Cua, DOH-5 praised for action vs. cholera

(052) 811-2822
VOL. XXXII, NO. 17
JUNE 27, 2012
VIRAC, CATANDUANES
8 PAGES
10.00
Catandunganons around the world
rally around Esperanza Tresvalles
by Pablo A. Tariman/Music News & Features
A Mother‟s Day story of
former London-based OFW
Esperanza Tresvalles from
Bato, Catanduanes and her
son, Tarik Khan, touched
Catanduanganons from all
over the world.
The reunion story came
out in the Amsterdambased Munting Nayon, The
Netherlands website, although this writer has written about Tresvalles and
her son earlier in the Philippine Star in 1994 and the
Sunday Inquirer Magazine
in 2011.
Ella Banas who is based
in Saudi Arabia said she
was moved to tears by the
mother-and-son story which
she found was very inspir-
ing. Lorna Asai based in
Tokyo, Japan said she
couldn‟t help crying after
reading the story.
Belle Taopo Hiliard, who
is also based abroad, wrote
to say she couldn‟t help
shedding tears as she read
the story. “It was so heart
wrenching! Her story proves
that God watches out for
downtrodden people. The
scriptures that come to
mind are from Matthew 6:26
-30 which sa ys 25
“Therefore I tell you, do not
worry about your life, what
you will eat or drink; or
about your body, what you
will wear. Truly, God has
been taken care of Ms Espie because despite her
wearing wet clothes, not
once have I heard of her
getting sick of major illness
or making a trip to the hospital.”
Ferdinand Temones from
Vancouver, Canada said he
found the mother-son story
so moving and touching. “I
remember Espie during my
grade school years 51 yrs.
ago and saw her in a school
play. It was so pitiful what
happened to her. I hope her
story will open the eyes of
other OFWs abroad who
are too trusting of their relatives.”
Eve Tomes Panesa who
is based in the United Kingdom wrote she couldn‟t help
shedding tears of joy after
HEARTWARMING REUNION. After 29 years, familiar
“campanario” denizen Esperanza Tresvalles (center) is reunited with son Tarik (right). Tarik's friends in Catanduanes,
including Mrs. Sonia Sorra (left) made the quiet meeting
possible.
reading their story.“ I saw
them in Virac when I was a
teenager and know their
story a bit. I was so touched
by their reunion. I was also
Outbreak’s toll: 22 dead, 1,730 taken ill
Cua, DOH-5 praised
for action vs. cholera
SEEING FOR THEMSELVES how efforts against the cholera outbreak in sitio Mislagan in Virac are being implemented are DOH Secretary Enrique Ona, DOH Dir. Nestor
Santiago, Gov. Joseph Cua and DOH OIC-Assec. Enrique
Tayag. The visitors also donated to Cua P800,000 in assistance to the campaign as well as health emergency kits.
Bus drivers,
conductors to
get fixed pay
Department of Health Secretary Enrique Ona last
week expressed satisfaction with the measures implemented by the administration of Governor Joseph
Cua and the DOH regional office in Bicol against the
cholera outbreak.
LEGAZPI CITY (PIA) -Every bus driver and conductor presently employed
as permanent, contractual,
reliever or those that are
paid in a per-trip basis and
boundary system will be
receiving fixed salaries and
wages starting July 1, this
year, according to the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) regional
office here.
DOLE 5 regional director
Nathaniel Lacambra said
the agency will start requiring and monitoring bus
“I am very happy that
everything that is needed to
be done has been done,
with the local government
unit and the DOH-CHD 5
focusing on what is needed
in the immediate, medium
term and long term,” Ona
said in a briefing at the
Eastern Bicol Medical Center.
However, he said, much
remains to be done in the
long term, because public
health programs, particularly those involving water
supply, sanitation and
waste disposal, have been
too fragmented, sometimes
overlapping, and piecemeal
Bus drivers/page 2
DDG Pascua inaugurates new TESDA building
LIVELIHOOD STARTER KITS were distributed to scholars
who worked at the construction of the TESDA provincial
office building while learning their skills in the construction
trades for six months. Cong. Cesar Sarmiento, who worked
for the P2-M funding for the training-cum-production project.
Is joined by TESDA Deputy Director General Teodoro Pascua (in red shirt) and regional director Conrado Bares
(extreme left).
No less than Deputy Director General Teodoro
Pascua of the Technical
Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)
was on hand to inaugurate
its Catanduanes provincial
office building that was built
by tech-voc scholars in six
months.
According to TESDA provincial director Jose
Serrano and TESDACabugao School of Handicraft and Cottage Industries
administrator Elpidio Tuboro, funding for the project,
with a floor area of 72
square meters, was provided by Rep. Cesar Sarmiento through a congressional insertion while the
402-square meter lot is under a 25-year usufruct
agreement with the Catanduanes State Colleges.
The P2-million scholarship funding was used for
DDG Pascua/page 2
(“tingi-tingi”) to really make
an impact. On the other
hand, he said, local health
facilities have failed to keep
up with the need of the
growing population.
Informed that only half of
those admitted as diarrhea
patients were enrolled in
PhilHealth, Sec. Ona said
the most critical way to reform the health system is to
increase enrolment in
health insurance, particularly the next 20% of the
poorest of the poor.
Greater PhilHealth coverage will give LGU health
facilities more opportunities
Cua, DOH-5/page 2
happy to see that my former
English professor, Mr. Efren
Sorra (and her wife Sonia),
actually helped the poor
Catandunganons/page 8
5 win Dangal
ng Kalikasan
Five individuals and entities were the first awardees
of the Governor Joseph C.
Cua Dangal ng Kalikasan
as former Chief Justice
Reynato Puno led the opening ceremonies of the 2012
Linggo ng Kalikasan last
week at the provincial capitol.
The first of its kind in Catanduanes, the award conferred a plaque of recognition and cash gift to winners
in the five categories: individual, non-government
organization, academe,
industry and local government unit.
Gov. Cua, Congressman
Cesar Sarmiento and
PENRO Joaquin Ed Guerrero joined Puno in giving
the awards to DPWH assistant district engineer Gil
Augustus Balmadrid, for his
unwavering commitment to
the protection of the island‟s
ecosystems through his
efforts in various solid
waste management concerns that led to the establishment of municipal ecology centers in San Andres
and San Miguel;
905th Philippine Coast
Guard Auxiliary headed by
5 win Dangal/page 6
WITH TROPHIES IN HAND, winners of the Gov. Joseph C. Cua Dangal ng Kalayaan
Award beam at photographers following the awarding ceremony at the capitol grounds June
18. From left are PENRO Joaquin Ed Guerrero, DPWH DE Ignacio Odiaman, RTC Executive Judge Lelu Contreras, former Chief Justice Reynato Puno, awardees Panganiban LGU
represented by Mayor Robert Fernandez, 905th PCG Auxiliary headed by Capt. Ivanhoe
Arcilla, Catanduanes State Colleges led by Pres. Minerva Morales, individual winner Engr.
Gil Augustus Balmadrid, Catanduanes Power Generation, Inc. represented by Engr. Noli
Najito, Gov. Joseph Cua, and Cong. Cesar Sarmiento.
2
JUNE 27, 2012
CYBERTRIVIA
Useful Metric Conversions
1 million microphones = 1 megaphone
1 million bicycles = 2 megacycles
365.25 days = 1 Unicycle
2000 mockingbirds = two kilomockingbirds
10 cards = 1 decacards
1 kilogram of falling figs = 1 Fig Newton
1000 grams of wet socks = 1 Liter Hosen
1 millionth of a fish = 1 microfiche
1 trillion pins = 1 terrapin
1 million billion picolos = 1 gigolo
10 rations = 1 decoration
100 rations = 1 C-ration
10 millipedes = 1 centipede
3 1/3 tridents = 1 decadent
10 monologs = 5 dialogues
5 dialogues = 1 decalogue
2 monograms = 1 diagram
8 nickels = 2 paradigms
2 wharves = 1 paradox
100 Senators = not 1 decision.
*****
Discoveries
Man discovered weapons, invented hunting.
Woman discovered hunting, invented furs.
Man discovered colors, invented painting.
Woman discovered painting, invented makeup.
Man discovered speech, invented
conversation.
Woman discovered conversation, invented
gossip.
Man discovered agriculture, invented food.
Woman discovered food, invented diet.
Man discovered friendship, invented love.
Woman discovered love, invented marriage.
Man discovered trade, invented money.
Woman discovered money, man has never
recovered.
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Cua, DOH-5….
from page 1
to earn more money as
there will be no more charity cases, Ona added. He
also urged LGUs with Basic
Emergency Obstetric and
New Born Care (BEMONC)
centers to get PhilHealth
accreditation now so they
will be able to claim the
P8,000 per delivery reimbursements from PhilHealth.
He expressed optimism
that the watered-down Sin
Tax Bill now pending before
the Senate will provide
funding of more than P20
billion annually for health
care in the country and ensure that there will be Universal Health Coverage in
the Philippines by 2014.
This, he added, would address Cua‟s request for P36
million for the upgrading of
the facilities of the Virac
Water District and improvement of water systems in
the cholera-stricken barangay of Dugui Too, Cabcab,
Sto. Domingo, and Caramoran, Ona emphasized.
Aside from visiting the
cholera-stricken sitio of Mislagan in Virac, the DOH
chief personally turned over
a P500,000 check and
Emergency Health Kits to
Governor Joseph Cua, who
also got P300,000 from the
DOH regional office through
Regional Director Nestor
Santiago Jr. He also turned
over Health Emergency Kits
to the capitol.
With Sec. Ona on his
brief visit were Undersecretary Teodoro Herbosa, OICassistant secretary Dr. Enrique Tayag and executive
assistant Dir. Jaime Lagahid. Congressman Cesar
Sarmiento and health personnel from 11 towns were
also present.
The latest report on the
outbreak disclosed that
there are 22 validated
deaths due to Vibrio cholera
validated as of this date as
well as 1,730 diarrhea
cases from January 1 to
June 19. The number of
cases are expected to rise,
health official said, following
the provincial government‟s
decision to provide free
hospitalization to all those
stricken by diarrhea. It was
also revealed that of the
250 samples sent to DOH
Bicol for confirmation, 31
were found positive for
cholera.
Director Santiago said 12
water sources were likewise
positive for contamination
with E. coli, Aeromonas and
Vibrio cholera. All 11 towns
of the island province has
reported diarrhea cases,
with Virac, San Andres and
San Miguel greatly affected,
he added.
Even before the Sangguniang Panlalawigan‟s
declaration of a state of
calamity all over the province last Wednesday (June
20), the provincial government has already undertaken of rationing of safe
water and distribution of
jerry cans to 20 affected
barangays, procurement of
medicines and supplies,
procurement of chlorine and
installation of improvised
chlorinator. Governor Joey
Salceda of Albay also sent
over a portable water filtration system.
