Bulusan ash fall affects 6 areas in Sorsogon

source: Ellalyn B. De Vera | mb.com.ph

November 10, 2010, 8:14pm

MANILA, Philippines — Six areas in Sorsogon have so far been affected by the latest ash fall from Bulusan Volcano, the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) said on Wednesday.

The episodes of steam-driven explosions at 3:30 p.m. and 3:43 p.m. last Tuesday produced grayish ash columns that reached heights of up to 1,000 meters.

Volcanologist July Sabit said the ash drifted southward affecting barangays Cogon, Tinampo, Monbon, Bolos and the town proper of Irosin town, and Sangkayon in Juban town.

These areas were located in the southwest and west-northwest sectors of Bulusan Volcano.

Phivolcs noted that sulfur dioxide emission measured last Tuesday yielded a value of 168 tons per day.

“The sulfur dioxide emission of Mt. Bulusan is still under the normal level of 500 tons per day,” Sabit said.

“Prior to the explosions, the seismic network detected two unfelt volcanic earthquakes, while steaming activity varied from very weak to moderate,” he added.

Phivolcs maintained that the explosions are typical of Bulusan Volcano’s activity during its restive period, but it expects more explosions to occur in view of the volcano’s recent reactivation.

Alert Level 1 has been raised, which means that the public is not allowed to enter the four-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ).

“The public is strongly advised not to venture inside this area because it may be affected by sudden steam explosions,” Phivolcs said.

“Meanwhile, people residing near valleys and streams are also advised to be vigilant against sediment-laden stream flows in the event of heavy and continuous rainfall,” it added.

According to Rene Paciente, senior weather forecaster of the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA), a cold front prevailing over Luzon will bring light to moderate rains in the Bicol Region.

“The thick clouds are concentrated in Luzon but occasional rains will prevail in the eastern sections of Northern and Central Luzon. Thin clouds also reach Bicol Region causing light to moderate rains in the region,” Paciente said.

Phivolcs also warned residents located in the northwest and southwest sectors of the volcano against ash falls due to the prevailing wind direction.

In a related development, the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has already provided 600 pieces of dust masks to the municipality of Casiguran.

The masks were distributed to residents of barangays Tigbao, San Isidro and Inlagadian.

DSWD Undersecretary Alicia Bala assured affected residents of a sufficient stockpile of relief commodities composed of 1,088 family packs with food worth P103,750, and non-food items such as clothing, blankets, and mats equivalent to P15.7 million.

She said DSWD-Region 5 (Bicol Region) also provided P10,000 worth of relief assistance composed of family packs and food items for the family-evacuees from Casiguran.

Meanwhile, Salbutamol medicines were provided by the local government unit to children of Casiguran who were affected by ash fall.

DSWD-Region 5 Director Remia Tapispisan said that the situation in the vicinity of Mt. Bulusan is peaceful and normal.

Catandungan Festival: A Celebration of Unity in Diversity

source: Carmel Bonifacio-Garcia | experiencecatanduanes.blogspot.com

October 24, 1995 marks the first staging of Catandungan Festival, coinciding with the celebration of the 50th foundation anniversary of Catanduanes to mark the historical date of its independence from the province of Albay. 

Spearheaded by the Provincial Government of Catanduanes, the celebration was conceptualized as a season for Catandunganons to look into their past with appreciation and to make them aware of their history and culture as a people.

Through the years, the festival has evolved with the bigger goal of promoting the tourism potentials of the island – showcasing its natural, historic, cultural, educational, scenic and recreational resources.

Catandungan Festival has set the ambience of fun and pageantry as a celebration of life and lights. It is a celebration that showcases the Catandungan’s rich history, arts and culture, religious, trade and industry and tourism through a variety of special events, beauty pageant, sports, exhibitions, tournaments, recreation and bringing into life the Virac Heroes Memorial Fountain as the center of the Catandungan Festival celebration.

Adding more thrill and adventure is a special event reeling with surf, sand and sun featuring the tourism icon of the province, the “Majestic” waves at Puraran Beach. Surfing competition with sidelight events like frisbee, wall climbing and the likes take centerfold at Puraran Beach amidst the backdrop of scintillating coves and rolling hills.

