Making Marinduque's Torrijos White Beach an ecotourism site

If Boracay is the best beach in Aklan Province, Torrijos White Beach is the best in Marinduque, says Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco.

  

Velasco said Torrijos Beach has the potential of being world class and a source of income for the people of Marinduque and other tourism-related businesses in other parts of the country. 

“One of the main attractions of the Philippines is its tourist spots and destinations. As gems of natural wonders, these areas can easily be tapped to improve the livelihood of local communities and generate income for the national economy,” Velasco said. 

He said as an archipelago surrounded by bodies of water, the Philippines offers many beaches in different parts of the country. 

In the Province of Marinduque, one of the best locations to visit would be the Torrijos White Beach in the Municipality of Torrijos. Its approximately 1 kilometer stretch of white-sand beach offers visitors a unique beach experience. 

Velasco described Torrijos Beach as a legitimate gem in the country and a natural wonder in its own right.

In House Bill No 1074, Velasco sought to declare Torrijos White Beach as an Ecotourism Site. 

“Such declaration would not only redound to the benefit of the local community but would, in addition, provide boost to the national economy,” he said. 

The Marinduque lawmaker stressed that it has been the policy of the State to promote tourism in this country and also to seek the socio-economic alleviation of the communities surrounding these great sites. 

In 2018 the share of Tourism Direct Gross Value Added (TDGVA) to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the contribution of tourism industries to the Philippine economy was estimated at 12.7 percent.

  

TDGVA serves as the indicator to measure the value added of different industries in relation to tourism activities of both inbound and domestic visitors in the country. The TDGVA amounted to PhP 2.2 trillion in 2018, higher by 14.3 percent compared to previous year’s record of PhP 1.9 trillion. 

The TDGVA estimate is based on the latest results of the Philippine Tourism Satellite Accounts (PTSA) which also provides information on tourism expenditure and employment in 2018. 

“Towards this end, the country has been creating new ecotourism sites to develop these natural wonders,” he said. - by CBayarcal, with Torrijos Beach Photos courtesy of Toper Matienzo

#TisoyPH: Hangin na 140 kph, pagbugsong 195 kph; Sana nga lumihis but please be prepared

Philippine Weather System/Pacific Storm Update

16 mins · 

UPDATE: Patuloy na lumalakas ang Typhoon #Kammuri habang patuloy pa ding nagbabantang pumasok ng PAR at tinutumbok ang #BicolRegion as STRONG TYPHOON Category.

Sa ngayon ay taglay na ng bagyo ang lakas ng hangin na umaabot sa 140 kph at pagbugsong umaabot sa 195 kph... ALMOST STATIONARY ngayon ito o hindi halos gumagalaw pero inaasahang tuluyan nang papasok ng PAR bukas ng gabi na tatawaging Bagyong #TisoyPH ng PAGASA.

Bagama't meron tayong malakas na Hanging Amihan na ayaw na ayaw ng isang bagyo ay nasa FAVORABLE naman o nasa mainit na karagatan sa loob ng PAR ang madadaanan nito na syang nagpapalakas sa isang bagyo bago maglandfall kung kaya't inaasahang lalakas pa ito sa mga susunod na araw.

Base sa latest WIND FORECAST MAP ay nananatiling sa Bicol Region (#CatanduanesProvince) pa rin inaasahang unang maglalandfall ang sentro ng bagyo pagsapit ng Martes ng madaling araw at tsaka babaybayin ang ilan pang lugar sa Bicol Region at pagsapit ng tanghali ay inaasahang babaybayin na ng sentro ng bagyo ang #CaLaBaRZon, #NCR at inaasahang lalabas ng kalupaan via-#Bataan-#Zambales-#Cavite area pagsapit ng martes ng gabi o sa Miyerkules ng madaling araw kaya asahan sa mga nabanggit na lugar maging sa #NorthernLuzon, ilan pang lugar sa #CentralLuzon at ilan pang bahagi ng #SouthernLuzon at maging sa #EasternVisayas dahil sa inaasahang epekto ng bagyo na maaaring magdulot ng malalakas na hangin, ulan, pagbaha, pagguho ng lupa at posibleng storm surge o malalaking alon sa mga coastal areas lalo na sa mga madadaanan ng sentro ng bagyong ito.

