Camarines Norte Series 2 - Elected Officials

For verification: Danilo Ibasco who appears as councilor in Sta. Elena and Talisay.

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Camarines Norte - Series 1

Location

Located on the northeastern coast of the Bicol Peninsula, which forms the southeastern section of Luzon; Between Mt. Cadig-Labo Mountain Ranges and Pacific Ocean at 122 -20 to 123 -50' east longitude and 13 -5 to 14 -20' north latitude; Bounded on the north by Lamon Bay and Pacific Ocean, northwest by Quezon Province and in the southeast by san Miguel Bay and the adjoining province of Camarines Sur.

Land Area - 232,007 hectares

Population
As of Aug 2007: 513,785
(Cam Norte is the second smallest province in Bicol in terms of population. Camarines Sur is the largest with 1,693,821 and Catanduanes, the smallest with 232,757).

From Year 2000 to 2007, however, Cam Norte had the highest population growth rate among the six provinces of Bicol at 1.57%, higher than the regional average of 1.23% but lower than the national average of 2.04%. (Data from the National Statistics Office)

Land Cover
• Riceland - 5.17%
• Barren/Sand - 0.53%
• Brush/Wood/Coconut - 47.67%
• Built-Up - 1.03%
• Coconut - 17.77%
• .Fishpond - 1.23%
• Grass - 1.83%
• Mangrove - 1.38%
• Old Growth Forest - 6.00%
• Residual Forest - 16.39%
• Water - 0.69%

Economic Activities (The information here is too general. We will try to get more details in the succeeding posts).

Agriculture-related (farming, fishing, hunting and forestry);
Industry-related (mining, quarrying, manufacturing, construction) and
services-related (wholesale and retail trade, hotel and restaurants; transportation, communication and storage, final intermediation, real estate, education, health, social work and other community, social and personal services).

Major Commodities
Pineapple, palay, corn, coconut, abaca, banana, cacao, calamansi, coffee, mango, papaya; fishery and meat products.

Annual Poverty Threshold Per Capita

Poverty threshold refers to the minimum amount that is necessary to be able to satisfy the requirements for food and other basic necessities. Per capita threshold refers to the amount per person that is required.

2006

Overall P14,298/per person/year or P39/person/day

Urban P17,704/per person/year or P48/person/day

Rural P13,691/per person/year or P38/person/day

2007

Overall P15,440/per person/year or P42/person/day

Urban P18,418/per person/year or P50/person/day

Rural P14,415/per person/year or P39/person/day

Poverty Incidence among Families

2000 52.7% of the families

2003 46.1% of the families

Camarines Norte is second to Masbate in terms of poverty incidence in Bicol.

National Average Poverty Incidence

2000 - 27.5%

2003 - 24.4%

Source of Income and Poverty Incidence data: National Statistical Coordination Board

(Note: The List of provincial and municipal officials will be posted tomorrow).

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The Beauty of the Camarines Norte Provincial Capitol

I didn't realize how beautiful our provincial capitol is until i saw these pictures from http://www.skyscraper.com/. It seems though that something's wrong with the first picture. It would have been a perfect shot of the entire facade, except that Gov. Typoco's billboard destroyed the beauty of it all.

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DPS CLASS 67: History of Daet

DPS CLASS 67: History of Daet


The "Trece de Abril Cry" of
Daet, Camarines Norte


Our view of the 1896 Philippine Revolution remains "Manila-centric. The symbols, the heroes and the big events we celebrate of this historic era continue to be focused on Central and Southern Luzon. Rarely does one get an idea about the 1896 Philippine Revolution in the provinces.

The people of Daet, Camarines Norte, made two historic "firsts" insofar as the Philippines Revolution was concerned. They erected the first Dr. Jose Rizal Monument in the Philippines on December 30, 1897. They launched the first "Cry" of the Philippine Revolution in Kabicolan on April 13, 1897.

Many Bicolanos in Manila joined the Katipunan when Andres Bonifacio and others found the society on July 7, 1892. Led by Ildefonso Moreno, a crew member of the merchant ship Taal that plied the Manila-Bicol route, these intrepid Bicolano Katipuneros planted the Katipunan ideals in Camarines Norte and neighboring Bicol towns.

On April 13, 1897. amidst shouts of "Ngayon Na ang Ora (Now is the Time)," Moreno led the Katipuneros from the towns of Labo, Talisay, Daet, and Calasgasan. They attacked the Spaniards in Daet, the capital town of Camarines Norte. The battle lasted the whole day. The timely arrival of reinforcements from Nueva Caceres enabled the Spaniards to counter-attack and crush the Moreno-led Katipunan uprising.

Harsh retributions followed. Various accounts mention that more than 500 inhabitants in Camarines Norte, led by Ildefonso Moreno, were executed by a tribunal de cuchillo (military court). The colonial government's success, however, was short-lived. The successes of the revolution in Southern and Central Luzon led the colonial authorities to abandon the Bicol region. In September, 1898, the entire Bicol region erupted in arms against Spanish rule. By the end of the month, The Bicol region was in Filipino hands.

As we commemorate the "Trece de Abril" of Daet, Camarines Norte, we honor the Bicolano hero Ildefonso Moreno and the rest of his compatriots. Because the people of the Bicol region and the other places in the country actively participated in the struggle to recover Philippine freedom, the Philippine revolution of 1896 finally succeeded in ending the centuries of Spanish colonial rule.

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History of the Town of PARACALE

The following portion comes from the official website of the Provincial Tourism Office. Hence, it has a glowing account of its mining industry and none about the health hazards of gold panning, environmental degradation and the horrors of child labor.


The municipality of Paracale, Camarines Norte is one of the coastal towns in this province which is located facing the Pacific Ocean a distance of forty kilometers from the capital town of Daet. It has a land area of 19, 333. 87 hectares or 194.8 square kilometers. The three main industries where the livelihood of the Paracaleños is commonly generated are: fishing, agriculture and mining. This lucky town is endowed with abundant and very rich natural resources. Different minerals such as lead, manganese, iron, silica, white clay, marble, white pebbles and gold are waiting for any businessmen and companies who are interested in mining. Among the twenty seven barangays in this municipality, there are twenty two barangays where gold is found in forms of either sand, nuggets or gold ores. Thus, the Paracale is known to be the town of gold in the whole archipelago which is even recorded in the golden pages of the history of the Philippines. Paracale is a town with a strongly resurging mining industry which is of considerable help to the national government in its thrust for economic recovery and stability. This premise makes it quite hard for Paracaleños to understand why the apparent neglect of the national leadership to give the 8 kilometer Batobalani-Paracale national road its due concern and attention.

The town of Paracale which is located in the heart of Camarines Norte, became known only in 1935 due to the untiring efforts of the late American businessman-turned-mining prospector, Jhon J. Reed.

Reed began prospecting for different kinds of minerals, including gold, in the different areas surrounding the town.

Haliging Bato, a sitio of Malaguit, became famous when the place was advertised in the Marsman Mining Journal in Wall Street in New York City, luring different mining capitalist to invest in Paracale.

In a short while the town was blessed with ten mining companies. However, the operations were cut short by World War II. If not for that, Paracale would have been very prosperous because not only lode mines were in operation but also placed mines, which bolstered the come of the town.

