Cagayán Valley Region

[hakz2007]

PGMA to launch coconut plantation in Nueva Vizcaya

Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya (15 March) -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo is set to spearhead the launching of coconut plantation project for some priority planting areas in the province of Nueva Vizcaya.

The project is in line with the thrust of President Arroyo's Administration in addressing hunger, health, environment and literacy in the countryside and in uplifting the economy, particularly the coconut industry being the top export agricultural commodity of the country.

The President, during her visit at the Bishop's Palace here, will witness the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement between the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) represented by Administrator Oscar Garin, Rotary International District 3780 represented by past President Atty. Rufino V. Mijares, Philippine Information Agency (PIA) represented by Secretary Conrado A. Limcaoco and Nueva Vizcaya State University (NVSU) represented by the University President Dr. Marilou S. Guilo-Abon.

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 for their livelihood.

Initially, some 3,000 seednuts will be distributed to the beneficiaries of the priority areas namely Diadi, Bagabag, Solano, and Bayombong. The project will be expanded depending on the dollars to be donated by the Rotarians.

The seednuts are planted at the nursery located at Nueva Vizcaya State University located at Brgy. Don Mariano Perez, Bayombong Nueva Vizcaya.

The MOA signing will also be witnessed by Bishop Ramon Villena, Gov. Luisa Lloren Cuaresma, Cong. Carlos Padilla, municipal mayors, other local officials, coconut farmer representatives and other Novo Vizcayanos.

Meantime, Bishop Villena is expected to award a plaque of appreciation to President Arroyo as an expression of Novo Vizcayanos' gratitude to her for the projects and programs that is now benefiting them and their visitors such as the Bagabag airport, farm to market road projects, road and bridge developments, jobs generation and many others. (PIA 2)

http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&fi=p100315.htm&no=55

[hakz2007]

Be flexible in "no permit, no exam policy", CHEDRO 2 appeals to HEIs

Tuguegarao City (13 March) -- The Commission on Higher Education Regional Office 2 (CHEDRO 2) has appealed to the Higher Education Institutions in the region to be flexible in implementing the "no permit, no exam" policy to give chance to the poor students to take the examinations even without paying their full tuition and other fees.

In an interview over Tipon-Tipan sa PIA, Director Evelyn L. Pascua, CHDRO 2 chief, said a Memorandum order directing Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) to be flexible in the implementation of ‘no permit, no exam' policy.

The CHED Memo is in response to the HB6799 or the "Anti-No-Permit, No-Exam Policy" filed by Palatino last September 10, 2009.

The lady director however clarified that students who have no money to pay for the tuition and other fees will have to present a promissory note to their school authorities. Said promissory note must specify when will they pay their school obligations.

She likewise urged the HEI's to post notices in the conspicuous places informing the students that they are allowing their students to take their examinations provided that they promise to pay their dues before the school year ends or before the next school year begins.

Director Pascua also made another appeal to the HEI's to suspend their plans to increase tuition and other fees for the coming school year due to economic problems brought by the series of typhoons and the onslaught of the el Nino Phenomenon.

To help the students affected by the economic slump, Pascua said she has proposed an additional 80 slots as an addition to the 120 slots given to Region 2.

The additional 80 slots will be exclusively for the students from the KALAHI or the poorest of the poor municipalities of the region. (PIA 2)

http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&fi=p1003...6&r=r02&y=&mo=

NLRC-RAB II resolves 323 labor cases in 2009

Tuguegarao City (13 March) -- The National Labor Relations Commission - Regional Adjudication Division (NLRC-RAB II) has disposed of a total of 323 labor disputes in 2009, mostly complaints on illegal termination.

NLRC 2 Labor Arbiter Ma. Lourdes R. Baricaua said settlement of the cases are through conciliation and mediation and enhancing the relationship between workers and the management.

Out of the 323 cases, 121 were settled, 130 were decided on merits, 70 were withdrawn and dismissed, two were transferred to other RABs due to lack of jurisdiction and the other 71 cases were remained unsettled and were carried over for the first quarter of 2010.

Based on the NLRC 2 report, 202 cases were won by the labor or the complainants and 120 cases were won by the management.

For the first two months of the year, the NLRC has already received a total of 39 cases and they are expecting more complainants to swamp their office with the intensified information campaigns they are conducting through mixed media.

