Magayon Festival 2011, rediscovering Albay
... come, join the world-record breaking biggest cultural event
By Marlon A. Loterte
LEGAZPI CITY— Albay province officially commenced (April 1) this year’s Magayon Festival likely to draw locals and tourists from across the country and all over the world to join the month-long celebration, acclaimed Bicol’s biggest and longest cultural festivity.
Albay Governor Joey Salceda said that this year’s Magayon Festival marks its 15th year showcasing Albay’s bests… cultural heritage, places of national and local historical significance, crafts, cuisines, tourism and people as well as diverse natural endowments, especially Mayon Volcano as Bicol iconic tourism landmark.
According to Salceda, the festival is in fact inspired by and to celebrate the epic legend of “Daragang Magayon” (literally meaning “beautiful maiden”) where Mayon most perfect cone originated.
Based on folklore, Mayon, arose from the grave of Daragang Magayon who was killed by a spurned suitor.
The legend tells of a beautiful princess named Magayon who fell in love with Panganoron who had saved her from drowning. Paratuga, whom she rejected, forced her father and demanded her hand in marriage as ransom.
The wedding ceremony was already being performed when Panganoron arrived at the village of Paratuga. Upon seeing him, Magayon rushed towards him but was hit by a stray arrow. As he lifted her body, somebody attacked him from behind. They both died.
The lovers were buried by Magayon’s father together with all her earthly possessions including the gold, pearls, and diamonds which had been given by Paratuga as wedding gifts. The burial mound kept rising higher and higher until it became a volcano with a perfect cone.
Salceda also said that the Albay Provincial Tourism Office (APTO) and Magayon Festival Executive Committee has lined up activities even vying for the Guinness of World Records as biggest festival with at least 215 events set for the month-long celebration.
“Let our month-long festivity this year not only provide fun and excitement but also another opportunity to promote and enhance our trade and tourism efforts for Albay, to help out provincial government bring to fulfilment the socio-economic development and progress here and the rest of the country,” Salceda said
The governor furthered that the Department of Tourism (DOT) last year declared Magayon Festival the best tourism event in the country, while increasing tourist arrival in the Albay by 168 per cent.
Tourism officer Jose Briones , meanwhile, said that Magayon Festival 2011 centers anew on rediscovering Albay’s history and cultural heritage and promotion of its well-known tourist destinations, local crafts and products, and cuisines, among others.
Briones added that visitors and tourists can also visits Albay’s historical churches of the Spanish era, ancestral homes, enchanting islands, fine sand beaches, historic sites, dive and snorkelling sites that are surely captivating.
The festival, according to him, will also serve as venue to display the warm hospitality of Albayanos.
Other exciting events in store for the whole month of April include nightly variety shows and food stalls, musical concerts, exhibits and trade fairs, expo, fashion shows, sports and entertainments, other indigenous and sectoral events, parades and street dances, among others.
Highlight of the festivity is set on April 29 with the Magayon Festival of Festivals showcasing the local festivities of Albay’s 15 towns and three cities in a street dance competition at Penaranda Park here.
Strategically located at the center of the Bicol peninsula, Albay is considered the gateway to the region which can be reached by land or a 55-minute flight from Manila or Cebu via the Legazpi City airport. (MAL, PIA V/Albay)
1,095 workers avail of TESDA free competency assessment and certification
By Aida Alcazar-Naz
LEGAZPI CITY, April 4 (PIA) – A total of 1,095 workers availed of the free assessment conducted by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in Bicol through all its provincial offices and training centers.
The synchronized competency assessment and certification was conducted starting Monday, March 28 and ended April 1.
According to Emmanuel Buban, chief of technical division of TESDA, that the March assessment is first round of the national competency assessment and certification (NATCAC) project being implemented by the agency.
The next round is set on June 27 to July 1 while third round is on August 22-26.
The assessment is a process that determines whether a worker for a graduate of technical and vocational course can perform within the standards what is expected in the workplace based on the defined competency standards, explained Buban.
Bicol has targeted 3,000 examinees for the whole year at 1,000 per round but for the March competency examinations round, 1,095 has applied.
Albay registered 195 applicants, Camarines Norte with 172, Camarines Sur has the highest number at 224, Catanduanes with 99, Masbate with the least number at 74 and Sorsogon with the second highest number with 234.
Different trade tests will be administered from a half-day to a maximum of two days depending on the trade.
Assessments on trades like automotive servicing, driving, electrical installation and maintenance, heavy equipment operation, shielded metal arc, welding, computer hardware, events management, bread and pastry, food and beverage, and housekeeping will be administered by TESDA personnel.
