outstanding local newspaperFor Five Consecutive YearsSt. Peter Baptist Catholic Mass Media Awards

www.bikolreporter.webs.com e-mail: bikol_reporter@yahoo.com

regional exponent for progress

3rd Floor, GERONIMO BLDG., BARLIN ST., NAGA CITY • (054) 472-57-71 • TELEFAX: (054) 475-62-62 • CP 0921-3183720 / 0919-2822901 / 0920-5337766

vol. xx, no. 18 Bicol, the philippines oct. 28 - nov. 3, 2012 p5.00

Dir. ravanilla

ALMASORTA targets 15M tourists by 2016

MiSibiS bAy - ALbAy

ROdeO MASbATeÑO

buLuSAn LAke & vOLcAnO - SORSOgOn

cAgSAwA RuinS - ALbAy

MAnTA RAy SAncTuARy - MASbATe

dOnSOL buTAnding - SORSOgOn

10-28-12 <images.donsolwhaleshark.multiply.com>10-28-12 <imageshack.us>

10-28-12 <www.gayonbicol.com> 10-28-12 <4.bp.blogspot.com>

10-28-12 <wowlegazpi.com>10-28-12 <1.bp.blogspot.com>

The Department of Tourism (DOT) re-gional office in Bicol is optimistic to achieve the 15 million target of foreign and domes-tic tourist arrivals by 2016.

DOT regional director Ma-ria Ong- Ravanailla said the target is based on the Albay Masbate Sorsogon Tourism Alliance (ALMASORTA), a tourism road map corri-dor conceptualized by Albay governor and Regional De-velopment Council chairman Joey Salceda.

“The alliance on tourism is an approach of the prov-ince of Albay to compliment the marketing packages of Sorsogon and Masbate ,” Ra-

PnP launches ‘Oplan undas’

LEGAZPI CITY -- The Philippine National Po-lice (PNP) in Bicol would set up check points and de-ploy additional police personnel as a security mea-sure during the observance of All Saints Day and All Souls Day , a religious event celebrated across the country, a police official said Wednesday.

The security plan would put the PNP operatives on high alert after it launched Oplan Undas designed to maintain peace and solemnity in observance of All Saints and All Souls Days across the Bicol region, ac-cording to police Supt. Renato Bataller, PNP Bicol spokesperson.

Bataller said police operatives were tasked to secure religious, public and private cemeteries, churches, ma-jor roads, airports, ports and other places where people usually converge during the religious event.

vanilla said.Ravanilla said that in the

promotion package each province will highlight its respective tourist destina-tions and local products. “Albay will be the gate way to Sorsogon and Masbate.”

“The first leg of tour

(Turn to page 7)

(Turn to page 7)

Bikol reporter2 oct. 28 - nov. 3, 2012oPinion

opinionsunlimited

Atty. TONY (APA) ACYATANfacing multi-million pesos of deficiency taxes is for them to upgrade their tax reporting system. After our review of their tax reports in the last three years, we advise them to plug their loopholes via tax report amendments. All tax reports may be amended so long as they are not yet covered by any tax verification notice (RDO), letter authority (BIR Region) and/or by letter notice (BIR Head Office).

MICROFINANCE: Like the experience of Korea and Taiwan – the Philippines has campaigned for small and medium sized businesses to carry on economic activities to upgrade our growth rate. The appropriate regulatory systems were established by Bangko Sentral to insure that sufficient credits are made available to SMEs and micro industries. The rural banks are encouraged to finance them, even as the bigger banks are mandated to assist.

In the recent global survey on regulations affecting micro-enterprises,

the Philippines came out as fourth most conducive to SME operations. There were 55 countries in the survey – and our 4th place ranking is an improvement over last year when we landed 6th. The BSP’s new plan is to institutionalize a credit bureau that will facilitate loan processing for micro-enterprises. Local small businesses are now surfacing from their erstwhile category in the underground economy.

INFLATION: The rise in consumer prices has been tempered by the stronger exchange rate of the Phl peso, the sufficiency in supply of major food products, buoyed up by lower cost of imported oil. As a result, inflation is minimized which encourages people to spend more and rev up our economy. As more expenditures are made by taxpayers, sales transactions increase, resulting in higher tax collection.

Reacting to the favorable inflation data, the Monetary Board has eased interest rates further. This is good for business and for consumers – but adverse to the interest of bank depositors, money investors and OFW beneficiaries. These consequent problems are somehow assuaged by the lower cost of living which makes survival of the poverty-stricken citizenry a bit facilitated. We hope that our financial leaders will find added ways to optimize this beneficial economic scenario.

WISDOM: God’s standards are not given to spoil our fun but to protect us from the follies of life.

(Atty. APA – chairs Acyatan & Co., CPAs-DFK International – is PICPA past president and Hall-of-Famer, past chair of ASEAN Federation of CPAs, and ACPAPP Lifetime Achievement Awardee).

HIGH QUOTA: BIR regions nationwide are abuzz with activities, trying to generate tax collections to comply with their assigned quota. Tax-mappings are regularly done by revenue districts, in the process discovering business establishments that are unregistered with BIR and the local government. Unregistered businesses are fined for Tax Code violations – and closure for those who fail to comply.

The BIR Third-Party Information System that ferrets out tax cheats is now in high gear. The detection method matches the periodic reports (on Sales and Purchases) of big-time suppliers and buyers with those of their customers. If variances discovered exceed 20% - fraud is presumed. After the tax audits, initiated by Letter Notices signed by the BIR Commissioner, the tax liabilities are imposed additional 50% surcharges, over and above the 20% p.a. interests.

