VOL. XXV, NO. 30 BICOL, THE PHILIPPINES FEBRUARY 11-17, 2018 P5.

00

DA ACPC ASSURES
LOAN TO FARMERS SURE which stands for
Survival Recovery Assistance
Program and PLEA which
stands for Production Loan
Easy Access are two loan
windows being offered by the
Agricultural and Credit Policy
Council (ACPC), an attached
agency of the Department of
Agriculture commissioned
by Secretary Manny Pinol to
help the displaced farmers in SEC. ROQUE IN PARTIDO JRM-PIA5/CAMSUR
Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque, Jr. visited the Partido area in Camarines Sur, Friday,
Albay. February 9, where he met with Cong. Noli Fuentebella on the development of the Partido airport
To fast track the imple- and seaport. Later, he joined the Operation Reach-Out, a Surgical Mission and other health
TORNILLA BICHARA mentation of these two loan services activity held at Dr.Manuel T. Fuentebella Memorial Hospital in Sagnay, Camarines Sur.
windows, the Agribusiness
LEGAZPI CITY – Farmers in the seven mu-
nicipalities and three cities in Albay which are af-
and Marketing Assistance
Division of DA Bicol in co- Press Sec. Roque visits Cam.Sur
fected by the Mayon eruption can avail of P25,000 operation with the ACPC and By ANA-LIZA S. MACATANGAY a way of acknowledging the
interest free loan under SURE program, while the provincial LGU of Albay importance of uplifting the
convened the Municipal and SAGÑAY, CamSur --- cal missions in the region, lives of the poorest of the
farmers in municipalities in Albay which are not City Agriculturists/Officers Presidential Spokesperson February 9, Friday at the poor through free and ac-
affected by the eruption can avail of collateral free (MAOs/CAOs) of the 18 mu- Harry Roque graced one of Dr. Manuel T. Fuentebella cessible health services.
loans of P25,000 up to P150,000 under PLEA. (Turn to page 4) the longest running surgi- Memorial Hospital here, as (Turn to page 5)

