DOLE to ink MOU with LGU Virac

By Edna A. Bagadiong

VIRAC, Catanduanes, Feb. 11 (PIA) -- The Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) Regional Office V is set to sign a Memorandum of Undertaking (MOU) with the municipal government here for the implementation of the Skills Registration System (SRS).

DOLE Catanduanes provincial office chief Rose Cleofe said the MOU provides that DOLE will undertake the establishment of SRS—a continuing nationwide manpower skills registration with the existing Phil-Jobnet as the repository of the Register.

Cleofe cited that unemployment and underemployment continue to be the perennial problems among Filipinos and these problems are attributable to many factors among which are: 1) Inability of the economy to generate new jobs; 2) Labor market imperfections and 3) Lack of information about labor market supply and demand.

She explained that SRS is envisioned to enhance the databank of manpower supply with their corresponding skills and qualifications for ready access of employment service clients, adding that it aims to strengthen the current system of Register of Labor demand from employers that shall be available to both jobseekers and employers.

To realize the objectives of the local government to deliver quality employment services to its constituents, the municipal government of Virac in coordination with the DOLE had established a Public Employment Service Office (PESO) which shall facilitate the employment of those currently unemployed and assist the business establishments in sourcing qualified manpower to fill their existing vacancies.

According to Mayor Jose U. Alberto II of Virac, the establishment of PESO shall help decrease the rate of unemployment and underemployment in the province by serving as agent/ middleman between a business establishment and an applicant.

In this connection, the municipal government here shall designate at least one personnel complement who will assist the existing PESO staff and who shall coordinate with Barangay Captains to undertake purposive data gathering phase, encoding of manpower information and updating register.

It must also provide DOLE full access to the database of information gathered and stored relative to the SRS project and attend to the capability building trainings and other related activities of DOLE.

On the other hand, DOLE shall also designate one counterpart staff that shall coordinate with the PESO designated SRS focal person and provide technical assistance and allied support services to the PESO for the conduct of SRS.

Cleofe said that in order to achieve the main goal of the program, LGUs must make sure to register all their constituents. She likewise said that aside from helping people find jobs suited to their capabilities, the registry system and PESO will also help LGUs in hiring quality workers and employees.

The memorandum shall take effect immediately upon signing and shall be in full force and effect until terminated by any of the contracting parties. (MAL/EAB/PIA5-Catanduanes)

Strong GPH-MILF partnership evident in Sajahatra Bangsamoro

The strong partnership between the government (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) has become more evident as both sides work together in the process of identifying beneficiaries and their immediate needs that will be addressed by the Sajahatra Bangsamoro program, Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene Almendras said.

“I am so proud of the Filipinos. I'm so proud of the people from both sides of the table. The people who are firing guns at each other are now sitting together in one table and talking on how to make this work. That is the victory already,” he said during a press conference on Thursday in Cotabato City.

Sajahatra Bangsamoro is President Benigno Aquino III’s concrete, socio economic initiative aimed to uplift the health, education and livelihood conditions of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) communities. The program is set to be launched formally on February 11, Monday, at the Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute (BLMI) compound in Sultan Kudarat town in Maguindanao.

The MILF has been collaborating with the government in naming the target beneficiaries of the services to be delivered by government agencies, such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Health, Philippine Health Insurance Corporation, Department of Education, Commission on Higher Education, Department of Agriculture and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority.

The cabinet secretary said that both sides are trying to enhance their relationship. “It's a process of getting to know each other. And so far it's been wonderful. They (MILF) also want to test if this will work. They also want to test how sincere we are.”

Last October 2012, both parties signed the Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro (FAB), signifying their strong commitment to work together in forging a comprehensive agreement to end the decades-old armed conflict in Mindanao.

The FAB indicated that “the Parties agree to intensify development efforts for rehabilitation, reconstruction, and development of the Bangsamoro, and institute programs to address the needs of MILF combatants, internally displaced persons, and poverty-stricken communities.”

