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Human Events Stories

Human Rights Day 2010, Morong 43 and Diplomacy

In the past few weeks, we featured five build-up guest posts with specific reference to prevailing human rights atmosphere in the PH. What a good “coincidence” that as the Philippines, and other nations of the world, observe today, December 10th International Human Rights day, president Benigno S. Aquino III has ordered the department of justice (DOJ) to withdraw the charges against the Morong 43.

Maricel Delen: A Human Rights Worker, a Widow, Now a Victim of Persecution

How can the government and the Armed Forces of the Philippines claim that it respects human rights when human rights defenders themselves are being the target of attack? How can there be claims of “change” when the lives of the majority remain the same, and even getting worse, and those who defend the rights of the poor and the oppressed are still being treated as “enemies of the state”?

The Almost Forgotten Town of Siruma

The quaint, little and big town of Siruma lies on the northeastern section of Camarines Sur, much properly on a peninsula jutting out to the sea. Its shores is lapped by the cool waves of the Pacific, while the inland territory is generally of mountainous terrain abundantly sun-basked.

The Thin Line That Divides Everything in Our Lives

The big, influential businesses accumulate profits and get the government’s favorable attention much of the time. On the other side are hapless workers literally wrapped in the palms of big business, choking. Already, they howl and scream on the city streets yet get the caressing water guns of the government. Hence, workers are warped into a time very much comparable when there exist no justice for all but for the people wtih deep pockets and capital.

Filipinos to Shoulder P44 Billion in CCT Loan Repayment

Research group IBON calls on lawmakers deliberating on the budget for the controversial Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) Program to look into the resulting additional debt burden that Filipinos will shoulder to repay the program’s loans.

Cases of EJKs, Other Rights Violations Under Aquino Piling Up

After Justice Secretary Leila de Lima submitted her review on the case of the Morong 43, the legal team of Malacanang also reviewed de Lima’s review and forwarded recommendations to the President. Aquino already said twice that he would let the courts decide on the case of the health workers.

Bench at the Calabanga Plaza is a Mute Witness of Time

Fifty eight years last month, in November 18, 1952, the former mayor of Calabanga town unveiled a donation of a (cement) bench located at the plaza. Now with the onslaught of change and modest modernization, the bench still occupies its original location. But it has served its purpose and the passage of time clearly made its mark.

It’s 23rd World Aids Day on December 1st, 2010

Tomorrow, December 1, 2010, we observe the 23rd World Aids Day. We join the multitude of people in marking the day in a more significant way. We quote the message of UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibe and UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon on this post.

Rice Will Be a Many Splendored Thing to Importers Next Year

During the initial days of the new administration, many were shocked (sic) on how voluminous the past government imported rice from other Asian countries. The issue was heightened when some National Food Authority warehouses were found with rotting stockpiles of the commodity.

Sorsogon NPA’s Declare Unilateral Ceasefire

The threat of eruption of Mt. Bulusan in Sorsogon and its possible challenges to the surrounding populace has one immediate positive effect, if we can qualify it as one. The provincial unit of the rebel movement in the province has made known their declaration of a unilateral suspension of offensive military operations (SOMO) in areas near the volcano.

Paolbo’s Divine Mercy Parish to Build Pastoral Center

Alas, there is more on the drawing board for the Divine Mercy parish and community. The next project will be the proposed construction of another facility to service the growing religious community around Paolbo. Yes, the parish of Divine Mercy is set to build a new pastoral center building within […]

Advocacy Group Urges DFA to Bring Home OFWs in Distress

Advocacy group Migrante International on November 19th staged a picket in front of the department of foreign affairs (DFA) building in Manila to call on the government to facilitate the repatriation of distressed overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

Adding Ease of Use on Desktop Functionality

Taking time out writing blog by changing desktop make-up and functionality for ease of use. With all the thousands of files saved on folders and subfolders, it takes awhile looking for particular saved material on my notebook.

New Albay Airport Benefits from PPP Initiative

The new airport in Daraga town of Albay, otherwise referred to as the southern Luzon international airport, is Bicol’s share in the PPP project being initiated by the PH government. Funding for its construction and completion will be sourced thru the new initiative.

