Republic of the Philippines
Bicol University
COLLEGE OF ARTS AND LETTERS
Legazpi City
BICOL UNIVERSITY
Vision
A UNIVERSITY of EXCELLENCE characterized by scholarship engagement for the community towards sustainable development.
Mission
The aforecited vision is rooted in Bicol University’s mandate as provided in RA 5521 which is “to give professional and technical training and provide advanced and specialized instruction in literature, philosophy, the sciences and arts, besides providing for the promotion and technological researches (Sec. 3).” Hence, the BU graduates shall be distinguished by their industry, nationalism and integrity. Along this line, extension service to the community and resource generation through its various productive endeavors shall complement the University’s mandated instruction-research function.
Goals
a. Provide quality instruction and effective training in communication, language, literature, culture and the arts.
b. Produce dynamic and highly competitive graduates in the fields of communication, communication technology, language and literature, culture, and the performing arts, imbued with moral and social values needed to sustain the global challenges of the times.
c. Develop competent, responsive, critical, and humane professionals, capable of delivering the highest quality of service along their specialized fields, thereby promoting truth and justice towards the attainment of regional, national, and global goals.
d. Undertake research and extension activities in communication, culture and the arts that respond to regional, national, and global concerns.
e. Provide professional and technical services to various stakeholders, in support of the mandated functions of the university on instruction, research, extension, and production.
AB ENGLISH PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
1. Prepare students for the requirements of varied professions and careers, particularly provide basic and workplace readiness skills in order to learn and adapt to any occupation required by both local and global markets.
2. Equip students with appropriate communication skills that will enable them to function effectively in the society.
3. Deepen appreciation of self and others, amidst diversity, through literature viewed as a means to understand humanity and the world.
4. Inculcate the values of integrity, responsibility, nationalism and other Filipino values necessary for the preservation of cultural heritage and national identity.
5. Encourage the quest for knowledge, love for truth and justice and respect for law.
6. Develop interest and competency for instruction, research, extension and production.
AB AUDIO VISUAL COMMUNICATION PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
1. Produce competent professionals who can be gainfully employed in the audio visual enterprise, government, computer industry and the research cultural group.
2. Provide training for audio visual enthusiasts for them to acquire a broad-based knowledge in the broadcast media, multi-media and the arts, and for them to produce high quality films and videos.
3. Develop AV specialist in the undertaking of research and extension activities which will help them develop a critical and analytical framework of the socio-political and economic environment for media development.
4. Establish and strengthen linkages with various sectors which may enhance students’ capabilities through training, research and development activities.
AB SPEECH AND THEATER ARTS PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
1. To provide comprehensive pre-professional training in the areas of speech communication, acting, directing, dance, and theater technology.
2. To train students for the teaching of speech communication, theater arts and humanities courses.
3. To provide students and extended communities distinctly innovative approaches to research/creative work in the areas of speech communication and theater arts anchored on the millennium development goals.
4. To enhance students’ interest and skills in research, extension service and production activities.
5. To inculcate among the students the discipline, dynamism, dedication and commitment in the preservation of the cultural heritage of the Bicolanos for national unity and identity.
6. To produce competent and responsive graduates with varied skills and expertise in the different areas of speech communication and production techniques.
AB JOURNALISM PROGRAM OBJECTIVES
1. To produce professionals in the print media, advertising, public relations, government service, and non-government organizations.
2. To monitor and regularly update the curriculum of the journalism program to make it constantly relevant to the needs of the times.
3. To conduct studies in print media, broadcast journalism, new media, advertising, and public relations, using different research methods for various end-users.
4. To intensify the development of critical thinking among students in order to develop value systems contributing to the furtherance of freedoms of speech, of expression, and of the press.
AB BROADCASTING OBJECTIVES
1. Produce broadcast professionals imbued with an-depth knowledge on the interdisciplinary nature and of broadcast communication;
2. Develop highly critical and analytical broadcast practitioners with a thorough perspective framework of their social, political, economic and political environ;
3. Equip students who would later become competent professionals with necessary communication and technical competence that will develop them to become professional communication experts/authorities, managers, and leaders in the field of communication; and
4. Contribute to the professionalization of the broadcast industry as communication experts with high sense of social and moral responsibility.
Monday, November 15, 2010
BU IS CHAMPION IN BICOL SCUAA
By Cet Dematera
LEGAZPI CITY---After the weeklong sports activities involving at least 128 game matches, Bicol University based in Albay emerged as the overall champion, besting six other Bicol-based tertiary schools, in the 2010 State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA) competition.
Dominating in the swimming and athletic events, and clinching most of the ball and racket games, BU garnered a total of 134 gold, 61 silver, and 42 bronze medals, tailed far second by Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA), based in Camarines Sur, with 45 gold, 46 silver and 30 bronze medals; while ranked third was the Camarines Norte State College (CNSC) with medal haul of 14 gold, 40 silver, and 40 bronze.
The SCUAA 2010 was participated by at least 1,600 athletes coming from BU; CBSUA (formerly Camarines Sur State Agricultural College-CSSAC); Partido State University (PSU); Camarines Norte State College (CNSC); Camarines Sur Polytechnic College (CSPC); Catanduanes State Colleges (CSC); Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa, Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture and Technology (DEBESMSCAT) based in Masbate; and Sorsogon State College (SSC).