“Naging magkaibigan tayo, nagkamayan tayo (We became friends, we shook hands). We don’t want to end there na nagkamayan tayo (when we shook hands). We want to know each other better. We want to build trust although it’s not gonna be easy,” Almendras stated.

In an interview with Undersecretary Lesley Cordero from the Office of the Cabinet Secretary, she said that “both sides are very cooperative.”

“Our MILF counterparts are very open, telling us what are the needs of the communities. The beginning of our partnership is good. We sat for many hours to specify one by one the government projects that are needed to address the livelihood, education and health needs of the communities,” she said.

Mike Pasigan, MILF spokesperson for Sajahatra Bangsamoro, in a separate interview, said that the program is “proof of the strong relationship being built by the government and the MILF towards real and lasting peace and development for the envisioned Bangsamoro region.”

“This is a big confidence-building measure in the peace process. The good relationship between the two parties, if it continues, will definitely lead to lasting peace in which the whole country will benefit,” said Pasigan.


Strong inter-agency collaboration

Almendras underlined the strong inter-agency collaboration that is at work in Sajahatra Bangsamoro.

“I am happy to see government agencies pulling their weight, doing everything that they can. They are very eager and excited,” he stated.

On the same note, Cordero said government agencies are working really hard to deliver what is needed by the target communities. “They go out of their way to make sure that the list of requirements, the documents required to be able to process the services will be submitted immediately. It’s not business as usual because government agencies are really researching what kind of services are appropriate to the communities.”


For the entire country

Almendras pointed out that Sajahatra Bangsamoro will also benefit the entire country.

“Kung tama ang pag-implement natin ng programa na ito, hindi lamang ang mga areas na ito ang makikinabang (If we implement this program properly, the (target) areas will not be the only ones to benefit). This will not only benefit the region, it will benefit the whole of Mindanao...even the whole country will benefit,” he stated.

“There's even a time dimension, it will not only benefit the people of today but also the generation that will come after today,” Almendras added.

Cordero also said that all Filipinos will gain from the program. “This is the step towards the right direction in our initiative to reach out and reach for peace,” she said.

“Hindi lang po ito para sa Bangsamoro, hindi lang po ito para sa MILF, kung hindi para ito sa future ng bawat Filipino. Yung mga anak natin, anak ng mga anak natin – matitikman nila yung lasting at sustainable peace. Hindi lang po ito yung ngayon lang or yung stop-gap measure kasi yung government at yung MILF naghahanap talaga ng mga intiatives na tuloy-tuloy at ma-uplift yung bawat aspeto ng life dun sa Bangsamoro (This is not only for the Bangsamoro people, this is not only for the MILF, but for the future of every Filipino. Our children, our children’s children – they will experience lasting and sustainable peace. This is not only temporary or a stop gap measure because the government and the MILF are really searching for initiatives to continually uplift every aspect of life of the Bangsamoro people).” #

Gov't to launch socio-economic program for Bangsamoro communities

QUEZON CITY, Feb. 11 -- The government is set today to roll-out a socio-economic initiative dubbed “Sajahatra Bangsamoro” aimed to uplift the health, education and livelihood conditions of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) communities, according to Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene D. Almendras.

“Sajahatra Bangsamoro, an Arabic-Melayu-Bahasa derivative which means ‘Peace Bangsamoro,’ is the President’s concrete peace initiative and assistance for MILF communities,” he said.

“The program signifies the partnership of the government (GPH) and the MILF in working towards peace and development of Bangsamoro communities as well as the entire country,” he added.

The national government will take the lead in the ceremonial launch of the program to be held at the Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute compound in Sultan Kudarat town in Maguindanao.

Present during the launch are MILF Chair Murad Ebrahim, Cabinet Secretary Rene Almendras, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles, the GPH peace panel led by Chair Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, the MILF Peace Panel led by its Chair Mohagher Iqbal, and representatives of involved government agencies, such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Department of Agriculture (DA) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

Other officers of the MILF are likewise expected to attend. Also invited is Malaysian facilitator Tengku Dato Ab' Ghafar Tengku bin Mohammed and Malaysian head of secretariat Che Khasna.