Sorsogon’s Mt. Bulusan Erupts

Some 540 families in the towns of Irosin and Juban in Sorsogon province were evacuated Sunday as Mount Bulusan spewed thick ash clouds. The evacuees came from three villages directly affected and within the six kilometer permanent danger zone around the erupting volcano.

PPP: Less Gov’t Responsibility, More Public Debt

Through PPP projects, many crucial responsibilities of the government are being transferred to profit-oriented private corporations and banks, particularly the development and operation of core infrastructure such as roads and mass transportation network, power generation, and water supply and distribution, among others.

PPP: More Public Debt, Less Gov’t Responsibility

Experiences show PPPs did not guarantee savings for the government but even bloated the public debt. And it can only get worse under the Aquino government’s new schemes for more of PPPs.

Many PH Cities Depend on IRA share in 2006

One of the fastest growing city in terms of annual income and population of PH and the only one in the province of Rizal, Antipolo is one LGU that effectively host a mix of residential, commercial and industrial use. The city center overflows with devotees on Sundays and Holy days that city streets are devoted to foot traffic. One of the pitfall effect of urbanization which could be solved with effective planning.

Quezon Tops PH Cities Annual Income for 2006

The city of Quezon has a land area of 166.20 square km. or 64.2 square miles with a population of 2,679,450 or a density of 16,114/km2 (41,735/sq mi). It is roughly the size of the municipality of Calabanga (163.84 sq. km.) in terms of land area.

PH Not RP is Philippines ISO Country Code

We are bound in some specific ways with generally accepted standards and norms in our daily lives. So with government and industry transactions and liaisons are done in standards that will facilitate and ease the orderly and non-confusing conduct of business.

The Bicol Farmer and Double Talk on Rice

In time of domestic rice shortages, to whom the Philippine government rely more often than not. Or at least, for the immediate past year? No, not the Filipino farmer, are you kidding me!

CBSUA Masteral Students Clean-up Beach

Masteral students enrolled at the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture-Calabanga rolled their sleeves for a day of community service. Mostly teachers from the state schools in the municipality, they went out to the nearby shoreline for a beach clean-up. All are pursuing masteral studies but met together in the environmental governance class for the first semester of 2010-2011.

CASURECO II: The Bane of a Boon

Tomorrow, we go to the polls, for the third time in a row in one year. First was the national election last May, then the Comelec-bungled barangay election last month. But tomorrow will be the selection of board of directors of the Camarines Sur II electric cooperative for resident-consumers of the nine towns of Siruma, Tinambac, Calabanga, Bombon, Canaman, Magarao, Milaor, Minalabac, Pili and Naga city.

Bicol Municipal LGU’s Income Trail Others

For purposes of checking out how Bicol municipal LGUs’ income compare outside of the region, thus we continue the series on this one. Twenty five towns of the Philippines earned between +P200M and +P1.05B for the year 2006. The National Capital Region’s San Juan dwarfed all others on this category.

Annual Income of Bicol Cities and Provinces for 2006

But while Bicol LGUs earn millions (in pesos), it does not follow that the constituents are also that rich. On the contrary, not much has changed on more than majority of the people’s earnings and income. Many families are still below the poverty threshold level around the region. So that there is the strong contrast of the government awashed with money and the people stricken in poverty.

Traditional Earners Top Bicol Municipal LGU’s 2006 Income

For the fiscal year of 2006, 33 out of 107 Bicol municipal LGUs earned an income over and above the P50M mark. Camarines Norte capital town of Daet topped with an annual income of P158M followed by Albay’s premier town of Daraga. CamSur’s Pili earned P77M to place 6th. Catanduanes capital of Virac earned P65M for the 17th.

Mt. Bulusan’s Seismic Activities Continue

Mount Bulusan in Sorsogon continued to show signs of increasing volcanic activities, recording explosion-type quakes and belching a 200-meter high white steam clouds above the crater rim, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said.

Portrait of a Calabangueño as an Artist

During his elementary days, one would see him at their home front sari-sari store sketching komiks (yes, komiks was so popular that time) characters like the famous “Palos” and many more, honing his skills. At an early age he has shown the propensity and inclination for the visual arts, just […]

Something Happened on the Way to the Forum

Something happened during the past few days on the backside of this blog, Cbanga360(dot)net. And it was not funny at all. This writer got distraught had to stop writing post while thinking of the worst possibility- online posts, comments, images, data, may be lost forever if its repository- the SQL database get affected.