Sa Linggo o sa Lunes unti-unti nang mararamdaman ang epekto nito sa silangang bahagi ng #Luzon at #Visayas at posibleng magkaroon na rin ng TCWS No. 1 sa ilang lugar at habang kumikilos ang bagyo papalapit sa kalupaan ay inaasahang dadami pa ang mga lugar na isasailalim sa babala ng bagyo... Posibleng magtaas din ng TCWS No. 3 sa #MetroManila dahil posibleng direktang dadaan o malapit na dadaan ang sentro ng bagyo dito at sa ilan pang lugar na direktang dadaanan ng bagyo na maaaring magdulot ng mapaminsalang hangin at malalakas na pag-ulan.

Pinapayuhan pa rin ang ating mga kababayan lalo na sa mga maaapektuhan ng bagyong ito na paghandaan na ito ngayon pa lamang dahil hindi biro ang dadaling hangin at ulan nito sa mga lugar na maaapektuhan.

Patuloy po kaming magbibigay ng mga updates kaugnay pa din sa banta ng bagyong ito sa bansa.

⚠Please be prepared!

Dini sa Marinduque: May contest din para sa pagandahan ng Parol

Halimbawa lamang ng katutubong Parol. Larawan ni: Andy F. Go

TRADISYONG MARINDUQUEŇO baya ang pagsabit ng mga PAROL at paggawa ng KRISMAS TREE kapag panahon ng PASKO.

May pakontest ang KAPITOLYO para sa lahat ng mga BARANGAY!

PAROL MAKING AT KRISMAS TREE MAKING CONTEST.

MAMILI PO KUNG ALIN ANG GUSTONG SALIHAN.

CONTEST MECHANICS PARA SA PAROL MAKING:

1. Ang orihinal na disenyo ay maaaring maging anumang anyo at hugis. Dapat masasalamin dito ang diwa ng Pasko ayon sa lokal nating kultura, mga produkto, panturismong tanawin o mga bagay na kumakatawan sa Lalawigan ng Marinduque.

2. Ang mga materyales na gagamitin ay dapat na kakitaan ng artistikong paggamit ng mga recycled at/o katutubong materyales, at dapat ay may kakayahang tumagal sa ulan at araw.

3. Dapat itong makulay bagamat bawal gamitan ng pintura.

4. Ang sukat ng parol ay hindi bababa sa 1.20 metro ang lapad at hindi hihigit sa 1.50 metro ang lapad, hindi kasama ditto ang mga dekorasyong sinasabit. Dapat itong suportahan ng kawayan o kahoy na tripod para mai-display ng maayos.

5. Kinakailangan ang mga ilaw: solar battery o kaya’y 220 volts, all-weather energy-saving na mga bumbilya (walang kandila). Ang mga kalahok ang bahala sa electric cord at male plug. Bahala naman ang Kapitolyo sa electrical outlets at kuryente.

6. Ang parol ay hindi dapat magkaroon ng mga matatalim na bahagi o mapanganib na materyales, walang pagmumulan ng electric shock o di dapat gamitan ng mga kwitis o rebentador.

7. Ang parol ay hindi dapat lagyan ng ano mang markang pagkakakilanlan dito, label o tatak na anuman bago ang petsa ng paghusga.

8. Kapag ang isang entry ay isinumite at pormal na nailawan, walang mga pagbabago na maaaring gawin sa disenyo. Ang kaunting pag-aayos tulad ng pagpapalit ng mga bombilya kung kinakailangan at paglagay ng glue kung kailangan ay papayagan kung may pahintulot ng mga nag-organisa.

9. Ang pag-anunsyo ng mga nagwagi ay sa Disyembre 16, 2019.

10. Bukas ang paligsahan sa lahat ng mga BARANGAY LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS.

11. Ang lahat ng mga nanalong entry mula sa unang pwesto hanggang sa ikatlong pwesto ay magiging pag-aari ng Pamahalaang Panlalawigan ng Marinduque. Ang lahat ng mga hindi nanalong entry ay maiuuwin ng mga kalahok na Barangay pagkatapos ng paggawad sa mga nanalo sa Disyembre 17, 2019.