“Sajahatra Bangsamoro will focus on health, education, and livelihood services that will be done through an inter-agency mechanism,” Almendras emphasized.

He added that these will include provision of health insurance by PhilHealth; upgrading of community-based health services by DOH; provision of college scholarships and technical-vocational training by CHED and TESDA, respectively; educational assistance to madaris (Islamic schools) and private schools by DepEd; needs assessment of selected Bangsamoro communities; Cash for Work Program through DSWD, among others.

A ceremonial turnover of services to identified beneficiaries and medical mission will highlight the launch.

“The medical mission will be open not only to MILF-identified communities, but to their neighboring communities as well. Indigenous peoples and Christians are encouraged to avail of the free health services.”

The Office of the President through the Office of the Cabinet Secretary will oversee the implementation of Sajahatra Bangsamoro program.

“An interagency technical working group has been convened by the Office of the
Cabinet Secretary and has committed to the implementation of Sajahatra Bangsamoro for a duration of one year,” Almendras added.

After the launch, a caravan will visit selected Bangsamoro communities to provide the services to the identified beneficiaries.

GPH-MILF partnership
In line with President Aquino’s instructions to provide immediate socioeconomic
interventions for the MILF communities, Almendras said that “Sajahatra Bangsamoro will be rolled-out in partnership with the MILF leadership in the spirit of the FAB (Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro).”

The FAB indicated that “the Parties agree to intensify development efforts for rehabilitation, reconstruction, and development of the Bangsamoro, and institute programs to address the needs of MILF combatants, internally displaced persons, and poverty-stricken communities.”

Almendras related that Sajahatra Bangsamoro activities will be jointly undertaken with the MILF.

According to Mike Pasigan, MILF spokesperson for the Sajahatra Bangsamoro program, MILF peace panel chair Mohagher Iqbal himself has affirmed the partnership of the parties in Sajahatra Bangsamoro.

Quoting Iqbal, Pasigan said that “both sides have been working together in identifying and designing the projects that will address the immediate needs of Bangsamoro communities.”

“The program will further strengthen the collaboration between the government and the MILF as we build on the gains of the peace process,” he continued. “We believe that Sajahatra Bangsamoro is a step towards long-term development that will benefit not only the Bangsamoro people but all Filipinos.”



Sajahatra Bangsamoro launch shows government's sincerity and seriousness in forging a 'just and lasting' peace in Mindanao, Malacanang says

The launch of the Sajahatra Bangsamoro, a socio-economic initiative aimed at uplifting the health, education and livelihood conditions of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) communitiese on Monday shows the sincerity and seriousness of President Benigno S. Aquino III and the government in “forging a just and lasting peace in Mindanao,” a Palace official said on Sunday.

President Aquino will join representatives of the government and the MILF for the historic launch that will be held at the Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute compound in Sultan Kudarat town in Maguindanao.

The ceremonial launch will include the distribution of health insurance by the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth); upgrading of community-based health services by the Department of Health (DOH); college scholarships and technical-vocational training by the Commission on Higher Education (CHED) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA), respectively; educational assistance to madaris (Islamic schools) and private schools by the Department of Education, needs assessment of selected Bangsamoro communities; and Cash for Work Program, through the Department of Social Welfare and Development, among others.

In an interview aired over government-run radio station dzRB Radyo ng Bayan, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte lauded both sides for working towards achieving the milestone.

 “Yes, what kind of message is the President sending? First, that we are serious about forging a just and lasting peace in Mindanao; and even way ahead of the signing, alam po natin that both panels are working on the annexes of the Framework Agreement,” Valte said.

The Bangsamoro Framework Agreement, which was signed last October 2012, will pave the way for the establishment of the new autonomous political entity, the Bangsamoro, to replace the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao.

Under the agreement, the Parties agree to intensify development efforts for rehabilitation, reconstruction and development of the Bangsamoro, and institute programs to address the needs of MILF combatants, internally displaced persons and poverty-stricken communities.