Capitalizing on Catanduanes’ diverse attractions from forested peaks, rugged terrains, majestic waves down to a lush underwater world, which through the years still remains to be seen and experienced, sweetly agreed by an ever developing economy and shared by tropically warm people, the Festival tells of people and places, products and traditions, encapsulating the essence of being Catandunganons.

With the local chief executives of the eleven towns starting to appreciate the real meaning of holding a festival beyond fanfare instead, considering it as a vehicle of promoting the distinct and unique features of each municipality, several festivals are now starting to thrive and bloom in the island. From the Lasa Festival of Caramoran, Dinahit of Pandan, Manok-manok of Bagamanoc, Paray of Viga, Kinis of Panganiban, Tinagcrosan of Bato, Abaca of San Miguel, Badas of Baras, Maparoy of Gigmoto down to Calo of San Andres and Sarimagyo of Virac, the Catandungan Festival serves as a kaleidoscope of all festivals in the island. It unifies the color and divergence of the various festivals flourishing in the island.

It’s about you and me; it’s about us; it’s about Catanduanes – people, places, products, traditions; its about our diversity yet we find commonality in being our islanders.

It’s about the people of Catanduanes, our characteristic as steely islanders who prevail and weather all forms of challenges, natural or otherwise, because of our unyielding spirit.

It banners the island’s soul – the unyielding spirit of a true Catandunganon – just like the storms that test our strength and perseverance.

The festival is envisioned to create a vibrant economy in the province of Catanduanes brought by the increased number in tourist arrivals translated into more revenues coming in and spreading its benefits to transport, accommodation, restaurants, resorts, souvenirs and other tourism-related industries. It is aimed to bring to the fore a global image of grandeur, magnificence and amazingly attractive wealth of wonders dotting the island province, waiting to be explored.

Indeed, if you are looking for fun, an array of colors, a different adventure and a panorama of attractions, Catandungan Festival is the festival to experience. Whichever way you travel, you’ll reach Catanduanes and surely will be welcomed by hospitable people. This generous celebration is truly an experience that you’ll want to come back for more.

Mara na kamo sa Catanduanes!

Mt. Bulusan spews ash anew; Phivolcs notes 28 quakes

source: philstar.com
Updated November 09, 2010 12:00 AM

MANILA, Philippines – Bulusan volcano in Sorsogon spewed ash again yesterday morning.

Renato Solidum, Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) director, said the ash explosion happened at 6:45 a.m. and lasted for around five minutes.

However, there was no indication of a hazardous explosion, he added.

Solidum said the steam-driven explosion produced a brownish to light grayish ash cloud, which rose to about 700 meters above the summit.

The latest ash explosions are typical of Bulusan’s activities during restive periods, he added.

Phivolcs also detected 28 volcanic earthquakes in the past 24 hours, higher than the 10 quakes recorded on Sunday.

It maintained Alert Level 1 at the Bulusan volcano which means that “no hazardous eruption is imminent.”

Phivolcs raised the alert level in Bulusan from zero to 1 on Saturday and designated a four-kilometer Permanent Danger Zone.

It advised the public against venturing into the area of Bulusan due to the possibility of “sudden steam explosions.”

Phivolcs urged residents near valleys and streams to be vigilant against sediment-laden stream flows in the event of heavy and continuous rainfall.

“The recent ash explosions are more or less typical of Bulusan’s activity during its restive period. Phivolcs expects more explosions to occur in view of the volcano’s recent reactivation,” Phivolcs said.

Meanwhile, Solidum asked residents not to steal monitoring equipment on the volcano’s slopes.

It would be of no use except as scrap metal, he added.

Residents given gas masks

Officials are distributing gas masks to residents near Bulusan volcano after it spewed another plume of ash.

Scientists said yesterday there was no need yet to evacuate any of the six towns in Bulusan’s vicinity.

So far, only about 200 villagers took shelter in an elementary school.

One of the country’s 23 active volcanoes, Bulusan blew ash and steam in 2007 but stopped short of a more powerful eruption.

In the latest spectacle yesterday, a grayish ash cloud rose about 700 meters above the 1,560-meter summit.

Bulusan is the fourth most active volcano in the country after Mayon in Albay, Taal in Batangas and Pinatubo in Zambales, having erupted 15 times since 1886.

DPWH names detours

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) began to identify yesterday alternate routes in case a volcanic explosion blocks the national road network.

