Twin Rock Beach Resort

Located at Igang, Virac Catanduanes. Barely 15 minutes drive from Virac Domestic airport and around 30 minutes drive from Virac seaport. The resort can be viewed while on board the ferry boat.

Resort offers the comforts and luxury of modern day living amid the verdant surroundings. The last time I went to visit this resort was several years ago.

Took the morning flight from Manila to Virac and spend sometime here swimming and headed home later in the afternoon.

Twin Rock is apparently the most advertised and photographed resort in the island.

RELATED LINKS:

• The Road Going to North - Sights that can be seen while on the way to northern part of Catanduanes.
• Visiting Pandan - Sights and beaches in the northernmost town of Pandan.
• Lorong Point Lighthouse in Panay Island - Sunrise pictures taken at the picturesque Lorong lighthouse in Panay in the site of the former Catanduanes resort.
• Churches in Catanduanes - Spanish era coral stone churches and newer built churches.
  

An Urban Legend

Reading online threads, blogs, testimonials, analysis and historical accounts about the fate of Fray Diego de Herrera and the crew of galleon Espiritu Santo leads me to conclude it as an urban legend. The characters are factual but the story was distorted, exaggerated and sensationalized.

Here is another version about the fate of Fray Diego de Herrera written by Fray Juan de Medina, O.S.A. in 1630 but printed in Manila in 1983. Please read...

"In these early years a disaster befalls the Augustinians, and somewhat dashes their hopes. This is the death of Diego de Herrera with ten priests who are coming, six from Spain and four from Mexico, to augment the missionary efforts. Of the thirty-six priests obtained by Herrera on his mission to Spain, but six set sail for the Philippines. The four from Mexico who join them are: Francisco Martinez, of the chair of writing in the University of Mexico, an excellent Greek and Latin student, who had been prior of the Augustinian convent in Lima, Lesmes de Santiago, an ascetic, and formerly a successful merchant; Francisco Bello; and Francisco de Arevalo. The shipwreck is quite near Manila and is due "to the carelessness of the pilot--and I think that this is the first ship that has suffered shipwreck on coming from Mejico." The loss of Herrera is felt keenly, for he was an enthusiastic and zealous worker. "The loss of this ship was felt keenly in the islands, for it bore heavy reinforcements of troops, money, and other things needed in the new land, which lacked everything. But above all they were anxious because they were surrounded on all sides by enemies, and had but few troops, and these were scattered in many districts. But those who grieved most were Ours...." Medina continues"

Chapter XIX
_Of other events, and when the other religious entered into the islands_

The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Philippine Islands, 1493-1898, Volume XXIII, 1629-30, by Various

In observance of the lenten season, let us include in our prayers the late Fray Diego de Herrera, may he rest in peace.

Suggestion: A movement is seeking to beatify the fray and mentioned was carbon-dating technology possibly for authentication purposes. If indeed they are serious, they can opt to have a DNA profile on the remains and compare it with Fray Diego de Herrera's relatives. The most accurate and appropriate technology for identification purposes in this century. The University of the Philippines in Diliman and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), I understand, have a DNA profiling laboratory.

Maribina Falls

Maribina falls was named after the Barangays Marinawa and Binanwahan in the municipality of Bato. Perhaps, the most popular and widely publicized among the numerous waterfalls in Catanduanes.

Of the numerous falls in the island, only a few were photograph and documented. Many are still waiting to be discovered because some locals don't want to share it with the outside world.

One of the common fears by many locals for not sharing is, they want it exclusively for their family, close friends and relatives. Although this attitude is gradually changing.

RELATED LINKS:

• Visiting Panganiban - Discover the sights and attractions in the town of Panganiban
• Visiting Pandan - Discover the northernmost town of Pandan
• Lorong Point Lighthouse in Panay Island - See and experience Panay island

Were There Two Galleons Named Espiritu Santo in 1576?

Although, I'm not a historian by profession, but reading the historical accounts about the fate of Fray Diego de Herrera and the galleon fascinates and intrigues me a lot. Two galleons struck a reef in April and May 1576, one in Ilocos and another in Batalay and all named Espiritu Santo.