 “Even before a peace agreement is signed, you will see that it’s about providing the social services to the MILF and to the Moros in Mindanao because of the Framework Agreement. It shows also the sincerity of both sides as a continuity to talk and to finalize the annexes in the Framework Agreement,” Valte said. PND (rck)



Gov't to launch socio-economic program for Bangsamoro communities

QUEZON CITY, Feb. 11 -- The government is set today to roll-out a socio-economic initiative dubbed “Sajahatra Bangsamoro” aimed to uplift the health, education and livelihood conditions of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) communities, according to Cabinet Secretary Jose Rene D. Almendras.

“Sajahatra Bangsamoro, an Arabic-Melayu-Bahasa derivative which means ‘Peace Bangsamoro,’ is the President’s concrete peace initiative and assistance for MILF communities,” he said.

“The program signifies the partnership of the government (GPH) and the MILF in working towards peace and development of Bangsamoro communities as well as the entire country,” he added.

The national government will take the lead in the ceremonial launch of the program to be held at the Bangsamoro Leadership and Management Institute compound in Sultan Kudarat town in Maguindanao.

Present during the launch are MILF Chair Murad Ebrahim, Cabinet Secretary Rene Almendras, Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Teresita Quintos Deles, the GPH peace panel led by Chair Miriam Coronel-Ferrer, the MILF Peace Panel led by its Chair Mohagher Iqbal, and representatives of involved government agencies, such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Health (DOH), Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth), Department of Education (DepEd), Commission on Higher Education (CHED), Department of Agriculture (DA) and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

Other officers of the MILF are likewise expected to attend. Also invited is Malaysian facilitator Tengku Dato Ab' Ghafar Tengku bin Mohammed and Malaysian head of secretariat Che Khasna.

“Sajahatra Bangsamoro will focus on health, education, and livelihood services that will be done through an inter-agency mechanism,” Almendras emphasized.

He added that these will include provision of health insurance by PhilHealth; upgrading of community-based health services by DOH; provision of college scholarships and technical-vocational training by CHED and TESDA, respectively; educational assistance to madaris (Islamic schools) and private schools by DepEd; needs assessment of selected Bangsamoro communities; Cash for Work Program through DSWD, among others.

A ceremonial turnover of services to identified beneficiaries and medical mission will highlight the launch.

“The medical mission will be open not only to MILF-identified communities, but to their neighboring communities as well. Indigenous peoples and Christians are encouraged to avail of the free health services.”

The Office of the President through the Office of the Cabinet Secretary will oversee the implementation of Sajahatra Bangsamoro program.

“An interagency technical working group has been convened by the Office of the
Cabinet Secretary and has committed to the implementation of Sajahatra Bangsamoro for a duration of one year,” Almendras added.

After the launch, a caravan will visit selected Bangsamoro communities to provide the services to the identified beneficiaries.

GPH-MILF partnership
In line with President Aquino’s instructions to provide immediate socioeconomic
interventions for the MILF communities, Almendras said that “Sajahatra Bangsamoro will be rolled-out in partnership with the MILF leadership in the spirit of the FAB (Framework Agreement on the Bangsamoro).”

The FAB indicated that “the Parties agree to intensify development efforts for rehabilitation, reconstruction, and development of the Bangsamoro, and institute programs to address the needs of MILF combatants, internally displaced persons, and poverty-stricken communities.”

Almendras related that Sajahatra Bangsamoro activities will be jointly undertaken with the MILF.

According to Mike Pasigan, MILF spokesperson for the Sajahatra Bangsamoro program, MILF peace panel chair Mohagher Iqbal himself has affirmed the partnership of the parties in Sajahatra Bangsamoro.

Quoting Iqbal, Pasigan said that “both sides have been working together in identifying and designing the projects that will address the immediate needs of Bangsamoro communities.”

“The program will further strengthen the collaboration between the government and the MILF as we build on the gains of the peace process,” he continued. “We believe that Sajahatra Bangsamoro is a step towards long-term development that will benefit not only the Bangsamoro people but all Filipinos.”

