VOLUME 1
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ISSUE 1
Bamboo Farm Learn all about bamboos and their uses
Consocep Falls Explore exotic falls, nature trails and more
Strawberry Farm Hybrid strawberry variety that thrives in the sweltering heat of the low lands in bicol region
S P E C I A L
OCAMPO DEER FARM Interact with majestic, native-bred deer
CONTENTS
CONTRIBUTORS
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From “Mabatobato” to “Ocampo”
Mt. Isarog Natural Park and Consocep Falls
SARAH MAE CONSULTA
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Taste Fresh, Sweet Strawberries
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Get To DEER-ly Know the Wildlife
We travel not to escape life, but for life not to escape us. -Anonymous
Ocampo Deer Farm
JOAN MARIE MIRA
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Have A Not-So-Typical Getaway
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Seek Spiritual Solitude
Travel and change of place impart new vigor to the mind. -Seneca
St. Peter the Baptist Church
MARK BALDOZA
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Nourish Your Spiritual Side
Life begins at the end of your comfort zone . -Neale Donald Walsch
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Speak It Like the Locals 10 Words Known in Ocampo
FRANCE MUSICO
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Get A Taste of First Rate Agri-Goods
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Celebrate With the Town
Travel is the only thing you buy that makes you richer. -Anonymous
All you need to know about the town.
Experience Bamboo Heaven Bamboo Farm
Gawk at Nature’s Brilliance
Strawberry Farm
Valerosa Farm Adventure Resort
St. Bernard Abbot Parish
Ocampo Agri Fair
SHAREY JOAN MODINO Traveling leaves you speechless, then turns you into a storyteller. -Ibn Battuta*
Himuloan Festival
EDITORIAL STAFF Editor in Chief Sharey Joan Modino Deputy and Features Editor Mark Baldoza Managing Editor France Musico Design Director Sarah Mae Consulta
“A HAPPY LIFE IS ONE WHICH IS IN ACCORDANCE WITH ITS OWN NATURE”
Photography Director Joan Marie Mira
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All You Need To Know About The Town
FROM MABATOBATO TO OCAMPO The municipality of Ocampo traced its existence as the former “Mission de Mabatobato” launched by the Franciscan friars in 1735. The place was named “Mabatobato” because of the presence of huge rocks scattered all over the place believed to have erupted from Mt. Isarog. As a mission, it has four barrios: Ayugan, Tinablanan, Pinit and Moriones. In early 1800’s, people from neighboring towns began to flock the area to settle and till the vast areas of lands suited for agriculture. The place began to flourish that people began to dream of transforming the settlement into a new municipality. Cabeza de Barangay Michael Alcantara and Don Jose Barangbang requested and pleaded to the Bishop of Caceres to make the barrio into a town. The request was granted. In 1917, Mabatobato was annexed to the municipality of Pili to help it recover from the Spanish-American war and for effective governance. By 1922, it was made into a new parish. Baptisms and burials were first recorded that year. The place began to flourish again and influx of immigrants from neighboring towns as well as from Batangas and Tayabas were observed.
After three decades, the leaders and the people of Mabatobato began to clamor for independence and to govern themselves once again. In 1948, during the incumbency of Congressman Sebastian C. Moll, Jr., of the 2nd District of Camarines Sur, the dream to separate had been brewed. President Elpidio Quirino signed Executive Order No. 243 dated 15 July 1949 entitled: “Organizing Certain Barrios of the Municipality of Pili, Camarines Sur into an Independent Municipality under the name of OCAMPO. Mabatobato was renamed in honor of Don Julian Ocampo who was the Governor of Camarines Sur in the 1930’s. Upon the appointment and qualification of the first municipal officials, Ocampo has begun to officially exist as an independent municipality on August 10, 1949.
Pictured: The Municipal Town Hall of Ocampo.
All You Need To Know About The Town
BARANGAYS Ocampo is politically subdivided into 25 barangays.
