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INVESTMENTS
The United Nation Development Programme (UNDP) earmarked some US$ 2 million for shelter development, livelihood, and disaster preparedness for three provinces in Bicol prone to natural hazards. Renaud Meyer, UNDP Country Director, said the agency is committed to assist provinces with location and natural attributes that are prone to natural hazards such as earthquakes, tropical cyclones, prolonged flooding, landslides and volcanic eruptions. UNDP would finance projects in the provinces of Albay, Camarines Sur and Sorsogon for shelter assistance in targeted resettlement sites.
Projects would include support for micro finance and quick impact livelihood projects as well as capacity building on disaster preparedness and mitigation, including early warning and risk assessment and contingency planning. The tracking and coordination mechanism on early recovery and recovery efforts in typhoon-affected areas forms another component. - [PNA, April 28, 2009]
The total loans extended by the Land Bank of the Philippines to its priority clients in the Bicol region reached P2.429 billion by the end of 2008, reported Mauricio Feliciano, vice president and head of Landbank Region 5. Feliciano said that Land Bank’s priority clients included the agrarian reform beneficiaries, small farmers and fisherfolk in general, cooperatives, small and medium enterprises (SMEs), agri-infrastructure projects of local government units (LGUs), agri-business and environment-related projects.
He said that of the P2.429 billion, P956 million or 39 percent went to agri-infrastructure projects of LGUs while P640 million or 26 percent were coursed through small farmers and fisherfolk, cooperatives and other financial conduits such as rural banks, irrigators associations and non-government organizations benefiting a total of 219,225 farmers in the Bicol region. The total loans extended to SMEs reached P540 million or 22 percent of the region’s total priority sector loans in 2008. [Bicol Mail, Apr 2]
Two vital infrastructure projects worth over half a billion pesos are set to be pursued this year to boost the economy in Albay. Gov. Joey Salceda, concurrent RDC chair, said some P700 million in infrastructure investments would be used to start construction of the proposed Southern Luzon International Airport in Daraga, Albay and the rehabilitation of the Pantao Port in Libon, Albay.
Salceda said the implementation of the two pipeline projects gained approval at an RDC Chairmen’s meeting held in Malacanang where the Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) committed thru the PPA the restoration of the Pantao Port in Libon town. The port was heavily destroyed by two super typhoons Milenyo and Reming in 2006 and delayed the timetable for the construction of the international airport in Daraga town. Salceda said PPA has commited to rehabilitate Pantao Port in the third quarter of this year per assurance made by PPA Acting General Manager Claro Maranan. He said the PPA has allocated some P100 million to start restoration work at the port’s phase 1 area. Salceda, however, said that PPA must upgrade the original specifications so it could withstand 244 kph wind instead of the 176 kph original design. Moreover, the project should be insured not just for fire but for typhoons and storm surges, as well.
The Southern Luzon International Airport that has been allocated with a P300 million package is reportedly due for opening of bids, one on April 30 and another on May 15. Salceda instructed the Albay Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO) to assist the local government of Daraga, in working out land acquisition process covering vast hectares of land owned by private individuals to be affected by the airport project. [Bicol Mail April 23]
The government is speeding up the acquisition of 200 hectares of land to build the P3.4-billion Southern Luzon International Airport in Daraga town. Mayor Cicero Tiumfante said officials had consulted 216 landowners to be affected by the airport’s construction in Alobo village and he was optimistic they would agree to sell. The airport’s runway will cover 187 hectares and affect 194 landowners, and its 1.5-kilometer-long access road is expected to dislocate 22 more. The government is also negotiating to acquire 10 hectares to resettle residents who will be affected by the airport’s construction, according to officials. [Manila Standard Apr 27, 2009]
INDUSTRY
Three Bicol provinces, namely, Albay, Camarines Sur and
Catanduanes received P3.8 million worth of loans for small and
medium-enterprises from the Rural Micro-Enterprise Promotion
Program (RuMEPP) of the Small Business Corp. (SB Corp.), a
state-owned firm under the Department of Trade and Industry
(DTI) last year. SB Corp. also reported that it has been able
to lend a total of P176.8 million to rural micro-enterprises in
10 of the country’s poorest provinces.