BU President Dr. Fay Lauraya said that though she was very pleased by the result, she offers their victory to all the participating state universities for their full support and very high display of their athletes’ sportsmanship in the weeklong competition.
“BU’s victory is ignited by the sports challenges offered by our equally prepared state university and college athletes. This is a triumph for all of us SCUAA participants,” Lauraya said.
On Monday’s opening ceremony, Albay Gov. Joey Salceda inspired the athletes and challenged them to observe the highest level of sportsmanship, as he also rendered then sumptuous dinner during the “Governor’s Night.”
“Albay is always supportive to activities promoting sportsmanship and camaraderie believing that they help shape goodness inside every athlete who turns to be a responsible member of the society,” Salceda said.
SCUAA’s yearly competition is highly competitive sports challenge due to the active participation of the seven state-run tertiary schools serving the 4.5 million Bicolanos, with BU on the top in terms of population with 22,000 students and employees. (cet dematera)
LEGAZPI CITY---After the weeklong sports activities involving at least 128 game matches, Bicol University based in Albay emerged as the overall champion, besting six other Bicol-based tertiary schools, in the 2010 State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA) competition.
Dominating in the swimming and athletic events, and clinching most of the ball and racket games, BU garnered a total of 134 gold, 61 silver, and 42 bronze medals, tailed far second by Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA), based in Camarines Sur, with 45 gold, 46 silver and 30 bronze medals; while ranked third was the Camarines Norte State College (CNSC) with medal haul of 14 gold, 40 silver, and 40 bronze.
The SCUAA 2010 was participated by at least 1,600 athletes coming from BU; CBSUA (formerly Camarines Sur State Agricultural College-CSSAC); Partido State University (PSU); Camarines Norte State College (CNSC); Camarines Sur Polytechnic College (CSPC); Catanduanes State Colleges (CSC); Dr. Emilio B. Espinosa, Sr. Memorial State College of Agriculture and Technology (DEBESMSCAT) based in Masbate; and Sorsogon State College (SSC).
BU President Dr. Fay Lauraya said that though she was very pleased by the result, she offers their victory to all the participating state universities for their full support and very high display of their athletes’ sportsmanship in the weeklong competition.
“BU’s victory is ignited by the sports challenges offered by our equally prepared state university and college athletes. This is a triumph for all of us SCUAA participants,” Lauraya said.
On Monday’s opening ceremony, Albay Gov. Joey Salceda inspired the athletes and challenged them to observe the highest level of sportsmanship, as he also rendered then sumptuous dinner during the “Governor’s Night.”
“Albay is always supportive to activities promoting sportsmanship and camaraderie believing that they help shape goodness inside every athlete who turns to be a responsible member of the society,” Salceda said.
SCUAA’s yearly competition is highly competitive sports challenge due to the active participation of the seven state-run tertiary schools serving the 4.5 million Bicolanos, with BU on the top in terms of population with 22,000 students and employees. (cet dematera)
Sunday, September 5, 2010
`GOOD HOUSE-KEEPING’ PAVES WAY FOR SALCEDA’S BICOL RDC CHAIR RE-ELECTION, UNOPPOSED FOR THE FIRST TIME
By CET DEMATERA
LEGAZPI CITY---“Good house-keeping” paves the way for the re-election of Albay Gov. Joey Salceda as chairman of the Regional Development Council for Bicol, even writing history for being unopposed for the first time, leaders and heads of RDC-member agencies across the region admitted yesterday.
Maria Nini Ravanilla, Bicol tourism director, said that Salceda is the one who had personally requested the Globe Telecoms Incorporated to transfer its submarine cable installation from Donsol, Sorsogon to Albay, a move that had prevented the potential disturbance of the habitat of whale sharks, locally known as Butanding, of which their interaction with tourists has now contributed multi-million peso revenues to the country’s tourism industry.
Ravanilla said that the Albay governor usually takes the initiative of offering any help he could in any activity her office is doing.
“Gov. Joey is really very supportive in all our major activities. He does not want very long discussion. He wants action right away,” Ravanilla said.
Landrico Dalida Jr, chief of the Legazpi City forecasting station for Bicol of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), admitted that Salceda is providing them all out support to improve their capabilities by upgrading their facilities.
Dalida said that Salceda, as Bicol RDC chair, is among those government officials who made representation with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) which resulted to the country’s acquisition of at least three state-of-the-art rain-gauge measuring apparatus, Doppler radars, one of which is presently being constructed in Bato, Catanduanes.
Dalida said the re-elected Bicol RDC head also initiated technical works for the offering of Bachelor of Science in Meteorology course in partnership with the state-run Bicol University, which if would materialize, provide the country with enough weathermen without studying abroad.
Even RDC Masbate private sector representative Fr. Leo Casas, who was elected Salceda’s co-chairman to the council, admitted that the former economic adviser of the Arroyo administration has played in the past three years significant role as RDC chairman.
"A distinct privilege as RDC Co-Chairman of Salceda to sit in awe and learn from the Chairman for the past three years and witness how RDC played a significant role in the growth prospects of Bicol". Casas said.
Legazpi City Mayor Geraldine Rosal, who moved to close Salceda’s nomination and was unanimously approved by the RDC members last week, said that the Albay governor sees no political color or makes special distinction in extending help to the city government.
“Gov. Joey is really very supportive, especially to programs that would uplift the plight of the people,” Rosal said.