K-960 Aries St., Villa Grande Homes, Con. Grande, Naga City • TEL. (054) 884-93-76 • CP 0921-318-3720 / 0929-245-7353 / 0920-533-7766
2 BIKOL REPORTER
EDITORIAL
When Calamities Strike
Natural calamities are always like a
festering wound attractive to flies as well
as the media.
So when Mayon volcano shows activities,
we can safely expect the national media
networks and dailies to assign or send
their reporters to Legazpi. Mayon after
all has a record of destructive activities,
notably the 1814 and 1897 eruptions. To the
media, calamities are big events, fraught
with drama, suspense, tension and, even
death.
They will always be good copy worthy of
being the next day’s top story.
So you can expect reporters posted
at Philvolcs, the government’s office
monitoring the volcano, or the Civil Defense
Office or the Provincial Governor’s, the
usual sources for the day’s quotable quote
for a particular news slant.
Some enterprising reporters, not content
only with coverage of the natural event as
it happens, would venture to other areas
where a good human interest story could
be gathered. Sometimes, they get lucky
being at the right time and place when and
where a foreigner who wanted to get near
the danger zones is advised by the police
to go back. Sometimes, along the Manila
media’s penchant for drama, they would
take close up shots of hunger of children,
or the fear on the faces of the evacuees.
These surely bring to the national
attention the difficulty of the locals,
prompting even the President to come
over added largesse to Albay. For these
we give thanks and salute our colleagues
in the national media.
We can only hope, however, that they
also be more enterprising, more nosy for
news hidden from national attention. For
instance, the road project in the Mayon
national park area. Whatever happened
to it, by the way? Even the Albay media
seems to be silent on the obnoxious project.
Whatever happened too to the zero-casualty
policy of the former governor? Is it still a
desired goal in the ongoing natural crisis.
We hope to see more stories of heroism
and not of helplessness, more courage
rather than fear and dependency.
Mayon’s eruption is after all an accepted
part of the life of the region.
OPINION
BIR Collection
Efficiency
(Atty. APA – chairs Acyatan &
Co., CPAs-DFK International – is
past chair of ASEAN Federation of
CPAs, PICPA past president and
Hall-of-Famer, and ACPAPP Lifetime
Achievement Awardee).
TAX EFFORT: The BIR reported
that its tax collection drive reached
double-digits last year on the back
of the agency’ efficiency in collect-
ing revenues. The BIR chief said the
ratio of their total revenue take as a
perentage of the country’s economy
stood at 11.26% last year. This is a
significant improvement compared
with its 5-year average of 10.5% to
10.9%. BIR’s tax collection in 2017
was up by 12.92% - stronger than
its five-year average of growth rate
9.31% to 9.71%.
Tax effort is the ratio between
government’s tax collection and the
country’s whole economy as mea-
sured by the GDP. For this year,
BIR Commissione Caesar R. Dulay
said he is optimistic that BIR’s tax
collection could further improve fol-
lowing the enactment of the Duterte
Administration’s first Tax Reform for
Acceleration and Inclusion (TRAIN)
Law. The government expects to
raise P180B from TRAIN this year.
BIR’s 2017 tax take jumped 13% to
P1.779T, but it still missed its target
of P1.829T - though exceeding the
2016 collection record of P1.576T.
CORPORATION CODE: The
term of SEC chair Teresita Herbosa
is ending in March 2018. By then,
she hopes the amended Philippine
Corporation Code will already be
in place. Its been nearly six years
since SEC started working on the
amendments of the decade old law.
Daughters, Culture
and Ukay-Ukay
Of Daughters and Pets: How
time change. When I was a boy
I had a dog I called Jack. When
he died of old age I cried but just
buried it in our backyard. Lately my
youngest daughter had a pet dog
she named Poche. When it got sick
it was hospitalized but did not live.
My daughter cried for one week, she
called me overseas just to tell me
her sorrow. She would not stop until
I told her to stop and cautioned her
that she might not cry like it when I
die. She stopped.
She bought a wooden box,
decorated it with ribbons and made
it the dog's coffin, then she and her
friends had a funeral of three cars and
buried it in our vacant subdivision lot
with a wooden tombstone complete
with epitaph that read: here lies
Poche, sorry she died young!
The following day policemen were
all over the place inquiring from
people about the funeral.
*****
Cooking: My eldest daughter, who
lives alone in her unit, is not fond of
cooking – well, she does not know
how to cook. My constant prodding
VISIT OUR WEBSITE:
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FEBRUARY 11-17, 2018
OPINIONS
UNLIMITED
Atty. TONY (APA) ACYATAN
The amendments will help the coun-
try advance the way it does busi-
ness, which is crucial in sustaining a
healthy economy over the long term
via liberalization of company rules
and regulations.
In the amendments. SEC propos-
es perpetual term for companies, al-
low one-person corporations (OPC),
impose improved corporate criminal
liability and protect whistleblowers,
require automation and electronic
filing of report, among others. The
perpetual Corporate Term will de-
velop long-term sustainable projects
with corporation without need for a
five-member board. In exchange for
the liberalization, stricter rules shall
be imposed on the corporate owners
with stiffer equivalent penalties.
PROPERTY TRANSFERS:
There are three ways of transferring
properties to others – whether the
transferees are relatives or strang-
ers. The transactions are referred to
in Taxation as ONETTs (One-Time
Transactions). The first and most
common way is via Deed of Sale or
Exchange. Depending on the sold
property – taxes payable may be
Capital Gains (Final) Tax, or Credit-
able Withholding Tax. When CGT is
paid – income from transaction (sale
of capital asset) is “passive”. Cred-
itable withholding (sale of business
asset) may apply to consequent in-
come tax.
The other transfers are DONA-
TIONS AND ESTATE DISTRIBU-
TION. Under the TRAIN LAW – the
distinction between donees (Rela-
tives or Strangers) has been elimi-
nated! The donor’s tax is made uni-
form at 6% (from the highest 15%
FROM
PLANET
KRYPTON
R.R BALDEMOR
was not enough; her alibi is no time
and no tools. So I bought her a
cooking appliance that can be used
to cook anything. She was forced
to, and learned it the hard way. Most
of her first menu was without salt or
vinegar – her alibi is they are not in
the recipe!
But at least she learned how to
buy cooking stuff – her cupboard is
now like a stockroom of a grocery!
*****
Joke time: In my periods of
lunacy I plan to publish this book so
I can become a multi-millionaire and
put up a social media company that
I will call BB or ButtBook! All of my
present BFF in FB will be invited into
a lifetime of posting for free. I hope I
will remain sane and normal.
*****
Culture vs. Values: In one tri-
people workshop I conducted in
Mindanao where interfaith tolerance
was the topic I asked the participants
what is the difference between
culture and values. One participant
gave a virtual answer: Culture is like
raising pigs in pig pens, while value
is when the pigs are allowed to roam
rate) - but the erstwhile exemption
from documentary stamp tax was
removed. The higher tax on do-
nations to strangers was lowered
at par with donations to relatives.
Thus even corporations may now
donate properties at said lower tax
rate (same as tax rate on sale of
properties).
ESTATE TAXATION: To unleash
the economic values of estates, tax
on distribution of deceased’s prop-
erties is now lowered to 6% (plus
DST and LGU Transfer Tax) from
the highest rate of 20%. Filing of
Notice of Death has been removed
– and deadlines for filing of Estate
Tax Return and tax payment were
extended to ONE YEAR. To make
property values more realistic, the
tax-exempt Family Home was in-
creased to P10M. Also, the stan-
dard deduction was increased to
P5.0M (including medical, funeral
expenses) without need of docu-
mentarysupport.
Withdrawal of the deceased’s
bank deposits is now liberalized
so that payments of medical and
hospitalization bills – including fu-
neral costs can be paid off by the
heirs without hardships. The gov-
ernment hopes that with the liber-
alization of the property transfers
and settlement of taxes thereon,
values of properties that are erst-
while static will be released unto
the mainstream of our economy
thereby improving utilization of as-
sets for purposes of business and
industry.
PROVERB: Gray hair is man’s
crown of full splendor; it is attained
through a righteous life.
around the village disturbing the
neighbourhood.
*****
Ukay-ukay: And you think
that Ukay-ukay is only here in the
Philippines? My favorite leather
travelling bag and leather driving
shoes were bought from Ukay-
ukay stores in Liberia, West Africa!
Ukay-ukay is a global industry
where old items from rich countries
are shipped to third world nations
to be given to the poor but are
sold for profit by well-connected
entrepreneurs!
*****
Education vs. Training: I
remember a training workshop
where I asked the participants
the difference between
development and progress. One
sleepy participant answered;
"development means to develop
and progress means to progress!"
Asked what the difference between
education and training is, the same
participant proudly said "education
is DepEd while training is TESDA".
I have to declare a recess before
the workshop turned into a riot.
FEBRUARY 11-17, 2018 BUSINESS SECTION BIKOL REPORTER 3
 4 BIKOL REPORTER HALO-HALO FEBRUARY 11-17, 2018

KANTONG An Kasaysayan Bilang

DIS *KARTE
*KUSYON
*KURSO
PUTIKON! Nagtao
Karaw nin Imahinasyon
akong lecture kan sustansya kan sakong sinabi kundi
FRANK PEÑONES JR.

