PiA BiKoL

2012-01-26T16:26:00.002+08:00

Legazpi is next wave city for BPO

by Ed de Leon

LEGAZPI CITY, January 26 (PIA) -- The focus efforts of this city’s current administration to make Legazpi an attractive investment area for potential Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) investors is finally paying off when it tied in the 10th place with cities of Dumaguete and Dagupan City the next waves cities outsourcing industry.

The selection was done by the Business Processing Association of the Philippines (BPA/P) recently.

Currently, this city is considered as a feeder city meaning it provides qualified manpower to other cities with existing outsourcing industries who conducts recruitment activities in the city

This is an indication that the city has more than enough qualified manpower to supply the needs of existing outsourcing industry.

Many college graduates from the city usually end up working in call centers in Metro Manila for those who cannot find available jobs here according to the city employment office and according to reports they are doing very well.

This city produces more than 4,000 college graduates every year and is also a center of higher educational institutions of the region.

The accessibility of the city from land air and sea transport from Manila and Cebu plus having reliable and dependable telecommunications providers like Smart, Globe, Bayantel and lately the PLDT that provides reliable internet and bandwidth connectivity is an important factor for potential BPO investors to locate in the city.

Legazpi City Mayor Geraldine Rosal said that the city scored high in the cost of doing business and availability of needed physical Information Technology (IT) infrastructures to support an outsourcing industry according to the PPA/P ranking.

She added that a present Legazpi has two proposed IT park namely the Embarcadero de Legazpi and the Legazpi Information and Communication Technology ( ICT) Park which could be used by outsourcing companies when they decided to locate here plus the donated building by Bicol Hair in Barangay Bonot in this city.

Mayor Rosal said that this year they will be aggressively pursue promoting Legazpi as the next wave city for BPO’s to consider investing in and she is very optimistic that the city will be able to attract investors to locate their expansion in the city thereby providing job opportunities to our constituent.(MAL/Ed de Leon, PIA V)

CSC receives P1.5M from BFAR for inland fishery development

VIRAC, Catanduanes, Jan. 26 (PIA) -- Catanduanes State Colleges (CSC) has received an amount of P1.5 million from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) for inland fishery development last week.

The program aims to enhance the fish production as well as to develop a sustained livelihood through technology infusion in inland fisheries development to enhance food security and alleviate poverty.

There are five proposed projects that will be located in the CSC campuses in Virac and Panganiban with extensions at Viga and Bagamanoc.

One of the proposed projects is the Small Holder and Small Farmer Integrated Rice-Fish-Chicken-Gabi Farming System which shall involve 50 farmers and fishermen.

Another is the small scale sustainable organic tilapia and growing of juvenile crabs with low-cost feeds in nylon nets which will be done at the CSC Fishpond in Palnab, Virac, Ctanaduanes Crab Center, CSC Panganiban and selected mangrove areas.

2012-01-26T15:10:00.001+08:00

AWARDING AND TURN-OVER OF FARM EQUIPMENT -- Agriculture Secretary Proceso J. Alcala delivers his message during the awarding of AKBAY livelihood checks and turn-over of farm equipment to farmers and fisherfolks beneficiaries, held at Naval Forces South Luzon Multipurpose Hall, Rawis, Legazpi City, today January 26, 2012. (Alex Cal/PIA)

2012-01-26T15:07:00.001+08:00

PRESSCONFERENCE – DA Secretary Proseso J. Alcala, meet and interact with the national and local media at the Marine Fleet Quarter Deck, Naval Forces for Southern Luzon in Rawis, Legazpi City. DA regional executive dirfectror Jose V. Dayao and BFAR regional dir. Dennis del Socorro and heads of the DA attached agencies joined the secretary during the presscon. (Alex Cal/PIA)

2012-01-26T15:05:00.001+08:00

Albay Governor Joey Sarte Salceda and Hon. Proceso J. Alcala, Agriculture Secretary turn-over of farm and post-harvest equipment and Agri-inputs to members beneficiaries.

2012-01-26T14:58:00.002+08:00

Albay Governor Joey Sarte Salceda answer queries from National Correspondent Mar S. Arguelles (left) (Inquirer) Celso Amo (Phil. Star) during the awarding of AKBAY livelihood checks & turn over of farm equipment held at Naval Forces South Luzon Multipurpose Hall, Rawis, Legazpi City today January 26. (Alex Cal/PIA)

2012-01-26T08:59:00.009+08:00

Photo above shows J/SSUPT PIO B CAPISTRANO with the Regional Command Group and Staff Officers of BJMP Region during the New Years Call last January 24, 2012 at the Regional Office.

2012-01-25T14:34:00.003+08:00

CSC meets the press for its HAP Program

by Lizel S. Macatangay

NAGA CITY, Jan. 25 (PIA) -- Members of the local media here were invited during a mini press conference held yesterday at the Raul S. Roco Building for the formal launching of the Civil Service Commission’s 2012 Honor Awards Program.

This is to officially open the nomination for Outstanding Public Officials and Employees who have done an exemplary deed in the furtherance of their service.

Director Jocelyn Marifosque, Director II of Civil Service Commission (CSC) Camarines Sur Field Office said as allies in information dissemination, members of the media can give significant contribution in spreading the good news.

“The 2012 Honor Awards Program forms part of the Commission’s advocacy to promote excellence, recognize and reward deserving public servants for their outstanding performance and contribution which serves as a consistent manifestation of exemplary ethical behavior in line with their chosen field of endeavors,” Marifosque said in an interview.

This year’s Search for Outstanding Public Officials and employees is being implemented by CSC as mandated in the 1987 Philippine Constitution pursuant to Executive Order Nos. 292 and 502, series of 1992 as amended by Executive Order No. 77 series of 1993 and Republic Act No. 6713.

CSC RO5 Regional Director Cecilia R. Nieto also graced the said occasion. In her message, she also acknowledged the media’s role in publicizing the said endeavor through the extensive media campaign on the promotion of the said awards program.

Nieto reiterated that the Honor Awards program is one of the strategic agenda of the CSC which recognizes government officials and employees who have displayed outstanding work performance and manifested ethical behavior in rendering their service to the public.

She said that it aims to motivate and inspire government employees to improve the quality of their performance and instill deeper involvement in public service.

The award has three categories: Awards for Outstanding Work Performance or the Presidential/ Lingkod Bayan Award, CSC Pagasa Award and the Award for Exemplary Conduct and Ethical Behavior or Dangal ng Bayan Award.

With only 12 nominations last year, Nieto is encouraging more regional entries this year as part of their goal to increase and surpass the number of nominations every time they launch the said program.

Naga City Administrator Florencio “Jun” Mongoso, Jr. and City Council David Casper Nathan A. Sergio, Dangal ng Bayan Awardees in 1999 and 1997 respectively, also shared insights and inspiration as recipients of the said honor.

Mongoso said that the simple recipe for achieving the said award is by following the simple adage of creating an impression by what you say, but more so, creating an impact in what you do. Sergio, on the other hand, said that his inspiration to serve propelled him to go beyond his limitations. Following ethical standards is also of primary importance, he added.

Naga City Mayor John Bongat also said that their management style sits on a simple premise: good governance, transparency, a conduct guided by law and the dedication to serve. (LSMacatangay/ PIA-Camarines Sur)

DA Sec to distribute agri fund to 200 beneficiaries in Sorsogon

by Irma A. Guhit

SORSOGON CITY, Sorsogon, Jan. 25 (PIA) -- Department of Agriculture (DA) Secretary, Proceso J. Alcala will be awarding checks, including agricultural comprehensive scholarships to farmers, fisher folks and irrigators, a total of 200 beneficiaries on Jan. 26 at the Sorsogon Provincial Gymnasium under the "Agrikultura: Kaagapay ng Bayang Pinoy (AKBAY)" program.

The beneficiaries were previously identified and have undergone validation by the four different attached agencies of DA as those that need immediate intervention to implement programs here in the province.

From the Fiber Development Authority (FIDA), 30 farmers will receive assistance on abaca development. Forty coconut farmers from the Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) will be granted funds while 30 fisher folks from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and 100 irrigators from the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) shall also benefit.

The AKBAY program is a mechanism for poverty alleviation given to identified provinces through the provision of livelihood and employment opportunities and augmenting the source of income of the farm households.

It also aims to strengthen the capabilities of marginalized sectors to involve and empower them in decision making processes.

This program was conceptualized by the National Agriculture and Fishery Council which is under the DA and will be implemented in tandem with the DA regional offices, the local government units and the local agriculture and fishery councils.

Alcala, assisted by Sorsogon Governor Raul Lee, will be handing in checks and award the Agricultural Comprehensive Enhancement Fund (ACEF) Scholarship to farmer beneficiaries.

Sorsogon has been identified as one of the AKBAY beneficiaries and was awarded P2.09-million assistance through the implementation of the different programs of the several attached agencies.

Ten more beneficiaries identified through the AKBAY will be awarded P10,000 each for agri-business.

Together with Alcala are DA-5 regional director Dr. Jose V. Dayao, PCA-5 regional manager Eduardo Allorde, DA-5 regional technical director for Research and Regulations Edgar R. Madrid, who will present the programs and project of DA.

Expected to attend are the mayors their municipal agricultural officers and heads of offices of the attached agencies under the DA here. (MAL/IAG/PIA-5)

Rice production up by 9% last year in Camarines Norte

DAET, Camarines Norte, Jan 19 (PIA) -- Rice production upped by 9 percent in this province last year compared to 5 percent increase in 2010, according to ther Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg).

Provincial agriculturist Francia C. Pajares said that more than 100 percent or equivalent to 83,000 metric tons of rice production was noted last year compared to 92 percent or more than 82,000 metric tons in 2010.

She said that this was due to their information dissemination to the farmers to increase their harvest and also to the different programs on agriculture technologies implemented by the provincial government.

Pajares said that they have encouraged farmers to used compost or organic fertilizer in their rice field for better harvest.

The compost is an organic fertilizer coming from plants and from different wastes and other organic materials, and using compost can save 50 percent in commercial fertilizer.

She added that compost adds nutrients and holds the soil; it also does no harm to humans, animals, and plants; and farmers will become self-sufficient in terms of not relying on imported fertilizer for good production. (MAL/RBM, PIA Camarines Norte)

NSO conducts BSP’s January 2012 Consumer Survey

VIRAC, Catanduanes, Jan. 24 (PIA) -- The National Statistics Office (NSO), Catanduanes will be conducting the Consumer Expectations Survey (CES) from January 23-31, 2012.

In order to collect comprehensive information on the business conditions of the country in the household sector, the Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas contracted with the National Statistics Office (NSO) to conduct this survey. The NSO will collect the data and encode the questionnaires while the BSP responsibility will generate the tables and analyze the results.

The CES is a household-based survey on the consumers’ assessment of their financial situation, the economic condition of the country, and the overall performance of the government.

The objectives of the survey are: 1) to provide a quick and regular assessment of the financial condition of the consumers and economic condition of the country at present and in the near future, from the consumers’ own view points; 2) to generate forecasts in the direction of the country’s economic activity based on the consumers’ outlook in the next twelve months; and 3) to provide quick and regular assessment of consumers’ outlook in terms of their income and expenditures.

Consumer spending and saving have an important influence in determining the course of the national economy. The core questions cover three broad areas of consumer sentiments: personal finances, business conditions, and buying conditions. The results of the survey will guide planners in forecasting the direction of change of the economy as well as the behavior of key indicators such as inflation rate, interest rates, and exchange rates.

The respondent will be the household head or any responsible member of the household present during the time of interview who can provide reliable answers to the questions asked by the enumerator.

In the province, one sample barangay will be interviewed, covering 16 sample households in Barangay Icanbato and Barangay Maysuram, Caramoran. (MAL/EAB, PIA Catanduanes)

Navy dispatches vessel to rescue cargo ship reported sinking in Catanduanes

LEGAZPI CITY, Jan 25 (PIA) -– Naval Forces Southern Luzon (Navforsol) of the Philippine Navy dispatched on Saturday BRP Heneral Antonio Luna (PG141) to help in the search and rescue of M/V Sun Spirit, a Chinese registered vessel reported listing and sinking at vicinity 34 nautical miles off Binorong Pt, Catanduanes.

The said vessel is owned by PHILHUA shipping and manned by Chinese crew.

The Navy immediately responded to the call for humanitarian assistance and availability of air and floating assets upon the request of Coast Guard District Bicol.

Coast Guard District Bicol initially received the distress call and request for assistance, subsequently, Southern Luzon Command also dispatched Sunday two Huey helicopters from Tactical Operations Group 5 to assist in search and rescue operations.

"Humanitarian and disaster assistance operations which include search, rescue, and relief are among Hukbong Dagat Ng Pilipinas priority missions apart from our primary role of conducting maritime security operations," said Commodore Abraham F Celzo AFP, Commander of Navforsol. (MAL/DFN, Navforsol)

2012-01-24T17:22:00.001+08:00

Legazpi City hosts 15^th Regional Elementary Schools Press Conference

... 910 pupil writers assemble in biggest academic competition

by Aida Alcazar-Naz

LEGAZPI CITY, January 24 (PIA) — Fifteen years ago Legazpi City hosted the first Regional Elementary Schools Press Conference (RESPC), and this year the same academic event, this time bigger with more events unfolds today.

Delegations from the six provinces and seven cities in Bicol converge for the grand opening this afternoon at the Albay Astrodome after a holy mass, parade capped by the Mayor’s Night this evening courtesy of the local government of Legazpi.

A total of 910 student writers from both public and private schools will compete in seven individual events in news writing, feature writing, editorial writing, sports writing copy reading and photojournalism plus the group contest in radio broadcasting both in English and Filipino. Each contestant vies for a slot to the National Schools Press Conference (NSPC) 2012 set in Puerto Princesa City, Palawan in April this year.

Of the 910 contestants, 56 regional winners will be selected to represent the region in the forthcoming national event.

For the last three years, Bicol was adjudged national champion reason why the Department of Education (DepEd) Bicol hopes for another championship this year. This was the optimistic sentiment averred by Dr. Regida N. Vibar, DepEd chief of the elementary division.

The presscons’ theme centers on Promoting Digital Literacy Through Campus Journalism with a new group category dubbed collaborative publishing as the highlight of the NSPC scheduled for April 9 to 13, 2012 in addition to radio broadcasting.

Dr. Vibar said that the regional team who will compete in the national contest will be selected form the regional winners. She is confident that a winning team will be organized from the pool of these winners aside from the inputs provided during the regional training on this event conducted October last year.

Like the group contest on scriptwriting and radio broadcasting the collaborative publishing competition will have a team of seven expected to produce a four-page tabloid using Microsoft Publisher software.

The contest is an opportunity for campus journalists to demonstrate digital literacy, demonstrate journalism skills and a means encourage the students to pursue careers and studies in journalism. Most of all the occasion enhances journalistic competence through healthy and friendly competitions, explained Vibar.

The regional contestants now gathered in the city are joined by their coaches whose ratio is almost 1 per student, hence more than a thousand delegates are now assembled in Legazpi.

Bicol Association of Elementary Schools Publication Advisers Sixto Orzales disclosed at the PIA radio program that the thousand plus delegates are housed in six billeting areas in six public schools scattered in the city. These temporary quarters are located in Albay Central School, and the elementary schools of Bagumbayan, Ibalon, Legazpi Port, Arimbay anad Bigaa.

Contests will be held at Rawis Elementary School though editorial cartooning is set at an activity center of a mall.

Prior to the event both the DepEd and the local government collaborated in the preparation. LGU particularly, saw to it that lights and water connection are in placed. Security is provided by the police along with public safety officers. Roving police and security officers will make sure that drivers of jeepneys especially tricycle will collect the correct fare from the delegates who are visitors of the city.

Legazpi City Division Association of School Paper Advisers Frenesi D. Cruz said that the community especially the parents of billeting schools did a brigade eskwela to prepare the quarters. (AAN/PIA V)

2012-01-23T09:30:00.000+08:00

Navy and CENRO Quezon score anew against illegal logging operations

LEGAZPI CITY, Jan 23 (PIA) -- Naval Forces Southern Luzon and Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Quezon continue its anti illegal-logging efforts where it left off last year with the discovery of new modus of illegal loggers and confiscation of 42 pieces or 1,773 board feet of Malaruhat hardwood at Magallanes, Dinahican, Infanta, Quezon on January 16.

Said logs were initially spotted along the river inlet at said place. The following day, navy divers conducted underwater recon along with CENRO personnel and found the said logs which were submerged into deeper water by the illegal loggers, said Navy Ensign Chibar Bullos of Naval Detachment Infanta.

The said logs were deliberately submerged in brackish water so that it will be hard for the authorities to locate and retrieve it. This is one of the modus of the illegal loggers in the area, said Miliarette Panaligan, CENRO from Quezon.

CENRO lauded the prompt response of the navy and continuous active support in anti-illegal logging operations in the area.

As mentioned in the Executive Order no. 23, it is the obligation of the State to protect the remaining forest cover areas of the country not only to prevent flash floods and hazardous flooding but also to preserve biodiversity, protect threatened habitats and sanctuaries of endangered and rare species, and allow natural regeneration of residual forests and development of plantation forests.

The order also called for the creation of the anti-illegal logging task force to enforce the moratorium and lead a reinvigorated anti-illegal logging campaign.

Commodore Abraham F Celzo AFP congratulated its personnel in Quezon and urged to continue active support to the advocacy and efforts consistent with EO 23.

Since the activation of said task force in the middle of last year, the Command has recorded a total of seven successful anti-illegal logging operations which resulted to the confiscation of 8,148.85 board feet of assorted lumber valued at P4.02 million, Commodore Celzo AFP added. (MAL/DFN, Navforsol)

2012-01-20T16:24:00.003+08:00

Imposition of higher city realty tax, alarms landowners

SORSOGON CITY, Jan 20 (PIA) -- Landowners here in the city of Sorsogon are alarmed by the higher imposition of realty taxes that were implemented starting the first day of this year, 2012.

According to most of these landowners, the imposition of higher taxes was enacted by the Sanggunian Panlalawigan in the Provincial Ordinance No 01-2011 last July 18, 2011 and once implemented this year, would mean a very high mark up in their payments.

Landowners are reacting and would like to request for a dialogue with the local officials since abaca, coconut, and other agricultural products do not provide high profit since there is little value added to these products; also, there is the issue of high cost of farm inputs.

A total of 54 landowners who attended the committee hearing said that the increase seems to be high.

On top of this, homeowners have to pay the realty tax of their houses, which they consider as non-profit assets thereby making the payment of taxes for agricultural land and for their residences as exhorbitant.

The increase in the realty taxes range from 38 percent and above as compared to that of the previous rate of previous years.

Sorsogon City councilor Nestor J. Baldon, author of the said ordinance, said that under the local government code of 1991, the city of Sorsogon is mandated to enact an ordinance providing for the fair market value of all real properties based now on its assessed fair market value.

He also explained that since the city was established in 2000, it has implemented a tax moratorium, meaning that no increase in realty tax was implemented for the past 11 years.

He said that with the current market value of real property here in the city, there is also a need to upgrade the tax increase implementation to enhance the eroding tax base for realty taxes.

Baldon explained that the preparation of the tax revenue code is guided by the rules and regulations issued by the Department of Finance and that under the local government code, local government units has to undertake a general revision of property assessment once every three years.

The city of Sorsogon is almost on its eleventh year and based on the Local Government Code it should have undergone a three time increase in taxes.

The five-year grace period of tax moratorium has been made and according to councilor Baldon, the increase in realty taxes this year will also become an economic mechanism for development since the lifeblood of any local government is the generation of taxes. (MAL/IAG, PIA Sorsogon)

2012-01-20T15:35:00.001+08:00

RD Loyola renews call on LGU on geohazards

LEGAZPI CITY, January 20 (PIA/MGB) -- Following recent order of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon J. Paje, Bicol Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) V officer –in-charge Luis B. Loyola has renewed his call on local chief executives in Bicol to take heed of the warnings on the likelihood of occurrence of geological hazards.

“With the on-set of the rainy season during the last quarter of 2011 which normally continues until the month of February, more landslides and flashfloods are expected in identified disaster prone areas in Albay, Catanduanes, Camarines Sur, Sorsogon and Camarines Norte,” Loyola said.

Loyola said MGB V has already completed the geohazard mapping and assessment of the Bicol Region in 2010 leading to the production of 1:50,000 scale geohazard maps.

“We have distributed these maps to most local government units to integrate preparedness and mitigation, including possible relocation or evacuation into their local disaster risk reduction planning” Loyola explained.

“All 113 municipalities and cities regionwide were covered in the MGB-V 1:50,000 scale geohazard mapping program” Loyola said.

Loyola also said the geohazard mapping program of the DENR is continuing with the launching last year of another major project to produce 1:10,000 scale geohazard maps for flood and landslide-prone areas nationwide.

”This project is called the densification of geohazard and climate change maps which 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” Loyola explained.

“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” Loyola 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” Loyola further said.

“Selected municipalities and or cities in Camarines Norte, Camarines Sur, Catanduanes, Albay, Sorsogon and Masbate in Bicol will be covered in the densification project” Loyola pointed out.

Loyola recalled the signing of a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) last August 17, 2011 in Manila by and between Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Paje and Albay Governor Jose S. Salceda to assess all cities and municipalities in Albay for landslide and flood hazard risks.

“The cities of Legazpi, Ligao and Tabaco and the municipalities of Libon, Polangui, Jovellar, Bacacay, Malilipot, Manito, Sto. Domingo, Oas, Pio Duran, Malinao, Rapu-Rapu and Tiwi will be assessed to enable these Local Government Units (LGUs) to further strengthen their disaster risk reduction plans” Loyola said.

“The MOA tasked the DENR, through the MGB, to conduct geohazard mapping on a scale of 1:10,000, assess and evaluate landslide and flood prone areas, assist in disseminating information on landslide and flood hazards and develop flood hazard and landslide hazard models for the most vulnerable areas in the Province of Albay, among others, for a year starting last year up to this year” Loyola further said.

Loyola also said that an assessment team composed of Geologists and technical personnel from the MGB Central Office and in Bicol have already assessed the Cities of Ligao and Tabaco and the Municipalities of Polangui, Sto. Domingo, Malinao and Tiwi and the assessment of the Municipality of Libon is ongoing. (MAL/MGB V)

2012-01-20T11:34:00.001+08:00

AGAPP SILID PANGARAP BLESSING AND TURNOVER CEREMONY – Presidential Sister Ms. Pinky Aquino-Abellada, deliver her inspirational message during the turn over ceremony of four brand new pre-school buildings in the province of Sorsogon yesterday January 19, 2012. (Alex Cal/PIA)

2012-01-20T11:20:00.004+08:00

RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY -- Presidential Sister Ms. Aquino-Abellada lead the ceremonial ribbon cutting blessing and turn-over of the Aklat, Gabay, Aruga Tungo sa Pag-angat at Pagasa (AGAPP) a foundation composed of President Aquino friends and supporters which initiates construction of pre-school building on private capacity was held on Thursday, January 19, 2012 at Matnog, Bulan, Pilar and Donsol, Sorsogon (Alex Cal/PIA)

2012-01-19T09:30:00.000+08:00

CSC awards certificates for career service exam passers

VIRAC, Catanduanes, Jan. 19, (PIA) -- The Civil Service Commission (CSC) Field Office here in Catanduanes conducted an awarding ceremony on January 13 for the passers of the Career Service Professional and Sub-Professional Examinations given on October 16, 20122 in Legazpi City.

Out of the total 321 examinees for both exams, only 21 made it: at the professional exam, only 19 passed while out of 48 hopefuls for the sub-professional level, only three made it.

Catanduanes garnered 6.56 passing percentage out of the 11.53 national average percentage.

Passing the Career Service Professional examination will qualify one to an entry position to Second Level career service in government or other technical/professional positions, provided the other requirements of the position are met. Second Level positions include professional, technical, and scientific positions, up to division chief level, e.g. accountant, administrative officer, engineer, customs operations officer, medical specialist, science research specialist, etc.

The successful examinees for the professional eligibility are the following: Charlene Aldea, Shalivie Atienza, Ma. Karla Avila, Abygale Bagadiong, Rachel Anne Belangel, Elpha Angela Bonilio, Maricel Hubilla, Melanie Isorena, Ana Zarina Llaguno, Jumebay Mangalino, Joel Navarro, Emmanuel Olarte, Russel Rubia, Kristine Samar, Shiela Sarmiento, Ana Marie Tabios, Winston Teves, Jason Uchi, and Ryan Valeza.

On the other hand the sub-professional eligibility is given to passers of the Career Service Sub-Professional examination that qualifies one to such position as: clerical, trades, crafts, and custodial service positions, e.g. accounting clerk, computer operator, artist illustrator, HRM assistant, etc. Those who passed the sub-professional level are Joel Papango, Cherie Rojas, and Aldrin Solero. (EAB-PIA Catanduanes)

Paturok Bridge construction up for bidding

by Edna A. Bagadiong

SAN ANDRES, Catanduanes, Jan. 19 (PIA) -- Mayor Antonio Romano of San Andres Town recently confirmed that bidding for the construction of Paturok Bridge in their municipality is underway.

The current Paturok Bridge is situated in a low lying area between Barangay Timbaan and Barangay Belmonte, San Andres that remains a problem for commuters especially when it rains since flood covers the area and causes damage to vehicles and strands commuters.

In the past, a joint resolution was forwarded to Malacañang requesting for a P50-million budget for the construction of the bridge; today, said construction will be funded through Congressman Cesar V. Sarmiento in the amount of P108 million.

Officials and residents of the said town are relieved on hearing the news since vehicles can travel with ease even during inclement weather while passengers and people in the area will not be stranded anymore.

Residents of other municipalities like Pandan and Caramoran will also benefit with the completion of the bridge since goods, people, and supplies can now traverse the area unhampered.

He likewise added that as soon as the bidding ends, the construction shall immediately start. (MAL/EAB-PIA Catanduanes)

2012-01-19T04:52:00.002+08:00

DOE launches Best E-trike Design Contest nationwide

Produced by Philippine Information Agency
for the DEPARTMENT OF ENERGY

SELECTION OF WINNERS

• All design entries shall be screened and evaluated based on conformity with the Official Contest Rules.
• Top Ten entries shall be shortlisted for further evaluation by the Board of Judges.
• The decision of the Board of Judges is final and non-appealable.

CRITERIA FOR JUDGING

50 % - Aesthetics/Creativity
20 % - Originality/Innovation
20% - Safety & Functionality
(LTO to provide a simplified safety checklist)
10 % - Ergonomics
(Ease of passenger entry- accessibility, space requirements, total passenger comfort)

PRIZES

There will be ten (10) awardees to be chosen:
• Top three (3) winners will:
o Receive P 200,000 each
o Be acknowledged at the DOE official website www.doe.gov.ph
o Have their designs for possible adoption in the E-Trike Project of the DOE.

• Seven (7) consolation prizes to receive P50,000 each
For questions please contact DOE at Telephone numbers:
8402214 or 4792900 local 209

Nationwide E-trike Design Contest Guidelines

OBJECTIVES

• Generate 2D and 3D computer-aided drawings of the best aesthetic and functional design for the future Philippine E-trike look (AutoCAD).
• Showcase modern tricycle innovation.
• Adopt the winning E-trike designs in the implementation of the E-Trike Project.

THEME

Bright Now! Do Right. Be Bright. Go E-trike!

BASIC DESIGN PARAMETERS

• Maximum of six (6) passengers excluding the driver.
• Must be a three (3)-wheeled electric vehicle. Examples of three-wheeled electric vehicles can be viewed at DOE website, www.doe.gov.ph. These three-wheeled electric vehicles are deployed in some LGUs and are shown to provide easy reference to the design contestants. However, please note that for the design contest, all designs to be submitted must be original, new and have not been used for commercial or demonstration purposes.

ELIGIBILITY

• Open to all Filipino citizens of legal age (18 years old and above), whether individual or group residing in the Philippines.

MECHANICS

1. Eligible participant must:
a. Fill-up completely the Official Registration Form. The form can be downloaded at DOE website www.doe.gov.ph or at PIA website www.pia.gov.ph
b. Produce 2D and 3D CAD drawings of the E-trike design using AutoCAD software with corresponding design description.
c. Submit entry in both CD and hardcopy (A3 size) and enclose in a sealed envelope.
d. Personally submit or send by courier the design entry, accompanied by completely filled-up Official Registration Form and duly notarized Oath of Ownership of the submitted design, not later than 4 pm of February 17, 2012, to:

Nationwide E-Trike Design Contest,
c/o Energy Utilization Management Bureau
Department of Energy
Merritt Road, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City 1631.

e. Submit only one (1) entry.

2. The design entry must be original and new and have not been used for commercial or demonstration purposes.
3. The design entry must not have the name or logo or similar markings, of the participating individual, school or establishment.
4. All entries submitted to and received by the DOE-Energy Utilization Management Bureau within the submission period are considered final.
5. All submitted entries will be coded for anonymity and impartiality during the evaluation.
6. All employees of the DOE, members of the selection and judging committees and their relatives up to the 2nd degree of consanguinity or affinity are disqualified from joining the contest.
7. Final judging will be on February 24, 2012 at the DOE Head Office located at Energy Center, Merritt Road, Fort Bonifacio, Taguig City.
8. Top 10 winners will be notified either through telephone, email or registered mail.
9. The top 3 winning entries will automatically become the exclusive property of DOE and may be used, copied, reproduced and/or printed by DOE into any size or medium for exhibition, advertising, promotion or any other purpose.
10. Winners are required to attend the awarding ceremony on a date and venue to be announced later.
11. Winners must present the following documents to be able to claim their prize: any two valid original I.D. (birth certificate, passport, driver’s license or SSS/GSIS ID), and DOE notification letter. All prizes are non-transferable.
12. All prizes not claimed after sixty (60) days from receipt of notification letter shall be forfeited.

LGUs get boost with the Seal of Good Housekeeping Award

by Lizel S. Macatangay

NAGA CITY, Jan 19 (PIA) -- More and more local government units are looking forward to the chance to be given the Seal of Good Housekeeping Award bestowed by the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

For one, the municipality of Camaligan under the headship of Emmanuel “Emman” Trinidad Prado, has started to implement various programs following the mandate of President Benigno Aquino for a transparent leadership. Most of these programs are in line with the objective of the Aquino government like the provision of decent dwelling to the homeless.

Prado, pursuant to this, spearheaded the construction of 20 units of core shelters. Camaligan is the sole municipality in Camarines Sur awarded as first round passer in the search of municipalities with exemplary performance in internal housekeeping. This hallmark, he said, will serve as their guiding principle in pursuing more projects.

Second round passers include the municipalities of Canaman, Gainza, And San Fernando.

Fifteen municipalities, inspired by the incentives and various benefits, continue to serve under the direction of PNoy’s “Matuwid na Daan.” This includes the municipalities of Baao, Bombon, Calabanga, Del Gallego, Goa, Libmanan, Magarao, Milaor, Nabua, Pili, Ragay, San Jose , Tigaon, and the cities of Naga and Iriga. The abovementioned LGUs are all third round passers and recipients of the Seal of Good Governance.

DILG Secretary Jesse M. Robredo, in his accomplishment report, disclosed that a total of 1,325 local government units were conferred with the Seal of Good Housekeeping in 2011, citing among others their strong adherence to upright management and honest spending of the people’s money.(LSM, PIA-Camarines Sur)

PAGASA Doppler radar to start operation on February

by Edna A. Bagadiong

VIRAC, Catanduanes, Jan. 19, (PIA)- The Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) Doppler Radar facility located in Buenavista, Bato will start its full operation in February 2012.

The said facility was constructed through a loan of P560 million from the Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA). The equipment will be transferred to PAGASA before its full operation.

The Doppler radar, which is the first of its kind in Asia, is just one of the three radar facilities being constructed in the Philippines. The Aparri building is now halfway to completion while the Guiuan project just started.

Instead of the usual magnetron that generates radio waves, Japanese designers of the solid-state radar system shows excellent quality Doppler Radar images.

The meteorological equipment is capable of tracking the amount and movement of rainfall, particularly during typhoons and thunderstorms, within a range of 480 kilometers.

The radar facilities being built in the country has four major components- a radar system, a data display system, a satellite communications system, and Very Small Aperture Terminal (VSAT), all enclosed in a radar tower building.

To date, 19 personnel from PAGASA are now undergoing training for the use of the radar equipment. (EAB/PIA Catanduanes)

2012-01-18T17:05:00.006+08:00

New Bicol police chief to stick to 10-point agenda

by Ed de Leon

LEGAZPI CITY, Jan 18 (PIA) -- Newly installed police regional director for Bicol chief Supt. Jose Arne M. Delos Santos said that he will aggressively pursue the 10-point agenda of police national chief Nicanor A. Bartolome during his almost only one year and four months tour of duty as Bicol regional police chief.

During his inaugural speech during last Monday's turn-over ceremonies, presided over by Bartolome, Delos Santos stressed that he will be guided by the 10-point agenda of the PNP chief in the pursuit of the efforts of PRO 5 towards realization of making our communities safe to live, work, and do business in.

He pointed out that the 10-point agenda call for: 1) sustaining the Integrated Transformation Program and Performance Governance System; 2) periodic performance audit; 3) enhancement and specialization of skills; 4) one police per barangay supervisor; 5) promotion of Rights-Based Policing; 6) accounting of Wanted Persons and Service of warrants; 7) enhancement of Procurement, Financial, and Logistics Management Systems; 8) continues build-up of police equipage; 9) strengthening the Reward and Disciplinary System; and 10) enhancement of Moral and Welfare Projects.

The new police regional director said that he will ensure the accountability of all levels of his command and encourage a culture of integrity, excellence, and commitment as pillars of his leadership and as a way of life.

Delos Santos further stressed that the efforts towards genuine peace and order can and will only be achieved with the active support of a well-informed, responsible, and highly-mobilized community, without which no amount of talent, skills, and resources dedicated to law enforcement will ever succeed. “Thus we harness community support in our law enforcement efforts by earning the people’s trust, faith, and confidence,” he added.

He said that he will also work for an active partnership with local chief executives, heads of national and government agencies, leaders of non-government organizations, people’s organizations, the business sectors, the academe, church, and the media ensure solidarity and unity of efforts as "we push forward the frontiers of genuine community-based policing.”

Meanwhile, police director General Nicanor Bartolome urged the men and women of police regional office 5 to support their new director Chief Supt Arne Delos Santos and said that additional resources will be made available towards enhancing their skills and provide additional equipage.

Bartolome disclosed that the PNP will now go technical with the E-Blotter, E-Warrant, and E-Rogue.

He explained that E-Blotter will now be computerized while the E-warrant and E-Rogue will improve the data base to be accessible to all police units so that they could be updated on the crimes being committed anywhere. They would also be updated on outstanding warrants of arrest and photos of wanted will be placed in the E-Rogues for easy access to all police agencies.(MAL/EDL-PIA5)

BAS conducts local survey on small farmers

by Edna A. Bagadiong

VIRAC, Catanduanes, Jan 18 (PIA)-- The Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS) started yesterday, January 17, a Survey on Characterizing Small Farmers of the Philippines through the funding support from the government of Japan (GOJ) and in coordination with the National Agricultural and Fishery Council.

The said survey is the third component of the project dubbed as, "Enhancing Farmers' Capacity to Access, Analyze and Utilize Statistical Information," with an objective of improving farmers' productivity, efficiency, and income through institutionalization of improved and sustainable capacities on operational and financial farm management and planning.

The survey is intended to generate benchmark statistics on the socio-economic characteristics of farmers that will support the prioritization and development of agricultural programs and projects. Specifically, it aims to characterize Filipino Farmers and determine who they are, how many they are and where they are located in terms of level and sources of income, expenditure pattern, farm investment, living condition, assets and liabilities, and other related variables.

It shall also address the gap on statistical information regarding the socio-economic characteristics of farmers in the Philippines.

The survey covers agricultural households across the country covering 16 barangays in the province. The sample barangays were determined from those with households declaring crop farming, livestock raising or poultry raising as main occupation of at least one member, based on the results of the 2007 Census of Population of the National Statistics Office (NSO).

On the other hand, the sample households were drawn from the list of agricultural households prepared for each sample barangay through interview of key informants.(EAB/BAS/PIA Catanduanes)

2012-01-18T15:52:00.001+08:00

Pres’l. Sis Pinky to turn-over four school buildings in Sorsogon tomorrow

by Aida Alcazar-Naz

LEGAZPI CITY, January 18 (PIA) — A year after Presidential Sister Pinky Aquino-Abellada turned-over the very first AGAPP school buildings in Albay, she returns tomorrow to relinquish four brand new pre-school buildings in the province of Sorsogon bringing the total to 11 two-classroom structures under the administration’s private-public partnership program.

