VOL. XXV, NO. 24 BICOL, THE PHILIPPINES DEC. 31, 2017-JAN. 6, 2018 P5.

00

Sugar workers in Bicol

Shun firecrackers,
Cimatu tells Pinoys

“SEES” better future

Environment Secretary
Roy A. Cimatu is urging
Filipinos to welcome 2018
with alternative noisemak-
ers instead of firecrackers
and fireworks that pose seri-
ous danger to human health
ers as these do not only cause
injuries and fires, but also air
pollution, which have long-
term effects on human health
and the environment,” Cima-
tu explained.
During the first hour of

this coming New Year

and the environment. Jan. 1, 2017, all air-quality
Cimatu warned that the monitoring stations in Metro
use of firecrackers could hurt Manila registered high levels
efforts to cut down air pollu- of particulate matter (PM)
tion in the country, particu- 2.5 or particles less than 2.5
larly in Metro Manila which micrometers in diameter.
has been prone to spiked lev- PM, also known as par-
els of air pollution following ticle pollution, is a complex
NAGA CITY – Sugar workers here are in releases and distribution to the New Year’s Eve revelry. mixture of extremely small
high hopes after DOLE Bicol regional director sugar planters and workers “It is about time Filipinos particles and liquid droplets
for crop year 2016-2017. eliminate the use of firecrack- (Turn to page 7)
Exequiel R. Sarcauga personally presided the “We want to ensure that
recently concluded District Tripartite Council the sugar workers really re-
(DTC) meeting held last December 20, 2017 at ceived their bonuses for this SA PAPUTOK
year,” Sarcauga added.
Crown Hotel, Naga City.
“I really wanted to look Exequiel R. Sarcauga said.
Also, RD Sarcauga or- MAY DISGRASYA,
dered that plans for 2018
deeper into this sector es-
pecially that there is still no
Aside from specifying the
importance of appointing a
must be crafted so that the
welfare of sugar workers will
ITO ANG EBIDENSYA
mill sector representative ap- Mill Sector Representative, be secured. Six major activi-
pointed yet. It will be the pri- Sarcauga also looked at the ties for 2018 were identified
Dir. SARCAUGA ority for next year,” director Cash Bonus Fund (CBF) (Turn to page 6)

Booming business: Countryside entrepreneurship up

MANILA - As part of the
Trabaho, Negosyo agenda
of the administration, which
puts center the micro, small
and medium enterprises
(MSMEs) and job gen-
eration, the Department of
Trade and Industry (DTI)
has set its sight on provid-
ing both for Filipinos.
This has become prevalent
with the Department of Trade
and Industry (DTI) reported
the growing interest and en-
thusiasm of Filipinos in ven-
DOH OPLAN:
turing into business as more
and more entrepreneurs turn IWAS PAPUTOK
to Negosyo Centers for assis-
tance for MSMEs and aspir- FIREWORKS DISPLAY
ing entrepreneurs.
(Turn to page 6)
ANG PATOK!

Matuninong na Bagong Taon sa Gabos!

K-960 Aries St., Villa Grande Homes, Con. Grande, Naga City • TEL. (054) 884-93-76 • CP 0921-318-3720 / 0929-245-7353 / 0920-533-7766

