e-mail: rubenbabar_br@yahoo.

com

outstanding local newspaper

For Five Consecutive Years
St. Peter Baptist Catholic Mass Media Awards

vol. XXIIi, NO. 1

www.bikolreport.blogspot.com

regional exponent for progress

Bicol, the philippines

october 4 - 10, 2015

P5.00

( 473-8888

Leni is LP's VP bet

By Frank Penones Jr.

The wait is over.

Camarines Sur Third District Representative Leni
G. Robredo finally accepted the offer of the Liberal
Party (LP) to be the vice presidential candidate of
former Interior Secretary Mar Roxas, who is the LPs
standard bearer in the next years election.

LENI IS IT

3rd District Representative Leni G. Robredo, shown here in various visits to her constituents,
officially accepted the offer to be the Liberal Partys Vice Presidential candidate in the 2016 polls.

That Robredo would be

the LPs VP bet was first
announced in August 18,
during the death anniversary of her husband, the
late Secretary Jesse M.
Robredo.
She had, however, expressed reluctance, citing the objections of her
children and that family
comes first.
The LP leadership,
however gave her time
to reconsider her decision and set it initially on
September 28, then later
to September 30. In the
meantime, Robredo also
conducted consultations
with Caceres Archbishop
Rolando Tirona, the local Muslim community
in Naga City and her rela-

tives.
On October 5, during
theGathering of Friends
at the Club Filipino in
San Juan, Robredo finally
said yes, saying tersely,
Bayan muna bago sarili.
Her statement was clearly
a reversal of her original
familial reason and an enlargement of a political
vision.
Before she reluctantly
ran and won a Congressional seat in 2013 after
her husbands death a year
before, she worked with
the Sentrong Alternatibong Lingap Panglegal
or SALIGAN, an NGO
where she defended for
free, clients like farmers,
women and urban poor.
In the 16th Congress,

she worked for the passage of the Freedom of

Information (FOI) bill
and the proposed Bangsamore Basic Law.
She earned her economics degree from the
University of the Philippines and her law from
the University of Nueva
Caceres.
Asked for comment,
Daet Mayor Tito S. Sarion, an LP member,and
who attended the proclamation, said Robredo
has the edge because
she symbolizes sincerity and freshness with
her brand of leadership,
plus the strength of the
LP oganization, including Pnoys strong endorsement of her.

Cooperation key
to AsPac growth-Paje

By Irene A. Solmirano

LEGAZPI CITY -- Department of Environment

and Natural Resources
Secretary Ramon J.P.
Paje on Sunday called
for greater cooperation
among 21 member-economies of the Asia-Pacific
Economic Cooperation
(APEC) to unlock the full
potential of the so-called
"blue economy" and
achieve inclusive growth
in the region.
"We envision a regional
cooperation to narrow the
gap in economic development of our economies
while sustaining growth
with equity," Paje said in

Sec. paje
an emailed press statement to
the Philippines News Agency,
quoting his opening remarks
during the APEC High Level
Policy Dialogue on Food Security and Blue Economy at
the Iloilo International Convention Center in Iloilo City.

The forum, scheduled

Oct. 4-5, is co-hosted by the
DENR and the Department
of Agriculture.
Paje, a Bicolano from
Guinobatan, Albay, underscored the need to narrow
the economic gap among
APEC nations, noting that
the region currently "comprise economies at varying
levels in the development
spectrum."
"There is a need for us to
cooperate and address this
wide economic gap," the
DENR head stressed.
Paje said the two-day forum provides "an opportunity to discuss concrete and
feasible actions to advance
(Turn to page 7)

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

opinion

bikol reporter

editorial
So Near, Yet, So
With Rep. Leni G. Robredos acceptance
as the running mate of Mar Roxas for the
Liberal Party slate, she completes a triad
of Bicol vice presidential bets in the next
years election.
United Nationalist Alliance standard
bearer Jejomar Binay had confirmed his
choice of Sen. Gringo Honasan as his vice
president; while Grace Poe had opted for
Chiz Escudero. All three have Sorsogon
roots.
At no other time in Bicols history has
the region been so near a high political
office. There was of course the late
Finance Secretary Jaime Hernandez who
was said to have nearly become the first
Bikolnon president during World War II,
and Sen. Raul S. Roco, who is oft lamented
as the best President the country never
had. Yet, the stories of the two are now
just conjectural.
This time, however, the three Bikolnon
vice presidential bets, give us a reason for
optimism for certainly the odds that one
of them will win is very clear. Except of
course if a wild card, like Bongbong Marcos
throws his hat as well in the ring.
At the same time, we also think with
trepidation whether they will deliver
the goods for Bicol. Not that we are
becoming too regionalistic but under the
Aquino administration, the governments
developmental trajectory had been enriching
the city and beggaring the countryside. As
one political puts it, the fortunate regions
of the National Capital Region, Region 3
and 4A, continue to concentrate so much
of the wealth and income of the nation.
The 10% richest Filipinos owns 80% of the
countrys total income and wealth.
In such a development scenario, the rest
of the country, including our own, have
always been on the bottomline. Hence, our
question.
Escudero and Honasan had been in the
Senate for long, and yet, had they made a
difference for Bicol?
We will ask the same for Leni, if she gets
to be our countrys vice president next
year.

02082606

Tel. No. (054) 475-6262

ed g. yu
Editor

0939-604-3144

Lee G. Dullesco II

Head, Advertising Associates

0920-533-7766

october 4 - 10, 2015

Growth Target 2015

(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).
TARGET
MAINTAINED:
The
Government is sticking to its 7%-8%
growth target for the current year. With only
three months left, the economic growth
target will no longer be changed even as
the Aquino administration conceded that
hitting just the low end of the goal would
be difficult to achieve. When asked if
there is a plan to revise this years growth
target, Budget Secretary Florencio Abad
told reporters recently that there is no
such remedial plan on the table.
Phl economic growth as measured by
gross domestic product (GDP) slowed
to 5.3% in the first semester even after
accelerating to 5.6 percent in the second
quarter. Economic expansion during the
first quarter was at 5% - meaning the first
semester growth was indeed below the
lower end of the target. The non-revision
of the growth target could be in the hope
that the Yuletide economic activities and
preparatory expenditures for the May
2016 elections will prop up growth. Let us
pray!
INFLATION: The Bangko Sentral
ng Pilipinas (BSP) expects inflation in
September to settle between 0.2% or at
most 1%, on the back of cheaper rice
and currently lower power rates. BSP
Governor Amando Tetangco Jr. said
inflation this month would remain low as
downward adjustments in power rates
and the modest decline in rice prices
which could offset the adverse effects
of a weaker peso. Inflation eased to a
new record low of 0.6% in August (0.8%
percent in July).

