LEGAZPI CITY – Mayor Noel Rosal of this city is elated by the prospects of this prime Bicol city being the country’s next Domestic Special Economic Zone (DSEZ) as identified by the European Chamber of Commerce of the Philippines (ECCP).
“The city government under my stewardship welcomes this development very much as being a DSEZ would facilitate the coming in of more investments in the manufacturing field, tapping the local labor market,” Rosal said.
His administration, Rosal said, is willing to provide long-term policy assurance to investors in this proposed facility as jobs in manufacturing are far higher in terms of productivity and would translate to higher wages for workers and contribute to sustainable and inclusive growth, he said.
Featuring integrated mixed land-use activities, a DSEZ combines airport, seaport, tourism, utilities, industrial park and commerce under a single authority. Employing either public-private partnerships (PPP) or private developer approaches, the zone would be set within a revamped regulatory framework offering investors supply chain competitiveness and superior location advantages, Rosal explained.
On job generation as a result of the DSEZs, rural laborers are not transferred to Metro Manila as it decentralizes manufacturing, he said, adding that it would also be favorable to workers in agricultural and fisheries sectors who lost their source of livelihood in the Visayan areas recently ravaged by typhoon "Yolanda."
“These workers economically displaced by the super typhoon could find better opportunities in the manufacturing sector once this economic zone is established here, given the proximity of the city to the Visayan regions,” Rosal said. He added, this is one way of generating jobs that would bring the workers to an industry with higher levels of productivity in the wake of the disaster.
Earlier, Albay Gov. Joey Salceda announced that “Albay province will soon be host to low-cost, labor-intensive manufacturing enterprises with its potential capacity to be developed into a Special Economic Zone (SEZ) where labor costs are substantially lower compared to Central Luzon and Metro Cebu.” Salceda based his announcement on recent statement issued by the ECCP that noted the province’s high potential, considering its favorable climate in such factors as investors-friendliness being able to provide low-cost leases, more attractive labor policies and considerate to PPP contracts to attract real estate firms to develop businesses on reduced costs.
In a letter to Salceda received over the week, ECCP vice president for external affairs Henry J. Schumacher told the governor that “we feel that Albay could be such a location and we would like to discuss our concept in more detail with you during your next visit to Manila.”
Identified as location of the DSEZ are areas here such as Barangays Banquerohan and Homapon that are both located at the southern outskirt of the city and far from the threats of disaster emanating from Mt. Mayon eruptions, flash flood and avalanches of lahar and other volcanic materials stored from the slopes of the active volcano.
Way back in the late 1990s, Barangay Banquerohan had already been proclaimed by the Philippine Economic Zones Authority Board as among Bicol region’s SEZ.
The city government has been investing in the development of the site composed of over 33 hectares where preferred industries such as processing of food and beverage, manufacturing of light metal, electronic appliances, furniture and fixtures, garments, textiles and wearables, ceramic and non-metallic products, among others, will be located.
In the latest prospect, these areas -- including Embarcadero de Legazpi, a posh tourism-oriented commercial hub sitting in a vast seafront property at the heart of the city and the Legazpi Domestic Airport -- have been initially declared as DSEZ, according to Salceda.
Areas along the Maharlika Highway in Polangui, a first-class Albay municipality located at the province’s boundary with Camarines Sur, are also included in the proposed DSEZ, the governor said.
In naming Albay as host to the first DSEZ in Bicol, the ECCP, according to Salceda, also recognizes that the province has also a large pool of new workers which can be trained through a proposed Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) Industrial Scholarship Program wherein high school graduates aged 18 years old and above are hired for apprenticeships for 18-24 months.
Priority is given these days to locating these zones in less-developed regions of the country, where there are ample numbers of young workers available to be trained, especially new high schools graduates under TESDA’s apprenticeship program. With that proposal, the governor said he is confident of an “Albay BOOM” resulting from the province’s conversion into a new ecozone in Southern Luzon.
Salceda said he is bent on making it a reality with the creation first in Albay of a Domestic/Export Enterprise Zone (D/EEZ) which is an initial requirement for developing ecozones. The focus is on such industries such as the food, garments, footwear, and furniture industries where Albay has potentially recorded an impressive growth. - DANNY O. CALLEJA
Legazpi eyed as Special Economic Zone
DPWH to fast track Daet’s Mabulao Bridge completion
DAET, Camarines Norte –- The Department of Public Works and Highways(DPWH) district engineering office here assured that the rehabilitation of the Mabulao Bridge in Daet town will be completed on or before mid June.
Officer in charge district engineer Simon N. Arias of the DPWH in Camarines Norte said that his office is waiting for the release of funds under General Appropriations Act (GAA) for 2014 which will be intended for the completion of the said bridge as well as other infrastructure projects of the province. The Mabulao Bridge will now be a four-lane bridge, he said.
