Bicol Politics, Scout Fuentebella, Goa (2024)

02/01/2024

Lagman pays tribute to people who inspire him

Albay Govenor Edcel “Grex” Lagman thanked all those who inspired him to live a life with a noble purpose in 2023.

Lagman shared that his 2023 was full of challenges but he was able to overcome them through the support of his family and colleagues at the provincial government.

“I would like to express my gratitude to everyone who has inspired me to live my 2023 with a noble purpose,” said Lagman.

“While it was a year filled with challenges and obstacles both natural and man-made, I was able to surpass and overcome all of them through the help of my loving wife and kids, my dedicated workmates at the Governor’s Office, my loyal and faithful friends and my colleagues in public service who chose professionalism over personal considerations,” hr added.

Lagman shared that problems are part of public service but he was able to find solutions through the people that surround him.

“In governance, it’s expected that problems will arise every so often. I am thankful for everyone’s resolve to stay the course and come up with the best solutions to these issues and dilemmas,” said Lagman.

“When calamities struck, everyone maintained their composure and trusted each other. Through human talent, adaptability and innovation —- coupled by our faith in God’s grace —- we were able to come up with answers to these predicaments and complications,” he added.

“ All of you have added meaning and value to year 2023 especially on the days and in the weeks and months where we were swamped with work. 2023 is also defined by the concerted and collective effort of my department heads, assistant department heads and heads of office who comprise my Executive Family. This is the heart of our passion and of our perseverance at their finest,” he continued.

Lagman also sought forgiveness for all the people whom he hurt.

“We must forgive everyone who has hurt us including those who have not forgiven us. And it’s never beneath anyone to ask for forgiveness. So, to all those who have hurt me, i forgive you,” he said.

“And to the all the people i may have caused pain, my sincere apologies. We must never forget that at the heart of God’s love is forgiveness. My fellow Albayanos, I have every reason to be hopeful that 2024 will find us stronger, happier and healthier. Thank you for your trust and confidence. I will continue to work hard and work smart for all of you,” he added.

01/01/2024

BASAHIN: Pagkakaisa, kabutihan at pagmamalasakit sa kapwa ang hangad ni Pangulong Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. sa bawat Pilipino ngayong bagong taon.

28/12/2023

Batas na magtatatag ng college of medicine sa limang unibersidad sa bansa, nilagdaan na ni PBBM

Nilagdaan na ni Pangulong Bongbong Marcos Jr. ang mga bagong batas na nagtatatag ng college of medicine programs sa limang unibersidad sa bansa.

Ayon sa Malacañan, ito ay ang Republic Act No. 11970, 11971, 11972, 11973, at 11974 na niladaan ng Pangulo noong Disyembre 20.

Sa ilalim ng RA 11970 at 11971, ang Benguet State University-College of Medicine sa La Trinidad, Benguet at Southern Luzon State University-College of Medicine sa Lucban, Quezon ay itatatag.

Ang RA 11972 naman ay ang University of Eastern Philippines-College of Medicine sa Catarman, Northern Samar ay itatayo, at ang RA 11974 naman ay itatatag ang Visayas State-Univeristy-College of Medicine sa Baybay, Leyte.

Sa ilalim ng mga bagong batas, ang mga naturang unibersidad ay maaari nang mag-alok ng Doctor of Medicine Program, kabilang ang Integrated Liberal Arts and Medicine Program para mag-produce ng mga bagong professional physicians at makatulong na mapalakas ang healthcare system ng bansa.

Minamandato rin ang mga naturang unibersidad na magsagawa ng research at extension services at magbigay ng progresibong liderato sa naturang mga lugar.

Kaugnay din nito, nilagdaan din ng Punong Ehekutibo ang RA 11973 na siyang magtatatag ng Bicol University-College of Veterinary Medicine sa Ligao City, Albay para mag-produce ng mga bagong professional veterinary physicians.

27/12/2023

Gov. Padilla meets with DA’s Laurel

Camarines Norte Governor D**g Padilla has recently met with the Secretary of the Department of Agriculture Francisco Tiu Laurel, Jr. to discuss the lot in Calasgasan, Daet to be used by the agency.

“Ito ay para makapagsimula na ang Charoen Pokphand Foods Philippines Corporation (CPFPC) sa kanilang pagproseso ng produktong pang-agrikultura ng ating mga kababayan,” Padilla shared.

The officials also talked about the proposed Regional Fishport, Integrated Rice Processing Center, Ice Plant with Cold Storage in the province.

“Kasama rin po sa napagusapan namin ang ating kahilingan na magkaroon ng Regional Fishport, Integrated Rice Processing Center, Ice Plant with Cold Storage ang ating Lalawigan gayundin ang mapagtuunan ng pansin ang mga pangangailangan ng mga magsasaka katulad ng Farm equipment, Animal dispersal upang magkaroon ng mas mabilis at maayos na pagkakakitaan,” said Padilla.

