tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-21382035141899300852024-03-19T07:51:35.335+08:00Experience CatanduanesRandom thoughts, ideas on sustainable development, knowledge and life challenges in one of Philippines most typhoon prone island province. Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBlogger426125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138203514189930085.post-68470197270432174412013-08-14T08:51:00.007+08:002024-03-13T13:33:19.445+08:00Tourism Budget for 2014 Targets 10 Key Clusters<div align="justify">
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THE funds for the P30-billion Tourism Development Program under the proposed P2.3-trillion national budget for 2014 targets 10 strategic tourism areas in the country, according to Budget Secretary Florencio Abad.
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Dubbed “international tourism gateway clusters,” these are: Laoag, Ilocos Norte (including Pagudpud) and Vigan, Ilocos Sur (with 373,000 underemployed and 172,000 unemployed among the local population); Central Luzon, which covers Subic-Clark-Tarlac-Corregidor, Nueva Ecija, Pampanga, Bulacan, the Zambales coast, Bataan coast and inland, and Aurora (505,00 underemployed/384,000 unemployed); Metro Manila and Calabarzon region—Metro Manila, Nasugbu-Looc-Ternate-Cavite Coast, Laguna de Bay, Batangas peninsula, Quezon coast and islands (894,000 underemployed/466,000 unemployed);
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Bicol—Camarines and Catanduanes, AIbay-Sorsogon-Masbate (780,000 underemployed/148,000 unemployed); Palawan, which covers San Vicente-EI Nido-Taytay, Princesa, Southern Palawan Busuanga-Coron-Culion (282,000 underemployed/55,000 unemployed); Central Visayas—Cebu, Negros Oriental, Siquijor and Bohol (605,000 underemployed/224,000 unemployed); Western Visayas—Iloilo, Negros Occidental, Aklan, Antique, Capiz and Guimaras, (659,00 underemployed/212,000 unemployed); Cagayan de Oro Coast and Hinterlands—Camiguin, Misamis Oriental, Lanao del Norte, Misamis Occidental and Bukidnon (556,000 underemployed/95,000 unemployed); and the Davao gulf and coast—Davao City, Samal island, Davao del Norte, Davao del Sur, Compostela Valley and Davao Oriental (335,000 underemployed/119,000 unemployed).
<blockquote>
For 2014-2015, [these] international gateway tourism clusters will continue to be the focal areas for public investment support because of the need to complete the international airports and access roads in these clusters,
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said Abad in his National Budget Memorandum 118, dated April 25, 2013.
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Most of these international gateways also have poverty incidences reaching as high as 48 percent among families as recorded in the first half of 2012. This is true in in the case of Davao Oriental, followed by Negros Oriental (45.3 percent), Masbate (44.2 percent), Bukidnon (43.3 percent) and Lanao del Norte (42.5 percent), as per said memo.
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<p>
Of the proposed Tourism Development Program Budget for 2014, a DBM source said some P25 billion will be allocated to improve market access, connectivity and destination infrastructure for the tourism destination clusters, such as the construction of and improvement of 679 kilometers of access roads (P14.5 billion), 40 airports (P9 billion) and ports (P543 million). About P4.5 billion will be allocated to boost the development and marketing of competitive destinations and products, while P523 million is for the development of the tourism work force and improvement of the safety and security of tourists.
</p><p>
Said tourism budget is equivalent to 0.22 percent of the local economic output as expressed in the gross domestic product, the source added. The Tourism Development Program was prepared using the “program budgeting approach,” a system where government agencies coordinate to implement projects and achieve certain targets under a specific program.
</p><p>
Abad told the BusinessMirror that the “program budgeting approach,” which was started during the 2013 National Budget process, is important because it “allows us to orient, as in the case of tourism development, infrastructure and non-infrastructure [e.g., Technical Education and Skills Development Authority training, State Universities and Colleges curriculum, promotions, Customs-immigration-quarantine services] programs toward a common objective.”
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He added that this method is “especially useful since we have already identified 10 tourism zones. This way we maximize government resources and agencies don’t operate like separate, unrelated silos.”
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Separately, in his memo, Abad said the first year of the National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) had been successfully implemented in 2012 with foreign visitors reaching 4.3 million, up 10.25 percent from 3.9 million in 2011. Tourism receipts also rose some 27 percent to $3.8 billion in 2012, from $3 billion the year before.
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He said in 2012, visitors stayed an average of 9.6 nights, up from 8.04 nights in 2011, while each tourist spent an average $894 per person, compared to $739 the year before.
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Hence, the pursuit of the following strategies will need to be continued for the tourism industry to reach its employment and growth-inducing potentials: a) improving market access, connectivity and destination infrastructure; b) developing market-competitive products and destinations; and c) strengthening human resources and the culture of convergence and excellence,
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he stressed.
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The Aquino administration hopes to attract 6.8 million foreign tourists in 2014, up 24 percent from the 5.5 million targeted this year. By 2016, at the end of its term, it projects 10 million foreign tourists, and 56 million domestic travelers.
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Under the NTDP, it also sees the tourism sector as among the key drivers of the economy, with its contribution to the gross domestic product rising to 8.1 percent in 2016, from 5.8 percent in 2010, and direct employment increasing to 6.5 million in 2016 from 3.6 million in 2010. The NTDP is the Aquino administration’s strategic blueprint to achieve its tourism targets.
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Visitor arrivals in the first five months of 2013 increased 10.54 percent to 2.01 million from 1.82 million in the same period in 2012.- Business Mirror</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comManila, Philippines14.5995124 120.984219514.4765834 120.822858 14.7224414 121.14558099999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138203514189930085.post-68084545810054991922013-08-09T17:46:00.001+08:002024-03-01T07:40:03.292+08:00Catanduanes Forest in German-Funded DENR Project<div style="text-align: justify;">
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The Catanduanes Watershed Forest Reserve (CWFR) is among the 60 protected areas around the country that are covered by a <a href="http://experiencecatanduanes.blogspot.com/2013/06/environment-projects-to-receive-p720-m.html"target="_new">German-funded</a> environmental project aimed at improving the management of the Philippines’ natural resources.
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CENRO officer-in-charge Luvimindo Chioco recently told the Tribune that the Protected Area Management Enhancement (PAME) project is being implemented by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), under a grant from the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety. The funding was coursed through the German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ).
</p><p>
The P450 million (€9 million) project is being carried out nationwide until March 2017 to ensure proper management of 60 existing protected areas by improving the technical competencies and capacities of staff of the DENR’s Protected Area and Wildlife Bureau.
</p><p>
The PAME project will also see the establishment of at least 100 new terrestrial and marine parks in selected key biodiversity areas or sites considered “internationally important” for biodiversity conservation by identified stakeholders. The GIZ will provide expertise on natural resource management for training courses and study tours and other forms of technical support, including equipment and supplies. The DENR, for its part, is shouldering other maintenance and operational costs and provide the necessary support staff.
</p><p>
Two teams from the Southeast Asian Regional Center for Graduate Study and Research in Agriculture (SEARCA), in cooperation with GIZ and the DENR’s Protected Areas and Wildlife Bureau (PAWB) has already conducted the Management Effectiveness and Capacity Assessment (MECA) survey in 12 PAs covering Regions 4A and 5, including Catanduanes.
</p><p>
The team headed by Dr. Paulo Pasicolan convened the Protected Areas Management Board (PAMB) of each of the 12 PAs in the said regions to assess and analyze the PAs’ legal, institutional, financial, bases and processes through focus group discussions (FGD) and key informant interviews (KII).
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In Bicol, the protected areas covered are the Abasig-Matogdon-Mananap Natural Biotic Area, the Bicol Natural Park, the Bulusan Volcano Natural Park, the Caramoan Natural Park, the Catanduanes Watershed Forest Reserve, the Lagonoy Natural Biotic Area and the Mt. Isarog Natural Park.
</p><p>
CENRO Chioco said the results of the assessment were presented to the Catanduanes PAMB during the validation period last month,
</p><p>
According to the assessment, the CWFR has yet to be covered by a proclamation despite the submission of all necessary documents to the DENR Central Office in January 2012. The 26,010-hectare area, however, was declared a watershed reservation in 1987, covering the towns of Bato, Baras, Caramoran, Gigmoto, San Miguel, San Andres, Virac, and Viga. Regulations rationalizing land use within the reserve are in place but implementation is weak due to lack of personnel.
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The same problem is attends law enforcement and protection system, aggravated by the absence of barangay volunteers as Bantay Gubat. Information and Education Campaign in the covered communities is also limited.
</p><p>
The report noted that Virac Water District (VIWAD) and Sunwest Water & Electricity Co, (SUWECO) have gained footholds in the CWFR but have yet to pay the user’s fee for extracting a huge volume of water from the watershed. Both are reportedly willing to pay the fee.
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It was also noted that no visitors’ facilities and eco-tourism operations are in place inside the reservation despite the influx of mountain hikers and nature enthusiasts.
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The forest reserve, which covers 17.2% of the island’s land area, is home to 5,876 hectares of old-growth forest which in turn shelter some Philippine birds, mammals and reptiles which are rare, endangered and unique species. Among these are Gray’s monitor lizard, Southern Luzon cloud rat, civet cats, Philippine Macaques and many species of birds like the Luzon bleeding heart pigeon, Tarictic hornbillds, blue-crowned racket tails and important raptors. - CT
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comCatanduanes, Philippines13.7088684 124.242159712.7220524 122.9512662 14.6956844 125.5330532tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138203514189930085.post-50867721303035150252013-06-17T10:15:00.002+08:002024-03-01T07:40:15.279+08:00New Tourism Dev't Plan to Think 'Beyond Beaches'<div style="text-align: justify;">
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The Philippines must think “beyond beach vacations” when promoting its tourism industry, a Department of Tourism official said at the recent unveiling of the department's National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP) at the Asian Institute of Management.
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Tourism Undersecretary for Tourism Development Daniel G. Corpuz said that along with sun and beach tourism, the industry must promote other things the Philippines has to offer: nature tourism, cultural tourism, leisure and entertainment tourism, MICE (meetings, incentives, conferencing, exhibitions) and events tourism, health and wellness tourism, retirement tourism, cruise and nautical tourism, diving and marine sports tourism, and education tourism.