After the war, Paracale was jokingly referred to as a ghost town. In his dedicated efforts to rehabilitate the town, Mayor Nicolas S. Herico worked hard. Slowly but steadily, in the town regained its former status.

Majority of the 25, 000 residents of the municipality are devout Catholics. The proliferation of active religious organizations in the town demonstrates the strong religious fervor among the residents.

Projects that improved the church surrounding and some of its facilities were undertaken mostly by these religious and civic groups and residents. These religious groups are Catholic Women’s League, Holy Name Society, Adoracion Nocturna, Apostleship of Prayer, Legion of Mary, Immaculate Conception and the Confraternity of Our Lady of Lourdes.

A stone’s throw from the Catholic Church stands the magnificent concrete municipal building costing P65, 000. 00. It was constructed under Mayor Herico, through the representation in Congress of then Rep. Pedro Venida. (Men's uncle)

Major sources of income of the people are fishing, agriculture, copra making and mining. Paracale is ranked one of the most peaceful towns in the province.

Religious History

Founded: 1666
Feast Day: February 2

Legend and tradition of Paracale, Camarines Norte. Perhaps there is no other town in Camarines Norte that can boast of its past glories so rich in tradition and folklore stories than that of Paracale.

Etymologically, the name of Paracale was derived from the kind of job occupation the natives devoted their time to make a living. In local parlance Para and Cale means a ditch or canal diggers.

Philippine history cites Paracale as the object of Don Juan de Salcedo`s Quest for the precious yellow metal which abounds in the area. The fame of this enchanted town rich in Gold and jewel-ornamented señoritas has attracted this legendary Spanish explorer.

One unique rarity of this golden town by the sea is its three heavenly protectors namely: St. Anthony Abbot, Sto. Niño and Our Lady of Candelaria.

Based on the old records, kept in the Parish Archives, St. Anthony Abbot appeared as the Patron saint of this parish. The first missionaries led by Fray Jose dela Torre implanted in the hearts of the natives a profound veneration towards the saint.

But our forebears and old folks still passed on and on from generation to generation the pathetic story that happened long ago, when many of its inhabitants died of thirst and hunger due to a terrible drought that swept over the region.

Forced by a devastating hunger, grains were recycled to be eaten by the hungry natives. Hundreds were found clinging to stems of rattan sucking in vain the sap and water from the vine.

Amidst this great predicament the desperate natives took the Holy Image of the Sto. Niño in a procession around the town but still no rain. Finally the idea of bathing the image of the child Jesus occurred to them and they brought the Sto. Niño to the nearby ocean and a miracle happened. A thick cloud formation appeared on the horizon and then a torrential rain followed. This phenomenon made the Sto. Niño the object of profound devotion among the Paracaleños.

Another hearth robbing story about Sto. Niño occurred last 1952. It has been told that a little boy was seen by miners inside the tunnel warning them of an impending disaster if they continued excavating towards the local church. The Miners ignored the warning and fifty six miners died and were buried under the river bed. This was the greatest tragedy that ever happened in Paracale.

Another outstanding event that made the town of Paracale famous and which attracted thousand of devotees during its annual town fiesta was the renowned miracle of Our Lady of Candelaria. It has been a tale told that came down to us from generation to generation which own old folks at home used to narrate to us children.

According to tradition, way back in the year 1809, August 29 exactly, 185 years ago, 37 Moro Pancos loaded with Moro pirates dropped anchor on the shores of Paracale. This raid was part of intensive and frequent trades of Moro Pirates which, according to the Philippine History, started in 1580 in the Bicol Region.

These Moro marauders attracted by the fame of Paracale’s abundance of gold came to our shores, terrorizing the natives, burning their houses, plundering their wealth then killing the inhabitants and carrying captive Christians to Morolandia.

At the mere sight of these Moro Pancos the natives were stricken with terror and many of them fled to the mountains leaving their belonging behind. Those truly devoted and pious gathered inside the church to beseech the Lord and the Blessed Virgin for protection and deliverance from the impending disaster.

At this juncture, it is believed that the tenderness and loving Mother left her place from the altar and went to the beach brandishing a shining sword and like a whirlwind she floated over the waves and accosted the Moro marauders with such fury and power that caused havoc and terror among the Moro pirates.

This extra-ordinary feat attributed to Our Lady of Candelaria has remained engraved in the hearts of our forebears. Since time immemorial this beautiful legend come down to us from generation to generation which Paracaleños proudly narrate and recreate to avid listeners.

Inspired by this folkloric event, the people of Paracale, proud of their culture and traditions find expression of their love and devotion to their heavenly Patroness in a celebration of pomp and color in the spirit of warm conviviality and hospitality non parcel.

The abundance of gold everywhere, it is said, is a gift from God dispensed through the Blessed Virgin, Patroness of Paracale. It is considered as a visible sign of predilection to this erstwhile sleepy little town by the sea, kissed by the neighboring blue Pacific Ocean with its undulating waves flirting with the sparking gold and pyrites.

CHRONOLOGY OF CHURCH HISTORY IN PARACALE

DECEMBER 19, 1571- Arrival of Captain Juan de Salcedo with 60 men composed of soldiers and natives and accompanied by two Augustinian Priests, P. Alfonso de Alvarado, OSA and P. Diego Del Espinal, OSA. This missionary group, after subduing the natives and establishing the mission of Cainta, marched over the mountains of Tayabas to the South “A Pie” (on foot) these missionaries christened the place “Paracali” which means “ditch diggers or canal makers.” Salcedo found the place an ideal place to live in. He mad up his mind to stay for good, so he began building houses in which to quarter his men.

JANUARY 17, 1572- (Feast of St. Anthony Abbot)- After a month of hard work in missionary sacrifices the Augustinian Friars successfully instilled Christian charity among the inhabitants resulting in the emancipation of the “Tingues” from abuses committed against them by the natives. They established a small Christian settlement under the patronage of “San Antonio Abad”, a saint close to the hearts of the Augustinians, having been an inspiration of their founder, St. Augustine. This was the first act of evangelization in the entire history of the Province of Camarines Norte. This missionary work was short lived having been aborted when shortly afterwards, Sarento Juan de Hurtado was sent by the “adelantado” to inform Salcedo of the will of his ailing grandfather, Governor General Miguel Lopez de Legazpi, to return immediately to Manila.

AUGUST 20, 1572- The death of Governor General Miguel Lopez de Legazpi. Governor General Guido de Lavezares took over the administration of the Philippine Islands.

JULY 1573 - Captain Juan de Salcedo following the wish of the Governor General de LAvezares returned to Paracale with a force of 120 men retracing their path of the conquest of the Bicol River upstream reaching as far as Lake Bato, establishing there the Villa Santiago de Libong.

JUNE 24, 1577 - Arrival of the first group of the Franciscan Friars in the Philippines.
1578 - The province de los Camarines comprising the whole Bicol Region and Tayabas area were given to the care of the Franciscans. Naga, Nabua, and Quipayo were created parishes.
1581 - Paracale, Daet and Indan (Vinzons) were established as “Pueblos”.