opinions
unlimited
Atty. TONY (APA) ACYATAN
The average inflation in the first eight
months of 2015 was recorded at 1.7%
amid stable food prices and lower utility
rates. The BSP has set an inflation target
of 2%-4% for 2015 and up to next year.
This will allow our monetary authorities to
keep interest rates on loans and deposits
at their present levels. The message
therefore is for moneyed people to
invest their funds in business endeavors
instead of just keeping them in bank
deposits which will have minimal returns.
LUMP SUM:
There are certain
business and political sectors that are
complaining against the allegedly lump
sum provisions contained in the General
Appropriation Act (GAA) or our national
budget. The GAA was approved by both
houses of Congress for approval by
the President. If the opposing group
brings the issue to the Supreme Court
we opine that the Judiciary will not
be decide on it for the reason that it
might violate the co-equal relations
between and among the branches of
our government
Lump sum appropriations are common
in government budgeting. Overly detailed

line budgets are difficult to implement

especially among local government
units. So also, there are such items as
calamity, intelligence and other general
appropriations. The budgeting process
may just be subjected to post-audits.
To require government to do away
with lump sum budgets may unduly tie
the administrators hands and could
result in under spending that will hinder
economic activities.
ROBREDO: My unsolicited opinion
is that Congw. Leni the simple
politician that she is should just
aspire for senator (12 will be elected)
instead of fighting against other vice
presidential candidates on one-onone basis. The lady solons desire to
protect her partys Camarines Sur turf
is laudable. It seems no one among
the lieutenants of Sec. Jesse Robredo
is ready to face veteran politician Luis
Villafuerte. Indeed the offer to Leni to
go up is a big leap forward for which
there are no guarantees.
My respect for the congresswoman
(her father is my brother in UNCs Nu
Kappa Phi Fraternity) was bolstered
when
she
bravely
commented
on the questionable loyalty of the
foundling who shifted citizenships for
her own convenience and personal
purposes (accepting Phl government
appointment). To our mind, citizenship
like political affiliations is a symbol
of loyalty.
Why would we elect
politicians who shifted loyalties? So
also, LP campaigners should focus on
Pres. Manuel Roxass picture in our
P100 bill.
WISDOM: Today is a gift of God.
Tomorrow we will stand in the presence
of God and account for this gift.

Binay helped over 400,000 Filipinos in

3 years -- OVP report in Manila Times
This columnist had been suggesting that
the frontrunners in surveys of candidates for
president publish theirqualificiations, past
and present track records for the electorate
to study. It will show if they are competent,
have executive capability, compassion for
the poor and others.
The foilowing is a report published in
the Manila Times dated July 27, 2013
of the Office of Vice President JejomarC.
Binay entitled Binay helped over 400,000
Filipinos in 3 years.
Over 400,000 individuals were given
assistance by Vice President JejomarBinay
since he took office in 2010, his midterm
accomplishment report revealed
Saturday.
According to the report, through Binays
office budget, including his P200-million
Priority Development Assistance Fund
(PDAF), the Office of the Vice President
(OVP) helped 459,543 indigent beneficiaries
across the nation.
The report showed that most of the
beneficiaries were calamity victims,
hence a large number received medical
assistance, burial/funeral assistance,
medical missions, relief operations, and
educational assistance.
Early in January this year, Binays office
led relief efforts after typhoon Quinta struck
Capiz and Aklan. The OVP distributed
3,600 relief goods in eight municipalities in
Capiz including Tapaz, 600 bags; Dumalag,
650; Dumarao, 600; Cuartero, 600; Ivisan,
500; Dao, 300; Sigma, 200; and Panay,
150, the report stated.
This added to the 161,868 bags of food
items distributed in 2012, and 143,397 bags
delivered to calamity victims in 2011.
Binay himself was able to lead on many
of these relief operations.
Also, through the Vice Presidents
PDAF, 62,483 Filipinos have benefited from
medical missions providing free medical,

from
my
window
nenita fuentebella-peones
dental, and ophthalmological services.
Likewise, 15,478 Filipinos received
medical assistance extended by the OVP
which include requests for assistance
ranged from payment for dialysis, hospital
bills, chemotherapy sessions, medicines,
surgery and other procedures, implants,
and hearing aids.
The report also showed that the
OVP extended funeral/burial/transport
assistance to 858 beneficiaries.
Moreover, the OVPs scholarship
grant-in-aid program now helps a total
of 1,160 scholars in state colleges and
universities.
Binays office also has 180 college
scholars in private institutions after
extending the scholarship program to
selected private colleges and universities
like AMA Computer University/ACLAC/
ABE, St. Jude College & Medical Center,
Manila Central University, Manila Business
College and University of Batangas.
Similarly, the vice president helped
in giving educational support to 22,575
elementary pupils who are mostly members
of Indigenous Peoples groups. They
received bags, notebooks, pencils and other
school supplies through Binays office.
The OVP also recognized 13,980
students through the distribution of medals

and certificates of recognition.

Further, the report showed that Binay
continues to advocate for the elderly
people stating that from 2011 to 2012,
the OVP funded the construction or
repair of 500 senior citizens centers
nationwide. Around 200 more are
expected to be built through the Vice
Presidents PDAF this year.
It is directed to support on 4th and 5th
class municipalities in the country.
The OVP also led feeding programs
that benefited 470 recipients and the
giving of wheelchairs to 486 persons
with disabilities.
These accomplishments have led
the OVP to gain recognition from the
Commission on Audit (COA).
In a report published this year, COA
lauded OVPs social services programs
for the year 2012.
The OVPs accounting office was also
lauded for being considered as one of
the most outstanding accounting offices
in the country.
Meanwhile, the vice president is
expected to continue providing the same
good service to the Filipino people until
the end of his term in 2016.
According to the report, for 2013,
Binay plans to allocate the first tranche
of his PDAF for the following services:
P50 million for the construction or repair
of senior citizens centers;
P10 million for the distribution of relief
goods, school supplies, other social
services;
P15 million for the purchase of
medicines as well as medical supplies
and equipment including wheelchairs,
nebulizers, sphygmomanometers and
stethoscopes; and P25 million for the
scholarship grants for college students
and teachers taking up masteral and
doctoral degrees. -- PNA

