Libjo LIVE!

Libjo Mayor's 53rd Birthday Celebration

2008-08-02T21:30:00.005+08:00

The 53rd birthday celebration of Libjo's town mayor this August 1 was extended until the next day. Honored guests includes the executives of mining companies in Libjo, Board Member Ukem Ecleo, Vice Mayor Romeo Villarosa, Tubajon's Mayor Ronald Luib with his better half, SB Members and the Barangay Officials. The ANHS Dance Troupe , launching of the hot air balloon and a disco that ends around 4am graced the said occasion.

Libjo's Mayor Lamberto Llamera and Tubajon's Mayor Ronald Luib together with their first ladies Dr. Ma. Fe Borja Llamera and Mrs. Velia Arreza Luib during the extended day.

At the mayor's residence.

Voyage to Paradise

2008-07-11T21:00:00.002+08:00

Armed with good food, good company and an indomitable sense of adventure, we sailed off the beaten track and found the joys of frontier diving.

We hope the pictures speak adequately of Napantaw's mind-boggling fish-clouded, candy-colored, coral-laden wall; or do justice to remote, paradisaical Dinagat Island, an undiscovered gem tucked away in a time-forgotten corner of the archipelago; or perhaps convey the sense of living la dolce vita at The Surf Camp on Calicoan Island.

Link to Kevin and Joy's Site and to more photos.

Waterworld by Sight

2008-07-04T21:46:00.006+08:00

The horizon at sunrise

Wave makers

Libjo Bay at sunset

Playing with the sunset

Libjo at First Rally

2008-06-26T23:37:00.004+08:00

“Libjo? Nasa Pilipinas pa ba yan?” Those were my exact words the first time I heard of the town. For the past eight months I dreaded the idea of going to the islands, yet I know like the air that I breath, it is inevitable.

So, as a loyal subject, I decided to go and get it over and done with. With the smug smile on my face and all the positivism I could master, I go aboard on a journey to Libjo and mentally labeled it as “MY JUNE ADVENTURE”.

I was totally captivated by the serene view of twilight, and the chill of dawn that greeted me.

I thought I had my share of the trimmings during fiestas, because I’ve been to different places, yet nothing cautioned me for the assault of colors when I first saw the bandiritas…. all lined up on the streets of Albor…streets after streets.. corner after corners… as far as the eyes can see… giving one an ambiance of nobility and welcome.

Everybody is so warm and friendly, treating me like their long lost bestfriend…and telling me.. that I must stay for the Fiesta and got the chance to dance “kuratcha”…( I do not have any idea how that is being done,until i asked someone to explain)

How I wish I could…but pressing matters need to be attended to.. and since my work has been done, (although with some bumps and hallows along the way), I need to say goodbye to Libjo.

Never again though, will I ever look at the map, and see it as an insignificant island, because seven days ago, in this historic land mass, I embarked on a job and an adventure… where I had BOTH and something more. A lagniappe I call it. Story by Illusion

Libjo Fiesta Celebration 2008

2008-06-14T20:57:00.009+08:00

4th Libjo Motocross Open Invitational

Result For Enduro Novice:
1. Loloy Cuares (Surigao) - 1st
2. Eddie Vega (Surigao) - 2nd
3. Jumby Galagaran (Surigao) - 3rd
4. Cesar Crisologo (Surigao)
5. Dindo Arlan (Surigao)
6. Kenken Helya (San Jose)

Result For Underbone (Small Bike)
1. Kenken Helya (San Jose) - 1st
2. Dodong Helya (San Jose) - 2nd
3. Hataw Boy (Surigao) - 3rd

Result Inter-open Category:
1. Leo Letim (Surigao) - 1st
2. Angelo Elacion (Surigao) - 2nd
3. San Jose Boy - 3rd

Result For AMA - Production:
1. Loloy Madrid (Cantilan) - 1st
2. Angelo Elacion (Surigao) - 2nd
3. Leo Letim (Surigao) - 3rd
4. Ronie Elsisura