12. Ang anumang pinsala sa entry dala ng kalikasan ay hindi magiging responsibilidad ng pamahalaang panlalawigan.

SCHEDULE

• Ang deadline ng pagsumite ay sa DiSYEMBRE 9, 2019 na (dating Disyembre 2, 2019) bago mag 2:00 ng hapon. Ang mga Entries ay dapat isumite sa Provincial Tourism Office.• Ang pag-iilaw ng mga parol ay isasagawa sa Disyembre 09, 2019 at 6:00 PM.

JUDGING NG ENTRIES

• Ang paghusga sa mga entry ay sa Disyembre 09, 2019 (Lunes) sa 4:00 PM at isa pang paghusga pagdating ng 6:30 PM sa panahon ng pag-iilaw ng mga parol at Christmas Trees.
• Ang bawat isa sa mga entry ay hahatulan batay sa ibinigay na pamantayan.
• Ang pagpapasya ng Lupon ng mga Hukom ay maituturing na final at hindi maaapela.

KRITERIA PARA SA JUDGING NG PAROL

ORIGINALITY  at UNIQUENESS                                                                     30%
CRAFTSMANSHIP                                                                                              30%
ARTISTRY (paggamit ng recycled materials at katutubong materyales)       20%
OVER-ALL APPERANCE at VISUAL IMPACT (day and night)                  20%
                                                                                            T O T A L                  100%

PRIZES:

1st PRIZE - Php  15,000.00 kasama ang Sertipiko
2nd PRIZE - Php 10,000.00 kasama ang Sertipiko
3rd PRIZE - Php   7,000.00 kasama ang Sertipiko
Tatlo (3) Consolation Prizes - Php 3,000.00 bawat isa kasama ang isang Sertipiko
Ang lahat ng mga hindi kalahok na mananalo ay makakatanggap ng isang Sertipiko ng Pakikilahok.

MALIGAYANG PAGDIRIWANG NG PASKO SA LAHAT !!! 

Sa mga Barangay ng Marinduque: Paligsahan sa pagandahan ng Christmas Tree

Larawan ng mga recycled/indigenous Christmas Tree bilang ehemplo.

Nakikita sa Internet.

PALIGSAHAN SA PAGANDAHAN NG CHRISTMAS TREE

Para sa Marinduque

MECHANICS NG PALIGSAHAN

1. Ang orihinal na disenyo ay maaaring maging anumang anyo at hugis. Dapat masasalamin dito ang diwa ng Pasko ayon sa lokal nating kultura, mga produkto, panturismong tanawin o mga bagay na kumakatawan sa Lalawigan ng Marinduque


2. Ang mga materyales na gagamitin ay dapat na kakitaan ng artistikong paggamit ng mga recycled at/o katutubong materyales, at dapat ay may kakayahang tumagal sa ulan at araw. Ipinagbabawal ang paggamit ng mga materyales o mga pangdekorasyon na nabibili sa tindahan.
3. Dapat itong makulay bagamat bawal gamitan ng pintura.

4. Ang sukat ng Christmas Tree ay hindi bababa sa 2.40 metro ang taas at hindi hihigit sa 3.60 metro ang taas, kayang tumagal sa outdoor condition.


5. Kinakailangan ang mga ilaw: solar battery o kaya’y 220 volts, all-weather energy-saving na mga bumbilya (walang kandila). Ang mga kalahok ang bahala sa electric cord at male plug. Bahala naman ang Kapitolyo sa electrical outlets at kuryente.


6. Ang Christmas Tree ay hindi dapat magkaroon ng mga matatalim na bahagi o mapanganib na materyales, walang pagmumulan ng electric shock o di dapat gamitan ng mga kwitis o rebentador.

7. Ang Christmas Tree ay hindi dapat lagyan ng ano mang markang pagkakakilanlan dito, label o tatak na anuman bago ang petsa ng paghusga.


