 90 poor-but-deserving students in Cagayan (http://positivenewsmedia.com/am2/publish/Education_20/CHED_gives_scholarships_to_90_poor-but-deserving_students_in_Cagayan.shtml)

TUGUEGARAO CITY, July 7 (PNA) -- The Commission of Higher Education (CHED) Region 2 awarded certificates of scholarship to 90y poor but deserving students from the municipalities of Cagayan Valley Region that assured them of free college education.

Engr. Honorato Alzate, CHED 2 educational supervisor, said these students, now enrolled in various state universities and colleges (SUCs) in courses of their choice, were selected as beneficiaries of the "One-Town, One Scholar" scholarship program jointly implemented by CHED, Departments of Education (DepEd) and Budget and Management (DBM) and the Presidential Management Staff (PMS).

"Municipal mayors chose them from a list recommendees submitted by public high school principals," Alzate said, adding that the list included the top 10 of the graduating class of the last school year.

"The role of CHED was only to validate the qualifications of the scholarship grantees named by the local chief executives," Assistant Regional Director Antonio Talamayan said when asked what was the participation of the commission in the selection process.

Each of the qualified students known as "Town Scholars," will enjoy free tuition fee and P15,000 stipend each semester for four to five years, Talamayan said, emphasizing that the scholars were graduates of public secondary school.

"The municipal local government unit is also encouraged to augment the scholarship benefits to the Town Scholar, depending on its capacity and the need of the beneficiary," he said, citing the provisions of the Implementing Guidelines for the scholarship program.

On the other hand, Alzate said that city governments are not included in the program.

"It is clear that the program is only for municipalities or towns with poor-but-deserving students,"said the education supervisor, who informed PNA that the first wave of stipend would be released in August.

"The scholars need not come to CHED to claim their stipends as we already made arrangements with host state universities and colleges about how they can receive it," Alzate added.

In order to sustain the scholarship granted to them, "Town Scholars" should finish their course within the period prescribed in the curriculum; maintain an average of 2.0 in all subjects and a grade of not less than 2.75; and be free from any school and criminal liability.

The "One-Town, One Scholar" scholarship program was born following a memorandum from President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo who called on DBM, CHED and DepEd "to ensure that the best high school graduate of every municipality will be a recipient of a college scholarship, and thereby, assured of a college education in a state university or college.

In response to this memo, the four agencies, PMS being the lead office, signed a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) to implement the program, and partnered with the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP), Philippine Association of State Universities and College (PASUC) and Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).
Based on the timeline of CHED, application, selection and screening in the school and municipal level began last March 13. On April l7, the commission started validating the list the municipal mayors submitted. Almost a month later, the agency finalized the list and started to distribute scholarship certificates to selected students. (PNA)

Indigenous people exhibit art and culture to preserve heritage (http://positivenewsmedia.com/am2/publish/Cities_And_Towns_23/Indigenous_people_exhibit_art_and_culture_to_preserve_heritage.shtml)

TUGUEGARAO CITY, July 16 (PNA) -- The Kalinawa Art Foundation initiated a visual art exhibit and cultural presentation of different indigenous people (IP) groups in Luzon area here recently. This aims to preserve the cultural heritage of the IPs.

David Gilinsky, Kalinawa Art Foundation founder, said the art and cultural exhibit aims to instill to the minds of the present and future generations to continue and follow the stories of IPs and to keep the heritage alive amid the ongoing progress.

The visual art exhibit at the Paseo Reale Mall here include the IPs paintings, sculptures, decorations made out of indigenous materials, and indigenous musical instruments.

During the opening program, the Agta tribe from Penablanca, Cagayan performed their ritual gathering dance, the Ibalois of Benguet presented their offering ritual dance and prayer, and the Ibanags their traditional dance, the "Maskota."

"The youth today must not forget that the heritage of our parents and grandparents must be preserved as we progress and go on with the developments in the community," Gilinsky said.
He thanked the government officials' help and assistance to the IPs in all aspects of their lives and giving attention to their rights and needs. (PNA)

Construction of 40MW wind project in Aparri, Cagayan to push through

MANILA, Aug. 21 (PNA) — Wind power developer Northwind Power Development Corp. jumpstarted the survey and data gathering for the intended construction of its planned wind power plant in Aparri, Cagayan province.

Ferdinand Dumlao, chairman of Northwind, said its subsidiary Northpoint Wind Power Corp. already set the ball rolling for the 40-megawatt wind farm project estimated to cost around US$ 95 million.

"We have set up Northpoint for the Cagayan project funded with fresh equity. Approvals from the Environment and Natural Resources and Energy Departments and the local government units are being processed," he said.

Dumlao added the Aparri project in Cagayan is their forefront project this year.

"Still too many work to be done but we are progressing," he said.

The project received support from Japanese, Danish and Spanish investors and creditors.

The company is also looking at signing the supply contracts with the electric cooperatives in Cagayan.

Recently, NorthWind completed the expansion of the 33-MW Bangui Bay wind project in Ilocos Norte, the largest wind farm in Southeast Asia costing US$ 50 million.

Bangui Bay sells its electricity to the Ilocos Norte Electric Cooperative and provides 40 percent of the power requirements of the province of Ilocos Norte.

Meantime, Dumlao said the passage of the Renewable Energy is expected to bring in more investors to the country specifically on wind projects.

"The provision in the RE bill that will allow investors to enjoy incentives will help promote wind energy development," he said.

The government is projecting to harness some 200 MW to 400 MW from wind energy sources in the next 15 to 20 years.

Aside from wind, the Department of Energy is also promoting other renewable energy sources such as geothermal, solar and hydro. (PNA)
LDV/MSN

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=0&nid=3&rid=225439

Feature: Discovering the Ibanags

by Oliver T. Baccay

Tuguegarao City -- "Simple but meaningful"…this is how visitors described this year's Pavvurulun Festival in the celebration and preservation of the Ibanag culture, and discovering the talented Tuguegaraoenos.

Hon. Delfin Telan Ting, City Mayor, spearheaded the celebration highlighting the unity of the Ibanags in working against difficulties and obstacles in achieving growth and development.

Tuguegarao City is known as the Premier Ibanag City, the center of excellence in education, commerce and culture in Northeast Philippines, that's why every patronal fiesta, the city officials used to line up activities that showcases the Ibanag tradition and culture such as the Street dancing in the tune of Ibanag courtship dance'Kalingkingan', the Battle of the Bands in the tune of Sampaguita March, the original Ibanag children's game, the folksong writing competition and performing the traditional Maskota wedding dance.

In the midst of a sunny day, the students played their role gracefully with a smile and with feelings in the street dancing competition. Kalingkingan is a kind of bird that thrives in the Callao Caves of Peñablanca, the town adjacent to the city and the cavers' paradise of the north.

Kalingkingan birds go out from the cave every 6 o'clock in the evening to look for food and to have merry making, and then goes back every 6 o'clock in the morning to take a rest.

The Kalingkingan dance was formulated by the Ibanag ancestors, converting the birds' nature and characteristics to an Ibanag culture. The birds' characteristic of going out every 6 to look for food is like an Ibanag gentleman who looks for a lady to court every night. Their characteristics also of looking for food together and goes back together from the cave where they came from is attributed to the Ibanags togetherness, which is the essence of'Pavvurulun Festival'-oneness. Later, it was transformed to a song and dance.

Though the dance is an original festival of Peñablnaca, the city wants to showcase it also because the essence of the dance jived to the city' festival theme of reminiscing and reviving the Ibanag Culture.

City Vice-Mayor Danilo Baccay said the street dance competition highlighting the Kalingkingan Ibanag dance is one way of reviving and preserving the Ibanag tradition and culture.

On the other hand, the students also displayed their talents in playing the instruments in the Battle of the Bands competition using the'Sampaguita March' as the common tune of the bands.

The competitors displayed their strategies and styles in playing the bands using their colorful uniforms, but the judges chose only 3 winners in the competition.

Schoolchildren also enjoyed playing the original'Gaggayam na Cagayan' or the children's game that preserves the Ibanag culture.

In all activities which was conducted, it depicts on how the Ibanags live a simple life, on how do they work together to achieve progress, on how they preserve their hospitality.

Vice Mayor Danilo Baccay said it is being observed that nowadays, the new generation doesn't know how to speak in Ibanag that's why they are now planning to pass a resolution mandating the schools teach Ibanag dialect to schoolchildren.

The hospitality of the Ibanags was also one among the limelight of the festival. With the'Pancit Batil Patung', the specialty of Tuguegarao, visitors really felt the real Ibanag taste as they were warm welcomed with the delicious 'pancit batil patung'.

In the mass wedding, several couples were given blessings to tie a knot in a traditional way the Ibanag celebrate wedding. The Maskota Dance is always practiced, the real Ibanag wedding celebration.

"The true essence of this festival is the celebration of our original tradition and culture, our act of showing that we are proud of being an Ibanag," Baccay said in an interview. (PIA 2)

http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&fi=p090818.htm&no=19

PGMA to launch coconut plantation project in Lallo, Cagayan

Tuguegarao City -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will spearhead the launching of the coconut plantation project in the Province of Cagayan.

The project is in line with the thrust of President Arroyo's administration in addressing hunger, health, environment and literacy.

The President will witness further the forging of a Memorandum of Agreement between and among the representatives of Rotary Club of Centennial Quezon City (RCCPQ), Philippine Information Agency (PIA), Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), and Cagayan State University (CSU) as the core agencies to pursue the project dubbed as "A Dollar for a Tree of Life".

The project is called "A Dollar for a Tree of Life" because for each dollar donated by a Rotarian, one coconut tree also known as the "tree of Life" will be planted by the farmer beneficiaries, and by planting coconut trees, millions of benefits will be reaped for a lifetime.

The project will be implemented in Northern Luzon and Cagayan province was chosen as one among the pilot areas of the project. In Region 2, there are 642,299 hectares suitable for coconut plantation.

The project is laudable considering that thousands of coconut seedling will be planted that will produce plenty of food, oil, bio-fuels, medicinal products and many more by-product out of coconut.

The coconut tree planting activities will also help farmers because it would generate thousands of jobs. (Oliver B./PIA 2)

http://www.pia.gov.ph/default.asp?m=12&r=&y=&mo=&fi=p090826.htm&no=36

PGMA to visit Cagayan

Tuguegarao City -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will visit again the province of Cagayan to inaugurate the new Andrews Campus of the Cagayan State University.

The President is expected to arrive on the 28th day of August in this city, purposely to inaugurate the newly constructed buildings of CSU's Andrews Campus, formerly known as CSU Caritan Campus.

The officialdom of the University is now preparing for the grand welcome to the President who will formally open the new campus, however, the expected time of arrival and the other itineraries is yet to be confirmed by the university.

On the other hand, Regional Director Purita S. Licas of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Region 2, said PGMA will also witness the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between and among representatives of Rotary Club of Centennial, PIA, Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) and CSU for the "A dollar for a Tree of Life", a colossal project in Northern Cagayan.

The said project will be implemented in Regions 1, 2 and 3. For 2009, about 50,000 hectares in Northern Luzon will be planted to 3.4 million coconut seedlings by 50, 000 coco farmers.

Aside from these, PGMA will also award scholarship grants to deserving students of Technical Education and Skills Development Administration (TESDA) Region 2. (Oliver B./PIA 2)

http://www.pia.gov.ph/default.asp?m=12&r=&y=&mo=&fi=p090825.htm&no=18

PGMA inaugurates new CSU Caritan Campus in Tuguegarao (http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=226643)

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Aug. 28 (PNA) - President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo inaugurated Friday the new four-storey academic and administration building of the Cagayan State University (CSU) in Caritan Campus.

President Arroyo arrived at the Tuguegarao Airport at 11:45 a.m. and proceeded to Lallo, Cagayan for the launching of the North Luzon Participatory Coconut Planting Project at the Cagayan State University Lallo campus.

Records showed that since 2000, only 15,000 hectares involving 1.5 million trees were planted to coconuts in Ilocos and Cagayan Valley .

With the massive planting program of the Arroyo administration, the targeted hectarage is expected to be tripled to 50,129 hectares planted to 7.53 million coconut seedlings and involving 47,567 farm jobs for the people in coconut-farming communities.

From Lallo, the President went to the Cagayan State University Tuguegarao Campus for the inauguration of the new building named after Claude Edgar Andrews (1875-1956) who donated the lot where the university stands.

Andrews arrived in the Philippines in 1902 and founded the Cagayan Trade School from which the CSU evolved. He, his family and heirs bequeathed to the students and professors, present and future the gift of land on which the university stands but for more enduring value, the passion for education that took Andrews to Tuguegarao.

The Andrews campus is among the “Circa 50” buildings in different campuses which serve not only as institutional facilities but as aesthetic icons representing the university motto: “Ad Optimum Educans”, meaning “Educating for the BEST”.

The campus is now the seat of governance of the university, where the central administration holds office. The campus houses the College of Education, Graduate School, College of Law, College of Human Kinetics and College of Medical Techonology.

Read the rest of the entry here. (http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=226643)

P1.7-B int'l airport to rise in Cagayan this year

MANILA, Sept. 8 (PNA) -- State-run Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) and private consortium Cagayan Land Property Development Corp. (CLPDC) today signed a 50-year joint venture agreement to put up a P1.658-billion international airport in Lallo, Cagayan this year.

Under the joint venture agreement, CEZA will invest P691 million, or 41.7 percent of the total equity, while its private partner CLPDC will contribute the remaining P966 million, or 58.3 percent.

A joint venture company will also be created and registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) to manage the construction and operation of the international airport, which will cater to the locators, visitors and tourists in the bustling Freeport and economic zone.

CEZA is a government-owned and -controlled corporation that develops and manages the 54,000-hectare Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Freeport (CSEZFP), an economic and tourism hub in the coastal town of Sta. Ana in Cagayan province.

CLPDC, on the other hand, is composed of CAMJ Construction, Inc., LR Land Developers, Inc., TCGI Engineers, and Spanish firm Asesores y Consultores Aeronauticos S.L.

The Spanish firm will be tapped to manage the operations of the airport, once construction is finished.

CEZA Administrator and chief executive Jose Mari Ponce and CLPDC president Basilio Rodriguez signed the joint venture.

Construction of the project is expected to start within the month and expected to be completed in a year.

“Once completed, the CEZA International Airport will complement the Port Irene Seaport, which is emerging as an international transhipment hub and tourism destination in north-eastern part of Luzon,” Ponce said.

The project involves the construction of a 2,200-meter runway, with a width of 45 meters, following the standards of the International Civil Aviation Organization. It will be designed to accommodate large aircraft such as Airbus A319-100, which has a typical seating capacity of 134 passengers.

It will also include a terminal building covering a floor area of 1,000 square meters, paved apron and tarmac that can accommodate two aircraft simultaneously, and a control tower.

"An international airport with international facilities and equipment is necessary to make CSEZFP a viable Freeport and tourism destination in Asia," Ponce said.