AUGUST 14, 1595 - Diocese of Nueva Caceres was created suffragan of Manila.
1611- The Parishes of Paracale, Daet, and Indan were established. The first permanent parish priest was appointed in churches dedicated to their patron saints.
Paracale – Fray Hose de la Torre - Nstra. de Candelaria.
Daet – Fray Alonzo de Valdemoro – San Juan Bautista
Indan – Fray Juan de Losar

1632 – The “Visita” of Caugau and Capalonga was included within the jurisdiction of the Parish of Paracale.

1634 – Capalonga was separated from the mission of Paracale.

1666 – Mambulao was founded and its administration was given to the Franciscan Province of San Gregorio Magno. Fray Melchor Merio, OFM was appointed first minister and chaplain of the mines.

1687 – The religious returned to their mission in Paracale.

1696 – The Parish of Paracale was ceded definitely by the Religious to the Secular Clergy.

AUGUST 29, 1809 - The occurrence of the great miracle attributed to the Nstra. Sra. de Candelaria in defending the town from the attack of the Moro pirates.

1868 – The Paracale Church was placed under the tutelage of Sto. Nino Jesus having been great influenced by the increasing popularity of the devotion to the “Santissimo Nombre de Jesus” (Most Holy Name of Jesus) introduced and propagated by the Dominicans, personified through the image of the Child Jesus or the Sto. Niño. This was during the time of Msgr. Francisco Gainza, OP the third Dominican Bishop of Caceres.

NOVEMBER 27, 1880 – P. Patricio Zaño, the first priest from Paracale was ordained by Fray Casimiro Herrera, OSA. It was also during this year that the gothic wooden altar (retablo or reredo) of the Paracale church was constructed as an offering of the family of Don Vicente Zaño, the father of the Priest, himself a master carpenter and craftsman. The Franciscan returned to Paracale. The cemetery was constructed.

DECEMBER 16 – P. Patricio Zaño offered his “Miss de Garcia” in his hometown. It was the first in the Parish.

1881 – Nstra. Sra. de Candelaria was re-erected patronage of Paracale by Fray Casimiro Herrera, OSA., Bishop of Nueva Caceres upon the request of the Parish Priest and the people of Paracale.

1884 – The convent made of stone and wooden materials was constructed under Fr. Manuel Pozo.

1896 – Philippine Revolution for independence from Spain began.

1888–1889 – Repair and reconstruction of the century old church directed by Fr. Jose Cardenoso.

FEBRUARY 4, 1899 – The Filipino – American War began.

SEPTEMBER 22, 1899 – P. Patricio Zaño became the first Filipino Parish Priest of Paracale until July 12, 1913.

1902 – End of the Filipino – American War.
Batobalani began to exist as a “Visita” of Paracale when the people who fled there during the Filipino – American war decided to stay permanently in the place. It was then known as barrio “San Roque”.

1931 – Fr. Dorotheo Salen was ordained to the Priesthood.

1966 – The Passion Play was organized by Fr. Crispino Redoblado during the Holy Week celebration.

1974 – Paracale was declared as an Archdiocesan Pilgrim site by Archbishop Teopisto V. Alberto the Archbishop of Caceres.

SEPTEMBER 1, 1974 – Diocese of Daet formally established.

MAY 31, 1976 – Batobalani was formally related as the Parish of San Roque. The mother parish ceded six barrios to its administration.

FEBRUARY 7, 1981 – Bishop Wilfredo Manlapaz was ordained Bishop. The first Paracale born Priest to become a Bishop.

DECEMBER 16, 1981 – Paracale celebrated its Quadricentennial as a town.

AUGUST 16-20, 1991 – Golden Sacerdotal Jubilee of Msgr. Roman Rayos, HP. and blessing of the Hexes style Portico by Bishop Benjamin Almoneda, D.D. and enthronement of the Miraculous image of Nuestra Señora de Candelaria. (Diocese of Daet).

(The account of Paracale's Religious History came from the Diocese of Daet as gathered by the Provincial Tourism Office).

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The Municipality of San Vicente

San Vicente is a 5th class municipality located in the province of Camarines Norte, which is part of Bicol. It is roughly 350 kilometers south of Manila. The closest big towns are Daet (10 km) and Labo (15 km). South of San Vicente, about 120 kilometers away is Legazpi City, next to the famous and very active Mayon Volcano. It can be reached from Manila by car or bus such as Philtranco, Super Lines, and several other bus companies.

The municipality of San Vicente was already in existence even before the province of Camarines Norte became a separate and distinct province from Camarines Sur.

Prior to its creation 130 years ago, it was just a barrio of Talisay. The influx of people from other places led to its creation. It was named after St. Vincent Ferrer, the patron saint of the municipality.

Although San Vicente was made a municipality way back in 1877, its progress through the years could hardly be noticed. Its transition from a sleepy to a lively municipality has been very slow. Its development is very moderate.

Its slow march towards progress is attributed largely to its geographical location – it is in the inland part of the province. It is 10 kilometers by bus from Daet, the only municipality which it is linked by road.

The municipality is highly agricultural with abaca and coconut as its chief products. Majority of the farms are small, averaging less than a hectare in size. Most of the people depend on farming and home handicrafts, like the making of salakot, bilao and others.

San Vicente is proud of its peace and order condition. The spirit of helpfulness and cooperation still dwells in every inhabitant’s heart, particularly during hours of distress and unusual happenings.

It is more than this we-attitude that is practiced by the people, each one treating the other as more than a neighbor. A large segment of the population is related by blood.

San Vicente is the smallest municipality of Camarines Norte, composed of only nine barangays. These are:
Man Ogob
Calabagas
Cabanbanan
Fabrica
San Jose
Iraya Sur
Kanluran
Silangan
Asdum

It has a population of only 8,984 people in 1,765 households (based on Year 2000 Census). This accounts for only 1.91% of the total provincial population.


Education

Its major schools are:
San Vicente Elementary School,
Cabanbanan Elementary School
San Vicente Parochial School
San Vicente National High School
Fabrica National High School


Tourist Attraction

Mananap Falls - This falls is about 60 feet high with deep water ideal for swimming, freshwater fishing, camping and nature watching. It also offers opportunities for back-packing and trailing. This could be reached after a 2-kilometer hike from Barangay Fabrica.

All noted scenic spots of the province cannot equal or surpass the Mananap Falls of San Vicente. Its distinctive beauty, its cascading crystal and its breathtaking panoramic view can hold spellbound tourist enthusiasts. To reach the place, one has to take a jeepney from the town proper to Barangay Fabrica where one starts the hike of more or less 3 kms. through coconut plantation and watershed reservation. It takes two and a half hours to reach the place due to steep pathways. There are times when one feels like taking his last breath so that he tends to sit on the wayside to regain his energy. Along the way, green palm plants ideal for outdoor decor and rock gardens and other exotic plants could be gathered. It is approximately 2,000 feet above sea level. The falls itself is about nineteen (19) ms high, 3.5 ms. wide and seventy-five (75) ms long with its water rushing into the deep and bluish portion of the river. Its strong current rolls fiercely down huge rocks and can perhaps run a hydroelectric plant. The area below the falls is estimated to be about 500 square meters which, if developed, will make a spacious natural swimming pool in which the water need not be recycled because the supply is abundant, clean and fresh. Below is another portion of the river where the water calmly flows away to rest upon a place that is like a swan with a golden crown. This is not a scenic beauty conceived only in the imagination or existing only in songs or poems. It is a living reality which can be seen, touched and compared with other picturesque views. Thus compared, Mananap Falls will pass with flying colors (or spumes-Ed. - http://www.camarinesnortetourism.net/

There are three operational resorts along the Mananap river:

Greenfield Resort
Villamin Resort
Barangay Iraya Sur Resort

Its town fiesta is celebrated on the last Friday of April. The patron saint of the San Vicente Parish, which was established in 1877 is St. Vincent Ferrer.

