Pili invests on health and education, initiates “Kapiling” program

by Lizel S. Macatangay

PILI, Camarines Sur , June 16 (PIA) -- Amidst its increasing revenue collection as a flourishing town, the local government of Pili still sees the present economic difficulties of some of its far flung barangays as the main culprits of the prevailing cases of malnutrition and school drop outs.

In line with this, Mayor Tomas Bongalonta Jr.has initiated the creation of a program dubbed as “Kapiling” which means Kalusugan Sa Pili Ngayon.”

The program, recently launched by the local government unit, comprised a holistic approach towards the provision of various services to its constituents. It includes among others a program on grooming dubbed as “Burologan sa Eskwelahan” – a regular hair cutting session thru the trained and accredited barbers from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

The LGU will also provide the school children with hand wash kits, anti-lice shampoo, toothbrush and toothpaste, notebooks and a pair of slippers specifically for marginalized students whose family cannot afford to buy them a pair of it.

Bongalonta believes that this act will lessen the school-related expenses of the parents and will protect the children from diseases which they might get from earth parasites.

Aside from the distribution of health materials, Bongalonta said that they will also install olyset nets in classrooms which have been proven to be effective in controlling the occurrence of dengue cases and other mosquito borne diseases.

Under the said program, the LGU will also conduct medical and dental services, at least once every quarter. This will be in cooperation with various national government agencies, Philippine Army, People’s organizations, and the provincial government of Camarines Sur. A bi- annual de-worming will also be conducted to the students of public school to lessen and decrease the number of intestinal related diseases.

The Kapiling Program is a component program of Bongalonta under his Social Development Agenda within a three year duration.

This will benefit more or less 14, 119 school children enrolled at the 30 public schools scattered within the municipality of Pili . This agenda also seeks to decrease malnutrition cases and instill proper hygiene and grooming among the school children. (MAL/LSM, PIA Camarines Sur)

Sta. Magdalena OFWs to sponsor indigents' PhilHealth registration

by Irma A. Guhit

SORSOGON CITY, June 16 (PIA) -- Overseas workers from Sta. Magdalena town in Sorsogon will sponsor the registration of indigent families to the health insurance program of the government as their pledge for the good fortune they receive throughout the years, according to Mayor Alejandro Gamos.

"As their local chief executive, I am too honored that some of our overseas workers have pledged to shoulder membership contributions of some indigents in the PhilHealth" Gamos said.

Mr. Alfredo Hubillo also reiterated the same news to the planning committee members of the PhilHealth during the meeting conducted here last week at Casa Dominga who will spearhead the second PhilHealth Sabado registration replication scheme this coming June 25.

"Initiatives of local government such as these as part of their private-partnership support should be lauded", according to Jubilo.

Mayor Gamos also said that although the local government of Sta Magdalena is just a small town, some of his constituencies are lucky enough to be overseas and are earning enough to also shelve off some extra amount to those who have less.

In the planning activity, Jubilo also lauded the different agencies who have supported the last October 2 launch and have again appealed to the same agencies for their unwavering support.

Jubilo said that based on the registration of the first PhilHealth Sabado success , the province of Sorsogon will also be putting up barangay desks for PhilHealth continuous registration scheme.

Meanwhile , Sta Magdalena's initiative will be relayed to all LGUs so that this can be one of the PhilHealth's Sorsogon replicable- endorsed program and will also inspire people to contribute if they can afford to share.

Mayor Gamos also promised to provide the members of the list of donors to the PhilHealth registration of the indigents in their town before and after the registration this June 25. (MAL/IAG, PIA Sorsogon)

Dengue cases drop in Camarines Norte

by Rosalita Base-Manlangit

DAET, Camarines Norte June 16 (PIA) -- Dengue cases here has recorded only seven for the period January to June 15 this year as compared to 23 cases of the same period last year.