Result For Expert Production:
1. Pupit Frias (Cantilan) - 1st
2. Payok Cuares (Surigao) - 2nd
3. Jeck Gubaton (Surigao) - 3rd
4. Leo Letim (Surigao)
5. Loloy Madrid (Cantilan)

News: Sandiganbayan Affirms Ecleo's Graft Conviction

2008-06-13T19:53:00.002+08:00

The Sandiganbayan has affirmed three graft convictions against former San Jose, Surigao del Norte Mayor Ruben Ecleo, Jr., and three of his former subordinates in connection with fund disbursement anomalies in three construction projects during his term.

In a resolution by the anti-graft court's First Division promulgated June 6, Ecleo’s appeal was dismissed for lack of merit, noting that the defendant raised arguments that were already "deliberated, passed upon and explained by the Court" when it convicted him on October 13, 2006.

The Sandiganbayan cases involved the construction of a public market, a new municipal building and a guesthouse, which the court said were all fraudulent, and were undertaken between 1991 and 1994. Full story.

News: DBP Launches Initiatives for Strategic Sectors

2008-06-12T11:41:00.004+08:00

State-owned Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) launches today new initiatives on health care, corporate governance, and the environment as part of its traditional Independence Day celebration at the DBP headquarters in Makati City.
----
DBP will sign an agreement with UK-based CarbonAided Limited for the registration of a number of mini-hydro power projects under the Clean Development Mechanism (CDM) of the Kyoto Protocol. CDM registration entitles project owners to profit from the sale of carbon emission reduction credits that result from the implementation of their projects.

The projects to be registered under the CDM are the Hinubasan Minihydro Power Project in Dinagat Island; Cantingas Minihydro Power Project in Romblon; and the Sevilla Minihydro Power Project in Bohol.

David said the initiative enables the projects to generate an estimated emission reduction of 15,000 tons of CO2 a year, translating to about US$150,000 additional income to minihydro power project owners. He added that the initiative is a breakthrough for DBP, with the income generated also benefiting the host communities of the said minihydro power projects. Full story.

ACES Alumni Homecoming

2008-06-10T16:30:00.013+08:00

Albor Central Elementary School of Libjo, Dinagat Islands successfully held its 1st Grand Alumni Homecoming in June 10, 2008 and eventually elected the first set of Alumni Officers. It is agreed by everybody that a homecoming shall be held every year where a particular batch will be assigned to sponsor the event. Grand Alumni Disco grace the said affair.

The New Set of Officers;
President - Ralph Cafe
Vice President - Marivic Boquilon
Secretary - Muthja Jacquez
Asst. Secretary - Janette Pachu
Treasurer - Euzel Cabeza
Auditor - Suzanate Sandigan
Asst. Auditor - Ednalyn Patulin
Sgt. At Arms - Mitchelle Bagata, Cyrus Malbacias, Redson Torillo, Wenhel Ebra
P.I.O. - Adelyn Plarisan, Bimbo Tumamak, Tito Bucio, Jelson Andit
Board of Directors - Irma Verana, Marlo Ebale, Jeanette Salupan, Yenyen Malbacias
Muse - Irish Bonje
Escort - Dennis Buenafe

Grand Alumni Disco Photos ( Click the photo to have a closer look)

Windows of Libjo

2008-06-06T20:57:00.015+08:00

On the way to Bolod-bolod

At the corner....Adring's Store

Road improvement reached Quarry

Almost sunset, Libjo Bay

Albor Barangay Hall

The Rural Health Center (rightmost)

Ricefield, along Bolod-bolod to San Jose highway

Watermelon.....

Copra business

Banana.......anyone? :)

Tabo every Friday

Beside Navarro Gym, during the Tabo

Carabaos.....

