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vol. XXiii, no. 13 bicol, the philippines january 10-16, 2016 p5.00

P2.1B project seento control Legazpi ooding

naga approves p942mannual budget for 2016

Mayor ROSAL

Mayor BONGAT and VM LEgACiOn

neW mnWd direCtOrThe newly-appointed Director of Metro Naga Water District (MNWD) Marilissa J. Ampuan takes her oath of offi ce before City Mayor John G. Bongat. Ampuan is currently the President of Mariners Polytechnic Colleges Foundation.

NAGA CITY During its last regular session last year, on Dec. 22, 2015, the Sangguniang Panlungsod of this city approved the citys annual budget for 2016 at a whopping P941,750,116.89, the biggest budget ever allocated among the 7 cities in the Bicol Region.

The total budget amount is only P60M short to make Naga join the co-called Billionaires Club of local government units throughout the country, according to Vice Mayor Nelson Lega-cion, presiding offi cer of the city council which approved the appropriation.

talisaY sOrtieCamarines Norte provincial gubernatorial candidate rep. Catherine Barcelona reyes and vice gubernatorial candidate Daet Mayor Tito S. Sarion were so impressed with the support they received from the residents of Brgy. Sta. elena Del Carmen and in Brgy. San Jose, both in Talisay that rep. reyes could only promise, they will reciprocate their support.

LEGAZPI CITY -- The much-awaited operation of the vaunted three pumping stations under the contro-versial Php2.1-billion ood control project of this re-gional center city is seen to free this coastal city from perennial ooding that often renders business establish-ments close.

Legazpi City is reportedly below sea level during nor-mal high tide so that seawa-ter waves block the outfl ow of fl ood, said businessman Rafael Lo, a retired mayor of Polangui town who has busi-

nesses in the city.Lo said it was the belief

of most Legazpi residents that had Typhoon "Yolanda"

not spared Albay province, Legazpi could have suffered worse than Tacloban City where more than 7,000 people died from storm surge.

City Mayor Noel Rosal said that with the three pump-ing stations, widening and concreting of creeks and con-struction of other major fl ood control projects in the city, Legazpi fl ooding would be greatly minimized.

During Typhoon Reming in November 2007, where close to 2,000 people were killed in the province of Albay, Legazpi suffered a harrowing experience when residential houses at the city's Albay dis-trict towards the coastal city poblacion were submerged by fl oods as high as four meters while a thousand of houses in the towns of Camalig and Daraga near the Yawa river were either washed out or buried, including Barangay Padang in Legazpi.

Disaster offi cials pointed out that the fl oods in Legazpi during Typhoon "Reming" came from storm rains and fl oods from Mt. Mayon and sea water from strong waves.

The Regional Develop-ment Council chaired by Governor Joey Sarte Salceda pushed for the realization of

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CEPPiO

bikol reporter2 january 10-16, 2016opinion

The death of two and the injury to over a thousand devotees in the recent celebration of the Feast of the Black Nazarene in Quiapo, need a reexamination of folk religiosity. Should faith always be expressed outwardly, i.e. like the Black Nazarene devotion, always with frenetic frenzy, and verging on the violent?

Following the bloody statistics of fingers blasted each December, January gives us this street ritual no different from our traslacion in September. All expressions of faith, yet are they always?

Shouldnt faith have a deeper root, one that is bred in silence and solitude?

What we see in all these religious expressions is a mad dash towards self-destruction, an infantile death wish for the sake of ones faith. Where is contemplation and discernment in this melee?

Cultural students may see here an expression of the desire to touch, like the disciple Thomas needing assurance. Or a subversion of the formalism of organized and hierarchical religion, the people expressing their own selves.

Yet, should red blood be always the color of redemption?

A pearl takes its shape when a grain of sand gets inside an oysters valve where it is covered nacre after nacre to eventually gets its gloss and sheen. The process is done silently.

Cant we have expressions of faith without frenzy?

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editorialFrenzy in Faith,Faith in Frenzy

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China keen on transferring operations to the Philippines.

FDI inflows will be higher this year with the countrys stable macroeconomic opportunities arising from the infrastructure gaps and large domestic demand. The Phl continuing growth in information technology, business process management/knowledge and process management industry are plus factors. For last year, the foreign business community expects Phl FDI to be near the $6.2 billion posted in 2014 despite a slowdown during the first half of 2015.

NEGATIVES: Despite bullish investor sentiment for Phl, foreign investors say the country must address several issues to translate such optimism into actual investments. The FDI climate in the Philippines is still burdened by policy instability, contractual uncertainty, unexpected COA decisions, unfulfilled tax refund commitments of government, restrictions on realty ownership, inefficient transport, high power costs, and excessive paid holidays and other uncompetitive labor policies,

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

PHL JOINS: On the final day for enlistment, the Philippines signed in as last incorporating member of the AIIB, with China as majority stakeholder. Without US and Japan, which countries did not join, China is the largest stakeholder (30 % stocks plus 26.06% voting power). According to Finance Sec. Cesar Purisima, the Philippines stand to gain from its membership. He said AIIB is complementary to, rather than a rival to the US-led World Bank and Japan-chaired Asian Development Bank (ADB),

Following China on the voting ladder is India (now Asian fastest growing emerging market economy), with 7.51%, Russia - is next with 5.92% share. To compare, US corners the bulk of World Bank voting power with 16% while it and Japan lead the IMF with 16.74% and 6.23%. Phl can benefit from AIIB as additional source for our infrastructure needs. If the goal is really to give more say to emerging markets on the global financial arena, the AIIB is so far showing some promise.

FDI HUB: The Phl is next big investment hub in Asia, according to foreign investors group. The exit of investors from China augurs well for the Philippines as the next big investment center in Asia. Local foreign business community sees the country as favorite site, despite problems in infrastructure, internet access and policy stability. The exporters group said interest in relocating here is strong, with 20 Japanese electronics companies in

Phl in China-led AIIB

opinionsunlimited

Atty. TONY (APA) ACYATAN

They claim in terms of domestic factors, the Phl remains a most restrictive market in ASEAN for foreign investment, with substantial red tape for those who do not locate in PEZA zones. All these remain serious considerations against investing in the Philippines, especially when at the same time other countries in the region are investing heavily, both politically and financially, in these areas. Our economic regulators must open their eyes and do what are right!

INFLATION: Last December, despite the holiday expenditure rush inflation is seen to level at 1.5%, faster than Novembers 1.1% but slower than the 2.7% in December 2014. At the horizon is the lowering of fuel energy prices occasioned by excess global supply over demand. At the helm of the food consideration is the damage wrought by Typhoon Lando on our production system ranged against the big requirements of the holiday season.

ME JOBS: As the turmoil in the Middle East escalates highlighted by the explosive disputes between oil powerhouses Saudi Arabia and Iran, lower deployment of OFWs in the region is expected. The lower oil prices have affected Saudi which registered 15% GDP deficit. On record Saudi Arabia has deployed last year 400T+ OFWs followed by UAE with 246,231 and Qatar deploying 114,500 and then Kuwait and Bahrain. Per POEA statistics, there are now 1.5 million OFWs in Saudi Arabia alone!

PRAYER: Each time we pray to our Father lets ask for forgiveness; this way, we are also forgiven in return!

Here is our Duterte dilemma: To control impunity, should we entrust power to someone suspected of abusing official powers with impunity? Former Commission on Human Rights chair Leila de Lima had conducted investigations on extrajudicial killing of criminals by death squads linked to Mayor Duterte.

Unfortunately, the accusations have never resulted in indictments. Duterte, therefore, was never compelled to address conclusively suspicions that he had violated legal and constitutional processes to achieve swift justice.

Duterte has projected the image of an action-oriented, results-driven executive who can address peoples fears about an environment perceived as dominated by criminal elements. In the process, he has broadly, almost boastfully hinted that he had indeed ignored human rights and legal norms, enforcing the law by violating the law.