mga elemento an lohikal na resulta

nakaaging bulan sa mga estudyante an maogmang nanudan ko mismo o kabali sa mga pangyayari. Dai
Keep Calm sa college kan UNC sa sarong suheto sa pagsaligsig sa paghahanap man nagiimbento an historyador.
na saindang tinao, mga tsismis kadto kan katotoohan sa likod kan mga Hinihipnuan man lang niya an
Keep calm...live! na nagin parte kan kasaysayan. sinambit na tsismis. Nahiling ko na an kakulangan asin awsensyan nin
Think positive because life is good. Breath in deeply to Tinukar ko an manongod sa kun nakasurat na dokumento bako lang an dokumento.
bring your mind home to your body. Your mind will always ta’no ta kadto an mga taga-Iriga nagin basehan nganing magkaigwa nin bilog Kun gagamiton kan mga
believe everything you tell it. bantugan na mga aswang, an soboot na kasaysayan. Huli ta ini katubuan paratukdo an imahinasyon, orog na
Feed it hope... naaakian ni Andres Bonifacio sa Libog, nangyari sa nakaagi kun sain dai magigin interesante an kasaysayan
feed it truth... an Sarong Banggi bilang testimonya man kita presente, an awsensyang na dinudulagan kan kadaklan sa
feed it love... nin pagkahiling nin UFO, an love ini dapat panoon kan saro pang paghunang pagtoom lang ini nin
Life is beautiful. tunnel sa Barlin, a pagpugot kan pakultad kan tawo – an imahinasyon. mga pangaran o mga petsa nin mga
GOD BLESS US ... dating gobernador Mariano Villafuerte, An paggamit kan imahinasyon dai pangyayari. Pwede man nindang
******** asin kun totoong nasa likod si dating nangangahulugan na an historya, itakod an suwing harana as Sarong
Good Morning! Primera Dama Imelda Marcos sa magigin istorya sana. Huli ta kasabay Banggi karawan na pagkahiling man
Each day when the sun rises, a new scene of your life pagkawara kan imahen ni Ina. sa paggamit kan imahinasyon iyo nanggad nin UFO ni Potenciano
begins. If you weren’t happy with how it ended yesterday, Dai ko na ootrohon digdi an man an tamang pagpili kun anong Gregorio.
make today’s story one to remember.
********
Life is like a coin. You can spend it any way you wish, but
you only spend it once...GOD BLESS. Good Day .
Selected SSS branches open on Saturdays
********
“Let us look forward to the time when the power of love
for automated tellering services
will replace the love of power. Only then will our world In line with the imple- Gil Puyat and Taguig. tended daily operation while an online account yet, they can
know the meaning of Peace! mentation of the Real-Time In Luzon, SSS branches in branches in Butuan, Cagayan get their PRN from the Mem-
Good morning!!! Posting of Contributions Solano, Tugegarao, Cabanatu- de Oro, Iligan, Ozamis, Va- ber Service Representatives
******** (RTPC) system, 51 branch- an, Angeles, Baliuag, Malolos, lencia, Mati, General San- (MSR) of the SSS branch.
Hapi bday bday 2day to jimi letada jr of capitol at 60 & es of the Social Security Meycauayan, Olongapo, Pam- tos, Kidapawan, Koronadal, Dooc said that SSS hopes
momsy carino, mama n sarah carino imperial of mnwd, System (SSS) nationwide panga, Batangas, Calapan, Tacurong, Dipolog, Ipil and that all its members and em-
90 y/o. Tnx are open on all Saturdays of Puerto Princesa, Daet, Iriga, Pagadian have extended their ployers will have an online
******** February, to assist employ- Legazpi, Masbate, Naga, and ATS facility from 5pm to 7pm account by end of February.
There were hundreds of YESTERDAYS that passed. ers and members in paying Sorsogon are open on all daily. He said that SSS already des-
& more TOMORROWS still to come. their contributions thru the Saturdays of February and “With these extended of- ignated employees for each
But there’s only one DAY TODAY to enjoy. Automated Tellering Sys- have an extended two-hour fice hours, we hope members branch to assist members and
May you have the NICEST day today. tem (ATS) facility. operation daily. SSS offices and employers will be able to employers with the registra-
FEEL GOD in every gentle touch. SSS President and Chief in Baguio, La Union, Laoag, pay their SSS contributions on tion with My.SSS.
SEE GOD in every happy face. Executive Officer Emman- Balanga, Camiling, Dagupan, time. This will also give them Members are also encour-
HEAR GOD in every caring word. uel F. Dooc said that aside Tarlac, Urdaneta, Bacoor, Bi- extended period to register aged to update their mobile
Be thankful for God’s amazing grace! ‘Good morning,,,,, from Saturday operations, 78 ñan, Calamba, Lucena, Rosa- with My.SSS and create their numbers with SSS by visit-
******** SSS branches also extended rio (EPZA), San Pablo, Tagay- online account,” said Dooc. ing the nearest branch or thru
It’s your heart that makes you the best. You are wonderful their daily operation for two tay, Boac, Lipa and Virac will Dooc reminds members their online account. With
for what you are. hours, from 5pm to 7pm, for still accept contribution pay- and employers that before the updated mobile number,
Never be a beggar of love, always be a giver of it. the whole month of February ment thru their ATS facility they can pay thru the ATS members will receive their
Scatter seeds of love with kind words and gentle ways. to accept contribution pay- from 5pm to 7pm daily. facility, they must have their PRN via text which they can
******** ments. “This early, we would like Payment Reference Number show everytime they pay their
Pride makes us artificial and humility makes us real. Have “Since the RTPC system is to thank our dedicated em- (PRN) which they can gener- contributions thru the ATS fa-
a happy & romantic VALENTINES Day. new and some members and ployees who will forego their ate via their online account. cility or any of the accredited
******** employers are not yet accus- rest day on Saturdays and will However, if they do not have collection partners of SSS.
Love is like playing the piano. First you must learn to tomed to it, we are extending extend additional hours work-
play by the rules, then you must forget the rules and our ATS facility to accept con- ing everyday to accept pay-
play from your heart. DA ACPC ASSURES LOAN . . .
tribution payments and at the ments and assist our members
******** same time, provide assistance with the RTPC system,” said nicipalities of Albay as well as DA from its Quick Response
Happy Valentine’s Day. in using the RTPC system,” Dooc. representatives of rural banks, Fund (QRF) to assist affected
Today s a celebration of love. Hapi valentine! said Dooc. For Visayas, SSS Cebu, cooperatives and irrigators as- families. Tornilla also clari-
******** In the National Capital Lapu-Lapu, Mandaue, Tagbi- sociations which are targeted fied that while the mandate
Public svc: gadan na c ricardo tipones gavino, 77, kn Region, 17 branches are open laran, Ormoc, Tacloban, Ba- by DA as lending conduits for of the DA is to help farmers
san antonio mlaor cs (x bgy kapitan frm 1992 to 1998, on all Saturdays of February colod, Dumaguete, Kalibo, an orientation held on Febru- produce food, those who will
gentleman farmer o paraoma, ateneo hs batch 61, pmt and have extended daily op- Iloilo-Central and Roxas are ary 8, 2018 in one of the ho- deliver the credit assistance
corps commander.) Napapatintihan sa residencia. An erations. These branches are open on Saturdays and have tels this city. must ensure that guidelines
lubong sa domingo feb 18 ala una nin hapon. Misa sa san Cubao, Diliman, Eastwood, two-hour overtime everyday. Rodel P. Tornilla, DA Bi- are followed and the money
antonio catholic church. An bangkay ibabaviaje pa naga Fairview, San Francisco Del Meanwhile, SSS Bago, Bais, col RTD for Operations and will go to legitimate and truly
ta ilulubong sa sto nino memorial park balatas nc. Paisi Monte, Valenzuela, Antipolo, Sagay and Victorias opened Extension said that during affected farmers.
hali ki mrs amparo brusas gavino, agom kn gadan/egv Mandaluyong, Marikina, their ATS facility from 8am to his visit to Albay on January The 7 municipalities eli-
******** Pasig-Pioneer, San Juan, 5pm on all Saturdays. 29, President Rodrigo Duterte gible under SURE are Polan-
Welcome chinese new yr! Welcome year of d earth Legarda, Pasay-Roxas Blvd., For Mindanao, only SSS committed financial assistance gui, Oas, Guinobatan, Cama-
dog! Welcome, Alabang, Makati- Davao has Saturday and ex- of P100 million through the (Turn to page 6)

