SM CITY LEGAZPI. Legazpi Mayor Noel Rosal, Albay Gov. Al Francis Bichara, along with offIcials of Sm Prime Holdings lead the groundbreaking rites for the proposed SM City in Legazpi City, the second SM mall to rise in Bicol. Story on page 8. MAR S. ARGUELLES By Mar S. Arguelles LEGAZPI CITY --- Officials of SM Prime Holding and the City government of Legazpi broke ground yesterday (Feb 22) for the proposed construction of the P1.5B SM City Legazpi, the second SM City Mall to be built in Bicol. Annie Garcia, President of SM Super Mall said yesterday’s event marked the start of construction works for the planned three-storey commercial complex to rise in Barangay Bitano, at the city’s business district. City Mayor Noel Rosal said a Public Private Partnership (PPP) between the SM and the city government gave rise to the building of a super SM Complex in a 5.8-hectare lot in this premier city. Garcia in an interview said the mall would occupy an 84,000 square meters of land area to showcase the SM brand in the mall and retail market. It is expected to be completed and opened for business by the second quarter of 2018, Garcia said. Garcia cited why it built another SM Super Mall in this city saying “Legazpi has shown the best of both worlds: It is a top destination tourist paradise and a buzzling business center with the same prospective that the SM brand of shopping will bring to Bicol.” She said the mall would be typhoon resilient edifice that can withstand strong typhoons. The mall would also offer hundreds of stalls that would feature local and high-end merchandisers such as shoes, bags, clothing apparels, appliances, hardware’s bookstore, restaurants, coffee shops, Garcia said. Aside from the stores, the complex would house six state-of-the art cinema houses She added there would be a spacious multi- level parking area that can accommodate at least 800 units of motor vehicles. “We will follow the local ordinance wherein we would be hiring local personnel to jump start the project,” Garcia said. In this region, we will strive alongside with you to be the best employers of choice in nurturing the community and serve as a catalyst for growth,” Garcia told the guests during the groundbreaking rites.said. She expected that thousands of prospective customers a day would visit and shop at the SM-Legazpi where it would offer people and families a unique feature of shopping while having fun. Rosal as he welcomed the start of the SM joint venture said that “with the SM in our midst, we can help decongest Metro Manila this is way and provide opportunities and employment to those in the provinces.” “We will again put in the map that Legazpi would be a trading hub not only in Bicol but maybe in the entire southern Luzon,” Rosal claimed. He said the city is a center of trade in Bicol because Legazpi is in the strategic area where 4 million people from the provinces of Sorsogon, Catanduanes, Masbate including Samar and Leyte provinces do their shopping, Rosal claims. “Huwag tayong matakot if we want to be known we have to be aggressive, if we want opportunities to come in that would be for everyone, let not our intentions separate us and our discussion divide us, nobody gets there without everybody getting there dapat sama-sama tayo,” Rosal said. He believes that “We just don’t see things happen but rather we make thing happen.” The city would remain a top tourism destination in the country’s tourism road map because of the Majestic Mayon Volcano, its resorts, hotels and restaurants. With the upcoming SM City, Legazpi will have hosted at least seven major malls, which are: Ayala Mall, LCC Mall, Metro Pacific Gaisano Mall, Embarcadero, Yashano, and Gregorian Mall.