BR_Dec31-Jan 6 noel.indd 1 1/3/2018 10:58:44 AM

 2 BIKOL REPORTER OPINION DEC. 31, 2017-JAN. 6, 2018

CHEERS! HAPPY NEW OPINIONS

UNLIMITED
PIA-CamSur head is 2017 YEAR TO ALL! Atty. TONY (APA) ACYATAN
GANTIMPALA awardee (Atty. APA – chairs Acyatan & Co., tion of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) (from the current 30%). The TRAIN
NAGA CITY - CPAs-DFK International – is past chair facility. These two energy sources (RA No. 10963) will take effect in tax
Adding to her list of ASEAN Federation of CPAs, PICPA should replace the Malampaya natural year 2018. This is just an initial part
past president and Hall-of-Famer, and gas reserves once they are depleted of our gains under the comprehen-
of laudable recog-
ACPAPP Lifetime Achievement Award- by 2024! We canot afford to be com- sive tax reform program as Congress
nitions, the Pro-
ee). placent with our energy problem! has passed only 2/3 of the expected
vincial Head of
LOOKING BACK: As Year 2017 The Malampaya gas field off Pala- revenues via Package One of the
the Philippine In- comes to a close, let us review the good wan supplies up to 50% of the energy TRAIN.
formation Agency things we have done in the past twelve requirements for Luzon. As early as OTHER TAXES: Congress is
(PIA)-Camarines months with the end in view of repeat- now our government is already in talks committed to pass the balance of the
Sur showed her ing them with further fortifications. In with potential Japanese investors to revenue project by the first quarter
exemplified dedica- the same vein we also recall the sins supply LNG receiving stations as part of 2018. This involves provisions on
tion and efficiency of commission and omission we were of the integrated facility project of gov- the estate tax amnesty, a general tax
to her duty as she guilty of! And to vow that we will avoid ernment. For Mindanao, the govern- amnesty, the proposed adjustments
once again became those pitfalls. Our past is always a good ment will rehabilitate the Agus power in the Motor Vehicle Users Charge
the recipient of the measure of how we can improve our plant complexes in phases, starting and amendments to the Bank Se-
2017 GANTIMPA- performance in the coming year (of the with the oldest generating units. These crecy Law plus automatic exchange
LA AWARD under Dog) so that we can further better our are doable with foreign funders waiting of information. (We erroneously re-
the Agency’s Pro- lives. in the wings. ported in our last issue that the first
gram on Awards Looking ahead is good, not too far out NEW “TRAIN”: Nearly all the coun- package already included the Estate
and Incentives for – but in good cover – within the realm try’s population stand to benefit from Tax amendments, SORRY!)
Service Excellence of our capabilities and the time God al- the recently enacted tax reform law, About 70 percent of the incre-
(PRAISE) pro- lows us. Remember, we are gifted with while the so called “ultra-rich” indi- mental revenues generated from the
gram. Time, Talent and Treasure by our Lord. viduals have to shell out more to the TRAIN will help usher in the coun-
ICM MACATANGAY We must use our time to make all our government, the proponent and imple- try’s “Golden Age of Infrastructure”
PIA Camarines
ness, efficiency, dedication to activities worthwhile. List the varied tal- mentor DOF said. Finance Sec. Car- under the Duterte watch. This will
Sur Information
ents that our God has blessed us with los Dominguez III estimated that 99% build slash transport and production
Center Manager (ICM) Ana- duty and innovation that are
– and to put them to good use. Doing of Filipinos – salaried employees and costs, distribute growth and incomes
Liza S. Macatangay was ac- cost-efficient and has greatly
good means helping the needy and as- self–employed individuals – will pay outsides Metro-Manila, generate
corded with the said award contributed to raising the sisting them in their moments of want. less personal income tax beginning quality, meaningful jobs for Filipinos,
for her invaluable contribu- standards of excellence in the Wise use of “treasures” should be an- 2018. Individuals earning taxable in- attract more foreign investments, and
tions and support in the field Agency. chored on the principle of stewardship come of P250T/year (P21T/month), further firm up the country’s credit
of communication and infor- The GANTIMPALA – as we don’t really own them! are exempted from paying the personal ratings. Thirty per cent of the incre-
mation dissemination to gov- Award is the third PRAISE NEW SOURCES: The Malampaya income tax . mental revenues from the TRAIN is
ernment and non-government Awards for Macatangay. natural gas field is set to run out of re- Also, 13th month pay and other bo- earmarked for social protection pro-
institutions in the province of In 2014, she was a recipi- serves in seven (7) years. We need nuses amounting to P90,000 a month grams.
Camarines Sur. ent of the BEST WRITER new energy sources. DOF is target- are non–taxable, DOF said. However, PROVERBS: Foolishness is
Her efforts had elevated AWARD for Southern Luzon ting for this purpose the rehabilitation of the ultra-rich (those earning P8M/year) broad in the heart of a child; but the
the credibility and trustwor- for her continuous delivery of the Agus Pulangi hydroelectric power and above will pay more income tax- rod of correction will drive it away
thiness of the PIA Provincial high quality published articles plants in Mindanao and the construc- es. Their rate will be increased to 35% from him.
Office through various mem- and commitment to excel-
berships, citations and recog-
nition from these sectors.
lence in the field
ment communication.
of develop-
People should monitor FROM MY
WINDOW
Macatangay, who has been
serving the PIA Camarines
On the same year, the
Agency also honored her with 7 endangered cities NENITA FUENTEBELLA PEÑONES
Sur Provincial Information a SPECIAL RECOGNITION
Office as its ICM since 2010, AWARD for being one of the
has been involved in various recipients of the 2014 May- The national budget of the in solar radiation absorbed in polar – Manila, Caloocan, Malabon, and
significant occasions in the oral Award for Journalism government for year 2018 was ice regions since the year 2000 and Taguig in Metro Manila, Iloilo in the
province with the outpour- and Public Service given by approved and already signed by this has been attributed to increased Visayas, and Davao and Butuan in
ing invitations to become a the Local Government of Pili, Pres. Rodrigo Duterte. As we can carbon emissions by the world’s Mindanao.
partner of organizations, both Camarines Sur. see it, it is very pro-people and will industrial nations. Thus, at the Paris The ADB report stressed the
private and public, in the aca- The Award is in recognition favor the middle class and the poor Climate Change Conference of economic losses that would result
deme, non-government orga- of her full devotion to her pro- The infrastructures to be built will December, 2015, the world’s nations from flooding in low-lying areas,
nizations and other agencies fession and her commitment really spur opportunities for a strong agreed to take steps to cut down their aside from stronger typhoons
in their information campaign to the highest level of journal- economy in the country. respective industrial emissions so as and heavier rains. Agriculture
which has placed the Agency ism standards, as manifested Now, it behoves on the people to to limit rising global temperatures to would suffer, with rice yields in
in the forefront of information in her in-depth reporting and watch and monitor its implementation. less than 2 degrees Celsius above some countries of Southeast
dissemination. coverage of breaking news ****** pre-industrial levels. Asia expected to decline by 50
The GANTIMPALA and important Bicol events, On my part, I wish to call on focusing Among the fears raised at the percent by 2100. The report also
Award is an award given to and her generosity of spirit also on climate change because of Paris conference was that melting warned of lowered energy supply
employees by clients (inter- and keen sense of patriotism its dangerous consequences to our glaciers would significantly raise and consequently conflicts among
nal and external) for their and public service, as mani- country. Here’s the following editorial ocean levels around the world, thus countries competing for the limited
exemplary courtesy, prompt- (Turn to page 5) of the “Tempo” dated July 19, 2017 endangering island nations like the supply.
entitled “We have 7 endangered cities Philippines. Last Friday, the Asian We thus have these two reports
if ocean level rise.” Let’s continue Development Bank (ADB) released a within weeks of each other – the
praying for our country and the world. report warning that unabated climate breaking up of a giant glacier in
A massive iceberg, said to be as change now threatens to undo many Antarctica and a warning of rising
large as the United States state of developments and advancements sea levels and their possible ill
effects on the world economy – and
Delaware split off from Antarctica’s of the last decades, as nations incur
both reports are of great interest to
Larsen C Shelf in the South Pole high economic losses.
us in the Philippines.
early this month. The iceberg is The ADB report said continuing As a signatory to the Paris
said to have an area of about 5,800 reliance on fossil fuels – gas, oil, coal Climate Change Agreement, we
square kilometers – bigger than our – will see the world’s most populous will seek to do our part to mitigate
Cebu island – and weighs over a region – Asia – facing prolonged global climate change. But, at
trillion tons. heat waves, rising sea levels, and the same time, we must prepare
While this process of iceberg changing windfall patterns that will ourselves for its possible ill effects,
calving is a natural one, the one disrupt ecosystems. The report especially our seven cities listed as
that broke off was an unusually big warned that 25 cities in the world among the 25 endangered cities
one and scientists will be looking would be endangered by a one- of the world should ocean levels,
if it was due to climate change. meter rise in sea levels, 19 of them despite all our efforts, rise around
There has been a marked increase in Asia and seven in the Philippines the world.

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BR_Dec31-Jan 6 noel.indd 2 1/3/2018 10:58:45 AM

 DEC. 31, 2017-JAN. 6, 2018
Hundreds of vehicles stranded after landslide in CamSur
LEGAZPI CITY -- Some
100 vehicles were stranded
after a landslide hit the An-
daya Highway in Del Gal-
lego town in Camarines Sur
on Wednesday morning,
reports reaching the Philip-
pine National Police (PNP)
in Bicol said.
Landslide triggered by
heavy rains occurred at around
6 a.m. Wednesday along the
highway in barangay Comad-
aycaday, Del Gallego town,
said PNP Bicol Spokesper-
BIKOL REPORTER 3
Luisa Calubaquib.
Huge volume of soil and
boulders of rocks that loos-
ened from a mountain slope
cascaded, rendering the high-
way impassable to all types of
vehicles, the report said.
The stranded vehicles on
both sides of the highway
were either bound for Manila
and Bicol, Calubaquib said.
The town's disaster author-
ities have alerted government
engineers to clear the area of
debris caused by the land-

CamSur PDRRMC warns 1st Dist.

