Posts

Showing posts with the label Camarines Norte

Camarines Norte Pride: CNSC Alumna Allana Abordo Secures Rank 2 in March 2026 LET Secondary Level

Image
DAET, Camarines Norte — Allana Gumawa Abordo, a graduate of Camarines Norte State College (CNSC), has brought immense pride to her home province and the entire Bicol Region after clinching the Rank 2 spot in the March 2026 Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (LEPT) – Secondary Level. Abordo achieved an exceptional rating of 95.00%, placing her among the elite topnotchers in the nationwide board examination administered by the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC). Her achievement stands as a powerful testament to her unwavering dedication, hard work, and academic excellence in the field of education. The CNSC community erupted in celebration following the announcement, hailing Abordo’s success as a landmark achievement for the institution. University officials noted that her performance serves as a profound inspiration to aspiring educators and students across the region, proving that Bicolano graduates can compete at the highest national levels. As a newly licensed prof...

Bicolano Pride: Region V Topnotchers shine in March 2026 LET Elementary Level

Image
Education excellence in the Bicol Region reached new heights as several graduates from local institutions secured top spots in the March 2026 Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (LEPT) – Elementary Level. The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) released the results this Tuesday, revealing a strong showing by Bicolano educators who made the prestigious list of the top 10 highest placers nationwide. Dominating the Top Tier Bicol University (BU) continues to cement its reputation as a center of excellence in teacher education, with its Daraga and Polangui campuses producing multiple topnotchers. Leading the pack for the region is Cathrine Monica Buan Lomerio and Rian Mary Jane Borromeo Pitero, both from Bicol University-Daraga, who clinched the Rank 3 spot with an impressive rating of 94.40%. Joining them in the top five are Samantha Nicole Urbano Bejer from Bicol University-Polangui, Jeanylyn Barsaga Bilason from Bicol University-Daraga, and Hannah Mae Alolod Paguio from...

Bicolano Pride: Region V Topnotchers shine in March 2026 LET Secondary Level Results

Image
The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) has released the official results of the March 2026 Licensure Examination for Professional Teachers (LEPT), and the Bicol region is celebrating a spectacular showing. Several examinees from local institutions secured spots in the coveted Top 10, proving once again the academic excellence rooted in Southern Luzon.. Leading the charge for Bicol is Allana Gumawa Abordo of Camarines Norte State College-Daet, who clinched the Rank 2 spot with an impressive rating of 95.00%. Bicol’s Top Performing Educators The secondary level list is heavily populated by Bicolano talent, with many achieving high-ranking positions across the board. Notable topnotchers from the region include: Rank 2 (95.00%): Allana Gumawa Abordo – Camarines Norte State College-Daet Rank 6 (94.00%): Harley Bonaobra Base – San Jose Community College-Malilipot Rank 7 (93.80%): Leslie Ann Bongao Bamiano – Bicol University-Tabaco Angel May Bernal Bechayda – Bicol University-Tabaco Ara...

The Roots of Capalonga: From Wildflowers to Spanish Conquest

Image
The history of Capalonga, Camarines Norte, is deeply rooted in its natural landscape and the indigenous Agta and Dumagat peoples who first settled the area, then known as "Apalong." The name is derived from the Palong Manok (Celosia cristata), a vibrant wild plant resembling a rooster's comb that once carpeted the region. Legend suggests that the town’s modern name evolved from "Kapalungan," a term used by early inhabitants to describe the abundance of these red blooms. This floral identity was solidified in 1572 when Spanish conquistador Juan de Salcedo arrived on its Pacific shores; though he sought gold, he found a land defined by its flora. Under Spanish rule, the settlement was officially organized into a town, though this era was marked by the harsh realities of forced labor in the gold mines of Sitio Maglagonlong, leaving a complex cultural imprint that persists in the community today. Isolation, Integration, and Modern Development For centuries, Capalong...

Bicol Economy Lags in 2025 as Investment Contraction Dampens Growth

Image
LEGAZPI CITY – Despite a nationwide trend of economic expansion, the Bicol Region recorded the slowest growth among the country’s 18 regions in 2025, according to the latest Regional Accounts released by the Philippine Statistics Authority (PSA). While all regional economies posted positive gains, Bicol’s Gross Regional Domestic Product (GRDP) grew by a marginal 0.5 percent. This figure is significantly lower than the national Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate of 4.4 percent and marks a sharp contrast to the 6.4 percent growth seen in Western Visayas, the country's fastest-growing region. The region's sluggish performance is largely attributed to a significant slump in investments. Bicol experienced a 17.2-percent decline in gross capital formation, the second-largest contraction in the Philippines, trailing only SOCCSKSARGEN’s 19.1-percent drop. Economists point to this "investment drought" as a primary hurdle for the region, which also trailed behind other sl...