Gov. Cua said health
personnel are also engaged
in water quality surveillance, including disinfection
of contaminated water
sources and water analysis
of other sources. Ten units
of biosand filter tanks are
being constructed in the
stricken barangays.
In the long term, the provincial chief executive said
moves have been made to
ensure water quality in the
11 towns, with eight villages
set to implement water
source improvement projects charged to the province‟s 5% Calamity Fund. A
BETWEEN PERSONAL AGENDA AND PROTECTING PUBLIC INTEREST. Vice
Gov. Bong Teves personally bridged the gap between Vice Mayor Arlene Templonuevo and Councilor Notalio Popa and other SB members last week. Teves’ effort
ended the six-month long political quarrel between the Popa camp and the vice mayor
that led to the filing of an administrative case before the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
DDG Pascua….
Bus drivers….
the training-cum-production
project in which 298 CSHCI
scholars in carpentry, masonry, reinforcing steel bar,
tile setting, electrical installation and arc welding were
trained at the construction
site, given free lunch and
provided livelihood starter
kits of construction tools
upon completion of their
qualifications training.
At the same occasion,
210 vouchers under the
Training for Work Scholarship Program was released
to CSHCI.
In his brief address, Pascua disclosed that TESDA
Director General Joel
Villanueva has allocated P2
million for the congressional
district of Catanduanes for
technical-vocational scholarships.
On the other hand, Cong.
Sarmiento bared that his
office has funneled P8 million in funding assistance to
TESDA in the last two years
and assured support in
sourcing funds for the operation of the extension
training centers in PandanCaramoran and Panganiban-Viga-Bagamanoc.
For her part, CSC Pres.
Minerva Morales said the
completion of the building
presents an opportunity for
TESDA to tandem with the
CSC in site-specific training
programs for local industries.
Also present during the
blessing were TESDA regional director Conrado
Bares, DOLE regional director Nathaniel Lacambra,
agency heads, and officials
of the different tech-voc
schools in the province.
companies in Bicol to
comply with Department
Order (DO) No. 118-12 that
provides fixed salaries and
wages for drivers and conductors.
Lacambra said DO 11812, which was issued on
January 13 provides for the
payment of daily salaries
and wages including proper
time of work for drivers and
conductors of public utility
buses.
DOLE 5, along with the
Regional Tripartite Wages
and Productivity Board
(RTWPB), is now providing
free seminars to bus operators, drivers, and conductors who need assistance in
computing their would-be
salaries and fringe benefits
in line with the order.
The seminars, according
to Lacambra, are meant to
avoid confusion when it is
a l re a d y i mp l e me n t e d .
Those previously paid on a
per-trip basis and boundary
system will now be covered
by this rule.
Under the order, these
workers are entitled to
wages for all actual work
during the normal work
hours and days not lower
than the applicable minimum wage rates. Wages
shall be paid at least once
every two weeks or twice a
month at intervals not exceeding 16 days. Minimum
wage for non-agricultural
workers in Bicol, including
bus drivers and conductors,
is set at P252 daily.
They should be paid a
holiday pay of 100 percent
of the minimum wage even
without reporting to work
and 200 percent when required to work on a holiday.
They are also entitled to a
rest day of 24 consecutive
hours for every six consecutive working days. If
from page 1
campaign for the construction of toilets and condominium-type septic tanks
will also be undertaken by
the municipal governments.‟
Aside from strengthening
compliance at the LGU
level with the Sanitation
Code, Solid Waste Management Act and related
local laws, Cua disclosed,
the provincial health office
will also undertake installation of electronic surveillance system in all health
units. The lack of such a
system has been blamed
for the erroneous tally of
more than 3,000 diarrhea
cases, as patients were
counted twice or thrice as
they went to the rural health
units, district hospitals and
the Eastern Bicol Medical
Center.
On the other hand, the
DOH has provided drugs,
medicines, laboratory supplies and laboratory services for confirmation of
human and water samples.
It has likewise assisted in
the establishment of an
Incident Command System
and has met with local
health officers and hospital
chiefs regarding the epidemic status, management
and reporting.
from page 1
they are required to work on
a rest day, an additional
premium pay of 30 percent
of minimum basic wage
should be paid to them.
Overtime pay equivalent to
at least 25 percent of the
basic wage on ordinary
days and 30 percent on
regular holidays, special
days and rest days for work
beyond eight hours per day
would also apply.
An additional 10 percent
of the daily basic wage is
required for night shifts, if
work is between 10:00 p.m.
and 6:00 a.m. of the following day. Incentive leave of
five days per year of service
should also be observed.
They should be paid 13th
month pay pursuant to
Presidential Decree No.
851, as amended, which
entitles the employee to
receive an amount equivalent to 1/12 of the total basic salary earned within the
calendar year, not later than
December 24 of each year.
Other incentives for a regular employee such as maternity leave for both male
and female, parental leave
for solo parents and the
retirement pay upon reaching the age of 60 or more
are also applicable.
The implementation of
DO 118-12, Lacambra said
is expected to help reduce
road accidents involving
passenger buses due to
reckless driving, over
speeding, and road racing
while competing for passengers for more earning.
This new wage rule would
serve as the key to careful
driving as drivers are assured of substantial earnings either by way of fixed
daily wage rate or performance-based determined
through the total earning of
the bus, safety performance
and other indicators, he
said. (MAL/DOC-PIA 5,
Albay)
TRIBUNE SUDOKU
HOW TO PLAY: Complete the grid so each row, column and 3
-by-3 box (in bold borders) contains every digit from 1 to 9.
3
JUNE 27, 2012
WEEKLY REFLECTIONS
Some Random Thoughts
What do you hear?
A Native American and his friend were in downtown New York City,
walking near Times Square in Manhattan. It was during the noon lunch hour
and the streets were filled with people. Cars were honking their horns,
taxicabs were squealing around corners, sirens were wailing, and the sounds
of the city were almost deafening. Suddenly, the Native American said, "I
hear a cricket."
His friend said, "What? You must be crazy. You couldn't possibly hear a
cricket in all of this noise!"
"No, I'm sure of it," the Native American said, "I heard a cricket."
"That's crazy," said the friend.
The Native American listened carefully for a moment, and then walked
across the street to a big cement planter where some shrubs were growing.
He looked into the bushes, beneath the branches, and sure enough, he
located a small cricket. His friend was utterly amazed.
"That's incredible," said his friend. "You must have super-human ears!"
"No," said the Native American. "My ears are no different from yours. It all
depends on what you're listening for."
"But that can't be!" said the friend. "I could never hear a cricket in this
noise."
"Yes, it's true," came the reply. "It depends on what is really important to
you. Here, let me show you."
He reached into his pocket, pulled out a few coins, and discreetly dropped
them on the sidewalk. And then, with the noise of the crowded street still
blaring in their ears, they noticed every head within twenty feet turn and
look to see if the money that tinkled on the pavement was theirs.
"See what I mean?" asked the Native American. "It all depends on what's
important to you."
As Jesus tells the Pharisees in the Gospel, "Give to Caesar what is Caesar,
but give to God what is God's."
- Unknown
TIngnan natin
ni Jex F. Lucero
PAKI-REVIEW ANG ECONOMIC ENTERPRISE NG EBMC
Tuloy na tuloy na pala ang
bakbakang Belaro vs. Soledad sa pagka-director ng
Ficelco na sakop ng BarasGigmoto. Si Mr. Fidelito Soledad ay kilala na bilang kasalukuyang director ng District 1
Baras-Gigmoto at siya ang
Board Secretary.
Ito namang si Romeo B.
Belaro, Jr., o si Nonoy na
siyang katawagan sa kanya
ay isa itong engineer at nagtapos ito ng kanyang engineering course sa Bicol University. Isa siyang empleado
ng DPW H-Catanduanes,
engineer ll/project engineer
lll.
Siya ngayon ang project
engineer sa Sioron, Dororian
& Benticayan Section, Baras
at Gigmoto. PDAF Project
Baras-Gigmoto Sections at
2012 Project sa Sipi, Balongbong, Pagsangahan, San
Miguel, Bato at marami pa
siyang ibang mga nasasapiang mga civic, religious organizations.
Malayo na yatang magkamag-anak ang mga kandidatong ito ng director ng
Ficelco Belaro vs. Soledad
pero sabi magkamag-anak
pa rin.
Alam ko sport lang ang
labanan ng dalawang ito at
sinuman ang
mananalo
kailangan ay ayos lang ang
lahat.
Good luck, Engr. Romeo
“Nonoy” B. Belaro at Mr. Fidelito Soledad!!
*****
Maliwanag ang mensahe
ng mga nagkasakit ng cholera. Nang tanungin sila ng
mga taga-media kung bakit
hindi nila makuha ang pumunta ng hospital para magpagamot ang sagot nila ay
simpleng “wala kaming perang pambayad sa hospital.”
At sa pagtatanong-tanong
ko rin naman sa mga tinamaan ng sakit na cholera,
ang sabi nila hindi na raw
kasi sila makapunta ng
EBMC kasi wala raw silang
kahit isang sentimo para
pambili ng gamot na hindi
raw kagaya noon kahit papaano ay may libreng gamot
na naibibigay sa mga walang
perang pasyente.
Iyon ang hinahanap ng
mga taong walang-wala na
kahit papaano ay may libreng
gamot na puwedeng mapakinabangan nila sa gipit na
pangangailangan. Hindi na-
man kasi sa lahat ng oras
may kuwarta ang sinuman na
pag punta mo ng hospital ay
reresitahan ka at pagkatapos
ay bibili ka ng gamot sa
botika.
Ngayon ay iba na diyan sa
EBMC dahil sa pagpapatupad nila ng “economic enterprise” na ang maliwanag na
pagkakaintindi ng mga tao ay
wala nang libreng gamot.
Kaya anong sabi ng
pasyente sa interview ng
mga taga-media na hindi sila
makapunta sa hospital dahil
sa wala silang pera. Wala
silang pambili ng gamot.
Naging libre ang gamot
later pero nagkamatayan na
muna ang mga tinamaan ng
sakit bago nagdeklarang libre
ang lahat.
Matindi ang isang nainterbyu na ayon sa kanya
palpak ang gobyerno dito sa
atin. Kaya‟t puwede ba mga
namamahala ng EBMC pakireview lang ang programa
ninyong economic enterprise
dahil sa totoo lang ang tinatamaan ng ka-eeksperimento
ninyo ay ang lokal na pamahalaan?
Ang nangyayaring ito sa
atin ay maaaring maulit sa
mga darating na panahon. At
sigurado ako na ang titirahin
na naman ng mga apektado
ay ang lokal na pamahalaan
natin.