8. Kapag ang isang entry ay isinumite at pormal na nailawan, walang mga pagbabago na maaaring gawin sa disenyo. Ang kaunting pag-aayos tulad ng pagpapalit ng mga bombilya kung kinakailangan at paglagay ng glue kung kailangan ay papayagan kung may pahintulot ng mga nag-organisa.


9. Ang pag-anunsyo ng mga nagwagi ay sa Disyembre 17, 2019 sa panahon ng Provincial Capitol Christmas Party.
10. Bukas ang paligsahan sa lahat ng mga BARANGAY LOCAL GOVERNMENT UNITS.

ISKEDYUL

• Ang instalasyon at assembly of entry ay sa Disyembre 09, 2019, 12:00 ng tanghali 
• Ang pag-iilaw ng mga entry sa Christmas tree ay gagawin sa Disyembre 09, 2019 sa 6:00 PM.

PAGHUSGA NG MGA ENTRY


• Ang pagpili ng mga entry ay nasa Disyembre 09, 2019 sa 4:00 PM at isa pang paghusga sa 6:30PM sa panahon ng pag-iilaw ng mga Christmas Trees.
• Bawat isa sa mga entry ay hahatulan batay sa ibinigay na pamantayan.
• Ang desisyon ng Lupon ng mga hukom ay Final at di-appealable.


PAMANTAYAN SA PAGHATOL


PAGKA-ORIHINAL at UNIQUENESS                                                                       20%
CRAFTSMANSHIP                                                                                                        30%
KASININGAN (paggamit ng mga recycled at/o katutubong materyales)                 30%          
OVERALL APPERANCE at VISUAL na epekto (araw at gabi)                                 20%
                                                                                                T O T A L                         100%     

MGA PREMYO


1st PREMYO-  Php 25,000.00 Plus sertipiko
2nd PREMYO-Php 15,000.00 Plus sertipiko      
3rd PREMYO-Php 10,000.00 Plus sertipiko
Tatlong (3) Consolation prizes Php 5,000.00 kasama ang isang sertipiko
Lahat ng hindi-panalong kalahok ay tatanggap ng sertipiko ng partisipasyon.   

MALIGAYANG PAGDIRIWANG NG PASKO SA INYONG LAHAT!!!

Velasco expects Cayetano to honor term-sharing deal without Duterte input

Marinduque Representative Lord Allan Velasco expected Speaker Alan Peter Cayetano to honor their term-sharing agreement on the highest position at the House of Representatives without President Rodrigo Duterte having to enforce it.

"Actually, kahit hindi naman sinabi ni Pangulo yun, we've already come to an agreement ever since na usapang lalaki naman talaga," Velasco told reporters in an ambush interview on Tuesday.

The President said on Saturday that the term-sharing deal between Cayetano and Velasco should push through.

According to Velasco, he was focused on his chairmanship of the House Committee on Energy and was avoiding talk on the speakership as he wanted to give Cayetano "free reign" at the House.

"Ngayon, I'm just waiting for the 15 months to finish, and then I will start my assumption as the next Speaker of the House," he said.

Under the deal agreed on by Duterte and the two lawmakers, Cayetano would relinquish the speakership to the Marinduque lawmaker after 15 months.

“Ngayon, if anyone of them would not honor it, be it Lord Velasco or Peter Cayetano, that would be his decision,” Duterte said.

“He has to take care that there is an agreement of sharing… 'Yan ang usapan. That was an agreement. A solemn agreement between the three of us. If you want to use the vernacular, usapang lalaki 'yun," he added.

Velasco admitted that he could not predict if Duterte would step in if the deal was not honored.

"Maybe, maybe not. Let's wait until we get there," he said.

"At the end of the day, I know naman for a fact na usapang lalaki, it's a gentleman's agreement. Definitely, when the 15 months is already due, I believe Speaker Alan Cayetano will step down and hand the speakership sa inyong lingkod," he added.

Earlier, Cavite Representative Elpidio Barzaga Jr. said that it was possible the term-sharing agreement on the speakership would be ignored given Cayetano's trust and approval ratings.

Cayetano, for his part, said it was Duterte who would have the final say on who would lead the House of Representatives, as he was the leader of the coalition of lawmakers and executive officials. — DVM, GMA News

Ethos, Enthusiasm and the 100-Day Countdown to Marinduque Centennial

Unveiling of the centennial logo and groundbreaking for the centennial monument.