Today in History: The Birth of Camarines Norte

Image
On April 15, 1920, Executive Order No. 22 formally organized Camarines Norte as a separate province, honoring a lineage of bravery dating back to the first resistance to Spanish exploration in 1571. Known for its "valiant people" who never surrender unless subdued by force, this province is the home of three giants of Philippine history: the "Avenger of Filipino Honor" Jose Maria Panganiban, the revolutionary Gen. Vicente Lukban, and the legendary guerrilla leader Wenceslao Q. Vinzons. From the gold mines of Paracale to the first-ever Rizal Monument in Daet, the heritage of Hilagang Kamarines is a testament to an unyielding spirit that thrives amidst both the "Sunday morning hum" of its towns and the "rampage of blizzards" in its waterfalls. We remember today the officials and heroes who paved the way for a province that is as rich in cultural resources as it is in the courage of its people. References: Provincial Government of Camarines Norte. H...

THE BRAVERY OF BICOL: The Daet Revolt of 1898

Image
TODAY IN HISTORY: The Daet Revolt of 1898 🇵🇭 On this day, April 14, 1898, local Katipunan members led by Ildefonso Moreno launched a brave uprising against Spanish colonial rule in Daet. While the siege of Florencio Arana’s house eventually faced a brutal crackdown by reinforcements from Nueva Caceres, the courage shown by our Bicolano patriots ignited a fire of resistance that fueled the wider Philippine Revolution. We remember the sacrifice of Ildefonso Moreno, Tomas Zaldua, and the many martyrs who stood their ground for our independence. References: Dateline Ibalon (January 27, 2025). Ildefonso Moreno: Leader of the 1898 Daet Revolt. https://dateline-ibalon.com/2025/01/ildefonso-moreno-leader-of-the-1898-daet-revolt/ Provincial Information Office - Camarines Norte. Balik-tanaw: Daet Revolt of 1898. https://www.facebook.com/CNPIO/posts/balik-tanaw-daet-revolt-of-1898-sa-kasaysayan-ng-pilipinas-bago-nakalaya-ang-ati/2793996134186508/ Wikipedia. Camarines Norte. https://en.wikipedia...

Talisay Triathlon Year 5: Bicolandia’s Toughest Race Crowns a New Set of Champions

Image
TALISAY, CAMARINES NORTE — Proving exactly why it has earned the reputation as "Bicolandia’s Toughest Triathlon," the Talisay Triathlon Year 5 reached a triumphant finish on Sunday, April 12, 2026, in Barangay San Jose. The event saw a massive turnout, drawing a record number of triathletes and sports enthusiasts to what is now considered the premier sporting event in the province of Camarines Norte. Competitors were pushed to their limits, navigating the pristine waters of San Jose Beach and the challenging terrains of Talisay and its neighboring towns. A Boost for Local Tourism Beyond the grit and sweat of the competition, the triathlon served as a powerful platform for promoting the province’s hidden gems. The race course showcased: San Jose Beach: The scenic backdrop for the grueling swim leg. Local Communities: Routes that integrated the vibrant streets of Talisay. Tourism Spots: Increased visibility for local establishments and landmarks. As the dust settles on the 2026...

Red Planet Registry: How Daet and Five Other Philippine Towns Made It to Mars

Image
While the world remembers the historic landing of the Perseverance rover in Jezero Crater on February 18, 2021, many are surprised to learn that the Philippine flag was effectively "planted" on the Red Planet decades ago—not by astronauts, but through the official maps of the solar system. Among the rugged ridges and dusty plains of Mars lies the Daet Crater, a permanent celestial tribute to the capital town of Camarines Norte. The Rules of Cosmic Naming The naming of Martian landmarks isn't arbitrary. According to the Gazetteer of Planetary Nomenclature (maintained by the IAU and USGS), there is a specific hierarchy for naming impact craters: Large Craters (>60 km): Named after deceased scientists, writers, and visionaries who contributed to the study of Mars or planetary science. Small Craters (<60 km): Named after towns and villages from around the world that have populations of less than 100,000 at the time of naming. Spotlight: The Daet Crater Officially christ...