DOLE cites Legazpi City’s job program

By EMMANUEL SOLIS
LEGAZPI CITY -- De-
partment of Labor and
Employment (DOLE) Sec-
retary Silvestre “Bebot”
Bello III has commended
Legazpi as a model city in
the implementation of the
JobStart program.
Bello issued the state-
ment as he witnessed the
signing of a memorandum
of agreement (MOA) be-
tween the city government
and business establishments
for the program's continu-
ation benefiting a second
batch of young Legazpi resi-
dents Thursday.
With Bello were Legazpi
City Mayor Noel E. Rosal,
Governor Al Francis Bich-
ara, Albay 3rd District Rep.
Fernando Gonzales and Al-
bay 2nd District Rep. Joey
Salceda, AKO BICOL Par-
tylist Rep. Alfredo Garbin
and other DOLE officials.
DOLE-Bicol Regional
Director Exequiel Sarcanga
together with Ara Rivera,
representative of Casablanca
Hotel; Jeniel Perez of Mang
Inasal; Francia Galapate of
Sunwest Corporation; Santi
San Pablo of Sutherland
and Elizabeth Tan of Tan-
vera Corporation signed the
MOA at the DOLE regional
office.
Rosal, for his part, said
the JobStart start program
is one way of enhancing the
knowledge and skills of the
jobseekers in the provincial
areas in order for them to
get decent jobs. It will also
eventually help in decon-
gesting Metro Manila, he
added.
Legazpi City Public Em-
ployment Services Office
(PESO) Manager Diosdado
Raneses said there were 207
beneficiaries of the program
when they first implement-
ed it, mostly out-of-school
youth and college students
who were already hired
as employees by different
business establishments in
this city.
He said that these benefi-
ciaries underwent seminars
and interactive life skills
and technical vocational
trainings.
Raneses said that his of-
fice is now starting to re-
cruit possible beneficiaries
for the second batch, where
at least 200 slots are avail-
able. The orientation will
start in May, he added.
He noted that JobStart
is one of the programs of
the DOLE that aims to give
young Filipinos, especially
the poor and out-of-school-
youth, an opportunity for
employment to uplift their
daily living condition.
The JobStart is an em-
ployment facilitation ini-
tiative of the DOLE with
funding support from the
Canadian Government and
technical assistance from
the Asian Development
Bank to help young Filipi-
nos start their careers and
get better employment op-
portunities.
The program aims to en-
hance the knowledge and
skills acquired by the job
seekers in formal education
or technical training in order
for them to become more re-
sponsive to the demands of
the labor market. (PNA)
 FEBRUARY 11-17, 2018
ROBREDO IN EXTERNAL AUDITORS MEET
Vice President Maria
Leonor G. Robredo was the
Guest Speaker during the
Induction Rites of the As-
sociation of CPAs in Public
Practice and the ACPAPP
Foundation, held at the
Makati Shangri-la Hotel in
Makati City last February
6, 2018.
In her concise speech,
she exhorted the officers and
members of the national group
PRESS SEC. ROQUE VISITS CAM.SUR . . .
4th District Congressman
Arnulfo P. Fuentebella and
Sagñay Mayor Evelyn B.
Fuentebella invited Roque to
witness the ongoing Medical
and surgical mission which
is now on its 24th year of
extending no cost operation to
indigent constituents through
the help of Isarog Medical
Research Foundation, Inc., 4th
Congressional District Office
, LGU Sagñay and Partido
Development Authority (PDA).
The medical service started
on February 8 and wrapped up,
February 14.
A total of 197 patients
benefited last year from the
same surgical mission manned
by competent and volunteer
medical personnel from
various hospitals in the country
including Mary Johnston
Hospital, Pasig General
Hospital, Asian Hospital and
Makati Medical Center.
Press Sec Roque lauded
the benevolence of the couple
VP ROBREDO
and expressed his positive
reception of the program which
he said is in line with the health
agenda being pushed under
the administration of President
Rodrigo Roa-Duterte.
The medical outreach
program which started in
1994 was actually a “Pay-it-
Forward” crusade of Cong. Noli
after a disheartening experience
of losing their 4th child, Archie
in 1978.
“My 4th child, Archie, was
born on December 1, 1978. He
was just a baby when he was
stricken with bone cancer. It
was heart-wrenching for me
to hear him cry in pain all the
time. He was given a grant by
Seattle Children's Hospital that
covered his hospitalization,
chemo treatment, and medi-
cines. I knew it was God's hand
at work during those difficult
times,” Fuentebella narrated.
He said that there were so
many good hearted people who
offered help during that most
BUSINESS REPORTER
Atty. GUERRERO
challenging period in their life.
“Archie fought for his life
like a true warrior. His cour-
age was amazing. He lived for
three more months before he
passed away. My wife Evelyn
and I went through a crucible
of fire with the ordeal our son
went through. But he left a most
compelling inspiration to pay it
forward and return to human-
kind the goodness he received
from kind-hearted souls,” he
of external auditors and finan-
cial consultants to stand true
to their professional commit-
ment especially in these chal-
lenging times when our coun-
try is embarking towards total
economic modernization. The
lady vice president highlight-
ed the critical role of auditors
in insuring the success of the
government’s Build, Build,
Build Programs.
Robredo reported on the
activities of the Office of the
Vice President with empha-
sis on her regular visits to
far-flung barangays and the
activities of the NGO - Angat
added.
The inspiration that Archie
sow has now helped more than
8,000 financially-deprived pa-
tients mostly coming from the
Partido area who now enjoy a
normal life after their free op-
erations.
“We rise by lifting others.
This is Archie's gift,” the for-
mer House Speaker quipped.
BIKOL REPORTER
Buhay. She encouraged the
CPAs to establish programs
that would reach out to the
least of our Filipino brethren
living in abject poverty.
Robredo congratulated the
newly inducted national offi-
cers of the CPA practitioner’s
group led by their president
CPA-Lawyer Arminda Tena
Acyatan-Guerrero – whose
mother Lilia Tena-Acyatan
hails from Penafrancia-Naga
and Milaor, Camarines Sur.
Her father – also a CPA-Law-
yer and be-medalled alumnus
of the University of Nueva
Caceres – is the first national
president of the Philippine In-
stitute of CPAs (PICPA) com-
ing from a provincial chapter.
He was chairman-president of
the ASEAN Federation of Ac-
countants (AFA).
ACPAPP has provincial
chapters in key cities includ-
ing in the cities of Cebu,
Davao, Cagayan de Oro, Ba-
5
colod, Iloilo, and in Southern
and Central Luzon. The di-
rectors and national officers
double as advocacy chairmen
for economic affairs, taxation,
membership, fellowship and
training and development.
Also inducted during the
well-attended affair were the
officers and trustees of the
ACPAPP Foundation headed
by outgoing ACPAPP presi-
dent J. Carlitos G. Cruz. The
foundation generates funds
and handles the training pro-
grams and projects of the
organization. ACPAPP Life-
time Achievement Awardee
Antonio P. Acyatan was the
inducting officer for both AC-
PAPP and the Foundation.
Petitioning for the bless-
ings and support of the Great
Almighty – ACPAPP started
the affair with a Thanksgiving
Mass officiated by 92-years
old Maryknoll missionary –
Rev. Fr. James Thomas Ferry.