Labor Arbiter Baricaua urged workers whether agricultural and non-agricultural who have problems regarding unfair labor practices, termination disputes, money claims, wage distortion and other cases to get in touch with their office for quick solutions.

Baricaua assured that all labor disputes referred to their office will be resolved in the fairest, quickest, least expensive and most effective way.

The NLRC-RAB II is located at the 2nd Floor of Casibang Bldg, No. 17 Caritan Centro, Tuguegarao City. The labor arbiter can reached through telephone numbers (078) 844-5073 or (078) 846-1472, CP number 09182156909 or via email at nlrcrab-2@yahoo.com. (PIA 2)

http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&fi=p1003...5&r=r02&y=&mo=

DTI monitors implementation of price freeze

Tuguegarao City (13 March) -- As the three (3) provinces of Cagayan Valley Region were declared under state of calamity due to billions of damages in agriculture brought by the El Nino phenomenon, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is strictly monitoring the implementation of "price freeze" in the market.

Mr. Lordito Antonio of DTI-Region 2, said the "price freeze" was immediately imposed right after the declaration of the state of calamity.

The provinces of Cagayan, Isabela and Quirino have declared state of calamity because of the severe drought that had affected the agricultural production and livelihood of the farmers.

Antonio said all prices of basic necessities and prime commodities must be at February 15 level, and as of this moment there were no reported increases on prices of basic necessities and prime commodities as well as the agricultural products.

"We mobilized all our provincial monitoring team to strictly monitor all groceries and supermarkets to determine whether basic and prime commodities are at February 15 level in effect to the implementation of "no movement of prices," Antonio said.

He further explained that freeze of price during calamities are effective not exceeding 60 days only, however if the calamity still persists then it could be extended.

DTI is mandated to monitor the movement of prices of basic and prime commodities while the Department of Agriculture is monitoring prices of agricultural products.

Ms. Cecille Simon, Agricultural Development Specialist of DA-2, said aside from some slight movements on vegetables and milk fish (bangus), there were no reported increases in other agricultural products in the market.

"We just noted some increases in prices of vegetables due to lack of supplies but it is still manageable. The meat, poultry, fishes, fruits are still in stable price", Simon said.

In general, Antonio and Simon stated that all prices of basic commodities and necessities that are needed in a daily living are still manageable. (PIA 2)

http://www.pia.gov.ph/?m=12&fi=p1003...4&r=r02&y=&mo=

[hakz2007]

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo witnesses the signing of the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) among the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA), Nueva Vizcaya State University (NVSU) and Isabela State University (ISU) for the massive coconut planting in Regions 1 and 2 and another MOA among the Philippine Coconut Authority, the Nueva Vizcaya State University and Isabela State University, the Rotary Club of Centennial Quezon City and the Philippine Information Agency for the " A Dollar for A Tree of Life ' Project. The signing was held in Bayombong, Nueva Viscaya Tuesday (Mar. 16.)

Source

[sandwindstars]

Can anyone offer me information about bus or transport companies between Tueguegarao and Laoag? I will be there in a month or so and want to take a loop from Tuguegarao to Laoag/Vigan. PM me if you have any info. Thanks.

[freightrunner]

Originally Posted by sandwindstars

Can anyone offer me information about bus or transport companies between Tueguegarao and Laoag? I will be there in a month or so and want to take a loop from Tuguegarao to Laoag/Vigan. PM me if you have any info. Thanks.

Take GMW Trans, a company owned by GV Florida which serves their inter-provincial routes. They have A/C units. Their routes are Santiago-Vigan via Tuguegarao-Laoag and Tuguegarao-Bangued via Laoag-Vigan.
Here's a picture from Jhun 21 of flickr
image hosted on flickr

image hosted on flickr

[hakz2007]

NVizcaya bishop praises PGMA for her governance

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, March 18 (PNA) -– Bishop Ramon Villena of the diocese of Nueva Vizcaya and Quirino provinces praised President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for her gallantry in leading the country through her governance during her visit here Tuesday.

Villena also recognized President Arroyo, who graced his 71st birthday at the clergy house here, as the Queen of Infrastructure for establishing various big ticket projects in the country through the North Luzon Agri-business Quadrangle (NLAQ).

NLAQ seeks to harness the potentials of Northern Luzon as agri-business economic hub in the country through the establishment, development and improvement of farm-to-market roads, airports, seaports, irrigation systems and post–harvest facilities, among others, to help farmers in bringing their products to the market easily.