ADDITIONAL FLIGHT. Bicol Tourism Regional Director Maria ‘Nini’ Ravanilla (standing, 2nd from right) during the inaugural ceremony with officers of Cebu Pacific for the airline’s upcoming Masbate-Cebu air flight. BOBBY LEYCO By Norman B. Tamar MASBATE CITY --- Top local government officials in Masbate province welcomed the launching of Cebu Pacific’s maiden flights to the province as they see it as an opportunity to hasten economic development and make it more accessible to travelers and investors alike. Masbate Vice Governor Kaye Revil, in an interview, said Cebu Pacific now flies between Manila and Masbate four times a week--on Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Sunday. She said she received a symbolic plane from Alexander G. Lao, president and chief executive officer of Cebgo, Cebu Pacific’s wholly owned subsidiary, to signify the start of the airline’s operation in the province located west of mainland Bicol. Lao said the Masbate-Manila route was launched on the same day as its newest Manila-Tablas route was also launched in Romblon. He said Cebgo has chosen the world’s lightest aircraft seat, Expliseat, for its 72-600 aircraft. “The titanium seat installed on this aircraft is expected to help decrease fuel burn while allowing the carriage of more guests and cargo on board,” he added. Lao said Expliseat’s ultralight seats that allow for comfort seating of guests and a more fuel-efficient operation will lead to more affordable fares. Low fare Lao said their lowest one-way-all in year round fare for Manila to Masbate is P1,879 while Manila to Tablas is P2,439. “With CEBS’s low fare offer, we hope to further stimulate inter-island connectivity and contribute to the economies of the destinations we operate in,” he said. Lao said that even if ATR 72-600 can load up to 78 passengers and can land in Masbate City airport safely. He explained that the plane will only hold a limited passenger of 69 to fly off Masbate airport because the runway condition therestills needs to be strengthened. “Maybe 5 or 10 years down the line we can look forward and it is more than possible to have jets here in Masbate if airport conditions are all set,” he said. Before Wednesday’s inaugural flight of Cebu Pacific’s Manila-Masbate route, Philippine Airlines was the only airline of choice of those wishing to visit the province. Masbate City Mayor Rowena Tuason thanked Cebu Pacific EB for its offer to fly to Masbate. “Ceb’s maiden flights here will give comfort to travelers. They can now choose flight schedules that suit their needs,” she said. Revil added that this could become a chance for Masbate to compete in the market as one of the main tourist destinations in the country. She pointed out that Masbate has been promoted here and abroad as among the beautiful provinces in the country because of its rich natural resources but tourists and investors have been shying away because of its inaccessibility and steep air fare. “Air fare (of the lone air passenger carrier) was the same as when one has to fly to international destinations that had made travelers back off and opt to go to other destinations,” said Revil. Rodeo capital The province, which has been tagged as the country’s “rodeo capital” because of its dominant cattle industry is composed of three major islands—-Masbate, Burias and Ticao. Masbate is also blessed with wide stretches of fine beaches, rock formations and rich marine life that are largely unexplored. It is also touted as the country’s “manta ray capital” due to the discovery of Ticao Pass as habitat of the world’s biggest ray because of the concentration of planktons, making it an ideal manta ray feeding station. Revil said as Masbate becomes more accessible, investors would also have the chance to visit the province and help push economic development in the province. She said the challenge for Masbateňos and the provincial government is to ensure the “sustainability” of the new route. “It means that we all have to do our part in terms of promotions so Masbate can be considered as a major tourist destination and be able to provide a shield for investments,” said Revil. She said the provincial government will not waiver in its efforts to promote Masbate and do the “best that we can.” Revil said the investors should be encouraged into staying in the province. “We want them to stay here forever,” she added. Lao said on top of offering more seats available to and from Masbate, Cebgo is the only airline flying to Tablas, Romblon, the marble capital of the Philippines. He added that both leisure and business travelers alike will take delight in visiting these two places to further stimulate trade and tourism. Lao said the aircraft ATR 72-600 delivered for this year brings CEBGO airline’s total fleet to 58. “It operates one of the youngest and most modern aircraft fleets in the world with an average of 4.92 years,” he said. Lao said the addition of the two newest routes will establish stronger cargo services within the area of Luzon, specifically in the Bicol and MIMAROPA (Mindoro, Marinduque, Romblon and Palawan) regions. He said Cebgo has two strategic hubs in the Philippines namely, the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) Terminal 4 in Manila and Mactan Cebu International Airport (MCIA) in Cebu.