</p><p>
The department has set a target of 10 million international visitors to the Philippines and 56 million domestic travelers by 2016.
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Corpuz said that increasing the tourist volume to the country can be achieved by developing and marketing competitive tourist products and destinations; improving market access, connectivity, and destination infrastructure; and improving institutional governance and human resources—which will need the cooperation and help of other government agencies.
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Tourism is a major instrument to contribute to national development, and the National Tourism Development Plan must be synchronized with the Philippine Development Plan,
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he said.
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<p>
The department's international visitor target for this year is 5.5 million, considerably more than the 4.3 million international tourist arrivals recorded last year. The top sources of international travelers to the Philippines have been South Korea, the US, Japan, and China.
</p><p>
The volume of domestic travelers, which was 40.7 million in 2012, is expected to increase to 44.1 million in 2013.
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Tourism Assistant Secretary Roland Cañizal stressed the point that greater integration among government agencies would boost tourism development in the Philippines, such as the Department of Public Works and Highways' (DPWH) providing access roads to tourist destinations; the Department of Transportation and Communications' (DOTC) upgrading major airports; and local governments' boosting their tourism destinations.
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This is the kind of thinking that we want to cascade to all the <a href="http://planetvirac.blogspot.com/2013/05/a-meeting-of-minds-at-marems.html">local government units</a>—that if they are serious about being a part of the National Tourism Development Plan, their seriousness is translated in terms of their commitment to develop their areas and to put the necessary resources to make sure that the plan is being implemented,
</blockquote>
BM, GMA News
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comManila, Philippines14.5995124 120.984219514.4765834 120.822858 14.7224414 121.14558099999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138203514189930085.post-61488839236533035642013-06-15T11:21:00.001+08:002024-03-01T07:40:31.557+08:00ABS-CBN’s Gina Lopez to Grace Opening of Linggo ng Kalikasan<div style="text-align: justify;">
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The celebration of the 2013 <i>Linggo ng Kalikasan</i> celebration spearheaded by the provincial government of Catanduanes will take center stage this June 17-21, with ABS-CBN Foundation managing director Gina Lopez as the guest of honor and keynote speaker.
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Anchored on the theme, “<i>Basura: Pangasiwaan para sa Kalikasan at Kabuhayan</i>”, it will focus on the collective efforts to address solid waste management problems with emphasis on its environmental and economic dimensions.
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The week-long activities will kick-off at 5:30 A.M. of June 17 with the “<i>Takbo para sa Kalikasan</i>” Fun Run from Catanduanes State University to the provincial capitol. Prior to the opening program at the capitol grounds, the Catanduanes Mangrove Conservation Center will be launched at the former Catanduanes Crab Center at Palnab del Sur.
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At 1:30 pm, Ms. Lopez will be at a press conference at the conference hall of Catanduanes State University, after which she will proceed to the CSU gymnasium as sole resource speaker of the “No To Mining” Forum.
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<a class="twitter-timeline" href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23notomining" data-widget-id="345739422513393664">Tweets about "#notomining"</a>
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More than the other activities, it was the forum that really attracted and convinced Lopez to visit Catanduanes, said provincial tourism officer Carmel Garcia, who chairs the opening ceremonies and invitation of guests.
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A staunch anti-mining advocate, Lopez launched the “<a href="http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/-depth/02/03/11/save-palawan-movement-launches-no-mining-campaign-0" target="_new">Save Palawan Movement</a>” along with partner organizations and stood up to the challenge of gathering 10 million signatures to say in one loud voice that key biodiversity areas must be protected from the ravages of mining.
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Other activities slated are “<i>Pauragan</i>” and Arbor Day on June 18; collage making on June 19, “<i>Tagisan sa Paglikha</i>” on June 20, and “<i>Gabi ng Parangal</i>” on June 21. Pauragan is being coordinated by Catanduanes State University, Arbor Day by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Office, collage making thru the office of SP environment committee chair PBM Lemuel Surtida, and <i>Gabi ng Parangal</i> by the Special Environmental Projects Coordinating Office (SEPCO) and Provincial Tourism Office.
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Now on its 3rd year, the event began in 2011 by virtue of Provincial Ordinance 003-2010 institutionalizing the annual celebration of <i>Linggo ng Kalikasan</i> every 3rd week of June.
</p>
Catanduanes Tribune
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comVirac, Philippines13.5848627 124.206584413.3379422 123.8838609 13.8317832 124.52930789999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138203514189930085.post-10272256216305935702013-06-06T07:05:00.002+08:002024-03-01T07:40:53.209+08:00Environment Projects to Receive P720-M from Germany<div style="text-align: justify;">
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MANILA - Two environmental projects in the Philippines will receive a total of P720 million in grants from the German government.
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<P>
Environment Secretary Ramon Paje and German Society for International Cooperation (GIZ) Regional Director Philippines and the Pacific Robert Kressirer signed the agreements for the National REDD+ System Philippines and the Protected Area Management Enhancement in the Philippines (PAME) on Wednesday.
</P>
<blockquote>
These projects support our commitments under various international environmental and multilateral agreements such as the Convention on Biological Diversity and the <a href="https://sites.google.com/site/benarcjr/maps/the-coral-triangle" target="_new">Coral Triangle</a> Initiative,
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Paje said.
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The projects, which will be funded by the German Federal Ministry for the Environment, Nature Conservation and Nuclear Safety through the GIZ, will be operational until 2017.
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The National REDD+ System Philippines seeks to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions from natural and human causes. REDD+ stands for Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation.
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The project will benefit people in the upland communities dependent on forest products and other natural resources for livelihood. The total grant for the project is P270 million (€5.3 million) and will be implemented until April 2017 in the <a href="https://sites.google.com/site/untamedphilippines/regions/bicol" target="_new">Bicol</a> and <a href="https://sites.google.com/site/untamedphilippines/regions/eastern-visayas" target="_new">Eastern Visayas</a> regions.
</p><p>
PAME, on the other hand, will get P450 million (€9 million) and will be carried out nationwide until March 2017 to ensure proper management of 60 existing protected areas by improving the technical competencies and capacities of staff of the DENR’s Protected Area and Wildlife Bureau.
</p><p>
The PAME project seeks to establish at least 100 new terrestrial and marine parks in selected key biodiversity areas or sites considered “internationally important” for biodiversity conservation by identified stakeholders.
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Paje said this is
<blockquote>
essential to improving protection of our biodiversity, generate income for affected communities, and ensure food security for all Filipinos.
</blockquote>
ABS-CBN
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBicol, Philippines13.337672 123.528007200000059.3816445 118.36443320000005 17.2936995 128.69158120000006tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138203514189930085.post-85725455668013235962013-06-03T10:46:00.001+08:002024-03-01T07:41:10.340+08:00Albay to Host 10 Events in 2015 APEC Summit<div style="text-align: justify;">
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Legazpi City, Philippines – Albay Gov. Joey Salceda announced yesterday that the province will host at least 10 of the 63 events in the 2015 Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit to be held in the Philippines.
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Salceda said officials of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the lead agency in charge of APEC summit preparations, have allowed Albay to host at least 10 events because they are convinced that the province is ready, with in-place disaster risk reduction systems. It is also home of the iconic Mayon volcano.
</p>
<blockquote>
We are thankful to DTI for its confidence that Albay is qualified to host some of the APEC summit events,
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Salceda said.
<p>
APEC activities will start in December 2014 and end in November 2015. The events that will be hosted by Albay are scheduled from March to September 2015.
</p>
Salceda said the APEC events are expected to focus on trade, industry and investment issues, and concerns of the Pacific-rim countries.
<blockquote>
With this, we are expecting trade ministers and/or their representatives and support staff to be coming over to Albay,
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Salceda told The STAR.
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He also said that at least 600 rooms are already reserved for the billeting and accommodation of APEC participants.
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<p>
The Albay governor did not provide details on where in the province the 10 APEC events will be held. But in his bid presentation before the APEC Organizing Council at the Asian Institute of Management in Makati City last week, he promoted the world-class Misibis Bay Hotel Resort spa as venue for the events.
</p><p>
The Philippines first hosted the APEC summit in 1996.
</p><p>
APEC aims to enhance the economic prosperity and strengthen the countries in the Asia-Pacific region. It operates on open dialogue, non-binding consensual commitments, and mutual and equal respect for the views of all participants. It was established in 1989 and is composed of 20 countries including Japan, Australia, China, Russia and the United States.
</p>
ABS-CBN
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comLegazpi City, Philippines13.1390621 123.7437995000000212.8916366 123.42107600000003 13.3864876 124.06652300000002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138203514189930085.post-56343792848361811102013-05-31T06:22:00.002+08:002024-03-13T13:28:56.009+08:00TV5 Drama Set in Misibis<div style="text-align: justify;">
<p>
Misibis Bay — In the coming days, TV5 is not just about to present the results of its hard work but it is also set to display the magnificence of the luxurious Misibis Bay when the story of its latest primetime drama offering titled Misibis Bay begins to unfold in the small screen. Perched in the south-easternmost tip of Cagraray Island, Misibis Bay is a tropical hideaway in Bacacay, Albay.
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According to business unit creative head Mac Alejandre, several top tourist destinations were considered to be the backdrop of the sexy drama series that topbills Ritz Azul, one of the network’s teleserye princesses. “We searched for the most fitting location. We even looked at the possibility of going abroad like in Thailand for the show,” he shares. “Until the day came when the production team found Misibis (Bay) as the perfect setting for the sexy revenge drama. After several meetings with the management of the resort, a partnership was forged.”
</p><p>
In the press conference, GM Ian Mayer Varona says, “We were approached regarding the possibility of (TV5) shooting here at the resort…It’s not just a resort; it’s the product of the vision of the owner to develop Bicol as a destination because in recent years, Bicol was always known for being a gateway of typhoons, eruptions or calamities. That scene has changed. Bicol is now on the tourism map and this opportunity to partner with TV5 came and I think it’s very timely because we are really pushing Bicol to be one of the top destinations in the Philippines.
</p>
<blockquote>
This series is very instrumental in pushing forward the tourism agenda of the region. Our marketing pitch is not just the resort itself but it’s really the beauty of Bicol so I hope this will be a most successful partnership and we are behind TV5 all the way.
