LEGAZPI CITY (PIA) -- Every bus driver and con-ductor presently employed as permanent, contractual, reliever or those that are paid in a per-trip basis and boundary system will be receiving fixed salaries and wages starting July 1, this year, according to the De-partment of Labor and Em-ployment (DOLE) regional office here. DOLE 5 regional director Nathaniel Lacambra said the agency will start requir-ing and monitoring bus

Bus drivers/page 2

VOL. XXXII, NO. 17 JUNE 27, 2012 VIRAC, CATANDUANES 8 PAGES 10.00 (052) 811-2822

Outbreak’s toll: 22 dead, 1,730 taken ill

Cua, DOH-5 praised for action vs. cholera

Catandunganons around the world rally around Esperanza Tresvalles by Pablo A. Tariman/Music News & Features

A Mother‟s Day story of former London-based OFW Esperanza Tresvalles from Bato, Catanduanes and her son, Tarik Khan, touched Catanduanganons from all over the world. The reunion story came out in the Amsterdam-based Munting Nayon, The Netherlands website, al-though this writer has writ-ten about Tresvalles and her son earlier in the Philip-pine Star in 1994 and the Sunday Inquirer Magazine in 2011. Ella Banas who is based in Saudi Arabia said she was moved to tears by the mother-and-son story which she found was very inspir-

HEARTWARMING REUNION. After 29 years, familiar “campanario” denizen Esperanza Tresvalles (center) is re-united with son Tarik (right). Tarik's friends in Catanduanes, including Mrs. Sonia Sorra (left) made the quiet meeting possible.

ing. Lorna Asai based in Tokyo, Japan said she couldn‟t help crying after reading the story. Belle Taopo Hiliard, who is also based abroad, wrote to say she couldn‟t help shedding tears as she read the story. “It was so heart wrenching! Her story proves that God watches out for downtrodden people. The scriptures that come to mind are from Matthew 6:26-30 which says 25 “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Truly, God has been taken care of Ms Es-pie because despite her

wearing wet clothes, not once have I heard of her getting sick of major illness or making a trip to the hos-pital.” Ferdinand Temones from Vancouver, Canada said he found the mother-son story so moving and touching. “I remember Espie during my grade school years 51 yrs. ago and saw her in a school play. It was so pitiful what happened to her. I hope her story will open the eyes of other OFWs abroad who are too trusting of their rela-tives.” Eve Tomes Panesa who is based in the United King-dom wrote she couldn‟t help shedding tears of joy after

reading their story.“ I saw them in Virac when I was a teenager and know their story a bit. I was so touched by their reunion. I was also

happy to see that my former English professor, Mr. Efren Sorra (and her wife Sonia), actually helped the poor Catandunganons/page 8

WITH TROPHIES IN HAND, winners of the Gov. Joseph C. Cua Dangal ng Kalayaan Award beam at photographers following the awarding ceremony at the capitol grounds June 18. From left are PENRO Joaquin Ed Guerrero, DPWH DE Ignacio Odiaman, RTC Execu-tive Judge Lelu Contreras, former Chief Justice Reynato Puno, awardees Panganiban LGU represented by Mayor Robert Fernandez, 905th PCG Auxiliary headed by Capt. Ivanhoe Arcilla, Catanduanes State Colleges led by Pres. Minerva Morales, individual winner Engr. Gil Augustus Balmadrid, Catanduanes Power Generation, Inc. represented by Engr. Noli Najito, Gov. Joseph Cua, and Cong. Cesar Sarmiento.

SEEING FOR THEMSELVES how efforts against the chol-era outbreak in sitio Mislagan in Virac are being imple-mented are DOH Secretary Enrique Ona, DOH Dir. Nestor Santiago, Gov. Joseph Cua and DOH OIC-Assec. Enrique Tayag. The visitors also donated to Cua P800,000 in assis-tance to the campaign as well as health emergency kits.

LIVELIHOOD STARTER KITS were distributed to scholars who worked at the construction of the TESDA provincial office building while learning their skills in the construction trades for six months. Cong. Cesar Sarmiento, who worked for the P2-M funding for the training-cum-production project. Is joined by TESDA Deputy Director General Teodoro Pas-cua (in red shirt) and regional director Conrado Bares (extreme left).

DDG Pascua inaugurates new TESDA building No less than Deputy Di-rector General Teodoro Pascua of the Technical Education and Skills Devel-opment Authority (TESDA) was on hand to inaugurate its Catanduanes provincial office building that was built by tech-voc scholars in six months. According to TESDA pro-vincial director Jose Serrano and TESDA-Cabugao School of Handi-craft and Cottage Industries administrator Elpidio Tub-oro, funding for the project, with a floor area of 72 square meters, was pro-vided by Rep. Cesar Sar-miento through a congres-sional insertion while the 402-square meter lot is un-der a 25-year usufruct agreement with the Catan-duanes State Colleges. The P2-million scholar-ship funding was used for

DDG Pascua/page 2

5 win Dangal ng Kalikasan

Five individuals and enti-ties were the first awardees of the Governor Joseph C. Cua Dangal ng Kalikasan as former Chief Justice Reynato Puno led the open-ing ceremonies of the 2012 Linggo ng Kalikasan last week at the provincial capi-tol. The first of its kind in Ca-tanduanes, the award con-ferred a plaque of recogni-tion and cash gift to winners in the five categories: indi-vidual, non-government organization, academe, industry and local govern-ment unit. Gov. Cua, Congressman Cesar Sarmiento and PENRO Joaquin Ed Guer-rero joined Puno in giving the awards to DPWH assis-tant district engineer Gil Augustus Balmadrid, for his unwavering commitment to the protection of the island‟s ecosystems through his efforts in various solid waste management con-cerns that led to the estab-lishment of municipal ecol-ogy centers in San Andres and San Miguel; 905th Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary headed by

5 win Dangal/page 6

Bus drivers, conductors to get fixed pay

Department of Health Secretary Enrique Ona last week expressed satisfaction with the measures im-plemented by the administration of Governor Joseph Cua and the DOH regional office in Bicol against the cholera outbreak.

“I am very happy that everything that is needed to be done has been done, with the local government unit and the DOH-CHD 5 focusing on what is needed in the immediate, medium term and long term,” Ona said in a briefing at the Eastern Bicol Medical Cen-ter. However, he said, much remains to be done in the long term, because public health programs, particu-larly those involving water supply, sanitation and waste disposal, have been too fragmented, sometimes overlapping, and piecemeal

(“tingi-tingi”) to really make an impact. On the other hand, he said, local health facilities have failed to keep up with the need of the growing population. Informed that only half of those admitted as diarrhea patients were enrolled in PhilHealth, Sec. Ona said the most critical way to re-form the health system is to increase enrolment in health insurance, particu-larly the next 20% of the poorest of the poor. Greater PhilHealth cover-age will give LGU health facilities more opportunities

Cua, DOH-5/page 2

HOW TO PLAY: Complete the grid so each row, column and 3

-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit from 1 to 9.

2 JUNE 27, 2012

CYBERTRIVIA

Useful Metric Conversions

1 million microphones = 1 megaphone 1 million bicycles = 2 megacycles 365.25 days = 1 Unicycle 2000 mockingbirds = two kilomockingbirds 10 cards = 1 decacards 1 kilogram of falling figs = 1 Fig Newton 1000 grams of wet socks = 1 Liter Hosen 1 millionth of a fish = 1 microfiche 1 trillion pins = 1 terrapin 1 million billion picolos = 1 gigolo 10 rations = 1 decoration 100 rations = 1 C-ration 10 millipedes = 1 centipede 3 1/3 tridents = 1 decadent 10 monologs = 5 dialogues 5 dialogues = 1 decalogue 2 monograms = 1 diagram 8 nickels = 2 paradigms 2 wharves = 1 paradox 100 Senators = not 1 decision.

*****

Discoveries

Man discovered weapons, invented hunting. Woman discovered hunting, invented furs.

Man discovered colors, invented painting. Woman discovered painting, invented make-up.

Man discovered speech, invented conversation. Woman discovered conversation, invented gossip.

Man discovered agriculture, invented food. Woman discovered food, invented diet.

Man discovered friendship, invented love. Woman discovered love, invented marriage.

Man discovered trade, invented money. Woman discovered money, man has never recovered.

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BETWEEN PERSONAL AGENDA AND PROTECTING PUBLIC INTEREST. Vice Gov. Bong Teves personally bridged the gap between Vice Mayor Arlene Tem-plonuevo and Councilor Notalio Popa and other SB members last week. Teves’ effort ended the six-month long political quarrel between the Popa camp and the vice mayor that led to the filing of an administrative case before the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.

