.

Current Human Events & Stories

Legazpi LGU Earns the Most Among Bicol Cities in FY2009

The local government unit of Legazpi city in Albay proved a notch better than Bicol’s only independent component city of Naga when it grossed higher in its total operating income for fiscal year 2009 by a margin of P31,291,467. Other local cities income rank in order from high to the […]

CamNorte Capital Daet Highest Earning Bicol Municipal LGU in FY2009

The capital town of Daet was the highest-earning municipal local government unit in Bicol for fiscal year 2009 based on the totals of income from local sources and external sources. Also interesting that of the 107 municipal LGUs of Bicol region, 22 received an IRA share for the fiscal year […]

Aroroy LGU Tops Bicol Municipal Tax Revenue Collection in FY 2009

The local government unit of Aroroy town of Masbate province topped in the combined collection of real property, business and other taxes for the fiscal year of 2009. It was able to collect the sum of P30,339,656 ahead of 106 other local government units in Bicol. The combined collection of […]

CamSur, Albay, in Provincial LGU Billionaires Club for FY2009

In 2009, the premier Bicol provinces of Albay and Camarines Sur maintained their stellar performance in fiscal management in company with the   billion-pesos-earning LGUs of the Philippines for the second consecutive years.  In 2008, Albay and Camarines Sur registered an annual income of P1,071,063,490.47 and P1,036,642,000.00, respectively. Twenty seven […]

Sorsogon highly dependent Bicol province on IRA share for fiscal year 2009

The short discussion here will delve on the “External Sources” of income by the provincial local governments. That is specifically referring to the LGU share in (1) Internal Revenue Allotment, (2) other shares from the National Tax collections, (3) inter-local transfer, (4) and extraordinary receipts, grants donations and aids. The […]

CamNorte is 32nd of PH Provinces on Income from Local Sources in 2009

Presented on the first part of this series, was how the 80 Philippine provinces ranked in tax revenue which is the sum of taxes on real property, business and other taxes. On this second installment the focus is on the individual province’s total non-tax revenue which consists of collections from […]

CamSur Ranks 22nd in the 2009 Tax Revenue of PH Provinces

Here is the unofficial financial data about the Philippine provinces on tax revenue for fiscal year 2009.  Tax revenue include real property, tax on business and other taxes. Of the 80 provinces, 11 collected property tax over P155M. The list is topped by Pangasinan with collection of P437,984,080; followed by […]

PNP Dispatches More Personnel To Election Hot Spot Masbate

Barely a week in the electoral campaign in the Bicol region yet the Philippine National Police already has deployed additional police personnel to the province of Masbate. The island is home to a history of electoral violence during the conduct of previous elections may it be mid-term or presidential which […]

Is There Foul Play in Aga Muhlach’s Boat Explosion?

Is there foul play in the boat explosion of Camarines Sur fourth congressional distict candidate Ariel Aquino Muhlach also known as the former matinee idol in the silver screen of Aga Muhlach? Earlier unconfirmed report said that the operator-driver pilot Jerome Pervera sustained injuries on his leg, arm, back, and […]

Comelec Junks Muhlach Disqualification Case

Erstwhile matinee idol and newbie politician Aga Muhlach must have learned of the good news earlier. We are referring to the decision by the Commission on Elections for dismissal of the disqualification case filed against him. The Comelec ruled Muhlach complied with the one-year residency requirement in San Jose town […]

CamSur Road Widening Will Impact Naga City and Pili

Naga city, (PNA) — The Department of Public Works and Highways has allotted P100 million for a road-widening project from Naga city to the capital town of Pili in Camarines Sur. The project will specifically affect real estate properties along the primary highway. Engineer Guilbert Romero of the Camarines Sur […]

A Sweeping Look at a Casureco II Power Bill

Received the other day the Casureco II bill for the household consumption of 159 kilowatts for the period between Jan. 24, 2013 – Feb. 24, 2013 . Not so funny to us each time we get hold of one but just the same we amuse ourselves of the fine prints […]

CamSur Provincial Environmental Office launches clean-up drive

Naga city (PNA) — The environmental office in the province of Camarines Sur is set to launch a clean-up drive this month, noting the proliferation of posters of candidates put up on trees planted along the highways and roads. Lawyer Arnel P. Rodriguez, provincial environment and natural resources officer (Penro), […]

Judge Cites Casureco II Exec for Contempt

PILI, Camarines Sur, (PNA) — For defying a court order issued in 2010 which suspended power rate a power cooperative here imposed, a regional trial court judge cited an electric coop executive for indirect contempt. Judge Marvel C. Clavecilla of the Regional Trial Court Branch 33 found Muriel Abonal, area […]

