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Current Human Events & Stories

Salceda to junk LP bets because of Bicol International Airport

Salceda to junk LP bets because of unfinished Bicol International Airport, which may tip the balance of LP’s winning or losing in his province even as Roxas said he is not afraid to lose Albay. On Thursday, Salceda said his province may junk the administration ticket after the failure of […]

Cagsawa branch of National Museum to reopen after P50-M rehab works

The idle Cagsawa Museum of Daraga gets a needed boost with a P50 million allocation from the National Museum of the Philippines. The funds will be used for rehabilitation that will lead to its eventual reopening to the public as the regional branch of the institution. Once operational, the local […]

P171-B south line of North South Railway Project has 5 bidders

Big money projects under the government’s Public Private Partnership program is a crowd drawer among investors. The P171-billion South Line of the North South Railway Project (NSRP) under the public-private partnership (PPP) program has attracted five firms already. Leading the pack of parties interested include Ayala Corp., Metro Pacific Investments […]

Millions of money for Rapu-rapu 4Ps beneficiaries lost to robbers by DSWD

[flexiblemap address=”Barangay Villahermosa, Rapu-rapu, Albay, Bicol” region=”Bicol” directions=”true” width=”100%” height=”250px” zoom=”10″ ]. One version of the report says that the amount lost was P3.3 million. The second version says it was P4 million. Maybe it was rounded off to the highest amount, the thing is millions of pesos were lost! […]

4-Stage, 700-KM Le Tour de Filipinas kicks-off next month

The exciting 4-stage cycling event dubbed as the Le Tour de Filipinas in Luzon kicks off next month. Now on its 7th year, the four-day sporting competition starts on the 18th from Antipolo City and ends in Legazpi city. Stage One of the race will test 75 cyclists negotiating a […]

Get to know the new National Cultural Treasures of the Philippines

The National Museum of the Philippines has come up with identifying more national cultural treasures and cultural treasures, the latest batch in 2015. The National Museum (Pambansang Museo ng Pilipinas) is a government institution which serves as an educational, scientific and cultural institution in preserving the various permanent national collections […]

Magical things that happen to tourists upon sight of Mayon Volcano

Have you seen Mt. Mayon or Mayon volcano almost upclose? With its towering height of 8,077 feet (2,462 meters), the almost perfect-coned mountain is the main tourist attraction of the province of Albay and one of Bicol regions’ natural wonder. If you have not been to the province all your […]

Here’s the last weather situation advisory before new year 2016

Yes, this is the last weather situation advisory before the new year of 2016 kicks in. And the prospect is not much desired. Expect cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers in some parts of the country on New Year’s eve due the presence of northeast monsoon, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and […]

Typhoon ‘Nona’ wrecks Legazpi boulevard

Typhoon ‘Nona’ wrecks Legazpi boulevard. Take a good look of one of Legazpi City’s pride, the immense boulevard with the imposing Mayon volcano as the backdrop. The short video below courtesy of Youtuber runafterjean. Or. The facebook posted photo by Robby Cereno at the boulevard with the backdrop of Mt. […]

Bicol killings turned cold cases result of failure of police investigators?

Bicol killings turned cold cases result of failure of police investigators? The chief of Philippine National Police Bicol regional office has ordered the reopening of at least four cold cases that involved killings of two Bicol University students and two broadcast journalists in Camarines Sur. The new PNP Bicol chief […]

Ombudsman filing graft charges versus Albay congressman

The Office of the Ombudsman has ordered the filing of graft and corruption charges against one-term Albay congressman Rino Lim for the anomalous utilization of his 2007 PDAF amounting to P27 million. Lim, together with five Technology Resource Center officials, Kaagapay Magpakailanman Foundation Inc. (KMFI) representatives and Carmelita Barredo of […]

Army encounters NPA in Oas, finds local camp

Philippine Army soldiers on patrol encountered a band of alleged New Peoples Army at about 2:10 p.m. in the hinterland of Barangay Moronponros of Oas town in Albay according to 9th infantry division spokoperson Army Capt. Mardjorie Panesa on Thursday. A 20-minute firefight with the nine-man group led by Diomedes […]

HB 6210: Declare elective officials running for post resigned?

