Friday, July 29, 2011

More nito basket ware training

The four-day nito-weaving skills training program in Bocboc was successfully concluded with participants from barangays Bocboc and Puting Buhangin learning how to make nito baskets, coasters and placemats.

A joint project of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Marinduque office, Cottage Industry Technology Center (CITC), Barangay Bocboc and the Office of Congressman Allan Velasco. The project has, likewise, generated the interest of other barangays in the other towns where nito vines are abundant, and are now coordinating with the DTI for similar training in their communities.



More finished samples of nito basketry












Local trainers will now be tapped for more skills training programs


Bagyong Juaning survivors rescued in Gasan

Boats destroyed, farm crops lost to the winds and relentless rains, landslides, flashfloods and lives lost are just some of the unexpected effects of Typhoon Juaning in Marinduque. Marinduque remained under Signal No. 1 as Bagyong Juaning moved west northwest of the Philippines.

The names of those rescued in Libtangin are Rowell Paco, 35, Celester Caballes, 23, Norwel Lopez, 23, Rocky Lopez, 36, Eddie Boy Lazarte, 33, Perlito Grapani, 48. Rescued in Bacong-Bacong are Isagani Amaro and Rolando Dival. Rescued in Pangi are Danilo Cordero and Gil Lacson. All are under the care of local authorities.

In addition to one body earlier found in Mogpog, another dead body was retrieved yesterday afternoon by local fishermen in Brgy. Caganhao (Boac). The two are believed to be part of the above-mentioned group of survivors from Dalahican, Lucena City whose fishing boat capsized Tablas Strait at the height of Bagyong Juaning.

There are also reports that more were rescued in Buenavista town but no further details are available at the moment.

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Typhoon "Juaning": 12 fishermen rescued in Marinduque, 1 dead.

Philstar reported that an unidentified fisherman was found dead while 12 others were rescued in Marinduque, according to Philippine Coast Guard (PCG) spokesman Lt. Cmdr. Algier Ricafrente. Local reports said the rescued fishermen were from Dalahican, Lucena City. Ricafrente said search and rescue operations were being conducted in the vicinity of Masbate for the 20 fishermen who were reported missing after their fishing boat F/B Hope Christy capsized.

This morning two more fishermen were reportedly rescued near the coast of Libtangin in Gasan and now undergoing treatment at the said town’s hospital.

So, there seems to be basis for complaints aired on TV last night on “erroneous weather forecast” that resulted in deaths in the Bicol region and other areas. This blogger noted yesterday that “Juaning” was the one most felt in Marinduque after many typhoons have hit the country in recent months. Yet, Marinduque only remained under Signal No. 1. There are also reports that landslides have occurred in Brgy. Tugos rendering some roads impassable.

“We will see, we will study it, perhaps when this is over,” Philstar quoted President Aquino to have told Palace reporters in a chance interview at the SMX Convention Center at the SM Mall of Asia in Pasay City. Aquino made the statement in reply to queries whether he agreed with the complaint of Albay Governor Salceda whose province was severely hit by the unexpected floods.

The President nevertheless defended the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical, and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) that had issued hourly weather updates that were also sent to MalacaƱang and concerned local government units. “At this point, I don’t see any reason (for that complaint). But we will check, see if there is a validity.”

With reports from Philstar.com

The owl that got away

One of the three monkey-faced owls that Bennie of Bagtingon kept as pets decided to try gliding to lower grounds and other trees further away, away from Bennie's house while they were out on Sunday mass. It took some time for Bennie to find the one that got away when she realized that one was missing at feeding time for the birds with some fish from the market.






She found it perched atop a fruitless mango tree in a neighbor's backyard. But the owl instantly recognized her sweet amo, boss, flew right into the woman's waiting arms after some playful prodding. The poor owl got some gibberish scolding from Bennie that only the two of them understood.



Reunited and it feels so good
Reunited 'cause we understood
There's one perfect fit
And, sugar, this one is it
We both are so excited
'Cause we're reunited, hey, hey

- Reunited, Peaches and Herb

Marelco's Schedule of Power Interruption


MARELCO's Tentative Schedule of Power Interruption

MARELCO informs that load shedding is in effect. The load curtailment is due to NPC's Diesel Fuel supply shortage. On the other hand, Power Barge 120 at Balanacan Harbor can supply only 1,300 KW due to breakdown of their generating sets.