By Juan Escandor Jr. NAGA CITY---Lowering the age of criminal liability to 9 years old now pending in Congress is fine with the top cop in this city, even as he said it is his personal stand. Senior Supt. Julius Muñez, Naga City police director, believes a 9-year-old kid already knows what is wrong and what is right which made them responsible of criminal acts they commit. Muñez said 30 percent of theft cases last year were committed by minors while criminal syndicates use children to commit crimes. Naga’s police director stand is contrary to the stand of a regional inter-agency group tasked to promote juvenile rights and welfare in Bicol which is against the lowering of the criminal liability of youth offenders to 9 years old from 15 years old. Assistant Regional Prosecutor Remiel O. Nibungco, a member of the Regional Juvenile Justice and Welfare Committee (RJJWC)-Bicol, said the general sentiments of the members of the RJJWC is to retain the present minimum age of criminal responsibility to 15 years old under the present law. Among the members of the RJJWC are representatives of the Department of Justice, Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Interior and Local Government, Public Attorney’s Office, Commission on Human Rights, Department of Education, Department of Health, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Jail Management of Penology, and two representatives from non-government organizations. The JJWC is a policy-making, coordinating and monitoring body tasked with the implementation of the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act (Republic Act. 9344) as amended by RA 10630. RA 9344 is the law that raised the minimum age of criminal responsibility from 9 years old to 15 years old and took effect on May 20, 2006 while R.A. 10630 further clarified the procedures, establishment of center for intensive juvenile intervention and provision on victim assistance and emphasis in the processes. Muñez said at present the police in Bicol concentrates on seven focused crimes including murder, homicide, robbery, theft, carnapping, “motornapping” and physical injury. In addition to seven focused crime, Bicol police had included rape in the list of priority crimes since the region has the highest recorded incidence of rape among the regions in the Philippines, he said. Muñez said that in Naga City alone, there were 32 rape cases recorded in 2015, 17 in 2016 and three from Jan.-Feb. this year. He said in 2016 the number of focused crime and rape cases recorded in the city has reached 2,430 incidents. But Muñez said that upon his assumption as police director of Naga City from July to Dec. 2016, the number of theft incidence decreased by 72 cases. Overall, he claimed, the focused crime incidence had decreased by 181 incidents upon his assumption to office. Muñez said in the first seven weeks of 2017, the Naga City police has recorded 217 incidents under the seven focused crimes. “If the trend continues, the Naga City police office will be able to lower the crime incidents in the city by almost one half at a projected 1,606 incidents at the end of 2017,” he said. But Muñez said he would not be able to finish the implementation of the police strategy of keeping the crime low in Naga City because of his pending assignment at the Camp Crame in May.

By Jason B. Neola NAGA CITY --- Soon this city will be seeing families working dynamically with the Naga City Disaster and Risk Reduction Management Office/Council during calamities or emergency situations as first responders as the city government here continues to build disaster resilient communities. This, after the Sangguniang Panlungsod enacted Ordinance No. 2017-007which aims to empower families that would enable them to deal with calamities and other emergency situations by way of institutionalizing a community-level disaster preparedness program with focus on first responders and Basic Life Support trainings. Authored by City Councilor Joselito SA Del Rosario, the measure will serve as a facility to make families disaster-ready, thus making the communities, the city as a whole, to cope with natural or man-induced calamities. City Councilors Jose Rañola and Cecilia V. De Asis co-authored the ordinance. In his explanatory note, Del Rosario stressed that by increasing the level of preparedness and resiliency of families, which is the society’s most basic unit, could lessen the vulnerabilities they face when bad times occur could be lessened. “This ordinance would expand the number of individuals benefiting from the city government’s programs and projects which are focused on increasing the level of preparedness and resiliency of its institutions and citizenry,” says Del Rosario. The city government in close coordination with different national line agencies is pursuing the holding of strategies like disaster preparedness trainings for schools, businesses, establishments, and communities, which Del Rosario said in his explanatory note, could effectively be done through community-based trainings with families as leading participants. Donning the catchphrase “Pamilyang Nagueño, Preparado para sa Futuro,” the training program to be known as the Naga City Community First Responders and Basic Life Support Training Program carries the objective of providing each family in the city’s 27 barangays with knowledge and skills necessary in coping with natural and man-made calamities and emergencies. Invitation to support the implementation of the ordinance will be extended to national line agencies like the Department of Health, Office of the Civil Defense, Dept. of Social Welfare and Development, Dept. of Environment and Natural Resources, Dept. of Public Works and Highways, Philippine Army, Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, Bicol Medical Center and non-government organizations such as the Philippine Red Cross, the local media, and the Metro Naga Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The manifestation of support and commitment by the aforementioned agencies will be embodied in a memorandum of cooperation that will be signed in an appropriate occasion which will signal the start of the implementation of the program. The program, as the ordinance provides, shall be designed, developed, and implemented by Mayor John G. Bongat as chairperson and his co-chairperson who is the chair of the Sangguniang Panlungsod’s Committee on Peace and Order, Public Safety and Disaster Management with the chairpersons of SP Committee on Health and Nutrition, and Committee on Family and Women as members. Other members of the program organization are: Liga ng mga Barangay president, the 27 Punong Barangays, head of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CDRRMO), the DRRM chair of the Sangguniang Barangays, the head of Least Economically Resilient Communities (LERCs) Program, the head of the Naga City People’s Council and selected partners from inter-agency Joint Operations Center (JOC). The program’s training committee includes the heads and/or representatives of the CDRRMO, the City Health Office, Naga City Hospital, and other institutions possessing the capability and willingness to participate in the trainings that are to be conducted.