It is interesting that Albay first district Rep. Edcel B. Lagman Jr. has filed a house bill seeking mandatory resignation for all elective officials who wish to run for any position other than the one they are currently holding. Lagman’s House Bill 6210 will amend the provision in the Fair […]

Severe classroom shortage marked opening of classes in Albay

DARAGA, Albay, June 4 — The first day of classes in Albay was disorderly with jampacked classrooms that reminded one of a can of sardines. Some teachers even held classes in covered courts with black boards serving as dividers. The severe scarcity of classrooms was aggravated by the implementation of […]

Info video: The national greening program in Bicol

Watch this. The national greening program in Bicol provinces. Although it is more of a prop video mouthing the government agency, still some information, including facts and numbers, make a good conversation piece. The Department of Environment and Natural Resources is one of the lead agency with thrust in conservation […]

Camarines Sur tops tourist arrivals in 2014 among Bicol provinces

The province of Camarines Sur registered the biggest number of tourist arrivals in 2014 among Bicol provinces. According to the Department of Tourism, CamSur experienced a growth rate of 20.25 per cent from 1,547,678 in 2013 to 1,861,010. In contrast, Albay province attained a measly growth of 8.92 per cent, […]

Bicol DepEd release list of schools to offer senior high program in 2016

LEGAZPI CITY, March 14 – Despite the seeming unpreparedness in offering the proposed new senior high school (SHS) program, the Department of Education (DepEd) confirms that 1,251 schools in Bicol are ready (sic) to offer the K to 12 curriculum by 2016. DepEd V Education Program Supervisor Cecile Ferro disclosed […]

Albay province has yet to clear alleged irregularities on the P47-M Malampaya fund

Legazpi City, March 9– The controversial P47-million Malampaya fund that had been allegedly misappropriated during the 2009 Mayon eruption resurfaced here as Albay province claim it has been fully accounted for. Gov. Joey Sarte Salceda reportedly warned his provincial Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) officer to resign after […]

Alleged irregularities surround a mall construction in Legazpi city

LEGAZPI CITY, March 2 — Almost halfway through its construction phase, only then that a commercial building rising in the city center here is getting its building permit processed by the city engineering office. For months, works on the construction of structure attributed to as the Yashano Mall has been […]

Albay bets high hope on strong Chinese tourist inflow

LEGAZPI CITY, March 1– Like a broken record, the press information on Albay tourism bets high hope on visitors mostly from the Chinese mainland. One Chinese tourism agent confirms that his company have selected Albay as a tourism destination for the meantime. Terrence Fang of Yueqiho International Travel Agency recalled […]

If Albay paid sing and dance talent P350-K, was it good governance?

It is not easy telling the organizers of the just recently concluded Fiesta Tsinoy Chinese Lunar new year celebration last Thursday to stop importing Manila-based so-called entertainers. The locals love to see paid talents sing and gyrate on the stage, and attempt to say a few Bicol words which all […]

It’s fun to declare sing and dance talent persona non grata of Albay

Declare Xian Lim persona non grata of Albay Remember Ramon Bautista when he was in Davao city during the celebration of Kadayawn Festival in 2014? The city council passed a resolution afterwards which declared him a persona non grata for being a “corrupt influence to the youth.” Bautista made an […]

World Bank funds P644-M Bicol infra projects

LEGAZPI CITY, Feb. 21 — A select group of Bicol development projects of the Philippine government receives P644 million funding from the World Bank (WB). At least six major projects WB funds, worth over P644 million in three Bicol provinces that are expected to directly benefit some 65,000 persons or […]

Fusion of Filipino-Chinese culture shines in Albay’s Fiesta Tsinoy

LEGAZPI CITY, Feb. 21 — The Filipino-Chinese community and the Albayano culture and traditions blended during the Fiesta Tsinoy Chinese Lunar new year celebration on Thursday here, the first time ever. Tourism department’s Bicol regional director Ma. Nini-Ong Ravanilla, infused the Pastores Bicol in this year’s Fiesta Tsinoy new year […]