Because he is now a presidential candidate, Dutertes self-incriminating statements increase the pressures on the CHR, the Ombudsmans office and the Department of Justice to fulfill their mandate. How can these agencies ignore hints of capital crimes gone unpunished from one aspiring to lead the country? Especially when, according to De Lima, a whistle-blower has surfaced.

The CHR/Ombudsman/DOJ dilemma is that people do not seem repelled by, or anxious about, the violations of human rights Duterte might have committed. Political operatives will try to discredit their investigations as efforts to influence the elections. Most people are not drug-dealers and cannot imagine that they would ever tangle with Duterte. But we should consider the implications of past impunity on his potential exercise of presidential powers.

Perhaps, Duterte might not have done any killing himself, though he may suggest even this to burnish the Dirty Harry brand. But as mayor, he had people ready and eager to follow his orders. As president, he would have even more people to do his bidding.

According to a newspaper report, Duterte said that, as president, he would allow policemen on duty to kill criminals and would protect them against charges of human rights violations. He also said that the policemen would go first, should they commit wrongdoings. He referred to three rogue policemen who were recently killed, but did not directly respond to the question if he was the one who killed the police officers.

Duterte is not infallible. Neither are the subordinates on whose information he depends. The execution of policemen who make mistakes offers small comfort to families of the victims. People will make mistakes, but these should not lead to irreversible consequences. Summary executions permit no room to appeal possibly erroneous decisions.

The issue is whether the police should have the power to execute people they arrest on the basis of their suspicions, without due process of law. And, whether mayor or president should have the power, by direct order or by insinuation and promise of protection, to effect these executions.

Heres the column of Edilberto de Jesus in the Philippine Daily Inquirer dated January 2, 2016 or our study of the candidates in 2016 entitled The Duterte Diliemma.

I remember first reading the story in Tagalog, probably in Pilipino Komiks. A colony of fiercely independent frogs fought bitterly among themselves because no one was willing to give way to another. Unable to agree on anything, the colony could not progress. Finally, they appealed to Bathala to send them a leader to establish law and order and consensus. Bathala responded by sending them a log.

Initially impressed by the size and weight of the log, the frogs later discovered that it was also inert and incapable of controlling conflict and violence. They pleaded with Bathala to send them a more decisive leader. Bathala sent them a crocodile, which quickly imposed consensus by eating those who disagreed with its decrees. The frogs rushed back to Bathala, begging him to recall the crocodile. But Bathala made them live with what they had prayed for.

This tale came from the collection of fables attributed to Aesop, a Greek storyteller of the seventh century BC, who used them to teach moral lessons. The fable of the crocodile king acknowledged that, without a leader, unbridled individualism can block a communitys progress and prosperity. But submitting to a leader without regard for individual autonomy risked the loss of rights and lives.

Since Aesops time, humanity has been trying to learn the right balance between individual autonomy and social order. The issue confronts us again.

Mayor Rodrigo Duterte brings to the presidential race a reputation as a strong leader, quick to apprehend, judge and neutralize drug dealers. Many voters, wearied and worried by the pattern of criminals prospering unpunished, have found Dutertes decisiveness admirable. Who wants a weak, indecisive leader?

The Duterte Dilemma

NeNiTA fueNTebellA-PeONes

frommy

window

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bikol reporter 3january 10-16, 2016

CamSur examinees top CSC examPILI, Camarines Sur ---

Ahmed Ballecer-Hemady and Audilyn Perez- Madrid, both residents of Camarines Sur, topped the recent Ca-reer Service Examination-Paper and Pencil Test (CSE-PPT) held October 18 here, besting 10,228 examinees coming from various parts of the region.

Hemady, a graduate of AB Physics in Baguio City is a native of Bombon, Camarines Sur and spent his secondary years at Camarines Sur Na-tional High School (CSNHS). He led 9,214 other CSC Pro-fessional eligibles.

Madrid on the other hand, went ahead of the other 1,014 Sub-Professional passers and capped the highest average percentage under the Sub-Professional category. She is taking up BS Accountancy at Ateneo De Naga University.

Other Top Ten passers, un-der the Professional category include: 2nd) Justine Mae S. Esguerra from Masbate City; 3rd) Camille Astrid O. Bri-tanico from Legazpi City; 4th, 5th and 6th placer respec-tively- Ariene I. Veneda, Ma-rie Rosielle Anne C. Cornejo,

By AnA-LizA S. MACAtAngAy

and Hazel Ann Mae R. Clave all from Camarines Sur; 7th) Angela Gabrielle J. Tuazon from Legazpi City; Jomari I. Tejeras from Camarines Norte and Jerome Eimman A. Columna from Legazpi City sharing the 8th place, Merci-line Joy Palaje and Emmerson B. Ranara, capped the 9th and 10th place respectively.

Under the Sub-Profession-al category, 2nd place went to Ma. Louella V. Israel from Camarines Sur; 3rd Julio Flores, Jr. from Camarines Norte; 4th-Karla Mae N. Sirios from Camarines Sur; Manelene A. Gernale from Sorsogon; 6th Julius Na-thaniel D. Anciano from Ca-marines Sur; 7th- Rei Monica O. Ced from Legazpi City; 8th- Xyvel J. Lanuzo from Camarines Sur; 9th- Aida An-thonette E. Jacob and 10th- John C. Ibaretta from Cama-rines Sur.

In a press release, CSC Region V also announced that Bicol is among the top per-forming regions in terms of passing rate in the CSE-PPT examination held October 18 last year. Bicol ranked 5th among all other regions in

Childrens WelfareNaga City City Mayor John G. Bongat, Chair of the Council for the Welfare and Protection of Children (NCCWPC) said that the direction of the advocacies and programs for the children this year is centered on the theme: Growing together with our Children in the Community. At right is City Councilor elmer Baldemoro.

daet 3 Kings FPJMayor Tito S. Sarion, mayoralty candidate Concon Panotes and PNP Camarines Norte provincial commander, PSupt. rudolf B. Dimas, played Three Kings during the Salubong sa Bagong Taon 2016 celebration here on January 6 which was also attended by Vice Mayoralty candidate Connie Belarma Sarion and rep. Catherine Barcelona reyes, who played Sta. Claus when the group went around the main roads of the town where they showered candies to the people watching the revelry.

naga in samarVice Presidential candidate rep. Leni G. robredo joins Quinapondan Mayor Nedie Campo and Naga Punong Barangay Julio Gonzales after she distributed motorboats and solar lamps to fishermen who lost their equipment to Typhoon Yolanda. The distribution is part of the Tabang Project of the Jesse robredo Foundation, with the help of Pilipinas Shell Foundation.

aCadfest ChampStudents from the university of Saint Anthony(uSANT) in iriga, like Jaffa Arela B. Oliva, who won as Best News Presenter in Broadcasting, emerged as Overall Champion in the u.P. Harong Academic Fest held last week. The uSANT team got the Best in Scriptwriting, Best in Technical Application and 1st runner-up in Broadcasting.

the country, garnering a 12.34 passing percentage in the re-cent examination

CSC Camarines Sur Di-rector II Jocelyn Marifosque in an interview raised her hats off to the passers who

surpassed the grueling 3-hour examination. She also re-minded all other future takers not to wait for the deadline but file as early as they can so that they wont have to cram when the examination dead-

line is already set.We wish to congratulate

all the passers of the October 18 examination. May I also take this opportunity to in-form the public that applica-tion form for April 17, 2016

is on-going and it will be on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Marifosque added that awarding of the certification of rating will be on January 21, 2016 at the Metro Naga Water District.

Classes resume in Nona-ravaged schoolsEducation (DepEd) Sorsogon Schools Division Office (SDO) said.

The DepEd-Sorsogon SDO made the announcement amid its recovery efforts after the ty-phoon caused heavy damages in school infrastructures, including furniture and instructional mate-rials, as it ravaged the province on December 14, 2015.