</blockquote>
Direk Mac made it clear that everything started with a concept. They thought of coming up with a sexy drama that is fast-paced yet interesting and exciting for the viewers. And they see it best to do most of the scenes in a place that will complement the core of the story.
<blockquote>
We feel that there’s a ‘movement’ in all corners of the television industry…we know that pretty soon something will happen and whoever has the right timing and the one who is always ready to seize the moment at the most opportune time, s’ya ang mananaig. Misibis is one of TV5’s preparations. It is fast-paced; it will run for only six weeks but without compromising the quality. <i>Ito rin ang maglulunsad sa paniniwala ng</i> TV5 that Ritz will become a television superstar. The network trusts her and the production team deemed this is the most fitting (acting) vehicle that will catapult her to stardom.
</blockquote>
Philstar
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comMisibis Bay, Bacacay, Philippines13.237921708361474 123.9089377446289313.234057708361474 123.90389524462893 13.241785708361475 123.91398024462893tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138203514189930085.post-20019415234046370662013-05-25T07:19:00.002+08:002024-03-01T07:41:23.391+08:00Albay Pitches Misibis for APEC<div style="text-align: justify;">
<p>
Legazpi City, Philippines – The provincial government of Albay wants to host the 2015 summit of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Forum at the world-class luxury island hideaway of Misibis Bay.
</p>
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<blockquote>
Albay is officially bidding to host the APEC Summit 2015 principally at Misibis Bay. We will make a pitch during the presentations at Asian Institute of Management on May 27-28,
</blockquote>
Salceda announced yesterday.
<p>
Salceda said Albay is the perfect host for APEC because the province has 592,616 persons or 45 percent of total population living on the Pacific rim.
</p>
<blockquote>
This is the highest concentration of population on the Pacific and the biggest aggregate number of people,
</blockquote>
he said.
<p>
Salceda pointed out Albay has the two major cities of Tabaco and Legazpi that also has two international seaports fronting the Pacific Ocean.
</p>
<blockquote>
Albay truly is the only Pacific province of the Philippines,
</blockquote>
he said.
<p>
Salceda is proposing the APEC summit to be held in Misibis Bay, a private tropical hideaway built on a pristine stretch of beach along the southern tip of Cagraray Island in Bacacay town in Albay.
</p><p>
The five-hectare island resort can be reached via a 50-minute flight from Manila to Legazpi, then a 45-minute scenic travel by land, or a 15-minute ride on a helicopter, or by fast watercraft in 30 minutes.
</p>
He said Albay is putting its best foot forward since it was considered the third largest metropolitan unit of the Philippines, after Manila and Cebu due to its unique Pacific stature, the trading center of abaca and copra.
<blockquote>
Now, we want to position Albay back on the world map given its tourism, trade and investment attractions and as a showcase of the positive developments of the Aquino administration.
</blockquote>
<blockquote>
We have ample water, power, well-built infrastructure, world-class facilities and meeting capacity, iconic endowments and the world’s best model in emergency response and disaster risk reduction,
</blockquote>
he said,
<p>
Salceda said the holding of the APEC in Albay would also be an opportunity for the Philippines to showcase its achievements in climate change adaptation, particularly with the province’s Climate Change Academy and the Albay Provincial Security and Emergency Management Office (APSEMO) as United Nation International Strategic Disaster Response (UNISDR) senior global champion in disaster risk reduction.
</p>
<blockquote>
Albay also offers not only touristic but experiential and sectoral values, including 600 megawatts of geothermal power for green energy and successful mass relocation,
</blockquote>
he said.
<p>
Salceda said Albay is also a gateway to Almasorca – acronym for Albay-Masbate-Sorsogon-Catanduanes – tourism development program that was essentially patterned after the Yucatan tourism alliance.
</p>
<blockquote>
This not only diversifies but also expands the range of touristic experience for APEC participants,
</blockquote>
Salceda said.
<p>
APEC was established in 1989 to further enhance economic growth and prosperity for the region and to strengthen the Asia-Pacific community.
</p><p>
APEC’s member economies are Australia, Brunei Darussalam, Canada, Chile, People’s Republic of China, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, Malaysia, Mexico, New Zealand, Papua New Guinea, Peru, the Russian Federation, Singapore, Chinese Taipei, Thailand, United States of America, Vietnam and the Philippines.
</p><p>
It is the premier forum for facilitating economic growth, cooperation, trade and investment in the Asia-Pacific region.
</p><p>
Unlike the World Trade Organizations or other multilateral trade bodies, APEC has no treaty obligations required of its participants.
</p><p>
Decisions made within APEC are reached by consensus and commitments are undertaken on a voluntary basis.
</p><p>
APEC is an intergovernmental grouping that operates on the basis of non-binding commitments, open dialogue and equal respect for the views of all participants.
</p>
Philstar
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comMisibis Bay, Philippines13.1774827 123.5280072000000512.1883712 122.23711370000005 14.1665942 124.81890070000004tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138203514189930085.post-42995103227963170982013-05-16T18:12:00.001+08:002024-02-27T14:44:21.340+08:00RDC to Highlight "Bicol Express" Modernization in Railway Summit<div style="text-align: justify;">
<p>
LEGAZPI CITY, May 16 (PIA) -- It will take only a travel time of six hours from Legaspi City to Manila with a railway service extending up to Matnog in Sorsogon where a roll-on, roll-off (RORO) sea port is located.
</p>
<a href="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/201/496865013_05f097466a.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 0em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="213" alt="bicol rail" src="https://c1.staticflickr.com/1/201/496865013_05f097466a.jpg" width="320" /></a>
<p>
According to RDC secretariat, the Philippine Development Plan and the Bicol Regional Development Plan identified the revival, rehabilitation and modernization of the railway system as a priority infrastructure development program.
</p><p>
The train stations will also be developed as mix use commercial zones to spur economic growth in its environs. Amenities in trains and stations will also be provided such as internet connections, security cameras, clean toilets, medical services, amusement centers, online booking, inter-modal tickets, and modern passenger coaches that are senior citizen, women and person with disability (PWD) friendly, RDC secretariat said.
</p><p>
There is also a recommendation for the revival of spur lines to Legaspi and Tabaco ports, construction of spur lines to Daet, Caramoan and other major towns in Bicol for passenger and multi-purpose freight services.
</p><p>
National and Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Bicol assistant regional director Luis Banua said that Luzon regions including Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) signified interest on the railway development initiative of RDC for the interconnection of the north and south railways and the Metro Manila railway system.
</p><p>
The RDC proposed a railway development summit on December 7 last year through a resolution to promote the revival, expansion and modernization of the railway system in Bicol. The summit hopes to gain strong support from President Benigno Aquino III who will be invited as its keynote speaker, RDC secretariat said.
</p><p>
Provincial consultations were held in Camarines Sur on January 30, Sorsogon on February 27, and Camarines Norte on March 20.
</p><p>
A regional consultation was also held in Legaspi City On April 25 participated in by RDC members, local government units (LGU) representatives, academe, media, chambers of commerce and industry and non-government organizations. Technical consultations were also held from December to April to discuss railways technologies in terms of speed, services, capability, investment and maintenance costs, RDC secretariat said.
</p><p>
The business community emphasized that cargo and passenger train services will propel trade and industry in Bicol. Proposals were also discussed to deal with issues and concerns on squatting along railroad tracks, , illegal railroad crossings, Philippine National Railways (PNR)’s role, privatization and establishment of world class railways system that is fully integrated with other modes of transportation, RDC secretariat said.
</p>
<blockquote>
These recommendations will be submitted to the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) for discussion and adoption during the summit,
</blockquote>
Development Administration Committee (DAC) Chairman Rev. Fr. Ramoncito Segubiense said.
<p>
Known as “Bicol Express” in the past decades due to its role as Bicol’s most popular mode of transportation, the railway industry had an observable slowdown and off-track direction in recent years that was overtaken by other reliable and efficient modes of transportation in the region.
</p>
The summit is expected to fuel anew the engines of the “<a href="http://experiencecatanduanes.blogspot.com/2011/05/bicol-express-making-comeback.html">Bicol Express</a>” back to its tracks to regain its past glory as the region’s favorite mode of transportation. (MAL/JJJP/PIA5-Albay)
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comLegazpi City, Philippines13.1390621 123.7437995000000212.8916366 123.42107600000003 13.3864876 124.06652300000002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138203514189930085.post-12858147560040190822013-05-07T08:25:00.001+08:002024-03-01T07:42:06.391+08:001st Catanduanes Kite Fest Set<div style="text-align: justify;">VIRAC, Catanduanes, May 6 (PIA) --
<p>
The first ever kite festival dubbed “Buradol Festival” in the province is set on May 18 at the Catanduanes Athletic Complex in Virac town.
</p>
<iframe width="100%" height="345" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/YWWtBj_VMfI" frameborder="0" allow="autoplay; encrypted-media" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<p>
Buradol is a local term for kite. According to Cross Country Farms and Parks, Inc., one of the organizers of the event, the activity aims to make the province a tourist destination aside from being a gateway for Bicol’s tourism.
</p><p>
Moreover, Atty. Evelyn L. Gutierrez, liaison for events of the said group said that the event aims to bring together local kite flying enthusiasts and celebrate the province’s beauty while competing with one another.
</p><p>
Entries will be judged according to its creativity (15%), craftsmanship (15%), flying and handling (30%), in-flight aesthetic visual appeal (25%), audience impact (10%) and teamwork (5%).
</p><p>
Kites must be handcrafted and not pre-fabricated. Teams must be composed of two members only and participants must be at least 18 years old.
</p><p>
The design must contain unique features and use indigenous and locally-available materials, with the kite able to maintain its shape after flight at various wind speeds.
</p><p>
The kite must likewise launch easily and achieve a good angle of flight at high altitude. It should also show stability in flight even in strong wind and be able to perform stunts.
</p><p>
It must look attractive while flying and contain original artwork, creating an image or shape it seeks to portray.
</p><p>
Enthusiasts who are not joining the contest are also welcome to bring and fly their own kites.
</p><p>
Interested participants may pre-register until May 17, 2013 or call 09175043089 or like their page at www.facebook.com/BuradolFestival.