Ang mga kahilingan po nating ito ay para sa pagnanais nating mas dumami pa ang mamumuhunan sa ating probinsya na magbibigay rin ng dagdag trabaho sa ating mga kababayan,” he added.

26/12/2023

Former VP Leni celebrates Christmas with brother, daughters

Former Vice President Leni Robredo spent her Christmas together with her daughters and her brother in her home town Naga City.

Robredo shared that she and her siblings don’t get to spend Christmases together since they are now based abroad.

“My siblings live abroad so it’s always a treat if we find time to be together. Last year, we were able to spend some time with my sister, Malou, and my nephew, Chris, in Orlando, Florida before Christmas,” said Robredo.

“My other nephew, Jon, is based in Boston, and he is the one we get to see more frequently now that Tricia is also based there,” she added.

“This year, my brother, Antonio, is here with his family – my sister-in-law, Faye, and my niece, Alya- to spend Christmas and New Year in Naga,” she continued.

Robredo shared that they decided to spend Christmas Day both in the house they grew up in in Monterey Village and in the house they built after their mother died in Magarao.

“We miss our parents and, of course, Malou and her boys, Jon and Chris. It would have been perfect if they were also here. Hopefully, next time soon, we will be complete,” she said.

19/12/2023

BAGONG MAYOR NG BACACAY INAKUSAHAN NI CONGRESSMAN EDCEL LAGMAN NG PAGNANAKAW NG KREDITO

Kabago-bago pa lang sa pwesto ang pumalit na mayor ng Bacacay sa namayapang Alkalde Dinky Romano subalit nahaharap na ito sa kontrobersiya sa pangingialam sa proyektong sinimulan ng nakaupong kongresista ng primero distrito na si Cong Edcel Lagman.
Sa sulat ni Lagman sa bagong meyor ng Bacacay na si Alkalde Edsel Belleza, makikita natin ang kanyang hinanakit sa pagpalit ng maayos naman at well maintained basketball board sa Bacacay Sports Center ng basketball board na may mga pangalan ng kanyang kaalyado sa politika.
Madiing sinabihan ni Lagman na ito raw ay tahasang pagnanakaw ng kredito dahil wala naman daw partisipasyon ang bagong meyor at kanyang kaalyado sa pagpapagawa nito.
Sa aking palagay naman walang kasalanan ang mga nabanggit na politiko kasi alam ko hindi naman nila ugaling magnakaw ng kredito.
Ito ay isang kontrobersiya na dapat harapin lang ng bagong meyor at managot kay Lagman.
Para sa akin, magkalaban man sa politika kailangan pa rin ang kortesiya sa isa’t isa.

17/12/2023

NEWS UPDATE: President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. joins the second session of the ASEAN-Japan Friendship and Cooperation Commemorative Summit together with other ASEAN leaders in Tokyo, Japan this Sunday, Dec. 17. (📷: Yummie Dingding/ PPA pool)

14/12/2023

Albay Capitol employees to get health insurance card – Lagman

Albay Capitol employees will surely welcome the 2024 with a good news.

This comes after Albay Governor Edcel “Grex” Lagman announced his plan of getting health insurance card to Capitol employees next year.

Lagman made the announcement during the launching of the Albay Wellness Center on December 12.

“Maghanap tayo ng health insurer…. who can insure each and every one of us as an additional na protection,” said Gov. Lagman,

“I will make sure that gabos tabi kamo magkaigwa nin additional health coverage.”

The governor also said that the hard work and dedication of Capitol employees always served as inspiration on the creation of the wellness clinic and that taking care of their health and wellness is a priority of the PGA.

“It can be recalled that health is one of the key development agendas of the administration for the current year, and it is the first priority development framework for the fiscal year 2024,” the Albay PIO said.

12/12/2023

Lagman stresses importance of local legislation in assessing disaster risks

Albay Governor Edcel “Grex” Lagman has highlighted the important role of public and local legislation in addressing disaster risks and mitigating their impact.

Lagman was invited as a panelist at the 28th United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates.

The governor underscored the importance of local legislation in responding to climate change challenges, particularly in safeguarding communities.

“Local Legislation plays a significant role in how we respond to challenges presented by climate change, dealing with the ravages, so to speak, of communities that have to absorb the majority of the losses,” said the govenor.

“I would also like to state the fact that Albay has, for the past more or less three decades, been able to maintain a zero casualty record. While there were a couple of disasters where lives were lost, we have adhered to the principles of zero casualty,” he added.

Lagman also acknowledged the active participation of the public in following government advisories, attributing the success to Albayanos’ quick adherence to evacuation protocols during times of need.