He said that the delay in the rehabilitation of the Mabulao Bridge was due to budget released last year amounting to P5.2 million was intended only for concrete piles and concrete capping of bridges along National roads, Mabulao Bridge and Poblacion-Magang Road.
Earlier this month, Mayor Tito Sarion of this municipality sent a letter to DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson informing that the said bridge was totally demolished but until now, the construction itself of a new one remains to commence.
He said that the Mabulao is just a small bridge measuring 15-20 meters but the effect of not being able to utilize it on a daily basis greatly affects the people of Daet as it connects a major and commonly used road. It is now almost a year and yet nothing concrete and certain as to when it will really be completed.
Sarion explained that constituents are continuously sending their sentiments of disappointment since they are the ones most affected by the situation especially the students and employees of Camarines Norte State College (CNSC) and the Department of Education (DepEd) Division Office. - ROSALITA B. MANLANGIT
P1.4B for Bicol tourism infra projects OK’d
LEGAZPI CITY — Fresh funds amounting to over P1.4B have been allocated by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to projects that would boost Bicol’s booming tourism industry.
The projects to be funded are under the Convergence Program on Enhancing Tourism Access (CPETA) that the DPWH is implementing in partnership with the Department of Tourism.
DPWH Regional Director Ronnel Tan on Tuesday said that among the major projects under CPETA is the improvement of a road connecting Tabaco City and Malinao town, both in Albay, with Buhi, Camarines Sur, worth P591M.
Others are the improvement with construction of two concrete bridges of the President Cory Aquino Boulevard, a five-kilometer coastal road along the famous Bagasbas Beach in Daet, Camarines, for P450M; the Iriga-Buhi Road in Camarines Sur worth P368M; and the Virac-Antipolo-Igang Road in Virac, Catanduanes, for P75M. These road projects, according to Tan, will provide safe, efficient, convenient, and easy access to tourism-identified areas, fortifying Bicol’s tourism roadmap for development.
CPETA, he said, is in support of the strategic approach in Bicol tourism development being pursued by Albay Governor and Regional Development Council Chairman Joey Sarte Salceda, such as the Albay-Masbate-Sorsogon Tourism Alliance and the Catanduanes-Camarines Sur-Camarines Norte Tourism Link, aimed at accelerating tourism development and enhancing the region’s attractiveness.
Tan said the funding was provided through DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson based on the endorsements made last year by the RDC and on the need of these tourism clusters for completion of priority projects with the likes of infrastructure development to make the region fully accessible to its external market. The DPWH and the DOT regional offices in Bicol, he said, have long been pushing for an aggressive program in providing quality roads and bridges that will encourage tourist influx in the region.
According to Salceda, increase in tourist arrivals will certainly step up economic opportunities not only in rural areas but also in urban centers. These roads target the improved tourist arrivals, thereby correspondingly uplifting the economic condition of Bicolanos through anticipated boom in the tourism industry, the Albay governor added.
Last year, the DPWH Central Office has also provided an amount of P849.728M for Bicol roads leading to tourist destinations wherein P409.460M have been assigned for the province of Camarines Norte, P250.268M for Camarines Sur, and P190M for Sorsogon.
This new fund, according to Tan, is part of the P8.65B allocation provided by DPWH to Bicol this year under the National Expenditure Program (NEP). The whole amount, Tan said, represents a slight increase from last year’s budget of P8.542B provided under the 2013 National Appropriations Act.
The whole amount will fund a total of 247 projects for implementation in the entire region, with the biggest bulk going to Camarines Sur which is allocated P2.425B for 73 projects.
Tan said, Albay, gets P2.388B earmarked for 33 projects; Camarines Norte, P1.108B for 46 projects; P996.5M for Sorsogon’s 38 projects; P891.061M for 31 projects in Catanduanes; and P840.31M for 26 projects in Masbate. Almost half of the whole amount of NEP appropriation for Bicol this year will be implemented by the DPWH regional office, particularly those projects beyond the limit of authority granted to district engineering offices but whose amount does not exceed P150M pursuant to DPWH Department Order No. 55, series of 2010, he added. - Danny O. Calleja
Daet cites 2013 top performing business establishments
DAET, Camarines Norte - Some 18 top performing business establishments in 2013 here were recently cited by the local government unit for their high gross sales and corresponding business taxes paid last year.
Mayor Tito Sarte Sarion of this town said that at the beginning of every year, business establishments were recognized for their high gross sales that captured the market in their particular industry, much as business owners renewed their business permits and pay corresponding tax early or on time.
Sarion, who led the awarding of plaque of recognition to the establishments, said that the citation is one way of encouraging the business sector to report their actual gross income and pay corresponding taxes to help the local government in its revenue collection efforts utilized to fund the various government program, projects, initiatives and activities. He said that the municipal government unit has collected more than P39.6 million last year from business related taxes and fees, that is P1.3 million higher compared to P38.3 million in 2012.