This was bared by Dr. Jocelyn Murillo-Iraola of the Department of Health (DOH) during their dengue campaign as part of their Dengue Prevention and Control Program in observance with the Association of South East Asian Nation (ASEAN) Dengue Day (June 15) and Dengue Awareness Month this June at the function hall of the Camarines Norte Provincial Hospital (CNPH) today.

She said that the decline of cases was attributed to their campaign on the prevention of dengue by distributing flyers, monthly radio program, distribution of treated nets and information dissemination through the rural health units which is under the supervision of the local government units.

She also enumerated the 4-S principles against dengue: Search and destroy the breeding places of dengue mosquitos such as old tires, coconut husks, roof gutters, discarded bottles, flower vases and other contrainers that can hold clean, stagnant water; Self-protection measures such as wearing of long-sleeve and long pants and using mosquito repellants are a must during daytime; Seek early consultation when early signs such as fever and rashes set in; and Say no to indiscriminate fogging except during dengue outbreak.

She urged the public to conduct a 4:00 o’clock habit or cleaning of possible breeding areas community wide so that mosquitos will not transfer from one place to another.

She said that children in school are most likely be the target of the dengue mosquitos because they attack two hours after sunrise and two hours before sunset when students are in school.

Ms. Marilou Coreses, provincial dengue coordinator on the other hand introduced the mosquito ovicidal /larvicidal (OL) trap of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) that will help catch mosquito using a trap with a solution.

She explained that the DOST will be distributing 100 traps per barangay in three selected barangays of Aliwihao, Daet; Macugon, Labo and Poblaction in Sta. Elena as pilot sites. These barangays were selected because they have recorded high cases of dengue.

She added that dengue is an acute infectious disease manifested initially with fever and the aedes aegypti is the transmitter of the disease, a day-biting mosquito that lays eggs in clear and stagnant water.

This year’s theme for the campaign is “ Eskuwelahan, Simbahan, Barangay, Palengke at Buong Komunidad, Sama-Sama nating sugpuin ang Dengue.”(MAL/RBM, PIA Camarines Norte)

Out-of-school youth to join poster making contest for Environment Month

by Rosalita Base-Manlangit

DAET, Camarines Norte , June 16 (PIA) -- Out-of-school youth (OSY) from the province are encouraged to join the poster making contest as part of the “Aral Kalikasan Program” of the Ecosystem and Environmental Resource Management Division (EERMD) of the provincial government on June 28 at the Audio Visual Production Center (AVPC), provincial capitol here.

Supervising Environmental Management Specialist Engr.Leopoldo Badiola of the EERMD said that the Aral Kalikasan Program is being undertaken yearly during Environment Month Celebration every month of June where various activities always conducted.

This year’s activity will focus on the poster making contest targeting the OSY to join the activity wherein the Sanguniang Kabataan federation helps in choosing the participants for the said contest.

The winners for the said poster making contest will win P3,000 for the 1st place, P2,000 for the 2nd place and P1,000 for the 3rd place including medals and trophy.

It will be recalled that last year they have conducted an ecological quiz and oratorical contest for the teachers and students of the central schools respectively in the province.

The contest this year is in partnership with the SK Federation and the Provincial Youth Affairs Office (PYAO) of the provincial government.

He said that the contest registration is free and materials will be provided by their office.

This year’s theme for the Environment Month celebration is “Forest Nature at your service” (MAL/RBM, PIA Camarines Norte)

Aquino declares June 25 of every year as the day of the Filipino Seafarer

MANILA (PIA) -- President Benigno S. Aquino III has declared June 25 of every year as the day of the Filipino Seafarer for the invaluable contribution of the seafarers to the country’s national development efforts.

President Aquino issued the Proclamation No. 183 to give respect, recognition and gratitude to the Filipino seafarers who have become “sailing ambassadors” of the country for having demonstrated before the global maritime community the best traits of the Filipino.