Salceda’s re-election to the RDC-Bicol chairmanship took place in the same day that the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) declared Albay as the best local government unit and received the 2009 Excellence in Local Governance Award, and best in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management.
Salceda’s unopposed re-election last week was in fact a contrast when he first ran in 2007 as RDC chair against Camarines Sur Gov. L-Ray Villafuerte. There Salceda got eight votes as against 32 votes for Villafuerte. But then President Arroyo though named her economic adviser as Bicol RDC chairman.
Also considered as Salceda’s big achievement was when a week after he was named by the United Nations (UN) as campaign champion for disaster risk reduction, JICA has granted Albay some P944-million for the construction of evacuation buildings and putting up of the country’s first flood forecasting and control system facilities in the low-lying towns of Albay and Camarines Sur.
Albay was again charted for pioneering programs on education when Salceda offered at least 14,000 sholarship slots under the province’s Albay Higher Education Contribution Scheme (AHECS), and the yearly search for ten outstanding teachers and ten outstanding principals, which provides, among others, cash awards of P100,000 for each recipient, also under the program Education Quality for Albayanos (EQUAL).
Preventive evacuation, massive campaign on climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction, and scholarships for all, are among those pioneering programs implemented under the Salceda administration that prompted foreign agencies to extend grants for the province.
When sought for comment, Salceda replied: We don’t beg. We show to the world that we do our best that’s why probably they are helping us. Good house-keeping is key to progress.” (cet dematera)
-30-
LEGAZPI CITY---“Good house-keeping” paves the way for the re-election of Albay Gov. Joey Salceda as chairman of the Regional Development Council for Bicol, even writing history for being unopposed for the first time, leaders and heads of RDC-member agencies across the region admitted yesterday.
Maria Nini Ravanilla, Bicol tourism director, said that Salceda is the one who had personally requested the Globe Telecoms Incorporated to transfer its submarine cable installation from Donsol, Sorsogon to Albay, a move that had prevented the potential disturbance of the habitat of whale sharks, locally known as Butanding, of which their interaction with tourists has now contributed multi-million peso revenues to the country’s tourism industry.
Ravanilla said that the Albay governor usually takes the initiative of offering any help he could in any activity her office is doing.
“Gov. Joey is really very supportive in all our major activities. He does not want very long discussion. He wants action right away,” Ravanilla said.
Landrico Dalida Jr, chief of the Legazpi City forecasting station for Bicol of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (Pagasa), admitted that Salceda is providing them all out support to improve their capabilities by upgrading their facilities.
Dalida said that Salceda, as Bicol RDC chair, is among those government officials who made representation with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) which resulted to the country’s acquisition of at least three state-of-the-art rain-gauge measuring apparatus, Doppler radars, one of which is presently being constructed in Bato, Catanduanes.
Dalida said the re-elected Bicol RDC head also initiated technical works for the offering of Bachelor of Science in Meteorology course in partnership with the state-run Bicol University, which if would materialize, provide the country with enough weathermen without studying abroad.
Even RDC Masbate private sector representative Fr. Leo Casas, who was elected Salceda’s co-chairman to the council, admitted that the former economic adviser of the Arroyo administration has played in the past three years significant role as RDC chairman.
"A distinct privilege as RDC Co-Chairman of Salceda to sit in awe and learn from the Chairman for the past three years and witness how RDC played a significant role in the growth prospects of Bicol". Casas said.
Legazpi City Mayor Geraldine Rosal, who moved to close Salceda’s nomination and was unanimously approved by the RDC members last week, said that the Albay governor sees no political color or makes special distinction in extending help to the city government.
“Gov. Joey is really very supportive, especially to programs that would uplift the plight of the people,” Rosal said.
Salceda’s re-election to the RDC-Bicol chairmanship took place in the same day that the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) declared Albay as the best local government unit and received the 2009 Excellence in Local Governance Award, and best in Disaster Risk Reduction and Management.
Salceda’s unopposed re-election last week was in fact a contrast when he first ran in 2007 as RDC chair against Camarines Sur Gov. L-Ray Villafuerte. There Salceda got eight votes as against 32 votes for Villafuerte. But then President Arroyo though named her economic adviser as Bicol RDC chairman.
Also considered as Salceda’s big achievement was when a week after he was named by the United Nations (UN) as campaign champion for disaster risk reduction, JICA has granted Albay some P944-million for the construction of evacuation buildings and putting up of the country’s first flood forecasting and control system facilities in the low-lying towns of Albay and Camarines Sur.
Albay was again charted for pioneering programs on education when Salceda offered at least 14,000 sholarship slots under the province’s Albay Higher Education Contribution Scheme (AHECS), and the yearly search for ten outstanding teachers and ten outstanding principals, which provides, among others, cash awards of P100,000 for each recipient, also under the program Education Quality for Albayanos (EQUAL).
Preventive evacuation, massive campaign on climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction, and scholarships for all, are among those pioneering programs implemented under the Salceda administration that prompted foreign agencies to extend grants for the province.
When sought for comment, Salceda replied: We don’t beg. We show to the world that we do our best that’s why probably they are helping us. Good house-keeping is key to progress.” (cet dematera)
-30-
Tuesday, May 4, 2010
4 MASSACRED IN ALBAY
4 MASSACRED IN ALBAY
By Cet Dematera
LEGAZPI CITY---At least four people, one of them a child, were massacred while three more were wounded in two separate places in Albay the other night by suspects who remained unidentified until yesterday, the police here reported.