AGAPP which stands for Aklat, Gabay, Aruga Tungo sa Pag-angat at Pagasa is a foundation composed of President Benigno S. Aquino’s friends and supporters which initiates construction of pre-school buildings on private capacity. Ms. Aquino-Abelleda leads the charitable organization as chairperson.

Dr. Ofelia Samar-Sy M.D., president of the Pinoy Power Bicol Coalition of Volunteers (PPBCV) and AGAPP’s conduit in the region, disclosed during the PIA’s radio program yesterday that the school buildings ready for turn-over after a blessing are located in Manjumlad Elementary School in Matnog town; San Francisco Elementary School in Bulan; Pilar Central Elementary School, municipality of Pilar and Donsol West Central School in Donsol town home of the gentle sea giants called butanding or whaleshark.

Ms. Aquino-Abellada presided over the turn-over of the first AGAPP school buildings in Bicol last January 14, 2011. These were the pre-school classrooms in Taysan Elementary School, Legazpi City and Anislag Resettlement Site in Daraga, Albay.

Other existing AGAPP pre-school buildings in Bicol are situated in Daraga North Central School Daraga, Albay whose turn-over last March 8, 2011 was led by another Presidential Sister Viel Aquino-Dee; Nagas elementary School, Tiwi, Albay; Bato North Central School, Bato, Camarines Sur; Nabua East Central Pilot School, Nabua, Camarines Sur and Romero Elementary School in Bula, Camarines Sur.

At present, two more pre-school buildings are under construction in far flung Cagaycay Elementary School, Goa Camarines Sur and at Guinhadap Elementary School in Monreal, Masbate and soon to follow at Tuguron in Monreal town, too, added Dr. Sy.

Starting with the construction of Sorsogon AGAPP two-room pre-school buildings, the cost was raised from P500,000 to P600,000. for minor changes in the design like bigger windows. All school buildings are utilizing a distinctive design created by Engr. Jerry Esquivel, the current general manager of the Manila Waterworks and Sewerage System (MWSS). The Bicol school building plan is a modified model to conform to the typhoon-proof specification.

Each of the painted school building cum library is furnished with tables and chairs and other furnitures with comfort room for every classroom. These structures are aptly called silid-pangarap.

The AGAPP pre-school project is in step with the Aquino Administration’s thrust of universal pre-school for all with the introduction of the mandatory pre-school level which started for the school year 2011-2012 as part of the new K to 12 curriculum.
(MAL/AAN, PIA V)

2012-01-17T17:01:00.001+08:00

Crime volume in Camarines Norte down by 39.22 percent in 2011 - PNP

by Rosalita Base-Manlangit

DAET, Camarines Norte, Jan 17 (PIA) -- Compared to 2010, crime went down in Camarines Norte by 39.11 percent - from 2,419 crimes in 2010 to 1,473 the following year.

Of the 1,473 crime volume for 2011, 826 were index crimes like serious physical injuries, theft, robbery/hold-up, homicide, rape, murder, carnapping and cattle rustling while 647 were non-index like abduction, adultery, scandal, and other cases of violations of different laws.

Crime solution efficiency was 15.21 percent last year as compared to 13.27 percent in 2010 or higher by 1.94 percent.

The downtrend in crime volume was the result of intensified crime prevention efforts, efficient law enforcement, investigation, and enhanced police community relation activities that resulted to the trust and confidence of the community for their support and cooperation in crime prevention and solution.

PNP provincial director PSSupt. Joselito Teodoro Esquibel Jr. said that they will continue to intensify the campaign against criminality, insurgency, and illegal drugs.

RPOC/PPOC chairperson Governor Tallado on the other hand is seeking the support of the different agencies to implement the laws against illegal drugs, illegal fishing, and illegal logging.

He said that as chairperson of RPOC he wants Camarines Norte to be a model of a peaceful province in the region.(RBM/PIA Camarines Norte)

DOST intensifies monitoring of mudflow in Juban and Irosin, recommends intervention

by Irma A. Guhit

SORSOGON CITY, Jan 17 (PIA) -- In the report tendered by the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) provincial head here, Engr. Gerry Asuncion, he said that the several explosions of Mt. Bulusan have caused the deposit of enormous volume of ashes and other volcanic debris now compounded on the slopes of the volcano and gullys leading to the towns of Irosin and Juban causing mudflows.

According to Asuncion, the heavy continuous rains in the province have induced these volcanic debris to flow towards the river system and its tributaries leading to the Cadac-an river that traverses the two towns.

All smaller river tributaries in these two municipalities are now heavily silted despite the dredging conducted by the Department of Public Works and Highways together with the engineering department of the provincial government.

Asuncion said that the DOST technical report says that the flooding and siltation will greatly affect the water supply of some barangays in Juban dependent on the rivers for household needs.

He said that their agency had come up with the river map of these areas for regular monitoring and have also installed a mechanism to find out the volume of mudflow, its increase, and its impact on these certain identified areas.

With the heavy siltation of Cadac-an river, the barangays of Tampi, Taboc, Biriran, and Binanuahan in Juban have now become affected by floods.

The heavy downpour now overflows to these barangays causing floods and if not given immediate intervention, will create a greater problem in terms of water supply needs.

Asuncion also explained that they are now devising a water filter out of clay that can be used to filter water and remove the particles of sand and silt to come up with clear water for immediate needs.

He said that with the current situation specifically in these two towns, some highly flood-prone areas in Juban should be given attention especially in terms of clean and potable water supply, especially during emergencies.

The water filter made out of clay can also be used to remove particles on water affected by the silting.

“This water filter can be used for immediate needs in evacuation centers as part of DOST’s disaster risk reduction mechanism intervention to have access to clear water supply to people in evacuation centers affected by flooding or other calamities,” he said.

“Evacuation centers should be able to use alternative means to provide safe drinking water and this water filter made out of clay can be mass produced; what we need is funding so that areas affected by flooding can use these as a means to have clear water supply including for bath and toilet needs,” Asuncion explained.(PIA-Sorsogon)

2012-01-16T16:54:00.003+08:00

Navy Team returns home after successful mercy mission in CDO

LEGAZPI CITY, Jan 15 (PIA/PN) -- Philippine Navy ship BRP Heneral Antonio Luna (PG141) now returned to its station in Pasacao, Camarines on January 8, 2012 after a successful disaster relief operation in Cagayan De Oro City.

Lt. Darwin F Nieva, director of the Naval Forces Southern Luzon (Navforsol) Public Affairs Office, said the vessel has been dispatched by the Philippine Navy attached to Joint Humanitarian Mission of the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) V-Albay PDRRMC last month until early this month.

BRP Heneral Antonio Luna, logging a total of 834.35 miles, ferried Albay Water Purifying Machine and Water and Sanitation team that processed and distributed safe drinking water to the communities affected by typhoon Sendong in Cagayan De Oro City.

The vessel, according to Nieva, also conducted retrieval operations at the vicinity off Catarman Pt., Camiguin Island in search for a possible survivors swept to sea at the height of the typhooon, adding that officers and men of said vessel also participated in relief distribution, clean-up drive, and installation of tents.

Commodore Abraham F Celzo AFP commander of Navforsol, cited officers and men of BRP Heneral Antonio Luna and all personnel for their invaluable contribution to the success of Team Albay.

"Your unselfishness, dedication and sacrifices to work for the people and away from your family best epitomizes the true meaning of giving and sharing of Christmas, Bravo Zulo," remarked Celzo. (MAL/DFNieva, Navforsol).

Prov’l gov’t, LGUs get millions in project funds from DILG

by Edna A. Bagadiong

VIRAC, Catanduanes, Jan. 16, (PIA) -- Catanduanes and its 11 municipalities will get millions in project funds from DILG after passing the Seal of Good Housekeeping program of the Department of Interior and Local Government.

The fund allotments from DILG’s Local Government Support Fund (LGSF) as listed in a memorandum issued by DILG Bicol regional director Blandino Maceda are the following: Catanduanes - P5 million; Virac - P1 million; Caramoran - P900, 000; San Andres - P800,000; Viga - P700,000; Gigmoto, Pandan and ,San Miguel - P600,000 each; and Bagamanoc, Bato, Baras, and Panganiban will receive P500,000 each.

The funding could be spent only for the implementation of any or a combination of the following projects: rural electrification local roads connecting national roads; arterial farm-to-market roads and bridges; local economic enterprises; and flood control and drainage.

It could also be used as support on priority projects of the national government such as the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) such as achievement of universal primary education through the construction of pre-school, kindergarten or day care centers; reduction of child mortality and improvement of maternal health through the construction of water supply and sanitation system, procurement of medical equipment and construction, repair, rehabilitation of rural health units and birthing centers.

The fund could also be used for the repair, rehabilitation, and reconstruction of school buildings, irrigation systems, flood control and roads and bridges in areas and communities affected by calamities; basic emergency response equipment; and relief operations and assistance to victims of calamities,

LGSF allocation in the case of municipalities may also be used for medical assistance, other social services such as assistance to indigent/displaced persons or families, or financial subsidy to LGUs.

The release of the funding by the Department of Budget and Management is subject to the endorsement of DILG regional office. (EAB/PIA Catanduanes)

ATM to make transactions easier

by Edna A. Bagadiong

VIRAC, Catanduanes, Jan. 16, (PIA)-- ARDCI NGO Group Inc., (formerly the Agricultural and Rural Development for Catanduanes, Inc.) will open an automated teller machine (ATM) in the municipality of Baras, Catanduanes in the next few weeks.

ARDCI is a non-stock non-profit organization providing microfinance products and services to its members, mainly entrepreneurial poor Filipinos.

ARDCI had opened ATMs in the municipalities of Viga, Caramoran, and San Andres which was a big help to the citizens due to its convenience.

The said ATM program of ARDCI is in cooperation with Electronic Network Cash Tellers, Inc. (ENCASH), the first independent ATM deployer in the Philippines.

Since the installation of ENCASH ATM in rural areas, townsfolk can now easily transact their withdrawals within their towns.

Due to positive reactions from ATM users, ARDCI now includes installation of ATM in their yearly budget to cover more municipalities.

Said ATMs are compatible with Bancnet, Megalink, Cirrus, etc.

Forest protection council to intensify info campaign on environmental protection

by Irma A. Guhit

SORSOGON CITY, Jan 16 (PIA)-- “We have to intensify the awareness of the people in Sorsogon in terms of environmental protection and conservation given the disasters that struck the country because of man’s total disregard of the environment,” Andy Espinar, Multi-sectoral Forest Protection Council (MFPC) president said.

“While we have strengthened the apprehension activities of the MFPC through the active roles provided by the Philippine National Police, Philippine Army, Department of Environment and Natural Resources and the Community Environment and Natural Resources Office, awareness on the mitigation mechanisms to protect and conserve our environment is of utmost importance,” he said.

During the meeting, the different sectoral groups were told to come up with their annual work plan to be collated as the provincial MFPC work and financial plan 2012.

One of the concerns that surfaced was the provision of a livelihood component so that those engaged in illegal cutting of trees could be identified and given assistance.

Provincial Environment and Natural Resources officer, Rene Camacho, said that he will give a copy of the environmental profile of the province as this will be the basis of the MFPC as a baseline data for dissemination.

It will also serve as the cue for local officials on what is the true condition of their municipalities in terms of forest cover to come up with their environmental plan and areas for reforestation.

The council also emphasized to all members to support the National Greening Program of the government, a strategy for environmental protection.

EDC-Environmental Management Department supervisor Henry Roy said that under their BINHI program, the company is pursuing to green the areas especially where geothermal plants were located.

An information dissemination campaign was conducted today at PBN-DZMS headed by the Philippine Information Agency, the Department of Education, and the Kapisanan ng Mga Broadcasters sa Pilipinas, Sorsogon chapter. (PIA-SORSOGON)

2012-01-12T16:53:00.006+08:00

DPWH to start construction of P5.5-B worth of projects for 2012 in Bicol

by Ed de Leon

LEGAZPI CITY, Jan. 12 (PIA) -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will have an early start with the construction of some P5.5 billion worth of infrastructure projects in Bicol in line with the government’s accelerated expenditure program to help drive domestic consumption and help spur economic growth in the countryside.

Engr. Danilo E. Dequito, DPWH V regional director, said that most of the projects were bid out before the end of December last year and that the remaining projects will also be bid out to constructors before the end of this month.

This, he said, was aside from the more than P500 million worth of calamity fund released early December of last year and was already bid out to contractors and will soon also start rehabilitation of the typhoon damaged flood control structures, roads and bridges.

Dequito said that out of the total 146 projects to be constructed under the 2012 infrastructure programs of DPWH in Bicol, 80 projects had already been bidded out with a total funding of P1.2 billion as of December 31 last year, while 46 projects worth P1.4 billion will be bid out by the end of this month; the remaining 20 projects worth P2.9 billion will be all be bid out by next month.

He added that the agency's regional office will implement some P1.5 billion worth of the projects which includes the Legazpi City Urban Drainage System worth P500 million, the Bicol River Basin and Watershed Management Project flood mitigation component worth P350 million and the Camarines Sur/Albay diversion road worth P500 million and P150 million for drainage/protection work along national roads.

Dequito said that most of the road projects is part of DPWH Secretary Singson's commitment to pave all arterial road by 2014.

He said that the road projects are also leading to tourist distinations in Bicol in line with the governments tourism program to increase tourist arrivals in the country to boost the economy. (MAL/EDL-PIA V)

Bicol PNP reports 40% decrease of firecracker injuries in Bicol

by Aida Alcazar-Naz

LEGAZPI CITY, Jan 12 (PIA) —- Due to massive advocacy on the harm brought about by firecrackers, the Philippine National Police (PNP) believe that the campaign paid off with the decrease of injured cases.

This reflection was made by P/Supt Renato B. Bataller, PNP Bicol regional public information officer during an interview at the PIA radio program Monday. The official stated that there were 38 individuals injured in 33 firecracker incidents, lower than last year’s 63 recorded cases or a variance of 25 cases.

The period covered by the report from December 16 until January 1, 2012 showed that Albay topped the list of firecracker victims with 14, followed by Camarines Sur with nine, Camarines Norte eight, Masbate four, Sorsogon three, and zero for Catanduanes.

Police arrested nine persons, eight of whom were from Albay and one from Camarines Sur for selling illegal firecrackers.

The operation was able to confiscate illegal firecrackers with a combined value of P120,324, Impounded prohibited firecrackers in Albay amounted to P91,509 while those from Camarines Sur was P16,815. The police was able to seize P12,000 worth of firecrackers in Camarines Norte but was unable to arrest any perpetrator.

The PNP report disclosed a case of indiscriminate firing and a victim of stray bullet.

SPO2 Isidro Cucal y Nartatez is facing criminal and administrative cases for firing a gun last December 16 that traumatized children in the area. Recovered from the suspect’s possession were one caliber .9mm pistol, one magazine assembly loaded with two live ammo and two fired cartridges. No fire incident attributed to firecrackers was reported. (MAL/AAN-PIA V)

Albay braces for La Nina

LEGAZPI CITY, Jan 12 (PIA/LGU Albay) -- It will be a wet year, so said PAGASA of year 2012. The Albay provincial government has retooled its action plan following PAGASA's forecast of intensified rains and flooding by the first quarter of this year due to the expected return of the La Nina phenomenon promptly putting into effect the Reactivated Albay Task Force La Nina 2012 (RATFLAN 2012).

Albay Gov. Joey Salceda said preparations have actually been started in December last year, with a refresher training on weather-related hazards and responses conducted by the Albay Provincial Safety and Emergency Management Office (APSEMO) for the 30-man core team from the province’s 720 barangays.

Aerial inspections of Albay’s lahar zone in its 2nd district, flood plains of the third district and landslide prone areas of the province were also conducted in late December 2011 by the Office of Civil Defense (OCD), APSEMO, and the Philippine Air Force Task Operations Group 5, the governor disclosed.

Salceda said RATFLAN 2012 has immediately been put in effect with an initial P22 million budget for concrete actions and operations, with APSEMO acting as secretariat with its head presiding over the regular meetings of members starting January.

The return of the destructive La Nina weather phenomenon was forecast by PAGASA. The massive floods brought about by relatively weak tropical storm Sendong in the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan in Northern Mindanao that resulted to more than 2,400 deaths, attest to its lethal threat.

Disaster officials in Albay agreed that their existing risk maps need to be redrawn since previously declared safe areas were recently hit by massive flash floods, landslides, and lahar flows particularly at the foot of Mayon Volcano.

Salceda said preparations are hinged on the recent rainfall situation indicating that La Niña would persist while weather systems causing heavy rainfall exist, as was reported by PAGASA.

Tropical storms Bebeng (May 8-9), Chedeng (May 25), Falcon (June 22), and Juaning (July 22) caused severe flooding, landslides, and mudflows which indicated so much run-off water and precipitation.

He said the onset of the northeast monsoon in the last quarter of 2011, has brought about so much rain that prompted the Albay Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council to issue Public Safety Advisories.

Aside from updating risk maps, Salceda said steps are also being initiated to strengthen community-based real time warning systems using rain gauge stations and flood marker, install CCTV in 5 critical (highly typological) locations, conduct a sustained Communication Protocol via the disaster Infoboard, and improve the Evacuation Plan and Procedures of the province. (MAL/LGU ALbay)

Gubat town trains health workers for mother and baby care programby

by Irma A. Guhit

SORSOGON CITY, Jan 12 (PIA) -- A three day essential health training for health workers focused on the implementation of the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) No. 4 - to eradicate maternal and infant mortality - is now ongoing here.

According to Dr. Carmen Ramos Bonoan, the need to enable health workers in the proper care of pregnant and lactating mothers is a must since this is one of the most vulnerable group needing health care attention based on report of maternal and infant mortality status nationwide.

A group of physicians and lecturers coming from the University of the Philippines headed by Dr. Maria Asuncion is now the one conducting the training.

There is indeed a need to provide a continuous skills enhancement for health workers starting from the barangay health centers, municipal, and district hospital personnel so that collegial support system in the implementation of the MDG No. 4 be achieved.

According to Ramos, aside from enabling the health personnel, the barangay health centers,and municipal and district hospitals will also be upgraded in terms of facilities and other equipment together with provision of information education materials, fliers and brochures specifically on the maternal and infant health care implementation.

Funding for the procurement of health equipment will be shouldered by the office of congressman Deogracias Ramos.

It was also learned that the following flagship programs are being provided substantive funding allocation: the strengthening of health development mechanisms, environmental protection and conservation, tourism, and infrastructure development.

It is expected that the three-day training program will provide the health workers particularly in the second district the needed skills and knowledge in the assistance and support of the implementation of the MDG goal no. 4.(MAL/IAG-PIA Sorsogon)

2012-01-11T14:30:00.001+08:00

Naga City ordinance promotes eco-friendly vehicles

by Lizel S. Macatangay

NAGA CITY, Jan. 11 (PIA) -- Eco-friendly, and noise and air pollution-free vehicles which means less-tainted air that will produce a healthy atmosphere — this are the bases of City Ordinance No. 2011-065 which allows the operation of e-trikes in this city.

The legislation aims to provide the community with an alternative means of transport that will promote, among others, a less polluted setting and for the drivers and operators to have an opportunity to earn a higher and complementary source of income.

Since the said vehicles will be using electric charges and not the conventional gasoline or fuel, the said ordinance also specifies that charging stations will be established in strategic public places within the city outskirts. Designated parking areas shall also be decided by the office of mayor John Bongat through the Public Safety Office, manned by PSO Chief Lito Del Rosario.

Just recently, Bongat received 10) electric bikes or e-bikes courtesy of the Climate Change Program of the United Nations, making the City of Naga the first municipality to be a recipient of the said vehicles, free of cost. The vehicles will be used by selected departments to deliver the basic services being offered by the city to its constituents.

The said e-trike operation is only limited within the bounds and territorial jurisdiction of Naga City . A total of 1,600 electric driven vehicles are expected to ply the city routes once the said program become fully operational.

The ordinance was authored by City Councilors Nelson Legacion, Esteban Abonal, Joaquin Perez Jr., Alex Nero, and Raoul Rosales. (MAL/LSM, PIA-Camarines Sur)

Cholera watch raised in Albay

LEGAZPI CITY, Jan. 11 (PIA) -- Although health authorities said there is no cause for alarm yet, the province of Albay is now under close watch against possible cholera outbreak, the Provincial Health Office warned Tuesday.

Provincial Health officer Dr. Luis Mendoza said that Albay recorded seven new cases of positive Cholera (Bibrio) in the dying days of December last year, just in time when the province was supposed to be declared free from the disease. “We will have to wait for another six-month period before we can say that we are already free from cholera but unfortunately due to bad weather condition during the past few weeks, we started to get reports on cases in the province.”

Mendoza said that five of the seven cases were from the town of Daraga, one in Ligao City, and another in Legazpi.

“Because the cases reported were from sporadic areas, we are closely monitoring and accounting for possible additional cases, but an outbreak will only be declared once the cases are concentrated in one particular community,” Mendoza explained.

He added that there have been no cases since last week and no casualty has been reported yet although three people have died of cholera earlier this year in Barangay Gapo, Daraga and the new cases (five) last month were mostly from Balinand, an adjacent village.

“This is why we alerted all municipal and city health officers across the 15 towns and three cities of Albay, and not only the affected areas, to practice proper household chlorination, proper food preparation, boiling of drinking water especially those from open wells, and most importantly, proper human waste disposal,” he said.

Aside from cholera, the PHO is also watching for new incidences of dengue cases where two cases were reported each in Daraga and Oas towns, one case in Pioduran, and another in Ligao City. “This is only for December and we are accounting for the other areas to complete the statistics."

Mendoza also called for proper cleanliness and eradication of possible mosquito breeding places in support of Albay Gov. Joey Salceda’s program of zero casualties among Albayanos. (MAL/REN-LGU ALbay)

Vet office to conduct hygienic meat butchering and meat vendors training

by Irma A. Guhit

SORSOGON CITY, Jan. 11 (PIA) -- The Sorsogon City Veterinary Office will conduct this Friday, January 13 the regular hygienic meat butchering and meat vendors’ training to ensure that meat sold in the city public market here undergoes the proper sanitary process and that measures on safekeeping the meat are properly handled.

Dr. Alex Destura, city veterinarian here, said that to assure the public that clean and safe meat will be sold to the public in the city market here, it is a must that butchers and vendors undergo the hygienic training which they will be conducting.

Destura explained that as part of the safety measure their office is implementing especially in the butchering and selling of meat, the one- day training will provide the meat vendors and butchers the know how on properly handling, cutting up, preparing, transporting, and selling meat.

The city veterinary office will soon see an upgraded class double A slaughter house here where meat for consumption within the city is reliably safe for consumption, handled properly and transported from the slaughter house to the market and to other outlets here within the city.

The training is also a must to all butchers and meat vendors as the activity is a prerequisite for the renewal of their license and business permit.

According to Dr. Destura, one of the objectives of the city is that no double dead meat or “botcha”will be sold here and that meat vendors and butchers alike will adhere to the safety inspection procedure of meat sold in the public markets.

He also explained that the city veterinary office has been strict in the implementation of all the precautionary measures and certain rules that had to be imposed as regards to cattle and hog butchering and meat handling.

He also have coordinated with all piggeries here selling hogs to follow also the set of standard set by their office so that the procedure and processes observed in slaughtering be followed as no home backyard slaughtering will be allowed for selling.

The meat shop operators here especially the big supermarkets get their supply of meat from trusted big company suppliers which are branded and have undergone the safe process of meat processing or packaging.

He also said that those who will engage in meat processing should also be guided properly and should be required to register so that the city veterinary office will be informed of the type of business they are into. (MAL/IAG-PIA Sorsogon)

2012-01-10T22:49:00.003+08:00

Albay’s humanitarian mission in CDO and Iligan cities ends

LEGAZPI CITY, Jan. 10 (PIA/LGU Albay) -- Members of the Albay WASH (Water, Sanitation and Hygiene) Mercy Mission are now back home after spending the holidays helping typhoon and flood victims in Cagayan de Oro and Iligan cities in Mindanao.

The 50-member Albay WASH Mercy Mission, composed of medical doctors, nurses and other volunteer health workers, provided medical assistance and helped ease the serious lack of potable drinking water among the hapless flood victims in Mindanao.

The mission brought with them Albay’s now popular Water Purifying Machine, which can filter and decontaminate 33,000 liters of polluted water per hour and render it potable and safe for human consumption.

The water purifying machine has been proven vital in post calamity events or whenever the need for potable drinking water arise, It has been widely appreciated by people in Albay, Pangasinan, Isabela, Iloilo, Aklan, Marikina and Quezon City where it was fielded after they were devastated by calamitous weather disturbances, notably Typhoons Juan, Frank, Ondoy and Pepeng.

Salceda said the dispatch of their WASH mission in Mindanao is also in response to President Noynoy Aquino's call for help for tropical storm Sendong victims, and “in the spirit of solidarity among LGUs and the sense of kinship between our peoples, so critical in overcoming this period of distress”.

The WASH Mercy Mission is apart from from the Albay Sendong Aid Mission (ASAM) which was earlier dispatched to deliver the P1-million donation of the province -- P500,000 each for Cagayan de Oro City and Iligan City.

A calamity prone province, Albay has constantly been honing its disaster risks reduction capability and has been successful with its ‘zero casualty goal’ through ‘preemptive evacuation,’ a pioneering disaster strategy, that is now a byword.

Salceda said the deployment of their WASH Mercy Mission in Mindanao is also being coordinated by Office of Civil Defense in Legazpi City, headed by Regional Director Raffy Alejandro, who also chairs the Bicol Regional Disaster Risks Reduction and Management Office.

AECID or Agencia Española Cooperacion International Para El Desarrollo, the Spanish Agency for International Development Cooperation, provided the bulk of the funds for the WASH mission, Salceda added. (MAL/PIO, LGU Albay)

Ordinance on standards for low cost typhoon resistant housing mulled

by Irma A. Guhit

SORSOGON CITY, Jan. 10 (PIA) -- Warned by the impact of typhoons and how to promote awareness among people in typhoon prevalent areas, the Sangguniang Panlungsod here is mulling to pass an ordinance to institute standards on typhoon resistant low cost housing.

Tito Fortes said the city government through the assistance of the UN Habitat Foundation Urban Planning (UNHFUP) has already piloted here several houses that have been retrofitted according to the standards of typhoon resistant housing following set by the UNFUP.

These houses are located in the six pilot-barangays here in the city that has been constructed/ retrofitted and have become the proto-type model for low cost housing typhoon resistant houses.

The Sanggunian Bayan through the assistance of the UN Habitat Foundation will formulate the criteria that will be followed as a pioneering accomplishment of the city to mitigate the effects of natural calamities and will be contained in a tool kit that will be the basis for assessment of houses specially those located in the shorelines of the different barangays here.

Fortes also explained that the thrust of the city now is to make people more aware in the style of houses that will be more resistant and assess location where houses should be built that will be contained in the city urban planning mechanisms in creating resilient communities.

The city engineering office here, according to Fortes, is conducting the rapid assessment and profiling of communities within the areas indicated as highly vulnerable to certain kinds of climatic conditions and the proper mitigation will be part of the city ordinance housing standards.

He also explained that the standards set for the creation of typhoon resistant houses will partly be provided funding coming from the international funding agencies of the CCAM program, from the disaster risk reduction fund assistance projects and local government budgetary allocation for urban planning.

He also said that hand in hand all other departments have forge their efforts to arrive at a city action plan and cascade it to the community action plan so that necessary implementable doable projects can be cooperatively accomplished specifically along housing standards.

The identified highly six vulnerable areas here under the UN Habitat program will be constantly provided capacity enhancement trainings on governance skills, bench markings of environmental situations and the vigilance mind set especially in promoting disaster risk reduction efforts within the confines of their homes.(MAL/IAG, PIA Sorsogon)

DILG chief leads inauguration of San Jose police office

by Lizel S. Macatangay

SAN JOSE, Camarines Sur, Jan. 10 (PIA) -- Department of Interior and Local Government Sec. Jesse M. Robredo and Mayor Antonio B. Chavez of this town led the blessing and inauguration of the new municipal police station building at Barangay Boclod here over the weekend,

Robredo grace the said occasion in support of the project meant to uplift the peace and order situation within the area.

Also present during the said occasion are Chief Superintendent Cecilio Calleja, Bicol Police Director; Camarines Sur Police Director Senior Superintendent Procopio Lipana, DILG Regional Director and National Police Commission (NAPOLCOM) Regional Director Rodolfo G. Santos Jr.

Chavez expressed his thanks to Robredo for the latter’s support in this endeavor, who through his representation issued an amount of P3,500,000.00 for the construction of the said edifice.

“The realization of this structure will not be realized without the prompt assistance of Sec. Robredo and the support of the community. We are very thankful that our PNP members will now have a decent place to stay in and I hope that it will inspire them even more to do their job and serve the members of our community under the headship of San Jose Municipal Police Station Officer in Charge Police Sr. Superintendent Danilo Bagasina,” Chavez added.

The three-storey building which is occupying a 400 square meter portion at Barangay Boclod, originally cost P5 million pesos but due to the timely release of fund and procurement of materials, they immediately started the construction and were able to only spend 3.6M.

GRELIPS Construction and Development (GCD) won the bid and carried out the materialization of the said project undertaken by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).

The local government unit of San Jose also gave P500,000 as counterpart and will be spent to build perimeter fence around the said station. (MAL/LSM, PIA Camarines Sur)

DBM releases SARO for 2nd Tranche of PDAF

by Edna A. Bagadiong

VIRAC, Catanduanes, Jan. 10 (PIA) -- Congressman Cesar V. Sarmiento of the lone District of Catanduanes recently revealed that the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) has finally released the Special Allotment Release Order (SARO) for the 2nd Tranche of the Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF).

According to the solon, the released of SARO is a big thing to ensure the continuous implementation of the programs that he's implementing for the province through the General Appropriations Act, which was approved by the Congress for 2011.

Included in the 2nd Tranche of the solon's PDAF is the fund for the Soft and Hard projects that will surely be a great help to every Catandunganon.

The funds for the Congressional District Office (CDO) assistance programs are included in the soft projects like those given to hospitals such as the Eastern Bicol Medical Center (EBMC) to give assistance to those who are sick.

The College Education Scholarship and Reward (CESAR) Program that grants scholarship to almost 1,800 students from indigent families will also benefit from the funds.

Moreover, one priority of SARO in terms of hard projects is the rehabilitation of the different Barangay Water Distribution Systems in the entire province that benefits around 315 barangays in the end of his first term.

Also included in the hard projects are variety of road concreting projects in barangays, construction of Multi-purpose Halls, rehabilitation of irrigation systems and other infrastracture programs that supports the economy of the island. (MAL/EAB, PIA Catanduanes)

Local gov't optimistic on Gubat tourism development

by Bennie A. Recebido

SORSOGON CITY, January 10 (PIA) -– The municipal government of Gubat is determined to develop and promote their tourism industry to both domestic and foreign tourists to prove that it is more fun in the coastal town of Gubat.

Municipal tourism officer Rebecca Ermino said that they are currently in the process of conducting dialogue to resort owners as well as to local officials of barangays in Gubat with potential tourism sites so as to know their respective tourism development plans and to give them assistance, if needed.

Ermino said they have already established resorts and other tourism sites where tourists, local and foreign have frequently visited already, but they wanted to make sure that best services will be offered to them so tourists would get beyond what they have spent.

Among the tourism destinations that Gubat takes pride with are Rizal Beach in Brgy. Rizal located 5 kms south of the town, which hosted the 9th edition of Philippine Hobie (PhilHobie) Challenge on February 2009.

“It is famous because aside from its fine-off-white and gradually sloping beach along a still very intact coast, its shoreline is also best for campfire and beach games,” she said.

Ermino also said that aside from the numerous resorts, they also promote their Liang Caves found in Brgy. Togawe, Kalayukai Beach, Dankalan Beach located at the south eastern cove of the town in between Brgy. Pinotingan and Ariman, Gubat Cadaop Spring in Brgy. Bentuco and Handawan Island in Brgy. Cogon.

Gubat town is now also being recognized as the Surfing Capital of Sorsogon gaining positive feedback from local and foreign tourists due to its big surfing waves that could thrill both swimmers and surfers. The sand bottom beach breaks of Brgys. Ariman and Buenavista which produces 2-5 feet waves is also considered as a beginner friendly surfing spot especially during the months of September to May.

With the formation of Gubat Bay Surfers by Bidge Villarroya and surfboards donated by the Local Government Unit under Mayor Ding Ramos, surfing is more accessible to the local population and tourists alike.

Aside from the invigorating beaches, Gubat town also offers tourists with scrumptious native delicacies such as baked “Timitim”, which is similar to cassava cake made up from grated cassava, mixed with coconut milk, sugar, vanilla and pili nuts and the steamed “Kinagang” made of crayfish meat mixed with strips of young coconut and leaves of mint (herba buena) and wrapped in a very special type of leaves known as “hagikhik” which is believed to be the secret of the delicacy.

Gubat is a 2nd class municipality with 42 barangays. (MAL/BAR, PIA Sorsogon)

2012-01-10T14:51:00.001+08:00

Alternative livelihood trainings continue to mitigate effects of climate change

by Irma A. Guhit

SORSOGON CITY, January 10 (PIA) -- Series of alternative livelihood trainings for the six pilot barangays under the program of climate change adaptation and mitigation (CCAM) here will continue up to six months this 2012 although the program has been completed last December 2011, according to the city government's CCAM office.

Tito Fortes, officer in-charge of CCAM office, said the barangay-beneficiaries namely Sirangan, Cambulaga, Cabid-an, Bitano-o, Talisay and Sampaloc will be provided continuous training with the assistance of the Technical Education Skills and Development Authority.

The city has been a recipient of the alternative livelihood training programs for masonry, carpentry, tile setting, and retro-fitting procedures so that local residents, identified in the six highly vulnerable areas here in the city to the effects of the typhoons, will be the one to renovate, retrofit and strengthen their houses, according to the standards set by the UN-Habitat Foundation to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Fortes said that there are now 30 houses retrofitted and made resistant to the effects of climate change, specifically to become typhoon-resistant.

The city government has been continuously seeking local and foreign funding as the vision of the city is to make houses truly resistant to the ill effects of climate change.

Assessment of residences here is now being conducted, starting at the six pilot barangays so that the vision of the city to create a safe city under the UN Habitat standards will be observed.

Under the Gender and Advocacy Development program the local residents will also be taught how to do food processing and food preservation.

“Here in Sorsogon certain food are abundant during summer. These can be preserved and become a buffer stock of food that can be used and shared during lean months, can be sold or used during times of calamities,” Fortes said.

The Sanggunian Panlungsod is now drafting an ordinance to make houses typhoon resistant. Those that will be newly constructed will be provided orientation by the city engineering office and will be assessed by the city urban planning office in terms of location so that the proper way to mitigate and adapt to climate change will also become integrated in housing construction within the city.

He also said that those constituents who were trained under the UN Habitat to do masonry, carpentry, tile and toilet setting and retro-fitting procedures in house construction can now be hired as workers.

"We hope that these people trained and provided skills can now also be gainfully employed or given work here in our city'" Fortes said. (MAL/IAG, PIA Sorsogon)

2012-01-09T01:16:00.004+08:00

Tourist arrival in Albay up by 44%

by Sally A. Atento

LEGAZPI CITY, Jan 9 (PIA) -- Tourism Bicol regional director Susan Ravanilla has affirmed the impressive growth rate of tourist arrivals in Albay from January to June 2011 which so far is the highest in the past years.

Tourist arrivals in Albay has considerably increased to 234,081 tourists in 2011 compared to 162,506 in the same period in 2010, a 44 percent growth rate compared to the previous year.

Tied up with the 44 percent boost in the number of tourist arrivals is the 51 percent growth in foreign revenue for the first and second quarter of 2011, from P122 million revenues for 2010 to P180 million generated.

This growth also generated 836,623 jobs for the 1st quarter of 2011.

According to Ravanilla, tourist arrivals peak during the first two quarters of the year.

"The people are the direct beneficiaries of this tourism boost,” the director furthered.

The tourists' countries of origin included the United States and the United Kingdom which also comprised the biggest tourist arrival rate in Sorsogon.

Ravanilla also said that Donsol contributed a lot to the tourism growth rate in Albay since their foreign visitors usually stayed in this city for accommodation, bar hopping, shopping and other stuff that they can try and enjoy.

Also boosting the number of tourist arrivals in Albay is Albay’s month long Magayon Festival in April, including the nightly beer plaza and presentations at Albay Park and other festivities and events that appealed to both domestic and foreign tourists.