“Our President is working hard for our country. Let us give her our respect and love for everything she has done,” Villena said before a crowd of Catholic faithful who gathered at the clergy house in this town.

While he remains a personal friend of President Arroyo, the bishop clarified he also serves as a bridge of dialogue and unity for peace and development in the country.

In her response, President Arroyo expressed gratitude for the clergy and the Catholic faithful for supporting her governance.

“I am very grateful for them and the diocese of Bayombong and Quirino. Thank you, it is an honor to serve you,” President Arroyo said after she was handed by a plaque of appreciation by bishop Villena.

President Arroyo was welcomed by Nueva Vizcaya Governor Ma. Luisa Lloren Cuaresma, Lone District Rep. Carlos Padilla, Bayombong Mayor John Severino Bagasao, Presidential Assistant for Region 2 Monina Plan, 5th ID PA Commanding General B/Gen. Rommel Gomez and PRO II Regional Director C/Supt. Roberto Damian.

President Arroyo also witnessed the launching of coconut plantation project for some priority planting areas in the province of Nueva Vizcaya through the signing of memorandum of agreements.

The project is in line with the Chief Executive’s thrust in addressing hunger, health, environment and literacy in the countryside and in uplifting the economy, particularly the coconut industry being the top export agricultural commodity of the country.

The MOAs were signed between Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) administrator Oscar Garin, Rotary International District 3780 past president Atty. Rufino V. Mijares, Philippine Information Agency (PIA) regional director Purita S. Licas and Nueva Vizcaya State University (NVSU) president Dr. Marilou S. Gilo-Abon.

The project is dubbed “A Dollar for a Tree of Life” because for each dollar donated by a Rotarian, one coconut tree, or known as the ‘Tree of Life” will be planted by farmer beneficiaries for their livelihood.

An initial number of 3,000 seednuts will be distributed to farmers within the priority towns in the province such as Diadi, Bagabag, Solano and Bayombong.

These will be planted at the nursery located at NVSU located at Brgy. Don Mariano Perez, Bayombong Nueva Vizcaya. (PNA)

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=...d=2&rid=265009

[hakz2007]

DTI-2 monitors price freeze in 3 provinces under state of calamity

TUGUEGARAO CITY, March 19 (PNA) -– The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) here is strictly monitoring the implementation of “price freeze” in the market.

In an interview, Lordito Antonio of DTI-Region 2, said the “price freeze” was imposed right after the declaration of the state of calamity in Cagayan, Isabela and Quirino provinces.

The state of calamity was declared in these provinces because of the severe drought that had affected the agricultural production and livelihood of the farmers.

Antonio said all prices of basic necessities and prime commodities remain stagnant at present, and there were also no reported increases on prices of agricultural products.

“We mobilized all our provincial monitoring teams to strictly monitor the implementation of the price freeze in all groceries and supermarkets daily," he said.

Based on the latest report, Antonio said groceries and supermarkets have been complying with the price freeze as prices of basic and prime commodities have remained stagnant.

On the other hand, agricultural development specialist, Cecille Simon of DA-2, said there are some slight movements on prices of vegetables and milk fish (bangus) while no reported increases in other agricultural products in the market. (PNA)

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=...d=2&rid=265252

[hakz2007]

Sugarcane plantation seen to boost livelihood, state universities’ operation in Cagayan Valley

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, March 19 (PNA) - The sugarcane plantation inspected by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo on Tuesday in Piat, Cagayan are expected to boost the operations of state colleges and universities in Cagayan Valley region.

The 20-hectare sugarcane plantation, managed by the Cagayan State University (CSU), has been established as an income generating project of the university to operationalize their four-fold mission on instruction, research, extension and production which will eventually augment the national government’s financial support for the maintenance and operating expenses of State Universities and Colleges (SUC).

Based on a research regarding the cost and return analysis on the operation for a one hectare sugarcane plantation, a net income of P180.00 or 26 percent Investment Revenue Return (IRR) can be generated for a new plant.

It can generate P32,300 or 66 percent IRR for the first ratoon, P34,680 or 74 percent IRR for the second ratoon and P14,260 or 36 percent for the third ratoon.

The sugarcane project will also serve as a hands-on training venue for agriculture and food processing demonstration among CSU students.

Fresh sugarcane stalks are also processed into juice, wine and vinegar in addition to the milling and processing of sugarcane into raw or refined sugar through the Cagayan Rubina Sugar Milling Corporation (CARSUMCO), also situated in Piat town in Cagayan province, the sole sugar milling company in Cagayan Valley.