Kaya puwede ba gumawa
naman kayo ng ibang programa na iyong mga walangwala, iyong mga hirap na
hirap sa buhay ay magawan
ninyo ng paraan na kahit
papaano ay malibre man lang
sa gamot sa mahigpit na pangangailangan nila.
Sa ngayon kasi napakahirap pumunta ng hospital
natin pag wala kang maski
pambili ng gamot man lamang. Sa totoo lang!!
*****
Status quo raw ang position ng tatlong lider natin na
sina Cong. Cesar V. Sarmiento, Gobernador Joseph
Cua at Bise Gobernador Jose
“Bong” Joson Teves, Ang ibig
sabihin ay hindi sila maglalaban-laban kundi si Cong.
Sarmiento
kakandidatong
kongresman si Gob. Cua ay
dati rin gobernador at si Bise
Gob. Bong Teves ay dati rin
bise gobernador.
Ito na marahil ang pinakamagandang mangyayari
ngayong eleksyon kung saan
ay tiyak na mawawala ang
agam-agam na baka magkadayaan, magkasulutan,
magkabilihan ng husto ng
boto, magkagamitan na naman ng mga pulis at sundalo,
at iba pang klase ng pandaraya sa oras ng eleksyon.
Hindi kailangang gumastos
ng milyong-milyong salapi
ang mga kandidato at hindi
kailangang magsiraan sa
entablado, hindi kailangang
gumamit ng mga goons, hindi
kailangang gamitin ang mga
pulis at mga sundalo para sa
pananakot ng kapuwa kandidato na mamimili ng boto.
Ang tanong papayag naman kaya ang mga ambisyosong kandidato na hindi
nila makamit ang kanilang
ambisyon lalo‟t ito na sa paniniwala nila ang pagkakataon
para sila ay malagay sa puwestong gustong -gusto
nilang makupo?
Igua baga nin mga tawong
daeng pakilabot basta ang
saenda saenda sana!!
*****
Ayon sa kanila, Cong. Cesar Sarmiento at Bise Gob.
Bong Taves, nagkaintindihan
na sila na hindi sila maglalaban sa puwesto ng kongresman. Magaling!
Sa ganoon iyong mga
nang-uuto kay bise gobernador para labanan ang tiyo
niya ay mawawala na. Siguro
ang mga mang-uuto ay tatahimik na dahil alam kong
hindi basta magpapauto si
Bise gobernador. Alam ko
iyan dahil may mga gumigimik na noon. Masyado
nga lang halata.
At sana…sana …ang paguusap ni Cong. Sarmiento at
bise gobernador Bong Teves
ay usapang magkamag-anak
at hindi usapang pulitiko.
Pan-o pag-istoryahang
pulitko puro an bubuwa. Nugayod ngani maski istoryahang magkadugo bubuwa
pa!!!
Ano, bacong, iyo?
*****
Noong nakarang linggo
kung saan ay nagcecelebrate tayo ng Independence Day ay nagkaroon ng
programa sa Plaza Rizal.
Nandoon si Cong. Sarmiento, Gob, Cua at iba pang
mga opisyal ng probinsiya at
ng PNP at hindi sinasadya ay
napasama si Hon. Lelu P.
Contreras ang executive
judge at presiding judge ng
RTC Br. 43-acting presiding
Atty. Romulo P. Atencia
A.B., LlB., Bar Topnotcher
Former Executive Judge, RTC, Virac
STATEHOOD
In 1898, the United States
won Cuba, Guam, the
Philippines, and Puerto Rico
from Spain. The Philippines
became an American territory
when the Treaty of Paris, at
the end of the SpanishAmerican War, transferred
control of the Philippines to
the United States.
*****
For a territory to become a
member-state of the United
States of America, elected
leaders representing the
majority of voters must file a
petition for statehood to be
approved by the US House of
Representatives, then by the
US Senate, then ratified by
the President of the USA. All
US states were former
territories that voted for, and
were accepted for, statehood.
Puerto Rico became a US
territory the same time as the
Philippines, and remains a
US territory, because Puerto
Rico never achieved a
majority of votes to petition
for either statehood or
independence, in several
elections on statehood held
in Puerto Rico over the past
100 years. Alaska and Hawaii
were the last 2 territories to
become states, about 50
years ago. No US territories
were ever denied a petition
for statehood.
*****
Theoretically, Filipinos
could have elected Filipino
leaders who could have
petitioned for statehood back
when the Philippines was a
territory, then statehood for
the Philippines could have
been considered by the US
congress. Before World War
II, Taft, Governor of the
Philippines and later US
President, dreamed of
Philippine
statehood.
However, the Philippines was
never considered, and could
not have been considered, to
become a member-state,
because elected Filipino
leaders never petitioned for
statehood in the US
congress. Our leaders,
notably Manuel L. Quezon,
opposed statehood. In his
famous (?) words, he said
that it is better to have a
government ran like hell by
Filipinos, than a government
ran
like
heaven
by
Americans. Of course, as we
now realized, he got what he
wanted – our country is being
ran like hell by Filipinos. That
is not to count some
municipalities and provinces
which are lorded over by
Chinese kingpins. Chinese
mayors and governors, too,
can run local government
units like hell.
*****
After WWII the Philippines
still had an opportunity to
become a state of the
American Union as many
who served in the guerilla
forces and in the Philippine
armed forces felt a genuine
desire to become part of the
United States. After the war,
many Filipinos began to
participate in a grass roots
effort to become a state. The
Philippine government was
corrupt and many heroes of
judge ng RTC Br. 42.
Nang matapos daw ang
Pambansang Awit, medyo
nagkaroon daw ng mga at
least three minutes na nahinto ang programa na para
bang wala nang susunod pa.
Kahit hindi kasama si Judge
Lelu sa programa pumunta
siya sa unahan at siyang
nanguna sa pagpapasunod
sa pagbigkas ng panunumpa
sa watawat.
At
pagkatapos
ng
panunumpa sa watawat bumalik siya sa linya sa tabi ni
Cong. Sarmiento at ang sabi
WWII watched in dismay as
their government sank down
to the lowest levels of
depravity and their country
became the “sick man of
Asia” due to corruption and
mismanagement. Discontent
rooted in economic disparity
and religious differences
grew in the late 1960s. The
New People's Army (NPA)
soon spread to other parts of
Luzon and throughout the
archipelago. In 1969 the
Moro National Liberation
Front (MNLF) was organized
as a guerrilla force for the
Muslim cause.
*****
In the late 60's and early
70's before Marcos, there
were efforts led by former
Congressmen Bartolome
Cabangbang and Rufino
Antonio for the Philippines to
be a state of the American
union. Why not, indeed? On
the side of the Americans,
their
country
would
immediately increase its
population by about onethird, and they would have a
vantage point in this part of
the world. In world politics,
size is might. Present
population in the United
States is 313 million, ours is
100 million, including those
working overseas. If the
Philippines is annexed into
the United States, the latter's
population will increase by
almost 30%, and will outstrip
that of the Russia Federation.
*****
Insofar as the Philippines
is concerned, the Philippines
will be the most populous
state of the union, bigger
than the two most populous
states -- California and New
York -- combined. The
Filipinos will be the largest
ethnic group in the United
States, larger than the Irish,
the Blacks, the Chicanos, or
any ethnic group of European
extraction. With our voting
power, we can elect, say, Lito
Lapid,
an
American
President. Considering the
penchant of Americans for
interfering in our elections
and exploiting us, this
constitutes delicious irony,
poetic justice and divine
retribution. Moreover, our
senators and congressmen
can vote the Philippines all
so rts of p ork b ar re l
allocations, social security,
medicare and welfare, that
will make us Filipinos the
recipients of American bounty
beyond our wildest dreams,
enough to compensate us for
all the wealth American
carpetbaggers
and
multinational corporations
have been taking out of our
country since the turn of the
last century. Filipinos will find
jobs in American corporations
and be paid in stable dollars
instead of shrinking pesos.
Filipinos can go to the United
States, the land of milk and
honey, anytime without
having to line up for a visa,
and be insulted by Americans
of low IQ. Also, Filipinos will
automatically be American
citizens, which by perception
means being free, rich and
sexy.
*****
IGNORANCE IS NOT BLISS.
READ, LEARN AND WORK.
sa kanya ni Congressman
Sarmiento, “Judge, you just
saved our day”.
Wow naman, sino kaya
ang nag-prepare ng nasabing
programa? Pati panunumpa
sa watawat hindi alam. Alam
ba ninyong ang panunumpa
sa watawat ay nasa batas
natin „yan?
Tuturuan naming kayo
dahil maraming kopya sa
amin. Maikli lang naman at
madaling imemorya.
There were also efforts at
annexing the Philippines as
several states. According to
this formula, the Philippines
may choose to divide itself
into 5 states with a total
representation in the U.S.
Senate of 10 senators; and
according to its population,
the Philippines would have a
representation in the Lower
House of at least 60
congressmen. How's that for
political clout? We will be the
most powerful political force
in the American Union.
*****
There are others who
opted not for US statehood.
Some Filipinos have sought,
such as the Moro National
Liberation Front, to join
Indonesia. Other groups seek
for individual islands to
become an independent
nation. (How does Republic
of Catanduanes sound?) Any
way out of the rut known as
the Philippine government
was perceived to be good.
*****
Opponents
cite
Nationalism, self-rule, and
point out that US forces once
ravaged the Philippines,
slaughtered villages, and
imprisoned many of our
heroes like Aguinaldo, and
many others were held
captive and forced to bow.
Some Filipinos worry about
taxation, and the concern that
rich Americans would be able
to travel to the Philippines
and buy land and property
which is now very hard to do
as a foreigner.
*****
To be sure, there is no
guarantee that our lives
would have improved had we
become a state of the United
States of America. Terrorists
and other mortal enemies of
America who cannot infiltrate
the continental U.S. may
instead wreak havoc in our
shores. America, such as in
WWII, may again fight its war
in our land. Additionally, we
are culturally different from
the Americans, raised in a
different
atmosphere/
environment and upbringing
totally in contrast with theirs.
The materialism of American
society does not blend well
with some of our cherished
values and traditions. The
greed of some American
corporations would have
been repugnant to our taste
as a people. And what about
the side of the Americans?
Would they have welcomed
us into their fold and looked
at us as their little brown
brothers or sisters? Most of
them are racists and it
wouldn't have been long
before they made us targets
of their ridicule and smirks.
That would sting our Filipino
pride and we are known not
to take insults sitting down.
*****
No, sir. I think it is better
just to fix our own backyard,
and endeavor to put up a
government ran like heaven
by Filipinos.
