WEIGHBRIDGE IN MATNOG PORT NOW OPERATIONAL

LEGAZPI CITY — The Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) Management Office here announces the implementation of mandatory weighing effective July 6 of all RoRo vehicles being loaded to ferry vessels at the Port of Matnog, Sorsogon.

The newly-installed weighbridge being operated by the Sorsogon Terminal & Arrastre Stevedoring Corporation started its operation on July 2, 2010.

Atty. Francisquiel Mancile, PPA acting port manager, stated that the new directive complies with PPA Memo Circular No. 23-2009 which at the very heart aims for the safety of passengers and to ensure safety not only in the handling of outbound-containers and RoRo vehicles, both foreign and domestic but also to mitigate risks to PPA port facilities – minimize the need for premature rehabilitation caused by excessive vehicle gross volume weight and consequently lower the government’s maintenance costs.

“This is also prevent the early deterioration of the arrastre’s cargo handling equipment; and avoid the likelihood of sea mishaps in cases where ferry vessels carry overloaded containers/vehicles,” he sadi.

Mancile explained that with reported incidents out of overloading of domestic containers and RoRo vehicles, the agency came up with guidelines that will see for the mandatory weighing at the port of loading of all outbound containers and RoRo vehicles to ensure compliance with the Prescribed Gross Vehicle Weight.

The weighing tickets issued to containers/vehicles shall be honored at the port of destination.

He stressed that it is the responsibility of PPA-accredited Cargo Handling/Terminal Operators (CH/TO) to ensure that the allowable/prescribed weights and safe handling of RoRo vehicles at the port are strictly observed.

“Overloaded RoRo vehicles will not be loaded onto the carrying vessels unless its consignment/shipment are redistributed or removed,” he warned.

He noted that the stripping process/removal of excess weight/goods or any other special services that may be provided by the CH/TO are for the account of the cargo/vehicle owner, adding that penalty for overloading containers/vehicles will also be strictly imposed by PPA.

While waiting for the issuance of a uniform weighing rate to be determined by PPA for nationwide implementation, PPA PMO herei has already issued a weight scale rates adopted for the Port of Matnog.

All other major ports in Bicol, i.e. Legazpi, Bulan, Masbate, Pasacao, Tabaco, and Virac will implement this mandatory weighing of all containers/vehicles as soon as their respective weighbridges have been established. (PPA V/PIA)

NFA BICOL SUPPORTS P-NOY'S REFORMS IN FOOD SECURITY PROGRAM

LEGAZPI CITY — The National Food authority (NFA) in Bicol welcomes the reforms and changes that President Benigno Simeon "P-Noy" Aquino III recently pushed in line with the government Food Security Program.

President Aquino announced he was planning to end the government’s rice importation program where billions of funds are spent.

He directed agriculture authorities to end rice importation and instructed them to find ways to improve the country’s rice production program.

Edgar Ventulan, NFA regional director in Bicol said that he will support any reform in his agency specifically on the rice importation program where the agency is incurring hundreds of millions losses yearly in the form of subsidy.

Ventulan claimed that in Bicol from January to June this year, the agency bought 800,000 bags of rice but financial records indicated that it incurred a P757-million loss because of the rice subsidy program.

Ventulan said presently, the NFA has at least 2.8 million bags of rice stored in various agency-designated warehouse across the region.

He said the agency has an adequate supply of rice enough for the next eight months or 250 days.

Ventulan said the agency maintains a rice stock position and millions of bags are ready for disposal in times of calamities, wherein priority rice distribution will be given to the island provinces of Catanduanes and Masbate.

He said NFA has maintained a buffer stock from imported rice and some acquired through the agency’s rice procurement program.

Ventulan noted that agency statistics indicate that the daily rice consumption in Bicol is pegged at 14,000 bags. (PNA Bicol/PIA)

MORE BICOLANO CHILDREN BENEFITS FROM KALAHI FEEDING

LEGAZPI CITY — Some 390 poorly nourished children in three municipalities in Bicol are benefiting from the supplemental feeding program of the Kabisig ng Kalahi Feeding Program.