Bus drivers…. from page 1 companies in Bicol to comply with Department Order (DO) No. 118-12 that provides fixed salaries and wages for drivers and con-ductors. Lacambra said DO 118-12, which was issued on January 13 provides for the payment of daily salaries and wages including proper time of work for drivers and conductors of public utility buses. DOLE 5, along with the Regional Tripartite Wages and Productivity Board (RTWPB), is now providing free seminars to bus opera-tors, drivers, and conduc-tors who need assistance in computing their would-be salaries and fringe benefits in line with the order. The seminars, according to Lacambra, are meant to avoid confusion when it is a l ready implemented. Those previously paid on a per-trip basis and boundary system will now be covered by this rule. Under the order, these workers are entitled to wages for all actual work during the normal work hours and days not lower than the applicable mini-mum wage rates. Wages shall be paid at least once every two weeks or twice a month at intervals not ex-ceeding 16 days. Minimum wage for non-agricultural workers in Bicol, including bus drivers and conductors, is set at P252 daily. They should be paid a holiday pay of 100 percent of the minimum wage even without reporting to work and 200 percent when re-quired to work on a holiday. They are also entitled to a rest day of 24 consecutive hours for every six con-secutive working days. If

they are required to work on a rest day, an additional premium pay of 30 percent of minimum basic wage should be paid to them. Overtime pay equivalent to at least 25 percent of the basic wage on ordinary days and 30 percent on regular holidays, special days and rest days for work beyond eight hours per day would also apply. An additional 10 percent of the daily basic wage is required for night shifts, if work is between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. of the follow-ing day. Incentive leave of five days per year of service should also be observed. They should be paid 13th month pay pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 851, as amended, which entitles the employee to receive an amount equiva-lent to 1/12 of the total ba-sic salary earned within the calendar year, not later than December 24 of each year. Other incentives for a regu-lar employee such as ma-ternity leave for both male and female, parental leave for solo parents and the retirement pay upon reach-ing the age of 60 or more are also applicable. The implementation of DO 118-12, Lacambra said is expected to help reduce road accidents involving passenger buses due to reckless driving, over speeding, and road racing while competing for passen-gers for more earning. This new wage rule would serve as the key to careful driving as drivers are as-sured of substantial earn-ings either by way of fixed daily wage rate or perform-ance-based determined through the total earning of the bus, safety performance and other indicators, he said. (MAL/DOC-PIA 5, Albay)

DDG Pascua…. from page 1 the training-cum-production project in which 298 CSHCI scholars in carpentry, ma-sonry, reinforcing steel bar, tile setting, electrical instal-lation and arc welding were trained at the construction site, given free lunch and provided livelihood starter kits of construction tools upon completion of their qualifications training. At the same occasion, 210 vouchers under the Training for Work Scholar-ship Program was released to CSHCI. In his brief address, Pas-cua disclosed that TESDA Director General Joel Villanueva has allocated P2 million for the congressional district of Catanduanes for technical-vocational schol-arships. On the other hand, Cong. Sarmiento bared that his office has funneled P8 mil-lion in funding assistance to TESDA in the last two years and assured support in sourcing funds for the op-eration of the extension training centers in Pandan-Caramoran and Pangani-ban-Viga-Bagamanoc. For her part, CSC Pres. Minerva Morales said the completion of the building presents an opportunity for TESDA to tandem with the CSC in site-specific training programs for local indus-tries. Also present during the blessing were TESDA re-gional director Conrado Bares, DOLE regional di-rector Nathaniel Lacambra, agency heads, and officials of the different tech-voc schools in the province.

Cua, DOH-5…. from page 1 to earn more money as there will be no more char-ity cases, Ona added. He also urged LGUs with Basic Emergency Obstetric and New Born Care (BEMONC) centers to get PhilHealth accreditation now so they will be able to claim the P8,000 per delivery reim-bursements from Phil-Health. He expressed optimism that the watered-down Sin Tax Bill now pending before the Senate will provide funding of more than P20 billion annually for health care in the country and en-sure that there will be Uni-versal Health Coverage in the Philippines by 2014. This, he added, would ad-dress Cua‟s request for P36 million for the upgrading of the facilities of the Virac Water District and improve-ment of water systems in the cholera-stricken baran-gay of Dugui Too, Cabcab, Sto. Domingo, and Caramo-ran, Ona emphasized. Aside from visiting the cholera-stricken sitio of Mis-lagan in Virac, the DOH chief personally turned over a P500,000 check and Emergency Health Kits to Governor Joseph Cua, who also got P300,000 from the DOH regional office through Regional Director Nestor Santiago Jr. He also turned over Health Emergency Kits to the capitol. With Sec. Ona on his brief visit were Undersecre-tary Teodoro Herbosa, OIC-assistant secretary Dr. Enri-que Tayag and executive assistant Dir. Jaime Laga-hid. Congressman Cesar Sarmiento and health per-sonnel from 11 towns were also present. The latest report on the outbreak disclosed that there are 22 validated deaths due to Vibrio cholera validated as of this date as well as 1,730 diarrhea cases from January 1 to June 19. The number of cases are expected to rise, health official said, following the provincial government‟s decision to provide free hospitalization to all those stricken by diarrhea. It was also revealed that of the 250 samples sent to DOH Bicol for confirmation, 31 were found positive for cholera. Director Santiago said 12 water sources were likewise positive for contamination with E. coli, Aeromonas and Vibrio cholera. All 11 towns of the island province has reported diarrhea cases, with Virac, San Andres and San Miguel greatly affected, he added. Even before the Sang-guniang Panlalawigan‟s declaration of a state of calamity all over the prov-ince last Wednesday (June 20), the provincial govern-ment has already under-taken of rationing of safe water and distribution of jerry cans to 20 affected barangays, procurement of medicines and supplies, procurement of chlorine and installation of improvised chlorinator. Governor Joey Salceda of Albay also sent over a portable water filtra-tion system. Gov. Cua said health personnel are also engaged in water quality surveil-lance, including disinfection of contaminated water sources and water analysis of other sources. Ten units of biosand filter tanks are being constructed in the stricken barangays. In the long term, the pro-vincial chief executive said moves have been made to ensure water quality in the 11 towns, with eight villages set to implement water source improvement pro-jects charged to the prov-ince‟s 5% Calamity Fund. A

campaign for the construc-tion of toilets and condo-minium-type septic tanks will also be undertaken by the municipal governments.‟ Aside from strengthening compliance at the LGU level with the Sanitation Code, Solid Waste Man-agement Act and related local laws, Cua disclosed, the provincial health office will also undertake installa-tion of electronic surveil-lance system in all health units. The lack of such a system has been blamed for the erroneous tally of more than 3,000 diarrhea cases, as patients were counted twice or thrice as they went to the rural health units, district hospitals and the Eastern Bicol Medical Center. On the other hand, the DOH has provided drugs, medicines, laboratory sup-plies and laboratory ser-vices for confirmation of human and water samples. It has likewise assisted in the establishment of an Incident Command System and has met with local health officers and hospital chiefs regarding the epi-demic status, management and reporting.

JUNE 27, 2012 3

Some Random Thoughts Atty. Romulo P. Atencia

A.B., LlB., Bar Topnotcher Former Executive Judge, RTC, Virac

STATEHOOD

In 1898, the United States won Cuba, Guam, the Philippines, and Puerto Rico from Spain. The Philippines became an American territory when the Treaty of Paris, at the end of the Spanish-American War, transferred control of the Philippines to the United States.

***** For a territory to become a member-state of the United States of America, elected leaders representing the majority of voters must file a petition for statehood to be approved by the US House of Representatives, then by the US Senate, then ratified by the President of the USA. All US states were former territories that voted for, and were accepted for, statehood. Puerto Rico became a US territory the same time as the Philippines, and remains a US territory, because Puerto Rico never achieved a majority of votes to petition for either statehood or independence, in several elections on statehood held in Puerto Rico over the past 100 years. Alaska and Hawaii were the last 2 territories to become states, about 50 years ago. No US territories were ever denied a petition for statehood.

***** Theoretically, Filipinos could have elected Filipino leaders who could have petitioned for statehood back when the Philippines was a territory, then statehood for the Philippines could have been considered by the US congress. Before World War II, Taft, Governor of the Philippines and later US President, dreamed of P h i l i p p i n e s t a t e ho o d . However, the Philippines was never considered, and could not have been considered, to become a member-state, because elected Filipino leaders never petitioned for statehood in the US congress. Our leaders, notably Manuel L. Quezon, opposed statehood. In his famous (?) words, he said that it is better to have a government ran like hell by Filipinos, than a government ran l i ke heaven by Americans. Of course, as we now realized, he got what he wanted – our country is being ran like hell by Filipinos. That is not to count some municipalities and provinces which are lorded over by Chinese kingpins. Chinese mayors and governors, too, can run local government units like hell.

***** After WWII the Philippines still had an opportunity to become a state of the American Union as many who served in the guerilla forces and in the Philippine armed forces felt a genuine desire to become part of the United States. After the war, many Filipinos began to participate in a grass roots effort to become a state. The Philippine government was corrupt and many heroes of

WEEKLY REFLECTIONS What do you hear?

A Native American and his friend were in downtown New York City, walking near Times Square in Manhattan. It was during the noon lunch hour and the streets were filled with people. Cars were honking their horns, taxicabs were squealing around corners, sirens were wailing, and the sounds of the city were almost deafening. Suddenly, the Native American said, "I hear a cricket." His friend said, "What? You must be crazy. You couldn't possibly hear a cricket in all of this noise!" "No, I'm sure of it," the Native American said, "I heard a cricket." "That's crazy," said the friend. The Native American listened carefully for a moment, and then walked across the street to a big cement planter where some shrubs were growing. He looked into the bushes, beneath the branches, and sure enough, he located a small cricket. His friend was utterly amazed. "That's incredible," said his friend. "You must have super-human ears!" "No," said the Native American. "My ears are no different from yours. It all depends on what you're listening for." "But that can't be!" said the friend. "I could never hear a cricket in this noise." "Yes, it's true," came the reply. "It depends on what is really important to you. Here, let me show you." He reached into his pocket, pulled out a few coins, and discreetly dropped them on the sidewalk. And then, with the noise of the crowded street still blaring in their ears, they noticed every head within twenty feet turn and look to see if the money that tinkled on the pavement was theirs. "See what I mean?" asked the Native American. "It all depends on what's important to you." As Jesus tells the Pharisees in the Gospel, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar, but give to God what is God's."