From: The Most Fantastic and Intriguing Tale of Chinese Pirate Lin Feng and Spanish Conquistador Juan de Salcedo by Keith Harmon Snow -

"... Reports had reached Spain and Mexico of the great hardship and scant profit for those who risked their lives on the track of the Manila galleons. The loss of the Espiritu Santo, on 20 May 1576, confirmed the horrors: the galleon was shattered by typhoon on a reef near Ilocos and “those who did not drown were pursued by the natives and pierced with lances.”

From: Augnet - Your reference site to Saint Augustine of Hippo and the Order of Saint Augustine, source: http://www.augnet.org/default.asp?ipageid=1004

Diego de Herrera - 03
When in 1575 he sailed from Mexico, he had with him nine of the new volunteers of the Order who were going to work in the Philippines. Four of them were named by Gaspar de San Agustin O.S.A. in his book entitled: "Conquistas de las Islas Filipinas", Volume 1, page 334, as being Lesmas de Santiago O.S.A., Francisco de Arevalo O.S.A., Francisco Martinez de Vieda O.SA., and Juan de Espanola O.S.A. The ship was the galleon, Espiritu Santo. With passengers and merchandise for Manila, it set sail on 18th November 1575 from Acapulco, Mexico.

Little did anyone anticipate that disaster lay ahead. At midnight on 24th April 1576, in weather that was unusual for that time of the year, the galleon struck the reef of Nagngangang Buaya, at Batalay, which is a barangay near Bato on the island of Catanduanes...(to read the full post, link to the url above) Lives were lost, but among the survivors with Diego de Herrera O.S.A. were Lesmas de Santiago O.S.A., Francisco Villa O.S.A., Francisco Martinez de Vieda O.S.A., Gregorio Galvez and several other members of the crew, including some military personnel.

"History is a relentless master. It has no present, only the past rushing into the future. To try to hold fast is to be swept aside." - JFK

RELATED LINKS:

• Who Was Martyred In 1576?
• The Batalay Shrine

Who Was Martyred in 1576?

Eager to know why the Historical and Nautical Archaeology Foundation (HNAF) search vessel was scouring the depths along the northeastern shores of Catanduanes, instead on Nagngangang Buaya reefs in Bato, looking for the wreckage of galleon Espiritu Santo. I made my own research and was surprised to find some articles relating to Fray Diego de Herrera's life and death.

"In 1569, it was the turn of Fray Diego de Herrera to return to Mexico. He was accompanied by Fray Pedro de Gamboa, since Herrera had suffered from poor health ever since they arrived in Cebu. Before Fray Herrera's departure he was elected the first provincial of Cebu, although there were no more than six Augustinians there. Fray Martin de Rada became his successor. A late-nineteenth-century Augustinian historian criticized Fray Herrera and his Augustinian colleagues for arbitrarily creating a province without consulting the head of Augustinian order. Nobody, however, questioned Fray Herrera when he presented himself in Mexico as the Augustinian provincial from the Philippines.

Fray Herrera returned to Cebu again in 1570 together with two missionaries. He left for Spain two years later and petitioned Philip II for more clerics. Thirty-six were selected, but only six eventually joined the Philippine mission. In 1573, while approaching Manila, the ship carrying Fray Herrera was wrecked because of pilot error. Many drowned, including Fray Herrera, and the ship's cargo was lost. The accident was a huge blow to the fledgling Spanish settlement in Manila since it was in dire need of people and supplies."

Ref: Basques in the Philippines by Marciano R. De Borja, William A. Douglass, Chapter 5 Missionaries, page 43

If were to believe this historical account that Fray Diego de Herrera was drowned in 1573, who was then martyred in 1576?

RELATED LINKS:

• The Batalay Shrine - Site of what is believed as the site of the first cross in Catanduanes

The Batalay Shrine

The site of the first cross in Catanduanes, believed to have been constructed over the grave of the shipwrecked Fr. Diego de Herrera of the Augustinian order in 1576, who died in the barangay of Batalay. A well believed to have water with healing powers can be found in this shrine. From the town proper of Bato, it would take only 15 minutes to reach this place.



Reading the online historical accounts about the fate of Fray Diego de Herrera and Espiritu Santo crew, I found some interesting yet inconclusive accounts as to what really happened.