Kabisig ng Kalahi is a non-government organization which implement feeding program for malnourished children to reduce incidence of malnutrition among 3-6 years old.

The 156-day feeding program, in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Unilever and Mead Johnson Nutritionals, provides children with hot meals amounting to P10.00 per child everyday and a glass of milk from Mead Johnson Nutritionals through its Milk Feeding Program dubbed as “Feeding Hope”.

For this year, Kabisig ng Kalahi Feeding Program covers the towns of Libon, Albay, Magallanes, Sorsogon and Ragay, Camarines Sur.

The same program will also be launched in Virac, Catanduanes, this July.

Kabisig ng Kalahi Feeding Program was launched in Bicol last year in the towns of Tiwi and Malinao in the province of Albay, Del Gallego and Ragay in Camarines Sur and in Bulusan and Magallanes, Sorsogon with 159 children beneficiaries.

Meanwhile, DSWD is closely coordinating with the respective local government units in strengthening the delivery of day care services and the supplemental feeding program. (EEJerusalem, DSWD V/PIA)

SORSOGON POLICE CELEBRATES 15TH PCR MONTH

SORSOGON CITY — The Philippine National Police celebrates anew the Police Community Relations Month this July, now on its 15th year after its inception in 1996.

This year’s celebration has renewed the police commitment to enhance the police image to gain support from the community in their functions.

PCR Month has officially kicked off on Monday, July 5, with a Flag Raising ceremony participated in by the different government agencies in the province along with other civilians at the Camp Salvador C. Escudero, Sr, this city.

It was followed immediately by a motorcade along the main thoroughfare of Sorsogon City.

Annually celebrated by virtue of the Presidential Proclamation No. 764, this year’s PCR month highlights the theme “Pulisya at Mamamayan Tungo sa Matatag na Pagkakaisa ng Pambansang Kapayapaan at Kaunlaran”.

Police Provincial Director PSSupt. Heriberto Olitoquit in his message expounded the value of camaraderie and friendship between policemen and community in achieving a strong and developed country adding that the PCR program of the PNP has effectively served its purpose of transforming the image of police force from negative to positive.

Sorsogon Police Provincial Office (SPPO) Public Information Officer PSupt Angela Rejano, meanwhile, said that in an awarding ceremony held on Monday, the Bulan Municipal Police Station under the able leadership of their Municipal Police Chief Efren Orlina was awarded by the SPPO as Best Police Community Relations Unit.

SPO1 Edgar A. Calupit, on the other hand, was cited as Best PCR Police Non-Commissioned Officer in recognition of his exemplary performance in the field of police community relations.

Rejano further said that SPPO has also given due recognition to City Agriculture Office, Provincial Council of Community Elders and to Sorsogon College of Criminology Incorporated College Red Cross Youth Council because of their unrelenting support and contribution to the PNP specifically on their livelihood programs and activities initiated by the PCR office, which is relevant to achieving the PNP’s mission. (BARecebido, PIA Sorsogon)

PPOC ORGANIZED, ANTI-CRIME CAMPAIGN INTESIFIED IN CAMARINES NORTE

DAET, Camarines Norte - The Provincial Peace and Order Council (PPOC) has organized anew the Anti-Criminality Task Force during the meeting held here recently.

Earlier Camarines Sur Governor and PPOC Chair Edgardo A. Tallado Jr. has issued an Executive Order No. 2010-23 organizing the Anti-Criminality Task Force for crimes particularly illegal logging, illegal fishing, illegal drugs and illegal mining.

During the meeting presided over by Tallado, he said that he will personally man the said anti –criminality task force.

He said that for the illegal fishing he will provide two speed boats to put an end to illegal fishing activities in the province.

Vice Governor Jonnah Pimentel, meanwhile, said that he will fast track the passage of unified ordinance on illegal fishing by August.

On illegal logging, Governor Tallado said he will coordinate with the Provincial Prosecution Office (PPO) so that cases against illegal loggers will immediately process and violators will be penalize.