The Parish used to celebrate its fiesta every April 5, the date assigned by the Universal Church to celebrate the Memory of Saint Vincent Ferrer. In 1957, however, upon the prodding of Padre Pablo Balon, the municipal council headed by Mayor Benjamin Llamanzares petitioned Bishop Pedro Santos of Caceres to allow them to celebrate the town fiesta every last Friday of April because April 5, always fell within the Lenten Season and many times within the Holy Week. Friday, on the other hand, is the day of the week dedicated to Saint Vincent Ferrer. The petition was granted by the Archbishop so that in 1958, the town celebrated their fiesta on April 25 and then, every last Friday of April every year thereafter.


History of the Parish/Municipality

1771 - The barrio which was then known as San Antonio (now the town of San Vicente), located southwest of Daet was founded by the Bishop of Nueva Caceres (Fray Antonio de Luna, OFM) who expanded the Franciscan missions in Daet.

1773 – The Franciscans left San Antonio when Bishop de Luna died.

1783 – This was reopened and placed under the jurisdiction of the Parish of Talisay by the new Bishop of Nueva Caceres, Fray Domingo Collantes, OP (a Dominican).

1803 – It was established as a town and placed under the patronage of one of the great Dominican Saints, Saint Vincent Ferrer, and the town was renamed “San Vicente” in honor of the saint.

1820 - Padre Mariano Estanislao was assigned Coadjutor Priest of Talisay and established residence in San Vicente. Under the guidance of the Parish Priest of Talisay, Padre Domingo Valencia and later, Padre Tomas Matias de San Antonio, Padre Estanislao supervised the construction of a stone church until his transfer in 1840.

1842 - Padre Ignacio dela Cruz took over the supervision of the church’s construction.

1843 – The church was completed.

1864 – The church was solemnly consecrated by Fray Francisco Gainza, OP, and Bishop of Nueva Caceres. Padre Tomas Romero was its resident Priest since 1862.

1877 - Bishop Francisco Gainza, OP issued the Ecclesiastical Charter elevating the status of the visita into an independent parish of San Vicente.

1904 - During the incumbency of Padre Ismael Almoneda, the belfry was re-constructed and two bells, one big and one small, were installed. These bells were pealed in great jubilation to welcome the Most Rev. Jorge I. Barlin, the first Filipino to become a bishop, during his Visita Pastoral on August 24, 1906.

1934 - The retablo at the main altar fell to the ground during a strong earthquake during the term of Fr. Jose Florin. The image of Saint Vincent Ferrer lording over the main altar on its niche lost half of the index finger of the left hand in that catastrophe.

1958 - The convent made of wood and the roofing of galvanized iron was constructed under the supervision of Padre Pablo Balon. It was home to the Parish Priest who succeeded him for three decades until a new concrete convent was constructed during the term of Fr. Cirilo Edgar Eboña.

1963 - The bigger bell which the inhabitants claimed had a very sonorous sound fell from the belfry. Beginning that day the people of San Vicente forever missed the sound of their much loved bell. It sustained a crack and was never restored to its original state.

1965 - Fr. Vicente Cornejo installed a smaller bell donated by Don Manuel Lopez. The bigger bell was kept only in the bodega of the old convent for a long time until it was brought to Manila for re-casting but it did not find its way back home.

1972 - Fr. Pedro Espedido, Jr. dismantled the lateral altars and constructed the present altar following the liturgical reforms of Vatican II.

1985 - The body of the church was expanded and the belfry was transferred form the top of the pediment to the left side of the church during the time of Fr. Elmer Regnim.

1986 - The right side of the church was constructed upon the assumption of Fr. Cirilo Edgar Eboña as Parish Priest.


Gawad Kalinga Project

Alegre Pangarap – CFC Mississauaga East Chapter,Toronto GK Village (Ancop Canada) 2006Brgy. San Jose, San Vicente, Camarines Norte (KL)(GK Partner: CFC Mississauga East)

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Camarines Norte Historical First's

From the website http://www.camarinesnortetourism/net

The people of Camarines Norte take singular pride in the fact that the very first Rizal Monument was erected in Daet in 1898. Rightfully so, because not only is it a monument to honor our national hero. It is also a testament to the nationalist and patriotic sentiments of our own forefathers who lived during those turbulent years of the Philippine Revolution.

There are actually many other firsts in the history of Camarines Norte. They show that the province was not a mere bystander to the great events that shaped the Filipino nation, but an active participants and contributor to them.


The following historical facts are reasons for the people of Camarines Norte to take greater pride in their province and in themselves:

1. The First Resistance to the Spanish Conquest of the Bicol Peninsula was by the native inhabitants of Paracale and Mambulao (now Jose Panganiban town). They refused to submit to the first expedition led by Conquistador Juan de Salcedo in 1571, and fought against the subsequent expedition sent by Governor-General Francisco de Sande in 1576.

2. The First Bikolano Priest was Bachiller Don Gregorio Cabalquinto from Paracale, Camarines Norte. He was ordained in 1706 and spent 47 years of his life in the priesthood.

3. One of the First Organizers and members of the La Solidaridad was t5he great patriot Jose Maria Panganiban who was born in Mambulao, Camarines Norte, in February 1863. He was not only genius of a writer, but was also a very eloquent orator and much admired by his peers in the Propaganda Movement.

4. The First mason Lodge in Bicol was co-founded in 1894 by Juan Miguel, a native of Camarines Norte, who became its first Worshipful Master. Masonry played a major role in the growth of nationalism among the Bikolanos. In 1897, Juan Miguel and six other prominent men of Camarines Norte, namely, Adriano Pajarillo, Pablo del Villar, Ramon Cabezudo, Gregorio Luyon, Diego Liñan and Florentino Peñalosa, were arrested and imprisoned by the Spaniards for their for their nationalist activities.

5. The First Katipunan Organized in Bicol was in Camarines Norte. It had its beginning as early as 1894 and was formally organized in November 1987 by Ildefonso Moreno, a prominent resident of Daet.

6. The First armed uprising against the Spaniards in the Bicol Region occurred in Daet and spread to other towns of Camarines Norte. The Daet Revolt was waged by the local Katipuneros from April 13-18, 1898. Although it was short-lived, the uprising signaled the beginning of the end of Spanish colonial rule in the Bicol Region.