"Located at the Southeastern coast of Catanduanes is a reef called Nagngangang Buaya which is linked by traditional with the place where a Galleon Espiritu Santo taken by Fray Diego de Herrera and nine other companies which embarked from Mexico suffered shipwreck on April 25, 1576 on their way to Cebu because of the negligence of the pilot of the ship and bad weather." - wikipedia

In October last year, the Historical and Nautical Archaeology Foundation (HNAF) in cooperation with the Philippine National Museum conducted an expedition to scour the waters off the northeastern shores of Catanduanes in search for the galleon shipwrecks of San Geronimo and Espiritu Santo, believed to have sunked in 1576, apparently by bad weather. But the search was aborted because of the controversial magnetite mining in Bagamanoc at that time.

If were to believe that Espiritu Santo was shipwrecked in the reef called Nagngangang Buaya in Bato because of negligence and bad weather, then the HNAF expedition is searching at the wrong site.

Though there maybe a lot of speculations and theories as to what really happened in April 25, 1576. Possibly the galleon Espiritu Santo was lost on their way to Cebu and ran aground at the coral reefs in Nagngangang Buaya due to poor visibility caused by fog or a mutiny was taking place inside the galleon. Blaming it to bad weather would be unlikely because April is the onset of summer season in Catanduanes.

Hope that the HNAF search expedition would resume this year to shed light on what really happened.

RELATED LINKS:

• 57-Meter Statue of Jesus to Rise in Catanduanes - A plan to build a 57-meter statue of a smiling Jesus Christ on Mount Cagmasoso, San Andres, Catanduanes.
• Who Was Martyred in 1576? - Conflicting historical accounts on the death of Fray Diego de Herrera.
• Must-See Sights in Catanduanes - Partial list of attractions and partly known sights in Catanduanes

Wildlife in Catanduanes

Moving around the island, particularly in the remote barangays located in the hinterlands, one can find unusual pets and not often seen animals, some were hunted down to near extinction.

Monkeys or "ukay" are teeming in some parts of the island, often a menace to small farmers' crops.

Wild chicken or "abukid" are at times sold as pets by ambulant vendors. The look is no different from a domesticated chicken but I think its smaller and lighter.

Long ago wild deers or "usa" can be found in the lowlands and some even tried domesticating this wild animal. But in later years their population had drastically diminished.

Same with the wild pig or "opon", a delicacy for many because of less fat and tastier compared to hybrids. The look is very much different from domesticated pigs, mean looking, small and hairy.

A dreaded species of Philippine cobra or "haras" as the locals calls it, is found also in the island, but record of snake bites is almost nil.

Puraran Beach

Probably the most popular tourist destination in the island is Puraran in Baras Catanduanes. It is the home of the well-known “Majestic” waves with its awesome long-barrel-type surf. Offshore waves are in their utmost shape during the months of August to September.

The area around Puraran also shows marvelous view of mountains and bays. Photo enthusiasts could also get a great view of the sunrise in this area.

For holiday seekers, this place is for total relaxation, be in touch with nature, bird watch, camp and simply stargaze at night.

Puraran is accessible both by public and private vehicles. An hour and 45 minutes ride from the capital town of Virac, that passes through the old Bato Church and the longest bridge in the island. At the approach of the bridge, you can view the ruins of the old concrete bridge washed away by floods during one of the worst typhoon in this island's history.

Note that Catanduanes is considered to have the highest rainfall in the country. Best time to visit is April-June and worst is November-January.

RELATED LINKS:

• Sights in the Northern Part - Sights in Gigmoto, Viga, Payo, Bagamanoc, Pandan and Caramoran
  
• Must-See Sights in Catanduanes - Random sceneries taken around Catanduanes
  
• Usual Sights Around the Island - Candid shots of people and places in Catanduanes.
  
• Bird Watching in Catanduanes - Endemic birds in Catanduanes
  
• The Old LORAN Station - Site of former US Coast Gurad Station in Panay Island in Catanduanes

Endot: Paraw Fisherman From Catanduanes

The Philippines competed at the 2008 Summer Paralympics in Beijing and Qingdao, China. The country was represented by three athletes, sailors Pedro Sollique and Cherry Pinpin in the 2-person keelboat event, sailing and Adeline Dumapong for powerlifting. The Philippine Paralympic delegation was headed by the IPC-recognized NPC, PHILSPADA, with support from the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Olympic Committee.

