CSCCI President Raymond Y. Concepcion and Mayor John G. Bongat, 3rd and 4th from left, respectively, show the copy of the memorandum of agreement that binds their partnership. The document defines the role of each entity in attaining the dynamics of a bicycle-friendly city. Also in photo are (L-R): CSCCI Director Ernie Abragan, Vice-Mayor Nelson S. Legacion, Concepcion, Bongat, First Lady Farah R. Bongat, chair of Naga City Bike Fest Executive Committee, and the business organization’s Executive Director Rolly Salazar, Deo Durante, VP for External Affairs Enrico Evangelista and Director Oliver Coronado. PING COLLERACEPPIO By Jason B. Neola NAGA CITY --- Aside from the various approaches that it has initiated to boost the city’s campaign on health and environment, the local government unit here has partnered with the Camarines Sur Chamber of Commerce and Industry (CSCCI) to make the city bicycle friendly. The idea goes with the institutionalization of bicycles as healthful transport facility and the establishment of parking spaces and bike racks in selected public areas. In a memorandum of agreement, the city and CSCCI believe that bicycles can replace riding motorized single occupancy vehicles which, in turn, would result in the reduction of fuel consumption while the aim for a better air quality is being achieved. The promotion of bike as environment-friendly and cost-efficient mode of transportation and the establishment of appropriate facilities such as safe bicycle parking spaces were contained in City Ordinance 2008-068 which was authored by Mayor John G. Bongat when he was still city councilor. Known as the “Naga City Bicycle and Motorcycle Parking Ordinance,” the measure also aims to make riding the bicycles more convenient. The CSCCI, as contained in the agreement, shall provide the bicycle racks and will pay the cost of installation including the maintenance and repair of the facility. CSCCI, on the other hand, will be granted with exclusive rights to use the shelves where they can post their business advertisement or promotional materials. Initially, the business group will construct at least 15 bike racks. In a related development, the Sangguniang Panlungsod is preparing to pass an ordinance that provides for the rules and regulations regarding the use and promotion of bicycles in the city. Authored by Vice Mayor Nelson Legacion and City Councilor Joselito Del Rosario, the proposed measure contains, among others, the duties and obligations of a cyclist, registration and accreditation of bike clubs, bicycle loan program for city government employees, bike lanes, support facilities (i.e. sidewalk improvements, pedestrian and bicycle crossing improvements) to ensure the safe travel of bikers, bicycle month, the “No Car Days” in the city’s selected streets, and bicycle parking in appropriate public places. Bongat, who issued Executive Order 2016-043 which laid down the bases for the realization of a “Bicycle-friendly City” status for Naga, said the primordial objective of his order is to provide the Nagueños with reliable, clean, and affordable mode of transportation that can be duplicated by other private and government agencies. CSCCI President Raymond Concepcion echoed Legacion and Del Rosario’s explanatory note in the proposed ordinance which states that “the use of bicycles may stimulate robust equitable and sustainable economic development and that bicycle tourism can attract visitors and spur growth. Concepcion said CSCCI is more than willing to partner in the undertaking that can be an important factor in an effort to achieve a stable socio-economy, not to mention the benefit that the project would do to decongest traffic and reduce losses in travel time and opportunity costs. The proposed locations of the bike racks, which will be permanently mounted and fastened to the ground, are: Bicol Central Station in Central Business District II, Naga City Police Office in Barlin St., the vicinity of Barangay Hall of Barangay Dinaga, Naga Metropolitan Cathedral (near the PNP-SWAT station), and the Camarines Sur National High School/SPED Center in Peñafrancia Avenue (near the PNP station). At present, cyclists or bikers can park and lock their units at the bike racks installed in a certain portion of SM City grounds, PNP station in Plaza Quezon, and City Hall (at the back of Public Safety Office).