All passers will be provided with a certification that declares an individual meets the competency standards. This ensures the productivity, quality and global competitiveness of the middle-level workers.
Those that will be awarded certificates will be called Sertipikadong Pinoy and will be listed in the Registry of Certified Workers where industry can search out for qualified workers.
According to Buban some industries opt not to give trade tests when the applicant is a Sertipikadong Pinoy though other still conduct similar test.
TESDA has encouraged returning Overseas Filipino Workers to take the free assessment. However of the 1,095 applicants, no OFW has applied. They are still encouraged to join the other rounds set for 2011. (MAL/AAN, PIA V/Albay)
MGB to produce bigger scale geohazard maps
LEGAZPI CITY, April 4 (PIA) — The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) regional office here will produce bigger scale geohazard maps for flood and landslide-prone areas nationwide, according to the agency’s top regional official.
(MGB) Bicol Director Reynulfo A.Juan explained the production is called the densification of geohazard and climate change maps which is among the major projects to be implemented this year by the Bureau and aims to produce geohazard maps with scale of 1:10,000 covering critical areas to show more details of the area covered by the map.
“It is like zooming in on the 1:50,000 scale geohazard maps previously produced by the Bureau’s regional offices to see the details of the area which cannot be represented in the 1:50,000 scale geohazard maps” Juan said.
He added that among the details that can be found in a 1:10,000 scale geohazard maps include location of populations at risk, parameters or features in the area that may affect ground stability and the type of landslides that can possibly occur. “For example the relocation sites can be plotted, which cannot be done in the 1:50,000 scale maps” Juan said.
“Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon and Masbate in Bicol will be covered in the densification project” Juan pointed out.
“Once completed the 1:10,000 geohazard maps will then be distributed to concerned local government units with intensive information, education and communication support from us to train local officials, local leaders and member of affected communities to read, interpret and understand the maps” Juan said. (MAL/MGB V)
First 'Bato: Pundasyon Festival' to highlight town's Foundation Anniversary
By Edna A Bagadiong
VIRAC, Catanduanes, April 4 (PIA) -- The municipal government of Bato will celebrate its 1st ever commemoration of its founding day from April 13 to 15, 2011 dubbed as “Bato: Pundasyon Festival 200”.
Bato, as one of the oldest settlements in this province and the seat of Christianity in the island, the local government intends to promote the historical oldest church in the province, historic Japanese garrison, stretch of long white sand beaches and rich culture.
Events lined-up for the duration of the activity are: April 13, 2011, a Thanksgiving Mass at St. John Baptist Parish, a motorcade, 1st Bato Invitational Climb, Mountaineering and Tree Planting at the former Japanese Garrison followed by an opening program, OTOP Product Demo and an Agro Industrial fair opening at the town’s Plaza.
There will be wakeboarding exhibition at Bato River in the afternoon and Search for Mutya ng Bato in the evening.
On April 14, there will be a Mountain Bike Race, “Paaralistohan” (Academic and Skills Competition”), Mangrove Planting, Coastal Clean-up and Torch Pilgrimage.
On the day of the Foundation Anniversary, there will be a Civic Military Parade with Dance Drama Showcase followed by the Awarding and Closing Ceremony.
According to Mayor Eulogio Rodriguez of the said town, this is one way of promoting Bato as one of the Tourist Destination in Catanduanes, rich in culture and natural resources.
Bato was founded in April 15, 1799 and is now in its 212 years of existence. (MAL/EAB, PIA Catanduanes)
Launching of Measles-Rubella prevention campaign set Monday
By Edna A Bagadiong
VIRAC, Catanduanes, (PIA) -- The Provincial Health Office will kick off on April 4, 2011 the Measles-Rubella door-to-door immunization joining the nationwide campaign through a motorcade and launching ceremonies starting at 8:00 a.m at the capitol grounds and in Barangay Gogon Sirangan here.
The Philippines has committed to eliminate measles in 2012, the target year agreed upon with other countries in the Western Pacific Region. The country has conducted three successful nationwide campaigns.
As a response to interrupt the transmission of the measles virus and prevent a potential measles outbreak to occur, there is an urgent need to conduct the Measles-Rubella Immunization Activity on April 4, 2011 to May 4, 2011 with all children age 9 months to below 8 yrs. Old.
This will be implemented by the provincial health office personnel, barangay and provincial officials, barangay health workers and representatives of national and provincial line offices. (MAL/EAB, PIA Catanduanes)
Sorsogon City, April 4 (PIA) -- The Earthquake and Megacities Initiaitive (EMI) will conduct here today a one day- workshop on capacity needs assessment for disaster risk reduction preparedness and response for the province of Sorsogon specifically on earthquakes.