“The Conference of Parties, under the auspices of the International Maritime Organization (IMO), that adopted major revisions otherwise known as the “Manila Amendments” to the International Convention on Standards of Training, Certification and Watchkeeping (STCW) for seafarers and its associated Code that was held in Manila from 21-25 June 2010 approved a resolution declaring every 25th Day of June each year as the “Day of the Seafarer,” the proclamation stated which was signed on June 3, 2011 by Executive Secretary Paquito N. Ochoa Jr.

The IMO has encouraged governments, shipping organizations, companies, shipowners and all other parties concerned to duly and appropriately promote the Day of the Seafarer and take action to celebrate it meaningfully.

Also, the United Nations Organization (UNO) has recognized the important role that seafarers play in the continued growth of the global economy and in the promotion of safety of life at sea and the protection of the marine environment.

Aquino enjoined all relevant maritime agencies or instrumentalities of the government including government-owned and controlled corporations as well as private individuals or organizations to support the commemoration of this event.

He also directed the Secretary of Transportation and Communications through the Administrator of the Maritime Industry Authority (MARINA) to lead the observance of the Day of the Filipino Seafarer.

Aquino also authorized the MARINA, consistent with its mandate as the Flag State Administration of the country, to create a Steering Committee, a Working Group and a Secretariat composed of representatives from various agencies and organizations to lead efforts in the commemoration of this said event.

Malacanang welcomes labor forces survey indicating decrease in unemployment rate

MANILA (PIA) -- Malacanang welcomed the 2011 Labor Force Survey of the National Statistics Office (NSO) indicating that the unemployment rate in the Philippines decreased from 8.0% to 7.2% in the period between April 2010 and April 2011 saying that it is proof of the Aquino government’s continued fulfillment of its Social Contract with the Filipino people.

In his official statement issued on Thursday, Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda said the decrease of unemployment rate is a collective achievement of the different sectors and stakeholders of the government and the Filipino people.

“The future promises even more reason for optimism, as we are paving the way for the influx of investments by improving the quality of spending (of government resources) to focus more on activities that will generate jobs,” said Lacierda.

He stressed that the administration remain confident of the “continued growth in the business sector and further good news not only in terms of employment but also in our efforts toward education and decreasing inequality through our conditional cash transfer programs.”

Lacierda said the holistic approach to overcoming long-standing challenges has been the hallmark of the Aquino administration. “Our efforts will remain diligent, thorough and motivated,” he added.

According to the April 2011 Labor Force Survey, the country's employment rate improved by 0.8 percentage point to 92.8 percent from 92 percent in April last year.

"A total of 2.9 million persons were unemployed in April 2011, placing the unemployment rate at 7.2 percent, down from 8 percent recorded for the same period last year," the NSO said.

Aquino cites role of education in nation-building

MANILA (PIA) -- President Benigno S. Aquino III underscored the relevant role of education as a foundation in nation-building as he congratulates the students, faculty, alumni and officials of De La Salle University (DLSU) on its 100th founding anniversary.

In keynoting the DLSU’s Centennial Celebration at the Chapel of the Most Blessed Sacrament, St. La Salle Hall, DLSU along Taft Avenue in Manila on Thursday, President Aquino cited the school’s commitment in providing quality education that serves as an important tool in producing the builders and providers of a brighter future.

“Sa loob ng sandaang taon, nagsilbing lunsaran ng husay at talino ang De La Salle University… patuloy ninyong hinuhubog ang maraming Pilipino upang magtagumpay hindi lamang sa kanilang piniling propesyon at ibat-ibang larangan, kundi maging sa anumang hamon na maaari nilang makaharap sa buhay,” the President said.

“Ang mahabang tradisyon ng mataas na kaledad ng edukasyon mula sa DLSU ay nagbubukal sa inyong hangarin na paglingkuran ang kapwa at mag-ambag para sa kapakanan ng bansa…,” he added.

As proof, the Chief Executive cited some members of his cabinet who are alumni of the De La Salle University, who he said, are his allies in ensuring the delivery of services to the Filipino people.

“Kaya naman ngayon, marami sa ating kabalikat sa pagtitimon ng bayan ay produkto ng La Salle,” President Aquino said.