All Souls and All Saints Day Once Again

The ties that bind close family relatives makes the strong pull during certain occasions of the year. One of that is like today’s and tomorrow’s All Souls and All Saints day. However and whenever day the family would like to celebrate (Monday or Tuesday?), commemorate or memorialize again and again our dear departed rests on the schedule and preparations, but mostly on the first of the month as many could be seen around the cemeteries and memorial parks.

NCR Income Humbles Philippine Regions in 2005

To give us a broader and over-all picture of the total annual income of all LGUs, all provinces, all cities and all municipalities, would it be better if they are summed-up by region? So here it is, the table of consolidated income of all LGUs. This post finally closes the presentation on the 2005 income of Philippine towns, cities and provinces.

Premier Provinces of the Philippines in 2005

In our continuing presentation of the annual income of Bicol LGUs we take a look at how they compare in rank with others. The province of Rizal topped the list. Quite remarkable considering that many of its premier and urban towns were chopped from its jurisdiction when the National Capital region was created.

Barangay Election Postponed in Bicol Towns

Just thinking aloud, why is the Comelec shipping election paraphernalia a few days before the actual election, or midnight before election to be exact? So that it always comes to a frustrating situation where these materials either arrive late or never at all on actual election day.

Billionaire Cities of the Philippines in 2005

There are similarities between the cities of Davao and Puerto Princesa. Both have large land area than any of the cities one can locate in the country. Same cities are outside of Metro Manila. Before, respective residents claim either of the two LGUs was the biggest in the Philippines in terms of territory covered. Checking their websites and Wikipedia recently, it seems that has been settled.

All Systems Go for Barangay Elections on Monday

All candidates for barangay position rests today as the campaign period ended Saturday midnight. The waiting game will be over as voters write their verdict in ballots tomorrow. One fact we are sure, there will be more non-winning candidates than winners.

The Aftermath of the Storm

After a devastating typhoon, villagers would immediately act to salvage whatever household items could be useful and still serviceable. Us in Bicol having undergone the same experience more than many times in the past several years as our fellow Filipinos in northern Luzon, can not help but feel the sorrow and pain of typhoon victims.

A Grand Lady is Coming Home

She came to America a few months after loving husband first stepped unto the soils of Long Beach. Ever since, she never transferred to another city. She worked hard for her daughter’s family to join her before but since it was far more important to give the grandson a choice she had to forego the dream even though they stayed for sometime with her.

Rich Towns, Poor Towns of RP

They are the cream of an elite group unto themselves. If they are human, they could be living “la vida loca.” But since they are neither, then they could be comparable to virtual money machines, search engine optimized, sucks every single centavo that comes near their sphere.

Waiting for Superman on Stormy Weather

Extraordinary times like this we wish to ourselves that some extra able super guy (Superman??) would come, rescue not only young ladies in distress but the public as well. But for our country there should be many.

Super Typhoon Juan (Megi) and Weather Watching

We are on an intense weather watch due to the tropical disturbance by typhoon Juan (international code name: megi). But rather than get the bulletin from the local channels, we have to rely on the internet which are much more detailed (words and graphic) with updates as often as the sites get one, without the interruption of lengthy advertisements except those pay per click links.

Legazpi and Camsur Occupies Income Leads in 2005

Looking deep at the 2005 income of cities and provinces of Bicol this time, the trend is no different from previous years. The moneys earned stay more on the uptrend. The cities of Legazpi and Naga are truly rivals. Sorsogon may seem to occupy the third position now and the next years to come.

Daet Ranks 1st in 2005 Bicol Earnings

There is no stumbling block on the surge of Camarines Norte’s capital of Daet to the top of regional ranking by income of Bicol municipalities for the year 2005. Albay province’s top earner Daraga did not even take the second spot and was relegated to number 3. LGU Labo (again, of Camarines Norte) ranked second.