NAGA CITY --- A revolution in state-of-the-start treatment for skin, veins and hair will take place in this city with the product launch of the newest technology in skin care at 6:00 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 24, at the La Piazza Hall of Avenue Hotel, this city. Maryjane Guazon-Uy, a leading dermatologist in the city, said the product launch by Cutera will be introducing technology and machines for efficient hair removal, treatment of vascular lesions on face and body, and procedure for skin revitalization. She said that no less than Dr. Angie Lavadia, president of the Philippine Dermatological Society, and her vice president, Dr. Peachy Paz Lao, will be present during the product launch. Cutera’s broad menu of intense pulsed light options provides a full range of treatments for the signs of aging. In addition to hair removal, there is also a technology that promises to diminish the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and dyschromia, as well as provide deep dermal heating.

By Gina V. Rodriguez LEGAZPI CITY --- Initial reports received by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE)-Bicol from its provincial offices in the region show an increasing number of employers in the region who are giving the 13th month pay benefit to their workers, particularly those based in Camarines Norte. The number of establishments that voluntarily complied with labor law regulations on the 13th month pay for the period January to December 2016, has reached 148 with a total of 2,945 workers all over the region receiving the benefit, said DOLE Bicol Director Ma. Karina Perida-Trayvilla. She cited initial reports gathered by labor employment officer Lynette Heat-Dela Fuente from the six DOLE provincial officials as of the middle of January this year. “Ang ibang (kumpanya) ay nagbibigay naman. Yun nga lang kung minsan nakakaligtaan nila itong reportorial requirement na dapat ay on or before January 15 ng susunod na taon,” (The others [establishments] are also giving (the 13th month) except that they become remiss in reporting this (to DOLE) as required on or before Jan. 15 of the succeeding year), stated Trayvilla in a press release this week. DOLE-Bicol records show Camarines Norte has 82 establishments voluntarily giving 13th month pay benefits to 1,144 employees. Second is Catanduanes with 32 establishments and 1,323 employees. Albay with 20 establishments and 198 employees is third. In Camarines Sur, records show seven establishments with 184 employees giving out the benefit while Sorsogon has six with 91 employees and Masbate, one with five employees. Trayvilla said an evident means of knowing whether the workers are really receiving the 13th month benefit is the fewer number of complaints received by DOLE’s “Request for Assistance or RFA to the Single Entry Approach (SENA).” She said SENA is a major DOLE program that seeks to provide immediate action to resolve the workers’ complaints and grievances by working out an amicable settlement between the two parties involved. Trayvilla said DOLE-Bicol has also noted the fewer complaints being received by DOLE-Bicol Hotline (0918) 309-665 on the 13th month benefits. She clarified, however, that DOLE-Bicol is not being complacent as the agency is continuously verifying if the said companies have really given the 13th month benefits to their employees. “That verification will be made by our inspectors who will go out to the field this February,” said Trayvilla.