Visit our website:

www.bikolreport.blogspot.com

october 4 - 10, 2015

bikol reporter

halo-halo

bikol reporter

Horop-Horop mantang pasiring asin yaon sa Cebu

pellmell
jokee BOTOR-REYES
Value your Eyesight,
Visit Roland
I normally do not wear eyeglasses. I am very lucky at my
age, ( I am over 70). I do not need reading glasses when
many others younger than me could hardly read without the
support of this particular eyeglasses which could easily be
purchased along the sidewalk at a very minimal price. I am
highly myopic, in plain lingo, nearsighted. I even read font 6,
(people who see me read font5 are amazed really. I can see
things and people when the distance is very near but if they
are far, well, that is another story. I can not, however, recognize people and things, even if the distance from me is just 2
meters away and if more, that is even worst.
I have lived with this nearsightedness for as long as I can
remember. I do not remember getting eyeglasses for my reading although I wear eyeglasses (pang forma lang, hehe)
Lately, I feel that my vision was waning very badly. Thats
geriatrics, plain and simple. Read: it is time to see an eye
doctor.
So, I consulted an eye doctor. Friends recommended several eye doctors in Naga but I loathe traveling. In my younger
years and a practicing media in the big city, I had to travel
endlessly and now I think I have to limit my travels to centro or
poblacion to hear mass on Sunday, fetch my granddaughter
in the grade school, pay electric and water bills (ugh) meet
friends downtown and bond with them over cups of coffee.
The name of the doctor who made a wonder to my vision
is Dr. Roland B. Bagnes II, ophthalmologist who examined
my eyes and prescribed eye drops and the correct eyeglasses which I now sport. (thanks to Nella Sarabia, a very dear
friend, who provided me with the complete eyeglasses (the
frame is very fashionale) based from Doc Bagnes prescription). Looks like, I just got a new pair of eyes. Perfect sight, I
can see things at a distance with less difficulty. The far objects
became closer to me and I very comfortable more than ever.
It only needed Doc Bagnes to examine my eyes to make me
see things and more importantly, people, better.
Visit Doc Bagnes, the ophthalmologist and the very friendly
eye doctor. He runs a clinic in Iriga that is frequented by many
patients. Come early and get your first numbers.

In Albay

C4RH holds interfaith

dialogue on gender,
sexuality and spirituality
By Sally AtentoAltea
LEGAZPI CITY The
Catholics for Reproductive Health (C4RH), a nongovernment organization,
conducted an interfaith
dialogue with representatives from religious organizations, government agencies, civic organizations and
stakeholders in Albay on
September 28-30 aimed at
finding common grounds in
upholding equality and life
with dignity.
The interfaith dialogue
held at the La Roca Veranda
Suites here started with a forum highlighting the teachings and traditions of various religions on equality and
human dignity particularly
on the perspective of Christians, Muslim and nationalist church represented by the
Iglesia Filipina Independiente
(IFI).
Atty. Jihan Jacob from
the Center for Reproductive
Health Rights discussed the
national gender and RH situation together with Rev. Erahvilla Maga-Cabillas, a women
priest from the IFI, and Prof.
Macrina Morados of the University of the Philippines Institute of Islamic Studies.
The two-day workshop

october 4 - 10, 2015

focused on inter-faith leadership development on gender, sexuality and spirituality which aims to provide the
participants with some tools
of analysis and leadership to
critically analyze and address
the gender and sexuality concerns from faith-based perspective.
It is hoped that this workshop would encourage the
participants to join in the
collaborative initiatives that
would uplift the condition of
and empower the members
of respective communities
and the entire society, C4RH
board member Anna P. Ebo
said.
During the workshop, the
participants leveled off on the
understanding of gender and
sexuality and the role of religion in forming perceptions
around these concepts.
Implications of genderbased biases and discrimination on peoples health
and lives were likewise discussed.
Prof. Morados facilitated
the activity in identifying
common grounds for collaboration among faith-based
groups to move the dialogue
into action and further advocacy related to gender, sexuality and reproductive health.
(Turn to page 6)

May rason kun tano ta an alibangbang

namumundag sa sarong hardin. Pagpoon
sa sarong ulod abot na magkapakpak, an
alibangbang nagpapahiling nin paglaom
na makalayog asin mangaturugan kan
panganoron. Siring man kaiyan an
sarong pisog, bago ini magtalubo na
sarong masetas o kaya sarong kahoy.
Kaya an pagtatanom sarong pagtubod
talaga sa kinaagahan, sa pangaturugan
na nudma igwang mapaparong na burak
na tutugpaan nin alibangbang.
***
Ibahon nang marhay an Cebu. Bako
na idtong laid back na syudad na
nadumanan ko kadto. Mayo na ining
pinagiba sa mga mayor na syudad kan
nasyon. Sa hiling ko, ini an sala sa
konsepto ta kan kauswagan: nakasentro
ini sa mga syudad, kaya yaon digdi an

Dis*Karte
*Kusyon
*Kurso
frank peones jr.
surusuan, trapik, polusyon, tambak na
basura, pagdakul kan mga parainom,
nin drug addict. Sa konseptong ini, an
mga baryo asin hararayong banwaan,
atrasado an kauswagan. Malinaw
na kiling an baskula kan kauswagan

sa nasyon. Dai magngalas na an

insurhensya yaon man sa mga
baryo.
***
Nakaiba ako sa sarong national
conference manongod sa literacy.
Ginibo ini sa Ecotech Center kan
DepEd sa Cebu. May sarong poster
duman an DepEd manongod sa mga
ecoregions kan nasyon. Risahon
nindo sa poster ninda kun ano an
sarong problema ta sa literacy. The
ecoregions of the Philippines were
defined by the sea levels during the
last Ice Age 20,000 years ago when
ocean levels were 120 meters lower
that at present. This drop in sea level
connected many presently separated
islands which allowed for examples of
flora and fauna.

