12 killed as motor ferry sinks off Verde Island

Twelve people have been confirmed dead when MB Commando 6 (motorized boat) sank at about noon near Verde Island.

As of 3:59 pm, the last count of fatalities was 12, including two young boys and one young girl, seven adult women and adult men, said Palmera. He said one of the dead victims was a Japanese tourist.

He said the victims were identified by rescuers as:

1. Franco P. Eugenio, 3 years old, White Plains, Quezon City;
2. Anton Cruz Eugenio, 2, White Plains, Quezon City;
3. Gregonia C. Pabliko, 58, Sta Cruz, Manila;
4. Albino Pablico, 55, Sta Cruz, Manila;
5. Beta Berdin, 2, Sta Mesa, Manila;
6. Melanie Berdin, 30, Sta Mesa, Manila;
7. Desiree Teodoro, 20, Taytay, Rizal;
8. Joena Perez, 25, Batangas;
9. Yaya Tess, age unknown;
10. Mina Ricci Cads, Binangonan, Rizal;
11. Daisy Eugenio, Quezon City; and
12. Hosotani Shoji, a Japanese tourist.

Palmera said the boat left Batangas City pier for the tourist resort town of Puerto Galera in Mindoro Oriental before the accident.[Source]

Verde Island is located along the bodies of the Verde Island Passage found between the provinces of Batangas and Oriental Mindoro.

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World Environment Day 2009

The World Environment Day (WED) is a United Nations mandated program and advocacy that promote awareness on the puzzle of impending global climate change. Batangas City will be the host to World Environment Day 2009 to be held on June 1-7. This year's theme is “Your Planet Needs You! Unite to Combat Climate Change!”

Schedule of Activities:

GREEN EXPO June 1-7 at Plaza Mabini - Participated by various exhibitions from cooperatives with green products and Industrial organizations with their best environmental practices.

GREEN CAMP June 4-7 – Collegio ng Lunsod ng Batangas - Environmental related activities of Boy Scout and Girl Scout of the Philippines.

ENVIRONMENTAL PARADE/A Day of Clean Air June 5 – A grand opening of NON-MOTORIZED parade to be participated in by the multi-sectoral groups with awards for Best Float and Best Contingent. Coincidentally with a car less/smoke free day in the city street where walking and biking for a clean air are encourage.

HANDSHAKE and HUGS for EARTH SYNERGY June 5, 7 p.m. at Chiz Amis Garden, Hilltop - the highlight fellowship activity where various sector leaders and multi-races meet and greet for the environment.

GARBO-FORESTRY June 7, 7:00 a.m. at Old City Dumped Site – A continuous effort of reforestation and rehabilitation program of Mayor Dimacuha in converting a closed city dumped site into a green park and wildlife sanctuary.

LAKAN at LAKAMBINI ng KALIKASAN ng PILIPINAS 2009 SEARCH - June 6, 7:00 p.m. at Batangas City Sports Coliseum - Search for a lady and gentleman from different provinces and cities nationwide vying for said title to become the Philippine Ambassador for the Environment.

This pageant was launched in 1999 as a highlight for city’s clean and green program, that for the sake of environment the City Government of Batangas through Mayor Dimacuha has graciously lent franchise with WED Philippines, for re-launched on a national level to give face for the celebration of 2009 World Environment Day.

World Environment Day Philippines Annual General Assembly meanwhile will be held at Sangguniang Panlunsod session hall on June 7 at 1:00 o’clock in the afternoon.

World Environment Day – Batangas City Directory

Ms. Luz Amparo - Secretary to the Mayor Tel. No. (043) -722-0579
Fax – (043) 723-1558
Dr. Angelito Bagui – CSWMO – (043) 300-3373/706-0629
Mr. Oliver C. Gonzales – CENRO (043) 723-8844/706-0626
Mr. Ed Borbon – Pageant Chair (043) 723-2791
Ms. Letty Chua – PIO – (043) 723-2344/723-6746

World Environment Day, commemorated each year on 5 June, is one of the principal vehicles through which the United Nations stimulates worldwide awareness of the environment and enhances political attention and action.

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Balai Resort (Anilao) - Mabibni

Built like a house by the sea, Balai is perched atop a rocky slope in San Teodoro Mabini, Batangas. Its location is ideal for scuba diving.

Balai Resort (Anilao) Accommodations

All of Balai's rooms offer sweeping views of the sea. Ghost Trees frame the view from each of the decks of the nipa and bamboo cottages.

Guests have a choice of fan rooms and air conditioned rooms. Most rooms can accommodate up to three guests comfortably while rooms are available that can accommodate larger groups of guests.

Balai Resort (Anilao) Activities

- SCUBA Diving
- Snorkeling
- Board Games and Book Shelf
- Boat Tours/ Sombrero Island Picnics (by special arrangement)
- Eco/ Educational Tours (by special arrangement)

How to get there

1. Head for Lipa City on the Southern Luzon Expressway. EXIT 50A.

2. You will pass by Carmel Ray Industrial Park, Yazaki-Torres, and Yakult; after the
First Philippine Industrial Park is the entrance of the Star Toll Way (right across the
entrance is the Light and Industry Park III). Turn right to Star Toll Way, this highway
will take you to Lipa.

3. You will take Tambo exit; you will see a sign that says “Batangas City”. The sign
points to the other side. You will have to cross over the other side, over the center
island. When you get out, turn right and you are now headed towards Batangas City.

4. After passing San Fernando Airbase, you will come upon an intersection that says
Alitagtag, Cuenca. Turn right. Mt. Maculot would be on your right.

5. After Cuenca Town you will see the “Welcome to Alitagtag” sign. After the sign you
will see a small Caltex Gas Station. Between the main road and the sharp left where
Caltex is another road. Take the middle road (not the sharp left).

6. Follow the mark that leads to Vistamar. You will end up on a fork. In the middle of the
road is the statue of Apolinario Mabini. Take the right road.

7. You are now on your way to Bauan Town. When you see Funeraria Filipina, you are
already in Bauan Town. Turn right on this corner.

8. Approximately 1 kilometer after the turn at Funeraria Filipina, you will pass a bridge.
Turn left right after the bridge. Follow the signs leading to Vistamar.

9. You will see a road on your left. Take this road. This road will bring you too all the
different resorts. If you miss the left turn, you will end up in Anilao Market / Pier - just
make a u-turn. After the turn, the sea should be on your right.

10. Follow this road. You will be passing Vistamar, Anilao Seasport, the barrio of Solo,
Club Occelaris, Pacific Blue, and Orange Resort. When you see Aquatropical Resort
on your right, slow down. You are close to the parking lot. This is where you will
transfer to a jeep or boat for the final leg of your journey.

11. Parking at the resort is limited. It is also on a reservation basis. If you have been
advised that the parking areas are full, heed the instructions and just leave your car
at the designated parking lot.

12. In case a parking space has been allotted to you, you can proceed to the resort and
bypass the parking area. From the Mariko parking area, you will be taking the rough
road to the resort. You will be passing the other resorts like Eagle Point, Arthur’s
Place, Dive Solana, El Pinoy, and Sunview.

13. When you finally crest the last incline, Balai will be on your right. Its walls are rip
rapped.

For more information about Balai Resort (Anilao), visit www.balai-resort.com.

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