In attendance will be members of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) and some selected national government line agencies.
EMI is a non-profit international scientific organization established in the Philippines in 2004 with a local mission of advancing urban risk reduction policy, knowledge and practice through mainstreaming of disaster risk reduction in local government functions and processes and developing tools to support local disaster risk reduction management by connecting cities through knowledge sharing mechanisms.
Based on the EMI research findings, Sorsogon has been identified throughout the Philippines as one of the four provinces in Luzon as highly vulnerable earthquake prone provinces, the three are Benguet, Cagayan, and Laguna.
It can be recalled that the province of Sorsogon with the presence of one very active volcano, Mt Bulusan according to Phivolcs has a number of tectonic quakes experienced almost every day in the municipalities within the areas near the mountain. Some are usually unfelt and some are felt when these quakes are more than 2 in magnitude.
With the current events happening all over the world like Japan, Netherlands, Indonesia and Mynnmar , it is very imperative according to officer-in-charge of the Sorsogon Provincial Disaster Risk Management Office (SPDRMO) Jose Lopez to find out where Sorsogon is, its capacity needs , gaps and scientific knowledge-based response to this kind of natural disaster.
The process of the workshop according to Lopez is more on focused group discussion with key informants interview of selected provincial officials and department heads on the in-place - initiatives to be undertaken if and when such occurences will come.
Currently, according to Lopez several trainings were already conducted to identified barangays and municipalities which are considered highly vulnerable to quakes and volcanic unrest by capacitating their Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Councils (MDRRMCs) and Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction Management Councils (BDRRMCs)
According to Lopez there were successive trainings conducted already during last month of March, here at El Retiro and the other in Sto Domingo, Albay dubbed as the Mt. Bulusan Summit Disaster Preparedness Response.
He stated also that tody in the workshop both the representatives from the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) and the PRRMO will each share a 15-minute report on the current initiatives undertaken by their offices regarding earthquake preparedness and response.
The orientation on the Disaster Risk Reseliency Indicators (DRRI) will be shared by Mr. Mariano S. Deocariza from the EMI. and will be a basis of identifying gaps.
This morning's training-workshop hopes to surface and document the gaps in terms of the provincial earthquake disaster preparedness and response and with these gaps identified, to come up with tools and mechanisms for a provincial collaborative initiative that will basically be part of a cohesive protocol , accessible and well- explained to members , to the public and to the basic communities which is the essence of mainstreaming to develop a resilient community according to Lopez.(MAL/IAG, PIA Sorsogon)
Red Cross holds 8th chapter assembly, elects new directors
By Lizel S. Macatangay
NAGA City, April 4 (PIA) -- Committed to provide quality service to shield human lives and safeguard the conditions of the most vulnerable sectors, the Philippine Red Cross – Camarines Sur Chapter recently conducted their 8th Chapter Assembly at Starmark Royale, Magsaysay Avenue, here.
“Steering the Red Cross to Higher Grounds: Modernizing Philippine Red Cross in pursuit of Quality service to the most vulnerable” was this year’s theme for the said confab, also coinciding with the election of the new members of the Board of Directors who will comprise the policy-making body of the Philippine Red Cross for the next four (4) years.
Governor Andrew Nocon, member of the Board of Governors was invited as the keynote speaker of the said gathering.
Nocon introduced the first automated election in the Philippine Red Cross, long before the introduction of PCOs machine in last year’s automated polls, during the Philippine Red Cross’ 27th Biennial Convention in 2007. During the outbreak of typhoid fever in Calamba in 2008, he spearheaded the setting-up of a 100-bed capacity tent hospital which established more the Red Cross as a relevant humanitarian organization in the country.
Nocon reminded the new set of officers to always keep in mind the seven (7) fundamental principles of the Red Cross which includes Humanity, serving people and not the system; , Impartiality, caring for everyone without discrimination and prioritizing the most needy; Neutrality, taking initiatives but never sides; independence, allowing humility to bend, but not to any person; Voluntary service, working without personal gains; unity where Red Crossers have many talents but rolled in a single idea and universality, where Red Crossers should respect all nations, but their works know no bounds.
Also present during the occasion was the chapter’s outgoing chairman, now ex-officio member , Vice Governor Fortunato Pena.
He also congratulated the new set of officers spearheaded by Pedrito Servano, as Chairman, Vice Chairman-Nicolas Beda Priela (University of Nueca Caceres) , Secretary-Lizel S. Macatangay (PIA-Camarines Sur) ; Treasurer- Eudeza Racadag (Provincial Treasurer’s Office) ; Auditor -Dina Paulete; PIO-Amy Villafuerte (ABS-CBN) , and Atty. Carlo Villanueva, Jr (Naga College Foundation) , as the PRC’s Legal Counsel.