Bicol history, culture seminar set

A local heritage group has
slated a seminar-workshop on
Bicol culture and history, an exhibit, and launching of the book
of Magellan written by historian
Danilo M. Gerona from October
13-17 this year at the Universidad de Sta. Isabel.
The 2015 Regional-Seminar
Workshop on Bicol Culture and
History is organized by the Nueva Caceres Heritage Movement
and is supported by the National
Commission for Culture and the
Arts and the National Historical
Commission to mark the Bicentennial of the End of the Galleon
Trade. (1565 to 1815.)
The Galleon Trade, which is
also called the Manila-Acapulco Galleon Trade began in 1565
and ended in 1815. Its impact
and Bicols participation in this

inchoate introduction of the

region to globalization will be
the topic of the first lecture by
Gerona on October 13. He will
be followed by Ian Christopher
Alfonso of the National Historical Institute who will talk on A
Glimpse of Bicols Colonial
Past/The Vincentian Fathers and
the Rise of Liberalism in Bicolandia. The third lecture will be
done by Pio Andrade Jr. of the
Arellano University who will
discuss Useful Plants Brought
to the Philippines by the Galleon Trade. Libon Mayor Agnes
Dycoco, Pasacao Sangguniang
Bayan Secretary Efren Sales,
Dr. Ma. Teresa Nicolasora of
San Pascual, and Fr. Cyben
Laurence Vitug of Sorsogon
will later share the memories of
their respective localities with

inner chess
by j. henry danican

regards to the galleon trade.

The first day will be capped
by the launching of Geronas
book, Ferdinand Magellan: The
Armada de Maluco and the European Discovery of the Philippines.
The second day will feature
another lecture on the Spanish Kabikolan by Gerona, and
another lecture by Dr. Eusebio
Dizon of the National Museum
of the Philippines on the Building of the Galleons: A Filipino
Perspective.
Bikol Reporters Frank Penones, who is the Southern Luzon Coordinator of the Committee on Literature of the National
Commission on Culture and
the Arts, will later deliver his
lecture on Ringgaw as Bikol
Poetics.

gerona
The last day will feature the
lectures of Understanding the
National Heitage Act of 2009,
by Atty. Rose Beatrix CruzAngeles, and the Guidelines on
the Naming and Renaming of
Streets, Public Schools, Plazas,
Buildings, Bridges and other
Public Structures by Alonso.
-fpj

october 4 - 10, 2015

tip of an
iceberg
homar murillo

Email: homar.murillo@gmail.com

Plurality
In a representative democracy like the Philippines,
leaders are supposedly elected by the will of the
greatest number of voters. In an ideal situation
wherein there is no cheating or counting errors
involved, authority of the elected leaders emanate
from the sovereign will of the people.
Ideally, the highest elected official of the land -- i.e.,
the president of the republic -- should have at least
a mandate of the simple majority of all those who
casted their votes. This simple majority legitimizes
the authority of the president as chief executive,
head of state and the commander in chief of the
armed forces.
However, this has not been the case since our
political system became a multi-party system. The
1987 Philippine Constitution and other laws of the
land do not specify or limit the number of political
parties that could be created. The post-EDSA people
power revolution that catapulted Cory Aquino to the
presidency paved the way for a political atmosphere
that is more conducive for multi-party system.
This works well at the local level, particularly for
the candidates in legislative positions. To some
great extent, it promoted the wider democratization
of access to political power. The elitism in selecting
candidates was somewhat minimized. The dominance
of political dynasties was challenged to some degree.
Instead of being limited to a few candidates from the
privileged class, a new breed of politicians rose into
prominence.
The constitution also enshrined people
empowerment through the party list system. It gave
opportunities for the representatives of various
sectors of society to be formally represented in
congress.
On one hand, the multi-party system gave the
marginalized sectors of society such as the farmers,
fisherfolk and the urban poor to have access to
political power. On the other hand, the multi-party
system has weakened the office of the president in
terms of political mandate. The Philippines never had
a president that was elected by the majority of voters
since the post-EDSA people power revolution of
1986. Cory herself was not officially a president who
was elected by the majority. She was a revolutionary
president that initially had dictatorial powers.
Since the 1992 presidential election, the presidents
were elected only with plurality of votes. The political
mandate from the people has been too fragmented.
Fidel Ramos was elected by only 23.58% of the
voters in 1992.
Joseph Estrada became president with only
39.86% of the total votes in 1998.
Gloria Macapagal Arroyo received a marginally
higher mandate at 39.99% of the total votes for
president in 2004.
Benigno Noynoy Aquino III had 42.08% of the
political mandate in 2010 the highest so far but still
not a majority mandate.
The widely fragmented state of the political
mandate for president is likely to continue as long
as we have a multi-party system. The loyalty of
politicians and voters will not be solidly based on
ideology or principles but rather based on personal
charisma of the candidates. The balimbing political
culture, which is based on expediency and selfish
gains, is likely to be perpetuated. The presidency will
continue to be a weak institution.
One proposed solution is the runoff election but
this is more time-consuming and expensive. This
also will not provide sufficient ideological anchor for
any president that will be elected.

bikol reporter

Albay braces for El Nio

By Nancy I. Mediavillo

LEGAZPI CITY -- The

Day One of the countdown
in connection with the birthday of Governor Joey Sarte
Salceda on Oct. 26 formally
started with the grand opening of the 9th Annual Governor's Cup at the Albay Astrodome on Wednesday.
The Day 2 of the countdown
on Thursday rolled off with an
El Nio Preparedness Caravan
spearheaded by the Provincial
Government of Albay (PGA)
at Camalig town for the whole
day.
The caravan will cover
other towns and cities of the
province, based on the schedule prepared by the Task Force
El Nio for the whole month of
October.
The activity aims to cushion
the negative impacts of the dry
spell phenomenon on the agriculture sector, farmers' lives
and the entire economy of the
province.
The caravan will be a joint
undertaking of the Department of Agriculture and other
national government agencies, Albay Public Safety and
Emergency Management Office headed by Dr. Cedric Daep
and PGA departments like the
Provincial Agriculture Service
Office led Cheryll Rebeta, Provincial Health Office headed
by Dr. Natz Rempillo, Provincial Veterinary Office, Provincial Engineering Office with
its chief engineer Dante Baclao
and others.
Rebeta said the caravan will
highlight the strong advocacy
and massive information drive
of the departments and agencies participating in the caravan to give the public sufficient
knowledge on the bad effects
of El Nio.
The caravan will also distribute vegetable seeds and palay variety with high resistance
to heat or drought resilient variety.
Rempillo said his office is
preparing for a worst-case scenario.
He laid down the plans of
the PHO like IEC on common
diseases when extreme heat
comes like sore eyes, boils,
skin diseases, colds, cough and
fever.
The PHO chief said there
might be a rise in dengue cases
since many residents will store
water.
He said the public should
know what to do to avoid these
diseases.
"Always make the surrounding and yourself clean,"
Rempillo said.
He also asked the public to
protect water source in the village.
This should be about 25 meters from structures like septic
tanks.
The PHO, Rempillo said, is
ready with preemptive health
care like medical services for
those who have asthma, colds,
lung disease and others.
The health office is also
ready to give medicines for
these illnesses, he said, adding
that all hospitals in the province
are prepared to render services,
including the eight devolved
medical facilities. -- PNA

NAGA & DAET SHARING

Mayor John G. Bongat and Mayor Tito S. Sarion were the featured speakers on political literacy
during the National Literacy Conference in Cebu City last week. Bongat shared the Naga City
Experience in literacy. Both LGUs are nationally recognized for the literacy programs.

