Cagayan Valley Region

[allan_dude]

Arroyo OKs move to bring POEA closer to Cagayan Valley

By Melvin Gascon

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, Philippines -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has approved the establishment of a satellite office of the Philippine Overseas Employment Administration (POEA) in Cagayan Valley, Catholic Bishop Ramon Villena said Friday.

Villena, who heads the regional development council (RDC) of Cagayan Valley, said Arroyo, over lunch on Monday, ordered Labor Secretary Arturo Brion to immediately consider putting up a POEA office in Tuguegarao City in Cagayan.

"I am sure many of our people in Cagayan Valley will be pleased with this development. They have been longing that the POEA be brought closer to them," Villena said.

He said he brought the matter to Arroyo following discussions with RDC officials on the difficulty faced by overseas Filipino workers (OFWs) from Cagayan Valley in transacting with the POEA.

"The POEA office in San Fernando City [La Union] is the only one that attends to the needs of OFWs in Cagayan Valley, Ilocos and Cordillera regions. Going there has been more expensive and tedious for our OFWs, who are mostly from poor families," he said.
POEA records showed that for 2006, 40,068 Cagayan Valley residents left for abroad as overseas workers.

Of the five provinces in the region, Isabela deployed the biggest number of OFWs with 18,851 workers, followed by Cagayan with 13,845, and Nueva Vizcaya with 5,708.

The number, however, does not include undocumented overseas workers who traveled overseas as tourists.

According to Villena, the difficulty of travel from the Ilocos region to San Fernando City in La Union has forced Cagayan Valley OFWs to go to the POEA central office in Pasig City, instead.

The soon-to-be-opened office is expected to cater to the needs of OFWs from Cagayan Valley and Cordillera, he said.

[allan_dude]

Tuguegarao welcomes 1st intl flight

ABS-CBN

Tuguegarao in Cagayan province welcomed its first international flight at the city's airport last week, a sign that it has made its way to the list of major destinations for foreign tourists.

The ABS-CBN Regional Network Group report said the Asian Spirit flight from Macau, China landed late Thursday afternoon with 22 Taiwanese passengers on board.

The passengers were personally welcomed by Jose Maria Ponce, chief of the Cagayan Economic Zone Authority. A display of fireworks and a treat of local delicacies were also laid out for the Taiwanese.

"Gusto rin ito ng mga foreigners especially from China para hindi matagal biyahe (The foreigners, especially those from China, want this so that the trip will not take long)," Ponce said.

He said that the direct flight to Tuguegarao is shorter than a connection to Cagayan via Manila.

Ponce added that there will be two to three flights to and from Macau and Tueguegarao each week. He said that officials expect an influx of tourists in the coming days because of the increase in the number of flights.

The provincial government, meanwhile, said that aside from its prime location and tourist spots like beaches, caves for adventure lovers and a casino in Sta. Ana town, Cagayan also has a lot to offer investors.

“Sa aspeto ng kalakalan, naghahanap sila where to invest money and Cagayan ang isa sa napili nilang [paglagyan ng investments] (In terms of investments, tourists are looking for places to invest in and they chose Cagayan to place their investments),” Gov. Alvaro Antonio said.

Antonio added a boom in the tourism industry will also mean more employment opportunities for his provincemates.

[allan_dude]

CPP-NPA-NDF suffering under positive developments in Cagayan, says Army

PIA

Camp Melchor dela Cruz, Upi, Gamu, Isabela -- The National Democratic Front (NDF) of the Communist Party of the Philippines (CPP) issued a press release today October 20, full of lies and fabricated data regarding alleged crimes committed by the soldiers of the 5th Infantry Division.

The Commanding General of the 5ID, Maj. Gen. Melchor J. Dilodilo, believes that the series of positive developments in the province of Cagayan, both in peace and socio-economic developments, have something to do with the rebels' desperate cry for support and attention from the masses.

"The communist terrorists are clearly struggling in the province of Cagayan, and they are issuing fabricated data against our troops to mask their begging for the public's support. The Filipino society is becoming more mature everyday, and the communist terrorists can not easily make a fool out of the people." Maj. Gen. Dilodilo said.

He added, "I have repeatedly emphasized that we will not condone acts of extra judicial killings and this practice has no room in the 5th Infantry Division. We vehemently deny that we have what they call 'death squads.' We are not targeting any innocent farmer or anybody for that matter. We are after communist terrorists and lawless elements."

The NDF has made a reckless 3-page press release published on the internet, which basically draws a line between classes, the rich ad the poor. Having no sense of social responsibility, they are agitating the poor calling them "masang-api" (for whoever calls himself like this) to fight against the government. Such provocation DOES NOT IN ANY WAY MOTIVATE THE SOCIETY to exploit the potentials of the rich province of Cagayan, which aside from the raw materials includes the skills and interests of the Cagayanos. The communist leadership instead disheartens them with their propaganda full of disillusionment to lure the people into taking up arms against the government. Thus, they are dragging the people further to poverty.

