Bicol Region

[Brandon32]

Originally Posted by Maharlikans

AIRLINES serving Catanduanes with DIRECT FLIGHT from MANILA - VIRAC vice versa

New Airline - Skyjet - flies Manila-Virac vice versa every Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays



Zest Air flies from Manila to Catanduanes and vice versa daily.





Cebu Pacific - flies from Manila to Virac, Catanduanes vice versa every Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday


image hosted on flickr

Great news!

[kylesmith025]

Salamat po sa reply. Planning to visit the place for my blog. Hehe. Will show you some photos pag na visit ko na ung place.

[Kim Bol Jon]

Source: www.naga.gov.ph

[dc88]

Completion of vital Albay projects delayed
LEGAZPI CITY—Several multimillion-pesos worth of vital projects in Albay have been considered “negatively delayed” amid fears that a worsening rainy season would further delay completion of the projects.

Among the projects listed as way past their target completion date are the four bridge projects along the national highway in the First District of the province, with three of them in Barangay San Fernando in Santo Domingo town. The fourth is located at the national highway in Barangay Nagas, Tiwi town. The bridge projects were supposed to be completed since last June but only one in Santo Domingo town so far was completed and opened to traffic in August.

The three bridge projects in Santo Domingo town have a distance of only 100 meters each costing P11 million, P8 million and P6 million, respectively, while that in Tiwi costs P7 million. The four bridge contracts were all awarded to DSB Construction and Supply, the owner of which was a former casual Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) engineer.

DPWH records showed that an ongoing asphalt overlaying project in Bacacay town costing P20 million was also awarded to DSB Construction.

All the contracts awarded to DSB Construction are part of the regular infrastructure program for 2012 and separate from the P374-million Albay calamity fund released last December, implemented and completed by the regional office since last June.

Albay Gov. Joey Sarte Salceda had earlier said that in case of Mayon eruption in worst-case scenario, the Maharlika Highway covering Daraga town in the Second and Third Districts could be rendered impassable, paralyzing the Visayas-Bicol-Manila route. He said the highway stretching to Legazpi City in the Second District and Tiwi town in the First District is the only alternate route via the Partido area in Camarines Sur.

Albay First District engineer Roberto Rito admitted the delay, saying he had long discussed the matter with the regional office with warning to the contractor after it failed to start the projects as scheduled in January.

The two bridge projects in Santo Domingo town were begun late last month, with one of these barely in the construction of a detour route.
http://businessmirror.com.ph/home/re...jects-delayed-

[dc88]

DBM releases P4.6B to DOTC to boost public-private partnership in infra

By Marie Angelie Villapando
Thursday 13th of September 2012
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MANILA, Sept. 13 -- The Department of Budget and Management released P4.60 billion to the Department of Transportation and Communications (DoTC) for the implementation of projects under the Administration’s Public-Private Partnership Program in line with the Aquino administration’s goal of tapping the private sector to boost public infrastructure activities and economic growth.

The amount will be charged against the DoTC’s budget for Project Development Funds for Public-Private Partnership Transport Infrastructure Projects under this year’s General Appropriations Act.

"The release will support the improvement or creation of more gateways into the Philippines, given the Administration’s campaign to cement our position as a prime tourist and investment hub. The projects identified under the fund release will directly support this initiative, primarily through the much-needed rehabilitation and development of key airports across the country,” Budget and Management Secretary Florencio B. Abad said in a statement.

Of the total release, P1.64 billion will be used to rehabilitate Terminal 1 of the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) to restore its structural integrity and kick-start maintenance activities, which have been deferred for several years. Activities supported by this allocation include the immediate repair of the terminal’s mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and fire protection systems, as well as the retrofitting of the overall structure.

Another P2.0 billion has been set aside for the New Legazpi (DARAGA) Airport Development Project, which will entail the detailed engineering of the airport’s runways and taxiways. Meanwhile, P800.0 million will also be used to support the Tacloban Airport's growing traffic demand, including the development of the Tacloban Airport terminal building and other ancillary facilities.

Finally, P160.0 million will cover the development of an access point to Central Mindanao via North Cotabato through the Central Mindanao Airport. The airport will help facilitate the transport of high-value crops in and out of the Central Mindanao, as well as support agricultural development in the area.