KANDADO: The BIR boss is empowered to order the immediate closure of establishments found to be guilty of fraud in their reporting of their Value-Added Tax (VAT). Many of those that have been subjected to Oplan Kandado are supermarkets, merchandising outlets and restaurants. In addition to the deficiency taxes, surcharges and interests that errant taxpayers have to pay – they are included in the Priority Audit List.

Our usual advice to businessmen

Bir Tax Campaign

(Turn to page 6)

(Turn to page 6)

salvador d. flor

A QueSTiOn

OfPRiviLege

Whether you are bound for Legazpi City or Daraga town, you won’t miss see-ing from your jeepney window the Premier Secretarial School along Rizal Street. The school founded by the late newspaper publisher and businessman Jack Cabig-ao has been there for decades, surviving good times and hard times.

But the school like other institutions which have seared themselves into peo-ple’s minds because of notable contribu-tions to society, must come to the end of its days. That is the fate of Premier Sec-retarial School. Gone but well-remem-bered.

Weeks ago, I chanced upon dozens of workers dismantling the building piece by piece as I passed by in my car. Did you know what I felt? I felt something tagging at my heart.

Jack was my close friend. I was his Bicol Guardian’s associate editor when the secretarial school and his newspa-per were both at their peak. It was Jack who christened me, Buddy, in place of an

ancient and colorless monicker. I am still Buddy to this day.

I still have his letters, encouraging me to write features because” your features were interestingly written” he said. That was at a time when I was honing my writ-ing skill.

The Bicol Guardian’s editorial office was in the first floor of the two-story build-ing, adjacent to his printing press. His newspaper office served as the office of

the school president. He was the presi-dent but he preferred to be called Mr. Publisher.

In my days as his associate editor, I slept alone at the second floor in one of the tables used by the master tailor-teacher, at midnight I could hear noises in the cavernous room. They turned out to be the noises of rats as big as cats invading the building from nearby ricefields for food.

The glory days of the secretarial school were from the ‘50s to ‘80s if I remember it right. In those days, am-bitious young men and women who wanted to learn a trade sought out the school. There were no other schools in Legazpi City offering hair culture, stenotyping and tailoring.

A half a year stay at the school was all that was needed to acquire skills in any of the courses.

Its graduates-master cutters, steno-typists, hair stylists-could be found in

The passing of an institution

sunday gospel

Mark 10:46-52They came to Jericho. As he and his

disciples and a large crowd were leaving Jericho, Bartimaeus son of Timaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the roadside. When he heard that it was Jesus of Naz-areth, he began to shout and say, “Je-sus, Son of David, have mercy on me!” Many sternly ordered him to be quiet, but he cried out even more loudly, “Son of David, have mercy on me!” Jesus stood still and said, “Call him here.” And they called the blind man, saying to him, “Take heart; get up, He is calling you.” So throwing off his cloak, he sprang up and came to Jesus. Then Jesus said to him, “What do you want me to do for you?” The blind man said to Him, “My teacher, let me see again.” Jesus said to him, “Go; your faith has made you well.” Immediately he regained his sight and followed him on the way.

ReflectionDo you have the same faith in Jesus

like Bartimaeus to have the confidence to ask for healing? What is it that you are truly yearning for and have persistently asked Jesus to grant you this?

from the foundation of the world.35 For I was hungry, and gave Me to

eat; I was thirsty and you gave Me to drink; I was a stranger,

36 Naked and you covered Me; sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.

37 Then shall the just answer Him, say-ing: Lord, when de we see Thee hungry, and fed Thee; thirsty, and gave Thee drink?

38 And when did we see Thee a strang-er, and took Thee in; or naked, and cov-ered Thee?

39 Or when did we see Thee sick or in prison, and came to Thee?

40 And the king (God) answering, shall say to them; Amen I say to you, as long as you did it to one of these my least brethren, you did it to Me.

41 Then He shall say to them also those that shall be on His Left hand: Depart from Me, you’re cursed, into everlasting fire which was prepared for the devil and his angels.

42 For I was hungry, and you gave Me not to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me not to drink.

43 I was a stranger, and you took Me not in; naked and you covered Me not; sick and in prison, and you did not visit Me.

44 Then they also shall answer Him saying: Lord when did we see Thee hungry, or thirsty, or a stranger, or na-ked or sick, or in prison, and did not minister to Thee?

45 Then He shall answer them, say-ing: Amen I say to you as long as you did it not to one of these, neither did you do it to Me.

46 And these shall go into everlast-

Just several days away, it’s All Saints Day and All Souls Day. In view of this, I want to share the following with everybody which I read in the booklet entitled “Read Me or Rue It” because it concerns us and our departed family members, friends, etc. This booklet has “Nihil Obstat” by Rev. Fr. Leonardo Agcaoili; and “Imprimatur” by + Hernando Antiporda, D.D., V.G., Auxillary Bishop of Manila.

WHY PRAY FOR THE POOR SOULS?

Our Lord’s great law is that we must love one another, genuinely and sincere-ly. The first great commandment is to love God with all our heart and soul. The sec-ond, or rather a part of the first, is to love our neighbor as ourselves. This is not a counsel or a mere wish of the Almighty. It is His great commandment, the very base and essence of His law. So true it is that He takes as done to Himself what we do for our neighbor, and refused to Himself what we refuse to our neighbor.

We read in the Gospel of St. Matthew 25:34-46 the words that Christ will ad-dress the just on Judgment day.