During the flag-raising ceremony on Monday, SDO Superintendent Danilo Despi instructed all office personnel to monitor the resumption of classes in all schools in the division and validate the sub-mitted Rapid Assessment of Damages Report (RADAR) of both elementary and secondary schools.

The school heads are ex-pected to be creative in dealing with their concerns on the re-sumption of classes faced with typhoon damages, Despi said, adding that Initiatives such as shifting schedule of classes, combination of grade levels can be implemented by school authorities to cope with the lack of classrooms due to typhoon damages."

Earlier, DepEd Assistant Secretary Reynaldo Laguda instructed DepEd personnel in Bicol, Mimaropa and Northern Samar regions during a coordi-nation meeting for assessment of Typhoon Nona damages to ensure the resumption of class-es on Monday.

Simple activities such as checking of attendance or con-ducting staff meetings can be done to assure the public, spe-cially the learners that we are ready to welcome them back to school, Laguda said.

Aside from shifting of classes and merging of grades, schools may explore cross enrolment if necessary, he advised.

Laguda also emphasized the urgent need to construct temporary learning spaces to compensate for the totally de-stroyed and major-damaged classrooms.

What we are trying to ad-dress is impact to learning and education, the DepEd top of-ficial said.

He also called for a more detailed damage assessment as basis for reconstruction.

Let us assure local govern-ment officials that we will build back better, we will bounce back, and we are serious on

bouncing back, Laguda said.DepEd Sorsogon has a to-

tal of 168,332 elementary and secondary students, of which nearly 60 percent were affected by the typhoon based on the reported schools that sustained typhoon damages.

As of Dec. 29, 2015, 437 out of 530 schools or 82.4 percent of elementary and secondary schools combined submitted RADAR, of which 390 schools or 89.2 percent reported dam-ages in their classrooms.

In a related story, the De-partment of Education (DepEd) Sorsogon division office report-ed that Typhoon Nona, which wreak havoc in some provinces of Bicol region, has caused close to P1-billion worth of damages to classrooms in the province of Sorsogon.

DepEd Sorsogon schools

division superintendent Danilo Despi said that the extent of damage amounting to P943.7 million was based on the Rapid Assessment of Damages Report (RADAR) submitted by 437 schools or 82.4 percent of 530 schools in the province submit-ted to to the division office last December 29.

Despi said that a total of 550 classrooms were totally damaged, costing P605 million based on P1.1 million multi-plier per classroom, adding that 933 classrooms suffered major damages costing P326.55 mil-lion based on Php350,000 mul-tiplier per classroom.

Other 1,218 classrooms meawhile shoewd minor dam-ages costing P12.8 million based on Php10,000 multiplier per classroom.

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By CONNie B. DeSTurA

LEGAZPI CITY -- Class-es in all levels in schools dam-aged by typhoon 'Nona' in the province of Sorsogon resumed Monday, the Department of

CEPPiO

LGr FACeBOOK

bikol reporter4 january 10-16, 2016halo-halo

Duwang riparo sa uP Harong Acadfest

dis*Karte*Kusyon*Kurso

frANk Peones jr.

magigin garo si tolong kabalang sa istory, na mayong nahihiling, mayong nadadangog, mayong masasabi.

Sa istoryang suanoy na kompetisyon, run-away winner sako si para istorya manongod sa aswang. Ini huli ta pig reinvent niya an istorya kaini siisay an nakaisip nin Union of Supenatural Associations, sarong pagtiripon nin mga aswang sa Pilipinas? Si ibang mga istorya, grabe si espuerso na maging susog sa tema kan contest an mga istorya, kaya an nangyari nawaran nin spontaneity kan osipon na karakter kaini bilang oral literary form.

Maray sigurong an mga coaches man magadal man manongod sa ugat kan osipon asin sa pagsusurat nin sarong osipon, na may karakter na naaatubang sa sarong sitwasyon o problema. Kun pano niya ini aatubangon iyo an osipon. Mayo ini sa ibang mga inilaban na mga istorya.

sa dibdib eh, iba. Ang lalim ng hugot nya!!!

Sabi ko kuya ano nga pong name mo? Saludo ako sayo!

"Peter mo mam."Bumaba ako ng tricycle at

nagpasalamat... Paglingon ko may isang pasahero rin

na lumapit sa kanya. Dahil hindi choosy driver si kuya Peter, malamang hinatid nya din un.

Sumakay ako ng bus pauwi ng bahay at pagdating ko hindi ko maiwasang ikwento kay mama kahit na hatinggabi na.

Para kasi sa akin malaking bagay un kwento nya. May hugot. Naisip ko rin eh si mama at daddy nga noon nahirapan rin sa pagpapa-aral sa amin sa Ateneo (at one point nag-avail rin ako ng Study Now, Pay Later ng CHED --- last year binayaran na un loan na un at nakakaloka ang interest ha!) so what more para kay Kuya Peter na pagpasada ng tricycle ang only source of income. Bilib ako sa kanya!

Sabi nga ni Mama eh naku 34k na ngayon school fees palang yan.. Paano pa un project, un baon at daily expenses nila?!

Maaring isang tricycle driver lang sya sa iba pero grabe ang determinasyon nyang mabigyan ng quality education ang anak nya. Sana talaga un anak nya eh maging masipag sa pag-aaral at pahalagahan ang pagod ng papa nya. Hindi kasi lahat ng ama ay kayang magpaka-father tulad ni Kuya Peter.

Un mga katulad nya ang magandang tulungan kasi may direction sa buhay at may worth it ang pinaglalaanan...

Sana mabasa eto ng anak nya sa Ateneo. Sana proud ka sa tatay mo.

Sana huwag mong sayangin ang pagod nya.

Sana mag-aral ka ng mabuti, hindi lang para sa kanya pero higit sa lahat para sa sarili mong kinabukasan.

Growing up, palaging bukangbibig ng Mama ang "pagbutihin nyo ang pag-aaral kasi para sa inyo yan! Magbulakbol ka eh hindi naman ako ang mahihirapan sa future, ikaw rin."

Sa Anak ni Kuya Peter na nag-aaral sa Ateneo De Naga, sana ma-embrace mo ang #MAGIS!!!

Sana maging reminder etong post na eto kung gaano ka kamahal ng papa mo. Kapag feeling mo nahihirapan ka sa mga classes mo, isipin mo lang ang hirap at pagod nya sa maghapong pagpapasada. KUNG MABASA MO ETO, PM MO AKO. Usap tayo, I have something for you! Sorry hindi ko na kasi nakuha ang name mo at ibang details nyo. Hindi ko naman kasi akalain na may ganitong #hugot sa akin ang simpleng tricycle ride ko kagabi.

Sana sa mga makakabasa nitong kwento, magsilbing Good Vibes eto sa inyo lalo na dun sa mga may experience sa choosy tricycles ng Naga.

Sana kung masakyan nyo ang tricycle na eto at maging driver nyo si Kuya Peter, pa-extrahan nyo na. Pangdagdag tuition din yan.

At sana rin po, hindi na maging choosy ang mga tricycle driver sa Naga!

KUYA PETER, ORAGON KA!!!

Saro liwat an poster-making sa mga pinaglabanan sa ginibong UP Harong Acadfest ngonyan na taon. Kan pigpahiling si mga entries, nasabi kong garo na-ilado an mga isip kan mga partisipante sa sarong panahon asin istilo na garo mayong nangyayari o naghihiro sa mundo. Liwat, yaon an bukas na palad, nagkakaputan na mga kamot, si imitasyon kan Oblation ni Guillermo sa U.P., saldang na pano nin bangraw, makolor sana pero garo si bangraw kan saldang kan sarong lumang banderang Hapon, naglalayog na mga kalapati, si rweda kan industriya na yaon sa mga sensilyo kan mga 1930s.