Data from the Air Transportation Office show that there were 2,359 international visitor arrivals in Cagayan via the Tuguegaro City Airport from Macau and China alone in 2008. Chartered flights bring tourists to CSEZFP via Tuguegarao.

Cagayan Valley ranked as the 7th top regional destination for tourists in the country. In 2008, it generated PhP1.6 billion in tourism receipts from the arrivals of 670,000 visitors, including 32,000 foreign tourists.

Visitor arrivals in 2008 were up by 7.5 percent from around 623,000 tourists in 2007. In particular, the volume of foreign tourists rose by over 20 percent to 32,000 from only 26,000 a year earlier, as CEZA’s marketing campaign paid off.

Ponce cited the need to construct the airport in the vicinity of Barangay San Mariano and Dagupan in Lallo to provide faster connection to the rapidly growing economic hub from the rest of the country and the world.

Cagayan Freeport is at least 12 hours away from Manila by land travel. While it is accessible by air through a domestic flight to Tugueguarao City, the Freeport is still four hours away from the capital of Cagayan province.

CSEZFP is emerging as a major economic, tourism and Internet gaming hub in the Philippines. Employment in the Freeport almost doubled from 3,000 jobs in 2007 to 5,800 in 2008.

The National Economic and Development Authority has acknowledged the contribution of the Freeport to the growth in tourism in Cagayan Valley Region. It said the construction of new business establishments such as hotels and casinos at the Cagayan special economic zone generated jobs for the people of Cagayan and increased foreign and domestic visitor arrivals.

In 2008, CEZA posted a net income of P230 million, becoming a highly profitable government-owned company, despite the impact of the global financial crisis on the domestic economy. It marked the fourth consecutive year that CEZA operated with a net profit.

As an investment hub, CSEZFP has become the preferred site of 86 foreign and domestic investors, of which 48 were already operational as of December 2008. These companies have committed to invest more than P13 billion. (PNA)

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=0&nid=3&rid=228470

Cagayan Gov brings "Gobyerno Ti Umili" to Baggao (http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&fi=p090918.htm&no=55)

Sta. Margarita, Baggao (18 September) -- Cagayan Governor Alvaro T. Antonio has brought the government nearer to the Baggaoenos through its 'Gobyerno Ti Umili' Caravan, the flagship project of the provincial government aimed at giving immediate action to the needs of the Cagayanos.

Gov. Antonio, together with Vice Gov. Leonides Fausto and all the department heads, personally entertained the problems and requests of the people from different barangays of this municipality.

Majority of the problems they brought to his attention are the road construction, opening and gravelling in different parts of the municipality, school building for students are studying under the tree, day care centers, and other assistance for the betterment of their community.

"The government is for the people, by the people and of the people, that's why we are here to give what is due for you… we are just the implementer of the programs and projects but it is you who runs your government," Antonio said.

Each department offered different services to the people. The Provincial Health Office and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) conducted medical and dental check-up, the Provincial Agriculture Office catered all concerns of farmers with regards to their production, the Provincial Engineer's Office attended to problems on roads, bridges and other infrastructure projects, while the other departments catered the needs of the people that fall on their concerns.

The Governor and the Vice-Governor also thanked the people for the continued support on their administration and asked them to uphold unity for the progress of the province of Cagayan.

The Gobyerno Ti Umili includes the package of services and assistance to every municipality especially the hard to reach areas where people do not have easy access with the provincial government.

Gov. Antonio assured that the "Gobyerno Ti Umili" caravan will also be brought to all municipalities of the province. (Oliver B./ PIA 2)

PIA Press Release
2009/09/25

Tuguegarao students bag regional tourism quiz
Tuguegarao City (25 September) -- Representatives from Tuguegarao City for the secondary and tertiary level bagged the championship in the Regional Tourism Quiz held recently here.

In the secondary level, John Mark Tungcul of the Cagayan National High School championed the event in successfully answering questions related to tourism. Rose Jean Pavon of Cauayan City High school, the representative of Cauayan City placed second and Ren Ernesto Tanzo of Magalalag High School as the representative of Cagayan province as the 3rd placer.

For the tertiary level, Mc Paul Fontania of St. Paul University as representative of Tuguegarao City bagged the championship award. Ma. Eloisa Blanza of Nueva Vizcaya State University, Nueva Vizcaya landed second place and Jean Rose Estrada of Quirino Polytechnic College in Quirino Province as the 3rd placer.

Josie Mallabo, Senior Tourism Officer-Department of Tourism, said the tourism quiz aims to test the awareness and knowledge of students on tourism matters, not only in the region but in the country and the world.

"This quiz bee also aims to increase students' awareness of their roles in the tourism industry and to help advocate in the tourism promotion and investments," Mallabo said.

The winners will represent Region 2 in the national level to be held next month.

All questions were derived from the facts, figures, and current events on tourism in the region, in the country and in Asia. (Oliver B/PIA 2) [top]

Spanish firm to do Cagayan
airport design, master plan
BY IRMA ISIP
Madrid-based engineering firm Getinsa Ingenieria SL has been tapped to conduct the feasibility study, master planning and design of the international airport in Cagayan province for a contract price of 360,340.11 Euros.

The Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) awarded the contract to Getinsa which submitted the best proposal to CEZA. The study would be funded by a grant from the Spanish government.

Jose Mari Ponce, CEZA administrator and chief executive officer and Aldo Tomo, president of Getinsa signed the contract on Oct. 23, 2009. The signing was witnessed by Javier Alvarez, the economic counselor of the Embassy of Spain.

The international airport is a critical component of the 54,000-hectare Cagayan special economic zone and freeport (CSEZFP), an economic and tourism hub in Asia located in the coastal town of Sta. Ana in Cagayan province. CEZA is a government-owned and -controlled corporation that develops and manages the CSEZFP.

Following the visit of President Arroyo to Spain in November 2007 where she received a commitment for assistance from the Spanish government, CEZA applied for a technical assistance grant offered by the Spanish FEV (Linea de Financiacion de Estudios de Viabilidad) for the conduct of feasibility study, master planning and preliminary engineering design for an international airport in Cagayan. The grant was approved last January 22.

Getinsa bested a shortlist of qualified Spanish companies to undertake the planning and study.

The whole study, master planning and design will cover the two-phased airport project which will have a 2,500-meter runway. Construction of phase one of the project is under a joint venture agreement with Cagayan Land Property Development Corp. (CLPDC).

Under the contract, Getinsa has to complete the study, planning and design in 115 days while payment of the consulting services shall be made by the Spanish government directly to Getinsa.

Once completed, the CEZA International Airport is seen to complement the Port Irene Seaport, which is designed to make CSEZFP a viable international transshipment hub and tourism destination in north-eastern part of Luzon.

Getinsa is an engineering company founded in 1984 performing all studies and projects involving civil works and infrastructure linear.

In 1989, Getinsa began its international expansion conducting studies and engineering projects in ACP countries funded by the Directorate General for Development of the European Community.

Currently, the company is registered with all relevant international action: European Union, World Bank, IDB and UNDP.

In 2003, it began the expansion into the Asian market. It has opened an office in Manila and has been hired as consultant for the World Bank in the Philippines.


Business Insight Business Shipping

share ko lang

TOP 10 RICHEST PROVINCES

Provinces with highest income for 2007 are as follows:


1. Bulacan (P1.807 billion),
2. Negros Occidental ((P1.674 billion),
3. Cebu (P1.657 billion),
4. Cavite (P 1.542 billion),
5. Laguna (P1.487 billion),
6. Pangasinan (P1.482 billion),
7. Batangas (P1.386 billion),
8. Quezon (P 1.36 billion),
9. Rizal (P1.361 billion)
10. Bukidnon (P1.295 billion).

SOURCE: COA

share ko lang

TOP 10 RICHEST PROVINCES

Provinces with highest income for 2007 are as follows:


1. Bulacan (P1.807 billion),
2. Negros Occidental ((P1.674 billion),
3. Cebu (P1.657 billion),
4. Cavite (P 1.542 billion),
5. Laguna (P1.487 billion),
6. Pangasinan (P1.482 billion),
7. Batangas (P1.386 billion),
8. Quezon (P 1.36 billion),
9. Rizal (P1.361 billion)
10. Bukidnon (P1.295 billion).

SOURCE: COA

meron bang latest nito?tnx!

somebody could post some pictures of tuguegarao city?yung urban area po..salamat!:):):)

^^ here's the city proper of Tuguegarao:)

http://i34.tinypic.com/axleag.jpg

http://i37.tinypic.com/2s9bwg6.jpg

http://i38.tinypic.com/witz5s.jpg

http://i33.tinypic.com/242a4xf.jpg

http://i34.tinypic.com/2ywz3ns.jpg

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http://i37.tinypic.com/34pxier.jpg

http://i33.tinypic.com/i4mj5d.jpg
Photo credit: clitoonz (http://s227.photobucket.com/albums/dd267/clinttoonz/)

quvCZuHvZnw

F2Xi17tCPCM&feature

hopefully mavisit ko ang place nato next month..makikita ko na rin sa wakas ang mga family ko dyan sa tuguegarao

http://i46.tinypic.com/2dlowb9.jpg
Photo credit: cabanerofr (http://www.panoramio.com/user/838152?with_photo_id=11248106)

tnx for the effort @808 state!may kaibigan kc ako d2 abroad & binibida nya palagi city nya(tuguegarao),well nice 1!:):):)

^^you're welcme adeuksom!;) i posted those photos and vids just for you!:)

Cagayan ecozone takes cyber jump in 21st century (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=527055&publicationSubCategoryId=66)
(The Philippine Star (http://www.philstar.com/Article.aspx?articleId=527055&publicationSubCategoryId=66)) Updated November 27, 2009 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines - Halfway between Manila and Kaoshiung, the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) is just 45 minutes by jet from the country’s powerhouse and Taiwan’s industrial and shipping giant.

It is a premium beachfront location - overlooking where the Pacific Ocean and South China Sea meet.

“It’s not just an attraction, but a gatekeeper to three-billion consumers in East Asian tiger countries and the huge markets of North America,” said Jack Enrile, economic and development consultant for his father, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, CEZA authorities and Cagayan Gov. Alvaro Antonio.

Like the valley where it nestles, 640 kilometers north of Manila at the northeastern tip of Luzon, the free port is home to white sand beaches, giant narra trees, the expensive black tuna- and what is also called the Cagayan Cyber Park.

The cyber park is under development on 10 hectares with a state-of-the-art Internet data center with fiber optics that is expected to generate some 3,500 new jobs.

A government owned and controlled corporation operated by the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA), the sprawling 54,000-hectare complex spans Santa Ana and Aparri towns and the islands of Fuga, Barit and Mabbag, all parts of the Cagayan province.

CEZA is the jewel of the crown of what was once a sleepy port town just about to leap into the 21st Century.

It buzzes with fiber-optic, wireless global connections; cyber industrial parks and business process call centers; and online gaming casinos, multimillion-peso resorts and theme parks – all just a short hop from the world-class Port Irene international freight and shipping yard in Sta. Ana and an international airport in Lallo town, with connections to China, Taiwan, Japan and South Korea and beyond.

The international airport, which starts operations next year, is designed to accommodate Boeing 737s.

Meanwhile, CEZA has developed the San Vicente airstrip to accommodate smaller chartered flights from Manila. Under a joint use agreement with the Philippine Navy, CEZA finalized the widening of the airstrip and started utilizing the facility since last year.

Governor Antonio told a group of investors that larger aircraft are also using the Tuguegarao airport, 150 kilometers away, which presently caters to international chartered flights to and from Macau, and has a frequency of two flights per week, bringing tourists to Sta. Ana.

According to Jack Enrile, between P5 billion to P6 billion will be used for the construction of the international airport and P4 billion to P5 billion for the construction of Port Irene zone, being developed into a major transshipment hub of international standards.

The port’s existing pier will be rehabilitated and lengthened to accommodate 20,000 deadweight tons vessels while the seven-hectare port area will be turned into a container yard with a capacity of 17,000 20-foot equivalent units.

The development of the port will come in two phases, the construction of a breakwater to protect the port from strong currents and waves, and the lengthening of the pier and development of the container yard.

The P400-million, 250-meter first stage breakwater was constructed in 2007 with funding by CEZA Equity Funds. The breakwater is in Barangay Cacambalangan. The extension of the existing pier has an estimated cost of P2.986 billion.

The P3-billion Phase I breakwater project was completed in 2005 while the second stage of the P1.4-billion breakwater project at Port Irene is 40-percent complete.

The development of the seaport would be undertaken on a build-operate transfer (BOT) scheme by the ASEAN Pacific International Terminals Inc., which is now owned by Filipino-owned Burgundy Group of Co.

“The goal is by 2010 all the infrastructure facilities are already operational including additional power capacity, roads and bridges,” said CEZA administrator Jose Mari Ponce.

Established in 1995, CEZA is in fact the country’s fastest-growing industrial, logistics and tourism hub that could give Hong Kong and Singapore a run for their money.

CESO to develop narra honey production in Palaui Island
(http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=245169)
SANCHEZ MIRA, Cagayan, Dec. 3 (PNA) - The Canadian Executive Service Organization (CESO) has expressed its interest to sponsor the development of “narra honey” production in Palaui Island, Sta. Ana, Cagayan. Matt Navalta, country representative of CESO, said they will initiate the conduct of a study to develop a honey bee production in the island from the bees that are dependent on narra flowers found in the area.

Navalta said with the assistance of other partner agencies and institutions like the Cagayan State University, Don Mariano Marcos Memorial State University, NARTDI, LGU-Sta. Ana and the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority, the production will be possibly implemented. Palaui is an island with virgin forest and blessed with vast natural resources and scenic attraction. It is declared protected area that is why, its trees and other resources are well preserved including the narra trees.

Natives of the island used to gather honey bees but have observed that it is only abundant during summer, the flowering season of narra trees. The bees are dependent on the nectar from the flowers. "Narra honey can be declared as ‘organic honey’ because the bees are dependent on flowers found in the island and it could also be subjected for a study to determine if it has therapeutic claims,” Navalta added.

CESO is working for the possibility of having honey bee to be certified as ‘organic honey’, the first in the Philippines and in Asia and it will help in the packing and marketing. “Honey production would add income to the marginalized poor and it also helps in the protection of the environment,” he said. (PNA)
LDV/SCD/OTB/mba

Korean power firm explores RP projects (http://mb.com.ph/articles/232232/korean-power-firm-explores-rp-projects)

SEOUL, South Korea -- After initially keeping its eye on potential wind power development, Korea East-West Power Co. Ltd. (EWP) is exploring to expand investment foray in the Philippines to prospective mini-hydro and liquefied natural gas (LNG) projects.

In an exclusive interview, EWP president Gil Gu Lee disclosed that for the mini-hydro projects, the partnership may continue with Alternergy Philippines Holdings Corporation, a company chaired and founded by former Energy Secretary Vincent S. Perez.

“In addition to wind energy, we are looking for investments in mini-hydro with Alternergy,” he said.

The other investment area it is willing to pursue will be for LNG
facilities, especially for a project utilized for power generation; and EWP cannot also be left out on some fossil fuel-based power projects, primarily coal plants.