10/12/2023

Ako Bicol party-list launches corn production for animal feed project

Ako Bicol party-list led by Rep. Elizaldy Co has launched a large-scale corn production project for animal feed to enhance the livelihood of farmers in the Bicol region.

“Corn can be processed into animal feeds and this presents a big opportunity for our farmers to boost their livelihood sources,” Co said.

He said his initiative aims to expand Bicol farmers’ incomes beyond traditional rice cultivation.

Last December 7, Co’s office spearheaded the “Consultation With The Irrigators Association and Rain-Fed Farmers Groups On Large Scale Corn Production For Animal Feed” in Albay.

At least 125 farmers from Albay’s Polangui, Guinobatan, Ligao City, Oas, Camalig, Daraga, Tabaco City, Sto Domingo, and neighboring provinces including Sorsogon, Camarines Sur, and Camarines Norte participated in the dialogue.

Department of Agriculture (DA) Regional Rice Coordinator Earl Vincent Vegas, Kim Joneh Antioquia, representing Engr. Amabel Bombase of the Regional Corn Coordinator, and Engr. Dennis De Vera, Regional Irrigation Manager of the National Irrigation Administration, were also present in the consultation.

Jake Pineda, who represented Rep. Co at the meeting, said the lawmaker is keen on improving the lives of Bicol farmers.

He also said that among the benefits that farmers can reap from participating in the program include access to services, increased income, mechanization, and post-harvest facilities to ease their agricultural processes.

Pineda said the response from farmers has been positive, as they see a reduction in their hardships with a new system where the corn is delivered, cultivated, and processed at a fair price.

Jojo Elvira from the Philippine Maize Foundation, Inc., likewise shared his insights during the discussion. He noted that consultation was organized to formulate and implement Co’s vision for corn growers in Albay.

07/12/2023

Lagman hails provincial administrator who passed 2023 Bar exams

Albay Governor Edcel Grex Lagman has feted Provincial Administrator, Sheina Onrubia-Dela Cruz who was among those who hurdled the 2023 Bar examinations.

“Congratulations to my Provincial Administrator, Sheina Onrubia-Dela Cruz, for passing the 2023 Bar Exams,” said the governor.

Lagman also congratulated all Bicol University College of Law, UST-Legazpi College of Law and Bicol College School of Law bar passers.

Two UST Legazpi students made it to the Top 20 bar topnotchers.

“BIcol University College of Law is the 3rd best performing law school in the 1 to 10 takers category posting an 85.71% passing rate,” Lagman said.

“This maiden batch of BU-Law bar candidates is truly impressive! Welcome to the noblest of all professions, my new Albayano brothers and sisters in arms! Let’s continue to pursue together our dreams of justice and for the rule of law to prevail in the Philippines,” he added.

29/11/2023

Camalig ranks first in protecting children

The local government unit of Camalig has placed on top of the ranking in protecting children based on the City/Municipality Council for the Protection of Children functionality assessment.

Camalig obtained a 93.03% rating during the functionality assessment.

The Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) along with the Provincial Inter-Agency Monitoring Task Force conducted said audit on May 10.

According to the Camalig PIO, Polangui ranked second, followed by Legazpi City in third place, Malilipot in fourth place, and Tabaco City in fith place.

Meanwhile, Mayor Carlos “Caloy” Irwin G. Baldo Jr. takes pride in this achievement since it validates the need to promote children’s rights,

He emphasize that it remains one of his top priorities for a progressive and child-friendly Camalig.

27/11/2023

Tallado receives recognition from TESDA

Camarines Norte Rep. Josie Tallado has been recognized by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority for her support to the programs of the agency.

The award was handed by TESDA Provincial Director Eduardo Bonagua

“Ayon kay PD Bonagua, malaki ang naging ambag ng Kinatawan ng Unang Distrito katulad sa paglaan ng malaking pondo upang matugunan ang pangangailangan ng maraming indibidwal na nagnanais magkaroon ng libreng edukasyon,” said Tallado’s office.

“Taong 2023 lamang, halagang 13 milyon at dagdag pang 4 na milyon para sa last quarter ang nilagak na pondo para sa TESDA ni Congw. Tallado na maaaring magamit ng bawat isa na nagnanais makapagtapos ng kurso sa bawat Technical Vocational Institutions,” it added.

In her message, Tallado stressed that education is the foundation of progress and development of the country.

“Ipinapangako niya na patuloy niyang susuportahan ang mga programa ng TESDA at iba pang institusyon na naglalayong magbigay ng kahalagahan sa edukasyon ng mga mamamayan,” said Tallado’s office.

“Sa huli, ang ginawang pagkilala ng TESDA kay Congresswoman Josie Baning Tallado ay isang patunay ng kanyang malasakit at puso sa edukasyon ng mga mamamayan sa kanyang nasasakupang Distrito,” it added.