The NDF also made mention that they will punish any member of the 5ID who will be proven guilty under their "Hukumang Bayan," which in every sense is a kangaroo court. This is where they try and execute their own comrades. A recent surrenderee to the Division named Adrian Melecio a.k.a. Badong, who was a former squad leader from Platoon Bravo, Front-1, Nueva Ecija Provincial Command of the NPA described the court as kalokohan (ridiculous) saying their commander who has an ill-concealed intention to liquidate somebody from their group for personal reasons, can do so in an instant.

Another noteworthy development is that the poverty incidence in Cagayan has been reduced with the provision of various livelihood projects of the government's such as one Barangay, One Livelihood (OBOL) project.

It is said that poverty is the root cause of insurgency in our country. But when insurgency disrupts a province or a town from thriving and achieving sustainable development, it is probably high time for the people to realize that INSURGENCY IS THE ROOT CAUSE OF POVERTY IN OUR COUNTRY.

Maj. Gen. Dilodilo is confident that with the influx of NPA surrenderees coming in, and with the continuous cooperation of the people in the area by providing timely information against the enemy plans and movements leading to the series of successful internal security operations, the menace of insurgency shall ultimately be resolved bringing about stability, peace and development in the country especially in this part of northern Luzon

[icarusrising]

Newly discovered cave system in Nueva Vizcaya could be RP’s longest
By Charlie Lagasca

Wednesday, January 30, 2008
The Philippine Star online


BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya – Another cave system here –-probably the country’s longest –-was discovered by a group of veteran mountaineers and spelunkers in a remote mountain area, which already hosts a series of spectacular cave formations, including the fifth longest cave system in the country.

Based on estimates, the newly discovered cave in barangay Pao, Kasibu town is at least 20 kilometers long, not including other passages and arteries, said Genaro Basilio, one of the founding members of the Nueva Vizcaya Mountaineering Club.

Basilio said they came across the cave system during one of their recent spelunking adventures in one of the province’s vast mountain areas, particularly in remote barangay Pao.

Basilio’s group also explored the 4.5-km Alayan cave located in the same town, which is the country’ fifth longest cave system.

“The possibility that the cave system in Pao is the longest in the country came about after an hour of exploring the cave and seeing that there seemed to be a long way ahead,” said Basilio, who also heads the provincial government’s public affairs, information and assistance division.

The new, largely unexplored cave system, which begins at Barangay Pao, swerves around underground through centuries-old crystal clear stalactites and stalagmites –-both giant-sized and medium sized -– until it reaches barangay New Gumiad in another town, Dupax del Norte. It is estimated to be a 15.7-km stretch.

Using the spelunkers’ practical method in measuring a cave system, rice bran or ipa was poured into the river at the cave entrance in barangay Pao and ended up in barangay New Gumiad.

“Our group decided to put a lot of rice bran (ipa) in the fast-flowing water inside the cave. Later, we found out that the rice bran reached as far as New Gumiad (formerly barangay Diayan), which was 15.7 km away, presuming the cave went straight there,” Basilio said.

Basilio said their group, with some recognized caving experts, both from the government and private sector, is now in the process of further exploring the cave with the use of appropriate gadgets to validate its total estimated length for it to be officially recognized as the longest cave system in the country.

“We, local outdoor enthusiasts, have plans to explore the whole cave system pending our request for funding of an expedition by sponsors so that this part of the province may become not only a geological find but also an ecotourism potential,” he said.

Present records of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources show that the 15-km Saint Paul Cave in Palawan is the country’s longest cave system; followed by the 8.87-km Odloman Cave in Mabinay, Negros Oriental; the 7.65 km Odessa-Tumbali Cave in Peñablanca, Cagayan; the 5-km Langun-Gomingob Cave in Calbiga, Samar; and the 4-km Sumaging-Latipan-Lomyang Crystal System in Sagada, Mountain Province.

However, in the records of the Philippine Caving Society, the Alayan Cave System in Barangay Capissaan in Kasibu was recorded to be the fifth longest at 4.5-km.

Early explorers, including Basilio’s group who had only been able to enter within one-hour’s distance from the cave entrance in barangay Pao, said that the cave system has centuries-old spectacular rock formations and a swiftly flowing underground river stretching from Pao to New Gumiad.

“There is a big possibility that it has a big cavern underground formed by the flowing river,” Basilio said.

This landlocked province has long been known for its spectacular caving system in Kasibu town. The Alayan cave is touted by the Department of Tourism to be world-class for its magnificent rock formations.

