Organizers dedicate CCA Conference for Tourism to Robredo 

LEGAZPI CITY, August 23 (PIA) --- Amid the grief and pain now being felt throughout the country over the tragic death of Secretary Jesse Robredo of the Department of the Interior and Local Government, organizers of the First Philippine Tourism Conference on Climate Change Adaptation deemed it proper to dedicate the national event to the Secretary as an expression of gratitude for his staunch support to the cause of climate change adaptation.

Earlier at the onset of preparations for this historic conference, Robredo issued Memorandum Circular No. 2012-108 “enjoining all concerned local government officials and functionaries to participate” in the PTCCCA.

Robredo said, “With their participation to this activity, we move one step closer to our goals of building awareness, engaging action, advancing legislation and education as well as supporting scientific advancement in the study of climate change and the environment and their impacts.”

Legazpi City Mayor Geraldine B. Rosal and Department of Tourism Regional Director Maria “Nini” Ong Ravanilla disclosed that the Opening Prayer on Day 1 of the three-day conference will also be offered for the repose of the soul of Secretary Robredo.

Former Legazpi City Mayor Noel Rosal, a bosom friend of the Secretary will lead the prayer while the participants will be holding lighted candles.

LCCAD President and Chairman Nong Rangasa who is also the PTCCCA conference director said it is to be expected that the PTCCCA will be tinged with mourning as almost all the participants will come from offices under the umbrella of the DILG.

"An epitome of a good and honest government official, Jesse Robredo will be remembered not as a politician but as a compassionate person, an influential and extraordinary leader, and a good family man among many other qualities that made him beloved by the rich and poor alike," Rangasa said.

"Soon his name will be a lingering tune in the heart of every caring Filipino, but one thing is for sure right now: he will be treading the “Daang Matuwid” towards “ home” to those “whose deeds are blameless and whose hearts are pure,” he added. (MAL/CMVicuna-LCCAD/PIA5)


Senator supports water sourcing project

By Marlon A. Loterte

LEGAZPI CITY, Aug 23 (PIA) –- The Sorsogon City Water District (SCWD) and the Casiguran Water District (CWD) are expecting assistance from the office of Sen. Francis Escudero, after he spoke with the management and board of the two water districts.

In the meeting, Escudero inquired on how the two are going through with the proposed water supply sourcing of SCWD from the Orok Spring in Inlagadian, Casiguran.

He also asked on the options that can be considered to pursue the project at the soonest possible time.

Engineer Eduardo Tejada, general manager of CWD, said that while Orok Springs has more than enough water to offer SCWD, they need to set up transmission facilities from the source to Trece Martinez down to Abuyog, which will be separately installed for SCWD.

Six-inch and a four-inch diameter pipelines, including a control valve and other fittings will be installed.

Tejada added that applying for a loan for the purpose may be considered provided the cost of water, monthly consumption and billing should be fixed at a rate, which would fairly compensate their loan amortization.

Jesus F. Fumera, SCWD board of directors chair, and Nelson Doloirason, SCWD director, said the management’s intention of installing a bigger storage tank or reservoir in Brgy. Abuyog is to ensure adequate water storage for concessionaires in the eastern area of the city and probably replace old pipelines.

While the possibilities are high for the pursuit of the project, both parties are open for mutual coordination and development of an appropriate program of work (POW).

Escudero advised both parties that they may consider applying for a loan based on the POW and he would lobby for its approval at the Local Water Utilities Administration.

He added that he will also try to look for ways to backup the project by any means possible.

A follow-up meeting and consultation is scheduled by the Senator on September 15 this year.

The meeting, which was held during the wake of the late Congressman Sonny Escudero III in their residence in Buhatan, Sorsogon was also attended by SCWD Vice Chair Sylvia R. Lao, Secretary Teresita N. Borromeo, Budget Division Manager Orlando Gacias, Maintenance Division OIC Andy Fercia; and CWD board of directors chair Ruiz. (MAL/MMLJ-SCWD/PIA5)


Daet City mayor cites Robredo as his idol, mentor and friend

By Rosalita Base-Manlangit

DAET, Camarines Norte, August 23 (PIA) -- “Secretary Jesse Robredo was my idol, mentor and friend,” said Mayor Tito Sarion of Daet yesterday during the Daet Press Corps meeting.

As a youth leader, Sarion said he wanted to emulate Robredo and other leaders like former Sen. Raul Roco and Cong. Marcial Pimental.

He said many of his advocacies and ideas in governance and politics are inspired by the successes of Robredo in Naga City.

The mayor said he also advocated independence from national subsidies and even established a political force in his own, doing away with traditional political power.

“To a mayor like me, to become a Robredo is a dream – to be given such recognition like the Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM), Kondrad Adenuaer and Ramon Magsaysay Awards,” Sarion said.

Mayor Sarion said as a mentor, Robredo coached them to become manager and champions.

The late secretary, he said, was deeply committed in making the country great again by way of changing the core values of good government and the values of local leaders as vanguards of the local development.

Sarion said that was not learned from the books.

He cited that Jesse was a friend – a friend so special that they listen to him.

“He was reliable and a man of word. Even how busy and far he was, he see to it that he will come and meet up to a commitment. When he say Yes, it’s 100 percent yes,” Sarion said.

“Jesse, wherever you are, your character as a person will continue to inspire us. In behalf of the people of Daet, thank you very much,” he added. (MAL/RBM-PIA5/Camarines Norte)


DOTC Sec. Roxas all praises for Sec. Robredo's daughters

By Aida A. Naz

Naga City, Aug 23 (PIA) -- Transportation Secretary Mar Roxas was all praises on the three daughters of the late Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo.