7. The First Revolutionary General in Charge of the military operations against the Spaniards in Southern Tagalog, Bicol and the Visayas was General Vicente Lukban who was born in Labo, Camarines Norte, in February 1860. During the Filipino-American war, he was responsible for the Balangiga Massacre in Samar where a company of American occupation forces was almost wiped out by Filipino fighters.

8. The First Elected Mayor in Manila was Dr. Justo Lukban, another native of Labo, Camarines Norte. Earlier in 1898, he was appointed by Emilio Aguinaldo as a member of the Malolos Assembly to represent Ambos Camarines, particularly Camarines Norte. His son, Jose Lukban, became the First Director of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

9. The First Filipino Governor of Ambos Camarines during the American regime was Don Pimentel of Daet, Camarines Norte.

10. The First TRAMWAY (TRANVIA) in Bicol, if not in the entire Philippines, was built in Camarines Norte in 1903. It ran from the Poblacion of Daet to the port of Barra, now the town of Mercedes.

11. The First Bus Company Operating in Bicol was the A.M. Allen Transportation Company or ALATCO which started and was based in Daet, Camarines Norte.

12. The First Province with Regular Plane Service was Camarines Norte. In 1930, the Philippine Aerial Taxi Company or PATCO started its regular flights from Manila to Paracale. The First PAL FLIGHT was also from Manila to Bagasbas in Daet, Camarines Norte.

13. The First Water System in Bicol was constructed in Camarines Norte long before the outbreak of World War II.

14. The First Guerilla Unit to be organized in World War II was the Vinzons Guerilla. It was headed by Governor Wenceslao Q. Vinzons whose second-in-command was the rugged and fearless fighter Francisco “Turko” Boayes.

15. The First Encounter between the Japanese forces and a resistance group during the World War II took place in sitio Laniton in Basud, Camarines Norte, where the men of Governor Vinzons ambushed the advance troops of the Japanese occupational forces in Bicol.

16. The First Major Success of the resistance movement during the World War II was accomplished by the Vinzons Guerilla. In April-May, 1942, without any external assistance, they retook Daet and six other towns of Camarines Norte from the Japanese forces. No other guerilla unit accomplished a similar feat, particularly at that early stage of the Japanese occupation of the Philippines.

17. The First National Artist of the Philippines is the great painter Fernando Amorsolo. He was born in 1892 and grew up in Daet, Camarines Norte, whose rustic beauty and sceneries inspired him in his early paintings.

18. The First Filipino Film Producer and Director to gain International Recognition was Manuel (Urbano) Conde of Camarines Norte. His film Genghis Khan won an award in the Cannes Festival in the 1950’s. There must be surely other events giving the province of Camarines Norte such historical distinction. Indeed, most recently, the First Lady Commissioner ever appointed to head the very important Bureau of Internal Revenue is a daughter of Daet, Liwayway Vinzons Chato.

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GK Transforms Poor Camarines Village

As our Lord admonished us in the parable of the talents, “To whom much has been given, much, will also be required.”

The following is an excerpt from a news article that appeared on the front page of the Philippine Star last Sunday, July 29, 2007. Until I read it, I didn't know that there are already several Gawad Kalinga Villages in Camarines Norte, many funded by Filipino expatriates working and living abroad. This particular GK Village is in Barangay Bibiran (anybody knows where it is?) and is funded by Filipino expats in Vietnam.

GK Transforms Poor Camarines Village
By Patricia Esteves

For nine years Susan Lara and her nine children have been living hand-to-mouth existence in Barangay Bibiran in Daet, Camarines Norte.

Bibiran is one of the poorest barangays in Daet, where residents earn an average of only P2,00-P3,000 per month for a family of 7-10 members as dumpsite scavengers or casual laborers in coconut, rice and vegetable farms.

But what compounds the residents’ difficult situation is that they have to contend with the filth and smell of garbage every day since Barangay Bibiran has been a dumpsite for 25 years.

When the local government announced plans to make Bibiran an extension of a nearby garbage dumpsite last year, Susan knew the situation would get worse and cause more health problems, especially for the children.

They appealed to newly elected Daet Mayor Tito Sarion to reconsider.

Little did they know that God would grant not one but two of their prayers for not only did Mayor Sarion reject plans to make Barangay Bibiran an extended dumpsite, but Gawad Kalinga chose the location for the GK Pinyasan Vietnam Village.

Susan and 260 other families are beneficiaries of the GK homes that were donated by a group of Vietnam expatriates.

Last July 21, the Vietnam delegation helped in the construction of an initial 30 homes in Brgy Bibiran.

Renan Danganan, President of Ho Chi Minh’s Samahan ng Pinoy (SAPI) spoke on behalf of the Filipino expatriates in Vietnam, saying that the contributions for the 30 homes came from Filipinos working in all levels and various professions, but united in one mission to contribute in uplifting the lives of the poorest of the poor in the country.

The local government pledged to provide electrification, an access road, a sewage system and deep well water. Mayor Sarion said that the old dumpsite will be closed and transformed into a seedling bank, while the new dumpsite will be opened outside the municipal boundaries and will feature a Waste Material Recycling Facility in August.

The beneficiaries in turn will send their children to GK’s SAGIP, SIBOL & SIGA educational programs; participate actively in the livelihood projects involving planting of the sweet Formosa pineapple variety, pili nut and cocoa trees; and most importantly, attend the value formation programs that are under the auspices of the local chapter of the Couples for Christ.

Of the five hectares, two will be used for housing and the rest set aside for livelihood activities.

GK Pinyasan represents the 11th GK Village in the province of Camarines Norte.

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Paracale, Camarines Norte's Gold Mine

As I have mentioned in my previous postings, the next Camarines Norte municipality we will be featuring in this blogsite is Paracale. I started surfing the web for articles and photos of the town. Unlike Vinzons, however, there was not much about its culture that I gathered. I got beautiful pictures of Pulang Daga from the blogsite of marisol cribe-angala (A La Consolacion College graduate). Pulang Daga Beach Resort has clean white sand and swimming-safe cove; it commands a panoramic view of the Pacific Ocean. Other than these, the rest of the articles I gathered centered on Paracale’s gold.

For more pictures go to http://picasaweb.google.com/gold50/PlacesParacale

Paracale is a 3rd class municipality in the province of Camarines Norte, Philippines. It has a population of 42,453 people in 8,431 households (2000 Census). Paracale is a coastal municipality located on the Northeastern part of the province, with a total area of 194.80 sq. kms. The municipality is composed of 27 barangays.

Awitan
Bagumbayan
Bakal
Batobalani
Calaburnay
Capacuan
Casalugan
Dagang
Dalnac
Dancalan
Gumaus
Labnig
Macolabo Island
Malacbang
Malaguit
Mampungo
Mangkasay
Maybato
Palanas
Pinagbirayan Malaki
Pinagbirayan Munti
Poblacion Norte
Poblacion Sur
Tabas
Talusan
Tawig
Tugos

History

Juan de Salcedo was dispatched by Legaspi to explore the island in 1571. After subduing Taytay and Cainta, he marched further across Laguna and Tayabas. He visited the gold-laden towns of Mambulao and Paracale, obsessed by what he heard from natives of the existing gold mines in these towns.There were already native settlements in the area that became Camarines Norte when the Spaniards arrived. The flourishing towns of Mambulao and Paracale were two of them. Indan and Daet were the other settlements, besides Capalonga and others. But Paracale remained the most sought after and the most prosperous, because of its gold mines.