SM Foundation extends To more than a thousand graduates of ASAUB

application for 2018-2019 The founder and chairman of CARD Mutually
scholarship program Reinforcing Institutions (CARD MRI), Dr. Jaime Aristotle
B. Alip, together with the officials of ASA University
Bangladesh (ASAUB) honored the graduating students
during the 2nd ASAUB Convocation held at the
Bangabandhu International Conference last January 29,
2018. Dr. Alip, who served as the convocation speaker,
received a plaque of appreciation from the Vice Chancellor
of ASAUB, Prof. Dr Dalem Barman. Dr. Alip delivered
his speech in front of the 1,300 graduating students of
ASAUB and encouraged the future professionals to serve
their communities. Last year, CARD MRI also visited
ASA Bangladesh for the drafting of the Memorandum
of Understanding (MOU) where both institutions will
undertake an exchange program for faculty and admin
officers. CARD MRI and ASA Bangladesh are longtime
partners that aim to uplift the lives of those in the rural
communities in their respective countries.

SM Foundation extends An interview will follow in

application for 2018-2019
scholarship program for
Naga City and the province
of Camarines Sur to accom-
modate more students who
are qualified to take the
examination. Online appli-
cation is available through
the SM Foundation website
www.sm-foundation.org
where a list of partner col-
leges and universities are
available. Applicants may
also submit their applica-
tion forms at the SCMC Ad-
min office, SM City Naga.
However, SM Foundation
will accommodate walk-in
applicants on the examina-
tion day slated on Febru-
ary 26, 2018; 10:00am at
the Second level covered
carpark of SM City Naga.
the afternoon for those who
pass the exam.
Qualified to apply for the
college scholarship program
are public high school gradu- Puppy Love and Luck at SM
Accessories Kids and Toy Kingdom
ates and private high school
graduates with DepEd vouch-
ers after completing Grade 10
from public schools There’s a lot of puppy love and luck as SM When the chips are down, the Dog will always be
Applicants must be Fourth Accessories Kids and Toy Kingdom celebrate at your side. Bring home hugs, joy and charm with
year or grade 12 graduating Chinese New Year with lovable and adorable these adorable little dogs - ranging from huskies to
students with general weight-
plushies for kids of all ages. Like children born in beagles - available at the SM Accessories Kids
ed average of at least 88% by
the second of third grading
the Year of the Dog, these plush toys are cheerful, department of The SM Store.
period. Their total household obliging, and a good sport. The Dog, after all, is said Toy Kingdom, on the other hand, can also fill
income of at most P150, 000 to be the most likeable sign in the Chinese Zodiac. your homes with good luck with its adorable dog
per year. And kids born in the Year of the Dog are said to plush toys inspired by Paw Patrol’s well-loved
Once admitted to the be honest, intelligent, egalitarian, and super-loyal. characters Skye, Marshall and Chase, that you
scholarship program, the These children are playful, friendly, and outgoing, can hug and play with all day. There are also cute
scholars can pursue courses appreciated by peers and adults alike for their miniature dog plush toys dressed in birthday, sailor
in the field of accountancy, warmth, candidness, and sense of humor. A dog is and baseball costumes. These are all available at
computer science, engineer- a very good and supportive friend to have indeed. The SM Store and Toy Kingdom.
ing and education.
 6 BIKOL REPORTER
DA ACPC ASSURES LOAN TO FARMERS . . .
lig, Malilipot, Daraga and Sto. Under SURE, the farmer MAO/CAO will submit to the
Domingo while the 3 cities are applicant will initially receive DA list of affected farmers
Legazpi, Tabaco and Ligao P5,000 for their subsistence, in their areas and the DA will
City. while the P20,000 will be re- endorse said list to the ACPC
Ding Pereyra, Project De- leased to them when they get which will serve as the lat-
velopment Officer IV of the back to their residence/farms to ter’s gauge in determining the
Agricultural Credit Policy make sure they will start their amount to be downloaded to
Council (ACPC) discussed the agri enterprises. Maximum the conduit banks or coops.
SURE and PLEA guidelines. loanable amount is P25,000 Meanwhile, PLEA was
Both the SURE and PLEA are per farmer regardless of the pioneered by DA in the top 10
being implemented through size of the farm. poorest provinces in 2016 and
lending conduits. The LGU through the it was expanded to 34 prov-
inces the following year. In
November 2017, Sec. Manny
Republic of the Philippines
LOCAL CIVIL REGISTRY OFFICE Piñol approved Masbate’s in-
Province: Camarines Sur clusion in the program. And
City/Municipality: City of Naga in January 29, 2018, Sec. Pi-
ñol allocated P50 million for
NOTICE TO THE PUBLIC
PLEA in Albay.
CFN-0087-2017
CCE Under PLEA, only one
In compliance with the publication requirement and member per household can
pursuant to OCRG Memorandum Circular No. 2013-1 avail at one time and he/she
Guidelines in the Implementation of the Administrative must own not more than 3
Order No. 1 Series of 2012 (IRR on R.A. 10172), Notice
hectares or engaged in back-
is hereby served to the public that ELENA SHEA CHIU
yard poultry raising. Agricul-
has filed with this Office, a Petition for Change of First
tural workers without farm
Name from “ELENITA” to “ELENA” in the certificate of
live birth of ELENITA CHIA at Naga City, Camarines Sur land are also qualified to apply
and whose parents are CHIA OH TEE and NORBERTA as long as they have legitimate
PAGLINAWAN. projects.
Any person adversely affected by said petition may Pereyra said that Loan limit