A Call to Heal Our Rivers and Creeks

Blog Action Day 2010: WATER– Time is running out for our rivers and creeks. But we have time on our hands to save and salvage them. Let us put an end at dumping refuse and garbage on our rivers. Saving these waterways begin at home, spreading awareness in our communtiy and helping the local government. Let us organize and move. The time is now. Not tomorrow, but today.

CBSUA Staff and Students Clean-up Calabanga

We cannot help but raise two thumbs up for that endearing and commendable efforts shared by the educational community of Central Bicol State University of Agriculture in Calabanga. On August 26th this year, the Technology Department moved its staff, instructors and students for a fun clean-up drive about the town working hand-in-hand with the local government officials of Calabanga.

Forty Eight Bicol Towns Earn P2.5B in 2004

For the fiscal year of 2004, 48 Bicol towns out of 107 earned an income of P37M or more which totalled P2,478,990,989 out of the regional earnings of P3,951,780,429. Of these local government units, twenty breached the P50M yearly income while the reamaining 28 municipalities earned between P35 but less than P50M.

Naga and CamSur Shows 2003 Earning Power

The province of Camarines Sur and the city of Naga lead the list of top earners in their category for three consecutive years of 2001, 2002 and 2003. The perennial seconders are Albay province and Legazpi city for the same reference periods.

Daraga Town Leads in Bicol 2003 Income

Positioned in rank #1 is Albay province’s premiere town of Daraga with annual income of P108,615,847. Daet, the capital town of Camarines Norte earned P79,165,000 and ranked 2nd. Another town of Camarines Norte, Labo, had annual earnings of P78,378,000 and ranked 3rd. Big town Libmanan of Camarines Sur with earnings of P71,331,958 was ranked 4rth.

Big CamSur Towns Top 2003 Earnings

On this post, we check out changes and performance of Camsur towns’ earnings and expenditures for 2003. 13 towns earned beyond P35M. Libmanan maintained its hold on the 1st rank followed by capital town Pili, then Buhi (from 5th on 2002). Calabanga stayed on 4rth. Tinambac has a “carry-over data” from 2002, at 6th.

Money Talks in RP Classification of LGUs

In the year 2005, another classification took effect. Municipalities earning P50M or more are now classified as 1st class; P40M or more but less than P50M are 2nd class; P30M or more but less than P40M are 3rd Class; P20M or more but less than P30M are 4rth Class; P10M or more but less than P20M are 5th class; and, Below P10M are 6th class.

Camarines Sur Towns Earn More in 2002

This second post covers the year of 2002. Check out how towns, big and small, tumbled down in their rankings as others managed to stay on the top earning money and spending less. It is interesting to note how municipalities “played” with numbers in allocating tax money.

How CamSur Towns Fared On Their Annual Budget

We just got hold of information about income and expenditures of towns, cities and provinces. So this post begins a series related to that, and we will try to make the most logical presentation with analysis and comparison to better understand the data.

Albay Governor Unhappy on Electric Cooperative’s Predicament

Albay governor Joey Sarte Salceda is at his best when speaking in behalf of his provincial constituents. This time, he was thinking aloud about the disparity and inconvenience Albayanos receive when it comes to electricity service and pricing.

Calabanga Proposed as Commercial Growth Corridor

For a robust exchange of trade and commerce to prosper, the physical infrastructure obtaining in the area will play a vital role. Libmanan has access to several mode of transport facility, Calabanga has the one lane provincial road that leads either to Tinambac/Siruma or Naga and beyond.

The Mother and Queen of All Rivers in Southern Luzon

Easily, then, Bicol river is both the queen and mother of all rivers in southern Luzon due to its size and influence. It holds sway and impact on the fertile and floodplains of the provinces, dictating the state of economic well-being and status affecting thousands of lives of people- including farmers, fisherfolks, travellers, etc., around its sphere of natural terrain.

Crossing the Bicol River via Balongay

The banca operator is so experienced he managed to device a system of not going straight ahead after departing from Balongay but instead maneuvers a sharp curved route to curtail the push and shove of the current. Imagine being in a crib on a rocking motion. Just looking at the transport boat, do not expect amenities of comfort for the seat will be a piece of bamboo pole nailed across its rim.