“Aside from renewable energy, we are looking for opportunities to invest in fossil fuel, like coal plants; and we are also looking for LNG power plant – either as investment or participation in the operation and maintenance (O&M) together with local partners in the Philippines,” Mr. Lee stressed.

As far as the wind projects are concerned, EWP is cornering majority equity of 45% in the corporate vehicle that will eventually bring the prospect wind farms to development. Another partner, Japan’s Eurus Energy will corner the other 45%, while local partner Alternergy assumes the minority stake.

But Mr. Lee credited Alternergy for steadfastly preparing the groundwork for such investment opportunity -- that when proven for commercial development may yield 260 megawatts of renewable energy capacity for the country.

Alternergy was the one awarded by the Department of Energy (DOE) with six service contracts to conduct exclusive wind assessment/studies in areas such as Ilocos Norte, Cagayan, Mindoro, Rizal and Laguna.

Cagayan’s development driver takes leap to the 21st century (http://www.mb.com.ph/node/232564/cagayan-)
December 5, 2009, 1:19pm
Manila Bulletin (http://www.mb.com.ph/node/232564/cagayan-)

Halfway between Manila and Kaoshiung, the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) is just 45 minutes by jet from the country’s powerhouse and Taiwan’s industrial and shipping giant.

It is a premium beachfront location – overlooking where the Pacific Ocean and South China Sea meet.

“It’s not just an attraction, but a gatekeeper to 3 billion consumers in East Asian tiger countries and the huge markets of North America,” said Jack Enrile, economic and development consultant for his father, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, CEZA authorities and Cagayan Governor Alvaro Antonio.

Like the valley where it nestles, 640 kilometers north of Manila at the northeastern tip of Luzon, the free port is home to white sand beaches, giant narra trees, the expensive black tuna– and what is also called the Cagayan Cyber Park.

The cyber park is under development on 10 hectares with a state-of-the-art Internet data center with fiber optics that is expected to generate some 3,500 new jobs.

A government owned and controlled corporation operated by the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA), the sprawling 54,000-hectare complex spans Santa Ana and Aparri towns and the islands of Fuga, Barit and Mabbag, all parts of the Cagayan province.

CEZA is the jewel of the crown of what was once a sleepy port town just about to leap into the 21st Century.

It buzzes with fiber-optic, wireless global connections; cyber industrial parks and business process call centers; and online gaming casinos, multimillion-peso resorts and theme parks – all just a short hop from the world-class Port Irene international freight and shipping yard in Sta. Ana and an international airport in Lallo town, with connections to China, Taiwan, Japan and South Korea and beyond.

The international airport, which starts operations next year, is designed to accommodate Boeing 737s.

The airport, with a runway of 1,500 meters to 2,000 meters will accommodate large aircraft filled with tourists and investors.

The runway alone entails P2 billion in investments.

Construction of the airport is expected to start this year in a 30-hectare privately-owned lot in Sta. Ana and is expected to be operational by 2010.

Meanwhile, CEZA has developed the San Vicente airstrip to accommodate smaller chartered flights from Manila. Under a joint use agreement with the Philippine Navy, CEZA finalized the widening of the airstrip and started utilizing the facility since last year.

Governor Antonio told a group of investors that larger aircraft are also using the Tuguegarao airport, 150 kilometers away, which presently caters to international chartered flights to and from Macau, and has a frequency of two flights per week, bringing tourists to Sta. Ana.

According to Jack Enrile, between P5 billion to P6 billion would be used for the construction of the international airport and P4 billion to P5 billion for the construction of Port Irene zone, being developed into a major transshipment hub of international standards.

The port’s existing pier will be rehabilitated and lengthened to accommodate 20,000 deadweight tons vessels while the seven-hectare port area will be turned into a container yard with a capacity of 17,000 twenty-foot equivalent units.

ADAPTS TO CLIMATE CHANGE
Cagayan now country’s
largest rice producer

Cagayan has braced itself against the whims of nature by adapting to climate change.

"Because of this, we are now the country’s largest rice producer next to Isabela, the seventh largest source of corn and solved unemployment problem," said Jack Enrile, economic and development consultant to his father, Senate president Juan Ponce Enrile, the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority and Cagayan Gov. Alvaro Antonio.

"Rice and corn crops, in fact, cover 90 percent of our farm land,’ he said, adding it is the region’s major source of livestock and poultry as well.

He pointed out that irrigated rice planted on 71,100 hectares yields nearly 3 tons per hectare while unirrigated rice on nearly 50,000 hectares averages 1.7 tons per hectare. Some 1,685 hectares of upland rice produces 1.2 tons per hectare.

Yellow corn planted on 9,633 hectares yields 1.5 tons per hectare; white corn on nearly 30,000 hectares averages 2.43 tons per hectare.

"As it is, we play a significant role in the country’s food security," he said, "and we harvest an abundance of crops, including bananas, cacao, cassava, coconut, citrus, peanut and pineapple."

"There is no room for complacency if we are to fill our country’s food basket," he stressed.

Enrile cited a study conducted by the Climate Change Program of the University of the Philippines in Los Baños projecting that the country’s sea level may rise by one meter when much of the world’s ice caps melt because of global warming.

With one meter rise in sea level, Cagayan would be the most vulnerable of Philippine provinces, with 16 towns or 13,134 hectares expected to go under water.

Cagayan is also the most susceptible if the sea level rises to two meters, submerging 22,746 hectares in 19 towns. The province has 28 towns and one city.

"Cagayan has embarked on pioneering agricultural endeavors long before climate change has become a buzz word," Enrile observed.

Business Insight Business

Enrile son wants to reclaim old House seat
(The Philippine Star) Updated December 10, 2009 12:00 AM


BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya , Philippines – Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile’s son and namesake is reclaiming his old House seat representing Cagayan’s first congressional district.

Former congressman Juan “Jack” Ponce Enrile Jr. is seeking to replace his wife, Rep. Salvacion Enrile, who succeeded him in 2007 after he completed three successive terms as representative of the district.

“We wish to continue our development programs, especially in the arena of agriculture and environmental conservations,” said the young Enrile, who had to withdraw from the gubernatorial race for the second time to “directly serve and concentrate more on the development of my district.”

Enrile’s father, one of Cagayan Valley’s few remaining political patriarchs and considered to be one, if not the most influential political figure in the region, authored the creation of the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) in 1995 through Republic Act 7922.

Based in the northern town of Santa Ana, CEZA is envisioned to be the engine for further economic development, especially in northern Luzon.

CEZA, which also covers islands in Aparri town, has an international port. At present, it has at least 70 local and foreign investors with initial investments of more than P8 billion, all for the zone’s development as a first-class tourism destination and a major transshipment point, especially in the Asia-Pacific Rim.

“We wish to enhance CEZA as one of Asia’s economic hubs so it will not only be my constituents who will reap its benefits but the entire country as well,” the young Enrile said.

Facing Enrile in the district’s congressional race is first-term Buguey town Mayor Ignacio Taruc, a perceived critic of the Enriles.

This early, observers said it would be a hands-down win for the young Enrile, whose family has yet to be defeated in an election.

Taruc, however, reportedly has the backing of some cause-oriented groups, including some local Church personalities who have been opposing quarrying and mining activities in the first district.

But the young Enrile said he would prioritize more the interest of the environment and the people above all other concerns if he is going to be elected again as first district representative.

In Cagayan’s gubernatorial race, the Enriles are backing the re-election bid of Gov. Alvaro Antonio, official bet of the administration’s Lakas-Kampi-CMD party, against a former Enrile ally, outgoing third district Rep. Manuel Mamba of the Liberal Party. – Charlie Lagasca

SPUP, SMU among top 20 nursing schools in RP
Tuguegarao City (9 December) -- The Commission on Higher Education Region 2 (CHEDRO 2) has commended the St Paul University Philippines, Tuguegarao City and St. Mary's University, Nueva Vizcaya for being the top 6th and 9th respectively in the Top 20 Nursing Schools in the country.

Dr. Antonio Talamayan of CHEDRO 2 said the two schools deserved a commendation for their efforts in giving the best nursing education to their students.

Based on the list released by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the SPUP outshone some of the well-known universities in Metro Manila and in the entire country such as De La Salle University, Central Philippines University, among others.

The SMU, on the other hand, outperformed Centro Escolar University, Angeles University Foundation and other well known schools.

SPUP has recorded an average of 89.79% passers in the last five years (2004-2008) while SMU got 84.10%.

Earlier, the CHED also released the list of low performing schools in its drive to upgrade the quality of nursing programs/schools in the country, make them globally comparable and encourage them to improve their performance in nursing board examinations.

Five schools in Region 2 were identified as low performing nursing schools based on a series of validation processes conducted by CHED.

Dr. Antonio P. Pascual, Chief, Technical Division of CHEDRO 2 said they are continuously monitoring these schools to improve their performance in Nursing Licensure Exams. He added CHED has legal authority to order the closure or phasing out of degree programs that failed to meet the standards in all licensure exams.

Pascual warned that effective School Year 2010-2011, programs of Higher Education Institutions (HEI's) whose passing percentage in the licensure examinations is zero per cent (0%) for the last three (3) years shall be phased out. (PIA 02) [top]

good evening tuguegarao and cagayan!

looking forward to visiting your place for the first time next month. interested to see the site where the ateneo de tuguegarao used to stand. tips and directions will be appreciated. :)

Wet magnetite sand caused Korean ship to capsize - PNP (http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=251492)
By Oliver T. Baccay

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Jan. 8 (PNA) - Wet magnetite sand caused the Korean vessel MV-Namyang-8 to capsize six hours before New Year’s eve in Claveria, Cagayan.

Philippine National Police (PNP)-Cagayan Provincial Director Moro Virgilio Lazo reported that the vessel's cargo of 2,165 mega tons of magnetite sand had caused the MV-Namyang-8 to lean on its left side a few hours after it left Aparri Port.

Lazo said the Korean vessel was on its way to China carrying 22 Korean nationals and wet magnetite sand. After a few hours of leaving Aparri Port on December 31, the vessel was reported in distress about six nautical miles away from Taggat, Claveria, Cagayan and 2.5 nautical miles away from Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte.

MV Namyang-8 was traversing its route when the magnetite sand was mixed with water, causing the ship’s imbalance. This, and the loss of main engine prompted the vessel master Capatin Ki Un Jon to ordered his crew to abandon the ship on board a lifeboat.

The crew members reached the seashore of Claveria on January 1. One of them identified as Jon Ho Chol was injured by the ship’s propeller and was immediately brought to the nearest clinic, Lazo said.

He also reported that the 21 other crewmen were on good health and condition and were temporarily placed under the custody of the barangay officials.

Assistant Regional Director Armand Araneta of the Office of the Civil Defense Region 2, also said that the agent of the vessel is negotiating with Malayan Towage Company for the towing of the ill-fated vessel to the nearest port.

Based on the update of the Regional Disaster Coordinating Council (RDCC-2), the vessel is aground on a rocky area approximately 500 meters from the shoreline of Barangay Balawi, Pagudpud, Ilocos Norte and no oil spill was noted within the vicinity. (PNA)

^^Nagulat ako... ganito na na pala kaunlad ang Tuguegarao.,Go,go Tuguegarao

Since Manila-Cauayan flights were already fully booked, or rather expensive already, I took the Manila-Tugegarao PAL Express flight. Tuge looks nicely landscaped from above. I like the way fruit trees are mushroomed within ricefields! The travel from Tuge to Cauayan was a breeze! It's smooth, and the scenery is so serene. It's not as headspinning and gruelling as the travel from Cauayan to Bayombong and Sta Fe.

I like that stretch of Cagayan Valley. Ilagan is also surprisingly progressing. I like the way residentials are slowly building up near the national highway near the capitol and where Northstar Mall will be. I just hope they don't alter too much of the terrain.

Unfortunately for SSC, I wasn't able to take any photo.

Aparri seaport rehab to be completed in five years (http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=252200)

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Jan. 12 (PNA) - The municipality of Aparri, Cagayan is firm in its goal to complete the rehabilitation of its seaport until 2015 to further boost the business and tourism industry in this northern tip of Luzon.

In an interview during the Tipon-Tipan sa PIA program, Mayor Ismael Tumaru said that he is optimistic that all the port facilities are already operational by year 2015.

Tumaru said with the rehabilitation of the seaport, more investors and tourists will come to visit their place, additional businesses will be established, and more jobs will be created. “It’s a big contribution to the economy of our municipality,” he added.

The government will not spend for the rehabilitation because the development of the seaport would be undertaken on a build-operate transfer (BOT) scheme by a Taiwanese-owned company, he added.

An estimated budget of US$ 50 million is needed to complete the rehabilitation.

The town’s chief said the port’s existing pier which is already being used as basketball court will be dredged.

“There is a need to remove the accumulated sand to maintain adequate depth for safe and efficient vessel operations,” Tumaru stressed.

“The dredged materials will be used in the reclamation of the port and in the construction of other port facilities,” Tumaru added.

Aside from the seaport rehabilitation project, the municipal government of Aparri is also aiming for the completion of their airport rehabilitation by the end of this year.

Tumaru said the existing 600-meter airport will be expanded to 1,000 meters. (PNA)

Tricycle drivers: best tourism promoters in Aparri (http://positivenewsmedia.net/am2/publish/Tourism_24/Tricycle_drivers_best_tourism_promoters_in_Aparri.shtml)

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Jan. 14 (PNA) -- The Association of Tricycle Drivers in Aparri, Cagayan were cited to be the best tourism advocates and promoters as they are disciplined in giving services to their passengers, especially to tourists.

Mayor Ismael Tumaru proudly said that the reason why tourists keep on coming to the municipality is the good character of Aparrianos, particularly the well- behaved tricycle drivers.

He said the drivers religiously obey the ordinance on the regulated fare within their municipality and no one overcharges.

Tumaru also said that the tricycle drivers are taught how to mingle with visitors, meet their needs and their satisfaction in visiting local tourist attractions, like the trained tour guides.

Municipal employees are also taught how to welcome and cater to the needs of new faces coming to their municipality.

“We are very proud that Aparrianos are disciplined in giving services to our visitors and we continue to do this to make our municipality have a character of its own," Tumaru added. (PNA)

PIA Press Release
2010/01/13

Buguey exec focuses on fisheries and tourism
Buguey, Cagayan (13 January) -- Despite political controversies and rivalries in this municipality, the officials keep abreast in developing the town's potentials for the upliftment of Bugueyeños' living condition.

Acting Mayor Licerio Antiporda III unveiled his accomplishments to his constituents in the few months of his term as acting mayor in the inauguration of their new legislative building which was funded through the aid of Congresswomen Sally Enrile and the Local Government Unit of Buguey.

Antiporda presented several infrastructure projects which were implemented and nearly completed in his term such as school buildings, bridge projects, farm-to-market roads and road concreting.

On his statements, Antiporda bared that he will focus more his attention in introducing technologies on fishery for the benefit of the fisherfolk in the area.