Aquino: Robredo Deadly Plane Crash Caused by Pilot Error

(PNA) — President Benigno S. Aquino III bared on Tuesday the results of the investigation of the Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines (CAAP) on the ill-fated Piper Seneca that killed Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo, saying it was mainly due to pilot error. The President said three […]

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, […]

Villafuertes convert CamSur their political playground

Traditional political moro-moro (trapomo) is in full swing in the province of Camarines Sur. Outgoing 3rd district congressman Luis R. Villafuerte, Sr. (extreme left) is gunning (again) for the position of governor of the premier Bicol province for the 2013 May local elections. And more of a confirmation of the […]

Mrs. Robredo Ascends as Cam Sur Liberal Party Honcho

We stopped guessing on what Bicol RTC branch the good widow of former Interior secretary Jesse Robredo will be assigned. For the meantime, that will be on hold as Atty. Leni Robredo will soon occupy the chairmanship of the local Liberal Party branch in the province of Camarines Sur, the […]

Population of 19 Towns is 4.48% of Bicol’s 5.42M

As a sharp contrast to the report about 20 Towns and Cities Over One Third of Bicol Population, 19 Bicol towns registered a population with the combined total of 242,965. It is equivalent to 4.48% of Bicol’s 5.42M in the official census conducted last May of 2010. Majority of these […]

20 Towns and Cities Over One Third of Bicol Population

In the official national census conducted for May of 2010, twenty Bicol cities and towns registered a total count of 2,051,067 equivalent to over one third or 37.84% of the regional total. Eight of these cities and municipalities has population exceeding the 100,000 population mark. The eight cities and municipalties […]

New Trick on Creation of Nueva Camarines Known

There’s a new twist in town. The move to split the province of Camarines Sur into two may move forward under a new trick. The twist is here: reports said that the group belonging to those opposing the division have agreed to convert the Partido area or the 4rth congressional […]

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 […]

From YouTube: Horrible Roadtrip to Siruma

As if the information posted in here on several instances about the town of Siruma may not be enough, yet, here comes a graphic understanding on what to expect on the road to the forsaken and almost forbidden frontier. Thanks to the abundance of resources at self publishing anything from […]

Bicol Charity Foundations Loses Financial Assistance From PCSO

Seven charitable foundations and institutions in the Bicol region had been cut-off of their monthly and quarterly funding by the numbers gaming agency Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO). Many more similar institutions around the country suffered the same funding stoppage. This was revealed by chairwoman Margarita Juico who said the […]

10 Bicol Light Stations Not Operating Despite Over Supply of Spare Parts

Special Report Calabanga, CamSur, September 20, 2011- A total of ten light house stations in the six provinces of Region V (five) covered by the Bicol Coast Guard District are not operating, according to the agency’s web site. This is in the heels of a finding disclosed by the Philippine […]

Camarines Sur and Ilocos Norte Inks Sister Province Ties

Call it reciprocity. One good act in exchange for another. South meets north. Camarines Sur governor L-Ray Villafuerte signed a sister province ties with Ilocos Norte governor Imee Marcos on September 10, last week.

The Unbelievers Extol Camsur Tourism As A Myth?

When Camsur became a byword as an emerging tourist mecca, any claim to that effect needs tangible and statistical proof. It is not the tourists who come and repeatedly come who are dying and grandstanding to find the proof or will not stop until handed down the proof.

Cobra Iron Man 70.3 Philippines Reels Off At CamSur Today

Cobra Ironman 70.3 Philippines reels off with a big bang early this morning, August 14, at the CamSur Watersports Complex (CWC) of the Provincial Capitol Complex here from over 1,100 triathletes from 28 countries around the world.

CBSUA: A University in Metamorphosis

The conversion of CSSAC into CBSUA has made a tremendous grandeur for my Alma Matter, a far cry from what I had known during the CSAC days. The new University is expected to provide technological science including education, arts, and science.

On Time Harvest Saved Crops from Flood

Exactly two weeks before the rain floods of typhoon Bebeng hit the bountiful ricefields of Calabanga, in the quadrant bounded by sitios and barangays of Taculod, San Roque, San Pablo and Ratay, the farmers got busy with their hand-driven rice harvesting tool of sickle (asyab). The farm workers worked fast and quick for the scorching heat of the summer sun has a skin-burning effect.

Cam Sur Brace for Monsoon Rain

The unabated rain experienced in major parts of the Bicol region has caused danger to lives and property of Bicolanos. In Camarines Sur, the provincial disaster risk reduction and management council issued an advisory prompting its municipal counterparts to take appropriate actions in their respective areas.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Peñafrancia Festival in Retrospect

“All’s well that ends well,” a popular saying that is often quoted by many and here we are, doing the same, for we just can not leave behind the immediately past regional event last week without this concluding piece. The Penafrancia tercentenary, religious festivities, celebration and fiesta all rolled into nine days in the Bicol region which centered its focal events in the city of Naga eclipsed the previous and many years of observance.