A Legacy of Rogate: The Birth of Bishop Herman Guinto Abcede

Image
Celebrating the birth of a shepherd! 🕊️ On this day in 1965, Bishop Herman Guinto Abcede was born in Vinzons, Camarines Norte. From his early days in the Rogationist Seminary to his appointment by Pope Francis as the Bishop of Daet in 2025, his life has been a testament to "Rogate" and dedicated service to the Church. Happy Birthday, Bishop Abcede! 🎂🙏 References: Catholic Hierarchy. Bishop Herman Guinto Abcede, R.C.J. https://www.catholic-hierarchy.org/bishop/babcede.html Wikipedia. Herman Abcede. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Herman_Abcede UCA News. Diocese of Daet. https://www.ucanews.com/directory/bishops/bishop-abcede/1290 #TodayInHistory #BishopHermanAbcede #DioceseOfDaet #Rogationists #CatholicChurchPH #Vinzons #CamarinesNorte #FaithInAction

A RARE BLOOM OF LIFE: Critically Endangered Flora Found "Resurrected" in Bicol Natural Park

Image
BASUD, CAMARINES NORTE — In a remarkable display of nature’s resilience, a rare and critically endangered plant species has emerged from the forest floor of the Bicol Natural Park (BNP), serving as a powerful symbol of "resurrection" and renewal for the region’s biodiversity. During the first semester, the Biodiversity Monitoring System (BMS) conducted from March 24–26, 2026, a collaborative team led by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Bicol officially documented the presence of Amorphophallus caudatus. This extraordinary find highlights the richness of Bicol’s ecosystems and underscores the importance of the BNP as a vital sanctuary for life that persists against all odds. The Discovery of a Hidden Treasure The mission was a multi-sectoral effort headed by PENR Officer Nestor Franz A. Fortuno of Camarines Norte, in collaboration with the MLGU of Basud, BLGU of Tuaca, Camarines Norte State College, and Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (C...

The Spiritual Heart of Labo: Celebrating the Rich History of the St. John the Apostle and Evangelist Parish

Image
 LABO, CAMARINES NORTE — Standing as a testament to centuries of devotion and colonial history, the St. John the Apostle and Evangelist Parish continues to serve as the spiritual heart of Labo. While the town itself traces its origins back to 1603, the parish has officially anchored the community’s faith since its founding in 1656. A Legacy Carved in Stone The current church edifice, a prominent landmark in the municipality, was constructed in 1890. However, the roots of the Catholic community in Labo go much deeper. According to historical accounts by Malanyaon and records from the nearby town of Indan (now Vinzons), Labo began as a visita or barrio. Missionaries from Indan originally traveled to the area to tend to the spiritual needs of the early settlers until Labo eventually achieved its independent parochial status. Ecclesiastical Significance Today, the parish operates under the Diocese of Daet and serves as the seat of its own vicariate. Its influence extends beyond its wal...

The Resilient Heart of Vinzons: The Storied Stones of San Pedro Apostol

Image
  In the quiet municipality of Vinzons, Camarines Norte, stands a monument that has survived the slow grind of centuries and the sudden fury of fire. The Parroquia de San Pedro Apostol, or Saint Peter the Apostle Church, is more than just a house of worship; it is the oldest soul in the province, a limestone witness to over 400 years of Philippine history. A Legacy Carved in 1611 The story of the church begins long before the town was known as Vinzons. In 1581, Franciscan missionaries established a settlement called Tacboan. However, it wasn't until 1611 that Rev. Fr. Juan de Losar—the parish’s first priest—laid the foundations for the original church. By 1624, the town relocated and was renamed Indan. For centuries, Indan served as a spiritual hub, surviving administrative shifts from the Franciscans to the secular clergy. It wasn't until after World War II that the town received its modern name, Vinzons, in honor of the local hero and guerrilla leader Wenceslao Vinzons. Trial...

Bicol Shelf Basin Opened for Petroleum Bids Amid Energy Crunch

Image
Facing a "State of National Energy Emergency" and a heavy reliance on imported fuel, the Marcos administration has officially opened bidding for petroleum exploration in the Bicol Shelf Basin. The Department of Energy (DOE) is seeking challengers for a massive 1.5 million-hectare nominated area, a move designed to bolster indigenous energy resources amid volatile global market fluctuations. Strategic Energy Push The Bicol Shelf is classified by officials as a "frontier" block—an area with proven petroleum systems that remains largely unexplored. Experts highlight its significant potential: Resources: The basin is considered gas-prone, with an estimated 44 million barrels of oil equivalent in undiscovered resources. History: The area includes 32,500 square kilometers of offshore acreage with six historical "wildcat" wells. Advantage: Crucially, the feature lies in uncontested waters near the Luzon power corridor, making it a "strategic priority" f...