Among the top performing business establishments in banking industry were Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) and Catherine Torres of Rural Bank of San Vicente, Camarines Norte, ranked first and second respectively, Superlines Transportation Inc. and Narciso Morales of D.L.T.B.Company topped the transportation sector.
Bicolandia Drug Corporation of the Mercury Drug Daet, Gov. Panotes Branch and South Star Drug Vinzons Ave. ranked first and second, respectively, for pharmaceutical while Family Merchant Project Development Corporation and Emmanuel A. Lo of Great Wall Engineering were top contractors and developers.
Meanwhile, PMTC Inc. And Coca Cola Bottlers Phils. Inc. topped in the manufacturing industry. Jack Trading Inc. of HP Supermart and Tanzo Prime Goods Source were performers for retailing while Danny Ong of New Helen Trading and RT Montana Distributor Corp. for wholesaling industry.
The Star Harvest Food Inc. Of Jollibee Pimentel and RNM Food Corporation of Jollibee Bayan topped the food chain industry; and on the other hand Leon Hernandez Memorial Hospital and Central Hospital Corporation of Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital were awardees for hospital and medical services.
14 gov't agencies in Bicol sign pact to provide livelihood for poor families
BY SALLY A. ATENTO
LEGAZPI CITY – At least 14 national government agencies based in Bicol region recently signed the memorandum of agreement (MOA) with the Bicol Recovery and Economic Development (BRED) here to support the launch and implementation of the convergence program on poverty reduction.
The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) regional office here will take the lead in the implementation of the program “Banig at Walis Tingting ng Pamilyang Bicolnon” or Bagwis Bicol to determine the needs for providing ethical financial and non-financial services to advocate poverty reduction.
DSWD Bicol regional director Arnel Garcia said the MOA will provide a framework for a partnership arrangement among the partner agencies to capacitate the Pantawid Pamilya Pilipino Program (4Ps) beneficiaries, rural women organizations, farmer’s organization and other marginalized and vulnerable sector of society. "With a sustainable livelihood framework, the program can further empower them for a long-term livelihood opportunity," he said.
Garcia said the program will focus more on the production of mats (banig) and hard brooms (walis tingting). Agencies who committed their support include Department of Agriculture (DA), Agricultural Training Institute (ATI), Fiber Industry Development Authority (FIDA), Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) and Depart-ment of Trade and Industry (DTI), Cooperative Development Authority (CDA), Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Department of Environment and Natural Re-sources (DENR) and Department of Science and Technology (DOST).
CSC accepts applications for career service exams
Slates PO, FO and FSO eligibility tests
LEGAZPI CITY -- The Civil Service Commission (CSC) Bicol regional office has invited anew prospective qualified applicants to take the Career Service Examination Paper and Pencil Test (CSE-PPT) set on April 6 and October 26 this year.
CSC Bicol information officer Lyn Niebla said the commission has since October last year accept application until only February 20 for April 6 examination while processing of which will be on first-come first-served basis.“
The commission encourages interested applicants to file their applications as they may no longer be accepted if the target number of examinees has already reached the maximum,” Niebla said.
She reiterated that requirements remain the same that they must be 18 years old on the date of filing of application; a Filipino citizen; of good moral character; have not been convicted of any crime nor discharged from military service or dismissed for cause from any civilian positions in the government and have not taken the same level of CSC examination in less than three months or have not failed the same examination for four times.
Applicants, she reminded, are also required to submit an original and photocopy of any valid ID with picture, date of birth, his/her signature and the signature of the authorized head of the issuing agency and an examination fee of P500. Pictures must be taken within three months before the date of filing of the application. Scanned, photocopies or computer-enhanced pictures are not accepted.
CSE-PPT is conducted twice every year to establish a register of eligibles from which certification and appointment to the second and first level positions in the government will be made, provided that the eligibility meet the qualifications and other requirements for the desired position are complied.
CSC Bicol meanwhile also announced the examinations on Penology Officer and Fire Officer Eligibilities are both set on March 2, 2014. Niebla said deadline of filing of applications for the two tests is on Thursday, January 16.
The Career Service Examination for Foreign Service Officer (CSE-FSO), a qualifying test for FSO Examination and eligibility, is also slated in August 10, this year. For CSE-FSO, examinees or candidates must obtain a rating of at least 80 to pass and be conferred the Career Foreign Service Officer Eligibility by the CSC and to qualify to the next stage of the FSOE or the preliminary interview. -- (MAL/LEN-CSC5)
NYC urges barangays to allot budgets for youth
The National Youth Commission (NYC) urges the 42,027 barangays all over the archipelago to comply with Republic Act 10632 which allocates budget solely for youth development at the barangay level. This follows the postponement of the Sangguniang Kabataan elections with the passage of Republic Act 10632, According to Section 4 of the Republic Act 10632 known as the “Act Postponing the Sangguniang Kabataan Elections on October 28, 2013”, “the Sangguniang Barangay shall use the SK fund solely for youth development programs until the new set of officials have been duly elected and qualified”.