Stepping Into the Real Balongay

At the edge of the river bank, a waiting shade serves as the landing-terminal point for arriving and departing passengers. One can let time pass just by sitting on the steps or on the cement seats. I did just that and kept awed and bewildered at how huge and overwhelming the Bicol river is.

Balongay and the Bridge of Broken Dream

Then I heard about the skyway bridges that will span the river, connecting the towns of Libmanan and Canaman. The structure will be built much farther inside and farther from Balongay. The loss of Calabanga and Cabusao became the gain of Libmanan and Canaman. Lucky folks of these towns.

The Season to Prepare and be Proactive

The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration reminded us these weather systems are expected to affect the nation from October until December, more of the tail end of a cold front, inter-tropical convergence zone, easterly wave, ridge of high pressure area, the easterlies, and more tropical cyclones.

What's Recommended

PH government errs in defending OFW Jakatia Pawa from death sentence?

The execution of Overseas Filipino worker Jakatia Pawa in Kuwait reflects the general sorry state of cold treatment from the Philippine government these ‘heroes’ receive in return. Pawa’s execution by hanging was pushed through on Wednesday by the Kuwaiti government. The hapless OFW is the sister of Air Force Col. […]

Search and Rescue of Missing Passengers of Masbate RORO Sea Mishap Over

The Bicol regional branch in Legazpi city of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) on Monday said teams had terminated the three-day search and rescue operations for the remaining missing passengers of the MV Lady of Mount Carmel, a roll on-roll-off passenger-cargo vessel that sank early Friday morning at the […]

Palace to give assistance to families of slain soldiers in Sulu

MANILA, Nov 16 — The government extended on Saturday its condolences to the families of soldiers killed in a series of encounters in Sulu against the Abu Sayyaf Group. “Nakikiramay tayo sa kanilang mga pamilya, at nagpapasalamat po tayo sa kanilang pagbibigay ng talagang the ultimate sacrifice para po sa […]

BSP to demonetize coins: Is it time yet to break open the piggy bank?

Soon, piggy bank savers will have to unload before the coins become worthless. It is because the Philippines’ Bangko Sentral (BSP) is set to release new generation coins with security features before the end of this year. Coins that will have a makeover include the one centavo, fifty centavos, one […]

Updated classification of Bicol towns based on 2008 earnings

Based on annual earnings listed here and here, the towns of Libon (ALB), Daraga (ALB), and Daet (CAN) led the top earners of Bicol LGUs for fiscal year 2008. Other towns now classified as first class that earned P55M or more, in order of their income starting from the top […]

NGCP hits Leyte, Samar provinces with one-day power outage

Samar and Leyte provinces braced for a day-long power outage Saturday as the National Power Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) transfer transmission wires from emergency restoration system to permanent tower structure. The scheduled interruption starts from 6 AM to 5 PM said to hit the three provinces of Samar […]

Robredo: Tapat sa Harap ng 70K+ Taumbayan

🔴 Red Monkey Talks ikinalulugod na ibahagi and malaman na mensahe ni Vice President Leni Robredo sa harap ng humigit na 70,000 na taga Bacolod at Negros Occidental na pinangungunahan ni Gov. Lacson na dumalo sa Grand People’s Rally ginanap sa Paglaum Sports Complex Marso 11, 2022. Sa mataong pagtatapos […]

Nightwatcher becomes us with beautiful Quadrantid showers

The 2014 Quadrantids, a little-known sky spectacle of meteor showers named after an extinct constellation, will present an excellent chance for hardy souls to start the year off with some late-night meteor watching. Peaking in the wee morning hours between January 3 and 4, the Quadrantids have a maximum rate […]

Kawit Island Begs for EcoTourism Development

The island of Cauit (Kawit) lies off the southeastern portion of the rich fishing waters of San Miguel bay, less than three kilometers from the shores of barangay Sibobo. It has a rugged shoreline with an approximate land area of 14.8 hectares or 36.57 acres. It is about 2 kilometers from tip to tip (west to east) in length and its widest at about 500 feet from north to south. Even with an irregular shoreline the island mimics a tadpole shape. Getting there means a 15 minute trip via a motorized boat from Sibobo.