“This Administration intends to fulfill its commitment to improve conditions in many of our airports through fruitful engagements with the private sector. Through the PPP program, we can make project implementation much more efficient and reform-oriented, so that the gains we make through the initiative will be sustained in the long term,” Abad said.

He also expressed confidence in the DoTC’s new leadership, as confirmed by the appointment of former Cavite Representative Jun Abaya as Secretary of the agency. This coincided with the appointment of Sec. Mar Roxas to the Department of Interior and Local Government in the wake of Sec. Jesse Robredo’s passing last August.

“We welcome the appointment of Sec. Abaya and trust that under his leadership, the DoTC will sustain the progress that has already made by Sec. Roxas. This—together with the Administration’s vigorous campaign for more transparent, accountable, and open governance—will help speed up our PPP efforts and catalyze further economic growth in the country,” Abad said. (DBM)
http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?article=1781347530841

[swing_vote]

Nice to see these new developments in Catanduanes!!!

[gurugeri]

Originally Posted by josh2

Nyata ang iba sato, pag may developments sa sarong lugar, garo huna ninda, ang asenso kan iba garo ikakapubre ninda ito.
Dae baga kita pwedi maging maogma sa kapwa ta bikolano?
enterong mararaot ang boot.
Arog baga kaiyan ang tunay na bicolano?
Dae ta man lugod iparisa sa gabos na arog kaiyan.
nakakamondo lang ta eyo ini ang katotohanan.

Naka- English lang huna mo, garo na sya lamang sa saro
Pilipino nga naman oh..

I'll only consider your argument valid if you have never been like the one you're criticizing. Apparently, you are talking to yourself. Do not talk as though you're clean. Been observing you for so long and most of your posts are immature. So there.

[dc88]

Greenpeace-Phl in Bicol to set out global campaign for ocean's protection

LEGAZPI CITY, Sept 18 (PIA) -- Greenpeace Philippines has visited the coastal waters of Burias and Ticao Pass in Masbate province of the Bicol region to gather data for scientific and objective intervention on the problems threatening the marine ecosystem.

“The visit is part of the peaceful global campaign set out by the Greenpeace to protect and preserve our oceans. We are advocating for changes to ensure that our needs are met without harming our environment,” said Vince Cinches, Greenpeace Southeast Asia oceans campaigner, during the Ugnayan sa Bicol radio program of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) regional office here.

Vinches stressed overfishing as the major threat in our marine ecosystem, which endangers not only the fishing industry but livelihood and food security as well.

“Illegal and unregulated fishing mechanisms especially those used by large fishing vessels contribute to the significant depletion of our resources. At times the massive fish catch of these vessels in one night are far more than the total weekly catch of ordinary fishers,” he said.

He said, by-catch or untargeted capture of varied marine species is also a threat that needs to be addressed.

Greenpeace reports this practice kills around 100 million marine animals each year. In other countries captured species, including turtles and dolphins which are now considered extinct, are discarded dead or dying but in the Philippines they are sold as food.

Vinches said the impact of these practices along with other unsustainable fishing mechanisms has been affecting our local fish supply. He noted the continuous soaring of prices but deteriorating quality and quantity.

“It’s ironic that Philippines is an archipelagic country with around 1, 707 islands but the fish supply from our oceans is diminishing. Our fishes these days are getting smaller since the larger ones are gone. Even the smaller and younger ones that shouldn’t have been caught are sold,” Vinches said.

Also part of the team’s local advocacy is a public forum on Overfishing and Ocean Protection on October 25 this year at Donsol Sorsogon. Everyone is encouraged to join the said event.

Greenpeace is a worldwide organization that advocates protection and conservation of environment. (MAL/SAA-PIA5/Albay)

http://pia.gov.ph/news/index.php?men...e=771347930312

[josh2]

Originally Posted by gurugeri

I'll only consider your argument valid if you have never been like the one you're criticizing. Apparently, you are talking to yourself. Do not talk as though you're clean. Been observing you for so long and most of your posts are immature. So there.

well, sometimes immature posts are better than those posts that obviously attracting CVC, if you've been observing me for so long,just like you've said, then why didn't do it first in your thread and report them.

