NATURAL FARMING. The Camarines Sur Natural Farming Society was formally launched in order to provide livelihood opportunities and enhance agricultural productivity of the farmers in the province. It also aims to protect the environment, and provide healthy options for consumers by using natural farming methods in food production. Mr. Eddie C. Suarez (center), a successful businessman and civil contractor abroad, and a farmer who hails from the municipality of Minalabac, was elected as president. Naga City Councilor Julian C. Lavadia Jr. (right) a natural farming practitioner, is the Executive Director, while Governor L-Ray Villafuerte, who fully supports the group’s endeavor, was chosen as its Honorary Chairman.

A BIG BOOST TO RELIEF OPERATIONS IN CAM SUR. The program of the provincial government of Camarines Sur, under the direct supervision of Gov. LRay Villafuerte, involved in providing relief to those constituents of the province affected by the latest calamity that struck the province recently received support from Land Bank of the Philippines thru its President and CEO, Gilda E. Pico. The Land Bank donated 800 bags of rice for distribution to various municipalities in Camarines Sur. Despite his hectic schedule, the governor still finds time to presonally conduct visitations to typhoon-ravaged towns in Camarines Sur, bringing them relief in the form of goods and groceries to immediately address their basic commodities. The support from Land Bank would be a big boost to continuing efforts of the governor in bringing aid to his constituents. The ceremonial hand-over was held last January 19, 2007 and was attended and witnessed by (from left to right) Ms. Marietta Efondo, Mr. Romeo Bañaga - manager, Pili Branch, Provincial Board Members Emmanuel Noble and Ernie Verdadero, Ms. Panchita T. Felix - Asst. Prov’l Budget Officer and head of the Provincial Social Welfare Development Office, Vice Gov. Salvio Fortuno who represented Gov. Villafuerte, FVP Cris R. Selispada - Group Head, South Luzon Branches, Ms. Jocelyn Regulacion - manager, Naga Lending Center, Mr. Cezar O. Buenaobra - manager, Naga Branch, Mr. Cezar Ramirez - manager, Iriga Branch, Ms. Melanie Avila - manager, Goa Branch and Mr. Bonifacio Navarez - manager, Sipocot Branch. CRFERNANDEZ/DRANERA-MMEC

Free medical consultations went on smoothly after two containers of medicines were released by the Bureau of Customs. JEscandor

FOOD, SHELTER. Senate President Manny Villar brings relief goods to Calabanga, Camarines Sur typhoon victims as he also takes with him a shove for the launching of additional 240 housing units in a Gawad Kalinga Village in Bgy. Ratay of the same town. He is shown in lower photo with Calabanga Mayor Evelyn Yu and Municipal Councilor Adolfo Encila ready to break ground in the housing village site. ALEX B. BUSTAMANTE