Coco Farm

Dinagat in History: Legacy of Memories

2008-06-03T09:08:00.004+08:00

Four months earlier during World War II, a less-famous flag-raising occurred on Dinagat Island in the Philippines on Oct. 17, 1944, heralding the pending arrival of Gen. Douglas MacArthur, who had promised, “I shall return.”

“Today, I saw the first flag recaptured from the Japs here. It is in the office of Lt. General Krueger, gruff soldierly commander of our Sixth Army. Here is part of the story of the flag, but only part of the story, for no single man knows the whole story. We can assume it passed into the hands of the Japs somewhere on Luzon Island back in 1942, and eventually a Nipponese lieutenant named Yamate took what he thought final possession of it. Yamate was stationed on Bataan. One day he was transferred to Dinagat Island. Dinagat, you’ll recall, was seized by Sixth Army Rangers on Oct. 17 -- three days before the invasion of Leyte. Well, when we landed there, Lt. Yamate skipped and he skipped in a hurry. Around noon on the 17th, Lt. Therrien of Thompsonville, Conn., was checking articles which fleeing Jap officers had left behind. And in Lt. Yamate’s trunk Therrien found the flag. What’s more it was neatly folded, according to the prescribed American Army regulations. The flag, which Yamate brought to Dinagat Island from Bataan, was recovered intact, except for two small holes possibly caused by shots though no one will ever know for sure. In the early hours of the afternoon of the 17th, a little group of the Sixth Army Rangers gathered around a hastily constructed flagpole on Dinagat Island. Sgt. Francis W. Anderson, Chehalis, Washington, raised the flag and the others saluted. A few days ago, the Rangers turned it over to General Krueger, their boss, and some day soon, he’s going to give it to his boss, Douglas MacArthur, and that’s the story of the first flag recaptured in the Philippines. From Lt. Yamate to Gen. MacArthur. This is Arthur Feldman reporting.” Link to Full Story by Julie McDonald For The Chronicle

Libjo by the Port

2008-05-29T19:41:00.003+08:00

This is Libjo by the port. A view from Joks Bunk House. Photo by HouseKeeper

News: Rural Power Coops Bring Losses Down

2008-05-20T04:09:00.005+08:00

Electric cooperatives (ECs) nationwide continue to control their system loss rates to enable them to pass on savings to their customers in the form of lower rates.

According to data from the National Electrification Administration, although most of the 119 ECs nationwide were still problematic in terms of system loss rates, some had also been posting single-digit system loss levels for years now.

Aside from those five ECs, 10 other rural power distributors have reached single-digit system loss rates even prior to the presidential directive to bring them down.

These include the Dinagat Island Electric Cooperative Inc. (Dielco) with 7.26 percent; Camotes Electric Cooperative Inc. (Celco) with 8.21 percent; Davao del Sur Electric Cooperative Inc. (Dasureco) with 8.46 percent; Tarlac I Electric Cooperative Inc. (Tarelco I) with 9.25 percent. More...

News: NFA Construction of Warehouse in Dinagat

2008-05-08T02:57:00.000+08:00

The National Food Authority (NFA) Caraga Regional office bares the construction of NFA warehouse in the capital town of San Jose in Dinagat Islands.

NFA Dinagat Islands Provincial Manager Regino Delfin in an interview recently said, the proposed site will be located at Purok 5, Barangay Luna, San Jose and will accommodate 30,000 tons of rice.

Delfin added that the soon to be constructed warehouse is bigger than the warehouse built in Dapa, Surigao del Norte.

He assured the provincial government that the said construction will be prioritized by the national government considering that it should have been done last year has it not been for some problems encountered before. More ...

News: Caraga Chiefs on 1st People's Day in Libjo

2008-05-08T02:29:00.002+08:00

Members of the Association of Caraga Executives (ACE) Tuesday, answered all questions and problems being raised by the constituents of the newly created province of Dinagat Islands during the 1st People's Day Conference Forum.