PILI, Camarines Sur --- CamSur Governor Migz Villafuerte, on his initiative to continuously open employment opportunities to his vast provincial constituents has a standing order for the CamSur Employment Center (CSEC) or popularly known as CamSur PESO to step up its manpower pooling by partnering and entering into solid tie-ups with legitimate and reputable recruitment agencies that will provide suitable jobs and work positions in the country and overseas to help uplift the economic status and productivity among qualified residents in the province. In view of this orders, another Special Recruitment Activity (SRA) will be held on February 27-28, 2017 from 8:00AM to 4:00PM at the Capitol Main Lobby, Capitol Complex, Cadlan, Pili, Camarines Sur with Pacific Star Employment Agency Corporation will be sourcing possible and qualified applicants for the following positions: Waiter/Waitress for Kuwait – male-21 years old and above, female-23 years old and above; with at least 2 years experience; able to speak and write in English; hardworking, and possess good attitude; Civil Engineer/Site Engineer/Mechanical Design Engineer/IT Engineer for Japan: with experience and knows how to speak Nihongo; Ramp Agent/Ground Staff for Turks Island; Nurses and Physical Therapist for Kuwait; Pastry Decorator, Pastry Chef, Salesman, Florist (Flower Decorator), IT Technician, Photo Technician, Electrical Technician, Waiter Cleaner, Cashier, Crane Driver, Gypsum Installer, Machine Operator Foreman, Helper, and Carpenter for Qatar; Electrical Engineer, Mechanical Engineer, QA/Q C Engineer, Electrical Draftsman, Safety Officer, Mechanical Draftsman, Fabricator, Welder, Cook, Block Mason, Carpenter, Pre Cast Installer, Civil Engineer for UAE; Family Driver, Home Nurse, Labor, General Cook for Vegetables and Fruits Cook, Kitchen Supervisor, Barista/Bartender, Waiter, Cleaners, Service Crew for KSA; and Domestic Helper/Household Worker Service for Hong Kong, Singapore, Malaysia, Kuwait, and Jordan. All interested job seekers must bring the following requirements in two (2) sets on the day of screening: comprehensive resume with detailed job description with 2x2 or passport size photo in decent attire; 1 pc. 2x2 and 1x1 photos; original and photocopy of School Credentials (Diploma and Transcript of Records); Certificate of Employment (if applicable)/Trainings/Seminars Certificates; valid passport with photocopy of the bio date page (if available) for Overseas Applicants only. Meanwhile, a mobile job fair is scheduled to go around selected campuses to conduct a Job Fair especially targeted towards graduating students and even fresh graduates seeking lucrative employment among local and overseas companies. On March 06, 2017, the group will be at Partido State University (PSU Goa) Covered Court from 8:00AM-5:00PM; on March 15, 2017 at Camarines Sur Polytechnic College (CSPC Nabua) College Gymnasium from 8:00AM-5:00PM; and on April 10, 2017 at Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA Pili) LRV Student Atrium from 8:00AM-5:00PM. All interested applicants need to bring the necessary requirements as stated and mentioned above. For more details and other queries, the CamSur Employment Center may be reached at 09988868269/ 09175020406 or may be visited at their office located at the 2nd Floor, Capitol Main Bldg, Capitol Complex, Cadlan, Pili, Camarines Sur or better check out their email address and Facebook account: camsur_peso@yahoo.com. JMTS/RBMJr.-MMEC with reports from CamSur PESO

The Our Lady of Penafrancia Parish Senior Parishioners Fellowship sponsored a Search for Mrs. Valentine 2017 Senior Edition last February 19, here, to raise funds for its monthly Elderly Health Lecture Series, Summer Encounter and projects for seniors, and medical missions in cooperation with project partner Tomasinong Bikolano chaired by Dr. Marimil Bombase. Declared top winner of the Search was Francia Te of San Felipe earning the title “Mrs. Valentine 2017 Senior Edition/* Second place went to Tessie Delloro of Penafrancia,, Avelina Calma ofLiboton was Third place, Conrada Platon of Penafrancia, Fourth, Generosa Milanay of San Felipe placed Fifth and Maria Mabuhay of Liboton, 6th place. Shown in photo are the winners led by Mrs Valentine 2017 Francia Te (seated) along with the Fellowship Executive Board (standing from left) auditor Beth Ante, chairman Tony Amparado, business manager Ninfa Saballegue, Parish Pastoral Council chair Gie Alvina, Calma, board member Lilybel Larrauri, and Mabuhay. Fr. Rey Jose Rellora, spiritual director and parish priest, Delloro, Platon, Milanay, vice chair Ester Elopre, treasurer Helen Juanillo and secretary Lolit de Jesus.