- Unknown

Tuloy na tuloy na pala ang bakbakang Belaro vs. Sole-dad sa pagka-director ng Ficelco na sakop ng Baras-Gigmoto. Si Mr. Fidelito Sole-dad ay kilala na bilang kasa-lukuyang director ng District 1 Baras-Gigmoto at siya ang Board Secretary. Ito namang si Romeo B. Belaro, Jr., o si Nonoy na siyang katawagan sa kanya ay isa itong engineer at nag-tapos ito ng kanyang engi-neering course sa Bicol Uni-versity. Isa siyang empleado ng DPWH-Catanduanes, engineer ll/project engineer lll. Siya ngayon ang project engineer sa Sioron, Dororian & Benticayan Section, Baras at Gigmoto. PDAF Project Baras-Gigmoto Sections at 2012 Project sa Sipi, Balong-bong, Pagsangahan, San Miguel, Bato at marami pa siyang ibang mga nasasapi-ang mga civic, religious or-ganizations. Malayo na yatang mag-kamag-anak ang mga kandi-datong ito ng director ng Ficelco Belaro vs. Soledad pero sabi magkamag-anak pa rin. Alam ko sport lang ang labanan ng dalawang ito at sinuman ang mananalo kailangan ay ayos lang ang lahat. Good luck, Engr. Romeo “Nonoy” B. Belaro at Mr. Fi-delito Soledad!!

***** Maliwanag ang mensahe ng mga nagkasakit ng chol-era. Nang tanungin sila ng mga taga-media kung bakit hindi nila makuha ang pu-munta ng hospital para mag-pagamot ang sagot nila ay simpleng “wala kaming per-ang pambayad sa hospital.” At sa pagtatanong-tanong ko rin naman sa mga tina-maan ng sakit na cholera, ang sabi nila hindi na raw kasi sila makapunta ng EBMC kasi wala raw silang kahit isang sentimo para pambili ng gamot na hindi raw kagaya noon kahit pa-paano ay may libreng gamot na naibibigay sa mga walang perang pasyente. Iyon ang hinahanap ng mga taong walang-wala na kahit papaano ay may libreng gamot na puwedeng mapaki-nabangan nila sa gipit na pangangailangan. Hindi na-

PAKI-REVIEW ANG ECONOMIC ENTERPRISE NG EBMC

WWII watched in dismay as their government sank down to the lowest levels of depravity and their country became the “sick man of Asia” due to corruption and mismanagement. Discontent rooted in economic disparity and religious differences grew in the late 1960s. The New People's Army (NPA) soon spread to other parts of Luzon and throughout the archipelago. In 1969 the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) was organized as a guerrilla force for the Muslim cause.

***** In the late 60's and early 70's before Marcos, there were efforts led by former Congressmen Bartolome Cabangbang and Rufino Antonio for the Philippines to be a state of the American union. Why not, indeed? On the side of the Americans, t h e i r c o u n t r y w o u l d immediately increase its population by about one-third, and they would have a vantage point in this part of the world. In world politics, size is might. Present population in the United States is 313 million, ours is 100 million, including those working overseas. If the Philippines is annexed into the United States, the latter's population will increase by almost 30%, and will outstrip that of the Russia Federation.

***** Insofar as the Philippines is concerned, the Philippines will be the most populous state of the union, bigger than the two most populous states -- California and New York -- combined. The Filipinos will be the largest ethnic group in the United States, larger than the Irish, the Blacks, the Chicanos, or any ethnic group of European extraction. With our voting power, we can elect, say, Lito L a p i d , a n A m e r i c a n President. Considering the penchant of Americans for interfering in our elections and exploiting us, this constitutes delicious irony, poetic justice and divine retribution. Moreover, our senators and congressmen can vote the Philippines all sorts of pork barre l allocations, social security, medicare and welfare, that will make us Filipinos the recipients of American bounty beyond our wildest dreams, enough to compensate us for all the wealth American c a r p e t b a g g e r s a n d multinational corporations have been taking out of our country since the turn of the last century. Filipinos will find jobs in American corporations and be paid in stable dollars instead of shrinking pesos. Filipinos can go to the United States, the land of milk and honey, anytime without having to line up for a visa, and be insulted by Americans of low IQ. Also, Filipinos will automatically be American citizens, which by perception means being free, rich and sexy.

*****

There were also efforts at annexing the Philippines as several states. According to this formula, the Philippines may choose to divide itself into 5 states with a total representation in the U.S. Senate of 10 senators; and according to its population, the Philippines would have a representation in the Lower House of at least 60 congressmen. How's that for political clout? We will be the most powerful political force in the American Union.

***** There are others who opted not for US statehood. Some Filipinos have sought, such as the Moro National Liberation Front, to join Indonesia. Other groups seek for individual islands to become an independent nation. (How does Republic of Catanduanes sound?) Any way out of the rut known as the Philippine government was perceived to be good.

***** O p p o n e n t s c i t e Nationalism, self-rule, and point out that US forces once ravaged the Philippines, slaughtered villages, and imprisoned many of our heroes like Aguinaldo, and many others were held captive and forced to bow. Some Filipinos worry about taxation, and the concern that rich Americans would be able to travel to the Philippines and buy land and property which is now very hard to do as a foreigner.

***** To be sure, there is no guarantee that our lives would have improved had we become a state of the United States of America. Terrorists and other mortal enemies of America who cannot infiltrate the continental U.S. may instead wreak havoc in our shores. America, such as in WWII, may again fight its war in our land. Additionally, we are culturally different from the Americans, raised in a d i f f e ren t a tmosphe re /environment and upbringing totally in contrast with theirs. The materialism of American society does not blend well with some of our cherished values and traditions. The greed of some American corporations would have been repugnant to our taste as a people. And what about the side of the Americans? Would they have welcomed us into their fold and looked at us as their little brown brothers or sisters? Most of them are racists and it wouldn't have been long before they made us targets of their ridicule and smirks. That would sting our Filipino pride and we are known not to take insults sitting down.

***** No, sir. I think it is better just to fix our own backyard, and endeavor to put up a government ran like heaven by Filipinos. Atty. Romulo P. Atencia E m a i l a d d : romuloatencia@yahoo.com

man kasi sa lahat ng oras may kuwarta ang sinuman na pag punta mo ng hospital ay reresitahan ka at pagkatapos ay bibili ka ng gamot sa botika. Ngayon ay iba na diyan sa EBMC dahil sa pagpapatu-pad nila ng “economic enter-prise” na ang maliwanag na pagkakaintindi ng mga tao ay wala nang libreng gamot. Kaya anong sabi ng pasyente sa interview ng mga taga-media na hindi sila makapunta sa hospital dahil sa wala silang pera. Wala silang pambili ng gamot. Naging libre ang gamot later pero nagkamatayan na muna ang mga tinamaan ng sakit bago nagdeklarang libre ang lahat. Matindi ang isang na-interbyu na ayon sa kanya palpak ang gobyerno dito sa atin. Kaya‟t puwede ba mga namamahala ng EBMC paki-review lang ang programa ninyong economic enterprise dahil sa totoo lang ang tina-tamaan ng ka-eeksperimento ninyo ay ang lokal na pama-halaan? Ang nangyayaring ito sa atin ay maaaring maulit sa mga darating na panahon. At sigurado ako na ang titirahin na naman ng mga apektado ay ang lokal na pamahalaan natin. Kaya puwede ba gumawa naman kayo ng ibang pro-grama na iyong mga walang-wala, iyong mga hirap na hirap sa buhay ay magawan ninyo ng paraan na kahit papaano ay malibre man lang sa gamot sa mahigpit na pan-gangailangan nila. Sa ngayon kasi napaka-hirap pumunta ng hospital natin pag wala kang maski pambili ng gamot man la-mang. Sa totoo lang!!

***** Status quo raw ang posi-tion ng tatlong lider natin na sina Cong. Cesar V. Sar-miento, Gobernador Joseph Cua at Bise Gobernador Jose “Bong” Joson Teves, Ang ibig sabihin ay hindi sila maglala-ban-laban kundi si Cong. Sarmiento kakandidatong kongresman si Gob. Cua ay dati rin gobernador at si Bise Gob. Bong Teves ay dati rin bise gobernador. Ito na marahil ang pina-kamagandang mangyayari ngayong eleksyon kung saan

ay tiyak na mawawala ang agam-agam na baka mag-kadayaan, magkasulutan, magkabilihan ng husto ng boto, magkagamitan na na-man ng mga pulis at sundalo, at iba pang klase ng panda-raya sa oras ng eleksyon. Hindi kailangang gumastos ng milyong-milyong salapi ang mga kandidato at hindi kailangang magsiraan sa entablado, hindi kailangang gumamit ng mga goons, hindi kailangang gamitin ang mga pulis at mga sundalo para sa pananakot ng kapuwa kandi-dato na mamimili ng boto. Ang tanong papayag na-man kaya ang mga ambi-syosong kandidato na hindi nila makamit ang kanilang ambisyon lalo‟t ito na sa pan-iniwala nila ang pagkakataon para sila ay malagay sa pu-westong gustong-gusto nilang makupo? Igua baga nin mga tawong daeng pakilabot basta ang saenda saenda sana!!

***** Ayon sa kanila, Cong. Ce-sar Sarmiento at Bise Gob. Bong Taves, nagkaintindihan na sila na hindi sila maglala-ban sa puwesto ng kongres-man. Magaling! Sa ganoon iyong mga nang-uuto kay bise gober-nador para labanan ang tiyo niya ay mawawala na. Siguro ang mga mang-uuto ay tata-himik na dahil alam kong hindi basta magpapauto si Bise gobernador. Alam ko iyan dahil may mga gu-migimik na noon. Masyado nga lang halata. At sana…sana …ang pag-uusap ni Cong. Sarmiento at bise gobernador Bong Teves ay usapang magkamag-anak at hindi usapang pulitiko. Pan-o pag-istoryahang pulitko puro an bubuwa. Nu-gayod ngani maski istorya-hang magkadugo bubuwa pa!!! Ano, bacong, iyo?

***** Noong nakarang linggo kung saan ay nagce-celebrate tayo ng Independ-ence Day ay nagkaroon ng programa sa Plaza Rizal. Nandoon si Cong. Sar-miento, Gob, Cua at iba pang mga opisyal ng probinsiya at ng PNP at hindi sinasadya ay napasama si Hon. Lelu P. Contreras ang executive judge at presiding judge ng RTC Br. 43-acting presiding

TIngnan natin ni Jex F. Lucero

TRI-EX CABLE TV Calatagan, Virac

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IGNORANCE IS NOT BLISS.