Tourist arrival target for 2012 is 2 million which was already achieved in 2010 and is expected to be surpassed in 2011. The challenge then for 2012 is to go beyond the said target, the DOT Bicol director said. (MAL/SAA, PIA V/Albay)

Local gov't. re-constitutes steering committee, technical working group for Linggo ng Kalikasan

by Edna A Bagadiong

VIRAC, Catanduanes, Jan 9 (PIA) -- Catanduanes Governor Joseph C. Cua issued Executive Order No. 001 series of 2012 signed last January 2, 2012 indicating the re-constitution of the Steering Committee and Technical Working Group (TWG) for the celebration of Linggo ng Kalikasan every month of June.

The said ordinance is also known as the “Ordinance Institutionalizing the annual celebration of the Linggo ng Kalikasan every 3rd week of June in Catanduanes" shall serve as a mechanism to effect positive behavioral change among Catandunganons and rally them towards the protection of the fragile ecosystems of the Province.

The steering committee shall be tasked to provide guidance and exercise general supervision in the conduct of the Linggo ng Kalikasan celebration. The committee shall meet at least once a month starting February of every year until the celebration shall have been concluded.

Thus, the steering committee shall be composed of the following: the provincial governor as the chairman, PENR officer, DENR-PENRO as the vice-chairman, and the members are the Congressional District Office, chairman, SP Committee on Environment, president of the Catanduanes State Colleges, Battalion Commander of the 83rd IB of the Philippine Army, provincial director of the Philippine National Police, Squadron Commander of the 905th Philippine Coast Guard Auxiliary and the station manager of the Radyo ng Bayan.

On the other, Special Environment Projects Coordinating Office (SEPCO) will act as the Technical Working Group (TWG).

All expenditures relative to the conduct of the Linggo ng Kalikasan celebration shall be charged against the annual appropriation approved by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan for the purpose, subject to usual accounting, and auditing rules and regulations.

It was also in pursuant with the policy of the provincial government to address various environmental issues through the productive collaboration, consensus-building, and people empowerment. (MAL/EAB-PIA Catanduanes)

DOLE resolves 82 cases of violation of Labor Code in 2011

by Rosalita B. Manlangit

DAET, Camarines Norte, Jan 9 (PIA) – The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) provincial office here has resolved a total of 82 cases of violation of labor code filed by workers against their employers for 2011.

Chief labor and employment officer Ruben L. Romanillos said that of the 82 cases, 13 were not pushed through by workers, five were endorsed at the National Labor Relations Commission (NLRC), and 64 were resolved through the Single Entry Approach (SENA).

Romanillos added that some 91 workers were also given monetary benefits based on the cases filed at the DOLE.

He said that there was only one decrease in the cases of violation of labor code last year with 82 compared to 83 violation cases in 2010.

The SENA is a new technique in solving labor dispute by the DOLE within 30 days through conciliation and mediation.

The notice of strikes and lockouts are still in the hands of National Conciliation and Mediation Board (NCMB) and not through SENA, he clarified.

He cited that those violations against labor code include the non-payment of separation pay, illegal deductions, non-payment/underpayment of wages, refund of cash bond, non-payment of overtime, illegal dismissal and the non-payment of 13th month pay.

For the first days of January this year they were able to record three violations against labor code filed by workers against their employers.

The three cases were the non-payment of 13th month pay and bonus which are required under Presidential Decree No. 851 or the 13th Month Pay Law where all employees or workers who work for at least one month of the calendar year should received the said benefits. (MAL/RBM, PIA Camarines Norte)

CIRCA ends 2011 with a blast

LEGAZPI CITY, Jan 7 (PIA) –- The Center for Initiatives and Research on Climate Adaptation (CIRCA) bids goodbye to a fruitful 2011 as they release their Top 25 achievements for the year.

Considered as one of the biggest projects ever launched is the inauguration of the Climate Change Academy last November 25 beside the BU Graduate School which, according to CIRCA director Nong Rangasa, is the prize of unwavering belief to deliver service amidst drawbacks, meager wages, and lots of frustrations especially when they lack the needed logistical support.

“Looking at the academy, we can proudly say that this is the product of the sweat of our brows,” Rangasa added.

Together with the inauguration of the CCA building is the 1st National Media Conference on Climate Change Adaptation, with both events graced by President Benigno Aquino III.

Officials of 100 barangays comprising the municipalities of Manito, Bacacay, and Rapu-Rapu were taught on how to come up with barangay contingency plans. Likewise, the trainers themselves received training from the Higher Education Institutions (HEI) in preparation for the mainstreaming of climate change integration into the school curriculum of Albay and Bicol Region.

Partnership with various government and non-government units in both local and international levels such as the United Nations System and League of provinces, cities, and municipalities of the Philippines were also established through summits, assemblies, and fora conducted in 2011.

Nevertheless, Rangasa said that the challenge now is how to surpass their 2011 achievements. Following this, plans are being laid down for climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction.

Motivated by CIRCA’s renewed hope and enthusiasm, Albay can continue to be of service not only to the province but to the entire country as well, Rangasa furthered. (MAL/SAA-PIA V/Albay)

2012-01-06T01:27:00.001+08:00

'Visit to Daet 2012' launched to boost tourism

by Rosalita Base-Manlangit

DAET, Camarines Norte, Jan 6 (PIA) -– The “Visit to Daet” V2D or Balikbayan Year was launched here Monday (January 3) by lining up a host of activities to boost tourism in the town led by Mayor Tito Sarion and the Sangguniang Bayan members.

Mayor Tito Sarion said that different activities lined up for every month for the year 2012 centered on encouraging tourists and former residents to visit Daet especially the Bagasbas Beach which is known for surfing.

A flag raising ceremony was conducted Monday led by Mayor Sarion followed by raising of “Visit to Daet” flags and presentation of “Bisitahin Mo Ang Daet dance interpretation, luncheon meeting, launching of V2D music video, and organization of Daet Press Corps who will lead in the information dissemination for the activities of the V2D.

A consultation meeting with the transport sector and hotel and restaurant establishments owners were conducted Tuesday and a consultation conference with the market stall holders and Daet Public Market Advisory Council was held yesterday regarding the establishment of a mall in the market.

A consultation conference with the non-government organizations, people’s organizations and agricultural sectors was held today.

Tomorrow will be the Three Kings parade and gift giving to the indigents of Daet to be followed by a New Year’s call through a barangay officials assemby, thanksgiving mass, blessing of taxpayers’ lounge, and awarding of top Taxpayers of Daet.

A mid term report of Mayor Sarion to the Sangguniang Bayan will be held on Monday (January 9) together with the distribution of V2D catalogue and a conference with Education sector and academe. (MAL/RBM-PIA Camarines Norte)

CIRCA ends 2011 with a blast

LEGAZPI CITY, Jan 6 (PIA) –- The Center for Initiatives and Research on Climate Adaptation (CIRCA) bids goodbye to a fruitful 2011 as they release their Top 25 achievements for the year.

Considered as one of the biggest projects ever launched is the inauguration of the Climate Change Academy last November 25 beside the BU Graduate School which, according to CIRCA director Nong Rangasa, is the prize of unwavering belief to deliver service amidst drawbacks, meager wages, and lots of frustrations especially when they lack the needed logistical support.

“Looking at the academy, we can proudly say that this is the product of the sweat of our brows,” Rangasa added.

Together with the inauguration of the CCA building is the 1st National Media Conference on Climate Change Adaptation, with both events graced by President Benigno Aquino III.

Officials of 100 barangays comprising the municipalities of Manito, Bacacay, and Rapu-Rapu were taught on how to come up with barangay contingency plans. Likewise, the trainers themselves received training from the Higher Education Institutions (HEI) in preparation for the mainstreaming of climate change integration into the school curriculum of Albay and Bicol Region.

Partnership with various government and non-government units in both local and international levels such as the United Nations System and League of provinces, cities, and municipalities of the Philippines were also established through summits, assemblies, and fora conducted in 2011.

Nevertheless, Rangasa said that the challenge now is how to surpass their 2011 achievements. Following this, plans are being laid down for climate change adaptation and disaster risk reduction.

Motivated by CIRCA’s renewed hope and enthusiasm, Albay can continue to be of service not only to the province but to the entire country as well, Rangasa furthered. (MAL/SAA-PIA V/Albay)

Sorsogon City to implement synchronized barangay patrol system

by Bennie A. Recebido

SORSOGON CITY, Jan 6 (PIA) –- Sorsogon City police chief PSupt Edgardo Ardales said that the city police is now in the process of synchronizing the barangay patrol system among barangay tanods and the Philippine National Police (PNP) force to ensure peace, order and security in all barangays here.

“The responsibility of ensuring peace and security in the barangay lies primarily on barangay officials and barangay police (tanod), and men of PNP is at all time available to render service to the general public according to their mandate and ensure that the whole community is secured and free from all forms of harm."

Ardales bared that among his plans and priorities for 2012 is to hold dialogue with all barangay officials across the city to discuss with them some crime mitigation efforts and forge partnership with them in order to make sure that the efforts as planned and implemented will not be put to waste.

“I am planning of entering into an agreement with barangay officials and tanods in terms of a systematic implementation of a patrol system where tanods and policemen assigned in the area will take turns ensuring that no areas will be left unattended to,” the official said.

He also specifically mentioned that electrification in dark areas and the visibility of barangay tanods through the assistance of PNP personnel in the area are a must in all barangays.

He likewise said he wanted to know the difficulties experienced by the barangay police in patrolling or conducting rounds especially that reports have reached his office that some barangays in the city do not really have existing barangay tanods.(MAL/BAR, PIA Sorsogon)

Sorsogon City children’s park and wellness center in the pipeline

by Irma A. Guhit

SORSOGON CITY, Jan 6 (PIA) -- Sorsogon City will be uplifting the landscape of the area by including a Children’s Park and Wellness Center beside the city hall by 2012.

According to Sorsogon City Mayor Leovic R. Deoneda, the proposed Children’s Park will have a more environmentally sound feature - the existing trees will be retained, more greenery will be provided, and there will be more open space to allow children to play in a safe area.

Deoneda said that the open space in front of the city hall has become a favorite spot for families; it has become one of the best areas most visited.

People who love to brisk walk in the mornings and even in the evenings, those who exercise, or just to stroll have been using the open space near the city hall.

“I have seen that there is still a need to have more open space to allow people within the city enjoy their morning or afternoon walks and I have also seen the park in front the city hall now become a family bonding place especially during Saturdays and Sundays,” he said.

“The need to have additional separate park for the children where they can enjoy and at the same time be safe is now part of the urban planning mechanism to address the need to create safer cities and Sorsogon City is one of the emerging cities now that has heeded this call,” he said.

"The Wellness Center will also allow people of all ages to have physical exercise in an area big enough to accommodate people who would like to flex their muscles for stamina and health development and maintenance,” he said.

The direction of the city is now towards the human development and environmental conservation so that all facilities and structures that will be constructed will conform to address wellness and the effects of climate change.

He also said that there are still other projects in the pipeline for 2012 to include smoother traffic flow, management of solid wastes, creation of safer facilities for work, enjoyment and other activities, and development that conforms to the global needs as a way to implement good governance.

He also said that such infrastructure or development like parks and centers will always be in synch with the climate change adaptation and mitigation mechanism as this is now the in thing in developing cities.

He also underscored the need for the constituency to help him in becoming aware of how to safeguard these facilities being provided by the city government and take good care of them as if its their own.(MAL/IAG-PIA Sorsogon)

Rice sufficient until June in Camarines Norte - NFA

by Rosalita Base-Manlangit

DAET, Camarines Norte, Jan 6 (PIA) -- The National Food Authority (NFA) provincial office here assures that there is sufficient supply of rice that will last until June this year despite typhoons and rainy conditions during the last quarter last year and early days this year.

NFA Camarines Norte provincial manager Jose Danilo Nieves said that there are 102,400 bags of palay and 27,000 bags of rice in their warehouses that will last until the middle of this year.

He said that the target consumption for the first semester is only 77,000 bags of rice and there are farmers who are regularly selling their palay during harvest season.

The NFA bought the palay at P17 per kilo with incentives to farmers who are members of organizations in the province.

NFA rice cost P27 per kilo and available at the bigasang bayan in the markets, tindahan natin, and in some parish churches.

They also continue their monitoring in the price of rice in the all the markets here to ensure that no increase in the price of rice in the province. (MAL/RBM, PIA Camarines Norte)

2012-01-05T01:26:00.001+08:00

Bicol registers 65% reduction in firecracker injuries

by Aida Alcazar-Naz

LEGAZPI CITY, January 5 (PIA) -- The Department of Health Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) Bicol is pleased that the Aksyon: Paputok Injury Reduction (APIR) Give me five anti-firecracker advocacy resulted to 65 percent reduction in injuries in welcoming the new year.

“Bicol made a good showing for APIR as it is not included in the top ten regions with the highest number of persons hurt by firecracker,” reported Dr. Virgilio Ludovice, DOH Region V HOPE division chief.

The announcement was made by Dr. Ludovice at PIA’s radio program yesterday. He said that only 10 cases have been monitored by the eight sentinel hospital in the region. The reported cases was much lower than last year’s 29 persons wounded by firecrackers.

The 10 injured individuals were treated at Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital in Legazpi City with 4; Camarines Norte Provincial Hospital, 2; and 1 each at Bicol Medical Center ( Naga City), Naga City Hospital, Eastern Bicol Medical Center (Catanduanes) and Sorsogon Provincial Hospital.

To date, no casualty report was reported from two more reporting hospitals, Bicol Sanitarium in Cabusao, Camarines Sur and Masbate Provincial Hospital.

Ludovice said that based on the reports from said sentinel hospitals, six of the victims were passive user of firecrackers. Per age group, two cases were in age range of 10 and below, two in the 11-20 age group, and two from ages 21-30. Majority of the injury was due to five star. No report on firecracker ingestion was noted.

Monitoring of victims started last December 21 until January 5.

APIR campaign advocated for a safer holiday celebration especially in welcoming the new year.

More fireworks display managed by local government units were observed by the local health department. DOH encouraged community fireworks displays as it helped achieve a balance between merriment and safety. (MAL/AAN, PIA V)

Bicolana studes adjudged as model student awardees

by Lizel S. Macatangay

NAGA CITY, Jan. 5 (PIA) -- Student leaders Ma. Cienna A. Jaucian, Ateneo De Naga University (AdENU) AB BSE English Student and Ma. Clarissa Lavena A. Bombase, University of Nueva Caceres (UNC) AB Political Science Student, both made their respective universities and every Bicolano proud for being included in the prestigious 2011 Search for Ten Jose Rizal Model Students of the Philippines (JRMSP).

Thirty (30) national finalists out of hundreds of contenders from different parts of the country vied to earn the title as one of the recipients of the 2011 Search for Ten Jose Rizal Model Students of the Philippines (JRMSP).

The momentous event took place on December 30 at the Knights of Rizal Ceremonial Hall in Manila.

Jaucian is an active Pathway Youth Group leader, teaching various children from a personally designed reading module during Saturdays. Her love for teaching led her into becoming the project head of her college’s education program dubbed as Great Mind Read Session II. She occupies a seat at the Supreme Student Government of AdENU and is concurrently the chief editor of Kadunong, the Samahan ng mga Tagapagtaguyod ng Edukasyong Pilipino’s official publication.

Bombase was also hailed as President of UNC’s student government, founder of the UNC Debate Society, an active member of various school organizations and one of the university’s academic scholars.

Both students have shown academic excellence and exceptional leadership skills, having been elected as presidents of their respective student governments. Their community involvements were also rated outstanding along with the personal values which came out during the final interview of the panelists.

The Order of the Knights of Rizal who are in the front line of the said activity, spearheads the event annually pursuant to their mandate to promote the principles and teachings of our national hero, Dr. Jose Rizal. Awardees should epitomize the Rizalian eminence- that is the love for academic excellence, exemplary leadership inside the campus and service for other through community works and involvement.

Known for his most famous adage that the youth is the hope of our the country, Rizal has envisioned a vibrant youth, developing in them respect for the elderly, service for the needy and love for the country.

The Search for Jose Rizal Model Students of the Philippines aims to spread these values and made the youth of today an instrument for a much better Philippines in the future. (MAL/LSM, PIA Camarines Sur)

SORECO II implements no-power-bill-collector policy

by Irma A. Guhit

SORSOGON CITY, January 5 (PIA) -- There will be no more SORECO II power bill collectors, the management of the Sorsogon Electric Cooperative (SORECO) II here issued this policy starting this year.

This new scheme was implemented by SORECO management in order to increase their collection efficiency, especially this year since consumers will be the one to proceed to the SORECO II paying centers, pay their monthly electric bills and no request for extension will be made.

Before, consumers could request from their collectors to just return or beg off to pay so sometimes, even two months electric bill consumption are provided an extension.

This time, it will be different since non-payment on said due date of monthly electric consumption as stipulated in their power bill for the month will mean automatic disconnection according to management.

It was also learned that with the implementation of this new scheme, the consumers have become more aware of their responsibility in settling their electric consumption and have personally go to the paying center for payment.

It was also noticed, according to management, that their collection efficiency had increased.

Member-owner consumers are now more aware in paying on time their electric bills as now observed even for the first few days only of this month.

SORECO II believes that they are creating empowerment and savings, as cost in the percentage payment that goes to the collectors will be saved and will also be definitely used for improving the services of the electric cooperative.

Consumer’s monthly electric payments due will only be given a 48-hour notice or a two day grace period to settle their account otherwise implementation of automatic disconnection will be imposed. (MAL/IAG, PIA Sorsogon)

PRC emergency rescue unit soon to operate 24/7

by Edna A Bagadiong

VIRAC, CATANDUANES, January 5 (PIA) -- The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Catanduanes Chapter's Emergency Rescue Unit (ERU) is soon to operate 24 hours per day beginning this month, January, 2012.

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) aims to render life-saving assistance that will armor the life and dignity especially of the indigent Filipinos caught in defenseless situations. Currently, the PRC offers six major services, such as: Blood Services, Disaster Management, Safety Services, Community Health and Nursing, Social Services and the Volunteer Service.

The ERU, composed of trained volunteers began serving the province last Christmas season with a schedule duty from 7:00-12 midnight last December 17-23 and Dec. 26-31, 2011.

To become an ERU trainee, one must be 18 years old and above; college level; Current holder of Philippine Red Cross Standard First Aid and Basic Life Support (Certificate of Completion); Of good moral character as certified by authority; Physically and mentally fit; Willing to complete 300 hours of duty as a trainee before being certified as an ERU volunteer; Can work under minimal supervision and willing to work in a team. (MAL/EAB, PIA Catanduanes)

2012-01-04T15:54:00.003+08:00

DPWH V readies rehab projects to typhoon stricken infrastructures in Albay

LEGAZPI CITY, January 4 (PIA/DENR) -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) regional office here has recently completed the preconstruction and procurement activities of the P373 million worth of rehabilitation projects for infrastructures damaged by typhoon and other calamities in Albay.

DPWH V regional director Danilo Dequito said in a radio interview that the fund is sourced from Calamity Fund for fiscal year 2010 under the General Appropriation Act (GAA) or RA 9970 that was released under Special Allotment Release Order or SARO #11-02105 dated December 7, 2011, with validity period until December 31, 2011.

“With the very tight timeline, Negotiated Procurement was resorted to as authorized by DPWH Secretary Rogelio L. Singson in his Memorandum dated November 16, 2011, giving authority to Regional Directors and District Engineers to use Alternative Method of Procurement to facilitate the implementation of various DPWH infrastructure facilities damaged by typhoons and other calamities such as flashfloods and heavy rains,” said Director Dequito when asked on the possibility of a lapsed funding due to the late release of the allotment.

The amount released was based from the report of damages of typhoon Bebeng to the different districts of Albay wherein Albay 1 District Engineering Office (DEO) reported P3 M for the heavily damaged and scoured apron and soil foundation of 3 barrel box culvert and settlement of six blocks of concrete pavement along Daang Maharlika (DM) Jct.-Legazpi-Sto. Domingo-Tabaco-Camarines Sur Boundary Road;

Albay 2nd DEO, P21.55 M for damaged flood control projects in Buyuan and Mabinit and heavily silted river course along Padang and, Tagaytay Rivers; and,

Albay 3rd DEO reported P320.97 M for various damages in their national roads, bridges and flood control projects. Additional P28.88 M was also released for typhoon damages on spillways in Libon, Albay.

“We do assure the Albayanos, that we adhere to the ‘Tuwid na Daan’ advocacy of this present administration. We are here to serve and give our best for public service,” the director said. (MAL/LVCastañeda, DPWH V)

Bicol’s rice stock to last until April 2012

by Aida Alcazar-Naz

Legazpi City, January 4 (PIA)—If belief of plenty for the new year will be adhered to, Bicolanos can consider 2012 will have ample supply of rice.

Tradition of the community called for having stock of basic food stuffs available in welcoming the incoming year made the public confident as the National Food Authority (NFA) assured the public that rice supply in the region is adequate that can last up to the second quarter of 2012.

The information was disclosed to PIA via it’s radio program three days before the new year by Edwin Ataiza, NFA Bicol chief of operations division.

According to Ataiza, there were 255,000 bags of rice in the bodegas of the agency. In addition, a total of 1,623,000 sacks of palay which when milled will be equivalent to 1,055,000 bags of rice. Or a total of 1,310,000 sacks that can last 144 days or 4.8 months.

Rice supply per province was ascertained, Albay with 86,522 bags; Camarines Norte 30,285; Camarines Sur 50,000; Catanduanes 30,505; Masbate 17,455; Sorsogon 40,233.

Of the existing rice stock, 49 per cent or 125,000 bags were imported rice from Thailand and Vietnam. The rest were from the rice procurement program of the agency.

Ataiza also noted that for the last months of 2011, NFA’s distribution to its accredited retailers was 9,000 bags per day which meant that there was enough commercial rice in the market. Rice distribution behavior in the past when demand for NFA rice was high rose to 15,000 bags daily.

NFA rice was sold at P25 to retailers and in turn to consumers at P27 per kilo. No increase in price of rice was made especially during the holiday season per President Benigno S. Aquino’s instructions that price of rice remain as is. The President believed raise in the price will put additional burden to the masses.

NFA Bicol will go massive rice procurement this 2012 as there will be zero importation.

Ataiza is convinced that the region can be self sufficient in rice as the Department of Agriculture continue with its aggressive program on productivity coupled with the distribution of certified seeds and the introduction of submerging rice variety that can withstand flooded farmland. The National Irrigation Administration in turn continues with its rehabilitation of irrigation facilities.

NFA buys palay at P17 per kilo plus 30 centavos incentive for farmer’s cooperative, 20 centavos for drying and 20 centavos for delivery to the buying station equivalent to P17.70 per kilo. The agency gives the farmer an option to select which buying price is higher, the government’s price or the private business buying cost.

The agency also buys corn at P13 a kilo for white variety and P12.30 per kilo for the yellow type under the corn procurement program.

This is NFA’s goal to keep farm-gate price at a level that provide farmers a reasonable return on their investment.

Ataiza also said that the existing rice supply is also in line with the food security outlook of the agency that in times of calamity or emergency, both natural or man-made staple food requirements shall be made available. The more than 1 million sacks of rice in the bodegas is more than the requirement of 400,000 to 500,000 bags of stock of a given time to assure food security for the population. (MAL/AAN, PIA V)

One-stop shop for business operators service system opens in Sorsogon City

by Irma A. Guhit

SORSOGON CITY, January 4 (PIA) -- Dubbed "BOSS", Business Operators Service System has been made again operational by the Sorsogon City government this January 2012 to be opened for 20 days to give way to a systematized procedure of renewing and applying for business permits and licenses..

According to Sorsogon City Mayor Leovic R. Deoneda, this procedure has been implemented for several years now during his term as a mechanism to create facilitation in the renewal and new application of permits and licenses.

Dioneda assured that all departments in the city involved in the issuance of permits and licenses together with national agencies whose mandate is the same has been provided tables and personnel in the main hallway of the city hall so that people who are transacting business will be provided a fast, reliable and accessible service. Personnel to attend to them were already posted in the different sections and the flow of transaction has been made operational so that access, facilitation and waiting time is made more easy.

The process, according to the mayor, has also been well disseminated to all business owners here in the city and orientation has also been provided to them especially with the different permits that has to be renewed or newly filed, adding that the necessary needed papers in transacting the business has been made available to them already since last month so that when customers come they are already ready with what they need.

There are different permits and licenses issued by the local government depending on their business and what agencies also provide certifications or needed documents so that no customer will be coming back and forth which is waste in time and resources.

BOSS will be opened 5 days a week and to include also two Saturdays starting last Monday, January 2 to end on the midnight of Jan. 22 .

A 25 percent interest to their fee will be charged to those who will be late in filing and paying their business license and according to the city treasury office, a one time paying regulation will be observed, that upon filing of permit and license, payment of required dues shall also be paid.

"Those who comply with the requirements is helping the city government better improve the services the local government as their taxes go to the national treasury some are retained here which also go to better the services we provide,"Dioneda explained.

"Our taxes will help also propel our economy and establish an improved service delivery of the national and local government,programs and projects ," he said. (MAL/IAG, PIA Sorsogon)

Naga City fetes Bicol Martyrs
by Lizel S. Macatangay

NAGA CITY, Jan. 4 (PIA) -- The city government here and various agencies commemorated the 115th Death Anniversary of the Bicol Martyrs at the Plaza Quince Martires today.

Led by Mayor John Bongat, there was the traditional wreath laying followed by the 21-gun salute. The surviving heirs and descendants of the martyrs were present to grace the said occasion.

Bongat in his message reiterated the great courage and heroism that the 15 martyrs have exuded on their quest for freedom from the hands of the Spaniards. The activity should serve as a mirror for the young generation to emulate the great deeds that their forefathers.

According to history, 11 of these martyrs were executed on this day in 1897 in Luneta, three died after their exile, while the other one died in prison.

The said occasion also served as a venue for the awarding of plaques and incentives to the winning coaches of Batang Pinoy and Batang Pinoy 2011 Winning Athlete.(MAL/LSM, PIA CamSur)

Iwas paputok campaign in Albay successful — PNP
by Aida Alcazar-Naz

Legazpi City, Jan 4 (PIA) —- The Philippine National Police (PNP) in Albay is satisfied with the result of the advocacy campaign on reduction of firecracker-related injury in the province.

Albay Provincial Police Office Director P/SSupt William S. Macavinta said that there were only six victims this year which is 50 percent lower in comparison to last year’s number of injured individuals and zero deaths.

Two of the victims came from Daraga town, one each from Camalig and Guinobatan, and one person each from the cities of Legazpi, Ligao, and Tabaco.

The youngest victim was a two-year old boy, two boys aged 8 years old, and three adults aged 24, 30, and 31. All victims were treated in government facilities.

Macavinta attributed the marked reduction of casualties to massive information campaign by government agencies including the PNP and the local government units.

The PNP organized an inter-agency team that went around the towns and cities of the province, first in December 27 and the second time in December 31 to inform people about Iwas Paputok.

Policemen also went about its inspection of malls and stores to make certain that only those firecrackers allowed by RA 7138 were being sold. PNP was able to confiscate P80,000 worth of prohibited firecrackers from the cities of Legazpi, Ligao, Tabaco; and the towns of Polangui and Camalig.

The Iwas Paputok campaign according to Macavinta was part of the Karangahan Albay Green Christmas organized by Albay through the leadershipship of Governor Joey Salceda.

“We consider the outcome of the Iwas Paputok campaign as a component of the Albay Green Christmas as very successful. While six is not zero, still this achievement resulted from reduced firecrackers to celebrate the New Year. The economic benefits are estimated at P14 million savings,” said Salceda.

There was no report of indiscriminate firing either from gun owners or policemen was reported.

On December 31, the PNP Albay set up a sumbungan paputok desk to respond to any complaint related to welcoming the New year. (MAL/AAN-PIA V)

2012-01-03T07:31:00.000+08:00

Local gov't. prioritizes RHU rehab in 2012

by Lizel S. Macatangay

PILI, Camarines Sur, Jan 3 (PIA) -- Various provincial government-run hospitals in Camarines Sur will be rehabilitated to improve the health services particularly in far flung and coastal areas. There is little or no provision of health facilities or service is being extended to the members of these communities.

Governor Luis Raymond Villafuerte of Camarines Sur said the measure is in line with President Benigno Aquino’s directive on universal access to health of all citizenry in pursuit of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Villafuerte said that priorities for rehabilitation this year are district hospitals of Libmanan, Sipocot, Ragay, and Partido. The rehabilitation work will also include the Garchitorena Medicare Hospital, Buhi Community Hospital, and Siruma and San Ramon Municipal Hospitals, all located in distant and outlying skirts of the province.

The reconstruction and upgrading of health facilities in the aforementioned Rural Health Units (RHUs) is expected to specifically and significantly improve the health condition of pregnant women and ensure the safe delivery of unborn children.

With the realization of the MDGs on the core of this program, the said move is also expected to improve maternal health and reduce child mortality, two of the goals included in our commitment in the attainment of the said agreement. These, once realized will also lead to the realization of combating problems including poverty, hunger, and disease.

Villafuerte also stated that the said move will be a local counterpart of the Department of Health’s national program dubbed as Basic Emergency Maternal Obstetrics and Newborn Care (BEMONC) or the Comprehensive Emergency Obstetrics and Newborn Care (CEmONC).

The said program seeks to monitor the infrastructure and immediate environment, the equipment being used, the management of antenatal care clients, patients during labor and delivery, postnatal mother and babies, family plannin,g and post abortion care.

The realization of the MDG by 2015 is meant to accelerate democratization, scale up development in poor areas towards the reduction of poverty and in the promotion of global partnerships. (MAL/LSM-PIA-Camarines Sur)

NSO to conduct Labor Force Survey

VIRAC, Catanduanes, Jan 3 (PIA/NSO)-- The National Statistics Office (NSO) provincial office here will be conducting the quarterly Labor Force Survey (LFS) from the period January 9 to January 31, 2012.

LFS is a nationwide survey of households being conducted to gather data on the demographic and socio-economic characteristics of the population. It is geared towards the estimation of the levels of employment and unemployment in the country.

Such survey is designed to provide statistics on levels and trends of employment, unemployment, and underemployment for the country as a whole and for each of the administrative regions.

The importance of the Labor Force Survey are as follows: It provides quantitative framework for the preparation of plans and formulation of policies affecting labor market towards: 1) the creation and generation of gainful employment; 2) reduction of unemployment and promotion of employment; 3) improvement of working conditions; and, 4) enhancement of the welfare of a working person.

Furthermore, it provides statistics on levels and trends of employment, unemployment, and underemployment for the country and regions; data will be used for the projection of future human resource, which when compared with the future manpower requirements will help identify employment and training needs; data will help in the assessment of the potential human resource available for economic development; and it will identify the difference in employment, unemployment, and underemployment according to the different economic, social, and ethnic groups existing within the population.

In the province, 10 sample barangays will be visited: in Virac: Gogon Centro and PLanab del Norte; in San Andres: San Isidro, Batong Plaoway and Putting Baybay; in Baras: Paniquihan, San Miguel; in Caramoran: Maysuram and Icanbato in Pandan: Libod. (MAL/EAB, PIA Catanduanes/NSO)

2012-01-02T22:34:00.000+08:00

Local gov’t cites drop of firecracker-related injuries, “zero” deaths in Albay

by Marlon A. Loterte

LEGAZPI CITY, Jan. 2 (PIA) -- The provincial government reported a drop in firecracker-related injuries and zero death in Albay in the wake of the New Year celebration.

Albay Governor Joey Salceda said reports relayed by police provincial director Senior Superintendent William S. Macavinta show that only five were injured caused by firecrackers in the entire province and zero death, compared to 27 reported incidents last year.

Summary list of firecracker-related incidents in Albay include one each in the cities of Tabaco, Ligao, and Legazpi and two in Daraga; firecrackers involved were baby rockets or “kwitis,” piccolo, super lolo.

Salceda attributed this outcome to the national and government’s aggressive campaign against the use of dangerous firecrackers in welcoming the New Year.

“We consider these outcomes of the “Iwas Paputok” campaign component of the Karangahan sa Pasko: Albay Green Christmas as “very successful,” Salceda noted.

“While five is not zero, still, this achievement was the result of an estimated 47 percent usage reduction of firecrackers to celebrate the New Year,” he added.

The governor furthered that the economic benefits from the reduced usage of firecrackers are estimated at P14 million savings.

It can be recalled that Albay observed Karangahan sa Pasko: Albay Green Christmas with two basic elements, that is, Karangahan featuring Fiesta Culinaria, Beer Plaza and Trade Fair; and Green Christmas showcasing Walang Plastikan and Iwas Paputok.

The police provincial, city, and municipal offices had early in December, step up information drive all over the province on Iwas Paputok, while the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) did rounds of different areas beefing up reminders to the public on the danger of firecrackers.

The provincial government, according to the governor, had always actively supported the Department of Health’s (DOH) annual campaign against firecrackers which is the leading cause of injuries and deaths during New Year celebration, especially on children exposed to the threats of firecrackers.

DOH this year pursued its APIR or Aksyon: Paputok Injury Reduction campaign with the help of the police, local governments, and other agencies in an effort to decrease the number of firecracker-related injuries and deaths while celebrating the New Year. (MAL, PIA V/Albay)

Free flu vaccine to indigent senior citizens in Sorsogon

by Irma A. Guhit

SORSOGON CITY, Jan 2 (PIA) -- The provincial health office of Sorsogon has provided indigent senior citizens free flu vaccines to address the respiratory health problems brought about by old age.

"Indigent old people usually suffer respiratory diseases due to cold weather condition, poor living conditions, and poor diet, thus it is exigent that vaccine to fight flu be given to this sector," Dr. Liduvina D. Dorion said in her regular radio program Paalalang Pangkalusugan yesterday.

Dorion enjoined all workers in the barangay health centers to inform local officials, especially barangay chiefs, that free flu vaccine is available for indigent senior citizens, who, according to the Department of Health (DOH), are vulnerable to influenza and pneumonia.

With the continuous rainy season and cold weather conditions, the provincial government and the DOH have joined efforts and focused most of their health priorities on children and the elderly, two of the age group easily prone to diseases and must be given early prevention like vaccination so as to arrest any complications early.

“Most have somehow contributed also to their communities but because of financial constraints, most can not avail of the cost of medicines, Dorion said.

“Today, the Code White program implementation of the DOH as a mitigating health strategy and as part of the disaster risk reduction management mechanism has seen to it that health is one of the priority concern provided early intervention so that mitigation for health concerns be addressed,” Dorion concluded. (MAL/IAG, PIA Sorsogon)

Local studes to benefit from SEEDS Program

by Edna A Bagadiong

VIRAC, Catanduanes, Jan 2 (PIA)-- A local successful food chain's outreach program for students being implemented in its stores nationwide is expected to benefit local students in the province after the launching of its 746th branch nationwide in Virac last December 20, 2011.

The Skills Enhancement and Education Development for Students (SEEDS) program of the Jollibee Foods Corporation is helping qualified students pursue post-secondary education by extending financial assistance and through on the job training that would enhance their competencies – skills, attitudes, and work values - thus enhancing employability upon completion of post-secondary education.

The program components are the following: interest-free tuition loan (max. amount of P12,000 for semestral schools; P10,000 for trimestral schools), training stipend net of tuition loan, in-store training ranging from 24-36 hours/week during regular semester and 48 training hours/week during school breaks and values formation and leadership development programs

Qualified to participate in the program are those 18-26 years old, at least high school graduate and enrolled in participating partner schools, with a general weighted average of 80 percent or higher, possess a strong desire to finish post-secondary education, of good moral character, demonstrate character traits that are suited to the service industry, and not a recipient of any scholarship grant. Students from marginalized families will be given priority.

SEEDS is a joint project of Jollibee Foods Corporation & the Department of Labor & Employment under the YE-YE Program which is a DOLE project addressing the education-to-employment (E2E) needs of the youth which envisions them as educated, endowed with proper work habits, disciplined, and highly employable.

The Jollibee bramch in the province opened on December 19, 2011 and formally opened on December 20 with 115 employees where 65 of which are Catandunganons. (MAL/EAB, PIA Catanduanes)

2011-12-20T08:21:00.001+08:00

DPWH in Bicol saves P130 million for 2011 projects

by Ed de Leon

LEGAZPI CITY, December 20 (PIA) -- The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) regional office here reported that the agency was able to generate a savings of more than P130 million in the implementation of its 2011 infrastructure projects in Bicol.

DPWH regional director Danilo E. Dequito said the savings were generated from the more than P4.044 billion released to the region as of the end of September for this year’s regular infrastructure program.

He said that the savings was generated as a result of competitive and transparent bidding of all the 160 projects for implementation by the regional and the 15 DPWH districts engineering offices in the six provinces of Bicol.

