Tuguegarao City and Cagayan Province

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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]

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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]

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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]

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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.

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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]

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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]

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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.

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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]

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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

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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

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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

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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.