Atty. Romulo P. Atencia
E m a i l
a d d :
romuloatencia@yahoo.com
TRI-EX
CABLE TV
Calatagan, Virac
“All the best shows
are on cable TV”
Remegio Villaluna
Proprietor
Pls. Contact
0929-856-5056
4
JUNE 27, 2012
EDITORIAL
Bulok na gobyerno
To the provincial government which was too glad to
accommodate the four TV crews that covered the cholera
outbreak, the comment elicited by GMA-7 from a local
resident must have stung a bit.
It doesn’t matter that the description was so generic that it
could have referred to the PNoy administration, or even the
Alberto rule in Virac. Surely, to be described as rotten all over
makes one react with a cry of injustice against an undeserved
epithet.
What the administration has done to address the health
emergency could hardly be described as a product of a rotten
government. Despite some critics’ claim that Governor
Joseph Cua unduly engaged in politicking upon seeing
responders’ T-shirts and jerry cans bearing his name, the
chief executive has emerged from the crisis smelling like
roses, so to speak, as the only one among local leaders to
engage actively in the crisis. And it was not even his fault or
negligence that the outbreak happened.
The blame for all this can be laid squarely at the doorstep
of the municipal governments and barangay councils which
have done nothing worthy of mention in the seven years since
the last diarrhea epidemic in 2005. To cite one, the water
system at sitio Caniogan in Dugui Too in Virac has remained
unchanged since then, with scant protection, while the
families at the area has not had the benefit of a sanitary toilet.
To claim that the three politicians who have handled the reins
of the municipio since 1988 have improved the life of the
Caniogan residents would be to state an absurdity.
The same goes to barangay councils whose constituents
were stricken by contaminated water. A study of the
development plans they regularly submit for approval and
implementation would disclose that majority of scarce public
funds were spent for concreting projects than for the
improvement of basic necessities like water supply and
sanitation.
So now, the brave Catandunganon who described the
government as rotten should likewise be asked how he voted
in the last local and barangay elections. Did he sell his vote,
like 99 percent of the Catanduanes electorate, to politicians in
exchange for a license to steal valid for three years?
If he did, did he not think it would be unfair for a ―bought‖
citizen to complain against official negligence and thievery in
municipal and barangay governments led by the very same
politicians to whom he had given away his right to seek
redress?
With the midterm national and local elections just a year
away, he and the rest of the electorate in this sickened island
(not a paradise, says an expatriate) should ponder that
democracy, upon which good governance is based, operates
like karma: the voters get the leaders they deserve.
If this island has thieves and slackers for leaders, then it
has conscience-less voters, too frail to resist the pull of easy
money. There is an apt description for such a flawed people
that the same TV crew could have captured from the same
subject:
Bulok na tawo
The Newspaper for Every Catandunganon
Publishes Every Wednesday
Editorial and Business Office at
Rawis, Virac, Catanduanes * Tel. No. 811-1267
Fax No. 811-1267
FERNAN A. GIANAN
Publisher-Editor
Atty. FRED A. GIANAN, JR.
Legal Counsel
RICHARD T. REVELAR
Web Master
FREDESWINDO T. GIANAN, SR.
Founder
www.catanduanestribune.com
Inside Page
Fernan A. Gianan
Virac’s river of filth and disease
Several of the fatalities in
Virac from the cholera
outbreak
came
from
communities along the Sto.
Domingo river, which has its
source far away in the Dugui
area.
When Cito Alberto tasted
power as municipal mayor in
1992, one of his first
commendable acts was to
launch a Clean and Green
program that evaluated all 63
barangays and awarded
those which complied with
existing laws and guidelines
on
cleanliness
and
environmental protection.
The first time the team
went to the three Dugui
barangays, all linked by a
riverine system, they saw
garbage
haphazardly
disposed of in the river and
streets, pigs and residents
using the entire village and
the riverbanks as a toilet. The
residents reasoned that when
the rains come, the flood will
wash all the trash and the
fecal matter away, down to
the Buyo, Sto. Domingo and
Pajo areas.
Apparently, in the 20 years
that has passed, with Cito
now sitting again as mayor,
the same problem has not
been resolved. Dugui‟s water
sources remain in a
neglected state, many of its
households without access to
safe water and sanitary
toilets, and its people
unfortunately and blissfully
remaining ignorant of basic
hygiene.
Thus, it is not farfetched to
surmise that the filth from
Dugui has come to bring
disease downstream to Virac,
where in Sto. Domingo, the
river has tested positive for
contamination by diseasecausing bacteria. While from
atop the bridge the river looks
Q
so clean and inviting, the
people should take a second
look before plunging for a
swim lest he or she be taken
ill afterwards.
*****
Many of bus drivers and
conductors are unaware that
the Department of Labor and
Employment (DOLE) is set to
implement an order providing
for fixed salaries and wages
for drivers and conductors
beginning July 1.
Under said order, those
paid on a per-trip basis and
boundary system will be
covered by the rule, which
mandates that they be paid
the P252 minimum wage for
non-agricultural workers. Like
the rest of the labor force,
they should enjoy 13th month
pay, overtime pay, holiday
pay and rest day of 24 hours
for every six consecutive
working days.
An additional 10 percent of
the daily basic wage is
required for night shifts, if
work is between 10:00 p.m.
and 6:00 a.m. of the following
day. Incentive leave of five
days per year of service
should also be observed.
They should be paid 13th
month pay pursuant to
Presidential Decree No. 851,
as amended, which entitles
the employee to receive an
amount equivalent to 1/12 of
the total basic salary earned
within the calendar year, not
later than December 24 of
each year. Other incentives
for a regular employee such
as maternity leave for both
male and female, parental
leave for solo parents and the
retirement pay upon reaching
the age of 60 or more are
also
applicable.
In one of the buses plying
the route Virac to Viga, the
driver is being paid P320 for
one roundtrip daily but he
had no overtime pay or night
differential. The bus owner,
an elective official, does not
pay for SSS and PhilHealth,
which the driver pays on his
own as self-employed
member.
The same is true with
buses bound for Caramoran
and Pandan. One driver who
is employed by his relative,
does not enjoy the benefits of
SSS and PhilHealth, although
he gets P400 per day, again
without night differential and
overtime pay.
In both cases the buses
leave the northern towns at 3
A.M. in the morning and then
make the return trip after 12
hours.
Considering that one of the
aims of the DOLE policy is to
help reduce road accidents,
the new DOLE provincial
officer should endeavor to
interview bus drivers and
conductors to check whether
they are getting the correct
wages and benefits.
*****
Solving
the
Problem.
According to a radio report, a
middle school in Oregon was
faced with a unique problem.
A number of girls were
beginning to use lipstick and
would put it on in the
bathroom. That was fine, but
after they put on their lipstick
they would press their lips to
the mirror leaving dozens of
little lip prints.
Finally the principal
decided that something had
to be done. She called all the
girls to the bathroom and met
them there with the
maintenance man. She
explained that all these lip
prints were causing a major
problem for the custodian
who had to clean the mirrors
Inside Page/page 7
Isip-isipon ta
qui
Tang Tacio
Oremus vobiscum
Iguang reclamador na mga
contratista an nagreparo na
saro
na sana daa an
nanggagana kan mga
contrata sa Deped sa
pagpatogdoc nin escuelahan.
Segun sa saenda, baco na
man daang catutubod na
halos maubos na kan
masuwerteng contractor an
enterong proyecto sa islang
Catanduanes. Tibaad daa
igua na ining cacomplotan
diyan sa laog pati na sa
regional office.
Sabi pa, nakitik daa an
saendang suspecha kan
maisihan na an saro daang
casual na empleyado diyan
sa division office nakabakal
na nin harong sa subdivision,
saro pang lote asin duwang
kabayo o carruaje. Tibaad
daa su mga invuelto man daa
sa ibong iyo man an
suwerteng nacoa sa pabidding-bidding kan mga
escuelahan.
Ngonian, marinas na
adalan ini nin husto bago
masigurong naquinabang si
ser sa salang guibo, Tibaad
nangutang man ini nin perac
o caya nanggana nin
sampulong vez sa palotteng
diyan sa Virac. Tibaad naori
man
sana
an
mga
chismosong contractor ta
nawaran
sinda
nin
deligencias posibles.
Kung iguang mga sogocsogoc an mga tawong ini,
hala, dalagan na camo sa
Ombudsman!
*****
Diyan man daa sa LTO
Virac sa kahadean ni Amon,
an mga nangayag-ngayag
daa baco man itong mga
permanenteng empleyado,
kundi an mga job order, detail
hari sa regional office o
casual. Pinasul-ot sana daa
nin uniporme, iyo na an
minaimplementar
kan
regulaciones sa mga
cagsadiri nin mga vehiculo o
drayber. Maluya pa daa an
cincuenta pesos na singil sa
cada stencil kan numero nin
sasakyan.
Anas na daa ining mga
alisto maghanap nin mga
diferencia sa papeles o sa
carruaje, caya minadacul an
bayadan. Tangani daang dae
mahowa an bolsa mo, maquiareglo ka na sana, pero
daeng resibo, he! he! he! Ta
baco man sa caban nin
gobyerno kundi sa bolsa ni
ser, he! he! he!
Sayang na dae lamang ini
inaguihan ni PNoy kan Mayo
dos, cotana naimbitaran niya
na an mga maorag na
empeyadong baco man na
mag-aplay qui Conchita
Nazario-Morales bilang mga
bag-ong imbestigador, Siring
sa gibo ninda sa mga clientes
kan LTO, hindi nila kayo
tatantanan!!!!!
*****
Masakit mangyari an
pangaturogan kan mga toltol
na tawo na si Gob Boboy,
Cong Cesar y Bise Gob Bong
anas sanang mag-reeleksyon
sa dating puesto.
Enot, dae ta man puedeng
pugolan sinda Dayunyor
Verceles, Cotipyo, Siliwong y
iba pang nasobrahan nin
huragoc na dae na sinda
mag-entra sa politica. Kung
iyo an gusto, ya hale,
pabaliha!
Icaduwa, siring man kan
mga nagsagin-sagin na
gakatusla, masakit an
pukawan. Sagcod ngonian,
gapasilo-siloan si Gob Boboy
y Cong Cesar kung mahuronhuron o dae, ta mala daang
iba man daa an estorya ni
Bise Gob sa lambang saro.
Icatolo, dacul man an mga
ambisyoso sa lambang
campo, caya an saendang
mga candidato sa municipio
magabaranggaan pagabot sa
2013. Sa ngonian ngani, igua
nang mga banwaan na sinda
Gob, Cong y Bise Gob igua
nang mga representantes.
Icaapat, sa kinaban nin
politica, rinibo an mga
solsolero, na an solong guibo
sana iyo an magsolsol y
magsutsot sa saendang mga
among politico. Adyan an
ipalaban ka sa ibang politico
para soboot ica ipagana
alagad an tuyo iyo na
makadusmog ka. An perac
bagui man na duhay nin
carbaw, dacul an langaw lalo
na kung nakaluwas.