Sing and dance talent shows rudeness in Albay Fiesta Tsinoy Chinese event

Atty. Carol Sabio-Cruz narrates how the province of Albay warmly welcome Xian Lim as guest performer in the 1st Fiesta Tsinoy Chinese Lunar New Year celebration on Thursday here. In return, Lim showed his true nature and demeanor, unbecoming and totally to the dismay of Bicolanos. His publicist may come […]

Bicol netizens fired up with mall constructions in Naga and Legazpi

Bicol netizens fired up with mall constructions in Naga and Legazpi Bicol netizens on social media sites are so fired up with the news and non-news of mall constructions, etc., in and around the cities of Naga and Legazpi. Hurling each other with verbal abuse, unbecoming of a Bicolano, when […]

Albay senior citizens celebrate early Valentines Day

Albay senior citizens celebrate early Valentines Day LEGAZPI CITY, Feb. 14 — Various colors and scents of roses dominate the romantic atmosphere in Albay Astrodome here Thursday as grandfathers and grandmothers in Albay province celebrated an early Valentine’s Day. Love was all over the airconditioned structure as the elderly lovebirds […]

Phivolcs sows fear on Bicolanos of earthquake

Phivolcs sows fear on Bicolanos of earthquake. Saying that Bicol should brace for possible strongest earthquake to strike the region in the future is like sowing fear in the hearts of Bicolanos straight from mouth of the Phivolcs officer. Director Renato Solidum of the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology […]

Albay highlights Pope Francis Papal Visit at Astrodome

Albay highlights Pope Francis Papal Visit at Astrodome. LEGAZPI CITY, Jan. 17 — The province of Albay will highlight the Papal Visit of Pope Francis in the country with a program as celebration and communion of Albayanos with the Pope. But the main event will be the live streaming of […]

Ayala invests P1-billion in Legazpi mall project

Ayala invests P1-billion in Legazpi mall project development. City mayor Noel Rosal said on Saturday evening during a social event celebration held at the city motorpool compound that the Ayala Corporation has invested P1-billion for the construction of a mall right at the heart of the city. Ayala took over […]

The discombobulation in Albay power service

LEGAZPI CITY, Dec. 22 – This continuing story shows how in the vicinities of Albay province lurks the discombobulated goings on in the local power retail delivery and services. On December 4, 2014, Albay Power and Energy Corporation disconnected the electric service to Mariners Polytechnic Colleges Foundation due to outstanding […]

P781-M Bicol international airport contract up for bid

There is no holding back on the construction of the Bicol International Airport (also known as Southern Luzon International airport), which is being built in Barangay Alobo of Daraga town in the province of Albay. This was learned from the project’s lead agency, the Department of Transportation and Communications, which […]

On Mayon eruption threat: “Heads of LGU’s over reacted”

Sorsogon first district Rep. Evelyn Escudero in a special committee hearing of the House Special Committee on Bicol Recovery and Economic Development, quizzed Director Renato Solidum, of the Philippine Volcanology and Seismology, on the actual situation of Mayon. She was following the argument of Legazpi Mayor Noel Rosal that the […]

Is there a brewing controversy on Mayon cash relief donations?

Mayon may have yet to explode, but we are sensing a brewing controversy on how the disaster and relief operations are being stage-managed. For the many times that Mt. Mayon threatened the livelihood and well-being of the people in its environs, there is always that factor of receipts from donors […]

Boulders, mudflows isolate several barangays of Albay town

GUINOBATAN, Albay, Dec. 9 — Boulders, mudflows isolate several barangays of Albay town. At the height of Typhoon Ruby’s howling wind and torrential rains, car-sized boulders tumbled and vulcanic mudflows ran down the lower slopes of Mayon towards Barangay Maipon of Guinobatan town of Albay. The heavy debris caused the […]

Legazpi city not hosting APEC’s ISOM meet due to typhoon

MANILA, Dec. 3 (PNA) — Blame it on Typhoon Ruby. The city of Legazpi was scrapped as choice venue for the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation Informal Senior Officials Meeting (ISOM) from December 8-9, 2014, as reported here. Instead, organizers opted to hold the event in Manila considering the risk poised […]