By Connie B. Destura LEGAZPI CITY --- Engineer Reynaldo G. Tagudando, director of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in Bicol, was honored along with 13 others with the “Gawad Oblation,” a special award to those who gave “extraordinary support” to the University of the Philippines during the incumbency of outgoing UP President Alfredo Pascual. A post in social media said the awards, which were given for the first time, recognized UP alumni and friends for their “extraordinary service” in making “initiatives that have helped UP perform its leadership role in higher education and national development.” The university said “extraordinary service can be in as many different areas of university life, including alumni leadership and public service, exceptional teaching, research and extension work, creative production, efficient public and university administration, exceptional generosity and volunteerism, fund raising, and so forth.” Tagudando received the medal of recognition during the awarding ceremony at the UP-Professional Schools in Bonifacio Global City in Taguig City on the first week of February. The other first UP Oblation awardees were Senators Francis Escudero and Loren Legarda; Taguig Representative Pia Cayetano; former Senator Manny Villar, who is also the chairman of Vista Land and Lifescapes, Inc.; former DPWH Secretary Rogelio L. Singson; former Department of Budget and Management Secretary Florencio Abad; Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chair Patricia Licuanan; businessmen Hans Sy, and Robinsons Retail Holdings president and chief operating officer Robina Gokongwei-Pe. Former UP Board of Regents member and Phinma vice chairman Magdaleno Albarracin; UP Engineering Research and Development Foundation president Alfonso Aliga Jr.; I.B. Gimenez Group of Companies president Ignacio Gimenez; and former DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson completed the roster of awardees. Tagudando started work as general construction foreman in DPWH, which was then the Bureau of Public Works, in 1980. Touted as the “highest honor UP can bestow upon its alumni and friends” the Oblation Award ceremony was headed by outgoing Pascual and UP Vice President for Public Affairs Edna Estifania Co.

By Samuel M. Toledo LEGAZPI CITY --- Some three out of four municipal police stations in the entire Bicol region are standing on solid ground, so to speak. Chief Supt. Melvin Ramon P. Buenafe, director of the Police Regional Office in Bicol, disclosed that due to the immediate response of various local government units (LGUs) for lot donations, only 28 from among the 118 towns and cities in the Bicol region have no permanent headquarters for their detailed policemen and non-uniformed personnel. He said these 28, which are in the provinces of Masbate (9 towns) Camarines Sur (7 towns), Albay (3 towns), Sorsogon (3 towns), Camarines Norte (2 towns), and Naga City (4 sub-stations), are either awaiting lot donations or in the process of completing the lot donation requirements. Buenafe said those awaiting lot donations in Masbate are the police headquarters located in the towns of Balud, Batuan, Dimasalang, Mandaon, Pio V. Corpuz, Placer, San Fernando, San Jacinto and San Pascual. In Camarines Sur, the towns are Bombon, Buhi, Canaman, Caramoan, Lupi, Ragay and San Fernando.In Naga City, there are four police sub-stations awaiting lot donations. Buenafe cited the towns of Daraga, Malilipot and Sto. Domingo in Albay while in Sorsogon the towns are Casiguran, Irosin and Sta. Magdalena. In Camarines Norte, the towns without lot donations are Vinzons and Basud. “All the Municipal Police Offices in Catanduanes have complete lot donations,” he said. Buenafe cited that among the documentary requirements for lot donations are the absolute deed of donation in favor of the Philippine National Police along with complete technical description; Sangguniang Bayan (SB) resolution authorizing the mayor to donate a municipal lot; and certification/resolution from the Sangguniang Panlalawigan. “There should be a certified true copy of the mother title or transfer certificate of title (TCT) or any document proving ownership of the donor,” he said. Buenafe said for LGUs willing to provide counterpart funds for construction of the police station, an SB resolution must be included in the requirements for the programming of funds. He said the lot to be donated will also be assessed, taking into consideration the security aspect, suitability of the lot for building construction, convenience to the public and accessibility to power, water and communication facilities. “Also, a certification from the concerned government agency has to be secured that the lot location is not prone to natural hazards,” he added. The agencies commonly issuing natural hazard-free certifications include the Mines and Geo-Sciences Bureau or MGB; Department of Environment and Natural Resources or DENR; Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology or Phivolcs; Department of Public Works and Highways or DPWH; and the concerned LGUs.