Seeing the province’s tourism potential, the local government led by Gov. Luisa Lloren Cuaresma is keen on transforming Kasibu, also one of the region’s major vegetable and citrus-producing towns, into one of the country’s major ecotourism destinations.

http://www.philstar.com/index.php?Headlines&p=49&type=2&sec=24&aid=20080129146

[leechtat]

great news indeed..

[red_jasper]

"I Love Quirino Caravan" launched in Mangandingay
(Source Linkie)

Cabarroguis, Quirino (February 12) -- Governor Dakila Carlo E. Cua led the launching of the "I Love Quirino Caravan" last February 6, 2008 at the Barangay Mangandingay Gymnasium here.

Dubbed as Dakilang Paghahatid ng Serbisyo mula sa Kapitolyo ng Quirino, the project has benefited thousands of residents who received various forms of assistance from the government.

In his opening message, Governor Cua said the project has been conceived in his sincere desire to bring the services of the provincial government and various national as well as non-governmental organizations closer to the people. He also said this is a response to the immediate needs of the Quirinians especially those who are below the poverty line.

The CARAVAN is supported by all the offices of the provincial government and various national government agencies such as the Department of Interior and Local Local Government (DILG), Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC), Philippine National Police (PNP), Department of Health, Non-Governmental Organizations and others.

These agencies brought various services such as medical/dental mission, livelihood assistance, BMI Watch and Nutrition Counseling, legal/family counseling, land titling, Information campaign on the benefits of paying taxes, environmental protection, disaster management, peace and order and drug prevention, blood letting, RPM classes, tourism awareness, promotion of Quirino Polytechnic College, improvement of farm to market roads and others.

Under the improvement of roads, Gov. Cua has approved the barangay resolution requesting for the gradering of roads of said barangay and immediately instructed the Provincial Engineer, Ireneo Benavidez to bring dumptrucks, loaders and grader for the immediate gradering of the roads.

Barangay Captain Arwin Agbayani has expressed gratitude to the governor and to the agencies supporting the CARAVAN for choosing his barangay to be the first recipient of the project. He said this project is a big help to the residents of Mangandingay.

Cua also granted the request of Mangandingay Elementary School headed by Principal Elenita Ugot for the fencing of the school.

The Caravan initiative is also aimed at consulting with the barangays about their needs and to provide technical assistance in drafting their development plans.

Luningning P. Rhodes, Provincial Nutrition Officer and coordinator of the project said that a similar caravan would also be held in Ponggo, Nagtipunan on February 8, 2008.

[allan_dude]

NVizcaya town grateful for mining firm's presence

QUEZON, Nueva Vizcaya (February 22) -- With its meager funds, local officials here have expressed their praise and gratitude for the presence of a British-owned mining company which is currently doing exploration activities for gold, molly and copper deposits in barangay Runruno here.

"They helped us a lot in terms of many assistance ranging from relief, rescue and evacuation during disasters and provision of livelihood projects, employment and other social projects," said councilor Wilfredo Pulido.

The Metals Exploration, Inc. (MTL), as part of their social obligation within the affected communities have poured at least P23 million as initial funding for its various programs, projects and activities designed to help and uplift the status of the villagers.

Pulido said these projects include the subsidy for teachers in their municipality, the training and employment of Out-of–School Youths (OSY), feeding programs for malnourished children, employment of villagers with the company, provision of hanging bridges, repair of roads and bridges and establishment of tree nurseries which will be utilized in reforestation of denuded mountains in the town.

"In fact, during the onslaught of typhoon "Yoyong" in 2005, MTL was the first agency who extended assistance to us," Pulido said.

He said their presence is much felt at the time when the local government unit is struggling to operationalize into its normal status.

"We have meager funds as of the moment because of fund drain and compromises to a loan at a high interest but we are happy and satisfied with their presence inorder to help us recover," Pulido said. (PIA NVizcaya)

http://www.pia.gov.ph/default.asp?m=12&r=&y=&mo=&fi=p080222.htm&no=21

[allan_dude]

Japan, Korea eye P1.5 B invest in Aurora

By MANNY GALVEZ
The Philippine Star

BALER, Aurora - A group of Japanese and Korean investors is eyeing P1.5 billion worth of investments in the province.

Businessman Romeo Callanta, chairman of the RC Electric Corp. and a consultant of Gov. Bellaflor Angara-Castillo, told The STAR that the foreign investors are embarking on a joint venture to set up a facility and ice plant at the Mariculture Park in Casiguran town.

"They want to pour their money to Aurora (ASAP) as soon as possible," said Callanta, who is a local partner of the Japanese-Korean group of businessmen.

He said that Angara-Castillo is very excited over the project which is expected to further stimulate trade and commerce in the province, which used to belong to the so-called "Club 20," or the 20 poorest provinces in the country. "In fact, Angara-Castillo is bullish over the prospects of Aurora to become an investments destination," he said.