The PHI SKUD helm: Endot, paraw fisherman from Catanduanes, said his mom liked to eat crabs when she was carrying him.

Bird Watching in Catanduanes

Many of the threatened and restricted-range birds of the Luzon Endemic Bird Area have been recorded on Catanduanes. Extensive lowland forests are reported to remain there, so it could support important populations of many of these birds. This is one of the few islands near Luzon where there has been a relatively recent record of Philippine Cockatoo, and Cream-bellied Fruit-dove appears to be particularly numerous there. Two of the restricted-range species are represented on Catanduanes by endemic subspecies, Luzon Bleeding-heart G. l. rubiventris and Grey-backed Tailorbird O. d. nilesi.

Philippine Cockatoo Cacatua haematuropygia 2008 IUCN Red List Category: Critically Endangered

Cream-bellied Fruit-dove 2008 IUCN Red List Category: Near Threatened

Luzon Bleeding-heart (Gallicolumba luzonica)2008 IUCN Red List Category Near Threatened

Grey-backed Tailorbird (Orthotomus derbianus) 2008 Red List Category Least Concern

Philippine Dwarf-kingfisher (Ceyx Melanurus) 2008 IUCN Red List Category: Vulnerable

Philippine Eagle-Owl (Bubo Philippensis) 2008 IUCN Red List Category: Vulnerable Philippine Duck ( Anas luzonica) 2008 IUCN Red List Category: Vulnerable

Citation BirdLife International 2008 BirdLife's online World Bird Database: the site for bird conservation. Version 2.1. Cambridge, UK: BirdLife International. Available: http://www.birdlife.org (accessed 17/3/2009)

Catanduanes Watershed Forest Reserve

Site description: Catanduanes is an island of 182,300 ha which lies about 10 km off the tip of the Caramoan Peninsula in southern Luzon. The terrain on the island is hilly, particularly in the central portion, but the highest point only reaches just over 800 m. The substantial forests which remain in central Catanduanes are therefore all lowland dipterocarp in type, and are the largest remaining forest block in the whole of the Bicol Region.



Forest is found above 490 m, and is estimated to cover a total of about 69,770 ha. It includes considerable areas of old growth dipterocarp forest (reported in 1997 to cover 5,876 ha), and closed-canopy forest in areas that show evidence of having been logged. These forest areas are the source of water for Catanduanes Province. One hydropower project is currently operational, that supplies power to urban areas of the island. The forest areas was proclaimed as a Watershed Reserve in 1987 because of these important function, the whole area is state-owned.

Protection status The Catanduanes Watershed Forest Reserve was declared through Proclamation No. 123 in 1987, and covers 26,010 ha. It is proposed as a Natural Park (see Conservation issues below) with an expanded protected area of 49,000 ha.

Conservation issues In the past, there was little evidence of timber extraction and kaingin in the forested areas of this IBA, probably a result of the local forest protection program and the low population density in the province. However, the human population of Catanduanes is increasing, which is putting pressure on natural habitats. There is evidence that people are moving into forested areas, leading to uncontrolled kaingin, land conversion, illegal cutting of trees and forest fires. As a result there has been an increased occurrence of soil erosion, landslides and siltation in some major river systems. There is also large-scale collection of forest products, hunting and pollution from household waste. Typhoon Rosing is reported to have damaged (at least temporarily) areas of natural habitat on Catanduanes in 1995.

Citation BirdLife International 2008 BirdLife's online World Bird Database: the site for bird conservation. Version 2.1. Cambridge, UK: BirdLife International. Available: http://www.birdlife.org (accessed 16/3/2009)

55 Doctors, Medical Personnel Join UST Medical Mission Here

No less than 39 doctors of varied specialties, including 17 from the United States, are among the 55 volunteers for the medical, surgical and dental mission sponsored by the University of Santo Tomas Medicine Class 1980 in Virac this Feb. 25-27.

Dr. Rene V. Reyes, mission coordinator for the Philippines, said that of the delegation headed by US coordinator Dr. Ferdinand Ramos, 38 are from Manila while of the eight of the 12 surgeons are members of the sponsoring UST alumni.

