PIA, PDEA spearhead info campaign against international drug syndicates
By Marlon A. Loterte

LEGAZPI CITY, (PIA) — The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) in Bicol has since Wednesday (March 23) spearheaded a massive campaign through its radio program “Ugnayan sa Bikol” against international drug syndicates luring Filipinos to be drug couriers in exchange for money.

Relaying statements of Secretary Herminio “Sonny” Coloma of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), the series of radio programs focused on the measures instituted by the government to prevent Filipinos falling prey to the modus operandi of international drug syndicates

Coloma said in a statement read over the radio program that information dissemination is one of the most effective preventive measures the government has implemented in order for Filipinos not to be victimized by drug syndicates.

“The lack of information allows them to be victims of these drug syndicates” Coloma said.

Meanwhile, Bicol Regional Director Archie Alzaga Grande of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) said drug mules, particularly overseas Filipino workers (OFWs), were forced by circumstances and lured with easy money, “but the stakes are definitely high.”

Grande said PDEA Bicol is one with the entire country in grieving and praying for the fate of the three Filipino drug carriers sentenced to death on March 30 in China.

Convicted drug traffickers Ramon Credo and Sally Villanueva will face their fate by lethal injection in Xiamen and Elizabeth Batain in Shenzhen, all were found guilty of drug trafficking charges by the Fujian People’s Court and the Gunadong High People’s Court.

As the execution date draws near, PDEA Bicol reminds and urges OFWs to become vigilant in dealing with people as they travel abroad.

Based on records as of January 2011 of the Task Force on Drug Couriers, chaired by PDEA and Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA), some 689 cases were filed against Filipino drug couriers who are now in prison or facing death penalty abroad, with 431 (63 percent) female and 258 (37 percent) males.

“79 of them are acing the death penalty in China, wherein 73 were granted with a two-year reprieve while six others, including Credo, Villanueva and Batain, with no reprieve,” Grande bared.

The unprecedented increase from 2 cases in 1993 to 431 in 2011 is enough reason for the government’s, led by PDEA and DFA, intensified and relentless drive to inform and educate the populace on this concern so as not to suffer the same fate similar to others abroad.

“We call on all sectors of the society to rally with us in our quest for a drug free community,” Alzaga concluded. (PIA V/Albay; with reports from JSBuendia, PDEA V)

AECID awards livelihood projects for Legazpi barangays with best waste management practices
By Danny O. Calleja

LEGAZPI CITY, Mar 28 (PIA) – The Agencia Española Cooperacion Internacional Para El Desarollo (AECID) has awarded with cash and some P2 million worth of livelihood projects the 13 barangays of this city that were adjudged best in ecological solid waste management (ESWM) practices.

Recipients of the P50,000 cash awards each were Barangays EMs Barrio East, Bagumbayan, Centro Baybay, Gogon and Buraguis for being chosen as best five in ESWM practices. They were also given plaques of commendations.

For the livelihood project awards, Barangay Buraguis through its First Buraguis Multi-Purpose Cooperative was given a P720, 539 worth of machineries, tools and equipment for its eco-concrete hollow block production while Barangay Bagumbayan got a P385,500-worth of charcoal briquetting equipment.

Barangays EMs Barrio South and Taysan through its respective livelihood organizations received composting machineries and equipment worth a total of P381,074. Barangays Arimbay, Bitano, Bonot, Cabangan East, Cruzada, EMs Barrio East and Maoyod were recipients of high speed and ordinary sewing machines for tetrapack recycling businesses.

City Mayor Carmen Geraldine Rosal said the people that will directly benefit from the livelihood projects awarded are actually scavengers gaining in their daily lives with the garbage. They were organized by the city government into cooperatives and livelihood groups and given trainings on how to earn more decently from the garbage.

“These people are our partners in our undertakings toward the protection of the city\s environment and in our quest for a zero waste city and providing for them a better life they deserve is one very important component of this ESWM project,” she added.

For the part of the AECID, Gonzalo Serrano, its Technical Cooperation Office program officer said “we are very much satisfied with the accomplishment of the city government in the implementation of the ESWM project we have jointly established and this could not be possible without the support of the barangays that we now recognize”.