son Police Senior Insp. Maria slide. -Mar Serrano/PNA

DOST bares 5 major

achievements in 2017
MANILA -- Research
and technology assistance
are the major highlights of
the Department of Science
and Technology (DOST) for
2017.
DOST Secretary Fortu-
nato Dela Pena revealed what
he considers the five ma-
jor accomplishments of the
DOST in 2017, namely:
1. Research and develop-
ment (R&D) assistance
Dela Pena said the DOST
assisted more than 1000 R&D
projects all over the country,
with 65 percent already com-
pleted.
The 1,057 R&D proj-
ects are being managed by
DOST-attached agencies and
councils such as the Philip-
pine Council for Industry,
Energy and Emerging Tech-
nology Research and Devel-
opment (PCIEERD) and the
Philippine Council for Health
Research and Development
(PCHRD).
In terms of technology
transfer, the DOST-Technol-
ogy Application and Promo-
tion Institute (TAPI) guides
investors regarding the intel-
lectual property system. The
agency also provides them
with patent consultations as
well as grants for the pay-
ment of Intellectual Property
Office (IPO) fees.
According to DOST, 165
patents have been filed at the
IPO this year.
Three Technology Trans-
fer Days were also organized
in 2017, and 30 technology
Sec. DELA PEÑA
fairs were conducted.
Technology Transfer
Day is an activity that aims
to ensure technologies/
inventions are maximized
for the benefit of society and
industries. Locally-developed
technologies supported by the
DOST are showcased during
this activity.
The agency also provides
pre-commercialization sup-
port. A total of 17 inventions
it has promoted were already
commercialized this year.
2. Assistance to MSMEs
For this year alone, 574
firms were provided with
hardware and software to up-
grade their technology capac-
ity, according to Dela Pena.
These micro, small, medium
enterprises (MSMEs) have
received the SETUP (Small
Enterprises Technology Up-
grading Program) innovation
fund.
SETUP is a DOST pro-
gram that aims to encourage
MSMEs to adopt technologi-
cal innovations to improve
(Turn to page 7)
residents of flooded areas
PILI, Camarines Sur –
The heavy rains caused by
the tail end of a cold front
has affected low-lying areas
in the province and has re-
sulted in flooding, particu-
larly in the municipalities
of Ragay, Del Gallego, Ca-
busao and Lupi, immersing
a total of 15 barangays in
the 1st District of Cama-
rines Sur in floodwater.
A landslide which tem-
porarily crippled the flow of
motorists, including buses
and trucks going to Manila
and vice versa was also re-
ported in Barangay Coma-
daycaday in Del Gallego.
A temporary closure of the
landslide area was ordered
by the local government unit
to effectively facilitate the
clearing operations. The road
was opened shortly at 2pm.
According to the report
issued by the Provincial
Disaster Risk Reduction
and Management Council
(PDRRMC), through the
Environment Disaster Man-
agement and Emergency Re-
sponse Office (EDMERO)
Chief Lucena “Che” Ber-
meo, the flooding caused
some rivers and spillways
to overflow, thus causing an
upsurge of water in the afore-
mentioned areas.
In Ragay, Barangay Po-
blacion in Ilaod reached a
hip-level increase of water
and has affected 175 fami-
lies, equivalent to 735 per-
sons. In Panaytayan, also in
Ragay, 269 families were af-
fected when the Ragay River
overflowed, distressing more
or less 1,022 individuals.
Other barangays affected
with floodwater that inun-
dated the dry lands include
Apad, Amomokpok and
Laguio.
The market area of Del
Gallego in Barangay Sinukni-
pan was also flooded.
In Cabusao, Sitios Na-
patas, Looban and Centro in
Barangay Barcelonita also
experienced flooding and has
affected 219 families.
The spillways connect-
ing Barangay Poblacion and
barangays Barrera Jr and
San Pedro also overflowed,
including the other spill-
way connecting Brgy. Na-
polidan to San Pedro. The
bridge connecting Colacling
and Bulawan Jr., including
the San Pedro spillway also
overflowed due to the heavy
rains.
Bermeo also conveyed
that nine persons earlier re-
ported missing in San Vicen-
te, Caramoan were already
rescued in San Andres, Cat-
anduanes.
“The other six (6) are be-
ing taken care of in Calolbon
QUICK RESPONSE (San Andres), Catanduanes
The provincial government of Camarines Sur under the per confirmation of Barangay
leadership of Gov. Migz Villafuerte distributed relief packs at Kagawad Julius Reazo of San
the height of Typhoon Urduja to some 4,400 families in the Vicente, Caramoan. (This
municipalities of Balatan, Sagñay, Tigaon, and Presentacion
which were immediately affected by landslides. Another 120
is a correction of the earlier
families were given emergency shelter assistance, 37 water report from MDRRMO San
pumps, and 500 sacks of seedlings were given out in Libmanan, Andres which stated that the
Camarines Sur. More than 740 families in Sagñay, 861 families persons mentioned were al-
in San Fernando, and 4,167 families in Presentacion were ready sent home)” Bermeo
given relief goods even as the provincial disaster team
added. -LSMacatangay-PI-
continues to assess the damages wrought by the continuous
rains brought by Typhoon Urduja to the province. jmts/rbmjr/ AV/Camarines Sur
mmec with photos from fb_GovMigzVillafuerte

PVAO releases P9-B pension

for veterans' kin in 2017
MANILA -- In line with
efforts to take care of veter-
ans and their families, the
Philippine Veterans Affairs
Office (PVAO) disbursed
PHP9.06 billion worth of
pensions in 2017.
This benefitted an average
of 208,159 pension accounts,
Department of National De-
fense (DND) spokesperson
Arsenio Andolong said.
He added that PVAO sub-
sidized various medical and
health care services availed
NCPC CHRISTMAS PARTY JRM-PIA5/CAMARINES SUR
by Filipino veterans and their
Naga City Press Corps’ Year-end get-together held at Eurotel Hotel, Naga City on December
29, 2017. Thank you Mayor John Bongat and CEPPIO Chief Allen Reondanga for the trust and qualified dependents under
support to the press corps. the Veterans Hospitalization
and Medical Care Program
(VHMCP) worth PHP85.05
million as part of efforts to
recognize the services ren-
dered by Filipino veterans.
"This accomplishment
leads PVAO to realizing its
objective that no veteran
should pay for his own medi-
cine," Andolong stressed.
PVAO provided edu-
cational benefits to 2,185
“Iskolar ng mga Bayani” as
of the end of November for
a total amount of PHP38.11
million.
These beneficiaries are di-
rect descendants of the coun-
try's valiant defenders who
fought in World War II, Ko-
rean War, and Vietnam War.
Andolong said PVAO’s
Educational Benefits Pro-
gram has produced close to
7,300 graduates since 2002.
The educational assis-
tance for the “Iskolar ng mga
Bayani” is given to qualified
and deserving students for a
maximum of PHP36,000 per
year per beneficiary.
In addition, PVAO gave
burial assistance to 3,945
beneficiaries for a total
amount of PHP80.93 million.
-Priam Nepomuceno/PNA

BR_Dec31-Jan 6 noel.indd 3 1/3/2018 10:58:45 AM

 4 BIKOL REPORTER DEC. 31, 2017-JAN. 6, 2018

An inspiring message by Pope Francis

as we move forward to 2018
"You can have flaws, be
anxious, and ever angry, but do
not forget that your life is the
greatest enterprise in the world.
Only you can stop it from go-
ing bust. Many appreciate you,
admire you and love you.
Remember that to be happy
is not to have a sky without a
storm, a road without accidents,
work without fatigue, relation-
ships without disappointments.
To be happy is to find strength
in forgiveness, hope in battles,
security in the stage of fear,
love in discord. It is not only
to enjoy the smile, but also to
reflect on the sadness.
It is not only to celebrate
the successes, but to learn les-
FEAST OF THE HOLY FAMILY sons from the failures. It is
DECEMBER 31, 2017 not only to feel happy with
the applause, but to be happy
ing like a victim and become
your destiny's author. It is to
cross deserts, yet to be able to
find an oasis in the depths of
our soul. It is to thank God for
every morning, for the miracle
of life.
of criticism, even when unjusti-
fied. It is to kiss your children,
pamper your parents, to live
poetic moments with friends,
even when they hurt us.
To be happy is to let live
the creature that lives in each
sensitivity to say, "I need you".
It is to have the ability to say "I
love you".
May your life become a gar-
den of opportunities for happi-
ness. That in spring may it be a
lover of joy. In winter a lover of
wisdom. And when you make
a mistake, start all over again.
For only then will you be in
love with life. You will find
that to be happy is not to have a
perfect life.
But use the tears to irrigate
tolerance. Use your losses to
train patience. Use your mis-
takes to sculpter serenity. Use
pain to plaster pleasure. Use
obstacles to open windows of
intelligence.
Never give up .... Never give
up on people who love you.
Never give up on happiness, for