An Metropolitan Naga Water District (MNWD) na saro sa mga programa kaini na maprotehiran an Mount Isarog Natural Park (MINP), pusog an panindugan contra sa pagconstruhir nin Mini Hydro Power Plant huli ta ciertong ma-aafectaran an watershed sa Camarines Sur asin nakatalaan nindang ipadara an position paper ki DENR Secretary Regina Pas Lao-Lopez. Si Jorge Palma, Board Chairman kan MNWD nagpahayag na sararo sinda sa junta sa panindugan contra sa proyecto mientras na naglilibot na an saindang position paper sa isyu sa Rangas River Mini Hydro Power Project na pigpipirmahan na kan stakeholders asin iba pang mga ahencias na kasurog kan water district na mapangatamanan an bukid Isarog. Sa position paper, sinabi na an proyectong mawot mangyari kan Clean and Green Energy Solutions Inc. na magconstruhir kan Mini Hydro Electric Dam sa San Pedro, Goa, Camarines Sur langtadan na pagsinutil sa probisyon kan Republic Act No. 7586 o National Integrated Protected Areas Sysyem (NIPAS) Act of 1992. Saindang pigbiklad an minasunod na isyu; 1. Nagpaso na an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) kan nakaagi pang Noviembre 11, 2014 na pig-isyu kan DENR kan Noviembre 11, 2009, 2. An proyecto na yaon sa laog kan protected area na envuelto an pagconstruhir nin tinampo asin maputol nin 77 mga kahoy na prohibido ini base sa NIPAS Act. 3. An pag-gamit nin motorized equipment sa laog kan protected area kinakaipuhan magkua nin permiso sa Protected Area Management Bureau (PAMB), 4. Ano man na estraktura nakalaog na sa Strict Protection Zone kan MINP, asin 5. Pagbalga sa Rule 16.1 & 164 of the NIPAS and Implementing Rules and Regulations. Hinahagad ninda ki Secretary Lopez magconducir nin pag-evaluar sa aplikasyon para sa bagong ECC kan Clean and Green Solutions Inc. asin repasohon an lugar kan development plan, particularmente sa estractura asin dai tugotan an pagpurotol nin kakahoyan asin iba pang actividades kan proyecto na makaka-afecto sa kapalibotan kan MINP. Nagtutubod an pamayo kan junta na ma-aksyon digdi an DENR sa tahaw kan mainit na isyu ngonian sa mga pagmimina sa nacion na dakulang destroso sa kapalibotan. An Bukid Isarog may kahiwasan nin diez mil hektarya mientras na an 700 hektarya kaini iyo an watershed area kan MNWD na namumugtak sa Barangay Curry, Pili, Camarines Sur asin Brgy. Panincuason, Ciudad nin Naga. Kabale sa nakakasakop na mga banwaan kan bukid iyo an Ocampo, Tigaon, Goa, Calabanga asin Tinambac. Afuera kan mga pumping station kan MNWD igwa pa sindang nakukuanan nin burabod kan tubig gikan sa Rumangrap spring na igwa na sanang capacidad na 64 litros na pigluluwas na tubig cada segundo (LPS), Anayan Spring – 17 LPS, Kalinisan – 3 LPS, asin Asupre – 7 LPS, gabos ini yaon sa Bukid Isarog asin ciertong bababa an nakukuang tubig digdi kun maging operational an sinambit na mini-hyrdo. Sa entrevista kan BM ki Francis Badiong, Project Area Manager kan Clean and Green Energy Solutions, Inc., sinabi kaini na dai man ma-aafectaran an potable water sa bukid mientras na dai man ngani puede mainum an tubig gikan sa Rangas River huli ta 60 por ciento kaini igwang halong asupre. Sinabi pa na parte kan Rangas River gagamiton an running water sa propuestong planta nganing magproducir nin energia na babakalon kan Casureco IV asin igwa na sindang purchase power agreement. An Ateneo de Naga University Institute for Environmental Conservation and Research (INECAR), nagpahayag nin pagcontra sa proyecto huli ta ciertong dakulang efecto ini sa kapalibotan. (DPA)