A government website (http://www.mgb.gov.ph/) states that while gold deposits are found throughout the country, they are concentrated in the five (5) recognized gold mining districts: 1) Baguio gold district; 2) Paracale gold district; 3) Masbate gold district; 4) Surigao gold district; and 5) Masara (Davao) gold district.

Paracale Gold Field is the oldest in the Philippines with historic productions before 1939 in excess of three million ounces of gold. This gold mining district has been known throughout Philippine history and is considered as one of the richest in this country and in the world.

Gold mining in Paracale reached its peak during the pre-war years and contributed greatly to the economy of the municipality. This, however, virtually slowed down except for small-scale mining operations. People somehow managed to survive on their jewelry making industry.

Some studies have shown that these small-scale mining operations are causing pollution and commonly make use of child labor. Some of the chidren only worked during week-ends, whereas others worked seven days a week and for that reason did not attend school. Many of the children working with gold extraction use mercury, exposing them to danger.

I watched Jessica Soho’s weekly show in GMA-7 last night. It featured the children doing hazardous jobs in the gold panning and small-scale mining operations in Paracale. It showed children working ten hours a day. A little girl who worked while soaked in mud the whole day said that she was paid a measly P20 a day! (I found a picture in the internet, which I am posting here).

A study conducted by the Philippine Institute of Development Studies (PIDS) in 1999 in Barangay Tugos in Paracale showed that mining is the major source of livelihood of the residents of this small barangay with an area of only 9 square kilometers. Based on barangay files, there were about 100 small-scale gold mining tunnels in the area although only 35 were operating at the time of the study. Each tunnel operation was estimated to employ about 11 to 20 miners. Thus, there were 385 to 700 miners in Tugos. Part of the small-scale mining operations in Tugos falls within the mining claim of a large-scale mining firm, the United Paragon Mining Corporation.

A brief survey conducted between April and June 1999 in Tugos confirmed the general occurrence of mercury pollution in the small-scale mining areas. This condition has caused health-related problems among miners and other people as well as significant siltation and sedimentation of water bodies and loss of fishery resources. (Just an aside, and on a different situation, my eldest brother died of malaria in the mid-80s when he joined a group doing gold-panning in Paracale.)

Large scale mining operations will soon resume in the municipality. The Paracale Mining Site was acquired by Pearl Asian Mining Industries (PAMI) in conjunction with Philippines Gold Mining Corporation on Feb 4, 2004. This acquisition marks a new era of cooperation between private industry and the Philippine government in the development and refining of the island's national resources.Paracale Mining Site mills 650 tons of rock daily, yielding 382 ounces of gold and 1,018 ounces of silver per day. Current prices for gold and silver project the mine's annual yield at over $40,000,000 gross or $12,000,000 net.PAMI will immediately upgrade current processes to increase the yield of the operation, which should realize an additional 20% to 25% output with minimal increase in cost of operation or capital outlay.Short range plans to construct a new electro-wining and refining plant will maximize the gold and silver recovery, while also adding platinum, iridium and palladium to the site's products. The new facility will also increase the capacity of rock throughput resulting in further increases in total production and bottom line profits
From: http://www.pearlasianmining.com/paracale_mining.html

Will this also mark the improvement in the lives of the people?

The images of the children working in the mud under hazardous conditions are very disturbing. In my recent visit to Bacolod, I met with a Negros-based NGO. One of its programs is non-formal education for child laborers. Since the NGO can not prevent the children from working in the farms, what it is trying to do is to improve the chances of these children to get better opportunities later.

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Special Feature: Municipality of Vinzons, Camarines Norte

Vinzons: Center of religion and politics? It has produced the most number of priests and nuns in the province; and the most number of provincial elective officials!

Source: Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia, with data update from the National Statistical Coordination Board (NSCB) and additional information from Alot Barbin-Arcilla.

Vinzons is a 3rd class, partially-urban municipality in the province of Camarines Norte. It has a population of 37,893 people in 7,407 households (based on 2000 Census). It has a land area of 9,060 hectares.

The first recorded name of Vinzons was Tacboan and was later changed to Indan. The town was renamed "Vinzons" in honor of Wenceslao Q. Vinzons, a former governor of the province. youngest delegate to the Philippine Constitutional Convention of 1935, and a guerilla leader martyred by the Japanese during World War II.

The town was established in 1581 by the Franciscan Fathers without a patron saint and without a church. It was not until 1611 that the Church was built with Saint Peter as its Patron Saint. The Church is now the oldest in Camarines Norte, and one of the oldest in the country. Vinzons is known for the religiosity of its inhabitants, contributing priests and nuns to the Catholic Church more than any other town in the province. And several of the priests became bishops.

Curiously, the town has always been known as the town of politicians having had more provincial elective officials than in any other town in the province. The late former Congressman Jessie Pimentel came from Vinzons. He sat as Congressman for three terms, after which, he got elected as Governor. Now all three current Board Members of Camarines Norte are all from Vinzons - Dr. Ruth Ferrer, ex-Mayor Segundo, and Jonas Pimentel.

There was a time, in fact, when all three candidates for governor hailed from Vinzons as when Dominador Asis, Fernando V. Pajarillo, and Wenceslao G. Vinzons, Jr. ran for governor in the elections of 1964. Before that, majority of the provincial governors came from Vinzons: Carlos Balce (1928-1931) Wenceslao Q. Vinzons (1937-1940), Carlos Ascutia (1944-1946), Regino Z. Guinto (1946-1947), Cayetano Vinzons (1958), Dominador Asis (1959-1963), Wenceslao G. Vinzons, Jr. (1964-1968), Fernando V. Pajarillo,(who died while in office).

Education is likewise valued by the inhabitants in that every family would attempt to send their children to study in Manila despite the prohibitive costs of lodging and tuition. It is the only town where in a single year, four lawyers passed the Bar examinations in 1978: Oscar G. Raro, Fernando Saludes, Dominador Ferrer, Jr., and Joseph Balce.

Several successful businessmen also hail from Vinzons. The owners of PVP and MGP buses plying the Daet-Metro Manila route are the Pajarillo and Penalosa families, who are both from Vinzons.

What is it in the values or psyche of the Vinzonians that make them successful in various fields?

Vinzons is politically subdivided into 19 barangays.
Aguit-It
Banocboc
Cagbalogo
Calangcawan Norte
Calangcawan Sur
Guinacutan
Mangcayo
Mangcawayan
Manlucugan
Matango
Napilihan
Pinagtigasan
Barangay I (Pob.)
Barangay II (Pob.)
Barangay III (Pob.)
Sabang
Santo Domingo
Singi
Sula

For pictures of Vinzons, visit the photo gallery: http://picasaweb.google.com/gold50/VinzonsPictures



These are not our original pictures. They were mostly downloaded from the blogsite of Ivan Henares: http://ivanhenares.blogspot.com/ and from the public gallery of http://www.flickr.com/.

We still hope to get original pictures from Alot that we can add to our photo gallery.