Founded Land Area No. Of Households Barangays Urban Rural No. of Schools Elementary Secondary
Ayugan Cabariwan Cagmanaba Del Rosario Gatbo Guinaban Hanawan Hibago La Purisima
Nuevo May-Ogob New Moriones Old Moriones Pinit Poblacion Central Poblacion East Poblacion West Salvacion
: August 10, 1949 : 1, 331 has. : 8, 882 (2010 NSO survey) : 25 :8 : 17 : 23 : 20 :3
INFRASTRUCTURE : Barangay Road Provincial Road National Road
: 105 kms (88% concrete) : 9.15 kms (100% concrete) : 15.5 kms (100% concrete)
PADAGOS OCAMPO!
San Antonio San Francisco San Jose Oras San Roque Commonal San Vicente Santa Cruz Santo Niño Villaflorida
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Ocampo is a 3rd class municipality in the province of Camarines Sur, Philippines. According to the 2015 census, it has a population of 45,934 people .
WATER SUPPLY : Level I Level II Level III
: 48.85% of household served : 6.30% of household served : 9.50% of household served
COMMUNICATION :
Landline (Bayantel) - Cellular (Sun/Globe/Smart) -
Poblacion Only All Barangays
POWER SUPPLY :
65% of households served 100% of barangays served
MAJOR SOURCE OF INCOME :
- Agriculture - Business of Trade - Employment to government and private institutions
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BAMBOO FARM
Experience Bamboo Heaven by Mark Baldoza Bamboo has always been an important plant in Filipino culture as it is used in a variety of native creations - from handicrafts, tools, implements, even houses. As a tribute to this very useful plant, the people of Camarines Sur has set up the Bamboo Farm to appreciate and discover its many varieties, forms and uses. The Bamboo Farm is being developed by the Provincial Government as one of its eco-tourism destinations in Camarines Sur. The farm showcases different varieties of bamboo in the country.
How To Get There:
From Naga City Proper, get a ride to the Central Business District and choose the bus going to “Lagonoy”. Ask the driver to drop you off at Hanawan, Ocampo, Camarines Sur or in the town proper of Ocampo. You can take what is called a “habal-habal” or hired motorcycles to take you to the Bamboo Farm.
Owned and operated by the Provincial Government of Camarines Sur.
Why is it Special? Bamboo represents the agility and strength of the Filipinos. Most of our handicrafts and houses utilize bamboo as one of its main tool. The bamboo farm presents the different species of Bamboo being cultivated for it to contribute to the economic growth of the municipality. Bamboos are a majestic sight to behold. It is a plant found almost everywhere and is known for its rapid growth. Bamboos protect the environment and cleanse the air we breathe. It is also a good soil conservation plant. They are renewable plants that do not need replanting after being harvested. Aside from aesthetic contribution, , bamboo farms provide Ocampo and the neighbouring towns the supply of bamboo that they need for furnitures, handicratfts, and houses. There is a clear market for bamboo in the Philippines that is why the growth of this industry can be expected in the years to come.
BAMBOO FARM
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THE LUCKY BAMBOO
The plant is used to attract health, happiness, love and abundance.
Pictured center: Different kinds of bamboo are grown in the bamboo farm.
BAMBOO SEEDLING PRODUCTION
A nursery of bamboo seedlings prepared for planting-seeds here are nurtured to develop for better harvest.
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MT. ISAROG NATIONAL PARK & CONSOCEP FALLS
The Consocep falls is made up of more than six big and small waterfalls all within the Mt. Isarog Natural Park.
An old tree house sits majestically on top of an ancient tree.
Huge trees and lush foliage make up the Mt. Isarog Natural Park.
Owned and operated by the Provincial Government of Camarines Sur.