</p>
MAL/EAB-PIA5/Catanduanes)
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comVirac, Philippines13.5848627 124.206584413.3379422 123.8838609 13.8317832 124.52930789999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138203514189930085.post-60782532556605376182013-04-29T14:42:00.000+08:002018-04-30T18:11:13.893+08:00US District Attorney Honors Catandunganon OFW for Heroism<div style="text-align: justify;">
<p>
VIRAC, Catanduanes, April 29 (PIA) -- “I felt happy because, as a Catandunganon, I was able to show to America that even if we come from a small province, we do have big hearts to help others; that it is an instinct on our part to help because God is always with us.”
</p>
<iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/62704392?title=0&byline=0&portrait=0" width="100%" height="360" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen></iframe>
<p>
Still brimming with gratitude from her <i>kababayan’s</i> online praises for the recognition she got from the Unites States of America Los Angeles District Court Attorney, Nida Arjona Tapel, 52, of San Miguel, Catanduanes, Philippines, counts her resolute faith for foiling a criminal in defense of her 95-year-old client who suffer from Alzheimer’s disease. She has been working in the United States for five years now as a teacher and a part time home-care provider.
</p><p>
An alumna of the Catanduanes State Colleges, now Catanduanes State University (from undergraduate to post graduate studies) Tapel was honored by the Los Angeles District Attorney, USA, with the Courageous Citizens Award on April 12, 2013. She, along with three other equally valiant citizens of Los Angeles, USA, respectively received the honor from District Attorney Jackie Lacey.
</p><p>
The District Attorney's Courageous Citizen Award was created to commend those individuals who have acted with courage and at considerable personal risk to help a victim of crime, assisted in the capture of a suspect, or testified in the face of extraordinary pressures.
</p><p>
In the online portal information of the LA District Court, Tapel received the citation for her presence of mind, bravery and heroic act in thwarting a kidnapping incident in Los Angeles.
</p>
In its press statement, the Los Angeles District County Attorney hailed the awardees
<blockquote>
who have taken extraordinary steps to assist others when they were most vulnerable. They stopped a crime. They made sure that a criminal was prosecuted. They helped a crime victim during a terrifying moment of need. They are vital to the pursuit of justice and our community is a safer place because of them.
</blockquote>
Jean Guccione, Director of Communications of the Los Angeles District County reported that Tapel endured a painful pepper spray attack in an effort to prevent the kidnapping of her frail, elderly client in Los Angeles on Dec.19, 2011.
<blockquote>
With her eyes and face burning after being pepper sprayed by her client’s daughter, Tapel ran outside, yelled for help and got a passerby to call 911. Tapel then jumped into the suspect’s SUV to protect her client.
</blockquote>
The same account revealed that Tapel remained in the vehicle as the suspect took off and led police on a wild chase for several miles before being captured.
<p>
The defendant pleaded no contest to charges of attempted kidnap, battery and evading an officer and is scheduled to be sentenced on May 2, the report said.
</p>
When asked by this writer what insights she can share with fellow OFW’s, Tapel singled out prayer as her only protection.
<blockquote>
As an OFW, my only weapon is prayer. God made me strong all the time, because it is really very hard to be in a foreign land. [There are] plenty of challenges along the way, so embrace God tightly.
</blockquote>
She acknowledges the nurturing she got from her aunt, Dr. Cleofe Buen Reyes, for her resilient spirit.
<blockquote>
I was raised by my aunt to call God all the time; nothing is impossible with Him. I did not do it alone; I am just an instrument of Him.
</blockquote>
Tapel dedicates her award to her fellow Catandunganons and to the Filipinos as a whole.
<blockquote>
Let us show to the world that our purpose in life is to help others, not to hurt them. We only live once in this earth; let us make it significant. Let us not be afraid of death for God will be always there for us.
</blockquote>
She counts her school, the Catanduanes State Colleges (now CSU) for imbibing in her the value of humility. “The school taught me to be humble; that the higher you get, the more humble you must be.
<blockquote>
Saan mang sulok ng mundo tayo mapadpad, alalahanin natin na dapat ang ating mga paa ay sa lupa pa din nakatapak.
</blockquote>
And if you are to do something, you must ensure it will bring you up, not put you down, Tapel concluded.
<br>
(MAL/Gerry S. Rubio, CSU/PIA5)
<div align="center"><blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Dear young people, do not bury your talents, the gifts that God has given you!Do not be afraid to dream of great things!</p>— Pope Francis (@Pontifex) <a href="https://twitter.com/Pontifex/status/327820869986570240">April 26, 2013</a></blockquote>
<script async src="//platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script></div>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138203514189930085.post-10965945580543878502013-04-13T09:22:00.001+08:002024-02-27T14:46:07.932+08:00Time for the Local Business Community to Work as One<div style="text-align: justify;">
<p>
Three ranking members of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) and their staff were in Virac last week to meet a select group of local business personalities. Their objective: to establish a local chamber of commerce and industry, something that has been missing in the growing economy of Catanduanes.
</p>
<iframe src="https://player.vimeo.com/video/62996246?title=0&byline=0" width="100%" height="360" frameborder="0" webkitAllowFullScreen mozallowfullscreen allowFullScreen></iframe>
<p>
At this time when the local economy, in the very words of Governor Joseph Cua, is taking off, there is a need for local businessmen to work as one with the government in fostering a healthier business environment and helping improve the viability of various businesses.
</p><p>
For years now, those who have established their own businesses have been content with counting their money, with nary a concern towards the issues of global competitiveness, high local taxes, and local laws that promote unfair competition. There was one group – the Virac Chamber of Commerce – that was organized by the Department of Trade and Industry provincial office but it has reportedly gone into hibernation. Its chairman still sits as the group’s observer in public biddings despite the fact that its membership has not met since election and it has not been recognized by nor registered with PCCI.
</p><p>
In their meeting with the local businessmen headed by Cua Group of Companies CEO Peter Cua, PCCI South Luzon vice president Eduardo Nicolas III and Metro Naga Chamber of Commerce and Industry president Clarine Tobias emphasized that out of the six provinces in the Bicol region, only Catanduanes has no representation in the PCCI.
</p><p>
The importance of a local chamber of commerce cannot be taken for granted. It is supposed to serve as a voice in the business community and as an independent forum for the development of a consensus on matters of national and local concern. Thus, it will perform an active role in helping shape the course of local and national events, share its expertise, and make known its position on matters affecting business and the economy. Such issues could include the predicted influx of big companies from outside the island as the province’s population and consumer base expands in the next few years along with its burgeoning opportunities especially in eco-tourism.
</p><p>
Certainly, it is high time for those running businesses in Catanduanes to realize that they cannot just rake in the money, the consuming public be damned. They, too, have a responsibility to help their fellow businessmen, especially those struggling to make profit, through wise advice based on their experience and in ensuring that there is a level playing field. This will not only help their respective companies and businesses prosper but also give back the public some payback through a vibrant economy and a business environment that favors all.
</p>
Catanduanes Tribune
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comVirac, Philippines13.5848627 124.206584413.3379422 123.8838609 13.8317832 124.52930789999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138203514189930085.post-90148544836449762812013-03-31T13:28:00.001+08:002024-03-13T13:26:55.189+08:00Skyjet Sets Maiden Flight to Catanduanes on April 16<div style="text-align: justify;">
<p>
LEGAZPI CITY, March 25 (PNA) -– Skyjet Airlines, a new player in the country’s aviation industry, will dispatch its maiden flight to Virac, Catanduanes, on April 16 to mark the beginning of its three-flight-a-week schedule in connecting the island province with Manila.
</p>
<iframe width="100%" height="345" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/xrcAnlYPFsc?si=5g4I7di6QnbfA7LZ" title="YouTube video player" frameborder="0" allow="accelerometer; autoplay; clipboard-write; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture; web-share" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<p>
Owned by Magnum Air, Inc., Skyjet will mount its 94-seater, four-engine British Aerospace 146-200 jet in servicing the route every Tuesday-Thursday-Saturday schedule, Joel Mendoza, the airline’s chief executive officer, said in a statement here on Monday.
</p><p>
The aircraft is specifically made for short landings and takeoffs and designed to operate even in unpaved runways.
</p><p>
This jet, Mendoza said, is quieter and can load up to 3,000 kilograms of cargo.
</p><p>
The fledgling airline, which now flies to Batanes and Busuanga, also allows seven kilos per hand-carried luggage and another 10 kilos free for accompanied cargo.
</p><p>
Servicing Catanduanes is part of the company’s trust to operate underserved and unserved destinations in the country with great tourism potentials, Mendoza said.
</p><p>
The island, separated from the mainland of Bicol by Maqueda Bay and sitting at the Pacific Ocean, is considered one of the promising eco-tourism areas in Bicol owing to its rich ecology and majestic coastal waters that offer exciting surfing and diving sites.
</p><p>
Cebu Pacific is so far the only airline operating the Manila-Virac route three times a week after Zest Airways pulled out, causing shortage in air travel services for tourists and other passengers.
</p><p>
With its flights to Virac, Skyjet is offering a special fare for Catanduanes residents to enable them to enjoy what Mendoza describes as “international flight service on a domestic carrier.”
</p><p>
He said tickets are now being sold on-line for its Tuesday-Thursday-Saturday schedule as a promotion until April 30, a cost that is significantly lower than the regular rate.
</p><p>
Catandunganons would have to book at ticket agents and present their proof of residency to enjoy the special, all-in fare of P3,000 complete with snacks, compared to the P6,000 price of one-way tickets sold by Cebu Pacific.
</p><p>
Skyjet will also reserve at least 10 seats on each flight for senior citizens, who, according to Mendoza, constitute majority of the present air commuters to and from Virac.
</p><p>
The airline executive also said the company will be bringing along travel writers and travel operators from Manila on its inaugural flight to Virac as “we want to promote the island as tourism site.”
</p><p>
Skyjet is also arranging with SM mall theaters in Manila for the showing of video materials of Catanduanes tourist destinations while promotional materials would likewise be placed in its flights to Batanes and Busuanga prior to the Virac flights.
</p>
The airline is also offering a special rate to local resort operators, who will be allowed to book complete tour packages to their potential clients.
<blockquote>
Tourists will be provided with hassle-free travel complete with tickets, room and board, and airport transfers,
</blockquote>
Mendoza said.
<p>
He noted a big demand for a full service carrier with affordable fares without sacrificing seating comfort, space, and enhanced meal, beverage, in-flight entertainment and full staff service.