Albay gang massacres 3 family members in Libon

Legazpi City — Three family members were massacred on Sunday by a gang inside their Barangay Alongong residence of Libon, Albay. Police identified the fatalities as Felipe Ongog, 60, a businessman; Arnold Ongog, of legal age; and Imelda Ongog, 33. The suspects led by gang leader Gilbert Concepcion immediately escaped […]

Not Butanding, but Dolphins frolic in Albay waters now

Not Butanding, but Dolphins frolic in Albay waters now. A pod of dolphins has been appearing and frolicking before the public off the coastlines of the city of Legazpi and the adjoining town of Sto. Domingo since last week. With these new exciting development, the mayors of Legazpi and Sto. […]

Albay decamps 34,151 Mayon evacuees

LEGAZPI CITY, Nov. 6 — Albay governor Jose Salceda finally gave the green light for 9,841 families or 34,151 people within seven to eight-kilometer-radius danger zone to decamp. The directive was issued Tuesday afternoon during the cluster meeting of disaster officials presided by regional officer Raffy Alejandro for disaster risk […]

Who’s afraid of majestic Mayon Volcano?

The long wait continues for that dreaded explosion of the beautiful, majestic Mayon volcano for 50 days or so now since Phivolcs raised Alert Level 3. The evacuees are holed in less comfortable camping situation of their lives, on dole outs from the government and private sectors of relief food, […]

Bicolana wins Miss World Philippines 2014

Valerie Weigmann, a commercial model and TV host, who claims her roots from Albay province, was crowned Miss World Philippines 2014 Sunday night in Manila. Also winneres are runners up Lorraine Kendrickson, First Princess; Nelda Ibe, Second Princess; Nicole Donesa, Third Princess; and Rachel Peters, Fourth Princess. Aside from winning […]

Phivolcs: No way but towards eruption for Mayon

LEGAZPI CITY –- The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said that all indications lead to Mayon volcano towards eruption. Resident volcanologist Eduardo Laguerta said on Monday the edifice of the volcano continues to swell, based on the latest ground deformation survey by the geodetic team, which is still […]

Mayon: DepEd delivers monoblock chairs, supplies for teachers

Monoblock chairs and school supplies for teachers were delivered by the education department over the weekend as confirmed Sunday by the agency’s Twitter account with accompanying post of photos. The school equipments were dropped off by trucks. In a related story, governor Joey Salceda and education officials distributed to teachers […]

Mayon: The mounting cost of keeping safe the evacuees

After the state volcanology institute Phivolcs raised alert level 3 pertaining to Mayon’s restiveness, the government starts piling millions of pesos in current and projected expenses beginning from the day residents were hauled from the affected areas to the evacuation sites in Albay. So now, governor Joey Salceda has announced […]

Phivolcs says Mayon Volcano soon to erupt

LEGAZPI CITY, Oct. 3 -– Mayon is about to erupt according to Phivolcs resident volcanologist Ed laguerta during the media briefing at the APSEMO office here, Friday morning. Mayon is heading toward a vulcanian eruption accompanied by pryoclastic flows, Laguerta said, even as he pointed out the worsening abnormal condition […]

Mayon disaster tourism has positive side

Even with the impending eruption of Mayon volcano, there are tell tale signs that disaster tourism has positive economic benefits to the province of Albay and Legazpi city. The national government thru its various national agencies are pouring millions of pesos as ready funds to finance expenditures and purchases of […]

Mayon Evacuation: More funds needed, Salceda declare centers as “Open Cities”

LEGAZPI CITY — Government agencies augment dwindling fund for Mayon evacuees as Salceda declares evacuation centers “Open Cities” for donation. The province of Albay received P112 million from various government agencies according to Gov. Joey Salceda over the weekend. The funds will be used to augment the dwindling resources earmarked […]

Five Bicol LGUs are 2014 corn achievers

PILI, Camarines Sur -– Five local government units in Bicol are among this year’s awardees of the agriculture department’s 2014 Pinoy quality corn achievers award. Named for their performances in implementing the corn program in their localities are Ligao City (Albay), Naga City, and three Camarines Sur municipalities of Baao, […]