July 28 (Thu) Between 12:00 am - 9:00 am: (Feeder II) Bantad S/S to Boac, Gasan & Buenavista line section.
Between 8:00 am - 5:00 pm: (Feeder I) Bantad S/S to Mogpog, Sta. Cruz & Torrijos line section.
Between 4:00 pm - 1:00 am: (Feeder II) Bantad s/S to Boac, Gasan & Buenavista line section.

July 29 (Fri) Between 12:00 am - 9:00 am: (Feeder I) Bantad S/S to Mogpog, Sta. Cruz & Torrijs line section.
Between 8:00 am - 5:00 pm: (Feeder II) Bantad S/S to Boac, Gasan & Buenavista line section.
Between 4:00 pm - 1:00 am: Bantad S/S to Mogpog, Sta. Cruz & Torrijos line section.

July 30 (Sat) Between 8:00 am - 5:00 pm (Feeder I) Bantad S/S to Mogpog, Sta. Cruz & Torrijos line section.
Between 4:00 pm - 1:00 am (Feeder II) Bantad S/S to Boac, Gasan & Buenavista line section.

July 31 (Sun) Between 12:00 am - 9:00 am: (Feeder I) Bantad S/S to Mogpog, Sta. Cruz & Torrijos line section.
Between 8:00 am - 5:00 pm: (Feeder II) Bantad S/S to Boac, Gasan & Buenavista line section.
Between 4:00 pm - 1:00 am: (Feeder I) Bantad S/S to Mogpog, Sta. Cruz & Torijos line section.

August 1 (Mon) Between 12:00 am - 9:00 am: (Feeder II) Bantad S/S to Boac, Gasan & Buenavista line section.
Between 8:00 am - 5:00 pm: (Feeder I) Bantad S/S to Mogpog, Sta. Cruz & Torrijos line section.
Between 4:00 pm - 1:00 am: (Feeder II) Bantad S/S to Boac, Gasan & Buenavista line section.

August 2 (Tues) Between 12:00 am - 9:00 am: (Feeder I) Bantad S/S to Mogpog, Sta. Cruz & Torrijos line section.
Between 8:00 am - 5:00 pm: (Feeder II) Bantad S/S to Boac, Gasan & Buenavista line section.
Between 4:00 pm - 1:00 am: (Feeder i) Bantad S/S to Mogpog, Sta. Cruz & Torrijos line section.

Ref: Marelco. I. Oliver, I.S.D. Chief & R. Labaguis, ASD Chief/TSD PIC

Wednesday, July 27, 2011

Bagtingon: That realm of mystery.

Road to Tina's house

Who amongst us has a clear idea of those underground realms and golden cities that our ancestors in their days, freely talked about? How could we know if they really existed or still exist today in our Planet Earth? Fact, however, is that almost anywhere else in the world there are a huge number of people who believe in the existence of a world unseen and beings who have the capacity to make themselves manifest from thin air, before the very eyes of any mortal they might choose.

They are not unlike the engkanto kings, queens, princes and princesses who dwell in that other world that glistens with gold, so they say. Since we do not know enough about that intriguing world, we’re just left seeing in our own minds the enigmatic stories detailed by those imaginative visionaries in our midst. Not knowing much about that strange world, how could we then dismiss those stories entirely?

In the mid 90s I remember there was Lady Lacion of Bagtingon. She who tirelessly attended to jeeploads and jeeploads of people who came for treatment daily, or to seek advice on how the desires of their heart could be had, or to just plainly listen to details of her fabulous encounters. For unknown reasons Lacion disappeared into the big city, far away from her original underground empires that stretched from this quiet valleys of Bagtingon to the top of Malindig mountain and beyond.



But that shining other world is apparently back, at one’s reach again. (On second thought, it really has always been here quietly lived by many old folks who’ve lived there all their lives). The immortal spirits apparently have found Tina this time. She, her husband and children live on the side of a mountain you’d pass by when going to Bulusukan Falls, about thirty more minutes of walk away. It was Julio, a common friend, who introduced me to Tina as a 'researcher'. But she had been warned, she said, by her main spirit guide because the temptation to be famous must be resisted, and fame, she said, is the last thing on her mind.