34 Come, ye blessed of my Father, pos-sess you the kingdom prepared for you

Why Pray for the Poor Souls & What the Holy Souls Do for those Who Help Them

NENITA FuENTEBELLA-PEÑONES

frommy

window

lee g. dullesco iiHead, Advertising Associates

0920-533-7766

Bikol reporter 3oct. 28 - nov. 3, 2012

Legazpi city to host Miss earth 2012 searchLEGAZPI CITY - This

city will play host for the search for Miss Earth 2012 on November 17 at The Oriental Hotel with thirty foreign beauties to compete for this year’s title.

Now on its 12th edition, Miss Earth has become one of the biggest international beauty pageants in the world where beauty queens promote

Bicolanos among outstanding achievers in Gawad Saka

A coconut researcher from Albay Research Cen-ter (ARC), a women’s asso-ciation from Virac, Catand-uanes and a fishery council from Aroroy, Masbate are among this year’s winner in the National Gawad Saka, an annual search of agricul-ture and fishery achievers by the Department of Ag-riculture.

Ambrosio Raul Ricardo Alfiler, chief of the Ento-mology-Epidemiology Di-vision of the ARC of the Philippine Coconut Authority based at Banao, Guinobatan, Albay, is this year’s outstand-ing agricultural researcher. Over the past 30 years he has been involved in coconut pest management research which include research on the con-trol of coconut leaf beetle, Brontispa longisima, mealy bug, rhinoceros beetle, cadang-cadang. He has also been involved in other activi-ties such as Embryo Culture of Macapuno and science & technology interventions for the rehabilitation of calamity-stricken areas in Albay. He will be awarded a cash prize of P100,000.00 a project grant of P900,000.00, a presi-dential trophy and citation.

The Calatagan Tibang Rural Improvement Club of Virac, Catanduanes is also chosen as this year’s Out-standing Rural Improvement Club. This rural-based asso-

alfiler

lTO givesSorsogoncops free

driving lessonSORSOGON CITY --

The Land Transportation Office here on Friday con-ducted trainings on driving and traffic courtesy lectures to provincial policemen.

Sorsogon Philippine Na-tional Police (PNP) provin-cial director Senior Supt. John Jambora said police-men assigned in each of the 15 local police stations and three district offices tasked as drivers attended the one-day activity that trained them on “defensive driving strategies” to avoid getting involved in traffic accidents.

They were taught how and when to use hazard lights, parking lights and turning signal lights. They were also lectured on the importance of giving way to smaller or larger vehicles and correct vehicle maintenance.

LTO driving lecturer Ri-cardo Nepomuceno stressed in the training that policemen who are mandated to enforce traffic rules and regulations should also be good follow-ers of road courtesy and driv-ing rules.

and advocate progressive, sustainable environment and climate change adaptation.

This annual environmen-tal event will be hosted joint-ly by the city government here, Local Climate Change Adaptation for Development (LCCAD), Inc., Carousel Pro-duction, Inc. in partnership with the Office of the Presi-dent-Climate Change Com-mission (OP-CCC), the De-partment of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), and the Philippine Informa-tion Agency (PIA), to coin-cide with the observance of the National Climate Change Consciousness Week on No-vember 19-25 and Clean Air Month on November 1-30 2012 under Memorandum Circular No. 35 signed on August 14, 2012.

LCCAD, Inc. presi-dent and chairman, Manuel “Nong” Rangasa, disclosed that in hosting Miss Earth 2012 in this city, the pro-moters will also address the urgency of the earth’s restoration and healing in a powerful motion for envi-ronmental, climate change adaptation and progressive sustainable development, as they work together with var-ious international environ-mental and climate change organizations , such as the USAID, UN-FAO Asia Pa-cific, WWF, Greenpeace Southeast Asia, DENR, DOT, PIASin the world.

Legazpi City Mayor Car-men Geraldine Barrameda-Rosal is one the major part-ners of the Miss Earth 2012, Legazpi edition together with The Oriental Legazpi, the Pacific Mall Legazpi, the Davies Paint re-invent-ed, Alvi’s Albay Café and among others.

ted 25 households. The club will receive P150,000 proj-ect grant; P50,000 cash prize, and a presidential trophy and citation.

The Aroroy Municipal Fishery and Aquatic Re-source Management Council (FARMC) of Masbate also bagged the award as out-standing FARMC. The coun-cil has vigorously pursued its advocacy and campaign to rehabilitate, protect and con-serve the marine resources through participatory and community-based manage-ment strategies. It was able to pass 13 resolutions to regulate to protect, conserve ensure the sustainable and judicious use of the marine resources in the municipality; served as facilitator in registering fisherfolk organizations; con-ducted intensive fishery law enforcement; trained and pro-vided its members alterna-tive livelihood opportunities. It is also the first MFARMC in the Philippines to have a Nemo Fish Catch Monitor-ing System and FARMC Da-tabase Management System which was instituted in 2008. The council will receive a cash award of P450,00 from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) plus a presidential trophy and citation.

The date for the awarding ceremonies for the Gawad

The ORienTAL hOTeL in LegAzPi ciTy

Moths attack CamSurmangrove plantation

LEGAZPI CITY -- At least 80 percent of the five-hectare mangrove plantation in a Camarines Sur town was attacked by winged-insects called Tussock Moths (scientific name:Lepidopteral Lyma-triidae) by eating the trees’ roots and leaves.

The Ecosystem Research and Development Service (ERDS) division of the De-partment of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in Bicol had immediately dis-patched a team that evaluated the extent of damages and laid down the steps to stop the mangrove infestation in Barangay Cagsao, Calabanga town in Camarines Sur.