Other nominees who made it as new Board of Directors were: Engr. Cornelio Abesa IX, Orbel Cepeda, Melecia De Guzman, Ramon Lim of Unibersidad of Santa Isabel, Jeremie Janssen Lo of the Camarines Sur Chamber of Commerce, Fr. William Parde of the Caceres Catechetical Ministry, Maria Rhodora Penequito-9th ID Medical Company and Infirmary Physician, Naga City Councilor Nathan Sergio, Marilyn Sotto, and DTI Provincial Director Edna Tejada. (MAL/LSM, PIA CamSur)
Land Bank Bicol bares gains in serving Bicolanos
By Ed de Leon
LEGAZPI CITY, April 4 (PIA) – The Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) Bicol regional office reported that its deposit grew by 51 percent during the last five years from 2006 to 2010 from P5.986 billion to P11.525 billion or an increment of P5.53 billion.
While its loan operations during the same period under review also increased by 63 percent from P2.042 billion to P3.2 billion.
Of the P3.077 billion loaned out to the priority sectors in 2010, 46 percent or P1.432 billion went to agri-infrastructure projects while P763 million were released through other financial conduits such as rural banks , irrigators association and farmers’ organizations.
In a press briefing held recently Land Bank Bicol regional head Renato G. Eje said that its credit facilities were made available to some 252,687 farmers and fisher folks last year or a 74 percent increment from 187,142 in 2006.
Its loan to Small and Medium Enterprise (SMEs) reached P423 million last year.
Moreover, its loan portfolio for Local Government Units (LGUs) grew to P1.552 billion last year from P1.395 billion in 2009 or up by P157 million.
He said that a total of PP682,866,196.00 under the Conditional Cash Transfer program of the government otherwise known as the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Porgram (or 4Ps) was paid out by the bank to some 108,658 beneficiaries from the six provinces of Bicol.
Eje said that the bank also paid out a total of P1.694 billion to land owners under the land reform program of the government out of total approved claims of P2.558 billion benefiting some 27,467 farmer beneficiaries covering some 57,774 hectares.
Land Bank Bicol currently has 14 branches, nine extension offices with a total of 44 Automated Teller Machines (ATM) serving its growing clients.
Another good news, according to Eje, Land Bank will start servicing government pensioners from the provinces of Masbate and Catanduanes during its first phase of implementation where GSIS pensioners will be able to withdraw their monthly pensions from. (MAL/EDL, PIA V/Albay)
Climate Change causes more deaths due to diseases - Legarda
LEGAZPI CITY, April 4 (PIA) — Senator Loren Legarda has urged the Department of Health (DOH) to improve public health services and ensure early prevention and control of diseases as it was found that climate change is a major factor in the increase of deaths due to various illnesses.
In an email to PIA Bicol News Service, Legarda, chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change, cited a study, Climate Vulnerability Monitor 2010, that it is not disasters but diseases that cause the most number of deaths by climate change.
Legarda has noted that there had been at least 13,821 patients afflicted with dengue already admitted in hospitals across the country from January to February of 2011. In Metro Manila alone, there were 3,640 dengue cases, a 106-percent increase from the figures recorded last year according to the DOH.
“This rise in dengue cases is a cause for alarm, especially because our country is one of the most vulnerable to vector-borne diseases,” she said.
The report that was conducted by the Development Assistance Research Associates (DARA), an international organization that monitors aid to victims of conflict, disasters and climate change, also states that although the Philippines’ climate and location naturally assist in the proliferation of dengue, “higher temperatures and more humid climates caused by climate change favor the growth in the populations of insects and vectors that spread diseases.”
The study further revealed that there are large gaps in adaptation policies, including health, making up just 3% of priority adaptation projects despite serious projected impacts over a range of health concerns.
According to the report, an estimated 350,000 people die each year due to major diseases and health disorders related to climate change. Unless measures are taken, by 2030, climate change will increase its toll to more than 800,000 deaths per year.
“Now more than ever, it is of utmost importance that we put more effort into the prevention and control of climate-related diseases, and enhance the DOH’s capacity for early warning for any outbreak,” the senator stressed.
“I therefore urge the DOH to strengthen their initiatives on disease and health surveillance. Furthermore, the DOH must enhance its awareness campaigns on climate-sensitive diseases, not limited to dengue but including pulmonary infections, malaria, cholera, heatstroke, and skin infections,” Legarda concluded. (MAL, PIA V/Albay)
By Marlon A. Loterte
LEGAZPI CITY— Albay province officially commenced (April 1) this year’s Magayon Festival likely to draw locals and tourists from across the country and all over the world to join the month-long celebration, acclaimed Bicol’s biggest and longest cultural festivity.
