With the implementation of the 23-kilometer Caramoan Coastal Road now in full swing and President Arroyo herself reassuring once more that the project will be completed, the Caramoan Residents Association in Naga City and its Environs (CRANE) will now focus its efforts on its Balik Caramoan Project slated on May 1 to 8, 2007.
This was stressed last night (December 30) by CRANE president Dominador C. Alarkon, Jr. during the 6th general assembly and Christmas Party of the organization held at the Camarines Sur Polytechnic College (formerly BCAT) at Peñafrancia Avenue in Naga City.
Hundreds of Caramoanons now residing in Naga City and neighboring towns gathered for the affair during which more than 50 prizes in cash and in kind were raffled out to those who attended. Alarkon said that many have contributed to the on- the Caramoan Coastal Road Project but it can never be disputed that in 2005 it was the CRANE which initiated the petition to President Arroyo and sought the endorsements and support of government leaders and non-government organizations for the continuance and completion of the project.
The CRANE president also reported that the organization has started its Micro-Lending Project to members and launched its scholarship program. The Micro-Lending Project which has an initial capital of P300,000. from the PDAF of Congressman Luis R. Villafuerte will receive another P200,000. from the same source, Alarkon said.
CRANE members confined at the Bicol Medical Center may avail of hospitalization benefits from the PDAF of Congressman. Aside from The CRANE MONITOR, the organization has also established its website which may be accessed starting next week at www.crane-caramoan.org.ph.
In her message, CRANE executive vice president Dr. Dolly Roa Perez, Chair of the Balik Caramoan Project, appealed for support from members for the successful realization of the undertaking which could bring immense benefits to the town. She had asked for volunteers to the different committees now working on various facets of the project, from sports, religious and social activities, exhibits and beautification.
Caramoanons abroad are willing to invest in viable development ventures in their hometown, she said.
Among those who also spoke were Dr. Nilo Reazon and Quedancor vice president Atty. Renato Enciso, both members of the CRANE board of directors; CRANE vice president for external affairs Romeo M. Borja and David Sarmiento, one of the pioneers of the old CRANE in the 1960’s who registered anew in the reactivated organization saying he was convinced the organization is indeed on the right track. He urged the involvement of local coordinators in the Balik Caramoan project.
Other CRANE members who delivered messages were Assistant Provincial Prosecutor Fiel Rosales and former Provincial Board Member Chit Obias Azada.
Fr. Rex Andrew Alarcon delivered the invocation while Orbel Cepeda and Lalaine Arcilla Gavino emceed the lively affair that saw many musical talents from the town volunteer entertainment numbers.