Kung sabagay, pabor an
siriblag na politico sa mga
votante, lalo na itong dae
nang laog an utak sa paigitigit dahel sa cholera. Mas
magayon para sa saendang
mga parapabacal nin voto na
magbugris man an mga
candidato pag-abot nin
eleksyon, para everybody
happy.
*****
Dae pa daa masabotan
kan
PDRRMC
kung
papanohon an duwang
lifeboat na binakal sa mga
parasira na nagcoa caini
duman sa naglubog na barko
ning Hapon.
Dae man ini puedeng
gibohon na rescue vessel ta
masyadong
mahiwas,
bacong ma-ispid boda kulang
sa
fuerza
laban
sa
daraculang lungso.
Idonar na sana ini duman
sa Mariners Polytechnic asin
ipangtucal nin scholarship sa
mga taga -Catanduanes
tanganing pakinabangan kan
gabos.
Kung iguang maghabo sa
consejo, siya an ilaog sa
lifeboat, kadenahan asin
palatawlatawon sa dagat nin
sarong bulan tanganing
magmuni-muni kung anohon
niya an lifeboat. Sisay pa an
maiba?
5
JUNE 27, 2012
CENTER FOR CATANDUNGAN HERITAGE, INC.
BIRD’S EYE VIEW
2nd GAWAD KULTURA
Colored perspectives
Awardee
STRUGGLE FOR DEPENDENCE
by Mars Alberto
FRISCO BASILIO BORJA
Pay, payaso musikero
At 72, Pay is a far cry
from the funny man and
musikero that he was at his
prime. He could hardly talk
and walk after a stroke. But
thanks to his loving and
caring wife Erlinda and
childen Ricky, now a music
teacher, daughter Sharon,
a nurse and Michelle, an
accountant, he is properly
looked after. He was able
to see through his family
needs via his work at PT&T
and by his earnings as
member
of
Publico’s
band.
The son of Eusebia
Abundo and musikero
Fructuso Borja, Pay was
born on May 30, 1940. He
started to play the bombo
(drum) at age 17 under
the watchful eye of Tang
Luloy (Teodulo Publico).
Later, he learned to play
the maracas, trumpet, guitar, bajo and tuba. He was
already a musician when
he decided to pursue his
education. He was the
oldest elementary grades
graduate at 24, the oldest
high school graduate at
30. He didn’t really mind.
He just wanted to be in
school. After he finished
two years of college education at the Catanduanes Colleges, he began work at PT&T delivering telegrams, sometimes
singing/dancing
grams
where he delivered music sang a “Happy Birthday”
song and danced while
playing his own accompaniment - to a person as
requested by the sender.
For 43 years he played
his music coupled with
funny antics and improvisations making him an entertainer and a musician.
He played with the popular band that provided
festive music to town and
barangay fiestas, assisted
in padasal,
novenarios
and
funerals. The pay
was mostly in kind, sometimes twenty five centavos
during the 60s and 70s. This
rose to fifty pesos in the
1980s, 150 to 200 in the
1990s, to 300 in 2000. He
found musician’s work
profitable. He was able to
buy his own bombardino
from Nestor Publico.
He recalls with pride his
performance as member
of the CNHS band. It gave
him the chance to join the
Bicol Meet as playing
band sponsored by then
Congressman Jose
Alberto. Their well-acclaimed
performance made them
very popular.
At present his son Ricky is
definitely following his footsteps as the music teacher
-son is fast becoming a
popular saxophone player.
He also plays the banduria
and flute and has also become a music coach and
trainer of the CNHS band.
The many musical instruments they have accumulated are displayed in a
cabinet adorning the dining room of a modest two
storey house built by Pay’s
retirement money.
The funny man’s music is
still
mirrored
in
the
musikero’s beaming eyes.
LETTER
On Solar Power
I‟ve been following news and stories from your online edition of Catanduanes Tribune regarding the problems that are currently pestering the people of Catanduanes. These problems impacted not only on lives of the people but also to the economic activities in the island province.
We are supposed to be protected by laws from these problems as these are two of the basic
utilities that we need on our daily lives. These problems are already being experienced by the
people of Catanduanes for so long. Maybe it is just our resiliency to natural calamities that
makes us immune and of being unperturbed and seems to make us mum despite the sufferings
caused by these problems.
With these problems in mind, especially the problem in electricity, it urged me to look for an
alternative source of electricity for my home to dispense my family of the inconveniences
brought by brownouts, that I came across to this US based company, Mendoza Solar, that implements Solar Power projects in Southern California and Nevada in the US. As part of their
expansion overseas , they have created Lim Solar Corporation to facilitate planning and implementation of projects in the Philippines. I had been in constant communications with them
through one of their incorporator, which is a true-blooded Catandunganon based in US, Mr. Joe
Joson (Tiyo Peping) of Bigaa, Virac, and that we had been trying to look into how they could
possibly provide their intervention in the looming power crisis in Catanduanes.
Through the effort of Tiyo Peping and myself, we were able to solicit the presence of the Governor and Congressman of Catanduanes, through their representatives, to attend the recently
held presentation (15th May 2012) in Manila of Mendoza / Lim Solar on the implementation of
Solar Power Projects in the Philippines. As I have been informed, a letter-proposal has already
been sent to the Governor for the possible implementation of a solar power farm in Catanduanes most probably through Build Operate and Transfer (BOT) Scheme.
The CEO of Mendoza Solar, Mr. Winston Mendoza, will be back in the Philippines on 8 th July1st Aug 2012 as follow-up to the presentations conducted. He plans to personally visit Catanduanes and has requested for a meeting with the Governor and provide a presentation to other
local officials of the province. I hope that the Governor would take a serious look into this.
Being an island province it makes us vulnerable and in the forefront to the effect of climate
change, especially the rising sea level, thus I think it is sensible that our provincial leadership
seriously consider the use of renewable energy. Solar power would be a better if not the best
option for our province because it could well compliment to the operation of the existing hydroelectric power plants. During daytime, solar power can be utilized to produce electricity while the
hydro-electric power plants are accumulating water in its reservoir that can later be used to run
the turbine at night time. This can be the case during rainy season and summer season.
For the problem in the supply of water, I read in today‟s online issue of Catanduanes Tribune
that VIWAD would implement Php2.0 Million deep well project and to procure fuel-powered generator set to operate the overhead water tank in CSC to supply water in the residents of underserved areas ofSan Isidro Village, Cavinitan, Valencia and Bigaa. I understand that both of
these undertaking would utilize water pumps, either electric-powered or diesel-powered. In one
of our email conversation, Tiyo Peping made mention that they would also be bringing to Catanduanes the solar-powered water pumps for farming and home water supply solution. I think it is
worth to mull over the use of solar-powered water pumps for these VIWAD projects. It will not be
affected by brownouts and the spiking increase in the cost of petroleum products.
Even the world‟s top oil exporter, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the number one natural
gas producer, Qatar, are now seriously venturing to Solar Power.
I hope that through your intercession, this would reach the awareness of the concerned public
officials and decision makers and that we could at least contribute our ideas in solving the perennial problems on water and electricity of our island province of Catanduanes.
God bless and more power,
Renato T. Chong
Planning Engineer, Sidra Medical & Research Center
Education City Project, Qatar
41st CSC Charter Day Celebration
nd
2 CSC RUN for FUN
July 4, 2012, 5am
Starting line: San Roque, Virac (infront of Nazareno chapel)
Registration deadline July 3 at the CSC
Medical & Dental Clinic
Registration Fee:
Students – P100 (free printed sando and
lugaw); Employees & Outsiders – P200
(free printed T-shirt and lugaw)
¡El verano es ido! ¡Y es feliz de regresar una vez más educar pero el temió la mirada asesina
de maestro!
********
Dealers are the face of major oil companies to the consuming public, hence, the oil companies
must not be only circumspect but also comprehensive in its due diligence review of prospective
dealers because it is a key factor that determine not only the profitability of the dealership but its
business behavior in the community. Hence, we cannot expect a responsible business behavior
from a dealer who monopolizes almost every aspect of economic activity in our province. The
fate of the original Petron dealership in the province is very disturbing as it was done under an
uneven level playing field which effectively killed business competition in the province. Catandunganons must now continue to support this now unbranded dealership if only to show disgust to
the behavior of this monopolizing political leader cum greedy businessman.
Speaking of combining business with polity (government) under one roof as characterized by
the situation in oil dealership in the province, the result is a government failure to protect the interest of the public. The situation creates MONOPOLY – that is when a specific person or enterprise (kailangan pa ba imemorize yan?) is the only supplier of commodities and services in the
province. Alang ibang mapagkukunan ng serbisyo o prodokto and the result is their power to
charge unreasonable high prices.
Simply put, we may not notice it but the pump price of gasoline is very high compared to our
neighbors, gasoline price remains the same for weeks even if a rollback has been in effect elsewhere in the country. The ferry service from the province is also a monopolized service of this
political leader cum businessman and the result is a poor imitation of the ferry services from Manila to Bataan. At almost the same distance, the ferry service to Bataan from Manila takes about
45 minutes to 1 hour while the Calolbon to Tabaco takes about 3 hours at almost the same price
(in the aircon area). The ferry service to Bataan is like riding an airplane in terms of amenities (all
areas are aircon, carpeted & with well-dressed stewards), while the ferry trip to Tabaco is like
riding a dilapidated aircon bus along the traffic stricken EDSA. In short, we are a captured market and at the mercy of this political leader cum businessman. This situation favors the current
provincial steward and as such tries forcefully but nonetheless struggles to maintain dependence
as it continues to avoid competition.
********
TIME magazine recently featured its take on “The 100 Most Influential People in the World”.
Familiar names in the list like US President Barack Obama & his rival presumptive Republican
presidential nominee Mitt Romney and US Secretary State Hillary Clinton are predictable member of the list. The inclusion of Jeremy Lin of the New York Knicks is somewhat inconsistent
though the guy broke several of the NBA barriers. Best example is that an Asian can be the
“court general” that would directs NBA‟s “American” stars like Melo Anthony and Amare
Stoudemire what to do in the court; Linsanity nonetheless was not with his team when the final
drive for the playoff spot was in progress and hotly contested by the Knicks, Philadelphia Sixers
& the Milwaukee Bucks. Without Linsanity, the Knicks still made the playoffs but has since been
eliminated by the Maimi Heat coached by Fil-am Eric Celino Spoelstra.