Albay Governor Joey Salceda said that this year’s Magayon Festival marks its 15th year showcasing Albay’s bests… cultural heritage, places of national and local historical significance, crafts, cuisines, tourism and people as well as diverse natural endowments, especially Mayon Volcano as Bicol iconic tourism landmark.
According to Salceda, the festival is in fact inspired by and to celebrate the epic legend of “Daragang Magayon” (literally meaning “beautiful maiden”) where Mayon most perfect cone originated.
Based on folklore, Mayon, arose from the grave of Daragang Magayon who was killed by a spurned suitor.
The legend tells of a beautiful princess named Magayon who fell in love with Panganoron who had saved her from drowning. Paratuga, whom she rejected, forced her father and demanded her hand in marriage as ransom.
The wedding ceremony was already being performed when Panganoron arrived at the village of Paratuga. Upon seeing him, Magayon rushed towards him but was hit by a stray arrow. As he lifted her body, somebody attacked him from behind. They both died.
The lovers were buried by Magayon’s father together with all her earthly possessions including the gold, pearls, and diamonds which had been given by Paratuga as wedding gifts. The burial mound kept rising higher and higher until it became a volcano with a perfect cone.
Salceda also said that the Albay Provincial Tourism Office (APTO) and Magayon Festival Executive Committee has lined up activities even vying for the Guinness of World Records as biggest festival with at least 215 events set for the month-long celebration.
“Let our month-long festivity this year not only provide fun and excitement but also another opportunity to promote and enhance our trade and tourism efforts for Albay, to help out provincial government bring to fulfilment the socio-economic development and progress here and the rest of the country,” Salceda said
The governor furthered that the Department of Tourism (DOT) last year declared Magayon Festival the best tourism event in the country, while increasing tourist arrival in the Albay by 168 per cent.
Tourism officer Jose Briones , meanwhile, said that Magayon Festival 2011 centers anew on rediscovering Albay’s history and cultural heritage and promotion of its well-known tourist destinations, local crafts and products, and cuisines, among others.
Briones added that visitors and tourists can also visits Albay’s historical churches of the Spanish era, ancestral homes, enchanting islands, fine sand beaches, historic sites, dive and snorkelling sites that are surely captivating.
The festival, according to him, will also serve as venue to display the warm hospitality of Albayanos.
Other exciting events in store for the whole month of April include nightly variety shows and food stalls, musical concerts, exhibits and trade fairs, expo, fashion shows, sports and entertainments, other indigenous and sectoral events, parades and street dances, among others.
Highlight of the festivity is set on April 29 with the Magayon Festival of Festivals showcasing the local festivities of Albay’s 15 towns and three cities in a street dance competition at Penaranda Park here.
Strategically located at the center of the Bicol peninsula, Albay is considered the gateway to the region which can be reached by land or a 55-minute flight from Manila or Cebu via the Legazpi City airport. (MAL, PIA V/Albay)
1,095 workers avail of TESDA free competency assessment and certification
By Aida Alcazar-Naz
LEGAZPI CITY, April 4 (PIA) – A total of 1,095 workers availed of the free assessment conducted by the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) in Bicol through all its provincial offices and training centers.
The synchronized competency assessment and certification was conducted starting Monday, March 28 and ended April 1.
According to Emmanuel Buban, chief of technical division of TESDA, that the March assessment is first round of the national competency assessment and certification (NATCAC) project being implemented by the agency.
The next round is set on June 27 to July 1 while third round is on August 22-26.
The assessment is a process that determines whether a worker for a graduate of technical and vocational course can perform within the standards what is expected in the workplace based on the defined competency standards, explained Buban.
Bicol has targeted 3,000 examinees for the whole year at 1,000 per round but for the March competency examinations round, 1,095 has applied.
Albay registered 195 applicants, Camarines Norte with 172, Camarines Sur has the highest number at 224, Catanduanes with 99, Masbate with the least number at 74 and Sorsogon with the second highest number with 234.
Different trade tests will be administered from a half-day to a maximum of two days depending on the trade.
Assessments on trades like automotive servicing, driving, electrical installation and maintenance, heavy equipment operation, shielded metal arc, welding, computer hardware, events management, bread and pastry, food and beverage, and housekeeping will be administered by TESDA personnel.
All passers will be provided with a certification that declares an individual meets the competency standards. This ensures the productivity, quality and global competitiveness of the middle-level workers.