NYC has taken notice of recent news concerning the budget allocation for youth activities at the barangay level. “It came to our attention that some barangays have already passed their respective budget plans without allocations for youth and youth-related programs”, says Undersecretary Leon Flores III, Chairman of the NYC. “While the Implementing Rules and Regulation (IRR) has yet to be signed by COMELEC and DILG, we would like to remind all barangays that the law clearly earmarks budget for the youth. Those who so violate or intend to violate such provision should be forewarned.”, adds Chairman Flores.
It is clearly stated in the law that Barangays are compelled to apportion certain percentage of its budget and income to fund activities that will train, capacitate and enhance the youth. “Temporarily even without the SK, it is still the government’s mandate to provide avenues for youth participation and development. We would like to highly encourage youth organizations to engage their barangays actively so that youth programs can be implemented strategically and effectively. For now, it is encouraged that the barangays create a Committee on Youth Affairs to be headed by a Barangay Councilor and a Barangay Youth Development Task Force that enjoins youth organizations.”, Chairman Flores further implores.
The NYC also clarifies that the SK has NOT been abolished. There will be an election late this year or until early next year to give time for Congress to pass a legislation that will reform the institution. Should Congress fail to enact such reform law, according to RA 10632, SK elections will still be held using the old system. “There is no truth that the SK has been abolished” Flores adds. The NYC has an SK Empowerment Desk that will still allow the youth and barangays to send their clarifi cations, questions or even complaints on the implementation of RA 10632. The SK Empowerment Desk will also ensure that the filed concerns will be directed to the proper authorities for their response.
For further queries or clarifications, you may reach the SK Empowerment Desk at the email address: skempowermentdesk@nyc.gov.ph or through mobile number: 0908-867-4964 within office hours.
The National Youth Commission as the voice and advocate of the youth is the government agency mandated to craft and recommend policies on youth development pursuant to Republic Act 8044 or the Youth in Nation-Building Act.
Legazpi cites 20 villages for exemplar feat in waste management
LEGAZPI CITY – The city government here has cited officials and residents of 20 barangays of this city for their outstanding feat in the implementation of the ecological solid waste management program and initiatives in their respective villages.
Mayor Noel E. Rosal of this city said the proper segregation and collection of wastes are key to healthful community and ensure environmental protection and conservation which the city administration is aggressively pursuing.
Rosal led the awarding of certificates of commendation to barangays-awardees in a simple ceremony held at the Ibalong Conference Room at the city hall compound here.
The city government cited under the Small Barangays category the villages of Sabang, headed by Punong Barangay Donald Vargas, bagging the top place, followed by Maoyod, led by PB Roger Esquibel, third was Cabangan East, led by (PB) Nimfa Bolanos. Villages in the fourth to tenth placers were Binanuan West, led by PB Ma. Theresa Abiera; Sagpon, led by PB Felixberto Codorniz; Bano, led by PB Virgilio del Rosario; Cabuao, led by PB Eduardo Red Sr.; Dap-dap, led by PB Marites Barcelon; Ilawod West, led by PB Abejoro; and Tamaoyan, led by PB Jose Bremen.
In the Large Barangays category the recipient of the awards were barangays Gogon on the top place, led by PB Perfecto Nacion, followed by Puro, led by PB Nicasio Barrios; Bagumbayan. led by PB Gil Aliansa; Penaranda, led by PB Beatris Toledo; Arimbay, led by PB Rosalina Gervero; Oro Site, led by PB Joseph Philip Lee; Taysan, led by PB Renato Valladolid; San Roque, led by PB Joselito Martinez; Bitano, led by PB Joel Balinis; and Buraguis, led by PB Jose Alfonso Bariso.
Alongside the certificates of commendation, the 1st, 2nd and 3rd placer barangays of both categories also received P50,000 each; while the 4th and 5th placers received P15,000 each and the 6th down to the 10th placers also received P10,000 each. These awardees were adjudged best among the city’s 70 villages in proper waste collection.
The city government has initiated the awards program to encourage local communities to observe proper disposal of garbage. Rosal has continued to encourage all the barangay officials to work hand in hand with the city government for the efficient implementation of the solid waste management programs and initiatives to maintain the city as a model of environment-friendly community in the region.
DENR Bicol holds census of migratory birds in CamSur critical habitat
LEGAZPI CITY -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Bicol, through its Protected Areas Wildlife Division (PAWD), has started since January 11 the Asian Waterbirds Census (AWC) at the Cabusao Critical Habitat in Camarines Sur.
DENR Bicol regional executive director Gilbert Gonzales said the annual census of migratory birds helps in the local monitoring and conservation efforts in relation to global monitoring by ascertaining the trends of migratory cycle.
The census will last up to three weeks.