Chief Inspector Robert Bellen, Oas police chief, identified the latest massacre victims who died on the spot as Rochelle Topasi, 32; and Ronald Marco,31, while those wounded were Ronald Adones,28, and his brothers Roderick, 21, and Rogelio Jr, 22.
Quoting initial investigation report, Bellen said that the victims were cooking coconut meat, or copra, in the farflung village of San Miguel, in Oas, Albay, at around 8:30 p.m. on Thursday when two armed men surprisingly appeared and riddled them with bullets using 9mm pistols.
Bellen said that Topasi and Marco died on the spot when hit in their chest and head, while the rest suffered gunshot wounds in different parts of their body.
He said that they also recovered from the scene four 9mm spent shells and one live bullet from the same handgun calibre.
Bellen said the wounded were immediately brought to Belmonte-Duran Hospital in the nearby Ligao City for treatment.
Meanwhile a grandmother and her granddaughter were brutally hacked early morning yesterday in Barangay San Isido, Malilipot, Albay by still unidentified suspects.
The police identified the victims as Carolina Merato, 71; and her six-year old granddaughter Marie Fe, who both sustained fatal wounds from suspects who gained entry into the house by breaking its back window.
The police suspected robbery as the main motive in the second killing. (cet dematera)
By Cet Dematera
LEGAZPI CITY---At least four people, one of them a child, were massacred while three more were wounded in two separate places in Albay the other night by suspects who remained unidentified until yesterday, the police here reported.
Chief Inspector Robert Bellen, Oas police chief, identified the latest massacre victims who died on the spot as Rochelle Topasi, 32; and Ronald Marco,31, while those wounded were Ronald Adones,28, and his brothers Roderick, 21, and Rogelio Jr, 22.
Quoting initial investigation report, Bellen said that the victims were cooking coconut meat, or copra, in the farflung village of San Miguel, in Oas, Albay, at around 8:30 p.m. on Thursday when two armed men surprisingly appeared and riddled them with bullets using 9mm pistols.
Bellen said that Topasi and Marco died on the spot when hit in their chest and head, while the rest suffered gunshot wounds in different parts of their body.
He said that they also recovered from the scene four 9mm spent shells and one live bullet from the same handgun calibre.
Bellen said the wounded were immediately brought to Belmonte-Duran Hospital in the nearby Ligao City for treatment.
Meanwhile a grandmother and her granddaughter were brutally hacked early morning yesterday in Barangay San Isido, Malilipot, Albay by still unidentified suspects.
The police identified the victims as Carolina Merato, 71; and her six-year old granddaughter Marie Fe, who both sustained fatal wounds from suspects who gained entry into the house by breaking its back window.
The police suspected robbery as the main motive in the second killing. (cet dematera)
EX-UN PEACEKEEPERS SURVIVE REBEL AMBUSH IN MASBATE
EX-UN PEACEKEEPERS SURVIVE REBEL AMBUSH IN MASBATE
By Cet dematera
LEGAZPI CITY---A nine-man team composed of former United Nations peacekeepers deployed in Haiti and Liberia survived a lightning ambush staged by New People’s Army rebels at around 5:30 a.m. in Barangay Gaid, Dimasalang, Masbate, an Bicol Army spokesman said.
Major Harold Cabunoc, Bicol spokesman of the Army’s 9th Infantry Division, said though that the soldiers headed by Col. Louie Dagoy, Army 85th IB commander, managed to maneuver after an improvised bomb exploded which partially damaged the military truck then passing the rugged road.
“Using their training as former UN peacekeepers, they immediately positioned themselves and managed to repulse the attack,” Cabunoc said.
For his part though, Dagoy said it was pure luck that saved them from the rebel-initiated ambush.
“More or less 5 armed men triggered the improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted along the road as we were about to pass by. It was the element of luck which saved me and my soldiers”, Dagoy said.
Dagoy said that it was the third ambuscade that he experienced in his military career.
“It is the fourth ambuscade with the use of IEDs here in Masbate. We suspect the PAGs members as the perpetrators but we don’t discount the possibility that the NPA is also behind this. They had claimed responsibility over the other 3 ambuscades against our soldiers and policemen assigned with the STF Masbate since January 2010,” Dagoy added.
Despite of the recent incident, Major General Ruperto Pabustan expressed optimism about the positive developments in Masbate.
“I am glad that the various efforts of the Joint Special Task Force Masbate is now bearing fruit. The soldiers and policemen who compose the Task Force deserve to be commended for their untiring efforts,” Pabustan said.
The military convoy was about to attend the ceremonial turnover of loose firearms collected and surrendered through the efforts of Masbate First Dist.Representative Narciso “Bong” Bravo Jr. (cet dematera)
-30-
By Cet dematera
LEGAZPI CITY---A nine-man team composed of former United Nations peacekeepers deployed in Haiti and Liberia survived a lightning ambush staged by New People’s Army rebels at around 5:30 a.m. in Barangay Gaid, Dimasalang, Masbate, an Bicol Army spokesman said.
Major Harold Cabunoc, Bicol spokesman of the Army’s 9th Infantry Division, said though that the soldiers headed by Col. Louie Dagoy, Army 85th IB commander, managed to maneuver after an improvised bomb exploded which partially damaged the military truck then passing the rugged road.
“Using their training as former UN peacekeepers, they immediately positioned themselves and managed to repulse the attack,” Cabunoc said.