KANTONG
in anonymity. Being happy is Being happy is not being of us, free, joyful and simple. life is an incredible show. Stay
not a fatality of destiny, but an afraid of your own feelings. It's It is to have maturity to be able positive, grateful and hopeful.
achievement for those who can to be able to talk about you. It to say: "I made mistakes". It Count our blessings from God

PUTIKON!
travel within themselves. is having the courage to hear a is to have the courage to say and we will always have peace
To be happy is to stop feel- "no". It is confidence in the face "I am sorry". It is to have the in our hearts."

GOSPEL FOR NEW YEAR

Rule of law of d Gospel: Lk 2:16-21
So they came hurriedly, and found Mary and Joseph, and
rich & powerful
the baby lying in the feeding trough. On seeing him, they related
what they had been told about the child; and all were aston-
ished on hearing the shepherds. As for Mary, she treasured all
these words, and pondered them in her heart. The shepherds
Pillars of d law. Mga abogado, judges, fiscals etc. Bko
then returned, giving glory and praise to God for all they had
lang huli sa eskuela kundi sa justice system ng makadyos
heard and seen, just as the angels had told them. On the eighth
& makatao. day, the circumcision of the baby had to be performed; he was
******** named Jesus, the name the angel had given him before he was
Tax reform s reform not revolution but fundamental change conceived.
4 d betterment of country & pipol. More taxes more physical Reflections
infras! More gnh or gross natl happiness SHE TREASURED ALL THESE WORDS AND PONDERED
******** THEM IN HER HEART
4 pinoys & pinays! We read this several times in the Bible. It seems to be Mary’s
A CPA/Lawyer who can be accurate counting the way to ponder things in her heart when she experiences some-
truths in fighting for justice to prevail at all costs.- pol san thing incomprehensible. How could a young girl comprehend
that she, who is a child herself, is about to bear a child in her
bunaventura, cpa-lawyer
womb when she had never been with a man? How can she un-
derstand that the child she gave birth to in Bethlehem is God
himself? How can she fathom the mystery of this CHILD who
has to do his FATHER’s business? And how can she accept
that her son has to die a criminal’s death? And as to her own
mystery, how can she grasp the destiny that awaits her – that all
generations will call her blessed?
In silence and solitude, she pondered all these things in her
heart. Did she actually understand? Maybe, not fully. But in the
depth of her heart she learned to accept what she could not
understand fully. She learned what it is to surrender herself into
the arms of the Living God.
Loving God, we do not always understand the things that
happen to us. It is difficult to accept the death of a loved one, the
disgrace of failure, the betrayal of a spouse. When we encounter
your mysterious ways in our life, help us like Mary to go into the
depth of our heart and ponder on them and may we, like Mary,
learn to abandon ourselves to your holy will. - Amen.

URGENTLY NEEDED:
********
Bishops welcome declaration of Dec. 8 as non-working holiday
An ELECTRICIAN,
By FERDINAND PATINIO “That is indeed a very any aspect of our life, to stay Sorsogon Bishop Arturo
To Restore current between people who do not speak to
good and inspiring news. with and support our moth- Bastes also welcomed Du-
each other anymore!
MANILA -- Catholic With this Christmas season, it ers, to take care of our moth- terte’s declaration, acknowl-
An OPTOMETRIST,
prelates lauded President is a beautiful and lasting gift ers,” Santos added. “With this edging that he was surprised
To Change the outlook of people!
An ARTIST, Rodrigo Duterte’s decision of our country to our Blessed kind gesture of our president, with it.
To Draw a smile on everyone’s face! to declare Dec. 8, the Feast Mother,” Bataan Bishop Ru- surely our Blessed Mother “Wonderful! It is a pleas-
A CONSTRUCTION ENGINEER, of the Immaculate Concep- perto Santos said. will keep us under her mater- ant surprise!” Bastes said.
To Build bridges between angry neighbors & relatives! tion of the Blessed Virgin “We Filipinos are very nal care and protection. She “After all, Duterte has still
A GARDENER, Mary, as a non-working motherly, maka-ina. It is our will intercede for our good some respect for the Catho-
To Cultivate good thoughts! holiday. nature to go to our mothers in before her Son Jesus.” (Turn to page 7)
And Lastly,
A MATH TEACHER,
For all of us to relearn how to Count our blessings. . .
May the joys and blessings of Christmas be with you and
your family! Happy holidays!
********
Ipinapaisi po sa gabos na partidaryos amigo y amiga
mga kaklase madihon y padihon na si Domingo M. Balang
kan san isidro iriga city, an binawian n kan saiyang buhay
kasuodmang alas kuatro nin hapon sa edad na 73 anyos an
saiyang bangkay papatintihan sa brgy chapel kan diversion
road,san francisco,iriga city an lubong ipapaisi na sana sa
masunod na mga aldaw,ciya dating production manager kan
rpn-dzki,dating commentator/announcer kan fbn-dzge,dating
anchorman/newcaster kan DZMM manila bistado siya sa
radio name ba Bal Domingo.for your info.ty po joey lim
bayaw kan gadan.
********

“Heroes are Born to Inspire.”

An panganuron maliwanag,minsan minadiklum,minauran
pero sa likod kan diklum asin uran minatarus an saldang kan
aldaw,an mga dahon minaberde asin minatagdag ta nganing
salidahan kan magagayun asin preskong kadahunan,an mga
Photos taken during the lives serves as an inspira- held December 30, 2017 at The event was at-
burak siring man na pakatapos na matolpos minamundag
121st Commemoration of tion to the living, because Plaza Rizal, Naga City. tended by faculties and
asin minasulpot an bukad nin kagayunan nganing ipahiling an
Dr. Jose P. Rizal’s Death the living can feel the inspi- Bongat led the flag-rais- non-teaching personnel of
birtod kan saiyang kagayunan...lugod sa paglagas,pagtakdag
Anniversary last Decem- ration of the dead.” ing and wreath-laying cer- DepEd-Cam Sur, teach-
asin pagtulpos kaining taon 2017 sabay tang sabaton an ers and students, Knights
ber 30 at Plaza Rizal. This was the message emonies assisted by the 9th
pagbukad asin pagranga kan 2018....maogmang bagong of Rizal, the Sangguni-
“Heroes are born to of Mayor John Bongat dur- Infantry (Spear) Division of
taon saimo asin sa interong pamilya mo.Salamat sa Dios. inspire to conquer their ing the Commemoration of ang Panlungsod, and the
the Philippine Army, the Phil-
******** fears. They are born and the 121st Anniversary of the ippine National Police and Punong Barangays. -JRM-
Shall ye not know it? I will even make a way in the they died because their Martyrdom of Dr. Jose Rizal Bureau of Fire Protection. PIA5/Camarines Sur
(Turn to page 6)