Here’s the composition of the group:

Medicine – Dr. Rene V. Reyes, Dr. Ramona P. Ozaeta, Dr. Peter Yu, Dr. Mansueto Silverman, and Dr. Jonathan Burgos; Anesthesia – Dr. Ferdinand Ramos, Dr. Evelyn S. Ramos, Dr. Theresa M. Alcantara, Dr. Carmelita S. Lunas, Dr. Renato del Carmen, and Dr. Ruby C. del Carmen; OB-GYN – Dr. Zeny Malilay, Dr. Lucia Tiangco, Dr. Lizza Santos, and Dr. Sharon G. Cruz;

Surgery – Dr. Juan P. Sanchez, Jr., Dr. Alex Erasmo, Dr. Ray Malilay, Dr. Norbert Guiab, Dr. Mario Guevarra, Dr. Francis Altarejos, Dr. Briccio Alcantara, Dr. Rene Valero, Dr. Rommer Garcia, Dr. Rommel Menguito, Dr. Arsenio Favor, and Dr. Alvin Jorge; Dermatology – Dr. Guia Favor-Jorge; Pediatrics – Dr. Manuel dela Cruz and Dr. Majurie Tablante; Dental – Dr. Cristina Banzon;

Opthalmology – Dr. Leslie B. Gatchalian, Dr. Efren Laxamana, Dr. Victor Ermita, Dr. Johanna Cervantes, Dr. Teodoro Arcenas, Dr. Denise Polly Chao, Dr. Yvette Santiaso, and Dr. Jay Vicencio;

Nurses/Paramedics – Evelyn Banzon, Laurie Valentino, Mario Valentino, Lillian Schlorrf, Leticia R. Alcantara, Merle Salvador, Jennifer Favor, and Allen Schlorrf; and, Surgical Ven Nurses/Technicians – Rosendo Valero, Reynaldo Calara, Elisa Palmero, Juvy Galang and Tony Miso.

They will be backed up by local volunteers actively involved in the mission: Rotary Club of Virac (Atty Greg Sarmiento, president), Catanduanes Medical Society (Dr. Maricel Nuyda –president), Catanduanes Dental Society (Dr. Rene Pena – president), Kabalikat Civicom (Dr. Aly Romano – president), Eastern Bicol Medical Center (Dr. Wilfredo Santelices - Chief of Hospital and Dr. Mary Alcantara - Chief of Clinics), Immaculate Heart of Mary Hospital (Mrs. Edna Segismundo – President), Philippine College of Surgeons - Bicol Chapter (Dr. Vietrez Abella – Director), Philippine Academy of Ophthalmology - Bicol Chapter (Dr. Joselito C. Urgel – Director), the Catanduanes Tribune, Catanduanes Tourism Office (Ms. Carmel Garcia - OIC), Sangguniang Panlalawigan (Vice Gov. Alfred Aquino/PBM Edwin Tanael, chair of Committee on Health) the provincial government of Catanduanes, Governor Joseph C. Cua, Congressman Joseph A. Santiago, and Virac Mayor Santos Zafe.

source: Catanduanes Tribune - 04 March 2009

Mapping Catanduanes in Google Maps

Google Southeast Asia Head of Marketing Derek Callow reveals that Filipino users are now actively contributing to the Internet giant's user-generated map-making platform, Google Map Maker, which was introduced in 2008.

Catanduanes Beauty

This video highlights island's nature, people and places. It focuses on the unspoiled and awesome beauty of nature at its finest, photos were taken by several photo enthusiasts and tourists who visited this island paradise. Please watch the video entitled, Catanduanes Beauty.

RELATED LINKS:

• Puraran Beach - Enjoy surfing in this famous site
• Lorong Point Lighthouse in Panay Island - View the Pacific ocean and beaches around the island.
• Visiting Pandan - Enjoy this partly discovered destination in the island northernmost town.

Diamonds in the Rough

Diamonds are found among rocky terrains and mountains. Diamonds are hard to dig up and tedious to polish, but shines like no other stone.

The same is said about doctors willing to work in underserved communities with substandard qualities of life in the Philippines.

“They chose a simple life of service over luxury,” said Phi Kappa Mu Fraternity alumnus Dr. Jose Tiongco during his opening address at the fraternity’s “Diamonds in the Rough” (DITR) Awarding ceremony last March 3 in Century Park Hotel, Manila.

Tiongco said that we should be thankful for such doctors. “Sixty-two percent of Filipinos die without seeing a doctor, 88% of doctors and nurses are abroad,” he said.