For his part though, Dagoy said it was pure luck that saved them from the rebel-initiated ambush.
“More or less 5 armed men triggered the improvised explosive devices (IEDs) planted along the road as we were about to pass by. It was the element of luck which saved me and my soldiers”, Dagoy said.
Dagoy said that it was the third ambuscade that he experienced in his military career.
“It is the fourth ambuscade with the use of IEDs here in Masbate. We suspect the PAGs members as the perpetrators but we don’t discount the possibility that the NPA is also behind this. They had claimed responsibility over the other 3 ambuscades against our soldiers and policemen assigned with the STF Masbate since January 2010,” Dagoy added.
Despite of the recent incident, Major General Ruperto Pabustan expressed optimism about the positive developments in Masbate.
“I am glad that the various efforts of the Joint Special Task Force Masbate is now bearing fruit. The soldiers and policemen who compose the Task Force deserve to be commended for their untiring efforts,” Pabustan said.
The military convoy was about to attend the ceremonial turnover of loose firearms collected and surrendered through the efforts of Masbate First Dist.Representative Narciso “Bong” Bravo Jr. (cet dematera)
-30-
Friday, January 1, 2010
`WE JUST LONG FOR OUR RURAL WAYS,' MAYON EVACUEES CONFESS
`WE JUST LONG FOR OUR RURAL WAYS,' MAYON EVACUEES CONFESS
By Cet Dematera
LEGAZPI CITY---Mayon evacuees who openly admit that they prefer to play `cat-and-mouse,' or `hide-and-seek' with the patrolling government troopers as they sneak into the volcano's declared danger zone than stay safe in their evacuation camps confessed here yesterday that they brave to defy order from authorities not for any other reasons but more so because they `long' for the daily routine they are used to in their rural villages.
Even the veteran evacuee, Salvador Agao,62, who had experienced life in the evacuation center since Mayon's 1978 eruption, admitted that he still finds so much difficulty and discomfort whenever he and his family have to evacuate and take temporary shelter outside their home in Matanag, a Legazpi City village with sitios just at the foot of the lava-spewing volcano.
"Aside from gathering some firewood, fetching tap water and feeding our farm animals, we really go back and stay for a few hours to savor fresh air and feel the comfort of a rural life," Agao told The STAR in mixed Bicol dialect and Filipino.
His confession was shared by his villagemates who even added that the artificial (electric fan) ventilation in their evacuation rooms can not equate the rural air, and the chirping of birds and crickets, the blowing of horns and honks by the passing vehicles in the city proper or poblacion.
"Of course we know the danger of a rumbling and exploding volcano. We know our mountain. Most of us here first saw light looking up its smoking mouth. But we also know when to run and where to hide just in case," they boasted, but submitted that they had to follow authorities' order of forced evacuation.
Boy Nuñez,40, of Quirangay, an upper-slope Camalig village; and Lita Pesino,55, of crater's seven-kilometer away Barangay Amtic in Ligao City, both agreed that they feel something is lacking when they do not call to feed and account for their chicken each day in the morning.
"We were born at the footslope of `Mayong' (their local name for Mayon). We cannot explain really why we want to visit and stay in our villages for at least an hour. Maybe, we are just missing our rural ways," they added.
In fact, rural talks have it that the sitio in San Isidro, a Mayon footslope village in Sto. Domingo town, was named `Boring'(derived from English word boredom) by villagers' relatives who reportedly get bored whenever they visit the place to temporarily stay away from their hectic city life.
With this, Albay Gov. Joey Salceda reiterated his order for a stiffer ban of any human activity within Mayon's permanent danger zone (PDZ).
"We will do everything in our disposal to bring them to the evacuation centers in order to achieve our ultimate goal of zero casualty amidst the looming Mayon eruption," Salceda told The STAR.
Salceda said he had already released the initial amount of P4-million for the evacuation and foods of farm animals, as yet another step to keep the evacuees away from danger zone whenever they sneak back their homes to feed them.
The official also ordered yesterday to ration drinking and bath water of 24 liters a day for every evacuee, as he also nodded to start the distribution of firewoods to all the evacuation camps across Albay.
"I really wanted them to stay away from danger. If I need to re-create their rural life, I will do it," the economist governor said.
The restive Mayon volcano had already claimed the lives of about 1,200 people who were buried inside the Cagsawa Chruch in Daraga town during its Feb.1, 1814 eruption.
Again, Feb.2, 1993, Mayon silently spewed the deadly pyroclastic flow which instantaneously killed the 77 farmers tilling their lands at its upper slope. As yet, another close to 1,500 people died with others remained missing when super typhoon Reming's flood waters loosened and plowed villages around the majestic but deadly mountain.
By Cet Dematera
LEGAZPI CITY---Mayon evacuees who openly admit that they prefer to play `cat-and-mouse,' or `hide-and-seek' with the patrolling government troopers as they sneak into the volcano's declared danger zone than stay safe in their evacuation camps confessed here yesterday that they brave to defy order from authorities not for any other reasons but more so because they `long' for the daily routine they are used to in their rural villages.
Even the veteran evacuee, Salvador Agao,62, who had experienced life in the evacuation center since Mayon's 1978 eruption, admitted that he still finds so much difficulty and discomfort whenever he and his family have to evacuate and take temporary shelter outside their home in Matanag, a Legazpi City village with sitios just at the foot of the lava-spewing volcano.