Callanta said the foreign investors signified their intention to put up projects in Aurora following the holding of the first Aurora investments summit in Clark Field, Pampanga last month where they met Sen. Edgardo Angara, Angara-Castillo and House Deputy Majority Leader Juan Edgardo Angara.

"This was the fruit of the investments summit hosted by the province of Aurora," he said. He added that the foreign investors have a Letter of Credit amounting to as much as $30 million.

Callanta said that foreign businessmen are bullish about the prospects of investments in Aurora, particularly with the setting up of the Aurora Special Economic Zone (ASEZ). He said that the investors are not just eyeing Casiguran town but also the towns of Dingalan and Dipaculao and the capital town of Baler for future investments.

Earlier, Sen. Angara, who initiated the investments summit along with Angara-Castillo and House Deputy Majority Leader Juan Edgardo Angara, said tax incentives await investors at the ASEZ.

These incentives include income tax holidays, net operating loss carryover, a five percent tax rate on gross income, accelerated depreciation, capital equipment exemptions, tax and duty-free importation of source documents by information technology registered enterprises, raw material incentives, incentives on breeding stocks and generic materials, exemption from wharfage dues, deferred imposition of the minimum corporate income tax, tax treatment of merchandise and services and employment of foreign nationals.

http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/storypage.aspx?StoryId=109689

[allan_dude]

Nueva Vizcaya opens sports complex

by Ben Moses Ebreo

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya -- The provincial government here recently opened the School Sports Complex in this town after the completion of its rehabilitation and development works.

The more than P10.8 million - center bleacher and the construction of 11.85 meter x 42.00 meter building was formally inaugurated last week, attended by local government and school officials in the province.

The project was funded by the provincial government through the Special Education Fund (SEF).

In her message, governor Luisa Cuaresma urged teachers to help the local government unit in encouraging parents to pay their Real Property Taxes(RPT).

"Since this is funded through the SEF, I am requesting you to help us in disseminating our advocacy on the early payment of our real property taxes. In this way, our SEF will increase which in turn will be used for more projects that will benefit Novo Vizcayanos," Cuaresma said.

In 2006, typhoons knocked down the sports complex' wooden building and bleachers, prompting the provincial government to allocate funds for its immediate rehabilitation.

The sports complex here serves as a venue to various provincial sports activities and celebrations of the province such as the annual "Panagyaman"(Thanksgiving) festival, provincial sports meet and many others. (PIA NVizcaya)

http://www.pia.gov.ph/default.asp?m=...o=10&r=&y=&mo=

[allan_dude]

Foreign investors eye P120-M cable car project in Aurora

By Manny Galvez


DINGALAN, Aurora – A group of Japanese, Korean and Filipino investors are eyeing a P120-million cable car project in this coastal town, which could help promote the province as an investments and tourism haven and perk up the local economy.

Businessman Romeo Callanta, chairman of the RC Electric Corp. (RCEC), told The STAR that the cable car project will be the first of its kind in the country and will be similar to the cable car line in the Hong Kong Ocean Park.

Callanta, a consultant of Aurora Gov. Bellaflor Angara-Castillo and local partner of the foreign investors, said they are eyeing to install the cable car along a nine-kilometer area in this town, through an aerial cruise with a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean as backdrop.

“This will officially be the first commercial cable car project in the Philippines and this will be located in Aurora,” he said. He said there is an existing cable car project at the Tagaytay Highlands but this is used exclusively by golfers.

Callanta said the Japanese and Korean investors are eyeing to install up to 50 units of cable cars with a loading capacity of six passengers each or 300 passengers per round trip.

Each ride is expected to cost P100. Callanta also said the provincial government is expected to generate income from the operations of the cable car line of P83 million or more. In addition, local residents will be employed in the project.

“Essentially, it will have a domino effect in Dingalan and the entire Aurora,” he said.

Ben Mina, provincial environment and natural resources officer of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, said the cable car project will also enhance the province’s image as a potential eco-tourism site in Central Luzon. Along the route of the cable car line, also being eyed is a booking office for passengers and a one-hectare commercial area which will house souvenir shops, coffee shop, theme park, playground, eight waves swimming pool similar to the 8-Waves Park in Baliuag, Bulacan and fastfood outlets of such food chains as Jollibee and McDonald’s.

Callanta said that aside from Hong Kong, other countries which operate a cable car line are the United States, Japan, Switzerland, Germany and other European nations. He cited that in Switzerland, there is a popular place known as Iceglaze where cable cars are the mode of transport.

Angara-Castillo said the provincial government will provide tax incentives to the foreign investors who would invest in the cable car project. She said that the provincial government will not spend a single centavo for the project.

She hinted that several prospective investors have signified interest to put up businesses in the province, noting that at least P1.5 billion in outside investments is being worked out by the provincial government.

http://www.philstar.com/archives.php?aid=2008030382&type=2