Tina claims this is an illustration of the colossal palace many storeys high right where Malindig mountain is nestled


Tina, nevertheless, shared with us the coveted world she now enters into – at will, every single day. The world of kings and queens, princes and princesses in all their regalia, living in a palace many storeys high, with a thousand or so rooms and hallways you’d simply lose your way if you didn’t know how to utter the magic word - a world of flying carpets, golden caruajes and golden ships, a world of tropical forests with golden deer grazing undisturbed, fanciful birds singing, an inner world existing just yonder, vast as ours, coexisting wherever all unknowing mortals do their thing. There, various religious prophets move about, alongside saints, alongside people who have passed away mysteriously to take on special missions there.

Flowers that bloom in her garden

It is a marvelous dreamworld and, it seems, it would not be possible to piece together the many spellbinding bits and fragments you hear about and make sense of them by using one’s plain, normal reasoning, But maybe if one is a serious seeker ready to spend a whole lifetime seeking after some esoteric knowledge, he or she might arrive at something. But that’s just a thought.










Sometimes Tina returns home, she says, with small souvenirs from her fantastic trips such as a stone that sweats non-stop it could fill a jar with liquid, some pictures, illustrations and writings on small pieces of paper to remind her of her encounters and for further study, reliquaries (like a softly fragrant Rosary and miniature photo sent from Padre Pio).






















Tina is a devotee of the Blessed Virgin Mother whose image she takes care of. So devout she is, like the old mysterious woman, her principal spirit guide, who visits her every three years with a new gift of power and knowledge for Tina each time. It was that saintly old woman - whom many departed Marinduque souls considered blessed when she once walked with mortals on this island - who, according to Tina, introduced her to this inexplicable realm of mystery, mysticism or maybe just magic and melancholic mayhem.

Even after drinking a cup of coffee she graciously served us late in the afternoon, I could hardly keep my eyes open and was lost in momentary sleep when she ended her story. Almost ended her story, anyway, because she started talking anew about brief episodes in the many unfamiliar places she had to find to practice her gift of healing upon orders from ‘them’. To places far away as Nueva Ecija in Central Luzon. Who pays for her transport then? “They do”, with thousand peso notes materializing from thin air, she says. A longer story really.




Unmindful carabaos near her home













Tina's bird, "Verde"

Typhoon Juaning in Marinduque

"Juaning" battering Amoingon beach.

There was continuous rain that started early evening of Monday and rough coastal waters battered the shores until late afternoon of Tuesday. Typhoon Signal No. 1 was hoisted over Marinduque but it seemed that the gusty winds and rains of Typhoon Juaning was the one most felt on this island-province, compared to the many typhoons that visited the country in recent months. Damage to crops, however, appeared minimal.

As of 4 p.m. yesterday PAGASA said Juaning was located at 50 km northeast of Daet, Camarines Norte, packing maximum winds of 75 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 90 kph. Today, the rain has stopped and PAGASA said it expects Juaning to exit Philippine territory this afternoon.



View of the coastal waters in Boac











She was calmer later in the afternoon of Tuesday.

Monday, July 25, 2011

Aquino's SONA focuses on 'social transformation'

President Benigno Aquino III’s second State of the Nation Address (SONA) will be devoid of theatrics or new slogans, and will focus more on “social transformation," MalacaƱang said on Sunday.

“The President will talk about transforming our society," said Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Secretary Ricky Carandang, who was part of the team that drafted Aquino’s speech.

Carandang said Aquino saw six drafts of the speech before the final version. “But we actually had about eight or nine drafts."

He said he does not expect the President to make any more changes in his speech.

Deputy presidential spokeswoman Abigail Valte said Aquino’s SONA will neither have theatrics nor new slogans. “We don’t have human props. That’s not the style of President Aquino," she said.

Valte, however, was tight-lipped on the specifics of Aquino’s second SONA. “What we can share is, it will be in Filipino and just like his speech in his first anniversary in office, there will be audiovisuals," she said.

Source: GMA News Online.