BR_Dec31-Jan 6 noel.indd 4 1/3/2018 10:58:46 AM

 DEC. 31, 2017-JAN. 6, 2018
Pres. Duterte's New Year message: Resilience amid challenges
MANILA -- President
Rodrigo Duterte wished
the country a happy New
Year and called on Filipi-
nos to "foster solidarity"
in pursuit of providing
more comfortable and
productive life for all.
"As we spend time with
our family, friends, and
loved ones in turning a new
page in our nation's his-
tory, let us draw strength
Russian company to build first
pipeline coating facility in Phl
MAKATI – After the
record-breaking investment
approval of Php 616.7 bil-
lion for 2017, the Depart-
ment of Trade and Industry
(DTI) and the Board of In-
vestments (BOI) met with
Russian investors from BT
SVAP LLC on 20 Decem-
ber 2017 to discuss invest-
ment intentions focusing on
a pipeline coating facility in
the Philippines (PH).
“More investors have
expressed their confidence
in the country’s economic
stability and business envi-
ronment under the Duterte
administration. They wish to
partner with us in providing
more jobs and opportunities
for Filipinos, especially those
at the bottom of the pyramid,”
said Sec. Lopez.
Igor Shaporin, BT SVAP
LLC’s Chairman of the Board
of Directors, expressed the
company’s intention to put up
a facility in Mariveles, Bataan
where accessibility to sea and
land transportation is easily
available.
The company’s prospect
location would require a big
land area and will have inno-
vative production technology
in pipeline coating.
The Moscow-based BT
SVAP LLC is an integrated
company specializing in the
development and implemen-
tation of innovative solutions
in industrial production and
construction of pipeline sys-
tem for fuel-power complex,
chemical industry, and hous-
ing and utilities infrastruc-
ture.
The group also focuses
on production of protective
shelves for pipes and pipe-
lines which uses modern hi-
UNTIRING SERVICE
The founder and chairman of CARD Mutually Reinforcing
Institutions (CARD MRI) Dr. Jaime Aristotle B. Alip recently
visited Rizal Bank, Inc. (RBI) branches in Dumaguete City
and Siquijor City to motivate its staff especially the new
generations in helping the marginalized sector. Dr. Alip also
aims to inculcate the core values of CARD MRI to its staff
in his visits to the branches – to remain simple and humble
BR_Dec31-Jan 6 noel.indd 5
from what we have achieved
both as individuals and as a
community in the past year,"
Duterte said in a statement on
Sunday (December 31).
Duterte remained optimis-
tic that the country's press-
ing issues such as corruption,
criminality, illegal drugs and
terrorism that "impeded our
progress in the past year"
would be resolved.
"I remain hopeful that
tech production and logistics
facilities, as well as multi-
functional design-engineering
units.
The trade chief conveyed
PH’s openness to investors
and the government’s efforts
in diversifying investors,
while also ensuring ease of
doing business in the country.
“This could be a pioneer
technology in the country.
Apart from investments, shar-
ing of technological know-
how, and employment gen-
eration, this will also open
opportunities for our domes-
tic market and export indus-
try,” said the trade chief.
Also at the meeting were
Presidential Spokesperson
Harry Roque, BOI Managing
Head and DTI Undersecre-
tary Ceferino Rodolfo, and
DTI Undersecretaries Nora
Terrado and Rowel Barba.
CARD readies relief packs ahead of ‘Vinta’ landfall
Staff and clients of CARD
Mutually Reinforcing In-
stitution (CARD MRI) in
Mindanao simultaneously
packed relief goods for at
least five percent of their
total number of clients two
days before the expected
landfall of tropical storm
Vinta.
"To strategically provide
easy and fast assistance for
our clients, all our unit offices
that are safe, near, and within
the areas where the tropical
storm is expected to cross, are
packing relief goods that are
enough to cover the number of
clients they are serving," said
Marilyn Manila, CARD MRI's
Disaster Management Chair.
Manila also added that the
BUSINESS REPORTER
CARD MRI assisted families affected by Urduja
More than 34,600 fami-
lies were assisted by CARD
Mutually Reinforcing In-
stitutions (CARD MRI) as
tropical storm ‘Urduja’ hit
the country and left many
communities submerged
in flood water days before
Christmas.
In response to its affected
members, CARD MRI sends
relief assistance to its clients
and their families. “We are
prepared to assist them in
times of calamities. We al-
ready distributed all the relief
packs to affected clients of
Urduja,” CARD MRI Disas-
ter Response Chair Marilyn
Manila, said.
The CARD MRI micro-
insurance group has already
paid a total of 713 policy
holders for their house dam-
ages caused by ‘Urduja’.
Meanwhile, 17 reported
casualties from CARD cli-
ents and their families were
number of relief goods pre-
pared will cover all of its cli-
ents who will possibly be af-
fected by Vinta.
Claims validation
Other than the relief as-
sistance preparation, CARD
MRI's staff are already on the
ground preparing for the vali-
dation of claims for life and
non-life insurance.
All microfinance clients of
CARD MRI are automatically
enrolled in CARD Mutual
Benefit Association (CARD
MBA), the microinsurance
arm of CARD MRI, and are
entitled with life insurance
benefits.
Clients may also avail vari-
ous non-life products, such
as re-house, hospitalization,
yet competent ambassadors of change. Part of his visit is
to discuss CARD MRI’s strategy to elevate its services to
its clients through technology. Dr. Alip also visited some
of RBI’s clients in the area to encourage them and vows
better products and services through technology. Dr. Alip is
expected to visit CARD offices nationwide to give updates
to the innovative strategies of CARD MRI to extend more
outreach.
already given aid and have
already been paid for their in-
surance claims.
Extending your help
CARD MRI launched do-
nation drives in social media
to help the affected commu-
nities. “Let us help them feel
the true spirit of Christmas.
Let’s extend our hands to help
them,” said Manila.
After ‘Urduja’, our country
experienced another typhoon
hitting Mindanao and Visayas
islands. To help the affected
families and extend the es-
sence of Christmas, interested
donors may donate clothes
to CARD MRI Head Office,
CARD, Inc. Regional Offices,
CMDI campus in Bay, La-
guna and Tagum City, CARD
Bank, CARD SME Bank, and
Rizal Bank branches located
in Visayas and Mindanao.
Donors may also give cash
donations to address the basic
needs of those in the affected
among others, with low pre-
mium cost to other microin-
surance companies of CARD
MRI, the CARD MRI Insur-
ance Agency (CaMIA) and
CARD Pioneer Microinsur-
ance, Inc. (CPMI).
8-24 hour claims valida-
BIKOL REPORTER
our resilience will enable us
to overcome and rise above
these challenges as one na-
tion,” said Duterte.
Duterte invited Filipinos to
"embrace this coming year's
uncertainty with a glimmer of
hope."
He also called on the pub-
lic to be partners with the
government in achieving the
"vision of a better and more
prosperous future."
CARD MRI Founder and Chairman Dr. Jaime Aristotle B. Alip
helped in packing relief goods for CARD members affected
by ‘Urduja’.
communities. For more infor-
mation on how to help, visit
CARD MRI Facebook page,
CARD Mutually Reinforcing
Institutions.
“Let us continue to pray
for the safety of our fellows
and let’s extend our hand to
bring warmth to the affected
communities this Christmas,”
CARD MRI Founder and
tion
The immediate valida-
tion activity is part of CARD
MBA's 8-24 hour claims pay-
ment strategy.
The strategy commits to
pay the claims due for its
policy holders within eight
hours and maximum of 24
hours right after any incident
that would cost their lives and
properties.
Credit with education
"CARD MRI also has an