Among the incumbent officials produced by the DLSU educational system include Education Secretary Armin Luistro, who was the former president of the university, Justice Secretary Leila De Lima, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda, Agrarian Reform Secretary Gil Delos Reyes, Tourism Secretary Alberto Lim, Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo and National Economic Development Authority Director General Cayetano Paderanga Jr.,

“Patunay lamang ang mahabang hanay ng inyong magigiting na alumni sa hindi matatawarang dedikasyon na ibinubuhos ng De La Salle University para gabayan ang mga La Sallista tungo sa mas maunlad at kapaki-pakinabang na kinabukasan,” the President said.

DLSU was also a significant part of the country’s historical events, specifically in safeguarding the truth behind the “Hello Garci” scandal and the NBN-ZTE deal.

President Aquino expressed sincere gratitude to the DLSU for serving as shelter to the National Movement for Free Elections (NAMFREL) since 1984.

DLSU also provided the St. Benilde gymnasium as venue for the necrological services for the President’s mother, former President Corazon Cojuangco Aquino in 2009.

“Maraming salamat sa inyong dasal at pakikiramay nang nagluluksa ang aming pamilya kasama na ang buong bansa dahil sa paglisan ng aming pinakamamahal na ina… dinamayan ninyo ang isang bansang nangulila at muling pinatuloy ang taumbayan sa St. Benilde gym upang sa huling pagkakataon ay masilayan ang Ina ng Demokrasya,” the President said.

Also in attendance at the St. La Salle Hall Thursday include Bureau of Internal Revenue Commissioner Kim Henares, Secretary Luistro, Secretary Lacierda, Presidential Deputy Spokesperson Abigail Valte, Manila Mayor Alfredo Lim, Presidential Sister Ballsy Aquino-Cruz, and former Senator Ramon Magsaysay Jr., among others

Aquino cites role of Court of Tax Appeals in tax collection/fight against graft and corruption

MANILA (PIA) -- President Benigno S. Aquino III underscored the importance of role played by the Court of Tax Appeals (CTA) in its efficient tax collection efforts and in fighting graft and corruption.

“Mahalagang papel ang ginagampanan ng Court of Tax Appeals upang hindi na maulit pa ang kapabayaan ng nakaraang dekada,” the President said in his speech on Thursday during the 57th foundation anniversary of CTA in Quezon City.

“Kaya talaga pong sa dulo para magkaroon ng pagbabago talagang malaki ang nakasalalay sa inyong [CTA] mga kamay,” he stressed.

The President said that the system under the previous administration was marred by corruption and bribery at the expense of the Filipino people especially the poor.

He noted that prosecution of violators is snail-paced adding that the system in the past encouraged more people and entities not to pay right taxes to the detriment of the people.

If the people pay right taxes, the country could easily attain progress, President said. Cheating and non-payments of right taxes impact on education, health care, and peace and security of the country, he said.

However, the President said that there is hope with the assumption of the new government.

“Buhat po nang tahakin natin ang tuwid na landas marami na po tayong naaninag na pagbabago sa ating bansa. Sa pinagsamang lakas at pinagbuting kakayahan ng Court of Tax Appeals at ng mga kabalikat nitong ahensya naipatupad na natin ang mga hakbanging nakakatulong sa makatarungan at mabilis na pagdinig sa mga kaso ng pagbabayad ng buwis,” he said.

According to the President, CTA’s foundation anniversary was also held in recognition of its expanded mandate in administering justice concerning taxes in the country, President Aquino said adding that with its expanded jurisdiction it’s a signal of more responsibility to serve the country effectively.

The passage of R.A. 9282 that took effect on April 23, 2004, expanded the jurisdiction of the CTA, by amending certain sections of R.A. 1125, the “Law Creating the Court of Tax Appeals”.

The President said that his administration continues to carry out the Run after Tax Evaders of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) and Run after the Smugglers of Bureau of Customs to investigate corruptions in Finance Department and its attached agencies.

