Legazpi City (10 July) — Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) has raised today Mayon Volcano’s alert status from Level 1 (low level unrest) to Level 2 (moderate unrest) after it manifested increasing volcanic quakes, swelling of its edifice and intense crater glow. Phivolcs said parameters monitored since last month indicated an increase in the current activity of the volcano, manifesting low frequency volcanic earthquakes rising to a higher level signifying possible movement of magma beneath the volcano edifice at shallow depth.

The city of Legazpi is set to unveil a new integrated transport and lifestyle complex that will replace the old bus terminal. The P150-million modern terminal is touted as the first of its kind in the entire country – a showcase of what future transport terminals should be. The new terminal, dubbed as LKY Metro Transport and Lifestyle Hub, is built on a 3.9-hectare land located right in the geographical center of the city’s urban area.

Albay Gov. Joey Salceda has unveiled a road map for his province centering on an economic strategy that mobilizes its massive potential for green energy, eco-cultural tourism, modern transport system, productive agriculture, responsive tertiary education and a state of the art medical system.

The province of Albay has appropriated the second highest budgetary allocation to the education sector, next to its health program. This year, Albay’s budget for its education program is P58 million, which it has properly divided among different projects.

The Legazpi City Disaster Coordinating Council (CDCC) here has qualified among the top three nominees for the 2009 Gawad Kalasag Best CDCC category, sponsored by the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC). Mayor Noel Rosal said that he was informed last June 15 through a letter by Office of the Civil Defense Regional Director Bernardo R. Alejandro on the inclusion of Legazpi City to the top three CDCCs vying for the Gawad Kalasag awards program.

A group of young entrepreneurs from Bicol is modernizing Legazpi’s antiquated bus terminal by transforming it into an integrated transport-lifestyle complex with comforts and leisure facilities for commuters. The LKY Group is scheduled to open early next month The Metro, Legazpi City’s state-of-the-art transport terminal. Built on a 3.9-hectare land, the P150-million project is expected to be a showcase of what terminals of the future should be.

The city of Legazpi has recovered from the devastating effects of Typhoon Reming (Durian) in November 2006, according to Mayor Noel E. Rosal in an announcement on the eve of the 50th Charter Anniversary of the City on June 12, 2009. Legazpi’s recovery was realized through help of the private sector, the national government and foreign agencies which poured in some P 5-Billion in economic and infra investments in this prime Bicol city.