He said the tax revenues were derived mostly from withholding taxes from fixed income earners, business, professions, and value added tax (VAT). Mendoza said P1.8 billion in taxes was collected last year, surpassing with P548 million or 29 percent against the 2009 target.

Mendoza said his agency is expected to raise some P4.4 billion this year, and half of the goal had been already achieved by the first half of this year.

Based on tax collection efficiency, Albay was consistent for several years as the leading in tax collection because of the industries and business centers set up here, making the province the rising business and economic center in the region.

Albay Governor Salceda said the province’s economy is gaining grounds because of investors’ confidence on the province’s socio-economic platform that would firmly position the province in the country’s economic road map for investment and tourism.

Salceda said the platform has 5 Es which stand for Economy, Education, Environment, Equity and Health. This, he added, would place Albay in the map of the country as trade, investment and tourist center.

“This should carry us into the next sequel of the Albay Saga to be called Albay Boom which should commence once the international airport is completed,” the governor said.

Salceda, has committed to “attain development through low-carb, low-energy intensity, low-rise strategies compatible with the regeneration capacity of our environment so that future Albayanos will benefit not pay for the current entitlements.”

The notable projects of 5 Es include, among others: the Southern Luzon International Airport (SLIA), Guicadale Business Platform, National Renewable Energy Program, Barangay Capacity enhancement, 4Ps, Education Quality for Albayano (EQUAL), Albay Higher Education Contribution Scheme (AHECS), Bicol University and the Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital modernization and the Universal PhilHealth coverage.

Meanwhile, the BIR would intensify tax collection target in Bicol by launching tax campaigns that would run after tax evaders and cheats. Mendoza said they are in pursuit of P320-million worth tax evasion cases involving persons and companies with businesses in the cities of Legazpi, Tabaco, Masbate and in Camarines Sur.

To further improve tax revenue generation and monitoring and prosecution of tax cheats, the bureau also launched campaigns such as “Txt-Tax Brigade”; Tax me Not campaign (Knowing the Limitation of Tax Exemption) and “Be inspired with Reward”. (PNA)
LAP/LQ/MSA/cbd

Source: Philippine News Agency

Legazpi City | Photo by cigyrj

The PCCRP is a a flagship research project of the Asian Institute of Management (AIM) Policy Center that aims to measure the competitiveness of Philippine Cities. Twenty nine cities were ranked according to six criteria: dynamism of local economy, responsiveness of the LGUs to business, infrastructure, quality of life, cost of doing business and human resource and training.

The ranking is based on official government data, perception survey among businessmen, and interviews with local chief executives and local business group’s representative The PCCRP also classified the cities into three groups: metropolitan growth centers, growth centers and emergent cities. Legazpi is classified as an emergent city.

Aside from winning the award, Legazpi was also cited as one of the most competitive emergent cities in the country together with Dagupan, San Fernando, Santiago, Tuguegarao, Angeles, Lucena, Puerto Princesa, Legaspi, Tacloban, Ormoc, Pagadian, Iligan, Tagum, Cotabato, Butuan and Surigao.

Cebu City bested Davao in the metro growth center category. Cagayan de Oro, meanwhile, topped in the growth centers category, which included the cities of General Santos, Baguio, Lapu-Lapu, Zamboanga, Olongapo, Batangas, Iloilo, Bacolod, and Mandaue.

The city of Legazpi was also cited as the Most Business Friendly Local Government Unit in Southern Luzon by the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry in 2007.

Sources:

‘New mayors should learn from most competitive cities’, Newsbreak, July 21, 2010
The Asian Institute of Management Blog

World Miss University was established in 1986 by the International Association of University Presidents to help spread the message of peace around the world through smart and beautiful women. This year’s pageant, the 22nd edition, will have 59 contestants from all over the world vying for the title. Santiago

A total of 59 contestants from around the world are expected to converge in Seoul for the World Miss University Pageant that was initiated in 1986 in order to spread its message of peace around the world through smart and beautiful women. Ms. Santiago will be the first Filipina World Miss University if ever she wins.

The grand coronation night of World Miss University 2010 is on August 8, 2010 at the Sheraton Walker Hill Theater in Seoul, South Korea.


Yvethe Marie Santiago

Source: The Adventures of a Beauty Queen

At Gov. Joey S. Salceda’s oath-taking speech early this month, he announced that the steering committee is now working on the project, with Board Member Ralph Andes at the helm. Aside from boosting the province’s tourism, hosting the Palarong Pambansa 2012 is also an opportunity to modernize the Albay’s sports facilities.

The sports events will be spread out to various facilities including the Albay Sports Complex in Guinobatan (for track and field), the Albay Astrodome (for indoor ball games), Bicol University (for outdoor ball games), the under-renovation Ibalong Centrum for Recreation (for boxing and other indoor events) and more. Gov. Salceda has also designated Team BuLLET (BU, Albay, Legazpi, Ligao and Tabaco) as host of the event.