DENR-Bicol regional ex-ecutive director Gilbert Gon-zales said that the details of the pest attack was relayed to them by Calabanga mayor Evelyn Yu, who admitted she

ciation is engaged in various livelihood projects among them swine breeding/fatten-ing, native chicken produc-tion, agri-products trading, vending, crop production, kakanin-making, buy and sell and marketing of ready-to-wear clothes. To date this club has an income of P123,696. The club is also active in community servic-es like: drafting of barangay ordinance on solid waste management; purchase and distribution of 50 units toilet bowls; feeding program for malnourished children and assistance to the 4H club in their barangay. It also fa-cilitated the installation of Level III water system in the barabgay which benefit-

herself was alarmed when told that giant moths were past killing the three-year old mangrove plantation in her town.

Feliciano Lauricio Jr, a DENR-Bicol Pest Surveil-lance Officer, said the infes-tation caused the mangroves to gradually die as the moths’ caterpillars were destroying their leaves and roots by eat-ing them.

But Lauricio said that the infestation can be easily con-trolled by sprinkling water mixed with detergent soap and crushed red pepper to the affected parts of the man-grove trees.

He said another method is to manually remove every caterpillar from the trees, or even through the installation of light traps to attract and kill the moths.

The 30beauty queens who will come for the Evening Gown and Resort Wear Com-petitions belong to Group 3 of the international event at The Oriental Hotel Legazpi com-posed of candidates from: Argentina, Bolivia, Cook Is-lands, Dominican Republic, Fiji, Gabon, Germany, Gua-temala, Haiti, Honduras, Ita-ly, Macau, Malaysia, Malta, Mexico, Moldova, Norway, Pakistan, Paraguay, Romania, Russia, Sierra Leone, Slo-venia, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Turks and Caicos, Ukraine, Vietnam, and Wales.

On environmental advo-cacy, earlier Miss Argen-tina – Tatiana Maria Bischof, commented that “Defending the environment is my per-sonal commitment and social responsibility. Promoting to reduce the consumption of

water, electricity and fuel in the households as well as to recycle and reuse waste to re-duce the pollution of soil and air. I believe one should not merely state one’s environ-mental advocacy and aware-ness but live out their advo-cacies as well. “

Miss Bolivia – Dayana Dorado Moreno, contended

on the other hand that “I want to preserve Mother Nature, so that it will still be avail-able for future generations and they can have the op-portunity to experience it as I did. I believe we must take care of our home which pro-vides us food and shelter and teach our children to protect and care for it as well. ”

The Coronation Night of Miss Earth 2012 will be tele-cast live on Star World on No-vember 24, 2012; Kapamilya Blockbuster on November 25, 2012 (Sunday, 10:00 am); “TFC” the Filipino Channel . Tickets for the Miss Earth 2012 will be out and sold at the Pacific Mall Lobby by the end of October 2012.

(Turn to page 6)

10-28-12 <farm1.static.flickr.com>

Bikol reporter4 oct. 28 - nov. 3, 2012etCeterA

inner chessBy j. Henry DaniCan

jokee BOTOr-reyeS

pell-mell

Tiang Conching, May you rest in peace!

(Turn to page 6)

viSiT Our WeBSiTe:www.bikolreporter.webs.com

She is a legend. Her death the other day at 98 left a void among many who have at one time or another crossed path with Tiang Conching. She is Constancia Alano Rillo. Not a native of Iriga. I learned she hailed from Cavite but established residence in Iriga many years and put up what was the biggest wholesale and retail store in Iriga which dispensed not just very affordable products, including rice, but employment to many. She speaks the Iriga dialect like she is a native of Iriga and I think her heart is truly Irigueña.

She has sent many to schools, especially her nieces and nephews and after them their children, Tiang Conching’s grandchildren.

The Antioquia children were almost like Tiang Conching’s real children. Terry finished medicine, jaime, engineering, Pepito. elsa. estela, ruben, Magley and nora are all professionals. Tiang Conching was a confirmed philanthropist. Not only did she send close relations to school but I know there were many others she had helped get themselves educated. She had likewise involved in other activities that benefited others like holding Christmas parties for indigents and giving them gifts. She was also very active in church activities. She was one very generous soul.

In Manila during my college days I stayed in her home together with many other Iriguenos and she was forced to convert her abode into a boarding house simply because many parents requested that she accept their children to stay there since they knew very well their children were in good hands. Aside from providing them board and lodging, she would regularly treat her boarders to a movie and take them for a regular outing in Manila’s known resorts in the late fifties. Her boarders look upon her with much respect because she treated them like they were her own kin and gave them all the comfort of a home away from home.

Many were at her wake for nights and even many brought her to her ‘huling hantungan.’ Surely to miss her more than any other is her sister vinceng rillo Galura. And of course, Mrs. vicvic antioquia Capunitan Oliva who saw to it that everything would turn out alright during her wake and her funeral. Msgr. Luis Jonie Aguirre, the parish priest of St, Anthony Parish had very good words about Tiang Conching in his homily and the Iriga Singing Ambassadors courtesy of iriga City Mayor Madelaine alfelor-Gazmen were really fantastic in their renditions of the mass hymns.

Tiang Conching, may you rest in peace! I also express my condolence to the family of the late Dr. nenita ll. Madara who also passed recently. Email jokeebotor_reyes@yahoo.com

All Saints’ day and All Souls’ dayAll Saints’ Day is the

solemnity celebrated on the first day of November. It is instituted to honor all the saints, known and unknown, and according to Pope Urban IV, to supply any deficiencies in the faithful’s celebration of the saints’ feasts during the year. The vigil of the feast is popularly called Hallowe’en or Halloween.”