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History of Daet

Daet is an ancient settlement. Its history dates back from the time the Tabon cave men, from either Kalanay Caves of Masbate or Kagraray cave in Albay, escaped from the cruel government of their Rajah. The myth about the Malayan traders as the first people in the Bikol region is fast being debunked by the recent excavations made in the Kalanay and Kagraray caves. As these findings from archeologists indicate, Malayan settlers came later.

In 1571, when Juan de Salcedo and his party came to the Bikol region in quest of gold, they discovered that Daet was already a thriving settlement. The Spaniards noted that the houses were clustered together for safety and protection. Thus, the word Daet was derived from the Bicol word “dait-daitan” which means “close to each other”.

A popular legend among the people of Camarines Norte and Daet, is the legend of the first abaca plant. According to the legend, the Spanish king exiled a certain Spanish nobleman, Marquis de Camarines. He was believed to have carried the first abaca plant during his travel via the Acapulco - Manila galleon. He was also believed to be one of those selected to plant abaca in the Bicol region. Nevertheless, the experiment was successful because the Bicol region became the source of the abaca fiber exported and loaded in the galleons (Manila-Acapulco galleon trade) which went on for almost 250 years.

Also, according to the legend, the Marquis de Camarines fell in love with a Filipina beauty. Their union resulted in a long line of blood relations which linked some families in Daet until today. One of these is the Dela Estrada family who helped implement the development plan of Daet. The Dela Estrada family reportedly shared in the infrastructure development of Daet which included the Catholic Church, the old Spanish bridges, the culverts, and the palatial mansions. Some of them still exist.

From 1565 to 1818, Daet was raided by Moros from time to time. The present municipalities of Basud and Mercedes suffered the greatest. Many either died or became captives. Because of the raids, the Spaniards fortified Basud and Mercedes. The fort ruins and Spanish cannons are now buried under mounds of sand. It was believed that the bells used in announcing the coming of the Moros were also buried under the fortifications.

Until the end of the Spanish regime, the barrio and surrounding territory of Barangay Calasgasan was an independent municipality. It was later merged with Daet after the American liberation. The oldest hacienda, covering almost 400 hectares planted to abaca, is found in this barrio where the municipal site once stood. However, this remains to be proven by researchers.

During the revolutionary government, the last and most bloody clash with the Spaniards was the encirclement of the Spanish forces and civilians of the Casino de los Espa񯬥s. With great expectation, the Bikolanos were waiting for the coming of General Lukban who finally arrived in September 1898. Before his arrival, the Spaniards from Daet fled to Mercedes and boarded the ship Serantes. At the time, the local insurrectos were restless and itched for action. Ildefonso Moreno, unmindful of the risks to his life, gave the signal to strike but died when Arana fired his pistol in retaliation. In the ensuing moments, many of the Spaniards left for Mercedes. It was reported that they bayoneted the Filipino soldier they brought along with them before sailing for Iloilo.

Later, General Lukban turned over the reins of the provisional Philippine government to Don Valeriano Cua, municipal captain. He also assigned Capt. Antonio Sanz and a garrison force to defend Daet in case of Spanish reprisal.

Don Antonio Sanz, sector commander and officer of the revolutionary forces, inspired the erection of the first monuments built in the Philippines in memory of Dr. Jose Rizal. This monument is found at the corner of Plaza Rizal Libertad of Daet. Unfortunately, the people of Daet forgot their own Bikolano hero, Jose Maria Panganiban, who died much earlier in Barcelona, Spain on August 19,1880 (???). Other revolutionary heroes who were accorded honors were: Tomas Zaldua (last of the capitanes) and Jose Aba񯮠They were tortured for their refusal to reveal the plot to overthrow the Spanish government. A certain Don Aniceto was also burned alive in the public plaza of Daet together with six martyrs on Easter Sunday in April 1898.

On March 4, 1900, the American forces came aboard the Steamer Venus without any resistance. Two companies under the over-all command of Gen. Bates made their garrison at the town. Antonio Sanz, the commander of the revolutionary force, surrendered as has previously been arranged in Camarines Sur (Daet was still under Ambos Camarines).

Under the American regime, the town was developed under the new order. A civil government was established with Juan Pimentel Y. Campos as the first Municipal President. Later, he became the first Provincial Governor of Ambos Camarines.

While Daet regained the old Calasgasan during the Spanish period, it however, lost the big barrios. These were Basud in 1911 and Mercedes in 1918. They were later created as new municipalities.

Daet today is no longer the sleepy town of yesteryears. Daet is not only the center of commerce and industry but likewise the center of government, education and health services in the province.

From the Camarines Norte Website

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New bishop of Daet named

His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI has accepted the resignation of Bishop Benjamin J. Almoneda, and has appointed Monsignor Gilbert A. Garcera as the new bishop of Daet in Camarines Norte.


Bishop Almoneda tendered his resignation, according to the mandate of Canon law, on his 75 th birthday, April 11, 2005. But the resignation was not accepted until Wednesday, April 4, 2007 – two years later. It was officially published in Rome, by the Vatican, on that day, and the news was released simultaneously in Manila by His Excellency Archbishop Fernando Filoni, the Apostolic Nuncio to the Philippines.


Monsignor Gilbert Armea Garcera is 48 years old. He was born on February 2, 1959, in Magarao, Camarines Sur. His elementary education was in Naga Parochial School, and his seminary training in Holy Rosary Seminary in Naga City. He was ordained at the age of 24 in the Naga Metropolitan cathedral. He earned his M.A. in Theology at the Ateneo de Manila University, and his Doctorate in Organizing, Planning and Development at SAIDI, in Antipolo City.


He has served as the Assistant Parish Priest in the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral; for 15 years he was rector of the Caceres Archdiocesan Catechetical Ministry; and for 14 years he headed the Caceres Commission on Communications. He was Vice-Rector of the Peñafrancia Minor Basilica, Administrative Director of Radio Veritas Asia, and for three years the assistant Secretary General of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of the Philippines.


Since the year 2004 he has been the National Director of the Pontifical Missionary Societies, and a member of the Supreme Committee of “Pontificie Opere Missionarie” in Vatican.


No date has been set for his ordination as Bishop, of for his installation as the new Bishop of the Diocese of Daet in Camarines Norte.