Neighboring towns of Piat also contribute to the production of sugarcane in the region through the CARSUMCO.

Sugarcane is one of the most important commodities in the country. It is grown successfully in Cagayan Valley and has been a source of livelihood among farmers due to its high economic returns compared to other crops.

The CSU campus in Piat town in Cagayan offers vast tracts of potential agricultural lands for various crops and pasture lands for cattle and small ruminants ready for utilization. (PNA)

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=...d=2&rid=265367

[hakz2007]

New mini hydro plant to rise soon in Nueva Vizcaya

MANILA, March 23 (PNA) -– The Board of Investments has approved the P180-million power project of Smith Bell Mini-Hydro Corp. (SBMHC), a 70 percent Filipino-owned company.

Based on its proposal, the company will construct and operate a mini-hydro energy plant in Solano, Nueva Vizcaya with a total capacity of 1,800 kilowatts and project cost of P180 million.

The project was approved by the BoI under Republic Act (R.A.) 9513, otherwise known as the Renewable Energy (RE) Act, following an endorsement by the Department of Energy (DOE).

”The project is in line with the national policy of encouraging private sector participation in power generation to provide additional capacity as unveiled in the Power Development Plan of the energy sector,” said Trade Secretary and BOI chairman Jesli A. Lapus.

SBMHC will install two units of hydro-generator equipment, each with a capacity of 900 kilowatts at Solano, Nueva Vizcaya.

The generated electricity will then be sold to the Nueva Vizcaya Electric Cooperative, Inc. (NUVELCO) starting at P4.5/kwh on the first year upon the approval of the Energy Regulatory Commission (ERC).

This power project will improve the livelihood of farmers and further enhance the agri development of Nueva Vizcaya, an ideal site for agricultural development, Lapus said.

Expected to formally commence operations in December 2010, the project will give much needed relief to the province of Nueva Vizcaya and serve as a cushion against energy demands in the future. National energy self-sufficiency is increased with the utilization of inexpensive, renewable and indigenous resources.

Under the Renewable Energy Act, the project will generate Carbon Emission Reduction (CER) credits estimated at P4.5 million annually. Proceeds from the sale of such credits are entitled to tax incentives upon the endorsement of the Department of Energy. The firm intends to sell its CERs to Europe or Japan.

Carbon credit is a value assigned to a reduction or offset of greenhouse gas emissions.

Carbon credits and markets are key components of national and international attempts to mitigate the growth in concentrations of green house gases. One carbon credit is equal to one ton of carbon dioxide, or in some markets, carbon dioxide equivalent gases.

To date, there are over 130 RE projects registered with the DOE, 86 of which are in the hydro/ocean sector.

Recently, 112 RE projects with aggregate total of 2,260 megawatts, were signed by the DOE. These projects are expected to generate additional investments of US$ 1.5 billion.

Bolstered by sustained investor’s interest in the energy sector, the DOE is optimistic that it will attract between US$ 9 – 10 billion from RE projects within the next 10 years, which translates to increasing the total RE capacity to 9,000 megawatts.

This will effectively address the required additional power generating capacity of the industry and temper the adverse effects of climate change. (PNA)

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=...d=3&rid=265928

[hakz2007]

200,000 farmer families in Cagayan Valley affected by El Nino -- DA official

TUGUEGARAO CITY, March 24 (PNA) — An estimated 200,000 families of farmers in Cagayan Valley were severely affected by the El Nino phenomenon.

Region 2 Assistant director Lucrecio Alviar of the Department of Agriculture told Nacionalista Party-Nationalist People's Coalition-Laban ng Demokratikong Pilipino vice-presidential candidate Senator Loren Legarda today the farmers of Northern Luzon, particularly in the province of Cagayan Valley, felt the effects of El Nino.

Director Alviar also told Sen. Legarda during their consultation meeting this morning that Cagayan Valley truly felt the effects of Climate Change.

Alviar stressed that around P6 billion worth of rice crops, corn and high value crops, livestocks and poultry farm were damaged by the severe drought brought by El Nino.

He also said that the Department of Agriculture already initiated cloud seeding operations to aid the farmers to irrigate their farm lands.

Alviar also told the vice-presidential candidate that DA also distributed water pumps and extended financial assistance to the affected farmers in the province.