On the other hand, Provincial Police Director PSSupt. Pierre R. Bucsit reported their plans and programs in the PNP to include: the enforcement of Anti-Criminality Task Force, enactment of Provincial Ordinance on PNP clearance for the province’ additional income, enactment of traffic ordinance and the issuance of provincial traffic citation ticket, PNP refreshers training and enhancement of SOCO.

Earlier, Executive Order 2010-22 was issued by the Governor re-organizing the PPOC, the members include the PNP, PA,DOJ, Provincial Legal Officer, PSWDO, DPWH,SP, DTI, DepEd, DOH, DOLE, PIA, TESDA, CENRO, PENRO, NAPOLCOM, BFP, BJMP, KABABAYAN INC. and Dangerous Drugs Board and was formally re-organized during the meeting. (RBManlangit, PIA CamNorte)

DSWD INSTALLS HELPLINE FOR CICL CONCERNS

LEGAZPIC CITY — The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has put up the Project Helpline providing assistance over the phone like counseling and referral to children at risk, children in conflict with the law (CICL), service providers and stakeholders on problems and concerns relative to the implementation of RA 9344 or the Juvenile Justice and Welfare Act.

Project Helpline is manned by a social worker, Monday through Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm and can be accessed through telephone number (052) 481-0465,

The project has been established to to:

1) make the public understand fully the intention of RA 9344, and appreciate its implementation;

2) provide assistance to duty bearers in carrying out their responsibilities under the law;

3) help children at risk, the children in conflict with the law and their families understand the law,
their duties and responsibilities and improve their situation through the provision of skills.
Republic Act 9344 mandates intervention program for children at risk as well as diversion to
children in conflict with the law for rehabilitation and reintegration to the mainstream of society. (EEJerusalem, DSWD V/PIA)

Truth body will not be selective, says Palace

MANILA — The Truth Commission to be set up by President Benigno S. Aquino III will not be selective in its pursuit of rectifying and putting closure to past government controversies, Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said Friday (July 9).

“Now that we have a new a government, this administration promises to prosecute and put closure to all past controversies,” he said. “The Truth Commission has been set up not only for the fertilizer fund scam but also for all other controversies surrounding the Arroyo administration.”

According to Lacierda, the mandate of the commission is to gather all evidence based on testimonies and documents.

Lacierda said that where there is a strong case, former Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr., who has been tapped to head the probe body, will recommend the appropriate action to the Ombudsman.

“There is no prejudging here. We’re just stating this as a matter of procedure,” Lacierda said.

The presidential memorandum order creating the commission is now being awaited, Lacierda said, adding that Davide will set up the parameters of the commission’s mandate in consultation with the President.

In his own press briefing last Wednesday, President Aquino stated that his administration is not poised to impose limits on the investigations to be conducted by Davide. (PIA V Release)

More Cabinet execs undergo media training

MANILA — Today (Friday, July 9) it was Health Secretary Enrique Ona who underwent the training on media handling scheduled for all Cabinet members.

Ona was supposed to be joined by Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim, but the latter begged off, according to Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda who was part of the second batch to go through the media training conducted by former government reporter Carol Esposo-Espiritu.

Lacierda met the Malacañang Press Corps today for his regular briefing and the mediamen were one in saying that Lacierda was a quick learner. He has started calling reporters by their first names and cracked jokes during the press conference, to the delight of the Press Corps members.

Lacierda said those scheduled for Saturday are Lim, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Labor Secretary Rosalinda Baldoz, and Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras.

For Monday, those scheduled are Peace Process Secretary Teresita ‘Ging’ Deles, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin and Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon Paje. (PIA V Release)

Naga City mayor now DILG secretary

MANILA — Multi-awarded and three-term Mayor of Naga City Jesse M. Robredo was named Friday (July 9) the Secretary of the Department of Interior and Local Government by President Benigno S. Aquino III.

This just about completes the Cabinet of President Aquino, with the exception of the Office of the Press Secretary, which he intends to reorganize and rename the Presidential Communications Office.