RuMEPP is a seven-year program funded by the International Fund for Agricultural Development that benefits rural micro-enterprises along food processing, handicraft manufacturing, services, trading and transportation. The program assists micro-enterprises in 19 provinces in the Cordillera Administrative Region, Bicol, Eastern Visayas, Caraga and SOCCSKSARGEN.
RuMMEP complements the government’s programs for poverty alleviation by providing sound credit delivery matched with business development services, according to Virgilio Angelo, SB Corp. chairman and chief executive. [ Manila Times April 20, 2009]
AGRICULTURE SITUATION
Coconut Production
The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) is putting in place a project to preserve and propagate good varieties of coconut that thrive only within the Bicol region. The project will work on the character and conservation of the coconut genetic resources in the region that are threatened by extinction due to climate change and other natural calamities
“We intend to save and promote indigenous coconut species in the region through the conduct of a focused study on the crop in identified conservation sites,” said PCA Regional Director Minda Arellano. A component of the study will assess the genetic identity ideal for conservation and reproduction through agro-morphological and molecular markers, added Arellano. The project will run for three years and cost about P15 million.
In a related development, the PCA would grow thousands more of Makapuno trees in Bicol through an expanded commercial production of embryo cultured seedlings for the local coconut industry to be able to take advantage of the huge demand for this highly-priced product.
Director Arellano said PCA had included in its Annual Investment Program for 2010 the requirement of some P4 million for the growing of at least 5,000 more Makapuno trees region wide.
The program has been approved by the Regional Development Council (RDC) and endorsed to the national government for inclusion in the next year’s budget. [Legazpi City, Apr 02, 2009, Asia Pulse Data Source via COMTEX]
Pilinut Production
The Pilinut Regional Development Program, as part of the DA’s Annual Investment Program for 2010, needs P56.7 million to help bring production to commercial levels and develop land where 24,000 pili trees would be grown in the next three years.
A joint survey by the DA and LGUs in 2006 counted about 221,250 nut-bearing trees in 7,046.5 hectares across the region, mostly in Sorsogon with 88,272 trees, Albay with 80,809, Camarines Sur with 31,534; Camarines Norte, 10,436; and Catanduanes,10,201. The tree population accounted for 5,2443 metric tons (MT) of nuts in 2006, compared with 2,546 MT in 2001. [Businessmirror.com.ph : 4/10/2009]
Corn Production
The 6th National Corn Congress was held at the Albay Astrodome last April 16-18, 2009 with the theme “Climate Change: Challenges and Opportunities for the Corn Industry.” It was attended by 700 participants from 13 regions representing some two million corn farmers.
The Congress demanded for the creation of the corn cooperative bank initially for regions II, X and XII. Philmaize also pushed for the increase of corn price from P7 to P13 a kilo by the National Food Authority (NFA) as well as for the additional budget by the Philippine Crop Insurance for corn farmers.
The Philmaize Federation also sought for the accreditation of Mais Partylist in congress for the coming 2010 national elections. Sen. Loren Legarda, chair of the Senate committee on agriculture and Sen. Francis Escudero, who graced the affair, declared their support for the Mais Partylist accreditation, including the other resolutions. [Manila Times, April 20, 2009]
FISHERIES
Sorsogon Bay continues to harbor high concentration of red tide organisms. Only 30 per cent of the bay’s waters are replenished or cleansed through the ebb and flow of the tide, according to the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).
The Philippine Daily Inquirer (thru writer Juan Escandor, Jr.) reported that the situation in the 22,000-hectare Sorsogon Bay for shellfish grower and harvesters is getting dimmer as the ban on shellfish has remained for more than two years now. One of the richest fishing grounds in Bicol, Sorsogon Bay has some 5,000 fishing families depending on it for their livelihood while it continuously attracts merchant capitalists who invest in aquaculture and export of shellfish.
BFAR Regional Director Dennis Del Socorro was quoted that an innovation the agency is doing now is to make use of the red tide-infected mussels to create rat poison as well as developing products from the shells as an alternative livelihood. He said the BFAR is starting to implement the plan to completely eradicate the production of shellfish in Sorsogon Bay and instead it is pushing for mariculture and seaweeds farming in places where production of mussels had been extensive.