All Roads Lead to Bicol

A few days from now, on September 10, the region begins the celebration of 300 years of devotion, the Tercentenary of the Virgin of, and Our Lady of Peñafrancia.

The Camarines Sur Tourism Ad: Come South CamSur

Come South, CamSur. For all our friends, kababayan, visitors and prospective tourists, come and enjoy the hospitality, sights, sounds, food, adventure, amenities and many more of the premier province of Bicol. Appearing on this tourism campaign commissioned by the provincial government is the singer and movie actor Karylle with the […]

Is it Quo Vadis, Mount Isarog?

With all these exploration and mining actions in the Bicol region initiated by the national government which contradicts itself, and at times awarded to foreign companies that solely enjoy the benefits and fruits of the national patrimony, whom do we ask for relief?

San Miguel Iron Ore Deposit Up for Grabs

With the looming prospect of the San Miguel bay to exploratory mining for iron ore deposit, we surmised the immediate areas that maybe opened. Here we conceptualized that prospective zone of one kilometer from the shore and three kilometers outward. The same area runs in conflict with municipal ordinance that […]

San Miguel Bay Faces Mining Activities

The current environment in the area about San Miguel bay may endure some changes in the very near future with the entry of a new player. Bogo Resources and Mining corporation (BRMC) has been granted by the mines and geosciences bureau (MGB) to explore iron-ore sand in approximately one third of the bay’s offshore area.

Crime Rise in Camarines Sur Noted

The volume of recorded crimes committed in the province of CamSur rose to 256 per cent or 294 cases in the first six months of the past year against 1,047 for the same half-year period, this year. Meanwhile, Naga city’s crime index seemed to follow the provincial trend.

A Monument to a Beloved Son

One Calabangueno stand tall and proud on a pedestal facing what used to be the town plaza (up until the construction of the multi-purpose Octagon edifice) for many decades now. He is Emilio Tible, Sr., or should be rightfully referred to as the monument erected and dedicated in his honor […]

Let A Thousand Bikes Vroooom

When bank and store credit was eased even to low income singles and families, the first option was to get one motor bike for ease in mobility. A very affordable monthly, some weekly, financing plan enticed one too many in our region; an effective sales drive that spread like wildfire not only in urban centers but also in suburban areas. Add to that the prospect of more savings on daily gas expense, and there should be no second thoughts but walk into the bike store and grab one.

Calabanga is now with 3rd Congressional District of CamSur

With the creation of a new congressional district in the province, our town is now in the third, well, the whole old second district was renamed new third district. It took effect when Republic Act 9716 was signed into law October 12th this year which reapportioned the first district of […]

What Could be Done Better with the Inarihan Dam

This is the lock of the Inarihan dam located in barangay (village) Binaliw of Calabanga constructed many decades ago.

The THIRIS covers the watershed areas of Tigman, in the towns of Calabanga and Tinambac, Hinagyanan and Inarihan, both in Calabanga, with a total land service area of 3,542 hectares (8,752.47 acres.)

Mt. Isarog, The Majestic

This is Mt. Isarog, a dead volcano nestled at the heart of Camarines Sur province, the highest forested peak in the southern portion of the island of Luzon with a height of 1,966 meters (6,450.13 feet) above sea level.

What's Recommended

The Camarines Sur Tourism Ad: Come South CamSur

Come South, CamSur. For all our friends, kababayan, visitors and prospective tourists, come and enjoy the hospitality, sights, sounds, food, adventure, amenities and many more of the premier province of Bicol. Appearing on this tourism campaign commissioned by the provincial government is the singer and movie actor Karylle with the […]

FLASHBACK: The Peñafrancia Traslacion of 2019

The undying devotion of Bicolanos to the Blessed Virgin Mary is replicated every year with the religious celebration and observance of Peñafrancia feastivities and festivities. This is a quick throwback of the Peñafrancia Traslacion of September 13, 2019. The event ushered the second leg of official observance of the Bicolano […]

CamNorte Capital Daet Highest Earning Bicol Municipal LGU in FY2009

The capital town of Daet was the highest-earning municipal local government unit in Bicol for fiscal year 2009 based on the totals of income from local sources and external sources. Also interesting that of the 107 municipal LGUs of Bicol region, 22 received an IRA share for the fiscal year […]

CamSur 3rd district gets P1.4B project allocation for 2014

NAGA CITY — The third district of Camarines Sur will get at least P1.4-billion worth of projects in 2014 from the national government even as the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) has been scrapped after the Supreme Court ruled that it was unconstitutional. Before the scrapping of the PDAF or […]

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.