Robredo is the first and only Filipino Mayor to receive the Ramon Magsaysay Award for Government Service in 2000. He was elected mayor of Naga City in 1988 at the age of 29, making him the youngest city mayor at that time.

Under his leadership, Naga City was adjudged one of the “most improved cities in Asia” by Asiaweek Magazine in 1999. In 1995, he was elected president of the League of Cities of the Philippines, the national association of city mayors.

Robredo obtained his undergraduate degree in Industrial Management engineering and Mechanical Engineering at the De La Salle University. He was an Edward Mason Fellow and a graduate of Masters in Public Administration at the John F. Kennedy School of Government, Harvard University in Cambridge, Massachusetts in 1999.

In 1985, Robredo finished his masters in Business Administration at the UP Diliman as a scholar and was named the Graduate School and Faculty Organization awardee for scholarly excellence.

On returning home to Naga City in 1986, he was appointed Program Director of the Bicol River Basin Development Program, an agency tasked to undertake integrated area development planning in the region.

Aside from the 2000 Ramon Magsaysay Award for government service, Robredo received up to 20 awards in his lifetime, among them the followiing: 1998 the Konrad Adenauer Medal of Excellence as Most Outstanding City Mayor of the Philippines; in 1996 the Outstanding Young Persons of the World Award; in 1990 the Outstanding Young Men of the Philippines (TOYM) Award and the first ever Dangal ng Bayan Award of the Civil Service Commission.

In March 2008, he was conferred an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree by the Far Eastern University in Manila. (PIA V Release)

Palace studies options on Ombudsman

MANILA — Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda, replying to a question from media, said that options are being studied toward removing Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez from office without violating the constitutional guarantee of a fixed term for her.

Lacierda said Friday (July 9)during a Malacañang press briefing that the possibilities are to wait for her early retirement, to persuade her to voluntarily resign, and to file an impeachment case against her.

Lacierda said that the Aquino administration fully recognizes the independence of Ombudsman, but is skeptical about its occupant.

“We recognize the Ombudsman as an institution, but not its present occupant whose nearness to the former First Gentleman Jose Miguel Arroyo and the former President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has been evident in her previous decisions in cases. “ Lacierda said.

He said that an impeachment proceeding in Congress is “one option that is being discussed.”

The Palace official also said they are still awaiting the formal testimony of former Agriculture Secretary Luis ‘Cito’ Lorenzo Jr. before the Truth Commission before making any judgment on the multi-million fertilizer fund scam that broke out in the Arroyo administration.

Lorenzo came home recently, ending five years of self-exile in the United States. He left the Philippines the height of the fertilizer fund case, whose prime suspect was his former subordinate, DA Undersecretary Jocelyn “Jocjoc” Bolante.

Former Senator Ramon Magsaysay Jr. who headed the legislative probe on the scandal has recommended the filing of appropriate charges against Lorenzo and Bolante before the Ombudsman.

The Ombudsman today filed charges of malversation against Lorenzo, Bolante and other DA officials.

“The report of Senator Magsaysay was done a long time ago. We can’t get justice with her as the Ombudsman, which is why the Truth Commission, an independent body, was formed -- precisely to get all evidence to pin down all those responsible for corruption,” Lacierda added.

He stressed that the Aquino government would abide by any findings the Truth Commission will have pertaining to the controversies.

Lacierda said the Aquino administration is confident that those who knew something about the fertilizer fund scam and other anomalies during the Arroyo administration will come out to testify. (PIA V Release)

FARMERS TO GET RICE-GROWING ADVICE VIA TEXT MESSAGES
by International Rice Research Institute (IRRI)strong>

Los Baños, Philippines (9 July) -- Farmers in the "texting capital" of the world?the Philippines?will soon have nutrient management advice tailored specifically to their rice crops delivered to their mobile phones.

Dr. Roland Buresh, part of the International Rice Research (IRRI) team that has joined the Philippine Department of Agriculture to establish the system, says that after responding to a series of simple questions about their rice paddy, farmers would receive an automated text reply recommending what amounts, sources, and timings of fertilizer are needed for profitable rice production in their paddy.