"Aside from gathering some firewood, fetching tap water and feeding our farm animals, we really go back and stay for a few hours to savor fresh air and feel the comfort of a rural life," Agao told The STAR in mixed Bicol dialect and Filipino.
His confession was shared by his villagemates who even added that the artificial (electric fan) ventilation in their evacuation rooms can not equate the rural air, and the chirping of birds and crickets, the blowing of horns and honks by the passing vehicles in the city proper or poblacion.
"Of course we know the danger of a rumbling and exploding volcano. We know our mountain. Most of us here first saw light looking up its smoking mouth. But we also know when to run and where to hide just in case," they boasted, but submitted that they had to follow authorities' order of forced evacuation.
Boy Nuñez,40, of Quirangay, an upper-slope Camalig village; and Lita Pesino,55, of crater's seven-kilometer away Barangay Amtic in Ligao City, both agreed that they feel something is lacking when they do not call to feed and account for their chicken each day in the morning.
"We were born at the footslope of `Mayong' (their local name for Mayon). We cannot explain really why we want to visit and stay in our villages for at least an hour. Maybe, we are just missing our rural ways," they added.
In fact, rural talks have it that the sitio in San Isidro, a Mayon footslope village in Sto. Domingo town, was named `Boring'(derived from English word boredom) by villagers' relatives who reportedly get bored whenever they visit the place to temporarily stay away from their hectic city life.
With this, Albay Gov. Joey Salceda reiterated his order for a stiffer ban of any human activity within Mayon's permanent danger zone (PDZ).
"We will do everything in our disposal to bring them to the evacuation centers in order to achieve our ultimate goal of zero casualty amidst the looming Mayon eruption," Salceda told The STAR.
Salceda said he had already released the initial amount of P4-million for the evacuation and foods of farm animals, as yet another step to keep the evacuees away from danger zone whenever they sneak back their homes to feed them.
The official also ordered yesterday to ration drinking and bath water of 24 liters a day for every evacuee, as he also nodded to start the distribution of firewoods to all the evacuation camps across Albay.
"I really wanted them to stay away from danger. If I need to re-create their rural life, I will do it," the economist governor said.
The restive Mayon volcano had already claimed the lives of about 1,200 people who were buried inside the Cagsawa Chruch in Daraga town during its Feb.1, 1814 eruption.
Again, Feb.2, 1993, Mayon silently spewed the deadly pyroclastic flow which instantaneously killed the 77 farmers tilling their lands at its upper slope. As yet, another close to 1,500 people died with others remained missing when super typhoon Reming's flood waters loosened and plowed villages around the majestic but deadly mountain.
Friday, December 25, 2009
ERUPTING MAYON CONQUERS POLITICAL INTERESTS, IDEOLOGIES
ERUPTING MAYON CONQUERS POLITICAL INTERESTS, IDEOLOGIES
By Cet Dematera
LEGAZPI CITY---It takes a lava-spewing, ash-exploding Mayon Volcano in order for political camps to temporarily set aside political interests, and for soldiers and rebels to forego ideologies if only to extend help of whatever form to over 45,000 evacuees.
Probably anticipating visits of politicians and 2010 general election aspirants to the 28 evacuation centers across Albay, Gov. Joey Salceda had declared three days ago the province as an open city, which allows anybody to distribute relief assistance or spread cheers directly to the evacuees.
Three days ago, Liberal Party standard-bearer Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr. and running-mate Sen. Mar Roxas were the first aspirants to visit evacuation centers here. They distributed relief goods and cheered with the displaced Mayon residents.
In fact. Lakas-CMD re-electionist Salceda even hosted a lunch for the two opposition bets.
The other day, Partido ng Masang Pilipino standard bearer former president Joseph Estrada and his running-mate Makati mayor Jijomar Binay handed out assorted relief items to the Mayon evacuees in Tabaco City, Malilipot and Sto. Domingo, all areas in Albay's first district, a bailiwick of the Lagmans, who are members of the administration party. Estrada's coming over also coincided with the unannounced blitzkrieg visit of President Arroyo, also to the evacuation sites.
Yesterday, yet two more presidential and a vice-presidential aspirants distributed noche buena food packs as they tried to give assurance of additional help once asked by Albay officials.
Nationalista Party standard-bearer Sen. Manny Villar was accompanied by Albay's Second Dist. Representative Al Francis Bichara in distributing packs for noche buena to the evacuation centers here and in the adjacent Daraga town. Bichara, a former Lakas member had sworn in to Villar's Nationalista Party.
Independent presidential bet Sen. Richard Gordon and running mate Bayani Fernando also distributed relief goods for noche buena in the same evacuation camps visited by Villar, a situation that had nearly ended up with the two bets giving out goods elbow-to-elbow, if not for the quick maneuvering of their aides and local leaders.
At the Albay Central Central School here, for instance, Gordon's group had to wait Villar's party to finish the relief distribution before they had taken their turn.
Earlier this week, senatorial bets as well as party-list groups had started hopping from one evacuation to another to distribute relief items amidst the erupting volcano.
For their part, Greg Bañares, spokesman in Bicol of the National Democratic Front (NDF), told radio interviews here that they had decided to pull out their combat groups in villages around Mayon Volcano to give way for the government troops in assisting the fleeing residents leave the danger zone.
"We removed our combat groups around Mayon purposely to give soldiers way to help the displaced residents, and also to avoid possible armed confrontation that might compromise the civilians," Bañares told radio interviews here in mixed Filipino and Bicol dialect.