Some of these queries answered by the Regional Directors involved with the lack of ambulances in the province, construction of roads and other infrastructure projects, PHILHEALTH accreditation program, tourism, agrarian and environmental issues and other projects to be constructed within the vicinity of the province.

DPWH Region 13 Director and ACE President Romeo Momo said it's their first time to hold an activity like this in the region.

Momo thanked Libjo Mayor Lamberto Llamera for hosting the said event. More...

Our LibjoLIVE!, Our Community

2008-05-05T11:20:00.003+08:00

Blogger is really a great tool to publish information more so because it's for free. Our site Libjo LIVE! itself is not income generating. Lingaw lingaw lang ning ato (just for fun). What we are only paying for is the domain name http://libjolive.com . Now it is easier to remember (LibjoLIVE.com) than the previous. But we are not paying for the hosting and also not getting money from it. Our website is not for profit. We are not paid for posting our stories. Our main purpose is to have our community online (a place where we can all meet), create a central place for information about Libjo, Dinagat Islands and its municipalities and lastly to advertise our Internet Cafe in Libjo. If you have friends/relatives or looking for friends, this is the place to start. Our Cafe in Libjo can serve you on chat/webcam, email, sending pictures, downloading music and files and also scanning and printing pictures and documents. Our Cafe not like the others we don't encourage games for Childrens and we are not installing games on our work stations.

Our dream for Libjo was to make it the central for Information Technology (IT) in the Dinagat Island.In the past we sponsor “Excellent Student Promo” to help encourage high school students to study. Then after that we initiated a Java programming course delivered online with the help of Muthja as the instructor. Still, this plan is in progress.

Though running an Internet Cafe business in a town not that large like Libjo is kind of difficult. But still we are striving to survive. We want to provide the Internet service to the town and will continue to do so.

We also just want you to know we are on the process of upgrading our system. Our Satellite equipment in Libjo will soon be upgraded/replaced to Third Generation Satellite. A new and better technology of Satellite communication. We are expected to increase our speed and meaning faster download and upload. Tentative schedule of the upgrade is starting this coming 15th of May 2008.

Dinagat Islands Jokes

2008-05-04T20:28:00.005+08:00

Read or Post your jokes here <%#!@& he he>.

This section is dedicated to jokes. I encourage contribution. Original Island jokes only please. Your entry will be much appreciated. Just keep in mind this will be moderated. So jokes with very personal and used of foul or offensive language will be filtered. Don't worry I will do my best to give you a bit of a humor. I hope you will enjoy our jokes as well as posting yours. Give yourself a laugh after all laughter is the best medicine.

News: Dinagat to conduct "First People's Day Conference Forum"

2008-05-02T18:54:00.002+08:00

To promote interaction among the constituents and the government, the provincial government of Dinagat will conduct the "First People's Day Conference Forum" on May 5-6 at Libjo Gymnasium, Municipality of Libjo, Dinagat Islands.

The two-day activity aims to promote and familiarize the new province to visitors, particularly the regional line agencies (RLAs) and to provide a venue for the constituents to bring issues and concerns directly to the local and the national government.

During the forum, the people will be encouraged to participate in thematic discussions on different areas of concerns such as trade and industry investment, livelihood and training, environmental development and management, policies, governance and private sector participation, health, education and sports, as well as infrastructure and utilities. Source

Libjo Bikini Open Photos

2008-05-01T02:57:00.018+08:00

Libjo Bikini Open 2008 - Dinagat Island's First Beauty Pageant is one of its kind. Indeed World class in terms of beauty and fashion.

Shark Feast-On Bridge (Tag-Iho Bridge)

2008-04-26T14:36:00.008+08:00

Thanks Rex for the review. The P100 million Dinagat Island Road Network budget a year ago approved and released now became P22.1 million Tag-iho bridge done project.