All Souls’ Day, on the other hand, is the com-memorating of all the faithful departed cele-brated by the church on November 2.

By virtue of the “com-munion of saints’, the Church commends the dead to God’s mercy and offers her prayers, espe-cially the holy sacrifices of the Eucharist, on their behalf (CCC 1055).

The theological basis for the feast is the doctrine that the souls which, on departing from the body, are not perfectly cleansed from varied sins, of have not fully atoned for past transgressions, are

(Excerpts from Catechetical Module III, CCM)

debarred from Beatific Vision, and that the faithful on earth can help them by prayers, alms, deeds and especially by the sacrifice of the mass.

Filipino Catholics are culturally attuned to communion with the saints, communion with the departed, in the one family of God. November 1 and 2 are

national holidays in our country, showing how much Filipinos cherish the memory of the dead with great piety, offering prayers for them because it is a holy and wholesome thought to pray for the dead. Yet we must be aware of the abuses, excesses or defects that may creep in.

We, Filipinos, have

10-28-12 <thefaithpal.blogspot.com>

traditionally manifested our faith in an afterlife by prayers for our departed loved ones, our devotion to the Saints and general acceptance of the “spirit world.”

The great feasts of All Saints’ and All Souls usher in the month of November. Our thoughts turn to those who have died in the Lord – those who have closed their eyes with confident, hope, trusting in God’s mercy. Such is the meaning of “to die in the Lord.” Holy Scriptures call them “blessed” not because they are certain to go to heaven but because the Lord’s love for them is much greater than their shortcomings. Their blessedness is rooted in God’s merciful love rather than in their merits.

We should keep this in mind as we visit the cemeteries, to lay a bouquet of flowers, to light a candle and say a prayer at the grave of the people whose memories we treasure.

Bicol expo tackles uS exchange visitor Program

The US Exchange Visitor Program and how Bicolano Tourism and Hospitality students and practitioners can participate in it was the highlight of the recently concluded Bicol Inter-Cul-tural Opportunities and Linkages Exposition (BI-COL EXPO), held Oct. 18 at the Avenue Convention Center, Naga City.

Attended by school admin-istrators, faculty members, and students from colleges and universities offering tour-ism, hospitality and related courses, the whole day event also discussed topics on how to make Bicolano students globally competitive and the role the academe is playing to meet the challenges of the industry.

Mr. Aaron Black, vice president for Asia Operations of Zip Travel Philippines, presented the US Work and Travel Programs and other opportunities in the United States of America in the hos-pitality and related services.

According to Black, “ when I first visited Naga by invitation of the Universidad de Sta. Isabel last August,

I knew that Bicol has very promising students and Zip Travel is dedicated to helping them realize their dreams by creating avenues for a better understanding of one another and the world around them thru the hospitality industry.” Reaching out to encourage a lifelong journey of global peace, respect, independence and understanding, “is what Zip Travel is all about,” he added.

The Exchange Visitor Program (EVP) Committee is composed of 11 member agencies and departments of the Philippine government. Zip Travel coordinates with the the Office of the President (OP), Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), Department of Health (DOH), Depart-ment of Labor and Employ-ment (DOLE), Department of Education (DepEd), Com-mission on Higher Educa-tion (CHED), Department of Science and Technology (DOST), National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Technical Educa-tion and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), Profes-

Bikol reporter 5oct. 28 - nov. 3, 2012

It’s dining and dancing time !!!The University of Northeastern Philippines Alumni

Asspciation in Canada headed by President Jose Emila Jr. will be hosting this special social event on November 24, 2012 (Saturday) at the Garnet A. William Community Centre located at 501 Clark Avenue West, Thornhill, On-tario, Canada.

The University of Northeastern Philippines (UNEP) is located in Iriga City in the province of Camarines Sur which was founded by the late Camarines Sur Gov. Felix Ordas Alfelor, Sr. who also served as Mayor of then mu-nicipality of Iriga which is now a City.

Before, UNEP was known as the Mabini Memorial School then eventually became Mabini Memorial Col-leges until it was elevated to the University of Northeast-ern Philippines. -St. Jamestown News Service, Marcelo Dioquino

unePaa in Canada to hostdining, dancing events nov. 24

little unePians wowsaudience during the Grade School intramurals 2012Thirty five (35) versatile

and cute kids wowed their audience during the Search for Little Mr. and Miss Little Intrams held Octo-ber 23 at the University of Northeastern Philippines ’ (UNEP) gymnasium. The activity was the highlight of this year’s UNEP Grade School Intramurals under the theme: “One mind, one heart, through sportsman-ship and unity”

Highlighting not just the potential of little UNEPians, Ms. Deli Afelor-Tibi, UNEP Executive Vice President and currently VP For Finance, said that they also want to inculcate the value of dis-cipline, sportsmanship and self-confidence to these fu-ture Global Achievers.

CeB takes delivery of40th aircraft, launchesnewest Mindanao route

The Philippines’ largest national flag carrier, Cebu Pa-cific Air (PSE:CEB) announced that its aircraft fleet is now 40-strong, with more coming until 2021.

Its newest Airbus A320 was delivered from Toulouse, France and touched down in Manila last October 18, 2012. CEB is the only airline in the Philippines with its fleet ac-quired 100% brand-new, making it one of the youngest and most modern aircraft fleets in Asia.

This is CEB’s 22nd Airbus A320. CEB’s fleet is now also composed of 10 Airbus A319 and 8 ATR 72-500 aircraft. One more Airbus A320 will be delivered in November 2012.