PIA-CAMSUR HEAD IS 2017 . . .
fested by her brave-hearted
involvement in civic and hu-
manitarian organizations that
promotes transparency, spirit
of support and cooperation.
PRAISE is an incentive
awards system designed by
the Civil Service Commission
(CSC) to encourage creativ-
ity, innovativeness efficiency,
integrity and productivity in
the public service by recog-
nizing and rewarding officials
and employees, individuals
5
While the chief execu-
tive remained optimistic
for 2018, a Social Weather
Stations (SWS) survey on
Saturday showed almost all
Filipinos will also welcome
2018 with hope.
The SWS report said a
"record-high" 96 percent
of Filipinos are hopeful for
2018, surpassing the 95 per-
cent set in 2002, 2011 and
2016. -Rom Dulfo/PNA
Chairman Dr. Jaime Aristotle
B. Alip, said.
CARD MRI have been al-
ways ready to assist the com-
munities it serves in times of
uncertainties. It continues to
provide products, services and
various programs to equip its
clients in times of calamities
and makes them resilient in
times of uncertainties.
education program called
Credit with Education (CwE).
A new module on disaster
management had been rolled
out this year to all our centers.
CwE modules are being facili-
tated by our Account Officers
during center meetings of our
clients," Manila said.
Center meeting is one
CARD MRI's strategy to
gather its clients weekly and
discuss various topics that
would benefit their family and
respective businesses.
At least 10 minutes per
center meeting is allotted for
the Credit with Education
(CwE). "The topic on disas-
ter management is taught for
eight sessions or at least two
months," Manila added.
CARD MRI is also hopeful
that none of its clients will lose
lives as they have armed them
already with all the needed
skills before, during, and after
disaster.
or in groups for their sugges-
tions, inventions, superior ac-
complishments and other per-
sonal efforts which contribute
to the efficiency, economy, or
other improvement in govern-
ment operations, or for other
extraordinary acts or services
in the public interest.
This year’s PIA PRAISE
awarding ceremony was held
on December 13, 2017 in
Quezon City. -JRM-PIA5/
CamSur
1/3/2018 10:58:46 AM
 6 BIKOL REPORTER DEC. 31, 2017-JAN. 6, 2018
BOOMING BUSINESS: COUNTRYSIDE ENTREPRENEURSHIP UP . . . in the countryside with DTI cess to grants and other forms
tallying a total of 718 centers of financial assistance, Shared
In the 2017 Negosyo Cen- Negosyo Centers in 2014. nomic movers of the country. critical engines of economic throughout the country. Service Facilities (SSF) and
ter year-end performance DTI Regional Operations “2017 has been the year growth and development. Under the current adminis- other equipment, and other
monitoring report, a total Group (DTI-ROG) Under- for Filipino MSMEs as the To encourage aspiring en- tration, a total of 343 Negosyo support for MSMEs through
of 614,417 entrepreneurs secretary Zenaida Maglaya country hosted the ASEAN. trepreneurs, Negosyo Centers Centers were established, she national government agencies
have been assisted by these stressed that the huge surge With ASEAN, MSMEs were have also conducted 11,043 added. (NGAs), ensure management
centers—leapfrogging from of entrepreneurs assisted given the much needed atten- skills, managerial and en- The Republic Act No. guidance, assistance and im-
the June 2017 performance was due to the government’s tion in order to advance the trepreneurship training pro- 10644 or the Go Negosyo provement of the working
report of 595,573 clients as- support for MSMEs and the country’s economic agenda,” grams, the report showed. Act aims to help micro, small conditions of MSMEs; and
sisted since the inception of advancing of MSMEs as eco- Maglaya said. Maglaya explained that Ne- and medium enterprises facilitate market access and
With more MSMEs turn- gosyo Centers are very effec- (MSMEs), promote ease of linkaging services for entre-
ing to Negosyo Center for as- tive in reaching out Filipinos doing business, facilitate ac- preneurs.
KANTONG PUTIKON . . .
sistance, Maglaya attributed
wilderness, [and] rivers in the desert. the entrepreneurship surge to GOV. CUA WELCOMES PHL AIRLINES’ DIRECT . . .
HAPPY NEW YEAR TO ALL. GOD RICHLY BLESS YOU. the agency’s continuing drive capacity. This is in response like in Pampanga. “We could get a big chunk
-:)Ptr.Joey and Eva to introduce entrepreneurship to the public demand and with Now that Catanduanes has of tourists, since connecting
******** as a steady source of income, the efforts of the government an aggressive marketing when sila from Clark direkta nasa
Joy 2 d world & beyond! Wd God’s blessings 4 eternity. while also recognizing the officials in Catanduanes. it comes to tourism, Provin- Virac,” she added.
******** agency’s partnerships with Provincial Tourism Offi- cial Tourism Officer Garcia The management of PAL
Special prayer - other national government cer Carmel Bonifacio-Garcia said that opening of Clark is promised to provide quality
“May GOD fill your heart with much love, Your soul agencies, and non-govern- believed that Philippine Air- a big market and would really and comfortable travel for the
with peace, Your mind with wisdom and your body ment organizations (NGOs),
with good health
lines’ flights from Clark to Vi- boost Catanduanes’ tourism people of Catanduanes and
local government units, and rac and vice-versa opens a big industry. for Catanduanes.
May you be surrounded with more good people to help
big corporations. opportunity for Catanduanes
you in your everyday journey
May you be guided and inspired by the HOLY SPIRIT, in
“We’re very grateful to given that Clark is an interna- SUGAR WORKERS IN BICOL . . .
Filipinos that they realize the tional hub where in travelers
everything you do. HAPPY NEW YEAR in 2 your family. by the body to start with the well as the safety and health
huge help they get from en- could avail of direct flights to
******** conduct of Occupational of sugar workers,” Sarcauga
trepreneurship and how busi- other countries.
IF you leave a LEGACY of GOODNESS and KINDNESS Safety and Health (OSH) explained.
ness contributes to society by “We could market Cat-
to those who come into your life, they will find it difficult to orientation for sugar work- With the projected activi-
providing employment and anduanes doon sa mga inter-
erase you from their hearts. ers and sacadas, Orientation ties for 2018, DOLE Bicol
********
lifting the economy,” Magla- national or doon sa foreign on latest Labor Issuances, is also aiming to foster vol-
Have a Great Year Ahead and God bless=ØÞ ya said. tourists” she said adding that Medical and Dental Mission, untary compliance with the
Happy Sunday! Philippine MSMEs account there is a possibility for the Project Angel tree, SRA ac- sugar planters.
******** for 99.5% of the total number province to have travel ex- tivities and will finish with The DTC is concentrated
New Year is not about changing the Dates but Direction; of established businesses and change or actively participate the conduct of assessment to in the province of Camarines
It’s not about changing the Calendar but Commitment; employ 62.8% of the coun- in the Northern Travel Fair big planters regarding their Sur and is being handled
It’s not about changing the Actions but Attitude; try’s workforce, contributing which usually happens every compliance to labor laws. by DOLE Camarines Sur
It’s not about changing the Fruit but Faith, Force and substantially to the country’s November since Northern “These activities for 2018 headed by Ms. Ana Christine
Focus! manufacturing output and Philippines has also market- is geared towards improving Soriano.
May you Commit and Create the best New Year ever total employment, making it able and booming tourism not only the benefits but as

EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT EXTRAJUDICIAL SETTLEMENT OF ESTATE

WITH ABSOLUTE SALE
Notice is hereby given that the named parties are the
surviving Heirs of DIVINA D. TRINIDAD, left a parcel
of land identified as Lot No. 165-D, situated at Bagum-
bayan Grande, Goa, Camarines Sur; that invoking the
provision of Rule 74,Section 1 of the Revised Rules
of Court of the Philippines, the parties all of legal age
hereby ADJUDICATE the described property among
themselves; that for and in consideration of the sum of
THIRTY THOUSAND PESOS (Php30,000.00) Philippine
Currency, in hand paid in full satisfaction by REMEDIOS
TADEO vda. DE CASAIS of Bagumbayan Grande, Goa,
Camarines Sur, the HEIRS do hereby SELL, CEDE,
CONVEY and TRANSFER by way of Absolute Sale
the land described unto said Remedios Tadeo vda de
Casais, her heirs and assigns; as acknowledged before
Notary Public Atty. Ellen A. Ernesto-Darilay, Doc. No.
166, Page No. 34, Book No. I, Series of 2017.
BIKOL REPORTER
Published: December 17, 24 and 31, 2017
OF ESTATE WITH WAIVER
Notice is hereby given that the named parties are
the surviving Heirs of the late CELERINA BABAR-
ALIS, who died intestate on May 31, 2005, left a
parcel of residential land located at San Roque,
Camaligan, Camarines Sur, the parties all of legal
ages, and the legitimate and surviving legal heirs
of the deceased, hereby divide, partition and ad-
judicate unto themselves in equal shares the de-
scribed parcel of land; the parties/heirs do hereby
waive, convey and transfer by way of Waiver unto
their brother, Danilo B. Alis his heirs and assign,
their shares, rights and interest on the described
parcel of land, as acknowledged before Notary
Public Atty. P. R. Perfecto, Doc. No. 1036, Page
No. 208, Book No. 28, Series of 2017.
BIKOL REPORTER
Published: Dec. 31, 2017; January 7 and 14, 2018
OF THE LATE CELERINA BABAR-ALIS
Notice is hereby given that the named parties are
the surviving Heirs being the children of the late
CELERINA BABAR-ALIS, who died intestate on
May 31, 2005, with no known debts, left an estate
consisting of her one-half share over a parcel of
land described, located at San Roque, Camaligan,
Camarines Sur, that invoking the provisions of
Rule 74 of the Revised Rules of Court, the Heirs
do hereby adjudicate among themselves in pro-
indiviso and in equal shares the described parcel
of land; as acknowledged before Notary Public
Atty. P. R. Perfecto, Doc. No. 1037, Page No. 208,
Book No. 28, Series of 2017.
BIKOL REPORTER
Published: Dec. 31, 2017; January 7 and 14, 2018

FOR NOVEMBER
NAME OF DECEASED DATE OF INTERMENT

SIXTO L. LUZ SR. NOVEMBER 3, 2017

GAVINO A. CECILIO NOVEMBER 3, 2017
AYNA B. SANCHEZ NOVEMBER 3, 2017
ESLAWA A. AGUILAR NOVEMBER 5, 2017
VICTORIA A. BONGIAD NOVEMBER 5, 2017
EMILIA P. PALMEDA NOVEMBER 11, 2017
CELSO Q. SANICO NOVEMBER 11, 2017
ROBERTO L. UMEREZ NOVEMBER 11, 2017
RODOLFO A. PACHECO JR. NOVEMBER 14, 2017
GLENN DUANE S. CONCORDIA NOVEMBER 14, 2017
RHYXEN YZOBELLE ABESTRO NATIVIDAD NOVEMBER 20, 2017
ELPIDIO A. REDONDO JR. NOVEMBER 21, 2017
LEOPOLDO A. CUYA SR. NOVEMBER 23, 2017
DIONISIO R. OLAVERE SR. NOVEMBER 23, 2017
RODOLFO C. ORLIN JR. NOVEMBER 25, 2017
FELICIDAD M. GOYENA NOVEMBER 25, 2017
FELICIANO A. AGUILAR SR. NOVEMBER 28, 2017
FLORENCIA B. AGUILAR NOVEMBER 28, 2017
ELMER B. AGUILAR NOVEMBER 28, 2017
SIMFOROSA F. ESQUIERRA NOVEMBER 28, 2017
WILLIAM B. PARDE SR. NOVEMBER 30, 2017
ELSA M. PARDE NOVEMBER 30, 2017