Secretary Robredo left behind three daughters Jessica Marie, 25; Tricia, 18 and Jillian, 11.

“Nakakabilib ang katatagan nila sa panahong mula pa ng hinanahap si Jesse (Their fortitude that they showed, from the time Jesse was reported missing, was truly remarkable)," Roxas said.

He added that the search and rescue operations, the two elder daughters would ask about the blow by blow operations, the plane’s skid marks, where the documents were found, including the safety of the divers.

Roxas also said that in the words of his generation, the girls have class, dignity and grace under pressure. This only shows that they were brought up well by parents Jesse and Leni, he said.

Jessica Marie, nicknamed Aika, works at Chevron. Her sister Tricia is currently a student of Ateneo de Manila University while youngest Jillian is an elementary pupil at Universidad de Sta. Isabel here.

Jillian is also medalist in national swimming and international math competitions. (MAL/AAN-PIA5)

Task Force Robredo formed for ongoing wake of Robredo

By Analiza S. Macatangay

NAGA CITY, Aug 22 (PIA) -- An incident command center to oversee the activities in line with the wake of the late DILG Secretary Jesse M. Robredo has been set up here.

The Secretary’s wake is open to the public at the Archbishop’s Palace since yesterday evening until Friday morning.

Dubbed Task Force Robredo, the group will facilitate inter-agency efforts to man the peace and security situations in and around the wake area, ensure the proper flow of vehicles through the imposition of a re-routing scheme to assist the motorists and provide the necessary logistics during the entire wake period.

The task force is headed by Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Secretary Ricky Carandang and Naga City Mayor John Bongat.

Carandang, who is also heading the committee on funeral arrangements, earlier issued Bulletin No.1 containing the public viewing schedules of the remains of the late Secretary Robredo.

On Friday, the remains will be transported from Naga City to Malacanang Palace. Initially, it is scheduled to be sent back at the city hall on Sunday.

Since last night, thousands of mourning Bicolanos and supporters coming from different parts of the region, lined up at the Archbishop’s palace to have a last glimpse of SILG Robredo inside his close coffin.

To ensure that mourners are out of harm’s way, the Philippine National Police has deployed 254 policemen to man three strategic areas – the vicinity within the Archbishop’s palace, the residence of Secretary Robredo and all roads where visitors and some activities during the entire duration of the wake and vigil will take place.

Last night during the wake, Robredo’s eldest daughter Jessica Marie also fondly called “Aika,” thanked everyone for their prayers and support in this difficult times that their family is going through.

A few years back, Aika wrote an essay about her father being the source of her inspiration during the 2003 Ramon Magsaysay Student Essay Competition. It won the grand prize for the High School Category.

"His decision to continue serving his native city and resist the lure of national prominence, which a higher elective post could have brought him, had the deepest impact on me and imparted to me life-long lessons: that no deed is too small nor too big if it makes other people’s burden lighter and their lives better; that greatness of spirit can be achieved not through wealth, power or popularity, but by living your life with quiet dignity and by becoming a man for others. By his example, I have been truly inspired to dare to make a difference, break ground, stand up for my own convictions and serve others selflessly and with integrity in whatever field I will find myself in," Aika wrote. (MAL/LSM-PIA5/Camarines Sur)



College, university teams vie for Ibalong Fest nat’l beach volleyball champ

By Marlon A. Loterte

LEGAZPI CITY, Albay, Aug 22 (PIA) -- Eight teams from various colleges and universities in the country spiked their way under the scorching heat of sun refreshed by the soothing freshness of the Pacific wind into the first Ibalong Festival National Women’s Beach Volleyball Invitational Championship here during the weekend.

One of the teams came from University of Santo Tomas (UST) while Far Eastern University (FEU) and National University (NU) fielded two teams each. The other teams are from La Salle University-Dasmariñas (Cavite), University of Perpetual Help System-Laguna and Aquinas University of Legazpi.

Sanctioned by the Philippine Volleyball Federation, the only national governing body of volleyball in the country, the games open on Saturday and will go through Sunday where the champion will be determined through a point system of judging, said Roy Dimaculangan, the event organizer.

“We have included women’s beach volleyball in the sports events of the Ibalong Festival as the city government introduces new innovations for more fun and adventure during the celebration this year,” said Dimaculangan on Friday.

Ibalong is a yearly jubilee in colorful celebration of the city’s mythical past instituted by the city government here into its promotion of local tourism and investment.

Dimaculangan said volleyball is a sport that has now achieved global popularity and played not only by men as it is also taken up by the women enthusiastically across the world.

The reason for the game’s popularity and the speed of success lie with the fact that it has simple rules and does not require a lot of preparation to play. All that is needed are a ball, a net and players.

Beach volleyball is a variation of the game that is also becoming very popular and standardized featuring two players on a team instead of the usual six. However, beach volleyball is also a sport in which both the men and the women take part.

“Beach volleyball especially of women is one of the most glorious sports of them all being a sport played by a team of glistening, athletic girls in bikinis. Certainly, it will add more fun to Ibalong Festival,” Dimaculangan said.

Beach volleyball aficionados will surely be delighted with the game to be held at the beach along the Legazpi City Boulevard that stretches along the fine black sand beach of the city bordering the Albay Albay Gulf.

Dimaculangan said playing beach volleyball is not just fun but provides a total workout that is good for the health. Anyone could play beach volleyball wherever there's a sand or net. The good thing about this sport is that anyone could play it: men and women, teenager and adult.

In this event, he said, having powerful legs is important although jumping and falling skills are more important. Well-tuned beach volleyball players know how it is more difficult to run and jump on sand rather than usual off-beach courts.