Those that will be awarded certificates will be called Sertipikadong Pinoy and will be listed in the Registry of Certified Workers where industry can search out for qualified workers.
According to Buban some industries opt not to give trade tests when the applicant is a Sertipikadong Pinoy though other still conduct similar test.
TESDA has encouraged returning Overseas Filipino Workers to take the free assessment. However of the 1,095 applicants, no OFW has applied. They are still encouraged to join the other rounds set for 2011. (MAL/AAN, PIA V/Albay)
MGB to produce bigger scale geohazard maps
LEGAZPI CITY, April 4 (PIA) — The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) regional office here will produce bigger scale geohazard maps for flood and landslide-prone areas nationwide, according to the agency’s top regional official.
(MGB) Bicol Director Reynulfo A.Juan explained the production is called the densification of geohazard and climate change maps which is among the major projects to be implemented this year by the Bureau and aims to produce geohazard maps with scale of 1:10,000 covering critical areas to show more details of the area covered by the map.
“It is like zooming in on the 1:50,000 scale geohazard maps previously produced by the Bureau’s regional offices to see the details of the area which cannot be represented in the 1:50,000 scale geohazard maps” Juan said.
He added that among the details that can be found in a 1:10,000 scale geohazard maps include location of populations at risk, parameters or features in the area that may affect ground stability and the type of landslides that can possibly occur. “For example the relocation sites can be plotted, which cannot be done in the 1:50,000 scale maps” Juan said.
“Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon and Masbate in Bicol will be covered in the densification project” Juan pointed out.
“Once completed the 1:10,000 geohazard maps will then be distributed to concerned local government units with intensive information, education and communication support from us to train local officials, local leaders and member of affected communities to read, interpret and understand the maps” Juan said. (MAL/MGB V)
First 'Bato: Pundasyon Festival' to highlight town's Foundation Anniversary
By Edna A Bagadiong
VIRAC, Catanduanes, April 4 (PIA) -- The municipal government of Bato will celebrate its 1st ever commemoration of its founding day from April 13 to 15, 2011 dubbed as “Bato: Pundasyon Festival 200”.
Bato, as one of the oldest settlements in this province and the seat of Christianity in the island, the local government intends to promote the historical oldest church in the province, historic Japanese garrison, stretch of long white sand beaches and rich culture.
Events lined-up for the duration of the activity are: April 13, 2011, a Thanksgiving Mass at St. John Baptist Parish, a motorcade, 1st Bato Invitational Climb, Mountaineering and Tree Planting at the former Japanese Garrison followed by an opening program, OTOP Product Demo and an Agro Industrial fair opening at the town’s Plaza.
There will be wakeboarding exhibition at Bato River in the afternoon and Search for Mutya ng Bato in the evening.
On April 14, there will be a Mountain Bike Race, “Paaralistohan” (Academic and Skills Competition”), Mangrove Planting, Coastal Clean-up and Torch Pilgrimage.
On the day of the Foundation Anniversary, there will be a Civic Military Parade with Dance Drama Showcase followed by the Awarding and Closing Ceremony.
According to Mayor Eulogio Rodriguez of the said town, this is one way of promoting Bato as one of the Tourist Destination in Catanduanes, rich in culture and natural resources.
Bato was founded in April 15, 1799 and is now in its 212 years of existence. (MAL/EAB, PIA Catanduanes)
Launching of Measles-Rubella prevention campaign set Monday
By Edna A Bagadiong
VIRAC, Catanduanes, (PIA) -- The Provincial Health Office will kick off on April 4, 2011 the Measles-Rubella door-to-door immunization joining the nationwide campaign through a motorcade and launching ceremonies starting at 8:00 a.m at the capitol grounds and in Barangay Gogon Sirangan here.
The Philippines has committed to eliminate measles in 2012, the target year agreed upon with other countries in the Western Pacific Region. The country has conducted three successful nationwide campaigns.
As a response to interrupt the transmission of the measles virus and prevent a potential measles outbreak to occur, there is an urgent need to conduct the Measles-Rubella Immunization Activity on April 4, 2011 to May 4, 2011 with all children age 9 months to below 8 yrs. Old.
This will be implemented by the provincial health office personnel, barangay and provincial officials, barangay health workers and representatives of national and provincial line offices. (MAL/EAB, PIA Catanduanes)
Int'l science organization to conduct needs assessment for disaster preparedness
By Irma A. Guhit
By Irma A. Guhit
Sorsogon City, April 4 (PIA) -- The Earthquake and Megacities Initiaitive (EMI) will conduct here today a one day- workshop on capacity needs assessment for disaster risk reduction preparedness and response for the province of Sorsogon specifically on earthquakes.