AECID was the funding agency of the P93-million modern sanitary landfill established by the city in a 1.5 hectare land at one of its outskirt barangays as the first of its kind in Bicol pursuant to Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act. (LGU Legazpi City/PIA Albay/mal)


AECID adopts environmental program as flagship in Spain-PHL partnership
By Danny O. Calleja

LEGAZPI CITY, (PIA) – The local government administration here has impressed the Spanish government with what it has completed for the city’s P93-million solid waste management project funded through a grant from the Agencia Española Cooperacion Internacional Para El Desarollo (AECID).

“We are very satisfied and we will consider this project as the flagship of our partnership with the Philippines in promoting safe and sustainable environment. It will also be a model for other municipalities willing to have a similar facilities for treatment of waste,” according to Gonzalo Serrano, the AECID Technical Cooperation Office program officer.

Serrano was in this city over the weekend to see for himself the final touches of the works on the newly completed sanitary landfill constructed by the city government at a 1.5 hectare property in Barangay Banquerohan, an upland village some 20 kilometers from the downtown.

Works on the project took off in the middle of 2009 following the signing here in March of the same year by Spanish Ambassador Luis Arias Romero and then city mayor Noel Rosal of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) covering the P93 million or €1.6-million fund grant.

The erstwhile mayor who now works a city administrator following the lapse of his nine-year term and election last year of his wife, Geraldine as his replacement said the materials recovery facilities established by the city to cover all its 70 clustered barangays are also component of the AECID-funded project.

It is the first ecological solid waste management project in Bicol, pursuant to Republic Act 9003 or the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act. It will benefit some 135,000 residents of the city, Rosal said.

The sanitary landfill provides two concrete cells where the non-recyclable materials and special wastes will be deposited and covered with soil, an administration building, a park and a motorpool.

Mrs. Rosal, the city mayor said that her administration is seriously enforcing a city ordinance providing for mandatory segregation of biodegradable wastes from the non-recyclable materials and penalties await those who would not comply.

She said 30 percent of all the garbage produced by households and commercial and industrial establishments in the city that is classified as residual will go to the sanitary landfill while the rest would be recycled or manufactured into compost fertilizer when the facility becomes operational by next month.

Serrano told the lady mayor that “we will invite Ambassador Romero and other high ranking Spanish officials to be here and grace the inauguration of the facility on April and I am very sure they would love to come to find out for themselves how impressive this project is”. (LGU Legazpi City/PIA Albay/mal)

Pili stakeholders, environmentalists contest permit to cut down Pili trees
By Irma A. Guhit

SORSOGON CITY, (PIA) - The Indigenous Crops Watch of Sorsogon (ICWOS) is contesting the issuance of permit to cut of 100 old-growth pili trees , in Barangay Cabiguhan, this city bordering the municipality of Gubat.

ICWOS head Joeris T. Olbes stated that with climate change now and the continuous rains here, trees are needed as flood control mechanisms, and pili is among those trees that prove their resistance to typhoons.

Olbes claimed that the permit was recently issued by the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO).

ICWOS stated that the cutting of such massive number of trees can hurt the biodiversity and eco-system of the surroundings that provide watershed enhancement, sanctuary to birds and act as situ-germplasm.

ICWOS lamented that it is very unusual for an agency like the CENRO to issue a massive cutting permit specially pili which is one of the best endemic trees of the Bicol region and Sorsogon.

ICWOS has already forwarded a letter to Dr. Dennis Arsenio B. Ella, scientist from the Forest Product Research and Development Institute (FPRDI) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) based in Los Baños in Laguna, strongly contesting the issuance of the permit and requesting an official review of the issuance of the permit.

"As one of the most authoritative voice in the pili industry, we are earnestly seeking for your crucial opinion regarding this issue" cited the letter to Ella.

CENRO, meanwhile, has stated that a certificate was issued by the City Agriculture Office here declaring these 100 trees as unproductive.

ICWOS believes otherwise, strongly adhering to the belief that these trees can still be extracted with resin, known as "Manila elemi", used as ingredient in paints and varnishes.

The resin also gives toughness and elasticity to pharmaceutical products such as plasters, and is an important material for printing inks, lithographic works and perfumery. In the country, it is used in torches to start fires for domestic use, caulk boats and dress of transmission belts and conveyors.