“CEB will end 2012 with 41 aircraft, the largest aircraft fleet in the Philippines. CEB passengers will continue to ben-efit from the airline’s newest and fuel-efficient aircraft, as we open new domestic and international routes this year,” said CEB VP for Marketing and Distribution Candice Iyog.

CEB recently launched thrice weekly Zamboanga – Ca-gayan de Oro flights last October 20, 2012, using an Airbus A319 aircraft. “This will make travel more convenient to our passengers in Mindanao, who can now take a 1 hour and 10 minute flight between Zamboanga and Cagayan de Oro, in-stead of a 12 to 14 hour bus ride,” she added.

It will launch three more domestic routes in October, and four more international routes in November and December. These international routes are: Iloilo-Hong Kong, Iloilo-Sin-gapore, Cebu-Kuala Lumpur and Cebu-Bangkok.

For bookings and inquiries, guests can go to www.cebu-pacificair.com, or call the reservation hotlines (02) 7020-888 or (032) 230-8888. The latest seat sales can also be found on CEB’s official Twitter and Facebook pages.

In its 16th year of operations, CEB had flown over 65 mil-lion passengers. It provides access to the most extensive net-

(Turn to page 6)

Sun Cellular, foundation uniform exclusive partnership

Mobile telecommunica-tions company Sun Cellu-lar officially established an exclusive partnership with Foundation University in its sports, health and well-ness activities at the Uni-versity’s main campus last October 4, 2012.

Foundation University is a non-profit, non sectar-ian institution in Dumaguete City, founded in 1949 by Dr. Vicente Sinco.

As part of its partnership, Sun Cellular through its wire-less broadband service, Sun Broadband, will be a major sponsor of the 4th Dumaguete Adventure Marathon (DAM) on November 18, 2012. DAM is the biggest sports-tourism event in Negros Oriental that is yearly organized by Foun-dation University. This year, DAM strongly advocates rice conservation, adopting the tagline “Rice is Life”. Other activities that will be supported by Sun Cellular are Triathlon Plus, Digital Dumaguete, summer events including sports clinic and other student-led activities.

“We are so honored and glad to be the official telco

gOOd PARTneRShiPabove photo (from left to right): foundation university vice President for finance Dr. vicente Sinco, foundation university President Dr. Mira Sinco, Sun Cellular assistant vice President for Broadband neph Denosta, Sun Cellular regional Head for visayas West virgil villarosa, Sun Cellular Brand activation Manager rolan lagura

partner of Foundation Uni-versity” said Neph Denosta, Assistant Vice President for Sun Broadband. “We hope that with our help and sup-port, Foundation Univer-sity would be able to pursue their vision and advocacy for children and youth, starting

with this year’s marathon. Of course, we would like this partnership to grow this year and in the coming years as well”.

Recently, Sun Broadband posted a healthy increase of

46% in revenues and 54% growth in subscribers in the first half of the year versus the same period last year, reinforcing its claim as the fastest growing broadband service in the country today.

“ I believe that discipline and the value of appreciating fair play is best shared during a child’s tender years. This is the best time to hone their skills, at the same time show-ing them what sportsmanship means, “ Miss Deli added.

The clash among the Blue Saints, Red Titans, Yellow Cardinals and Green War-riors proved to be an exciting challenge for the contestants who were divided into three (3) categories: Pre-school, Primary and Intermediate.

“This is the first time that we are doing this again after four years. It is indeed an opportunity for every pre- schoolers and pupils to cultivate their potentials and eventually nurture these gifts

(Turn to page 7)

Bikol reporter6 oct. 28 - nov. 3, 2012

name of Deceased Date of intermentnoel D. Baclagan jr. September 04, 20121. antonio G. enteria Sr. September 05, 20122. felina l. Bagalacsa September 04, 20123. felomino C. ramos September 14, 20124. Marcelina r. ramos September 14, 20125. Milagros B. Decena September 10, 20126. lourdes Sj. Quiambao September 11, 20127. Bobby B. largo September 11, 20128. Blandina r. villarin September 12, 20129. Gilberto r. Bedrero September 13, 201210. Paulino B. Parro September 21, 201211. ernesto l. Balana September 21, 201212. Salvacion Z. radasa September 22, 201213. andrea M. Primavera September 29, 201214.

Kiwanis Club of Daet, Reyna Daeteña who supported the Search for Child Friendly Barangay here.

This was attended by the children of different ages, ba-rangay captains, councilors, media and other sectors.

This year’s national theme for the celebration is “Bright Child Siguraduhin, Respon-sableng Pamamahayag ay Palaganapin”.

daet . . .

ing punishment: but the just, into life everlasting.WHAT THE HOLY SOULS DO FOR THOSE WHO HELP

THEMSt. Alphonsus Liguori says that, although the Holy Souls

cannot merit for themselves, they can obtain for us great grac-es. They are not, formally speaking, intercessors as the Saints are but, through the sweet providence of God, they can obtain for us astounding favours and deliver us from evils, sickness and dangers of every kind.

It is beyond all doubt, as we have already said, that they repay us a thousand times for anything we do for them.

from my window . . .

almost every office employing stenographers or typists, in al-most every barrio or town, in Albay province practicing their trade.

They were walking advertisements of the secretarial school. Students from as far as Catanduanes came to enroll in any of the courses. There were even some from Masbate. One stu-dent was quoted as saying the school had made him employ-able.

Its graduates were much in demand in those days when computers and other modern office gadgets were not even in the drawing board. The typewriters lorded it over private and government offices.

I studied tailoring while assisting Jack edit the Bicol Guard-ian and stenotyping. I learned both but I was more interested in the newspaper job.