Are you not aware?

if you believe that most of my posts are immature, I admit that's merely my response to those issues that some people of your thread are throwing to us.

Oh, common Geri.

Sorry to those mode, ban me if you want, have no intention to start cvc. Thanks

My point is, we don't need to get mad if there's an improvement in one place, we have to be happy instead.

[gurugeri]

Originally Posted by josh2

well, sometimes immature posts are better than those posts that obviously attracting CVC, if you've been observing me for so long,just like you've said, then why didn't do it first in your thread and report them.

Are you not aware?

if you believe that most of my posts are immature, I admit that's merely my response to those issues that some people of your thread are throwing to us.

Oh, common Geri.

Sorry to those mode, ban me if you want, have no intention to start cvc. Thanks

My point is, we don't need to get mad if there's an improvement in one place, we have to be happy instead.

Yes, but advise yourself as well, nonoy. You were not born yesterday, were you? Neither was I. So you are accusing Legazpi peeps being the only ones who do that? Tell it to the moon when it shines tonight. Don't even start with me. I am completely aware. That is why I have not been posting of recent months because of the bickering and grandstanding that proliferate in both threads. Wherever did that start is worth pondering. Pati pag-e-English ginagawa mong basis ng argument.

[just_lurking]

Where and when the constant bickering between the two threads started is beyond this forum. Just stop the nonsense.

Mods: If you could, please delete the previous posts, and include this also afterwards.

[gurugeri]

Ok.

So the one that "built" Legazpi Grand Terminal is also responsible for the Sorsogon City Grand Terminal? Amazing!



Photo Credit: PHOTO BY ENGR. WILFREDO GETULIO P. RODRIGUEZ III

[jake_01]

Originally Posted by [dx]

Legazpi as SkyscraperCity banner:



Original
image hosted on flickr

by Samm Belaguin

Cool Photo.

[bILOcano]

Mga Tataramon sa Lanob, Enot na Berso
# 1: Sige mag-olay ka

Sinurat ni J. Basanta

Litrato ni Paolo Arroyo



SSC Albay on FB

[manies_flip]

Albay really looks organize and clean. Meron bang mga informal settlers dito sa area na ito?

[Maharlikans]

FOR THE CONVENIENCE OF THE COMMUTING PUBLIC: Cong. Cesar “CS” Sarmiento and Gov. Boboy Cua join Philippine Ports Authority officials headed by PSD Manager Rene Agao together with port managers Rosenda Sumagaysay and Flor Balota in the inauguration of the newly constructed Passenger Terminal Building at Virac Port

[swing_vote]

Originally Posted by gurugeri

Yes, but advise yourself as well, nonoy. You were not born yesterday, were you? Neither was I. So you are accusing Legazpi peeps being the only ones who do that? Tell it to the moon when it shines tonight. Don't even start with me. I am completely aware. That is why I have not been posting of recent months because of the bickering and grandstanding that proliferate in both threads. Wherever did that start is worth pondering. Pati pag-e-English ginagawa mong basis ng argument.

I think being completely comfortable about the place you belong to is the standard of maturity we all need to have in this forum. For, how can we be able to spew negative comments about the development of other cities if we are completely secure about our hometowns? Nevertheless, if we have nothing good to say about others, we should just keep mum instead.

And I do hope there'd be more posts about future developments and discussions and exchanges on what we want to see developed, rather than pictures that have absolutely nothing to do with developments. To the latter, both cities have been guilty about, so there's no reason why we should point fingers at anyone.

[Brandon32]

Originally Posted by kaniguan78

Pedro Bernaldez

ALMASOR

[swing_vote]

Hello everyone! Let's discuss about how tourism in the region can be greatly-improved. We may not be able to send letters to key government agencies as it is hard considering our current situation but hopefully, through this medium, our ideas will soon reach their ears (hey, it's possible so why not talk about it? heheh).

First, let's identify key tourist attractions in the region. From north to south, here's the list...