Under renovation Ibalong Centrum for Recreation (View more photos here)

The Sangguniang Panlunsod here has conducted its inaugural session last Tuesday (July 13) at Ibalong Conference Room, commencing with a Thanksgiving Mass presided by Msgr. Ramon Tronqued, followed by the election of officers and committee chairmanship of the city council.

INAUGURAL SESSION — Legazpi City Mayor Carmen Geraldine B. Rosal lays down her administration’s Executive Agenda , while Vice Mayor Vittorio C. Roces (right upper photo) listens along with the members of the Sangguniang Panlungsod during the inaugural session held Tuesday, July 13 , at the Ibalong Centrum Social Hall, Legazpi City. (Alex Cal/PIA)

Elected president of the council was Councilor Rolly Rosal, while Councilors Cerilo Chan and Alan Rañola hold the vice president and secretary posts, respectively. For the representatives of the Special Bodies, Councilor Rañola was also elected as Representative for Personnel Selection Board (PSB), Councilor Elmo Inzon was the new Representative for People’s Law Enforcement Board (PLEB) and Councilor Jaime Andes was the elected as representative for Senior Citizens Organization/Association.

However, the committees on Finance and Appropriation were headed by Councilor Rosal; Ways and means and Laws and Rules were headed by councilor Inzon; Women and Family Welfare and Urban Planning and Housing committees were headed by Councilor Alex Sy; Councilor Vincent Baltazar 111 was elected as Chairman of Youth and Sport Development and Environmental Protection Committees;
Committees on Public works and Education, Arts and Culture were headed by councilor Rañola.

Trade Industry and Investment and fisheries and Aquatic Resources Committees were headed by Councilor Carlos Ante; Agriculture and Food and Social Legislation were headed by Councilor Andes; Councilor Oscar Santillan was elected as Chairman for Good Governance, and Public Ethics and Accountability and Public Order and Safety Committees; Committees on Health and Sanitation and Tourism were headed by Councilor Chan; Committees on Cooperatives and Human Rights were headed by councilor Abadeza; and Councilor Lorna Cristobal was elected as Chairman on barangay affairs.

In her speech, meanwhile, Mayor GIE Rosal said, “I am submitting my program of government for your serious consideration, urging your august body to pass resolutions and enact ordinances that will fully substantiate my vision for our city.
“I would like to assure you that my administration will keep in mind our existing Development Plan, and will support and changes that will advantageous to the people of Legazpi City,” she added.

Rosal stressed that the focal program of her administration is the continuing Progress and Development in all Economics, Physical, Social, Cultural and Moral Aspects.
Rosal averred that she is very confident with all the members of the council to support her agenda for the city. She has sincerely solicited a full support from the council and to share the responsibility to her administration for the general interest and welfare of Legazpi City.

On the other hand, Vice Mayor Vitorio Roces said that the partnership between the executive and legislative bodies will deliver a quality service to the people of Legazpi City and possibly can lead to more accomplishments.

Roces has urged the members of the council to move and act as one body. He also encouraged them to pass and enact Ordinances that will give impetus to the continuous social and Economic prosperity of Legazpi City.

He vowed to align the legislative agenda to the executive agenda to sustain and even surpass the progress and Development of Legazpi. (LGU Legazpi City/PIA)

Source: Philippine Information Agency

With the motto of “Singing together brings nations together”, the biennial World Choir Games aims to promote the unity of nations through the arts, specifically chorale singing. The competition is open to amateur choirs from all over the world, regardless of their country of origin, race, genre of music or artistic ambitions.

Good Luck to the Aquinas University of Legazpi Chorale! Make us proud!

Image source: Aquinas University of Legazpi Official Website

The Scott Kelby Worldwide Photowalk in Legazpi will start at the newly built seawall boulevard in the city’s port area. The photowalk will then wind its way along the Kapuntukan Hill, the quaint fishing villages, the new Legazpi Boulevard and seawall, and back. Meet time is at 06:30am at the Legazpi Boulevard welcome sign near Embarcadero de Legazpi. To join the event, please register here. Hurry! Limited slots available.

Albay Governor and provincial disaster coordinating council chairman Joey S. Salceda initiated the NRDRC to promote Albay as a venue for rescue and disaster response training exercises and to sharpen the skills of disaster coordinating councils all over the country. “This contest aims to promote the importance of an organized and solid rescue group, its knowledge and application of techniques, equipment usages and command system for teams engage in search and rescue operations,” Salceda said.

The province of Albay is part of the Bicol Region, a geographically hazard prone area regularly threatened by calamities like typhoons and volcanic eruptions. Because of this, Albay, through the leadership of Gov. Salceda spearheaded a Disaster Risk Reduction Program combining institutional innovation, indigenous knowledge and information technology through APSEMO (Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office), AHEM (Albay Health Emergency Management), preemptive evacuation, permanent evacuation centers, safe schools, safe hospitals and facilities modernization.