Dequito said that competitive bidding was one of the major policy reforms of DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson, in line with the “Tuwid na Daan” policy of the Aquino administration.

He added that because of the greater transparency in the bidding process, the cost of the projects went down by 4.23 percent.

Dequito said that P80.925 million pesos of the savings was generated by the regional office while P49.836 million was saved by the district offices.

The DPWH regional director said that out of 160 projects, 33 are being implemented by the regional office with the cost of P1.997 billion pesos while 127 is being implemented by the district offices with a total cost of P2.047 billion pesos.

He said 84 of the projects have been completed while 63 is still on-going while 13 has not yet been started with an over-all 45.05 percent accomplishment or 1.64 positive slippage.(MAL/EDL, PIA V)

Local health office launches Iwas-Paputok campaign

by Lizel S. Macatangay

PILI, Camarines Sur, December 20 (PIA) -- Instead of the usual banner ads being endorsed to signify prohibition of the use of firecrackers like, “bawal”, “kontra” or “iwas”, the Department of Health (DOH) decided to launched a campaign simply reiterating the word “ingat”, which will serve as a reminder to every firecracker user to be responsible for their own safety.

This is in line with the “AKSYON: Paputok Inquiry Reduction” or APIR campaign recently launched by the Camarines Sur Health Office, a drive to lessen if not totally eradicate the alarming number of firecracker incidents being recorded every year.

APIR decided to have an alternative approach in pursuing its campaign against the precarious use of firecrackers especially during the Christmas and New Year revelry. The notable increase of almost 195 percent in firecracker-related injuries has particularly prompted the health authorities to shift its gear in raising the awareness of the community on the adverse effect of unsafe firecracker use.

The said campaign will strengthen its resolve to convey the following messages: the use of firecrackers is dangerous, all kinds of firecrackers or similar entities are not allowed to be used by kids, keep safe from people who are using firecrackers, do not pick firecrackers that failed to blast off and go to the nearest hospital for immediate treatment if you suffered from any injury caused by firecrackers.

Last year, the province of Camarines Sur recorded the highest share of injuries resulting from the use of the said pyrotechnics, most of them are children aged 10 years and below. Of the total 62 reported cases from different provinces, Camarines Sur recorded 54 cases or an equivalent of 92 percent.

Local authorities are now bent on reducing this number by encouraging each member of the community to be responsible in their handling of different firecrackers, not only for themselves but as also for the welfare of those innocent victims.

Republic Act No. 7183 or the act regulating the sale, manufacture, distribution and use of firecrackers and other pyrotechnic devices states that baby rockets, bawang, small trianggulo, pulling of strings, el Diablo, watusi, judah's belt, sky rocket or kwitis and other types equivalent to the aforementioned firecrackers are allowed by law but reminded the consumers to use them with utmost care. (MAL/LSM, PIA Camarines Sur)

DOH encourages Bicolanos to celebrate safer holiday season

by Aida Alcazar-Naz

LEGAZPI CITY, December 20 (PIA) -- The Department of Health-Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) Bicol has intensified its campaign for a safer and fun-filled holiday season as Christmas and New Year draw near.

Engr. William Sabater announced at PIA Bicol radio program Aramon Ta Daw that as of late November, the department has already coordinated with local government units (LGUs) and concerned government agencies including the Philippine National Police to shore up the firework injury campaign hailed as APIR or Akyson: Paputok Injury Reduction.

Also dubbed as Give me five campaign, the department has called on LGUs to designate firecrackers zones and if possible, pass an ordinance prohibiting banned firecrackers.

Three days from today or by December 21, surveillance and monitoring of firecracker injuries start until January 7.

Sabater said that as of December 9, a meeting with focal persons of eight sentinel or reporting hospitals has been conducted to clarify roles.

These hospitals are the retained government hospitals, the Bicol Medical Center in Naga City, Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital in Legazpi City and Bicol Sanitarium in Cabusao, Camarines sur. The provincial hospitals of Camarines Norte, Sorsogon and Masbate along with the Eastern Bicol Medical Center in Catanduanes and the Naga City Hospital were also named as sentinel hospitals.

DOH Bicol hopes, according to Sabater to reduce the number of 62 firecracker-injury cases reported in 2010, which was more than double than 2009’s 28 cases. Also, five cases of gunshot wounds two of which were from stray bullets were treated last year.

Last year casualties were mostly children below 10 years old and the rest were nearly all males.

No watusi ingestion cases were reported in 2010 as this has been banned and removed from the market. However, harm caused by piccolo registered a high number among children, most of which were eye injuries. The health department called on parents and adults not to let youngster play with piccolo.

The APIR campaign emphasizes five reminders that the community must remember to prevent harm and injury. These are 1. fireworks cause injuries and endanger health, 2. children should not use any fireworks, 3. keep away from exploding fireworks, 4. never pick used nor unspent fireworks, and 5. for all fireworks injuries seek immediate medical treatment.

To complement these reminders, DOH advocates five simple happy, complete and stress-free holiday celebration by way of 1. promoting and participating in community fireworks display in respective areas, 2. celebrate safe holiday with family and loved ones, 3. use alternative noise-makers to welcome the new year like torotot, car horns, cans, pots and pans, loud radio or stereo music, 4. join merry-making activities such as street parties, concerts, games and 5. reflect on the lessons of the past year and make resolutions for a better 2012.

According to Sabater, community fireworks display must be in a safe designated area in the barangay. It must have an adequate buffer zone to avoid injury to individuals, fire hazards and other accidents. Through this strategy the community can pool resources for a fireworks display, a better way than individual purchases.

Sabater also said that DoH Bicol frown on tire burning as such triggers attacks among asthmatic individuals aside from the damage such act bring to the environment.

Aside from the firecracker injury surveillance, December 21 is also the start of the code white alert in all DoH offices and retained hospitals. The alert will run until Jan. 5, 2012. The emergency rooms of these hospitals are ready for patients, as manpower is ready and medicines are available on 24/7 basis. All health personnel at DOH are on call, too. (MAL/AAN, PIA V)

Camarines Norte's coconut production up by 25%

by Rosalita Base-Manlangit

DAET, Camarines Norte, December 20 (PIA) – The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) has recorded some 25 percent increase in the production of coconut in the past 3 years in Camarines Norte, owing the uptrend to the salt fertilization project of the agency.

PCA Camarines Norte officer in charge Editha P. Idnani said that farmers were encouraged and trained to use salt as fertilizer for coconut trees and the technology for better results.

Idnani said that the agency has also distributed salt fertilizer for free to the coconut farmers in the province every year since the start of the program under the National Coconut Productivity Program.

Idnani said PCA also targets 40 coconut fruits per tree next year and also encourage other farmers to use salt fertilizer.

It can be recalled that before using salt fertilization, only 32 coconut fruits per tree can be harvested.

She said that the agency will continue to distribute salt fertilizers to other coconut farmers next year.

Further, some coconut farmers here are also focusing on product diversification where they can produce other coconut products aside from selling coconut copra. (MAL/RBM, PIA Camarines Norte)

Albay, Ako Bikol send aid to 'Sendong' victims

LEGAZPI CITY, December 20 (PIA) -- The provincial government of Albay has donated P1 million for assistance to the cities of Cagayan de Oro and Iligan in Misamis Oriental province in Northern Mindanao

Albay Governor Joey Salceda said the cash assistance of P500,000 to each of the two cities, the areas hardest hit by tropical storm Sendong on Friday, was sourced from the province’s calamity fund.

Salceda said the financial aid is an expression of gratitude of Albay to the local government units and the national government for the assistance they also gave to Albay when it was hit by past disasters.

He said the cash assistance was decided as a better option in lieu of a “Wash Mercy Mission” (water, sanitation and health) and considering the local circumstances, specifically the distance of the province to the Mindanao area.

Salceda in a text message said “more than the amount which is modest, the Albay Sendong Aid Mission brings with them the spirit of solidarity and sense of kinship between our peoples,” a form of support which he said is “so critical to help them overcome the distressing period.”

A six-man team from the provincial legislative board and Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (PDRRMC) will leave for the two cities today to also consult with local officials and communities affected on how Albay could further help in the early recovery and rehabilitation period.

Meanwhile, the Ako Bicol (AKB)partylist based here will also donate P250,000 to the victims of Sendong in Cagayan de Oro.

AKB Representatives Rodel Batocabe and Christopher Co will personally go to Cagayan de Oro also today to personally deliver the financial aid.

Tropical Storm Sendong (Washi) today has already claimed 957 lives, 49 missing and thousands injured, according to reports from the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (NDRRMC). (MALoterte, PIA V)

2011-12-16T16:46:00.006+08:00

Feature:

Hats off to "Sombrero Island"
... emerging top tourist destination in Masbate

by Connie B. Destura

SOMBRERO Island, Masbate, Dec. 16 (PIA)— Nothing in the local tourism circle had been said yet about this quaint, hat-shaped (thus the name) islet at the middle of Burias Pass that belongs to the political jurisdiction of the town of San Pascual, Masbate.

But San Pascual town Mayor Job Willard Rivera is hopeful and optimistic that the initiative over the weekend of the Regional Public Safety Battalion (RPSB) of the Philippine National Police (PNP) regional office based at Camp Gen. Simeon Ola in Legazpi City in introducing the place to tourists would reveal its exotic secret.

The RPSB First Maneuver Company, led by its company commander Senior Inspector Ebuenga Dipad Jr,. with over a dozen of tourists from Manila and several local journalists in tow, explored the islet comprised with a land area of about 10 hectares enclosed by a coastline of glittering white sand and crystal clear beach water.

Sombrero Island belongs to a six group of islets at the western tip of the Burias Island covering San Pascual and Claveria towns is one of the three major islands of Masbate province.
The nearby islets of Arena, Templo, Taguingui, Tinalisayan and Busing that bare fantastic rock formations are exciting places for island hopping.

Sombrero Island, with a latitude of 13.14 (13° 8' 32 N) and a longitude of 122.85 (122° 50' 43 E), is a hypsographic (island) situated 93 kilometers west of Legazpi City, Bicol’s regional government center and and 259 kilometers south east of Manila.

San Pascual is a 4th class municipality of over 8,000 households representing a population of nearly 40,000 residents that rely mainly on farming and fishing for their livelihood.

The exploration expedition started with an over two hour boat trip from Pasacao, Camarines Sur. From San Pascual town, another one-hour boat ride took the group to Sombrero Island.

The exhaustive boat ride vanished to the sumptuous meal of heavy seafood for lunch—grilled tuna, kilawing posit squid), calamares, stewed vegetables and fresh fruits. A fullfilling feeling after heavy meal drew everyone to a nap under a relaxing wind blowing mildly from the surrounding waters of Alimang Bay.

At near dusk, the group frolicked around the fine white sand around the island while watching the beautiful view of the sun setting and being sent off by skin soothing cool wind that at the same time welcomed the rising of the full moon whose bright glare illuminated the clear and meekly tamed sea water.

At nighttime, the fishing lanterns used by fishermen off the island’s coast provided the sea with flickering lights. The tourist group joined by Dipad’s security group set a bonfire and music from group singing accompanied by guitars broke the silence of the night.

“The biggest lure of the island is the fact that it is quaint. It remains uncongested, affordable, very private and secluded,” Police Inspector Domingo Tapel, Assistant company commander of the RPSB’s First Manuever Company said.

“You should visit Sombrero because its rich biodiversity of marine ecosystem offers a once in a lifetime experience to those who love to commune with nature. The secrets Sombrero and its neighboring islets are exciting to discover,” he added.

Tapel said that aside public safety and eco-tourism makes Sombrero Island a stand out. He also assures travelers that a trip here will not burn a hole in the pocket.

Mayor Rivera said the municipal government is mulling on offering tour packages to tourist that could as low as P3,000 to P5,000 for them to be able to visit the islet.

“The food is fresh and affordable, the area is clean and crime is almost non-existent. It is very safe and convenient for tourists,” Tapel added. (MAL/CBD, PIA V)

Disaster managers on assessment of plans of action due to Bulusan volcano's restiveness

by Irma A. Guhit

SORSOGON CITY, Dec. 17 (PIA) -- A joint year-end assessment/workshop on measures in the wake of Bulusan volcano's restiveness, the Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (RDRRMC) and the Sorsogon Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (SPDRRMC) convened Thursday (December 15) to thresh out the current state and threat of the volcano and people dwelling within and outside the danger zone of Mt. Bulusan.

Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) V regional director Bernardo Raffy Alejandro has assisted facilitate and present the tools to be used for assessment, while resident volcanologist of the Phivolcs RO V, regional director Ed Laguerta will input the needed data of the explosion for assessment.

Sorsogon Governor Raul R. Lee meanwhile said that the provincial government, with the participation of all the concerned agencies, have prepared already an action plan way back in 2006 and said action plan was appraised, updated and emerged as the new 2010 Bulusan Volcano Action Plan/ contingency plan.

Lee stressed the need for local government units especially the six municipalities that has been affected for the past several explosions to evaluate and institute an enhanced capability mechanisms specially in the effective and efficient implementation of the contingency plans that has been reviewed.

According to Vhon Andre Labalan, Sorsogon provincial information officer, the workshop is similarly to recapitulate the steps which the six municipalities near the Bulusan Volcano made to forward and stimulate the DRRM plans established to make out interconnecting issues, gaps and other efforts with reference to the volcano's restive condition.

Expected in the activity will be the enhancement of initiatives of each municipality together with support agencies and how this will be harmonized for a whole provincial plan that will form part of the Bulusan Volcano Annual Operation Plan for 2012.

It can be recalled that the Bulusan Volcano in disaster Risk Reduction Management, the OCD/RDRRMC spearheaded the Bulusan Summit in March 2011 and LGU coaching session for the establishment of the Local Disaster Risk Reduction management Office. (MAL/IAG, PIA Sorsogon)

NGCP announces scheduled temporary shutdown in Iriga

by Lizel S. Macatangay

IRIGA CITY, Dec. 16 (PIA)-- To improve its operations and ensure utmost utilization of its service lines, the National Grid Corporation of the Philippines (NGCP) has scheduled the shutdown of some of its transmission facilities in areas covered by Camarines Sur Electric Cooperative (CASURECO) 3 today.

In a press statement, NGCP Communications Office bared that the temporary stoppage of operation will be devoted in the replacement of crossarms, insulators, and hardware along the Naga-Iriga 69KV lines and is scheduled to take place December 16, from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Nelson Bautista, NGCP Regional Corporate Communication Officer South Luzon Region said that this part of their office’s program to ensure that all their service lines are passing routine check up for the efficient use of its consumers. Affected populace will be end-users from the Rinconada area or the households comprising the 5th District of Camarines Sur.

This is also in line with the NGCP’s concern to upgrade and strengthen its transmission facilities using the latest innovations in technology.

“We are committed in ensuring that we follow the strict guidelines in our maintenance practice and guarantee the safety and satisfaction of our customers,“ Bautista said in an interview.

Recently, NGCP spearheaded a comprehensive lineman’s training to its distribution utilities (DUs). The activity endeavors to bring unswerving service to power consumers.

The training modules were given free of charge to private DUs and electric cooperative nationwide. One of its recipients were linemen from CASURECO II who took the opportunity to further their knowledge and skills in maintenance activities, among others.

NGCP president and CEO Henry T. Sy Jr reiterated NGCP’s commitment to provide its consumers with a sustainable and environment-friendly energy system pursuant to its battle cry: “Stronger transmission for a stronger nation."

Since its incorporation in 2008, NGCP has taken the lead in the safe and reliable distribution of electricity in various parts of the country and has dedicated its service to its power-customers immediately after it won the franchise to operate and maintain the country’s transmission network. (MAL/LSM-PIA Camarines Sur)

2011-12-15T16:37:00.001+08:00

DPWH Secretary warns against impostors

by Ed de Leon

LEGAZPI CITY, December 15 (PIA) -- Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Secretary Rogelio L. Singson has warned officials and employees of his agency against dealing with unscrupulous persons claiming to be close to him to be able to get favorable action in their transaction with the agency.

In his Memorandum dated December 8, 2011, Singson said that he has not authorized any person nor any member of his family, friends, associates or any body to use his name in transacting business with the DPWH and its attached agencies.

He said that reports reached him that there are unscrupulous individuals and DPWH officials and employees reportedly using his name promising contracts or awarding contracts for projects funded under the 2012 DPWH infrastructure program to brokers or contractors in exchange of 15 percent “commission” or kickback.

Singson also said that reports has also reached him regarding unscrupulous individuals or DPWH officials and employees allegedly facilitating approval of projects funded under the Motor Vehicle User's Charge Fund (MVUCF) from the road board in exchange of advance commissions or kickbacks.

The DPWH secretary sternly warned officials and employees of the agency that any verified report regarding these illegal activities will be dealt with to the fullest extent of the law.

He also urged everybody to report to him directly these illegal acts through his email address at singson.rogelio@dpwh.gov.ph. and promised quick action on their reports. .(MAL/EDL, PIA V)

Studes hone skills in public administration in Camarines Norte

by Rosalita Base-Manlangit

DAET, Camarines Norte, Dec 14 (PIA) -- Some 80 students from secondary level from public and private schools here joined the week long celebration of the Boys and Girls Week from December 10-16 in the province honing their skills in public administration .

The province aims to mold the youth to be a responsible citizen in order to instill their involvement by exposing them in early participation and experience in the government administration.

The program was spearheaded by the provincial government and the Kiwanis Club of Daet, in cooperation with the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Sanguniang Kabataan Provincial Federation.

The observance of the Boys and Girls Week include the election of the counterpart of all elective and appointive officials in the local government unit concerned from among in-school youth ages 16-17.

A seminar/workshop on parliamentary rules and procedures, leadership in action and appointment of officials, group dynamics with special emphasis on the New Local Government Code, with the end and view to instill honest election attitude in the moral of fibers of the youth was conducted December 10.

Last December 12 was the opening ceremonies, flag raising, parade and turn-over ceremonies, dialogue-conference with participants counterparts on the structures, roles, functions, duties and responsibilities of each government officials and their assumption to office.

From December 13 to 16 are the continuation of assume of office, visit to provincial jail, courtesy to DepEd, dialogue with the Sanguniang Panlalawigan/Pambayan for a joint session, visit to infrastructure projects of the government, courtesy call to judges, joint session with the Sanguniang Bayan of Daet and Basud, christmas party and fellowship with the Kiwanis, joint session with the Sanguniang Panlalawigan, with the boys and girls officials, luncheon conference, closing program and awarding ceremonies. (MAL/RBM, PIA Camarines Norte)

2011-12-13T22:22:00.000+08:00

Naga City BNS wins Regional Nutri Quiz for second straight year

by Aida Alcazar-Naz

LEGAZPI CITY, Dec 13 (PIA) —- The Nutrition Communication Network (NUTRICOMNET) Bicol once again sponsored a competition among grassroots workers to ascertain the skills of barangay nutrition scholars (BNS); this is now on its third year.

Eleven finalists representing the provinces and cities of the region competed in a two-hour, two-level rounds of the Nutricomnet Regional Nutri Quiz held at the Pacific Mall Legazpi City last December 5.

For two straight years, the finalist from Naga City was declared winner. Marilou Jimenez of Barangay Carolina won a microwave oven as the champion; Mary Jane Macapagal of Brgy. Tugos West District, Sorsogon City got a turbo broiler as first runner-up while Eugenia Paa of Brgy. Lupi, San Fernando, Camarines Sur earned a rice cooker as second-runner up.

All finalists gained P1,000 each as finalists to the annual nutria-quiz. They were Karen Ortega Cortez, Brgy. Poblacion, Guinobatan Albay; Babelyn de Luna Ibias, Bgy. San Antonio, Labo, Camarines Norte; Ederlina L. Avila, Bgy. Ibong Sapa, Virac, Catanduanes; Rey Lofamia, Brgy. Abucay, Pilar, Sorsogon; Edvit G. Balang, Brgy. La Anunciacion, Iriga City; Aura Jane Toledo, Brgy. Pigcale, Legazpi City; Emily Atienza, Brgy. Bay, Ligao City; and Marsha Boqueo Bondoy, Brgy. Visita, San Miguel Island, Tabaco City.

Finalists from Masbate province and Masbate City failed to attend the contest due to inclement weather in their area.

The contest was a battle of wits among provincial and city winners who currently served as BNS. The questions asked, centered on the important role they play in the delivery of health and nutrition services at the grassroot level. These services are intended to improve the living conditions of family members especially infants and children.

The conduct of the Nutricomnet Bicol Regional Nutri-Quiz year 3 was a collaborative effort of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), Department of Health Center for Health Development (DOH-CHD) Bicol, National Nutrition Council (NNC), Commission on Population (POPCOM), and the inter-agency Nutricomnet.

Philippine Information Agency regional director Eduardo A. de Leon, who chairs the network, said that the annual event is a friendly competition designed to test the current skills of BNS. Questions asked in the quiz were related to their jobs.

Dr. Alejo S. Aralar, head of the family cluster of the DOH, announced that the department will continue in collaborating with the endeavor as it is beneficial to the barangay workers.

The members of the board of judges in said event was chaired by Dr. Aralar, with HBC-DWZR Managing Director Czechs Baldo, KBP Albay chair Edgar Barrameda, S&T private sector representative Purita Balean, Ph.D., and FBN-DZRC production Manager Jess Magayanes as members. (AAN-PIA 5)

Army's 903rd Infantry Brigade celebrates 2nd founding anniversary, honors civilian and military personnel

by Irma A. Guhit

SORSOGON CITY, December 13 (PIA) -- A colorful celebration which started with a thanksgiving mass officiated by Fr. Benny Furo , parish priest of the Parish of San Juan Bautista, marked the 2nd founding anniversary of the 903rd Infantry Brigade, 9th Infantry Batallion Philippine Army (PA) based in Barangay Poblacion, Castilla, Saturday, December 8

Deputy Brigade Commander, Col. Audie Delizo GSC (INF) PA welcomed the participants, guests and awardees during the opening program.

The occasion according to him was a celebration of the brigade for the attainment of peace and development along the countryside and a gesture to extend honor to the awardees, the people who supported the brigade attain its mandate.

Col. Felix J. Castro ,Jr. INF (GSC) PA Brigade Commander assisted by Col Deliso presented and awarded the plaque of appreciation to the 15 civilian awardees comprising of Governor Raul R. Lee of the province of Sorsogon; Gov. Rizalina Seachon Lanete of Masbate ; Ms. Tina Monzon-Palma of ABS-CBN Foundation Inc., Sagip Kapamilya; Mayor Olivia Bermillo of Castilla ; Mayor Enrico Z. Capinig of Aroroy , Masbate ; PSSupt. John Cornelius A. Jambora, Philippione National Police provincial director of Sorsogon; PSSupt. Heriberto O. Olitoquit, PNP provincial director of Masbate; Municipal Councilors Jesus M. Agarap and Joey Bitancur and Barangay Captain Antoino Ortiz, all of the local government of Castilla.

Other awardees included Dir. Maria Eileen A. Jose, PAMANA Coordinating Unit for Luzon and Visayas, Vince Nato, chief of staff, Office of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas, Ms Irma A. Guhit, information center manager, Philippine Information Agency; Mr.Andy Espinar, president, Kapisanan ng mga Broadcasters sa Pilipinas , Sorsogon Chapter and Mrs. Cristina J. Racelis, provincial tourism officer, province of Sorsogon.

Col Castro expressed his gratitutde to the awardees who he said were instrumental in supporting the brigade become the 2nd top troop in the country last year and for this year based on their community involvement and overall performance specially in promoting peace and development in their area of assignment.

He also presented the military awardees with Sgt. Gerardo A. Timple as this year's recipient of the Sagisag ng Ulirang Kawal with eight others ; TSG Luisito C. Rodriguez and 80 others receiving the Military Merit Medal (MMM) and SSg. Jose Sincua and 41 others together with SSg Rico S. Guban of the 74 6606 (Inf) PA and 7 others of the 96 MICO receiving the Military Commendation Medal (MCM).

In his inspirational message Col. Castro said the brigade intends to pursue the peace and development goals of the government under the "bayanihan spirit" enjoining everyone especially the community to become relentless in the pursuit of attaining peace and extending peace through development programs and projects.

He thanked all partner agencies, local governments and the community in the realization of several programs and projects which were implemented and now providing the community the benefits of a better quality of life from schools, roads, scholarships and medical missions that he said will help secure the future of the people in the community.

He also stressed the importance of shared partnership and the support of the local government of Castilla through Mayor Bermillo for the lot donation given to the brigade.

The celebration was also graced by the Himig Kapitolyo who provided the Christmas serenade during lunch entertaining, guests and the people in the community.

A Christmas party was also held in the evening for the brigade which was graced by members of the media community here and people from the nearby barangays of Castilla town. (MAL/IAG, PIA Sorsogon)

Rotary Club sponsors 'Search for 10 Outstanding Students of Sorsogon'
by Irma A. Guhit

SORSOGON CITY, Dec 13 (PIA)-- Twenty students in the secondary and six students in the tertiary level vied yesterday here at the Sorsogon City Social Hall(SCFH) in the biennial "Search for the Ten Outstanding Students of Sorsogon (TOSS)."

The students were recommended by their corresponding schools based on their academic accomplishments, competitions won (provincial, regional, national, and international ), and the personal profile of each student. These were submitted to the RCMS for final screening, validation, and shortlisting.

Twenty students from the secondary emerged as finalists while six students from the tertiary were qualified for the final interview.

The final selection process for the 10 outstanding students was based on the 70 percent academic/ and extra-curricular school accomplishments while 30 percent was based on the personal interview conducted individually by the five members of the panel of judges.

The criteria for the interview was more on the communication skills, fluency, articulateness, manner of presentation or introduction of the finalist, their potentials, and visions as expressed in their answers.

Members of the board were made to question the finalists and the students were to answer each question within a specified number of minutes.

Seven winners from the secondary emerged as winners with the corresponding ranking: first, Yves Tracy S. Calleja of the Sorsogon National High School; 2nd, Eiza May B. Balaguer of the Holy Spirit Academy of Irosin; 3rd, Megan Joy A. Guela of Bulan National High School; 4th, Julliene L. Valenzuela of St. Louise De Marillac College of Sorsogon; 5th, Franco Avelino Hilotin A. of Magallanes National Vocational High School; 6th Jade Nicholas Fabella of of AG Villaroya Technological Foundation Institute Inc.; and 7th Ruby Jean C. Diaz of the latter school.

The first two top positions in the tertiary level were bagged by the Computer communication Development Institute (CCDI) Melvin John N. Frivaldo and Jason L. Castillo, while and the third place went to Juvylyn I. Giga of Sorsogon State College, Bulan Campus.

RCMS president, Anthony Bravo said that this search for the outstanding students of Sorsogon started two years ago and in support of the month - long celebration of the Sosogon Festival, the founding anniversary of the city of Sorsogon, this search is a fitting gesture to honor students who will lead the way to be emulated as the word "sosogon" connotes.

Members of the board of judges were composed of Gen. Ireneo Manaois, city administrator, Sorsogon City ; Msgr. Gerry del Prado, parish priest of Our Lady of Fatima Parish; Dr. Danilo L. Despi , Sorsogon City Schools Division, Assistant Schools Division Superintendent; Irma A. Guhit; Information Center manager, Philippine Information Agency; and Dr. Jean Paullete Salilima-Go, CHED-RO V Education supervisor II for Communication and Humanities, who served as chair of the panel.

The competition was sponsored by the Rotary Club of Metro Sorsogon (RCMS) in cooperation with four endorsing agencies, the Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Department of Education (DepEd), National Youth Commission (NYC), and the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) office here.

2011-12-09T22:11:00.000+08:00

DENR says moratorium on mining permits still in force

LEGAZPI CITY, December 9 (PIA) -- The moratorium on the issuance of new mining permits remains in force until such time that planned reforms in the mining sector are put in place, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) regional office here.

Engr. Luis Loyola of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) of DENR V said Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje made the clarification following news reports stating that the DENR has already lifted the mining moratorium it has imposed early this year as it moved to cleanse the mines bureau of ageing mining applications using the “use it or lose it” policy.

The cleansing, using the “use it or lose it” policy means cancellation of mining applications that were unable to comply with all the requirements set by the government through the MGB.

Loyola, relaying Paje's instruction, explained that the DENR has not lifted the moratorium on the processing and issuance of new mining permits and no new mining permit has been issued as the DENR is committed to address first the increasing concerns aired by various sectors, including local government units, on the environmental and social impacts of mining.

The processing of industrial sand and gravel permit applications, however, has been resumed pursuant to Memorandum Circular No. 14 dated October 11, 2011 when the Department of Public Works and Highways brought to the attention of the DENR that sand and gravel are basic items/ materials for construction activities.

It will be recalled that earlier this year, the DENR ordered all the MGB regional offices nationwide to cleanse 50 percent of their pending and inactive mining applications by February 20, 2011 and June 30, 2011 for the remaining 50 percent.

Before the end of June 30, the MGB had successfully completed its drive to cleanse its records and its accomplishment reached over the targeted number or 195 mining applications out of the 194 actual target applications regionwide.

Nationwide, MGB V, together with MGB regional offices in regions I, VII, VIII, X, and XII were able to meet their targets in terms of physical 100 percent accomplishment. (MAL-DENR/MGB V)

Fisherfolk’s kids in Bicol receive scholarship from BFAR

PILI, Camarines Sur, December 9 (PIA) -- Ten lucky and deserving students from different localities in Bicol region passed the Fisherfolk Children Examination given by the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) last September 17, 2011 held at the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture in here.

Passers include Regine C. Oco of Minalabac, Camarines Sur; Danica B. Casabueno of Tabaco City; Cybel L. Dialogo of Cabusao, Camarines Sur; Maritoni C. Borromio of Tabaco City; Jennelyn S. Vargas of Nabua, Camarines Sur; Shiela Mae R. Abarientos of Cabusao, Camarines Sur; Maoelyn L. Aguilar of Cabusao, Camarines Sur; Naisy B. Balingbing of Malilipot, Albay; John Rex C. Balino of Caramoran, Catanduanes and; Salvador S.A. Taduran Jr. of Buhi, Camarines Sur.

Regional director Dennis del Socorro of BFAR V said the awardees will enjoy a full scholarship grant for college studies leading to the degree of Bachelor of Science in Fisheries or other related course with free matriculation and other school fees, monthly stipend, semestral book allowance, thesis support and graduation support from the BFAR-Fisheries Industry Development Support Division.

They may enroll in the nearest fishery school in their area and must maintain a scholastic standing of a general weighted average not lower than 2.75 until completion of the 4-year course.

Since 1994, BFAR conducts a biennial qualifying exam under its Fisherfolk Children Educational Grant. This program aims to assist talented and deserving children of poor small-scale fisherfolk in the pursuit of higher education for their socio-economic improvement.

Qualified to the grant is a high school graduate or 4th year graduating student who is a son/daughter of bonafide small-scale fisherfolk, of not more than 20 years old, not presently enrolled in any course and has a general weighted average of not lower than 80 percent. The family’s annual gross income must not be more than P 25,000. Parents must be a member of a fishing association/cooperative duly attested by the chairman and secretary of the association. And he or she must be a resident of the municipality for at least four years.

The passers of the 2011 Fisherfolk Scholarship Grant Competitive Examination are the 6th batch of BFAR-Bicol’s scholars. (MAL/KHilotin, BFAR V)

Virac, Bato sign sisterhood pact with Makati City
by Edna A Bagadiong

VIRAC, Catanduanes, December 9(PIA)-- The towns of Virac and Bato here signed sisterhood agreements last November 23, 2011 at the Makati City Hall with Makati.

Present during the signing of the separate memorandum of agreement (MOA) were Bato Mayor Eulogio Rodriguez and Virac Mayor Jose Alberto II with the members of their respective Sangguniang Bayan and Makati City Mayor Jejomar Binay Jr.

The MOA will strengthen the friendship ties and mutual understanding of the local government units through exchanges in Science and Technology, Culture and Arts, Tourism, Planning and Urban Development, Commerce and Trade and Industry, Education and Sports Development, Environmental Protection, Public Health and Social Services, and other concerns.

The said towns will also benefit from the sisterhood with regards to the expected assistance from Binay which includes donation of books and multicab, scholarship grants at the University of Makati for the indigent students, calamity assistance, training programs for local officials, and on-the-job observation tours of best practices at the city of Makati to share he best practices.(MAL/EAB, PIACatanduanes)

Training/workshop on integrated coastal management in Camarines Norte

by Rosalita Base-Manlangit

DAET, Camarines Norte, December 9 (PIA) –- For the effective planning, development, and implementation of programs to protect the natural resources especially in the coastal areas, a two- day training/workshop on integrated coastal management (ICM) for the 12 municipalities was conducted December 8-9 by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) here.

The training aims to discuss and build consensus on the organizational arrangement for the development and implementation of ICM plan and the roles and responsibilities of stakeholders.

Provincial Environment and Natural Resources officer Elpidio Orata said that the outcome of the ICM should be implemented by the local government units being the frontliners in the municipalities.

He also said that there are already existing laws and ordinances to protect the coastal areas especially the mangrove areas in the locality.

Governor Edgardo Tallado, represented by Roma Ilustre said that he supports the program on ICM and he is aware on the abuse of the environment not only here but also in other parts of the country.

The provincial government is continuous in its advocacy not only on illegal fishing but also on education, illegal mining, and illegal drugs in the province, Ilustre stated.

One of the topics discussed during the training is the Executive Order 533 adopting the integrated coastal management as a national strategy to ensure the sustainable development of the country’s coastal and marine environment and resources and establishing supporting mechanisms.

The activity was attended by the municipal agriculture officer (MAO), municipal environment national resources officer (MENRO), or the councilor committee on Environment of the 12 municipalites of the province, together with the provincial government counterparts, representatives, and heads of the Coastguard, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), and the Philippine Information Agency(PIA). (MAL/RBM, PIA Camarines Norte).

2011-12-07T10:36:00.002+08:00

DPWH Bicol gets P5.265 billion for 2012

by Ed de Leon

LEGAZPI CITY, December 7 (PIA)– The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Bicol regional office was allocated a total of P5.265 billion to fund the agency’s various infrastructure projects in the six provinces of the region next year.

According to DPWH regional director Danilo Dequito, the 2012 funds allocation is 30 percent more than the P3.9 billion allocated for this year or P1.3 billion over the 2011 budget.

The DPWH regional chief said that the amount will be used to fund 156 infrastructure projects that includes roads, bridges, flood control and other projects that are urgently needed in line with the Aquino administration’s thrust to attain inclusive growth , alleviate poverty, generate jobs and spur economic growth of Bicol as contained in the Philippine Development Plan (PDP).

Dequito said that 132 of the total projects worth P2.4 billion will be implemented by the DPWH District Engineering Offices (DEOs) .

He said that 33 of the projects to be implemented by the District Engineering Offices cost some P20 million and below or with a total cost of P655 million, while 99 projects cost of P20 million to P50 million with a total cost of P1.76 billion.

He added that the DPWH regional office will be implementing a total of 20 projects worth P2.84 billion pesos whose budget per project is above P50 million to P150 million

Dequito said that DPWH Secretary Rogelio Singson has earlier directed the DPWH regional office and the DEOs to fast track the pre-construction activities meaning that all this projects should undergo bidding by the end of this year and construction should start by January.

He said that Secretary Singson has reminded them that the process should always adhere to the Three Rs policy of the secretary, that is, right project, the right cost and the right quality.(MAL/EDL, PIA V)

Govt., private sector step up protection, conservation measures for whalesharks
by Irma A. Guhit

SORSOGON CITY, Dec 7 (PIA) -- Protection and conservation efforts for the whalesharks or butanding in Sorsogon got another boost from the government and private sector following the gathering of all national government agencies, allied organizations, and other concerned stakeholders. The plan is to draw out plans of action to ensure the protection of the gentle giants of the sea being "vulnerable to extinction" as declared by the International Conservation of Nature.

Department of Tourism (DOT) V regional director, Maria Nini O. Ravanilla, said a three-day National Technical Conference on the Protection and Conservation of WhaleSharks in the Philippines will be held December 6-8 at Villa Isabel here that will primarily draw out the standard of operating protocol (SOP) on responding to stranded or beached whalesharks.

Nonie Enolva, team leader of Fisheries Regional Emergency Stranding Response Team under the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) V will also present the latest researches on whalesharks conducted by non-governmental organizations.

Raul B. Burce of the WWF-Philippines based in Donsol will zero in on the Introduction to WhaleSharks in the Philippines.

Photo identification of whalesharks; genetic/DNA testing ; tagging; reconnaissance of physio-chemical characteristics of the waters in Donsol; and IEC on whalesharks Bantay Butanding (The Butanding Network: A Database System) will also be expounded by the agency.