'Buguey is rich in natural resources. We have sea, lagoon, farms and mountains that are rich sources of livelihood but we will embark in fisheries and tourism because these are the major potentials of Buguey that will bring growth and development to the lives of our constituents", Antiporda said.

The acting Mayor wants to develop more their crab productions, seaweeds and fish productions, and other resources that could be found in their coastal zones.

On tourism, he is looking forward for the development of their beaches as one among the tourist spots in the province that would cater tourists, local and foreign.

Antiporda also stated that the other programs such as health, education, infrastructure and other social services will still be given priorities in attending the needs of his constituents and in gearing up the economy of Buguey. (Oliver B./PIA 2) [top] PIA Press Release
2010/01/13

Buguey exec focuses on fisheries and tourism
Buguey, Cagayan (13 January) -- Despite political controversies and rivalries in this municipality, the officials keep abreast in developing the town's potentials for the upliftment of Bugueyeños' living condition.

Acting Mayor Licerio Antiporda III unveiled his accomplishments to his constituents in the few months of his term as acting mayor in the inauguration of their new legislative building which was funded through the aid of Congresswomen Sally Enrile and the Local Government Unit of Buguey.

Antiporda presented several infrastructure projects which were implemented and nearly completed in his term such as school buildings, bridge projects, farm-to-market roads and road concreting.

On his statements, Antiporda bared that he will focus more his attention in introducing technologies on fishery for the benefit of the fisherfolk in the area.

'Buguey is rich in natural resources. We have sea, lagoon, farms and mountains that are rich sources of livelihood but we will embark in fisheries and tourism because these are the major potentials of Buguey that will bring growth and development to the lives of our constituents", Antiporda said.

The acting Mayor wants to develop more their crab productions, seaweeds and fish productions, and other resources that could be found in their coastal zones.

On tourism, he is looking forward for the development of their beaches as one among the tourist spots in the province that would cater tourists, local and foreign.

Antiporda also stated that the other programs such as health, education, infrastructure and other social services will still be given priorities in attending the needs of his constituents and in gearing up the economy of Buguey. (Oliver B./PIA 2) [top]





PIA Press Release
2010/01/14

National, foreign media to visit Cagayan tourist spots
Tuguegarao City (14 January) -- Some 20 national and foreign media practitioners will be visiting the best tourist spots of Cagayan on January 25-26, 2010.

Provincial Tourism Officer Elena Ayuyang said the media practitioners are the participants of the 'Lakbay Norte' activity initiated by the North Luzon Visitors Bureau.

Ayuyang said the visitors will be visiting tourist spots in North Luzon but Cagayan will be their first stop over.

"We will bring them first to Basilica Minore to visit the miraculous Lady of Piat than proceed to Penablanca, the acclaimed 'Cavers Paradise of the Country", to let them experience caving, spelunking, kayaking and boating", Ayuyang said.

On the night of 25, the group will meet local media of Cagayan to have bonding with each other together with Governor Alvaro Antonio. A documentary film about the rich natural tourism potentials of Cagayan will also be presented to showcase the province as the smiling land of beauty.

On the second day, the group will be toured in different historical churches and other tourist spots in different municipalities before they will be turned-over to Ilocos Norte.

On the other hand, Mr. Jaime Tabbu of the Cagayan North Convention & Visitors Bureau has urged officials and Cagayanos to prepare for the said visit, especially in showing the culture and tradition of Cagayan, and in keeping the surroundings clean.

"These media practitioners will be here not only to see and experience the beauty of our province but also to examine who we are, that's why we need to show them that we Cagayanos are disciplined, hospitable, neat and God fearing", Tabbu said.

Tabbu said this is the high time and opportunity for Cagayan to be known in the country and abroad, by the publications of the media who are writers of different newspapers and reporters of national TV networks. (Oliver B./PIA 2) [top]

Cagayan Freeport being primed for shipbuilding business
FLOR TAGUINOD, GMANews.TV
01/21/2010 | 02:00 PM

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya — Officials are grooming the Cagayan Freeport as the country's next world-class shipyard, with several shipbuilders having expressed interest in its expansion plan.

The 54,000-hectare business hub in Port Irene, Sta. Ana is undergoing upgrade, including the lengthening of the pier to accommodate 20,000 deadweight-ton vessels, while its container yard is being redesigned to handle large containers.

Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) Deputy Administrator Jose Aldeguer said the shipyard would likely take off this year, as soon as a breakwater to fortify Port Irene's shoreline is completed.

"With the upgrade of the container yard and upcoming construction of a shipbuilding facility, we expect a lot of activities this year," he said in an interview.

Jack Enrile, Cagayan's provincial economic consultant, said the shipyard is part of the free port's expansion program. "It's in the planning stage. We could not reveal details yet because there are many interested investors," he said.

The CEZA in Port Irene, Sta, Ana is the fastest-growing industrial, logistics and tourism hub in the country. It manages the Cagayan Freeport, which has generated investments in port operations, aviation, real estate, banking, tourism and resort services, agro-industries, leisure, international fishing, telecommunications, software development, management services, trading and imports.

Enrile said the construction at the Subic Bay Freeport of a $68-million Turkish owned commercial ship by South Korean shipbuilding giant Hanjin Heavy Industries Corp. showed that the Philippines can build world-class ocean-going vessels. The vessel is the biggest oil tanker made in the country.

"We are a maritime nation and we should improve our competence… not just by providing a third of the world's seafarers but also by building ships ourselves, and this we can start doing at Port Irene," Enrile said.

The port's advantage is its proximity to Japan, Hong Kong, China, Taiwan, South Korea and North America, he pointed out.

"It is only 45 minutes away by jet and less than four hours by boat from Taiwan's main shipping and industrial center of Kaoshiung. It is about time that we use our geographical advantage by further developing Port Irene into a world-class shipyard," he added.

Enrile said Dong Feng — the second largest car part maker and assembler in China and a subcontractor for Honda, Nissan and Toyota — will export semi-knockdown vehicles to the Philippines to allow the entry of more affordable automobiles priced $10,000 or below.

In March 2009, Chinese-manufactured cars started arriving at the port, signaling the expansion of bilateral trade between the Philippines and China.

A National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) report showed that the expansion of the Cagayan Freeport has changed the investment climate in the region.

In an interview, Cagayan Governor Alvaro Antonio said taxes paid by locators have helped Cagayanons in terms of more infrastructure, livelihood and educational opportunities.

"If the port will push through as the country's next important shipping hub, then it will be Cagayan's gift to Filipinos," he said.

The CEZA has attracted millions of investments from offshore companies and generated millions more from tourists here and abroad. It employs thousands of skilled workers from and outside Region II.

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Tuguegarao downtown

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New Tuguegarao city hall under construction

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Callao Caves

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Cagayan Freeport, Sta. Ana
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Santa Ana 5th Viray Festival

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Jotay Beach Resort, Santa Ana

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Buguey Parish Church

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Aparri Park

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GV Florida Transport
Main Office: Allacapan, Cagayan with services all over Cagayan via Sta Fe or Laoag
Photos taken at Aparri by Flow Rida of flickr

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Entering Tuguegarao

Enrile reveals Cagayan’s economic advantages (http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/nation/21208-enrile-reveals-cagayans-economic-advantages.html)
Business Mirror (http://www.businessmirror.com.ph/home/nation/21208-enrile-reveals-cagayans-economic-advantages.html)
Thursday, 21 January 2010 20:17

CAGAYAN is in a unique position to tap into China’s huge P3-billion consumer base, Jack Enrile, economic and development consultant to his father, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, and the province of Cagayan, said on Thursday.

“Tourism should stimulate regional economies, and Cagayan should take advantage of its proximity to Asia’s tiger economies,” he said. “We have the best to offer tourists from China.”

“One of these is Cagayan’s best-kept secret, the Babuyan Islands.”

In the five major Babuyan islands—Babuyan, Calayan, Camiguin, Dalupiri and Fuga—neighborhood cottages may be rented for a nominal fee. White sand dominates Fuga Island, reputed to be the most beautiful of them all, while the other islands all have great beaches.

Enrile said the full opening of the China-Asean (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Free Trade Area (Cafta)
that started on January 1 is expected, among other things, to boost regional tourism.

Asean groups the Philippines, Indonesia, Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia and Burma.

“China and Asean will become the world’s largest free-trade area,” said Enrile.

“In terms of proximity, Cagayan Valley is the nearest to the huge market of affluent and young Chinese who are looking for new tourist destinations, and we have a lot to offer, in terms of reduced travel time and cost, the ecotourism we have as well as our excellent resorts and state-of-the-art facilities,” he said.

According to the Department of Tourism, Cagayan Valley is among the country’s major tourist destinations—along with Cebu, Camarines Sur, Baguio City, Boracay, Davao City, Zambales, Puerto Princesa City and Ilocos Norte.

White-sand beaches, underwater sports, rugged cliffs and rock formations await at Palaui Island in the Babuyan Channel. A waterfall is hidden in a forest that is reached by trekking.

“We should take advantage of the Cafta that is sure to boost regional tourism, as well,” said Enrile, who is running for congressman in Cagayan’s First District.

“We are at the forefront of this window of opportunity as we have the geographic edge, being the northernmost point of the country, and thus the nearest to China,” the young Enrile said. Rosean Aluad

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Sts. Peter and Paul Metropolitan Cathedral
photo by Roy Santos

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Iguig Church by Mikhail de Rivera

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Blue Waters Baggao, Cagayan by megahertz/trekearth.com

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Lallo Church, Lallo, Cagayan aka Ciudad de Nueva Segovia during the Spanish colonial era.
Original seat of the Nueva Segovia Diocese

^^ impressive pala talaga ang Tuguegarao.. Nice!;D

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Fuga Island

Old Tuguegarao City/Municipal Hall (now the building of its City Science High School)

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New Tuguegarao City Hall (inspired by the design of the Chinese pagoda)

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Tuguegarao is also nice... my grandfather was a native of this place... Pero i just noticed, may pagka imperial Manila ata ang tuguegarao, everything is being credited to Tuguegarao.

It's not Tuguegarao that is impressive, but the whole of Cagayan Province.

Note: Ceza is in Santa Ana, very far from Tuguegarao. Lallo was the capital of Cagayan.
Other pictures on top are from other towns - So its not Tuguegarao that is impressive, but the whole of Cagayan!;)

^^Thank you for noticing. I'm from northeast Cagayan and my district has three first class municipalities namely Aparri which is the original commercial capital of the valley during the Spanish era before Tugue and Santiago came to be, Gattaran and Baggao and although the latter is the more rural of the three it still is very impressive considerng the fact that this town is almost isolated from the rest. CEZA in Santa Ana is the fastest growing industrial zone in the country not to mention the beaches and the eco-tourism zones in the area. Lallo is fast regaining it's glorious past which was overshadowed by Vigan and when the international airport starts operating I'm sure this will launch another cityhood bid to revive the old Ciudad de Nueva Segovia. It is also worth mentioning that not too long ago notheast Cagayan was one of the most depressed areas of the country. This was mainly caused by the insurgency problem during the 70's thru the 80's but the area is becoming more and more stable peacefully except for some local political feuds in some areas. I am looking forward to coming home one of these days and take a connecting flight to Lallo to skip the Manila traffic and then just take the 30 minute shuttle ride to my ancestral home.

http://images.pabyscreativeideas.multiply.com/image/3/photos/177/600x600/4/christmas-328.jpg?et=zYeyFzfAyA2amMt1c%2Cs3mA&nmid=75179158http://images.pabyscreativeideas.multiply.com/image/3/photos/177/600x600/4/christmas-328.jpg?
Jollibee Aparri courtesy of Paby from multiply.com

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ruins of cape engano lighthouse, palaui island
courtesy of raymond cunanan of mutiply.com

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another shot of Cape Engano lighthouse
by raymond cinanan of multiply.comhttp://http://raymondcunanan.multiply.com/journal/item/7

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Buguey Municipal Hall

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el presidente beach resort, buguey, cagayan

St. Philomene Parish, Alcala, Cagayan
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I didn't know that Cagayan Province is the Land of Smiling Beauty, I wonder why they called it like that. But then its nice to know the different beatiful places of Cagayan Province... :applause: I hope next time to see lots of photos, for me to be able to see the beauty of that province... :)

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Nassiping Church Ruins, Gattaran, Cagayan
Nassiping was established in 1596 and became a major town by serving as the rest and supply station of travelers going upstream and downstream the mighty Cagayan River. There are no records on who built the church. The town and the church declined in importance after the town of Fulay (i.e. the present Alcala) was established. Despite its deteriorated condition, the church is still being used as a chapel today. Related reading on the Camalaniugan and Nassiping ruins at bigberto.blogspot.com/2007/06/bulan.html.

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Paseo Reale Mall Tuguegarao

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Blue Waters Baggao, Cagayan
from multiply.com

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Basilica Minore of Our Lady of Piat
Piat, Cagayan from philippinepictures.com

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from ivan henares

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Plantation Villas Tuguegarao

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photos by ivan henares

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Motorela quadcycles. Streets of Buguey

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St Paul School Aparri and Parish

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Bgy. Pattao, Buguey
photo from flickr

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from ivan henares

I must say its the best if not one of the best longanisa!... Ito ang laging dala dala ng lola ko pagnagagaling sa Tuguegarao pauwi sa Santiago...

PIA Press Release
2010/02/01

Lakbay Norte goes to Cagayan
Tuguegarao City (1 February) -- Twenty (20) media travel practitioners from national dailies, local Chinese newspaper, in-flight magazines, travel bloggers and officials of the Norht Philippines Visitors Bureau (NPVB) were in the province recently for the Lakbay Norte from January 24-31, 2010.

Lakbay Norte will tour for eight days the following places by bus: Cagayan, Ilocos Norte, La Union, Baguio City, Pangasinan, Subic Bay, Tarlac, Pampanga to include Clark Free Port Zone.

In the Province of Cagayan, Lakbay Norte visited the Callao Caves Tourist Zone (Callao Cave Adventure), Piat Basilica Minore (Pilgrimage) and Visita Iglesia at Iguig, Alcala, Lallo, Camalaniugan and Pamplona. A formal dinner and press briefing was also held at Paseo Real last Monday, January 25 with Governor Alvaro T. Antonio and other officials.

Director Blessilda Diwa of the Department of Tourism (DOT) has expressed strong support to the private sector initiative by sponsoring some of the activities as well as promoting the event.

"DOT Region 2 believes that the Lakbay Norte will greatly encourage inter-regional travel considering that North Philippines is very accessible through good road network and with diverse and exceptionally beautiful destinations, products and services", Diwa added.

Lakbay Norte is timed during the pre-summer off-peak season to provide hype and timely release of news features which will be generated by the hosting of the travel writers prior to the travel season this year. The event is also expected to boost the promotion of North Philippines after the setbacks brought about by the recent typhoons that ravaged North Luzon. (PIA 2) [top]

CEZA TO TURN FREEPORT INTO INT'L SHIPYARD

TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan: The Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) is set to transform its free port in Santa Ana town as a word-class builder of international quality standard vessels.
According to the former Cagayan Rep. Juan “Jackie” Ponce Enrile Jr., through CEZA’s booming International Port of Irene, the country could now develop its maritime prowess up the next level by building world-class ocean-going vessels just like the Subic Freeport at the Subic Bay Metropolitan Authority in Olongapo City.