Naga City police strengthens crime prevention campaign

By Analiza S. Macatangay

NAGA CITY, Feb.9 (PIA) -- The Philippine National Police Naga Office, in its resolve to strengthen its crime prevention campaign, has sought the help the of the local business owners, heads of security agencies, and other organizations to help them cripple law breakers by ensuring effective safety measures. 

P/S Supt. Abdulkadil M. Guialani, officer in charge of the police office, said in a recent dialogue with the stakeholders that the police is optimistic that a strong collaborative effort between the local business sectors and police authorities will positively enhance the peace and order situation in the city. 

PNP Naga’s crime solution efficiency covering the period from January 1 to 25 was 55.12 percent, with 43 out of 78 reported cases solved. These include 53 index crimes and 25 non index crimes. Monthly crime rate was 45.16 percent per month for every 100,000 inhabitants. 

Guialani said that this data show a significant decrease as compared to the 127 crime volume recorded in December and increased crime solution efficiency as compared to the 44 percentage rate in January 2013. 

To sustain this development, Guialani proposed to the business owners to put more close circuit television or CCTV cameras inside and outside of their establishments. 

“In the past, we have seen how criminals are traced with the help of the CCTVs. The installation of such may not guarantee that we wont be attacked by the lawless elements, but at least we have something to refer to as a piece of evidence,” Guialani added. 

The police official also said that the provision of PNP personnel to every barangay to answer community complaints regarding peace and order has decreased the number of offenders. 

The Naga City Public Safety Company personnel on the other hand, has conducted eight prophylactic patrol, has attended two barangay pulong-pulongs, and visited six vital installations located in the upper barangays of Naga City. 

Guilani has also created 10 police outposts, four maneuver forces and one advance command post located at Barangay Carolina, Naga City purposely to bring the PNP’s service closer to the community. This will also ensure that peace and order problems will be responded to immediately. 

PNP Naga also continuously employs the 24-hour mobile patrolling of the Motorcycle Cops Anti Street Crimes in major and strategic thoroughfares of his area of responsibility, particularly along populated and identified crime prone-areas. (MAL/LSM-PIA5, Camarines Sur) 

Ibalong the Musical: Bicol’s epic battle to come alive onstage starting today

By Sally A. Atento

LEGAZPI CITY, Feb. 8 (PIA) -- Ibalong, Bicol’s epic battle between humans and monsters portrayed in action during Legazpi City’s Ibalong Festival, will come alive onstage starting today, February 8, to March 3 at Tanghalang Aurelio V. Tolentino of the Cultural Center of the Philippines.

Ibalong the Musical will show all the exciting battle scenes, artistically designed set and costumes including that of the mighty Handyong and alluring Oryol, haunting ethnic music and distinct Bicolano culture.

The production is done in coordination with the city of Legazpi and the Cultural Center of the Philipppines.

The stage adaptation, based on the only remaining 60-stanza fragment, is written by playwright Rody Vera and directed by Tuxqs Rutaquio.

Rutaquio is a professor at the Department of Communication Arts in Miriam College and artistic director of several successful theater presentations.


The Cast 
The heroes and monsters portrayed by versatile actors and actresses will showcase the creativity of Leeroy New as shown by the lavish costumes and backdrops.

Jenine Desiderio, the former Miss Saigon actress, will play the complex role of Oryol who took the challenge of acting and moving with the wild instinct of a monster serpent and from time to time, turn into a sweet, young lady to seduce and destroy Handyong.

Oryol is a seductive and deceitful snake woman who transforms her image and uses her enchanting voice to destroy her enemies.

However she was eventually outwitted by Handyong played by Myke Salomon and Remus Villanueva and made her fall in love with him instead.

Also part of the major characters are Gugurang the god of heavens (May Bayot), Aswang the god of the underworld and father of Oryol (Jonathan Tadioan), Rabot (Marco Viaña) the half man and monster and Opon (Red Nuestro).