Aram ko na an bukas palad na simbolo ginamit na kan DSWD kan dekada 70. Alagad tano ta naglalataw pa ini sa mga poster kan mga kaakian ngonyan? Sa hiling ko, an mga coaches kan mga kaakian na ini dai man nagaadal o nagsasaligsig man lang manongod sa mga posters. Kadakul

Madalas inis ako sa tricycle sa Naga kasi choosy sila, parang pag-ibig! Un tipong sinabi mo ng double ride pero ayaw pa tapos hihirit ng special ride.

Pero kagabi hindi ko inakala na isang nakakabilib na ng kwento ng pag-ibig aking maririnig... Pag-ibig ng isang padre de pamilya, kung papaano kinakaya ng isang ama ang maghapong pagpasada para maibigay ang kailangan ng kanyang pamilya at higit sa lahat para sa ikakabuti ng kanyang anak. Isang kwentong puno ng pangarap...

Super late na ako nakauwi kagabi. , matapos ang masayang kwentohan kasama ang stickitforward friends. Na sina ate thea, janice, kuya sonny at errol.

Ilang tricycle na rin ang dumaan at tumanggi sa akin na kaya medyo inis na akong pumara. Bakit nyo ko tinatanggihan?!! Pabiro kong sigaw sa mga choosy drivers. Nagtawanan pa kaming magkakaibigan. Sabi ko tuloy sa mga kaibigan ko umalis na sila kasi baka mas lalo akong hindi makasakay at akalain ng driver na kaming apat ang pasahero.

Nawawalan na ako ng pag-asa makasakay agad ng tricycle pero buti nalang may dumating na isang pa..

Sabi ko "Kuya bus terminal po??" tapos tumango agad sya. (Yes!!! Natuwa na ako kasi sa isip ko hindi ako nagsabing double rid so meaning makakatipid ako kc 8 pesos lang ibibigay ko, regular fare!)

Simula Dayangdang hanggang Panganiban, wala kaming ibang topic ni kuya driver kung hindi un inis ko sa mga choosy tricyle drivers. Sabi nya hindi naman lahat eh choosy pero hindi daw talaga maiwasan na meron mga masungit at choosy. Minsan naman daw kasi talagang out of way lang lalo na kung pauwi na rin ang driver. Tapos inexplain nya na kung bakit un iba ayaw magpasakay kahit double ride na or kung bakit un iba naman mahilig humingi ng special ride rate lalo na kung galing sa pila.

Very proud si kuya ng sinabi nya na never pa daw syang pumila.

"Ah kasi kuya hindi ka naman choosy!" biglang sabi ko sa kanya. "Salamat nga po ako pinasakay mo ako"

Sa Manila ugali kong magtanong sa taxi driver kung anong oras pa sila nagduty... Kagabi natanong ko rin si kuya tricycle driver ng "Bakit nga po pala late night na pumapasada pa kayo?" just for the sake

of small talk..."Actually mam pauwi na sana ako.

Dyan po ako sa San Francisco kaso ayan, pumara ka saka terminal lang din naman so ihatid nalang muna kita."

Naisip ko mabait talaga si kuya ah. By this time nasa may Petron Panganiban area na kami...

"Alam mo mam, hindi naman po sa pagmamayabang ano, pero kahit po tricycle driver lang ako eh nagpapa-aral po ako sa mga anak ko. Un isa nga po nag-aaral sa Ateneo."

Honestly, nun sinabi nya eto eh unang pumasok sa isip ko na ah baka may scholarship.

Base sa kwento ni kuya, sa public school nag-aral ang anak nya noong elementary at highschool pero noong magcocollege daw eh hinayaan nya kung saan gusto.

"Sabi ko sa sya na pumili saan nya gusto mag-aral. Ayon, andyan po baga, nasa ateneo ngayon..."

pwedeng hilingon asin pwedeng magin arogan nganing hirahon. Halimbawa, an mga poster sa China kan Cultural Revolution, o si mga art noveau posters ni Alphonse Mucha, magin si ki Toulouse Lautrec. Dai mahiro an pananaw kan mga kaakian kun dai sinda papahilingan nin ibang giya.

Kaipuhan na ibukas an mata ninda, sa tabang kan mga coaches, sa ibang mga istilo. Kun dai, garo sinda

"Ah un mga kasama ko kanina kuya na nagpasakay sa akin taga AdNu un kuya.. Nasa OSA po at Campus Ministry!" biglang singit ko sa kwento nya. Anong year na po anak nyo?

"First year na po un. Accountancy. Dati baga nasa 30,000 un tuition, ngayon sem nadagdagan eh nasa 34,000 yata un bayaran."

"Ganado ako magtrabaho basta ganado ka mag-aral." Palagi nya daw sabi sa anak nya.

"Kumusta naman po, ganado naman ba talaga mag-aral?" curious na tanong ko sa kanya kasi at the back of my mind naisip ko un mga bulakbol at papetiks-petiks na mga estudyante.

Okay naman. Ayon nag-aaral naman ng mabuti kaso nga daw medyo hirap din talaga sa accountancy kaya sabi nya daw may chance pang pumili un anak nya ng ibang course. "Advice ko nga sa kanya pumili ng gusto nya talaga."

Na-share ko sa kanya na mahirap nga talaga ang accountancy kasi marami akong kakilala dati na nagshishift after one sem or two. Kapatid ko nga mismo nag-shift ng Marketing noon kasi na-realize nya na hindi talaga para kanya ang numbers.

"Basta sabi ko sa kanya mam kayanin na ang college.. Kung baga nag-aadjust pa lang di siguro."

Sabi ko nga po mam sa anak ko "Dapat malampasan mo ako. Sana ganahan kang palaging mag-aral para ganado rin ako."

If tama ang rinig ko kay kuya, sabinya kasi 2nd year highschool lang

natapos nya kaya gusto nya talaga makapag-aral anak nya. Maaga sya nag-asawa.19 years old. Nakapagwork din sya sa Proctor and Gamble for 2 years as pahenante... Kung baga gusto nya talaga malampasan ng anak nya kung anong naabot nya. Isang amang labis ang pagsususikap para bigyan ng magandang kinabukasan ang pamilya.

Nalibang na ako sa kwentuhan namin ni kuya driver kaya hindi ko namalayan na nasa terminal na pala kami. Makalat ang bag ko kaya medyo nahirapan pa ako hanapin un wallet, balak ko kasi sana bigyan na ng special ride na bayad. Un coins sa bulsa ng bag ko ang naibigay ko... Remember initially kasi naka ready na un 8 pesos lang na dapat ibayad pero tinaktak ko na un lahat ng coins na nakita ko kasi at the back of my mind eh may malaking pinaglalaanan si kuya saka deserve na talaga un extra pamasahe.

"Siguro po mam kapag naka-graduate sya ng college ay naku, tatakbo talaga ako sa stage sa sobrang tuwa ko. Siguro ako un kauna-unahang tricycle driver na nakapagpatapos dyan sa Ateneo."

Feel na feel ko un malaking pag-asa ni kuya driver tapos pag-abot ko ng pamasahe pinakita nya un maliliit na photos ng family nya sa harapan...

"Kaya mam hindi ako mapili ng pasahero. Para sa kanila po kasi lahat ng kita at pagod ko."

Grabe, super bilib ako kay kuya driver. Lalo na nun nakita ko picture sa harapan nya. Kung napanood nyo un isang Thai TVC tungkol sa isang taxi driver na may picture ng anak nya sa dashboard, parang ganun level un kay kuya. Lakas ng tama

homar murillo

tip of aniceberGEmail: homar.murillo@gmail.com

LitratoAn sarong ladawan daa pwedeng makapinta nin niribong

tataramon-- arog halimbawa kan misteryosong huyom ni Mona Lisa, litrato kan sarong bagong mundag na umboy o arog kan litrato kan pagtuga kan bulkang Mayon. Manlaen-laen na emosyon asin spekulasyon an pwedeng maipasabot kan sarong ladawan o litrato. Pero minsan bakong kun ano o siisay an nasa sarong litrato an mina-gatong sa mga spekulasyon kundi kun siisay an mayo igdi. An sarong ehemplo kaini iyo si saro sa nagin trending topics para sa mga Nagueos sa Facebook asin sa lokal na media kan nakaaging semana. Ini iyo itong uploaded na group picture kan mga barangay captains sa Naga kaibanan si Congresswoman Leni Robredo asin Councilor Gabby Bordado.