The Department of Agriculture has already released P1 billion and the Office of the President also used the calamity fund to aid the affected farmers of El Nino throughout the country.

Alviar also claimed that Sen. Mar Roxas who is the vice-presidential candidate of Liberal Party should not belittle the effect of El Nino which is now being felt not only by the farmers in Northern Luzon but throughout the nation.

Legarda went to Cagayan Valley for his region 2 campaign sortie and now campaigning at Qurino province and Isabela together with her runningmate NP standard bearer Senator Manuel Villar Jr. and the senatorial candidates of NP.

Tonight, singer Sarah Geronimo will give a free concert to be held at Lane 4 in grand terminal in Isabela City.

Sarah Geronimo is the endorser of vice-presidential candidate Loren Legarda and is also expected to endorse Sen. Villar. (PNA)

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=...d=1&rid=266222

[hakz2007]

UN-WFP assesses food distribution in Region 2

TUGUEGARAO CITY, March 25 (PNA) -- The officials from the United Nations-World Food Program (UN-WFP) together with the Department of Social Welfare and Development officials (DSWD) here conducted high level visit to the victims of calamities in the region to assess the impact of general food distribution in Isabela and Cagayan provinces.

Stephen Anderson, WFP Country Director, said they monitored the impact of the general food distribution program that has been implemented in the two provinces for three consecutive months that started in October 2009, right after typhoon “Pepeng” that severely hit the region.

Anderson said the program was implemented to assist the families by means of providing foods they need, especially those whose houses were severely damaged.

Report of DSWD Regional Director Arnel Garcia showed that 36,600 affected families were served in the joint relief assistance of DSWD and WFP after the typhoon with a total of P32.9 million worth of food items and non-food items.

The group personally visited some families in the municipalities were the program was implemented to validate whether the relief goods really reached them and if they utilized it to its very purpose.

“We are glad that our program has served its purpose. We interviewed families who have benefited from the program.” Anderson said.

On the other hand, Anderson also said that they are shifting their strategy from a food distribution scheme into a food-for-work program; a mechanism whereby affected population receive food rations in lieu of their labor for building community assets.

“The key objective of the food-for-work program is to meet immediate food need of targeted population and improve their food security, and initiate early recovery process to damages of calamities”, Anderson said.

He further said that the program will contribute to rebuilding lives, restore and maintain livelihood and create additional community and qualified individual assets. (PNA)

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=...d=2&rid=266303

[hakz2007]

ATI-2 allocates livelihood funds to help El Nino affected farmers recover

CAUAYAN CITY, Isabela, March 26 (PNA) -– The Regional Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) here in San Mateo, Isabela has laid out plans to help the El Nino affected farmers recover from the great losses incurred during the onslaught of the abnormal weather.

ATI regional director Renato Magigad said that their office has allocated an initial P1 million for livelihood training and purchase of animal for dispersal.

“Affected farmers in the provinces of Isabela, Nueva Vizcaya, Quirino and Cagayan will be the top priority of ATI”, Magigad said.

A livelihood training will be conducted in April and May, particularly in the proper management and raising of animals.

Animals that will be dispersed soon will be piglets, chicks, goat and mushroom production.

ATI is the training arm of the Department of Agriculture (DA) to help farmers to become productive in the production of rice, corn, livestock, high value crops and other agricultural production activities of farmers. (PNA)

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=...d=2&rid=266527

[hakz2007]

N. Vizcaya forest fires destroy 40.5-hectare CBFM areas

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya, March 30 (PNA) -- Forest fires, spawned by the dry spell, destroyed at least 4.5 hectares of Community-Based Forest Management (CBFM) sites in the province, officials of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) here said.

A report submitted by Forester Constante Espiritu, community environment and natural resources officer here, said the forest fires burned .5 hectare CBFM area in Barangay Tuao South in Bagabag town that was planted with 40 Satsuma and 80 Rambutan fruit trees, a 10-hectare reforestation and ecological station in Barangay Busilac in Bayombong town, owned by the St. Mary’ University (SMU) and St. Dominic Seminary and the 30-hectare CBFM area in Barangay Balete in Diadi town that was planted with G Melina trees.

“We have stepped up our community-based campaign activities to encourage villagers to be vigilant and aware on the causes of forest fires and its implication to the environment,” Espiritu said.