The rules for beach volleyball are just like the usual volleyball game. The only difference is that it is played on sand, usually by the beach where movements while basking at the heat of the sun when playing is excessively challenging.

“This challenge makes it a fun sport,” Dimaculangan added. (MAL/LGU Legazpi City)


Climate sensitive talks boost tourism amidst Ibalong Festival

By Marlon A. Loterte

LEGAZPI CITY, August 22 (PIA) -- The First Philippine Tourism Conference on Climate Change Adaptation (PTCCCA) on Aug. 23-25 to be held at the Oriental Hotel, Legazpi, is a big boost to the city’s tourism activity.

City Mayor Geraldine B. Rosal said this as the event with an expected 1,000 participants will be held side by side the Ibalong Festival which depicts local legendary heroes Handyong, Baltog and Bantong of the Bicol epic who fought man-made and natural calamities during the ancient Bicolandia.

The modern ‘heroes’ that ought to be molded within the premises of the conference will be the expected outcome of this historic and first of a kind Climate Change Adaptation strategy focusing on the tourism industry as a significant growth area for countryside to national economic development played by resilient stakeholders policy makers, key government agencies, planners, scientists, business entities and communities, among others.

The PTCCCA coincides with the Street Carnival of the annual Ibalong Festival will perk up investment ventures in the city as the twin events will be highlighted by the inauguration of the Boulevard de Legazpi, a new road opening going to the South Luzon International Airport

The Ibalong Festival that would keep everyone in the city animated during the whole of this month, kicked off on August 10 and closes on the 31st with the mayor rendering her “Ulat sa Bayan,” a report on the state of the city that would tackle her administration’s achievement for the whole year starting in August 2011.

It will be staged in an open ground at the newly developed Legazpi City Boulevard, a multi-billion-peso urban development site that opens a multidimensional facet of urbanization.

This development is giving way to the phenomenal growth the city has been achieving in the fields of tourism, commerce, industry, agriculture, information technology (IT), business process outsourcing (BPO), infrastructure, housing and transportation, among other aspects of local economy.

The Ibalong Festival will be highlighted by the Street Party that will see the participation of every man on the street in a night-long celebration through music, dances and other fanfares. The Ibalong Beer Plaza at the Boulevard which will run up to the last night of the month-long festival will also open on the same occasion.

City Mayor Geraldine Rosal, Tourism-Bicol Regional Director Maria “Nini” Ravanilla and Local Climate Change Adaptation for Development (LCCAD) Inc. President and PTCCCA Conference Director Nong Rangasa are the prime movers in this national conference.

Meanwhile, Aside from the walk-in confirmations to PTCCCA, the on-line registration of participants continues to pour in from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

President Benigno S. Aquino III is invited to keynote this remarkable conference to find solutions to the disastrous effects of extreme weather events like the recent floods that hit Metro Manila and the nearby provinces.

Senator Legarda, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Climate Change hopes to include the result of the PTCCCA deliberations in the framework plans to address the massive flooding in Metro Manila and the Camanava area following the revelation of Dr. Fernando Siringan, an expert of the University of the Philippines Marine Science Institute that Metro Manila has started to “sink” and why there is massive flooding even in the absence of a typhoon.

While the major partners are all excited in this event, local executives, development and planning officials, tourism officers, and other major stakeholders who have signified their attendance to the PTCCCA have already reached the maximum number of expected participants, still more are placing reservations and hotel accommodations.

Rangasa disclosed that flood-damaged areas like Pampanga, Bataan, Alaminos and Nueva Vizcaya are sending more participants than the expected number. (MAL/LCCAD-PIA5)


DOT expects Legazpi’s Ibalong Fest to boost Albay’s tourism growth

By Marlon A. Loterte

LEGAZPI CITY, Albay, Aug 22 (PIA) -- The Department of Tourism (DOT) is confident that this year's Ibalong Festival will improve the performance of the local tourism industry in Albay.

Now on its 21st year, the festival which celebrates the city’s mythical past, opened on Friday with a grand merrymaking that saw local officials, government employees, barangay leaders, students, various groups of young professionals and businessmen, visitors and tourists partying around the city.

“We are counting not only the arrivals during the month-long duration of the festival but within the whole year as Ibalong is a tourism promotion whose positive effect on the industry is long ranged,” DOT Regional Director Maria Ong-Ravanilla said on Tuesday.

Last year’s tourist arrivals here and throughout Albay was counted at over 350,000, posting a 17 percent increase over its 2010 performance. This increase surpassed the 2011 national tourism growth rate of 15 percent.

This year, early figures indicate a positive trend owing to various tourism-related activities like the provincial government-sponsored Magayon Festival and similar events initiated by several local government units like Tabak Festival in Tabaco City, Coron Festival in Tiwi, Baybayon Festival in Bacacay, Daragang Magayon in Daraga and Paroy Festival in Libon, among others.

The rise of this city as among the country’s top convention centers is also contributing significantly to the province’s phenomenal tourism industry growth as this draws thousands of visitors in any given occasion, Ravanilla said.

This month, 3,000 participants from all over the country are expected to attend the Conference on Climate Change Adaptation here on August 23 to 25 while the 64th national convention of the Junior Chamber International Philippine (Jaycees) is slated in the city on October.

In November, the national convention of the Municipal Mayors League of the Philippines will be held in this city as well.

Ibalong Festival is part of tourism program of the city that is proving very effective in promoting the place as a major tourist destination not only because of the majestic Mt. Mayon but because it is packed with fun, adventure and business opportunities, Ravanilla said.