The most influential person in the world at this time could be Germany‟s Chancellor Angela
Merkel. As the leader of Europe‟s largest economy, she has slowly guided the continent out of
the debt crisis; preventing it from spreading across the global economy, while her contemporaries in Europe like France‟s Nicolas Sarkozy and Italy Silvio Berlusconi got kicked out of office by
their own people. However, the jury is still out on Europe‟s financial woes. Our for former colonizer „Spain‟ is in near financial collapse, more so with „Greece‟ the “cradle” of civilization – creator of the Doric, Ionic and Corinthian columns in Architecture. Probably the time is now for Asia
to shine and lead the world, not by China whose economy is overheating but Southeast Asia
nations.
********
The Philippines is not only known for being the texting capital of the world, but also the public
demonstration capital of the world, previously known as “people power”. When China manifested
its claim to Panatag Shoal (Bajo de Masinloc to previous Filipino generation), our kababayans
responded with raucous rallies and demonstrations not only in the country, but also outside the
country like in the USA. Even the impeachment of Chief Justice Renato Corona was not spared
of rallies (prayer rally included) from both sides of the fence. Our religious leaders also showed
up against the Lady Gaga visit to the country thru rallies. Fortunately, no rally happened when
Jessica Sanchez lost the “American Idol” to a James Taylor-reincarnate Philip Phillips. It could
have been the most shameful act collectively done by our kababayans.
On the Panatag Shoal issue (Scarborough Fair to Simon & Garfunkel) between the Philippines
and China, it is obvious that the US want us to stand up against China, unfortunately, the country
cannot win a shooting war with China. Hence, the way to go is peaceful negotiations. The country should not be carried away by the sudden USA‟s generosity to us, giving our Navy Hamilton
class cutters, one in May last year and another one last May 22, 2012. These ships are US
Coast Guard standard vessel only, commissioned in 1967 and for total decommissioning in the
USA by 2020, hence being sold possibly as “junk” or “used vessels” to countries like Philippines
and Nigeria. Maybe a US donation of an aircraft carrier like the 1968 commissioned USS John F.
Kennedy (aircraft included) could change the country‟s diplomatic approach to a more aggressive one.
********
(Reactions, comments and suggestions (violent or otherwise) are welcome at archmla@yahoo.com)
SHOPBOX
TRADING
JOLLIBETH’S
FOOD GARDEN
San Roque, San Andres
CYPRUS
ENTERPRISES
OPEN LETTER TO VICE GOV. BONG TEVES
Dear Hon.Bong Teves:
I am Sr.Shirley T.Torrente, a religious Sister on vacation here in our province Catanduanes. I
have been here since May 2 and went back to Manila on May 13,2012. I arrived last May 30,
2012 for another vacation. I experienced those days when I was here the tremendous uninterrupted brownouts almost the whole day. There were times that I recorded seven (7) occasions
of brownouts from morning until evening and thereafter.
I read your article in the Catanduanes Tribune dated May 30,2012 demanding the Board of
Directors of the First Catanduanes Electric Cooperative (FICELCO) to RESIGN. I STRONGLY
SUPPORT your demand that the BOD of FICELCO should RESIGN for the following reasons/
sentiments:
1.Catanduanes is a poor province. Majority of our people are poor and therefore FICELCO
fails to deliver services which are affordable (at a lower rate) and effective.
2. Attached herewith are two (2) billings of our electric consumption with a questionable
amount/cost particularly the May 25 billing.
March 24 to April 24, 2012
Php 2,585.94 without brownout
April 25 to May 25,2012
2,908.98 with tremendous brownouts
3. I believe that the BOD of FICELCO has failed to look for all possible means on how to
serve the people of Catanduanes efficiently, effectively and satisfactory through technical
and professional ways.
I cannot reconcile the logic of this kind of billing that the failure of delivery of power, the higher
consumption of electricity?
I am calling your kind attention, Hon. Teves, to look into it. Something wrong is in the system
that causes the electric consumers to be disappointed and upset. This kind of service adds
misery to the lives of our people particularly the business establishments.
If thess people in the Board of Directors will continue in their term of office, this kind of service is
another form of corruption. The people of Catanduanes don‟t deserve to be treated this way
while the directors are enjoying the comforts of their office.
Your immediate and prompt action on this matter Hon. Teves is highly expected. Thank you
for expressing your concern towards our people on the failure of FICELCO to deliver quality
power services as you mentioned ―failure to resolve the acute lack of power and rotating
brownouts‖ in the May 30 issue of the Catanduanes Tribune.
Yours respectfully,
Shirley T. Torrente, sjbp
6
JUNE 27, 2012
5 win Dangal….
from page 1
Capt. Ivanhoe Arcilla for its
unparalleled contribution to
the protection of coastal
and marine environment,
particularly the establishment of a vast mangrove
reforestation project in Palnab, Virac;
Catanduanes State Colleges, led by President Minerva Morales, for its significant contribution in the
field of Ecological Solid
W aste
Management
through its aggressive environmental education programs and strong policy
framework that is transforming the institution into an
eco-ville where the principles of sustainable development are at work;
Catanduanes Power
Generation, Inc. for its significant contribution to the
operationalization of Gogon
River Management Council
and the revitalization of the
river ecosystem through a
sustainable clean-up campaign as one of the partners
of the DENR in its Clean
Bicol Rivers Program; and,
Municipal Government of
Panganiban headed by
Mayor Robert Fernandez
for its commendable efforts
in mobilizing its various
stakeholders in addressing
SWM problems and issues
coupled with broad-based
institutional and policy
framework that resulted in
the sustainable implementation of interventions
geared towards the protection of its upland and
coastal ecosystems.
In his keynote address,
the retired Chief Justice
called on Catanduanes,
beset by the environmental
problem of cholera, to join
the fight to protect the environment which he stressed
is also a fight for the right to
life.
“It is a fight that we
should win, “ Puno stated,
citing the Philippines‟ recent
score in the Environmental
Performance Index where it
placed 8th in Asia Pacific
and 42nd in the world,
ahead of the United States,
due to a 30% reduction in
outdoor air pollution, enforcement of anti-illegal
logging laws, and tree
planting in 118,000 hectares of denuded forestlands.
On the other hand, Gov.
Cua, in scoring the .the
continued exploitation of
natural resources of the
island, urged the people to
transform this wealth into
an unlimited gold mine
through eco-tourism.
Citing his Go for Three
tree-planting program,
Cong. Sarmiento disclosed
that the island would soon
be declared as a miningfree province as the bill he
had filed has already been
approved on third reading
at the House. Lamenting
the lack of political will in
the fight to prevent the rape
of the forests, he encouraged the people to not only
plant seedlings but to nurture them into fully-grown
trees.
FOR SALE
AREX SKIN CARE CLINIC
SPECIAL PROMO
DIRECT BUYERS ONLY
Please contact:
(02) 696-3760 0918-3196962
0928-2725023 0929-5566788
LEGAL NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that an Extra-Judicial Settlement of Real
Estate has been executed by the heirs of the late Asuncion S. Lumbao, namely: Hrs. of Honesto S. Lumbao represented by Remedios
M. Lumbao of Makati City; Avenido S. Lumbao of Makati City;
Josefina L. Soleybar of Muntinlupa City; Mida L. Tabuzo of San Pablo,
Virac, Catanduanes; Corazon L. Aricaya of Pandacan, Metro Manila;
and. Rene S. Lumbao of San Isidro Village, Virac, Catanduanes, all of
legal age, over a parcel of land at San Juan (San Pablo Block), Virac,
Catanduanes, designated as Lot No. 198 and with an area of 95 sq.
meters, under ARP No. 031-0076, adjudicating said property in favor
of MIDA L. TABUZO, per deed executed before Notary Public Alfred
M. Aquino, per Doc. No. 8; Page No. 3; Book No. 306; Series of 2012; Notary Public Pio Kenneth Dasal, per Doc. No. 205; Page No. 54; Book No. 90;
Series of 2011; and Notary Public Reynaldo G. Elizalde, per Doc. No. 299; Page
No. 61; Book No. XII; Series of 2011.
The Catanduanes Tribune
May 23, 30 and June 6, 2012
LEGAL NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that an Affidavit of Claim with Waiver of
Rights has been executed by the heirs of the late Marcosa G. Tablo,
namely: Carmen Tablo-Sebastian, Oscar Tablo, Rosario TabloSilvano, Joel Tablo, Melinda Tablo-Calderon, Danilo Tablo, Lani Tablo
-Tapel, and Concepcion Tablo-Roque, all of legal age and residents of
Antipolo, Rizal, Virac, Catanduanes, and Taytay, Rizal, over Philippine
Veterans Bank – Camp Aguinaldo Branch Savings Account No. 00202
-007526-1, with the co-heirs waiving their rights therein in favor of
CARMEN TABLO-SEBASTIAN and requesting said bank to release
the balance of said account in her favor, per deed executed before
Notary Public Alfred M. Aquino, per Doc. No. 459; Page No. 93; Book
No. 312; Series of 2012.
PRINTING
SERVICES
DR. ADELENE G. GATMAITAN – DERMATOLOGIST
CLINIC SCHEDULE FOR THE MONTH OF JUNE
JUNE 29 – 30, 2012
Official Receipts
Office Forms
Newspapers
Yearbooks
Raffle Tickets
Souvenir Programs
Booklets
Stationeries
Prescription Pads
ID cards
Tarpaulins
Call or Text:
FOR EARLY BOOKING, CONTACT US AT CP# 09399171015
(MONDAY TO SATURDAY 8:00-12:00/1:00-5:00)
09399068476
09173549709
DR. JOSEFINA DELA ROSA BLDG., RIZAL AVENUE,
GET THE TRIBUNE AT THESE OUTLETS:
VIRAC:
1. Oscar Columna Newsstand
Virac public market
2. U Enterprises
Concepcion
3. Cyprus Enterprises
Beside Fudhaus
4. Joyworld - CC building
5. OTOP Cariton - Airport
6. SRM Enterprises
Cavinitan
IMPLING’S
Native Delicacies
LATIK, TILMOK
& PINANGAT
SAN ANDRES;
1. Columna Newsstand - Public Market
2. Jollibeth’s Food Garden - San Roque
3. Anching Arcilla
PANDAN - Engr. Danilo Ibloguin
CARAMORAN - Babylen Isarna
PANGANIBAN - Floresto Robles
BAGAMANOC - Jennifer Peralta
VIGA - VMart
BARAS - Jemson Enterprise
BATO - Jemson Educational Supply
SAN MIGUEL—Gianan Store (Bañas Bldg.)
