Albay dad orders pre-emptive evacuation, suspends offices due to Chedeng
by Joyce M. Mejillano

LEGAZPI, May 25 (PIA) --- In preparation for impending arrival of typhoon Chedeng that may affect some parts of the country, including Albay, Governor Joey Salceda orders pre-emptive evacuation of 49,893 families or 250,425 persons in 497 barangays in the province, especially in flashfloods and landslide prone areas.

In his advisory, Salceda said that residents within the eastern sea board, those who live in houses made of light materials, residents near Mayon Volcano and those who live near bodies of water should evacuate to much safer ground.

He likewise advised the public to make early procurement of basic goods like food supplies and other commodities needed in times of calamities.

The provincial government also issued an order for early suspension of government and private offices at 2 p.m. today in order to give employees more time to prepare their families as heavy rainful brought about by typhoon Chedeng is expected to unleash this evening. This except for offices involved in disaster preparedness and response activities like AFP, PNP, DOH, DRRMC, hospitals etc.

Meanwhile, based on 11 a.m. weather forecast of PAGASA, Chedeng intensifies into typhoon and remained almost stationary. It was located as of 10 a.m. at 350 km East of Catarman, Northern Samar, with maximum sustained winds of 130 kph near the center and with gustiness of up to 160 km per hour. It is expected to move West Northwest at 9 kph.

On Thursday, Chedeng is expected to be at 170 km East Northeast of Catarman or 210 km Southeast of Virac. By Friday, it is expected to be at 160 km Northwesr of Virac or 190 km Southeast of Baler, Aurora and my Saturday morning, it will be at 200 km North of Baler, Aurora or within the vicinity of Tuguegarao, Cagayan.

Provinces of Catanduanes, Sorsogon, Albay, Camarines Sur, Camarines Norte and Samar provinces are placed under signal number 2, while Marinduque, Masbate, Burias, and Ticao Islands, Southern Quezon and Polilio Island is under signal number 1. (JMM, PIA V)

Thousands of passengers stranded in Bicol ports due to typhoon Chedeng
by Joyce Mejillano

LEGAZPI CITY, May 25 (PIA) --- More than 2,000 passengers were stranded in different parts of Bicol after government authorities suspended all sea-bound vessels due to typhoon Chedeng which threatens some parts of the country including Bicol Region.

Lt. Commander Nelson Torre of Philippine Coastguard said that in Matnog port, there are total of 1,526 stranded passengers, 450 in Tabaco port, 120 in Pilar Port, 70 in Masbate and 62 in different ports in Camarines Sur.

Torre also issued warning against any activities in the sea and he said that they are conducting strict monitoring, along with other concerned agencies in order to ensure that the ban on seafaring is observed.

"We are monitoring the situation and we give assistance to small sea vessels who needs our help," Torre said.

As early as Tuesday, when the typhoon signal was raised in Bicol, government authorities already issued orders against traveling by sea or any fishing activities.

Meanwhile, Torre said that the Coastguard, along with the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council, Provincial Government and other agencies are working closely to ensure the zero casualty target of the Albay provincial and even the national government during Chedeng's fury. (JMM, PIA V)

Philippine Coast Guard alerts seafarers for Chedeng
by Irma A. Guhit

SORSOGON CITY, May 24 (PIA)--- In an interview with Lt. 1st Grade Ronnie Ong, head of the Philippine Coastguard here in the province who visited the office here today for the coordination and updates of the incoming Typhoon Chedeng, internationally known as Sonnga, Ong said that proper coordination, advisories have been provided to all ports in the municipalities of Pilar, Bulan and Matnog and that seafarers were already alerted, advisories and provided warning, including a Swiss national, Pascal Daniel Vioblet of Plagne, Switzerland who was piloting a 10-person - vessel / launch but was travelling alone from Leyte and had temporarily docked here for marketing and buying needed supplies for consumption was just doing a leisurely sea tour.

Ong said that as early as 10 AM today he has already advised the ports of Bulan and Pilar for a suspension of all sea vessels for departure and issued the same advisory to the port in Matnog that all sea vessels with 1,000 tonnage below will be temporarily suspended for departure. Only 3 sea vessels were allowed to travel. the MV Anton Rafael. MV Don Beneto Ambrosio and MV Maria Vannessa, all of which usually has 500 passengers.