He added that they would continue to stay away from the danger zone as long as Mayon is abnormal and the residents are in the evacuation camps.
Capt. Razaleigh Bansawan, spokesman of joint Task Force Mayon, said on the other hand, that they welcome the pronouncement of the rebel group, saying it would avoid confrontation in the danger zone while policemen and soldiers are closely implementing the no-man's land policy around the erupting volcano.
"We welcome such pronouncement. Anyway, at this point, everybody may partake in avoiding loss of lives in this time of natural disaster," Bansawan told radio interviews, apparently in reponse to Bañares' statement.
On Nov.30., administration-bet Gilbert Teodoro had spent sufficient time in visiting relocation sites and evacuation centers here and in Daraga, as he also accompanied Salceda in filing his certificate of candidacy during the first filing day.
Salceda said they welcome anybody to visit evacuation centers, and to give evacuees at least words of comfort so that they would continue to feel a sort pf psycho-social affirmation and ease their discomfort as they stay in temporary shelters. (cet dematera)
MAYON DISPLAYING A DIFFERENT ERUPTION PATTERN
By Cet Dematera
LEGAZPI CITY---A volcanologist based-here who has actually watched Mayon Volcano erupting since 1978, admitted yesterday that the country's most active volcano is gradually showing yet another eruption pattern that is different from those abnormal episodes it displayed in the recent recorded eruptions, which may result to a prolonged explosion-type or less-violent episode.
Alex Baloloy, who has been watching Mayon erupts in close distance for over two decades already, said that the present eruption is dominated by chain of ash explosions, series of high-magnitude quakes and very audible rumblings and boomings, at least three new characteristics that were not displayed by the volcano elaborately during its eruptions in 1978, 1984, 1993, 2000-2001, and 2006.
He recalled that in 1984, Mayon immediately shifted to a very violent eruption phase merely after a few phreatic or ash explosions, so strong that it resulted to the collapse of the crater rim facing Daraga-Legazpi side, now known as the Bunga gully.
In 1993, it spewed the very hot gas, pyroclastic flow silently and almost without abnormal precursors that at least 77 farmers in its upper slopes were incinerated, Baloloy said, adding that even in the 2000-2001 eruption episodes, Mayon merely had at least five ash explosions and immediately proceeded to strombolian-phase, characterized by lava fountaining and small ash explosions ansd pyroclastic flows, then to vulcanian, the most violent eruptive stage dominated by over five-kilometer above the crater cauli-flower like black ash columns and big pyroclastic flows.
The expert said that in 2006, after a series of mild to strong ash explosions, the 8,080-foot volcano quickly shifted to strombolian, proceeded to vulcanian then culminated to strombolian or lava flow that lasted for more than two months, or from August 7 to September 15.
Baloloy said that Mayon continued to have series of ash explosions of up to 50 events until press time, as he cited an example of recorded the series at 7:22 a.m., 7:29, 7:58, 8:01 a.m, 8:02, 8:07, 8:27, 8:29, and 8:47 a.m. He also said that audible, high-magnitude quakes took place at least 124 times until noon yesterday.
"We did not have these eruption characteristics since 1968. It seems that Mayon is again displaying a new eruption pattern," Baloloy said.
Even Phivolcs director Renato Solidum earlier admitted that it is only in this eruption that they raised Mayon's alert level to four even in the absence of big lava fountaining and explosive pyroclastic flows.
"Our raising of Mayon's alert level to four is an anticipation for a violent eruption," Solidum told a press briefing.
Resident volcanologist Ed Laguerta also admitted that Mayon's presently displayed eruption pattern is a bit different than those it showed in the past eruptions.
"In this eruption, we see the strombolian-phase, characterized by ash explosions taking a longer time. Mayon is supposed to have shifted already to a more explosive phase based on its present abnormal signs," Laguerta said.
While the possibility of Mayon's shifting to an explosive eruption is very high, but if it follows the new pattern, Baloloy said that a prolonged ash-explosion-dominated eruption is seen. (cet dematera)
By Cet Dematera
LEGAZPI CITY---It takes a lava-spewing, ash-exploding Mayon Volcano in order for political camps to temporarily set aside political interests, and for soldiers and rebels to forego ideologies if only to extend help of whatever form to over 45,000 evacuees.
Probably anticipating visits of politicians and 2010 general election aspirants to the 28 evacuation centers across Albay, Gov. Joey Salceda had declared three days ago the province as an open city, which allows anybody to distribute relief assistance or spread cheers directly to the evacuees.
Three days ago, Liberal Party standard-bearer Sen. Benigno Aquino Jr. and running-mate Sen. Mar Roxas were the first aspirants to visit evacuation centers here. They distributed relief goods and cheered with the displaced Mayon residents.
In fact. Lakas-CMD re-electionist Salceda even hosted a lunch for the two opposition bets.
The other day, Partido ng Masang Pilipino standard bearer former president Joseph Estrada and his running-mate Makati mayor Jijomar Binay handed out assorted relief items to the Mayon evacuees in Tabaco City, Malilipot and Sto. Domingo, all areas in Albay's first district, a bailiwick of the Lagmans, who are members of the administration party. Estrada's coming over also coincided with the unannounced blitzkrieg visit of President Arroyo, also to the evacuation sites.