NAGA CITY – “A life well lived , a life well spent – a life that has simply touched the hearts of many.” This was how University of Northeastern Philippines (UNEP) Executive Vice President and EVP for Finance Deli A. Tibi, widow of Sir Eduardo Tibi described the journey of his late husband. After a year of mourning his loss, Mam Deli, as he is fondly called by loved ones, will now let go of the grief and embrace the memories and content herself with the thought that he is now in the loving arms of the Lord. As a fitting tribute to his memories, Mam Deli , together with her family, loved ones, friends and acquaintances arranged a simple but memorable gathering at Avenue Plaza Hotel on Wednesday, February 15. A photo gallery on how this man has lived life to the fullest was displayed at the hotel’s lobby. The photos are revelations of how Sir Ed has spent his life in a simple way, far from the sight of many but only to those persons close to his heart, especially his wife, Mam Deli and his only son, Jaypee. Eduardo Bugarin- Tibi was born on August 16, 1943 and joined our Creator, February 15 last year after suffering from post-surgery complications. He was 73. Prior to his death, he served as Chairman and President of Alfelor Sr. Memorial College, Inc. He is also a businessman, an architect and an educator. He was a doting father to their only son and has been the constant companion of his wife everywhere she goes- the reason why the void he has left just became so unbearable for his family. “What I will miss most about Daddy is his thoughtfulness. Every morning when I wake up, a good breakfast is already waiting for me- always. He would bring me food at the office too, ensuring that amidst the stack of paperworks, I will not be able to skip my meals. Those are just few of the little things that I will miss about him,” Ms Deli recalled.

By Sharmaine Zen Manzano NAGA CITY --- For better sports competence particularly in football, the City Government of Naga, in collaboration with the Department of Education, Football Council of Naga (FCN) and Football for Humanity, hosted the Premier League of Naga City Inter-School Street Football Festival with the theme: “One Student, One Sport: Play, Learn and Be a Champion.” Vice President Leni Robredo, Congressman Gabby Bordado, Mayor John Bongat, Football for Humanity President Chris Thomas, FCN President Richmond Canlas and DepEd Naga City Division Superintendent William Gando were present to grace the opening ceremony last Saturday, February 11, at the LCC Mall here. “In recent years, development of sports, particularly in football and futsal, has tremendously improved across the city through the efforts of the city government in cooperation with the barangay officials and the Department of Education,” Mayor Bongat said, as he added that “the city of Naga embarked on many grassroots development programs not just in basketball, football and futsal but also in various individual and team sports; engaging even the out-of-school youths in the summer sports program of the city government.” VP Robredo, for her part, said, “for our children today, you are lucky; lucky enough to be part of this program. Let us not waste chances because we have this opportunity to develop ourselves and opportunity that serves as a vehicle for transformation.” According to Division Superintendent Gando, the results of the Naga City Division during the recently concluded Palarong Bicol 2017 are impressive; landing as overall 1st runner up. “We express our thanks to the city leadership of our mayor, Mayor John Bongat for his strong support to our sports development programs, like today’s opening of the Premier League of Naga City Street Football Festival,” Gando said. He also added to “express our sincerest thanks to those who are involved in our participation in Palarong Bicol, our teachers, coaches, school heads, our local school board and officers, Ernani Suron of Naga City School Board and the rest of the staff and City Hall employees who contributed to our success in Palaro.”

To show that the Social Security System (SSS) cares for its members and pensioners, the pension fund distributed relief goods to 1,000 families from four barangays in Bicol- Magurang, Alnay, Basud and Gabon- which were affected by typhoon Nina last February 11, 2017. During the relief operations held at Magurang Elementary School, SSS President and Chief Executive Officer Emmanuel F. Dooc, a Bicolano himself, encouraged his kababayans to remain resilient like the bamboo and rise stronger and taller after a crisis because this is what Oragons are known for. He said that SSS is always ready to help them as they rebuild their lives and homes. Above photo shows PCEO Dooc (center) and Polangui, Albay Vice Mayor Herbert Borja (beside PCEO) giving the relief package to Mr. Domingo Bogal from Brgy. Gabon, one of the beneficiaries of the SSS relief operation. Also present during the gift-giving were Management Services & Planning Division Vice President Eleonora Y. Cinco; Administration Group Senior Vice President May Catherine C. Ciriaco; Luzon Operations Group Senior Vice President Josie G. Magana; Officer-In-Charge for Luzon Bicol Division Elenita S. Samblero; Magurang Elementary School Principal Yvonne O. Rea; and Officer-In-Charge of the Corporate Communications Department Sonia P. Guinto. Below photo shows employees of SSS Naga and Legazpi distributing the relief packages to the beneficiaries. PCEO Dooc together with other senior officials were in Bicol from February 9-11 for the first Regional Visit for 2017 as part of the pension fund’s thrust to bring SSS closer to its members.

