Do you believe that the Camarines Sur National High School (CSNHS) Alumni Association Building is the first alumni association building in Naga City? In the Camarines Sur, however, we settled second to Nabua National High School Alumni Association, whose building was constructed in the time past by well-funded US Navies. Our building came to be completed through the steadfast efforts of the present association president and chair of the board of directors, PS/Supt. Tomas G. Rentoy III, along with his officers. It also received the full support and cooperation of DB M Sec. Rolando G. Andaya and alumni: Ret. Gen. Salvador Mison, Arch. Gideon P. Francia, Mrs. Antonieta T. Ortega, Mrs. Imelda P. de la Rosa, Mrs. Erma C. Barrameda, Mrs. Eleanor Dy-Liaco, and Mrs. Elizabeth D.S. Sibulo. Likewise, to be written into history, are the following past presidents of the alumni association who, in their respective ways, have greatly contributed to the realization of this dream, namely: Dr. Juan A. Amanse; Dr. Pedro P. Villafuerte; Mr. Si;verio Veluz; Mr. Jaime T. Malanyaon (ret. School Superintendent) Mr. Leon J. Pilar (ret. Commissioner, COA); Brig. Gen. Eduardo A. Taduran (ret. AFP); Dr. Eduardo C. Enojado, in whose term the construction of the building started; Ms. Vita Q. Avenido; Mr. Alex D. Belone; Hon. Esteban R. Abonal, Jr. (ret. RTC Judge); PS/Supt. Tomas Rentoy III (2001-2005); and Mr. Vince A. Raynes. Noteworthy is, in 1950, Naga City Mayor Leon SA Aureus initiated the reorganization of the 1st Alumni Association, hence, he played a significant role in this endeavor. It must be noted that the name of our school then was Camarines Sur High School (CSHS), this was changed later to Camarines Sur National High School (CSNHS) pursuant to a law enacted.

Donsol, Sorsogon-- Fifty rural women from all over the region together with the Department of Agriculture’s Lady Employees Association (DALEA) officers and members attended the Women’s Day Celebration held recently at Amor Beach Resort in Donsol, Sorsogon. The celebration’s theme was “Babae, yaman ka ng Bayan”. The annual celebration of women’s day recognizes the significant contribution of women to society, culture, business and politics.

My unsure eyes look for a light My restless feet wandered the night Longing for warmth, seeking care In the midst of a storm, I feel scared Alone am I, let to be...

“Unsurrendered 100 Voices” is the title of the documentary made by Lucky Guillermo and Peter Parsons. The two and their outfit were the same group behind another documentary “Manila, 1945: The Forgotten Atrocities.” The two documentaries share one thing in common: the remembering of events that have been forgotten.

Democracy is the government of the people, by the people and for the people. The word “people” is not replaceable with the name Arroyo, Villafuerte or Robredo. Or even Tria. Therefore, we can never say that democracy is the government of Tria, by Tria and for Tria. In a democratic country like ours, there are three golden rules to follow to ensure that it is the government of the people, by the people and for the people, namely: honest elections, the separation of powers, and transparency. All these must be in place to ensure participatory governance.

In the face of record-high unemployment and uncertainty for new graduates who will soon enter the labor force, the Philippine government says that the call center industry poses great opportunities for Filipino workers—especially amid the global crisis when firms turn to outsourcing more to save costs. But is the industry indeed a sunshine sector for Filipinos seeking employment?

IF THERE is something we’ve learned from the recent Bikol Arts Festival—which Naga City hosted, it is the full realization that in many ways we have lost our touch with what Bikol culture really is. And yet, the whole festival came in and out, despite this, and made clearer the very picture of our hunger—and resolve— to present something ‘more’ Bikol next time. Or the question is: have we ever really got in touch with the Bikol-ness of our ‘cultural’ endeavors in the first place? For at present, this Bikol-ness itself seems so elusive and deceiving as the eel when quantum-quick underwater. What happened?

Several years ago, the Philippine government arbitrarily signed up and consigned our economy to free unregulated trade through the General Agreement on Tariff and Trade (GATT) and membership in the World Trade Organization (WTO). Despite protests from various sectors, our legislators gave in to the pressures of globalization. First, we were compelled by our distorted sense of loyalty and dependence on US coupled with our serious lack of patriotism. Second, about 90% of all countries at that time have committed to globalization with the remaining 10%...

As speculations and apprehensions mount as to who would succeed outgoing Naga City Mayor Jesse Robredo, it is becoming more apparent that the leadership of the former has only produced more servile followers and not leaders.

With the start of the Balikatan Military Exercises looming, multi-sectoral movements against the Balikatan have stepped up their attacks against the said joint military exercises. According to KARAPATAN-Bikol Paul Vincent Casilihan, the number of human rights violations reported has increased significantly in the weeks preceding the start of Balikatan...