NAGA CITY-Even the downpour brought by a brewing storm did not dampen the piety that was also trickling on Friday as thousands of Bikolanos kicked off the nine-day festivities in honor of their "Ina" (mother), the Our Lady of Peñafrancia, through the traditional traslacion, a foot procession.

PILI, Camarines Sur, Sept. 9- The Bicol Association of Magsasaka Siyentista (BAMS) is seriously pushing for the modified rapid composting (MRC) technology for environment-friendly and cost-effective farming.

PILI, Camarines Sur, Sept. 9- The Bicol Association of Magsasaka Siyentista (BAMS) is seriously pushing for the modified rapid composting (MRC) technology for environment-friendly and cost-effective farming.

Lay religious groups in Naga City have criticized the local government for its "bad faith" in sponsoring activities which have been agreed upon earlier to be "demeaning and disrespectful" to the celebration of the Peñafrancia Fiesta.

This year's traslacion is a welcome mixture of old and new practices. Intended to enjoin more devotees toward a more solemn and prayerful participation, the traslacion procession returns to its original route of commencing at the Peñafrancia Shrine (instead of the Basilica Minore) and ending at the Naga Metropolitan Cathedral. Similarly intended, the new order of the procession entails the assembly of student-participants at an earlier time than was previously practiced: in the morning, instead of around mid-day.

The Caceres Commission on Communications and the Tercentenary Committee will conduct the Tercentenary Media Awards to recognize media productions that promote "social responsibility as essential in the devotion to Our Lady of Peñafrancia."

MANILA, Sept. 5- Senator Miriam Defensor-Santiago on Saturday asked Malacañang to sign into law the Anti-Torture Bill once the House of Representatives ratifies the consolidated version of the landmark legislation.

JAKARTA, Sept. 6 -- The 7.3-magnitude powerful earthquake jolting Indonesia's West Java on Wednesday had killed 70 people, wounded 966 and caused 32 still missing, the national Antara news agency reported on Saturday.

MANILA, Sept. 6 --The death count in the sinking of MV Superferry 9 off Siocon Bay near Zamboanga Peninsula Sunday morning rose to five as 900 passengers and crew were rescued while 63 others remained missing.

IRIGA CITY (31 August) - - Iriga City is celebrating its 41st Charter Foundation Anniversary on Thursday (Sept. 3) this year. Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), Secretary Ronaldo Puno is this year's guest of honor in the City's Foundation rites.