A visit to the Sorsogon Provincial Museum and Heritage Center Inc. to view the replica of the whale shark vertebrae will end the first day activity.

The second day will provide the participants knowledge on the Philippine and International laws and agreements on the protection and conservation of the whalesharks; the economic impact of whalesharks eco-tourism; Whale Shark Code of Conduct; the whalesharks eco-tourism; roles of the local governments on the protection and conservation of the whalesharks; and roles of the MFARMC .

Meanwhile the Regional Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Management Council will present the Regional Whalesharks Stranding Response Activities and Initiatives to provide the participants the proper handling of stranded whalesharks.

Ravanilla explained that the third day will focus on the formulation of the action plan for the protection and conservation of the whaleshark in the Philippines drafted by the national agencies concerned and other participants and this will be observed as SOP in the implementation on responding to stranded and beached whale sharks. (MAL/IAG, PIA Sorsogon)

2011-12-06T10:16:00.001+08:00

Govt., private sector step up protection, conservation measures for whalesharks
by Irma A. Guhit

SORSOGON CITY, Dec 6 (PIA) -- Protection and conservation efforts for the whalesharks or butanding in Sorsogon got another boost from the government and private sector following the gathering of all national government agencies, allied organizations, and other concerned stakeholders. The plan is to draw out plans of action to ensure the protection of the gentle giants of the sea being "vulnerable to extinction" as declared by the International Conservation of Nature.

Department of Tourism (DOT) V regional director, Maria Nini O. Ravanilla, said a three-day National Technical Conference on the Protection and Conservation of WhaleSharks in the Philippines will be held December 6-8 at Villa Isabel here that will primarily draw out the standard of operating protocol (SOP) on responding to stranded or beached whalesharks.

Nonie Enolva, team leader of Fisheries Regional Emergency Stranding Response Team under the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) V will also present the latest researches on whalesharks conducted by non-governmental organizations.

Raul B. Burce of the WWF-Philippines based in Donsol will zero in on the Introduction to WhaleSharks in the Philippines.

Photo identification of whalesharks; genetic/DNA testing ; tagging; reconnaissance of physio-chemical characteristics of the waters in Donsol; and IEC on whalesharks Bantay Butanding (The Butanding Network: A Database System) will also be expounded by the agency.

A visit to the Sorsogon Provincial Museum and Heritage Center Inc. to view the replica of the whale shark vertebrae will end the first day activity.

The second day will provide the participants knowledge on the Philippine and International laws and agreements on the protection and conservation of the whalesharks; the economic impact of whalesharks eco-tourism; Whale Shark Code of Conduct; the whalesharks eco-tourism; roles of the local governments on the protection and conservation of the whalesharks; and roles of the MFARMC .

Meanwhile the Regional Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Management Council will present the Regional Whalesharks Stranding Response Activities and Initiatives to provide the participants the proper handling of stranded whalesharks.

Ravanilla explained that the third day will focus on the formulation of the action plan for the protection and conservation of the whaleshark in the Philippines drafted by the national agencies concerned and other participants and this will be observed as SOP in the implementation on responding to stranded and beached whale sharks. (MAL/IAG, PIA Sorsogon)

'Asoge' video to detail danger of Mercury

Legazpi City, Dec 6 (PIA) –- Much has been said about mercury (asoge) but only a few have a clear knowledge of its origins, properties and presence in everyday items.

Dan Abril, media coordinator of the "Ban Toxics," said the environmental organization has since been devoted to environmental justice and removing the presence of mercury in artisanal small-scale gold mining and other sectors.

The advocacy program, according to Abril, has received support from the Swiss government and the Swedish Society for Nature Conservation (SSNC) has produced a 16-minute documentary film on mercury.

Ban Toxic will launch a video December 8 that will detail the toxicity of the heavy metal and how it can seriously affect the environment and communities.

"Biyaheng Asoge" will also show the dangers posed by mercury to our health and the environment.

The video ends with a number of recommendations on how to reduce and eventually eliminate the use of mercury.

Abril stressed that at a time when stakeholders are realizing the dangers and risks posed by mercury, this video is a significant addition to the growing wealth of information on mercury.

This video launching will also formally open a forum on the proper handling and storage of the element. (MAL/DAAbril)

PRC conducts Mobile Outreach Program in Catanduanes
by Edna A Bagadiong

VIRAC, Catanduanes, Dec 6 (PIA)-- The Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) conducted a Mobile Outreach Program at the provincial capitol of Catanduanes on November 25-26.

It is the first time for PRC to conduct such service in Catanduanes. According to regional director, Elenita Tan of PRC, the said program aims to make it easy for applicants in the renewal of licenses, registration of new passers, and application for those who would like to take the examination on December 29.

She also said that their program will continue and their agency is also considering the establishment of an extension office in the province.

Repeaters, she added, will have to take the examination on January 30, 2012; while on March 11, 2012 it will be the turn for those taking the Licensure Examination for Teachers (2012).

Those benefited by the program were thankful since it helped them save a lot in terms of convenience, time, money, and effort. MAL/EAB,PIA Catanduanes)

2011-12-05T10:22:00.002+08:00

DTI V launches pili nut menu fare

LEGAZPI CITY, Dec 5 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in the icol region has launched pili nut recipes in the "Pili Kulinarya" last week in Naga City in a concerted effort by stakeholders to promote pili as Bicol’s regional brand.

Pili Kulinarya is a component of DTI’s continuing Food Business Development (BizDev) Program wherein pili is cited as Bicol’s flagship commodity and recognizes its potential as a main ingredient in various culinary applications.

The event is unprecedented and intended to mainstream pili nut as a culinary fare.

Bicolanos were privileged to have Glenda Barretto, president and chief executive officer of Via Mare Corporation, keynote the event; she shared her cooking expertise to selected hotel and restaurant chefs, promoting pili as their main dish and special ingredient.

Barretto also taught coach master chefs of selected local hotels and restaurants on how to develop and present the pili recipes highlighting pili as an ingredient in various preparations for snack and luncheon events.

After the launch, it is expected that mid-to-high-end hotels and restaurants in Bicol would include pili nut recipes in their regular menus. (MAL/JB-DTI V)

Buy and use commodities with safety clearance - DTI

LEGAZPI CITY, Dec 5 (PIA) -- At on the onset of the Christmas season, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) regional office here and the provincial field offices in Bicol reminded anew consumers to buy decorative lights and other electronic gadgets that bear the Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) to ensure a safer holiday celebrations.

DTI in Bicol alerted the public to be vigilant and extra cautious in choosing Christmas lights they buy and adorn in their homes with so as not to put the lives of their loved ones in danger.

DTI Bicol regional director Jocelyn Blanco stated, “only those sets of Christmas lights with the ICC sticker have passed DTI’s mandatory safety tests, thus these products are safe and reliable to use.”

DTI regulates the sale of Christmas lights in the local market to protect consumers from the hazards posed by substandard products such as electric shock and overheating that often lead to fire, property damages, and even loss of lives.

Under DTI Bureau of Product Standards (BPS) Product Certification Scheme that is based on the Department Administrative Order (DAO) 05:2008, all importers of Christmas lights shall secure an ICC certificate, prior to the sale, and distribution of their products in the local market.

Only those whose products have complied with the requirements based on the Philippine National Standard on Christmas lights (PNS 189:2000) are appropriately issued with the ICC certificate and are allowed to affix the ICC stickers on their products or product packages.

Blanco emphasized, “The ICC mark is in sticker form and comes with a unique serial number. Those sets of Christmas lights with pre-printed ICC mark on its package are definitely uncertified and did not undergo proper tests and inspections of the Department.”

Consumers may report stores selling Christmas lights without ICC marks to DTI regional office at Tel. No. 4805721 or to the nearest DTI provincial office. (MAL/JB-DTI V)

Red Cross in CamSur joins nationwide “Million Volunteer Run”

by Lizel S. Macatangay

NAGA City, Dec 5 (PIA) -- Throngs of health buffs and ordinary locales, Red Cross chapter officials and volunteers led the pack of runners Sunday (December 4) in support of the historic nationwide “Million Volunteer Run (MVR)” held along the main thoroughfares of this city.

Clamrence Racquel Abada, Red Cross Camarines Sur OIC chapter administrator said the 3K and 5K running events highlighted the celebration of the “International Year of Volunteers” in 2011 as declared by the United Nations.

Abada also said that the event aims to empower countless volunteers in preparing for any unforeseen dangers brought about by both man-made calamities and natural disasters.

“We recognized the vulnerability of our community every time we are being hit by a disaster. We at the Red Cross believe that in times like these, preparedness is still the key to lessen, if not totally eradicate the number of casualties and limit the scope of damages that a particular catastrophe can do in a community,” she explained.

Abada furthered that the “Million Volunteer Run” will help the Red Cross in the country and abroad in raising the awareness of the community while empowering the Red Cross 143 Volunteer Work.

The fund, which will be generated from MVR, will be used to train and equip the Red Cross 143 Volunteers by way of Disaster Risk Prevention activities and will be utilized to procure life saving equipment, moreover, incite the spirit of volunteerism in every Filipino.

The project had its soft launch early this year on May 19 and officially unveiled September this year.

Organizers believe that raising the number of its volunteers will ensure a network of capable volunteers who will serve as first responders and blood donors, during the occurrence of any catastrophic event.

Registered runners received an official Volunteer Kit which includes Volunteer Fun Run Shirt, Disaster Preparedness Guide, Red Cross 143 ID Card and whistle.

Red Cross Camarines Sur will continue to live to its mission, answering every disaster call and ensuring that the most vulnerable communities in the province are being served according to their needs.

Camarines Sur is one of the earliest Red Cross chapters organized when the Philippine Red Cross was recognized as an independent National Society. It has already earned various national awards as Outstanding Chapter of the Year for its exemplary performance. (MAL/LSM-PIA Camarines Sur)

Search for Best Barangay Solid Waste Management Practices kicks-off

by Edna A Bagadiong

VIRAC, Catanduanes, Dec 5 (PIA)-- The preliminary judging for the Search for Barangay Solid Waste Management Practices kicked-off last November 21 spearheaded by the local government unit of Virac under Mayor Jose U. Alberto II.

The activity aims to ensure solid waste is managed in such a way that protects both public health and the environment.

Republic Act No. 9003 or the “Ecological Solid Waste Management Act” provides the legal framework for the country’s systematic, comprehensive, and ecological solid waste management program that ensures protection of public health and the environment.

It underscores, among other things, the need to create the necessary institutional mechanisms and incentives; it also imposes penalties on violators.

The criteria for judging is as follows: Awareness (10 percent), Governance (25 percent), Waste Segregation and Composting (30 percent), SWM Support System (20 percent) and General Cleanliness (15 percent). Bonus points will be given to any barangay which has shown exemplary waste management practices and has developed innovative ideas/system which is worth emulating by other LGUs.

The said activity is in line with the 1st Virac Inter-Barangay Competition. (MAL/EAB, PIA Catanduanes)

World Vision, media partner to reduce TB stigma

by Irma A. Guhit

SORSOGON CITY, Dec 5 (PIA) -- A two-day training for the members of the broadcast media from Sorsogon dubbed "Accelerating Media's Role in reducing TB Stigma" was held last week at Hotel Venezia, Legaspi City to beef up media’s role in helping reduce the stigma of persons afflicted with tuberculosis by providing them right information on air.

Andy Espinar, KBP Sorsogon chapter president and station manager of DZMS-AM here, said the training is primarily focused to equip media practitioners an in-depth understanding on how the sector can help eradicate the stigma and fear of this dreaded disease as perceived by the public

According to Espinar the training they have undergone will make them responsible and well-informed broadcasters specially in explaining that a person afflicted with the disease should develop health-seeking behavior and avoid such incident as the “case of Clarita.”

“Media has a major role to play in reducing the stigma of TB by creating informed awareness on tuberculosis. As broadcasters, let us partner with agencies like World Vision to improve the health situation here in our province," Espinar also said.

The training program is a partnership project of the World Vision and KBP Sorsogon Chapter.

Meanwhile, World Vision, which has a project of TB case detection and control here said that despite the long fight against TB in Sorsogon City, there remains a stigma that is an obstacle to improve the health seeking behavior of the populace specially people afflicted with this disease based on their findings.

“Clarita Detera, 54, from Brgy. San Pascual here died of TB last June 2011. Her death reminds us that tuberculosis stigma is still rampant despite the absence of research about facts and impact of discrimination and TB stigma in Sorsogon City,” according to Leo Legaspi, Wold Vision Community Development officer.

“Before she was diagnosed, Clarita showed symptoms of TB for more than a year already, according to the midwife who noticed her condition.

The midwife encouraged her to visit the health center but Clarita dismissed the suggestion and said, “ubo lang ito (this is only colds/coughs),” “wala akong TB (I don't have TB),” “bigyan mo ako ng anti-biotics (just give me antibiotics).”

Over the years, this was how Aling Clarita made excuses to hide her disease until she can no longer bear the pain. That was when she finally submitted her sputum for examination.But it was too late. She died soon after.

Legaspi explained that stigma can be experienced internally (self-stigma) or externally (discrimination). Internal stigma can lead to a person’s unwillingness to seek help or access resources.

He said that external stigma can lead to discrimination based on one’s perception. It can be seen through negative reactions that prejudices seriously to the sick person.

Stigma according to Legaspi as scientifically defined, is the process by which the reaction of others spoil normal identity and this is the usual behavior displayed by persons afflicted by tuberculosis as in the case of Clarita.

Legaspi said that with this challenge, they have to seek the strong assistance of media and their role is to campaign and articulate to the community that TB is a sickness that is curable and reducing stigma of persons afflicted with this disease should be well understood by the person him/her self and develop a health seeking behavior for its cure.

Legaspi said that the two - day training for media have provided them the needed skills and information in their crucial function in reducing TB stigma by creating informed awareness on tuberculosis to the public through broadcast.

"The question that the media asked World Vision on how they can help in our program, is through this training that will enable them to be partners with WV, and by accelerating their role in reducing the stigma of TB.

A total of 18 participants coming from different broadcast outlets attended the said training and committed to start providing the public the right awareness in eradicating the stigma of tuberculosis. (MAL/IAG-PIA Sorsogon)

2011-12-02T10:27:00.000+08:00

Task Force arrests 42 for human trafficking in Bicol from Jan-Nov

by Ed de Leon

LEGAZPI CITY, December 2 (PIA) -- At least 42 persons were arrested for human trafficking in Bicol during the period from January to November this year, according to the Regional Anti-Trafficking in Persons Task Force (RATTF) 5.

In a joint meeting of the Regional Law Enforcement Coordinating Committee (RLECC) Sub-Committees on Human Trafficking and Sub-Committee on Crimes Against Public Morals of the RATTF 5 held last November 29, Atty. Remiel O. Nibungco, operations officer of the task force, reported that Camarines Sur has the highest number of arrested persons with 17 cases and 33 victims, while Sorsogon has the second highest number with seven persons arrested.

He also reported that the cities of Tabaco and Legazpi had four each while Iriga City, Camarines Norte, and Catanduanes had two each and Albay with one.

Nibungco said that cases were already filed against the arrested persons and they are in the various stages of prosecution.

Meanwhile, Police Senior Supt Michel Amos Filart, regional officer of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit (CIDU) and Sub-Committee on Crimes Against Public Morals head, reported that a 155 persons were arrested by his men for illegal gambling during 31 operations were 22 cases were filed during the same period under review .

He said that on human trafficking the unit spearheaded 20 operations which resulted in the arrest of 15 persons and filed four cases.

While their campaign on pornography they were able to arrest two persons and filed two cases while on child abuse they were able to arrest six persons.

RLECC Human Trafficking Sub-Committee chair and Bicol Regional State Prosecutor Atty. May De Ledoz who also presided the joint meeting said that the committee intends to conduct an intensified advocacy campaign among local government officials and other stake holders to be able to further reduce if not eliminate human trafficking in Bicol. (MAL/EDL, PIA V)

Dev't council pushes for tourism development

by Lizel S. Macatangay

NAGA CITY, December 2 (PIA) -- Members of the Metro Naga Development Council (MNDC) convened Tuesday to come up with strategic development plans as part of their ongoing preparation for their upcoming “Tooling Up for Tourism” Project.

This is part of the Local Economic Development (LED) Strategy of MNDC geared to promote local tourism of its member-local government units (LGUs) and partner agencies.

Stakeholders were tasked to participate in the Strategic Planning Workshop, specifically the group who were involved in coming up with enabling mechanisms that will aid the Council in identifying short and long term LED initiatives by its alliance.

Before proceeding to the workshop proper, Sieg Bulaong, MNDC Executive Director, identified various concerns hampering the growth and promotion of tourism in Naga City and also to the other fourteen (14) municipalities which include Bula, Calabanga, Camaligan, Canaman, Gainza, Magarao, Milaor, Minalabac, Ocampo, Pamplona and Pasacao.

Some of the identified impediments hampering the total promotion of the desired tourism development within the MNDC areas include the lack of cultural activities beyond Naga City ’s annual and historic Peñafrancia celebration, underdeveloped ecotourism and heritage sites, and lack of accredited or qualified local guides who will accompany foreign and domestic tourists.

Metro Naga, based on the previous discussions, was not actively sold as a destination emerging from poor linkage with travel agencies outside Bicol, few inbound travel agents and tour operators and weak tourism-related competence of front liners.

The team has also identified lack of market diversity where most of the local and foreign tourists flock at the Camarines Sur Water Sports Complex (CWC) being one of the limited places where they spend their spare times and recreation.

Seeing these impediments, the team came up with various suggestions on how to raise the competitiveness of Metro Naga in terms of Eco-Cultural Tourism. One of the identified solutions is to strengthen the Metro Naga Integrated Tourism Value Chain which would include, among others, product development of member-LGUs, human resource development and institutional strengthening, destination marketing and infrastructure development.

The team also focused on the stimulation of investments and entrepreneurship among its members; organizing and mobilization of business groups and entrepreneurs; expanding the scope of availability of financing and technical support from the national government agencies (NGAs) and private sector; and the promotion of women’s participation in entrepreneurship which has already taken root in some local government units.

MNDC will continue to lead the pursuit of development and contribute in spearheading progress initiatives to alleviate poverty in the province. (MAL/LSM, PIA Camarines Sur)

Media declares support to implementation of CCA National Framework

LEGAZPI CITY, December 2 (PIA)-- Various national media organizations reaffirmed their commitment of support Friday last week to the government's pursuit of mainstreaming Climate Change Adaptation programs and strategies in the country.

Herminio “Sonny” Coloma, Jr. Secretary of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO) read and subsequently turned over the four page Philippine Media Declaration on Climate Change to President Benigno C. Aquino III pledging concerted action to effect public awareness and pursue a nationwide advocacy for Climate Change Adaptation and mitigation.

The statement emphasizes that access to relevant information on climate change is vital to sustain a living planet and for the survival of human beings

Vital information concerning climate change would significantly acknowledge social, economic and environmental benefits in taking action to combat the effects of climate change phenomemon.

He said media institutions recognizes that the information provided by media plays a critical role in stimulating policy debate and in mobilizing knowledge to empower societies to make informed decisions on options for mitigation and adaptation.

The media declaration was signed by officials of the National Press Club of the Philippines (NPC), Kapisanan ng mga Broadkaster sa Pilipinas (KBP) Publishers Association of the Philippines (PAPI), Foreign Correspondent Association of the Philippines (FOCAP) and the Philippine Network of Environmental Journalist (PNEJ)at the First National Media Conference on Climate Change Adaptation held at the Bicol University Amphi-theater where hundreds of media representatives from across the country attended the three day conference.

At the conference, print and broadcast journalist agreed to share and disseminate climate change information and hold training sessions on Climate Change Adaptation (CCA) and Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) for media.

Promotion of regional and international collaboration among all media organizations for the enrichment of climate change reporting and skills enhancement of media practitioners through training, exchange of knowledge, best practices. (MAL, PIA V/Albay)

PDRRMO conducts five-day training on Water Search and Rescue

by Edna A Bagadiong

VIRAC, Catanduanes, December 2(PIA)-- The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (PDRRMO) here conducted a five-day training on Water Search and Rescue from November 21-25, 2011 at Twin Rock Beach Resort, Virac, Catanduanes.

The said training was organized by PDRRMO pursuant to the memorandum agreement between the provincial government and the Coast Guard in view of the growing number of local fishermen lost at sea during typhoons and bad weather conditions.

Around 57 individuals from five towns of the province participated the said training where only 54 finished the rigorous training conducted by six instructors under the command of LTJG. Jimmy Naisod of the Philippine Coast Guard Bicol Special Operations UNit.

Municipalities of Pandan, Panganiban, Gigmoto and Baras have nine (9) participants each and twelve (12) trainees from the town of Viga.

The fund for the said activity came from Governor Joseph C. Cua's administration with counterpart funding of the participating LGUs. (MAL/EAB, PIA Catanduanes)

Pili Kulinarya showcases Pili as premium nut

by Lizel S. Macatangay

NAGA CITY, December 2 ( PIA) --- Recognizing Pili as Bicol’s flagship commodity, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) regional office V recently launched Pili nut recipes at Villa Caceres Hotel here in “Pili Kulinarya”.

The launching of Pili Kulinarya, attended by local chefs, patron, local entrepreneurs, food services owners, caterers and members of the local media, aims to promote Pili as Bicolandia’s prime regional brand in both the medium market and high-end consumers as main dish ingredient and not just a sweet delicacy.

Glenda Barreto, president and chief executive officer of Via Mare Corporation, keynoted the event sharing her cooking expertise to selected hotel and restaurant chiefs, introducing Pili Nut as their menu’s special ingredient.

The Pili tree, which easily propagates itself under tropical temperature and well drained soil, can be mostly found in various parts of the Bicol Region. Its fruit contains essential amino acids responsible for the development of the muscles, provides healthy bones and skin and support healthy blood sugar levels.

The Pili nut has also a rich concentration of magnesium which is responsible for the development of healthy nerves, muscles and bones.

Seeing its market and health potential, various promotional projects have already been spearheaded by local DTI branches in the region. The program is also widely supported by local government units.

In Naga City, Mayor John Bongat has also launched PiliMania to push for a collective planting of Pili trees in the main thoroughfare of the city.

Naga also earned its name as the pasalubong center due to the influx of foreign and domestic tourists buying various Pili Sweet delicacies as “pasalubong”.

During the recently concluded 22nd Advertsing Congress held at the Camarines Sur Water Sports Complex (CWC) in Pili, Camarines Sur, a double-decker pili nut cookies was a scene-stealer and became the crowd’s favorite. It was created by J. Emmanuel Pastries, Bicol’s top exporter of Pili nut products.

DTI Camarines Sur information officer Jay Ablan said that the event will serve as a great push for food experts to come up with new innovations in food preparation using Pili Nut as the chief ingredient in their main dish. Provincial Director Edna Tejada said, he is also been very supportive of various endeavors promoting Pili Nut as Bicol’s premium commodity.

Pili Kulinarya is under the agency’s continuing Food Business Development (BizDev) program which aims to create a business focus network and jumpstart long-term promotional program for the emerging market in the food industry. (MAL/LSM, PIA CamSur)

2011-11-28T09:33:00.000+08:00

Heightened campaign vs illegal drugs nets daily arrest--PDEA

by Aida Alcazar-Naz

LEGAZPI CITY, November 28 (PIA) -- Law enforcement authorities have been making numerous arrests of persons linked with illegal drug activities in the past months that cases of violation of Republic Act 9165 or Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002 have already been filed against 168 persons.

Atty. Teodoro Caparroso, regional information officer of Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA) Bicol, disclosed that PDEA, the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI), have apprehended drug pushers and users in almost daily basis.

The PDEA official also revealed that shabu or methamphetamine, a powerful addictive stimulant, is now the drug choice of users based on the apprehensions made. Marijuana is second most abused drug.

Kalampunay or talampunay in Filipino, also called angel’s trumpet, is being abused by some, said Caparroso. He cautioned parents to monitor their children as the use and abuse of the plant leads to mental problems if not death.

Based on PDEA statistics most of the users came from the provinces of Camarines Sur, Albay and Camarines Norte.

Bicol’s PDEA spokesman stated that highlight of the celebration of Drug Abuse Prevention and Control Week on November 13-19, 2011 was the destruction of illegal drugs used as evidence in Sorsogon City last November 15.

The disposal of illegal drugs was to guarantee the public that seized items do not fall into the wrong hands, explained Caparroso.

The public disposal of illegal drugs has been carried out this year in various areas like this city, Naga City, Daet, Camarines Norte and soon Ligao City. This activity was witnessed by court representative representing the judge, representatives from the Department of Justice, counsel of the accused, Department of Health, the Integrated Bar of the Philippines, socio-civic organization like the Rotary Club and members of the media.

Drug Abuse and Prevention and Control Week is observed each year pursuant to Presidential Proclamation 124 dated November 26, 2001. This year’s theme was Global Action for Healthy Communities Without Drugs.

Caparroso said that schools and local officials observed the event through drug abuse forum and symposium. P/Supt Nilo Berdin, chief of police of Daraga, Albay organized a one-day seminar at Anislag National High School last November 17.

Local officials, schools who wish to conduct seminars on campaign against drug abuse and any information about existence of drug activities including requests for rehabilitation are advised to call PDEA hotline 480-7712 or 09086760884.

At present there are 26 individuals undergoing rehabilitation in two centers in Bicol. This year the highest number of persons that underwent drug rehabilitation reached 72. (MAL/AAN, PIA V)

Catanduanes State College grads top CE Board Exam

by Edna A Bagadiong

VIRAC, Catanduanes, November 28 (PIA) -- Three graduate students of the Catanduanes State Colleges (CSC) top the November 2011 Civil Engineer Licensure Examination administered by the Professional Regulation Commission.

Benjie T. Pantino, Benjames T. Go and Jerwin DL. Rendon slammed the Top 1-2-3 ranks in the CE Board Exam with a rating of 98.05%, 97.35% and 97% respectively. They all have been CSC’s award-winning contestants in different regional and national CE quizzes and were consistent dean’s listers.

Benjie who hails from Marilima, Virac and is a son of a farmer and housekeeper was a valedictorian in his Elementary and High School years.

Benjames, second placer was a Salutatorian in Elementary and 7th Honorable Mention in High School. His father is a foreman and his mother is a housekeeper.

Jerwin, third placer whose father is a tricycle driver and whose mother is a housekeeper was a valedictorian in elementary.

The said accomplishment brings the number of topnotchers produced by CSC to 24 in Civil Engineer and Junior Geodetic Engineer LicensureExminations.

Pantino is also the third graduate of CSC who bagged the First Place in CE.

Thelist of CE passers is as follows: Aguilar, Fuschia May T.; Agunday, Noel P.; Aldea, Jaypee T.; Alejandro, Richmonilyn T.; Arcega, Arjay C.; Bagadiong, Alfredo Jr. Z.; Borja, Edrey C; Borja, Jan Rassel M.; Bronola, Evelyn T.; Caballero, Benjie T.; Dela Cruz, Jeremy M.; Delos Santos, Daisy T.; Dolores, Famino Paul J.; Gianan, Arjen M.; Gomenez, Jonathan S.; Go, Benjames T.; Lanon, Mark Laurence M.; Ligsay, Rogelio Jr. C.; Lizaso, Jessel T.; Magdaraog, Sonia Richelle B.; Magtangob, Rosalyn; Magtangob, SSherwin C.; Molod, Dexter C.; Nakpil, Renalyn Erika P.; Panti, Marife T.; Pantino, Benjie T.; Pantino, Michelle T.; Pinlac Ronnie V.; Quintal, Lorenzo Miguel T.; Rodriguez, Inoue Philip L,; Rendon, Jerwin D.; Samonte, Anna Vanessa O.; Santos Henry Jr. T.; Santos, Jayson T.; Tabinas, Janny G.; Tabuzo, Ervin T.; Tanael, Ronnel T.; Tapia, Raymond T.; Taway, Danilo V.; Tejada, Joseph E.; Tindugan, Xylene Kristel T.; Torrente, Dave T.; Torrente,Kelly T.; Villanueva, Archie T.

CSC has a passing rate of 69.84% which is above the national passing rate of 34.28%.

A recognition ceremony for the topnotchers, passers and their parents as well as faculty members and staff of College of Technology Department of Engineering will be held by CSC. (MAL/EAB, PIA Catanduanes)

Catanduanes State Colleges, Gender and Development committee lead campaign against violence on women

by Edna A Bagadiong

VIRAC, Catanduanes, November 28 (PIA)-- The Catanduanes State Colleges (CSC) Gender and Development (GAD) Committee spearheads the 18-day Campaign to End Violence Agianst Women (VAW) which started last November 25, 2011 and will end on December 12.

In 1999, the UN General Assembly designated 25 November as the International Day for the Elimination of Violence against Women. Violence against women and girls is a problem of pandemic proportions.

Women's activists have marked 25 November as a day against violence since 1981. The date commemorates the brutal assassination of the three Mirabal sisters, political activists in the Dominican Republic, in 1960 on orders of Dominican dictator Rafael Trujillo (1930-1961).

As a support to the campaign, Dr. Minerva I. Morales, SUC President III of CSC issued a memorandum requiring all teaching, non-teaching personnel and students, except Grades I to IV to participate in the parade and mass held last November 25.

In connection, a Seminar for CSC employees on VAW was held on the same day at the CSC Little Theater from 1:00-5:00 p.m. A whole-day training for Security Guards on Gender Sensitization is also being held today, Nov. 28 and on December 13 at the CSC Little Theater.

Moreover, a Gender Awareness Seminar for Student leaders will also be conducted on December 14 at the audio-visual room for the whole day.

Students from the different college of CSC also joined the activity. (MAL/EAB, PIA Catanduanes)

2011-11-27T15:22:00.000+08:00

PNoy inaugurates Climate Change Academy in Albay
…first in the country, first in the world

by Marlon A. Loterte

LEGAZPI CITY, November 27 (PIA) -- President Benigno C. Aquino III led Friday (November 25) the inauguration of the Climate Change Academy of Albay for Local Government Units (CCA-LGUs) that will serve as a venue for development of competencies in climate change adaptation through research and training for local climate and disaster risk management policy development, integration, training and mainstreaming in the Philippines.

The country’s first CCA-LGUs came about following years of painstaking efforts of developing an institution as Albay’s, as well as the country’s, response and adaptation measure in a bid to ease the adverse impact of global warming resulting in climate change and extreme weather events.

President Aquino, along with Sec. Herminio “Sonny” Coloma of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), Sec. Florencio “Butch” Abad of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Sec. Ramon Paje of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Albay Gov. Joey Salceda led the ribbon-cutting rites and later toured booths of exhibits of government and private institutions showcasing CCA initiatives and programs.

Salceda, also UN senior global champion on climate change adaptation and UN Green Climate Fund adviser, said the academy is just one of the many initiatives and programs of the Centre for Initiatives and Research on Climate Adaptation (CIRCA), under the provincial government of Albay, set up to gather scientific and actual experiences from several stakeholders had been consolidated into modules and manuals, particularly for the different local government units in the country.

Salceda cited the importance of institutionalizing adaptation strategies and policies through the academy to address the impacts and challenges of climate change as well as raising public awareness through the different forms of media.

“Ang Climate Change Academy is the first of its kind in the world. Wala pa pong ganyan sa buong mundo (There is nothing like that in the whole world). It’s essentially a knowledge management institution,” Salceda said.

The academy is the brainchild of the CIRCA of the provincial government of Albay and a concrete output of the MDG-F1656 Albay Demo site of the Joint Programme of the Government of the Philippines (GOP).

Manuel Rangasa, executive director of CIRCA, explained that from its rich history of coping and recent innovative endeavors at disaster risk-reduction and climate change adaptation, it is obvious that Albay is a role model for other LGUs in these areas. It is in the best position to function as a learning laboratory for the other LGUs to learn from.

Rangasa also disclosed that the provincial government of Albay has initially spent some P10 million for the renovation and modernization of the academy building and facilities located at the Bicol University in Old Albay District here.

He added that during the 1st National Media Conference on CCA held here Thursday (November 24), Secretary Paje of DENR has committed P5 million from his department’s fund to augment resources for the academy, while development partners such as the Spanish government’s Agencia Española de Cooperación Internacional para el Desarollo (AECID) has also vowed commitment of similar support.

CIRCA is now implementing the Millennium Development Goal Achievement Fund (MDG-F) 1656 Joint Programme (JP) on Strengthening the Philippine Institutional Capacity to Adapt to Climate Change involving nine Government of the Philippines (GOP) partners and six UN partners with the assistance of the Spanish government.

On November 4, 2010, the Climate Change Academy for LGUs in the Philippines was officially launched and an MOU Signing among the Office of the President-Climate Change Commission, the United Nations System and the Provincial Government of Albay during the Opening of the LGU SUMMIT+3i Luzon and the 4th General Assembly of the League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP) witnessed by the Albay Provincial Board Council, representatives from the Spanish Government/AECID and NEDA Central Office.

Rangasa said local planners, decision and policy makers and even sectoral agencies, can now have a center of excellence where they can develop competencies on mainstreaming disaster risk reduction (DRR) and CCA.

He added that the academy will not only be able to provide the theoretical moorings for climate adaptive localities but it can also be a venue for sharing experiences and best practices on DRR and climate change impact management.

“As the pre-eminent institution in climate change adaptation in the Philippines, the academy’s primary purpose is to develop integrated competencies and provide information and technology for building the resilience of communities to climate change impacts,” Rangasa said.

Rangasa added that the academy is responsible for the development and strengthening of the theoretical knowledge and practical skills of major local stakeholders on climate and disaster risk assessment, focusing on characterization and evaluation of climate hazards, vulnerabilities and adaptive capacities; disaster and climate risk reduction and management; and climate change adaptation and disaster risk management, planning and programming.

The academy will employ the “Capacity Development for Better Governance” approach on four levels, including awareness on disaster risks and climate change issues; modular and progressive training on scenario building, climate and disaster risk assessment, and disaster risk management; Technical assistance for mainstreaming of disaster and climate risk management in local planning processes and outputs; and guided experiential learning in the implementation of “disaster or climate proofing” by local stakeholders. (MALoterte, PIA V/Albay)

2011-11-27T15:20:00.001+08:00

Pres. Aquino tells PIA Weather Watch, 'good job'

By Jerome Carlo Paunan

LEGAZPI CITY, Nov. 27 (PIA) -- President Benigno S. Aquino III commended the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) for the effective use of its 'Weather Watch' Facebook Fan Page in boosting government's disaster preparedness and response.

President Aquino was here over the weekend, to inaugurate the Climate Change Academy together with Governor Joey Salceda--the lead initiator of the academy, Environment Secretary Ramon Paje and Presidential Communications and Operations Office (PCOO) Secretary Sonny Coloma.

"Congratulations on a good job!", Betty Lou Penera, PIA planning director, quoted President Aquino as saying after he viewed the PIA Weather Watch booth which was part of an exhibit inside the lobby of the academy based at the Bicol University campus.

The FB Weather Watch site relies on the popularity of the social networking site to operate on the framework of 'Problem-Information-Action' or another acronym for the PIA. It was conceived and launched by PIA Director General Jose Fabia at the height of Typhoon Juan in October, last year in coordination with the Central Communications Desk of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO).

Earlier, Fabia said this other acronym for the agency signifies the free and continuous flow of timely and accurate disaster-related information to the National Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council and other agencies to help people in need and save lives.

Weather Watch has served as an internet and texting-based tool of the national government for early warning and response in times of natural disasters. In addition to reports monitored from private media on a 24-hour basis, Weather Watch also uses situation reports gathered from the field by PIA staff from 16 regions and 58 provinces across the country.

Likewise, the web page also informs the public, particularly those who have relatives and friends, about the weather situation in disaster-hit areas.

"To put it simply, Weather watch uses new media as a tool in saving lives through disaster preparedness," Penera said, as she described the page that provides not only real-time weather updates, but flooding situations, information on road conditions and even school and work suspensions related to bad weather.

Penera said that among the notable contributions of weather Watch was the immediate rescue of at least 9 families from a landslide that hit St. Bernard town in Southern Leyte on Jan. 2, 2011; the prompt rescue of about 50 passengers from possible drowning on Oct. 1, 2011 when their truck became stranded after the river in Brgy. Tuec in Camiling, Tarlac overflowed due to Typhoon Quiel; and the real-time updates and warning on evacuation efforts as well as observations in the country during the March 11, 2011 Japan tsunami incident.

Currently, Weather Watch has gained a total of 13 million post views, 13,786 feedbacks and 4,570 online "likes." Penera said FB users need only to "like" the Weather Watch page to have a reliable 24/7 source of Philippine weather updates.