In Rice Today July September 2010, Buresh explains the technology and what they hope to achieve.

In Cambodia, farmers are further advancing technology adoption of mechanical harvesters and dryers, better storage techniques, among other postharvest technologies. In this issue, we hear how the technologies are spreading and being embraced by Cambodian rice farmers to reduce labor, save money and time, and improve the quantity and quality of grain available at the end of the day.

Rice Today also delves deeper into the controversial topic of "land grabs" for rice production, exploring the potential benefits and downsides to this approach to increasing global rice production.

Land grabs will also be one of the themes at the 3rd International Rice Congress 2010 (IRC2010), which will be held in Hanoi, Vietnam, 8-12 November 2010. IRC2010 is the world?s largest gathering of rice scientists, researchers, and technology experts and is expected to attract thousands of international delegates. IRC2010 follows the Africa Rice Congress 2010, held in Mali in March this year?Rice Today reports on the Congress and its recommendations to boost Africa?s rice sector, including a "Marshall Plan" for capacity building.

Aside from being IRRI?s 50th anniversary year, 2010 is also the International Year of Biodiversity. Rice Today explores the challenges farmers face in finding the perfect biodiversity balance in their paddies to minimize losses due to pests and weeds, reduce labor, supply additional food sources, and deliver ecosystem services such as nectar for bees.

Just keeping up production in the MERCOSUR (Southern Common Market) region of South America responsible for 85% of the continent?s rice production is a challenge this season, with adverse weather conditions causing production to drop an average of 8% since last season. The weather is also upsetting North American rice production, where rains in California are predicted to reduce the crop there.

Despite changes in rice production, "In the last few months, global rice prices have fallen by more than 25%," according to Dr. Sam Mohanty. In his Rice Today article, Mohanty provides some insights into the market and the ongoing need to boost rice yields by 1.2?1.5% every year to ensure food security in Asia.

To help understand changes in rice production, IRRI?s mapping team, led by Dr. Andy Nelson, has published a map of rice-growing regions in South Asia for this season. They will compare maps from different years to identify new rice production areas and areas where rice is replaced by other land uses.

And, in a final farewell, this issue?s Pioneer interview is with Dr. Michael Jackson?who recently retired from IRRI after 19 years. He joined IRRI to lead the International Rice Genebank where he applied scientific best practice and harnessed the skills of staff to build the Genebank into one of the world?s best. He then applied his "systematic way of doing business" to improve project and contract management, and donor relations.

All of these, plus the latest news, views, and books, are available now in Rice Today July-September 2010. Free online registration for the full content and notification of future issues of Rice Today is now available. Subscribers? copies are being mailed. (PIA V Release)

Cambodians visit Legazpi City, orients on Solid Waste Management Program

LEGAZPI CITY — Mayor Geraldine ‘GIE’ Rosal of Legazpi City welcomed the delegates from Cambodian Government on July 7 Wednesday Namely: Mr. Phek Soben, City Governor of Cambodia, Mr. Eng Phirong, Provincial Environment Officer of Cambodia, Maria Eugenia Carrascal IPADE Foundation Country Coordinator of Cambodia and Sona Long, Local Coordinator of Cambodia.

During the visit, Rosal, Ms. Salve Corral, CENR Officer, Ms. Ana Bustinduy Amador, IPADE Foundation Regional Coordinator and the delegates tackled all the important facts and implementations of Solid Waste Management Program here in Legazpi City.

Corral however said that one of the communities in Cambodia has encountered a problem about solid waste management and the purpose of the delegates for visiting here is to gain more knowledge about the implementation of the program to address their solid waste problem.

Corral stressed that IPADE is one of the NGO’s agency of Spain that help the community through NGO’s and then the NGO’s will coordinate to the Local Government Units about the projects, she likewise said that IPADE is more focus on coastal resources management, water system and sanitary, community based natural resources and solid waste management programs.

She also said that the Spanish Agency is willing to help the community in Cambodia to curb their problems about solid waste. (MPSOlis, LGU Legazpi City)