READ, LEARN AND WORK. judge ng RTC Br. 42. Nang matapos daw ang Pambansang Awit, medyo nagkaroon daw ng mga at least three minutes na nah-into ang programa na para bang wala nang susunod pa. Kahit hindi kasama si Judge Lelu sa programa pumunta siya sa unahan at siyang nanguna sa pagpapasunod sa pagbigkas ng panunumpa sa watawat. A t p a g k a t a p o s n g panunumpa sa watawat bu-malik siya sa linya sa tabi ni Cong. Sarmiento at ang sabi

sa kanya ni Congressman Sarmiento, “Judge, you just saved our day”. Wow naman, sino kaya ang nag-prepare ng nasabing programa? Pati panunumpa sa watawat hindi alam. Alam ba ninyong ang panunumpa sa watawat ay nasa batas natin „yan? Tuturuan naming kayo dahil maraming kopya sa amin. Maikli lang naman at madaling imemorya.

so clean and inviting, the people should take a second look before plunging for a swim lest he or she be taken ill afterwards.

***** Many of bus drivers and conductors are unaware that the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) is set to implement an order providing for fixed salaries and wages for drivers and conductors beginning July 1. Under said order, those paid on a per-trip basis and boundary system will be covered by the rule, which mandates that they be paid the P252 minimum wage for non-agricultural workers. Like the rest of the labor force, they should enjoy 13th month pay, overtime pay, holiday pay and rest day of 24 hours for every six consecutive working days. An additional 10 percent of the daily basic wage is required for night shifts, if work is between 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. of the following day. Incentive leave of five days per year of service should also be observed. They should be paid 13th month pay pursuant to Presidential Decree No. 851, as amended, which entitles the employee to receive an amount equivalent to 1/12 of the total basic salary earned within the calendar year, not later than December 24 of each year. Other incentives for a regular employee such as maternity leave for both male and female, parental leave for solo parents and the retirement pay upon reaching the age of 60 or more are a l s o a p p l i c a b l e . In one of the buses plying the route Virac to Viga, the driver is being paid P320 for

JUNE 27, 2012

EDITORIAL

The Newspaper for Every Catandunganon Publishes Every Wednesday

Editorial and Business Office at

Rawis, Virac, Catanduanes * Tel. No. 811-1267 Fax No. 811-1267

FERNAN A. GIANAN RICHARD T. REVELAR Publisher-Editor Web Master Atty. FRED A. GIANAN, JR. FREDESWINDO T. GIANAN, SR. Legal Counsel Founder www.catanduanestribune.com

Inside Page Fernan A. Gianan

Isip-isipon ta

Virac’s river of filth and disease Several of the fatalities in Virac from the cholera ou tb reak came f rom communities along the Sto. Domingo river, which has its source far away in the Dugui area. When Cito Alberto tasted power as municipal mayor in 1992, one of his first commendable acts was to launch a Clean and Green program that evaluated all 63 barangays and awarded those which complied with existing laws and guidelines o n c l e a n l i n e s s a n d environmental protection. The first time the team went to the three Dugui barangays, all linked by a riverine system, they saw g a r b a g e h a p h a z a r d l y disposed of in the river and streets, pigs and residents using the entire village and the riverbanks as a toilet. The residents reasoned that when the rains come, the flood will wash all the trash and the fecal matter away, down to the Buyo, Sto. Domingo and Pajo areas. Apparently, in the 20 years that has passed, with Cito now sitting again as mayor, the same problem has not been resolved. Dugui‟s water sources remain in a neglected state, many of its households without access to safe water and sanitary toilets, and its people unfortunately and blissfully remaining ignorant of basic hygiene. Thus, it is not farfetched to surmise that the filth from Dugui has come to bring disease downstream to Virac, where in Sto. Domingo, the river has tested positive for contamination by disease-causing bacteria. While from atop the bridge the river looks

Iguang reclamador na mga contratista an nagreparo na saro na sana daa an nanggagana kan mga contrata sa Deped sa pagpatogdoc nin escuelahan. Segun sa saenda, baco na man daang catutubod na halos maubos na kan masuwerteng contractor an enterong proyecto sa islang Catanduanes. Tibaad daa igua na ining cacomplotan diyan sa laog pati na sa regional office. Sabi pa, nakitik daa an saendang suspecha kan maisihan na an saro daang casual na empleyado diyan sa division office nakabakal na nin harong sa subdivision, saro pang lote asin duwang kabayo o carruaje. Tibaad daa su mga invuelto man daa sa ibong iyo man an suwerteng nacoa sa pa-bidding-bidding kan mga escuelahan. Ngonian, marinas na adalan ini nin husto bago masigurong naquinabang si ser sa salang guibo, Tibaad nangutang man ini nin perac o caya nanggana nin sampulong vez sa palotteng diyan sa Virac. Tibaad naori m a n s a n a a n m g a chismosong contractor ta n a w a r a n s i n d a n i n deligencias posibles. Kung iguang mga sogoc-sogoc an mga tawong ini, hala, dalagan na camo sa Ombudsman!

***** Diyan man daa sa LTO Virac sa kahadean ni Amon, an mga nangayag-ngayag daa baco man itong mga permanenteng empleyado, kundi an mga job order, detail hari sa regional office o casual. Pinasul-ot sana daa nin uniporme, iyo na an m i n a i m p l e me n t a r k a n regulac iones sa mga

cagsadiri nin mga vehiculo o drayber. Maluya pa daa an cincuenta pesos na singil sa cada stencil kan numero nin sasakyan. Anas na daa ining mga alisto maghanap nin mga diferencia sa papeles o sa carruaje, caya minadacul an bayadan. Tangani daang dae mahowa an bolsa mo, maqui-areglo ka na sana, pero daeng resibo, he! he! he! Ta baco man sa caban nin gobyerno kundi sa bolsa ni ser, he! he! he! Sayang na dae lamang ini inaguihan ni PNoy kan Mayo dos, cotana naimbitaran niya na an mga maorag na empeyadong baco man na mag-aplay qui Conchita Nazario-Morales bilang mga bag-ong imbestigador, Siring sa gibo ninda sa mga clientes kan LTO, hindi nila kayo tatantanan!!!!!

***** Masakit mangyari an pangaturogan kan mga toltol na tawo na si Gob Boboy, Cong Cesar y Bise Gob Bong anas sanang mag-reeleksyon sa dating puesto. Enot, dae ta man puedeng pugolan sinda Dayunyor Verceles, Cotipyo, Siliwong y iba pang nasobrahan nin huragoc na dae na sinda mag-entra sa politica. Kung iyo an gusto, ya hale, pabaliha! Icaduwa, siring man kan mga nagsagin-sagin na gakatusla, masakit an pukawan. Sagcod ngonian, gapasilo-siloan si Gob Boboy y Cong Cesar kung mahuron-huron o dae, ta mala daang iba man daa an estorya ni Bise Gob sa lambang saro. Icatolo, dacul man an mga ambisyoso sa lambang campo, caya an saendang mga candidato sa municipio magabaranggaan pagabot sa

2013. Sa ngonian ngani, igua nang mga banwaan na sinda Gob, Cong y Bise Gob igua nang mga representantes. Icaapat, sa kinaban nin politica, rinibo an mga solsolero, na an solong guibo sana iyo an magsolsol y magsutsot sa saendang mga among politico. Adyan an ipalaban ka sa ibang politico para soboot ica ipagana alagad an tuyo iyo na makadusmog ka. An perac bagui man na duhay nin carbaw, dacul an langaw lalo na kung nakaluwas. Kung sabagay, pabor an siriblag na politico sa mga votante, lalo na itong dae nang laog an utak sa paigit-igit dahel sa cholera. Mas magayon para sa saendang mga parapabacal nin voto na magbugris man an mga candidato pag-abot nin eleksyon, para everybody happy.

***** Dae pa daa masabotan k a n P D R R M C k u n g papanohon an duwang lifeboat na binakal sa mga parasira na nagcoa caini duman sa naglubog na barko ning Hapon. Dae man ini puedeng gibohon na rescue vessel ta m a s ya d o n g m a h i wa s , bacong ma-ispid boda kulang sa fuerza laban sa daraculang lungso. Idonar na sana ini duman sa Mariners Polytechnic asin ipangtucal nin scholarship sa mga taga-Catanduanes tanganing pakinabangan kan gabos. Kung iguang maghabo sa consejo, siya an ilaog sa lifeboat, kadenahan asin palatawlatawon sa dagat nin sarong bulan tanganing magmuni-muni kung anohon niya an lifeboat. Sisay pa an maiba?

4

qui Tang Tacio

Oremus vobiscum

one roundtrip daily but he had no overtime pay or night differential. The bus owner, an elective official, does not pay for SSS and PhilHealth, which the driver pays on his own as self-employed member. The same is true with buses bound for Caramoran and Pandan. One driver who is employed by his relative, does not enjoy the benefits of SSS and PhilHealth, although he gets P400 per day, again without night differential and overtime pay. In both cases the buses leave the northern towns at 3 A.M. in the morning and then make the return trip after 12 hours. Considering that one of the aims of the DOLE policy is to help reduce road accidents, the new DOLE provincial officer should endeavor to interview bus drivers and conductors to check whether they are getting the correct wages and benefits.