</p>
<blockquote>
Our fares are competitive and offer no hidden charges, no additional charges for seats, free snacks for short haul trip, affordable rates and more cargo space. We focus on safety and our aircraft can operate in the most challenging runways and weather conditions in the Philippines as certified by the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines,
</blockquote>
Mendoza said.
<p>
The airline has an initial fleet of two 94-seater, four-engine BAE 146-200 jets and another aircraft is expected to arrive soon to charter passengers from Batanes to Kaoshiung, Taiwan and vice versa, he added. (<a href="http://pnabicol.blogspot.com/2013/03/skyjet-sets-maiden-flight-to.html" target="_new">PNA</a>) LAM/FGS/DOC/CBD/
</p>
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comVirac, Philippines13.5848627 124.206584413.3379422 123.8838609 13.8317832 124.52930789999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138203514189930085.post-70294308369269403732013-03-26T11:41:00.001+08:002024-03-01T07:42:23.144+08:00NPC to Energize Catanduanes’ Tourism Island of Palumbanes<div style="text-align: justify;">
<p>
CARAMORAN, Catanduanes, March 25 (PNA) -- Wooden poles interconnected by electricity lines now stand around the small community occupying Palumbanes Island, the fishing paradise that is emerging as a favorite tourist destination for its diving site gifted with rich marine life.
</p>
<iframe width="100%" height="345" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/MKBFgC_ymoY?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<p>
Through this installation put in place by the First Catanduanes Electric Cooperative (Ficelco), the island and the 249 households comprising Barangay Toytoy that covers the area will be provided with electricity to be produced by a 200-kilowatt diesel-fired generator set which the National Power Corporation (NPC) will deliver soon.
</p><p>
Mayor Agnes Popa said here Saturday that a contractor of the NPC is set to begin this week the installation of the generator set and a 30-kVA power transformer that is expected to be completed in six months.
</p>
This means that by August, Palumbanes will already be enjoying reliable power supply which would light up the island and the houses at least for six hours between six in the evening until midnight daily.
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
This will put an end to its people’s long quest for power which they never enjoyed since electricity was first introduced in the province decades back,
</blockquote>
Popa said.
<p>
The energization of Palumbanes, according to the NPC, is under the agency’s Off-Grid Electrification Project costing over P6.5 million implemented under its missionary electrification program.
</p><p>
The power supply in these off-grid areas is supplied by Napocor's Small Power Utilities Group (SPUG) whose rates are subsidized by consumers.
</p>
The electricity, according to the mayor, will be sold to residents of Palumbanes at a rate that is about 80 centavos cheaper than what is charged on the bulk of the power cooperative’s 45,000 customers on the main island.
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
This will be a big boost to our tourism industry,
</blockquote>
<p>
she said, describing Palumbanes Island, an about 50-hectare landmass here, as surrounded by a body of water that is considered a fishing paradise and diving site.
</p>
<iframe src="https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m14!1m12!1m3!1d27297.75649914609!2d124.0413522246176!3d14.02522611170848!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!5e1!3m2!1sen!2sph!4v1455529480398" width="100%" height="400" frameborder="0" style="border:0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<p>
White sand beaches that attract excursionists and tourists ring the island that could be reached through a 30-minute boat ride from the mini port of this third class municipality located in the northern part of Catanduanes, about 87 kilometers from Virac, the provincial capital.
</p><p>
The white beaches and clean sea water of Palumbanes and the Awinis and Carinhongo Falls located in Barangays Tubli and Tucao, respectively, are tourist attractions in the municipality whose land area of over 252 square kilometers is the largest in the province.
</p>
LAM/FGS/DOC/CBD/ABB
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comPalumbanes Island, Philippines14.026017540635412 124.0425109863281213.964396540635411 123.96182998632813 14.087638540635412 124.12319198632812tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138203514189930085.post-46514849778141436822013-03-15T17:19:00.001+08:002024-03-01T07:42:36.029+08:00New Bicol Tourism Development Cluster Now Includes Catanduanes <div style="text-align: justify;">
<p>
LEGAZPI CITY, March 15 (PNA) -- The South Bicol Tourism Development Area (TDA) headed by Albay Governor Joey Sarte Salceda has included the island province of Catanduanes in the Albay-Masbate-Sorsogon (ALMASOR) cluster.
</p>
<iframe width="100%" height="345" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WwGqi1vfChU?rel=0&controls=0&showinfo=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
<p>
“I believe we have made a strong case for the inclusion of Catanduanes in the South Bicol TDA, more popularly known locally and globally as ALMASOR, the rising star of Philippine tourism,” Salceda, concurrently the Bicol Regional Development Council (RDC) chair, said Thursday.
</p><p>
Historically, Albay, Sorsogon, Masbate and Catanduanes belong to one administrative unit or province and this is one of the basis for the inclusion of the latter to the cluster, Salceda explained.
</p><p>
Another basis, he said, is that it is socio-culturally given that Catanduanes has shared deeper and more long-standing linkages with Albay, including intermarriages or interrelationships.
</p><p>
As of now, the principal trade and passenger flows of Catanduanes is with Albay, with its port in Tabaco City.
</p><p>
These relationships further spice up the synergies and boost the structural attractions of the South Bicol TDA as Catanduanes has for itself the majestic Puraran surfing ground, exotic beachfronts and old churches like Bato and Batalay, Salceda said.
</p><p>
“I understand that the Department of Tourism (DOT) agrees with our position in principle and the tourism merger will be operationalized through an RDC resolution and a revision of the DOT work program,” he added.
</p><p>
From ALMASOR, the new brand name of the South Bicol TDA will be consulted with the leaders of the four provinces under this new alliance and with the inputs of ad agencies.
</p><p>
Catanduanes was earlier included in the first alliance with the provinces of Camarines Sur and Camarines Norte called the Catanduanes-Camarines Sur-Camarines Norte Tourism Link (CCTL) being complemented by the ALMASOR.
</p><p>
These two alliances form the tourism road map for the entire region, conceptualized to achieve development not only in mainland but also in its two island provinces—Catanduanes and Masbate.
</p>
This calls for a more integrated and comprehensive promotion strategy to market the potentials of the regional tourism industry, eyeing some 650,000 foreign tourist arrivals in the area annually within five years. (PNA) FPV/FGS/CBD/EBP
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comCatanduanes, Philippines13.7088684 124.242159712.7220524 122.9512662 14.6956844 125.5330532tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138203514189930085.post-62275194959376888142013-02-16T10:53:00.003+08:002024-03-01T07:42:46.219+08:00WHO Pledges Help vs Endemic Cholera Problem in Catanduanes<div style="text-align: justify;">
<p>
LEGAZPI CITY, Feb. 15 (PNA) -– The World Health Organization (WHO) has vowed to help address the cholera problem in Catanduanes which the Department of Health (DOH) considers as already endemic in that island province of Bicol.
</p>
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<p>
Endemic means there is usually a number of cases in any given month that are attributed to the absence of established source of safe water distribution system, the DOH explained.
</p><p>
Local residents, particularly those in rural villages, usually source their drinking water from deep wells that are prone to contamination from fecal material that, according to the DOH, develops Vibrio cholera, the bacteria that causes cholera.
</p><p>
The latest outbreak of the killer disease in the province was in the first half of last year which killed at least 14 people and hospitalized nearly 3,000 others.
</p><p>
The same occurrence also killed eight and hospitalized over 1,000 other people in 2011.
</p><p>
WHO will help the province in addressing the problem based on the specific needs of local government units (LGUs) but first, a refresher course for clinical physicians will be conducted for early diagnosis, recognition and treatment of diarrhea and cholera cases, particularly with provision of technical expertise from other countries where cholera is also endemic.
</p><p>
This was according to Dr. Nerisse Dominguez, the WHO representative who joined a DOH team headed by Health Undersecretary Enrique Tayag that conducted a four-day post-cholera assessment mission in Catanduanes last week.
</p><p>
During their presence, Tayag announced that “there is no more cholera outbreak in the province, but the possibility remains that it would occur again, especially in six of its 11 towns where sources of drinking water were found to be unsanitary and toilets are inadequate.”
</p><p>
In a statement reaching here over the week, Dominguez said WHO would consider implementing in Catanduanes its water safety plan (WSP), a concept introduced in the Philippines in 2006 and included in the 2007 Philippine National Standards for Drinking Water.
</p>
<iframe width="100%" height="450" frameborder="0" scrolling="no" marginheight="0" marginwidth="0" src="https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ctz=-480&ie=UTF8&t=p&source=embed&hl=en&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=200442287490468052935.0004a876102b336fe5eff&start=800&num=200&ll=13.810076,124.236145&spn=0.533435,0.583649&z=10&output=embed"></iframe><br /><small>View <a href="https://maps.google.com/maps/ms?ctz=-480&ie=UTF8&t=p&source=embed&hl=en&oe=UTF8&msa=0&msid=200442287490468052935.0004a876102b336fe5eff&start=800&num=200&ll=13.810076,124.236145&spn=0.533435,0.583649&z=10" style="color:#0000FF;text-align:left" target="_new">Government and Public Hospitals in the Philippines</a> in a larger map</small>
<p>
A total of 190 water districts, out of total 831 in the country, have been trained on this approach and completed nine water safety plans, serving at least 15 million people, as well as drafted 15 WSPs.
</p><p>
And yet there is more than 6,000 water systems in the country, including those in Catanduanes, that need to know about this concept and make WSPs to ensure safe drinking water supply in their areas.
</p><p>
Selected areas in the country that experienced waterborne disease outbreaks form part of the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID)- assisted Phase 3 Project, from 2012 to 2016.
</p><p>
The project will develop WSP models for new types of water systems, according to Dominguez.
</p><p>
She said waterborne diseases still confront the country, despite high coverage of water supply at 92 percent as identified causes of outbreaks are open defecation; unprotected water sources; uncontrolled disposal of animal wastes; non-chlorination of community-based systems; and inadequate water monitoring.
</p><p>
The use of WSPs will contribute in reducing the environmental risks of waterborne diseases, in order to minimize these disease outbreaks.
</p><p>
The risks will be clearly identified and addressed in developing and implementing the plans, she explained.
</p><p>
The WSP, according to Dominguez, is the most effective means of maintaining a safe supply of drinking water for the citizenry.