In attendance will be members of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) and some selected national government line agencies.
EMI is a non-profit international scientific organization established in the Philippines in 2004 with a local mission of advancing urban risk reduction policy, knowledge and practice through mainstreaming of disaster risk reduction in local government functions and processes and developing tools to support local disaster risk reduction management by connecting cities through knowledge sharing mechanisms.
Based on the EMI research findings, Sorsogon has been identified throughout the Philippines as one of the four provinces in Luzon as highly vulnerable earthquake prone provinces, the three are Benguet, Cagayan, and Laguna.
It can be recalled that the province of Sorsogon with the presence of one very active volcano, Mt Bulusan according to Phivolcs has a number of tectonic quakes experienced almost every day in the municipalities within the areas near the mountain. Some are usually unfelt and some are felt when these quakes are more than 2 in magnitude.
With the current events happening all over the world like Japan, Netherlands, Indonesia and Mynnmar , it is very imperative according to officer-in-charge of the Sorsogon Provincial Disaster Risk Management Office (SPDRMO) Jose Lopez to find out where Sorsogon is, its capacity needs , gaps and scientific knowledge-based response to this kind of natural disaster.
The process of the workshop according to Lopez is more on focused group discussion with key informants interview of selected provincial officials and department heads on the in-place - initiatives to be undertaken if and when such occurences will come.
Currently, according to Lopez several trainings were already conducted to identified barangays and municipalities which are considered highly vulnerable to quakes and volcanic unrest by capacitating their Municipal Disaster Risk Reduction Management Councils (MDRRMCs) and Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction Management Councils (BDRRMCs)
According to Lopez there were successive trainings conducted already during last month of March, here at El Retiro and the other in Sto Domingo, Albay dubbed as the Mt. Bulusan Summit Disaster Preparedness Response.
He stated also that tody in the workshop both the representatives from the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) and the PRRMO will each share a 15-minute report on the current initiatives undertaken by their offices regarding earthquake preparedness and response.
The orientation on the Disaster Risk Reseliency Indicators (DRRI) will be shared by Mr. Mariano S. Deocariza from the EMI. and will be a basis of identifying gaps.
This morning's training-workshop hopes to surface and document the gaps in terms of the provincial earthquake disaster preparedness and response and with these gaps identified, to come up with tools and mechanisms for a provincial collaborative initiative that will basically be part of a cohesive protocol , accessible and well- explained to members , to the public and to the basic communities which is the essence of mainstreaming to develop a resilient community according to Lopez.(MAL/IAG, PIA Sorsogon)
Red Cross holds 8th chapter assembly, elects new directors
By Lizel S. Macatangay
NAGA City, April 4 (PIA) -- Committed to provide quality service to shield human lives and safeguard the conditions of the most vulnerable sectors, the Philippine Red Cross – Camarines Sur Chapter recently conducted their 8th Chapter Assembly at Starmark Royale, Magsaysay Avenue, here.
“Steering the Red Cross to Higher Grounds: Modernizing Philippine Red Cross in pursuit of Quality service to the most vulnerable” was this year’s theme for the said confab, also coinciding with the election of the new members of the Board of Directors who will comprise the policy-making body of the Philippine Red Cross for the next four (4) years.
Governor Andrew Nocon, member of the Board of Governors was invited as the keynote speaker of the said gathering.
Nocon introduced the first automated election in the Philippine Red Cross, long before the introduction of PCOs machine in last year’s automated polls, during the Philippine Red Cross’ 27th Biennial Convention in 2007. During the outbreak of typhoid fever in Calamba in 2008, he spearheaded the setting-up of a 100-bed capacity tent hospital which established more the Red Cross as a relevant humanitarian organization in the country.
Nocon reminded the new set of officers to always keep in mind the seven (7) fundamental principles of the Red Cross which includes Humanity, serving people and not the system; , Impartiality, caring for everyone without discrimination and prioritizing the most needy; Neutrality, taking initiatives but never sides; independence, allowing humility to bend, but not to any person; Voluntary service, working without personal gains; unity where Red Crossers have many talents but rolled in a single idea and universality, where Red Crossers should respect all nations, but their works know no bounds.
Also present during the occasion was the chapter’s outgoing chairman, now ex-officio member , Vice Governor Fortunato Pena.
He also congratulated the new set of officers spearheaded by Pedrito Servano, as Chairman, Vice Chairman-Nicolas Beda Priela (University of Nueca Caceres) , Secretary-Lizel S. Macatangay (PIA-Camarines Sur) ; Treasurer- Eudeza Racadag (Provincial Treasurer’s Office) ; Auditor -Dina Paulete; PIO-Amy Villafuerte (ABS-CBN) , and Atty. Carlo Villanueva, Jr (Naga College Foundation) , as the PRC’s Legal Counsel.