When the Bicol Guardian folded up after President Marcos placed the country under martial law and banned all publica-tions, I moved to another newspaper. But Jack stayed as a good friend.

With the Guardian out of circulation, Jack concentrated on his secretarial school. His school prospered some more. At that time, it looked as if it would continue to stay at the top. It was well-managed and it had no serious competitor.

When Jack died, his wife took over. In her hand, business was as good. But she also died. The fate of the school was sealed. It started to slide down. Its heyday was over.

When the last block of the old building was taken away to give way to a new structure, the once thriving secretarial school put up by businessman and publisher Jack Cabigao and his family also vanished into memory.

But to those who once walked with the people behind the school, its passage into eternity will not mean oblivion.

a question of . . .

Saka will be held sometime this December with no less than President Benigno S. Aquino III to confer the awards to the winners.

Meanwhile, Bicol’s nomi-nee to this year’s national Search for Outstanding Ru-ral Women, Susana Pasacay - Aseron from Barangay Car-ingo of the town of Mercedes, Camarines Norte placed sec-

Bicolanos . . . ond and received a cash prize of P50,000 and a plaque of recognition. An additional prize was given as project grant by secretary Proceso Alcala during the awarding ceremony held last October 18, 2012 at the NIA Con-vention hall in Quezon City. Aseron shared the second place with Conchita Silor- Masin from Davao Oriental. -Emily B. Bordado

work in the Philppines, with 32 domestic and 19 interna-tional destinations. The air-line also remains a pioneer in the Philippine aviation indus-try by being the first to offer web check-in, self check-in, e-ticketing, and Lite Fares.

Between 2013 and 2021, CEB will take delivery of 19 more Airbus A320 and 30 Airbus A321neo aircraft orders. It is slated to begin long-haul services in the 3rd quarter of 2013, with the ar-rival of 4 Airbus A330 air-craft from 2013 to 2014.

ceB takes . . .

sional Regulation Commis-sion (PRC) and the Commis-sion on Filipinos Overseas (CFO) to encourage partici-pation in the program and en-sures that the same is vital to national development.

Zip Travel International has over 19 years of strong partnership with sponsors and facilitates over 3000 cul-tural exchanges annually with EVP programs worldwide, including the Philippines.

In his welcome address, Naga City Mayor John Bon-

Bicol expo tackles us . . .gat, thanked Zip Travel for choosing Naga to be the ven-ue for their first provincial expansion. The event was hosted by Mr. Jovan Galvo, a faculty member of Mariners’ Polytechnic Colleges.

dOh updates healthcare program‘SaluD Para Sa GaBOS’

By Sally a. aTenTO

LEGAZPI CITY --- The Department of Health updated its road map for the “Salud para sa Gabos” (Universal Health-care) program in the Bi-col region for 2012 in the Healthcare Forum con-ducted October 22 by the Provincial Government of Albay in partnership with the Health Active Infor-mation Network (HAIN) at the People’s Hall, Albay Capitol here.

“As of May this year, 1, 015,101 household ben-eficiaries in the region have

been enlisted in the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP) of the Philippine Health Insurance Corpora-tion (Philhealth),” said DOH V Assistant Director Chito Avelino.

The expansion in Philhealth coverage and benefits is one of the steps taken by the DOH to attain the three strategic thrusts of the Universal Health Care (UHC) program under the Aquino administration.

These thrusts are financial risk protection, improved ac-cess to quality hospitals and healthcare facilities and at-tainment of the millennium

development goals (MDGs). “Poor families covered

by the NHIP are entitled to no-balance-billing (walang dagdag bayad) when admit-ted in any government ward facility so they need not pay any single cent. How-ever these families should be monitored to ensure that they know their entitlements and responsibilities,” Aveli-no said.

Hospitals and health fa-cilities in the region have also been improved.

Further efforts have like-wise been conducted on the attainment of the MDGs particularly on reducing maternal and child mortal-ity, morbidity and mortality from Tuberculosis and Ma-laria, and incidence of HIV/AIDS including the recent Chikungunya cases reported in Albay province.

To fill up the deficiency in community health work-ers, the DOH has trained and employed community health teams in the region. These

teams assist in providing the health needs of families, dis-seminate health information, and facilitate communica-tion with other health pro-viders.

With the added budget al-lotted for the improvement of healthcare services in the country, Avelino urged health personnel to do their part to ensure that the budget is properly used.

For year 2012 DOH re-ceived the biggest budget increase of P42 billion and

P53 billion for 2013. Also discussed in the said

forum are the recent amend-ments on the Reproductive Health (RH) Bill.

Among the major amend-ments are guaranteed public access to information on RH services, funding support to both modern and natural family planning methods, flexibility in the teaching of RH and sexuality education and emphasis that the bill is not a population control measure.

Bikol reporter 7oct. 28 - nov. 3, 2012

WEEKLY REFLECTIONPiLgeM PaWnSHOPBulalacao Street, San Pascual, Buhi, Cam. Sur

AucTiOn SALenotice is hereby given that all pawned items for the month of june 2012 which were not redeemed will be auctioned on nOveMBer 10, 2012, at 8:30 a.m.

BiKOl rePOrTerPublished: OCTOBer 28, 2012

Photo shows Sir joe Damasco, KGOr, (1st from left), West Greater Toronto area Deputy Commander of The Order of the Knights of rizal Canada region together with Ms. rosemer a. enverga, a very active filipino community leader in Toronto, Ontario and wife of Senator Tobias C. enverga, jr.; Ms. fe Bustillos Paca Taduran, treasurer of the ladies of the Knights of rizal; and Sir jojo Taduran, KCr, trustee of the KOr Canada region and KOr Toronto Chapter. -St. Jamestown News Service, Manny Papa

COME, DiNE & ENJOY!