Danilo Dequito, DPWH Bicol Region officer-in-charge, said among the alternate routes are: East Coast Road; Abuyog (Junction DMH) to Gubat-Barcelona Road; Bulusan-Irosin Road; and Irosin-Matnog Road (DMH) for traffic from Manila to Matnog.

Traffic from Bulan, Sorsogon (travelers from Masbate) may take the West Coast Road from: Bulusan-Magallanes Road; Magallanes-Juban Road; and Juban-Sorsogon Road, he added.

In case of a massive ash fall and the Irosin Section is impassable, traffic from Matnog to Manila and vice versa may use the Buklusan-Barcelona-Gubat Road and Gubat-Abuyog Road, Dequito said.

Red Cross gives tips on safety

The Philippine National Red Cross (PNRC) advised the public yesterday to stay away from areas where landslides may occur during volcanic eruption, keep first-aid supplies within reach and make sure that a vehicle is ready for evacuation.

“Do not cut trees surrounding the volcano for these will serve as protection from the harmful effects of lahar,” the Red Cross said.

It also sought construction of a temporary but stronger shelter or building.

The Red Cross also advised the evacuation of people with lung disease if ash fall occurs during volcanic eruption.

“Cover your nose with a wet rag,” the Red Cross said.

“Stay inside the house or evacuation center. Be cautious, alert and calm if you need to go out.”

The Red Cross said motorists should stop driving during ash fall because it may obstruct their view and cause accidents.

“If the erupting volcano is near the sea, stay away from the shore,” the Red Cross said.

“A volcanic eruption can also cause tsunami.”

The Red Cross advised local governments to strictly prohibit people from going to areas near the volcanic eruption and for them to stay in evacuation centers.

“The guidelines cover the time before a volcanic eruption until it ceases,” the Red Cross said.

“These do not include preparation for long-term, harmful effects of volcanic deposits and lahar.” – Helen Flores, Evelyn Macairan, Sheila Crisostomo, Cecille Suerte Felipe, AP

SEISMIC UNREST

source: mb.com.ph

 

Mount Bulusan in Sorsogon province continues to spew ash and steam, prompting authorities to raise the alert level. The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology said Mount Bulusan ejected a ‘light grayish steam and ash column that reached a height of 600 meters above the crater rim,’ describing its low seismic activity as due to indicate hydro-thermal disturbance beneath the volcano, which may lead to more steam and ash ejections. (EPA)

Bulusan continues to rumble (Phivolcs warns of more volcanic explosions)

source: Ellalyn B. De Vera | mb.com.ph

Mount Bulusan in Sorsogon province continues to spew ash and steam, prompting authorities to raise the alert level. (EPA)

MANILA, Philippines — Restive Mt. Bulusan in Sorsogon spewed another cloud of ash on Monday, reaching about 700 meters above the crater’s summit.

The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) recorded 28 volcanic earthquakes during the past 24 hours. It also expects more explosions in the coming days.

At 6:45 a.m. on Monday, Phivolcs noted a steam-driven ash explosion that lasted about five minutes.

It said the explosion produced a brownish to light grayish ash cloud, which rose about 700 meters above the crater.

Volcanologist July Sabit said five barangays located west and southwest of the volcano’s crater were affected by “traces of ash.”

These areas include barangays Calateo and Buraburan in Juban town, and barangays Cogon, Bulas and Gulang-Gulang in Irosin town.

“The recent ash explosions are more or less typical of Bulusan’s activity during its restive period,” Phivolcs noted.

It has already dispatched its quick response team to augment the monitoring networks around the volcano.

“We expect that more explosions will occur in the coming days due to the volcano’s recent reactivation. But there are no indications that there will be a strong explosion. This could be similar to the Bulusan’s activity in 2006-2007,” Sabit said.

Due to its present activity, the status of Bulusan Volcano is maintained under Alert Level 1 (rendering abnormal activity).

It reiterated that areas within four kilometers of the summit has been designated a Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ).

“Public is strongly advised not to venture inside this area because it may be affected by sudden steam explosions,” it said.

Meanwhile, the people residing near valleys and streams are also advised to be vigilant against sediment-laden stream flows in the event of heavy and continuous rainfall.

Sabit also pointed out that the current activity in Bulusan Volcano is not in any way connected to the eruption of Mount Merapi in Indonesia.

Mount Merapi, an active volcano located in central Java, started to erupt on Oct. 26.