Friday, July 22, 2011

Pangarap na Covered Court ng Pinggan

The coastal barangay of Pinggan is the nearest take–off point in visiting Gaspar island, the most frequently visited islet among the three islands in Gasan known as Tres Reyes (Three Kings). Beneath the waters between Pinggan and Gaspar Island, a barangay sitio, lies the site of the only known underwater archaeological excavation conducted in Marinduque. Tourists are therefore naturally drawn to old Brgy Pinggan (the name means “plate” as broken centuries old plates and shards once littered its beaches).
(Gaspar Island photo by OgGie Duque)




The community will now be able to hold sports and social gatherings and undertake development programs with the construction of a Multi-Purpose Covered Court conducive for the holding of such activities. This new barangay Pinggan landmark is a venue that may now also serve as a convenient holding area for visitors and related activities. Maintenance of the facility, however would be the responsibility of the barangay community that has long clamored for it.

Man, popularly known as "Lolong Aguila" renders a song, while he plays his old guitar. The song was his own composition extolling the Marinduque congressman and his vision for change.



Brgy. Capt. Julieto Magparangalan conveys his community's appreciation to Cong. Velasco.

Congressman Velasco recently inspected the ongoing construction of the Pinggan covered court, set to be inaugurated early next month. The project is funded from the lawmaker’s priority development assistance fund.



Barangay captains who also graced the congressman's visit are from left, Brgy. Capt. Julieto Magparangalan (Pingan), Brgy. Capt. Ofelia Mascarenas (Mangiliol), Brgy. Capt. Esperanza de Belen (Masiga), Brgy. Capt. Roma Du (Mahunig), Ms. Jelina Lamanilao, coordinator, Cong. Allan Velasco, Brgy. Capt. Romel Sadim (Dawis), Brgy. Capt. Reynaldo Maming (Bangbang), Brgy. Capt. Gonzalo Magpili (Antipolo), Brgy. Capt. Jose Millar (Banuyo), and Brgy. Capt. Vidal Sajo (Tiguion).



Covered court roofing detail.














"Lolong Aguila" singing his own song straight from the heart.

Thursday, July 21, 2011

Brgy. Mainit Road Concreting Project

Many interior barangays in Marinduque still list construction or rehabilitation of farm-to-market roads (FMRs) in their areas as top priority. Marinduque being an agricultural province, FMRs provide the farmers’ access to basic socal and market facilities. Access encourages more crop production for farmers and opens up opportunities for more income-generating activities to take place. It is evident that the island-province of Marinduque has a lot of catching up to do in FMR infrastructure.


An FMR in Brgy. Mainit in Boac recently completed is only one of many such infrastructures being undertaken by the DPWH. Funding for such projects are sourced either from congressional priority development assistance fund (PDAF), or from the Department of Agriculture (DA), or from PDAF of senators. Source of fund for this Mainit road project was Senator Miguel Zubiri’s PDAF through the initiative of Cong. Velasco.

The completion of Phase I of the concreting of a farm-to-market road in Brgy. Mainit was celebrated by the community in a simple but meaningful way.

Barangay officials and residents met the party of Cong. Velasco and at once burst into song with men, women and children joining in for a brief “Putong” welcome and thanksgiving ritual. A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held and an unhurried walk on the paved road was savored by everyone.






Simply Glee. "Mainit" is Tagalog for "Hot".














Congressman Velasco thanking the good barangay residents.

















Residents savor a walk with Cong. Velasco on the new paved road.




















Barangay officials led by Brgy. Capt. Rene L. Montaron pose for pic with Cong. Velasco.

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

DOE launches National Renewable Energy Program

Meanwhile, DOE launched its National Renewable Energy Program in the presence of President Aquino. The Department of Energy issued the following news release:

The Government strengthened its efforts in promoting renewable energy in the country starting with the unveiling of its National Renewable Energy Program (NREP) containing the Philippines “green energy” roadmap.

The NREP is anchored on the DOE's Energy Reform Agenda which aims to provide a sustainable energy plan for the Philippines. It also establishes a framework for existing and planned policies for the promotion of renewable energy such as solar, hydro, ocean, wind, biomass, and geothermal power as well as a roadmap which will guide efforts toward actualizing the market penetration targets of each renewable energy resource in the country.

The Program further seeks to maximize the renewable energy potential estimated at more than 200,000 MW and translate clean energy opportunities into long-term benefits for the people.