“Anyway, it is always more fun in Legazpi because people here are known for their hospitality and its distinct tourism features with its people, great history, fascinating culture and enchanting arts. Mayon Volcano on the other hand serves not only as an attraction but rather a destination,” she added.

Noel Rosal, the city’s former mayor now the city administrator, said scaling the 2,463-meter elevation of the summit of Mayon, the Philippines’ most active volcano is truly an experience of a lifetime.

Climbing up to the level close to the summit or an area commonly referred to as the knife’s edge is for the intermediate-expert climber or for one who is very fit. It normally takes two days and one night to reach the summit and it is essential that one have a competent and knowledgeable local guide, he said.

To plan a climb to Mt. Mayon, one must register and log at the Mayon Volcano National Park (MVNP) and Ecological Campsite and Ecopark located at foot slope of the volcano specifically at Brgy. Lidong, Sto. Domingo, Albay.

It is recommended that climbers visit the DOT regional office at the Government Regional Center in Barangay Rawis to arrange for logistical requirements and safety precautions.

For the outdoor enthusiasts interested in day treks, one highly recommended trek is the Camp One site which is a four-hour climb going up under a normal pace from the Dona Pepita Golf Course and Ecopark or the MVNP.

This trail takes climbers to Camp One which is a base camp used by mountaineers before their final ascent to the summit of the volcano.

Located roughly 780 meters above sea level and situated beside a relatively dry waterfall bed, this site offers spectacular views of the countryside and ocean below.

“The journey to the site will take you through some intensely varying and beautiful terrain including a lahar flow gulley, light Agoho Pine forests, heavily covered giant fern forests and cogon grassland,” Rosal said.

As part of the Ibalong Festival’s adventure events, Tukad sa Mayon (Climb to Mayon), an organized mountain climbing tour up to the Mayon summit which will be participated in by both amateur and veteran climbers has been scheduled on August 24 and 25. (MAL/DOC-LGU Legazpi City/PIA5)



DOH V holds Tobacco Control Strategy forum

By: Sally A. Atento

LEGAZPI CITY, Aug 22 (PIA) -- The National Center for Health Promotion (NCHP) and the Center for Health Development of the Department of Health (DOH) in the region spearheaded a forum on the National Tobacco Control Strategy (NTCS) for media and tobacco-control stakeholders on August 16, this city.

Nestor F. Santiago, DOH-Center for Health Development Bicol regional director, said the event is in line with the goals set by the Bloomberg Initiative Project to consolidate the country’s effort in protecting public health from the devastating effect of tobacco use through sector-wide participation and involvement in tobacco control and implementation of the NTCS.

“The NTCS reflects the government’s political commitment to effective tobacco control for healthier Filipinos, building on the premise that Filipinos will be given the right to be protected from tobacco-related diseases and relieved from the burden of tobacco use in the years to come,” Santiago said.

Tasked to carry out the said goals is the National Tobacco Control Coordinating Office.

The Bloomberg Initiative Project is the framework used by the World Health Organization for tobacco control, which provides funds to government agencies and civil society organizations in different countries including the Philippines.

“Tobacco contributes to, or aggravates, eight of the top ten causes of deaths in the country. Thus, the present government is determined to continue in strengthening its tobacco control efforts to face the many challenges that tobacco use poses for public health,” Santiago said.

Together with the presentation of the NTCS by Dr. Ivanhoe Escartin, NCHP OIC, are discussions on salient issues on tobacco control such as the best practices on tobacco control among LGUs by Legazpi City Mayor Carmen Geraldine Rosal.

Legazpi City has been a Red Orchid Hall of Fame Awardee for three consecutive years of outstanding performance in the enforcement of smoke-free programs and policies together with the different sectors of society. (Sally Atento/MAL/SAA-PIA5/Albay)

Robredo’s remains finally home

By Analiza S. Macatangay

NAGA CITY, Aug. 21 (PIA) -- President Benigno Aquino personally sent home Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse M. Robredo’s remains to his family today aboard C130.

He was met by Atty. Leni Robredo, their three daughters- Aika, Trisha and Jillian, together with friends, colleagues and political supporters at the Pili Airport at around 12:40 noon today.

After DOTC Secretary Mar Roxas’ teary-eyed announcement on the television this morning that Robredo’s remains was already found by foreign technical divers at around 7:15am today, President Aquino immediately flew in to Masbate where he personally oversee the retrieval of Robredo’s body until it was placed in a metal casket.

From the airport, the convoy carrying the secretary’s body was showered with yellow confetti and flowers. Individuals lined up along the main thoroughfares , some with placards etched with the words “We love you Secretary Jesse”.

The party proceeded at Funeraria Imperial at Penafrancia Avenue, Naga City to transfer Robredo’s remains from the metal casket to a coffin of his family’s choice. The President was still with the family, personally consoling and making sure that Robredo’s remains is decently laid to rest before he left for Manila.

The family has yet to decide where the vigil will be held.

Yesterday, President was also here in Naga to personally brief Atty. Leni of the status of the ongoing search and rescue off Masbate Coast. The private conversation took place at the Pili Airport lounge for almost an hour.

With the President to console the family of Robredo are DSWD Sec Dinky Soliman, DBM Secretary Butch Abad, DOTC Secretary Mar Roxas, Presidential Communications Development and Strategic Planning Secretary Ricky Carandang and other national government officials. (LSMacatangay/PIA-Camarines Sur)


Naga Chamber searches for best Breastfeedinhg Center

By Analiza S. Macatangay

NAGA CITY, Aug. 21 (PIA) -- The Naga City Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MNCC) launched on August 14 the Search for the Best Breastfeeding Company in Naga City.