Ticao-Burias Pass protected

area plan gets nod
By Danny O. Calleja
LEGAZPI CITY The
proposed declaration of the
Ticao-Burias Pass as a protected seascape has roused the
enthusiasm of various sectors
staking over the ecological
and economic benefits that affected areas are going to reap
from it.
Indeed, this would be a
milestone policy being pursued in Congress when these
adjoining bodies of inland
seas are declared as the first
Marine Protected Area (MPA)
along the Bicol Peninsula and
fourth in the country, Local
Climate Change Adaptation
for Development (LCCAD)
executive director Manuel
Rangasa on Friday here said.
Albay 3rd district congressional Rep. Fernando Gonzalez has filed House Bill No.
5966 seeking the Ticao-Burias
Pass declaration as a MPA a move supported in the Senate by Senator Loren Legarda,
chair of the Senates committee on environment and natural resources.
Gonzalez, whose representation in Congress covers
Albay west coast along Burias
Pass, said that once officially
declared as MPA under the
National Integrated Protected
Areas System (NIPAS), the
Ticao-Burias Pass will be
placed under the PAMB, a
multi-sectoral body which
will be created to be respon-

sible for its administration and

management.
There is indeed an urgent
need for the Ticao-Burias Pass
to be declared a MPA or a protected seascape to save and
preserve its great marine diversity threatened by unabated illegal activities and other
abuses, Gonzalez said.
These waters are home
to whale sharks, manta rays,
dugong and various species of
sea turtles, exotic coral reefs
and lately discovered to be
a habitat of the globally rare
megamouth shark (Megachasma pelagios), he said.
The three existing MPAs
in the country are the waters
surrounding Panglao Island
in Bohol, established in 2003;
the 216-hectare Sarangani
Bay, declared in 1996; and
the 450-hectare Taon Strait
along Cebu and Negros Oriental, which got its protected
seascape classification in
1998.
Protected seascapes are
sites of national significance
characterized by the harmonious interaction of man and
ocean while providing opportunities for public enjoyment
through recreation and tourism within the normal lifestyle and economic activities
offered by these areas.
According to Greenpeace
Southeast Asia Ocean Campaigner Vince Cinches, who
expressed support to the proposed measure, both water

bodies are being overfished

and devoid of more sustainable coastal resource management initiatives.
Greenpeace is an independent global campaigning organization that, among
other environmental activism,
challenges wasteful and destructive fishing activities and
creating a global network of
marine reserves.
A technical working group
has also been organized towards the formation of the
PAMB.
The Bicol Consortium
for Development Initiative
(BCDI), on the other hand,
has set its coastal resource
management program funded
under the Philippines-Italy
Debt for Development Swap
Program to benefit at least 24
barangays along Ticao and
Burias Passes.
The BCDI is a multi-agency collaboration that addresses
the need to establish a strong
health research and development coordination system involving various institutions in
Bicol with interest in health
research towards the improvement of the health conditions
of Bicolanos.
Bicol University President and BCDI Chair Arnulfo
Macarias said the program
aimed at improving the living
conditions of coastal communities along the Ticao-Burias
Pass and increase the quality
of its marine resources.

october 4 - 10, 2015

bikol reporter

Catanduanes Festival . . .
Car manufacturer ChryslerDaimler has cited the superb
ecological balance of abaca
combined with its excellent
technical properties similar to
those of glass fiber, the material previously used in the underbody protection of cars.
Likewise, with the stricter
policies against dumping of
synthetic fishnets and cordage
materials in open sea as enforced by most European nations, users are returning to the
use of natural biodegradable
materials like abaca fiber.
Abaca pulp, meanwhile,
has been gaining more popularity owing to the expanding
demand for specialty papers
for tea bag, meat and sausage
casings, currency papers, metallized papers, cigarette papers,
filters, hi-tech capacitor papers
and other non-woven and disposable items.
As the environmental protection movement heightens,
many countries are becoming
more protective of their ecology, particularly the timber
forest, the source of wood pulp
which is the traditional material
for pulp and paper production.
Japan continues to import
abaca pulp from the Philippines
for the manufacture of its currency notes and Japanese bills
of Y10,000, Y500 and Y1,000
denominations have 60-percent
abaca components. Other applications of abaca pulp in Japan include capacitor and insulation papers, tea bag, masking
tape, paper cloth, stencil paper,
filter oil absorbent paper, casings and other specialty paper
products. On the other hand,
innovative and functional fiber
crafts from abaca have continued to evolve and introduced
in both the local and interna-

tional markets with the Filipino intrinsic artistry, ingenuity

and world-class craftsmanship
coupled with the versatility of
abaca fiber.
The construction industry
is also making use of abaca for
light structural walls, insulation
materials, floor and wall coverings and roofing while apparel
makers use it as raw material
component for organic denims.
Called a smart crop owing
to abaca plants resistance to typhoons and drought, it serves as
the top agricultural commodity
that keeps the local economy
alive from the farm gate down
to traders receipts, providing
stable employment, livelihood
and business opportunities that
lead to the provinces lower
poverty rate compared to other
Bicol areas.
In its latest poverty incidence report, the Philippine
Statistics Authority placed
Catanduanes poverty rate at
27.1 percent, the second lowest next to Camarines Nortes
24.7 percent among Bicols six
provincestopped by Masbate
at 44.2 percent; followed by
Albay, 36.1 percent; Camarines
Sur, 33.5 percent; and Sorsogon, 32.1 percent.
On the other hand, the National Household Targeting
System for Poverty Reduction
or Listahanan of the Department of Social Welfare and
Development, in its first assessment done in 2009, listed Catanduanes as having the comparatively lowest number of
poor households at 51 percent
or only 16,743 out of its 32,811
households assessed.
In the same assessment,
Masbates 160,257 households
have 103,478 or 64.6 percent identified as poor while