Matapos an halawig na mga deliberasyon sa Sangguniang Panlungsod kan Ciudad nin Naga sa propuestong P260 milyon na sanitary landfill (SLF) na-aprobaran man giraray sa sesyon regular sa aldaw nin mga puso, Febrero 14 matapos ipresentar kan Technical Working Group (TWG) an saindang pinal na feasibility study kan tatambakan basura sa Barangay San Isidro. Alagad kinakaipuhan magsumiter giraray kan saindang final report an TWG sa Sangguniang Panlungsod. Puponan tolos an proyecto sa paagi kan inicial na P25 milyon gikan sa Economic Development Fund alagad an kakulangan na P168 milyon sa P260M na cantidad kan proyecto posibleng utangon sa bangko defende sa fondo kan City Hall na hinahalat muna an recomendasyon kan Budget Office mientras na piglalaoman matatapos an SLF nurong taon asin target na maging operational sa Abril 2018, sabi ni Consejal Salvador Del Castillo, pamayo kan Committee on Environment. Nagkaperang veces nagpresentar kan saindang feasibility study an TWG na pinamamayohan ni City Planning Officer Willy Prilles asin sa sesyon kan Febrero 14 nagkulpa na si halawig na mga debate sa isyu kan fondo, pagpaconstruhir nin tinampo asin kun perang taon an buhay kan SLF. Pinaboran kan SP an propuesto kan TWG sa Option B – na gagamiton an 4.85 hektaryang lote na gagastosan nin P260M asin an buhay kaini malawig nin 10.3 taon mientras na iginilid na an Option A – para sana sa tolong taon na operasyon kan basurahan na gagastosan nin P203M alagad an buhay kaini sundo sana sa 2.8 taon. Sinabi ni Bise Alcalde Nelson Legacion dawa inabot nin perang bulan an pag-aadal kan TWG asin deliberasyon sa SP mas naging positivo an resulta huli ta napatama asin nagbaba pa si cantidad hale sa dating P273 milyon naghuros sa P260 milyon. Naka-minus pa nin tres kilometros sa halawig na distancia kan tinampo pasiring sa lugar kan SLF mabakal nin lote sa Sitio Langon pasiring sa zona siete kan Brgy. San Isidro, an lakdang na ini saro sa pigtulod ni Consejal Del Castillo nganing mapalipot an viaje kan mga dump truck asin makakatipid pa sa gasolina. An deliberasyon sa SLF pinunan kan Junio 2016 mientras na an TWG nagpuon sa pag-aadal kan propuestong proyecto kan Septiembre 2016 asin kan Enero 24, 2017 nagpresentar kan enot na ginibong feasibility study alagad sa aldaw kan mga puso, Febrero 14 nagkulpa na si dakul na mga kapotan sa miembros kan SP sagcod na pinaboran an pinakahuring feasibility study. Pakatapos kan sampulong taon na buhay kan SLF piglalaoman na marerealisar na an haloy nang pangiturogan na Waste to Energy Project, sabi pa ni Del Castillo. An Department of Environment and Natural Resources pigmamandohan an gabos na LGU na dapat magkaigwa nin sadiring SLF base sa Republic Act 9003 o mas midmid sa Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.

Isinikwal na kan Naga City Police Office an isyu sa nagkaperang incidente nin pandudukot nin menor de edad na aking lalake sa Ciudad nin Naga, alagad igwang sekreto na habong iluwas sa publico sa paagi nin media maging sa bukas na sesyon regular kan Sangguniang Panlungsod envez itutoga an tunay na isyu sa paagi nin executive session sa SP. Si Deputy City Director for Administration P/Supt. Eugenio Manondo nagkumfirmar sa sesyon regular kan Sangguniang Panlungsod kan Martes, Febrero 14 na igwang pig-osip sa Police Station 2 na suboot otso años na aking lalake na dinukot nin nagkaperang kalalakihan kan Enero 21 sa Doña Clara Subdivision, Concepcion Pequeña asin kan Enero 26 saro naman na quince años na aking lalaki an dinukot sa Panganiban Drive sa Rotonda area kataid kan Police Station 2. Alagad sa ginibong investigasyon kan NCPO, sagcod na hinapot an mga magurang o sadiring tawo kan sinasabing mga victima nagluwas na mayong katotohanan an mga nagluwas na informacion sa social media. ‘’it is now safe to say that NO ABDUCTION transpired in the City of Naga. We wish therefore to inform all the Nagueños that Naga is still and always be ‘An MAOGMANG LUGAR.’ – NCPO, City Director P/Supt. Julius Munez, base sa press release ni CD Munez na binasa sa Session Hall ni SPO2 Tobias Bongon. Nagsayuma nang magdetalye sa miembros kan Sangguniang Panlungsod an NCPO mientras na saindang mantenido na dapat ‘confidential’ an investigation report huli ta an puede sana kaining magpaluwas iyo si CD Munez sa paagi kan executive session kan SP na pinamamayohan ni Bise Alcalde Nelson Legacion. An City Director nakatalaan padarahan nin formal na invitacion kan SP nganing mag-atubang sa executive session kan SP sa maabot na Febrero 21. Si P/Supt. Manondo naging visita sa sesyon kan SP sa kahagadan ni Consejal Julian Lavadia Jr. nganing linawon an mga nagluwas na informacion sa paagi nin social media sa mga incidente nin pandudukot nin aki na nag-eedad nin otso hasta quince años. Sinabi man ni Consejal Elmer Baldemoro, Chairman kan Committee on Children na kun nagkaigwa man nin isyu sa pandudukot nin aki naging alertado na an mga magurang sa Ciudad nin Naga mala ngani ‘’super bantay’’ sa paghatud asin sundo sa escuelahan. ‘An estorya sa parakuang aki, suanoy nang estorya mala ngani aki pa ko igwa na kaining mga patanid’’, sabi man ni Consejal Joselito del Rosario. (DPA)

Nagkapera pang natatada na mga oficina rehiyonal nin agencia de gobierno namumugtak pa sa Ciudad nin Naga asin Camarines Sur alagad nanindugan sinda Bise Presidente Leni Robredo asin Alcalde John Bongat kan Ciudad nin Naga dai na dapat ining pakiaraman nganing ihubo sa Ciudad nin Legaspi. An bise presidente nagpahayag sa miembros kan media sa Ciudad nin Naga na pig-olayan ninda ni Alcalde Bongat an padikit-dikit naman na paghubo kan oficina rehiyonal sa Albay asin nakatalaan siyang magsurat nganing ulangan an mga lakdang na ini mientras na an kunsentrasyon kan mga oficina sa Ciudad nin Legaspi dai nababagay sa direksyon kan gobierno puon pa kan 1986, na i-decentralized na dai dapat naka-kunsentrar sa sarong lugar an gabos na oficina. Kun ini an mangyayari afectado man an pag-asenso kan ibang mga provincia mantang concentrado sana sa Ciudad nin Legaspi, dapat bako lang ngani ma-retener sa Naga envez matawan pagkakataon an ibang provincia. Dai palang nahahaloy an oficina rehiyonal kan NBI Bikol na namumugtak sa Ciudad nin Naga, biglang binalyo sa Legaspi na dai lamang nag-cortesia sa City Hall. Pinaliwanag man ni NBI Director Tomas Enrile, an pagbalyo kan saindang oficina bilang pagsunod sa cuarenta años nang presidential proclamation ni diktador Ferdinand Marcos na an Legaspi iyo an Regional Center kan Bikol. Sa entrevista kan BM sa jefe ejecutivo kan Naga, sinabi kaini na dapat imantenir na digdi an mga natatada pang mga oficina rehiyonal sa Naga asin Camarines Sur mantang dakul nganing mga oficina rehiyonal sa Legaspi an padagos pang nag-aarkila sa pribadong mga edificio. Napag-araman na treinta pang mga oficina rehiyonal sa Albay mayo man nin sadiring edificio envez nag-aarkila sa mamahalon na pribadong facilidades na nakawarak sa mga barangay sa Daraga asin Legaspi. Inaalok kan alcalde an mga oficina rehiyonal sa Legaspi na mayo pang permanenteng lugar na bukas an Naga asin Camarines Sur na magbalyo digdi. Kabale pa sa natatadang mga oficina rehiyonal sa Ciudad nin Naga asin Camarines Sur iyo an GSIS, SSS, Pag-Ibig Fund na an labi sa cincuenta por ciento kan miembros kaini gikan sa Camarines Sur asin Camarines Norte, Department of Agriculture na namumugtak sa setenta hektaryang lote sa Pili, Camarines Sur asin an provinciang ini iyo an tambubong nin paroy, Presidential Commission on Indigenous People sa Ciudad nin Iriga, National Irrigation Administration asin an Development Bank of the Philippines. Afuera pa kaini, grabe an commercial activity sa Naga alagad kun gagaboson nalang sa sarong lugar bako man yan marhay, sabi pa ni Bongat. Si dating Gobernador Joey Salceda kan Albay kan siya congresista pa kan tercer distrito nagpahayag nin pag-pabor na dapat ibalyo an regional center sa Ciudad nin Naga hale sa Ciudad nin Legaspi sa dahilan na an Legaspi parating sinasanop nin tubig baha asin afectado pa kun nagtutoga an Volcan Mayon. An bagay na ini saiyang pig-anunciar sa Camarines Sur kan siya maging juespe de honor sa ginibong commencement exercise sa University of Nueva Caceres kan 2006. Sinabi pa na an regional center parating binabaha, afuera pa kaini kun nagkakaigwa nin mayor na pagtuga an volcan natatalbongan nin lahar an mga tinampo mala ngani enterong afectado si ibang mga nadestrosong oficina gulping documentos kaidto an nagkaturonaw.