An Protected Area Management Bureau (PAMB) na nangangataman kan kapalibotan kan Bukid Isarog alagad iyo an nagtugot sa Clean and Green Energy Solutions Inc. nganing iconstruhir digdi an P150 milyon na Rangas River Mini Hydro Power Plant sa pamitisan kan bukid. Natutuyawan kan mga environmentalist an proyecto mientras na raraoton an bukid na bubugtakan nin tinampo hale sa ibaba pasakat sa lugar kan mini-hydro asin maputol nin mga kahoy na malinaw na pagbalga sa Republic Act No. 7586 na mas midmid sa National Integrated Protected Areas System of 1992, na estrictong nagbabawal sa ano man na actividades sa laog kan parke nacional. Si Francis Badiong, Project Area Manager nagpahayag sa entrevista kan Bicol Mail na afuera kan PAMB an grupo kan indigenous people asin Barangay Council kan San Pedro, (dating Brgy. Aroro), Goa, Camarines Sur pinapaboran an mini hydro mientras labi sa 200 an matatawan nin trabajo asin mapabakal an compaña mas baratong presyo nin suplay kan corriente sa Camarines Sur IV Electric Cooperative (Casureco IV). Alagad natutuyawan kan mga environmentalist an proyecto mientras na raraoton an bukid na aagihan kan access road asin maputol nin mga kakahoyan. Naging cuestionable pa apesar na an permiso sa Brgy. San Pedro, alagad namumugtak sa Brgy. Katagbakan. Sinabi man ni Badiong na bako man an enterong 1.2 hektaryang proyecto kan mini-hydro an yaon sa laog kan protected area kan Bukid Isarog envez nakalaog sana sa 200 metros mantang nasa pamitisan sana an proyecto. Igwang kagabsan na 3.8 hectarya an proyecto kabale na an icoconstruhir na tinampo asin 77 sanang mga kahoy an saindang puputolon mientras na igwa man ining karibay sa paagi nin mga tree planting sa bukid. An resolucion numerado 05 hinaman kan PAMB kan Agosto 7, 2015 asin aprobado ni dating DENR Regional Director Gilbert Gonzales, igwang endorsement an Brgy. Council kan San Pedro, Sangguniang Bayan kan Goa asin Partido Development Administration (PDA) kan Marso 2009. Kabale pa sa saindang documentos iyo an Environmental Compliance Certificate na pirmado ni Director Gonzales kan Noviembre 2009. Alagad nagpaso na an limang taon na ECC permit asin an bagay na ini kinumpirmar kan DENR Bikol. Sinabi pa kan project area manager na nagsusunod sinda sa orden kan DENR mientras na yaon na sinda sa proceso kan bagong ECC nganing ipadagos an proyecto na mapapakinabangan sa laog nin viente cinco años. Igwa na kaming purchase agreement sa Casureco IV na mapabakal sinda nin mas hababang presyo kan corriente kun itatampad sa ibang power supplier kan cooperativa na an efecto kaini mababa man an singil kan cooperativa sa consumo nin corriente kan miembros-consumedores, sabi pa. An proyecto kan Clean and Green Solutions Inc., maproducer nin 1.5 megawatt an mini-hydro asin an contractor iyo an Pacific Summit Construction Group na pinapundo na muna kan saindang construccion mantang pendiente pa an bagong ECC. Si Bernardo San Juan, miembro kan indigenous people asin dating pamayo kan Mt. Isarog Guardian iyo na an liason officer kan Clean and Green Solutions asin saro sa saiyang trabajo iyo an pakikipag-negociar sa mga kagsadiri nin lote na pigtutukdokan kan mini-hydro. Saiyang pigribayan si Oscar Lim na ngonian miembro na kan Sangguniang Bayan. (DPA)

An Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) sa Bikol nagtao na nin asegurasyon sa mga oficiales lokal kan City Hall na makakabale na sa tatagamahan nin fondo sa 2018 iyo an mga road widening sa Maharlika Highway kabale an Villanueva Avenue, dating Liboton St. gabos sa Ciudad nin Naga. Ini an bonga kan pakikipag-hampangan ninda Bise Alcalde Nelson Legacion asin Consejal Vidal Castillo ki DPWH Regional Director Reynaldo Tagudando sa Ciudad nin Legaspi, kaibanan si DE Rebbeca Roces asin ADE Richard Ragrario dai palang nahahaloy sa tahaw kan kamawotan kan ciudad na dapat marealisar na an pagpahiwas kan mga mayor na tinampo mientras na padagos na naghihibog an trafico sa Ciudad nin Naga, na iyo an commercial center digdi sa Bikol. Kinumpirmar ninda Legacion asin Castillo na mismo an pamayo kan obras publico nagcierto na kabale na sa saindang listahan nin mga proyecto sa masunod na taon sa rehiyon cinco isusumiter sa oficina ni Secretary Mark Villar an mga road widening kan Maharlika Highway sa Concepcion Pequeña, Grande, Del Rosario sundo sa linderos kan Pili, Camarines Sur asin Diversion road, Tabuco asin Mabolo sundo sa linderos kan Naga asin Milaor. An Villanueva Ave., na igwang naenot na presupuesto an DPWH alagad nagreclamo si Consejal