“We are a maritime nation and we should improve our competence to world-class levels, not just by providing a third of the world’s seafarers but also by building ships ourselves, and this we can start doing at Port Irene,” said Enrile, now Cagayan’s economic development consultant.

Enrile is the son of Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, who authored the creation of CEZA in 1995 through Republic Act 7922.

Located 640 km north of Manila, Port Irene, which is being managed by CEZA, is a major component of the North Luzon Industrial and Agribusiness Quadrangle, making it an ideal transshipment point, shipyard and international container hub, he said.

“It is the nearest Philippine port to Japan, Hong Kong, China, Taiwan and South Korea,” said Enrile, adding that the port is only 45 minutes away by jet and less than four hours by boat from Taiwan’s main shipping and industrial center of Kaoshiung.

“It is about time that we use our geographical advantage by further developing Port Irene into a world-class shipyard,” said Enrile, which likened Port Irene’s potentials as the next Subic Bay Freeport, now a builder of first-class vessels through South Korean shipbuilding giant Hanjin Heavy Industries Corp.

Now having the world’s fourth largest shipbuilding facility with over 17,000 workers, one of the world-class ocean liners built inside Subic shipyard was the Turkish 114,000-ton tanker worth $68 million.

The sprawling 54,000-hectare Cagayan Freeport business hub is undergoing upgrading, including the lengthening of the pier to accommodate 20,000 deadweight tons vessels. The container yard is being redesigned to handle many large container units.

Already, the Cagayan shipping hub has opened its doors to international trade, he said, citing the entry of Chinese cars that started in March 2009 as part of the expansion of bilateral trade between the Philippines and China.

“All these go to show that we have the capability and the capacity to develop a first-rate shipyard.” If Subic can, we will do it in Port Irene,” Enrile averred.

Since its creation, CEZA, now the fastest-growing industrial, logistics and tourism hub in the country, has generated investments in port operations, aviation, real estate, banking, tourism and resort services, agro-industries, leisure facilities, international fishing, telecommunications, software development, management services, trading and imports.

“Developing Port Irene as an international shipyard would certainly drive economic growth not only throughout the region but to the entire country as well,” Enrile said.
Francis C. Hidalgo Jr.
Manilatimes.net


Related news:

Tuesday February 02 2010 Cagayan Freeport
Cagayan to be the next large shipyard in Philippines
Monday, 25 January 2010
Written by BizNews
Manila: Officials along with various ship builders has expressed great interest in the expansion plans aiming to make Cagayan Freeport in the far south of Philippines as country's next large shipyard.
Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA) Deputy Administrator Jose Aldeguer said the shipyard would likely take off this year, as soon as a breakwater to fortify Port Irene's shoreline is completed.

The 54,000-hectare business hub in Port Irene, Sta. Ana has already started seeing a large upgrade.







Source: Seatradeasia

Cagayan’s pristine islands eyed as Boracay of the North

Wednesday, 03 February 2010 00:00


BY FRANCIS C. HIDALGO JR. Correspondent

TUGUEGARAO CITY: Cagayan’s still unexplored Babuyan group of is lands has all the potentials to be one of the country’s leading tourism destinations at par, or could even surpass, more known tourism sites, including Aklan’s much touted Boracay beaches.

According to Cagayan’s economic consultant Juan “Jack” Ponce Enrile Jr., the Babuyan islands in the South China Sea-Pacific Ocean coastlines are the province’s “sleeping giants” in terms of tourism potentials, and that their development would surely accelerate economic boom in the country’s northernmost areas.

“Tourism should stimulate regional economies. We have the best to offer for tourists from China. These are one of Cagayan’s best kept secrets and [we] should take advantage of [our province’s] proximity to Asia’s tiger economies,” said Enrile, who is a former three-term representative of Cagayan’s first congressional district, which covers Babuyan group of islands.

Known for its pristine forest and white-sand beaches, the Babuyan islands include Calayan, Camiguin, Dalupiri, Babuyan Claro and Fuga.

“White sand dominates Fuga island, reputed to be the most beautiful of them all, while the other islands all have great beaches,” said Enrile.

The full opening of the China-Asean Free Trade Area (CAFTA) that started on January 1, Enrile said, is expected, among other things, to boost tourism and economic development not only in Cagayan but in the entire Northern Luzon area, considering that “China and Asean will become the world’s largest free
trade area.”

Asean is composed of the Philippines, Indonesia, Brunei, Malaysia, Singapore, Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia and Myanmar.

“In terms of proximity, Cagayan Valley is the nearest to the huge market of affluent and young Chinese who are looking for new tourist destinations,” he said, adding that the region “has a lot to offer, in terms of reduced travel time and cost, the eco-tourism we have as well as our excellent resorts and state-of-the-art facilities.”

Besides the Babuyan islands, white beaches, underwater sports, rugged cliffs, spectacular rock formations, series of pristine waterfalls also await at Palaui Island in northernmost Santa Ana town, where it based the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority (CEZA), the country’s fastest-growing industrial, logistics, tourism and investment hub.

“We are at the forefront of this window of opportunity as we have the geographic edge, being the northernmost point of the country and thus the nearest to China,” said Enrile.

Under the CAFTA, Enrile said, the Philippines, especially Cagayan is expected to tap into tourism, business services, electronics, agricultural produce, fruits, fishery products and minerals, English teaching, eco-medical and retirement care services.

http://www.manilatimes.net/index.php/news/regions/10792-cagayans-pristine-islands-eyed-as-boracay-of-the-north

http://i41.servimg.com/u/f41/13/11/31/97/backgr10.jpg[

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Church in Claveria

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Pamplona, Cagayan
from bessiebangalan.com

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Pamplona Catholic Church

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Max's Tuguegarao

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http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2012/2399500821_1431515efd.jpghttp://farm3.static.flickr.com/2505/3907110494_3e8dd86d56.jpg
Solana town marker @night & daytime from flickr

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Portabaga Falls, Sta Praxedas

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Singson Cove, Gonzaga

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Pinacanauan River, Penablanca

http://www.glitterdoll.net/snapshots/2008/april/callao_caves/cavechapel.jpghttp://www.glitterdoll.net/snapshots/2008/april/callao_caves/cavephotog.jpg
Callao Caves, Penablanca from glitterdoll.net

http://ischoolrcatubag.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/1_306340707l.jpg
Sunrise in Sta Ana

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Aparri's entry to Christmasterpiece contest 2009

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Aparri beachhttp://www.manilaphotographer.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/09/Beach-Huts-in-Aparri

CAGAYAN PROVINCIAL CANDIDATES FOR 2010 ELECTIONS
VOTE WISELY
source: www.comelec.gov.ph
.

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FOR PROVINCIAL GOVERNOR
.
1 ANTONIO, ALVARO TRINIDAD BONG LAKAS KAMPI CMD
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2 DE LOS SANTOS, JOVEN PALAPUS JOVEN INDEPENDENT
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3 MAMBA, MANUEL NOVENO MANNY LP
.

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FOR PROVINCIAL VICE-GOVERNOR
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1 FAUSTO, LEONIDES NOVENO ODI NP
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2 TAMARGO, HAROLD VIERNES HARRY LP
.

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FOR PROVINCIAL BOARD MEMBER, 1ST DISTRICT
.
1 AGATEP, VERONICO COSTALES VICKONG INDEPENDENT
.
2 CORTES, ARMANDO BUENAVENTURA ABC INDEPENDENT
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3 CORTEZ, DEOGRACIAS GUIBANI DEO LP
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4 FORONDA, RONNEL PASCUA CAGAYAN APPLIANCE LP
.
5 GARCIA, ROMEO SAYSON ROMY LAKAS KAMPI CMD
.
6 HERRERO, VIRGINIA LORETA TUMANENG BING LP
.
7 LUIS, ANGELO FIGUERAS BURIDEK LAKAS KAMPI CMD
.
8 PASCUAL, MARIA OLIVIA BAUTISTA OLIVE LAKAS KAMPI CMD


.
9 PONCE, JEAN ALPHONSE DIESTO AJ PONCE INDEPENDENT
.
10 VARGAS, JANE DE AUSTRIA JANE INDEPENDENT
.

.
FOR PROVINCIAL BOARD MEMBER, 2ND DISTRICT
.
1 ASPERELA, FERNANDO BAÑA ANNUT INDEPENDENT
.
2 FERNANDEZ, ESTRELLA PANGALIMAN COLING LAKAS KAMPI CMD
.
3 LLOPIS, JOSEPH MALLILLIN JONG LAKAS KAMPI CMD
.
4 PULIDO, ALEJANDRO AGLUGUB ANDOY INDEPENDENT
.
5 USITA, JESSIE BUNCAB JESS NPC
.
6 VARGAS, MELVIN JR. KAMATOY BOY LAKAS KAMPI CMD
.
7 VILORIA, VILMER VENTULA VILMER NPC
.

.
FOR PROVINCIAL BOARD MEMBER, 3RD DISTRICT
.
1 ABRAHAM, WINNOCO REYES WINO NP
.
2 ALVARADO, RODOLFO GUINOCAY RUDY LP
.
3 ARUGAY, ROMULO VICTORIA LEO LP
.
4 BAQUIRAN, GERARD MALASIG JOJO INDEPENDENT
.
5 CATABAY-LAUIGAN, MILA PERPPETUA ANOG MILA LAUIGAN LAKAS KAMPI CMD
.
6 GUZMAN, RAYMUND PAGELA MOON LP
.
7 LIGGAYU, JULIO CARAG JULIO LAKAS KAMPI CMD


.
8 PAGULAYAN, OSCAR TEAÑO OTP INDEPENDENT
.
9 PEREZ, VICTOR VENTURA TOTOY LP
.
10 TAGUINOD, WASHINGTON MARAMAG INTOY NP
.

.
FOR MEMBER, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, 1ST DISTRICT
.
1 AGATEP, JOAQUIN JR. COSTALES JUN INDEPENDENT
.
2 PONCE ENRILE, JUAN JR. CASTAÑER JACK NPC
.
3 TARUC, IGNACIO MACABANGUN BOBOT LP
.

.
FOR MEMBER, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, 2ND DISTRICT
.
1 LARA, EDGAR RAMONES ED NPC
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2 RAMOS, LYDIA SORIANO DEPRA RD AKSYON
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3 VARGAS, FLORENCIO LIQUIGAN ENCIONG LAKAS KAMPI CMD
.

.
FOR MEMBER, HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, 3RD DISTRICT
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1 MAMBA, FRANCISCO JR. NOVENO JUN LP
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2 TING, RANDOLPH SERA

http://www.cagayanvalleyconnect.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/10/iguig.jpghttp://farm1.static.flickr.com/230/458704540_fb00a5c89b.jpg
The Iguig Church was constructed from 1765 to 1787. It is unique in that it is the only centuries-old church in the country that features flying buttresses behind it. But more than that, it is also believed that the church houses the Jubilee Cross containing relic of the True Cross of the Lord Jesus. A certification is displayed inside the church.
Iguig Church www.cagayanvalleyconnect.com

http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_2cgVgoZMEOU/SoNOZ7qfbsI/AAAAAAAAAHw/nyqDvwlwK-Q/s1600/Buguey%2BJuly%2BVac.jpg
Come on and visit us. What's not to like? www.bugueyce.blogspot.com

http://simbahan.net/wp-content/uploads/2009/10/dominicans_6.jpg
Malaueg Church, Rizal, Cagayan
from www.simbahan.net

http://farm2.static.flickr.com/1312/969426303_68efd38b2a_o.jpg
another view from flickr

http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/103/l_b61693180e724ef4aee37ff9472573bc.jpg
Sun City Casino Resort, Santa Ana

http://images.spakista.multiply.com/image/1/photos/31/600x600/24/cagayan-3.JPG?et=O7eFX7UT3fWl49J6lfIUyQ&nmid=239135913
more sun city pix from multiply.com

http://images.spakista.multiply.com/image/2/photos/33/600x600/11/smaller7.jpg?et=xojNbzj5O8xvfavnmTLqfg&nmid=239172957
more sun city pix from multiply.com

http://images.spakista.multiply.com/image/2/photos/33/600x600/2/smaller11.jpg?et=VF1QtwDqayFfcGYZ%2BbHddw&nmid=239172957
sun city from www.images.spakista.multiply.com

PIA Press Release
2010/02/10

LTO 2 wins ISO certification
Tuguegarao City (10 February) -- The Land Transportation Office regional office here recently received its International Organization for Standardization (ISO) certification from the Certification International Philippines (CIP).

In his report during the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) Ulat sa Bayan last week, Manuel Baricaua, the agency's chief administrative officer, said that those who will renew their driver's license can already get their license on the same day they applied for it, or if they are an early bird, their card will be available in few waiting hours.

"Before, one must wait for six months for the issuance of his license", Baricaua said.

The LTO official stressed that their office is moving to improve and further enhance its services according to the high standards set by the International Organization for Standardization 9000 or ISO by promoting quality drivers and quality vehicles on the road to avoid accidents.

Baricaua also announced that the Tuguegarao Licensing Center and the Bayombong District Office also received their ISO certificates while the San Isidro, Roxas, Ilagan and Aparri District Offices have passed the rigid and stringent audit processes administered by the certifying bodies and these offices will soon be certified by the CIP.

Two sites, namely the Cabagan and Cabarroguis offices are also lined up for evaluation.

ISO 9000 is a family of standards for quality management systems. Some of the requirements in ISO 9001 (which is one of the standards in the ISO 9000 family) include a set of procedures that covers all key processes in the business; monitoring processes to ensure they are effective; keeping adequate records; checking output for defects, with appropriate corrective action where necessary; regularly reviewing individual processes and the quality system itself for effectiveness; and facilitating continual improvement. (PIA 2) [top

http://c1.ac-images.myspacecdn.com/images02/103/l_b61693180e724ef4aee37ff9472573bc.jpg
Sun City Casino Resort, Santa Ana

http://images.spakista.multiply.com/image/1/photos/31/600x600/24/cagayan-3.JPG?et=O7eFX7UT3fWl49J6lfIUyQ&nmid=239135913
more sun city pix from multiply.com

http://images.spakista.multiply.com/image/2/photos/33/600x600/11/smaller7.jpg?et=xojNbzj5O8xvfavnmTLqfg&nmid=239172957
more sun city pix from multiply.com

http://images.spakista.multiply.com/image/2/photos/33/600x600/2/smaller11.jpg?et=VF1QtwDqayFfcGYZ%2BbHddw&nmid=239172957
sun city from www.images.spakista.multiply.com

Nice place!!!:cheers:

^^Great developments indeed.
Then again our farmers are suffering from the effect of el nino.

Drought turns crops for people into feeds in Cagayan02/18/2010 | 04:08 PM

TUGUEGARAO, Cagayan – Dried up stalks of stunted corn plants on parched swaths of farmlands have become animal fodder in this drought-stricken northern province, local officials there said.