Pili Camarines Sur Siring sa sarong ama na nagpapadangat sa saiyang aki, sinungko sa hospital ni Major Gen. Manolito Orense, pamayo kan 9th Infantry Division kan Phil Army sa Bikol an suldados na si Cpl. Mark Alfred Repol na nairido sa nangyaring encuentro kan nakalihis na petsa saes kan presenteng bulan sa Sitio Batolinao, Barangay Amutag Aroroy Masbate. Tolos sinugo kan pamayo kan 9th ID na madara digdi sa Ciudad nin Naga si Cpl Repol para mas maatendiran kan mga doctor an sinapong tama bago desisyunan an pag airlift kaini pasiring sa military hospital sa Metro Manila. Isinabay kan halangkaw na official kan militar sa Bikol an pagbisita sa compleaño kan suldados na napaluha kan itakod saiya an Wounded Personnel Medal asin cash na puwedeng makatabang sa ibang gastuson kan familia. Huli ta comple-año kan corporal, may dara man an grupo kan heneral nin cake, frutas asin kinantahan ini nin birthday song na sobrang ikina ogma kan suldados na binabantayan kan saiyang familia. Susog pa saiya, obligasyon nindang itao an kaipuhan na tabang sa mga suldados na nalulugadan o nadidisgrasya sa pag-utob kan saindang sinumpaan sa serbisyo. May fundo an Phil Army na pinag kukuanan nin pang-tabang sa saindang mga tauhan. Afuera kan finansyal na tabang, may mga bago man na kagamitan an mga suldados na yaon sa frontline na nakikilaban sa mga rebelde arog kan bagong badil asin mga sasakyan. Siniguro kan liderato kan 9th ID na maski yaon sinda sa headquarter, suportado ninda an gabos na kaipuhan kan saindang mga suldados para sa mas efectibong pagpapasunod kan saindang mandato na maging matuninong an kabikolan. (Melvin Machado)

Pili Camarines Sur - ‘‘May tiwala ako saindo bilang mga oficial kan 9th Infantry Division kan Phil Army”, ini an mensaje ni Major General Manolito Orense, bilang pamayo sa turn over of Command Ceremony sa 22nd Infantry ‘Valor Batallion o mas bistado sa apod na CAFGU Batallion. Si Col. Mike Buhat, niribayan ni Col. Joselito Pastrana bilang Battalion Commander kan Cafgu Battalion mientras na tinawan man nin Military Merit Medal bilang pagmidmid kan siyang mga acomplisimiento sa misyon kan Cafgu. Kabale digdi an pagdisiplina sa gabos na miembros kan battalion kan yaon sa Kabikolan asin mga banwaan kan Tagkawayan asin Calauag sa provincia kan Quezon. Naging activo man an official sa pag participar sa Bloodletting program kan Red Cross asin pag-distribuir kan Kabuhayan kit kan Department of Labor and Employment sa mga residentes na yaon sa mga puwerang lugar. Si Col. Buhat, nag-asumir sa pagiging battalion commander kan Abril 16,2016 bago siya niribayan asin ibinalyo bilang pamayo kan Governance and Strategic Management Office kan 9th ID kan Philippine Army. Idinagdag pa ni MGen Orense na an bagong posisyon ni Col Buhat makakatabang sa tinutolof na Army Transformation program sa Division level. Puwede man ining maging liyabe para maka–okupar nin puwesto sa Brigade asin maging Heneral. Si Col Pastranana dating pamayo kan Civil Military Office , 42nd Infantry Batallion na parehong natawan award bilang Best battalion sa intirong nasyon bago siya na ilipatsa 65th infantry battalion na nakakasakop sa Zamboanga Peninsula, nagtutubod na an saiyang eksperiencia sa nasabing mga oficina an makakatabang na marhay bilang pamayo kan CAFGU Batallion. Hinagad man kaini an suporta kan saiyang mga bagong tauhan para mai-implementar an mga programa sa Batallion. Mientras tanto, huli sa marhay na performance kan duwang oficial, dakula an paglaom ni MGen Orense bilang Division commander kan 9th infantry division kan Phil. Army na padagos na magiging matuninong na rehiyon ang Kabikolan.(Melvin Machado)

