14 BARANGAYS IN THREE TOWNS are enclosed by the 8,000-hectare new coal exploration and development contract bid out by the Department of Energy early this June. Anti-mining advocates and local governments incensed by the lack of prior consultation are girding for a more intense showdown as a small-scale permittee could start mining coal at Campo Ermitaño in Panganiban anytime soon. (PPDO Map)

GUARDING AGAINST A(H1N1). An employee of the Provincial Health Office flags down a tricycle and interviews passengers to determine if they have flu-like symptoms that would merit confinement in a holding area.

THE PNRC BLOOD COLLECTION UNIT is the subject of discussion between the PNRC Catanduanes Chapter Board of Directors and Gov. Joseph C. Cua during a visit last week at the governor’s office as the chapter marked Red Cross Month in June.

A JUVENILE WILD PIG, bought from a farmer in another town, is kept tightly tethered in an extra-secure pig pen somewhere in Virac after the animal tried to escape by somehow climbing the walls of the enclosure.

THE BEST OF CSC. Mr. Teen CSC Erwin Ian Torreña, Ms. Teen CSC Danica Rose San Roque, Ms. CSC Maria Ayesha Sanchez, and Mr. CSC Harold Glenn Gualberto pose for the fans’ cameras after their triumph in the search last week during the Catanduanes State Colleges’ 38th foundation anniversary.

ALLEGED BONNET GANG members (from left) Vincent Tario, Leo Bagadiong, Jomar Magtangob and Ricky Magtangob stare as Catanduanes PNP provincial director Senior Supt. Rodegelio Gerero explains why Pedro Tabor (5th from left), whose tip led to the recovery of a home-made shotgun from Ricky, may be excluded from the criminal charges.

NATIONAL MASTER Renante Aureada basks in the glow of his triumph in the Bicol regional chess eliminations, showing off his trophy together with supporter Gov. Joseph Cua at the capitol last week.

TAEKWONDO BROWN BELT San Diego, California Edwin Gianan spars with an American fighter in the recent US Elite Taekwondo Championship held in San Diego May 30 where he won two golds in Forms or Poomse competition and in the sparring category.

ENERGY SUMMIT participants, including several officials from the Department of Energy, National Electrification Administration and the National Power Corporation, showed the need for constant communications among power firms in Catanduanes to address frequent brownouts and unreliable supply of electricity.

INDEPENDENCE DAY. The capital town of Virac saw two celebrations of the Philippine Independence Day last June 12. Government officials and employees led by DOTC Assistant Secretary Cesar V. Sarmiento attended a flag-raising ceremony at the Virac town plaze and offered wreaths at the monument of Dr. Jose Rizal. At the Virac fountain and war heroes memorial, members of leftist organizations, cause-oriented groups and tricycle drivers railed against the Visiting Forces Agreement, called for the recall of LTO fee increases, slammed PGMA for the Con-Ass bid and then burned the United States flag. (Bob Monterola)

News Feature: Between Islands: Students can be smarter than their teachers

Headline Stories:
NEA memo a “monkey wrench” in co-op polls
The National Electrification Administration (NEA) has thrown a proverbial monkey wrench into the upcoming district elections of the First Catanduanes Electric Cooperative, Inc. (FICELCO) by mandating an additional requirement for candidates.

Full Story

Jun 26

DOE bids out new coal contract here: New battle set vs. coal mining in Panganiban

Jun 20

P8.134/kwh rate hike unlikely; NPC allays fears of higher power rates

Past Headline Stories...

A(H1N1) task force to orient hotel workers
Management and employees of local hotels and lodging establishments would be oriented on how to handle suspected A(H1N1) cases after an apparent “mishandling” of one such incident in Virac the other week.

Full Story

Rape suspect pokes cop chief in the eye
A farmer who allegedly raped his 15-year old daughter got into more trouble when he poked the Pandan police chief in the eye using a nail last week.

Full Story

LGU employees grumble as state workers’ pay hike takes effect
Officials and employees of local government units are asking the Union of Local Authorities of the Philippines (ULAP) to press Malacañang to grant them their salary increase beginning today, July 1, instead of January next year.

Full Story

Homicide case ends after 10 years, man convicted
A man who hacked to death a sleeping abaca stripper in San Miguel town 10 years ago has been sentenced to 17 years in prison and ordered to pay the heirs of the deceased a total of P125,000 in damages.

Full Story

Past Articles...