6:00 P.M. Onwards

D.S.I. Building,Magsaysay Avenue, Naga City

(infront of Ilaw sa Dahon)

package could be from Al-bay’s tourist destinations then proceed to Sorsogon and in Masbate,” Ravanilla said.

Domestic or foreign tour-ists might opt to start fun with the trip to Mayon volcano , Cagasawa ruin, Albay’s dif-ferent caves, Wild Park, Li-gnon Hill, Boulevard, Misbis, Tiwi Geothermal. And the next day, tourist may chose to interact with the “Butanding” (whale shark ) in Donsol, Sorsogon or mountain climb-ing in Bulusan volcano. From Sorsogon, via Pilar, proceed to Masbate for another fun in Bontod, a fish and manta ray sanctuary.

Tourist arrivals in Bicol region last year, both do-mestic and foreign, reached 3,413,610. DOT Bicol report placed the Albay-Legazpi ar-rivals at 350, 629 while Mas-bate has a total of 172,446 visitors and 132,692 in Sor-sogon.

almasorta . . .

All Saints and All Souls Day will be observed on No-vember 1 and 2 this year and were declared holidays.

pnp launches oplan . . .Bataller said the PNP

would also field additional personnel to provide support in manning assistance centers set up at various highways, airports, ports, including malls and communication re-lay stations.

Police assistance centers will also be set up at major ports and airports to assist passengers particularly in the cities of Naga and Legazpi, Masbate and in Virac, Cat-anduanes.

Security checks would be strictly enforced in bus ter-minals and major seaports across the region, added Bataller.

as they grow up. We also would like them to personally experience camaraderie” Ms. Deli said in an interview.

After the tough competi-tion, Judimay Orosco Iraola from the Pre School catego-ry was declared this year’s Little Miss Intrams while Margareth Jystel B. Nueva and Klue Marie M. Nanale grabbed the notch as 1st and 2nd runners up respectively. Mark Ian R. Antolin also un-der the Pre-school category was this year’s Mr. Intrams. His contenders, Jeboy Olea, Carlito Filio Albalate and Ariel Daniel S. Filio grabbed the 1st, 2nd and 3rd runner up’s places respectively.

On the primary level, Keithly Gjhoi P. Ibias grabbed

little unepians wows . . .the main title while Yoshica Kashui Alfelor Bonnevie was declared 1st runner up and Mari Shezka L. Gonowon as 2nd runner up. For the boys’ category, (Primary) Edwin John Albalate was this year’s Little Mr. Intrams while his contemporaries, Marvin Belen and Edmar Angelo A. Monge got the 1st and 2nd runner up slot respectively.

Mary Frynlyn N. Sal-vadora went home with the main title while Gia Marie

Emmaleine Alfelor came close as 1st runner up and Miakka S. Periabras grabbed the 2nd place. All represents the Intermediate Category. For the male contestants, Sid Emman Alfelor Magdamit was the proved to be the lucky bet for the night while Ray O. Barbara and Jan Ivan Castroverde took the 1st and 2nd place.

On the next day, October 24, UNEPians marched off the main thoroughfares of Iriga City with their respec-

tive colored teams, accom-panied by their escorts and muses during the motorcade. In the afternoon, little kiddos were on the ball ground and participated in various games

which include track and field, laro ng lahi and parlor games. Others opted to join less strenuous competitions by playing chess, scrabble, dama and sungka.

After the week-long event, the value of respect, self-worth, camaraderie and sportsmanship were embed-ded in the hearts of every player.

Bikol reporter8 oct. 28 - nov. 3, 2012daetpresentschildren’scode

(Turn to page 6)

SariOn

By rOSaliTa B. ManlanGiT

DAET, Camarines Norte – The signing and the pre-sentation of Daet Chil-dren’s Code on Monday, October 15, as a gift to the children of different ages of this town, highlighted the celebration of the children’s month here this October.

The code emanates from Municipal Ordinance 244-2012 “An Ordinance enact-ing the children’s rights and welfare code of the munici-

pality of Daet, province of Camarines Norte” and the Sangguniang Bayan Reso-lution 183-2012 that has been passed also on Octo-ber 15.

The code intends to en-sure the survival, develop-ment, protection and partic-ipation rights of children; collate all executive orders, issuance, resolutions, ordi-nances, statutory and uni-versal laws on children’s rights; serve as model for the barangay; and live up to its reputation as Child Friendly Barangay.

Mayor Tito Sarion said that a responsible delivery of the State of the Chil-dren’s Report (SCR) is one of the major commitments of the local administration.

He said that through the report they can measure if the vision for the children are being achieved and policies, advocacies and partnership are set and em-ployed for the realization of children’s rights.

The report was also an indicator of the local lead-ership assuming political accountability for the rec-ognition, protection, pro-motion and fulfillment of the rights of children in Daet.

He bared that the town got 93 percent rating in the evaluation of the func-tionality of the Municipal Council for the Protection of Children conducted by the Provincial Inter-Agen-cy Monitoring Team in 2011.

He said that by year 2025, the children of Daet who are living in a finan-cially stable families and child-friendly-commu-nities, are healthy, value oriented, effectively pro-tected, empowered, pro-ductive and successful, are receiving strong support from the LGUs and multi-sectoral entities who are providing the impetus for the children’s total growth and development.

A certificate of appreci-ation was given to program partners Virginia Castro of Avon Foundation, Liza U. Sale and Ofelia S. Auro of