Mayon alert level 3 stays despite decrease seismic activity

Mayon alert level 3 stays despite decrease seismic activity, at least for now. LEGAZPI CITY — No display of the fiery fury of Mayon yet even as many tourists and locals are rearing to see a live fireworks display. No explosion means frustration for the “stakeholders” who thrive on disaster […]

Forced evacuation starts as restive Mayon on Alert Level 3

As alert Level 3 was raised as of 10 P.M. on Monday, the state institute of volcanology recommends that the six-kilometer radius permanent danger zone around Mt. Mayon in Albay province be enforced. The agency advised that the southeastern flank of the restive volcano exposed to the danger of rock […]

Protected wildlife animals fall prey to Bicolano poachers

The Bicol office of the environment department in Legazpi will pursue the complaint against a wildlife hunter found in possession of a wounded Philippine Hawk Eagle in Mayon Volcano Natural Park in Sto. Domingo, Albay. Forest officers reported that around noon of August 6th the team apprehended Tirso Bañares in […]

Simeon Ola, last general to surrender during Filipino-American war

During the recent commemoration of National Heroes Day, the “historians” in Malacanang had been very selective at naming personalities that figured during the Philippine campaign for independence. Generals Vicente Lukban and Vito Belarmino made it to the cut as the palace announced that a special set of 24 printable trading […]

Jail officers, inmates train in vinegar, nata de coco production

LEGAZPI CITY, Aug. 26 — Ten regional and provincial officers of the Bureau of Jail Management and Penology and 30 resident inmates are now ready to make vinegar and nata de coco either for their families’ use or for business purposes. They learned the process in a recent skills training […]

Albay seeks to curb misuse of ambulance with fine and penalty

LEGAZPI CITY — In an attempt to curb blatant misuse of government ambulance vehicles, which should be solely devoted to transport seriously sick and injured patients for medical treatment, the Albay provincial legislative council on Monday passed an ordinance with accompanying penalty and fine. The move was prompted with the […]

APEC and Mt. Mayon, the tale of two volcanoes

Indeed, with the alarming upheaval in the belly of beguiling Mayon Volcano, another one is letting out a steam of its own. It would seem to confirm that Albay is home to two volcanoes that both pose threat to health and normal economic life of the province. We are referring […]

Alert level 2 as Mayon volcano rumbles

Legazpi City, Aug.16 — Albay provincial risk management council alerted local officials on the possibility of evacuation of residents living in the perimeters of the permanent 6-KM danger zone of Mount Mayon. Earlier, the state volcanology institute raised alert level 2 after an abnormal activity was observed on the volcano. […]

Albay burning: Wildfire threatens forest zones of province

LEGAZPI CITY, Aug. 8 — Several still uncontrolled forest fires rages in Albay as this story is being written. Ominous signs that challenges the touted disaster preparedness of the province. The forest fire in Cagraray island in Bacacay town, which started two days ago in the mountainous area of Barangay […]

What's Recommended

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.

The Majestic Mayon Volcano in Albay

With its towering height of 8,077 feet (2,462 meters), the almost perfect-coned volcano is the main tourist attraction of the province and the regions’ natural wonder.

But don’t be guiled with its beauty and charm, for it has erupted times too many since its first recorded activity in 1776. The most destructive was in 1814 when the town of Cagsawa was buried under its mudflows and only the church belfry was left standing. The town was later relocated into what is now the bustling trade center of Daraga.

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.

Severe classroom shortage marked opening of classes in Albay

DARAGA, Albay, June 4 — The first day of classes in Albay was disorderly with jampacked classrooms that reminded one of a can of sardines. Some teachers even held classes in covered courts with black boards serving as dividers. The severe scarcity of classrooms was aggravated by the implementation of […]

Albay opens Palarong Pambansa in grand style

Legazpi City, Albay, April 11 — Lost in the din of excitement and expectation for the TV broadcast of the Manny Pacquiao vs Tim Bradley fight in Las Vegas, and the expected brawling noise and cacophony of the vice presidential debates at the University of Santo Tomas later, was the […]