He also stated that, the coastguard here has maintained partnership with local shipping companies and operators to usually provide assistance for rescue and other sea disaster- incident needs, they are obligated to respond as the coastguard here has no floating assets.

As of latest count, stranded passengers in Pilar is 80, Bulan 106 and Matnog with 545 but some of the passangers in matnog has went home and the others stayed with some relatives, according to Ong.

"We usually implement preventive and precautionary measures in the conduct of our operation specially those vessels that are about to depart are strictly made to undergo mandatory pre-departure inspection to see if these vessels are sea worthy and safe for carrying or transporting passengers.", he said.

"Aside from these regular mandatory regulations , we also see to it that advisories of weather everyday are provided to those traveling by sea and that strictly they have to adhere to these rules if they can or will be allowed to depart", Ong explained.

"With this advisory today of the weather situation where Sorsogon is declared to be in typhoon signal number 1, the life and safety of passengers including the vessel personnel are of utmost importance. To date one of the best milestone our organization can claim is that no major maritime incident has happened here in our province ", Ong expressed.

"We are also glad that all local shipping partners here are very cooperative and had been advocating safe sea travel".

"We have 6 organic personnel in Pilar, headed by PO 1st Benigno Rico, 7 personnel in Matnog, headed by CPO Magin Advincula annd 3 in Bulan with Edgar Eduarte as it head, all these organic personnel are trained to provide what is safe and needed by our shipping companies operating in these three ports"' according to Ong.

Ong also said that here in Sorsogon , coordination with national government line agencies working in disaster risk reduction programs are very cooperative and supportive.(IAG, PIA Sorsogon)

Gov. Lee reminds public: 'Take all the necessary precautions'
by Irma A. Guhit

SORSOGON CITY, May 25 (PIA) --- In a wait and prepare situation now here in the province of Sorsogon, the public has been forwarned and given all the advisories on what to do in the current situation where Typhoon Chedeng is heading.

Governor Raul R. Lee has continuously called upon the PDRRMC to be ready and provide the public warnings, advisories and updates on the current status of Typhoon Chedeng that seemed stationary.

He called upon the public to take all the necessary precautions and be more alert and vigilant, those who are situated on the low lying areas should voluntarily go to high safer places, those whose areas are identified as highly vulnerable or prone to flooding , landslide and water/ sea surge should also on their own decide to move to safer areas.

Lee has instructed all members of the PDRRMC and other agencies in government to cohesively coordinate. provide information and made available needed assistance so that efforts in mitigation should be harmonized and effectively provided.

Gov. Lee also declared that even if the province is not identified to be the area for landfall, the public should brace themselves to be always prepared.

He also instructed the Office of the Provincial Agriculturists (OPA) to make assistance available to farmers and fisherfolks and provide them the right information on how they can also mitigate the effects of the typhoon especially with regards to their crops.

Through the PDRRMC, he requested the Department of PublicWorks Highways (DPWH) and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to make the necessary clearing of areas that might cause immediate / some problems on major thoroughfares.

Proper coordination with the Department of Education has been observed in the conduct of evacuation and that he has instructed the National Food Authority (NFA) to make available the buffer stock of the province if these are urgently needed.

Sorsogonis now on Public Storm No. 2 and according to the governor, it is imperative that all should be ready especially with rechargeable lights, food stuff and other needed supplies.

"The government is ready to provide the needed assistance and vehicles in the event of emergency evacuation to certain areas that might be affected by the storm will be available.

This morning, slight rainfall was observed here and this afternoon although the weather seemed to be hot, again slight rainfall was observed between 3:00 to 4:00 PM. (PIA Sorsogon)

Navy all set and ready to assist in the wake of Chedeng
by Ens Chibar R Bullos PN

LEGAZPI CITY, 25 May 2011 --- The Naval Forces Southern Luzon has activated the Naval Task Group (NTG) 32.1 early this afternoon 25 May 2011 to address the risks that Typhoon “Chedeng” may bring to the country.