Around 39,957 hectares of corn farmlands are parched due to the El Niño phenomenon hitting the province, local officials told GMANews.TV on Thursday.

According to Vice Mayor Black Villacete of Piat town, the sight of free-roaming cattle and other ruminants foraging on drought damaged crops have demoralized farmers – many of them not knowing where to get money for the next planting season.

"Our farmers are already deep in debt. Where will they get money to finance the next corn planting season if they will get nothing from the current crop?" he lamented, adding that a line of healthy corn that used to command a good farm-gate price during a good harvest is now being sold to cow and other animal raisers for a measly P5.

With only 13, 992 hectares of still standing crops left from a total of 53,589 hectares in the province, the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO) reported that 2,670 hectares are already totally damaged, the figure translates to an approximate loss of about P307 million.

Provincial officials also revealed that the prevailing weather condition has resulted in losses in farmer’s income estimated at P600 million.

Farther north in the coastal town of Aparri, Mayor Ismael Tumaru informed GMANews.TV that thousands of hectares of agricultural land that were planted with palay and corn were inundated by the the torrential rains of Typhoon Pepeng (Parma) last year.

Double whammy

Still reeling from that calamity, the farmers are being hit with another blow, this time the El Niño dry spell.

"It’s a double whammy for us, this cropping is supposed to help us recoup from our losses that was caused by Pepeng, but look at what happened, we are again in a middle of a calamity," Tumaru said.

In her report to Governor Alvaro Antonio last week, provincial agriculturist Dr. Mildred Abella said that 10,283 hectares of agricultural lands in rain-fed areas that are planted with rice, were found to be partially damaged.

The report which recommended the declaration of the province to be under a state of calamity, showed that if there would still be no rains in the next few days, the areas in the tail ends of irrigation systems will suffer greatly from lack of water.

Aside from being the country’s number one producer of corn and second highest producer of rice next only to Isabela, Cagayan’s other major products include sugar, tobacco, peanuts, and vegetables. But these crops, too, are being threatened by the drought.

On Wednesday, the first batch of water pumps which Antonio said will be distributed to hardest hit areas, arrived, giving renewed hopes to farmers that their surviving crops can still be saved from the dry spell.

Long term solutions

In addition to measures implemented by the local government to mitigate the impact of El Niño, the governor announced that long term solutions to the recurring problem are already in place, including the construction of small water impounding dams in every municipality.

"We have proven the effectiveness of these dams and we plan to continue building such until all municipalities will have its own water impounding system," he said.

He added that the whole country may be suffering from the effects of the El Niño phenomenon, but the Cagayan Valley (Region II) is experiencing the worst effects of natural calamities in recent years. - Floro Taguinod/LBG/RSJ/KBK, GMANews.TV

PIA Press Release
2010/02/22

Cagayan Valley execs boost skills in public speaking, anticipate more activities to reach out to people
Tuguegarao City (22 February) -- The officers and members of the Cagayan Valley Association of Career Executives (CVACE) expressed confidence that they are now able to further improve their public speaking, and therefore, communicate well their messages to the public having finished the training on Powerful Executive Presentation (PEP) held here.

At least 39 career executives from both the public and private sectors participated in the training handled by international PR Veteran Narciso Inlong who exhaustively discussed the subject matters from the physical appearance of the executives as they face their audiences to the development of effective messages they have to communicate.

Trade and Industry Cagayan Provincial Director Bernardino Mabborang said "the lessons shared are actually eye-openers. We have to be always conscious that communicating effectively is required if we have to be understood and be able to encourage people to work and cooperate with us in our development efforts".

Assistant Regional Director Rina Bueno of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR), on the other hand, said she is ready to shed off her butterflies on her chest and now start to speak in public gatherings. "It is not enough that I address only our staff. We have varied clients and partners in the development of the fisherfolk whom we have to deal with."

"Our clients, the fisherfolk, have to be communicated with messages for them to improve their productivity, and thus, improve their lives," ARD Bueno said.

Regional Director Milagros A. Rimando of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) and the president of the CVACE, meanwhile, said "while the association?s members are preoccupied with the services extended to their respective clients and concerns with their subordinates, it is also important that they enhance their competencies as public managers".

It is especially important that public managers advocate the programs, projects and activities of their agencies, Rimando said as she vowed the CVACE will conduct more capability enhancement sessions for the members and potential public managers.

Circle fora with the association members and Atty. Ma Anthonette V. Allones, executive director of the Career Executive Service Board, will soon be conducted, Rimando said. (PIA 2) [top]

LTFRB 2 posts P130-M income in 2009 (http://pia.gov.ph/?m=12&fi=p100223.htm&no=68&r=r02&y=&mo=)

Tuguegarao City (23 February) -- Despite manpower deficiency, the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board (LTFRB) said it has earned a total of P130 income in 2009.

In her report during the ?Ulat ng Bayan? which was conducted by the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC), Director Florecita R. Cuesta said the income was derived from the payments of supervision and regulatory fees which include filing, licensing, franchising fees as well as penalties.

Meanwhile, Cuesta said their office is now on the process of evaluating all the public utility vehicle terminals in the region in line with their mandate to enforce the Smoke Free Laws in Public Conveyances & Terminals.

Under LTFRB Memorandum Circular 2009-36 which took effect on January 7, 2010, all Public Utility Vehicles (PUVs) and Land Transportation Terminals are required to observe the Smoking Prohibition and to prominently post No Smoking Signs in their authorized units and premises.

Both the operator and the driver have a duty to post the said signs and to warn passengers against smoking. Failure to comply with this duty leads to a fine of up to P10,000 and cancellation of the franchise.

According to the Memo Circular, LTFRB will be partnering with the government, civil society, and the private sector, except those representing the interests of the tobacco industry.

This policy seeks to protect the commuting public from exposure to second hand smoke which will lead to lung cancer, heart attack, asthma attack, and other respiratory problems. (PIA 2)

DOH aims for mercury-free Philippines (http://pia.gov.ph/?m=12&fi=p100223.htm&no=69)

Tuguegarao City (23 February) -- Following movements to ban mercury globally, the Philippine Department of Health said that it will ask for the banning on importation of mercury products in the country.

In an advisory emailed to PIA, Health Secretary Esperanza Cabral in a meeting with environmental health group, Health Care Without Harm-Southeast Asia (HCWH-SEA) identified other measures to ensure that the public will be safe from mercury.

Cabral said, since Administrative Order (AO) 21was implemented in September 2008, the DoH is no longer giving permits to medical devices distributors to sell mercury thermometers. The program will be escalated to include mercury sphygmomanometers.

Prior to AO 21, all hospitals have a one-is-to-one policy on mercurial thermometers. This means that every patient admitted or discharged in a hospital is entitled to one mercurial thermometer.

In Cagayan Valley, 63 health units out of the 83 hospitals and 96 Rural Health Units (RHU?s)are now implementing Administrative Order 21 which mandates local government units (LGUs) to implement mercury phase-out in health care.

To further strengthen this, Cabral signed the Green Health Covenant which calls for the health sector and other individuals to call on their candidates to support mercury phase-out in the country and other green health care agenda such as proper heath care waste management leading to zero waste, chemical safety in health care and a health care responsive to climate change. (PIA 2) (PIA)

Low cost feeds feasible for mud crab culture (http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=11&sid=&nid=11&rid=261617)

TUGUEGARAO CITY , March 1 (PNA) -- It is known as ‘arasa’ in Ilokano, and alimango in Tagalog and Bisaya, but any way you call it, the mere mention of mud crab, and one would easily be reminded of a big, red, meaty and yummy crustacean as a special delicacy to most.

Dr. Evelyn Ame, BFAR 2 research and planning chief said "Trash fish is not always available besides being expensive, that’s why we decided to try the use of alternative feeds. Literature states that mud crab (Scylla serrata) are carnivorous but sometimes they also eat rotten plants.

But,did you know that before we can enjoy this succulent seafood, fish farmers have to feed it with costly trash fish, pelleted feeds or any other high protein diet just to ensure that it reaches our plate meaty and juicy?

However, in a couple of demo projects conducted by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) in Region 02, it was proven that this highly priced aquaculture commodity can also be fed with low cost if not cost-less feeds such as cassava, sweet potato (camote), cabbage, fruits, kuhol (golden apple snail), seaweed (gracilaria), cow or carabao skin and other surplus in the market, without compromising growth and survival and profitability.

In the stock sampling conducted on the demo site in the town of Pamplona, Cagayan last February 18, average body weight had reached 350 grams or three pieces to a kilo.

The other demo project at the BFAR RO2 fish farm in the town of Claveria, same province, showed similar result.

“I started partial harvest since the fourth month and to date I have harvested 135 kilos which I directly sell at P250 to P350 pesos a kilo.

"I have also harvested stocks close to 3 pieces to two kilos,” Crisanta Leaño, a teacher and project cooperator in Pamplona happily related.

“What I have earned more than makes up for my efforts”, Leano said of her mud crab culture project which is located in a 600 square meter mangrove area.

Stocking rate for both projects is only one piece per square meter, as mud crabs are known to be highly carnivorous. Stocks, with the size of 5-peso coin or bigger is priced at P12 each.

Feeding rate is computed at 10 percent of average body weight at start of culture period and gradually reduced to five percent towards the end.

Feeding is done early in the morning and late in the afternoon. Shelters such as used tires and bamboos are installed to avoid predation especially during molting.

Both projects are established using aquasilvi technology, otherwise known as mangrove aquaculture. This entails the construction of simple dike and installation of net fence within a mangrove ecosystem, such that escape of stocks is prevented and alteration to the place is minimal.

“Section 94 of RA 8550 prohibits the conversion of mangrove into fishpond or any other purpose. Aquasilvi ensures that we can strike a balance between resource use and conservation,” Ame explained.

“We have proven that we can significantly lower production costs, increase income and at the same time conserve the environment through these demo projects,” Ame said. (PNA)

PGMA distributes irrigation pumps in Cagayan
(http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=1&sid=&nid=1&rid=261901)
TUGUEGARAO CITY, Cagayan, March 2 (PNA) -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo today distributed Certificates of Allocation for 426 irrigation pumps amounting to P10.9 million to help the local populace mitigate the effects of the El Nino phenomenon.

The Chief Executive, who is here for the fifth and last leg of her North Luzon Agribusiness Quadrangle (NLAQ) Super Region tour, personally presented the Certificates of Allocation to Cagayan Governor Alvaro Antonio and other municipal mayors at the Florencio Vargas College in Centro Tuguegarao.

The NLAQ consists of Region I, II, Cordillera Administrative Region (CAR) and the northern part of Region III.

Antonio, who had earlier briefed the President on the effects of El Nino, said that while the rest of the communities in Cagayan are reeling from the dry spell, the northern part of the province has been relatively spared.

Outgoing Agriculture Secretary and NLAQ champion Arthur Yap said that the irrigation pumps are part of the 1,363 sets worth P35.6 million being distributed by the Department of Agriculture.

In her brief speech, the President explained that her regional visits were to assess the progress of her strategic plan to expand political and economic footprint to lift up all regions not just Metro Manila.

“That is why we are investing billions of pesos to tie the nation together through a better, more modern transportation system, lift up our next generation with more schools to ensure a better education and keep our nation clean, safe and beautiful to tap the best of our natural beauty,” she said.

Aside from the provision of water pumps, the government has already undertaken several El Nino interventions for the province of Cagayan. These include:

-- cloud seeding operation (two aircraft operation were hired for the operation as early as January 2010);

-- provision of fuel assistance for rice and corn (ongoing distribution of P150,000 per municipality, with a total of P12.4 million region wide in addition to local government units initiatives);

-- provision of vegetable seeds and seedlings (25,000 packets ready for distribution; P10-million worth of vegetable seeds for delivery and distribution to augment LGU interventions)

-- provision of pesticides/rodenticide in case of pest outbreak (168 kg. rodenticide distributed to 338 rat infested barangays covering 11,000 hectares. Infestation now under control)

-- rotational irrigation system by the National Irrigation Administration (Implemented rotational irrigation system since December 2009 to preserve water until Harvest time) and

-- Information campaign on water conservation (trained 15,518 farmers on proper water management thru farmers’ field school. Information campaign was done through meetings with Irrigators’ Association) (PNA)

PIA Press Release
2010/03/01

PGMA to inspect CSU Piat 20-hectare sugarcane production project
Tuguegarao City (1 March) -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will visit the Itawes District of Cagayan tomorrow, March 2, particularly the town of Piat to inspect the 20-hectare sugarcane production project of the Cagayan State University, Piat campus.

The President is also scheduled to address thousands of farmers, students, municipal officials and residents of the said municipality

The sugarcane production project was established as an income generating project of CSU in response to the call of the government to all State Universities and Colleges (SUC?s) to perform a four-fold mission on Instruction, Research, Extension and Production to augment the financial support from the national government for the maintenance and operation expenses (MOOE) of the state-run universities.

The project also served as venue for hands-on training of agriculture and food processing for the students.

Based on the cost and return analysis conducted by CSU, for one hectare sugarcane plantation, it has generated a net income P180 or.26% IRR for new plant, of P32,300 or 66% IRR for first ratoon, P34,680 or 74% IRR for the second ratoon and P14,260 or 36% for the third ratoon.

Piat, a sugarcane-based farming municipality is the top producer of sugarcane in the region. The municipality also houses the Cagayan Rubina Sugar Milling Corporation (CARSUMCO), the only sugar central mill in Region 2.

The harvested sugarcane are hauled to the sugar central immediately for milling and processing into raw or refined sugar.

The fresh sugarcane stalks are also processed to become juice, wine and vinegar. (PIA 2) [top]

http://www.news.ops.gov.ph/photos-mar2010/ph4-030210.jpg (http://www.news.ops.gov.ph/photo.htm)
PGMA leads the ceremonial distribution of the Certificates of Allocation of 426 irrigation pump sets to Cagayan Gov. Alvaro Antonio (second from left), who received the certificates together with the six municipal mayors of Cagayan province, during her visit Tuesday (March 2) to the Florencio L. Vargas College of Centro Tuguegarao on Blumentritt St., Tuguegarao City in Cagayan. At left is former Agriculture Secretary and North Luzon Agribusiness Quadrangle (NLAQ) champion Secretary Arthur Yap. (Rodolfo C. Manabat/ OPS-NIB Photo)





http://www.news.ops.gov.ph/photos-mar2010/ph3-030210.jpg (http://www.news.ops.gov.ph/photo.htm)
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is briefed by Cagayan Gov. Alvaro Antonio as she inspects the 108 water pumps ready for distribution by the Department of Agriculture to qualified beneficiaries to help mitigate the effects of El Nino upon her arrival Tuesday (March 2) at the Florencio L. Vargas College of Centro Tuguegarao on Blumentritt St., Tuguegarao City, Cagayan. (Rodolfo C. Manabat/ OPS-NIB Photo)





http://www.news.ops.gov.ph/photos-mar2010/ph2-030210.jpg (http://www.news.ops.gov.ph/photo.htm)
President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo delivers her speech Tuesday (March 2) at the Florencio L. Vargas College of Centro Tuguegarao on Blumentritt St., Tuguegarao, Cagayan. The President's speech was temporarily interrupted by a tremor that hit Tuguegarao City. (Rodolfo C. Manabat/OPS-NIB Photo)

Source (http://www.news.ops.gov.ph/photo.htm)

San Miguel bags huge Luzon toll road project


By Daxim Lucas
Philippine Daily Inquirer
First Posted 22:08:00 03/02/2010

MANILA, Philippines--San Miguel Corp. has turned up the heat in the ongoing battle for dominance of the country’s lucrative network of toll road systems by taking control of a little-known but strategically important highway project.