Phivolcs says Mayon Volcano soon to erupt

LEGAZPI CITY, Oct. 3 -– Mayon is about to erupt according to Phivolcs resident volcanologist Ed laguerta during the media briefing at the APSEMO office here, Friday morning. Mayon is heading toward a vulcanian eruption accompanied by pryoclastic flows, Laguerta said, even as he pointed out the worsening abnormal condition […]

Albay Power Energy Corporation rise from the ashes of ALECO

LEGAZPI CITY — Starting the first week of March, Albay Electric Cooperative, now renamed as Albay Power Energy Corporation (APEC), will be under the management of San Miguel Electricity Corporation. Newly installed general manager Alan Marchan said after the audit on management, technical and operations last January, SMC fully take […]

Is it Fun in Bicol Philippines with Murders and Killings Unsolved?

It is more fun in the Philippines. It is really more fun in Bicol, Philippines. But will it stay more fun with all the sporadic but high profile killings in the Bicol provinces, some begging to be solved? This year alone, Bicolanos were summarily executed on separate occasions in Masbate, […]

Housewife dies, 23 others survive in Albay river crossing accident

CAMP GEN. SIMEON A. OLA, Legazpi City, — A housewife died while 23 other passengers swam to safety when their boat capsized after hitting a floating big piece of wood while cruising the Tipya River in Jovellar town, Albay, early Friday afternoon at the height of heavy rains in the […]

Here’s the last weather situation advisory before new year 2016

Yes, this is the last weather situation advisory before the new year of 2016 kicks in. And the prospect is not much desired. Expect cloudy skies with isolated rainshowers in some parts of the country on New Year’s eve due the presence of northeast monsoon, the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and […]

What's Throwback

Provide ‘Noche Buena’ packages to Yolanda survivors – Gov. Salceda

LEGAZPI CITY — The Department of Social Welfare and Development should provide a “Noche Buena” package to each of the 1.1 million families displaced by super typhoon “Yolanda” in the Visayas, Albay governor Joey Salceda said Saturday. “DSWD should have started repacking Noche Buena packages, but four days to go, […]

Move to boycott Albay power operator San Miguel Energy gains ground

Gov. Joey Salceda joins move to boycott payment to APEC LEGAZPI CITY, -– A boycott move against the San Miguel Energy Corp. (SMEC) is gaining ground as its newly acquired controversial Albay Electric Cooperative (Aleco), now named Albay Power and Energy Corp. (APEC), has yet to deliver its much-vaunted stable […]

Phivolcs says Mayon Volcano soon to erupt

LEGAZPI CITY, Oct. 3 -– Mayon is about to erupt according to Phivolcs resident volcanologist Ed laguerta during the media briefing at the APSEMO office here, Friday morning. Mayon is heading toward a vulcanian eruption accompanied by pryoclastic flows, Laguerta said, even as he pointed out the worsening abnormal condition […]

Camalig town in Bicol wants to build an international convention center

Imagine this. A handsome building rising on Quituinan Hill fronting the majestic Mount Mayon would be a sight to behold. That prospect emboldens the municipal council committee on infrastructure of Camalig in Albay coming forward with the plan. They proposed to build a P3.5 billion Bicol International Convention Center located […]

Family Survives Wrath of Nature and Human Error

How “bad events” struck twice in a row is a story so true and experienced by a good religious family in Daraga town, province of Albay. The first was brought about by the wrath of nature, the second by negligence and human error.

Widow of Former DILG Secretary Shortlisted for Bicol RTC Post

One lucky Bicol RTC branch will get the full legal eyes and ears of former Interior secretary Jesse Robredo’s widow soon enough. There are four vacant regional trial courts in the region which includes the Ligao-Albay RTC branch 13, Pili-Camarines Sur branch 32, Calabanga-Camarines Sur, branch 63 and Daet-Camarines Norte […]

DOH-Bicol Warns Public E-Cigarette Contain Harmful Substances

The regional office of Department of Health in Legazpi city warned the public that electronic cigarette and shisha are not safe alternatives and never healthy substitutes for typical tobacco products. An e-cigarette also known as personal vaporiser or PV is an electronic inhaler that vaporises a liquid solution into an […]