Although regarded as a minor forest product, the Manila elemi, rakes in dollar income for the country. It can be recalled that in 1996, 353,415 kg of material valued at US$ 947,000 was exported to France, Japan, Spain, Switzerland and the United States.

Furthermore, the regional coordinating chairman of the Yellow Armies of Kalikasan at Proteksyon (YAKAP) of Bulusan expressed the same sentiments.

"It is very alarming to cut 100 old-growth pili trees knowing that the current government's campaign is a total log ban" according to Reynaldo Fulleros, president of the Man and Nature Association Inc. (MANA) of Barangay Central, Bulusan, Sorsogon.

In Bulusan according to Fulleros, hundreds of old-growth pili trees abounds and are never cut since they have considered these pili trees as landmarks and legacy trees. These trees contribute to the biodiversity of Bulusan and are one of the best visual enhancers of the place.

ICWOS has also forwarded the same letter to the Bicol Regional Pili Board, chaired by Dr. Estela B.Orulfo and the Department of Agriculture (DA).

"Our group is now urgently requesting a personal statement from Dr. Ella and also a clearance from the DA, together with the Department of the Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) of Sorsogon to clarify us on the issue, guide the public on the legality of the action. We still stand united in keeping safe our environment", the IWOCS group expressed. (PIA Sorsogon/mal)

First cine musical debuts in Naga City
By Lizel S. Macatangay

NAGA CITY, (PIA) -- For the first time in theatrical history, a cine musical brings to the fore a set of internationally acclaimed performers and theatre actors showcasing the very heart of every Bicolano’s devotion to our Lady of Penafrancia in a cinematic presentation dubbed as “Simon’s Way.”

“Simon’s Way”, christened as the biggest theatrical event in Bicol’s history, has in its cast the biggest stars in Philippine theater like Cocoy Laurel, Jenine Desiderio, Cris Villongco, Broadway singer Jon Joven and band vocalist Nicol Asencio, PGT Finalist Jelyn Oliva , Raymond Roldan, Bicol’s singing priests; Fr. Lou An Jarcia and Fr. Fidel Bagayawa and the internationally renowned University of Northeastern Philippines (UNEP) Chorale.

The presentation was also top billed by the oldest orchestras in Asia , the Manila Symphony Orchestra which is composed of around 60 musicians under the music direction of Prof. Arturo Molina.

The man behind this huge production is no less than the gifted lyricist who has already conquered the international scene as director, songwriter and composer, Mr. Freddie Dimadura.

“This cine musical came right in time when we Bicolanos were celebrating our 300 years of devotion to our Lady of Penafrancia. As a devotee myself, I feel it is just fitting that we give a loving tribute to our patroness, who deserves no less than the best gift from her devotees, “ Dimadura said in a press conference held in Naga City before the musicale’s benefit gala presentation held at the Unibersidad de Sta. Isabel (USI) from March 26-27 and at UNEP on March 28.

The Archdiocese of Caceres, who is also behind this momentous endeavor, has an equally deeper cause – to help poor parishes around the diocese to build their own revered edifice where Mama Mary’s faithful will convene and pray.

Unknown to most Catholics, the Archdiocese of Caceres is one of the highest producers of Catholic priests in the country. Each year, it produces a remarkable average of eight (8) ordinations, and most of these priests were already sent in various parts of the world, to share the good news of the Lord.

The archdiocese now boasts of 75 parishes, with half of it created during the loving stewardship of His Most Reverend Archbishop Leonardo Z. Legaspi, O.P.,D.D.

With the proceeds from the cine musical, the see is expecting more priesthood vocations from those who are called, strong edifice to house His followers and more responsive focus on ministerial care.

“Simon’s Way”, a perfect blend of cinematic production and theatrical rendition formally wrapped up of the Tercentenary celebration of the devotion to the Lady of Penafrancia. (PIA- Camarines Sur/mal)


Women Coop leads Women’s Summit, edges on environmental protection
By Lizel S. Macatangay

BAAO, Camarines Sur , (PIA) -- The Federation of Baao Women Multi Purpose Cooperative (FBW), in coordination with the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) Naga Extension Office, spearheaded the 2011 Regional Summit of Women over the weekend at La Huerta, Sta. Teresita, this town.