</p><p>
The plan analyzes the risks of contamination, from the water source to the consumer.
</p><p>
At any given point of risk, appropriate control measures are then put in place.
</p><p>
WHO's work with the Government of the Philippines from 2011 to 2016 is defined by the Country Cooperation Strategy (CCS) jointly developed by WHO and the DOH.
</p><p>
It contains the vision and priorities for WHO to support the Philippine Government in achieving universal health care goals of better health outcomes, sustained health financing and a responsive health system, Dominguez added.
</p><p>
During last week’s DOH team visit, Tayag told Catanduanes local government and health officials that cholera is now endemic in the province and would take some time to totally eliminate it through proper implementation of water sanitation and hygiene programs and projects, according to a report of the Catanduanes Tribune, a local newspaper.
</p><p>
The disease can only be addressed through the implementation of water chlorination and provision of safe and adequate water supply, better personal hygiene, early provision of Oresol to combat dehydration in stricken patients and the immediate hospitalization of those affected--especially children, pregnant women and the elderly, Tayag said, according to the local newspaper.
</p><p>
“LGUs easily forget what they have started,” Tayag was quoted as saying in the Tribune report as he said DOH wants to see what has been done by local governments so that the health department can see where it will step in. “We believe that good coordination between the provincial government and the DOH would serve as a model of cooperation against cholera.”
</p><p>
During a dialogue with the DOH team, Catanduanes local officials led by Gov. Joseph Cua said the province does not have enough fund and suggested to the mayors that their LGUs allocate a portion of their 20 percent Economic Development Fund for water system projects in villages in their respective towns that were hit by the cholera outbreak.
</p>
Mayor Jose Alberto III of Virac, the capital town, said his LGU has already allotted P500,000 for the construction of condominial toilets in 2012, plus another P1.5 million for the same project as well as water systems for the current year. (PNA) LAP/FGS/DOC/CBD/UTB
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comVirac, Philippines13.5848627 124.206584413.3379422 123.8838609 13.8317832 124.52930789999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138203514189930085.post-69671389337434234162013-02-14T08:08:00.003+08:002024-03-01T07:43:01.349+08:00Delay in Bicol Airport Project Hit<div style="text-align: justify;">
<p>
Four months after a bidding was held for the Bicol International Airport construction in Daraga, Albay, the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) has yet to award the contract for the project.
</p>
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<p>
Albay Gov. Joey Salceda said the airport project was three years behind and the province could not afford to wait any longer for the DOTC’s green light.
</p><p>
“Our airports, roads and ports are bursting at the seams because our tourist arrivals have grown by 24 percent the last four years,” said Salceda in a text message.
</p><p>
The DOTC bids and awards committee opened the bids submitted by two parties on Oct. 22 last year. The lower bid was for P718 million, or 20 percent under the DOTC’s floor price.
</p><p>
Bicolano Sen. Gregorio Honasan, in a phone interview, said delays in the airport and other infrastructure projects was one of the reasons “most people had not felt the 6.6-percent growth touted by the government.”
</p><p>
“This is just headline news. The government should not stop at crowing about rosy figures but make sure the positive economic figures trickle down to the majority of the people. It’s time we investigated the real cause of the delays in projects that had been given allocations by Congress years ago,” said Honasan.
</p><p>
Seven other Bicolano lawmakers led by Albay Rep. Al Francis Bichara, chairman of the House committee on foreign affairs, and Camarines Sur Rep. Salvio B. Fortuno, chairman of the committee on Bicol recovery and economic development, wrote Transportation Secretary Joseph E.A. Abaya expressing their concern over the holdup in awarding the contract for airside facilities (which are apart from the terminal facilities that would be bid out separately) and its impact on the P900-million project fund that was allocated two years ago.
</p><p>
“We ask the honorable secretary to intervene and ensure the immediate implementation of the project and to take advantage of the coming summer season which will make it conducive for construction work in the area,” said Bichara and Fortuno in their letter.
</p><p>
In a text message, Abaya said: “We are still in the procurement process. One bidder brought us to court. No one is scuttling the bid. Neither is there a favored contractor at the DOTC.”
</p>
Inquirer
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBicol International Airport, Airport Road, Daraga 4501, Philippines13.1124996 123.68322369999999-12.4095349 82.374629699999986 38.634534099999996 164.99181769999998tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138203514189930085.post-86306766295468851512013-01-30T20:38:00.002+08:002024-03-01T07:43:14.949+08:00CamSur Takes Lead in Wind Energy Development in Bicol<div style="text-align: justify;">
<p>
LEGAZPI CITY, Jan. 30 (PNA) -- There are various points across Bicol identified as perfect wind power resources, and the province of Camarines Sur is taking the lead to harness this natural power source.
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<p>
Camarines Sur Governor Luis Raymund Villafuerte over the week announced that works on the P5-billion wind energy farm had started with the construction of meteorological facilities at the project site in Libmanan town.
</p><p>
When completed and put into operation, the energy generation facility could produce at least 60 megawatts of electricity which would be more than enough to meet the province’s requirements reaching only more than 20 megawatts, the governor said.
</p><p>
The Department of Energy (DOE) last year awarded the franchise for the Bernacci Mountain Wind Power Project in Libmanan to Cornerstone Energy Development, Inc.
</p><p>
This development is hoped to earn a reputation for the province as the greenest in the country in terms of energy use and generation, Villafuerte said.
</p><p>
Earlier, the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL) of the U.S. Department of Energy identified through its wind mapping for Southeastern Luzon several points in Bicol that are ideal sites for utility-scale power applications.
</p>
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<small>Source: Department of Energy</small>
<p>
These sites are coastal areas that include several kilometers inland, as well as the plains south of San Miguel Bay in Camarines Sur, the plains west and south of this city and the coastal and interior plains from Prieto Diaz to Barcelona down westward to Casiguran towns in Sorsogon province.
</p><p>
A franchise for the development of the Prieto Diaz Wind Power Project was also awarded by the DOE last year to Coastal Power Development Corporation.
</p><p>
The NREL mapping also identified as the best wind resources in the coastal areas of Bicol are found at Gumaus Point in Camarines Norte and Quinabungan Point and the far eastern end of Camarines Sur at Rungus Point.
</p><p>
Good-to-excellent wind resources, a report on the mapping results of the NREL reaching here over the week said, also exist in the high interior areas of Mt. Labo in Camarines Norte; the mountains west of San Miguel Bay; Mt. Isarog and the east–west-oriented mountain chain from Buludan to Bitaogan in Camarines Sur, and the mountains in Albay and Sorsogon.
</p><p>
The wind resource on San Miguel Island, Cagraray Island, Batan Island, and Rapu Rapu Island in Albay are also rated moderate to good for rural power applications and marginal to moderate for utility-scale power applications.
</p><p>
The best resources are found on the higher terrains of Batan Island and Rapu Rapu Island, the report said.
</p><p>
In <a href="http://experiencecatanduanes.blogspot.com/2008/08/taming-howling-winds.html">Catanduanes</a>, the NREL report said, a moderate-to-good wind resource for rural power applications and marginal-to-moderate for utility-scale power applications exists along the north, east, and south coastal sections of the province.
</p><p>
The best coastal resources appear to be at Binorong Point and <a href="http://experiencecatanduanes.blogspot.com/2008/08/planned-windpark-in-baras-catanduanes.html">Nagumbuaya Point</a> in the southeast part of the island, and at Virac Point in the south.
</p><p>
A good-to-excellent wind resource exists on the higher terrain in the north-central part of the island, on the eastern side of the island west of Gigmoto town, at the southern end in the higher terrain north of Virac, and in the terrain east of Codon in the southwest part of the island, the report said.
</p><p>
In Masbate, which includes three separate islands—Burias, Ticao, and Masbate, the distribution of wind resource is very similar to other areas of the Philippines, according to the NREL.
</p><p>
For Burias Island, the north-, east- and south-facing coastal sections have, in general, a moderate-to-good wind resource for rural power applications and a marginal-to-moderate resource for utility-scale power applications.
</p><p>
The coastal and interior plains at the north end of the island and in the center have a similar resource.
</p><p>
A good-to-excellent resource for rural power applications is indicated at the far north end of the island and in the northwest.
</p><p>
Ticao Island, the NREL said, has a similar distribution of resources with a moderate-to-good wind resource for rural power applications and a marginal-to-moderate resource for utility-scale power applications along east-facing coastal sections.
</p><p>
However, the best wind resource is on the highest terrain in the northwest part of the island, but this only ranks as good for utility-scale applications.
</p><p>
Masbate mainland also has large areas classified as moderate to good for rural power applications and marginal to moderate for utility-scale power applications.
</p><p>
This includes all coastal sections and the plains in the southwestern and northwestern parts of the island.
</p><p>
A moderate-to-good resource exists at Cadurnan Point at the southern tip of the island, the high terrain northwest of Cataingan, and the high terrain directly south of the town of Masbate.
</p><p>
The best resource on the island is the high terrain directly west of Masbate and north of the municipality of Milagros, it added.
</p><p>
According to the regional office of the National Economic Development Authority here a 5-MW wind potential in Baleno, Masbate is considered under the Wind Investment Promotion Round with three other potential sites also presently being eyed in Donsol and Matnog, Sorsogon and Jovellar in Albay.
</p>
(PNA) PDS/FGS/DOC/CBD/ABB
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comLibmanan, Philippines13.69723 123.0581970000000613.4503685 122.73547350000007 13.944091499999999 123.38092050000006tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138203514189930085.post-77522431937835180192013-01-25T07:41:00.001+08:002024-02-27T14:49:31.174+08:00Gov't Pours in P6.6-B Worth of Infra Projects to Spur Bicol Economic Growth<div style="text-align: justify;">
<p>
LEGAZPI CITY, Jan. 23 (PNA) -- The Bicol region received about P6.6 billion funding this year for vital infrastructure projects that are expected to bolster the region’s economic growth, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said.
</p><p>
Danilo Dequito, DPWH regional director, said this year’s infrastructure funding is higher by 20 percent or P1.1 billion over last year’s P5.5 billion expenditures.
</p><p>
Dequito said the fresh funding came from the General Appropriation Act and some P5.3 billion will finance various projects by the different district engineering offices (DEOs) in the provinces of Bicol.