Penera was part of a PIA team led by Deputy Director General Virgilio DC Galvez and PIA Bicol Regional Director Ed de Leon which covered the presidential visit in Legazpi City.

2011-11-25T16:25:00.001+08:00

President Benigno S. Aquino III delivers his speech during the 1st National Media Conference on Climate Change Adaptation at the Bicol University Amphitheater, Legazpi City on Friday (November 25). The president underscored the importance of institutionalizing the fight against climate change as well as raising public awareness through the media. (Alex Cal/PIA)

2011-11-25T16:04:00.002+08:00

Albay Governor Joey Sarte Salceda welcomes President Benigno S. Aquino III during the 1st National Media Conferene on Climate Change Adaptation and inauguration of the Climate Change Academy, held at Bicol University, Legazpi City, on Friday (November 25). (Alex Cal/PIA)

2011-11-25T10:30:00.000+08:00

PNoy inaugurates Climate Change Academy in Albay …first in the country, first in the world
by Marlon A. Loterte

LEGAZPI CITY, November 25 (PIA) -- President Benigno C. Aquino III led today the inauguration of the Climate Change Academy of Albay for Local Government Units (CCA-LGUs) that will serve as a venue for development of competencies in climate change adaptation through research and training for local climate and disaster risk management policy development, integration, training and mainstreaming in the Philippines.

The country’s first CCA-LGUs came about following years of painstaking efforts of developing an institution as Albay’s, as well as the country’s, response and adaptation measure in a bid to ease the adverse impact of global warming resulting in climate change and extreme weather events.

President Aquino, along with Sec. Herminio “Sonny” Coloma of the Presidential Communications Operations Office (PCOO), Sec. Florencio “Butch” Abad of the Department of Budget and Management (DBM), Sec. Ramon Paje of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Albay Gov. Joey Salceda led the ribbon-cutting rites and later toured booths of exhibits of government and private institutions showcasing CCA initiatives and programs.

Salceda, also UN senior global champion on climate change adaptation and UN Green Climate Fund adviser, said the academy is just one of the many initiatives and programs of the Centre for Initiatives and Research on Climate Adaptation (CIRCA), under the provincial government of Albay, set up to gather scientific and actual experiences from several stakeholders had been consolidated into modules and manuals, particularly for the different local government units in the country.

Salceda cited the importance of institutionalizing adaptation strategies and policies through the academy to address the impacts and challenges of climate change as well as raising public awareness through the different forms of media.

“Ang Climate Change Academy is the first of its kind in the world. Wala pa pong ganyan sa buong mundo (There is nothing like that in the whole world). It’s essentially a knowledge management institution,” Salceda said.

The academy is the brainchild of the CIRCA of the provincial government of Albay and a concrete output of the MDG-F1656 Albay Demo site of the Joint Programme of the Government of the Philippines (GOP).

Manuel Rangasa, executive director of CIRCA, explained that from its rich history of coping and recent innovative endeavors at disaster risk-reduction and climate change adaptation, it is obvious that Albay is a role model for other LGUs in these areas. It is in the best position to function as a learning laboratory for the other LGUs to learn from.

Rangasa also disclosed that the provincial government of Albay has initially spent some P10 million for the renovation and modernization of the academy building and facilities located at the Bicol University in Old Albay District here.

He added that during the 1st National Media Conference on CCA held here Thursday (November 24), Secretary Paje of DENR has committed P5 million from his department’s fund to augment resources for the academy, while development partners such as the Spanish government’s Agencia Española de Cooperación Internacional para el Desarollo (AECID) has also vowed commitment of similar support.

CIRCA is now implementing the Millennium Development Goal Achievement Fund (MDG-F) 1656 Joint Programme (JP) on Strengthening the Philippine Institutional Capacity to Adapt to Climate Change involving nine Government of the Philippines (GOP) partners and six UN partners with the assistance of the Spanish government.

On November 4, 2010, the Climate Change Academy for LGUs in the Philippines was officially launched and an MOU Signing among the Office of the President-Climate Change Commission, the United Nations System and the Provincial Government of Albay during the Opening of the LGU SUMMIT+3i Luzon and the 4th General Assembly of the League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP) witnessed by the Albay Provincial Board Council, representatives from the Spanish Government/AECID and NEDA Central Office.

Rangasa said local planners, decision and policy makers and even sectoral agencies, can now have a center of excellence where they can develop competencies on mainstreaming disaster risk reduction (DRR) and CCA.

He added that the academy will not only be able to provide the theoretical moorings for climate adaptive localities but it can also be a venue for sharing experiences and best practices on DRR and climate change impact management.

“As the pre-eminent institution in climate change adaptation in the Philippines, the academy’s primary purpose is to develop integrated competencies and provide information and technology for building the resilience of communities to climate change impacts,” Rangasa said.

Rangasa added that the academy is responsible for the development and strengthening of the theoretical knowledge and practical skills of major local stakeholders on climate and disaster risk assessment, focusing on characterization and evaluation of climate hazards, vulnerabilities and adaptive capacities; disaster and climate risk reduction and management; and climate change adaptation and disaster risk management, planning and programming.

The academy will employ the “Capacity Development for Better Governance” approach on four levels, including awareness on disaster risks and climate change issues; modular and progressive training on scenario building, climate and disaster risk assessment, and disaster risk management; Technical assistance for mainstreaming of disaster and climate risk management in local planning processes and outputs; and guided experiential learning in the implementation of “disaster or climate proofing” by local stakeholders. (MALoterte, PIA V/Albay)

Catanduanes State College grad top 7 in midwifery exams

VIRAC, Catanduanes, November 25 (PIA) -- A graduate student of the Catanduanes State Colleges (CSC) placed 7th in the November 2011 Midwife Licensure Examination (MLE).

Nirvana Josabel G. Ortiz, 18, has sustained the Catanduanes State Colleges’ record of producing MLE examination topnotchers for several years now. She earned a rating of 87 percent.

The air that pervaded at CSC, particularly in the College of Health Sciences (CHS), was likewise jubilant when it was declared by the Professional Regulation Commission as the Second Best Performing School in the country. CHS earned an 88.89 passing percentage which is way above the 45.29 national passing percentage.

Nirvana, who hails from Bislig, San Andres, Catanduanes, finished her elementary education at Bislig Elementary School and her secondary education at San Andres Vocational School. She declares being an average student but believes she has never been a stagnant learner. “As one matures, knowledge also exponentially increases,” she said.

This new licensed midwife incidentally is the youngest of the 15 children of Isaias Ortiz, a farmer, and Juana Gurrobat - Ortiz who died when Nirvana was barely 10 months old. Nirvana grew up under the care of her eldest sister Jocelyn.

She told she has always been fascinated with white uniform that it was her childhood dream to take up a health-care profession course. When she did not make it to the nursing admission test, she took up midwifery, which she also considers as one of her top choices for a college degree. Her immediate goal now is to find a job where she can practice her profession.

Nirvana joins 23 other new CSC MLE passers comprised of Abundo, Diana Rose T., Aguilar, Ma. Marife G., Aquino, Jemarie O., Brides, Bevalyn P., Buitre, Rolerose P., Camatoy, Judy Rose C., Camu, Ella Abegail T., Eubra, Maria Ailene T., Flor, Ruby C., Grefalda, Gladys M., Lama, Gissel N., Naldoza, Joy Raine G, Obico, Jhona Rey G., Quintal, Helen Die M., Rodulfo, Rodelyn, Temporal, Michelle Ross T., Sapico, Erel B., Sarmiento, Nealyn C., Surban, Carol Mae P., Tabo, Jehoney B., Tabor, Mary Ann M., Ramirez, Lyzel O., Tusi, Fariza Mae O.

To date, CSC has already produced 14 midwifery board placers, comprised of three 2nd Placers (Kathleen Shiela B. Ramirez - 2010 Erica B. Obogne – 2009, Maria Rosario T. Rodriguez – 2006), two 4th Placers (Erlinda Frondozo-Tabor – 1990 and Kristel Mae V. Cervantes – 2007), one 6th placer (Chique S. Santos – 2007), four 7th Placers (Nirvana Josable G. Ortiz - 2011, Roselyn O. Abines – 2010, Jonna Mae A. Quintal – 2009, Marilyn Idanan-Lucero – 1979), one 8th Placer (Jacqueline P. Laroya – 2008), one 9th Placer (Agnes F. Trinidad – 2007) and two 10th Placers (Cheyserr Kate R. Villegas – 2010 and Janessa M. Medrana – 2007).

Meanwhile, CSC has already earned six citations from the Professional Regulation Commission as Best Performing School nationwide. It was declared Top Performing School in 2010 and 2008, Second Best this 2011, in 2006 and in 2005 and Third Best in 2007.

CSC President Minerva I. Morales commended the faculty members of CSC CHS headed by Dean Jocelyn Ll. Jordan for attaining another significant accomplishment which is barely four months after it produced a 9th placer in the July 2011 Nurse Licensure Examination.

The CSC administration will tender a recognition ceremony to its new MLE placer and passers on November 29, 2011. (GSR/CSC/PIA
Catanduanes)

4,899 beneficiaries of Daet and Talisay included in 4Ps next year

by Rosalita Base-Manlangit

DAET, CAMARINES NORTE, November 25 (PIA) -- Some 4,899 households from the town of Daet and Talisay will be included next year in the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development Office (DSWD).

DSWD Regional Director RemiaTapispisan said that of 4,899, a total of 3,637 are from the town of Daet while the remaining 1,262 are from the town of Talisay where the two towns were not included in the list of 4Ps before.

She said that they are now conducting registration and validation of the beneficiaries of 4Ps in the said towns in preparation for the immediate release of the cash subsidy next year.

It will be recalled that of the 12 towns of the province, 10 towns were already included with 24,773 beneficiaries, making the total next year of 29,672 families provincewide.

DSWD Regional Director Tapispisan cited that there will be an additional of 56,000 beneficiaries of 4Ps in the bicol region next year.

She explained that the DSWD has selected the qualified beneficiaries through the National Household Targetting System for Poverty Reduction (NHTS-PR) using a computer system to pin point the situation of municipalities on who or where are the indigent families located.

The 4Ps is a poverty reduction and social development strategy of the national government that provides conditional cash grants to extremely poor households to improve their health nutrition and education particularly children below 14 years old. (MAL/RBM,PIA Camarines Norte)

FIDA launches abaca disease management project cum training in Irosin

by Irma A. Guhit

SORSOGON CITY, November 25 (PIA) -- The Fiber Development Authority (FIDA) in close tandem with the local government of Irosin launched yesterday the Abaca Disease Management Project cum Training at the Patag Eco Park with 80 participants in attendance from its several identified abaca potential producing barangays.

Irosin municipal mayor Eduardo F. Ong, Jr in his message said that the local government of Irosin has seen the best opportunity in the abaca as an industry, it being one of the best plants that can be propagated in their town given the topography, land classification and weather conditions within the areas identified as planting sites based on FIDA’s assessment.

Mr. Daniel L. Lachica, FIDA Development Officer here in the province said that the training was more on the identification of the “three deadly trio” disease of abaca namely; Bunchy Top, Bract Mosaic, and Abaca Mosaic and how can these be treated, controlled and finally eradicated given the new technologies discovered by FIDA and the opportunity for its massive plantation in the town of Irosin.

The province of Sorsogon, according to Dr. Editha O. Lomero, Ph.D., regional director and officer-in-charge, has been one of the biggest suppliers of abaca fiber of good quality and since the time that abaca was affected with these three diseases, abaca production here has deteriorated.

The current administration under President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino according to her has pushed to revitalize and rehabilitate certain endemic industries within specific regions and here in Sorsogon, Irosin town has been for the past years one of the volume quality suppliers of hemp.

The farmers yesterday during the training were taught on the disease identification, application of chemicals and the right monitoring on how the abaca plant can be cultivated again to become an economic base of people in the countryside as major livelihood source.

FIDA will also provide job order for personnel who will conduct and assist in the treatment according to Lachica and these will be the abaca propagators themselves who will be tapped.

Mayor Ong has forged commitment with FIDA to start the project and initial funding to the barangays of Bagsangan, Mapaso, Bolos, Carriedo, Cogon, Santo Domingo, Monbon , Cawayan and Patag and will soon be provided. (MAL/IAG, PIA Sorsogon)

2011-11-24T09:15:00.001+08:00

Aquino to inaugurate Climate Change Academy in Albay

MANILA, November 24 -- President Benigno S. Aquino III will lead the inauguration of the Climate Change Academy in Albay on Friday in connection with the observance of the Climate Change Consciousness week.

This year’s climate change observance will have a theme “convergence on climate change” which is expected to elicit a higher level of climate change consciousness among media practitioners and eventually the general public.

In a press briefing in Malacanang on Tuesday, Albay Gov. Joey Salceda underscored the importance of institutionalizing the fight against climate change as well as raising public awareness through the media.

“Ang Climate Change Academy is first of its kind in the world, wala pa pong ganyan sa buong mundo. It’s essentially a knowledge management institution,” Salceda said.

Given the vulnerability of the Philippines, being the third most vulnerable country in the world, Salceda said battling or reducing the impacts of climate change is a paramount concern of the government.

“Mahalaga po lalung-lalo na para sa atin na para hindi natin makalimutan yung ating mga natutunan noong Ondoy at Pepeng na halos 3 percent ng GDP [gross domestic product] ang nawala sa isang iglap, wala pa sa anim na oras ay nasira ang buong GDP, yung kinayod ng buong ekonomiya for one year sa loob ng anim na oras nawala po dahil sa isang bagyo,” he said noting the impact of typhoons to the country’s economy.

Other countries that send their participants to the Climate Change Academy in Albay include those from Laos, Myanmar, Kenya, Nepal and many others, Salceda said.

Also, the local government of Albay is also holding the Philippine Media Conference on Climate Change Adaptation on November 24 to 26 that will gather media practitioners and foreign correspondents for a three-day workshop to tackle climate change and the impacts of natural disasters.

The workshop is aimed at promoting the importance of awareness to climate vulnerabilities and the need to accelerate the achievement of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) at the local level. It will also advocate the use of science-based analytical and planning tools on climate change adaptation and disaster risk management.

Among the expected participants include the Philippine Information Agency, Foreign Correspondents Association of the Philippines, the Malacanang Press Corps and other media organizations.

The three-day gathering is sponsored by the Provincial government of Albay, Climate Change Commission, Presidential Communications Operations Office, Presidential Adviser for Environmental Protection, Presidential Adviser on Climate Change, Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) and Department of Science and Technology (DOST), National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Kapisanan ng mga Broadcaster ng Pilipinas (KBP), National Press Club (NPC), United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Spanish government. (PCOO)

Philippines adopts National Climate Change Action Plan

MANILA, November 24 -- President Benigno S. Aquino III convened the Climate Change Commission to adopt the National Climate Action Plan in compliance with the country’s international commitments especially to the United Nations Framework for Climate Change Convention.

President Aquino chairs the Climate Change Commission, an independent and autonomous body that has the similar status of a national government agency.

Albay Gov. Joey Salceda, who met President Aquino at the Palace Tuesday, said the plan is about adaptation to climate change and mitigating its impact particularly on the economy.

The action plan will also become the basis of any assistance that will come from industrialized countries in Europe and the US, which are being blamed for global warming because of massive use of fossil fuels in their industries.

“It’s a critical balance, but I think in the case of the Philippines, it is biased towards adaptation. Adaptation being that you fight the impact of climate change.

Mitigation, because you fight climate change itself,” Salceda said in a media briefing in Malacanang on Tuesday prior to his meeting with the President.

Asked by reporters how prepared is the Philippines about changing weather patterns, Salceda said the country is one of the most well-prepared countries in the world putting in place legislations and guidelines that address climate change.

“Isa tayo sa pinakahanda. Pero hanggang kailan tayo tatagal, iyon na lang po ang diperensya. Kasi kung tataun-taunin ka ba naman na 3 percent ang tatanggalin sa ekonomiya mo, iyong pinag-ipunan mo laging nawawaldas sa wala. You keep rebuilding, you need to earn the same amount of gross value added in the economy, you have to keep investing on your gross domestic capital formation,” he said.

On the average, Salceda said, the country is losing to climate change about 0.31 percent of the gross domestic product (GDP). It may look insignificant but some provinces like Albay is hurt by the impact, he added.

The national action plan will be presented to the climate change conference to be held in Durban, South Africa, and it will be the basis of compensatory measures that rich countries have committed to pay.

“Ang national climate action plan is a requirement so that the EU and Japan, Australia will know just where—kung saan sila papasok para iyong kanilang kino-commit para po sa climate change ay puwedeng gamitin ng Pilipinas,” he said.

Included in the national plan are the guidelines and framework on how the country can use the assistance once it is approved in Durban.

The Philippines will join other countries in pushing for financial assistance to fight climate change as the country’s negotiators leave late this month for Durban.

Last December, negotiators agreed to create a green climate fund that could be accessed by vulnerable countries like the Philippines. They are expected to tackle in the Durban meeting the way to get the money once the fund is approved. (PCOO)

FIRST CLIMATE CHANGE ACADEMY (CCA) SET TO OPEN

LEGAZPI CITY, November 24 – The country’s first Climate Change Academy (CCA) is set for inauguration this week after years of painstaking efforts to develop an institution that is the brainchild of the Centre for Initiatives and Research on Climate Adaptation (CIRCA) for the Provincial Government of Albay (PGA).

CCAcademy is the province of Albay’s response and adaptation measure in a bid to mitigate the adverse impacts of global warming resulting to climate change and extreme weather events.

“The Academy is just one of the many initiatives/programs of CIRCA which the provincial government has put up to gather scientific and actual experiences from various stakeholders that had been consolidated into modules and manuals particularly for the different local government units in the country,” UN senior global champion on climate change adaptation and UN climate fund adviser, Gov. Joey Salceda explained.

Albay Governor Joey Sarte Salceda, UN senior global champion on climate change adaptation and UN climate fund advisor has invited President Benigno Aquino III to be the keynote speaker.

The event coincides with the 1st National Media Conference on Climate Change Adaptation, launched as part of the pre-conference of parties (COP17) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) to be held in Durban in South Africa late this month.

The Climate Change Academy (CCA) for Local Government Units (LGUs,) is a concrete output of the MDG-F1656 Albay Demo site of the Joint Programme of the Government of the Philippines (GOP).

The CIRCA is currently implementing the Millennium Development Goal Achievement Fund (MDG-F) 1656 Joint Programme (JP) on Strengthening the Philippine Institutional Capacity to Adapt to Climate Change involving nine Government of the Philippines (GOP) partners and six UN partners with the assistance of the Spanish Government.

Margarita R. Songco, Deputy Director General of NEDA once said “A global issue such as climate change needs local response and action. Development of climate change initiatives lies in the local institutions. Therefore, it is important for local governments to mainstream CCA into local policies and consider vulnerabilities of communities.”

On November 4, 2010, the Climate Change Academy for LGUs in the Philippines was officially launched and an MOU Signing among the Office of the President-Climate Change Commission, the United Nations System and the Provincial Government of Albay during the Opening of the LGU SUMMIT+3i Luzon and the 4th General Assembly of the League of Provinces of the Philippines (LPP) witnesed by the Albay Provincial Board Council, representatives from the Spanish Government/AECID and NEDA Central Office.

From its rich history of coping and recent innovative endeavors at disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation, it is obvious that Albay is a role model for other LGUs in these areas. It is in the best position to function as a learning laboratory for the other LGUs to learn from.

The CCAcademy also provides the necessary support for mainstreaming the climate change adaptation and risk reduction framework down to the local government units in the Philippines.

Local planners, decision and policy makers and even sectoral agencies, can now have a center of excellence where they can develop competencies on mainstreaming DRR and CCA.

The academy will not only be able to provide the theoretical moorings for climate adaptive localities but it can be a venue for sharing practical experiences and best practices on DRR and climate change impact management.

The CCA is the home of competencies in climate change adaptation through research and training for local climate and disaster risk management policy development, integration, training, and mainstreaming in the Philippines.

As the pre-eminent institution in climate change adaptation in the Philippines, the CCA’s primary purpose is to develop integrated competencies and provide information and technology for building the resilience of communities to climate change impacts.

The mission of the Academy is to advance the community of learning by engaging in S&T research and innovation and in building capacity of government and other sectors to address the impacts of climate change; provide a high quality learning experience to decision makers, community leaders, and local planners to enable them to benefit from the effort of Provincial Government of Albay-Center for Initiatives and Research on Climate Adaptation (PGA-CIRCA) and other institutions and communities in climate change adaptation;

cultivate a learning environment that values intellectual curiosity, pursuit of knowledge, and academic freedom and integrity to prepare the next generations for the challenges of climate change; conduct research, training, and outreach to identify, develop or modify tools and measures for addressing local impacts of climate change; establish a living laboratory and demonstration facility that will showcase innovations, practices and technologies that contribute to climate resilience by improving the quality of life, increasing agricultural productivity, protecting the environment, promoting the well-being of families, and conserving natural resources;

offer educational and training programs, including workshops using the demonstration facility of climate change technologies and lessons from other learning experiences, to individuals and groups establish partnerships with communities and provide educational, technical and cultural support to increase the livability of communities vulnerable to climate change; establish partnerships with government, industry and other organizations to support the success of its mission; and establish and support a community of practice in climate change adaptation and disaster risk management through facilitation of real and virtual information exchange and dialogue among climate practitioners and stakeholders.

The Academy is responsible for the development and strengthening of the theoretical knowledge and practical skills of major local stakeholders on: a) climate and disaster risk assessment, focusing on characterization and evaluation of climate hazards, vulnerabilities and adaptive capacities; b) disaster/climate risk reduction and management; and c) Climate change adaptation /disaster risk management, planning and programming.

The Academy will employ the “Capacity Development for Better Governance” approach on four levels: Awareness on disaster risks/climate change issues; Modular/progressive training on scenario building, climate and disaster risk assessment, and disaster risk management; Technical assistance for mainstreaming of disaster/climate risk management in local planning processes and outputs; and Guided experiential learning in the implementation of “disaster/climate proofing” by local stakeholders.

Science-based Governance:
Albay is showcasing how improved governance through the use of science-based analytical and planning tools for mainstreaming disaster and climate change risk management into the comprehensive land use and development plans of its municipalities and cities as well as into the provincial educational system, translates Into the achievement of the MDGs and long term sustainable development.

Education for Risk Management:

Albay also uses the education sector to develop knowledge and skills on disaster/climate risk management among the young, ensuring a sustainable capacity base among its people. (Example: Lesson Exemplars and Syllabus)

Knowledge Management:

The Academy is the living laboratory of all sectoral case studies in the Philippines through the University of the Philippines Institutes (UPIs); Repository of Knowledge Management Platform of the United Nations.

The Cross Cutting of the Academy includes Capacity Assessment and Development; Competency Development Program and Resource Person Pool; Knowledge Management and Information,

Education and Communication (IEC); Research and Development and Technology Transfer; Training Modules Tools on Disaster and Climate proofing; Monitoring and Evaluation.

Equity:

All Parties (The Nine GOP partners and Six (6) UN partners and Albay) shall mobilize and allocate necessary personnel, resources to effective and efficiently implement and operate the Climate Change Academy for Local Government Units as the first Center of Excellence in the Philippines.

Academy Ownership:

Local ownership--Provincial Government of Albay (PGA) as proponent and host LGU
National Ownership – Government of the Philippines (GOP)
International and global ownership – United Nations System (UNS)/Spanish Government/AECID

Resource Speakers: IPCC Experts and Senior Scientist; NASA Senior Scientists & experts; University of the Philippine Institutes; University of Sunshine Coast, Queensland, Australia; CLIMSystem Limited ( IPCC experts); National Government Agencies; United Nations Systems Experts & Scientists.

Sosogon Festival to stage “Farmers and Fishermen Got Talent Show”

by Irma A. Guhit

SORSOGON CITY, November 24 (PIA) -- The famous television show ‘Pilipinas Got Talent’ will have its own innovative format here in the forth coming Sosogon Festival this December.

With a more grassroots version, the famous talent show here will be showcasing the varied talents of the people working in the in agricultural and fishery sectors dubbed “Farmers and Fishermen Got Talent Show" (FFGTS).

Adelaida Detera, Sorsogon City Agriculture department head, said that in keeping with this year’s Sosogon Festival, their office will engage the fishermen and farmers to showcase their talent in singing, dancing , Rawit Dawit ( a local way of poetry recitation) and Quiz Bee and will zero in on the theme : How do I Help Adapt and Mitigate the Bad Effects of Climate Change interpreted through a various genre.

In a meeting conducted early this week at the Sorsogon City Agriculture Office, activities to highlight the other side of these workers in agriculture will be staged in a more theatrical presentation showing their mettle and prowess in various artistic fields and knowledge-based competition.

"Here they will not be using their nets and farm tools but their innate God given gifts and these sectors will be shown in a different light," she said.

Sosogon Festival now on its 5th year of celebration has lined up varied activities to highlight the different sectors of society in a more"christmasy spirit".

Mayor Leovic R. Dioneda said that the festival is an avenue for the people of Sorsogon to celebrate ,have fun and share aside from showing the different sector’s way of commemorating the foundation day of this city through the festival.

Meanwhile forms for the competition can be accessed through the city Agriculture Office and deadline is set up to Nov. 25.

Detera is hopeful that giving opportunities to this sector in showcasing their talents is also a way of making them inspired and share something different to the public who view them as land and sea based workers.

Detera also explained that prizes will be at stake to the winners and participants to this competition will add color to this year’s Sosogon Festival 2011 celebration.

She said farmers and fisherfolks are the truly grounded sector in our community who provide us the staple food in our table, this time around watch them show something truly entertaining and prove that they too like others got talent. (MAL/IAG, PIA Sorsogon)

500 day care pupils celebrate early X-mas with Rotary Club

VIRAC, Catanduanes, November 24 (PIA) -- A total of 500 Day Care Pupils from San Andres town here received an early Christmas present in forms of bags and school supplies from the Rotary Club of Parañaque East as part of their educational program last November 19, 2011 at San Andres Central Elementary School Gymnasium.

Municipal Mayor Antonio Romano and Councilor Jonathan Joson were in attendance during the gift-giving which benefited 29 Day Care Centers in the said town.

The program aims to help pupils especially those in remote barangays to improve their performance ast school.

Rotary Club of Parañaque has been actively supporting series of medical missions in the province which already benefit 5,000 recipients. They are also providing medicines and medicinal supplies to local hospitals and other groups.

The said gift-giving program is also in cooperation with the Congressional District Office under the leadership of Congressman Cesar V. Sarmiento of the Lone District of Catanduanes. (MAL/EAbagadiong, PIA Catanduanes)

Palace declares Dec. 7 as special holiday in Virac

VIRAC, Catanduanes, November 24 (PIA) -- Malacañang declared December 7, 2011 as a special non-working holiday in the capital town Virac for the celebration of Virac Fiesta.

According to Proclamation No. 827 issued last November 9, 2011 by Executive Secretary Paquito Ochoa by authority of President Benigno Simeon Aquino III, declaring Dec. 7 a holiday is but fitting and proper for the people of Virac to have an opportunity to celebrate and participate in the occasion.

The celebration of the town’s foundation day also coincides with the Feast of the Immaculate Conception on December 7-8, 2011 which actually starts on November 28 with a Novenario at the Immaculate Conception Cathedral at 5:30 p.m.

Moreover, an Agro-Fair which shall feature best products offered by the town will be held as part of the celebration. There will also be Virac Idol and Best Dance Crew contests on December 2, still a part of the week-long celebration.

On Dec. 3, the Virac Videoke Challenge will be held followed by the Million Volunteer Run spearheaded by the Philippine Red Cross Catanduanes Chapter and Battle of the Bands as well as Beer Plaza on the next day, Dec. 4.

A civic-military parade around Virac downtown and a shoot fest dubbed as Pistoleros’ Shoot Fest at Camp Francisco Camacho will take place on December 7 followed by the vesper ball in the evening.

In the final day of Dec. 8, a concelebrated mass to be led by Bishop Manolo A. delos Santos will be held followed by indigenous and parlor games at Plaza Rizal. (EA Bagadiong, PIA Catanduanes)

2011-11-23T15:00:00.000+08:00

RPOC-V MEETING -- Camarines Norte Governor and RPOC Chairman Edgardo Tallado (top photo) presides over the Regional Peace and Order Council meeting at the DILG Training Hall, DILG R-5 Compound, Legazpi City today (Wednesday) November 23, 2011. Photo shows (R-L) M/Gen. Josue Gaverza, Jr., 9th ID Commanding General, PNP-5 Reg. Dir. PCSupt. Cecilio B. Calleja, Jr.. and DILG Reg. Dir. Balndino M. Maceda. The council discussed and presented the update of peace and order, drug abuse situation and status of implementation of basic services in RPOC priority areas. (Alex Cal/PIA)

2011-11-23T10:08:00.000+08:00

Camarines Sur National High School finest eco-friendly school in PH

LEGAZPI CITY, November 23, (PIA/DENR) -- Never settling for its 2009 second place honor, the Camarines Sur National High School (Cam High) in Naga City triumphed among the country’s eco-friendly schools and managed to get the national championship this year.

Known among the academe for its sustainable environment friendly programs, Cam High was adjudicated as Bicol’s most eco-friendly school in school year 2011, which further pushed its environmental programs and projects to the fore of the school’s curricula.

Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Bicol Regional Executive Director Joselin Marcus Fragada praised Cam High for its back-to-back win as among the most eco-friendly high school in the country today.

“This should serve as an inspiration among our local academe, to do well and strive harder to pursue a green institution, wherein students are highly aware of their roles in keeping our environment sustainable and protected” Director Fragada said.

Awarding Ceremonies

The DENR, together with the Department of Education (DepEd) and Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and Smart Communications, has named nine schools as the national champions of the 2011 National Search for Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Schools.

Handing out the awards in simple ceremonies held Wednesday (Nov. 16) at the SM City North EDSA were DENR Assistant Secretary for Management and Finance Corazon Davis, representing DENR Secretary Ramon J. P. Paje; Smart’s Community Partnerships senior manager Darwin Flores; DepEd’s Nutrition Division head Dr. Juan Araojo Jr.; and CHED Director William Malitao.

In a speech read by Davis, Paje described as “overwhelming” the schools’ response to the call for entries to the competition. “The contest was launched so that schools will participate more actively in environmental programs. We hope that in doing so, the students will also encourage others to adopt sustainable practices,” Paje said.

The nine national champions were chosen from 45 regional champions representing the elementary, high school and college levels. For the elementary level, Iliranan Elementary School of San Carlos City in Negros Occidental; Kibawe Central School in Kibawe, Bukidnon; and San Mariano Elementary School in Roxas, Oriental Mindoro were proclaimed as first, second and third placers, respectively.

Declared high school level champions were the Camarines Sur National High School in Naga City (1st); University of San Jose Recoletos – High School in Cebu City (2nd); and Daniel R. Aquinaldo National High School in Davao City (3rd).

Meanwhile, De La Salle University – Dasmariñas in Cavite; Palawan State University in Puerto Princesa City; and Ateneo de Manila University in Quezon City were awarded the first, second and third places for the college level.

The national champions each received plaques of recognition and cash prizes of P50,000 for first place, P40,000 for second place, and P30,000 for third place. The awarding coincided with the celebration of November as National Environmental Awareness Month as provided under Republic Act No. 9512, also known as the National Environmental Awareness and Education Act of 2008.

Now on its second run, the nationwide competition aims to recognize educational institutions from elementary to college levels with the best sustainable and environment-friendly programs and activities. It is the Philippines’ initative in support to the ASEAN Environmental Education Action Plan (2008-2012), and the United Nations Decade of Education for Sustainable Development (2005-2014). (MAL/RLMendones, DENR V)

DTI, DAR partner for “Plant a Tree Program”

by Irma A. Guhit

SORSOGON CITY, November 23 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and the Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) have forged partnership for the massive planting of the pili trees here in support to the National Greening Program (NGP) of the government.

Pili, considered as a high value crop of of Sorsogon has been also identified as one of the natural environmental trees to be planted to ensure adaptation and mitigation to the ill effects of climate change.

DTI Sorsogon through the Small and Medium Enterprise Development Council (SMEDC), also coordinated with local officials in the propagation of the said high value crop.

Leah Pagao, provincial director of DTI Sorsogon, said that pili has already gained a niche in trade fairs as Bicol's best commodity champion in sales, truly marketable and an export earner for the region.

Under the Comprehensive Agrarian Reform Beneficiaries Program (CARP), beneficiaries here were also trained and tapped to plant throughout the province with seedlings supplied by the Department of Agriculture.

Alleviation of poverty, according to Pagao is one of the main objectives in the massive planting of pili hand in hand with environmental conservation and economic development enterprise.

The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) thrusts’ and the provincial government of Sorsogon’s initiative to harmonize efforts in climate change adaptation and mitigation through pili planting will be one of the continuous activities of the province to be undertaken.

Resource speakers from DA have also been tapped to provide more information to CARP beneficiaries in the proper propagation of the pili tree.

Meanwhile, seedlings were also distributed to 100 beneficiaries region-wide and proper validation of areas for pili plantation has been identified already.

The" Plant a Tree Program" has already been recommended by DENR as Secretary Ramon Paje of DENR during his visit here.(MAL/IAG, PIA Sorsogon)

Albay hosts celebration of World AIDS Day in Bicol

LEGAZPI CITY, November 23 (PIA) – It's all system go for this year’s World AIDS Day celebration in Bicol to be hosted by Albay, according to Albay Board Member Herbert Borja, co-chairman of the Albay Provincial AIDS Council.

Borja said Albay will host this year’s celebration set on December 1 and 2 with the theme – Getting to Zero for discrimination, zero new infection and AIDS related deaths.

Borja said that event on December 1 is the Street Walk information drive to be participated in by various organizations from both from private and public sectors including students of different colleges and universities. “The objective of the Information caravan is to increase awareness on HIV and AIDs prevention.”

On December 2, a policy congress on Getting to Zero will be held in Casablanca convention hall which will be highlighted by the presentation of the Rapid Assessment of the Vulnerability (RAV) result. This study was conducted in the municipalities of Bacacay, Sto Domingo, Guinobatan and Ligao City. RAV is one of the activity of the Albay AIDS Council and Department of Health (DoH) to determine the magnitude of Most At Risk Population and its vulnerabilities on HIV and AIDS.

The policy congress aims to validate the result of the RAV and formulate immediate measure to address gaps and concerns on the prevention of HIV and reduce the number of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) specially among Men who are Having Sex with men (MSM).

Meanwhile, Gayon Albay ( an organization of Lesbian, Gay, Bi and Transgender) will also launch the Human Soul Exhibit in Pacific Mall Legazpi on December 2. The Human Soul Exhibit actually promotes anti-discrimination legislations that would help eliminate stigma and discrimination among the LGBT community. This activity is in partnership with the United Nations development Progra, Health Action Information Network, Lad-Lad, Bluethumb, Alliance Francaice de Manilla, The Library Foundation-Share and pacific Mall Legazpi.(MAL, PIA V)

Christmas Cheers set to start on Dec. 16

VIRAC, Catanduanes, November 23 (PIA) -- The annual 13-day Christmas Cheers in the province will start on December 16, 2011 to be held every night at the Plaza Rizal in Virac, Catanduanes.

Performing groups/ schools will sponsor one night of delight which is one of the most awaited Yuletide entertainment festival in the entire island. Usually, performing groups are given two hours of performance.

The schedule and sponsor for each night is as follows: CSC Hablon Dawani (Dec.16), CSC Laboratory Schools (Dec. 17), Virac Pilot Elementary School (Dec. 18), JMAMES/Taytay Elementary School (Dec. 19), Buyo/Calatagan/Palta (Dec. 20), Virac Central/Antipolo/Igang (Dec.21), CNHS (Dec.22), CC/Ville St. John (Dec. 23), Music Avenue Band (Dec. 26), Star Kids (Dec. 27), Little Ms. Christmas Cheers (Dec. 28), 2nd Christmas Serenade Choral Competition (Dec. 29), and the Provincial Government on Dec. 30.

Major sponsors of the said event are Immaculate Conception Cathedral Parish, Congressional District Office, LGU Catanduanes, LGU Virac, DPWH Catanduanes, Marriage Encounterers, Catanduanes Tribune, Catanduanes Contractors Association, Mountain Care & Hikers Association, Abuad Enterprises, FICELCO, Catanduanes Tulungan Club and Rotaract Club. (MAL/EABagadiong, PIA Catanduanes)

2011-11-22T10:02:00.001+08:00

Parents told: Spare the rod

MASBATE CITY, November 22 (PIA) -- At a recent seminar, dozens of parents and guardians, senior citizens, day care teachers, lay workers and youth leaders in the municipality of Cawayan were told that beating a child to instill discipline “is harmful as it impedes his development.”