EMPLOYMENT SITUATION
The Department of Labor and Employment (DoLE) in Bicol said over 500 new registered nurses started their duty last week under the government’s “Nurses Assigned to Rural Service” (NARS) program. Some P5.3 million was allocated for the Bicol region for the hired nurses that will serve for 6 months starting April 1 and will be paid a monthly salary of P8,000.
The agency targeted to hire a total of 555 nurses for Bicol to cover its six provinces with Camarines Sur having the biggest number of nurses at 170 covering 34 municipalities; Masbate with 105 nurses for all its 20 municipalities and one city; Sorsogon province with 80 nurses for its 14 towns and one city; Catanduanes with 45 nurses for nine municipalities; and Albay with five nurses to serve the most depressed barangays in Legazpi City. All allocated slots for Bicol were filled up except in Masbate, an island province, which fell short of 15 slots from the 105 NARS allocation. BM 4/09
The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) regional office here initially hired a total of 3,120 new workers since the start of the implementation of the P2.9 billion pump-priming projects in the six provinces of Bicol and maintenance of national highways as part of the Comprehensive Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (CLEEP) in support of the Economic Resiliency Program (ERP) of the government.
DPWH 5 Regional Director Orlando Roces said that as of April 17, 2009, some 1,769 were employed by contractors in the job site. "As each project implementation progresses, more skilled and non-skilled workers will be hired," he added.
He said that 1,287 of the total workers were employed in the maintenance of national roads while 64 youths, age ranging 18-25, were hired under the Youth In Infrastructure Development (YID) as part of the Kabataan 2000 program of the government. [EA deLeon, PIA V April 22]
SM City Naga’s May 1 Grand Opening will not only be a day for shoppers and party-goers but for job hunters as well. JOBapalooza, DOLE and Naga City PESO’s employment generation response to the global economic meltdown is set to be held at the Bicol’s newest malling center. The event is made possible in media partnership with ABS-CBN “Kaya ni Juan: Trabaho Patrol” advocacy program through its regional network group based in Naga.
The May 1 Job Fair is an annual undertaking initiated by SM Supermalls and aims to support the government’s call for the private sector to provide avenues and opportunities for gainful employment to the general public. [Bicol Mail, Apr 30, 3009]
MINING
Environment advocacy groups expressed support to the call for the intervention of Pope Benedict XVI in urging President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to revoke the permit of a foreign company conducting open-pit mining in Rapu-Rapu island in Albay. In a roundtable discussion over the weekend, the Bicol bishops' anti-mining letter to the Pope was read by Most Rev. Lucilo Quiambao, administrator of Legazpi Diocese.
The letter mentioned the "intransigence of the Philippine Government in allowing a multinational company to continue an open-pit mining operation on a small island (Rapu-Rapu in Albay) in the Diocese of Legazpi, within our ecclesiastical province, in spite of our appeals to have it stopped because of its destructive consequences on the island and its surroundings."
It cited the warning of scientists that the mine could have direct and long-term environmental impact on the island through acid rock drainage and toxic discharges. [PDI 4-26-09]
TOURISM
Albay Gov. Joey Sarte Salceda formally opened the month long Magayon Festival after an ecumenical service at Albay Astrodome, Legazpi City. In his message, Salceda said that “Magayon Festival is first and foremost a celebration of the people of Albay as a community. This tradition articulates and affirms their identity as Albayanos.”
As envisioned by Gov. Salceda, the festival strives to “replicate, if not surpass, standards set during its founding nine years ago.” Carrying the theme “ Albay Rising,” the month- long revelry highlights the various aspect of the good life in the province. The activities lined up for the festival are expected to attract national and foreign visitors alike.
Bicol Region wants to forge a mutual tourism campaign with Central Visayas. DOT 5 Regional Director Maria O. Ravanilla believes that Bicol and Central Visayas regions have complementing tourist attractions that if promoted together will give tourists more options to enjoy. While Bicol attracts more of the adventurous tourists, Central Visayas on the other hand is also strong in attracting sophisticated travelers including the corporate market.