</p><p>
Camarines Sur gets P1.6 billion, followed by Albay with P1.0 billion; Camarines Norte, P922.5 million; Catanduanes, P681.6 million; Masbate, P524.2 million, and Sorsogon, P520.7 million.
</p><p>
Dequito said P1.3 billion worth of projects would be carried out by the regional office.
</p><p>
Asked why some projects are being implemented by the regional office but are supposed to be done by the agency’s district offices, Dequito explained that those are projects that go beyond the limit of authority granted to district offices.
</p><p>
District offices are only allowed to implement projects that do not exceed P150 million as per DPWH order issued by Secretary Rogelio Singson.
</p><p>
These regional office projects are: Camarines Sur-Albay Diversion Road or the San Fernando-Oas Section of the Pan-Philippine Highway (PPH), including bridges with an allocation of P300 million.
</p><p>
The 0pening of Bacon-Manito Road, P100 million; Bicol River Basin and Watershed Management Project (Flood Mitigation Component), P455 million; Legazpi City Urban Drainage Project, P300 million; and, Drainage/Protection Works along National Roads, P147 million.
</p><p>
“On top of these locally funded projects (LFPs) is P637 million worth of foreign- assisted projects for implementation in the provinces of Camarines Sur and Catanduanes which will be handled by our Central Office,” Dequito said.
</p><p>
Another P15 million was earmarked for the preliminary and detailed engineering activities of all these projects for implementation, the DPWH regional official said.
</p>
(PNA) LAP/FGS/MSA/CBD/ABB
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comBicol, Philippines13.337672 123.528007200000059.381412 118.36443320000005 17.293931999999998 128.69158120000006tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138203514189930085.post-79225480213920415042013-01-19T10:41:00.002+08:002024-03-01T07:43:28.916+08:00DENR: Nearly 1 Million Seedlings Planted on 1,212 Hectares in 2012<div style="text-align: justify;">
<p>
Nearly a million seedlings and mangrove propagules were planted on 1,212 hectares of forest and swamp land in the entire province in 2012, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) provincial and community officers in Catanduanes reported last week.
</p>
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<p>
PENRO officer-in-charge Joaquin Ed Guerrero and CENRO officer-in-charge Luvimindo Chioco disclosed that the timber, fruit tree and ornamental seedlings totaling 574,290 were planted on 1,160 hectares in the towns of San Andres, Virac, Viga, San Miguel, and Bato under contract with respective farmers associations while 338,888 mangrove propagules were planted in 72 hectares of swampland in Panganiban and San Andres. These were undertaken pursuant to the National Greening Program (NGP)’s plantation development project.
</p><p>
The timber and fruit tree seedlings consisted of Antipolo (88,888 pieces), Baligang (8,000), Dao (27,100), Gumihan (4,500), Jackfruit (2,220), Kupang (27,510), Marang (45,412), Narra (281,369), Cacao (5,740), Lipote (20,320), Mahogany (3,211), Saringkugon (1,600), Citrus (2,350), Pili (16,450), Bani (5,000), Camansi (300), Coffee (500), and Dipterocarps (14,280), while the ornamental trees planted along sides of roads included Thailand Shower (2,000), Fire Tree (3,000), Katuray (562) and Pangdan (13,438).
</p><p>
On the other hand, 250,000 mangrove propagules were planted by the Catanduanes Mangrove Planters Association, Inc. on 52 hectares in San Pedro, Panganiban while 88,888 were planted by the Samahang Pangkabuhayan ng Palawig on 20 hectares in Yocti, San Andres. The Palawig group likewise engaged in planting ornamentals in 50 hectares in Bato, San Miguel and Viga.
</p><p>
The other organizations and tenure holders which participated in the NGP planting contracts were the Mayngaway Upland Farmers Association, Inc. (330 hectares in Mayngaway), Buyo Upland Farmers Association, Inc. in Virac (330 hectares), Genitligan Upland Farmers Association, Inc. in Baras (47 hectares), P. Vera Upland Farmers Association, Inc. in Viga (117 hectares), and Samahang Magsasaka sa Maunlad na Lupa ng Progreso in San Miguel (266.10 hectares).
</p><p>
The farmers groups were already paid of their incentive of P1,000 per hectare, the DENR officials stated, to cover site preparation, hauling of seedlings, plantation establishment as well as maintenance and protection. Funds have been charged to the Maintenance and Other Operating Expended (MOOE) savings of the DENR, they added.
</p><p>
CENRO-OIC Chioco said further that the 2012 NGP accomplishment would be verified by a team of validators from DENR central and regional offices who would no longer climb the mountains to physically count the planted seedlings.
</p><p>
Instead, he bared, the validators would look at Samsung Galaxy tablets equipped with a GPS-enabled application that would show satellite images of the planting sites. Two of the gadgets are now being used by DENR foresters, with 10 more to be delivered.
</p>
Catanduanes Tribune
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comVirac, Philippines13.5848627 124.206584413.337941200000001 123.8838609 13.8317842 124.52930789999999tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138203514189930085.post-69085744730521209162013-01-09T11:31:00.001+08:002024-03-01T07:43:42.002+08:00Magayon Festival 2013 to Feature Albay-Masbate-Sorsogon Scenic Tourist Spots <div style="text-align: justify;">
<p>
LEGAZPI CITY, Jan. 9 (PNA) -- The Provincial Government of Albay plans to feature different scenic tourist spots in the provinces of Albay, Masbate and Sorsogon (Almasor) during the month-long Magayon Festival 2013 in April.
</p>
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<p>
Albay Governor Joey Salceda, also Bicol Regional Development Council (RDC) chair, announced that the Magayon Festival 2013 will no longer be limited to promoting Albay’s tourism pride and products.
</p><p>
“This year’s festival will also help boost the tourism industry of the neighboring provinces of Masbate and Sorsogon,” he said.
</p><p>
Last year, as RDC chair, Salceda initiated the Almasor tourism area.
</p><p>
He said that tour packages will be offered to both domestic and foreign tourists during the Magayon Festival.
</p><p>
The visitors may opt to start their adventure in Albay from Lignon Hill to Cagsawa Ruin, Daraga Church, Mayon Skyline Observatory, Mayon Volcano lava and all-trail-vehicle adventure, and end up buying Albay’s best souvenir products.
</p><p>
The second leg of the tourism adventure is the “butanding” (whale shark) interaction in Donsol and watching the Matnog eco-aqua/fish sanctuary, both in Sorsogon province.
</p><p>
From Sorsogon, another extreme discovery adventure is to experience snorkeling and manta rays interaction in the island province of Masbate.
</p><p>
Manta ray, locally called “pasa-pasa,” is a gentle creature in the underwater world that abounds in the "manta bowl" off San Jacinto island in Masbate.
</p><p>
In the mid-water reefs of Sitio Tacdo, Barangay Bagahanglad is a wide "playground" of giant manta rays.
</p><p>
With the scientific name Manta birsotris, these gentle giants of the deep have been commonly seen by scuba divers and coastal dwellers.
</p><p>
Salceda also said that after their exciting journey in the provinces of Masbate and Sorsogon, tourists can then enjoy Magayon Festival’s other features like cultural events, sports and trade fair exhibits.
</p><p>
“It is one way of enriching the culture of the Albayanos as well as providing venue for the promotion of their products,” he said.
</p><p>
The main focus of the celebration is the reenactment of the tragic love story of Daragang Magayon and Panganoron whose death, according to a legend, gave birth to the beautiful Mayon Volcano. (PNA)
</p>
FPV/FGS/MDR/CBD/EBP
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comLegazpi City, Albay, Philippines13.1390621 123.7437995000000212.8916366 123.42107600000003 13.3864876 124.06652300000002tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138203514189930085.post-38897451084512255532013-01-07T16:59:00.001+08:002024-03-01T07:43:51.929+08:00BFAR, Catanduanes School Join Hands in Fish Hatchery Project<div style="text-align: justify;">LEGAZPI CITY, Jan. 7 (PNA) -- The Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) is working with the Catanduanes State University (CSU) in the operation of a fish hatchery facility designed to help the province of Catanduanes improve the performance of its fishery industry.
<br><br>
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<p>
The hatchery is now functioning as a modern facility for aquaculture, stock enhancement and genetic conservation through trapping of adult and spawning fishes, crabs, shrimps and mollusks.
</p><p>
It features ponds and tanks for egg and fry incubation and rearing juveniles before releasing them to their natural habitat in mangrove areas where stocks are assessed based on their function for ecosystem conservation services.
</p><p>
Presently being reared in the hatchery are portunid crabs, siganids or rabbitfishes, epinephelids or groupers, cichlid fish (<i>tilapia</i>) and tiger prawn and shrimps.
</p><p>
The hatchery will add bivalve and gastropod molluscs to its current stocks this year, BFAR regional director Dennis Del Socorro said here over the weekend.
</p><p>
Del Socorro hailed the CSU administration for coming up with the project, which the BFAR has provided with funding and technical support.
</p><p>
He cited the CSU academic community as a key partner in research for fishery development in the island province that is very vital in helping the marginalized local fishing community.
</p><p>
Funded under the Philippine National Aquasilviculture Program of the BFAR and the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), the fish hatchery involves a main facility at the mangrove area in Barangay Palnab, Virac, Catanduanes and a fish breeding laboratory at the CSU main campus, also in Virac.
</p><p>
There are also brackish water ponds and mangrove forest stands at the university’s extension campus in Panganiban, Catanduanes.
</p><p>
Dr. Minerva Morales, the CSU president, said in a statement published by Catanduanes Tribune over the weekend that the university’s partnership with the BFAR would not only improve the catch of local fishermen but also provide an alternative source of income for the school in supporting its laboratory facilities now being used by its BS Biology students.
</p><p>
“We may offer again a course in Bachelor of Science in Fisheries,” the Tribune quoted Morales as saying, adding that her administration would propose more facilities in the hatchery in pursuit of its development as an eco-tourism site.
</p><p>
In a separate statement, Rep. Cesar Sarmiento of the province’s lone congressional district said he is providing CSU a funding of P.5 million this year for the rehabilitation of an existing building to serve as hatchery facility in the school’s recently launched Catanduanes Marine Multi-Species Fish Hatchery in Barangay Palnab del Sur, Virac.