From the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Manila Website


CURRICULUM VITAE

Birth: February 2, 1959Magarao, Camarines Sur
Father: Celestino Borja GarceraMother: Nenita Romero Armea (+)
Ordination: May 29, 1983, Naga Metropolitan Cathedral, Naga City
Appointed Honorary Prelate: July 5, 1997


STUDIES
Elementary: Naga Parochial School, Naga City
High School: Holy Rosary Minor Seminary, Naga City
College: Holy Rosary Minor Seminary, Naga City
Graduate Studies:Holy Rosary Major Seminary, Naga City (STB)Ateneo de Manila University, Quezon City (MA Theo Studies)SAIDI, Antipolo City (Doctoral, Organiztion Planning and Development)


ASSIGNMENTS
1983-1985 Assistant parish PriestNaga Metropolitan Cathedral
1985 MemberPresbyteral Council of Caceres
1987-2002 DirectorCaceres Archdiocesan Catechetical Ministry
1988-2002 Caceres Commission on Communications
1991-1998 Vice-RectorPeñafrancia Minor Basilica
1991-2002 MemberArchdiocesan Pastoral Council of Caceres
1992-1995 Administrative DirectorRadio Veritas Asia
1998-2002 Parish PriestSt. Francis of Assisi ParishNaga City
2003-2005 Assistant Secretary GeneralCBCP
2004 National DirectorPontifical Missionary Societies
2005 MemberSupreme Committee of “Pontificie Opere Missionarie”Vatican City

Garcera is new Daet bishop

POPE Benedict XVI has appointed a new bishop of the Diocese of Daet in Camarines Norte after the retirement of Bishop Benjamin Almoneda.
Almoneda tendered his resignation when he turned 75 years old on April 11 last year but the Vatican accepted the resignation only last April 4.
Appointed to replace him was Msgr. Gilbert Garcera, 48, a native of Magarao, Camarines Sur, who attended Catholic elementary at the Naga Parochial School and completed his seminary training at the Holy Rosary Seminary in Naga City.
At 24, Garcera was ordained a priest at the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral and he holds a master’s degree in theology from the Ateneo de Manila University and doctor’s degree in organizational planning and development at the Southeast Asia Interdisciplinary Institute in Antipolo City.
Garcera has served as the assistant parish priest in the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral and was rector of the Caceres Archdiocesan Catechetical Ministry for 15 years. Thereafter he headed the Caceres Commission on Communications.
He also was vice rector of the Penancia Minor Basilica, administrative director of Radio Veritas Asia and, for three years, assistant secretary-general of the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines.
Since 2004, Garcera has been the national director of the Pontifical Missionary Societies, and a member of the Supreme Committee of “Pontificie Opere Missionarie” in the Vatican.
There is still no date for his ordination as bishop or his episcopal installation in Daet.

Dennis Carcamo

Diocese of Daet

The Diocese of Daet is the principal seat of the Disciples of Hope. In this diocese the community runs a 126-year old Saint Vincent Ferrer Church in the town of San Vicente, Camarines Norte. The parish also administers a High School. Fr. Alejandro Cabonelas, its present Pastor, provides pastoral care to the hospitals in the nearby Daet town. The Mother House of the Disciples of Hope is located in this parish.

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Calaguas Island

Golden heritage
By Dexter R. Matilla

Inquirer
Last updated 00:45am (Mla time)
04/30/2007
MANILA, Philippines -

Camarines Norte has billed itself as the "Land of Gold and Golden Opportunities," perhaps winking at its reputation for having gold resources.

But the gold could lie elsewhere. It could lie, for example, in the natural and cultural riches of the province.

The province's potential is seen on Calaguas Island, which has a beach that's boasted as better than Boracay's.

Artist Joaquin Palencia, who hails from Camarines Norte, pointed to the fine white sand of Calaguas. It is a rare virgin island worth the two-hour boat ride from the capital city of Daet.


Calaguas may look surreal at first glimpse. The main beach is called "Mahabang Buhangin," referring to the island's extremely long beach length.


The crystal-clear water stretches offshore and the waves are perfect for surfing. There are no resorts to be found but there are a few friendly locals willing to help guests set up camp.
A day is obviously not enough to enjoy Calaguas, but it is not the only attraction offered by Camarines Norte.

Tourists can visit Vinzons Catholic Church, said to be one of the oldest in the country. It contains a replica of the Black Nazarene, which is honored during the Capalonga fiesta.

For those who don't like the idea of going on a two-hour boat ride to Calaguas, there is the Bagasbas beach, about five kilometers from downtown Daet. The white-sand beach passed the international surfing standard of the Department of Tourism. It is an exceptional place for swimming and picnic.

Camarines Norte also produces some of the sweetest queen pineapples in the country. This must have been the inspiration behind the Pineapple Island resort, a one-of-a-kind waterpark in Bicol suited to family getaways.

During a courtesy call of the media, Gov. Jesus Typoco and Rep. Renato Unico Jr. expressed their optimism about the potential of Camarines Norte to become a top tourist destination in the country.

Considered as the gateway to the Bicol region, the province has a lot to offer especially to those who are looking for something new and are seeking adventure, tired of the overcrowded summer beach destinations.

Friday, May 04, 2007
For more pictures, go to:
http://dps-class67.blogspot.com/gold50/calaguasIsland

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Camarines Norte's Must See Places

From Ed Canela
April 1, 2007


Foundation Day of Camarines Norte (April 15)
A week-long celebration of the foundation anniversary of the province. Highlighted by a commemorative mass, civic military parade, agro-industrial fair, exhibits, sports festivals.

Some Natural places to visit (for Balikbayans)

Mananap Falls
Located in San Vicente, roughly 18 kilometers west of the capital. To reach it, one has to hike uphill for two kilometers but the deep cool waters of the falls are worth the climb.

Imee-Irene Twin Falls
Located in Sta. Elena, it is still virtually unexplored because of its great distance from Daet.

Colasi Falls
Located in Colasi Mercedes, it is an aesthetic falls in the midst of the forest which could be reached through hiking. The falls has an approximate height of 70 ft. offering a good place for swimmers and nature lovers because of its flashing blue cool water. It can be reached in about one hour by jeepney from Daet to Baronage Colasi plus a 3-hour hike from Colasi to the falls.

Bagasbas Beach
The most popular beach in the province can be found 5 km. from downtown Daet or about 10 minutes by land. A wide white sand beach, it is ideal for swimming, beachcombing, and summer outings and picnics.

Lanot Beach
Fascinating for its spring; 30 km. south of Daet. Barangay Lanot of Mercedes can be reached by banca or motorboat through Barangay Hinipaan, 15 km. from Daet.

Pag-asa Beach
Located 46 km. northwest of Daet and 3 km. from Jose Panganiban. Popular among swimmers, picknickers, and promenaders.

Itok Falls
Located about 79 km. northwest of Daet, 4 km. west of Capalonga. Fresh and lush foliage and vegetation make it more romantic; its scenic vista soothes tired souls and heavy hearts.

Canton Cave
It can be reached in 45 minutes by motorboat from Mercedes town; inviting to the adventurous; exploring it is timed with the tide’s ebb and flow.

San Jose Beach
Wide beach with fine sand; a 15-minute ride from Daet and Talisay; ideal for picnics and swimming.

Pulang Daga Beach
It can be reached in two hours by bus from Daet and Paracale; frequented by picknickers and swimmers; made a setting for a film; clean white sands and swimming-safe cove; with cottages for rent.

Mampurog River
A 15 minute ride by jeepney, southwest of Daet along the San Lorenzo Ruiz-Daet road; ideal for bathers, swimmers, picknickers and campers.

Apuao Grande Island Resort
It can be reached in 15 to 30 minutes by motorboat from Mercedes; complete with hotel/cottages, swimming pool, restaurant and bar, and a golf course; caters mostly to foreign tourists.

Bulalakao Beach
Crystal clear water and white sandy shores; located at Luklukan Sur, about 9 km. from Jose Panganiban town proper; inviting to swimmers and picknickers.

Calalanay Island Beach
Located in Calaguas Island, Vinzons.

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