The three major awardees are doctors from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. All have been progressively helping their communities in terms of the population’s health and well being.

Vietrez Panganiban David-Abella, M.D. is the winner from Catanduanes, Luzon. Mennie Cabacan, M.D. is the winner helping in Eastern Samar, Visayas. Afdal B. Kunting, M.D. is the winner from Zamboanga, Mindanao.

“These doctors’ hearts are big and strong like diamonds. And our search for them is as hard as finding diamonds,” said Lucie Medina from the Rotary Club of Paco Manila who co-sponsored the event.

“It is also the Phi Kappa Mu’s 75th or diamond anniversary,” she added. Thus the name of nationwide search for young, community doctors.

Abella’s leadership

Abella’s community in Virac, Catanduanes has a population of over 64,000, but only has two physicians.

“Being a doctor in the community, I am empowered to be the leader,” she said. Being thrown to a leadership position was not one she chose, but openly embraces.

In the communities, she said, doctors are given “instant respect.”

Because people look up to Abella, she said she has the power and people’s support to solidify different organizations to improve the overall quality of life in Virac.

“It is possible that everyone improves together,” she said.

She has organized various literacy programs, Cataract missions, anti-drug campaigns, a breast cancer group and a lot more. She is doing a lot but her main project is the blood drive.

“There is so much we can give from ourselves, donating blood is so simple. But above anything else, in giving, I have to be the best person I can be to serve others well,” Abella said.

By Maria Althea Teves, abs-cbnNEWS.com/Newsbreak | 03/08/2009 6:04 PM
as of 03/08/2009 6:05 PM

Source: ABS-CBN News - Diamonds in the Rough

Catanduanes Hydropower Project Gets P860-M loan

The estimated P860-million mini-hydro electric power plant projects in Solong, Kapipian and Hitoma in the province of Catanduanes is now 65 percent complete, Sunwest Water and Electric Co. (Suweco) president Jose Silvestre Natividad said.

“This swift accomplishment was carried out even though Suweco stalled its bank loan and waited for the interest to come down before it availed of the loan since the April 2008 Department of Energy (DoE) approval of its operating contract. Investments and construction came first prior to any funding and financial closing from banks, civil works had been done at a very early time and all electro-mechanical items have already been purchased and ready for shipment anytime. All these were carried out from the company’s own internally generated funds,” Natividad stressed.

Suweco’s previous plan was to complete the project using its own funds but due to the present decrease of interest rates, it opted to avail of the financing from the Philippine National Bank (PNB) in order to suffice the necessary financial requirements of as well as the other MHP with a total capacity of 107 megawatts (MW).

With Suweco’s very strong commitment being an affiliate of Sunwest Group of Companies, the PNB on Feb. 27, 2009 approved the loan on project financing which was based solely on the project’s profitability and project viability.

It can be noted that the operating contract of the 3 MHPs in Catanduanes was signed by the DoE on April 2008 and was recently approved by the Energy Regulatory Commission. In an earlier date, another Suweco renewable energy project, the Villasiga MHP was also approved of its operating contract on June 2008.

PNB president Omar Mier said during the signing ceremony that, “This is a great manner of asserting PNB’s commitment on encouraging private energy players to go invest in renewable energy. We strongly believe in Suweco’s thrust and objective of providing a cheap, reliable and environment-friendly energy to fossil fuel-dependent islands in the Philippines.”

Souce: The Daily Tribune

RELATED LINKS:

• DOE Gives Go Signal For More Mini-Hydro Plants - SUWECO, FICELCO, ESA, CDM, hydro power, MHPP
  
• Like A Mixture Of Oil And Water - Mining concerns, carbon credits, clean energy, coal
  
• Power Load Characteristics - FICELCO, NEA, rural electrification, power
  
• Reasons For Carbon Project Development - CDM, carbon credits, kyoto protocol
  
• Why So Much Interest To Build RE Power Plants -CDM, energy, power, kyoto protocol
  
• Planned Windpark In Baras - wind energy, alternative energy,
  
• Development of Tidal Power Plant - tidal power, clean energy, CDM, carbon credits
  
• Taming the Howling Winds - wind energy, CDM, carbon credits
  
• Reasons Not To Acquire SPUG Gensets - CDM, clean energy, climate change
  

DOT-5 Sets Aside P2-M for Tourist Facilities in Catanduanes

A total of two million pesos has been earmarked by the Department of Tourism (DOT) regional office in Bicol for the construction of tourist facilities and acquisition of equipment that will further boost tourism ventures in the province of Catanduanes.