IT GIVES us relief, albeit temporarily, that local mountaineer and environmentalist Jojo Villareal is not alone in his fight against the impending plunder of a protected area in the bosom of Mt. Isarog. Ateneo professor and pro-environment crusader Doods Santos and a lot of netizens were among the first few who heeded Jojo’s call for a unified citizen action against the planned construction of a hydro plant inside the protected area of Mt. Isarog. The project will involve, among others, the cutting of trees toward the project site and the erection of a dam that will divert the water from Rangas River to catch them for power generation. The Ateneo de Naga University Institute for Environmental Conservation and Research has also served warning that when water supply decreases because of the hydro project, organisms and other natural inhabitants downstream of the river will be severely affected. Mt. Isarog is an inactive volcano that rises in the heart of Camarines Sur which is the central part of the Bicol peninsula. The herpetological wonders of the mountain have been internationally acclaimed as one of the Philippines’ most fragile and treasured centers of biological diversity. It is home to at least 143 kinds of birds, 15 of which are endemic to Luzon including a sub-species of the Velvet-fronted Nuthatch which is found only in Mt. Isarog. Other species endemic to the mountain are the Mt. Isarog Shrew Mouse, Isarog Striped Shrew Rat, the Isarog Shrew Rat and the Isolated Forest Frog. Rich in diversity, the park harbors 1,300 known species of plants including hardwood trees, mosses, ferns and orchids. Mammals found in the area include, among others, the Philippine deer, monkeys, bats, wildcat and wild pig. As a natural park, its rainforests continue to attract foreign and local scientists, mountain trekkers, and kind-hearted environmentalists. We are glad that our very own Vice President Leni Robredo has aligned herself against the hydro power project taking her opposition to no less than DENR Secretary Gina Lopez, known as a fiery environmentalist. The DENR, before Lopez was its secretary, granted the Environmental Compliance Certificate, signed by then regional director Gilbert Gonzales in 2009, which should now be considered obsolete as an ECC is only valid for 5 years upon its approval. In her letter-complaint, Robredo asked the DENR about the flooding in Calabanga town, in Camarines Sur which was caused by quarrying operations in its mountains. The power plant project is situated along Rangas River within the protected area of the Mt. Isarog Natural Park that restricts any human activity within the area. The river receives sulfuric water from a 40-meter waterfall. Incidentally, the project site lies in the Goa side of the mountain (that straddles 6 other towns, including Naga City) within the congressional district (Partido) of the Fuentebellas’ political clan. One of the Fuentebella sons is an undersecretary of the Department of Energy whose father was also once the chairman of the House Committee on Energy. More interestingly, it was under the watch of the older Felix Fuentebella, former governor, that a mini-dendro power plant was constructed in a remote corner of a mountain in Sangay, Camarines Sur, whose power to be produced was to be sold at cheap price to the Camarines Sur IV Electric Cooperative. Unfortunately, nothing was heard from since its inauguration and the millions of pesos spent for a much ballyhooed power project then. In her opposition to the present on-going project, VP Robredo expressed concern that the energy project, though categorized as renewable, may not actually be safe and cheap, as it will be put up at the expense of nature and environment. As pointed out by concerned netizens, the preservation and protection of Mt. Isarog Natural Park is very important as it is the source of potable water that are supplied to various municipalities surrounding the mountain, including the burgeoning city of Naga. If abused, the otherwise watershed areas that are safely ensconced in strategic parts of the mountain may be incapable of holding up heavy rains and typhoons and therefore cause heavy and deadly flooding downstream. We just hope that our opposition to the project will bear fruit, even if the VP is not allied with the incumbent Duterte administration.