95 beneficiaries get pineapple processing equipment from DOLE

By Rosalita B. Manlangit

DAET, Camarines Norte, April 25 (PIA) -- A total of 95 beneficiaries from the San Lorenzo town received pineapple processing equipment from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) regional office in Bicol yesterday, April 24.

The distribution of the pineapple processing equipment was led by Regional Director Nathaniel V. Lacambra of DOLE V, joined by Camarines Norte provincial directors Ernesto Pardo of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and Ruben Romanillos of DOLE, and San Lorenzo Mayor Nelson de los Santos.

The 95 beneficiaries belong to informal sector, 25 members of Women and Families of San Lorenzo Ruiz Multi-Purpose Cooperative (WFSLRMPC), 60 pineapple growers, and 10 handicraft makers identified by DTI.

Romanillos said that a total of P530,978 amount of equipment was given to all the beneficiaries, wherein P397,978 was allotted by DOLE while 20 percent or P133,000 was counterpart from the local government unit, cooperative, and the DTI.

He said that the processing equipment will help the beneficiaries to increase production and provide additional income through pineapple by-products.

It can be recalled that DOLE V also distributed Kabuhayan starter kits last month to some 40 beneficiaries of Talisay and Capalonga towns.

DOLE also targets another 100 beneficiaries in this town wherein they will give equipment for the production of pineapple and pili based products.

The said project of the DOLE is part of the Product Enhancement and Market Expansion of Pineapple By-Products under the DOLE Integrated Livelihood Program Workers Income Augmentation Project for informal sector. (MAL/RBM-PIA Camarines Norte)


Catanduanes college under evaluation

By Edna A. Bagadiong

VIRAC, Catanduanes, April 25 (PIA) -- The Accrediting Agency of Chartered Colleges and Universities in the Philippines, Inc. (AACCUP) is conducting an evaluation on six curricular programs of Catanduanes State Colleges (CSC), five of which are at the main campus and one at Panganiban Campus from April 23 to 25.

At the school's main campus, the program to be evaluated are MAED-Math, MA-English, MAT- Biology, BS Office Administration, and BS Entrepreneurship while at the Panganiban Campus, the program to be assessed is BS in Elementary Education.

Four evaluators will conduct the preliminary survey visit. They will determine the degree of readiness of the six programs for an appropriate accreditation level.

The college president, Dr. Minerva Morales, enjoins the colleges' community to give their full support and cooperation to this undertaking.

Moreover, all college vice presidents, deans, directors, chiefs of offices, chairpersons, principal, task force members and the teaching staff of the colleges to be evaluated, are required to attend the Opening and Orientation Program on April 23 and the Exit/Closing Program on April 25.

CSC has already 19 accredited programs. AB Economics, AB Political Science, Bachelor in Elementary Education, Bachelor in Secondary Education, BS in Industrial Technology, BS in Nursing, Master of Arts in Education and Master in Public Administration are Level III accredited

With Level II Reaccredited status are BS in Nutrition and Dietetics, BS in Accountancy and the BS in Business Administration programs. They are also scheduled for Level III evaluation this year.

Moreover, the BS in Biology and BS in Mathematics are ‘Level I Accredited’ while the Doctor of Education, Master in Business Administration, AB in Public Administration, BS in Agriculture, BS in Civil Engineering and BS Information Management are Candidate Status or gearing up for Level I accreditation.

According to AACCUP, accreditation is a process by which an institution at the tertiary level evaluates its educational activities, in whole or in part, and seeks an independent judgment to confirm that it substantially achieves its objectives, and is generally equal in quality to comparable institutions.

Aside from being program-focused, accreditation is based on standards of the accrediting agency, which are normally higher than those set by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and other appropriate agencies, like the Professional Regulation Commission (PRC).

Accreditation is voluntary on the part of the higher education institution that may want to be accredited. The evaluation is undertaken by peers, which are the external accreditors who are mostly faculty members from other higher education institutions.

Programs that have passed the AACCUP standards, and are awarded accreditation status.

As a benefit, being accredited lends prestige to member institutions, justified by the possession of quality standards and unremitting efforts to maintain them at high level. It also helps parents to know which program they may send their children to for quality education.