1. Calaguas Islands, Camarines Norte
2. Bagasbas Beach, Daet, Camarines Norte for surf buffs
3. Caramoan Islands and Beaches, Camarines Sur
4. Atulayan Island, Sagnay, Camarines Sur
5. Hanging Road to Joroan, Tiwi, Albay
6. Cagraray Islands, Bacacay, Albay
7. Mt. Mayon, Legazpi City
8. Whaleshark Watching, Donsol, Sorsogon
9. Paguriran Lagoon, Bacon, Sorsogon
10. Burias and Ticao Islands, Masbate
11. Katandayagan Falls, Masbate
12. Bulusan Lake, Bulusan, Sorsogon
13. Subic Islands, Matnog, Sorsogon

You can add more, but I only included those that are beach destinations and natural wonders (being a beach buff myself). What do you think should be done by our government offices to improve on tourism? I believe that it has to improve on the transportation system. Improving the road networks must be done. These key destinations must be linked more effectively through ports and the like. Tourism is an advantage of our region, being an elongated peninsula bordering the Pacific Ocean. I am stressing on the beaches and natural wonders because this seems to be our unique asset. Road linkages is our weakness however. As one foreigner once put, "Your beaches are awesome! But I will never come back because your roads are horrible!" I hope our DPWH would soon recognize the importance of road quality. Sayang man kaya kung mapabayan sana ang kagayunan san Bicol...

[Kim Bol Jon]

‘To achieve the status of being the most liveable region’: NEDA eyes P77.76-B investment requirement
OCTOBER 18, 2012 by BICOLMAIL in BUSINESS
By Jason B. Neola

NAGA CITY — The National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) in Bicol is targeting aP77.76 billion total investment requirement to realize the region’s 2011-2016 five-year investment and development program.

The program pushes for various development projects identified as medium term development plans and investment programs by the local government units and government agencies that aim to achieve a high, sustained, and broad-based growth.

The approach, according to the NEDA,is being undertaken through massive investments in infrastructure, social services, and other productive activities in partnership with different stakeholders.

Expected to bring inclusive growth that involves rapid economic expansion, the program is seen to work for the provision of productive employment opportunities capable to help address the incidence of poverty in the region.

Among the many strategies that the Regional Development Council (RDC) has been undertaking along with LGUs, as well as public and private entities is the strengthening of partnerships among the government, civil society, and business groups in eliminating corruption in the public and private sectors. The RDC is also promoting transparency in all government and private transactions and strong enforcement of anti-red tape measures.

The call for good governance in both public and private offices, according to NEDA Assistant Regional Director Luis Banua, is being undertaken to increase productivity and competitiveness, and peace and security.

He explained that good governance ensures efficient delivery of public services and provides an environment of less bureaucracy that is favorable to investments being characterized by transparency, responsibility, accountability, and participation and responsiveness to the need of the people.

According to the 2009 World Competitiveness Yearbook, the Philippines ranks low in government and business efficiency due to corruption, inability to adopt new technologies, and weak LGUs.

Based on Commission on Audit reports, around P108-B was lost to graft and corruption in the government last year.

The regional investment and development program has also identified certain strategies and approaches to confront challenges being faced by the region in order to achieve the status of being the most livable region in the country.

In summary, the region faces the following challenges: sustaining high and more inclusive economic growth, providing for the basic needs of the poor and disadvantaged groups, creating stable and adequate paying jobs for the labor force, ensuring adequate supply of basic goods and services, maintaining low population growth and promoting small family size, balancing utilization and protection of natural resources, and adapting to disaster risks and climate change.

The regional investment and development program was presented by Banua during the Investment Priorities Plan (IPP) Roadshow of the Bureau of Investments (BOI) held last October 12, this year.

The roadshow aims to inform the public about various initiatives of the government on investments and motivate stakeholders to be an integral part of IPP. This year’s IPP is strategically calibrated to beef up the previous year’s investment generation thru the provision of incentives to agriculture and fishery, creative industries/knowledge-based services, shipbuilding, mass housing, iron and steel, energy, infrastructure, and public-private partnership; research and development, green projects, motor vehicles, hospital and medical; as well as disaster prevention, mitigation, and recovery/strategic projects.

Source