Castillo na pig-re aligned si fondo kan 2nd Engineering District kan DPWH sa Baras, Canaman, Camarines Sur sa dahilan na dai aram ninda na an sinambit na tinampo sarong national road. Si Castillo, pamayo kan Committee on Infrastructure sa Sangguniang Panlungsod nagsabi na dapat tawan nin prioridad kan DPWH na ma-implementar na an road widening kan Villanueva Ave. mantang ginatos nang mga vehiculo an nag-aagi digdi aroaldaw bako lang gikan sa laog kan ciudad envez hale pa sa mga banwaan nin Tinambac, Calabanga, Bombon, Magarao asin Canaman, kaya ngani kaayon na sa presupuesto kan agencia sa 2018. An consejal iyo an padreno kan resolucion sa SP na hinahagad ki DPWH Secretary Villar na iconverter na sa national road an mga city road kan Balatas, Cararayan, San Isidro, Carolina asin Bagumbayan Sur hasta sa linderos kan Camaligan, Camarines Sur. Makakatipid nin milyones pesos na fondo sa infrastraktura an City Hall kun marealisar an proyecto, sabi pa ni Castillo. An conversion maagi sa lehislasyon sa duwang camara na padreno sinda Congresista Gabby Bordado kan tercer distrito kan CamSur asin Senador Bam Aquino. (DPA)

An Barangay Belen na posibleng mapara sa mapa kan Calabanga, Camarines Sur na may hiwas nin setenta y seite (77) hektarya saro sa tolong mga barangay digdi na nasa gilid kan dagat na nagpaparasadit an lugar mala ngani kinakan na an apat na hektaryang kaomahan kan makusog na tubig dagat kan bagyong ‘Glenda’’ duwang taon na an nakakaagi. Alagad kan maglamasa sa Bikol si bagyong ‘Nina’ naprobaran na dakulang bagay si pinaconstruhir na seawall ni dating Congresista asin ngonian Bise Presidente Leni Robredo, sabi sa Bicol Mail ni Brgy. Kapitan Alvin David kan sinambit na barangay. An barangay igwang 360 na mga harong, 378 familia asin may total na 1,205 populasyon na kadakle nabubuhay sa pag-oma alagad na-inaan pa sinda nin apat na hektarya kaomahan na sadiri kan tolong familia na kabale sa na-ngaranan iyo an familia Alarcon asin David. Sa laog sana nin tolong taon sa puesto ni Robredo bilang congresista kan tercer distrito kan Camarines Sur narealisar an multi-million pesos na proyecto na dakulang bagay sa contituentes kan samong barangay, sabi pa ni David. Kabale sa nabugtakan nin seawall iyo an Barangay Sabang asin sinabay na si pagbugtak nin Sabang Fishing Port. Sinabi man ni Brgy. Kapitan Levy Santa Ana Kan Barangay Sabang na saro man sinda sa nakinabang kan proyecto sa seawall kan bise presidente asin sa saiyang osipon puon sa Ilawog sundo sa centro kan saindang barangay abot sa sarong kilometro an afectado na parating kinakakan an daga kun makusog an tubig dagat orog na kun nagkakaigwang calamidad na nagreresulta man sa pagsadit kan saindang lugar. Afuera kan sinambit na proyecto na nahaman kan congresista pa si VP Robredo, dakulang bagay an Fishing Port sa barangay, sabi pa ni Kapitan Santa Ana. SEAWALL TABANG VS BAHA, ILLEGAL QUARRYING PIGRERECLAMO An saro pang lugar iyo an Barangay Sibobo, kan nakaaging bagyong ‘Nina’ sinabi ni Brgy. Kapitan Edgar Sargento na nakahawas man sinda sa pagkatakot kun may calamidad. Nakatabang an seawall nganing maulang an makusog na mga pagbaha alagad igwa man karibay nin problema mientras na an tubig baha gikan na sa bukid kan saindang lugar huli sa illegal quarrying. Pigrereclamo kan comunidad iyo an padagos na ilegal na actividad sa bukid na dai masitar kan Brgy. Kapitan sa dahilan na an envueltong persona dayupot sa halangkaw na oficial kan Capitolio Provincial. Afectado kan ilegal na actividad sa bukid iyo an zona cinco dawa mayo nin calamidad nagbabaha mientras na natahuban na si sapa na agihan nin tubig hale sa bukid pasiring sa dagat. Hinagad ninda an aksyon kan gobierno particularmente ni DENR Secretary Regina Pas Lopez na ipapundo an ilegal na actividad huli ta kun padagos na papabayaan kan saindang lider mauubos na an bukid na afectado sa tubig baha iyo an residentes kan barangay. Inosip na kan mga residentes asin kan Brgy Kapitan ki Bise Presidente Robredo nganing ipaabot ki Secretary Lopez.