He said they have also advised ant egg gatherers to refrain from leaving their burned materials in the forests as this can ignite forest and grass fires due to the severe heat spawned by the El Nino phenomenon.

“Community residents must also be vigilant on forest fires so that they can prevent themselves from further destroying big areas of our forests,” Espiritu added. (PNA)

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=...d=2&rid=267266

[xxxriainxxx]

Taiwanese fishing vessel runs aground in Batanes
By Abigail Kwok
INQUIRER.net
First Posted 13:12:00 04/08/2010


MANILA, Philippines – A Taiwanese fishing vessel ran aground in one of the islands in Batanes province early Thursday morning, a police official said.

All the six passengers of the vessel have been rescued, according to a report by Chief Superintendent Roberto Damian, Cagayan Valley regional police director.

Damian said the fishing vessel CT35130 ran aground after experiencing rough waters at around 5 a.m. off the coast of Mabudis Island.

It was unclear why the Taiwanese vessel was in the area, but Damian said it could be due to poaching.

[manila_eye]

Buti nga. Bakit nila ni-rescue? They should've let them drowned.

[kiretoce]

New concrete Batanes houses with doors

Because the ancient door-less houses with low open windows that could also serve as entrance are considered ‘poor man’s house,’ locals are constructing ugly concrete houses with doors
In 1996 Unesco (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) dispatched a mission of Filipino and foreign anthropologists, archaeologists, and heritage experts to the Batanes islands on a one-week survey to determine whether the site was of World Heritage caliber.

Positive was the answer. The entire Batanes archipelago had potential. Therefore in 1997 the mission recommended a financial grant from Unesco in Paris to begin nomination preparations.

World Heritage Areas embody the diversity of the planet and the achievements of its peoples. They are places of beauty and wonder; mystery and grandeur; memory and meaning. In short, they represent the best Earth has to offer.

World Heritage sites are universally significant areas deserving of protection and preservation by both Unesco and the site’s host country against the threats of aging, globalization, or ravages of man by unwarranted modernization, industrialization or war.

The nomination process for World Heritage inscription is a lengthy, detailed process. Practically completed are all nomination requirements for Batanes. But, for the past five or so years, the nomination somehow still lacks that elusive 5 percent to complete the last hurdle of the process.

Completed during the World Heritage preparation process was the essential introduction and passing of local legislation to protect Ivatan cultural and natural heritage.

The required in-depth site documentation uncovered a wealth of cultural (man-made) heritage in Batanes, ranging from archaeological sites that substantiate the claim of a continuous Ivatan culture as far back as 400 BC to burial grounds with boat-shaped burial mounds akin to those of prehistoric Vikings that demonstrated the existence of a seafaring people.

There is the unsurpassed natural beauty of the Batanes islands with the surviving Ivatan villages of stone-and-thatch houses, the only examples of such type of architecture in the Philippines so totally in tune with the harsh environment of the islands.

Batanes is one of those few places where the man-and-nature continuum, which shows how the population is so in tune with its environment, is still preserved.

Preciosa Soliven writes: “The fabled Batanes stone houses is nowhere to be seen in Basco, the capital city of Batanes. But, our major outing to Dr. Florentino Hornedo’s (respected Ivatan scholar) island of Sabtang, less than an hour after a pump boat trip, gave us that treat.

“Our first vision of Sabtang was like a postcard with the lighthouse perched on the rocky promontory and the very old white Spanish church of San Vicente Ferrer.

“We took a leisurely walk around (Hornedo’s) hometown of Savidug and saw the traditional houses, laid out in neat rows. They all look the same including that of Flor’s.

“They are door-less houses with low open windows that could also serve as entrance. He said that a ‘door-less house is a poor man’s house.’ Unless one gets ‘security of job,’ he cannot leave his poverty. That is why when an Ivatan leaves his family to work abroad, he will be determined to save so that when he comes home, he could construct a new house with a door.”

And that’s what is happening now in Savidug. Prosperous Ivatans have come home to construct a ‘new house with a door.’”

Ivan Henares writes: “For those who are not familiar with Batanes heritage, the villages of Savidug and Chavayan on Sabtang Island are the two most intact villages of vernacular Ivatan architecture, showcases of the Sinadumparan and Maytuab styles of houses.

“These new hollow-block houses being constructed will most definitely destroy the unique architectural fabric of Savidug.”

According to architect Joy Mananghaya of the Unesco National Commission (Unacom), “There are ordinances protecting the heritage of Batanes. Almost all municipalities have their own ordinance.”