“Even if both volcanoes are near each other, they have different magma chambers. Volcanoes anywhere in the world are very eccentric. Mount Merapi’s eruption did not cause Mount Bulusan’s restiveness,” Sabit explained.

Meanwhile, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) said it is ready to respond to the impending eruption of Bulusan Volcano in Sorsogon and issued safety guidelines to the public.

“With the alert level status of Bulusan Volcano in Sorsogon raised at Level 1, the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) prepared its Red Cross 143 volunteers, emergency response units and disaster response teams for possible deployment should the volcano erupt,” PRC said in a statement.

The disaster response organization also released the following reminders on what to do before, during and after a volcanic eruption.

Before a volcanic eruption, PRC said the public should stay away from low areas where landslides may occur. There should also be no tree cutting activity as well as trees serve as protection from the harmful effects of lahar.

“Build temporary but strong shelter or building. Always stand by for updates on volcanic eruption from the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Philvolcs); Keep the first aid kit within easy reach and make sure a vehicle can be used to evacuate,” PRC said.

During a volcanic eruption and when an ashfall is present, PRC advised the evacuation of people with lung diseases and for the public to cover their noses with a wet rag.

“Stay inside the house or evacuation center. Be cautious, alert and calm if you need to go out. Stop driving when there is an ash fall as this may obstruct the view and cause accidents. If the erupting volcano is near the sea, stay away from the shore. A volcanic eruption can also cause tsunami.”

PRC advised the local government to strictly prohibit the people from going to areas near the volcanic eruption and to advise them to stay in the evacuation center, especially those who have asthma, cough and other similar diseases.

“After a volcanic eruption, go back to your homes only if advised by the barangay captain, Phivolcs or your local disaster coordinating council,” PRC added.

Japan funds P60-M aquaculture center in Cam Sur

Source | GMANews.TV

The food production capability of Bicol will receive a major boost with the establishment of a new P60-million regional aquaculture center in Camarines Sur province.

Philippine and Japanese officials will attend the inauguration of the facility on Thursday, the Japanese Embassy said.

“The project hopes to provide better alternatives and direction for the development of freshwater resources in the Bicol Region, in order to contribute to the upliftment of the economic status of the Bicolanos and ultimately help in attaining food security targets of
the Filipino people,” the Japanese Embasy said in its website.

According to the Japanese Embassy, a mini-laboratory, mini-feedmill building, fish processing plant, and training hall-cum-dormitory were constructed to upgrade the facilities of the Regional Freshwater Fisheries Center (RFFC).

The project, which began in 2007, is a joint project of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and the National Agricultural and Fishery Council (NAFC) of the Department of Agriculture.

Japan has been assisting the RFFC for almost two decades under the KR 2 Program.

Japanese Embassy minister for economic affairs Akio Isomata, Camarines Sur Governor Luis Raymond Villafuerte and Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala will lead the inauguration of the four major facilities under the “RFFC Continuing Capacity Building for Integrated Development of Bicol Freshwater Fisheries Project,” the embassy said.

The facility, located in Bula town, is a component of the Japan Grant Assistance for Underprivileged Farmers Program (formerly known as 2KR or Japan’s Increased Food Production Program).

Through the years, the Center has been at the forefront of aquaculture production and served as a training hub on the dissemination of aquaculture technologies in the Bicol Region.

“These newly constructed facilities will hopefully address the shortage in aquaculture production, elevate the functions of the RFFC from a mere production based aquaculture service center to a modernized one-stop-shop of freshwater fisheries technologies, thus
boosting the overall aquaculture system in the region,” the Japanese embassy said.

For the past 30 years, the Grant Assistance for Underprivileged Farmers Program has made a positive impact on the livelihood of Filipino farmers and fisherfolk.

Japan remains as the top donor of the Official Development Assistance (ODA) to the Philippines, supporting the government’s efforts to alleviate poverty and achieve food self-sufficiency. –VVP, GMANews.TV