Other nominees who made it as new Board of Directors were: Engr. Cornelio Abesa IX, Orbel Cepeda, Melecia De Guzman, Ramon Lim of Unibersidad of Santa Isabel, Jeremie Janssen Lo of the Camarines Sur Chamber of Commerce, Fr. William Parde of the Caceres Catechetical Ministry, Maria Rhodora Penequito-9th ID Medical Company and Infirmary Physician, Naga City Councilor Nathan Sergio, Marilyn Sotto, and DTI Provincial Director Edna Tejada. (MAL/LSM, PIA CamSur)
Land Bank Bicol bares gains in serving Bicolanos
By Ed de Leon
LEGAZPI CITY, April 4 (PIA) – The Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) Bicol regional office reported that its deposit grew by 51 percent during the last five years from 2006 to 2010 from P5.986 billion to P11.525 billion or an increment of P5.53 billion.
While its loan operations during the same period under review also increased by 63 percent from P2.042 billion to P3.2 billion.
Of the P3.077 billion loaned out to the priority sectors in 2010, 46 percent or P1.432 billion went to agri-infrastructure projects while P763 million were released through other financial conduits such as rural banks , irrigators association and farmers’ organizations.
In a press briefing held recently Land Bank Bicol regional head Renato G. Eje said that its credit facilities were made available to some 252,687 farmers and fisher folks last year or a 74 percent increment from 187,142 in 2006.
Its loan to Small and Medium Enterprise (SMEs) reached P423 million last year.
Moreover, its loan portfolio for Local Government Units (LGUs) grew to P1.552 billion last year from P1.395 billion in 2009 or up by P157 million.
He said that a total of PP682,866,196.00 under the Conditional Cash Transfer program of the government otherwise known as the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Porgram (or 4Ps) was paid out by the bank to some 108,658 beneficiaries from the six provinces of Bicol.
Eje said that the bank also paid out a total of P1.694 billion to land owners under the land reform program of the government out of total approved claims of P2.558 billion benefiting some 27,467 farmer beneficiaries covering some 57,774 hectares.
Land Bank Bicol currently has 14 branches, nine extension offices with a total of 44 Automated Teller Machines (ATM) serving its growing clients.
Another good news, according to Eje, Land Bank will start servicing government pensioners from the provinces of Masbate and Catanduanes during its first phase of implementation where GSIS pensioners will be able to withdraw their monthly pensions from. (MAL/EDL, PIA V/Albay)
Climate Change causes more deaths due to diseases - Legarda
LEGAZPI CITY, April 4 (PIA) — Senator Loren Legarda has urged the Department of Health (DOH) to improve public health services and ensure early prevention and control of diseases as it was found that climate change is a major factor in the increase of deaths due to various illnesses.
In an email to PIA Bicol News Service, Legarda, chair of the Senate Committee on Climate Change, cited a study, Climate Vulnerability Monitor 2010, that it is not disasters but diseases that cause the most number of deaths by climate change.
Legarda has noted that there had been at least 13,821 patients afflicted with dengue already admitted in hospitals across the country from January to February of 2011. In Metro Manila alone, there were 3,640 dengue cases, a 106-percent increase from the figures recorded last year according to the DOH.
“This rise in dengue cases is a cause for alarm, especially because our country is one of the most vulnerable to vector-borne diseases,” she said.
The report that was conducted by the Development Assistance Research Associates (DARA), an international organization that monitors aid to victims of conflict, disasters and climate change, also states that although the Philippines’ climate and location naturally assist in the proliferation of dengue, “higher temperatures and more humid climates caused by climate change favor the growth in the populations of insects and vectors that spread diseases.”
The study further revealed that there are large gaps in adaptation policies, including health, making up just 3% of priority adaptation projects despite serious projected impacts over a range of health concerns.
According to the report, an estimated 350,000 people die each year due to major diseases and health disorders related to climate change. Unless measures are taken, by 2030, climate change will increase its toll to more than 800,000 deaths per year.
“Now more than ever, it is of utmost importance that we put more effort into the prevention and control of climate-related diseases, and enhance the DOH’s capacity for early warning for any outbreak,” the senator stressed.
“I therefore urge the DOH to strengthen their initiatives on disease and health surveillance. Furthermore, the DOH must enhance its awareness campaigns on climate-sensitive diseases, not limited to dengue but including pulmonary infections, malaria, cholera, heatstroke, and skin infections,” Legarda concluded. (MAL, PIA V/Albay)
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