The said endeavor is in support of the existing city ordinance authored by City Councilor Cecilia De Asis requiring all government agencies or offices, including private establishments in Naga to have in their workplace a breastfeeding corner or space for lactating mothers. This was enacted in 2011.

The occasion was attended by representatives from various business sectors, government line agencies and members of non-government organizations (NGOs) and other stakeholders in line with their own campaign to promote programs for lactating mothers.

NCCC Director Charlie Sy Chong, said that they want to reinforce the government’s campaign to encourage institutions in the city to put up lactating or breastfeeding center in their establishments.

She said that this would allow not just the lactating mothers to breastfeed their infants while at work but would also allow mothers who are transacting at the establishment to carry their young with them while doing business.

NCCI seeks to encourage, protect and support the practice of breastfeeding through the practice of rooming in, in adherence to the national policy.

The National Statistics Office (NSO)-Camarines Sur already heeded this call when it inaugurated its breastfeeding center at their provincial office at Panganiban Drive here in March, to allow clients breastfeed babies while completing their transactions. Two other malls here in the city have also complied with the same ordinance.

Aside from the existing national and local ordinance on breastfeeding, the National Nutrition Council (NNC) together with the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), local government units, and other government and private agencies are also in full support of the breastfeeding program.

Also in line with the breastfeeding program is the promotion of the infant and young child policies, including the Department of Health’s monitoring of the implementing rules and regulations of laws that protect breastfeeding and Presidential Proclamation No. 1113 mandating government agencies, local government units, schools and health facilities to observe international standard of ethics prohibiting milk company sponsorship. (LSM-PIA 5, Camarines Sur)


Remains of Robredo brought to Naga

By By MALoterte, EADelgado

LEGAZPI CITY, Aug 21 (PIA) -- Remains of Interior and Local Government Sec. Jesse Robredo were placed in a metal casket and will be brought in a CI30 plane to Naga.

Accompanying the body are the President and some Cabinet members.

Transportation and Communication Sec. Mar Roxas stated during the media briefing immediately after the find said that divers found the body of Robredo underwater still inside the plane wreckage around 7:45 a.m. and brought to surface 30 minutes later.

"The body was pulled from some 800 meters off shore Masbate City and at sea depth of roughly 180 feet," he said.

Robredo's body will be directly brought to his hometown Naga City anytime soon.

“The President was informed of the developments who personally called Atty. Leni Robredo to relay the sad news,” Roxas said as he tried to fight off tears.

In Naga City following announcement of Roxas of the developments, Robredo’s family privately shared their grief for the loss while relatives, friends, colleagues, constituents and the media stayed nearby the residence to continue their continuing support.

Roxas meanwhile said retrieval operations for two pilots, Captain Jessup Bahinting and Nepalese flight student Kshitiz Chand, are still in progress.

The retrieval, according to him, of the remaining body is difficult as the fuselage had overturned but operations continue.

Roxas also has already conferred at the operation center the developments with the family members of the two others killed in the crash. (MAL/EAD-PIA5)

It's still search and rescue ops to look for Robredo, companions off Masbate waters

by MALoterte, EADelgado

LEGAZPI CITY, August 20 (PIA) – Even as President Aquino left Masbate this afternoon, several key officials have stayed behind taking the reins of the search and rescue operation to find Interior and Local Government Sec. Jesse Robredo and two others who have since been missing after the plane carrying them crashed off Masbate waters Saturday afternoon.

President Aquino left the officials with a directive that remains a search and rescue operation for the missing.

The President has been since early morning yesterday until this afternoon in Masbate City overseeing the massive aerial, surface, and underwater search and rescue operations conducted kilometers within the vicinity of the crash site off Masbate waters.

Before returning to Manila, President Aquino met with Atty. Lenny Robredo, wife of the secretary, and other members of the family this afternoon at the airport lounge in Naga Airport and briefed the same on the status of the operation in Masbate.

The President left Naga Airport around 5:45 pm now heading toward Manila.

Meanwhile, staying put in Masbate City search and rescue operation center include Transportation and Communication Sec. Mar Roxas, Defense Sec. Voltaire Gazmin, Budget Sec. Butch Abad, Presidential Communication Development and Strategic Planning Office Sec. Ricky Carandang, and Armed Forces of the Philippines Chief of Staff Jessie Dellosa to take the lead and work hand in hand with the local officials and response units.

In a briefing this afternoon, Roxas said that still more aerial, surface and underwater search will be conducted.

Roxas said that sea crafts are continuously combing the surface within kilometers off Masbate shore while specialized technical deep diving group, including volunteer foreign divers, from  Cebu with special equipment have since 1:00 pm entered the water and intend to dive down to 250 meters depth.

“We have also yet to pick up ELT emergency locator signal from the plane that is being usually transmitted if plane equipped with which when it crashes to help us speed up the search,” he added.

Earlier today in Naga City, Aika Robredo, eldest daughter of Sec. Robredo, said during the press conference that “our family remains hopeful that our father and the two other missing will be found alive and hopes for more definitive news as we have also prepared ourselves and braced for the worst”.

Robredo’s daughter furthered that the family is very satisfied of and very grateful to the government’s relentless effort, especially to President Aquino and his Cabinet, to find the still missing passengers of the ill-fated Piper Seneca plane off Masbate waters.

"We are just overwhelmed by the unbelievable outpouring of support and prayers for our father and our family," she said.

