Albay is emerging as the economic hub in the region as it continuously leads and surpasses its internal revenue collection goal among the six Bicol provinces, the local Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) office said. The BIR report revealed that of the P2.4-billion tax collected for the first semester of this year, P901 million or 37 percent came from Albay, followed by Camarines Sur with P787 million; Camarines Norte – P257 million; Masbate – P197 million; Sorsogon – P180 million and Catanduanes with P103 million.

The city of Legazpi, strengthening its position as a haven for business and investments, was recently cited for honesty and transparency. Legazpi took home the Entrepreneurs’ Award for Most Honest and Transparent in its Dealings at the 2009 Philippine Cities Competitiveness Ranking Project (PCCRP) held last July 19, 2010 at the SMX Convention Center in Pasay City. The city was also cited as one of the most competitive emergent cities in the Philippines.

Yvethe Marie A. Santiago, a 17-year old BS Accountancy student from Bicol University, will represent the Philippines in the upcoming 22nd World Miss University 2010 to be held in Seoul, South Korea on August 8, 2010.

To further strengthen Albay’s position in the tourism market and boost the province’s sports programs, the provincial government is planning to host the 2012 Palarong Pambansa. Albay will be hosting a series of sports activities to built its capacity to host the nationwide sports tilt. On December 2010, Albay will host the Bicol SCUAA Meet with Bicol University as the main venue. The province will also host the Palarong Bicol in February 2011 sponsored by the Albay DepEd.

The Sangguniang Panlunsod here has conducted its inaugural session last Tuesday (July 13) at Ibalong Conference Room, commencing with a Thanksgiving Mass presided by Msgr. Ramon Tronqued, followed by the election of officers and committee chairmanship of the city council.

The Aquinas University of Legazpi Chorale will compete at the upcoming 6th World Choir Games in Shaoxing, China from July 20 to 26, 2010. The World Choir Games is the largest choir competition in the world. Organized by Musica Mundi and INTERKULTUR Foundation, the World Choir Games is a biennial event that gathers the best choirs from around the world. The AUL Chorale will represent the Philippines along with the Miriam College High School Glee Club and the Kammerchor Manila.

Discover and capture Legazpi City’s many facets: from scenic landscapes and seascapes to interesting local life and colors! Join the 2010 Scott Kelby Worldwide Photo Walk in one of the Philippines’ most photogenic cities, on Saturday, July 24, 2010.

Albay is all set to host the first ever National Rescue and Disaster Response Competition on July 26-31, 2010 sponsored by the provincial government of Albay and the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC). The 1st NRDRC is a nationwide skills competition that will test the readiness of the country’s rescuers and disaster officials in the worst disaster scenarios including water rescue, collapsed building scenario, earthquake and fire scenario.

This July 2010, unwind, relax and enjoy at the Embarcadero de Legazpi, the City’s premier entertainment and shopping destination. Embarcadero will celebrate the first ever Embarcadero Festival, a two week-long revelry that will be held from July 17 to 31, 2010. Exciting events are lined up for non-stop fun and celebration!

The City Government of Legazpi is expected to open its modern P43-million Sanitary Landfill Facility located in Barangay Banquerohan in August this year. The open dump site will be closed after the opening of the sanitary landfill.

Leonardo DiCaprio is reportedly set to visit Legazpi City early August. DiCaprio’s visit is being worked out by Joyce Ramirez, director for International Publicity at PR Asia Worldwide. If it pushes through, the actor’s visit is seen to help boost the tourism industry of the Philippines, especially in Albay, with Legazpi City as a world-class eco-tourism destination.