***** Solving the Problem. According to a radio report, a middle school in Oregon was faced with a unique problem. A number of girls were beginning to use lipstick and would put it on in the bathroom. That was fine, but after they put on their lipstick they would press their lips to the mirror leaving dozens of little lip prints. Finally the principal decided that something had to be done. She called all the girls to the bathroom and met them there with the maintenance man. She explained that all these lip prints were causing a major problem for the custodian who had to clean the mirrors

Inside Page/page 7

Bulok na gobyerno

To the provincial government which was too glad to accommodate the four TV crews that covered the cholera outbreak, the comment elicited by GMA-7 from a local resident must have stung a bit. It doesn’t matter that the description was so generic that it could have referred to the PNoy administration, or even the Alberto rule in Virac. Surely, to be described as rotten all over makes one react with a cry of injustice against an undeserved epithet. What the administration has done to address the health emergency could hardly be described as a product of a rotten government. Despite some critics’ claim that Governor Joseph Cua unduly engaged in politicking upon seeing responders’ T-shirts and jerry cans bearing his name, the chief executive has emerged from the crisis smelling like roses, so to speak, as the only one among local leaders to engage actively in the crisis. And it was not even his fault or negligence that the outbreak happened. The blame for all this can be laid squarely at the doorstep of the municipal governments and barangay councils which have done nothing worthy of mention in the seven years since the last diarrhea epidemic in 2005. To cite one, the water system at sitio Caniogan in Dugui Too in Virac has remained unchanged since then, with scant protection, while the families at the area has not had the benefit of a sanitary toilet. To claim that the three politicians who have handled the reins of the municipio since 1988 have improved the life of the Caniogan residents would be to state an absurdity. The same goes to barangay councils whose constituents were stricken by contaminated water. A study of the development plans they regularly submit for approval and implementation would disclose that majority of scarce public funds were spent for concreting projects than for the improvement of basic necessities like water supply and sanitation. So now, the brave Catandunganon who described the government as rotten should likewise be asked how he voted in the last local and barangay elections. Did he sell his vote, like 99 percent of the Catanduanes electorate, to politicians in exchange for a license to steal valid for three years? If he did, did he not think it would be unfair for a ―bought‖ citizen to complain against official negligence and thievery in municipal and barangay governments led by the very same politicians to whom he had given away his right to seek redress? With the midterm national and local elections just a year away, he and the rest of the electorate in this sickened island (not a paradise, says an expatriate) should ponder that democracy, upon which good governance is based, operates like karma: the voters get the leaders they deserve. If this island has thieves and slackers for leaders, then it has conscience-less voters, too frail to resist the pull of easy money. There is an apt description for such a flawed people that the same TV crew could have captured from the same subject:

Bulok na tawo

Q

5 JUNE 27, 2012

SHOPBOX

TRADING

CENTER FOR CATANDUNGAN HERITAGE, INC.

2nd GAWAD KULTURA

Awardee

FRISCO BASILIO BORJA Pay, payaso musikero

At 72, Pay is a far cry from the funny man and musikero that he was at his prime. He could hardly talk and walk after a stroke. But thanks to his loving and caring wife Erlinda and childen Ricky, now a music teacher, daughter Sharon, a nurse and Michelle, an accountant, he is properly looked after. He was able to see through his family needs via his work at PT&T and by his earnings as member of Publico’s band. The son of Eusebia Abundo and musikero Fructuso Borja, Pay was born on May 30, 1940. He started to play the bombo (drum) at age 17 under the watchful eye of Tang Luloy (Teodulo Publico). Later, he learned to play the maracas, trumpet, gui-tar, bajo and tuba. He was already a musician when he decided to pursue his education. He was the oldest elementary grades graduate at 24, the oldest high school graduate at 30. He didn’t really mind. He just wanted to be in

school. After he finished two years of college edu-cation at the Catan-duanes Colleges, he be-gan work at PT&T deliver-ing telegrams, sometimes singing/dancing grams where he delivered music - sang a “Happy Birthday” song and danced while playing his own accompa-niment - to a person as requested by the sender. For 43 years he played his music coupled with funny antics and improvi-sations making him an en-tertainer and a musician. He played with the popu-lar band that provided festive music to town and barangay fiestas, assisted in padasal, novenarios and funerals. The pay was mostly in kind, some-times twenty five centavos during the 60s and 70s. This rose to fifty pesos in the 1980s, 150 to 200 in the 1990s, to 300 in 2000. He found musician’s work profitable. He was able to buy his own bombardino from Nestor Publico. He recalls with pride his

performance as member of the CNHS band. It gave him the chance to join the Bicol Meet as playing band sponsored by then Congressman Jose Al-berto. Their well-acclaimed performance made them very popular. At present his son Ricky is definitely following his foot-steps as the music teacher-son is fast becoming a popular saxophone player. He also plays the banduria and flute and has also be-come a music coach and trainer of the CNHS band. The many musical instru-ments they have accumu-lated are displayed in a cabinet adorning the din-ing room of a modest two storey house built by Pay’s retirement money. The funny man’s music is still mirrored in the musikero’s beaming eyes.

BIRD’S EYE VIEW Colored perspectives

STRUGGLE FOR DEPENDENCE by Mars Alberto

¡El verano es ido! ¡Y es feliz de regresar una vez más educar pero el temió la mirada asesina de maestro!

* * * * * * * * Dealers are the face of major oil companies to the consuming public, hence, the oil companies must not be only circumspect but also comprehensive in its due diligence review of prospective dealers because it is a key factor that determine not only the profitability of the dealership but its business behavior in the community. Hence, we cannot expect a responsible business behavior from a dealer who monopolizes almost every aspect of economic activity in our province. The fate of the original Petron dealership in the province is very disturbing as it was done under an uneven level playing field which effectively killed business competition in the province. Catand-unganons must now continue to support this now unbranded dealership if only to show disgust to the behavior of this monopolizing political leader cum greedy businessman. Speaking of combining business with polity (government) under one roof as characterized by the situation in oil dealership in the province, the result is a government failure to protect the in-terest of the public. The situation creates MONOPOLY – that is when a specific person or enter-prise (kailangan pa ba imemorize yan?) is the only supplier of commodities and services in the province. Alang ibang mapagkukunan ng serbisyo o prodokto and the result is their power to charge unreasonable high prices. Simply put, we may not notice it but the pump price of gasoline is very high compared to our neighbors, gasoline price remains the same for weeks even if a rollback has been in effect else-where in the country. The ferry service from the province is also a monopolized service of this political leader cum businessman and the result is a poor imitation of the ferry services from Ma-nila to Bataan. At almost the same distance, the ferry service to Bataan from Manila takes about 45 minutes to 1 hour while the Calolbon to Tabaco takes about 3 hours at almost the same price (in the aircon area). The ferry service to Bataan is like riding an airplane in terms of amenities (all areas are aircon, carpeted & with well-dressed stewards), while the ferry trip to Tabaco is like riding a dilapidated aircon bus along the traffic stricken EDSA. In short, we are a captured mar-ket and at the mercy of this political leader cum businessman. This situation favors the current provincial steward and as such tries forcefully but nonetheless struggles to maintain dependence as it continues to avoid competition.

* * * * * * * * TIME magazine recently featured its take on “The 100 Most Influential People in the World”. Familiar names in the list like US President Barack Obama & his rival presumptive Republican presidential nominee Mitt Romney and US Secretary State Hillary Clinton are predictable mem-ber of the list. The inclusion of Jeremy Lin of the New York Knicks is somewhat inconsistent though the guy broke several of the NBA barriers. Best example is that an Asian can be the “court general” that would directs NBA‟s “American” stars like Melo Anthony and Amare Stoudemire what to do in the court; Linsanity nonetheless was not with his team when the final drive for the playoff spot was in progress and hotly contested by the Knicks, Philadelphia Sixers & the Milwaukee Bucks. Without Linsanity, the Knicks still made the playoffs but has since been eliminated by the Maimi Heat coached by Fil-am Eric Celino Spoelstra. The most influential person in the world at this time could be Germany‟s Chancellor Angela Merkel. As the leader of Europe‟s largest economy, she has slowly guided the continent out of the debt crisis; preventing it from spreading across the global economy, while her contemporar-ies in Europe like France‟s Nicolas Sarkozy and Italy Silvio Berlusconi got kicked out of office by their own people. However, the jury is still out on Europe‟s financial woes. Our for former colo-nizer „Spain‟ is in near financial collapse, more so with „Greece‟ the “cradle” of civilization – crea-tor of the Doric, Ionic and Corinthian columns in Architecture. Probably the time is now for Asia to shine and lead the world, not by China whose economy is overheating but Southeast Asia nations.

* * * * * * * * The Philippines is not only known for being the texting capital of the world, but also the public demonstration capital of the world, previously known as “people power”. When China manifested its claim to Panatag Shoal (Bajo de Masinloc to previous Filipino generation), our kababayans responded with raucous rallies and demonstrations not only in the country, but also outside the country like in the USA. Even the impeachment of Chief Justice Renato Corona was not spared of rallies (prayer rally included) from both sides of the fence. Our religious leaders also showed up against the Lady Gaga visit to the country thru rallies. Fortunately, no rally happened when Jessica Sanchez lost the “American Idol” to a James Taylor-reincarnate Philip Phillips. It could have been the most shameful act collectively done by our kababayans. On the Panatag Shoal issue (Scarborough Fair to Simon & Garfunkel) between the Philippines and China, it is obvious that the US want us to stand up against China, unfortunately, the country cannot win a shooting war with China. Hence, the way to go is peaceful negotiations. The coun-try should not be carried away by the sudden USA‟s generosity to us, giving our Navy Hamilton class cutters, one in May last year and another one last May 22, 2012. These ships are US Coast Guard standard vessel only, commissioned in 1967 and for total decommissioning in the USA by 2020, hence being sold possibly as “junk” or “used vessels” to countries like Philippines and Nigeria. Maybe a US donation of an aircraft carrier like the 1968 commissioned USS John F. Kennedy (aircraft included) could change the country‟s diplomatic approach to a more aggres-sive one.