In 2009, Albay and Legazpi City received the Gawad Kalasag award in recognition of their excellence in disaster-risk management and humanitarian assistance. The province was also adjudged as having the Best Provincial Disaster Coordinating Council. Since then, the province has gained recognition both in the local and international arenas for its disaster risk reduction programs and climate change advocacy.

The 1st National Rescue and Disaster Response Competition is open to rescue teams and firefighters from the government and private sector. An estimated 45 teams composed of 15 persons per team are expected to participate in the nationwide skills competition. The participants will compete in several events such as significant events rough terrain search and rescue effort, air and water rescue missions. The winning team will receive P300,000 cash prize and a trophy; 2nd placer will receive P200,000 and a trophy; 3rd placer will receive 100,000 and a trophy.

Registration fee is P20,000.00 per team, inclusive of breakfast only for 3 days. There is also an optional Whale Shark Interaction tour in Donsol, Sorsogon (P1,850/pax). Visit the official website of the 1st National Rescue and Disaster Response Competition at the Official NRDRC Website. Download the registration form here.

Registration/Waiver Forms must be received by July 15, 2010 by Fax at (052) 481-1297 or mail through albay.agrirehab@gmail.com, for more information about National Rescue and Disaster Response Competition please visit us at Albay Capitol Bldg., Ground Flr., Annex II, Old Albay, Legazpi City or call us at (052) 481-1297 look for Kat or Em.

References:

Albay spearheads 1st NRDRC to test competency in time of disaster, by Rhaydz B. Barcia, The Manila Times, July 13, 2010
Albay to host national disaster rescue competition, by Florencio P. Narito, Bicol Mail, April 1, 2010

Schedule of Activities -- Embarcadero Festival 2010

July 17-31, 2010 -- Beer Fest
July 19-24, 2010 -- Beyond Expressions Photo Exhibit and Contest (CS Photography)
July 21, 2010, 7 pm -- Miss Embarcadero Swimsuit and Long Gown Competition
July 23, 2010 -- Fire Dancing Showdown
July 28-30, 2010 -- FHM Models Showdown and Car Show
July 28, 2010, 7 pm -- Miss Embarcadero Talent Competition
July 31, 2010, 7 pm -- Miss Embarcadero Coronation Night

Visit Embarcadero now!
View more photos of Embarcadero de Legazpi here
For more information, contact: (052)820-2360, (052)480-3357, (0915) 760-6244

www.youtube.com/watch?v=rAgXoTezrvI

The City Government of Legazpi is expected to open its modern P43-million Sanitary Landfill Facility located in Barangay Banquerohan in August this year. The open dump site will be closed after the opening of the sanitary landfill. Mayor Noel E. Rosal, the outgoing city mayor, made this announcement during a simple on-site ceremony held last June 25. City government officials, barangay council members and the local media motored to this southern barangay, 22 kilometers away from the city proper, to visit the site.

Cell 2 of the Legazpi City Sanitary Landfill which is nearing completion is shown in this photo | Photo by F.P. Narito

The Sanitary Landfill Facility has been constructed on a 1.5- hectare lot here. The project was financed with a 1.5 million euro grant from the Agencia Española de Cooperacion Internacional para el Desarollo (AECID) or the Spanish Agency for International Development.

The sanitary landfill consists of two concrete cells where the non-recyclable materials and special wastes will be deposited and covered with soil, an administration building, a park and a motorpool.

The concrete cell will have a life span of five years. Mayor Noel Rosal said that the implementation of a sanitary landfill facility is mandated by RA 9003, otherwise known as the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.

In support of RA 9003, the City Government also enacted City Ordinance No. 0017-2009 providing for mandatory segregation of biodegradable wastes from the non-recyclable materials.

He said that only about 30% of all the garbage in Legazpi City classified as residual will go to the sanitary landfill while the rest could be recycled or manufactured into compost fertilizer.

He reminded all Legazpeños that eco-aids or collectors will not collect garbage unless they are segregated. Rosal added that all the garbage bins in the city will be withdrawn. Residents may deposit their segregated wastes at the barangay drop off centers,

Salve Corall, head of the Office of the City Environment and Natural Resources (OCENR) which is implementing the Ecological Solid Waste Management Program said that all the garbage bins will be withdrawn effective July 15.

Among those present during the briefing were Mayor-elect Geraldine B. Rosal, wife of the outgoing mayor, Councilor-elect Melissa Abadeza, Councilors Raul Rosal, Cerilio Chan, Alex Sy, and Phil Ruivivar and Lea F. Cea of AECID who discussed the livelihood component of the project.

Earlier, Roderick Abache, a staff of OCENR, briefed the barangay officials on how to turn biodegradable waste materials into compost or organic fertilizer. The touring barangay officials had visited the shredding facilities of OCENR at the City Public Market and the composting plant at Brgy. San Roque.

Source:Legazpi to open P43M sanitary landfill in August, by Florencio P. Narito, Bicol Mail, July 3, 2010