As part of the preparations, a component of NTG 32.1 has transported 100 sacks of relief goods from Albay Province Safety and Emergency Management Office (APSEMO) to the municipality of Malilipot and Tiwi, Albay. The NTG 32.1 has also evacuated 35 persons from landslide and flood prone areas in Malinao, Albay and the Naval Reserve Center-Southern Luzon (NRCEN-SL) activated the reservist/ Barangay Intelligence Network (BIN) in Legazpi City, Batangas City, and Lucena City in coordination the with the respective LGUs for necessary assistance.

The task group is composed of seven subgroups; the Disaster Risk Reduction Teams (DRRTs) strategically pre-positioned in critical areas and stationed in San Nicolas, Batangas; Milaor, Camarines Sur; Polangui, Albay; and Barangay Abiawin, Infanta, Quezon. The three other subgroups are composed of the Ready/Reserve, Transport, and Public Affairs Group.

The Public Affairs Group will provide advisories and official information from the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council. It is tasked to disseminate information through different media outfits, internet, and other media possible to keep the populace informed and updated on matters related to the typhoon. (CRV, Navforsol)

Gov. Cua reorganizes drug abuse council
by Edna A. Bagadiong

VIRAC, Catanduanes, May 25, (PIA) --- Governor Joseph C. Cua reorganized and reconstitute the Provincial Anti-Drug Abuse Council (PADAC) thru Executive Order No. 14 which was signed today, May 25, 2011.

The reorganization of PADAC was pursuant to Memorandum Circular 98-227 re: Creation of Provincial, City Municipal and Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council dated December 2, 1998 and by virtue of the authority vested to the governor by law.

The PADAC shall perform the following rules and responsibilities: Serve a focal point through which various organizations and individuals work together cooperatively in the planning, implementation and evaluation of programs on drug abuse prevention; Provide for an effective mechanism for the coordination of existing services and programs and those which might be developed in the immediate time; Provide for a mechanism to obtain funds, volunteers, facilities and technical expertise; Conduct Information and education campaign on the ill-effect of drugs, monitor and report to proper authorities drug-pushers and drug-users in their locality and perform other responsibilities as may be assigned by competent authorities.

PADAC shall be composed by the following: Chairman- Hon. Joseph C. Cua, Provincial Governor; Vice-Chairman- Chief Superintendent Lito B. Pitallano, PNP Provincial Director; Members are Hon. Jose Romeo R. Francisco, Provincial Board Member; Atty. Arnaldo E. Escober, Jr., DILG Provincial Director; Dr. Artemio Q. Rivera, DepEd Schools Division Superintendent; Atty Eugenio L. Abion, Provincial Prosecutor; Dr. Lubelia M. Sanchez, Provincial Health Officer; Mrs. Pricilla T. Navar, Provincial Social Welfare Officer; Mrs. Edna A. Bagadiong, PIA Infocen Manager; Mrs. Lydia T. ROmano, NGO Representative and Rev. Fr. Laudemer Jose A. Gapaz, Church Group Representative. (PIA Catanduanes)


CamNorte locals get business management and productivity training
by Rosalita Base-Manlangit

DAET, Camarines Norte, May 25, (PIA) --- To properly equip with knowledge and skills in managing small business as additional income of the beneficiaries of the livelihood programs of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), a 2 day training on business management and productivity has started today at the Hebres Penthaus here.

DOLE Provincial Chief Ruben Romanillos said that aside from giving and providing livelihood assistance/grants to their beneficiaries the training will help a lot in maintaining their small business being the source of income of their families.

It will be recalled that yesterday a stakeholders’ forum was conducted discussing their livelihood assistance programs namely: DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program (DILP), Workers Income Augmentation Program (WINAP), DOLE Kabuhayan Starter Kit (DKSK), Negosyo sa Kariton (NEGO-KART), Youth Entrepreneurship Project (YES) and Community Enterprise Development (CED).

The training today on business management will tackle the understanding of the principles of entrepreneurship, management aspects, marketing strategies and financial aspects of business.

For the 2nd day tomorrow there will be a presentation of partner government agencies of their livelihood assistance and technology to be provided, presentation of status of livelihood assisted, workshop and presentation of Strenght Weaknesses Opportunity and Threats (SWOT) analysis and action planning, and presentation of consolidated plan of action and SWOT.