This year’s theme: “Bicolanas Verdes: Women Greening the Bicol Environment,” also coincides with this year’s observance of the International Year of the Forest .

The one day summit was also held in congruence with the international environmental concern, specifically the rising trepidations about climate change.

Lucy Buena, FBW chairperson and the confab’s convenor, said that women can be a great and effective instrument in solving the universal crisis if they are equipped with the right information.

“They only need to acknowledge that they can play an important role in molding the society and believe that they can positively influence their own communities in managing our environment as its caretakers. They can help revive the dwindling state of our forests and create a greener environment as our legacy for the upcoming generations,” Buena said in an interview.

This year marks the 100th year celebration of the International Women’s Day, with the goal of mutually reinforcing our country’s commitment in compliance with the Millennium Development Goal (MDG).

This also means bolstering our resolve to raise the awareness on gender equality, women’s empowerment, full enjoyment of all human rights and poverty eradication.

Also highlighting its environmental campaign, the summit was strategically held at the 4-hectare La Huerta Delos Santos Farm in Sta. Teresita, Baao ,Camarines Sur to showcase various vegetation utilizing the techno demo of hybrid crops like the Diamante tomato variety. The rich flora is also composed of a mixture of food crops, ornamental and herbal plants planted all over the place.

La Huerta is now a favorite destination for Lakbay Aral partakers and is now considered as an agro-tourism destination in the province of Camarines Sur.

Buena added that women’s issues are not only confined in reproductive health concerns, rights and its clamor for equality. More so, it is about our strong adherence to save the diminishing forest covers and restore the falling state of our environment.

Under the directive of President NoyNoy Aquino in encouraging women’s participation in decision making thru active partnership with public and private organizations, the summit also runs synonymous with the MDG gender and development goal which seeks to address climate change vulnerability of women and promote their participation in disaster risk management to lessen the impact of environmental degradation.

The celebration of Women’s Month is in accordance to Presidential Proclamations Nos. 224 and 227 and Republic Act 6949. (PIA Camarines Sur/mal)

House Bill wants armed groups and government forces, participants to “National Sports Peace”

LEGAZPI CITY, (PIA) -- Ako Bicol (AKB) Party-list congressmen, together with several other party-list solon, filed a novel resolution in the House of Representatives to hold an annual sports competition dubbed as the “National Sports Peace”.

AKB Congressman Rodel M. Batocabe said this is not a conventional sports competition as the intended participants are members of the Communist Party of the Philippines-New People's Army (CPP-NPA), Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF), Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), and Philippine National Police (PNP).
Batocabe said the signatories of the said resolution have acknowledged the fact that sports has been proven to be an an effective tool of diplomacy as it fosters and cements international understanding and diplomacy.

“This is best exemplified by the 'ping pong diplomacy' between the United States and China, as well as the similar note-worthy foreign policy initiatives undertaken by Japan, South Korea, and Africa,” he said.

AKB Party-list congressmen, as the primary proponents of the initiative, intend to promote goodwill and advance the cause of peace in the Philippines which is still beset by internal armed conflicts.

The Philippine government should advance this innovative plan for the promotion of peace and actively engage opposing parties in a friendly sports competition as a confidence-building measure.

“This is an invaluable contribution to the peace process but its implementation is, of course, without prejudice to the existing efforts towards reconciliation undertaken by the government such as peace talks and negotiations,” Batocabe added.

The House of Representatives may engage various government agencies such as the Philippine Sports Commission and the Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office to organize events such as athletics, triathlon, swimming, archery, cycling, basketball, volleyball, football, baseball and even shooting and other contact sports like boxing, wrestling, mixed martial arts as well as indigenous games like arnis, sepak takraw and the like.

Safe conduct passes will be provided to the participants, managers, coaches, trainers, assistants, masseurs and water-boys of the teams of these warring groups. Importantly, a ceasefire shall be declared during the duration of the games.

These solons strongly suggest that the National Sports Peace be conducted annually during the Peace Month of September to commemorate the notable breakthroughs in Philippines history espoused during the National Peace Month.