Exciting Stunts and Choreography 
The portrayal of the love story between a warrior and a monster in the midst of a raging war is one of the scenes and twists to watch out for.

The plot of the story will also explore one’s capacity for good and evil set on Bicol’s history with all its progress and destruction.

Alden Lugnasin, Ballet Philippines resident choreographer, made the live action performances more exciting and intense through stunts and martial arts.

The play’s director admitted that the cast had difficulty with the complicated stunts and choreography but it was successfully carried out.


Fusion of Ethnic, Contemporary Music 
Another challenge said Desiderio is the music which is not within her usual genre.

Truly noteworthy in the Ibalong music is the distinct fusion of neo-ethno music with modern rock by musical director and composer Carol Bello.

Encantada band, an all-women music group, played the live music accompaniments. Used for the music are bamboo percussion instruments, gongs, T’boli bells, gangsa, tungatongs and other indigenous instruments together with electric guitars and keyboards.

The merging of contemporary, ethnic chants infused with youth and energy complemented the modern theater production of the epic.

The ethnic chants enmeshed into the merging of old and modern accompaniments complemented the modern production of the epic.

With the strong and lingering rhythms of the instruments highlighting the energy and excitement of live action performance and lavish costumes and set design, Ibalong the Musical can definitely give its audience a rarely seen real-life theater experience showcasing Filipino beauty and artistry.


Scheduled Presentation 
Ibalong the Musical will be staged on the following schedules:

Friday – February 8, 15, 22, March 1 at  8PM
Saturday – February 9, 16, 23, March 2 at 3PM and 8PM
Sunday – February 10, 17, 24, March 3 at 3PM

Regular ticket prize is P800.00, P400.00 for students and P640.00 for senior citizens. For the gala premiere on February 8, tickets are at P1000, P500, and P800 respectively. Students are given 50% discount and senior citizens, 20% discount.

Tickets are available at all Ticketworld outlets.

For more information and updates, add them on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/tanghalangpilipino or call 832-9999 or 832-3704. (SAA-PIA5/Albay)

Daet town receives ambulance from PCSO

By Rosalita B. Manlangit

DAET, Camarines Norte, Feb. 8 (PIA) -- The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO) has approved the release of an ambulance for the municipal government here.

Mayor Tito Sarte-Sarion said the ambulance cost P2 million with a P400,000-counterpart from the municipal government being a first class municipality.

He said the town has two ambulances in bad condition and the new one would help the three rural health units (RHUs) during emergencies.

Sarion added that with the ambulance, better service will be delivered to the indigent patients of the town.

The local government has constructed two RHUs worth P4 million. Two million came from the prize money given to them as winner of the seal of housekeeping millennium challenge of the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) last year and the P2 million was the local government's counterpart. (RBM/PIA5, Camarines Norte)


Prov’l gov’t prepares for Linggo ng Kalikasan 2013

By Edna A. Bagadiong

VIRAC, Catanduanes, Feb. 8 (PIA) -- The provincial government of Catanduanes is all set for the celebration of the Linggo ng Kalikasan this year.

The activity is in accordance with Provincial Ordinance No. 003-2010 institutionalizing Catanduanes' annual celebration in support of the DENR's Environment Month. It also recognizes the need to mobilize every sector of society towards good environmental stewardship.

This year’s theme is: “Basura: Pangasiwaan para sa Kalikasan at Kabuhayan”. The theme focuses on the collective efforts to address solid waste management problems with emphasis on its environmental and economic dimensions.

The first day of the activity on June 17 will have an eco-run dubbed “Takbo para sa Kalikasan”. This is a fund-raising event to support Solid Waste Management project of a pre-selected barangay to be spearheaded by the 83rd IB of the Philippine Army.

An opening program shall be held at the Provincial Capitol grounds where a Pledge of Allegiance to the Environment shall be conducted along with the launching of the Catanduanes Center for Mangrove Conservation at Palnab Mangrove Area.

Mangrove and upland tree planting will also be held and shall eventually become a tradition in the province.

