by Manny P. Solis
LEGAZPI CITY -- At least 15,000 people from various sectors joined the foot parade and rally against drug abuse here on Friday afternoon in observance of the Drug Abuse and Control Week, prompting City Mayor Noel Rosal to declare the residents of the city are up against drugs.
“This is a clear testimony that Legazpeňos are ready to fight and crack down on drug addiction in the community and make this city a drug-free locality,” he said.
Rosal was joined by Vice Mayor Vitorrio Roces and other city officials led the activity which had for its theme “A message of Hope: Drug use disorders are preventable and treatable. No to Marijuana Legalization.”
The participants included barangay officials, students from different schools and universities, police and military personnel, city government officials and employees, personnel of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency, non-government organizations, government agencies, senior citizens and women, among others.
The four-kilometer march started at the city’s downtown area in Barangay Rizal and ended at the Penaranda Park in Old Albay District.
The Drug and Prevention and Control Week is an annual activity of the city administration as part of the support to the enforcement of anti-drug abuse policies, programs and projects of the national government to keep away the people, especially the youth and minors, from the dangerous effects of illegal drugs.
Rosal expressed gratitude for the huge turnout of participants, saying, it was the biggest attendance so far in the history of the city.
He said the grand rally would serve as an information tool to the public and make them more aware of the ill effects of illegal drugs to the society and to the health of the people.
The city chief executive urged all officers and members of the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Councils (BADACs) of the 70 villages of this city to strictly enforce the city’s curfew ordinance and closely monitor youth activities in their respective areas.
15,000 join anti-drug abuse rally in Legazpi
Bicol LGUs honored in Corn Congress
CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Bicol local government unit agriculturists were cited during the 10th Philippine National Corn Congress. held in Cagayan de Oro City, Limketkai Center on November 19 to 21, 2014.
Baao, Naga City, Tigaon, Ligao City and Calabanga received project grants worth P1M each plus trophy.
The municipal /city agriculturists of said LGUs except Tigaon were also awarded and received cash prize of P30,000 each. These include Ramon Bitao of Baao who topped the list of winners under this category, Ma. Edna B. Bongalonta of Naga city, Cesar D. Sodsod of Ligao city and Gil Gabriel H. Bordado III of Calabanga. Lea M. Beltran and Menandro U. Calingacion of Naga city were awarded as municipal/city coordinators and received P25,000 each and trophy.
The Corn Congress was attended by Department of Agriculture top officials led by Undersecretary for Operations Atty. Emerson U. Palad; Undersecretary for Administration and Finance Antonio A. Fleta; Assistant secretary for Field Operations and National Rice and Corn Program Coordinator, Edilberto M. de Luna; Assistant secretary for Finance Ophelia P. Agawin and DA Reg. 10 regional executive director, Lealyn A. Ramos and PhilMaize president, Roger V. Navarro attended the event.
It was convened by the Philippine Maize Federation, the Department of Agriculture Field Offi ce No.5, the city government of Cagayan de Oro and the province of Misamis Oriental. It gathered the corn industry players and stakeholders: the corn farmers, business group, agri-input suppliers, representatives from the government, private sector and academe.
Seventeen (17) Bicolano corn technicians were also awarded P20,000 cash prize each and trophy. They are: Jonafel Taduran, Elena N.Salvamante, Marly Corporal, Carlos Samar, Lourdes Ibarbia, Noel G. Manaog, Amelita O. Palacio, Dely B. Nocos, Elsa N. Bonagua, Magdalena P. Pobocan, Santiago B. Enrique, Victor B. Cortez, Felicisima M. Obiasca, Joshua T. Ipo, Teresita A. Barce, Lilibeth O. Patoc and Benedicto C. Heraldo.
Legacion joins Bikol Bible Centennial Anniversary
by Paul John F. Barrosa
NAGA CITY --- Vice Mayor Nelson S. Legacion of this city received copies of the Bible, written in Bikol, from the Philippine Bible Society in view of the centennial celebration of the translation of the Holy Bible into the dialect of this region and the 115th Foundation Anniversary of PBS as a bible society.
Legacion said the Bibles, given to him on Nov. 26 at the Universidad de Sta. Isabel Auditorium will “serve as the inspiration as well as the reason” why Naga shall continue to strive to make the best better.
“All the systems we have established in the city for the empowerment and in volvement of our constituencies in charting the city’s future are all anchored on the principles of discipleship and servant-leadership shared by Jesus Christ,” Legacion said.
In his speech, the vice mayor thanked the members of the Philippine Bible Society for being reliable partners of the city government in its programs on good and principled governance.
“It is refreshing to have someone as your organization to… remind us about the value of reading again and again the Bible to strengthen further our foundation. Naga, as seen in our practice, is in one with the Philippine Bible Society in dreaming of A Transformed Philippines Through God’s Word,” he said.