MT. ISAROG NATIONAL PARK & CONSOCEP FALLS
Gawk At Nature’s Brilliance
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by Sharey Joan Modino
Mt. Isarog Natural Park actually caters for adventure junkie, environmentalist or just anybody who wants to enjoy the environment with luscious forest, wild life and beautiful scenery of natural falls and springs. It is actually a favourite destination of mountain hikers and trekkers or an environmental folk, for it has both the offering for thrill seekers and science studies for the different floras and faunas that can be found within the mountain.
How To Get There:
From Naga City Proper, get a ride to the Central Business District and choose a bus going to “Lagonoy.”. This bus would take the route going to the Partido Distric of Camarines Sur. Ask the driver to drop you off at Hanawan, Ocampo, Camarines Sur or in the town proper of Ocampo. You can take what is called a “habal-habal” or hired motorcycles to take you to the entrance of the trek to Consocep.
Why is it Special? The place is a lush and mossy forest is home to unique wildlife both flora and fauna that would help travellers reconnect with nature. There is no cellular reception in the area so it is undoubtedly the best place to forget the hustle and bustle of city living and immerse oneself to nature. There are three falls in the area and before anyone gets there, your physical prowess would be tested. There is a 10-15 minutes trek going down to reach the first waterfall. The sight is remarkable. Being surrounded by thick forest would bring out a sense of adventure. Picnics can be held and there is even a provision for camping. Special reminders are placed to remind tourists to help the caretakers maintain the place. There is so much to see and so much to discover in Consocep Waterfalls. One would even doubt that it can be accessed so easily. The roads uphill is part of the exciting trip. You would not only take one, but multiple stops along the way to admire the beautiful scenery. You can see the part where the sky meets the earth and it is surreal. It would bring you peace and calm just by looking at the vast horizon.
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STRAWBERRY FARM
Taste F resh, Sweet Strawberries
by Sarah Mae Consulta
Not all people are a fan of strawberries, some do not but for those who do love them, we can easily understand why, Strawberries are delicious and provides all sorts of health benefits. “Strawberries, apples, and nectarines can only be grown in cold places.” This is a general truth that we all grew up with until a Bicolano agribusiness expert, Leonardo Libreja, has shown these fruits can be successfully propagated in tropical places like his own Camarines Sur province. This may come as a sweet surprise for everyone. Strawberry farms are usually located in regions of the Philippines where the climate is colder and the soil can cultivate it. However, a series of experiments done by Mr. Libreja found a way to grow these sweet strawberries in the hot climate of the Camarines Sur Province and he literally reaped the fruits of his labor. What is even more delightful about this agricultural innovation is it will surely benefit everyone in the province--local farmers, entrepreneurs, tourists and locals.
How To Get There:
The entrance fee is ₱10.00 when you visit the farm.
From Naga City Proper, get a ride to the Central Business District and choose the bus going to Lagonoy. This bus would take the route going to the Partido Distric of Camarines Sur. Ask the driver to drop you off at Pinit, Ocampo, Camarines Sur or in the town proper of Ocampo. From there, you can hire a tricycle to take you to the farm.
Why is it Special? Strawberry farm is not a usual sight anywhere in the region. It is actually the first lowland strawberry plantation here in Camarines Sur. The caretakers are very polite and accommodating. You can also buy a ready-to-bear-fruit strawberry plant so you can grow your own strawberries at home.
Newly grown strawberries flourish despite the warm weather.
STRAWBERRY FARM
Black pig contains high protein but low cholesterol. Occasionally, it is served as a delicacy in festivities.
A floating cottage is found at the pond of the strawberry farm where you can relax while watching the sunset.
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OCAMPO DEER FARM
Get to Deer-ly Know The Wild £ife
Joan Marie Mira
Who would have thought that we actually have an amazing deer farm just within the bounds of Camarines Sur? Ocampo Deer Farm is located at Barangay Sta. Cruz, Ocampo, Camarines Sur around four (4) kilometers up in Mt. Isarog.
How To Get There:
From Naga City Proper, ride a jeepney or van that ply the Ocampo-Naga Route. From Ocampo, hire a tricyle that would take you to the farm. Rates would be negotiable depending on your haggling prowess.