From left: GSO Rene Quezada, PA Vincent Michael Velasco, Atty Mara Sore, BM Adeline Angeles, BM Ishmael Lim, Boac Mayor, Armi Carrion, Vice-Gov. Jun Bacorro, Governor Presby Velasco, PEO Leal, BM John Pelaez, BM Jojo Leva, BM Gilbert Daquioag, BM John Fernandez and BM Mel Encabo.

'Ethos' means character in Greek. Marinduque has always been known as a peaceful province but sadly, to the point of being “lethargic” for some, "sleepy" or even one that has “slept the Rip Van Winkle sleep”. But it is apparently “waking up” now, as the local business sector now appears really bent on showing what it could contribute to progress, not what it could ask from the local government. There's a different kind of excitement to share what they really could offer as social media posts seem to prove. And it's in the air. There's enthusiasm you could feel, and if that's the case, then a fast-growing positive shift in ethos is encroaching.

Recently nothing could stop this excitement and enthusiasm, too in connection with a recent event, not even an intensified tropical cyclone warning by PAGASA and incessant rains could prevent the fever. People here from all over just want to get involved in said event - the 100-Day Countdown to Marinduque Centennial Year 2020.

The drummers

100 years only? Some still wonder. How could mesmerizing Marinduque be so young when it has an ancient history, they ask. Indeed some of her towns were established more than 400 years ago. But perhaps, this mystical island smack center of the Philippines could be likened to a maiden cherished or coveted in various periods by provinces enamored by her - Batangas, Mindoro and the former Tayabas before she was given the chance to prove herself independent but only for a brief reign during the American period in 1901.

It took nearly two decades thenceforth until Gov. Gen. Francis Burton Harrison signed Executive Order No. 12 on February 21, 1920, reestablishing this wondrous island as an independent province, and she has functioned without interruption since - but somehow remained 'lethargic' for a long time. 

Marinduque is the only remaining 4th Class island-province in terms of income in the MIMAROPA Region. There's no way to go but up now.

Marinduquenos have made it a point to kick-start her Centennial Year 2020 with a long motorcade around the island lasting for hours.

What transpired on November 14^th, the start of the 100-day countdown?

Motorcade started from the Capitol. PNP Mobile Force was led by 

PD PCol Cresenciano Landicho 

One of the earliest to arrive at the Capitol for this event was no less than the 'Centennial Governor' himself, Gov. Presbitero “Presby” Velasco, Jr. Then other provincial officials led by Vice-Gov. Jun Bacorro and his board members came riding in their official cars properly displaying the colorful centennial logo. All department heads, heads of national government agencies, civil society orgs, the business sector and motorcycle groups joined the motorcade that started at 6:00 am.

Starting at Kilometer “0” right across the national road across the capitol. PNP Provincial Director, PCol Cresenciano A. Landicho together with his entire police mobile force effectively acted as marshals. They have earlier determined the motorcade route in coordination with the municipal PNPs.

Led by young festival drummers from Sta. Cruz riding a truck, the motorcade went south to Gasan with the entire officials of the municipality of Boac led by Mayor Armi Carrion decidedly joining the entire motorcade route throughout the island-province. Hundreds of screaming school children lined up the streets in areas where there are schools nearby waving paper flaglets.

Near the boundary of Boac-Gasan the contingent from the province’s ‘cultural nerve-center’ (Gasan) joined the motorcade with their own motorcycle riders up to boundary of Buenavista-Gasan where the Buenavista contingent complete with a drum and lyre corps were stationed, and where the Gasan group was to disengage.

Flaglets, banners, white and blue balloons and candies, fans and other giveaways were distributed to those lining up the streets to cheer the motorcade.

The same happy scenario was repeated as the motorcade passed through the towns of Torrijos Mayor Lorna Q. Velasco, of Sta. Cruz Mayor Tonton Uy, of Mogpog Mayor Augusto Livelo with all their municipal officials joining in, then back to Boac, arriving at the capitol grounds at about 11:30 am. The rains didn’t matter. Barangay officials then came, converging at the Convention Center to join the other invited guests for lunch and to watch other scheduled activities in the afternoon.