file his written opposition with this office not later than
under PLEA is P50,000 for
February 24, 2018.
high value crops. The ACPC
can give up to P150,000 for
(Sgd.) ALEXANDER M. CAYETANO
City Civil Registrar farmers engaged in onion and
garlic production. The loan
BIKOL REPORTER is payable in 2 to 10 years de-
Published: February 11 and 18, 2018 pending on the commodity at
6% per annum interest.
Even farmers not listed in
the Registry System for Basic
Sectors in Agriculture (RS-
BSA) can apply as the ACPC
will provide the Municipal /
City Agriculturists with a
PUNLA/PLEA enrolment
form which is to be filled up by
the farmer, verified by the ba-
rangay captain and certified by
the MAO/CAO.
All loans under PLEA and
SURE will benefit from free
insurance provided by the
PCIC. Pereyra assured that the
SURE and PLEA projects in
Albay are top priorities for the
ACPC.
Governor Al Francis Bich-
ara rallied the rural banks,
coops and irrigators associa-
tions present to consider the
project as a public service or
social responsibility. “After all,
FEBRUARY 11-17, 2018
Robredo's ‘Istorya ng
Pag-asa’ goes to Palawan
PUERTO PRINCESA of inspiration for them to suc- gal Assistance Center (ELAC);
CITY, Palawan --Vice Presi- ceed in various fields. Bobby Castro of the Palawan
dent Leni Robredo’s stories of “Hope is really a very pow- Pawnshop and money remit-
hope traveling photo gallery erful thing. This is what we can tance center; Cuyunon folk
gave the spotlight here Friday use to fight the darkness that songwriter Fe Tria Fernandez;
morning to 23 personal tales seems to shroud many of us the Brooke’s Point Public Ele-
of courage and optimism of today. This started because we mentary and Secondary Teach-
Palaweños. realized too many are angry to- ers Multi-Purpose Coopera-
Labeled “Istorya ng Pag- day, too many are incensed, so tive; pineapple farmer Virginia
asa” or INP (Stories of Hope), we said why don’t we change Dureza; local artist Jonathan
the itinerant photo exhibit was the negative with stories that Benitez; restaurateur Eric Yay-
unveiled by Robredo herself on are positive,” Robredo said. en, owner of Ka Inato; nurse
the Upper Ground Floor of SM Among the stories of hope Rochelle Viray, and the late
City Puerto Princesa. featured were the stories of Palawan governor Salvador So-
It features the narratives Lawyer Grizelda Mayo-Anda, crates, among others.
of Palaweños whose previous the founder and executive di- “While I was reading their
struggles in life became source rector of the Environmental Le- (Turn to page 7)
the farmers are our brothers
who produce our food. Let’s
make this credit program work,
Governor Bichara added.”
Provincial Agriculturist
Cheryl Rebeta reported that as
of January 28, a total of 21,342
families were evacuated which
brought the total number of
evacuees to 82,347. The losses
to agriculture is still pegged at
P185,281979. This figure was
reported to Sec. Piñol during
his visit.
In closing, Dr. Edgar R.
Madrid, RTD for Research and
Extension said that the suc-
cess of the program in Albay
depends on the cooperation
of the provincial and munici-
pal LGUs, the conduit banks,
coops and IAs. (Lovella P.
Guarin / photo credit: Edu-
ardo Collantes, Jr.)
FOR JANUARY 2018
NAME OF DECEASED DATE OF INTERMENT
ELISA B. BARJA JANUARY 2, 2018
ROLANDO B. EDUARDO JR. JANUARY 3, 2018
ARNEL B. IGNACIO JANUARY 3, 2018
AGNES S.J. TESORERO JANUARY 3, 2018
MARIA S. DE LIMA JANUARY 4, 2018
MARK S. MARQUEZ JANUARY 5, 2018
PEDRO S. VILLARAZA JANUARY 5, 2018
CONCORDIA S. BALENSAYO JANUARY 5, 2018
JOSE T. TAYOTO JANUARY 6, 2018
ANTONIO A. GENIO JANUARY 6, 2018
BENITO C. GUINTO JANUARY 6, 2018
JUAN ROBERTO D. BACHILLER JANUARY 7, 2018
OSCAR N. BORJA JANUARY 9, 2018
JOANNA FE G. ABRANTES JANUARY 10, 2018
ROGELIO B. BESIN JANUARY 10, 2018
DOMINADOR A. RAZON SR. JANUARY 10, 2018
MANUEL L. MAÑAGO JANUARY 11, 2018
ESTER A. VALLE JANUARY 12, 2018
EMMANUEL A. BELTRAN JANUARY 12, 2018
ELMER H. MONTAÑEZ JANUARY 13, 2018
DELIA P. SARMIENTO JANUARY 13, 2018
ROBERTO U. BENDIOLA SR. JANUARY 13, 2018
ANTONIO G. DE LA CRUZ SR. JANUARY 13, 2018
PEDRO A. CORDIS JANUARY 13, 2018
EDMUNDO E. ELERIA SR. JANUARY 14, 2018
MARCELINA M. MANLANGIT JANUARY 15, 2018
CRISPINA R. VALISTO JANUARY 18, 2018
SALVADOR L. VALISTO JANUARY 18, 2018
APRIL JOYCE B. ONG JANUARY 18, 2018
CARIDAD E. BACOLO JANUARY 19, 2018
ANASTACIO G. BACOLO JANUARY 19, 2018
REMEDIOS E. RIVERO JANUARY 21, 2018
EDEN B. SOLIS JANUARY 22, 2018
PAQUITO P. RIVERO JANUARY 26, 2018
ALEX V. NELLASCA JANUARY 27, 2018
FRANCISCO C. BENCIO JANUARY 28, 2018
ROMEO V. MONILLA II JANUARY 30, 2018
SALVADOR C. CASTILLA JANUARY 30, 2018
FELICISIMO R. TINDUGAN JANUARY 31, 2018
 FEBRUARY 11-17, 2018
DA-Bicol Lines Up Help to Albay Farmers
TUBURAN, Ligao City--
-Pedro Orpiana can no lon-
ger get his expected harvest
from his corn, sili, radish and
pechay farm in Barangay
Amtic, Ligao City.
Rufina Brillante of Dona
Tomasa, Guinobatan, Albay
lost more than Php12,000.00
pesos from her expected har-
vest of tomatoes and sili.
Neighbors Remedios Que-
jada and Fe Mosquite in Tan-
darora, Guinobatan lost more
than Php 30,000.00 which
could have been their income
from their sili, okra, tomatoes,
palay, cassava, peanut and
sweet potato crops.
Others just left their veg-
etables to wilt because their
farms and residences were part
of the extended nine-kilometer
danger zone.
Their loss in their farms and
their agony in the evacuation
centers were due to the eruption
of Mayon Volcano on January
13, 2018 which covered their
houses and farms with ash and
tiny volcanic pebbles.
However, the visit of Agri-
culture Secretary Emmanuel F.
Pinol last January 29, 2018 in
Guinobatan, Albay gave them
hope.