Germany grants P6M disaster funds for Albay coastal folk

Source | GMANews.TV

The German government has provided the Philippines with around €90,000 or about P6 million to fund a disaster-prevention project in 15 coastal communities in Albay, one of provinces in the country hit hardest by typhoons in recent years. Funding will be coursed through Kindernothilfe e.V. (KNH), a German organization that provides aid to needy children, the German Embassy in Manila said in a statement on its website. The 15-month long project, which is expected to end in December 2011, targets communities in Manito, Rapu-Rapu and Bacacay — among the Albay municipalities most vulnerable to typhoons. An average of 20 tropical cyclones visit the country every year, with about half of it making landfall mostly along the country’s eastern seaboard facing the Pacific Ocean—which includes the Bicol region where Albay is located. The disaster-prevention project aims to establish an early warning system to improve the residents’ disaster readiness. Among project activities, community residents and leaders will be provided with training sessions on disaster prevention, participate in emergency drills and receive emergency equipment. While Albay does not count among the country’s 10 poorest provinces, almost half of its people are poor, and poverty in the province’s coastal villages is worsened by its vulnerability to flooding during typhoons. Community preparedness The German-funded project fits well into building disaster preparedness at the community level — a framework that non-government organizations (NGO) have long been advocating. Over the past year, NGOs like the international humanitarian organization Oxfam and the Philippine-based Citizens Disaster Response Center have been training provincial and local governments, and even barangays, to come up with their own disaster preparedness plans. In an article reporting on disaster preparedness a year after the typhoon Ondoy tragedy, CDRC Deputy Executive Director Carlos Padolina noted some simple ways for communities to prepare for disaster.

“Puwede sila mag-institute ng sariling warning system — ang mga improvised na mga measurement ng kung gaano na kabilis umaakyat o tumataas ang tubig sa kanilang tubig ilog, para makikita nila, at sila rin mismo, makakagawa sila ng paraan para magevacuate,” he explained. (They can institute their own warning systems and improvise ways to measure how fast the water is rising in their rivers. This way, they can see the situation themselves, and they can come up with ways to evacuate.) National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Executive Officer Benito Ramos has also echoed the need for communities to take responsibility for protecting themselves, enumerating the many ways that people can prepare at the community level. “Ultimately, every community can become safer through regularly dredging or cleaning of clogged rivers, waterways, drainage systems, upkeep of pumping stations, stockpiling of relief goods; pre-positioning of relief and disaster equipment; inventory and preparation of equipment for emergencies/disasters; upgrading of operations/coordination centers; improvement of alert and warning information systems,” Ramos said. Last May, former President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo passed the 2010 Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Act, a landmark law that intends to re-focus government resources, efforts, and organizational structure on disaster preparedness rather than emergency response. (See: One year after Ondoy, many still living in danger zones) KNH was founded in1959 by a group of dedicated Christians in Duisburg, Germany, in order to help needy children in India. KNH aims to give needy children in the poorest countries of the world a good head start by supporting schooling and vocational training, good nutrition and health care, as well as providing community-oriented support to the children’s families. Over time, it grew into one of Europe’s largest Christian organizations for children’s aid. Today it supports more than 300,000 children and young people in 27 countries in Africa, Asia, Latin America and Eastern Europe. KNH has projects in the rural and upland areas of Mindanao, Eastern Visayas and Bicol, some of the country’s poorest provinces.—DM/JV, GMANews.TV

Leagspi City: A medical tourism hub in the offing

Source: Eleanor A. Leyco | mb.com.ph

In a province like Bicol where tourism thrives, selling a product, idea, or gimmick is a no-brainer because people will always come to you. However, for Legazpi, Albay where Mayon Volcano majestically rests, getting into the minds of many vacationers seems to be a struggle.

Although Legazpi, Albay may have been known to be the home of one of the most beautiful volcanoes in the world, the Department of Tourism didn’t include Legazpi in its top 10 tourist destinations due to low tourist traffic compared to its nearby district, Camarines Sur, which has better figures when it comes to the following of many thrill-seekers coming from different parts of the world.

Statistics show at least 140,000 sightseers visit the province annually, and multitudes of foreign spectators came to the city recently, because they wanted to see the fury of nature when Mayon Volcano showed volcanic activity for several weeks.

In view of this, a prime mover of business and healthcare in the Bicolandia Region recognizes the enormous potential of Legazpi to be known for more meaningful ventures and to be in the top 10 tourist destinations of the Philippines.

It all starts with a vision

“Though Legazpi is a growing city, the National Statistics Office records reveal that there is a need for better healthcare services. There are only seven hospitals in the city, six of which are privately owned and most of them can only occupy less than 100 beds. To address the other medical and health services of Legazpi and nearby towns, there are several diagnostic centers in the district,”observes Marivic Lualhati, project consultant for Suncore Inc., a privately-owned medical establishment in the heart of Legazpi City.