Meanwhile all capitol employees were having fun upon the arrival of the motorcade with a Boodle Fight set-up cum all-Filipino food at the back of the capitol building . Provincial administrator Vincent Michael Velasco joined them amid cheers.

A boodle-fight set-up at the capitol

A thanksgiving mass for all the wonderful blessings that the province of Marinduque was showered with by the Almighty in this period of history (‘we are on the cusp’ states Gov. Velasco), was celebrated by no less than the Bishop of Boac, Most Rev. Marcelino Maralit, Jr. at 1:00 pm at the Convention Center. Then the program started.

Most Reverend Bishop of Boac Marcelino Maralit 

celebrates the Thanksgiving Mass

Vice-Governor Romulo Bacorro, Jr, joined on stage by his hardworking board members wearing black T-shirts printed with the centennial logo, was happy to announce the declaration by the SP of Gov. Velasco as the ‘Centennial Governor’, Rep. Lord Allan Velasco as the ‘Centennial Congressman’ (the next Speaker of the House was prevented by the rough seas to travel from Lucena), and the 15^th SP as the ‘Centennial Sangguniang Panlalawigan’.

This was followed by the SP adoption of the Centennial Logo and the winning Centennial Song, “Nag-aalab na Puso”, composed by three students of Marinduque National High School. Then the meaning of the Centennial Logo was read by the emcee, Rino Labay of PDRRMO, who also announced the issuance of an Executive Order by Velasco enjoining all concerned LGUs, NGAs, business establishments to use the centennial logo in their letterheads, documents, business permits and tarps.

Students from Marinduque National High School singing "Nag-aalab na Puso", the winning Centennial Song officially adopted by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan.
Screencap from Marinduque News Network

Then it was Gov. Velasco’s turn to deliver his “Ulat” on the Dawning of the Golden Era for Marinduque. Guided merely by a few slide photos, the governor delivered a speech from the heart, not once taking a glance at his prepared speech. The very appreciative audience interrupted him several times with their applause.

Velasco highlighted just some of the accomplishments made during his first months as governor. Some of them, among many others he mentioned, was an unprecedented move to expropriate the Marcopper mine site of all lands titled or untitled, and repair of the Marcopper roads that have been neglected for decades and has been a perennial outcry of many barangays in the area since then; he also shared a consensus that the class suit against the owners of Marcopper shall now be filed in the Philippines instead of Canada.

Centennial Governor Presby Velasco, Jr.

Screencap from Marinduque News Network

Then after talks with DBP top officials the provincial government’s existing loan has been substantially reduced from 245-M to 187-M, he announced, therefore saving on huge interests. He also reported that his revenue generation program through economic enterprise has generated P 3-M for only three months (August-October 2019), through commercial sand and gravel activities as compared to only P 500,000 recorded by the Treasury during the first 6 months of 2019.

And to solve the perennial problem with lack of essential drugs and medicines in the provincial and district hospitals, as well as the lack of medical equipment the Governor reported that a consignment and concession agreement with MacTycoon Marketing has been entered into by the provincial government: 

"Hopefully by middle of December we will not have the same problem with supply of medicines... They will soon be bringing in a lot of medical equipment that we don't have right now because we just don't have the money to buy... medical services that our kababayans have been deprived of will soon be available such as state-of-the-art CT-scan, dialysis machines, state-of-the-art x-ray machine and equipment, complete laboratory facilities, 2D-echo, BCG..." (louder applause);

As elected president of the League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP), he has sought the implementation hopefully by next year, of LGU share in national taxes that could mean automatic release of the amount of P 1-Billion for each province.

Unprecedented in the island-province to solve one of the most pressing issues. A consignment and concession agreement to provide essential drug and medicines, hospital and medical equipment signed.

More applause. The first days of brave initiatives and significant actions indeed, in the dawning of the golden era for Marinduque...