0921-611-6079
JEMSON
ENTERPRISE
Baras
JEMSON
EDUCATIONAL
SUPPLY - Bato
Main Office: Rawis, Virac (near Immaculate Hospital), (052) 811-1267
LEGAL NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that an Extra-Judicial Settlement of Real
Estate Among Heirs has been executed by the heirs of the late
Eugenio Alcantara and Faustina D. Alcantara, namely: Lourdes Solaybar, representing the Heirs of Teodoro Alcantara, of Cabihian, Virac,
Catanduanes; Miguel A. Alcantara, representing the Heirs of Donato
Alcantara, of Hawan Grande, Virac, Catanduanes; Benito Alcantara,
representing the Heirs of Roberto Alcantara, of Lucena City and Virac,
Catanduanes; Luis T. Alcantara, representing the Heirs of Miguel
Alcantara, of Antipolo City and Virac, Catanduanes; Paquito D. Alcantara, representing the Heirs of Concepcion Alcantara, of Cabihian,
Virac, Catanduanes; Edita A. Zafe, representing the Heirs of Candido
Alcantara, of Palta Salvacion, Virac, Catanduanes; and, Rosalina A.
Matienzo, representing the Heirs of Felix Alcantara, of Cabihian, Virac, Catanduanes, all of legal age, over six (6) parcels of land at Palta,
Virac, Catanduanes, described as follows: Lot No. 5929 covered by
OCT No. 7771 and containing an area of 4,262 sq. meters; Lot No.
5869 covered by OCT No. 7770 and containing an area of 1,967 sq.
meters; Lot No. 8658 covered by OCT No. 7772 and containing an
area of 880 sq. meters; Lot No. 5916 covered by OCT No. 7773 and
containing an area of 2,137 sq. meters; Lot No. 5925 covered by OCT
No. 3610 and containing an area of 1,713 sq. meters; and, Lot No.
8379 declared under TD No. 026-0923 and containing an area of
2,078 sq. meters; adjudicating said property among themselves in the
manner stipulated, per Doc. No. 95; Page No. 20; Book No. 52; Series
of 2012.
TO:
ICA-ICSA ALUMNI
WHAT: ALUMNI X’MAS PARTY
WHEN: NOV. 30 – DEC. 2, 2012
WHERE: SPLASH MOUNTAIN
HOTEL, LAGUNA
For more information:
Contact the President at 09085030268
LEGAL NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that an Affidavit of Self-Adjudication has
been executed by the heir of the late Benjamin P. Benavidez, namely:
Erlinda Z. Benavidez, of legal age and resident of Antipolo del Norte,
Virac, Catanduanes, over Banco De Oro (BDO) Cash Card No.
6030074503 and Time Deposit Certificate No. 593178, adjudicating
said estate unto herself, per deed executed before Notary Public Alfred M. Aquino, per Doc. No. 172; Page No. 6; Book No. 46; Series of
2012.
The Catanduanes Tribune
June 27, July 4 and 11, 2012
The Catanduanes Tribune
June 27, July 4 and 11, 2012
LEGAL NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that an Extra-Judicial Settlement Among
Heirs with Sale has been executed by the heirs of the late Sps. Juan
Cajuday and Nicolasa T. Cajuday, namely: Loreta Cajuday-Posada
and Joel Cajuday, both of legal age and residents of Hicming, Virac,
Catanduanes, over a paercel of land at Sto. Cristo, Virac, Catanduanes, designated as Lot No. 5827 and with an area of 5,208 sq.
meters, covered by OCT No. 4343, adjudicating said property unto
themselves share and share alike and thence selling and transferring
the same in favor of PATRICK JOHN S. FRANCIA, per deed executed before Notary Public Jocelyn B. Abines, per Doc. No. 172; Page
No. 6; Book No. 46; Series of 2012.
The Catanduanes Tribune
June 27, July 4 and 11, 2012
2.7 kg, 5 kg. 11 kg, 22 kg at 50 kg.
AUTHORIZED DEALER:
VAKONA DRUG
Rizal Avenue, San Jose, Virac
LEGAL NOTICE
Notice is hereby given that an Extra-Judicial Settlement of Real
Estate Among Heirs with Sale has been executed by the heirs of the
late Rodolfo Yap, namely: Raymond A. Yap of Gogon Sirangan, Virac,
Catanduanes; Louela A. Yap of Gogon Sirangan, Virac, Catanduanes;
Cindy Y. Pastor of Gogon Sirangan, Virac, Catanduanes; Emelita Ang
Co of Taguig St., Makati City; Melba Y. Ang of Sampaloc, Manila;
Willie Y. Ang of Taytay, Rizal; Arnel Y. Ang of Baranghawon, Tabaco
City; Myrna Y. Ang of Olympia, Makati City; and, Sonia Ang Prieto of
Taguig St., Makati City, all of legal age, over a parcel of residential
land at Barrio Gogon, Virac, Catanduanes, designated as Lot No.
10545 and containing an area of 1,137 sq. meters, covered by TCT
No. 16923, including improvements thereon, selling and transferring
the same in favor of PETER C. CUA, per deed executed before Notary Public Renato Diosdado C. Kallos, Jr., per Doc. No. 1478; Page
No. 275; Book No. V; Series of 2012.
The Catanduanes Tribune
June 13, 20 and 27, 2012
The Catanduanes Tribune
June 13, 20 and 27, 2012
LEGAL NOTICE
QUALITY OFFSET
PROMO RUNS FROM JUNE 25 TO 28, 2012.
Notice is hereby given that an Extra-Judicial Settlement of Estate
with Sale has been executed by the heirs of the late Sps. Marcelo
Cajuday and Agripina Tomagan, namely: Heirs of Angeles T. Cajuday
represented by Teresita C. Calma of Sampaloc, Manila; Heirs of Epifania C. Tabuzo represented by Pedro T. Tabuzo of Capilihan, Virac,
Catanduanes; Heirs of Eusebio T. Cajuday represented by Milagros
C. Tabirara of Gogon Sirangan, Virac, Catanduanes; Preciocesima C.
Camacho of Gogon Sirangan, Virac, Catanduanes; Heirs of Cenona
C. Zuñiga represented by Tessie C. Zuñiga of Gogon Sirangan, Virac,
Catanduanes; Heirs of Felisa C. Magtagnob represented by Herminia
M. Vargas of Gogon Sirangan, Virac, Catanduanes; Heirs of Lourdes
C. Lozano represented by Corazon L. Pacheca of Arimbay, Legaspi
City; Heirs of Celestina C. Teves represented by Josefina C. Mendoza
of Bacong, Limay, Bataan; Heirs of Nazario T. Cajuday represented
by Rufina B. Cajuday of Sampaloc, Manila; Felipa T. Cajuday of
Gogon Sirangan, Virac, Catanduanes; and, Fe T. Cajuday of Gogon
Sirangan, Virac, Catanduanes, all of legal age, over a parcel of land at
Gogon, Virac, Catanduanes, designated as Lot 12041 and with an
area of 889 sq. meters, covered by OCT No. 200, adjudicating said
property among themselves, with a 275-sq. meter portion in favor of
FELIPA T. CAJUDAY and 614 sq. meters sold and transferred in
favor of PETER C. CUA, per deed executed before Notary Public
Fredeswindo A. Gianan Jr. per Doc. No. 308; Page No. 63; Book No.
51; Series of 2012.
The Catanduanes Tribune
June 20, 27 and July 4, 2012
200 J. Luna St., Calatagan, Virac
AVAIL OF OUR 10% DISCOUNT ON FACIAL MASSAGE
WITH COLLAGEN, SEAWEED WHITENING MASK, AND DIAMOND PEEL
COMMERCIAL LOT
With 2-Storey Concrete Residential Building
Along national road to CNHS, Sta. Elena, Virac
TRI-STAR
PRESS
GOOD NEWS!!!
A QUALITY PRODUCT OF PETRON CORPORATION
ALEX
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24 hours service
with car wash and
battery charging
GRAVEL AND
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ALEX TABLIZO
Proprietor/Manager
San Isidro Village, Virac
0912-317-8957
SRM
MOTORCYCLE REPAIR
SHOP & GEN. MDSE.
Solution to Tribune Sudoku
7
JUNE 27, 2012
Bus falls….
from page 8
Cylamie Tuquero of Burgos,
Viga; Winnie Olesco of
Roxas, Viga; Lenlen Villacorta of Bagamanoc; and,
three unnamed members of
the Llamera family from
Panganiban town. They
fortunately suffered only
minor injuries, according to
the police.
The report said the “Blem
-Blem” bus owned by the
family of Bagamanoc Mayor
Odilon Pascua was traveling from Virac when at
12:45 P.M., the kingpin of
its steering mechanism was
accidentally detached,
causing the driver to lose
control of the vehicle. The
heavy bus went off the road
and fell straight down a 10–
meter embankment, with its
nose resting below the wa-
Message of Thanks
We, the family and relatives of the late
BENJAMIN PANTINO BENAVIDEZ
of Antipolo del Norte, Virac, Catanduanes
who died in peace on June 1, 2012
at the age of 60
wish to convey our deepest gratitude and appreciation
to all those who, by way of their presence, prayers,
thoughts, notes of sympathy, and extension of support,
showed love and concern, offered solace and comfort
and, in countless ways, condoled with us
in our moment of bereavement.
ter. Bystanders said had it
overturned, there would
have been fatalities.
Meanwhile, a 65-year old
fisherman surrendered to
the Bagamanoc police recently hours after hacking
his drinking partner.
The police said Romeo
Antonio, 52, was engaged
in a drinking spree with
Pablo Villasana at the latter‟s residence at 8:35 P.M.
of June 15 when a heated
altercation erupted between
the two. Villasana got a
bolo and hacked his friend
at the right portion of the
neck. Antonio was brought
to the Viga district hospital .
In another development,
the San Andres police arrested a security guard for
illegally discharging a firearm the other Monday.
Eduardo Villamera, 55, a
guard at HCC Hypermart,
allegedly caused alarm
among residents in barangay Belmonte at 3:30 P.M.
of June 18 when he fired an
unknown firearm in front of
the store before escaping.
Policemen led by Senior
Inspector Francisco Rojas
later apprehended him at
the back of his residence
but failed to recover the
gun.
FOR SALE
ISUZU PICK-UP
Romy Belaro….
from page 8
(Diesel)
Price: P350-T (neg.)
call or text
0928-763-2912
GIANAN STORE
Banas Building,
San Miguel
Engr. ROMEO BELARO
09107801423
QUALITY WATER
RED CROSS
BLOOD
AVAILABLE
24 HOURS
Please contact:
09387588283
EBMC Compound,
Virac
INSIDE PAGE….
from page 4
every night. To demonstrate
how difficult it was to clean
the mirrors, she asked the
maintenance guy to clean
one of the mirrors.
He took out a long-handled
squeegee, dipped it into the
toilet and then cleaned the
mirror.
Since then there have
been no lip prints on the mirror.
Santos of Gigmoto, has
expressed interest in challenging for seat held by
veteran Felicito Soledad in
the July 7 election.