“These migratory birds are from various parts of the world and cover tens of thousands kilometers just to visit our place as part of their migratory cycle. For this reason, it is our responsibility to monitor them and provide data for national coordinators who in turn will submit these to the AWC,” he explained.
Gonzales said more than 8,500 waterbirds were monitored last year in the Cabusao Critical Habitat.
“Northern Shoveller, Philippine Duck, Northern Pintail, Pacific Golden Plover and other shorebirds were among the most observed species are the,” he added.
A report from PAWD revealed that taxonomically, the family Anatidae, which include the marsh ducks, is the most numerous followed by the egret species.
The AWC was initiated in 1987 in India subcontinent and has grown since to cover the Asia-Pacific region (MAL/JSBasanta-DENR5/PIA5)
Source: Philippine Information Agency (Bicol)
Daet goes METRO in 2014 - Moving Economy Towards Real Opportunity
By ROSALITA B. MANLANGIT
DAET, Camarines Norte – The Local Government Unit of Daet has prepared tons of bountiful gifts to its constituents for 2014.
One big special package is in its theme METRO Daet 2014—Moving Economy Towards Real Opportunities.
The launching of METRO Daet held last January 6, 2014 at the Municipal Hall, Daet, Camarines Norte was the main item in the annual Salubong sa Bagong Taon, a tradition of the Tito Sarion administration to celebrate the new year. It was offi cially launched through the lighting and releasing of a lantern.
The METRO Daet program was highlighted with the awarding of the Top Performing Business Establishments for 2013, an incentive for the booming business sector. Awardees were present to receive their Plaque of Recognition.
The following have continuously raised the standard of performance and service to the next level, the ones that have truly made Daet a better town:
Daet Top Performing Establishments for 2013: Industry/Awardees:
- Banking – Land Bank of the Philippines – Daet Branch and Rural Bank of San Vicente CN Inc. Contractor /Developer - Family Merchants Development Corporation, (FMDC) and Great Wall Engineering.
- Drug Store/Pharmacy - Mercury Drug – Daet (Gov.Panotes Branch) of Bicolandia Drug, Corp. And South Star Drug (Vinzons Ave. Branch).
- Hospitals/Clinics – Leon D. Hernandez Memorial Hospital and Central Hospital Corporation.
- Manufacturing – PMFTC Inc. and Coca Bottlers Philippines, Inc.
- Restaurant/Food Chain/Food Service – Star Harvest Food Inc., Jollibee and RNM Food Corporation–Jollibee.
- Retailers – HP Supermart and P. Tanzo Prime Goods Source.
- Transportation – Superlines Transportation Co. Inc. and D.L.T.B. Co.
- Wholesalers – New Helen Trading and RT Montana Distributor Corp.
Along with the awardees were guests from soon-to-open SM Hypermarket, SEAOIL Philippines, and significant new investors joining the flourishing business community of the town.
The Salubong event also featured the parade of the Three Kings: Provincial Board Member Romeo Marmol on behalf of Governor Edgardo Tallado as King Gaspar, Mayor Tito Sarion as King Baltazar and Philippine Coconut Authority’s Regional Manager Bong Zipagan as King Melchor. They showered candies to the children watching along the streets.
After the parade which started from Daet Central Terminal, the usual flag ceremony was conducted at the grounds of municipal hall. The twenty five (25) barangay banners were raised by the newly elected barangay captains, and chiefs of offices.
In his message, Mayor Sarion took pride of the recognition and awards the LGU-Daet received both from the national and regional levels in 2013. According to the mayor, his on-the-go team is more driven to strive harder on strengthening the long-term development goal of this municipality—the Daet 2020 Vision.
We have to live up to the expectations of the National Competitiveness Council which ranked us First in the Bicol Region and Fourth most competitive municipality in the Philippines, Mayor Sarion stressed. His administration vows to do better this year.
Other features in the program included: the distribution of Climate Change: Disaster Risk Reduction books to the barangays and the media, and the opening of Business One Stop Shop (BOSS) for business permits and licensing at the Sangguniang Bayan Hall.
Since new year for Daet also means new investors, signings of Memoranda of Agreement with the Philippine Coconut Authority and Cooperative Development Authority were made.
And of course, the occasion wouldn’t be complete without the yearly gift-giving to the indigent families of the town. Though all these gifts are now unwrapped, the Local Government Unit of Daet assures its people that boxes of opportunities are coming this 2014.
Legazpi mayor bares major infra projects
By EMMANUEL P. SOLIS
LEGAZPI CITY – To sustain the development and progress of Legazpi, the city administration will construct more infrastructure projects this year, Mayor Noel E. Rosal said in an interview.
Rosal said the projects include the construction of the Legazpi City Hospital, widening of the Yawa Bridge that 
connects the city proper to its northern villages and Tabaco City, the new boulevard in southern part of the city and other tourism-related infrastructure projects to maintain Legazpi as the best haven for conventions and make it a center for business in Bicol.