According to Tourism Promotions Officer Carmel Bonifacio-Garcia of the provincial government of Catanduanes, the fund will be used to implement four projects that will energize domestic and even foreign tourist patronage on the island. A Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) has already been issued to this effect, with the breakdown of expenditures already known.

Out of the allotted fund, P500,000 will be channeled to the construction of the Visitors’ Information Center at Puraran, Baras while another P500,000 will be used for the purchase of surfboards. On the other hand, P500,000 has been set aside for the establishment of Gayon Bicol Bath House at Virac Seaport, and P500,000 more for the construction of Gayon Bicol Travel Café at Virac Airport.

To serve as the registration area of all visitors of the world renowned surfing site, the Visitors’ Information Center at Puraran will have a briefing room and audio-visual facilities that will provide information and serve as spearhead of the promotion drive for the tourist spot. The surfboards will be used for bolstering surfing activities in the area and will be rented out to surfers, thereby generating revenues that will help in the maintenance and operation of the tourist center.

Meanwhile, the Gayon Bicol Bath House at Virac seaport is expected to serve as comfort room and provide amenities for tourists and travelers alike.

"My idea is to organize the group of vendors, porters and other small entrepreneurs in the area, give them the opportunity of maintaining the bathhouse and appropriately charge a just few pesos for those who will use the facility. In this way, they can generate income for their group," Garcia added.

Tthe Gayon Bicol Travel Café at Virac Airport will have a tourism information center, souvenir shop and a coffee bar. A free Wi-Fi internet service can also be provided at the café for the convenience of tourists and other visitors.

The DOT regional office will take charge of the construction of tourist facilities and the local government units concerned will assume the maintenance of these amenities. The construction of these tourist facilities is expected to start at the second quarter of this year.

In line with this, the Catanduanes Tourism and Promotions Office headed by Garcia has scheduled a series of meetings with Mayor Bong Teves of Baras and the managers of Philippine Ports Authority and Virac Airport for the identification of possible sites of the tourist facilities.

Garcia expressed her thanks and appreciation to DOT V Regional Director Maria ‘Nini" Ravanilla for the much needed fund support. She is also optimistic that the LGUs and concerned government agencies will give their full support to the project.

"The growth of tourism industry is largely a multi-sectoral effort hence this inter-agency collaboration is definitely on the right track," the province’s tourism promotion officer said.

"We already have our natural tourist attractions in the province. We are endowed with ecotourism attractions, plus a culture that is distinctively Catandunganon. These facilities, which we have been working on to be realized, will complement what we already have in Catanduanes. This will definitely invigorate our efforts to stir and strengthen tourism industry in the province," Garcia emphasized. - March 04, 2009

source: Catanduanes Tribune

RELATED LINKS:

• 2008 Wishlist - Micro-finance, NGO, digital divide, GSIS, livelihood, typhoons
  
• Tourism: The Catandungan Way -Tourism development, laws, people, rural development
  
• Bato Church - old spanish churches, architecture, Bato Catanduanes,
  
• About Geotourism - Geo-tourism, people, places, way of life
  
• The Old LORAN Station - Old military installation outside continental USA, cold war
  
• Usual Sights Around the Island -Transportation, living, tricycle, palay harvest, remote towns
  
• Sights in the Northern Part -Attractions in Panganiban, Gigmoto, Pandan, Caramoran, Bagamanoc and Viga
  
• Must See Sights in Catanduanes - churches, waterfalls, beaches, white sand, wildlife, banks.

Make Graduations a Simple Celebration

With the upcoming school graduations, the Department of Education (DepEd) reminds public school heads, teachers and other education stakeholders to keep the graduation rites a simple celebration.

Education Secretary Jesli Lapus directed public schools not to collect any graduation fees or any kind of contribution for graduation rites. “We need to focus on ensuring quality education for all," he said.

In line with the government’s austerity program, DepEd issued DepEd Order No.15, s. 2009, which contained the department’s policy on conduct and collection of fees for the graduation rites.