Jun Lavadia, a close friend of the DILG chief and serving as spokesperson for the Robredos, said in an interview that they remain optimistic that the secretary is alive and may perhaps be able to escape from the plane, along with his companions, prior or after the crash and swam to shore noting that he is a good swimmer.  (MAL/EAD-PIA5)


Robredo family comforted by people support

By Analiza S. Macatangay

NAGA CITY, Aug 20 (PIA) -- In two days of uncertainty and anticipation, Atty. Leni Gerona Robredo, wife of missing Local Government Secretary Jesse M. Robredo still managed to smile as she accepted friends and supporters at their residence in Bulusan, Dayangdang here hoping for the best but spoke of being practical in the face of odds.

In her Facebook account, Leni expressed her sentiments at the moment and her gratitude for the overwhelming support that their family is receiving.

The post said, “Day 2: Waiting game continues. We remain hopeful as we brace ourselves for the worst… overwhelmed by the unbelievable outpouring of love and prayers for Jess and our family. Thank you to Sec. Dinky Soliman who stayed with me throughout the day. Thank you to President Noynoy for personally overseeing the search and rescue operations. Thank you also to two of Jess' closest and dearest friends in the cabinet -Sec. Mar Roxas and Sec. Butch Abad for regularly updating us from Masbate. We are truly indebted.”

The President stayed overnight in Masbate to personally oversee the ongoing search and rescue operations, accompanied by Transportation Secretary Manuel Roxas, Budget Secretary Florencio Abad, Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmen, and Congressman Joseph Abaya of Cavite.

During the first day of the search, Mrs. Robredo also requested for prayers through her Facebook status.

It stated, “ Thank you for your prayers in this very difficult time in our lives. As of the moment, Jess has not been found yet but we are very grateful for all the support and the help everyone has been extending. Please continue praying with us that God will bring him back home safely.”

After news of the plane crash, the social networking sites, specifically the accounts of Atty. Leni including that of her daughters-- Aika, Trisha and Jillian--had been flooded with support and prayers for the rescue and safe delivery of Secretary Robredo and his two companions - Captain Jessup M. Bahinting and Kshitiz Chand, a Nepalese student pilot.

In the official site of the local government of Naga, Mayor John Bongat, who is still currently in Masbate, said, “That as the search and rescue operations for our beloved Sec. Jesse M. Robredo continue, we call upon all Nagueños, Bicolanos and Filipinos to join us in prayer for the good Secretary's safety and that of the two pilots as well. Viva la Virgen!”

All Naguenos and everyone praying for Secretary Robredo and his two other pilots - are still hopeful that prayers will do wonders .(MAL/LSM-PIA5, Camarines Sur)


All system go for the 1st PTCCCA
...stakeholders affirm support and participation

By Marlon A. Loterte

LEGAZPI CITY, August 20 (PIA) -- In less than a week from today, the First Philippine Tourism Conference on Climate Change Adaptation (PTCCCA) will open at The Oriental Hotel Legazpi.

On-line registration of participants continues to pour in from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao.

As of this writing, five of the premier hotels in Legazpi City are almost fully booked but organizers assured that there are enough hotels to accommodate the more or less one thousand expected delegates.

President Benigno S. Aquino III is invited to keynote this historic conference to find solutions to the disastrous effects of extreme weather events like the recent floods that hit Metro Manila and its environs.

The participants expressed anticipation on what the President’s pronouncements will be considering the brunt of “Hagupit ng Habagat” that caused so much hopelessness to the victims.

Besides the President, other key officials of the government are expected to grace the PTCCCA such as Vice President Jejomar Binay; Senator Loren Legarda, the UN Asia-Pacific Senior Champion on Climate change Adaptation and Disaster Risk Reduction (CCA and DRR); Secretaries Jesse Robredo of Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG), Ramon Paje of Department of the Environment and Natural Resources (DENR), Lucille Sering and Heherson Alvarez of Climate Change Commission (CCC), among others.

Senator Legarda, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Climate Change hopes to include the result of the PTCCCA deliberations in the framework plans to address the massive flooding in Metro Manila and the Camanava areas following the revelation of Dr. Fernando Siringan, an expert of the UP Marine Science Institute that Metro Manila has started to “sink” and why there is massive flooding even in the absence of a typhoon.

On the local scene, Mayor Geraldine Rosal of this city, Tourism Regional Director Maria “Nini” Ravanilla and Local Climate Change Adaptation for Development (LCCAD), Inc. President and PTCCCA Conference Director Nong Rangasa are the prime movers in this national conference.

Rosal said “the PTCCCA, which coincides with the Street Carnival of the annual Ibalong Festival, will boost investment ventures in the city in as much as the twin events will be highlighted by the inauguration of the Boulevard de Legazpi, a new road opening going to the South Luzon International Airport.”

While the major partners are all agog in the preparation of this significant event, local executives, development and planning officials, tourism officers, and other major stakeholders who have signified their attendance to the PTCCCA have already reached the maximum number of expected participants yet there are still more are placing reservations and hotel accommodations.

Even as the countdown begins today, some national legislators other than the six Bicolano representatives have also manifested their interest in joining the event, not to mention the local officials in Bicol who were mandated by an Memorandum Circular (MC) from the DILG to attend the conference as well as officials of government owned or controlled corporations who were also mandated by an MC from the Civil Service Commission.

LCCAD president and PTCCCA conference director, Nong Rangasa disclosed that flood-ravaged areas like Pampanga, Bataan, Alaminos and Nueva Vizcaya are sending more participants than the expected number. (MAL/LCCAD-PIA5)


Committee on population briefs media on reproductive health

By Analiza S. Macatangay

NAGA CITY, Aug 20 (PIA) -- The Philippine Legislator’s Committee on Population and Development Foundation, Inc. (PLCPD), briefed members of the local media, Thursday, at StarMark Royale, here on the status of the reproductive health bill currently being amended in Congress.