Responding to Pinol’s
marching order to immediate-
BIKOL REPORTER
Published: February 4 and 11, 2018
ly assist the affected farmers
in ten days, the Department of
Agriculture-Bicol kicked-off
its series of livelihood train-
ings and distribution of farm
inputs on February 5, 2018 in
the Tuburan, Ligao City in co-
ordination with the local gov-
ernment units and the Albay
provincial government..
“Matindog kami sa laog nin
tulong bulan (We will recover
in three months),” Orpiana
said during the conduct of the
Training on Vegetable Produc-
tion in Protective Culture.
Guinobatan farmers Bril-
lante, Quejada and Mosquite
who attended the training on
February 6-7 at BUCAF were
also excited to establish their
plastic greenhouses in their
farms because the new tech-
nology introduced to them can
now protect their crops from
other elements like strong
winds and rain.
According to DA-Bicol
Regional Executive Director
Dr. Elena B. De Los Santos,
this activity and the free farm
inputs were initial response of
the DA to the affected farmers.
The DA is not mandated
to give free cash and food to
the affected farmers unlike the
Department of Social Welfare
and Development (DSWD).
BIKOL REPORTER 7
The DA is mandated to capaci- Elementary School, Malilipot; from Polangui, Daraga, Ca- magugutom kayo. Kailangan
tate farmers to plant crops and February 13, 2018 in San Vi- malig, Legazpi City, Sto. Do- magbanat ng buto. Kaya, sana,
raise animals in order for them cente, Tabaco City; February mingo, Malilipot, Tabaco City pakinabangan ninyo ang in-
to have a sustainable liveli- 15, 2018 at the City Agri- and Oas. yong matututunan sa training
hood, and ensure food security culture Office, Legazpi City; After the eruption, the (If you rely on donations, you
for the people. February 20, 2018 at Napo, farmers can dismantle the will go hungry. You need to
The DA-Bicol has begun Polangui, Albay; and Febru- said greenhouse and can be work hard. I hope that you will
distributing polyethylene UV- ary 21, 2018 at the Provincial established in their respective use your learnings in this train-
treated plastic; 100m of plastic Agriculture Office, Cabangan, farms. ing.) De los Santos said in her
mulch; two bags Durabloom; Camalig. Participants will be “Pag umasa sa bigay, message. -jaysonmgonzales
one unit of sprinkler and 100
pieces of bamboo stick to
the farmer-participants. Each
ROBREDO'S ‘ISTORYA NG PAG-ASA’ . . .
farmer should make eight stories, it’s like crying and his commitment and generosity Cagayancillo.
greenhouses or tunnels. The laughing – a mixture of hap- as a successful businessman to His humble beginnings as
farms will be regularly visited piness and sadness. But in the provide scholarships to deserv- the longest-serving governor of
and monitored by the munici- end, you will smile because all ing students in the province. Palawan for 21 years, accord-
of them succeeded. All of them “At his young age, Bobby ing to Robredo, were in total
pal and provincial agriculture
went through hardships, but all already knows how to handle contrast to the years he had
technical staffs.
of them also succeeded,” the business, so he started a small worked as a janitor to earn a
DA-Bicol High-Value
Vice President said. one with the help of his fam- college degree.
Crops Development Program
ELAC’s Anda is included ily. But when he decided not to All 23 Palaweños received
(HVCDP) Regional Focal Per- in the list of INP champions depend on them anymore, he plaques of recognition from
son Rosita Imperial said that Vice President Robredo, which
due to her more than 25 years started his own and he didn’t
the farmers will be making the of experience in defending expect it will turn out to be one she said, are the attestation of
vegetable tunnels in vacant lots the environment and assisting of the biggest chains of pawn- their triumphs against poverty,
identified by the local govern- the indigenous peoples (IPs), shops today,” she said. and their unselfish dedication
ment. Since the volcanic ac- not only in Palawan but in the Posthumous recognition was to serving other people in the
tivity of Mayon might last for whole country. also given to Socrates, the for- communities despite hard-
months, affected farmers will Palawan Pawnshop’s Castro mer governor of Palawan, who ships. -Celeste Anna Formoso
be growing their crops in these is also highlighted because of died in a plane crash in 2000 in (PNA)
tunnels. The DA will assist in
the marketing of their produce.
Training resource person
and Field Agriculturist Con-
rado C. Calderon of Harbest
Agribusiness Corporation said
that this protective culture
technology is already being
practiced in Benguet, Mindoro
and Pangasinan. This technol-
ogy, aside from shielding the
crops from natural elements
like strong rains, strong winds,
and in the case of Albay ash
from Mayon Volcano, the
farmers can also produce off-
season vegetables.
The Training on Vegetable
Production under Protective
Culture will also be conducted
on February 8-9, 2018 at the
Albay Processing Center, Ca-
bangan, Camalig, Albay; Feb-
ruary 12, 2018 at the San Jose
NAGUEÑOS . . .
ready reducing blood stock in
the blood center in Legazpi.
In order to avoid further
problems that may arise due
to the perceived lack of sup-
plies in the coming months,
the BMC, together with the
City Government of Naga
launched the campaign,
“Dugong Nagueño, Alay sa
mga Albayano” to encourage
Nagueños to donate blood
and help the Albayanos af-
fected by the recent volcanic
activity.
The activity, which will
continue until the month of
June, 2018, in the different
areas of Camarines Sur, tar-
gets at least 400 blood units
for the blood center in Legaz-
pi City.
PAGE 8 BICOL, THE PHILIPPINES FEBRUARY 11-17, 2018