If the government can fix problems in taxation, it can collect enough or more funds for its projects that can benefit the people, he added.

He also reported that the BIR has filed more than 50 tax-related cases with a total taxable amount of P230 billion.

If the government can collect that amount, it’s sufficient to fund its conditional cash transfer (CCT) program, he said.

But the President acknowledged that filing charges is just one step in the government’s fight against tax evasion. He said that punishing violators is a way to show the administration’s resolve in fighting corruption.

“Kung merong nagkasala ay conviction ang inaasahan natin para naman seryusohin na itong gobyerno ay talagang nagpapatupad ng batas at hindi isang gobyerno na puro palakasan at palusutan ang nangyayari,” he said.

Other government officials who joined the President during the event were Finance Secretary Cesar Purisima, BIR chief Kim Henares, Commission on Audit chief Ma. Gracia Pulido Tan, Acting Ombudsman Orlando Casimero and COA Commissioner Heidi Mendoza.

Philippines’ new disaster management framework unveiled

MANILA (PIA) -- The Aquino administration on Thursday unveiled a new disaster management policy document that will provide an effective foundation in dealing with disasters while minimizing their impact on the growth potential of the country.

The National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management (NDRRM) Framework is a product of months of consultation among stakeholders in disaster management, pursuant to Republic Act 10121, or the Philippine Disaster Risk Reduction and Management, which calls for the implementation of a comprehensive management approach at all levels to cut down the socio-economic and environmental costs of disasters.

“We mark another milestone in the series of vital documents dedicated to reduce impact of disasters,” Ochoa said in his speech delivered during the signing ceremony held at the Camp Aguinaldo in Quezon City.

“This is an inspiring document that will strengthen the unity and resolve of communities to defend themselves from disasters. And this is a forceful document that will protect every development gain from risk, shield every growth accomplishment from danger,” Ochoa pointed out.

The framework, he said, is also in line with the 2000 United Nations Millennium Development Goals, the Hyogo Framework for Action of 2005 and the 2009 ASEAN Agreement on Disaster Management and Emergency Response.

According to the Executive Secretary, the new disaster management framework is an immediate shift from the traditional top-down and centralized management effort to bottom-up approach that is community-driven.

“A purely physical approach to disaster risk reduction will fail without considering the collective will of communities to reduce their own vulnerable points,” said Ochoa, who chairs the Cabinet Security, Justice, and Peace cluster and is a member of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

Ochoa said the new framework includes reducing disaster risks in its greater integrated approach to achieving real social and human development – a sharp departure from the ad hoc disaster response approach of various disaster preparedness teams created in the past.

Recent studies showed that annually, the average direct damages caused by disasters reached as high as P15 billion and typhoons alone hurt the Gross Domestic Product by 0.5 percent, thus setting back development programs and initiatives.

Ochoa cited the devastating 9.0 magnitude earthquake and tsunami in Japan last March, which left thousands of people dead and buildings destroyed and a nuclear mess, underscored the need for the Philippines to come up with a broader comprehensive disaster management program given its geography and apparent risk for natural disasters.

“We need to prepare now. Sooner than we expect it, our preparedness as individuals and communities – and as a nation – might be tested by the unforgiving forces of nature. There is little time to prepare – but prepare we must,” Ochoa said.

He said Japan and its people have given the Philippines “an inspiring model on their preparedness to face disaster,” particularly on the “sense of community” that they have shown to the world.

“In our case, we must harness a time-honored value in the Filipino heart. I am referring to the bayanihan spirit. Let this spirit be given full expression in our collective passion and desire to protect ourselves – and then to advance together,” he said.

Ochoa, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Interior and Local Government Undersecretary Austere Panadero, Social Welfare Assistant Secretary Patricia Luna, Socio-economic Planning Undersecretary Augusto Santos, Science and Technology Undersecretary Graciano Yumul signed the NDRRM Framework.

Also present at the signing ceremony were Office of the Civil Defense Director Ronald Flores and Defense Undersecretaries Benito Ramos and Eduardo Batac.