According to the resource speakers in the seminar, just ridiculing, threatening or intimidating a mischievous child has negative impact on his childhood.

Ariel M. Posadas of Plan International told participants it was time to dispose of the proverbial rod at home—or to be more apt, employ alternative, non-violent punishment to properly bring up a child.

In line with the “Strengthening Civil Society in Eliminating Violence Against Children in the Philippines” project which is sponsored by Plan International and European Union, the seminar ended with the formation of participants into what was called as “Community-Based Advocacy Mainstreaming Group” (CBAMG).

Posadas said corporal or psychological punishment that is inflicted upon children tends to be hidden because it is typically committed in the home.

Civil society groups, like the CBAMG, could uncover such violence, he added.

Dante Tizon of Philippine Legislative Committee on Population and Development said that since the ordinance’s objective was the same as that of House Bill 4455, Cawayan was virtually providing a dry run for an imminent national campaign against violent discipline of children.

Tizon said once the “Positive Discipline Act of 2011” is enacted, parents and guardians will be assisted in fulfilling their parental authority while also upholding the children’s right to protection from cruelty.

The law would bind parents and guardians to adopt “positive discipline,” an enhanced technique in disciplining children that professional caregivers employ to correct the behavior of their wards. (MAL/EA Delgado, PIA Masbate)

DTI confiscates substandard Christmas lights

VIRAC, Catanduanes, November 22 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)- Catanduanes has started its campaign against substandard Christmas lights sold by business establishments in the province as part of their monitoring to ensure public safety and to avoid unwanted incidence, according to DTI provincial director Ireneo B. Panti.

Included in the DTI operation are confiscation of substandard Christmas lights being sold in Virac Public Market and other parts of the town's capital.

Panti added that 50 pieces of Christmas lights amounting P700 were confiscated last Thursday, November 17.

DTI likewise urged the public to make sure that the products, especially the Christmas lights, are in good condition. Consumers may complain with the DTI for any substandard products sold by business establishments which may pose dangers.

Vendors were also warned to follow the law to avoid product confiscation and penalties. (MAL/EABagadiong, PIA Catanduanes)

Red Cross-Cat'nes to join nationwide fun run

VIRAC, Catanduanes, November 22 (PIA) -- The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Catanduanes Chapter will be joining the nation in a fun run dubbed as the Million Volunteer Run on December 4, 2011.

The activity is in connection with the celebration of the 10th International Year of Volunteers and aims to gather a million volunteer runners nationwide.

Million Volunteer Run also hopes to empower Filipinos against the dangers of disasters by training first responders and blood donors in preparation for any disaster.

Proceeds from the registration fee of P500 event will go to the different services especially in the training of Red Cross 143 volunteers and its disaster management programs.

The activity also emphasizes the importance of volunteerism and disaster-preparedness management through Red Cross 143 training in every barangay throughout the country.

The Million Volunteer Run will start at Plaza Rizal at around 6:00 a.m. and will end at the same venue. (MAL/EABagadiong, PIA Catanduanes)

Govt, private firms join DOLE-Bicol’s 1st Inter-Company Friendship Games

LEGAZPI CITY, November 22 (PIA/DOLE) -- A total of 16 teams have signified joining the first ever Inter-Company Basketball Friendship Tournament sponsored by the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) regional office here.

DOLE Bicol regional director Atty. Alvin M. Villamor said that the tournament, dubbed as “DOLE Cup 2011” is an experimental venture aimed at promoting a harmonious relationship among labor and management in both the private and public sectors.

He said that DOLE Bicol is serious in its mandate of promoting industrial peace and shall use all means necessary to achieve the goal set forth by the Labor Sec. Baldoz in the unified Labor and Employment Plan (LEP) in attaining a 100 percent industrial peace in the regions.

“Sports has always been a peace maker not only internally to the companies that join us but as well as the entire business community here in the Region. In fact, an undeniable statistics shows that in every Manny Pacquiao’s fight crimes drop. So why not use sports as a tool in delivering our services,” Villamor added.

“DOLE Cup 2011” is a basketball tournament open to all businesses, companies, establishments, and even government offices region wide who are willing to join in any of the two categories.

The two categories are the Senior Category with players below 45 years old and the Veteran Category with players above 45 years old. Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are also welcome to join the tournament by forming a consolidated team composed of several business entities.

Ryan Villaflores, a basketball enthusiast, a certified Honda mechanic, and the owner-manager of a small yet profitable auto shop business - the Modules Car Clinic located at Tahao Road Legazpi City, allied with other small shop owners and mechanic to form their team the “Auto Boys.”

“Maganda po ito kasi nagkakakilala kami nang husto tapos nagkakaroon ng pagkakataon na mapag usapan yung mga sikreto ng negosyo. Yun bang parang sharing. Tapos sa gaya naming maliit pa lang na business e naiiwasan yung sama-an ng loob gawa ng kumpetisyon sa negosyo yun bang tipo na…o sya I laro na lang naten ng basketball yan…” Villaflores said.

Even media personnel in the region have been all praises for this move calling it as a “different-yet effective” approach of advocacy.

Edwin Peralta, news director of PBN DZGB-AM Legazpi and an active KBP member, in an afternoon interview with DOLE-Bicol, even profess the willingness of the KBP Legazpi Chapter to also join the competition.

He said that the DOLE Cup 2011 is the proper venue to strengthen the bond of broadcasters in the region. He also sees it as an opportunity for DOLE-Bicol to reach out to far more than the four corners of its office.

“I was actually surprised by the outcome of the number of teams who signified. The response was overwhelming. Truly, this DOLE Cup is not about the price or prestige but the camaraderie and the harmonious relationships forged. Please note that there is no pot-money on this but just a trophy for the winning team,” Villamor added.

DOLE Cup 2011 commenced on November 12.

Enhanced Labor-Management-Public Sector relations plus the bonus of an actual advocacy of DOLE’s presence in the public eye can be claimed as the best campaign to push for voluntary labor standards compliance with a minimal or at no cost from the government at all.

Also, the partnerships made with this endeavor is expected to last a lifetime all in the spirit of giving the best public service and best labor and employment advocacy in the service of the Bicolanos. (MAL/RPE-DOLE V)

DPWH-DEO I joins hazard awareness, wellness services and psychosocial promotions

ALBAY 1st DEO, Legazpi City, November 22 (PIA) -- Officials and employees of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) regional office here and its three district offices of Albay joined the events and activities in connection with the conduct of hazard awareness, wellness services, and psychosocial care, coinciding with the birthday anniversary of Governor Joey Sarte-Salceda last Tuesday, October 25, 2011.

On the part of the DPWH, the walk for a cause was headed by regional director Danilo E. Dequito, together with 2nd Engineering District OIC Assistant D.E. Vicente Miraballes, 3rd Engineering District OIC Assistant D.E. Benecio V. Sazon, Administrative Officer V Flocerpida Azotea, and Administrative Officer III Ma. Teodora P. Losantas and Albay 1st Administrative Officer III Teresita B. Talastas.

This event was participated in by some government agencies, LGU’s, senior citizens, students and teachers from different schools, barangays, JCI Legazpi City, ABA, KBP and other entities.

The activity started through a “walk for healthier Albayanos” led by the Albay Provincial Health Office at 6:00 in the morning from Bicol University grounds to Peñaranda Park. Included in the event were the “Hataw” and the awarding of Inter-Department Sports fest.

Free medical and dental check-up, bone screening, breast care, health education and diet counseling were given to all participants at the “wellness clinic” at Albay Astrodome. At 1:30 p.m., school bags, tables and chairs were distributed to 500 elementary pupils and 200 day care workers, led by the Philippine Social Welfare and Development. (MAL/DPWH V)

DPWH personnel undergoes free osteoporosis screening

ALBAY 1st DEO, Legazpi City, Nov. 22 (PIA) -- The Albay Medical Society, under Dr. Ofelia Sy, with MSD-Merck Sharp and DOHME, in cooperation with the Albay District Engineering Office Employees Association, headed by Association’s President, Mr. Allan B. Imperial and organized by Epifania Daep, conducted a free osteoporosis bone screening last October 17, 2011 at the Public Information Office from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon.

OIC Assistant District Engineer Rafael B. Presbitero, Administrative Officer III Teresita B. Talastas, Engr. Wilfredo S. Bigol, OIC Chief, Construction Section and P.I.O Designate Marites B. Mañago were the first four personnel who submitted themselves in bone screening. A total of sixty six employees undergo bone testing, in which, six was found to be at risk for osteoporosis category, twenty three on osteopenia and thirty seven were classified under normal ratings.

With those findings, Dr. Ofelia Sy provided the necessary prescriptions to those personnel who have been found under the osteoporosis and Osteopenia categories.

Osteoporosis usually occurs in elderly persons and post menopausal women. Exercise programs, calcium-enriched diet, and sometimes estrogens replacement, are used in prevention and treatment. (MAL/DPWH V)

2011-11-21T16:01:00.000+08:00

Media’s turn to bolster mainstreaming advocacies and strategies on climate change adaptation
…Albay hosts anew media interfacing

by Marlon A. Loterte

LEGAZPI CITY, November 21 (PIA) – With provincial, city and town chief executives across the country earlier demonstrating their commitment to develop resilience and adaptive capacities of communities to the adverse impacts of the changing climate, now it’s media’s share to bolster mainstreaming advocacies and strategies on climate change adaptation in the country.

Governor Joey Salceda of Albay, UN senior global champion on climate change adaptation and UN climate fund advisor, said the conference forms part of the series of sectoral interfacings in mainstreaming strategies on adaptation to the changing climate wherein no doubt the media has very important role to play.

Albay province, acclaimed a key front liner in CCA advocacy in the country and abroad, takes the lead anew in staging the Philippine Media Conference on Climate Change Adaptation set on November 24-26 at the Bicol University here.

Salceda said that President Benigno Simeon C. Aquino III is invited to keynote the convention on November 25 and lead the inauguration of the Climate Change Academy.

Salceda furthered that the media convention will gather selected media practitioners and foreign correspondents from different organizations in a three-day workshop to tackle climate change implications and challenges, related disasters vis-à-vis media’s action, along with other sectors, on preparedness, adaptation and mitigation.

The interfacing, according to him, also intends to promote awareness on climate change vulnerabilities and extremities, putting emphasis the need to accelerate programs and policies in pursuit of the achievement of Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) at the local level, and advocate the use of science-based analytical and planning tools on climate change adaptation and disaster risk management, among others.

Meanwhile, Manuel “Nong” Rangasa, executive director of the Center for Initiative and Research on Climate Adaptation (CIRCA), told PIA News Service that the Philippine Media Conference on Climate Change Adaptation is part of the over-all effort of the Climate Change Commission (CCC), Presidential Communications Operations Office, Presidential Adviser for Environmental Protection, Presidential Adviser on Climate Change, Department of Environment and Natural Resources and Department of Science and Technology, National Economic and Development Authority, Kapisanan ng mga Broadcaster ng Pilipinas, National Press Club in partnership with the Joint Programme MDG-F1656, United Nations Development Programme and Spanish Government-Agencia Espanola de Cooperacion International Para El Desarollo.

Earlier, a series of Summits on Mainstreaming of CCA among local government units (LGUs) were held in different parts of the country that evidently manifests that the implementation of direct adaptation measures remains local or lies on the hands of LGUs and residents.

Albay already hosted and sponsored the three CCA summits involving the League of Governors of the Philippines held in Albay on November 2010 and League of City Mayors in Iloilo on December, also last year, while League of Municipalities on March this year. (MALoterte, PIA V)

2011-11-21T09:45:00.000+08:00

Masbate strengthens fight against marine wealth exploitation

by Ernie A. Delgado

MASBATE CITY, November 21 (PIA) —- The local government is reinforcing the fight against exploitation of marine wealth with the enactment of “Anti-Super Light Ordinance of 2011,” which outlaws fishing with the aid of strong light.

Like trawling and fine-meshed net fishing, the use of super light, which is generated by halogen, is blamed for overfishing that RA 8550 or the Fishery Code of the Philippines included it among the banned forms of fishing in municipal waters—the waters within 15 kilometers from the coastline.

Under the ordinance, violators could be fined and jailed for violating RA 8550.

Exempted from the ordinance are government or private research and educational institutions, which were issued permit to use super light in fishing for research, experimental, educational and scientific purposes.

The city mayor issues such permit under certain conditions after consulting with the Fisheries and Aquatic Resource Management Council.

The ordinance also outlaws the use of mercury lights and lights with more than 4,000 watts or 4 kilowatts in combined electrical power in fish catching in the city’s waters.

On the other hand, it legalizes the use of incandescent lamp, pressurized gas lamp, compact bulb as well as “hasag,” a traditional gear of fisher folks.

Violators of the prohibition on the use of mercury lights and lights of more than 4 kilowatts will be slapped with a P1,000 fine and imprisonment for up to six months.

The ordinance also provides monetary reward for law enforcers involved in the apprehension and prosecution of violators.

Those responsible for the conviction of violators—BFAR personnel, policemen, members of Bantay Dagat Task Force and barangay chairs—will receive at least 25 percent of the fine. (MAL/EADelgado, PIA Masbate)

Camarines Norte named recipient of PAMANA of OPPAP

by Rosalita Base-Manlangit

DAET, Camarines Norte, November 21 (PIA) -- Camarines Norte has been named one of the recipient of the Payapa at Masaganang Pamayanan (PAMANA) program of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPPAP) that responds and strengthens peace building, reconstruction and development in conflict affected areas (CCAs) in line with the government’s goal of putting a permanent and just closure to internal armed conflicts.

Governor Edgardo Tallado said that the PAMANA framework on sustainable peace and development has three pillars namely: building the foundation of peace (Pillar 1), establishing resilient communities (Pillar 2) and addressing regional development (Pillar 3).

He explained that the OPPAP and the provincial government recognized the imperative of building critical partnership, collaboration, and cooperation in carrying out the PAMANA roadmap Pillar 3 projects through road accessibility as seen as main strategies that will contribute to the economic growth area of the province and eventurally of the region.

Earlier the governor has issued an Executive Order No. 2011-38 creating the Provincial PAMANA Management Team in the province which will oversee the implementation and management of PAMANA programs and projects in the province and ensure that the necessary processes are in place guided by principle of peace and social cohesion.

Governor Tallado is the chairman of the PAMANA Management Team and members include: Provincial Engr. Cesar Paita of the Provincial Engineering Office, Arch. Madonna Abular of Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO), OIC Provincial Agriculturist Francia Pajares of Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg), Engr. Leopoldo Badiola of Ecosystem and Environmental Resource Management Division (EERMD) and OIC Cynthia de la Cruz of Provincial Social Welfare and Devt. Office (PSWDO), all under the provincial government.

A meeting of the provincial PAMANA Management Team will be held tomorrow with the representatives of OPPAP at the governor’s office.(MAL/RBM, PIA Camarines Norte)

Aquamarine project in Casiguran town under National Convergence Initiatives underway

by Irma A. Guhit

SORSOGON CITY, November 21 (PIA) -- Programs for the fishing industry sector in Casiguran town, including an on-going training on aquamarine culture, are underway through the National Convergence Initiative (NCI), according to Mayor Maria Esther Hamor in an interview here last week.

Hamor said that the careful selection of the beneficiaries was a big consideration since the success of the project depends on their attitude, active participation and commitment to make the project profitable, sustainable, and the full cooperation to follow the local government’s fishery rules and policies should be addressed.

“As local chief executive it is my desire to alleviate poverty in our town but at the same time fully implement the sustainable conservation of our environment from land to sea and inland water resources,” she said.

Benigno Bejison, municipal agriculture officer of Casiguran, and Gil B. Ramos of the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) have conducted the trainings and the identified fishermen from Barangay Somal-ot were provided the needed materials to include five fishnets, four bundles of nylon rope, and 150 bamboo poles for their crab production.

According to Ramos, BFAR has provided the hands on training to on aqua-silvi culture technology to 61 fisherfolks in the said barangay.

It has also conducted the validation of the site selection process and most of the areas identified were mangrove area sites, a very good potential for the sustainability of the project.

Demonstration on the actual preparation of the area was done according to Bejison while the construction of crab cages were shown and process of harvesting were also explained.

The topics that were discussed included feeding management of crabs, record keeping, harvesting and post harvest activities, marketing, and the continuous monitoring and evaluation of the project.

Ramos said that mud crab production will only take four months to wait and that proper management should be followed so that the quality, quantity, and price of the produce will be competitive in the market.

Mayor Hamor explained that the LGU in partnership with the three converging agencies, the Department of Agriculture, Department of Environment and Natural Resources, and Department of Agrarian Reform will continually coordinate in the implementation of the NCI projects in their municipality. (MAL/IAG, PIA Sorsogon)

Energy corporation highlights corporate social responsibility programs

by Irma A Guhit

SORSOGON CITY , November 21 (PIA) -- Anchored on a five- pronged community development agenda, the Energy Development Corporation (EDC) through its Community Partnerships Department (CPD), has laid down their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) program component focusing on Health, Education, Livelihood, Small Scale Contract and Environment.

Engr. Liberato S. Virata, plant manager in his signed report provided their company's commitment to provide social prosperity and environmental stewardship through the implementation of a comprehensive, responsive and sustained program under their CSR program in partnership with their stakeholders and in keeping with the company’s objectives.

Senior Supervisor of the EDC-CPD, Eduardo Jimenez explained that under the CSR-CPD, 43 primary partner barangays with 17,680 households, 121 community associations, 71 schools and 47 health center in their host barangay-communities are beneficiaries of their CSR programs.

Under their Health Services Program, 47 health centers were continuously supported with trainings like drug abuse prevention with the enhancement of knowledge and capabilities of 65 health workers, medicine supply assistance, 36 medical and dental outreach conducted, improvement of several Barangay Health Centers..

Their health promotion support included trainings also of households on responsible parenthood,proper nutrition and health and sanitation practices while improving community access to basic medical facilities and services.

Total intervention under this program amounted to P5.7 M with 8,972 beneficiaries.

Jimenez cited that their environment programs focused on information education campaigns on Climate Change Adaptation and Mitigation, promoting the BINHI program that diversify the planting of trees in four categories.

Their environmental protection enhancement is zeroed in on their continuous planting and reforestation of the 250,000 ha reservation area as their legacy of greening and their commitment to promote geothermal projects sites as eco-tourism destinations by maintaining their butterfly garden, bat sanctuary, wildlife park, twin falls and boiling pond sites.

Under their Livehihood Program, 44 livelihood projects are maintained under the Social Development Project (SDP) assisting farmers in rice production, vegetable gardening, fertilizer assistance, mud crab production, aquasilvi farming, and lambaklad project benefiting both land and sea based beneficiaries within the host communities

Jimenez said that their CSR beneficiaries under the livelihood component totaled to 7,528 with 122 organized farmers association.

Education has been one of their CSR pilot programs were host barangays' pupils and students were provided yearly school supplies including bags, miscellaneous fees payment assistance, and scholarships where 25 students in the secondary schools every year are chosen and sponsored with provisions of tuition fee, book allowance and monthly stipend.

A total of 26,330 individuals benefited from the regular education projects with a total amount of P 11.4 M intervention.

Meanwhile their Small Scale Contracts amounted to P43.2 M and this was awarded to cooperatives in the local communities for labor contracting.

Jimenez underscored that the total amount of intervention provided by the company in their CSR program amounted to P 99.5 M from 2005-2009 that benefited 41,244 individuals and group beneficiaries..(MAL/IAG, PIA Sorsogon)

Provincial Christmas Serenade Competition set

by Edna A Bagadiong

VIRAC, Catanduanes, November 21, (PIA) -- The 2nd Provincial Christmas Serenade Competition in the province will be held on December 2011 during the Congressman's Night of the annual Christmas Cheers at Plaza Rizal which will start on December 16.

Twelve invited schools from the province are expected to participate in the said competition. There shall only be one official entry per participating school and it shall be composed of not more than 20 members who are all bona fide pupils of the school they represent and one conductor who is a faculty in the same competing school.

The chorale group shall sing two songs: one standard song "Carol of the Bells" and the other one is a song of their choice that could be interpreted either in a Capella or accompanied with live guitar or piano only.

The Congressional District Office spearheads the competition and encourages participants to use recycled or indigenous materials as part of their lower garments since the t-shirts will be provided by the office.

The performance proper shall only be six minutes and shall not exceed eight minutes presentation time.

A total of P63,000 cash prize will be given to participants where the champion shall receive P20,000, P15,000 for the first runner up; P10,000 for the second runner-up; and P2,000 shall be given to non-winning groups. (MAL/EAB, PIA Catanduanes)

2011-11-17T11:33:00.000+08:00

CSC urges to make every civil servant a 'Lingkod Bayani'

LEGAZPI CITY, November 17 (PIA/CSC) -- Through the years, the Civil Service Commission (CSC) remains relentless and has initiated and pursued programs and policies towards building a competent, credible and motivated bureaucracy.

CSC V regional director Cecilia Nieto said that the commission envisions making a lingkod bayani out of every civil servant. Lingkod bayani is a play on the terms lingkod bayan (public servant) and bayani (hero).

She cited that CSC believes heroism is a powerful, positive and engaging theme, adding that the need to imbibe among state workers the proper work ethic and build their capacity to be heroes in their own right can effectively project a positive image of the Philippine bureaucracy.

Thus, according to the director, all government agencies and instrumentalities are enjoined to adopt the slogan “ Gawing Lingkod Bayani ang Bawat Kawani”.

“ It challenges all public servants to begin the transformation from being lingkod bayan to a lingkod bayani or servant-hero,” she said.

CSC V also encourages government offices to produce the lingkod bayani button pin as part of the employee uniform, wherein the commission also made the design that may be downloaded via the CSC’s website (www.csc.gov.ph).

The director suggests that for queries and concerns, government offices may coordinate with the Public Assistance and Liaison Division (PALD) of the CSC Region 5 at 482-0699 or visit the CSC regional and field office near you. (MAL, PIA/CSC V)

Red Cross Sorsogon campaigns support to the Million Volunteer Run

by Irma A. Guhit

SORSOGON CITY, November 17 (PIA) -- The province of Sorsogon will lend support to the international statement vision of of the Philippine Red Cross in making the Philippines as the Red Cross Volunteer Capital of the World.

This was the agenda taken up by the members of the board of the PRC Sorsogon chapter here during their regular monthly meeting held last week to highlight the Red Cross 143 program in the campaign for support to the Million Volunteer Run scheduled this December 4.

The Philippines in 2009 was identified as the top ranking highly vulnerable disaster prone country and in 2010, it ranked third among countries frequently hit by disasters and natural calamities, thus, PRC to address this concern has engaged the mobilization of millions of RC volunteers through the RC 143 program here in the Philippines.

Atty. Arnulfo Perete, chair of PRC Sorsogon explained that the Philippine has a highly organized PRC 143 program where 44 volunteers (1 leader and 43 members) in each of the 42,000 barangays in the country who are now highly trained to cope with and reduce the risks of disasters, enabling them to respond accordingly to any catastrophic event in their respective communities.

With the declaration of the United Nations of the year 2011 as the International Year of Volunteers via Resolution 52/17, the PRC seeks to awaken the spirit of volunteerism in every Filipino through the Red Cross Million Volunteer Run.

This ground breaking event will be held in all key cities and 1,494 municipalities nationwide on December 4.

Here in Sorsogon, the approved plan is a 5km fun run around the city on the said date at 5:30 a.m., assembly will be at the Provincial Capitol Park and at exactly 6 a.m. the fun run starts.

A registration fee of P500.00 is required and funds derived from this activity will be given to countries as assistance specially those areas affected by natural calamities.

The Red Cross vision is to engage all first aiders, blood donors, health and welfare volunteers in every home school, business and community all over the Philippines to join in this event to make a statement of making the Philippines as the Volunteer Capital of the World through this activity.

In the meeting, the board committed to show solidarity in this PRC vision and will campaign here for various sectors to join and support this undertaking.

Dr. Alfred Adrian O. Lopez was designated as chair of the activity while Zita D. Hababag was chosen as chair of the Fund General Committee. (MAL/IAG, PIA Sorsogon)

Latest ‘Smoke Free Albay’ merit badge, backed by Girl Scouts, DepEd

by Aida Alcazar-Naz

LEGAZPI CITY, November 17 (PIA) -- The introduction of a new merit badge for Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP) was received agreeably by the Albay Council and the leadership of Department of Education (DepEd).

The Albay GSP Council, through its Executive Director Ma. Amy Oyardo, gave the green light for the Smoke Free Albay Network (SFAN) to launch said merit badge while DEpEd Albay Division superintendent Marilet Almayda endorsed the earning of the anti-smoking emblem.

The introduction of the merit badge, which took on the official name as Smoke-Free Albay Merit Badge, was one of the highlights of the weeklong GSP Albay Provincial Encampment held at Kawa Kawa, Legazpi City last October 24-29, 2011.

Said launching’s focal point was a symposium on smoke-free kids and the SFAN challenge.

The symposium which was held at the grand arena of the encampment was attended by some 1,200 participants and their adult leaders. Talks on ill-effects of smoking with Dr. Wins Samar of the LIgao City Health Office and the No Smoking Enforcement by P/Sr. Supt William S. Macavinta were important topics discussed.

The forum was capped by the signing of the commitment wall by the participants led by Ligao City Sangguniang Kabataan Federation Vice President Bryan David and Board Member Herbert Borja who also gave the overview of the SFAN.

Meantime, the SFAN challenge, an activity which demonstrated the girls readiness to take part in community work. The girls, whose ages ranged from 10 to 16 years old where divided into four groups. The S group posted stickers in public utility vehicles, the F group “find” ashtrays and encouraged owners to keep if not throw them. The A group appealed to smokers to stop smoking and persuaded them to enroll in the smoking cessation program while the N group posted no smoking signages in government offices.

Among the activities from which the girl scout participant in the encampment can select from are scrap book on no smoking; simple movie maker; self initiative activity of convincing home members to stop smoking; information dissemination at home, or neighborhood or community; distribution of leaflets or posting of stickers and signages; collecting ash trays from different government agencies; collecting cigarette butts using plastic gloves then placed in sealed container; taking photographs of smokers in prohibited areas.

This merit badge on smoking is the first for Albay GSP and the GSP as a whole.

The GSP is an association for girls and young women of the Philippines whose aim is to help girls and young women realize the ideals of womanhood and prepare themselves for their responsibilities in the home, the community, the nation, and the world community. (MAL/AAN, PIA V)

PNP files case vs. NPA men

VIRAC, Catanduanes, November 17 (PIA) -- Criminal charges have been filed by the Philippine National Police (PNP) here against 10 members of the New People's Army in the province of Catanduanes regarding the incident of backhoe burning in Viga town last October 30, 2011.

The arson raps was filed with the Provincial Prosecution Office. Respondents were identified as Michael "Melwin" Martinez, Madona "Carla" Tapel, Jayson Lucero, Daniel "Tabs" Frias, Rudy "Dick" Turado, Ka Ace/ Ka Arman, Ka James/ Ka Gerald, Ka Rodel, Ka Roldan and Ka Doc.

The said backhoe is being used in the road concreting project in sitio Hinunuran in barangay Tinago causing JR Contractor a million pesos in damage.

It can be noted that in the past, NPA burned equipments of contractors who refuse to pay revolutionary tax to the rebels. MAL/EABagadiong, PIA Catanduanes)

2011-11-16T16:47:00.002+08:00

DPWH gets P351.9 M for various infra projects in Bicol

by Ed de Leon

LEGAZPI CITY, November 16 (PIA) - The Department Public Works and Highways (DPWH) regional office here has disclosed today that some P351,950.000.00 was released by the Department of Budget and Management (DBM) to DPWH V for the implementation of various infrastructure projects in the Bicol region.

DPWH regional director Danilo Dequito said that the amount released is part of the P5.5 billion released to the DPWH central office under the P72 billion Accelerated Disbursement Program of the Aquino administration.

Dequito said the amount will be used for 38 projects distributed in the six provinces of Bicol for the construction of roads, bridges and flood control projects.

He furthered that the DPWH district offices in the six provinces will implement 37 of the projects while the regional office will implement one project worth P20 million.

He added that Albay was allocated P163 million for 13 projects, Camarines Sur P45.7 million for eight projects , Catanduanes P1.5 million for three projects , Masbate P2 million for one project and Sorsogon P84.7 million for seven projects.

The DPWH regional director said that he has directed the district engineers to fast track the implementation of the projects without sacrificing the quality of the projects once completed .(MAL/EDL, PIA V)

PILImania leads greening movement in Naga City

by Lizel S. Macatangay

CAROLINA, Naga City, November 16 (PIA) -- More than 1,200 health buffs and environmentalists trekked the mountainous area of Barangay Panicuason, Carolina , this city during the fun walk cum tree planting held over the weekend.

Dubbed as “Pilimania,”it is a city-wide planting, mostly of pili trees in the city outskirts, intended not just to promote the viability of the said nut but also to showcase the Nagueños’ strong resolve to combat the ill-effects of climate change by targeting 40,000 trees to be planted by 2012.

Fara R. Bongat, Naga City ’s First Lady, sits as chairperson of Pilimania 2011 Executive Committee. Bongat has been actively calling for the support of the residents, particularly those from barangay agricultural and residential zones, including those residing in subdivisionS to allot their spaces and vacant lots for the propagation of various tree seedlings.

On Saturday, participants of the activity convened at the Don Bosco College at Carolina, Camarines Sur at 7am bringing with them pili, mahogany and narra tree seedlings and took part in the “Lakadan ta, Pa-Isarog,” (Lakaw, Dalagan saka Tanom Pasiring Mt. Isarog) tree planting.

Started by some local government officials and employees in April 2011 where 12,000 pili trees were planted, Pilimania supporters now include green advocates from various educational institutions, government and private employees and individuals who have been behind the noble cause.

Pilimania, the first ever in the city is the centerpiece project of Mayor John Bongat under

his administration’s Greening Environment Protection, Entrepreneurship and Tourism (GrEET) Program. (MAL/LSM, PIA Camarines SUr)

PLDT's 'Gabay Guro' project benefits Bato
by Edna A. Bagadiong

VIRAC, Catanduanes, November 16 (PIA) -- Philippine Long Distance Telephone Company (PLDT) has benefited teachers both form elementary and secondary schools of Bato, Catanduanes in connection with the launching of its "Gabay Guro" project last November 4, 2011 in Bato Rural High School.

PLDT Vice-President Deng Kibanoff said that the project is an advocacy of PLDT Samrt Foundation for the teachers throughout the country. According to him, they will not become PLDT executives if not for their teachers and the project is one way of giving back to their mentors.

The project offers livelihood programs like internet cafe, inetrnet card, cellphone card wherein teachers will be officials dealers of PLDT facilities.

With regards to housing project, the official said that they are still in the process of negotiating with the Local Government Units (LGUs) of the 11 towns in the province. They are also offering scholarship programs for students who wish to take up education in college. At present, they already have 300 student scholars.

According to Bato Mayor Eulogio Rodriguez, when they heared about the project, they went immediately together with his wife Mrs. mely Rodriguez to the office of PLDT here and pledged their support to the project.

Meanwhile, teachers of the said town were thankful since the project is a great help to them. The training conducted by PLDT is according to them very helpful since it gave new knowledge and enabled them to reflect their jobs and duties as teachers.

Around 160 elementary and secondary teachers attended the training. (MAL/EAB, PIA Catanduanes)

Energy company trains host communities in disaster risk reduction

by Irma A. Guhit

SORSOGON CITY, November 16 (PIA) -- A total of 2,500 participants from the five schools of the host communities of the Energy Development Corporation (EDC) underwent a training on disaster risk reduction early last week to provide them the better preparation should there be natural calamities like typhoons and earthquakes.

According to Eduardo Jimenez, senior supervisor of the Community Partnerships Department CPD) of EDC, the school – based disaster risk reduction orientation activity were participated in by Tublijon Elementary School, Gayong Elementary School, Sto Nino Elementary and High Schoosl, and Osiao Paglingap High School.

The activity was conducted with the team up of ABS-CBN Foundation Sagip Kapamilya Inc., EDC BacMan Safety Management Division, EDC Corporate Social Responsibility Department, Sorsogon City Department of Education and Sorsogon City Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office.

Participants from the two barangays here that can only be reach via sea travel, Osiao and Sto Nino were taught on the use and importance of a life jacket when traveling at sea.

The local government has also issued a directive to all motor banca owners used as passenger vessel to have the necessary life jackets to be used by their passengers.

Meanwhile Marsha Alvarado of the EDC- CSR department explained to the participants the emergency preparedness tips contained in the poster calendar prepared by the company and were distributed to the schools, houses in the host communities after the training.

Volunteers from the Alitaptap Storytellers Philippines delighted the pupils and students with their amusing stories emphasizing the importance of disaster risk reduction preparedness during earthquakes and typhoons.

According to Jimenez, this activity is part of their company’s CSP program to enhance the knowledge and know-how of these local communities especially now that natural calamities have been one of the significant concerns here in the province and making communities aware of risk reduction.

According to Jimenez, EDc is committed to assist in providing information and training needs of these host communities and particularly to equip them with this timely training since Sorsogon is most frequented by typhoons.

He also emphasized that taking care of the environment is one of the key component in DRR significantly the planting of trees and avoiding illegal activities like cutting of trees, one of the reasons why some areas experience flooding and landslides.

The training acording to Jimenez has been successful that Barangay Emergency Response Teams (BERTs) have been organized after the three-day training with a composite structure and lists of volunteers coming from the barangays now trained and well equipped. (MAL/IAG, PIA Sorsogon)

1,123 4Ps beneficiaries of 3 towns to receive cash subsidy today

by Rosalita Base-Manlangit

DAET, Camarines Norte, November 16 (PIA) -- Some 1,123 beneficiaries of 4Ps or Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program from the towns of Vinzons, Basud and San Vicente this province will receive today their cash subsidy under the Department of Social Welfare and Development Office (DSWD).

DSWD provincial link Gloren Redrico said that they are conducting today a pre-validation and afterwards the beneficiaries will receive the cash subsidy at the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP).

She said that a family can receive a cash subsidy to a maximum of P1,400 that depend on the qualified beneficiaries with P300.00 for each child (up to 3 children) and P500.00 for the mother.

The 4Ps beneficiaries should submit themselves to conditionalities of the program like the check-up at the health center, regular attendance of their children in school.

The beneficiaries to receive cash today include the 1,065 from the town of Basud, 11 from the town of San Vicente and 47 from the town of Vinzons where some of beneficiaries already received the cash subsidies last October.

The cash subsidy to receive by the beneficiaries today is for the month of July to August and the amount will depend on the qualified members of the family.

There are 24,759 beneficiaries of 4Ps in the province from the ten towns out of 12 namely Capalonga, Sta. Elena, San Lorenzo Ruiz, Mercedes, Basud, Jose Panganiban, Labo, San Vicente, Paracale and Vinzons.

It will be recalled that the 4Ps is an strategy of the government that provides financial assistance to poor families to help improved their health, nutrition and education specially to children 0-14 years old. (RBM/PIA Camarines Norte)

2011-11-15T11:20:00.001+08:00

Albay dismisses high school and elementary classes

LEGAZPI CITY, November 15 (PIA) -- The provincial Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council (DRRMC) of Albay has directed the early dismissal of classes in both the elementary and high school levels this morning in the wake of the heavy rains that are likely to accelerate until this afternoon.

Albay Governor Joey Salceda, chair of provincial DRRMC, said the early dismissal of classes took effect before noontime today covering all elementary and secondary schools, both private and public schools, in the entire province.

The issuance cites that"even in the absence of signals from Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services (Pagasa) further in view of emerging consensus that the rains are likely to accelerate, we hereby order the early dismissal of classes in both in private and public kindergarten, elementary and secondary schools in the entire province of Albay."

Salceda furthered that school administrators and teachers should advise their students to no longer report in the afternoon.

Also due to the classes dismissal, parents were more over advised to fetch their children from school.

"This is an early dismissal, not a suspension, thus classes automatically resume tomorrow without need for an advise," Salceda stressed. (MALoterte, PIA V/Albay)

TESDA-Cam Sur holds skills competition
by Lizel S. Macatangay

NAGA City, Nov. 15 (PIA) -- In preparation for the Regional Skills Competition on November 17 and 18, the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA)- Camarines Sur conducted the Provincial Skills Competition 2011 at the Naga College Foundation (NCF) this city over the weekend.

Representatives from three competing schools; Naga College Foundation (NCF) , Philippine Computer Foundation College (PCFC) and Word Resources Institute (WRI) wrestled the championship throne to beat their respective opponents in software application, graphics design and web page design categories.

Under the software application competition, Marco O. Ret of PCFC grabbed the top prize after proving to the jurors his expertise in document processing, spreadsheets and data base.