of Albays 141,617 households, 88,242 or 62.3 percent

were poor; Camarines Sur,
with 226,714 households, had
136,208 or 60 percent listed
as poor; Camarines Norte,
40,802 poor or 56.5 percent
of its 72,227 households; and
Sorsogon, 75,769 poor or 53.6
percent of 141,388 households.
It is high time now that the
province pays tribute to the
abaca industry in recognition
of its significant contribution to
the islands economy and to the
good life that its people enjoy,
said provincial board member
Edwin Tanael, who authored
the newly-passed ordinance
co-authored by board members
Shirley Abundo and Sonny
Francisco.
We are going to do this
by way of institutionalizing
the annual holding of the Catanduanes Abaca Festival that
would be a venue for expressing our gratitude to God for this
heavenly blessing, a grand affair to showcase the greatness
of Catandunganons in nurturing this industry and an event
to promote the provinces tourism industry, Tanael on Thursday here said.
The celebrations, which will
run for one whole week, he
said, are to be highlighted by
activities featuring the ecotourism marvels of the island, the
life and resilient spirit of Catandunganons and the uniqueness of its people and culture.
Catanduanes is a promising
travel destination owing to its
off-the-beaten path ecotourism wonders, dive sites and
sea surfing venues like Puraran
Beach where waters offer thrill
and adventure reeling with surf,
sand and sun and featured as
the islands tourism icon sitting
amid the backdrop of scintillating coves and rolling hills.

C4RH holds interfaith . . .

Morados cited the Bangsamoro Basic Law (BBL) as
one example of inter-faith
dialogue aimed at promoting
peace in Mindanao which will
help in uplifting poverty and
will mainstream the services
and programs of the government to benefit the community especially the women and
children.
She also noted that all religion are good and advocates
love and peace but it is the
person adhering to these religions that distorts its image
citing the extremist Muslim
groups that propagates fear
and violence.
All religions are good.
Its the persons adhering to
these religions distorting the
values imparted such as love

NTC Bicol . . .
tion drive against these
text scams, NTC Commissioner Gamaliel A. Cordoba issued a memorandum
to various telecommunications giants like Globe
Telecoms, Inc., Smart
Communications, Inc. and
Digitel Mobile Philippines, Inc. (Sun Cellular)
mandating them to produce a 15 and 30 seconder
audio and video clips to
educate and properly warn
subscribers or consumers
against text scam.
These companies are
also requested to have a text
blast of messages warning or
educating the public against
scammers.

OKB-Gayon. . .

given full marketing assistance by the DTI through this

trade fair.
It also features 162 new
products, resulting from
DTIs product development
activities prior to the event.
As in the past, this marketing event is a convergence
activity.
The DTI partners with the
Department of Tourism, OKB
Association Inc., and the local government units.
By way of this trade fair,
DTI enjoins domestic and
foreign buyers to take a
closer look and become more
aware of what these MSMEs
produce.
As DTI commits to provide its clients the MSMEs
better avenues to promote
their fine products, it also encourages them to explore the
global market, Blanco said.
Opening ceremony will be
at 10:30 a.m. on Oct. 8 at the
Megatrade Hall 2, 5thLevel,
Bldg. B of SM Megamall,
Mandaluyong City.
The fair is open during
mall hours on October 8-11.

and peace, which are universal values common in all religion. Dont judge the religion
by its believer, she said.
Board member Ebo tackled leadership in an interfaith
setting envisioning collaboration for the common good and
committing to act for equality,
dignity and development.
She cited the qualities of a
good leader noting the need to
be flexible and open minded
in understanding differences
in perspectives along with
various leadership approach
that can be adopted in their

organizations.
Other topics discussed
during the workshop are approaches in recreating just
relationships, women and
gender concerns in the church
and updates on the status of
the RH law implementation
in the country.
C4RH is a non-government organization advocating RH rights and supporting
fellow Filipino Catholics in
understanding, appreciating
and promoting RH as a right.
Moreover it is not sanctioned
by the Catholic Church and is
not among its affiliated organizations.

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH SALE

Notice is hereby given that the named parties are

the surviving heirs of the late Sps. REYNALDO R.
BONGALONTA and DOLORES A. BONGALONTA
who passed away on April 24, 2000 and August 22,
2015 respectively at Naga City, without any Will nor
Debts, left parcels of land located at Sagnay, Camarines
and residential houses located in Naga City; that after
adjudicating the properties unto themselves, the Heirs
do hereby SELL, CEDE, TRANSFER, CONVEY and
FOREVER QUITCLAIM by way of Absolute Sale the
described properties unto CARMEN A. BONGALONTA,
her heirs, assigns and successors in interest, as
acknowledged before Notary Public Atty. Carlo C.
Villanueva Jr., Doc. No. 170, Page No. 34, Book No. 151,
Series of 2015.
BIKOL REPORTER
Published: September 20, 27; October 4, 2015
AFFIDAVIT OF ADJUDICATION
BY SOLE HEIR OF A MOTOR VEHICLE
Notice is hereby given that CECILLE IGNACIO-BENDIDO,
is the surviving SPOUSE of the late JIMMY AUSTERO
BENDIDO who died intestate on October 11. 2013 at
Naga City, Camarines Sur, 0left a certain motor vehicle
described as follows: MAKE-Honda, BODY TYPE-TC
Hire, SERIES-TMX1559; CHASSIS No. KB509337031;
ENGINE No. KB509E337048; PLATE No. 2049EW; CR
No.162638825; OR No. 409701795 (9/10/2014); hereby
adjudicate unto herself the described motor vehicle,
including the Provisional Authority for Motorized Trimobile
Operators Franchise MTOP under case No. TC-LIB-CS2012-450 with the use of One (1) Unit by means of this
affidavit with the request that said Adjudication be made
effective without judicial proceedings; as acknowledged
before Notary Public Atty. Redentor M. Castaeda., Doc.
No. 23, Page No. 6, Book No.LXIX, Series of 2015.
BIKOL REPORTER
Published: September 20, 27; October 4, 2015
EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE WITH DEED OF
ABSOLUTE SALE AND SPECIAL POWER OF ATTORNEY
Notice is hereby given that the named parties are the
surviving heirs of the late ROLANDO CANDELARIA who
passed away on November 2, 2013 at Sipocot, CamSur
died intestate without any Will no Debts, left a parcel
of residential land located at San Bartolome, Sipocot,
CamSur covered by TCT No. 15918; the parties all of
legal ages adjudicate among themselves the described
property; that For and in Consideration of the sum of
EIGHT HUNDRED THOUSAND (P800,000.00) pesos,
paid by Sps. CARLOMAGNO C. AMADO and PAMELA
SALVACION O. AMADO, the Heirs do hereby SELL,
CONVEY and TRANSFER by way of Absolute Sale the
described property; as acknowledged before Notary
Public Atty. Arle Azela M. Guererro-Delos Santos, Doc.
No. 106, Page No. 47, Book No.XXIV, Series of 2015.
BIKOL REPORTER
Published: September 20, 27; October 4, 2015