Maski ngani tinangal na ni Councilor Gabby si litrato sa Facebook account nya, dae man sana giraray basta sana malilingawan an kontrobersya na indinulot kan nasabing litrato. Ini nagpoon kan an saro man na Facebook friend ni Councilor Gabby na si Margarita Tuazon Elmi, naghapot kun tano mayo si Mayor John Bongat sa litrato. Duman nagpoon si halabang diskusyon sa thread na kun saen nagkakapirang bistadong personalidad sa Bicol an nagpartisipar. Medyo nagkainitan sa urulay kaya napiritan si Councilor Gabby na tangalon na lang si thread.

Alagad huri na an gabos ta nakibali na an lokal na mass media, particular an duwang nagdidingkilan na statasyones nin radio. Pinurbaran na mas padakulaon an isyu sa paagi nin mga spekulasyon na baka daa sa huring minute kan kampanya biglang magkibrada nin suporta si Congresswoman Leni asin ipatunod an nakatukaw na alkalde kan Naga.

Pinahimutikan man ni Councilor Gabby na ugwang nilulutong bagong diskarte an grupo kan mga Liberal Party members igdi sa Naga. Simpleng honest mistake lang daa sa parte kan saro sa staff ni Vice-Presidential candidate Robredo an napasala ta nalingaw imbitaran si Mayor John maski ngani daa mismo si Congressional Candidate Bordado nalingawan man na pormal na imbitaran. Ipinaliwanag man ni Vice-Mayor Nelson Legacion na dawa yaon man sya sa litrato aksidente lang na nakabali sya ta inihatod nya lang si Kapitan Lorenzo Narvaez sa lugar kan meeting kan mga kapitan kan Naga na ipinaapod ni Congresswoman Leni bago sya maghali pasiring Metro Manila.

Sa balyong lado, dae talaga maiiwasan na magduda an iba sa mga suportadores ni Mayor Bongat nab aka man nangad ugwang hidden agenda sa meeting na nasambit kan nakaaging January 2, 2015 na ginibo sa Jacks Blue Plate restaurant sa Magsaysay Avenue. An nasabing insidente dae kuta masyadong nagka-ugwa nin momentum kun bakong public knowledge na ugwang kadikit na dae pagkakaintindihan sa pulitika si Congresswoman Leni asin Mayor Bongat.

Dae man makasorpresa na medyo nagkukusog na an pagigin partisan kan botante asin mga nasa media ta parani na an eleksyon. Ugwa syempre nin kanya-kanyang mga manok. Parte na sa stratehiya kan mga pulitiko asin kan saidang mga campaign managers na mag-guibo nin kontrobersya para mapag-ulayan sa publiko.

Kun uugkuron garo ugwa na nin kadikit na gatak an dating solidong pulitikal na edipisyo na pinundar ni depuntong Sec. Jess Robredo sa Naga. Inot ngani ining nahiling kan nagribay nin alyansa si Councilor Nathan Sergio na ngonyan nagdadalagan bilang bise-alkalde kan Naga sa lado ni Mr. Tato Mendoza.

An pinaka litmus test kaini kun totoong nagluya na an edipisyo pulitikal kan Team Naga iyo na ugwa maski sarong kandidato sa saindang iribanan an dae mangana ngonyan na maabot na eleksyon. Kun ini man makakamarhay o makakaraot sa syudad, panahon lang an makakapagsabi.

tricycle ng Pag-ibig at PangarapBy APPLE ALLiSOn

A future president accustomed to act with impunity places everyone on a slippery slope. Where would Duterte draw the line on crimes he can punish without regard for constitutionally guaranteed human rights?

Aesops fable of the frogs cautions us against submitting ourselves to the judicious judgment of the crocodile.

____________Edilberto C. de Jesus (edcdejesus@gmail.com) is professor

emeritus at the Asian Institute of Management. Prof. Rofel Brions Tagalog translation of this column and others earlier published, together with other commentaries, are in http://secondthoughts.ph

from my winDow . . .

the nations progress.The adopting private entity

has the prerogative of identi-fying the school of its choice and the geographical location where it wishes to place its support.

Any government school whether elementary, second-ary, post-secondary or ter-tiary preferably located in any poorest provinces or munici-

aDopt-a-school proGram . . .palities can avail of the dona-tions under the ASP. Priority shall be given to schools lo-cated in the poorest provinces as determined by the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB).

Entities who wish to adopt-a-school may coordinate or visit their nearest DepEd office or the principal of schools they plan to help.-PIA/Sorsogon

bikol reporter 5january 10-16, 2016

NAMe OF DeCeASeD DATe OF iNTerMeNT

DeCeMBer 7, 2015 JOViTA B. CLuBLeY

DeCeMBer 12, 2015 HONOrATO B. PASCO

DeCeMBer 12, 2015 MAiDeN H. BALDeMOr

DeCeMBer 13, 2015 rAuL D. SiBAYAN

DeCeMBer 15, 2015 HiLAriON B. BONGAPAT

DeCeMBer 17, 2015 YANA CHeLSY S. NeriC

DeCeMBer 20, 2015 LuiSA M. BABeLONiA

DeCeMBer 21, 2015 JOSe D. PArCO

DeCeMBer 20, 2015 eDuArDO C. SeVA

DeCeMBer 20, 2015 rOBerT T. QuieN

DeCeMBer 26, 2015 MAriON MiKe V. ALAMer

DeCeMBer 26, 2015 eSiDeriA T. ArriOLA

DeCeMBer 28, 2015 ANACLeTO C. COLAWAY

FOr DeCeMBer

effective Managerial SkillsTowards Productivity

By ArNeL H. SACAY, Teacher iiiElementary School Head

San Vicente Sur. Iriga City

Managerial skill is defined as the ability to make decisions and lead subordinates within an organization. This definition has not changed. The idea of using managerial skill is greatly dependent on who is using it. It makes an efficient manager to drive his subordinates to the desired goals. The efficient man-ager assists the organization in accomplishing the goals using his abilities, knowledge, knowledge-base experience, and per-spective to increase productivity of those whom he manages.

There are various skills that a manager must learn to fully reach the goals desired.

Technical skill allows a manager to complete his job by com-bining formal education, training and on the-job- experiences.

Human skill is an interpersonal skill. This is what a manager uses to work with his subordinates. Trust, cohesion, fairness, empathy, good will are important for the manager who wishes to successfully work with his subordinates.

Conceptual skill is an analytical ability to envision prospec-tive programs and projects the manager wants to be achieved. The manager is here challenged to think conceptually about the organization and to develop action plans and other re-sources to achieve organizational goals. He should look into the problem, break it down into managerial pieces considering possible solutions. However the manager is responsible that things are done properly

Here are some tips for effective managerial skill:Do not try solving problem all by yourself. Delegate work not

just to someone who has time available but to someone who can give useful feedback.

Follow up with team mates whenever there is a behavior that has a negative impact on the organization. But one must be very discriminating in getting a team mate. Otherwise, the situation might blow up negatively.

Make decisions following careful analysis rather than rely-ing on your gut instinct.

Team members can figure out for themselves how best to spend time talking about whats going on in the organization and determine what needs improvement.

The efficient manager takes the role of a moderator, facilita-tor, and help the organization reach a better understanding of issues that confront the organization.

Understand how the process in the organization operate and eliminate bitterness. Seek people who best fit for works assigned them. Avoid conflict.

Motivate people by tailoring ones approaches to motiva-tion and to match individual needs. Significant mistakes are important lessons learned. When conflict occurs, accept it as something that can help in the development process.