According to Inquirer sources, the publicly listed conglomerate has acquired a majority stake in Ausphil Tollways Corp.—a Filipino-Australian consortium and the main project proponent for the North Luzon East Expressway (NLEE).

Once completed, the NLEE will extend from Commonwealth Ave. in Quezon City to as far north as Tuguegarao City in Cagayan province, on Luzon’s eastern seaboard.

More importantly, however, the NLEE is expected to have adverse implications for vehicle traffic that uses the North Luzon Expressway (NLEx), which is owned and operated by Metro Pacific Investments Corp.—SMC’s rival for dominance in the toll road business.

At present, the bulk of vehicular traffic between Manila and northern Luzon goes through NLEx. The completion of NLEE will allow vehicles traveling between Manila and central and northeastern Luzon—potentially as much as half of NLEx’s existing volume—to bypass the MPIC-run highway altogether.

The NLEE project is an unsolicited built-transfer-operate project for the development, financing, operation and maintenance of the toll concession corridor. NLEE has been designated as an official toll road project by the Toll Regulatory Board (TRB), the government agency in charge of supervising toll highways nationwide.

The cost of San Miguel’s acquisition of Ausphil remains a closely guarded secret, although an industry source familiar with the project said that phase one of the NLEE project would cost as much as P9.3 billion.

According to the source, phase one of NLEE involves the construction of an 18.9-kilometer, four-lane toll road from Commonwealth Ave. in La Mesa, Quezon City, to Norzagaray, Bulacan.

The SMC-led consortium will secure the land for the expressway with the help of the right-of-way privileges of the Metropolitan Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS), which supervises the land around its watersheds.

The source added that phase one of NLEE would take about 16 months to construct, within which the consortium will also secure its concession agreement from the TRB.

Phase two of the NLEE project calls for the construction of a 36.9-kilometer, four-lane toll road from Norzagaray, Bulacan, to Cabanatuan City (in Nueva Ecija) via Angat, San Ildefonso and San Miguel, Bulacan, along the periphery of the Angat watershed.

This phase will take about 24 months to construct and is expected to be put through the Swiss challenge process for unsolicited bids over the next few weeks.

Upon completion, both phases of the NLEE are expected to generate an average daily traffic of about 65,000 vehicles and reduce travel time and transportation costs between cities and municipalities along its route.

DOH checks on anthrax victims in Cagayan (http://pia.gov.ph/?m=12&fi=p100303.htm&no=26)

Manila (3 March) -- THE Department of Health (DoH) has sent experts to Nueva Vizcaya to shed light on the death of two persons and the hospitalization of 150 others in a village in Lasam town.

Local experts suspect the cause of deaths and illnesses were due to the anthrax bacteria.

However, DOH Secretary Esperanza Cabral said it was unlikely the deaths were caused by anthrax.

Dr. Eric Tayag, National Epidemiology Center (NEC) chief said in an interview that two epidemiologists will coordinate with local experts to study the cases and to find out if there are more cases that were unreported.

Last Friday, two people were reported dead and 150 more fell ill after eating meat taken from a dead carabao. But doctors in the area are yet to release a full report on the cases. (PIA-Bohol)

PIA Press Release
2010/03/11

RDC-2 adopts CVIPP to attract and promote investments
by Oliver Baccay

Tuguegarao City (11 March) -- The members of the Regional Development Council (RDC) Region 2 has adopted the Cagayan Valley Investment Promotion Plan (CVIPP) which provides list of top priority investment areas and promotion strategies supportive of the role of the region as the major agricultural bowl and the emerging "food basket" of the country.

The plan aims to generate jobs and promote entrepreneurship, increase agri-industrial productivity, upgrade infrastructure and supportive services, and ensure environmental management.

RDC 2 Chair Bishop Ramon B. Villena said the plan will serve as a guide for potential investors on what investment areas can be pursued and eventually encourage entry of good number of businesses in the region, leading towards attainment of a vibrant economy.

"CVIPP has a doable action plan to map out the strategies and specific activities in promoting the top regional investment areas to sustain the industrial development in the region with involvement of all stakeholders", Bishop Villena said.

The plan detailed the key investment promotion strategies necessary to spur the industrial transformation of the region, particularly on investment generation, image building, media services, investment servicing and regional capability building.

The document highlighted the region's investment priorities clustered in major investment categories such as crops, livestock, fishery, energy, forest-based industry, mining industry, tourism, gifts, handicrafts and decors, infrastructure facilities and utilities, marketing support facilities and institutional services.

The development of the Regional Government Center is also included in the plan which further entices investors to locate in the region, the investment incentives of CEZA and the provinces. (PIA 2)




PIA Press Release
2010/03/11

RDC-2 sources fund for power development of Region 2
by Oliver Baccay

Tuguegarao City (11 March) -- The Regional Development Council (RDC) Region 2 has endorsed the advanced funding and implementation of the region's power development projects, particularly the Tuguegarao-Sta. Ana substations and power transmission lines.

In the RDC resolution number 02-06-2010, the council has strongly recommended to the Department of Energy (DOE), National Gird Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) and the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC) the prioritization for funding and implementation of the power development projects of the region within the year 2010 to 2011; to ensure reliable, adequate, secure and stable power supply.

The resolution states that the power demand for residential, commercial and industrial use requires timely provision of a reliable and stable power supply to meet the projected load area, aside from its adjacent municipalities.

It also specifically stated in the resolution that the power load forecast of the Cagayan Special Economic Zone and Freeport (CSEZFP) requires upgrading of the sub-stations and the existing transmission lines of the Tuguegarao-Sta. Ana section.

NEDA Asst. Regional Director Maryanne Darauay, RDC Secretary, said in order to increase the regions' viability for investments, especially in the CSEZFP, it is imperative to forward the implementation of the powerline upgrading and extension projects of region 2.

"We have the CSEZFP which is our center hub of core industries and the main transshipment point of northeastern Luzon that needs major support facilities and utilities to promote and attract locators and investors", Darauay added.

The resolution was unanimously approved and endorsed by the council members of RDC 2. (PIA 2) [top]

Jai-alai making a comeback in Cagayan zone
by Elaine R. Alanguilan

BANNED since 1986, the game of jai-alai is making a comeback inside a special economic zone in Sta. Ana, Cagayan.

“They are now doing a dry run of the facilities: the satellite feed, interconnectivity, including a test broadcast of the system,’’ said Nilo Aldeguer, senior deputy administrator of the state-run Cagayan Economic Zone Authority.

“The eight Spanish players have already started playing in the fronton, but the operator is still not accepting bets at this time.”

The operator, Meridien Vista Gaming Corp., a joint venture between Spanish and Filipino-Chinese investors, should begin operating by the end of the month, Aldequer said.

The main fronton, a state-of-the-art court complete with gym equipment and other amenities, is located within the economic zone.

Aldeguer said the operator could not start operating because there were still no outlets licensed to accept jai-alai bets.

“We have applications from 84 outlets nationwide but they have yet to comply with our requirements, particularly the mayor’s permit, to secure the provisional license to accept bets. We want everything to be legal,” Aldeguer said.

Legal issues, however, may not be the only obstacles to jai-alai’s return. The game, introduced by the Spaniards over a century ago, was banned in 1986 after a game-fixing scandal. Several attempts to revive it failed due to opposition from religious group who objected to gambling.

It is also unclear if the operator needs a congressional franchise to operate jai-alai, since the charters of the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority and the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. do not expressly allow them to do so.

But Aldeguer said the Justice Department and the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel agreed that the authority to operate jai-alai betting stations was implied under their charters.

Meridien had announced as early as two years ago its plans to revive jai-alai but these were hampered by major setbacks, including flip-flopping decisions from the Office of the Government Corporate Counsel on the legality of the project.

Aldeguer said under the contract forged with Meridien last year, the economic zone authority gets to take in no less than $150,000 (about P6.825 million) or 2 percent of the gross winnings, whichever is higher, during the first year of operations.

By the second year, he said, the state’s take from the jai-alai operations would go up to at least $200,000 or 2 percent of the gross winnings, and at least $250,000 in the third year of operations.

Most of the applications for betting outlets have been from the Visayas, he said.

“Once they submit their requirements, we would give them the provisional authority to operate and accept bets for jai-alai,” said Aldeguer. Tickets would be sold at P10 each.

He said these off-site betting stations would be interconnected with the operator’s mainframe in Sta. Ana in Cagayan.

“The computers are technical in nature and the operator has the capability to roll these out to the outlets,” said Aldeguer.

However, he admitted that initially, not all of the 82 outlets that are applying for the provisional license would get to operate since the rollout of the equipment and the interconnection with the mainframe in Sta. Ana would take some time.

An attempt to revive jai-alai in 1994 failed when the Supreme Court ruled that gambling was against the national interest.

Meridien, however, has secured the license to set up and establish the jai-alai fronton within the Cagayan economic zone.

Meridien’s president, Aitor Arana Totoricaguena, was a former jai-alai champion who also owns a production outfit in Spain and in the United States.

www.manilastandardtoday.com

^^I wish they would do more in attracting industrial companies rather than opening up gambling joints in the zone. I think a race track is also in the drawing board. Tsk,tsk. :ohno:

^^I wish they would do more in attracting industrial companies rather than opening up gambling joints in the zone. I think a race track is also in the drawing board. Tsk,tsk. :ohno:

Agree.

PIA Press Release
2010/03/23

DOE conducts Earth Hour road show in Cagayan
by Thelma C. Bicarme

Tuguegarao City (23 March) -- The Department of Energy (DOE) will spearhead the Earth Hour Road show which will be held at St. Paul University Philippines on March 22, 2010, 10:00 o'clock to 12:00 o'clock in the morning.

The Road show will be participated by an estimated 500 multi-sectoral groups from Cagayan, Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino.

DoE Luzon Cluster Director Efren L. Balaoing said officials from the Department of Energy will be giving an EH message and it will be followed by forging of commitments by the attendees.

Balaoing added that this is part of their nationwide campaign and call for everyone to take action on global warming.

Meanwhile, Regional Executive Director Benjamin Tumaliuan of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) 2 has urged the public to take part in worldwide switching off of lights for one hour- Earth Hour- sending a powerful global message that it's time to take action on global warming on the 27th of March 2010 at 8:30 PM.

Tumaliuan also ordered the Provincial Environment officers to coordinate with the local officials in their areas for the conduct of Earth Hour.

"We needed to commit to reducing green house gas emissions to prevent catastrophic climate change impacts and to save Mother Earth", Tumaliuan said.

For the past two years Earth Hour has brought together about one billion people around the globe, in more than 1000 cities from businesses, governments, and communities sending a message to world leaders in the lead-up to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Copenhagen.

The United Nations Copenhagen Climate Change Conference 2009 was a historical gathering that brought together world leaders, to tackle the most challenging crisis of our time. We needed a deal, we needed commitments, and we needed the political will to be able to initiate action against climate change. However the outcome of Copenhagen was unable to fulfill the objectives of keeping global warming below the widely agreed 2ºC high-risk level.

This year, Earth Hour 2010 will empower individuals to commit to the challenge of finding the courage to solve the climate change crisis. It will continue to send a strong message to our world leaders for change by calling upon individuals, communities, and governments to turn out their lights for an extra hour.

Earth Hour 2010 aims to send a message to world leaders that we, the citizens of the planet, demand commitment to actions that will reduce greenhouse gas emissions for the benefit of the planet. 2010 is the ultimate year for humanity to address the problem.

Last March 2009, the Philippines ranked first amongst all nations who participated in Earth Hour 2009. From Luzon, Visayas to Mindanao, 647 local government units and communities switched off their lights, and iconic buildings and landmarks went dark. This year WWF is aiming for the support of at least 15 million Filipinos nationwide. In the midst of the darkness, the Philippines will shine again. (PIA 2) [top]

Cagayan teacher wins top prize in SABALI Awards for 2010
MANILA, March 23 (PNA) - A teacher from Cagayan, who is currently on vacation, won the top prize in the recently concluded SABALI (Savella-Baclig Literary) Awards for Iluko Short Story, the sponsor’s Secretariat said Tuesday.

Organizers said Jobert Pacnis of Ballesteros won the first prize – cash and a Certificate of Recognition – for his entry “Maestro Teody (Teacher Teody),” which depicted the story of a newly-hired teacher who introduced reforms in his advisory class.

Philippine Long Distance Telephone (PLDT) employee Jovito Amorin of Santa Maria, Ilocos Sur and Urdaneta City Court Sheriff Virgilio Domaloy of Agat, Sison, Pangasinan, won 2nd and 3rd Prizes respectively.

Amorin’s short fiction was titled “Ti Lalaki A Pakaikamangak (My Future Father-in-law)” while Domaloy’s was “Dagiti Kumpet Iti Tadem (Those Who Cling To A Knife’s Cutting Edge).”

The three will receive their prizes on April 9, the first day of the three-day national convention of GUMIL Filipinas, the association of Ilocano writers here and abroad, at the Pangil Beach Resort at the coastal town of Currimao in Ilocos Norte, 465 kilometers north of Manila.

The entries were read by a board of judges, chosen by the Secretariat, headed by Ariel S. Tabag of Santa Teresita, Cagayan; and members Cles B. Rambaud of Pinili, Ilocos Norte and Juan S.P. Hidalgo, Jr. of Rosales, Pangasinan.

The SABALI Awards had been sponsored by Quezon City Regional Trial Court Judge Vivencio S. Baclig, himself a fictionist from Cabugao, Ilocos Sur.

This is one of three projects launched by GUMIL Metro Manila, one of more than a dozen chapters of GUMIL Filipinas, to encourage Ilocano writers write in their native language.