PLCPD is an organization of legislators from the Senate and House of Representatives working together among legislative bodies from the national down to the local level to develop policies on population and human development.

Rio Magpayo, PLCPD Local Governance and Development Center manager, discussed the salient provisions of House Bill 4244 or an Act providing for a comprehensive policy on responsible parenthood, reproductive health, population and development among members of the press.

Contrary to the belief the RH bill is centered on abortion or the aspects of family planning only, Magpayo clarified it is only one of the 12 elements of the said bill.

“We are sometimes misguided with the notion that we are only talking about family planning when we say reproductive health. There are other concerns that are included in this bill, all for the over-all welfare of the mother and her child specifically regarding health concerns, that will not just benefit the family but the society as well,” Magpayo said.

The 12 elements of reproductive health contains maternal, infant and child health and nutrition, including breastfeeding, prevention and management of sexually transmitted diseases, HIV, AIDS and other sexually transmitted infections, treatment of breast and reproductive tract cancers and other gynecological conditions and disorders and proscription of abortion and management of abortion complications.

The RH Bill also includes salient provisions on the treatment of infertility and sexual dysfunction, mental health aspect of reproductive health care, counseling and education in sexuality and sexual health, male involvement and participation, elimination of violence against women, adolescent and youth reproductive health, education and counseling on sexuality and reproductive health and family planning information and services.

Magpayo reiterated that the inclusion of the family planning provision in the bill aims to provide accurate education and counseling on the full range of legal and medically safe Family Planning (FP) methods. It also aims to provide education in information on human sexuality and responsible parenthood in schools and workplaces.

In the establishment of the RH Care programs, members of the society will also be provided with information and services addressing RH needs of the poor, senior citizens, women in prostitution, differently-abled persons and women and children in war crisis situation.

Dr. John Ferchito Avelino, OIC Director III of the Center for Health Development , Department of Health (DOH) Region V, also one of the invited speakers during the media briefing , acknowledged the importance of a multi media campaign to raise the level of public awareness on the urgent need to protect and promote reproductive health and rights and population and development. (MAL/LSM-PIA5, Camarines Sur)

Family, colleagues remain hopeful Robredo, pilots will be found alive

…additional choppers, ships, divers deployed

By MALoterte, EADelgado

LEGAZPI CITY, August 19 (PIA) -- Besides the strong current and deep waters of Masbate Pass, time poses a big challenge to the search and rescue teams, which for more than 24 hours now, have been relentlessly scouring the crash site and surrounding areas to find Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo and two others.

President Aquino refuses to give up and continues to stay put in the operation center overseeing the search and rescue operation until this evening optimistic that Robredo and the two pilots will be found alive.

Family, relatives, friends, colleagues and supporters of Robredo meanwhile offered simultaneous masses at the churches of San Francisco, Immaculate Conception, and Metropolitan Cathedral praying for and imploring Ina’s intercession for the safe return of Robredo and his companions.

Supporters continue to pour in Robredo’s residence to show support and anticipating positive developments for the ongoing search and rescue operations in Masbate waters.

Transportation and Communication Secretary Mar Roxas meanwhile bared that divers recovered mid-afternoon the flight plan more than 100 feet underwater indicating that the search and rescue mission is right on the vicinity of the crash site and the remnants of the ill-fated plane are close by.

The discovery of the flight manifest followed after rescuers also recovered parts of the plane's right wing with the aircraft designation plate RPC 4431.

Divers have also been deployed to investigate some trace signals of metal objects on the sea floor of undetermined origin indicated by sonar less than a kilometer off Masbate island.

Around 200 people from the United States Navy, Philippine Navy and Air Force, Philippine Coast Guard, and Philippine National Police, Philippine Red Cross, scube-ers, alongside local fishing fishermen, are conducting the surface and underwater search.

Naval Forces of Southern Luzon (Navforsol) based on this city has stated that Philippine Navy’s helicopter PNH 422 from Sangley Point, Cavite City already arrived 5:05 p.m. in Masbate to augment aerial search and rescue efforts.

The Navy, according to Navforsol, will also deploy two of its logistic support vessel to sustain search and rescue operations namely LC 550 and BU 825.

In Albay, Gov. Joey Salceda said all 4 p.m. Sunday masses today in all parishes in Albay province were dedicated for the safety of Robredo and his two other companions - pilot Jessup Bahinting and co-pilot Kshitiz Chand - for the comfort of their families, fortitude of rescuers and peace of the entire nation-in-anguish in this period of uncertainty.

"I ask every Albayano to pray for that miracle for Jesse Robredo and to storm the gates of heaven so every angel would descend to protect him," Salceda furthered. (MAL/EAD-PIA5) 

PNoy leads search and rescue for Robredo, 2 others

By MALoterte, LSMacatangay and EADelgado

LEGAZPI CITY, August 19 (PIA) -- President Aquino is in Masbate overseeing the search and rescue operations for Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo and two others whose plane crashed off Masbate waters Saturday afternoon.

Following earlier briefing from Masbate police provincial director Heriberto Olitoquit on the status of the operations, the President conferred with local officials and search and rescue teams on updates and to review strategies to recover Robredo and the two pilots of the ill-fated Piper Seneca five-seater plane.

Rescue units and divers from different response teams of the military, police, coast guard, volunteer groups, including local fishermen skilled in deep-sea diving, are relentlessly scouring at least five square kilometers of the crash site in Masbate Pass bent on recovering Robredo and company.

Secretary Mar Roxas of the Department of Transportation and Communication, who is also at the command center with the President, disclosed that a sonar equipment is now being used to detect deep underwater metal object in the crash site.