Belaro says that if
elected as director, he
would seek to understand
the basic functions and cost
components of generation,
transmission and distribution; evaluate the current
and emerging technologies
that are impacting utility
operations and policies;
and, understand how environmental issues and the
board‟s working relationship
with management impacts
on the cooperative. “I shall
endeavor to develop a doable re-entry plan that
would initiate actions towards the effective governance of FICELCO,” bBelaro
stated.
Teener….
from page 8
pair of slippers and a hat.
Their mothers later came to
the house and admitted that
the T-shirt belonged to
Neron while the slippers
and hat were left behind by
Carlo.
The police later arrested
Antonio in the barangay
while Manlangit, who fled
by riding a bicycle towards
Carangag, was surrendered
by his parents to the police.
Time passes by…. But your memories will always be with us….
IN LOVING MEMORY ON THE NINTH DEATH ANNIVERSARY OF
SOTERO STA. INES TACORDA, SR.
July 3, 2003
Holy Masses will be offered for the eternal repose of his soul in the following churches on July 3, 2012.
KLOSTER MARIASTEIN
Klosterplatz 4115
Mariastein, Switzerland
7:30 AM
STA. CLARA KIRCHIE
Claraplatz 4058
Basel, Switzerland
5:45 PM
SAINT JOSEPH KIRCHIE
Ammerbacher Str9
4051 Basel, Switzerland
9:30 PM
EGLISE SAINT JEAN THE BAPTISTE
6200 Aras, France
6:00 PM
EGLESIA AJIOS
Nertapios Deskatl
Athens, Greece
5:30 PM
LIEBFRAVEN CATHOLIC CHURCH
Frankfurt, Germany
10:00 AM
SAINT MICHAEL ARCHANGEL
Parish Church
Tayabas, Quezon
6:00 AM
SAINT THOMAS DE ASSISI Parish Church
Sto. Tomas, Batangas
6:00 AM
IMMACULATE CONCEPTION CATHEDRAL
Virac, Catanduanes
6:30 AM
STA. MARTA PARISH CHURCH
Kalawaan Sur, Pasig City
6:00 PM
SALVACION CHAPEL
Salvacion, Virac. Catanduanes
7:30 AM
MABALOS!
CHILDREN & GRANDCHILDREN
8
JUNE 27, 2012
Catandunganons around the world rally around Esperanza Tresvalles…./from page 1
son start a new life with her
long-lost mother. God is
really great.”
Capt.
Francis
V.
Manlangit, who is based in
Tampico, Mexico, wrote
that he could relate to Tresvalles‟s story being an OFW
himself. “I want to salute the
son for doing a humane act
of finding his mother whom
I always see in the Virac
Cathedral during Sunday
mass. I didn‟t know her
story until I read this heartwarming reunion story.”
Tresvalles who was
separated from her son in
the early 80s was reunited
with her son only last April
18, 2012 after 29 years.
Before that, Espy worked
with famous families in
Forbes Park and later
worked as household help
and hospital attendant in
London for many years.
The St. Thomas More Church in London where the
young Tarik was baptized in 1976; Tarik plans to go
back to London with his mother at year's end.
From London, she came
home to Catanduanes with
her then 4-year old son
Tarik.
From 1984 to 2011,
Esperanza roamed the
streets of Virac and Bato
towns, lived in church belfries, town squares, by the
sea and found short-lived
menial jobs in parish convents in exchange for food
and accommodation.
Tarik decided it was time
to see his mother after not
seeing her for 29 years!
“I realized that Mom‟s got
no one else in the world but
me. The worst thing I can
do is to show up when she
was dead or when I‟m no
longer needed. That would
just be really sad. Also, I
needed to know my true
past to fully understand who
I am now.”
A month before Mother‟s
Day this year, Tarik was
sure he had come to terms
with his past and was now
ready to be reunited with
his mother – whatever her
conditions are now.
He sought the help of
some friends in the island -Sonia and Efren Sorra-- to
arrange the meeting. Ms.
Flor Balota, manager of the
local Philippine Ports Authority (PPA), offered the
office lounge for their meeting.
Last April 18, Tarik now
35, took the first flight to
Virac, Catanduanes and
went straight to the PPA
office. On the way to the
reunion place, he did not
know what to expect. “I did
not know how I would react.
I didn‟t know how to be a
son; I have never been one
for nearly 30 years.”
When he finally saw his
mother, he was overcome
with pity. “Mom has grown
old. I really wanted to cry
the first time I saw her, I
had to hold it back because
there where many people
around us. But when I
hugged her, I no longer was
able to control my tears.”
In between sobs, he
whispered to his mother,
“I‟m here to take care of you
Mom.”
It took a little while before
Esperanza could figure out
the now grown up son she
has not seen for 29 years.
Tarik guessed it was because of her mental image
of him as a boy.
Surprised Esperanza
replied repeatedly: “My little
A part of the Piccadilly Circus in London where
Esperanza Tresvalles met her overseas sweetheart,
Tarik Khan.
Teener, pedicab driver
arrested for girl’s rape
A nineteen-year old man
and a pedicab driver are
now being detained without
bail following the filing of a
criminal case against them
for allegedly raping a 16year old girl in San Andres
town recently.
Deputy Provincial Prosecutor Rizalina VelascoTañon said documentary
evidence and the testimonies of the young victim and
an eyewitness that the girl
was raped by Carlo
Manlangit and Neron Antonio, 20, inside her home in
barangay Alibuag last June
8 remained uncontroverted.
The victim had claimed
that she was asleep beside
her younger siblings at
about 3 A.M. inside their
nipa hut when she was
awakened by some kissing
her lips. When she opened
her eyes, she saw Antonio
near her head and, when
she tried to sit up, she noticed Manlangit near her
feet, Both had no upper
garments, she told the police.
Manlangit removed her
pedal pants and panty before removing his own
shorts and placing his body
on top of hers. The girl said
she was crying but she
could not shout as Antonio
kept kissing her on the
mouth while holding both of
her hands.
It was only when
Manlangit accidentally hit
her sister, causing the victim‟s 15-year old brother to
wake up. The two men then
fled, with Antonio going out
by the door and Manlangit
seeking refuge underneath
the bamboo bed from which
he destroyed the wall.
The victim‟s brother
chased Manlangit to the
latter‟s residence but failed
to catch him. The two men,
however, left behind in the
victim‟s house a T-shirt, a
Teener/page 7
Esperanza Tresvalles, 68, (extreme left) beside son Tarik, now 35, with friends from
Catanduanes He last saw his mother when he was four years old.
Romy Belaro
seeks seat in
Ficelco BOD
An engineer at the Department of Public Works
and Highways, Engr. Romeo Belaro Jr., has filed his
certificate of candidacy for a
seat in the Board of Directors of the First Catanduanes Electric Cooperative, Inc. (FICELCO) representing District I (BarasGigmoto).
So far, only one other
candidate, a certain Romeo
Romy Belaro/page 7
burabod
efren ETASOR sorra
DOLPHY!
labing cincuentang taon
pinaugma nya ang Filipinas
maging mayaman, maging pobre
gabos sinda pinaharâhâ nya.
su kanatad mi nganing para-hilot
nabukulan su angog nya.
kang hapton kung anong nangyari
su simbag nya puro harâhâ –
―ang h-y-p na dolfing an –
sa sobrang paguro-guro ko
duman sa daan na sinehan,
biyong nakabadol su angog ko.‖
atâ bayâ, talagang iba sya!
igwang kitik ang pagkatawo nya.
―….. smile though your heart is aching
smile even though it’s breaking…‖
nakatago sa daghan ang yaman –
saro syang santik sa kadurman,
na nakapariwanag kang dalan na agihan.
ngonian na masakit na
ang kamugtakan nya –
ang banwang pinaugma nya,
kasaro sa mga familia nya
gabos namibi para sainya.
dolphy o rodolfo
maboot na tawo
actor na totoo
pobre pero onesto
pilipinong-pilipino
STRENGTHENING LIVELIHOOD OPPORTUNITIES IN PANDAN – Fisherfolks in Pandan
received a Fish Aggregating Device and other fishing equipments from the Bureau of Acquatic Resources (BFAR) and the Congressional District Office, which are working as partners in the implementation of a livelihood program that aims to strengthen the capabilities of
Catandunganon fishermen. The grateful recipients are members of an association of fishermen from the barangays of Balangonan, Lourdes and Tabugoc.
Printed by: Tri-Star Press, Calatagan, Virac, Catanduanes
―hari ng komedya!‖
————————————————————————--
*N.B. Ang L o R na igwang underline sabihon tabi sa dilang Viracnon.
Tarik Khan with wife,
Reashiela Lucena, while
vacationing in Vigan.
boy, my little boy!”
After a while, she held the
face of her son with her two
hands and said “you look
exactly like your father.”
A friend in the island -Theresa Herrmann -- offered them the use of one
of her house surrounded by
gardens so mother and son
could bond in privacy.
In that garden house, his
mother was still feeling her
way around. She would
only talk to him when he
asked her questions.
Said Tarik: “But slowly
she felt relaxed and started
to tell stories of me as a
little boy in London. For
several days, she was still
doing the things she‟s gotten used to in the streets,
her home for more than 30
years. She would wear her
clothes wet from the laundry and let it dry in her
body. She was used to that
life. I had to constantly remind her that she now has
a home and she no longer
needs to do those things.
She tells my wife that I will
leave again someday.”
Mother said, “Then I go
back to the pier again to
see you?”
It took some time to reassure Esperanza that her
son Tarik was back for
good.
Said Tarik of those who
read his mother‟s story:
“Mom's story is a story of
hope. I am thankful to the
many people who's been
part of our lives, for without
them our story would not
have been possible. I am
thankful too to the good
people of Virac who took
care of Mom while I was
away. You are heroes too in
our story. Kudos to Pablo
Tariman who has beautifully
chronicled our lives from
way back when I was just a
teenager. Lord bless you
all. Keep the faith. It is not a
coincidence tha t my
mother‟s name means
hope.”.
Tarik –now 35 – is married to Reashiela Lucena
who graduated cum laude
at the Aquinas University in
Legaspi City and is now
teaching at the Catanduanes State College.
(Note: Pablo A. Tariman
covers the performing arts
for the Philippine Daily Inquirer and does film features for the Philippine Star.
He is from Baras, Catanduanes and has 3 grandchildren)
Bus falls into
river; 7 hurt
Seven persons were injured when the bus they
were riding to Bagamanoc
fell into a shallow part of the
river along the national road
in Kilikilihan, San Miguel
last June 21.
Catanduanes PNP provincial director Senior Superintendent Lito Pitallano
identified those brought to
the Viga district hospital as
Teresita Peña of Sta.
Teresa, Bagamanoc;
Bus falls/page 7