Why is it Special?
The road going to the farm adds an element of excitement to your trip. The cool wind and the relaxing surrounding would surely make the trip worthwhile. The path off the main road is not yet concrete but improvements are being done by the Local Government Unit.
in an instant you would be surrounded by these lovely animals.
It is an extraordinary experience seeing the deer as their roam around the vast green grassland. The farm was actually featured in GMA News TV Program ‘Bicol Expedition’ hosted by journalist Jay Taruc. It highlighted the LGU's effort in boosting the town's tourism industry by providing new destination for tourists The farm raises special Australian species of deer such who have love for animals, in this case, deers. as Black Buck Antelope, Red Deer, Fallow Deer, Chital Deer, and Elk. The farm is a five-hectare land owned What an amazing experience to be with these majesby the Camarines Sur Government. It was developed tic animals even for just a whole day. The cold breeze in 1996 with only 60 heads of five (5) species of deer and the open air make it a remarkable experience. It's from Australia. The number has grown from 60 to not everyday that people get to interact with these anover more than 300. The goal of the farm is to make imals, so this is truly a unique adventure. In addition, the province a large supplier of meat which would be the place is incredibly picturesque. Nowadays, social very useful in boosting the economy of said province. media is an amazing platform to promote the local tourist destinations and taking and posting a beautiTourists and guests are allowed to interact up close ful photo would definitely introduce the destination with the animals by feeding them with grass and to the world. weeds. Take a bunch of grass and wave it around, and
OCAMPO DEER FARM
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Owned and operated by the Provincial Government of Camarines Sur.
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VALEROSA FARM ADVENTURE RESORT
Have A Not-So Typical Getaway by France Musico Valerosa Farm Adventure Resort is located in May Ogob, Ocampo, Camarines Sur. It is wellknowned for guests coming from nearby cities and towns looking for a sense of new adventure and thrill. It can also be a haven for those seeking solitude and wants to do a little soul searching.
How To Get There: From Naga City Proper, get a ride to the Central Business District and choose the bus going to Lagonoy. This bus would take the route going to the Partido Distric of Camarines Sur. Ask the driver to drop you off at Pinit, Ocampo, Camarines Sur or in the town proper of Ocampo. From there, you can hire a tricycle to take you to the farm in May Ogob. If you get confused, you can call the number which would be provided below so you can ask for directions as the farm is far from the National Highway.
Visitors can relax and swim the resort's pools.
Why is it Special? The farm resort boasts of its unique adventure feels. They take you back to the fond memories of being a child by playing outdoors and rolling in the mud. One of their famous activities is the Mud Obstacle Course where you aim to complete a series of semi-difficult physical challenges.
A visitor poses in front of two statues in the resort.
After getting muddy, it is nice to wash off the dirt and relax at the resort’s amazing pool. You can get a good view of the farm while taking a dip. It is also a place to relax and unwind. Most of the time, the resort has guest entertainers such as an acoustic band, a show band and a group of beautiful dancer. These all add up to the charm of the place.
ADDRESS Valerosa Farm Adventure Resort, May Ogob, Ocampo Camarines Sur ENTRANCE FEES: Day rate: Php 50 for adults Php 30 for children
Night rate: Php 70 for adults Php 50 for children Cottage rate: Php 100-700
CONTACT DETAILS: - 0917 559 1530 / 0947 709 6125 - valerosa016@gmail.com
View from inside the resort.
ST. PETER THE BAPTIST CHURCH
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Seek Spiritual Solitude by Sarah Mae Consulta St. Peter the Baptist Church is a Roman Catholic Church located at Gatbo Road, Old Moriones in the town of Ocampo,Camarines Sur. The church has its own charm by being located far away from the hustle and bustle of the city. The serene surroundings make it a perfect sanctuary for people seeking spiritual solitude.