He said the construction of the city hospital will start anytime this year and is expected to be finished before 2015 with a total funding of P60 million from the Department of Health and a counterpart of P20 million from the city government.
Upon completion, the city chief executive said, the City Health Office will manage the operation of the hospital, which will have modern facilities and equipment. The hospital will cater to the medical needs of the patients with lesser expenses. The operation of the said hospital will cost about P40 million annually to be used for the payment of salaries of doctors, nurses and other personnel and staff.
Rosal pointed out that the city administration has already established the “Botika sa Barangay” in different villages of this city. “Our constituents are now enjoying the low cost of good quality medicines. We have already three lying-in clinics operating 24 hours daily and manned by professional doctors and midwives,” he added.
Another priority project included in the drawing board of the City Planning Office is the construction of a tourism-related infrastructure -- the new boulevard in the southern part of this city, which is also expected to start this year.
The original plan of the boulevard is from Barangay Sabang up to the periphery of Legazpi and the Municipality of Sto. Domingo but the city chief executive disclosed that the construction of the project will start first along the coastal villages of Sabang, Pigcale, Centro, Baybay, San Roque up to the Regional Government Center in Barangay Rawis.
The boulevard project has an estimated road length of 2.7 kilometers, however, the right of way will utilize 24,000 linear meters. Rosal said this new boulevard will open windows for opportunities to the people of Legazpi who want to engage in any form of entrepreneurial activity that will contribute in generating jobs and employment to the constituents residing in the covered villages.
This boulevard will also make Legazpi one of the best, if not the best, havens for investment, which will help in sustaining the growing economy of this city, he added.
The National Government has already released the initial funding of P50 million out of the P150 million total project cost through the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Bicol Regional Office. The amount is for the widening of Yawa Bridge, which is expected to start construction this year. The said project was proposed by the city government but the DPWH is in charge of its construction, Rosal pointed out. -- (PNA)
Robredo's 3rd district gets P1.4B in 2014 projects
NAGA CITY -- The third district of Camarines Sur, represented by Congresswoman Leni Robredo, got at least P1.4-billion worth of projects in 2014 from the national government even the Priority Development Assistance Fund
(PDAF) has been scrapped, as it was ruled unconstitutional by the Supreme Court.
Before the scrapping of the PDAF or pork barrel, a congressman/woman received regular discretionary funds of P70 million per year for projects.
Robredo, the Liberal Party provincial chair in Camarines Sur and widow of late Jesse M. Robredo, did not want to own the initiative on project allotments for her district. She said it was with the participation of national agencies. “We only ensured that all the needs (in the district) were included in the General Appropriations Act of 2014.
What we did was to prepare letters for the city and municipal officials, informing them of all the national projects that will reach them,” the lady solon explained.
Robredo, a member of the House committee on appropriations, figured out that it was not in her interest to say that she was the one who initiated to get all the projects allotted in her district. She said she wanted to tell the local officials to be proactive in the project, meaning they should involve themselves and participate in the implementation.
The third district of Camarines Sur is composed of Naga City and the towns of Bombon, Calabanga, Camaligan, Canaman, Magarao, Ocampo and Pili, where Robredo represents the almost half a million constituents.
According to the list of projects for the third district of Camarines Sur, some P500 million worth of projects are to be implemented in Naga City with allocation for construction/rehabilitation of the Naga River flood control project worth P150 million.
There are at least 40 projects which include flood control, multi-purpose building, construction of Calabanga District Hospital, Sabang Fishport, widening of Pili diversion road, farm-to-market road and other road projects.
Robredo said the basis of the projects in the third district of Camarines is the General Appropriations Act and the National Expenditure Program. She said the projects in her district were recommended by officials of the local government units (LGUs) even as, she said, it did mean that she solicited all the projects because she became a member of Congress only in the second half of 2013.
Robredo did not want to claim credit to all the projects in the third district of Camarines Sur, saying the national agencies have identifi ed their projects in the district. “For example, the classrooms and school buildings were identified by the Department of Education. The credit is theirs,” she illustrated.
Robredo said she did not want to happen that the projects given to the LGUs will be used for patronage politics. She said her role in the delivery of projects in her district is that she is a member of Congress that approves the national budget so that she made it sure that the needs of her constituents will be funded. - (PNA)
Naga mayor okays 2014 budget
By ANA-LIZA S. MACATANGAY
NAGA CITY -- Mayor John Bongat of this city has signed the P751.39M annual budget for 2014 to fund the implementation of the city government programs, projects and services for the current year.
Bongat said this year’s city budget, with some P45.39 million increase from the P706 million annual budget in 2013, will ensure the efficient delivery of programs, projects and services specifically to uplift the way of living of the communities, especially the grassroots, while it is also expected to boost the business potential of the city though creation of more jobs and implementation of developmental projects.