It also make all those engaged in education aware of standards of excellence which they should strive to attain, and make possible for those proposing funding and those who are to fund, to know what to support and how much support is needed. Evaluated programs are also given the opportunity to know its strength and weaknesses, and in what aspects it needs to develop.

AACCUP further adds that accreditation has also been used as a criterion in administrative decision-making in a variety of ways such as applicants for teaching in the Department of Education (DepEd) who are graduates of accredited programs are granted credit points. The school’s accredited status is also used as a criterion in the leveling of State Universities and Colleges. (MAL/EAB-PIA 5/GSRubio-CSC)


CamSur commends barangay health workers

By Analiza S. Macatangay

PILI, CAMARINES SUR, April 25 (PIA) -- In an effort to recognize the invaluable efforts being rendered by barangay health workers (BHWs), the provincial government has convened more than 4,000 health volunteers in the Provincial BHW Congress held over the weekend at the Provincial Capitol.

Dr. Ira Bisuña, Provincial Health Office Head in Camarines Sur, has expressed her admiration for the sacrifice and selfless act of the BHWs to ensure that health services are delivered to the community. These endeavors, she said are most beneficial particularly for those residing in far-flung areas where health services are much demanded for.

Under the theme “Pagpapatatag at pagkakaisa ng mga BHW para isulong Kalusugan Pangkalahatan,” Bisuña said that the local government under the headship of Camarines Sur governor Luis Raymond Villafuerte has already put in place some initiatives, including the upgrading of health facilities to ensure that health programs will find its way particularly in coastal areas.

A modern provincial hospital is also expected to rise at Banasi, Bula, Camarines Sur to ensure that immediate health services will be delivered to its constituents.

Wenefreda Agunday, president of BHW Provincial Federation tasked to welcome the participants, also encouraged the workers to remain steadfast in their dedication to serve and be a role model of the community. Agunday also made mention of the benefits that the government is offering as incentive to these health heroes who assists the government in the realization of its health policy.

Republic Act No. 7883, otherwise known as the Barangay Health Workers’ Benefits and Incentives Act of 1995” clearly stipulates that accredited BHWs are entitled to receive incentives and benefits which include hazard and subsistence allowance. They should also have access to educational programs to upgrade their skills and knowledge for community work or to pursue further training, scholarship benefits and training grants, among others.

Camarines Sur Vice Governor Fortunato Peña also graced the afternoon session which was highlighted with the awarding of BHWs who have rendered 30 or more years of health service. Aida Abad Navales, Midwife Supervisor and BHW Coordinator lauded the awardees for their unwavering dedication in the fulfillment of their task to provide genuine health care to the constituents of Camarines Sur. (MAL/LSM-PIA5 Camarines Sur)


Albay residents support ban on the use of plastic

By Marlon A. Loterte

LEGAZPI CITY, April 25 (PIA) -- Albay’s drive to eliminate plastic bag usage gains more ground after the launch of Provincial Ordinance No. 2011-3 on April 21, Saturday.

The provincial ordinance prohibits the use of plastic bags, Styrofoam, and other synthetic materials.

Albay Gov. Joey Sarte Salceda, Vice Gov. Harold Ong Imperial, and the Sangguniang Panlalawigan led the kick off at the LCC Mall Activity Center here.

Local government authorities believe that the Albay version is positively welcomed by the constituents.

"We have overwhelming proofs from the ground of populace support. On the supply side, all big 3 are now complying. On the demand side, even in wet markets, there is more pervasive use of reusable indigenous bags," Salceda said.

"I have talked to most officials of local governments in the province and they are supporting the ordinance, especially Polangui, Tabaco, Guinobatan, Sto. Domingo. The province approved the ordinance last February 2011 but its full effect on May 31, 2012 giving time for compliance and information, education campaign with stakeholders. We have invested time, effort and resources in consultations and education with affected sectors," Salceda furthered.

Ban on plastics will take effect on May 31 after the provincial legislative body lifts the one-year moratorium given to commercial establishments in the 15 towns and three cities of the province.