The two others are the Premio Reynaldo A. Duque Award for Iluko Literature and the Prof. Honor Blanco Cabie Premio Iti Naisurat Iti Literatura Ilokana (Cabie PINILI) Short Story for Children. (PNA)http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=12&sid=&nid=12&rid=265985

http://www.ahyer.com/real-estate-11/14698-1-wttvj.jpg
Plantation Villas, Tuguegarao

Presidencia Municipal
Buguey, Cagayan
http://www.cagayan.gov.ph/images/municipalities/buguey.jpg

http://www.cagayan.gov.ph/images/municipalities/abulug.jpg
Abulug Town Hall

http://www.cagayan.gov.ph/images/municipalities/aparri.jpg
Aparri Municipal Bldg.

http://www.cagayan.gov.ph/cagayan_gallery/products_livelihoods/images/_17.JPG
http://www.cagayan.gov.ph/cagayan_gallery/products_livelihoods/images/_16.JPG
Iguig Potteries

Fresh seafoods from Noreasca (North East Cagayan)
http://www.cagayan.gov.ph/cagayan_gallery/products_livelihoods/images/_2.JPG
http://www.cagayan.gov.ph/cagayan_gallery/products_livelihoods/images/_22.JPG

Native Baskets by the Agays (Cagayan Aetas)
http://www.cagayan.gov.ph/cagayan_gallery/products_livelihoods/images/_30.JPG

http://www.cagayan.gov.ph/cagayan_gallery/products_livelihoods/images/_29.JPG
Buri Hats

http://www.cagayan.gov.ph/cagayan_gallery/products_livelihoods/images/_9.JPG
More native products

Sunset View @ Sta. Ana...very near Sun City Resort
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4039/4452866425_6761da743d_b.jpg

Abulug River Delta in Vargas Resort, Abulug Cagayan
http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4048/4452866423_ca283d7ed0_b.jpg
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2767/4452884207_3cb0d32a6c_b.jpg

Gonzaga, Cagayan
http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2666/4452879201_eef800ae61_b.jpg

Thanks for posting @predo3. Welcome to this thread and SSC.

^^Guys, do you have any idea kung ilang oras by bus ang biyahe from Tuguegarao to Jones, Isabela?

In the Babuyan Isles, a most beautiful sound -whales singing
March 28 - It is the single most haunting sound I’ve ever heard... But unmanaged tourism could also ruin that sound one day IN THESE LANDS, THERE IS still real and very rare wealth.

The trees are fat with suha, lucban, calamansi, coconuts and bananas. Children ride carabaos, while women toddle over to the neighbors, to the small church or the green rice fields, filling the air with their friendly queries: “Agawid kan?” (Are you going home?) and “Papanam?” (Where are you off to?)

Inside our tiny volunteer quarters, where pails are filled with water for bathing, candles lit and patched-up kulambos are assembled for the night, the view is breathtaking: the silhouette of the endearingly lumpy Pamoctan Island, the small fishing boats, the quiet restlessness of the sea.

Every day, our boatman attaches a bit of fresh bait at the end of a string and tosses it overboard, as we glide back and forth between the little isles of Calayan (Home of the Calayan Rail) and Fuga. There are days when the huge dorado fish—locally known as the ‘treasure of the ocean’—never stop biting.

These lands are the habitat, or foster habitat, of some of the most diverse species of marine mammals in the Philippines, including the humpback whales.

Black mass

On our first day out in our tiny wooden boat, just as the sun was beginning to set and our legs beginning to petrify, one whale blew.

There was a spray of water, a sort of prehistoric bellowing sound, a huge black mass. Then what appeared to be a scratched tip of a dorsal fin appeared, followed by that beautiful, humongous tail, suspended in the air for a few breathless seconds before disappearing again into the depths.

She was as big as our boat.

Out here in the northern realm, hundreds of kilometers away from our digitized, auto-tuned, uploaded and downloaded city, separated by mountain ranges and lands and a fierce and furious sea, the humpbacks come to sing.

They come for the water’s warmth, carrying babies in their bellies or nursing young ones by their sides. They pitch their massive bodies out of the sea and crash horizontally, then flap their flippers and slap their tails. Sometimes, they lift their heads vertically and stop short of revealing their necks. And they watch us—a team of four or five badly burned humans, furiously scribbling down and documenting their every move. Boring, I’m sure they’re thinking.

Every summer, mothers and calves, males and females, young and adults come to our shores and do fascinating things—things we do not understand and perhaps never will.

Marine experts have confirmed that these are whales from the western North Pacific stock that migrate to these waters to breed and give birth, before nature’s tenacious pattern sends them off to the colder climates to feed.

Exuberant behavior

In between such serious tasks, as well as a gamut of other unexplainable, exuberant behaviors, these humpback whales sing, and it is the single most expressive, most haunting, most chillingly beautiful sound I have ever heard in my life.

It is not known for certain why the humpbacks sing. It’s been theorized that the males sing to attract mates or compete with each other, or that females sing to establish contact with their young. But perhaps they sing just because they are free.

At least for now. In here, there are no overexcited tourists, no thrusting of cameras at anything and everything that moves. There are no motors rudely intruding upon mating cetaceans, no roaring after dolphins like maddened Captain Ahabs.

And unless a genuinely competent, well-organized and well-researched system for responsible human-cetacean interaction is set in these islands, there shouldn’t be.

The expedition head and volunteers of the yearly Humpback Whale Survey could not emphasize it strongly enough. The last thing anyone wants is for the Babuyan Isles to end up like Donsol and Pamilacan, where whale-watching tours are mismanaged, disorganized and ultimately dangerous for both the cetaceans and the communities.

Responsible tourism

Much work is in store: The surface of proper whale-watching guidelines, responsible tourism and community preparation in these areas have been barely scratched. Since losing regular funding in 2007, the survey has had to severely cut costs: there are shorter survey periods, smaller motor boats and a smaller number of volunteers paying for their own expenses.

But every year, the journey is made, and every year, the whales still come.

Ironically, the only way to see these magnificent creatures is to make sure that “tourism” doesn’t scare them away.

Volunteer for the expedition and help monitor and record the distribution, abundance and migratory patterns of the humpback whales in our country. Contact Dr. Jom Acebes at jomacebes@yahoo.com for more details.http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/travel/travel/view/20100328-261160/In-the-Babuyan-Isles--a-most-beautiful-sound---whales-singing

In the Babuyan Isles, a most beautiful sound -whales singing
March 28 - It is the single most haunting sound I’ve ever heard... But unmanaged tourism could also ruin that sound one day IN THESE LANDS, THERE IS still real and very rare wealth.

The trees are fat with suha, lucban, calamansi, coconuts and bananas. Children ride carabaos, while women toddle over to the neighbors, to the small church or the green rice fields, filling the air with their friendly queries: “Agawid kan?” (Are you going home?) and “Papanam?” (Where are you off to?)

Inside our tiny volunteer quarters, where pails are filled with water for bathing, candles lit and patched-up kulambos are assembled for the night, the view is breathtaking: the silhouette of the endearingly lumpy Pamoctan Island, the small fishing boats, the quiet restlessness of the sea.

Every day, our boatman attaches a bit of fresh bait at the end of a string and tosses it overboard, as we glide back and forth between the little isles of Calayan (Home of the Calayan Rail) and Fuga. There are days when the huge dorado fish—locally known as the ‘treasure of the ocean’—never stop biting.

These lands are the habitat, or foster habitat, of some of the most diverse species of marine mammals in the Philippines, including the humpback whales.

Black mass

On our first day out in our tiny wooden boat, just as the sun was beginning to set and our legs beginning to petrify, one whale blew.

There was a spray of water, a sort of prehistoric bellowing sound, a huge black mass. Then what appeared to be a scratched tip of a dorsal fin appeared, followed by that beautiful, humongous tail, suspended in the air for a few breathless seconds before disappearing again into the depths.

She was as big as our boat.

Out here in the northern realm, hundreds of kilometers away from our digitized, auto-tuned, uploaded and downloaded city, separated by mountain ranges and lands and a fierce and furious sea, the humpbacks come to sing.

They come for the water’s warmth, carrying babies in their bellies or nursing young ones by their sides. They pitch their massive bodies out of the sea and crash horizontally, then flap their flippers and slap their tails. Sometimes, they lift their heads vertically and stop short of revealing their necks. And they watch us—a team of four or five badly burned humans, furiously scribbling down and documenting their every move. Boring, I’m sure they’re thinking.

Every summer, mothers and calves, males and females, young and adults come to our shores and do fascinating things—things we do not understand and perhaps never will.

Marine experts have confirmed that these are whales from the western North Pacific stock that migrate to these waters to breed and give birth, before nature’s tenacious pattern sends them off to the colder climates to feed.

Exuberant behavior

In between such serious tasks, as well as a gamut of other unexplainable, exuberant behaviors, these humpback whales sing, and it is the single most expressive, most haunting, most chillingly beautiful sound I have ever heard in my life.

It is not known for certain why the humpbacks sing. It’s been theorized that the males sing to attract mates or compete with each other, or that females sing to establish contact with their young. But perhaps they sing just because they are free.

At least for now. In here, there are no overexcited tourists, no thrusting of cameras at anything and everything that moves. There are no motors rudely intruding upon mating cetaceans, no roaring after dolphins like maddened Captain Ahabs.

And unless a genuinely competent, well-organized and well-researched system for responsible human-cetacean interaction is set in these islands, there shouldn’t be.

The expedition head and volunteers of the yearly Humpback Whale Survey could not emphasize it strongly enough. The last thing anyone wants is for the Babuyan Isles to end up like Donsol and Pamilacan, where whale-watching tours are mismanaged, disorganized and ultimately dangerous for both the cetaceans and the communities.

Responsible tourism

Much work is in store: The surface of proper whale-watching guidelines, responsible tourism and community preparation in these areas have been barely scratched. Since losing regular funding in 2007, the survey has had to severely cut costs: there are shorter survey periods, smaller motor boats and a smaller number of volunteers paying for their own expenses.

But every year, the journey is made, and every year, the whales still come.

Ironically, the only way to see these magnificent creatures is to make sure that “tourism” doesn’t scare them away.

Volunteer for the expedition and help monitor and record the distribution, abundance and migratory patterns of the humpback whales in our country. Contact Dr. Jom Acebes at jomacebes@yahoo.com for more details.http://lifestyle.inquirer.net/travel/travel/view/20100328-261160/In-the-Babuyan-Isles--a-most-beautiful-sound---whales-singing

^^Guys, do you have any idea kung ilang oras by bus ang biyahe from Tuguegarao to Jones, Isabela?

About 2 to 2 1/2 hours drive siguro. By bus baka 3 hours. Walang direct bus lines between Tugue and Jones as far as I know.

^^Thanks, freightrunner because I'll be in Isabela and Cagayan Provinces from 19th to 21st :cheers:

Buguey Current Events....
http://bugueyce.blogspot.com
http://infonks.blogspot.com
Buguey beach photos...
http://bugueybeach.blogspot.com
http://buguey-ne.blogspot.com (http://buguey-nes.blogspot.com)

Cagayan Valley to conduct blood letting in observance of Lent


--------------------------------------------------------------------------------

TUGUEGARAO CITY, March 31 (PNA) - The Cagayan Valley Blood Bank has initiated a blood letting activity in connection with the observance of Lenten season.

Dr. Diosdado Jovian Domingo of the Cagayan Valley Blood Bank said the blood letting activity is conducted to remind the people that they need to share their blood to save life as how Jesus Christ’s blood was shed on the cross of Calvary to redeem the world.

Domingo said the activity is supported by the Cagayan Medical Society (CMS), Cagayan Medical Specialists Organization (CMSO) and Philippine College of Physicians-Upper Northeastern Luzon Chapter (PCP-UNEL).

He also stated that they utilized text brigade to their friends and relatives and other individuals to encourage people to join the blood letting activity in line with the Holy Week.

“This is a blood donation drive in observance of the Lenten season. It is timely to share our blood to others as we are reminded on how God gave his life for us to be saved and keep alive,” Domingo said.

Aside from the blood letting conducted here, the group will also proceed to the municipality of Penablanca, one of the national awardees on blood letting activities, to conduct blood letting.

After the Holy Week, Dr. Domingo said they will reach out to the upper Kalinga area to also encourage the natives to share their blood.

“Balbalan and Rizal of Kalinga; and Solana, Baggao and Penablanca are the national awardees on blood donations. We are thankful that these municipalities are open in this kind of endeavor”, he said.

Though almost every week the group is conducting blood letting, Dr. Domingo admitted that they hardly attain their targets because there are still lots of individuals who are potentials doors but have closed minds on donating blood. (PNA)

About 2 to 2 1/2 hours drive siguro. By bus baka 3 hours. Walang direct bus lines between Tugue and Jones as far as I know.

how about Tuguegarao to Vigan, how many hours ang biyahe by bus?

^^About 7-8 hours po by bus. Kung Mag-d-drve ka about 5&1/2 to 6 hrs.

^^Thanks :okay:

PIA Press Release
2010/04/14

Tuguegarao City joins World Health Day celebration
by Thelma C. Bicarme

Tuguegarao City (April 14) -- The city government of Tuguegarao City and the Department of Health, Center for Health and Development (DOH-CHD) yesterday kicked off the two-day World Health Day celebration with a fitness activity at the Paseo Reale here.

Dubbed as 'Year of the Urban Health', the celebration was highlighted with health promotion campaigns such as lectures on Healthy Lifestyle Habits which aimed to encourage employees and residents to adopt a healthy lifestyle and to reduce health problems brought by urbanization.

Floro Orata, Health Education and Promotions Officer of the DOH-CHD said that health promotion is the first step to disease prevention. "Healthy lifestyle must be encouraged among the young children because once they start healthy lifestyle at a very young age, they will bring it as they grow old", Orata added.

The two-day activity will also promote the 1000 cities, 1000 lives campaigns.

The campaign for 1,000 cities encourages partners to open public spaces or close off streets to traffic or motorized vehicles for physical and mental activities for two days, April 13-14, 2010.

The campaign for 1,000 lives aims to feature outstanding individuals who have made significant contribution in promoting health and wellness in their respective cities.

Orata said the Rizal Street will be closed for a moment to reduce smoke and to give way for physical activities such as Hataw exercises, walking, biking and cycling.

Local residents are also provided free massage, Body Mass Index (BMI) determination, health counseling and health screening.

On the second day, a cycling competition will also be held to be participated by physically-fit youth and adult with 18 years old and above. (PIA 2) [top]

http://www.ceza.gov.ph/images/pic4.jpg
CEZA head office Sta Ana, Cagayan

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/177/471011896_318851d92f.jpg
Sta Ana, Cagayan
Thanks to ranesbluesky of flickr

http://farm1.static.flickr.com/182/462567658_3be7f79f73.jpg
San Vicente Port
Sta Ana, Cagayan
Thanks to ranesbluesky of flickr

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3141/2509610959_c0b019388d.jpg
An island off Sta Ana
Thanks to norlygrace of flickr

Cz2odIDOtxk&feature=player_embedded#!

:banana:Hi guys just wanna share some pics from our bloved town that had just been reclassified to 3rd from 4th.... http://picasaweb.google.com/jimajim.j/BugueyJulyVac#
http://picasaweb.google.com/jimajim.j/BugueyJulyVac#

^^Is Buguey near to Tuguegarao?

^^Is Buguey near to Tuguegarao?

Buguey is about 100kms north of Tuguegarao, the next town east of Aparri. GV Florida has daily trips there. Sad to say there are no hotels in the town itself except El Presidente Beach Resort but most visitors would get a hotel room in Aparri which is only a 30 min drive. Go check it out. You and your friend will surely have a blast. It's the seafood capital of CVL.