The President Aquino was earlier in the hospital to visit the crash survivor, Police Senior Inspector June Abrasado, Robredo’s aide-de-camp who was plucked from the sea minutes after the incident by fishermen who witnessed the plane crash.

The plane, on the accounts of eye witnesses, plowed into the sea minutes after take off. The plane seemed to make an emergency landing at the Masbate airport.

Cawayan Mayor Edgar Condor said in an interview that the motor of the plane sounded like the rotor of a helicopter and once on take off, appeared to go down instead of up.

Last night, diver-rescuers temporarily withdrew around 11:35 p.m. the night time search underwater from the crash site due to darkness, and strong current, however, a number of boats from the navy, coast guard and fishermen continued to comb the surface overnight.

Also yesterday, fishermen who were first in the crash site helping out in the operations recovered a crumpled portion of the plane the size of a writing desk with the numbers "431" indicating the ill-fated plane broke on impact.

The operations proceeded as early as 4 a.m. today augmented with more rescue units, divers, ships and choppers, including a US Cherokee helicopter that arrived around 9 a.m. to help out in the search and rescue operations.

With President Aquino staying put at the command post, search and rescue operations will continue to find the missing DILG secretary and the two pilots.

Meanwhile in Naga City, masses are being offered by family, relatives, government officials, acquaintances, constituents in the churches of San Francisco, Immaculate Conception, and Metropolitan Cathedral praying for the safety of the secretary and his companions.

Supporters continue to pour in Robredo’s residence to show support and anticipating positive developments for the ongoing search and rescue operations in Masbate waters. (MAL/EAD/LSM-PIA5)

Robredo’s family awaits rescue result

By Analiza S. Macatangay

NAGA CITY, August 19 (PIA) -- Atty. Leni Robredo, wife of DILG Secretary Jesse M. Robredo, continues to draw strength from family, friends and supporters, as she awaits for any update at their residence at Bulusan Street, Barangay Dayangdang here on the ongoing search and rescue off Masbate coast.

Comforted that President Aquino is personally leading the on-going search in Masbate since early this morning, Mrs. Robredo, together with her three daughters- Aika, Trisha, and Jillian continue to ask everyone to join them in prayers for the safe return of Sec. Robredo.

Earlier, masses were simultaneously offered at the churches of San Francisco, Immaculate Conception and Metropolitan Cathedral for the safety of Robredo and the two pilots after almost 20 hours since the Piper Seneca sank in Masbate waters yesterday afternoon.

DSWD Secretary Dinky Soliman, who was at Robredo’s residence this morning, was beside Atty. Leni, consoling her and her family in this distressful moment of waiting and anticipation.

A vigil is continuously being held in front of the image of Our Lady of Penafrancia situated in front of Robredo’s house. (MAL/LSM-PIA5- Camarines Sur) 

All systems go for the 1^st PTCCCA, stakeholders affirm support and participation

LEGAZPI CITY, August 19 (PIA) – In less than a week from today, the First Philippine Tourism Conference on Climate Change Adaptation (PTCCCA) will open at The Oriental Hotel Legazpi. On-line registration of participants continues to pour in from Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. 

So far, five of the premier hotels in Legazpi City are almost fully booked but organizers assured that there are enough hotels to accommodate the more or less one thousand expected delegates.

President Benigno S. Aquino III is invited to keynote this historic conference to find solutions to the disastrous effects of extreme weather events like the recent floods that hit Metro Manila and its environs.

The participants expressed anticipation on what the President’s pronouncements will be considering the brunt of “Hagupit ng Habagat” that caused so much hopelessness to the victims.

Besides the President, other key officials of the government are expected to grace the PTCCCA such as Vice President Jejomar Binay; Senator Loren Legarda, the UN Asia-Pacific Senior Champion on CCA and DRR; Secretaries Jesse Robredo of DILG, Ramon Paje of DENR, Lucille Sering and Heherson Alvarez of CCC, Elisea Gozun of PACC, and Nereus Acosta of PAEP, among others.

Senator Legarda, chairperson of the Senate Committee on Climate Change hopes to include the result of the PTCCCA deliberations in the framework plans to address the massive flooding in Metro Manila and the CAMANAVA area following the revelation of Dr. Fernando Siringan, an expert of the UP Marine Science Institute that Metro Manila has started to “sink” and why there is massive flooding even in the absence of a typhoon.    

On the local scene, Mayor Geraldine Rosal of this city, Tourism Regional Director Maria “Nini” Ravanilla and LCCAD, Inc. President and PTCCCA Conference Director Nong Rangasa are the prime movers in this national conference.

Rosal said “the PTCCCA, which coincides with the Street Carnival of the annual Ibalong Festival, will boost investment ventures in the city in as much as the twin events will be highlighted by the inauguration of the Boulevard de Legazpi, a new road opening going to the South Luzon International Airport.”

While the major partners are all agog in the preparation of this significant event, local executives, development and planning officials, tourism officers, and other major stakeholders who have signified their attendance to the PTCCCA have already reached the maximum number of expected participants still more are placing reservations and hotel accommodations.  

Even as the countdown begins today, some national legislators other than the six Bicolano representatives have also manifested their interest in joining the event, not to mention the local officials in Bicol who were mandated by an Memorandum Circular (MC) from the DILG to attend the conference as well as officials of government owned or controlled corporations who were also mandated by an MC from the Civil Service Commission.

LCCAD president and PTCCCA conference director, Nong Rangasa disclosed that flood-ravaged areas like Pampanga, Bataan, Alaminos and Nueva Vizcaya are sending more participants than the expected number. (MAL/LCCAD-PIA5)