The big chunk of the budget accounts for personnel services totalling to P306.08M, while maintenance and other operating expenses get P136.31M, capital outlay with P27.49M, special purpose appropriation amounting to P72.15M, local development fund with P73.54M and local disaster risk reduction and management fund allocated with P35.82M.
City councilor Gabriel Bordado, chairman of Finance and Appropriations Committee of the Sangguniang Panlungsod here, said that the budget went through exhaustive series of deliberations, ensuring that allocation will be enough to cover the needs of the Naguenos and just pertinent to sustain the city’s development agenda.
City vice mayor Nelson Legacion meanwhile stated that there are new programs which will also benefit from the 2014 appropriations, including the Naga River Revitalization Program with P7.5M allocation, central bus terminal allotted with P3M, Naga City Community College with a budget allocation of P1M and the Naga Community Based Barangay Employment Program with P2.05M allotment.
Additional fund was also apportioned for the Liga ng mga Barangay and for proposed infrastructure projects and other projects to be implemented in the 27 barangays of the city.
Fifty-two percent of the approved 2014 annual budget will come from the city’s own resources specifically from the real and property taxes.
The city government has executed an effective tax drive which resulted to an upward trend in the city’s business tax collection. The City Treasurer’s report shows that during the first months of 2013, Naga City has already generated P153,538,651.48 taxes from various business establishments who executed confidence in conducting their commercial transactions in the city.
The city annual budget was unanimously approved the legislative branch during the august body’s session before the year ends last December.
Solon wants memorial for Sorsogon war vets
By BOBBY Q. LABALAN
SORSOGON CITY -- Putting up a war veteran’s memorial is a fitting tribute to those who sacrificed their lives for the sake of freedom from colonial domination.
This was according to Rep. Evelina Escudero (First District, Sorsogon) as she proposed for the construction of a memorial to honor the veterans who put their lives on the line in thwarting the attempts of foreign power to perpetuate their reign in the country.
The proposal was reiterated Thursday by the lady lawmaker who first brought it up during the commemoration of the 35th death anniversary of the late Gov. Salvador Casals Escudero, Sr. last December 27 at Camp Salvador Escudero, headquarters of the Sorsogon Provincial Police Office.
The elder Escudero was the governor of Sorsogon when war broke out in the Pacific and Japanese forces invaded the Philippines, including Sorsogon.
He led the guerrilla forces here in fighting Japanese forces in the province as he went underground together with other officials of the civil government.
The former governor was the grandfather of the late Rep. Sonny Escudero and great-grandfather of Sen. Francis Escudero.
Congresswoman Escudero said putting up a war memorial is the simplest way of paying gratitude to the veterans who made sacrifices so that the generations after them would enjoy freedom and democracy.
She lamented the fact that the memories of the veterans have been “relegated to the dustbin of history” as the present generation is no longer aware of the rich and colorful stories that led to the liberation of the province.
Escudero urged the provincial government to find a suitable location inside the provincial capitol compound for the war memorial as she pledged to help source out funds for the memorial. She also suggested that a committee be created to work on the details of the project. Her proposal was met with enthusiastic applause by the audience, mostly men and women in uniform.
Also present during the event were Sorsogon City Mayor Sally Lee, representing the governor; Chief Supt. Victor Deona, regional director of the Philippine National Police; Col. Joselito Kakilala, commanding officer of the Army’s 903rd Infantry Brigade; Senior Supt. Raul Hebrio, SPPO director; acting Vice-Gov. Krunimar Escudero, Board Member Dennis Escudero, Casiguran Vice Mayor Ramon Escudero and some family members of war veterans.
Mayor Lee said she will discuss the proposal with her husband as she lauded the project, acknowledging its significance. -- PNA
Albay to embark on P321M road project for upland areas
LEGAZPI CITY – The province of Albay will pursue in 2014 the construction of a road network that involves a total amount of P321 million, which is included in the 2014 General Appropriations Act.
The project, part of the Guicadale Economic Platform, will expand the developable land area of Albay by 81,123 hectares, mostly around the South Luzon International Airport (SLIA) that is now undergoing construction, according to Albay Gov. Joey Sarte Salceda.
Guicadale stands for the adjoining towns of Guinobatan, Camalig and Daraga and the city of Legazpi.
The Guicadale Economic Platform was proposed by the Provincial Government of Albay, which also conducted the feasibility study that was completed in July 2008.
“This is the key geostrategic intervention of Albay for spatial integration of upland areas suitable to settlements and commercial development,” Salceda said.
He said the road network project targeted to be started in 2014 consists of a circumferential road and new arterial roads branching out from the urban centers of the three towns and this city.
The road network includes the Cotmon-Maninila-Taplacon-Taloto road costing P100 million; Tabon-Tabon–Gabawan–Estanza-Taysan-Puro, P81 million; Guicadale to Donsol (Mayon-Bigao-San Vicente-Ibaugan-Gogon), P140 million; and Salvacion–White Deer, P 100 million.