Secretary Almendras described NREP as “a focused and sustained drive towards energy security and improved access to clean and affordable energy.”

“NREP is a plan and like all plans, it is not cast in stones. It must be constantly reviewed and updated to be able to adjust as new technologies develop. As a living document, the NREP will be regularly reviewed and updated, guided by our primary goal of providing clean and affordable energy sources to future generations of Filipinos,” Almendras said.

President Benigno S. Aquino who gave the keynote message during the event emphasized that the development of clean energy is one of the immediate priorities of the government and that it will keep a “watchful eye” in ensuring that policies and guidelines will provide a level playing field, transparency, and fair electricity pricing.

The event, attended by nearly 700 renewable energy stakeholders, brought together representatives of youth groups, civic organizations, church groups, and the private sector – all in support of the country's national renewable energy program.


Source: doe.gov.ph

Marinduque power double whammy?

Marelco informs that based on “Fuel Run Out Dates of NPC-SPUG” furnished by the Department of Energy (DOE) to the electric cooperative there will be an impending power interruption in Marinduque. Marelco, however, states that Marinduque NPC-SPUG based in Bantad has informed them that power interruption could take place beginning today (as it already has), “because of a defective unit at Power Barge 120” at Balanacan harbor.

It will be recalled that in May this year, Marelco announced that it published in March 2011, an invitation for bidders to participate in the bidding for the supply of a brand new Modular Type Diesel Hybrid Power Plant in Marinduque. Bidders were to have a capacity to initially deliver more or less 3,000,000 kwh per month to the Marelco system. During the annual membership meeting in May, it was then announced that at least three bidders have applied for eligibility and participated in the bidding.

According to Marelco’s schedule of activities, opening of bids and comparison with Best New Entrant Rate (BNER), was scheduled to take place last July 8. Negotiation and Award of a Power Supply Agreement (PSA), is to take place on August 9, 2011, with award of contract and issuance of Notice to Proceed (NTP), taking place on September 5, 2011. This new agreement is also to specify that commercial operation by the new power provider is to commence after 270 days from the award of contract - that is, by June 2012. No update on this matter has been released by Marelco, so far.

From the looks of it, therefore, the island-province of Marinduque is in for another year of power uncertainties during this transition period unless effective intervention is undertaken by the energy authorities now, repeat, now...

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Nito basket ware skills training

Nito-weaving in Marinduque has traditionally been an additional source of livelihood for some who live in the rural areas. Few, however, have been able to sustain nito-weaving. This is often made possible only with the intervention of a few traders who appreciate the value of the intricate weaving involved in this craft, such as the experience in Gasan. Entrepreneurs see the high value of nito products that only need to be properly marketed, command good prices and make the local artisans inspired to continue producing their products.


The skill of nito weavers in some areas remain with them even after long periods of inactivity. But many farm women who desire to learn this craft, however, also welcome new ideas they could build upon based on the experience of other nito-weavers elsewhere.




In the two hinterland villages of Bocboc and Puting Buhangin in Mogpog, where nito, this fine but strong tropical vine associated with the fern family abundantly grows in the forests, women have expressed interest to revive the craft through an organized program.




A four-day skills training in nito basket ware is currently being held in Brgy. Bocboc under the guidance of Cottage Industry Technology Center (CITC) trainers Rufina Y.Ramos and Ana D. Macapanas of the CITC Pasig office.

The program is part of the livelihood programs being undertaken by the office of Cong. Allan Velasco in cooperation with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), and in this instance, upon the initiative of the barangay council of Bocboc led by Brgy. Capt. Fred Muhi.



Mostly married women signed up for this training program. Older nito-weavers from Bocboc village were only too happy to also share their own knowledge and experiences, including problems they’ve encountered, to help strengthen the program. They proudly brought with them samples of products they've made in the past.

The current program also involves the introduction of new tools such as ‘sizers’, shavers and cutting tools, product designs, product costing and marketing strategies. DTI’s Mariden Calub , Harry Gutierrez and Velasco’s staff, Salvador Nerias supervised the program that will end on July 21.












Sizing the nito vine

















Intricately woven nito fruit trays


















Nito vine (lygodium circinatum). It grows as secondary forest cover clinging to trees and rocks. Its natural beauty and color need no enhancement.