* * * * * * * * (Reactions, comments and suggestions (violent or otherwise) are welcome at arch-mla@yahoo.com)

CYPRUS

ENTERPRISES

JOLLIBETH’S FOOD GARDEN

San Roque, San Andres

LETTER

On Solar Power I‟ve been following news and stories from your online edition of Catanduanes Tribune regard-ing the problems that are currently pestering the people of Catanduanes. These problems im-pacted not only on lives of the people but also to the economic activities in the island province. We are supposed to be protected by laws from these problems as these are two of the basic utilities that we need on our daily lives. These problems are already being experienced by the people of Catanduanes for so long. Maybe it is just our resiliency to natural calamities that makes us immune and of being unperturbed and seems to make us mum despite the sufferings caused by these problems. With these problems in mind, especially the problem in electricity, it urged me to look for an alternative source of electricity for my home to dispense my family of the inconveniences brought by brownouts, that I came across to this US based company, Mendoza Solar, that im-plements Solar Power projects in Southern California and Nevada in the US. As part of their expansion overseas , they have created Lim Solar Corporation to facilitate planning and imple-mentation of projects in the Philippines. I had been in constant communications with them through one of their incorporator, which is a true-blooded Catandunganon based in US, Mr. Joe Joson (Tiyo Peping) of Bigaa, Virac, and that we had been trying to look into how they could possibly provide their intervention in the looming power crisis in Catanduanes. Through the effort of Tiyo Peping and myself, we were able to solicit the presence of the Gov-ernor and Congressman of Catanduanes, through their representatives, to attend the recently held presentation (15th May 2012) in Manila of Mendoza / Lim Solar on the implementation of Solar Power Projects in the Philippines. As I have been informed, a letter-proposal has already been sent to the Governor for the possible implementation of a solar power farm in Catan-duanes most probably through Build Operate and Transfer (BOT) Scheme. The CEO of Mendoza Solar, Mr. Winston Mendoza, will be back in the Philippines on 8 th July- 1st Aug 2012 as follow-up to the presentations conducted. He plans to personally visit Catan-duanes and has requested for a meeting with the Governor and provide a presentation to other local officials of the province. I hope that the Governor would take a serious look into this. Being an island province it makes us vulnerable and in the forefront to the effect of climate change, especially the rising sea level, thus I think it is sensible that our provincial leadership seriously consider the use of renewable energy. Solar power would be a better if not the best option for our province because it could well compliment to the operation of the existing hydro-electric power plants. During daytime, solar power can be utilized to produce electricity while the hydro-electric power plants are accumulating water in its reservoir that can later be used to run the turbine at night time. This can be the case during rainy season and summer season. For the problem in the supply of water, I read in today‟s online issue of Catanduanes Tribune that VIWAD would implement Php2.0 Million deep well project and to procure fuel-powered gen-erator set to operate the overhead water tank in CSC to supply water in the residents of under-served areas ofSan Isidro Village, Cavinitan, Valencia and Bigaa. I understand that both of these undertaking would utilize water pumps, either electric-powered or diesel-powered. In one of our email conversation, Tiyo Peping made mention that they would also be bringing to Catan-duanes the solar-powered water pumps for farming and home water supply solution. I think it is worth to mull over the use of solar-powered water pumps for these VIWAD projects. It will not be affected by brownouts and the spiking increase in the cost of petroleum products. Even the world‟s top oil exporter, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the number one natural gas producer, Qatar, are now seriously venturing to Solar Power. I hope that through your intercession, this would reach the awareness of the concerned public officials and decision makers and that we could at least contribute our ideas in solving the per-ennial problems on water and electricity of our island province of Catanduanes. God bless and more power, Renato T. Chong Planning Engineer, Sidra Medical & Research Center Education City Project, Qatar

41st CSC Charter Day Celebration

2nd CSC RUN for FUN July 4, 2012, 5am

Starting line: San Roque, Virac (infront of Nazareno chapel)

Registration deadline July 3 at the CSC Medical & Dental Clinic Registration Fee: Students – P100 (free printed sando and lugaw); Employees & Outsiders – P200 (free printed T-shirt and lugaw)

OPEN LETTER TO VICE GOV. BONG TEVES Dear Hon.Bong Teves: I am Sr.Shirley T.Torrente, a religious Sister on vacation here in our province Catanduanes. I have been here since May 2 and went back to Manila on May 13,2012. I arrived last May 30, 2012 for another vacation. I experienced those days when I was here the tremendous uninter-rupted brownouts almost the whole day. There were times that I recorded seven (7) occasions of brownouts from morning until evening and thereafter. I read your article in the Catanduanes Tribune dated May 30,2012 demanding the Board of Directors of the First Catanduanes Electric Cooperative (FICELCO) to RESIGN. I STRONGLY SUPPORT your demand that the BOD of FICELCO should RESIGN for the following reasons/sentiments:

1.Catanduanes is a poor province. Majority of our people are poor and therefore FICELCO fails to deliver services which are affordable (at a lower rate) and effective. 2. Attached herewith are two (2) billings of our electric consumption with a questionable amount/cost particularly the May 25 billing. March 24 to April 24, 2012 Php 2,585.94 without brownout April 25 to May 25,2012 2,908.98 with tremendous brownouts 3. I believe that the BOD of FICELCO has failed to look for all possible means on how to serve the people of Catanduanes efficiently, effectively and satisfactory through technical and professional ways.

I cannot reconcile the logic of this kind of billing that the failure of delivery of power, the higher consumption of electricity? I am calling your kind attention, Hon. Teves, to look into it. Something wrong is in the system that causes the electric consumers to be disappointed and upset. This kind of service adds misery to the lives of our people particularly the business establishments. If thess people in the Board of Directors will continue in their term of office, this kind of service is another form of corruption. The people of Catanduanes don‟t deserve to be treated this way while the directors are enjoying the comforts of their office. Your immediate and prompt action on this matter Hon. Teves is highly expected. Thank you for expressing your concern towards our people on the failure of FICELCO to deliver quality power services as you mentioned ―failure to resolve the acute lack of power and rotating brownouts‖ in the May 30 issue of the Catanduanes Tribune. Yours respectfully, Shirley T. Torrente, sjbp

Solution to Tribune Sudoku

6 JUNE 27, 2012

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LEGAL NOTICE Notice is hereby given that an Extra-Judicial Settlement of Real Estate Among Heirs with Sale has been executed by the heirs of the late Rodolfo Yap, namely: Raymond A. Yap of Gogon Sirangan, Virac, Catanduanes; Louela A. Yap of Gogon Sirangan, Virac, Catanduanes; Cindy Y. Pastor of Gogon Sirangan, Virac, Catanduanes; Emelita Ang Co of Taguig St., Makati City; Melba Y. Ang of Sampaloc, Manila; Willie Y. Ang of Taytay, Rizal; Arnel Y. Ang of Baranghawon, Tabaco City; Myrna Y. Ang of Olympia, Makati City; and, Sonia Ang Prieto of Taguig St., Makati City, all of legal age, over a parcel of residential land at Barrio Gogon, Virac, Catanduanes, designated as Lot No. 10545 and containing an area of 1,137 sq. meters, covered by TCT No. 16923, including improvements thereon, selling and transferring the same in favor of PETER C. CUA, per deed executed before No-tary Public Renato Diosdado C. Kallos, Jr., per Doc. No. 1478; Page No. 275; Book No. V; Series of 2012. The Catanduanes Tribune June 13, 20 and 27, 2012

LEGAL NOTICE Notice is hereby given that an Extra-Judicial Settlement of Estate with Sale has been executed by the heirs of the late Sps. Marcelo Cajuday and Agripina Tomagan, namely: Heirs of Angeles T. Cajuday represented by Teresita C. Calma of Sampaloc, Manila; Heirs of Epi-fania C. Tabuzo represented by Pedro T. Tabuzo of Capilihan, Virac, Catanduanes; Heirs of Eusebio T. Cajuday represented by Milagros C. Tabirara of Gogon Sirangan, Virac, Catanduanes; Preciocesima C. Camacho of Gogon Sirangan, Virac, Catanduanes; Heirs of Cenona C. Zuñiga represented by Tessie C. Zuñiga of Gogon Sirangan, Virac, Catanduanes; Heirs of Felisa C. Magtagnob represented by Herminia M. Vargas of Gogon Sirangan, Virac, Catanduanes; Heirs of Lourdes C. Lozano represented by Corazon L. Pacheca of Arimbay, Legaspi City; Heirs of Celestina C. Teves represented by Josefina C. Mendoza of Bacong, Limay, Bataan; Heirs of Nazario T. Cajuday represented by Rufina B. Cajuday of Sampaloc, Manila; Felipa T. Cajuday of Gogon Sirangan, Virac, Catanduanes; and, Fe T. Cajuday of Gogon Sirangan, Virac, Catanduanes, all of legal age, over a parcel of land at Gogon, Virac, Catanduanes, designated as Lot 12041 and with an area of 889 sq. meters, covered by OCT No. 200, adjudicating said property among themselves, with a 275-sq. meter portion in favor of FELIPA T. CAJUDAY and 614 sq. meters sold and transferred in favor of PETER C. CUA, per deed executed before Notary Public Fredeswindo A. Gianan Jr. per Doc. No. 308; Page No. 63; Book No. 51; Series of 2012. The Catanduanes Tribune June 13, 20 and 27, 2012

LEGAL NOTICE Notice is hereby given that an Affidavit of Claim with Waiver of Rights has been executed by the heirs of the late Marcosa G. Tablo, namely: Carmen Tablo-Sebastian, Oscar Tablo, Rosario Tablo-Silvano, Joel Tablo, Melinda Tablo-Calderon, Danilo Tablo, Lani Tablo-Tapel, and Concepcion Tablo-Roque, all of legal age and residents of Antipolo, Rizal, Virac, Catanduanes, and Taytay, Rizal, over Philippine Veterans Bank – Camp Aguinaldo Branch Savings Account No. 00202-007526-1, with the co-heirs waiving their rights therein in favor of CARMEN TABLO-SEBASTIAN and requesting said bank to release the balance of said account in her favor, per deed executed before Notary Public Alfred M. Aquino, per Doc. No. 459; Page No. 93; Book No. 312; Series of 2012. The Catanduanes Tribune June 20, 27 and July 4, 2012