The project will consist of 17 road sections, wherein 11 sectors will comprise the circumferential road and six sections are arterial roads.
It will also involve new road opening and improvement of existing ones with a total length of 109.3 kilometers.
The Albay governor said the estimated total cost of the project is P 854.2 million -- broken down into local and barangay roads, P 739.5 million; national roads, P 114.7 million.
“It will benefit a total population of 187,314 covering the local government units’ territories of Guicadale,” Salceda said.
The Regional Development Council for Bicol, which is chaired by Salceda, approved the road network project during its full council meeting in May this year.
“The project was designed to encourage economic activities safe from the threats posed by Mayon volcano eruptions, lahar flows, floods and tsunamis,” the green economist said.
Salceda, a noted investment adviser and co-chair of the board of the US$ 100-billion United Nations Green Climate Fund, envisions the project to eventually realize the goal of creating Mega Daraga and Metro Albay.
“Aside from being far from the threats posed by Mayon, its other expected benefits include efficient access to the Southern Luzon International Airport, safer relocation sites for families affected by natural calamities, new economic investment opportunities, increased farm income through reduced transport costs, improved living condition through efficient access to health and welfare facilities, linkage of agricultural areas to the market centers and integration of the economies of Albay and Sorsogon provinces,” he stressed.
The project, Salceda added, is consistent with the Regional Physical Framework Plan in terms of land use, settlement and infrastructure planning.
The Economic Internal Rate of Return of the project is estimated at 23.65 percent while the net present value is P 872.54 million. --Floreño G. Solmirano
‘Albay Rising’ to ‘Albay Boom’
LEGAZPI CITY -- Albay has shifted its already strong and accelerating development thrust this year to an explosive ‘Albay Boom' mode from its ‘Albay Rising’ battlecry, and banks on a P2.243 billion outlay for infrastructures to support its comprehensive and holistic tourism program.
Albay Gov. Joey Salceda said the province this year aims for a Tourism Boom; Arts, History and Culture Renaissance; infrastructure modernization; single digit malnutrition, get within the Top 20 of the National Achievement Test towards Top 10 in 2016, win the Feb. 2014 Palarong Bicol for its Sports and Well-Being Program, new members for the Almasor Tourism Alliance, and rich agriculture.
Salceda said they expect a windfall from the onrush of Chinese tourists, which starts with the opening of the Albay International Gateway this month towards the much anticipated Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) in 2016 for which the province is hosting at least three ministerial meetings.
The initial target for 2014, he said, is to welcome the first batch of Chinese tourists from Xiamen via chartered flights through the Albay International Gateway by January 30, which unlocks a 50,000 market within the year, 80,000 in 2015, 110,000 in 2016 and 150,000 in 2017.
Albay has also embarked on a strong Arts, History and Culture Renaissance program needed by the expected influx of tourists, side by side with modern infrastructures. A proposal has been submitted to the UNESCO to declare Cagsawa Ruins Park as a world heritage site.
As convenor of the Almasor (Albay-Masbate-Sorsogon) Tourism Alliance, Salceda said they have started collaborations with new prospective members such as Catanduanes and Camarines Sur through the Bicol Regional Development Council, which he chairs.
The governor said the province will also pursue more strongly its health and poverty alleviation programs that it has started to ensure a single digit malnutrition within the year.
Of the P 2.243 billion infrastructure budget, Salceda said some P 421 million goes to the Guicadale (Guinobatan-Camalig-Daraga-Legazpi) Economic Platform, the key geostrategic intervention of Albay for spatial integration of its upland areas suitable for settlements and commercial development around the Bicol International Airport (BIA), seen to be completed by 2017.
The Albay International Gateway uses the refurbished Legazpi Airport, and arranged CIQS (customs, immigration, quarantine health, quarantine agriculture and security). Salceda said the Guicadale expands Albay’s land area potential for development by 81,123 hectares. The Guicadale road projects are included in the 2014 General Appropriations Act.
The Almasor Roads projects have likewise been included in the 2014 General Appropriations Act, amounting to P 385 million, and involve five major infrastructures. Another P 365 million outlay, he said, has been earmarked for the One-Step Program with the Department of Social Welfare and Development and the Department of Tourism, with Daraga town as pilot area; while a P 187 million budget has been earmarked for the Tourism Industry and Economic Zone Authority development.
The other infrastructure projects in Albay include the San Fernando-Oas-Daraga Diversion Road with P215 million; Albay West Coast Road, P 150 million; the Flood Control and Mitigation for Legazpi City and the Bicol River Basin and Watershed Management (Albay section); the Bicol Express-Mayon Ltd. of the Philippine National Railways; and the Pantao Road Project.
Under its Sports and Well-Being Program, Salceda said Albay aims to regain the championship in February 1-8, 2014 Palarong Bicol.
For 27 years, the province suffered a prolonged drought and only became champion in 2011 and 2012 but lost to Camarines Sur in 2013.-Johnny C. Nuňez