In Cebu alone, Ravanilla said moneyed tourists that are staying in six-star or five-star resorts can be offered an option for a more diverse adventure activities, and see the historical and majestic-perfect-cone of Mayon Volcano in Albay in just an hour travel by air. The diverse culinary offering that both regions offer can also be a good come-on for tourists to try on the different food preparation each province has to offer.
At present, there is no formal partnership yet between the two regions in terms of joint promotional package, including active linkage of private travel operators in both regions. [PhilStar.com. April 20, 2009]
The first Camarines Sur Triathlon hosted by Gov. LRay Villafuerte held April 5 at the CamSur Watersports Complex (CWC) in Pili, Camarines Sur was met with much enthusiasm from the spectators and the triathletes alike as thousands drove en masse at the CWC for this memorable sports event.
An array of colourful and exciting events will mark the celebration of the 430th Foundation Day Anniversary of the province of Camarines Sur at the provincial capitol complex starting May 23 until May 31, 2009. Dubbed Kaogma Fusions, Governor LRay Villafuerte is making sure that the festival will be lively and entertaining as the major events that have been lined up during the 9-day celebration will have as emcees or musical entertainers well known movie and TV personalities. Sports events and musicfest will again spice the celebration of the festival. [Bicol Mail Apr 30, 2009]
TRANSPORTATION
Almost 80 percent of transport was paralyzed last April 27 in the Bicol region after public utility jeep drivers and operators staged a strike. Joel Ascutia of the Condor-Piston-Bicol said the transport strike successfully immobilized traffic in Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte, Albay and Sorsogon.
The transport groups protested the implementation of higher traffic violation fines by the Department of Transportation and Communications. They also demanded the scrapping of the value added tax on petroleum products, the continuous oil price hike and the junking of the oil deregulation law.
ENERGY SITUATION
An official of David M. Consunji Holdings, Inc. (DMCI) announced that the firm decided to shelve the coal-fired power plant project in barangay Tugbo in Masbate City following the successive protest rallies expressing opposition to the proposed energy coal plant.
DMCI official in charge Nolasco Pasion said that the company decided to replace its proposed coal operations with a diesel-fed power plant, which won acceptance among Masbateños. The switch was announced immediately after the creation by the Masbate City government, led by Mayor Socrates M. Tuason, and the Catholic Church, headed by Bishop Joel Z. Baylon, of a task force to monitor the company's coal operations. [PNA, April 27]
SECURITY SITUATION
Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro and US Ambassador Kristie Kenney graced the turnover of a 3.2-kilometer road project to officials of Pio Duran, Albay on Tuesday, April 26, 2009, signifying the closing of the humanitarian mission of the RP-US Balikatan military exercise in the provinces of Albay, Sorsogon and Masbate.
The farm-to-market road constructed in Barangay Malindong, Pio Duran town connects two villages with 5,000 residents. It is expected to help farmers bring their produce to the town’s port as well as improve access to the barangay school. Fifty-six Filipino and US military engineers started the road project last April 2.
During her visit, Kenney also witnessed the medical and dental mission in Barangay Malipo in Guinobatan, Albay, even joining a rescue and fire drill at the Guinobatan East Central School.
As part of the Balikatan mission in Bicol, 28 humanitarian projects were carried out, 22 medical missions benefited 17,000 patients and six engineering projects were constructed consisting of two water wells, two two-room school houses, and two roads. [PhilStar Apr 30, 2009]
Some P58.5-million worth of Kalayaan sa Barangay Projects (KBP) are scheduled to be implemented in four Albay towns this year. Presidential Assistant for Bicol, Tomasito Monzon, who is also the chair of the Regional Kalahi Converegence Group (RKCG), said the P58.5-million worth of projects are targeted to be implemented in 13 villages in the towns of Guinobatan, Jovellar, Pio Duran, and Oas, all in Albay province.
Monzon added, the 13 projects are part of the 59 KBP projects for implementation nationwide this year. They are part of the original 200 barangays earlier identified to benefit from the P1 billion KBP fund allotted by the national government. [Bicol Mail, April 2]
DEVELOPMENT OUTLOOK
Economic prospects that would likely affect regional development in the next reporting period:
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