WHERE’S THE DTI DIRECTOR? Partially obscured by the balloon at left is DTI provincial director Ireneo Panti, Jr., the prime mover behind the OTOP Cariton, another of which was granted by the provincial government to the Catanduanes Producers Association, Inc. last week. CPAI President Cesar Angeles (2nd from L) receives the unit from Virac Councilor Lemuel Surtida, who represented Gov. Joseph Cua, and DTI Regional Director Joy Blanco (4th from L). Also in photo, at far right, is CAAP’s Edwin Soneja.

DUAL-PURPOSE PROJECT. The distribution of 14 community-based composting facilities, including this shredder, is expected to boost organic farming through the use of organic fertilizer to be produced by beneficiaries and help mitigate climate change by discouraging people from burning organic waste. The facility also includes a composting bed and tea brewer.

A DAMOCLES’ SWORD is hanging over the work site of F.F. Cruz Construction in Sipi, Bato town as the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) regional office weighs whether an exemption would be granted for the illegal conversion of the agricultural land. The company is constructing the Doppler Radar facility at Buenavista, Bato and the Sipi campsite is critical to its work as it is just across the source of aggregates for the project.

THE NEW CATANDUANES PNP PROVINCIAL DIRECTOR, Senior Supt. Lito Pitallano, receives the unit flag from PNP Bicol Regional Director Chief Supt. Cecilio Calleja during the turnover rites the other Monday as Vice Gov. Jose Teves Jr. lends a hand. Also in photo, from left, are former PD Senior Supt. Rodegelio Gerero, San Andres Mayor Antonio Romano, PBM Sonny Francisco and 83rd IB commanding officer Lt. Col. Danilo Aquino.

WAR IS NOT FOR THE YOUNG. Elementary and high school students joined last week’s Walk for Humanity of the Philippine Red Cross celebrating the International Humanitarian Law (IHL) and highlighting the limitations on internal and external conflicts and the protection of the civilian population.

A TOAST TO NEW LEADERSHIP Dr. Asuncion V. Asetre, CSC president, do the honors of presenting a token to Dr. Patricia B. Licuanan chairperson CHED (2nd from left), during the forum of Bicol Foundation for Higher Education, as witnessed by Dr. Dominador P. Peralta, Jr., CHED Region V director (extreme left) and Dr. Faye Lauraya (extreme left), Bicol University president.

THEIR IDEA OF PEACE. Pupils and students from seven schools in Virac competed in the On-the-Spot Poster-Making Contest held by the Philippine Red Cross in celebration of the International Humanitarian Law this August. The winners are Michael DJ V. Tabilin (extreme left, back) of Virac Pilot Elementary School and Angelica M. Gianan (extreme left, front) of Calatagan National High School. (JRomano)

THE 901ST BRIGADE’S SECOND-IN-COMMAND, Col. Ruben Ayson (2nd from left), is all smiles as he holds the M14 rifle recovered by an Army unit after a clash with at least 18 New People’s Army guerillas in Bagamanoc town Aug. 10. Col. Ayson visited the 83rd IB headquarters in Lictin, San Andres to boost its troops, now headed by Lt. Col. Danilo Aquino (center). Also in photo are DZVC Radyo ng Bayan OIC Arlene Bagadiong (extreme left), PIA’s Edna Bagadiong (4th from left) and San Andres consultant for peace and order Adoracion Suaviso.

RUMEPP BENEFICIARY Sonia Tesorero of Bato (3rd from left) receives the check for the P20,000 loan granted for her food business by VisionBank as other grantees await their turn. In photo are (from left) DTI Director Ireneo Panti Jr., VisionBank Manager Jerry Ang, Tesorero, RUMEPP project manager Jerry Clavesillas and M&E specialist Roi Avena (partly hidden).

MORE THAN 50 WHEELCHAIRS were distributed by the officers and members of the Maharlika Shrine Oasis to burned and disabled children and some senior citizens of Catanduanes last Friday (Aug. 13) through the Catanduanes Island Lodge No. 291 represented by Gov. Joseph Cua at the provincial capitol lobby. The group is working to bring a beneficiary to Cebu City for the needed operation to make the child walk normally again. (Prince Subion/C3)

News Feature: KALEIDOSCOPE: Love seen through the eyes of Children

Headline Stories:
Radar contractor’s work site probed for illegal conversion
The construction of the multi-million peso Doppler Radar System in Bato could face some delay following a finding by the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) that the temporary campsite of contractor FF Cruz Construction Co. violated laws against illegal conversion of agricultural lands.

Full Story

Aug 19

RTC disqualifies Viga mayor; appeal filed

Aug 12

Rice fields in Baras, Pandan threatened: Black bugs are back!

Past Headline Stories...

Capitol turns over 14 composting facilities
Governor Joseph C. Cua last week turned over community-based composting facilities granted to the provincial government by the Department of Agriculture to 14 recipients, most of them from Virac.

Full Story

Teener charged for rape of girl, 11
The Provincial Prosecutor’s Office has filed a rape charge against a 16-year old boy from Caramoran for allegedly sexually abusing a 11-year old girl last June 28, 2010.

Full Story

Bayong makers advised to explore other product lines
Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Regional Director Jocelyn Blanco last week urged local bayong entrepreneurs and weavers to expand their product lines to make them more acceptable to the buying public.

Full Story

Past Articles...