LEGAZPI CITY – The Albay Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) in a resolution passed last April 25, 2006 has expressed grave concern on the alledge proposal of Albay Congressman Joey Salceda for the transfer of the Government Regional Center (GRC) from Rawis, Legazpi City to Naga City due to possible eruption of Mount Mayon.

        Salceda, chairman of the House Appropriation Committee, reportedly made this proposal during a press conference held last March 19 shortly after addressing the 2006 graduates of the University of Nueva Caceres (UNC) in Naga City.

        According to Marcial Tuanqui Jr., ACCI director and past president, said they passed the resolution for the following reasons:

        • The Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Philvolcs) said the GRC is outside the 6-km permanent danger zone.

        • Presidential Proclamation 1670 declared Legazpi City as the regional center of Bicol because of its strategic location.

        • It is accessible to Sorsogon, Camarines Sur and the island provinces of Masbate and Catanduanes.

        • It is physically impossible to transfer all the regional offices from Legazpi City to Naga City.

        • The transfer if carried out could result in the dislocation of government employees as most of them come from Albay.

        The ACCI, headed by Rosemarie Rey, has urged Congressman Salceda to reconsider his stand and protect the interests of his provincemates.