Ombudsman's resignation relieves the country of long impeachment process

LEGAZPI CITY, May 2 (PIA) --- The resignation of Ombudsman Merceditas Gutierrez has relieved the country, the Senate and even the ombudsman herself of the pain and burden of an impeachment trial scheduled to open in May, according to Senator Francis Escudero.

In an email to PIA Bicol News Service, Escudero, chairman of the Senate committee on justice and human rights, said the resignation of Gutierrez now renders the impeachment case lodged against her moot and academic, but clarified that it does not give her immunity either from other suits filed against her by other entities.

“If at all, any case filed against her is not for the Senate to oversee anymore. It would have to be the regular courts or the Sandiganbayan itself. This is always a distinct possibility,” Escudero stated.

The senator commended Gutierrez for her statesmanship, though belatedly, for considering not only herself but the country in general.

“We have other pressing matters to consider and focus on such as rebuilding our country and meeting and delivering social services needed. An impeachment trial will take away our time, energy and attention from these important gut issues,” Escudero said.

With Gutierrez's resignation, “I don't think anyone should not be magnanimous after this,” Escudero said, referring to those who hold on to their positions in the public service amid controversies and ill-will. (MAL, PIA V)


Millennium dev’t goal’s nutrition program benefits 4,608 children in Albay

LEGAZPI CITY, May 2 (PIA) --- Some 4,608 children, age 0-5 years old, have benefited from the “Oplan Timbang” and feeding project under the Nutrition Package Program of the provincial government of Albay.

The feeding project form part of the basic social programs and services carried out by the Albay Millennium Development Goals Office (AMDGO) in pursuit of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) set by the United Nations.

The AMDGO, in partnership with private organizations, has since been conducting feeding, medical and dental operations in different depressed barangays in the province.

The feeding project of the provincial government intends to eradicate undernourished children in 2015. Supplemental feeding is given to recipient for 120 days 5 times a week.

Albay Governor Joey Salceda said that the supplemental feeding will boost the energy and resistance of these children to prevent them from getting sick . The children beneficiaries received free meal every afternoon as well as vitamin supplements that are needed to nurse the undernourished kids back to health.

“This is part of complying with and achieving MDG 1, which is alleviation of poverty," he said.

“Malnutrition is highly preventable. We just have to support the basic food and nutritional needs of our citizens, especially the underprivileged children,” he added.

In this program, the governor said, we do not only address hunger and undernourishment, but also teach our people that being healthy is not costly because the essential nutritional needs of our children are contained in economical products such as breast milk, and fruits and vegetables which can easily be planted in backyards and vacant spaces. (MAL, PIA V)


Rapu-Rapu mining bags 2011 PCAPI Mother Nature Award
by Absalom Penilla (RRPI)

LEGAZPI CITY, May 2 (PIA) --- The Rapu-Rapu Polymetallic Project (RRPP) in Pagcolbon, Rapu-Rapu, through its processing company Rapu-Rapu Processing Inc (RRPI), garnered recently the most coveted Mother Nature Award from the Pollution Control Association of the Philippines Inc. (PCAPI).

The environmental award, the first one received by the company this year was given to RRPI “in recognition of its outstanding initiative and steadfast implementation of an effective Environmental Management system, with excellent Pollution Control and Environmental Care in its area of operation.” The plaque was signed by PCAPI president Elias Escueta.

Carmelita Pacis, environmental manager and assistant vice president at RRPP, said the company was confident it would bag the prestigious award this year because it had more than satisfactorily met, and even exceeded, the criteria set by the PCAPI for this award category.

“We have an environmental management system (EMS) and an environmental management plan that are more than mere satisfactory. Our EMS has consistently passed the periodic ISO 14001:2004 surveillance audit with flying colors since we were first certified in 2008,“ Pacis explained.

Rapu-Rapu Processing President, Mr. Marcial B. Campos, affirmed that the company is deeply committed to the company vision of protecting the environment while at the same time raising the living standard of the host communities.

In 2010, the company reaped five prestigious awards namely the 2010 Titanium Achievement Award for Surface Mining given by the Presidential Mineral Industry Environmental Award (PMIEA) selection committee, the 2010 Safest Mining Operation Award, the 2010 Safest Surface Operation Award, the 2010 Safest Mineral Processing Award (the last three awards conferred by the Philippine Mine Safety and Environment Association [PMSEA] and the Department of Environment and Natural Resources), and the 2010 Industrial Safety Award of Honor given by the Safety Organization of the Philippines Inc. (SOPI). In 2009, Rapu-Rapu Minerals Inc. (RRMI) president Engr. Rogelio E. Corpus was awarded as the Outstanding Mining Engineer (TOEM) by the Philippine Society of Mining Engineers, and Ms. Pacis among the Top Ten Pollution Control Officers (TOPCO) by PCAPI.

The six criteria for the PCAPI Mother Nature Award are: 1) No pending violation of environmental permits and laws and absence of legitimate pollution complaints from stakeholders; 2) Implementation of effective environment management system (EMS) and environment management plan (EMP). ISO 14001 Certification is an advantage; 3) Environmental protection and conservation initiatives that go beyond compliance with laws; 4) Cooperation with LGUs and national government agencies in the pursuit of environmental protection; 5) Actual utilization of budget for environmental protection; and 6) Achievements or awards garnered.

RRPP now joins the ranks of Mother Nature Awardees the likes of Nestle Philippines (1998), Analog Devices (2007), and Transco (2008).

“RRPP’s efforts in faithfully complying with global environmental standards are in line with CEO Hyun Yong Cho’s vision of making RRPP the number one model of responsible mining in Asia,” Vice-President for Public Relations Cecille Calleja added. (MAL/ABP, RRPI)