The activity is being attended by the different formal and informal sectors who are beneficiaries of the livelihood assistance/grants of the DOLE to include the employees with low income , self-employed, rural workers, entreprenuers and others. (RBM/Camarines Norte)

Casiguran to showcase new modern gymnasium
by Irma A. Guhit

SORSOGON CITY , May 25 (PIA) --- Now on it's near completion, the local government of Casiguran will soon have its first newest and modern gymnasium complete with bleachers, stage, rest rooms and a very spacious basketball court and other amenities that can house more than six thousand people in one given time.

Mayor Ma. Esther Hamor of the local government of Casiguran said that here in the province, there is no modern gymnasium available that when there are very big affairs or event’s organizers find a hard time looking for a venue and usually if with the existing gymnasiums people are crammped out and feel very uncomfortable one inside this small venues,

"It is very difficult to find one place here in the province where thousands can be accommodated and feel comfortable especially if we want to have concerts or other events for fund raising," according to Mayor Hamor.

In other places where we have been to , specially as a local chief executive, we have been exposed to other local government units with facilities that can really become venues of big events and help make tourism one big come on for development through hosting of big events like seminars, and other national events according to mayor Hamor.

During biddings for these events, one of the requirements they will ask if there is a venue for hosting where thousands of people can be accommodated.

The construction of this gymnasium here in Casiguran has been brought up to the members of the Sanggunian Bayan and good enough, the new set of officials see the need of having venues like this that they have approved our desire to have a loan for the construction of this gymnasium.

Former Mayor Edwin Hamor, who is an engineer and husband of the incumbent mayor personally, oversees the construction of these first of a kind gymnasium here in the province, said mayor Hamor.

"I saw the need to have one big decent place where events like sportsfest, beauty pageant ,concerts and meetings could be held and although this structure has been a loan from the Land Bank, this can automatically generate funds and become self-liquidating" , according to Mayor Hamor.

"Usually when we go to meetings in different areas in the Philippines, I usually see gymnasiums as being a very good source of income for a local government since this can be rented and the rent will primarily be an income to pay for the amortization of the loan" , Hamor said.

This gymnasium will also make the people of Casiguran take pride, that although we are a small municipality we can venture into becoming more entrepreneur-oriented as we have seen in other countries and cities through our interfacing through the League of Municipalities.

The Casiguran gymnasium has been constructed March of this year and eventually be finished this August, now on its 43% completion stage.

The loan from the Land Bank for the construction of this modern gymnasium is in the amount of Php 33 M.(PIA Sorsogon)

P192.4 M road projects in Camarines Norte underway
by Rosalita Base-Manlangit

DAET, Camarines Norte, May 25 (PIA) --- More than P192.4 million worth of road projects of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) are underway while are up for implementation in this province, according to the agency’s top provincial official here.

Assistant district engineer Ricardo Pacardo of DPWH Camarines Norte said that eight asphalt overlay projects in Daang Maharlika highways in the portion of Santa Elena and Labo towns are already 80 percent completed as of last month with the funding allocation of P116.9 million.

The concreting of Bagong Silang-Capalonga Road in the towns of Labo and Capalonga was 15 percent completed as of last month with funding of P4.8 million, while two similar projects in Talobatib-Jose Panganiban Poblacion Port road were 20 percent completed with funding of some P8 million.

Four asphalt overlay projects are also up for implementation where bidding was already undertaken last month and these include: the Daang Maharlika in the towns of Basud with P10.79 million and 3 asphalt overlay in the portion of Bagong Silang-Capalonga Road in Labo and Capalonga towns amounting to P22.66 million.

Three asphalt overlay projects for Daang Maharlika are to be implemented two in the towns of Santa Elena and one in the town of Labo amounting to P29.1 million.

He cited that the projects are part of their regular infrastructure project and preventive maintenance and funds come from the General Appropriations Act (GAA).

He explained that road projects will benefit farmers and traders in bringing their produce to strategic markets and for the safety and easy travel of commuters in the province.

Pacardo added that a total of 468 workers were hired for regular and roadside maintenance from January to April 2011. (MAL/RBM, PIA Camarines Norte)