After Gov. Velasco’s truly inspiring and enlightening speech, everyone was invited to the capitol grounds just outside the Convention Center to witness the ceremonial unveiling of the Centennial Logo handled by the tourism office and the groundbreaking ceremony for the Centennial Marker organized by Board Member Mel Encabo, chair of SP’s tourism and culture and arts committee. Vice-Governor Bacorro and his board members led by BM Adeline Angeles joined the ceremonies.

The awaited day-long event was capped by the turn-over to the capitol of vehicles and equipment from DA-PRDP and agricultural supplies and farm equipment to farmer beneficiaries from the six towns.

Marinduque News’ correspondent Adrian Rosales and company covered the entirety of the motorcade with live streaming on Facebook and also reported on the afternoon events.

By 5:00 pm with intermittent rains the 12-hours of non-stop activity was over but not a people’s happiness and continued excitement for the forthcoming Centennial events even as, courtesy of Tropical Storm Ramon, night fell so quickly.

Photos courtesy of Vince Agravante, Adeline Angeles, Nepthune Harry Gutierrez

Cong. Lord Allan Velasco celebrates birthday with ride for Mindanao earthquake victims and LoveLAVLove concert in Marinduque

Marinduque Rep. Lord Allan Velasco is celebrating his birthday today with a ride for a cause that would raise funds for the victims of the earthquake in Mindanao.

Dubbed “LAV ko mag ride,” Velasco and some 80 riders, including presidential daughter Davao Mayor Sara Duterte and Senator Bato dela Rosa, hit the road at exactly 6:30 a.m. from the Petron Station at the South Luzon Expressway in San Pedro, Laguna.

After the scenic ride through the Quezon National Park, the riders take on a three-hour boat ride to Balanacan Port in Marinduque for a pit stop.

Rep. Velasco and Mayor Inday Sara Duterte will lead a gift-giving activity in Boac before the riders and their entourage stir up the dust anew to “Love LAV Love” birthday concert at the Marinduque Convention Center.

Among the guest performers are Andrew E, Moymoy Palaboy and Roadfill; Osang Soliven of X-Factor; Lucky Robles and Julius Cawaling of Tawag ng Tanghalan, and Ragen Angel Peñaflor of The Voice Kids.

Tomorrow, on the second leg of the tour, the riders are to swing by the century-old Sta Cruz Church, the powdery sands of Torrijos Beach and to Boac to savor the delightful Kari-kari and Uraro.

By 2:30 p.m. Velasco and the rest of the riders will be heading back to Balanacan Port to commence their return ride to Manila.

Those who joined the ride are expected to donate to the victims of the Mindanao quake.

“I’d like to thank all those who joined me in this ride. Your participation will go a long way to ease the suffering of the victims of the earthquake in Mindanao,” Velasco said.

This is a special day for me, and this fund raiser is my way of giving back my blessings to our brothers and sisters in Mindanao,” Velasco said.

NHCP finally recognizes February 21, 1920 as Marinduque's foundation date as we know it

Primary historical sources don't lie. In the case of Marinduque's foundation date, the National Historical Commission of the Philippines (NHCP), previously certified two different dates namely, 21 January 1920 and 22 February 1920 as Marinduque's foundation date.

Finally, NHCP, in a letter dated 4 November signed by NHCP Chair, Dr. Rene R. Escalante, addressed to Gov. Presbitero J. Velasco, Jr, settled the question by stating, thus: "While the NHCP previously stated two different dates (21 January 1920 and 22 February 1920), as Marinduque's date of establishment as an independent province, allow us to correct our earlier positions by recognizing 21 February 1920 as the appropriate foundation date of the Province of Marinduque... Gov. Gen Francis Burton Harrison signed Executive Order No. 12 on 21 February 1920, reestablishing Marinduque as an independent province in conformity to Act No. 2880."

As far as this blogger is concerned, this is a matter that has been resolved a long time ago in fact, since the first commemoration of "Araw ng Marinduque" in 2008, that led to the issuance of an Executive Order by former Gov. Jose Antonio Carrion in 2008, and an SP Ordinance No. 81 dated 28 Jan. 2009, declaring “February 21 of every year as "Araw ng Marinduque”.  What then led to the latter-day confusion? Will blog about this for the sake of truth and posterity...

 

.