Yesterday, yet two more presidential and a vice-presidential aspirants distributed noche buena food packs as they tried to give assurance of additional help once asked by Albay officials.
Nationalista Party standard-bearer Sen. Manny Villar was accompanied by Albay's Second Dist. Representative Al Francis Bichara in distributing packs for noche buena to the evacuation centers here and in the adjacent Daraga town. Bichara, a former Lakas member had sworn in to Villar's Nationalista Party.
Independent presidential bet Sen. Richard Gordon and running mate Bayani Fernando also distributed relief goods for noche buena in the same evacuation camps visited by Villar, a situation that had nearly ended up with the two bets giving out goods elbow-to-elbow, if not for the quick maneuvering of their aides and local leaders.
At the Albay Central Central School here, for instance, Gordon's group had to wait Villar's party to finish the relief distribution before they had taken their turn.
Earlier this week, senatorial bets as well as party-list groups had started hopping from one evacuation to another to distribute relief items amidst the erupting volcano.
For their part, Greg Bañares, spokesman in Bicol of the National Democratic Front (NDF), told radio interviews here that they had decided to pull out their combat groups in villages around Mayon Volcano to give way for the government troops in assisting the fleeing residents leave the danger zone.
"We removed our combat groups around Mayon purposely to give soldiers way to help the displaced residents, and also to avoid possible armed confrontation that might compromise the civilians," Bañares told radio interviews here in mixed Filipino and Bicol dialect.
He added that they would continue to stay away from the danger zone as long as Mayon is abnormal and the residents are in the evacuation camps.
Capt. Razaleigh Bansawan, spokesman of joint Task Force Mayon, said on the other hand, that they welcome the pronouncement of the rebel group, saying it would avoid confrontation in the danger zone while policemen and soldiers are closely implementing the no-man's land policy around the erupting volcano.
"We welcome such pronouncement. Anyway, at this point, everybody may partake in avoiding loss of lives in this time of natural disaster," Bansawan told radio interviews, apparently in reponse to Bañares' statement.
On Nov.30., administration-bet Gilbert Teodoro had spent sufficient time in visiting relocation sites and evacuation centers here and in Daraga, as he also accompanied Salceda in filing his certificate of candidacy during the first filing day.
Salceda said they welcome anybody to visit evacuation centers, and to give evacuees at least words of comfort so that they would continue to feel a sort pf psycho-social affirmation and ease their discomfort as they stay in temporary shelters. (cet dematera)
MAYON DISPLAYING A DIFFERENT ERUPTION PATTERN
By Cet Dematera
LEGAZPI CITY---A volcanologist based-here who has actually watched Mayon Volcano erupting since 1978, admitted yesterday that the country's most active volcano is gradually showing yet another eruption pattern that is different from those abnormal episodes it displayed in the recent recorded eruptions, which may result to a prolonged explosion-type or less-violent episode.
Alex Baloloy, who has been watching Mayon erupts in close distance for over two decades already, said that the present eruption is dominated by chain of ash explosions, series of high-magnitude quakes and very audible rumblings and boomings, at least three new characteristics that were not displayed by the volcano elaborately during its eruptions in 1978, 1984, 1993, 2000-2001, and 2006.
He recalled that in 1984, Mayon immediately shifted to a very violent eruption phase merely after a few phreatic or ash explosions, so strong that it resulted to the collapse of the crater rim facing Daraga-Legazpi side, now known as the Bunga gully.
In 1993, it spewed the very hot gas, pyroclastic flow silently and almost without abnormal precursors that at least 77 farmers in its upper slopes were incinerated, Baloloy said, adding that even in the 2000-2001 eruption episodes, Mayon merely had at least five ash explosions and immediately proceeded to strombolian-phase, characterized by lava fountaining and small ash explosions ansd pyroclastic flows, then to vulcanian, the most violent eruptive stage dominated by over five-kilometer above the crater cauli-flower like black ash columns and big pyroclastic flows.
The expert said that in 2006, after a series of mild to strong ash explosions, the 8,080-foot volcano quickly shifted to strombolian, proceeded to vulcanian then culminated to strombolian or lava flow that lasted for more than two months, or from August 7 to September 15.
Baloloy said that Mayon continued to have series of ash explosions of up to 50 events until press time, as he cited an example of recorded the series at 7:22 a.m., 7:29, 7:58, 8:01 a.m, 8:02, 8:07, 8:27, 8:29, and 8:47 a.m. He also said that audible, high-magnitude quakes took place at least 124 times until noon yesterday.
"We did not have these eruption characteristics since 1968. It seems that Mayon is again displaying a new eruption pattern," Baloloy said.
Even Phivolcs director Renato Solidum earlier admitted that it is only in this eruption that they raised Mayon's alert level to four even in the absence of big lava fountaining and explosive pyroclastic flows.
"Our raising of Mayon's alert level to four is an anticipation for a violent eruption," Solidum told a press briefing.
Resident volcanologist Ed Laguerta also admitted that Mayon's presently displayed eruption pattern is a bit different than those it showed in the past eruptions.
"In this eruption, we see the strombolian-phase, characterized by ash explosions taking a longer time. Mayon is supposed to have shifted already to a more explosive phase based on its present abnormal signs," Laguerta said.
While the possibility of Mayon's shifting to an explosive eruption is very high, but if it follows the new pattern, Baloloy said that a prolonged ash-explosion-dominated eruption is seen. (cet dematera)
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