Suncore Inc. is a company that envisions Legazpi to be the heart of business, healthcare, and tourism in the Bicol Region. In fulfilling its vision for Legazpi, it has recently opened the first and fully-automated diagnostics and multi-specialty clinic in Albay.  It is also the first of its kind to be based inside one of the biggest shopping centers in the province, the Embarcadero Mall.

Lualhati adds, “Though there are several diagnostic centers in the city, demographical analysis revealed that most of the centers do not possess high-technology laboratory and diagnostics equipment for faster and more accurate results. It also showed that most doctors utilize their own homes as their clinic. This only suggests that there is really a need to uplift the health care system of Legazpi.”

Suncore Diagnostics and Multi-specialty Clinic envisions itself to be a one-stop-clinic by providing the best available health care as well as access to a medical facility that offers state-of-the art services not only to its locals but also to travelers who want to enjoy their vacation and at the same time grab the chance to avail of competitively-priced medical care.

During its soft opening, the clinic  presented the out-patient diagnostic services that are available in the center. These are: Dermatology, Pharmacy, Dental, EENT, Ophthalmology, Physical Rehabilitation, Cardiology Pulmonology, 4D Ultrasound, X-Ray, Laboratory, Urgent Care, Internal Medicine, Minor Surgery, OB Gynecology, and Pediatrics.

“Suncore Diagnostics and Multi-specialty Clinic is created to alleviate the health problems that beset the community and it aims to put Legazpi on the list of the top medical tourism hubs in the country.  When we say medical tourism we mean the provision of competitively- priced private medical care in collaboration with the tourism industry,” Lualhati noted.

Keeping homegrown healthcare professionals

As the clinic completes all the important state-of-the-art equipment and roster of medical doctors and staff, it is working on getting an agreement with the Department of Tourism, presenting to them plans of putting up cosmetic surgery and eye center facilities, which are very popular among foreign tourists and balikbayans. In no time, HIV and drug testing facilities will also be installed.

“We are positioning Suncore in medical tourism because we believe that medical tourism is benefiting not only those coming from other parts of the world but also those who are from the nearby towns and provinces where certain medical facilities are not available at all. Suncore also wants to reach out to its people and doctors who are in need of improved medical facilities where they can carry out their professions better,” Lualhati explained.

“With all our plans and goals for the center, the people behind this company also want to support the local medical professionals in Legazpi. We want to keep the doctors and nurses in our town.  We have very good doctors and medical staff here and we want to support them.  They can have a better avenue to do their jobs and help more people,”  Lualhati concludes.

CamSur: Race to the Big Leagues

Source: Jacky Lynne A. Oiga | mb.com.ph

The majestic Mount Isarog provides a scenic backdrop to CamSur’s bustling tourism prospects. (Photo by PINGGOT ZULUETA)

 

In the wake of sports tourism and the staging of the Survivor franchise in Caramoan Island, the once sleepy town of Camarines Sur has escalated from a third class province to one of the country’s most sought after destinations that goes with a trendy nickname – CamSur.

Nowadays, it seems like everyone who’s anyone has been to the hip new destination that has apparently surpassed Boracay’s popularity as the country’s top destination. Last year, CamSur summed up a whopping 1.5 million local and foreign tourist arrivals. And with a slew of international sporting events held in the province such as the World Wakeboarding Championships, Asian Wakeboarding Championships, and the Cobra Ironman 70.3, the numbers are likely to double by the end of 2010.

Recently, CamSur made another milestone with the success of the first Summit Water CamSur Marathon 2010 which obtained certification from the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), an international governing body for athletics that holds and takes charge of the standardization of timekeeping methods and world records. The marathon is the only race in the country that has warranted an IAAF certified race course, sharing the same prominence as the New York City Marathon and the Boston Marathon.

“This event marks another milestone in CamSur’s race towards a more progressive, pro-active, and prosperous Bicol. Sports tourism is the development thrust of the province. Our main goal is not only to be known as the premiere sports and adventure destination in the Philippines but to transform tourism benefits to expanded basic services that are felt by the Bicolanos,” said Camarines Sur governor Lray Villafuerte.