Aside from Legacion, prominent personalities like former Chief Justice Reynato Puno, Most Reverend Rolando Tria-Tirona, Archbishop of Caceres, and Most Reverend Arturo Bastes, Archbishop of Sorsogon, also attended the event.
UNEP gets PACUCOA nod for 5 consecutive years
IRIGA CITY --- For five years in a row, the University of Northeastern Philippines (UNEP) has maintained its stature as an Institution with the highest number of accredited programs in Region V. This is for religiously maintaining their quality of education based on the standards set by the Philippine Association of Colleges and Universities Commission on Accreditation or PACUCOA.
UNEP President Atty. Remelisa Alfelor-Moraleda received the good news early this November. She was also invited to receive the award and grace PACUCOA’s 41st Founding Anniversary celebration slated on December 4 at Solaire Resorts and Casino, Aseana Avenue, Paranaque City, Metro Manila. The event also coincides with PACUCOA’s 25th Annual General Assembly.
The honor given to the university only speaks of its unceasing desire to excel in their field of endeavor and continuously improve on their craft. UNEP has gained the nod of the members of PACUCOA Awards Committee for five consecutive years for their compliance of their set rules and standards.
The honor is indeed given to learning institutions that deserve the said accolade.
PACUCOA’s Awards Committee is headed by Jaime M. Buzar M.D.
UNEP sees to it that they are consistently raising their academic structure, including a constant review of their educational philosophy, curriculum offerings and programs year after year. This is to ensure that students are given opportunity to level up their learning and be at par with the standards set by the university itself and by PACUCOA.
They continuously pursue their core values which include love of God and Professionalism, Accountability, commitment, unity, care, outcomes orientation and agility.
UNEP’s banner programs which were accredited by PACUCOA includes Liberal Arts, Bachelor of Elementary Education, Bachelor of Secondary Education, Business Administration, High School, Hotel and Restaurant Management, Nursing, Criminology, Master of Public Administration, Master of Business Administration, Master of Arts in Education, and Doctor of Education.
Currently, program which are still under Candidate status include Architecture, Elementary and Doctor of Public Administration.
PACUCOA is an organization that pursues high standards of excellence, particularly in providing timely accreditation to deserving educational institutions. Their group is composed of highly-professional individuals who excel in their respective fields of endeavors, making the organization more legitimate and credible.
PACUCOA also see to it that they keep their association abreast of the new forms of learning. It has developed new outcomes-based self-survey instruments for various courses like Fine Arts, Industrial Design, Interior Design, BS Social Work, MS Social Work, Animation, BS Library and Information Science, MS Library and Information Science, Elementary, Junior and Senior High School.
It has also enhanced its survey instrument for Hotel and Restaurant Management, Tourism, Food Technology and Nutrition and Dietetics.
Phl Eagles welcome back 2009 Nat'l prexy Kuya Vic S. Avila to its wings
The Fraternal Order of Eagles (Philippine Eagles) headed by its Founder and National Charter President Kuya NIlo Raymundo, 2013-2014 National President and Kuya Sultan Sainoden “Enoy” Alonto Balindong represented by Kuya Ferdie Bernasor-2014 Congress Chairman, Kuya Gilbert Gille, 2007 National President and Kuya Jojo Longcob, 2008 & 2010 National President welcomed back Kuya Vic S. Avila to the Fraternal Order of Eagles after 5 long years of hibernation from the group due to hectic activities in Bicol Region.
The affair was faciliated during the sentimental visit to Cagayan de Oro City hosted by 2009 National Treasurer Kuya Lino Chan & Family who personally took care of their trip, itinerary and accommodations, which coincided with the 33rd National Congress of the Fraternal Order of Eagles held in Grand Caprice Hotel, Cagayan de Oro City.
He was awarded a plaque and trophy by the National President and National Congress Chairman in recognition of his performance during his term as National President in 2009, and for living up to the ideals of the organization.
Cayetano, Marcos in Reg'l Youth Entrep Congress
Senator Alan Peter Cayetano is the keynote speaker of, while Senator Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. will address, the First Regional Youth Entrepreneurship Congress at the CamSur Convention Center in Pili, Camarines Sur on December 5-6, 2014.
The congress has the theme: “Laying down the building blocks of tomorrow’s economy, today” and is presented by the Camarines Sur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CSCCI) in partnership with Gov. Luis Miguel “Migz” Villafuerte, the Province of Camarines Sur, the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI), the Department of Tourism (DoT), the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), the Junior Chamber International (JCI) and the GMA Network and sponsored by NGO & Sons, Vast, Excelsure, LYRR Deca Homes, Chef Mama, Caramel, Philippine Island Resort, Prime Digital Print Center, the Province of Camarines Norte, AI, the University of Saint Anthony, Innoserve, Regal Plaza Hotel, Most Reliable Metal Industry, Bank of the Philippine Island, MetroBank, Lucky 9, Avenue Plaza Hotel, Kimstore, Board Member of the third district of Camarines Sur Son “SJ”
Julia, and Desny Grill.