23/11/2023

Camalig gears up for month-long Christmas festivity

The local government unit of Camalig has geared up for the month-long celebration of “Paskuhan sa CAmaligtuLOYpo.”

The celebration will begin December 1, 2023, as activities for the 30-day festivity were finalized yesterday

Tourism Officer Jed Villanueva convened the event coordinators to discuss about the technical, disbursement, and liquidation prerequisites and procedures.

The celebration will kick off with holy mass celebration, civic parade, opening of trade fair & bazaar, and 2D night concert.

Among the highlights of the event are also the following activities; Governor’s Night, Inauguration of new Visitor Information Center (VIC), Regional Dance Showdown, Karantahan sa Camalig, Christmas Carolling Contest, Barangay Milestone Awards, Senior Citizen’s Night, Zumba, SB Galawan sa Paskuhan, Pastores de Camalig, Children’s Festival, Acrobatic Show, Battle of the Bands, Ska & Reggae Fest, BJMP Amazing Race, BFP Fire Square Road Show, Tennis Tournament, Christmas Costume Parade, Christmas Cheers, Fam Bike, Civil Mass Wedding, Santa Babe, Hydro Rave Party & Disco, Comedy Night, LGBT’s Pasa-Vogue, PNP, BJMP, and BFP Night, New Year’s Ball and Countdown, and Stall Owners’ Night.

19/11/2023

DPWH completes P19.5M seawall project in Narra, Palawan

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Palawan 2nd District Engineering Office announced the completion of the Panacan Seawall Project to protect the coastal communities in Barangay Panacan in Narra.

The DPWH said that the 138-meter-long seawall, constructed with concrete slope protection with pathways, hand-laid rock barrier, and PVC sheet piles, increases safety and enhances the area’s natural beauty.

“Implemented at a cost of Php 19.55 million, the project ensures a resilient barrier against coastal elements, safeguarding the local area,” said DPWH Palawan 2nd DEO District Engineer Noel Fuentebella.

The seawall project also stands out even at night with its solar-powered lights highlighting Palawan’s dedication to environment-friendly alternative energy sources.

“Local residents and visitors can now enjoy a safer coastline and beautiful pathways, showcasing DPWH’s dedication to building meaningful infrastructure that stands the test of time,” Fuentebella.

16/11/2023

DPWH completes P19M roadway project in Bulusan, Sorsogon

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) announced the completion of a roadway project that is now able to cater to the locals and tourists of Dancalan Beach, in Bulusan, Sorsogon.

In a report to DPWH Secretary Manuel M. Bonoan and DPWH Region 5 Director Virgilio C. Eduarte, DPWH Sorsogon 2nd District Engineer Jorge Gurimbao said that the Dancalan Roadway is promoting tourism activities in the area by providing a scenic 400-meter concrete road overlooking the locally-famous public beach.

Gurimbao likewise said that the P19.2-million tourism project covers the construction of a 2-lane road with drainage component, an entrance, parking spaces for motorcycles and four-wheel cars, comfort room, shower area, and a promenade by the entrance for pedestrians.

DPWH also included solar-powered streetlights along the Dancalan Roadway to ensure the safety of the motorists.

The completed roadway was funded under the 2022 General Appropriations Act.

15/11/2023

Speaker Ferdinand Martin Romualdez administered the oath of office to Reps. Yasser Alonto Balindong and Antonio “Tonypet” Albano, who were both elected Deputy Speakers on 07 November 2023.

The Speaker likewise swore into office the new Zamboanga del Norte 1st district Representative, Hon. Roberto T. Uy Jr.

13/11/2023

Newly elected SK officials in Camalig complete mandatory training

The newly elected youth leaders in Camalig have completed their mandatory training puruant to the Republic Act No. 10742, also known as the “Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) Reform Act of 2015.”

The mandatory training for newly elected SK officials in Camalig, Albay, took place at Camalig Command Center and Black Pepper Restaurant, Brgy. Salugan.

“Di pag pabayan ang mga kabataan. Prioritize education programs lalo na sa mga college students”, Camalig Mayor Carlos Irwin Baldo Jr. “Caloy” Irwin G. Baldo Jr. reminded the officials.

He also pushed SK to make comprehensive use of the 10% budget allocated for programs promoting youth empowerment and development.

The mayor also urged the youth leaders to provide educational assistance if they could, allowing them to prioritize initiatives that could strengthen resilient learners.

For his part Provincial Youth Development Office (PYDO) Head Rhondon Ricafort called on SK leadership to use its authority to enact and carry out laws and policies.

“Ito na ang panahon para sa tamang pag-gogobyerno sa kabataan,” Ricafort said, stressing the role of SK in bridging the gap between the youth and the government.

Bicol Politics