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LEGAL NOTICE Notice is hereby given that an Extra-Judicial Settlement Among Heirs with Sale has been executed by the heirs of the late Sps. Juan Cajuday and Nicolasa T. Cajuday, namely: Loreta Cajuday-Posada and Joel Cajuday, both of legal age and residents of Hicming, Virac, Catanduanes, over a paercel of land at Sto. Cristo, Virac, Catan-duanes, designated as Lot No. 5827 and with an area of 5,208 sq. meters, covered by OCT No. 4343, adjudicating said property unto themselves share and share alike and thence selling and transferring the same in favor of PATRICK JOHN S. FRANCIA, per deed exe-cuted before Notary Public Jocelyn B. Abines, per Doc. No. 172; Page No. 6; Book No. 46; Series of 2012. The Catanduanes Tribune June 27, July 4 and 11, 2012

LEGAL NOTICE Notice is hereby given that an Extra-Judicial Settlement of Real Estate has been executed by the heirs of the late Asuncion S. Lum-bao, namely: Hrs. of Honesto S. Lumbao represented by Remedios M. Lumbao of Makati City; Avenido S. Lumbao of Makati City; Josefina L. Soleybar of Muntinlupa City; Mida L. Tabuzo of San Pablo, Virac, Catanduanes; Corazon L. Aricaya of Pandacan, Metro Manila; and. Rene S. Lumbao of San Isidro Village, Virac, Catanduanes, all of legal age, over a parcel of land at San Juan (San Pablo Block), Virac, Catanduanes, designated as Lot No. 198 and with an area of 95 sq. meters, under ARP No. 031-0076, adjudicating said property in favor of MIDA L. TABUZO, per deed executed before Notary Public Alfred M. Aquino, per Doc. No. 8; Page No. 3; Book No. 306; Series of 2012; No-tary Public Pio Kenneth Dasal, per Doc. No. 205; Page No. 54; Book No. 90; Series of 2011; and Notary Public Reynaldo G. Elizalde, per Doc. No. 299; Page No. 61; Book No. XII; Series of 2011. The Catanduanes Tribune May 23, 30 and June 6, 2012

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5 win Dangal…. from page 1 Capt. Ivanhoe Arcilla for its unparalleled contribution to the protection of coastal and marine environment, particularly the establish-ment of a vast mangrove reforestation project in Pal-nab, Virac; Catanduanes State Col-leges, led by President Mi-nerva Morales, for its sig-nificant contribution in the field of Ecological Solid W a s t e M a n a g e m e n t through its aggressive envi-ronmental education pro-grams and strong policy framework that is transform-ing the institution into an eco-ville where the princi-ples of sustainable develop-ment are at work; Catanduanes Power Generation, Inc. for its sig-nificant contribution to the operationalization of Gogon River Management Council and the revitalization of the river ecosystem through a sustainable clean-up cam-paign as one of the partners of the DENR in its Clean Bicol Rivers Program; and, Municipal Government of Panganiban headed by Mayor Robert Fernandez for its commendable efforts in mobilizing its various stakeholders in addressing SWM problems and issues coupled with broad-based institutional and policy framework that resulted in the sustainable implemen-tation of interventions geared towards the protec-tion of its upland and

LEGAL NOTICE Notice is hereby given that an Extra-Judicial Settlement of Real Estate Among Heirs has been executed by the heirs of the late Eugenio Alcantara and Faustina D. Alcantara, namely: Lourdes Solay-bar, representing the Heirs of Teodoro Alcantara, of Cabihian, Virac, Catanduanes; Miguel A. Alcantara, representing the Heirs of Donato Alcantara, of Hawan Grande, Virac, Catanduanes; Benito Alcantara, representing the Heirs of Roberto Alcantara, of Lucena City and Virac, Catanduanes; Luis T. Alcantara, representing the Heirs of Miguel Alcantara, of Antipolo City and Virac, Catanduanes; Paquito D. Alcan-tara, representing the Heirs of Concepcion Alcantara, of Cabihian, Virac, Catanduanes; Edita A. Zafe, representing the Heirs of Candido Alcantara, of Palta Salvacion, Virac, Catanduanes; and, Rosalina A. Matienzo, representing the Heirs of Felix Alcantara, of Cabihian, Vi-rac, Catanduanes, all of legal age, over six (6) parcels of land at Palta, Virac, Catanduanes, described as follows: Lot No. 5929 covered by OCT No. 7771 and containing an area of 4,262 sq. meters; Lot No. 5869 covered by OCT No. 7770 and containing an area of 1,967 sq. meters; Lot No. 8658 covered by OCT No. 7772 and containing an area of 880 sq. meters; Lot No. 5916 covered by OCT No. 7773 and containing an area of 2,137 sq. meters; Lot No. 5925 covered by OCT No. 3610 and containing an area of 1,713 sq. meters; and, Lot No. 8379 declared under TD No. 026-0923 and containing an area of 2,078 sq. meters; adjudicating said property among themselves in the manner stipulated, per Doc. No. 95; Page No. 20; Book No. 52; Series of 2012. The Catanduanes Tribune June 27, July 4 and 11, 2012

LEGAL NOTICE Notice is hereby given that an Affidavit of Self-Adjudication has been executed by the heir of the late Benjamin P. Benavidez, namely: Erlinda Z. Benavidez, of legal age and resident of Antipolo del Norte, Virac, Catanduanes, over Banco De Oro (BDO) Cash Card No. 6030074503 and Time Deposit Certificate No. 593178, adjudicating said estate unto herself, per deed executed before Notary Public Al-fred M. Aquino, per Doc. No. 172; Page No. 6; Book No. 46; Series of 2012. The Catanduanes Tribune June 27, July 4 and 11, 2012

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coastal ecosystems. In his keynote address, the retired Chief Justice called on Catanduanes, beset by the environmental problem of cholera, to join the fight to protect the envi-ronment which he stressed is also a fight for the right to life. “It is a fight that we should win, “ Puno stated, citing the Philippines‟ recent score in the Environmental Performance Index where it placed 8th in Asia Pacific and 42nd in the world, ahead of the United States, due to a 30% reduction in outdoor air pollution, en-forcement of anti-illegal logging laws, and tree planting in 118,000 hec-tares of denuded forest-lands. On the other hand, Gov. Cua, in scoring the .the continued exploitation of natural resources of the island, urged the people to transform this wealth into an unlimited gold mine through eco-tourism. Citing his Go for Three tree-planting program, Cong. Sarmiento disclosed that the island would soon be declared as a mining-free province as the bill he had filed has already been approved on third reading at the House. Lamenting the lack of political will in the fight to prevent the rape of the forests, he encour-aged the people to not only plant seedlings but to nur-ture them into fully-grown trees.

TO: ICA-ICSA ALUMNI WHAT: ALUMNI X’MAS PARTY WHEN: NOV. 30 – DEC. 2, 2012 WHERE: SPLASH MOUNTAIN HOTEL, LAGUNA

For more information: Contact the President at 09085030268

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Message of Thanks

We, the family and relatives of the late

BENJAMIN PANTINO BENAVIDEZ of Antipolo del Norte, Virac, Catanduanes

who died in peace on June 1, 2012

at the age of 60

wish to convey our deepest gratitude and appreciation

to all those who, by way of their presence, prayers,

thoughts, notes of sympathy, and extension of support,

showed love and concern, offered solace and comfort

and, in countless ways, condoled with us

in our moment of bereavement.

Romy Belaro…. from page 8

Engr. ROMEO BELARO Santos of Gigmoto, has expressed interest in chal-lenging for seat held by veteran Felicito Soledad in the July 7 election. Belaro says that if elected as director, he would seek to understand the basic functions and cost components of generation, transmission and distribu-tion; evaluate the current and emerging technologies that are impacting utility operations and policies; and, understand how envi-ronmental issues and the board‟s working relationship with management impacts on the cooperative. “I shall endeavor to develop a do-able re-entry plan that would initiate actions to-wards the effective govern-ance of FICELCO,” bBelaro stated.

Time passes by…. But your memories will always be with us….

IN LOVING MEMORY ON THE NINTH DEATH ANNIVERSARY OF

SOTERO STA. INES TACORDA, SR. July 3, 2003

Holy Masses will be offered for the eternal repose of his soul in the following churches on July 3, 2012.

KLOSTER MARIASTEIN Klosterplatz 4115 Mariastein, Switzerland 7:30 AM EGLISE SAINT JEAN THE BAPTISTE 6200 Aras, France 6:00 PM SAINT MICHAEL ARCHANGEL Parish Church Tayabas, Quezon 6:00 AM IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CATHEDRAL Virac, Catanduanes 6:30 AM

STA. CLARA KIRCHIE Claraplatz 4058 Basel, Switzerland 5:45 PM EGLESIA AJIOS Nertapios Deskatl Athens, Greece 5:30 PM SAINT THOMAS DE ASSISI Parish Church Sto. Tomas, Batangas 6:00 AM

SAINT JOSEPH KIRCHIE Ammerbacher Str9 4051 Basel, Switzerland 9:30 PM LIEBFRAVEN CATHOLIC CHURCH Frankfurt, Germany 10:00 AM STA. MARTA PARISH CHURCH Kalawaan Sur, Pasig City 6:00 PM SALVACION CHAPEL Salvacion, Virac. Catanduanes 7:30 AM

MABALOS!

CHILDREN & GRANDCHILDREN

Teener…. from page 8 pair of slippers and a hat. Their mothers later came to the house and admitted that the T-shirt belonged to Neron while the slippers and hat were left behind by Carlo. The police later arrested Antonio in the barangay while Manlangit, who fled by riding a bicycle towards Carangag, was surrendered by his parents to the police.