Other activities lined-up for the celebration are: Pauragan 2013, Poster-making contest, Tagisan sa Paglikha and Kalinga sa Kalikasan Dance Competition.

This year’s celebration will also feature the second Dangal ng Kalikasan award to give recognition to individuals who are selflessly dedicated in promoting the preservation of the environment.

Dangal ng Kalikasan award was institutionalized through Executive Order No. 5, series of 2012 issued by Governor Joseph C. Cua of the province of Catanduanes.

The award, which will be in the form of a plaque of recognition or monetary incentive or both, shall be conferred to the recipient after thorough evaluation by the search committee establishes that the awardee had exhibited such unquestionable commitment.

The organizer of the program is the Provincial Government of Catanduanes through a steering committee headed by Gov. Cua. (MAL/EAB-PIA5/Catanduanes)


DENR Camarines Sur intensifies “Operation Baklas”

By Analiza S. Macatangay

PILI, Camarines Sur, Feb. 8 (PIA) -- The Department of Environment and Natural Resources office here is bent on protecting the trees from campaign posters and paraphernalia through the implementation of its Operation Baklas.

Camarines Sur Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer Atty. Arnel P. Rodriguez said that in Operation Baklas, they will immediately start removing nailed posters on trees and warn violators that they are going to impose stern penalties to those who will be caught nailing posters, billboards, tarpaulins, and steamers on trees.

Rodriguez also reminded the candidates not to allow their supporters to use nail and staple wires in hanging their campaign paraphernalia.

He said that the move is to ensure free, orderly, honest and credible elections without harming our environment.

He added that he has already seen campaign posters nailed on trees along the roads in different municipalities.

“It is part of our mandate to ensure clean and trash-free elections from the start of the mid-term polls up to the time that this political exercise is already concluded,” said Rodriguez in an interview.

“We are particularly concerned with the sight and presence of posters nailed in trees in various parts of the province and we know that we have to do something about this, this early,” he added. (MAL/LSM-PIA5/Camarines Sur)



Red Cross Camarines Sur to lead runners to Million Volunteer Run2

By Analiza S. Macatangay

NAGA CITY, Feb.8 (PIA) -- The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) Camarines Sur and Naga Chapter will join million of Red Cross volunteers run for humanity and raise the red flag of volunteerism on Sunday, February 10, here.

PRC-Camarines Sur chapter administrator Nanette Rodrigazo is encouraging members of the community, from the academe to various government agencies and private institutions to enlist themselves and join the 2nd leg of the Million Volunteer Run as they inch their way to another historic feat.

This year's run is a sequel of the Million Volunteer Run first held in December 4, 2011.

“We would like to invite everyone to join us in this activity as we endeavor to raise the awareness of the community in addressing pressing humanitarian challenges. The funds that we can get from this activity, will be used for the Red Cross 143 Volunteers training program on disaster management, including related programs on disaster preparedness that Red Cross is pursuing," Rodrigazo said in an interview.

Volunteers and runners for the MVR2 here will converge at SM City to also serve as starting point of the run. Gun start will be at 5:30am.

Route will go all the way to St. Joseph School, Panganiban Drive, Circle Rotonda, Magsaysay Avenue going to Villa Caceres Hotel as the turn around point and back at SM Naga parking area as the finishing area.

PRC chairman of the Board of Directors (BOD) Pete Servano is hopeful that just like the MVR1, this sports event would encourage more runners, not just to save themselves, but also to save others.

“The spirit of volunteerism is innate in each and every one of us. The very essence of this run is to empower ourselves and our nation against the dangers of disasters. Red Cross has always been in the forefront of this campaign, with the help of our selfless volunteers, “ Servano added.

To encourage more runners, Rodrigazo has announced that a prize awaits the biggest delegation. For those who were not able to register with a singlet, they are encouraged to run with their red shirts or sports sando during the run.

For more details, please drop by at PRC Camarines Sur Office located at Panganiban Drive, Naga City or they may call (054) 473-9431. (LSMacatangay/ PIA-Camarines Sur)