The architectural beauty of the church also makes it a tourist landmark. The combination of modern and traditional architecture makes its rustic charm well-known to the church-goers not just from Ocampo but from all the neighbouring town and cities too. The inside of the church is clean and well-lighted and well-ventilated. Unlike most churches, the place has a modern feel to it.
How To Get There:
From Naga City, ride a bus or van that ply the Ocampo-Naga Route. From Ocampo proper, ride a pedicab going to St. Peter the Baptist Church. A wood carving of Jesus lays inside the Church.
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ST. BERNARD ABBOT PARISH
The entrance to St. Bernard Abbot Parish
One of the statues that adorn the parish, Our Lady of Immaculate Conception.
Nourish Your Spiritual Side
by Sharey Joan Modino
St. Bernard Abbot Parish is a Roman Catholic Church located in the town of Ocampo,Camarines Sur. It is well-known for its white faรงade, beautiful grottos and an array of life-size statues of saints. The church is most popular amongst the local church-goers. It is located at the heart of the town and is easily accessed by the locals. The interior of the place is also one-of-a-kind. The feel of security, calmness and serenity emanates from the place.
How To Get There: From Naga City, ride a bus or van that ply the Ocampo-Naga Route. Then, tell the driver that your drop off is an old Moriones church that is along the road one to three meters away from the main road.
10 WORDS KNOWN IN OCAMPO
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15 WORDS KNOWN IN OCAMPO aban-aban (mamaya) later / lat·er /ˈlādər/ exclamation informal goodbye for the present; see you later.
barudon (mabagal) slow /slō/ adjective moving or operating, or designed to do so, only at a low speed; not quick or fast.
castigo (pinalo o pinagalitan) scold /skōld/ verb past tense: scolded; past participle: scolded
hurop-hurop (pagiisip) con·tem·pla·tion /ˌkän(t)əmˈplāSH(ə)n/ noun the action of looking thoughtfully at something for a long time ; deep reflective thought ; the state of being thought about or planned.
burgis (anak mayaman) bour·geois / bo͝orˈZHwä,ˈbo͝orZHwä/ adjective of or characteristic of the middle class, typically with reference to its perceived materialistic values or conventional attitudes.
ermana (kapatid na babae) sister / sistər / noun a woman or girl in relation to other daughters and sons of her parents.
ermano (kapatid na lalaki) brother /ˈbrəT͟Hər/ noun a man or boy in relation to other sons and daughters of his parents.
liwaliw (magsaya) enjoy /inˈjoi,enˈjoi/ verb take delight or pleasure in (an activity or occasion).
padaba/payaba (mahal) love /ləv/ noun a person or thing that one loves.
bayong (ibon) bird /bərd/ noun a warm-blooded egg-laying vertebrate distinguished by the possession of feathers, wings, and a beak and (typically) by being able to fly.
buyong(lasing)
drunk /drəNGk/ adjective affected by alcohol to the extent of losing control of one’s faculties or behavior.
gulpi (madami) man·y /ˈmenē/ determiner, pronoun, & adjective a large number of.
decenario (padasal) prayer vigil noun a prayer vigil involves praying while holding a vigil. The word "vigil" comes from the Latin word "vigilia," meaning "wakefulness."
trisago (panalangin sa paglalakbay) travel prayer phrase an act of asking guidance in safe travels or journey through praying.
mantencion (pangsuporta) main·te·nance /ˈmānt(ə)nəns,ˈmān(t)nəns/Submit noun the process of maintaining or preserving someone or something, or the state of being maintained.
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OCAMPO AGRI FAIR
OCAMPO AGRI FAIR Ocampo Agri Fair is an activity sponsored by the municipality. It is part of the celebration of the town fiesta and founding anniversary. Like most Agri Fairs, it is conducted so that the stakeholders of the Agriculture industry of a specific town would meet and gather to discuss the important issues and address the current problems they are facing. Agri Fairs would usually consist of the farmers, agricultural land owners, and the local government unit. They usually present their produce and goods and encourage the locals and visitors to buy these goods.