Talk to subordinates of their individual goals and link these goals to the entire organization.

Everyone must be briefed of whats going around them in the organization.

True or False. If you want a job done well do it yourself.

nagueos remember 15 Bicol MartyrsBy AnA-LizA S. MACAtAngAy

NAGA CITY --- In a very simple yet historic celebration at the Plaza Quince Martires here today, the city govern-ment, its local officials, repre-sentatives from both the private and public sectors, including the descendants and kins of the fallen heroes, commemorated the 119th year of Martyrdom of the 15 Bicolano martyrs.

Remembered during the solemn ceremony were: Rev. Inocencio Herrera, Rev. Gabri-el Prieto, Rev. Severino Diaz, Manuel Abella, Domingo Abella, Camilo Jacob, Tomas Prieto, Florendo Lerma, Mac-ario Valentin, Mariano Melgar-ejo, Cornelio Mercado, Leon Hernandez, Ramon Abella, Mariano Arana, and Mariano Ordenanza.

Dubbed Quince Martires, these Bicolano patriots instilled the importance of sacrifice for the sake of our much-coveted freedom. It spells an unselfish act of giving up oneself so that others may experience how

iCTerA induction Ceremonies cum Christmas PartyThe Iriga City Teacher &

Other Employee Retirees As-sociation (ICTERA) had its 2016-2017 set of officers in-ducted during their Christ-mas Party held December 23 at the MCM Restaurant.

Inducted into office were: Mrs. Rosario A. Mendoza, president; Mr. Jorge T. No, vice president; Mrs. Eleanor F. Nieves, secretary; Mrs. Imelda T. Lagrimas, asst. secretary; Mrs. Estrella A. Oliva, trea-surer; Mrs. Salud P.Sotto, asst. treasurer; Mrs. Helen I. Sergio, auditor; Mrs. Rufina B. Gono-won & Mrs. Juliet Contreras,

business managers; Mrs. Daisy A. Pandes, PIO; and Mrs. Rosa P. Creencia, muse.

The board of directors are: Dr. Soledad A. Vargas, Dr Ber-nardita M. Acero, Dr. Tecla S. Dimabayao, Mrs. Conchita V. Margate, Mr. Florencio S. Monge, Mrs. Beatriz Marpuri, Mrs. Marina A. Neri; and Mrs. Marciana A. Umali.

Mr. Cielito V. Sayson, Sec-ondary School Principal and President of the Iriga City Pub-lic School Teachers and Em-ployees Association was the inducting officer and the guest speaker. He was introduced by

Mrs. Rosario A. Mendoza. The outgoing officers are:

Mr. Florencio S. Monge, presi-dent; Mrs. Rosario A, Mendoza, vice president; Mrs. Helen R. Orbon, secretary; Mrs. Estrella A. Oliva, treasurer; Mrs. Salve B. Manahan, auditor; Mrs. Ger-trudes D. Sarabia & Mrs. Edeliza B. Salcedo, business managers; Mrs. Daisy A. Pandes, PIO; and Mrs. Marina A. Neri, muse. The board of directors are Mrs. Con-chita V. Margate, Dr. Soledad A. Vargas. Mrs. Purificacion B. Magistrado, Dr. Bernardita M. Acero, Dr. Tecla S. Dimabayao, Dr. Marie M. Oliva, and Mrs.

Maxima C. Umali. During the progam Mrs.

Maxima C. Umali led the opening prayer and Mrs. Ru-fina B. Gonowon the singing of pambansang awit, Mrs. Beatriz Marpuri gave the words of wel-come, Dr. Tecla S. Dimabayao led the singing of the ICTERA hymn while the closing remarks was given by Mr. Florencio S. Monge.

Musical intermission num-bers were provided by the vari-ous groups of ICTERA mem-bers.

Mrs. Daisy A. Pandes em-ceed the program.

it is to be out of the bondage of slavery. It is being remem-bered every year, for more than a century now so that others may also learn from them.

This was also the essence of Naga City Mayor John Bon-gats speech during the said celebration.

There is no sense in know-ing history if we do not learn from history. History is written

for us, for the present genera-tion. The 119th celebration is just like an ordinary day, if we will let this pass like any other day of the year. We are not here for the sake of compli-ance but we are here because we are part of the history, Bongat added.

Educators role was also emphasized, acknowledging the great contribution of the

teachers in molding the minds of the students and sharing with them this important facet of our local history.

Naga City Schools Divi-sion Superintendent Dr. Wil-liam E. Gando said that they have also invited the students to let them know of the signifi-cant part they will play in im-mortalizing this heroism.

I have drafted a memo-randum regarding students participation in special days of commemoration of local and national heroes, which will be issued so that during the next or coming commemoration of national and local heroes, stu-dents will be able to participate and attend, Gando added.

The school official also cited the 1987 Philippine Constitu-tion as reference, particularly, Article 14, Sec. 3, paragraph 2 which states among others that all educational institutions shall inculcate patriotism and nationalism and appreciation of the role of national heroes in the historical development of the country.

Despi explained that assess-ment was made base on param-eter wherein totally damaged classrooms refers to academic classrooms that cannot be used while classrooms classified under major damage are damaged aca-demic classrooms needing major repair and cannot be repaired by the schools concerned.

Classrooms with minor dam-ages, meanwhile, can be repaired by the schools concerned under the Maintenance and Other Op-erational Expenses or MOOE appropriated for each school, Despi, said.

DepEd Sorsogon Division Disaster Risk Reduction and

classes resume in nona . . .Management point person Joseph John Perez meanwhile revealed that 390 schools, or 89.2 percent, of the 437 schools reported dam-ages in their classrooms.

Damaged school furniture, consisting of armchairs and tables, totaled 18,535 while the estimated worth of damage on furniture was not available because the report submitted by the schools were not itemized," he said.

"Likewise, damaged instruc-tional materials totaled 98,321 as-sorted textbooks while 984 com-puters were destroyed. DepEd Sorsogon also needs 569 tem-porary learning spaces," Perez added.

Mayor BOngAt

bikol reporter6 january 10-16, 2016

bikol reporter 7january 10-16, 2016

BIkol RePoRteR - Published: December 27, 2015, Jan. 3 and 10, 2016

bikol reporter8 january 10-16, 2016

BIkol RePoRteR - Published: December 27, 2015, Jan. 3 and 10, 2016

bikol reporter 9january 10-16, 2016

Expect good big things to take place from this year on. These will further improve the citys image as a highly livable urban settlement, playing host to an inflow of big private invest-ments, hundreds of thousands of tourists and enormous social and economic activities leading to inclusive growth, Mayor Noel Rosal on Thursday said.

Towards being reclassified as a HUC, he said, the official result of the 2015 Population Census (PopCen) conducted by the Phil-ippine Statistics Authority (PSA) last August will officially deter-mine the latest human population figure of the city, which will be among its bases.

The city needs a population of not less than 200,000 to qualify, based on the provision of Repub-lic Act (RA) 7160 or the Local Government Code of 1991 in-volving the conversion of a com-ponent city into a HUC.

As of the 2010 PopCen, the population of the city was offi-cially counted at 182,201, which the PSA has projected to reach more than 200,000 by this year based on an estimated average annual growth rate of 2.1 per-cent.

Another criterion needed to be satisfied is local revenue which, according to RA 7160, a component city shall not be con-verted into a HUC unless its lat-est annual income is not less than Php500 million based on 1991 constant prices, as certified by the city treasurer.

City Budget Officer Obe-

leGazpi eyes hiGhly . . .lia Baldano said that in 2015 alone, the City Treasurers Office (CTO) has for its record a gross receipt of over Php700 million, a rate of revenue that continues to increase owing to the remarkable growth being achieved by the lo-cal business sector and the CTOs aggressive implementation of its tax collection campaign.

The city governments budget this year approved by the local legislative council is Php773 mil-lion based on the projected total revenue, she added.