BR_Dec31-Jan 6 noel.indd 6 1/3/2018 10:58:47 AM

 DEC. 31, 2017-JAN. 6, 2018
SHUN FIRECRACKERS, CIMATU . . .
that get into the air. Once in-
haled, these particles can af-
fect the heart and lungs and
cause serious health effects.
The monitoring station
at De La Salle University in
Manila recorded the highest
level of PM 2.5 pollutants at
448 micrograms per normal
cubic meter (ug/Ncm). The
healthy guideline value for
PM2.5 is 25 ug/Ncm annu-
ally and 50 ug/Ncm for 24-
hour averaging.
The PM2.5 levels in Ma-
nila and other major cities
in the metropolis fell under
the category of “extremely
dangerous,” meaning it was
no longer deemed safe to go
outside without wearing a
face mask, and that it was not
always safe.
According to Cimatu,
there are other ways to usher
in the New Year without the
dangerous firecrackers.
Instead of using firecrack-
ers, Cimatu urged the public
to make noise with whistles,
rattles, car horns, bells and
other harmless devices to
ring in the New Year.
The environment chief also
reminded the public about an
executive order (EO) signed
by President Duterte last June
that bans the use of firecrack-
ers and fireworks in house-
holds or places of residence
nationwide.
EO 28 confines the use of
DOST BARES 5 MAJOR . . .
their products and services.
The program aims to help
MSMEs improve their com-
petitiveness by providing
them with a loan that is pay-
able in three years.
3. Assistance to startups
The DOST has assisted
almost 400 startups in 2017.
"We have provided them
with all types of assistance --
money, services, calibration,
etc.," said Dela Pena.
To further help the start-
ups and MSMEs, the DOST
offers the OneStore, a web-
site where their products are
displayed and can be pur-
chased.
Close to 11,000 products
have been uploaded in the
OneStore website this year.
4. Human resource de-
velopment
Dela Pena noted that in
2017, the DOST has provid-
ed scholarships to more than
22,000 students.
Of the said figure, 7,881
are scholars of the Philippine
Science High School. Close
BR_Dec31-Jan 6 noel.indd 7
firecrackers and fireworks to
“community fireworks dis-
play.”
According to the EO, a
community fireworks display
is "conducted under the su-
pervision of a trained person
duly licensed by the Philip-
pine National Police."
Meanwhile, Director Me-
todio Turbella of the DENR’s
Environmental Management
Bureau warned the public of
the unhealthy effects of using
firecrackers.
He said the smoke from
fireworks consists mainly of
fine toxic dusts such as ozone,
sulfur dioxide and nitric oxide
that can easily enter the lungs
which becomes a real threat
for people with asthma.
Turbella said people
should do away with fire-
crackers if they want to “go
for greener and healthier
change.”
“These pyro techniques
generate harmful fumes or
smoke that’s not only haz-
ardous to our health, but to
the environment as well,” he
said.
Health experts have
warned that firecrackers re-
lease toxic fumes and chemi-
cals that can seriously harm
the body. These dangerous
particles travel to the lungs
that cause cough, shortness
of breath and aggravate exist-
ing lung diseases.
to 1,000 are taking their PhDs
while 2,700 are taking Mas-
ter of Science. The rest of the
scholars are taking an under-
graduate course.
5. Additional radars
To further improve weath-
er forecasting capability and
disaster risk reduction in the
country, four Doppler radars,
which could measure the rain
volume, and two flood fore-
casting and warning centers
have been completed this
year.
The DOST said that to
date, the country has 13 Dop-
pler radars and three X-Band
radars in the country. "These
DEPED – CATANDUANES . . .
be out of his own personal
resources.
Prioritizing the education
sector, he also shared his
biggest programs for next year,
the Scholarship Program for
students pursuing law, medicine
and post-graduate studies.
“Kabali kamo diyan. Kaya
kaipuhan ko ning tabang
BIKOL REPORTER 7
HAPPY NEW PELL
MELL
YEAR Everyone Jokee BOTOR-REYES
For the past several days, there had Losing a child because she got sick and is very hard to take. All mothers must
been reports of young girls, ages 4 to 11 eventually dies is indeed sad but we give have taken pains helping them grow
who do lose their way home and found them back to their Maker and rest in the up, nurturing them in their arms when
later to have been raped and killed. This thought that innocent as they are, they they were just babies and seeing them
is very alarming. As a mother, now a are in God’s above and happy. grow up pretty and loved and looking
grandmother and a woman, watching on There are lessons here that we must forward to a wonderful life when they
television news of this kind breaks my learn. Parents must watch over their grow up but one day, something
heart and does every woman’s heart, children, especially girls. They should not wrong happened. I think even to close
I presume. And so also fathers and be left along wandering while they are male relatives young girls must not
everyone who feels incidents of this kind calm not knowing where their children be entrusted. Mothers, pray for your
should not happen in our society. But why are. Who are their companions, parents children because there is nothing more
do these happen? Sometimes a relative must know. . They must be cautioned than asking their Guardian Angels
of the victim is the culprit who is either by not to talk to strangers much less trust to watch over them. But personally
nature a maniac or a drug addict. them. Children are very vulnerable monitoring our young children is best.
I am thinking of these very young girls that they fall into a trap and it would be We hope the New Year brings us good
who will probably grow up happily with too late to know that something wrong news. Like enjoying freedom from
other kids enjoying the pleasure of being had happened to them. What could be fear.
young. It is indeed very sad to have disheartening is the fact that the children Let us celebrate New Year with a
these kids lose their life at a very young are practically abused near their own spiritual bang. Let us all pray that 2018
age and abused by heartless men who homes already. will be a Prosperous New Year to all
can only use young girls to fill their lust. Finding young girls killed and raped of us.
CSEPC CHRISTMAS PARTY
Thanksgiving party of the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) to the Camarines Sur Energy Press Corps
(CSEPC) held on December 21, 2017 at Jimmy & Tang's Restaurant, Naga City. - (JRM-PIA5/Camarines Sur)
radars have contributed to
low forecast track error," the
agency said.
Doppler radars are located
in Iloilo, Palawan, Guian,
Subic, Tagaytay, Mactan,
Hinatuan, Tampakan, Basco,
Zamboanga, Aparri, Virac,
and Baguio.
The three X-Band ra-
dars, on the other hand, were
placed in the Philippine
Atmospheric, Geophysical
and Astronomical Services
Administration (PAGASA)
central office in Quezon City,
Mindanao, and Baler. -Ma.
Cristina Arayata/PNA
sa lambang saro sa indo,
sa SP na maaprubahan ang
satuyang gigibuhon na ordi-
nance,” Gov. Cua stated.
“Dapat magkasararo kita
ta nganing padagos tang
mataw-an ning pag-asa ang
gustong magkaigwa ning
magayon na buhay,” he said
further.
BISHOPS . . .
lic Church. His mother was a
devout Catholic, and he loves
his Mama very much.”
On Dec. 23, Duterte signed
Republic Act No. 10966 de-
claring Dec. 8 of every year a
special non-working holiday
in the Philippines to honor
the Feast of the Immaculate
Conception of the Blessed
Virgin Mary.
Congress passed the law.
The House of Representa-
tives signed it on May 2
while the Senate approved it
on December 11. -PNA
1/3/2018 10:58:48 AM
 PAGE 8 BICOL, THE PHILIPPINES DEC. 31, 2017-JAN. 6, 2018

Gov. Cua welcomes Phl Airlines’

direct flights from Clark to Virac
DepEd – Catanduanes
to receive 2 aircon
buses from Gov. Cua
Governor Joseph C. Cua
promised to give 2 aircon
buses next year to the De-
partment of Education, Di-
vision of Catanduanes. The
local chief executive said
during the Christmas Party
of school heads, superinten-
dents, and other division of-
fice personnel.
“This is a way of giv-
ing back to your hard work
and sacrifices as teachers”,
said Gov Cua expressing his
gratitude to the DepEd Cat-
anduanes.
The buses will be used
for the education tour for the
teachers or the “Pasyar kan
mga teachers”
“I see to it, matapos ang Governor Joseph C. Cua welcomed the Philip- In attendance also were Congressman Cesar V. Sarmiento,
term ko gabos kita nagpara- pine Airlines (PAL) during the Virac-Clark Inaugu- Virac Mayor Sammy Laynes, PBM Vincent Villaluna, Provin-
syar bilang tabang naman, cial Tourism Officer Carmel Bonifacio-Garcia and local media
bilang balos saindong obli-
ral Flight Send-off Ceremony on Monday morning
practitioners.
gasyon bilang maestra, mae- at the Virac Airport which was graced by the Mr. PAL has set to operate direct flights from Clark to Virac
stro,” he said adding that pro- Genaro C. Velasquez, Philippine Airlines-Senior thrice a week (Monday, Wednesday, and Friday) using PAL air-
curement of the buses would Assistant Vice President of Metro Manila and Lu- crafts: Q300 with 56 seating capacity and Q400 with 76 seating
(Turn to page 7) zon Sales along with PAL personnel. (Turn to page 6)

BR_Dec31-Jan 6 noel.indd 8 1/3/2018 10:58:50 AM