An enterpreneur posing in front of his stall in the Agri Fair
The event begins with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by town officials, farmers, entrepreneurs and guests.
The Agri fair is held every year before the fiesta in Ocampo, Camarines Sur in the Plaza Complex. Participants include the 25 barangays of Ocampo through the help of their barangay captains and agriculturists in their municipality. It showcases all the harvest of each barangay like camote tops, banana, coconut and different types of vegetables. These products must be found in their respective barangays. Every Agri Fair, they also conduct a contest about how they showcase their product and display it. The winner receives money and a plaque of appreciation, while other participants are also given consolation prizes for participating in the said event. The market day is Wednesday until Friday, but those who bring their products to the market of Ocampo, they arrive Friday and stay until Sunday to sell their products to buyers and distributors.
Some products exhibited include suman and eggs from home-grown poultry.
HIMULOAN FESTIVAL
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HIMULOAN FESTIVAL Locals celebrate the 67th Himuloan Festival.
Himuloan Festival is Ocampo's very own version of Tinagba Festival, popularly celebrated in the City of Iriga, Camarines Sur. It is part of the celebration of Ocampo's Foundation Anniversary and Town Fiesta. Like the Tinagba Festival, the Himuloan is a feast to thank the God Almighty for the bountiful harvest and a year-round of healthy and prosperous life.
(photo above and below) Locals adorn vehicles with crops and goods during the parade.
(photo left and right): Residents in Ocampo join the annual parade which marks the start of the Himuloan Festival.
Like any other festivities in the Philippines, Himuloan festival presents itself in a colourful manner. Activities include an amazing view of a parade participated by member of government and non-government organizations, students, Majorette Corps and Drum and Lyre Band. The lively music and busy streets would surely bring joy to all visitors and guests of the town. Festivals have always been an important part of our culture. It presents our country’s national heritage throughout the years. Festivals are mostly celebrated to propagate the cultural heritage of nations. Festivals highlight various aspects of a society. Some that are at national level help promote solidarity and patriotic spirit in the society
The Himuloan festival is celebrated every August 13 and the Town fiesta is celebrated every 20th of August. As part of the town fiesta, it is celebrated with colorful and engaging activities. You can be part of this amazing feast by visiting the town. From Naga City, ride a bus going to Lagonoy. This route would pass by the beautiful town of Ocampo.
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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT We would like to express our deepest gratitude to our advisors, Ms. Kristine Lizardo, MSHRM and Mr. Juan Raul LL. Relloso, MBA for their full support, expert guidance and encouragement throughout the process of our research. Their thoughtful comments and suggestions are valued greatly. To our families, for their full encouragement, loving support, and trust that we could do it despite the hindrances that we faced in our research. We love you so much from the bottom of our hearts. We also want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the Honorable Mayor of Ocampo, Corazon M. Olos, and to the employees of the Local Government Unit who gladly assisted us to finish our research. And lastly, to our Almighty God, who blessed us with the knowledge and strength to effectively reach our goal.
WHAT TO LOOK FORWARD IN OCAMPO IN THE NEXT FEW YEARS •
Create biking and trekking trails leading to the PLDT ruins near Mount Isarog.
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Create a helipad for aerial landing purposes and provide amenities for tourists that are interested to explore Ocampo.
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Create bed and breakfast lodging hotels for tourists.
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Build Pasalubong Centers and One Town One Product that will be uniquely known.
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Establish a restaurant that caters black pig cuisine.
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Create a Tourism Office that will promote Ocampo and its wonders.
Ateneo de Naga University College of Business and Accountancy Allied Business Courses Department Ms. Kristine Lizardo, MSHRM Mr. Juan Raul LL. Relloso, MBA Advisers
CONTRIBUTORS
Mark Baldoza Sarah Mae Consulta Joan Marie Mira Sharey Joan Modino France Musico
© OCAMPO.2017