Proof1- DPWH Caraga Regional Director Romeo Momo said an initial funding of P100 million was recently released to launch construction of the Dinagat Island Road Network which is seen critical in providing access between urban and rural areas in Dinagat Island. He said detailed engineering work is being done while its bidding process is set to take off before year end. Link1

Proof2- Mindanao Region is considered as the country’s food basket because of its large fertile land areas and evenly distributed tropical climate that makes it suitable for year round crop production. Of the 3 – billion pesos spent for 3000 kms of farm to market roads, 1000 km are earmarked for Mindanao as the government aims to further harness the competitive advantage in agribusiness of the region. Major infrastructure projects being prioritized are the: P210 million Dakak-Dapitan Road Project, the P100 million Dinagat Island Road Network, the P1.326 billion Sibuco-Siraway-Siocon-Baliguian-Gutalac Coastal Road in Zamboanga del Norte and the P6.52 billion Surigao-Davao Road Project. Link2

Proof3- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in her speech during her visit to Basilisa town to inaugurate the P22.1 million Tag-iho bridge emphasized infrastructure development in the newly created province of Dinagat Islands, "what you need here is infrastructure, importante ang usa ka imprastruktura alang sa bag-o nga probinsya (infrastructure is important for a new province)." Link3

And here's another coming sharky event...
The President immediately ordered Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane, Jr to begin the soonest possible time the construction of Basilisa-San Jose national road, "we have to build the road from Basilisa to San Jose." The project will cost P200 million.

Libjo's Miss Bikini Open Result

2008-04-24T03:53:00.008+08:00

Tonight's Miss Libjo Bikini Open Result.

Major Awards:

Ms. Libjo Bikini Hype 2008- San Antonio
1st Runner up - Osmena
2nd runner up - San Jose
3rd runner up - Sto. Nino
4th runner up - Dona Helen

Minor Awards:

Miss Congeniality - Kanihaan
Miss Photogenic- Bayanihan
Miss Production Number-San Antonio
Miss Urban Amazon Attire- San Antonio
Beach Goddess Attire- Osmena
Miss AMPHIL Corporation - San Antonio
Best in Awesome Bikini- San Antonio
Miss Natasha- Bayanihan
Miss Hot legs- Sto. Nino
Pretty Face - Bayanihan

Click for more photos.

Miss Libjo Bikini Open 2008

2008-04-22T14:19:00.030+08:00

Here is our list of the contestants:

Zenith Mondano Jamero -17 years old - Magsaysay
Lourdaneilyn Tumamak Llamera - 15 yrs old - Albor
Rosejane Salamputan Lopez - 18 yrs old-Kanihaan
Mia Maurice U. Villanueva - 16 yrs old - Plaridel
Tetche Monterola Pana - 17 yrs old - Quezon
Mel Ann Comparativo Mensurado - 16 yrs old- San Antonio
Sarah Jane P. Maurillo - 18 yrs old - General Aguinaldo
Shekina C. Mira - 15 yrs old - Osmena
Myeth C. Cababat - 17 yrs old - Llamera
Maria Vanessa C. Abarca - 18 yrs old - Bayanihan
Marnie F. Sacuram - 21 yrs old - Rosita
Mechele M. Obsioma - 15 yrs old - Garcia
KC Blanza - 19 yrs old - Dona Helen
Angelli V. Oslob - 16 yrs old - San Jose
Alzanne Venne R. Codilla - 16 yrs old - Sto. Nino
Emmalyn Enoy Bullo - 15yrs old - Arellano

News: PGMA emphasizes infra development in Dinagat

2008-04-17T11:18:00.000+08:00

Basilisa, Dinagat Islands (April 17) -- President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in her speech during her visit to Basilisa town to inaugurate the P22.1 million Tag-iho bridge emphasized infrastructure development in the newly created province of Dinagat Islands, "what you need here is infrastructure, importante ang usa ka imprastruktura alang sa bag-o nga probinsya (infrastructure is important for a new province)."