Bus falls…. from page 8 Cylamie Tuquero of Burgos, Viga; Winnie Olesco of Roxas, Viga; Lenlen Villa-corta of Bagamanoc; and, three unnamed members of the Llamera family from

Panganiban town. They fortunately suffered only minor injuries, according to the police. The report said the “Blem-Blem” bus owned by the family of Bagamanoc Mayor Odilon Pascua was travel-ing from Virac when at

12:45 P.M., the kingpin of its steering mechanism was accidentally detached, causing the driver to lose control of the vehicle. The heavy bus went off the road and fell straight down a 10–meter embankment, with its nose resting below the wa-

ter. Bystanders said had it overturned, there would have been fatalities. Meanwhile, a 65-year old fisherman surrendered to the Bagamanoc police re-cently hours after hacking his drinking partner. The police said Romeo Antonio, 52, was engaged in a drinking spree with Pablo Villasana at the lat-ter‟s residence at 8:35 P.M. of June 15 when a heated altercation erupted between the two. Villasana got a bolo and hacked his friend at the right portion of the neck. Antonio was brought to the Viga district hospital . In another development, the San Andres police ar-rested a security guard for illegally discharging a fire-arm the other Monday. Eduardo Villamera, 55, a guard at HCC Hypermart, allegedly caused alarm among residents in baran-gay Belmonte at 3:30 P.M. of June 18 when he fired an unknown firearm in front of the store before escaping. Policemen led by Senior Inspector Francisco Rojas later apprehended him at the back of his residence but failed to recover the gun.

INSIDE PAGE…. from page 4 every night. To demonstrate how difficult it was to clean the mirrors, she asked the maintenance guy to clean one of the mirrors. He took out a long-handled squeegee, dipped it into the toilet and then cleaned the mirror. Since then there have been no lip prints on the mir-ror.

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8 JUNE 27, 2012

Printed by: Tri-Star Press, Calatagan, Virac, Catanduanes

son start a new life with her long-lost mother. God is really great.” C a p t . F ra nc i s V . Manlangit, who is based in Tampico, Mexico, wrote that he could relate to Tres-valles‟s story being an OFW himself. “I want to salute the son for doing a humane act of finding his mother whom I always see in the Virac Cathedral during Sunday mass. I didn‟t know her story until I read this heart-warming reunion story.” Tresvalles who was separated from her son in the early 80s was reunited with her son only last April 18, 2012 after 29 years. Before that, Espy worked with famous families in Forbes Park and later worked as household help and hospital attendant in London for many years.

From London, she came home to Catanduanes with her then 4-year old son Tarik.

From 1984 to 2011, Esperanza roamed the streets of Virac and Bato towns, lived in church bel-fries, town squares, by the sea and found short-lived menial jobs in parish con-vents in exchange for food

and accommodation. Tarik decided it was time to see his mother after not seeing her for 29 years! “I realized that Mom‟s got no one else in the world but me. The worst thing I can do is to show up when she was dead or when I‟m no longer needed. That would just be really sad. Also, I needed to know my true past to fully understand who I am now.” A month before Mother‟s Day this year, Tarik was sure he had come to terms with his past and was now ready to be reunited with his mother – whatever her conditions are now. He sought the help of some friends in the island -- Sonia and Efren Sorra-- to arrange the meeting. Ms. Flor Balota, manager of the local Philippine Ports Au-thority (PPA), offered the office lounge for their meet-ing. Last April 18, Tarik now 35, took the first flight to

Virac, Catanduanes and went straight to the PPA office. On the way to the reunion place, he did not know what to expect. “I did not know how I would react. I didn‟t know how to be a son; I have never been one for nearly 30 years.” When he finally saw his mother, he was overcome with pity. “Mom has grown old. I really wanted to cry the first time I saw her, I had to hold it back because there where many people around us. But when I hugged her, I no longer was able to control my tears.” In between sobs, he whispered to his mother, “I‟m here to take care of you Mom.” It took a little while before Esperanza could figure out the now grown up son she has not seen for 29 years. Tarik guessed it was be-cause of her mental image of him as a boy. Surprised Esperanza replied repeatedly: “My little

boy, my little boy!” After a while, she held the face of her son with her two hands and said “you look exactly like your father.” A friend in the island -- Theresa Herrmann -- of-fered them the use of one of her house surrounded by gardens so mother and son could bond in privacy. In that garden house, his mother was still feeling her way around. She would only talk to him when he asked her questions. Said Tarik: “But slowly she felt relaxed and started to tell stories of me as a little boy in London. For several days, she was still doing the things she‟s got-ten used to in the streets, her home for more than 30 years. She would wear her clothes wet from the laun-dry and let it dry in her body. She was used to that life. I had to constantly re-mind her that she now has a home and she no longer needs to do those things. She tells my wife that I will leave again someday.” Mother said, “Then I go back to the pier again to see you?” It took some time to reas-sure Esperanza that her son Tarik was back for good. Said Tarik of those who read his mother‟s story: “Mom's story is a story of hope. I am thankful to the many people who's been part of our lives, for without them our story would not have been possible. I am thankful too to the good people of Virac who took care of Mom while I was away. You are heroes too in our story. Kudos to Pablo Tariman who has beautifully chronicled our lives from way back when I was just a teenager. Lord bless you all. Keep the faith. It is not a coincidence that my mother‟s name means hope.”. Tarik –now 35 – is mar-ried to Reashiela Lucena who graduated cum laude at the Aquinas University in Legaspi City and is now teaching at the Catan-duanes State College. (Note: Pablo A. Tariman covers the performing arts for the Philippine Daily In-quirer and does film fea-tures for the Philippine Star. He is from Baras, Catan-duanes and has 3 grand-children)

Catandunganons around the world rally around Esperanza Tresvalles…./from page 1

A part of the Piccadilly Circus in London where Esperanza Tresvalles met her overseas sweetheart, Tarik Khan.

The St. Thomas More Church in London where the young Tarik was baptized in 1976; Tarik plans to go back to London with his mother at year's end.

Tarik Khan with wife, Reashiela Lucena, while vacationing in Vigan.

Esperanza Tresvalles, 68, (extreme left) beside son Tarik, now 35, with friends from Catanduanes He last saw his mother when he was four years old.

DOLPHY!

labing cincuentang taon pinaugma nya ang Filipinas maging mayaman, maging pobre gabos sinda pinaharâhâ nya. su kanatad mi nganing para-hilot nabukulan su angog nya. kang hapton kung anong nangyari su simbag nya puro harâhâ – ―ang h-y-p na dolfing an – sa sobrang paguro-guro ko duman sa daan na sinehan, biyong nakabadol su angog ko.‖ atâ bayâ, talagang iba sya! igwang kitik ang pagkatawo nya. ―….. smile though your heart is aching smile even though it’s breaking…‖ nakatago sa daghan ang yaman – saro syang santik sa kadurman, na nakapariwanag kang dalan na agihan. ngonian na masakit na ang kamugtakan nya – ang banwang pinaugma nya, kasaro sa mga familia nya gabos namibi para sainya. dolphy o rodolfo maboot na tawo actor na totoo pobre pero onesto pilipinong-pilipino ―hari ng komedya!‖

————————————————————————-- *N.B. Ang L o R na igwang underline sabihon tabi sa dilang Vi-racnon.

burabod efren ETASOR sorra

Teener, pedicab driver

arrested for girl’s rape

STRENGTHENING LIVELIHOOD OPPORTUNITIES IN PANDAN – Fisherfolks in Pandan received a Fish Aggregating Device and other fishing equipments from the Bureau of Ac-quatic Resources (BFAR) and the Congressional District Office, which are working as part-ners in the implementation of a livelihood program that aims to strengthen the capabilities of Catandunganon fishermen. The grateful recipients are members of an association of fisher-men from the barangays of Balangonan, Lourdes and Tabugoc.

A nineteen-year old man and a pedicab driver are now being detained without bail following the filing of a criminal case against them for allegedly raping a 16-year old girl in San Andres town recently. Deputy Provincial Prose-cutor Rizalina Velasco-Tañon said documentary evidence and the testimo-nies of the young victim and an eyewitness that the girl was raped by Carlo Manlangit and Neron Anto-nio, 20, inside her home in barangay Alibuag last June 8 remained uncontroverted. The victim had claimed that she was asleep beside her younger siblings at about 3 A.M. inside their nipa hut when she was awakened by some kissing her lips. When she opened her eyes, she saw Antonio near her head and, when she tried to sit up, she no-ticed Manlangit near her

feet, Both had no upper garments, she told the po-lice. Manlangit removed her pedal pants and panty be-fore removing his own shorts and placing his body on top of hers. The girl said she was crying but she could not shout as Antonio kept kissing her on the mouth while holding both of her hands. It was only when Manlangit accidentally hit her sister, causing the vic-tim‟s 15-year old brother to wake up. The two men then fled, with Antonio going out by the door and Manlangit seeking refuge underneath the bamboo bed from which he destroyed the wall. The victim‟s brother chased Manlangit to the latter‟s residence but failed to catch him. The two men, however, left behind in the victim‟s house a T-shirt, a

Teener/page 7

Bus falls into river; 7 hurt Seven persons were in-jured when the bus they were riding to Bagamanoc fell into a shallow part of the river along the national road in Kilikilihan, San Miguel last June 21. Catanduanes PNP pro-vincial director Senior Su-perintendent Lito Pitallano identified those brought to the Viga district hospital as Teresita Peña of Sta. Teresa, Bagamanoc;

Bus falls/page 7

Romy Belaro seeks seat in Ficelco BOD An engineer at the De-partment of Public Works and Highways, Engr. Ro-meo Belaro Jr., has filed his certificate of candidacy for a seat in the Board of Direc-tors of the First Catan-duanes Electric Coopera-tive, Inc. (FICELCO) repre-senting District I (Baras-Gigmoto). So far, only one other candidate, a certain Romeo

Romy Belaro/page 7