With these requirements met, Rosal said, the city government will follow the procedure under Rule II, Article 12 of the Imple-menting Rules and Regulations of RA 7160 on

Conversion of Component City Into a Highly-Urbanized City, first of it is the passing of a resolution by the Sanggunian Pan-lungsod calling for the purpose.

This resolution, after approval and endorsement of the mayor, will be submitted to the President who, within 30 days from receipt, shall, after verifying that the in-come and population require-ments have been met, declare the component city as a HUC.

According to RA 7160, the conversion of a component city into a highly-urbanized city shall make it independent of the prov-ince where it is geographically located.

Rosal said his administration is dramatically aiming for this conversion that will accelerate further the development of the city into a top-class urban local-

ity being sought by investors for their business investments, thus, opening more job opportunities for the local manpower and more revenue that the local govern-ment could use in maximizing the delivery of social services to its people.

In anticipating big private investments, the Php1.5-billion Central City Mall established by Ayala Corp. on the 1.4-hectare property owned by the city gov-ernment and opened last month will be in full operations soon as the latest entry into the growing number of giant business locators in the city.

SM Prime Holdings, one of the countrys premier shopping management firms, on the other hand, is now readying full-blast construction of its SM City Legazpi within a sprawling prime property at the heart of the citys bustling business district.

Next in line is the expansion of business operations of Landco Business Park of the Gaisano Grand Group of Companies via

the putting up of an additional investment worth around Php2 billion, which would see the es-tablishment of a huge condo hotel and several commercial facilities.

The Cebu-based business con-glomerate has studied the project thoroughly and according to its business development manager, Eric Tan, Legazpi is very much ready for this huge investment.

The new project, Tan said, is focused on a three-building con-dotel of 10 stories each within the Gaisano-owned and operated Landco Business Park, a master planned central business district in the heart of the city that the company has developed since 14 years ago and where its Pacific Mall Legazpi, the first full-sized integrated shopping center in, Bi-col now stands.

It will be a 600- to 900-room condotel built based on the green economic development that the city adopts in promoting environ-ment-friendly investments which includes green building regula-tions paired with preference pur-

chasing clauses or marketing pro-grams such as green certification programs for local businesses, Tan added.

Another big thing this year, according to Rosal, is the antici-pated expansion of business in the city by the Robinsons Re-tail Holdings of the Gokongwei Group of companies which plans to put up the Robinsons Galleria Legazpi patterned after the Rob-insons Galleria Cebu.

The Gokongwei Group now operates its Robinsons Supermar-ket and two commercial banks in the city.

With all these, the city is hav-ing the countrys three business giants, plus less known big inves-tors, competing with each other in putting up huge investments in the locality called in the travel in-dustry world the City of Fun and Adventure and recognized as the second most livable city in the Philippines, Rosal said.

All these good things hap-pening in the city this year are supported by the enormous in-

frastructural development being initiated by both the national and local governments, one of them is the completion early this year of the Php2-billion flood control project featuring two giant water pumping stations, he said.

This project funded by the national government through the Department of Public Works and Highways would make the city flood-free and an all-weather lo-cality, according to the mayor.

Also this year, the establish-ment of the international cruise terminal granted by the Tourism Industry and Enterprise Zone Authority (TIEZA). with an ini-tial amount of Php400 million to jumpstart the construction along the shoreline here of Albay Gulf, will be started, Rosal said.

The project involves the con-struction of an expansive wharf which, according to the Philip-pine Ports Authority, will be good enough to accommodate the standard size of an international cruise vessel that measures from 250 to 300 meters in length.

In a phone interview on Tues-day, the local legislator said he was fine-tuning the pertinent provisions that would totally ban Piccolo firecrackers as minors of-ten fell victims of this particular firecracker.

Borja, Sangguniang Panla-lawigan committee on health chair, said he would call for a meeting with representatives of the Provincial Health Office; the Departments of Health, Interior and Local Government and Envi-ronment; the Philippine National Police (PNP), Bureau of Fire Pro-tection (BFP) and local govern-ment units (LGUs) to discuss his proposed ordinance.

Under his proposed ordinance, law enforcement agencies like the PNP, BFP and LGUs will strictly enforce the total ban on Piccolo and other products that exceeds the required product standards in their locality.

The ordinance will prohibit the sale and use of firecrackers and pyrotechnic products to mi-nors.

Asked why it took several years for that proposed ordinance to be submitted for enactment, he said he was already pushing for the ordinance during the previ-ous SP sessions but tradition prevented him to submit the pro-posal.

Aside from Piccolo, other products to be banned are fire-crackers with large amount of explosive powder contents like the Goodbye Philippines, Bin Laden, Atomic Triangulo, Super Bawang, Super Lolo and Baby Dynamite, among others.

Earlier, Albay Gov. Joey Sal-

Despite anti-firecracker . . .ceda passed an executive order enjoining all provincial, city and municipal employees in the prov-ince, including their immediate families, not to use any type of firecrackers during the holiday season in support of the national Kontra Putok campaign.

I dont want to break the tra-dition where use of firecrackers is part of the practice in celebrating Christmas and New Year, Borja stressed.

He, however, said his con-science dictated on him to push for the total ban and regulation of other firecracker products follow-ing DOH reports that Albay prov-ince has been consistently on top of the list in number of firecracker victims among other Bicol prov-inces for the past five years.

Borja said his proposed ordi-nance will in a way update some provisions in what he branded as the outmoded National Illegal Firecrackers Act or RA 7183.

He also welcomed the DOH proposal for a common pyrotech-nics display area in every town and city where people would converge and watch the fireworks exhibits during Christmas and New Year.

Doctor Nathaniel Rempillo, Albay provincial health officer, said he will insist for the total banning of all types of firecrack-ers and for the LGUs to initiate for a fireworks display area.

Rempillo said that with a common fireworks display area, this would keep the public and their respective homes out of danger from injuries and fire due to firecrackers.

In talks with local business-men, Mayor John Bongat ex-pressed confidence that such budget will likely be hiked in 2017 to finally breach the P1B mark, given the impressive signs that growth in the citys economy and financial stability has been consistently upscaling in the last five years since he assumed as the citys chief executive.

The mayor said that because of its robust local economy and its laudable financial manage-ment, the city has been hailed as one of the few cities in the coun-try that are least dependent on the Internal Revenue Allotment (IRA). Such financial stability, he said, allows Naga to pursue its priority development programs even as assistance from the na-tional government traditionally comes in short supply.

It has been reported that the second best city in Bicol had also earlier approved its 2016 annual budget for the sum of over P700M based on its expect-ed revenues for this year.

Vice Mayor Legacion said that the continuously growing budget of the city government is a manifestation of the strong col-laboration between and among the private and public sectors, coupled with the city govern-ments sound fiscal administra-tion and the burgeoning local economy.

It is, therefore, fitting that these financial resources be used as instruments for uplifting the quality of life of the Naguenos, particularly the underprivileged, consistent with our goal of an inclusive, equitable, and sus-tainable development, the vice

naGa approves p942m . . .mayor was quoted as saying.

Councilor Gabby Bordado, chair of the city councils ap-propriations committee, said this years budget is P91M higher than the 2015 budget of roughly P850M.

Legacion said that in approv-ing the 2016 budget, the city expects an increase in revenues this year by 12.83%, or approxi-mately P107M, over last years.

Funds of the budget will be principally sourced from lo-cal sources, Legacion said. Tax revenues, relatively the highest in Bicol, will contribute 37% (P350M); operating and miscel-laneous revenues will chip in around P460M, or 49%; while economic enterprises and pru-dence in fiscal management rep-resented by the citys coffers beginning balance will share a combined amount of P121M, the vice mayor added.

A scrutiny of the budget will show that there are increases in allotments for education, health, peace and order, and infrastruc-ture services.

Additional units of closed circuit television (CCTVs) will be installed in strategic areas to strengthen crime prevention and solution and emergency response capabilities.