</p>
Sarmiento said brighter days are ahead for the province with the establishment of the hatchery as he challenged the CSU administration to do justice to the island’s preferred tag as the crab capital of the Philippines. (PNA) PDS/FGS/DOC/CBD/SSC
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comCatanduanes State Colleges, Virac 4800, Philippines13.5837355 124.2106479999999913.5760185 124.20056299999999 13.591452499999999 124.220733tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138203514189930085.post-60734172742243573232012-12-27T06:01:00.001+08:002024-02-27T14:50:44.231+08:00Agri Dept. to Raise Bicol Output for Nat'l Rice Production<div style="text-align: justify;">
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The Department of Agriculture on Wednesday said it is focusing on the Bicol region to make a significant contribution to national rice production by putting in place organic farming that capitalizes on drought-tolerant varieties.
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The region's upland rice varieties are being developed for the market because of their potential for higher grain output and tolerance to drought — vital traits amid the threats from climate change. These include the cultivars <i>Palawan</i>, <i>Gayang-gang</i> white, and <i>Kinaraba</i>.
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Upland rice varieties have an average yield of 1 to 2 metric tons per hectare, but selected Bicol varieties have exceeded the yield average, according to the Agriculture Department.
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The region used to account for 20 percent of national rice output.
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Citing an International Rice Research Institute report, the Bureau of Agricultural Research noted that 63,699 hectares of upland areas in Bicol were devoted to rice production in the 1960s.
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The numbers dropped to 53,480 in the 1970s.
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The land is still there and can be revived now with a proper climate change program in place, the department said.
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“Our development of upland rice is very timely as these varieties have the potential to withstand higher temperatures and less water supply... What we really need amid the threatening climate change,” said Agricultural Research Bureau director Nicomedes P. Eleazar.
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The project will focus on using upland organic farming in the river basin towns of Baao and Nabua in Camarines Sur, with a profitability target of 20 percent above prevailing incomes in the covered uplands.
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To achieve this profitability level, the program is encouraging the method of intercropping upland rice with vegetables, or legumes such as peanuts.
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The return on investment from intercropping a row of upland rice with two rows of peanuts was 34.64 percent, better than sole rice cropping, according to Bicolandia Greenfields Development Organization Inc., a project partner in the program.
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“The crops will act as live mulch in between the rows of upland rice. This will prevent weed infestation… Expenses for labor on weeding can also be saved by adapting the technology,” Bicolandia Greenfields added.
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— VS, GMA News
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comCamarines Sur, Philippines13.5250197 123.3486146999999812.5377037 122.05772119999999 14.5123357 124.63950819999998tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138203514189930085.post-2311390299640891402012-12-17T12:49:00.001+08:002024-03-01T07:44:07.864+08:00SEAFDEC Opens Gates to Mud Crab Domestication<div style="text-align: justify;">
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TIGBAUAN, Iloilo – The complete life cycle of the mud crab is now documented, opening the gates for its domestication.
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That’s big time: next to China, the Philippines is the world’s second largest mud crab producer; it harvested 14,437 metric tons of mud crabs from aquaculture in 2010.
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“The study on the domestication of mud crab is the first ever reported in the Indo-west Pacific region,” said Dr. Emilia T. Quinitio, Scientist and Head of the Technology Verification and Demonstration Division of the Southeast Asian Fisheries Development Center’s Aquaculture Department (SEAFDEC/AQD). “The initial results would serve as guide to understand and eliminate the barriers to mud crab domestication.”
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“The breeding technology will support the production of good-quality seedstock for farming and eventually lessen the dependence on wild stock,” she said in an interview.
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“Genetic selection for desirable traits focusing on fast growth and better reproductive performance will be done while maintaining the healthy status of the stock and genetic diversity in succeeding generations,” Quinitio told Malaya Business Insight.
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For her research on the domestication of the mud crab (<i>Scyllla serrata</i>), Dr. Quinitio received the 2011 Department of Science and Technology-Elvira O. Tan Memorial Award for Best Published Paper in Aquaculture and Inland Fisheries.
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SEAFDEC/AQD has actually closed the life cycle of three of the country’s mud crabs: <i>S. serrata</i>, <i>S. tranquebarica</i> and <i>S. olivacea</i>.
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The <i>S. serrata</i> – or the mud crab locally known as <i>alimango</i>, <i>bulik</i>, <i>banhawan</i> and <i>kinis</i> – is now a good candidate for domestication. This is because its life cycle can be completed within a year and its seed production in the hatchery and nursery has reached the commercial level.
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<i>S. serrata</i> is the preferred species for farming by crab growers because it is larger and less aggressive than the other two species. It is sourced from the estuaries along the country’s Pacific Ocean side: Cagayan, Catanduanes and other parts of Bicol, Samar and Surigao.
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The most widely distributed species in the Indo-west Pacific region, <i>S. serrata</i> is found in estuaries and sheltered coasts and in soft muddy bottoms where it digs deep burrows.
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Courtship and mating occur in estuaries, then the mature <i>S. serrata</i> migrates up to 50 kilometers offshore to spawn (the three other species prefer less saline water). It may spawn any time in a year, producing from 1 million to 6 million eggs in a single spawning.
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A crab muolts several times before it matures fully. A male grows up to 3 kilograms; a female has dark orange ovaries that fill the cavity under the carapace and which is much valued in Philippine cuisine.
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“Although the technology for the hatchery, nursery and grow-out has been developed, there remains a need to integrate all stages of production to develop a complete and reliable technology that can be used for the production of quality broodstock and seedstock” Quinitio said.
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Successful implementation of the breeding program requires a network of facilities. Broodstock for hatcheries, for example, are currently sourced from crab trading centers or directly from commercial ponds.
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S. serrata produces an average of 2 million larvae per hatching. A survival rate of 3 percent translates to 60,000 crab instar (<1 centimeters). Several hatchery runs can be undertaken in a year. Due to the cannibalistic behavior of crabs, much space is required for the nursery and grow-out phase.
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Mud crabs from the wild are mostly depleted because they are overharvested even when they are smaller than 3 centimeters, Quinitio said.
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Several municipalities in major collection sites have issued ordinances banning the collection and transport of crablets less than 3 cm in size. In recent years, overexploitation and habitat degradation have reduced the quantity and the mean size of crabs caught. The key is to conserve what remains of crabs in the wild.
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“Conservation of the natural population of crabs is thus essential to sustain the industry,” Quinitio said. “Another solution is to source the crablets from the hatcheries using SEAFDEC technology.”
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With only slight modifications, shrimp hatcheries can be utilized for rearing mud crabs.
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To increase the availability of seedstocks for farming, the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has approved a joint proposal of SEAFDEC/AQD and the University of the Philippines Visayas for a national mud crab science and technology program.
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The goal is to establish mud crab hatcheries and nurseries and maintain or improve the country’s status as the world’s second largest producer of mud crabs.
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“Mud crab R&D will be a major activity for AQD especially that it is the lead agency for the DOST’s National Mud Crab R&D Program starting this year,” said Dr. Felix Ayson, head of SEAFDEC AQD.
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“Our mud crab activity will also be in support of the national program of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources on mangrove rehabilitation. In this particular program, mud crab is one of the commodities that they plan to introduce in the mangrove areas. As such, we should be ready with the appropriate technologies for mud crabs.”
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Source: Malaya
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comTigbauan, Philippines10.7166667 122.383333310.5918532 122.2219718 10.8414802 122.5446948tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2138203514189930085.post-28410255236124094182012-12-13T10:19:00.001+08:002024-02-27T14:51:18.306+08:00Boom in Philippines Cruise Tourism<div style="text-align: justify;">
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The Philippines is getting a share of cruise passenger traffic, largely due to the global interest in Southeast Asia as the newest cruise destination. The Department of Tourism (DOT) is bullish on cruise tourism, as visiting international cruise liners contribute significantly to foreign tourist arrivals. The latest to make its inaugural call at Philippine ports on October 26-27, 2012, was the Florida-based Royal Caribbean’s Legend of the Seas, with 2,500 tourists onboard the vessel. The cruise tourists toured Manila’s famous spots and explored the white powdery beaches of Boracay island.
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Cruise lines that regularly stop in Manila as part of their tour package include the P&O Cruises’ Oriana, Regent Seven Seas Voyager, Silversea’s Silver Spirit, and Swan Hellenic’s MV Minerva. More cruise ships are scheduled to make Philippine port calls in 2013. Part of government’s cruise tourism roadmap is to create tour packages showcasing magnificent attractions and amenities under “It’s More Fun in the Philippines” brand campaign.
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But cruise tourism is not only about arrivals, but also involves developing and upgrading of ports, terminals, and facilities to meet international cruise shipping standards, as well as cooperating and networking with regional and international cruise operators to include the Philippines in Southeast Asian itineraries. With the building and repair of major sea and jetty ports and harbors, the government sees more international cruise liners to arrive in the Philippines. The DOT and Philippine Ports Authority are partnering to prepare ports in tourism gateways such as Davao, Bohol, Boracay, Cebu, Metro Manila, Puerto Princesa, Subic and Zamboanga, that form part of major nautical cruise arteries.
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The DOT unveiled on October 4, 2012 during the Pacific Asia Travel Association Travel Mart 2012 its National Tourism Development Plan (NTDP), which seeks to achieve 10 million international visitor arrivals, employ 6.8 million workers in the tourism sector, and generate R1.9 trillion in tourism receipts by 2016.
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<script type="text/javascript" src="https://ssl.gstatic.com/trends_nrtr/1087_RC03/embed_loader.js"></script> <script type="text/javascript"> trends.embed.renderExploreWidget("GEO_MAP", {"comparisonItem":[{"keyword":"Southeast Asia","geo":"","time":"today 12-m"}],"category":0,"property":""}, {"exploreQuery":"q=Southeast%20Asia&date=today 12-m","guestPath":"https://trends.google.com:443/trends/embed/"}); </script>
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We congratulate the Department of Tourism led by Hon. Secretary Ramon R. Jimenez Jr. and Philippine Ports Authority General Manager Atty. Juan C. Sta. Ana, in their partnership to spur the growth of cruise tourism in the Philippines. CONGRATULATIONS AND MABUHAY!
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Source: Manila Bulletin
</div>Unknownnoreply@blogger.comManila, Philippines14.5995124 120.984219514.5380484 120.9052555 14.660976400000001 121.0631835