Accompanying the Ako Bicol Party-List in this House measure are Alliance for Nationalism and Democracy (ANAD), Coalition of Senior Citizens in the Philippines, Inc., Ang Asosasyon Sang Mangunguma nga Bisaya – OWA Mangunguma, Inc. (AAMBIS-OWWA), 1st Consumers Alliance for Rural Energy (1-Care), Aangat Tayo, Cooperative-National Confederation of Cooperatives (COOP-NATCO), Trade Union Congress Party, Association of Philippine Electric Cooperatives (APEC), Alliance of Volunteer Educators (AVE), LPG Marketers Association (LPGMA), Ating Koop, and Kapatiran ng mga Nakakulong na Walang Sala (KAKUSA). (AKB Partylist/PIA Albay/mal)

‘Bicol Veteran’ is new Army commander of 9th ID
By Maj. Harold Magallanes Cabunoc

PILI, Camarines Sur – A veteran in Bicol’s counterinsurgency campaign now takea the reins as the commander of the Philippine Army forces in the region, a military official said.

Major General Josue Gaverza, 54, has assumed command of the 5,000 strong Army forces of the 9th Infantry Division in the whole Bicolandia Saturday, March 26.

“General Gaverza is a well-rounded officer who had served as the Battalion Commander of the 31st Infantry Battalion based in Sipocot town in CY 2000. Through his excellent combat leadership, the 31st IB scored heavily against the NPA bandits when the main rebel camp of the Bicol Regional Party Committee was seized by the soldiers of his battalion,” said Major Harold Cabunoc, spokesperson of the 9ID PA.

A father figure to his subordinates, soldiers of the 31st Infantry Battalion fondly remember him as a very caring officer.

Captain Marcial Lumanga, 35, who once served in the same battalion said that General Gaverza was still the talk among the soldiers as one of the ‘best commanders’ that they ever had.

“He is best remembered as an intelligent tactician and for his excellent managerial acumen. My soldiers can attest to the fact that he made sure that every foot soldier was provided all necessary support as they carried out their delicate missions in the field,” said Lumanga.

“Up to now, soldiers and their families still recall about Gaverza’s exceptional kindness to the soldiers. He demands strict military discipline but he ‘touches’ the hearts of the soldiers and their dependents. The unit won a Commander 2ID Streamer Award for being the Best Battalion in 2001 and it was attributed to the fact that the soldiers’ morale and welfare were properly taken cared of,” added Lumanga.

In his own revelation, Cabunoc cites his personal experiences while working with General Gaverza who once served as the Contingent Commander of the Philippine Army Shooting Team which was sent to Malaysia in 1997.

“He was a very approachable officer who inspires his subordinates. He was one of the officers who strongly supported the Army Shooting Team by providing us with brand new M16A2 Rifles and relevant shooting accessories. He was among those senior officers who really listened to our recommendations,” said Cabunoc, a former Team Leader of the Army’s elite marksmen fielded for international shooting competitions.

A native of Zarraga town in Iloilo, Gaverza was commissioned as a 2nd Lieutenant upon his graduation from the Philippine Military Academy in 1978.

He had served in the three largest islands of the Philippine Archipelago starting as a Platoon Leader of the 4th Infantry Division in Mindanao. He had also commanded the 303rd Infantry Brigade in the Visayas in 2008.


His sterling performance is capped by his numerous awards and citations. He is a recipient of the Gold Cross Award, the third highest combat award, for his gallantry in action under enemy fire.

He was also awarded the Distinguished Service Star for his exceptional performance in the sensitive positions that he had held in the Philippine Army.

A widower, Gaverza lost his wife in a freak accident more than a decade ago. They are blessed with three sons Joshua Alexei, 24; Jean Karl, 20, and Justine Stefan, 17.

Major General Ruperto “Raffy” Pabustan, the outgoing Division Commander, has welcomed Gaverza as his replacement.

“I am confident that he can sustain the efforts that I have started here in the region. I am thankful that the Spear Warriors (9th ID soldiers) are in good hands,” said Pabustan in a statement.

The formal change of command ceremony will be held in Camp Elias Angeles at 10:00am tomorrow, March 26 (Saturday).

Lieutenant General Arturo Ortiz, the Commanding General of the Philippine Army will preside the turn-over ceremony. (DPAO, 9ID PA/PIA Albay/mal)