THROWBACK: VP Leni tours Jesse Robredo Museum in Naga City

This is only a passing question for residents living around the City of Naga and also of towns nearby, and maybe of Camarines Sur province, too. Have you visited the Jesse Robredo museum yet? If not, then come on, let’s join Vice-President Leni Robredo show us around. The VPOP is […]

Cam Sur Brace for Monsoon Rain

The unabated rain experienced in major parts of the Bicol region has caused danger to lives and property of Bicolanos. In Camarines Sur, the provincial disaster risk reduction and management council issued an advisory prompting its municipal counterparts to take appropriate actions in their respective areas.

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.

PNP Dispatches More Personnel To Election Hot Spot Masbate

Barely a week in the electoral campaign in the Bicol region yet the Philippine National Police already has deployed additional police personnel to the province of Masbate. The island is home to a history of electoral violence during the conduct of previous elections may it be mid-term or presidential which […]

Full coverage of the civic parade and float competition in Naga City

The Peñafrancia festivities celebration continues with the civic parade and float competition. The street parade is still part of the continuing tradition during the celebration of the Peñafrancia feastivities and festivities which ends on Saturday, after the street and fluvial procession. Alternative coverage, if available streamed live by local TV […]

Sarong Banggi and the dearth of mainstream Bicol songs

Sarong Banggi and the dearth of mainstream Bicol songs. Now added on the sidebar of the Bicol (House Journal) section only, is the unofficial regional Bicol romantic anthem Sarung Banggi (Sarung Bangui, Sarong Banggi) a reggae version by the band Mudflow from the town of Sto. Domingo in Albay province. […]

New Trick on Creation of Nueva Camarines Known

There’s a new twist in town. The move to split the province of Camarines Sur into two may move forward under a new trick. The twist is here: reports said that the group belonging to those opposing the division have agreed to convert the Partido area or the 4rth congressional […]

CamSur Road Widening Will Impact Naga City and Pili

Naga city, (PNA) — The Department of Public Works and Highways has allotted P100 million for a road-widening project from Naga city to the capital town of Pili in Camarines Sur. The project will specifically affect real estate properties along the primary highway. Engineer Guilbert Romero of the Camarines Sur […]

What's Throwback

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.

CamSur Road Widening Will Impact Naga City and Pili

Naga city, (PNA) — The Department of Public Works and Highways has allotted P100 million for a road-widening project from Naga city to the capital town of Pili in Camarines Sur. The project will specifically affect real estate properties along the primary highway. Engineer Guilbert Romero of the Camarines Sur […]

Magtang barangay officials of Tinambac town butchers giant leatherback sea turtle

Previously featured here were news items about a giant leatherback sea turtle which laid eggs at Legazpi coastlines and local government agency urges non-disturbance of turtles released by Saipan. Both items lean more on conservation and preservation of the critically endangered specie, which according to the International Union for the […]

CA affirms conviction of former CASURECO II board members

The 9th Division of the Court of Appeals affirmed the conviction previously handed down by the Regional Trial Court Branch 33 on July 25th 2011 for indirect contempt by former Camarines Sur electric cooperative 2 president, eight members of the board and an area manager. Convicted as charged are former […]

Bicol vice presidential bets Robredo, Escudero, top political advertisers on ABS-CBN

Robredo, Escudero, top political advertisers on ABS-CBN. Independent Partido Galing at Puso vice-presidential candidate Francis “Chiz” Escudero and Daang Matuwid Coalition Liberal Party vice-presidential candidate Ma. Leonor Robredo topped the list among candidates for national position who have spent more for television advertising with ABS-CBN alone. According to the Philippine […]

THROWBACK: VP Leni tours Jesse Robredo Museum in Naga City

This is only a passing question for residents living around the City of Naga and also of towns nearby, and maybe of Camarines Sur province, too. Have you visited the Jesse Robredo museum yet? If not, then come on, let’s join Vice-President Leni Robredo show us around. The VPOP is […]

Cobra Iron Man 70.3 Philippines Reels Off At CamSur Today

Cobra Ironman 70.3 Philippines reels off with a big bang early this morning, August 14, at the CamSur Watersports Complex (CWC) of the Provincial Capitol Complex here from over 1,100 triathletes from 28 countries around the world.

78% of Voters in CamSur 3rd District Like Robredo

If the elections were held between April 11 and 12, the sure winner in the 3rd congressional district of Camarines Sur will be Liberal Party candidate Atty. Leni Robredo. This was the finding of London-based pollster entity Taylor Nelson Sofres. The study revealed the Robredo widow had 78% per cent […]