Noted as the largest international marathon not only in the Philippines but in Southeast Asia, the race gathered more than 17,000 participants from all over the country along with elite runners including Kenya’s Henry Kipkosgei Cherono, John Mutai Kipyator, Bernard Kosgei Kimuigei, Joyce Kandie, and Rael Jepyator Kimaiyo, Ethiopia’s Tariku Abosete Bokan, Radiya Adlo Roba, and Ayelu Lemma Geda, Ukraine’s Ivan Barbaryka, and Russia’s Tatiana Vilosova. Celebrities like Aga Muhlach, Iza Calzado, Donita Rose, Marc Nelson, Rovilson Fernandez, and Reema Chanco also participated in the race.

The race had three starting points for the different divisions: Freedom Stadium (3K, 5K, 10K), Marasigan Compound (21K), and CWC Convention Center (42K). Proceeds of the race will be donated to the Department of Health Organ Donor Card Awareness Drive, K.I.D.S Foundation, and Gawad Kalinga.

Although the race winners all came from the international elite runners’ group, the participation and support of the Bicolanos in the event symbolize how far CamSur had come in promoting sports and where it intends to be in the tourism industry.

“People of all ages, from different walks of life, woke up in the early dawn to run with us. Among the 17, 000 participants, 80 percent were local runners. There were 2,500 runners who flew in from Manila, the remaining 14, 500 all came from the Bicol Region,” shared race director Rio dela Cruz. “I designed the race in such a way that all kinds of runners from first-timers to pros can participate. We had a fast and flat course, adequate water stations in every kilometer, and placed markers to help runners pace themselves.”

But the race not only exemplified the Filipinos’ initiative in promoting sports, it also showcased CamSur’s magnificent scenery of rolling rice fields, mountains, foliage, and the stunning view of the skyline. According to the Department of Tourism Bicol regional director, Maria Ravanilla, sports tourism in CamSur opened up new doors for tourism products and facilities in the whole Bicolandia.

“Several years ago, Camarines Sur was practically an unheard of province in the Bicol Region noted only for its capital city, Naga – home of the region’s patroness, Our Lady of Peñafrancia. But now, with the recent boom of tourism in the province, we are now promoting CamSur and the rest of Bicol as an all around destination. We have beaches, marine sanctuaries, culinary finds, cultural and heritage sites, there’s just so much to do here in Bicol,” said Director Ravanilla.

Summit Water Camsur Marathon 2010 is presented by Summit Water and co-presented by the Department of Tourism, Smart Communications, Timex, 100 Plus, Alaska, Nature Valley, and Dusit Thani. Media partners include ESPN, Star World, and National Geographic Channel.

Kenyans rule Mayon run

Source: Joanna P. Los Banos, Inquirer Southern Luzon | inquirer.net

LEGAZPI CITY—A 1-2-3 sweep in the men’s division highlighted the Kenyans’ domination of the 21-kilometer Mayon Trail Run International held here Sunday as part of the city’s month-long Ibalong Festival.

Philip Ronoh clocked 1 hour and 37 seconds to notch his first international win after a tightly fought race that saw the top four runners finishing within seconds of each other. 

William Kigyego followed Ronoh home in 1:38, with Anthony Kosgei third in 1:40.

Top Filipino bet Cresenciano Sabal was fourth in 1:41.

In the female category, another Kenyan, 18-year-old Irine Jeptoo Kipchumba led from start to finish to prevail in 2:12.

Ronoh, 24, who started running in competitively in 2007, said winning a race in Kenya, a country of a million runners, is very difficult.

“There are thousands of Kenyan runners who compete in different continents,” he said.

The 21-km race over one of the world’s most grueling and toughest trails drew more than 250 runners, including entries from the United States, Italy and Spain.

The field negotiated three mountain trails with panoramic views of Legazpi City and Albay Gulf, went through a tunnel, crossed a river, and climbed a five-story lava wall.

Sabal said the Mayon race runners thought only of “how to survive the challenge.”

The competing field was fired off at 6 a.m. in the city’s Peñaranda Park.

Vicente Caurez, 73, of Los Baños, Laguna, was the most senior participant of the race organized by the Junior Chamber International-Legazpi Chapter, MTR project chair Yves Eli Yu and city councilor Cerilo Chan.

Legazpi City administrator Noel Rosal said the MTR was a way to promote the city.

Race sponsors included the Philippine Daily Inquirer, Bandera, The North Face, 100 Plus and AMA Computer College in Legazpi.