Being one of the newest provinces in the country and being identified as one of the ten poorest provinces in the country, the President said that, "infrastructure is very important for our competitiveness and for equitable development."

Stressing that in order for new investments to come to the island, one must be competitive. "You cannot be competitive without decent roads. Importante sab sa (It is also important for) equitable development."

She underlined national infrastructure program of road networks designed to spur trade and economic progress in the most remote and poorest areas of the island. The President immediately ordered Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane, Jr to begin the soonest possible time the construction of Basilisa-San Jose national road, "we have to build the road from Basilisa to San Jose." The project will cost P200 million. More ...

News: GMA pushes projects for food security

2008-04-17T11:16:00.001+08:00

SAN JOSE, Dinagat Islands – Within less than a month, President Arroyo visited Northeastern Mindanao (Caraga region) again yesterday, pushing for multimillion-peso infrastructure projects which, she said, are vital to food security and economic programs in the region.

The Chief Executive arrived in this newly created Dinagat Islands province aboard the presidential helicopter. She was joined by Caraga Region Cabinet Officer for Regional Development (CORD) and Tourism Secretary Ace Durano and Public Works and Highways Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane Jr. and welcomed by Surigao City Mayor Alfonso Casurra, Dinagat Islands Rep. Glenda B. Ecleo and Gov. Geraldine E. Villaroman, and Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Eastern Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Cardozo M. Luna, 4th Division commander Maj. Gen. Roland Rodriguez, and Northeastern Mindanao police regional director Chief Supt. Jaime Milla.

From this island’s capital town, the President inaugurated the Tag-iho Bridge in Barangay Santo Niño, Basilisa town. She was received by Basilisa Mayor Floro Baltar, Northeastern Mindanao DPWH Regional Director Romeo S. Momo, and Tagiho Barangay Captain Mibato Hermogenes. More ...

News: Arroyo to visit Dinagat island Wednesday

2008-04-16T09:53:00.002+08:00

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo is scheduled to visit this newly-proclaimed island province in the Caraga Region Wednesday to inaugurate a bridge that local officials said would help hasten the delivery of public services and spur economic development on the island.

On Wednesday, the President is scheduled to unveil the marker of a newly-completed bridge.

Dinagat Island Gov. Geraldine Ecleo-Villaroman, lone district Rep. Glenda Ecleo, and San Jose Mayor Benglen Ecleo will assist the President in the unveiling and ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Governor Villaroman said the President's visit underscores her sincerity in helping the province and in trying to uplift the lives of the residents.

More ...

Question of Residency and Citizenship.

2008-04-11T03:05:00.008+08:00

My father was born in Loreto, grew up between Loreto and Dinagat and now lives in Albor. My father's grand father (mother-side) is from Quemoy China. That makes my father 25 percent Chinese. My fathers grandma (father-side) is from Leyte. But my fathers Papa (my lolo) is from Dinagat. He is the only son. I may consider him lumad (native) since his last name is Jacquez. One of the barangay in Municipality of San Jose is named after our last name. And I remember my father mentioned Master Ruben Sr. makes mano(sign of respect to older relative) to (Lolo) my grandpa when they were both alive.

On the other hand my mom is native from Siargao and I grew up in Libjo but was born in Surigao City. Now my question is would you consider me resident of Libjo(taga Libjo)?

So what makes us resident(Taga Ato)? Is it by birth? Is it by our parents, by last name? Is it by language or by where you go to school. Or where you work or you own land property?

Residency requirement in election according to Section 29 of the Local Government Code says that a candidate should be a resident of his locality for at least one year.

Does it say If you can run for public office you are a resident? Correct? That makes nong Edward Tiu Filipino and resident. He runs for sanguniang panglunsod (municipal councilor) couple of years back. How about the right to vote? Yes?

This is true, since most of our resident including our upland barangays were registered voters. So being a member of a religion or organization or political party doesn't matter, we are all taga ato (Libjo resident), right?

So what is your opinion on taga ato (resident or native)?