for SEPTEMBER
Name of Deceased Date of Interment
Concepcion D. Odavar September 5,2015
Christine Rose T. Bilason September 7,2015
Merlinda G. Requillas September 12,2015
Julio B. San Andres September 15,2015
Josefina M. Salvador September 21,2015
Eleanor Timotea B. Epres September 27,2015
Eva Phoebe L. Gapit September 30,2015

october 4 - 10, 2015

bikol reporter

CNorte PNP firms up

curfew on minors
Rosalita B. Manlangit

DAET, Camarines Norte

The Provincial Advisory Council (PAC) of the
Camarines Norte Police
Provincial Office (CNPPO) urged policemen to
fully implement the curfew
among minors in the province through a passage of a
resolution during the meeting held here recently.
PAC chairperson Atty.
Evillo C. Pormento said that
the Sanguniang Panlalawigan
has already passed recently
Provincial Ordinance No.
13-2015 An ordinance imposing curfew hours among
minors in the province of Camarines Norte.
The ordinance states curfew hours among minors is
9:00 oclock in the evening to
4:00 oclock in the morning.
He said that this is a preventive law to protect the
youth from becoming victims
of rape, physical injury, drug
trafficking and other illegal
activities.
The Chairperson inquired
on the compliance of the
municipal police stations in

enforcing the said provincial

ordinance.
Atty. Pormento said that
the ordinance was thoroughly
studied and consulted through
stakeholders. The COPs
should ask help from the local government units (LGUs)
and Municipal Social Welfare and Development Office
(MSWDO).
The rescued minor should
be brought to the barangay
hall so that barangay personnel can return said minor to
their parents, he said.
He said that the ordinance
was thoroughly studied and
consulted with the stakeholders and the COPs should
ask help from the local government units through the
MSWDO.

The council also agreed to

send a letter to CNPPO Officer-in-Charge PSSupt. Harris
Fama requesting for the full
implementation of the said
ordinance.
Police
Superintendent
Rhoderick B. Campo, deputy
provincial director for operation on the other hand clarified
that in their previous meeting
with the chief of police of the
different municipalities, a
concern cropped up that as of
present there is no facility to
house rescued minors.
Meanwhile the PAC is
also finalizing the guidelines on the Search for Best
Policeman and Policewoman in the province as well
as Best Municipal Police
Station.

Cooperation key . . .
sustainable management and
conservation of our coastal
and marine ecosystems and
habitats, and improved biodiversity to support higher fisheries productivity and provide
better ecological services."
He said the focus of the
meeting is anchored on one
of the four priority themes

of the Philippines, the host

country of this year's APEC
meetings, which is "Building Sustainable and Resilient
Communities."
This specific theme, the
environment chief said, contributes toward the three
other themes, namely: the enhancing of regional economic
agenda, fostering the participation of small and medium
enterprises in regional and
global markets, and supporting and investing in human
resources.
"We firmly believe that
these initiatives will expand
our efforts in making the
theme of the host economy
APEC Philippines 2015
'Building inclusive economies, building a better world
a reality," Paje said.
He added that harnessing
the blue economy is most
important in the Asia-Pacific
considering that the region's
marine resources account
for two-thirds of the world's
capture fishery production
and 80 percent of the world's
aquaculture production, making them vital in achieving
food security.
The Albayano cabinet
member said an important
way of sustaining and even
improving the productivity of

LITERACY REUNION

Daet Mayor Tito S. Sarion, who spoke on Political Literacy during the National Literacy
Conference in Cebu City last week, had a reunion of sorts with former DepEd Secretary Fe Del
Mundo, who now serves as consultant of the Knowledge Power.

the country's oceans is "improving the biodiversity of

coastal and marine ecosystems" as healthy ecosystems
"support higher fisheries production and provides better
ecological services such as
their important contribution
to regulate climate and to disaster risk reduction."
"If we have healthy marine and coastal ecosystems,
we can develop our brand of
'Blue Economy' defined as an
approach to advance sustainable management and conservation of ocean and coastal
resources and ecosystems
and sustainable development,
in order to foster economic
growth," Paje stressed.
The APEC dialogue aims
to produce a plan of action
that would keep the coastal

and marine ecosystems resiliency and ensure sustainable

food supply chains.
The action plan tackles
three priority areas: resilient
oceans and coastal resources;
fish loss production; and agribusiness development.
"The plan of action has
undergone several revisions
from the important and valu-

able comments and suggestions from different member

economies," Paje said.
He expressed hope and
confidence that the proposed Plan of Action of the
APEC High Level Policy
Dialogue on Food Security
and Blue Economy will be
adopted at the end of this
meeting.

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

AUCTION SALE/SUBASTA
All unredeemed items/articles pawned at ROWENA ASPE
PAWNSHOP, P. Burgos St., corner J. Hernandez Avenue, Naga
City, pawned from MAY 1-31, 2015 whose terms have expired
will be sold to public auction sale on NOVEMBER 03, 2015
from 9:00 A.M.-12:00 NOON.
Redemption/Renewals of all pledges covered by the
above-mentioned date will be honored until OCTOBER 28,
2015 only.

THE MANAGEMENT
BIKOL REPORTER
Published: OCTOBER 4 and 11, 2015

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

AUCTION SALE/SUBASTA

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

AUCTION SALE/SUBASTA

All unredeemed items/articles pawned at R. M. ASPE

PAWNSHOP, Cor. Panganiban & Elias Angeles Street, Naga
City, pawned from MAY 1-31, 2015 whose terms have expired
will be sold to public auction sale on NOVEMBER 03, 2015
from 9:00 A.M.-12:00 NOON.
Redemption/Renewals of all pledges covered by the
above-mentioned date will be honored until OCTOBER 28,
2015 only.

THE MANAGEMENT
BIKOL REPORTER
Published: OCTOBER 4 and 11, 2015

All unredeemed items/articles pawned at ASPE EXPLORER PAWNSHOP, Ground Floor, Bichara Complex, Abella St.,
Igualdad, Naga City, pawned from MAY 1-31, 2015 whose
terms have expired will be sold to public auction sale on
NOVEMBER 03, 2015 from 9:00 A.M.-12:00 NOON.
Redemption/Renewals of all pledges covered by the
above-mentioned date will be honored until OCTOBER 28,
2015 only.