Meanwhile, Raymund T. Villar, another student of PCFC and Bryan B. Orcine of WRI were able to seize the prize under the Graphics Design and Web Page Design Categories respectively.

TESDA Regional Training Center based in San Jose, Camarines Sur also conducted the same exercise where Camarines Sur Institute of Fisheries and Marine Sciences (CASIFMAS) and RTC Pili for Refrigeration Technique both vied for the top plum during the said competition. Jomer W. Olitoquit of CASIFMAS was declared the winner.

Provincial winners from the six provinces in the region will compete in the Regional Skills Competition at the RTC Pili. Contenders will try to beat their opponents on their proficiency on eight trades: Cooking, Restaurant Services, Welding, Electrical Installation, Software Application, Web Design, Smoked Fish and Feed Formulation.

TESDA–Camarines Sur OIC Provincial Director Emmanuel H. Buban said that the activity aims to showcase the expertise of technical vocational students and harness their skills in their chosen fields of endeavor.(LSM, PIA Camarines Sur)

Project 11-11-11 has 118,000 trees planted
by Edna A. Bagadiong

VIRAC, Catanduanes, November 15 (PIA) -- The Congressional District Office (CDO) here in Catanduanes recorded a total of 118,883 trees planted during the Project 11-11-11 tree planting activity last November 11, 2011.

The province-wide whole-day activity was participated in by different sectors of the community namely barangay councils, water/energy providers, private offices, government agencies, municipal LGU’s, schools (elementary, secondary, tertiary), various organizations, private individuals and the contractor association.

A large percentage of the planted trees came from municipal LGU’s of the 11 towns in the province that planted a total of 61,500 seedlings province-wide. Those covered by various organizations recorded a total of 17,170, 13,240 from the government offices, 7, 600 from contractor association, 6, 021 from barangay councils, 8,798 from various schools in Virac, 2,050 from water/energy providers, 2,194 from private individuals and 310 planted seedlings from private offices.

According to Congressman Cesar V. Sarmiento, the event was a big success. “The support extended by the many sectors in the province (local government units (provincial government, 11 towns and barangays, schools, students, government agencies, non-government organizations, etc) was overwhelming and impressive” he added.

He likewise extended his gratitude to everyone who supported his initiative.

On the same day, the solon planted a tree with Court Administrator Midas Marquez before the unveiling of the marker for the statue of the Lady Justice in front of the Catanduanes Hall of Justice where the latter is the guest of honor. (EAB, PIA Catanduanes)

COMELEC distributes voter’s ID, urges for registration

by Edna A. Bagadiong

VIRAC, Catanduanes, November 15 (PIA) -- According to provincial election supervisor Atty. Ma. Aurea C. Bo-Bonao, registered voters who validated their registration from 2007-2010 can now claim their respective voters ID in COMELEC Offices in their respective municipalities.

Atty. Bo-Bonao also urged those who are not yet registered and would like to vote on the coming election to register now in their respective offices to be able to practice their right to suffrage in the coming election.

To register, any individual with age of 18 and above must bring valid ID like current employee ID, Postal ID, School Id or Library card, senior citizens ID, Driver;s License, Passport, SSS/GSIS ID, PRC, NBIor PNP Clearance.

They must also fill up three copies of application form for the new voters, let the officer get their biometrics (Digital Picture, specimen, signature, finger print) and the office might also asked for their birth certificate. On the other hand, old voters who don't have yet biometrics and who wish to vote on 2013 should go to COMELEC offices for their biometrics.

They likewise advise the public to avoid rush days and go to COMELEC offices as early as possible. (MAL/EAB, PIA Catanduanes)

NFA steps up I-Rice promotion in Masbate

MASBATE CITY, November 15 (PIA) -- The National Food Authority (NFA) has intensified promotion of iron-fortified rice (I-Rice) in Masbate province to address prevalence of chronic malnutrition resulting in anemia among children of preschool age.

NFA Masbate provincial manager Eden Redillas over the weekend said the agency’s regional office based in Legazpi City has augmented the supply of I-Rice in the province sold at P27 per kilo to encourage Masbateños to make use of this iron reinforced grain in preventing anemia among family members, especially children.

“We have launched an intensified campaign to bring I-Rice to as much as possible all the dining tables particularly that of the marginal sector in the province that cannot afford highly nutritious food to balance their diets thus making them highly vulnerable to malnutrition,” Redillas said.

Present in the launching activity held here last week were City Mayor Socrates Tuason and several town mayors, municipal health officers, rural health and school nurses, barangay health workers and town councilors heading the committees on health of their respective local legislative councils.

Redillas said she invited these officials so that she could solicit their support in enjoining their constituents to eat I-Rice that offers great nutritional value in preventing anemia, a blood condition in which red blood cells are deficient in hemoglobin, resulting in poor health.

Food and Nutrition Research Institute of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST-FNRI) reports showed Masbate ranks fifth among the 25 provinces in the country where chronic malnutrition resulting in anemia is prevalent among children of preschool age.

The most common cause of this condition is lack of dietary iron which I-Rice could address being fortified with iron, Redillas said.

Citing a report of the DOST-FNRI, the provincial NFA chief said chronic malnutrition affects a very high percentage of preschoolers aged 0-5 in the province where the underweight-for-age prevalence was at least 30 percent.

The province had 7.1 percent wasted preschoolers and 14.9 percent are also underweight and 9.1 percent are stunted. In Bicol, Masbate ranks first both in underweight and stunted and comes fourth in wasted preschoolers. (MAL/DOCalleja)

2011-11-14T15:06:00.002+08:00

Bicol gets P156 million for repairs of typhoon-damaged infrastructures, roads - DPWH V
by Ed de Leon

LEGAZPI CITY, November 14 (PIA) - President Benigno S. Aquino III has ordered the release of an initial P156,250,000.00 to the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) regional office here for the repair and rehabilitation of vital infrastructures damaged by the series of typhoons that hit Bicol recently, according to top official of DPWH V.

DPWH V regional director Danilo E. Dequito said that the fund release was part of the P1.197 billion calamity fund released nationwide.

He said that DPWH Sec. Rogelio Singson directed them to speed up the implementation of these rehabilitation projects without sacrificing the quality of the restored damaged infrastructures.

He said the amount will be used for the implementation of 32 rehabilitation projects in the six provinces of Bicol.

The DPWH regional director said that Albay was allocated P98 million for the implementation of nine rehabilitation projects in the three districts of the province while Camarines Sur was allocated P35 million for seven projects, Camarines Norte P17 million for four projects, Masbate P2 million for one project , Sorsogon P2 million for three projects and Catanduanes P1.5 million for also three projects.

It may be recalled that Bicol was affected by series of typhoons that hit the country recently namely: typhoons “Juaning,” “Mina,””Pedring,”and “Quiel” which triggered flash floods and landslides in many parts of Bicol that caused damages to roads, bridges, flood control structures and schools buildings and irrigation facilities. (MAL/EDLeon, PIA V)

P500M initial fund for flood pumping system assured

by Manny P. Solis

LEGAZPI CITY, November 14 (PIA) -- Malacañang has assured the city government here of an initial funding of P500 million for the establishment of flood water pumping stations in four strategic sites in the city.

City Administrator Noel Rosal said the allocation has been included in next year’s budget of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) and it will be released as soon as the 2012 National Appropriations Act Act is enacted by Congress and signed into law by Pres. Benigno Aquino III.

“This P500 million fund will just be an initial release which would be used in civil works like the improvement and construction of flood control dikes, drainage systems and seawalls in Barangays San Roque, Bayabay and Victory Village as well as along the Macabalo River,” he said.

Following the construction, pumping stations each in these four sites will be put in place to pump flood waters out into the sea to address the perennial problem of flooding within the city’s commercial and residential areas during heavy downpours, according to Rosal.

“This will be the first of its kind flood mitigation structure which will be put up in the Bicol Region and its design is the same with the pumping stations of the Metro Manila Development Authority (MMDA) patterned with the project of the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA),” he said.

Each of the four pumping stations, according to Engr. Noel Encarnacion, chief of the Construction Division of the City Engineering Office (CEO), would be equipped with a 1.5 diameter water pump capable of pumping out three cubic meters of water per second.

“Under the guidance of then city mayor now CA Rosal, we completed the study on the flooding problem being experienced by the city in 2009. We then developed a proposed solution which is pumping and after preparing the design of the pumping stations, we submitted it to Malacañang last year and it was approved,” Encarnacion said.

Rosal said the implementation of this project will start in early next year based on the assurance made by the Office of the President and the DPWH Central Office of the funding allocation.

“It will signal the coming of the ultimate solution to the problem on flood that the city had been suffering since time immemorial,” he said.

Since the funding of P500 million is only an initial amount that would finance only the civil works, “we are also assured of additional allocations for the acquisition, installation and operations of the giant water pumps to the tune of over a billion pesos more,” Rosal added. (MAL/MPS, LGU Legazpi City)

Albay girl scouts promotes no smoking campaign via SFAN challenge

by Aida Alcazar-Naz

LEGAZPI CITY, November 11 (PIA) -- Children, girls at that can be effective advocates of no smoking.

Ligao City Vice Mayor Patricia G. Alsua said that when girl scouts throng in government buildings and public places in the city to promote no smoking she found the activity very effective.

Ligao, a no smoking city based on an ordinance passed by the sangguniang panglungsod this year was the exemplar for no smoking campaign by the Girl Scouts of the Philippines (GSP) Albay Council and the Smoke-Free Albay Network (SFAN) of the Provincial Government of Albay.

Some 1,200 girl scouts who participated in the Albay encampment on the theme Girl Scouts Save the Planet willingly participated in the SFAN challenge in the afternoon of October 27.

The girls whose ages range from 10 to 16 were divided into four groups and enthusiastically did their tasks.

The S group posted stickers in public utility vehicles particularly, jeepneys and tricycles, while the F cluster visited the city hall and nearby public buildings looking for ashtrays and encouraged the owners to keep them if not throw them away. Ashtrays are prohibited in government offices based on Civil Service Commission Memorandum Circular No. 17 series of 2009 and DILG Circular no. 2011-15.

Meantime, the A gang appealed to smokers to stop smoking and if needing help to inform SFAN so that they can be enrolled in a cessation program. The N group posted no smoking sign in public offices.

According to Haidie Rivera of a non-government organization Advantage who accompanied the A group young, girls are effective promoters of no smoking as they were able to convince smokers to kick the habit.

Herbert Mayores, director of AMA College Legazpi described the positive reaction of people when the group he accompanied started posting signages in public buildings.

Each group was accompanied by adult scout leaders, SFAN members, and elements of the Philippine National Police during the SFAN challenge held at the poblacion of Ligao City.

Alma Lozada former GSP Albay executive director now SFAN member representing Bicol University Extension Service Center said that the SFAN challenge was the first ever in any GSP encampment.

The purpose of the activity did not only made the scouters promoters of no smoking but as an approach of educating girls that smoking is not good for the health whether one is a smoker or passive smoker.

The Albay Girl Scouts Encampment wash held October 24-29 at Kawakawa Ligao City, Albay. (MAL/AAN, PIA V)

Training on Community Base Monitoring System in Camarines Norte

by Rosalita Base-Manlangit

DAET, Camarines Norte, Nov. 14 (PIA) -– A four day training on Community Base Monitoring System (CBMS) through map digitizing was conducted November 8-11 at the Audio Visual Production Center (AVPC), provincial capitol spearheaded by Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO) of the provincial government.

PPDO Architect Madonna Abular said the CBMS, through the use of computer program installer, will measure the prevalence of poverty and other basic data on health, employment, income, housing and others that will also serve as guide for planning of programs and projects of the government.

The outputs of the training were the graphs, maps and tables of the data coming from the survey that has been conducted previously by the municipalities in their constituents.

She said the training was attended by the Municipal Planning and Development Officers (MPDOs) of the 12 municipalities of the province.

She said topics discussed during the first day of the training include: installation of CBMS tools, producing core indicator using statsim, customizing table using statsim while on the second day were matching of statsim data outputs, digitizing maps and exercises on map digitizing.

Other topics for the 3rd and 4th day include the continuation of map digitizing, matching statsim data outputs, exporting CBMS core indicators data from statsim, importing statsim output in the CBMS database, exploring map layer properties, poverty mapping using the CBMS database, poverty mapping and interpreting indicator maps.

This was the 3rd training conducted on CBMS for MPDOs for updating the data base every 3 years in each municipalities of the province. (RBM, PIA Camarines Norte).

2011-11-11T10:18:00.001+08:00

BIR Bicol surpasses anew collection target for September

LEGAZPI CITY, November 11 (PIA) -- The Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) regional office here bares that revenue collection in the Bicol region for the month of September 2011 has reached P381,063,411.57 million against its goal of P344,943,000.00, with an increase of P36.1 million or 10.47 percent,

BIR V director Esmeralda M. Tabule, who just warmed her seat as new regional chief for more than a month, has already shown much effort to meet the collection target with the hope of making it until the remaining last quarter of 2011.

Tabule has commended during their regular monthly staff conference last month all the revenue district officers in the region for surpassing their respective collection targets, further urged them to sustain their good performance until the year ends.

Collection from income has registered the highest collection among the different type of taxes with a total of P249.7 million followed by VAT with P97.9 million, percentage tax of 18.2 million, other taxes of P12.7 million and excise tax with 2.3 million.

Among the seven district offices in the Bicol Region, the revenue district office in Masbate City (RDO-70), headed by Melquiades A. Cancela, topped the collection effort with P38.016 million for a 30.86 percent increase over its P29.052 million target; followed by RDO-65 (Naga City), under Socorro R. Lafuente, for attaining a total collection of P109.838 million which is higher by P22.242 million over its P87.596 million goal. RDO-69 (Virac, Catanduanes), under Ma. Teresa Noemi A. Pizon, is the third collection performer collecting some P21.077 million, exceeding its P17.423 million goal by P3.6 million or 20.98 percent.

Other two district offices that surpassed their respective goals are RDO-68 (Sorsogon City), under Ma. Thelma F. Pulhin, which collected P34.827 million for an increase of P5.2 million or 17.90 percent over its P29.540 million target and RDO-64 (Daet, Camarines Norte), led by Nemesia G. Diano got P43.779 million collection against P31.538 million goal for a P3.2 million increase or 10.28 percent.

RD Tabule is optimistic to achieve this year’s last quarter goal, working together as a team with her Assistant Regional Director Elisa B. Pelljera, both of whom have committed to pursue and uphold the thrusts of the Bureau. (MAL/RMPalmiano, BIR)

Project “PRESERVE”, a biodiversity conservation program for Bulusan Volcano park
by Irma A. Guhit

SORSOGON CITY, November 11 (PIA) -- The Aggrupation of Advocates for Environmental Protection (AGAP) Bulusan, through its president , Philip Bartilet presented recently here at the Bulusan Volcano Natural Park (BVNP) the logical framework of project “PRESERVE”, a mechanism to involve residents within the 6 barangays of the BVNP to take care of its rich biodiversity and eradicate illegal activities within the area.

This project, according to Bartilet will provide an alternative source of livelihood to those persons who have been continuously conducting illegal activities within the area to totally refrain from such activities and eventually become the first persons to take care of the rich biodiversity of the BVNP as they will be trained to become eco-tourism guides and forest rangers with monthly compensation benefits.

They will be called Wildlife Environmental Officers (WEOs) and will be accredited by the Department of Tourism as tourism guides and forest rangers of the BVNP .

Bartilet explained that the project has now been approved and will be funded by the United Nations Development Program (UNDP).

He said that the general aim of the project is to organize and mobilize communities in the BVNP area as a participatory people’s mechanism to mainstream biodiversity conservation, institute local policies and come up with a resource-based management plans for the BVNP.

The project will harness the efforts of multi-sector representation from the 6 barangays within the BVNP to organize themselves into an environmental biodiversity para-legal protection units.

It will focus on field research, organize monitoring teams that will continue to provide information education campaign dissemination through a regular “Dalaw Turo” within the 6 barangays of the BVNP

Eight courses will be provided that will focus on the environmental biodiversity richness of the BVNP, how it should be conserved and the bright prospects of the BVNP as a prime tourism destination.

The project has also identified the rehabilitation of a 50 -hectare denuded biodiversity habitat and projected to be reforested within 2 years.

The propagation of 20,450 agro-forestry seedlings will be placed in the 6 proposed barangay nurseries within the BVNP. Seedlings to be planted will comprise of pili, cacao, coffee and with 6,000 seedlings more of endemic hardwood and watershed forest trees.

The project will highlight the monthly monitoring of the activities, and a publication of the inventory of the existing flora and fauna as an ecological profile of the BVNP. (MAL/IAG, PIA Sorsogon)

12 Establishments cited in DTI Bagwis Awards

LEGAZPI CITY, November 11 (PIA) -- The Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) Bicol regional Office has cited establishments that practice fair business and uphold the rights and welfare of consumers through its Bagwis Program.

Bagwis Program mandates setting up of Consumer Welfare Desks in business places aimed at providing accessible and speedy resolution of complaints to consumers.

For this year, a total of 12 establishments received the DTI Silver and Bronze Bagwis Seal of Excellence after having met the criteria under the said program.

The awards program is recognized by the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) and the ASEAN Committee on Consumer Protection (ACCP) as one of the best practices of the country in Consumer Protection.

DTI Silver Seal of Excellence was conferred to Robertson Department Store (Cam. Sur), Robertson Department Store (Sorsogon), Willy & Son’s Corp. (Catanduanes), Century Family Mall (Catanduanes), MotortradeTopline Inc. (Catanduanes) and Catanduanes Bazaar (Catanduanes).

DTI Bronze Seal of Excellence awardees are Nikki Electronics (Sorsogon), Cler Centro Mart (Albay), Guinobatan Shoprite (Albay), Houseware Plaza(Cam. Norte), Ricasio Hardware (Cam.Norte) and Olivan Builders (Cam.Sur).

The citations were given in time for the Bicol Consumers Assembly last November 8 La Roca Veranda Suites & Restaurant here

DTI V is very much pleased that more and more establishments have recognized the necessity to obtain the Bagwis Seal to not only help the consumers and enterprises, but most importantly, to help themselves grow as model businesses. (MAL/DTI V)

Sarmiento, Justice Marquez lead unveiling of lady justice statue

by Edna A Bagadiong

VIRAC, Catanduanes, November 11 (PIA) -- Congressman Cesar V. Sarmiento of the Lone District of Catanduanes led the unveiling of the statue of Lady Justice in front of the Hall of Justice, Provincial Capitol Compound, Virac, Catanduanes this morning, November 11, 2011 with Supreme Court of the Philippines' Court Administrator, Hon. Jose Midas P. Marquez as the guest of honor.

The event also coincides with the tree planting activity dubbed as project 11-11-11 which was also initiated and spearheaded by the Congressman.

The construction of statue of the Lady of Justice was commissioned and funded by Congressman Cesar V. Sarmiento amounting P350,000.

In his speech, Rep. Sarmiento said that the statue will serve as the image of the strong belief and confidence in the power and supremacy of the law as well as the trust in the justice system of the people of Catanduanes.

"As the statue shows us, the scales that the lady justice hold represent the impartiality with which the justice is served; the sword signifies the power that is held by those making the decision and the blindfold shows that justice is not subject to influence", he added.

Furthermore, according to the solon, justice is all about caring, sharing and giving what is due and rightful, honest and fair to our fellowmen and the surroundings.

Also present in the occasion is Bishop Manolo A. delos Santos of the Diocese, Hon. Lelu P. Contreras and a representative of Governor Joseph C. Cua. (EAB, PIA Catanduanes)

15 vocational graduates undergo business management training

by Rosalita Base-Manlangit

DAET, Camarines Norte, November 11 (PIA) -- A total of 15 graduates of vocational courses were given a one day Business Management Training aimed to equipped them knowledge on handling business spearheaded by the provincial government through Public Employment Service Office (PESO) recently.

PESO Manager Nida N. Tosoc said that the15 were the graduates of vocational courses from the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) subsidized under the program of the Camarines Norte Provincial Government College Education Assistance Program.

She said that they were trained on how to start a small business with meager capital and ways on how to make business become successful.

The trainors include: Trade and Development Specialist Alvin Sayno and Liza Sarical from the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI).

It will be recalled that the 15 graduates also received Kabuhayan Starter Kit from the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) last September 21.

Kabuhayan starter kit include equipments/tools/ kit for automotive mechanic, welding, electronics, electrical installation, beauty care and hairdressing and others. (MAL, RBM,PIA Camarines Norte)

2011-11-10T09:54:00.000+08:00

DSWD bares anti-poverty gains in Bicol under P-Noy administration

LEGAZPI CITY, November 10 (PIA) -- The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has strengthened its implementation of various poverty alleviation programs in Bicol under the administration of President Benigno Aquino III that have been showing success in breaking the lingering string of dearth pinning the poor to the vicious cycle dependency.

The approach of working hand in hand with various government agencies, foreign donors, local government units (LGUs) and other stakeholders in the implementation of these programs has been proving effective given the fact that it has involved almost everybody in identifying the root cause of the problem and delivering the solutions.

“Through the processes undertaken by the project, community members became more active in terms of participation. They realize the importance of their contribution to community development and nation building as ordinary members of the community,” Remia Tapispisan, DSWD regional director for Bicol said here on Tuesday.

For one, Tapispisan cited the remarkable achievements of the government’s anti-poverty campaign under the Poder Y Prosperidad dela Comunidad or PODER program which is being implemented through a grant from the Spanish government’s Agencia Española Cooperacion International para El Desarolio (AECID).

PODER has already completed five phases of its project implementation in Bicol where among the beneficiaries are the municipalities of Minalabac and Presentacion in Camarines Sur and Paracale and Sta. Elena in Camarines Norte.

In Minalabac, Tapispisan said 25 barangays with a total of 8,517 households are now benefiting from the school buildings, day care centers, health stations and water systems constructed through PODER funds and a counterpart from the municipal government. Roads were also improved to facilitate easy transport of the farmer’s agricultural produce to the market.

In Presentacion, PODER focused its project implementation in 12 prioritized barangays with about 3,820 households now being benefited by similar facilities given to Minalabac barangays. Flood control systems, sea wall and barangay roads were also constructed in this municipality.

In Paracale, she said 11 minor infrastructures such as school buildings, water systems, day care centers, health centers and barangays roads needed by nearly 3,000 impoverished households have put in place. All these projects cost a total of P15.5 million, P4.7 million of it provided as counterpart by the LGU.

Another program is the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) presently being implemented in Bicol’s six provinces initially covering 65 of the region’s 107 municipalities and seven cities with 140,523 beneficiary families.

Each of these beneficiaries with three qualified children receives a subsidy of P1,400 a month during the school year to be used for educational expenses. A maximum of three children per household is allowed and an additional P500 a month per household is given for health and nutrition expenses.

“So far we can say that the implementation of the CCT in Bicol has provided hope to these marginalized sector of society which under the P-Noy’s administration is a priority so that poverty in the countryside is remedied", Tapispisan said.

Then next year comes the implementation of Makamasang Tugon (MT), a Millennium Challenge Corporation (MCC) -funded poverty alleviation program of the administration of President Benigno Aquino III that will benefit 18 impoverished municipalities in the region.

With the US$ 120 million funds in grant from the MCC, a US-based funding institution, the MT will be able to serve municipalities previously covered by the Kapit Bisig Laban Sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDDS), a community driven development initiative implemented by the government through a World Bank (WB) loan from 2003 to 2010.

Of this fund, the Bicol was allotted a total of P434 million which would further allow selected local communities to be trained to choose, design and implement sub-projects that address their most pressing need like small-scale infrastructures like farm to market roads, water systems, school buildings, day-care centers, drainage systems, multipurpose hall and seawalls, among others, Tapispisan said.

Once fully realized, she said these projects under the MT, being the national government's framework program for a focused, accelerated, convergent and expanded strategy to reduce poverty by providing interventions on asset reforms, human development services, capacity building and participation in governance, would promote sustainable growth across the region. (MAL/DOCalleja)

Council for the protection of children bares accomplishments

by Irma A. Guhit

SORSOGON CITY, November 10 (PIA) -- Children’s Month celebration has been a rousing success boosting campaigns and advocacies for the protection of the rights and ensuring the welfare of the children in the province of Sorsogon.

Myra Relativo, assistant provincial head of the Sorsogon Provincial Social Welfare and Development Office (PSWDO) and coordinator of the Council for the Protection of Children (PCPC), said the observance was highlighted by hundreds of children and stakeholders from different localities in the province convening in a Children Congress showcasing poster making contest focusing on the theme "Local Council for the Protection of Children para sa Bright Child : Pakilusin, Palakasin, Pagtulungan Natin".

A program highlighting the different skills and talents of children in singing, dancing and drama was also well participated in by children who rendered prepared numbers focusing on their own issues.

Three non-governmental organizations with child focused advocacies convened also at the PSWDO last month to discuss programs and projects and where each can provide areas of complementation and fund sharing in the several activities scheduled next year Relativo explained.

Josephina B. Deri, federation manager of FACE, a non-governmental organization that provides assistance to children spearheaded the Children’s Month celebration and was one of the accomplished activities of the council to celebrate children’s month.

Meanwhile Rico Guarino, Local Government Operations Officer V (LGOO ) of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) also reported that their agency will be conducting a reorientation program to local officials about the utilization of the 1% budget allocation for the council in the barangays.

Part of the PCPC accomplishment this quarter was the inter visitation conducted also in several municipalities to monitor the functionality of the Barangay Council for the Protection of Children (BCPC) with the Department of Education and Green Valley Development Program , both members of the council providing assistance.

Relativo also shared to the members of the council that she attended a meeting on feed backing of the implementation of the Early Childhood and Development held at Manila Hotel last Aug. 31, 2011.

The recommendation during the conference was to construct a Child Development Center here where a paid Child Development Worker will be trained and will be the regular staff of the center.

In the meeting , a team building activity was also scheduled this January to provide all the members of the council added skills in the functionality of the organization to be conducted by the Local Government Academy. (IAG, PIA Sorsogon)

Bicol Competitiveness Committee organized

by Ed de Leon

LEGAZPI CITY, November 10 (PIA) -- To improve the ranking of the country with respect to the “ease of doing business” in the country in general and Bicol in particular, the Bicol Competitiveness Committee (BCC) under the Regional Development Council (RDC) was formally organized the other day during its meeting held last Wednesday (Nov. 9) at the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) regional office here.

The committee was created during the August 26, 2011 RDC regular full council meeting through RDC Resolution No. 25 (Series of 2011) through the prodding of RDC chair Albay Gov. Joey Salceda after the presentation made by Guillermo Luz, national chairman of the National Competiveness Council, when it was shown that the Philippines was ranked 136 out of 183 countries rated in the category of the ease of doing business in the Country.

The committee is composed of the following member agencies DTI, DILG, DOLE, DOST, DOT, NEDA, PIA, six from Provincial Planning and Development Councils (PPDCs), seven from City Planning and Development Councils (CPDCs) and from the Local Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCIs).

During the conference the committee members agreed to immediately map out plans for implementation starting the first quarter of next year to significantly improve the environment in doing business in Bicol more particularly in standardizing the number of steps in the processing of application for the issuance of business permits and licenses issued by Local Governments Units (LGUs), reduced the cost of doing business and how to further improve productivity.

The Committee will also have a Technical Working Group that would meet regularly to tackle issues that could contribute to the easing of doing business in the region.

The meeting was presided by Director Romeo Escandor of NEDA. (MAL/EDL, PIA V)

Catanduanes, all set for 11-11-11 tree planting activity

by Edna A. Bagadiong

VIRAC, Catanduanes, Nobyembre 10 (PIA) -- The 11-11-11 tree planting project spearheaded by the Congressional District Office under the leadership of Congressman Cesar V. Sarmiento of the lone district of Catanduanes is all set for tomorrow, November 11, 2011.

According to Cong. Sarmiento, the said program targets to plant 111,111 trees throughout the province wherein they would also like to steal the Guinness World Record for the most number of trees planted in a simultaneous tree-planting event under his project.

Local agencies and non-government organizations in the province already received last week 94,300 planting materials which mostly came from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

As a support, almost 3,000 magrove propagules will be planted by the provincial government together with its employees headed by Governor Joseph C. Cua in coastal areas and around 500trees will also be planted to areas affected by kaingin and illegal-logging.

In this connection, Gov. Cua issued a memorandum directing employees of the provincial government to join the one-day province-wide activity wherein employees who would fail to join have to give a formal letter of explanation to justify their reason for not joining the activity.

On the other hand, the 11 towns of Catanduanes have agreed to plant 65,000 trees that will be participated by volunteer schools, offices and private groups in their respective areas.

At present, almost 103,650 tree seedlings have already been distributed by the Congressional District Office which if planted this Friday will be twice the number of trees planted of the current world-record holder in simultaneous tree-planting event.

In Guiness Book of World Record, almost 7,000 participants simultaneously planted 64,096 na trees in 31,000 Hectares of land in the towns of Siruma and Tinambac Camarines Sur last February 23, 2011 sunder Governor LRay Villafuerte.

Meanwhile, Cong. Sarmiento is hoping for the success of the activity through the help of different groups which are expected to join the event.(MAL/EAB, PIA Catanduanes)

Antiques, primary attraction in Moseo de Catanduanes

by Edna A. Bagadiong

VIRAC, Catanduanes, November 10 (PIA) -- The newly opened Moseo de Catanduanes located at the Old Capitol Building, Sta. Elena, Virac, Catanduanes features different memorabilia and antique materials which refelect the long history of the province.

The Moseo was inaugurated last October 24, 2011 in line with the 66th Foundation Anniversary of Catanduanes.

According to Provincial Tourism and Promotion Officer Carmel Bonifacio Garcia of the Provincial Tourism, they are glad to introduce the bravery of the island’s ancestors and previous leaders through the materials used during those times.

Also in the moseo are religious artifacts, farm implements, historic memorabilias and other antiques which were donated by local citizens.

Mrs. Garcia also appealed to the public for more donations and encourgaed them to entrust to them the things used by their ancestors.

She also added that the establishment of the said moseo was made possible through the efforts of the Provincial Governor Joseph C. Cua as well as the Catandunganons who are inclined to the culture and heritage presentation like Dr. Estrella Placides of CSC and of the Catanduanes Culture Heritage Inc. (CCHI).

The moseo is open to public from 9-12 and from 1-4 p.m. (MAL/EAB, PIA Catanduanes)

2011-11-09T09:50:00.000+08:00

DTI reports bright opportunities for “bayong” production in Sorsogon

by Irma A. Guhit

SORSOGON CITY, November 9 (PIA) -- Bayong production has been intensified as Sorsogon’s emerging best export product through convergence efforts by the different local governments, government line agencies, private sectors and local manufacturers, according to Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) provincial director Leah Pagao.

Marinella Hernandez, division chief of DTI Sorsogon product division, confirmed that there was a voluminous demand for bayong in both the local and international markets as reflected in the sales from the just concluded Orgulyo nin Bicol held in Manila.

Export sales generated P33,867 and 1,206 jobs.

Bayong is a local product made here out of the local materials such as karagumoy, buri pandan, seagrass (locally named agas), abaca, water hyacinth, bamboo and rattan.

It has also been recommended by almost all local governments here as the alternative biodegradable material instead of plastic shopping bags.

DTI Sorsogon,explained that bayong production requires only low investment and light technology as this can be mass produced in homes.

At the recent Kasanggayahan Festival, trendy bayongs were sold to promote tourism in the province.(MAL/IAG, PIA Sorsogon)

Campus journalists train on digital journalism

by Aida Alcazar-Naz

LEGAZPI CITY, November 9 (PIA) -- An on-the-job week-long regional training on digital literacy was recently conducted for secondary school paper advisers and campus writers from 64 public secondary schools.

The Department of Education (DepEd) has recognized digital literacy as a 21st century core skill. This utilization of advanced technology in school publication will be demonstrated through a contest.

The live-in training attended by 482 campus writers along with their coaches was conducted in preparation for the latest group contest in the upcoming annual National Schools Press Conference (NSPC) set next year dubbed as collaborative publishing contest.

Said tutoring, which was held in Camarines Sur National High School in Naga City last October 23-28, provided the participants with lecture discussion and demonstration highlighted by exercises and critiquing on writing news, editorial, column, feature, literary, sports and lay-outing and dummy preparation of an 8-page tabloid. Speakers in the training were a book publisher, a professor in journalism from Bicol University and the Philippine Information Agency.

Each participating school was composed of at least five editorial staffers;a news writer, editorial writer, sports writer, feature writer and a cartoonist.

They were required to bring a laptop computer, printer, digital camera, articles and photographs for the tabloid preparation.

All provincial and city divisions were represented in the training. Five schools from Albay joined the seminar-workshop, Camarines Norte had 7, Camarines Sur 9, Catanduanes 4, Masbate 4, Sorsogon 7 while cities of Iriga had 7 schools, Legazpi 2, Ligao 4, Masbate 2, Naga 2, Sorsogon7, and Tabaco 4.

Fatima D. Buen, regional coordinator for secondary campus journalism for DepEd Region V said that aside from the preparation for the contest, the training anticipated the enhancement of skills of editorial staff in producing quality publication.

As in past years, individual contests both in English and Filipino categories in news writing, feature writing, editorial writing, sports writing, editorial cartooning, photo-journalism, copyreading and headline writing will continue, added Buen.

Winners of the regional competition will represent the region in the 2012 NSPC in April next year. At present various stages of school-based, cluster or congressional level competitions in different provincial and city divisions are being held.

Winners in the cluster or congressional competition will advance to the division or provincial level while school level winners will move on to the city division contest.

All winners in the city and provincial divisions compete in the regional level.

This year’s press conference has adopted the theme, Promoting Digital Literacy Through Campus Journalism. The conduct of the NSPC is pursuant to the provisions of Republic Act No. 7079 or An Act Providing for the Development and Promotion of Campus Journalism.

The NSPC is now on its 80th year. It traces its beginning in 1931. The annual journalism event was suspended during World War 11 and Martial Law years. (MAL/AAN, PIA V)

Catanduanes State Colleges students top Region V civil eng'g quiz

VIRAC, Catanduanes, November 9 (PIA) -- Catanduanes State Colleges (CSC) students John Michael T. Bernal and Ma. Karla T. Avila will represent Region V in the National Civil Engineering Quiz on Nov. 17, 2011 in Cagayan de Oro for respectively winning First and Second places in the 2011 Region V Civil Engineering Quiz (CE) held on Oct. 18-19, 2011 at Camarines Sur Polytechnic College, Nabua, Camarines Sur.

Bernal and Avila, both fifth year BS in Engineering, were coached by Engr. Michael M. Traballo.

The annual competition is sponsored by Philippine Institute of Civil Engineers and Mega Review Center, Manila, and participated in by various universities and colleges in Bicol region. The CE quiz is one of the highlights of the 2011 Regional PICE Students’ Summit, aside from the technical lectures and tower building competition.

Through the years, CSC has consistently maintained its top standing in the regional and national civil engineering quizzes. (GSRubio/CSC/PIA Catanduanes)

DAR discloses national convergence accomplishments in Sorsogon

by Irma A. Guhit

SORSOGON CITY, November 9 (PIA) -- The National Convergence Initiative (NCI) launched April this year has implemented several development projects in Sorsogon City, Castilla, and Casiguran, the three selected pilot areas of Sorsogon, according to Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR) Provincial agrarian reform officer (PARO) Roseller R. Olayres.

The proposed projects presented during the launch as part of the Sorsogon Development Investment Plan for the three pilot areas for 2011-2015, were organic farming, coconut, pili and pineapple production, livestock raising, forest and fruit trees planting, and aquamarine production and will be implemented by the three lead agencies, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Department of Agriculture (DA) and DAR.

In the municipality of Castilla, the targeted local agrarian reform communities have already undertaken participatory coconut planting, establishment of coconut nursery, livestock integration, salt fertilization, intercropping, seaweed input assistance and agro-forestry.

In the local agrarian communities of the municipality of Casiguran, the three lead agencies have already implemented the following projects: participatory coconut planting, inter-cropping, livestock production, establishment of tilapia hatchery, seaweed culture production, aqua silvi-production and establishment of the pili nursery.

Meanwhile in the city of Sorsogon agrarian reform areas, according to Olayres projects such as participatory coconut planting, intercropping, livestock production and establishment of tilapia hatchery were already implemented.

The assistance provided also by the Philippine Coconut Authority, Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources, together with DA ,DENR, DAR and the three LGUs concerned made the implementation successful according to Olayres.

The national convergence initiative is the government’s strategy for poverty alleviation that will eventually better the quality of life of people along the countryside and appreciate the value of their land as a a best source of opportunity for development. (MAL/IAG, PIA SOrsogon)