Albay Inmates Handcraft and Sell Beautiful Christmas Lanterns

The past weeks, Albay inmates had been busy doing “assembly” of the always popular, but traditional Bicol parol (Christmas lanterns) made of bamboo and adorned/wrapped with Japanese paper in various colors, shades, cut and design. The end product are hundreds of cute, small and big, five-pronged-star of a Christmas decor.

Winners of 2010 Peñafrancia Regional Civic Parade

Here’s the results of the civic parade competition during the Peñafrancia regional parade held in Naga city last week. All photos here are from the vantage point near or about the parade review stage at the Plaza Quezon.

PNP Bicol deploys 1,500 police officers on Pope’s Tacloban visit

LEGAZPI CITY, Jan. 7 — Some 1,500 senior police officers from Bicol will be detailed next week in Tacloban city during the visit of Pope Francis in the Eastern Visayas. According to BIcol PNP chief Supt. Victor P. Deona, the police officers will provide security during the Pontiff’s visit. The […]

What's Throwback

Malacanang suspends classes, gov’t work for Monday

MANILA, Dec. 8 — Malacanang announced the suspension of classes and work in government offices Monday in Metro Manila and Southern Luzon. Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte, in a statement, said, “By authority of the President (Benigno Aquino III), classes at all levels and work in government offices have been […]

Cloudy skies with light rains on New Year’s Eve – PAGASA

MANILA, Dec. 31 — PAGASA said the Bicol Region, Quezon Province, Mindoro, Marinduque and Romblon will have cloudy with light to moderate rainshowers and thunderstorms, caused by the cold winds blown by the Northeast Monsoon or “Hangin Amihan”. Expect cloudy skies with light rains in the National Capital Region (NCR) […]

Day 2: Pope Francis Papal Visit in the Philippines

Day 2: Pope Francis Papal Visit in the Philippines. Sharing here the official continuous live stream coverage of team RTVM on Pope Francis Papal visit to the Philippines. Coverage starts Jan. 16, 2015, Friday, 6:00 AM. Sharing here Day 2 of the official continuous live stream coverage of team RTVM […]

Supreme Court rules tax case in favor of mining firm

Supreme Court rules tax case in favor of mining firm. MANILA, Jan. 25 — A mining corporation received a favorable Supreme Court tax ruling on unpaid claim for refund amounting to over P3 million. The case pertains to the complaint filed by Taganito Mining Corporation against the Bureau of Internal […]

Law enforcers raid 2 suspected shabu labs in Masbate

MASBATE CITY, Feb. 15 -– The combined operatives of law enforcement groups arrested several persons in separate raids at suspected shabu laboratories in two villages in this city on Saturday morning. Arrested at the residential compound of former mayor Bernardito Abapo of Milagros, Masbate, in Sitio Cagba, Barangay Tugbo, were […]

Purisima reads text chat with P-Noy on Mamasapano encounter

MANILA, Feb. 23 – Resigned Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief Alan Purisima disclosed on Monday the exchange of text messages between him and President Benigno S. Aquino III during the Mamasapano incident on Jan. 25. At the resumption of the Senate inquiry into the bloody Mamasapano encounter that left 44 […]

PH merchandise exports suffer marginal drop in January 2015

MANILA, March 12 — Philippine export of minerals and agro-based products registered strong growth in January 2015, but weaker demand in manufactures and lower sales from petroleum pulled down total exports, according to the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA). The Philippine Statistics Authority reported Tuesday that the country’s merchandise […]

2014 bar exam results released, San Beda law graduate #1

MANILA, March 26 — Supreme Court (SC) Associate Justice Diosdado M. Peralta announced on Thursday that a College of Law graduate of the San Beda College in Manila topped the 2014 Bar Examinations. Peralta, who chairs the 2014 Committee on Bar Examinations, said that out of 5,984 Bar examinees, 1,126 […]

Ameril Umra Kato, BIFF founding chairman dies of cardiac arrest

COTABATO CITY, April 14 — The founding chairman of the outlawed Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) is dead, rebel leaders and local officials today confirmed. Mohaqher Iqbal, chief MILF negotiator, said Uztadz Ameril Umra Kato died at about 2 a.m. Tuesday. He could not say where. BIFF spokesperson Abu Misry […]