THE MANAGEMENT
BIKOL REPORTER
Published: OCTOBER 4 and 11, 2015

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

AUCTION SALE/SUBASTA

NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC

AUCTION SALE/SUBASTA

All unredeemed items/articles pawned at ASPE CROWNJEWEL PAWNSHOP & JEWELRY STORE, Bichara Mall corner
J. Hernandez & Gen. Luna Sts., Naga City, pawned from MAY
1-31, 2015 whose terms have expired will be sold to public
auction sale on NOVEMBER 03, 2015 from 9:00 A.M.-12:00
NOON.
Redemption/Renewals of all pledges covered by the
above-mentioned date will be honored until OCTOBER 28,
2015 only.

THE MANAGEMENT
BIKOL REPORTER
Published: OCTOBER 4 and 11, 2015

All unredeemed items/articles pawned at ASPE IGUALDAD

PAWNSHOP, Cor. Igualdad Ext. & J. Hernandez Ave., Igualdad,
Naga City, pawned from MAY 1-31, 2015 whose terms have
expired will be sold to public auction sale on NOVEMBER 03,
2015 from 9:00 A.M.-12:00 NOON.
Redemption/Renewals of all pledges covered by the
above-mentioned date will be honored until OCTOBER 28,
2015 only.

THE MANAGEMENT
BIKOL REPORTER
Published: OCTOBER 4 and 11, 2015

regional exponent for progress

Catanduanes Festival
showcases Abaca
By Danny O. Calleja

outstanding local newspaper

For Five Consecutive Years by the St. Peter
Baptist Catholic Mass Media Awards

BIKOL
REPORTER

october 4-10, 2015

NTC Bicol goes after Txt Scammers

By Ana-Liza S. Macatangay

NAGA CITY --- Deviously earning money from

unsuspecting victims, text
scammers are now the subject of the National Telecommunications Commissions
(NTC) all-out campaign,
including strategies to raise
the awareness of the populace not to fall prey to their
fraudulent acts.

Popular text scams like

Panalo sa Raffle Kamag
anak/ kaibigan Paload and
Pasa/Nakaw Load, still remains as the most common
way to lure unwary recipients
in succumbing to these scams.
We are advising everyone not
to respond or txt back to these
text messages, NTC-Bicol
Regional Director Engr. Ariel

H. Padilla recently told members of the media.

Padilla said that the most
common form of scams happens through text.
Panalo sa Raffle txt
scam is characterized by a
txt message announcing that
the recipient has won a prize
amounting to close to a million, even using phrases such
as from President Aquino
Foundation, complete with

a bogus DTI-NCR number

along with a fictitious name.
Other strategies use the
most vulnerable sector like
the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino beneficiaries. It uses
phrases like: Congrats. From
President Noy-noy Aquino
Foundation. 4-Ps Pamilyang
Pilipino Program. Your SIM
number won P950,000.00
2nd Prize winner, Handog
Pangkabuhayan Raffle pro-

mo! DTI Permit #9513 series

13. Please call me now! Im
Lyka Ramirez. Thank you!
Another widely used txt
scam is the Kamag anak/
kaibigan Paload strategy.
Somebody posing as a relative would send a txt message
to the recipient saying that
he is using his new roaming
number and that he has already sent money to them,
with a txt back note at the end
of the message.
Those who will fall into
this trap will now engage in
an exchange of text messages
which would lead to a certain
point where the texter will
ask for something, money
most of the time using a very
convincing reason.
The last but not the least is
the Pasa/Nakaw Load text
scam asking the recipient to
send a load to a specific CP
number citing that he is in a
very compromising situation.
These scams are all meant
to extract money from their
recipients.
In line with their informa(Turn to page 6)

VIRAC, Catanduanes
Bicols island-province of
Catanduanes, the countrys
abaca production leader,
will glorify the industry in
an annual festival set every
month of May and expected
to be rolled out next year.
Born through an ordinance
passed recently by the provincial legislative board and
anticipated to be approved by
provincial governor Araceli
Wong, the festival will be in
celebration of the important
contribution of abaca in the
local economy.
The province, occupying
an island sitting off the northeastern side of the Bicol Peninsula and separated from the
mainland by Maqueda Bay,
has a total of over 35,500
hectares of abaca plantations
cultivated by 15,454 farmers
who produce an average of
19,000 metric tons of fiber
yearly.
This represents 33.2 percent of the total national production.
This makes abaca its
backbone industry that since
time immemorial has made
the island, known as the first
landmass to be kissed by the
waves of the Pacific Ocean -making it highly exposed to
tropical cyclones hitting the
countrys eastern seaboard,
a prized contributor to countrys fiber export earnings.
In 2012 alone, the country posted an amount of USD
million in abaca export earnings or over Php5 billion on
the back of increased demand
for abaca pulp and cordage in
the Philippines major markets, according to records of
the Philippine Fiber Industry
Development Authority.
The development of new
end-use for abaca fiber in
composite applications for the
automotive industry in Germany contributed in boosting
the demand for the fiber.
(Turn to page 6)

OKB-Gayon Bicol 2015 primes

MSMEs for global market
By Connie B. Destura
LEGAZPI CITY -- Micro, small and medium
enterprises (MSMEs) and
their role in the global trade
will be the focus of this
years OKB-Gayon Bicol
Regional Trade Fair, now
on its its 19th year.
The trade fair has evolved
from a purely marketing
event into an annual sociocultural event.
According to DTI-Bicol
Regional Director Jocelyn
L.B. Blanco, it has become the
venue for budding MSMEs to
find new markets and graduate to better capacities; an opportunity for them to develop
new product designs attuned
to and compliant with market
demands.
The OKB-Gayon Bicol,
through the years, has provided opportunities for our
homegrown entrepreneurs to
develop, find new markets
and become more competi-

tive, Blanco said.

The annual marketing
event offers wearable and
homestyle products, processed foods, ceramics, furniture, fine jewelry, and other
products that will surely delight the buyers, she added.
It displays Bicols best
products made from finest handcrafted materials
to prime food delicacies,
bringing the Bicolano entrepreneurs distinctive skills in
weaving, innovating and producing new products and designs for discerning markets,
domestic and foreign.
At least 111 exhibitors
from all over the region are
joining this years fair.
Thirty-three come from
Albay, 12 from Camarines
Norte, 21 from Camarines
Sur, 11 from Catanduanes, 9
from Masbate and 25 from
Sorsogon.
The trade fair features 38
new entrepreneurs who are
(Turn to page 6)