If the local governments of Sabtang and Batanes care about the inscription in the Unesco World Heritage List, could they do something about preserving the local heritage of Batanes and enforce existing ordinances?

Tourism is the obvious benefit of conservation, and despite seasonal and travel difficulties, Batanes has made its mark on local tourism.

Unlike Batanes, Bohol, now acknowledged to be the premier tourism destination in the Philippines, recognizes its heritage as the basis of its tourism industry
and the entire population goes to great lengths to conserve their heritage, something that seems not to be grasped in Batanes.

Heritage, if properly maintained and managed, is a valuable income-generating resource as the communities in Bohol and the Rice Terraces have found.

There are benefits to conservation indeed, which the Batanes community still fails to realize.

And inscription in the World Heritage List increases arrivals, as studies prove, although increasing arrivals is not the single raison d’être for World Heritage listing. Preserving heritage for future generations is.

[zahrastouch]

PIA Press Release
2010/04/15

BIR Cagayan Valley sees rise in 2010 taxes
by Ben Moses Ebreo

Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya (April 15) -- Officials of the Bureau of Internal Revenue in Cagayan Valley have expressed optimism of another fruitful year for 2010 as an upsurge in their annual collection is expected this year.

"Our priority programs will surely increase our collections, not to mention the support and cooperation of our taxpayers and the media," Thelma Milabao, BIR regional director for Revenue Region 3 said in a statement.

She also expressed optimism that with their identified priority programs, the agency will again beat their tax targets with the cooperation and support of the taxpayers in the region.

Their priority programs, according to Milabao are the Operation "Iboto Mo", requiring candidates to register with the BIR as withholding agents if they are not yet registered as such, covering their 5 percent withholding tax on their campaign expenses; the Operation Kandado ? the enforcement of temporary closure of business establishments for tax violations; linkaging with local government treasurers on the issuance of business permits to detect unregistered taxpayers and the Reinvigorating the Run After Tax Evaders (RATE) program which was launched by the BIR and the Department of Finance (DOF) in March 2005 to run after tax evaders for their investigation and prosecution.

She added that their other priority programs are the Taxpayer lifestyle Check System (TLCS) which requires surveillance and investigation of individuals with substantial amounts of investments; the intensification of collection efforts for LGU/ Government and Controlled Corporations (GOCC) unpaid tax liabilities ; Intensive collection of delinquent accounts ; zonal values of real properties ; Project Rest In Peace (RIP) covering the filing of estate tax; the Handang Maglingkod Program which promotes fast, efficient and courteous front line services to taxpayers and the Tax Verification Drive which establishes cordial relationship with taxpayers by giving assistance through information drive and verification of taxpayer's compliance requirements. (PIA NVizcaya) [top

[asero101]

itanong ko lang po,

Sa mga syudad
ng Cagayan Valley,

Tuguegarao
Santiago
Cauayan

alin po sa mga yan ang pinakamaunlad?
pakirank na rin po..thanks

[zahrastouch]

We don't rank our cities according to progress. Each city has it's own identity and all are equally progressive:
Santiago-CVL's business and commercial center
Tuguegarao-regional capital and education center; most populous
Cauayan-CVL's third city, a fast growing commercial hub

[zahrastouch]

PIA Press Release
2010/04/19

Cagayan Valley nets 22 science and technology scholarship examinees
by Ben Moses Ebreo

Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya (April 19) -- Cagayan Valley has netted 22 students out of 197 examinees who recently took the science and technology scholarship examinations last year, according to officials of the Department of Sciecne and Technology (DOST) here.

The 22 scholarship passers represent the successful examinees of Cagayan Valley, comprising the provinces of Nueva Vizcaya, Isabela, Quirino, Cagayan and Batanes.

Nueva Vizcaya ranks first with the most number of successful examines with 16 passers, followed by Cagayan with 10 passers, Isabela with 6 passers, Quirino with 3 passers and Batanes with 3 passers.

The scholarship test was conducted in November 16, 2009 at the Nueva Vizcaya General Comprehensive High School (NVGCHS) in this town.

"Compared to the number of successful examinees in the previous years, we registered the lowest number of passers this year," said Jonas Ralutin, science and technology research assistant here.

DOST offers scholarship programs for poor but deserving students under Republic Act No. 7687 and for merit scholarship. (PIA NVizcaya) [top]