CAMARINES SUR KEEPS

PALARONG BICOL TOP SPOT
By JAM MADRID

NAGA CITY – Coming

in strong as the biggest dele-
gation with 928 athletes, the
Province of Camarines Sur
protected its title as Over-all
Champion in the just con-
cluded Palarong Bicol 2018
held on February 10, at the
Metro Naga Sports Com-
plex in Pacol, Naga City.
With a total of 244 medals
– 50 Gold, 44 Silver and 61
Bronze, Camarines Sur bested
athletes from the other 12 Di-
visions in the regular sports 2019 PALARO HOST SYLRANJELVIC VILLAFLOR

events. Albay emerged as First
Runner-up with 203 medals
– 64 Gold, 63 Silver and 76
Bronze; while Naga City as
Second Runner-up with 191
medals – 60 Gold, 74 Silver,
and 57 Bronze medals.
Last year, Naga City placed
second to Camarines Sur in
the over-all medal ranking.
The other divisions were
ranked 3rd to 12th place ac-
cording to their medal tallies
– Camarines Norte with a
total of 155 medals, Legazpi
City – 89, Masbate Province
– 80, Ligao City – 63, Sor-
sogon Province – 61, Tabaco
City – 39, Masbate City – 22,
Sorsogon City – 19, Iriga City
– 18, and Catanduanes with
Host Naga City and next year’s host of the annual regional meet, sports events competition will be representing the Bicol Region in
Masbate City, during the awarding and turn-over ceremony marking the Palarong Pambansa 2018 which will be held in Ilocos Sur this
the close of this year’s Palarong Bicol. Medalists in the various coming April 16- 20, 2018.
17 medals. 2nd Runner-up in Camarines Disciplined Delegation; Mas- tives of P3,000.00, P2,000.00 ment of Naga for hosting
For awarding by catego- Norte. For Secondary Girls: bate City as the Most Orga- and P1,000.00 for Gold, Silver this year’s Palarong Bicol
ries: Elementary Boys: Cham- Champion is Camarines Sur, nized Delegation; Albay as the and Bronze, respectively. and awarded Mayor John G.
pion is Camarines Sur, 1st 1st Runner-up is Naga City, Most Cleanest, Greenest and Likewise, medalists in var- Bongat with a Plaque of Ap-
Runer-up is Albay, and 2nd and 2nd Runner-up is Albay. Eco-Friendly Delegation; and ious sports events will be rep- preciation for his invaluable
Runner-up is Naga City. For Naga City champed the Tabuco Central School as the resenting the Bicol Region in and unwavering support to the
Elementary Girls: Champion Special Events Category or the Cleanest, Greenest and Eco- the upcoming Palarong Pam- programs of DepEd.
is Naga City, 1st Runner-up paralympics which includes Friendly Billeting School. bansa 2018 in Vigan, Ilocos At the end of the closing
is Camarines Norte, and 2nd sports events involving those Awardees received a Sur this coming April 2018. program, the City of Naga
Runner-up is Camarines Sur. in the Special Education. checque of P10,000.00 each In his closing message, handed-over the regional ath-
For Secondary Boys: Special Awards were also as cash incentive for the said Naga City School Divi- letic flag to Masbate City and
Champion is Albay, 1st Run- given to the delegation, name- award. Individual medalists sion Supt. William E. Gando Province as next year’s host
ner-up is Camarines Sur, and ly; Camarines Sur as the Most will also receive cash incen- thanked the Local Govern- of Palarong Bicol 2019.
Nagueños extends bloodline to Albayanos
By ARMIE B. GUNAY tribute more blood reserves negative effect of the non-
in the blood bank at the Bi- implementation of the drives
The Bicol Medical Cen- col Regional Blood Center in to the blood bank in the prov-
ter (BMC), in partnership Legazpi City. ince— a lesser blood supply
with the Naga City Scholars The recent volcanic activi- for the Albayanos who might
Guild and the City Govern- ties of Mt. Mayon has result- be needing so.
ment of Naga, conducted a ed to the hampering of blood Dr. Diane Donacao of the
blood donation drive activ- donation operations suppos- BMC Blood Bank confirmed
ity dubbed as the “Dugong edly scheduled in the affected that nearby municipalities in
Nagueño, Alay sa mga Al- areas of Albay— concerning Legazpi City had recently
bayano”, February 6, at the the BMC (the largest supplier been inquiring of their blood
Naga City People’s Hall. of blood units in the Bicol supplies— an indicator of al-
The activity aims to con- Region) with regards to the (Turn to page 7)

RESILIENCY COUNCIL JRM-PIA5/CAMSUR

The National Resilience Council (NRC) discussed with the Naga City Resilience the role of
private and civil society in building resiliency during times of disasters during a meeting at the
Villa Caceres Hotel. The meeting was led by Dr.Emma Porio of the Ateneo de Manila University
- Department of Sociology and Anthropology (ADMU-DSA) as Project Leader, and Dr. Marilou
Erni, Executive Director of the National Resilience Council.