Although PTA/PTCAs may solicit voluntary contributions from their members for graduation ceremonies, teachers and school officials should not be involved in the collection of these contributions.

Schools should not require extravagant special attire or extraordinary venue for the ceremonies, while contributions for the annual yearbook should only be on a voluntary basis.

The order also stated that "graduation rites should be conducted solemnly befitting the graduating students and their parents.”

The celebration should not in any way be used as a venue for political forum. Lapus said school administrators and parents are not barred from inviting their local government officials.

“Many LGUs are active partners of the Department. Their contributions included assistance in school buildings, furniture, books, additional teacher items, training and operating expenses,” explained Lapus.

Although the last day of classes is set on March 31, schools can schedule their graduation as early as last week of March. This year’s graduation theme is “My Education: My Contribution to the Future (Edukasyon ko, Handog ko sa Kinabukasan).”

Lapus noted, ”Graduation is that milestone of an accomplishment. And such success demands our students to accept more responsibilities.”

“The true value of your education is in your knowing that you now have a bigger role to play in society and in our quest for a better nation for all Filipinos,” he stressed.

23 February 2009 - DepEd Calls on Schools to Make Graduations A Simple Celebration

Source: Department of Education

The PRA Business Guide

As a general rule, anyone regardless of nationality may invest in the Philippines.


However, foreign nationals enrolled in the Retirement Program are, under the Authority’s existing Implementing Investment Guidelines, permitted after a holding period of 30 days from the issuance of the SRR Visa, to convert their time deposit/s into active investment/s in any or a combination of the following investment areas, to wit:

1. Purchase or acquisition of a condo unit anywhere in the Philippines;
2. Long-term lease of house and lot for a period not shorter than 20 years; and
3. Purchase of golf or country club shares.

Investments by PRA retirees outside the PRA program using other funds separate and distinct from the qualifying dollar time deposit may be allowed depending on the business structures of their choice e.g. sole proprietorship, partnership, corporation or branch office subject to compliance with existing laws and the Foreign Investments Act.

Foreign ownership of up to 100% is allowed for export enterprises. Export enterprises are defined as those businesses wherein at least 60% of output is exported.

For domestic market enterprises, foreign ownership is allowed up to 100%, except for specific areas listed under the Foreign Investments Negative List. Under the Negative List, investment is limited up to 40%.

For more information on domestic market enterprises (without any export activity) and/or registering a business as a sole-proprietorship under the Foreign Investments Act of 1991 please visit the Department of Trade and Industry website at http://www.dti.gov.ph.

If you will be joining a corporation or forming one; please visit the Securities and Exchange Commission (http://www.sec.gov.ph) or the Philippine Economic Zone Authority (http://www.peza.gov.ph) websites.

If your products is at least 70% for export or if the activity is among those listed in the Investment Priorities Plan (IPP), please visit the Board of Investments website at http://www.boi.gov.ph

RETIREE INVESTOR

Once an applicant decides to invest in the Philippines, we can assist in the following:

1. Pre-processing & Evaluation of the application for the conversion of the dollar time deposit into an investment;
2. Annotation of the PRA restriction on the title representing the investment with the Register of Deeds (RD);
3. Processing and Approval of the investment application within five (5) working days.

Investment Areas for Retirees

1. A retiree can choose to invest their required deposit through the following means:urchase of a condominium unit;
2. Long-term lease of a parcel of land or house and lot;
3. Purchase of proprietary shares in golf or country clubs.

NOTE: For former Filipinos, purchase of a lot not exceeding 5,000 square meters in urban areas or three (3) hectares in rural areas to be used for business or other purposes.

DEVELOPER

The Philippine Retirement Authority is always looking for new partners that would assist in its efforts to provide world-class services to its resident-retirees, as well as developing the local retirement industry.

The PRA is currently looking for partnerships with the following: Hotels, Condominiums, Condotels, Apartments, Resorts, Housing Facilities and Retirement Facilities with or without Caring Services.

Once the appropriate requirements are met, feel free to send the application form along with the documentary requirements to:

Marketing Department
Client Relations Division,
c/o Ms. Lyn Carbonnel
4/F Citibank Center,
8741 Paseo de Roxas,
Makati City, 1207
Philippines

Source: PRA: Philippine Retirement Authority - Retirement Program

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