Albay is the first province in Bicol to pass an ordinance banning the use of materials harmful to the environment.

Under the ordinance, owners of groceries, department stores, supermarkets, chain retailers including sari-sari stores are directed not to use plastic, styrofoam, and synthetic materials to be used as packaging or bags.

Albay officials also appealed to the public to instead use or bring alternative bags made of paper, cloth, abaca, buri, and other recyclable and environment-friendly materials.

The ordinance carries a penalty for violators fine ranging from P1,000 to P5,000 including the cancellation of the business permit.

The provincial legislative body and other enforcement agencies already met with owners of various commercial establishments discussing the salient features of the ordinance.

Plastic bags end up as litter that find its way into waterways, river channels, parks, beaches, and streets. Once burned, plastics also infuse the air with toxic fumes. These materials are non-biodegradable and can only decompose after about 400 years bringing bad effects to the environment.

The ordinance aims to lessen volume of plastic pollutants and beef up environment protection measures in the interest of public health and safety.

The provincial government has since been rallying to adopt measures prohibiting the use of plastics and other non-biodegradable materials in all business establishments, groceries, department stores, supermarkets, chain retailers, and sari-sari stores in Albay. (MAL-PIA 5, Albay)


DTI sets livelihood forum

VIRAC, Catanduanes, April 25 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) provincial office here has set a one-day Livelihood Forum on April 25, 2012 at Rhaj Inn.

It seeks to gather information from the participating producer associations and groups and as well as to forge commitment from the sponsors and partners.

In line with this, the participating groups are Buhi San Miguel ARC group, Solong Women Twine Makers, Patagan Abaca Craftmakers, San Andres Slipper Makers, Manambrag Hammock Makers, Buyo Caragumoy Product Producers, Burac West, Gerry Bel Bautista Farm, Jaime de leon Farm, Obi livelihood Association, and Mabi ALS Women Weavers are expected to present their projects.

The major sponsors/partners of the event who are expected to deliver their messages are Rep. Rodel Batocabe- Ako Bicol Partylist (AKB), Rep. Christopher Co- AKB, Rep. Michael Velarde - Buhay , Ms. Illumunada Teves - Carpel, Ms. Gemina Quiros – Soil and Water Conservation Foundation, Inc. (SWCFI), and Mr. Floro Barrameda of Sun WestSuweco.

Also expected to deliver messages and insights during the forum are Governor Joseph C. Cua and Vice Governor Jose Bong Teves, Jr.

A one-on-one workshop will also be held to be followed by the recap and agreement/commitment. (MAL/EAB-PIA Catanduanes)



DENR Bicol opens nomination for Saringaya Award 2012

By Marlon A. Loterte

LEGAZPI CITY, April 25 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) in the Bicol region announces the opening of its Saringaya Award for this year and thereby invites interested parties to submit their nominations, says DENR V Regional Executive Director Joselin Marcus Fragada.

Now on its 12th year, the Saringaya Award is an annual event open to various individuals, groups and sectors supporting or implementing the programs of DENR in the region for ecological conservation, environment protection and management, and sustainable use of natural resources.

Nominees may come from non-government organizations (NGO), local government units (LGU), corporations, and academe.

Saringaya Awards acknowledged the efforts and dynamic support of diverse individuals and entities in ecological conservation, environmental protection and management, and sustainable use of natural resources.

It also recognized the involvement of individuals, industries, groups, non-government organizations, other government agencies, and local government units in the programs of DENR Bicol.

DENR V Regional Executive Director Joselin Marcus Fragada rallied the pubilc to continue supporting the green cause, to pursue further excellence in environmentalism and conservation.

Saringaya is a Bicol term which means lush or abundance of growth or flourishing of lush green trees rich in biodiversity and balanced ecosystem (A synonymous Bikol word is "marambong").

Fragada of DENR V, likewise directed various branches and units including line bureaus, sectoral services, Penros and Cenros to evaluate the qualified nominees based on their respective jurisdiction.

Deadline of entries is on May 15, 2012. Tentative date for awarding will be on the culmination of the Environment month on June 29 this year. (MAL/SAA-PIA V/Albay)