The main activities of the congress include plenary ses sions, workshops, a fellowship night --- since the congress is for the youth --- and trade fair and exhibits.
On the first day, to wel come the delegates, guests and participating organizations to the congress is Camarines Sur Chamber of Commerce and Industry President Engr. Solomon C. Ngo while to acknowledge the participants and to give the overview of the congress is Congress Director Mr. Raymond L. Concepcion. Likewise, to address the congress are: Camarines Sur Governor Miguel Luis R. Villafuerte, PCCI South Luzon Area Vice President Mr. Eduardo R. Nicolas. In the afternoon of the first day of the congress, plenary sessions will feature speakers on IT Solutions and Digital Marketing and on Entertainment and INDE Film Making Production. These speakers are: Mr. Jordan Imutan, Executive Director of iAcademy’s School of Continuing Education, on IT Industry and e-Learning; Ms. Penny Bongato, the Executive Director of IT & Business Process Association, on IT Solutions and Business Process; Mr. Stephen Jagger, Co-Founder of Business Development, Payroll Hero, on Techno-preneurship; Mr. Alvin Kingson Tan, Proprietor of Chinoy TV, on Entertainment and Production; Mr. Alvin Yapan, writer and Inde filmmaker, on INDE Film-Making; Mr. Kent V. Osial, CEO of Quesworks, Inc., on 3D Graphic Arts.
On the second day, the plenary sessions will feature Fashion, Lifestyle, Culinary Arts and Agri-preneurship. The resource speakers are: from GMA Network, on Restaurant Concept and Management; Ms. Tim Yap, on Lifestyle; Mr. Ronald Costales, Chairman of Costales Nature Farm, on Agripreneurship; Ms. Allison Howard, an International Fashion Model and American artist, on Fashion; Ms. Steph Stefanowitz, CEO of Miss Global Interna tional, on Lifestyle and Fashion,; Mr. Avel Bacudio, on Fashion, Entrepreneurship.
On the same day the fourth plenary will be on Franchising. To give an overview of the Philippine Franchising Sector is the Philippine Franchising Association. Here the President of PCCI Mr. Alfred Yao and Senator Bongbong Marcos will give their messages. A resource person from the Bank of the Philippine Island will speak on Financial Management.
Breakout sessions on Culinary Arts by GMA Network and on Investing in the Right Franchise by the Philippine Franchise Association will be held
after the lunch break which will feature video presentation from the congress’ corporate sponsors.
To cap the congress is the closing ceremony to be presided by PCCI Region V Governor Mr. Jeremie S. Lo. As of press release time, various associations and organizations of students, numbering several hundreds, taking up Entrepreneurship, Computer Science, Hotel and Restaurant Management in colleges and universities in Camarines Sur have filed reservations and signified their attendance in the congress. Come December 5, 2014, all roads will lead to the Camarines Sur Convention Center in Pili town.
CamSur still Cocolisap-free
NAGA CITY — After the cocolisap scare in the province of Quezon, a Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) official here expressed strong resolve not to allow the coconut scale insect to gain grounds in the Bicol soil through the formation of a taskforce to particularly focus on the matter.
PCA Bicol Regional Manager III Mateo B. Zipagan initiated the organization of a Provincial Taskforce on Coconut Scale insect (COCOLISAP) , in cooperation with the Provincial Government of Camarines Sur headed by Governor Miguel “Migz” Villafuerte and invited representatives from the media, private and government agencies to be a part of the newly-formed taskforce.
“The creation of the Provincial Taskforce on COCOLISAP composed of different line agencies and local government units endeavors to protect, preserve and continuously develop the coconut industry in Camarines Sur. We intend to keep the region, cocolisap- free and equip our planters with the correct know-how on how we can avoid this menace,” Zipagan added.
He said the task force will perform various functions from quarantine checkpoint, regular checking of coconut crops for the presence of cocolisap and widening their information dissemination campaign to inform the community of the dangers of cocolisap and how to avoid the said pest.
Members of the taskforce include the Office of the Presidential Assistant for Food Security and Agricultural Modernization (OPAFSAM), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Maging ang Department of Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Philippine National Police (PNP), non-Government Organizations, Local Government Units (LGUs), media group and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) as information arm.
Zipagan said that Bicol remains free from cocolisap infestation. This, he said is a good news but everyone should help to secure the entry points so as not to allow infected-coco seedlings from entering the perimeters of Bicol.
The creation of the Task Force is in support of Executive Order No. 169 series of 2014 or an act that establishes emergency measures to control and manage the spread of damage caused by infestation.- LSMacatangay