More drainage facilities will be constructed and revital-ization of the Naga River will continue. Facilities in Mt. Isa-rog and around Malabsay Falls will also be improved. New schools will be built, particular-ly in Yabo and Bgy. Del Rosario, and new roads will rise to im-prove connectivity and transport of goods. -- naga.gov.ph

the Php2.1-billion Legazpi flood control project, Php335 million of which went to the three pump-ing stations.

Typhoon "Nona" could have tested the strength of the project.

Salceda said the rest of the Php2.1 billion budget has been programmed for other major flood control structures in the city alone.

The three pumping stations are situated at neighboring rivers in Barangays San Roque, Pigcale, and Victory village.

A Department of Public Works and Highways report said the major pumping station at Ba-rangay Victory Village has so far not been completed yet, citing adjustments.

Salceda urged the DPWH to facilitate the construction of the third pumping station at Baran-gay Victory Village.

DPWH officials said the pumping station at Barangay Vic-tory Village would clear the five-kilometer long Macabalo River emanating from the city's Albay district, affecting Barangays Tu-latula, Maoyod, Cabangan, Impe-

p2.1b project seen . . .rial Court, Dapdap, Binanuahan East and West, Lapulapu, Victory village and Dinagaan.

These said barangays suffered the most during "Reming" when their houses were submerged by storm water as high as four me-ters while a thousand of houses in the towns of Daraga and Camalig near the Yawa river and Padang in Legazpi were either washed out, if not buried.

DPWH assistant regional di-rector Armando Estrella said that with the construction of the wider Rawis flood control project, hopefully Barangay Rawis flood-ing will be solved and transporta-tion towards the first district will not be affected.

The Rawis flood control proj-ect forms part of the Php145 mil-lion expansion to four-lane of the two-lane 130-meter-long Yawa Bridge, according to Don Asejo, information officer of the Albay 2nd District Engineering Office undertaking the project.

In a briefing at the Albay Pro-vincial Safety and Emergency Management Office (APSEMO) with agencies concerned a day

before Typhoon Nona struck on Dec. 14, the media asked DPWH Region 5 information officer Lucy Castaneda about the status of the much-awaited three pump-ing stations in Legazpi that have been boasted would solve the Legazpi flooding.

Castaneda said she has no knowledge about the pumping stations' status, adding it was al-ready in the control of the city government on the strength of a Memorandum of Agreement be-tween the DPWH and Legazpi City government.

But in the afternoon during the same continuing briefing at the APSEMO before Typhoon Nona, DPWH Engr. Egan Nunez, the pumping station project engi-neer, explained that the pumping stations have yet to be turned over to the city pending realization of the MOA as the third pumping station at Barangay Victory Vil-lage has yet to be completed.

He said that of the Php2.1 billion budget, which included the Php335 million for the three pumping stations, only Php1.3 billion has so far been spent.

According to Nunez, the coun-terpart of the city government under the MOA is the control of operation and maintenance of the three pumping stations once these are completed and turned over.

An official of the Sunwest Construction and Development Corp., which is implementing the Php2.1-billion project, said there own crewmen were ready to test operate the two completed pumping stations at Barangays San Roque and Pigcale during Typhoon Nona but, he said, it did not operate because there was no flooding.

The official, who spoke on condition his name be withheld for lack of authority to talk, how-ever, said the MOA between the DPWH and Legazpi City has al-ready been signed, only that the turnover has yet to be realized pending completion of the third pumping station.

He said with the consent of the DPWH, the two pumping stations were ready for testing during Ty-phoon Nona at the total expense of Sunwest. -PNA

outstanDinGlocal newspaperFor Five Consecutive YearsSt. peter Baptist CatholicMass Media awards

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reGional eXponent for proGress

paGe 10 bicol, the philippines january 10-16, 2016 p5.00

adopt-a-school program gain support in sorsogon

film festiValAward-winning director, Brilliante Mendoza, receives a plaque of recognition from SM City Naga during the launch of the Film Appreciation Workshop attended by uNC and Adenu students, on his latest fi lm Taklub last December 8, 2015. Joining him are Tenant relations Manager rose Yu (right ), SM Senior Vice President for Marketing Communications Millie Dizon ( 2nd, left), and Naga City Councilor elmer Baldemoro, chairman of the Comiittee on Tourism of the Sanggunian Panlungsod, who read the fi lms synopsis.

SORSOGON CITY No one is so poor that he has nothing to give, and no one is so rich that he has nothing to receive, were the words of St. Vincent de Paul and went along with the very goal of the Adopt-A-School Stakeholders Forum conducted by the Department of Education (Deped) last month in this city.

Adopt-A-School Pro-gram (ASP) is an interven-tion introduced by the DepEd that seeks generous hearts from the Local Government Units (LGUs), private sector and other stakeholders to real-ize the spirit of Republic Act 8525 or the Adopt-A-School Act enacted in 1998.

The ASPs primary pur-pose is to provide a venue for the strong and dynamic

stakeholders to participate in the nation-building through investments in the education of Filipino children, said Dr. Danilo Despi, Sorsogons schools division superinten-dent.

The rewards of such in-vestments come through an educated generation who will be our successors, run our en-terprise, and steer the nation to greater heights," he added.

In the advent of the K to 12 program, DepEd Sorsogon anticipates for supplementary needs of resources in various secondary schools in the prov-ince, thus, allow stakeholders to assist public schools in various available menu of op-tions called packages such as infrastructure, physical facili-ties, furniture and real estate, learning support, health and nutrition, reading program, technology support, direct as-sistance, training and devel-opment and assistive learning devices for students with spe-cial needs.

DepEd Sorsogon covers 14 municipalities with 80 public secondary schools and 19 pri-vate secondary schools.

Admittedly, DepEd said that the government allots the biggest share of the national budget to public basic educa-tion, but the amount still can-not keep up with the increas-ing student population, and the government resources are simply not enough to provide them the free, quality educa-tion to which they are all en-titled.

As partnership and build-ing alliance program, DepEds ASP sincerely invites not only LGUs and government agen-cies, but all members of pri-vate entities to help give ev-ery Filipino the opportunity to enjoy his right to education, pursue his/her dreams and contribute capably towards

legazpi eyeshighly urbanizedcity status

www.mb.com.ph

By DANNY O. CALLeJA

LEGAZPI CITY -- Great transfor-mations, from its being elevated to a Highly Urbanized City (HUC) to the coming of more major private invest-ments, are expected of this key Bicol urban metropolis this year.

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Despite anti-fi recracker drive, 124 still injured in Bicol

LEGAZPI CITY -- The Department of Health (DOH) Bicol regional offi ce ended its Kontra Paputok campaign Tuesday, recording 124 per-sons as victims of fi recracker-related injuries.

The DOH Action Paputok Injury Reduction (APIR) Unit said the number of victims re-corded this year was 180 per-cent higher than last years fi g-ure of 69 cases.

Doctor Evi Sarmiento, DOH APIR program coordinator, said in an interview that major-ity, or 58 percent of the victims were minors, with ages ranging from 6-12.

Piccolo stood as the lead-ing injury-causing fi recracker.

Sarmiento said Albay re-mained at the top, with 65 cases; followed by Camarines Sur, with 32; Masbate, 11; Ca-marines Norte,10; Sorsogon, 4;

and Catanduanes, 2.She said DOH sentinels

across the region reported that there were high numbers of reported fi recracker victims on Dec. 26, Dec. 31 and New Years Day.

The DOH fi nal report said 95 of the victims were directly involved in using fi recrackers while 29 were considered as passive victims.

In Albay, Provincial Board Member Herbert Borja said he would pass an ordinance totally banning the entry, sale and use of Piccolo fi recrackers in the province.

Borja also said a separate ordinance would also be fi led banning fi recrackers and pyro-technics that contain explosive substance that exceeded the au-thorized standard content and such piece of legislation will regulate the distribution, sale and use of other fi recrackers in the market.

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