'Getting to Zero - Zero AIDS-Related Deaths' ... 2011 World AIDS Day theme announced
LEGAZPI CITY, Sept. 14 (PIA) -- Backed by the United Nations the "Getting to Zero" campaign runs until 2015 and builds on last year's successful World AIDS Day "Light for Rights" initiative encompassing a range of vital issues identified by key affected populations.
"The potential for creative, connected and meaningful campaigning is really exciting,” says in a statement by World AIDS Campaign Africa Director, Linda Mafu. "Our organization will focus on Zero AIDS Related Deaths, but the choice is there for others to pick a different zero or all three."
The World AIDS Campaign focus on "Zero AIDS Related Deaths" signifies a push towards greater access to treatment for all; a call for governments to act now. A demand they honour promises like the Abuja declaration and that African Governments at very least hit agreed targets for domestic spending on health and HIV in support of the human rightto the best attainable level of health care for all.
It’s a global campaign that spotlights how our fundamental right to health is intrinsically and inextricably linked to other basic rights – The right to food, to shelter, to freedom, to clean water and safety. Crucial too is access to affordable life saving quality medicines free from the crippling effects of excessive profit taking.
In the coming months the World AIDS Campaign will be spotlighting a range of Getting to Zero initiatives to help see an end to AIDS related deaths.
“It’s going to be amazing decision makers need to understand that people living with HIV , the marginalized, the dispossessed - all of us - want our rights.” Linda Mafu adds. “I can see all sort of events on World AIDS Day - For example, marches that end in Light for Rights type actions outside Finance Ministries where beams of torchlight shine on buildings where under spending on HIV and health cost thousands of lives.
It's time to use our imaginations and let everyone know Getting to Zero is a must."
The global HIV response is at a pivotal moment, where huge strides forward are at serious risk and current approaches are reaching their limits. Only one third of the 15 million people living with HIV in need of life long treatment are receiving it. New infections continue to outpace the number of people starting treatment, while the upward trend in resources suffered a serious downturn this year.
"Zero New HIV Infections" and "Zero Discrimination" are equally as likely to spark high impact events from small scale community vigils to nation wide events using the universally recognised shape of zeros and the power of light to get life and death issues the attention they deserve.
For December 1st 2011 right up until 2015 it's envisioned that different regions and groups will each year chose one or all of the Zeros that best addresses their situation.
The decision to go with the millennium development related goal of "Getting to Zero" comes after extensive discussions among people living with HIV, health activists, broader civil society and many others - more than a hundred organizations in all.
The vision for this year's World AIDS Day and beyond may be aspirational but the journey towards its attainment is laid with concrete milestones.
10 goals for 2015, Sexual transmission of HIV reduced by half, including among young people,men who have sex with men and transmission in the context of sex work; vertical transmission of HIV eliminated and AIDS-related maternal deaths reduced by half; all new HIV infections prevented among people who use drugs.
Universal access to antiretroviral therapy for people living with HIV who are eligible for treatment; TB deaths among people living with HIV reduced by half.
All people living with HIV and households affected by HIV are addressed in all national social protection strategies and have access to essential care and support.
Countries with punitive laws and practices around HIV transmission, sex work, drug use or homosexuality that block effective responses reduced by half ; HIV-related restrictions on entry, stay and residence eliminated in half of the countries that have such restrictions; HIV-specific needs of women and girls are addressed in at least half of all national HIV responses; Zero tolerance for gender-based violence. (MAL/MDR, LGU Albay)
NSO Catanduanes gathers data on energy use of households
VIRAC, Catanduanes, Sept. 14 (PIA) -- The National Statistics Office (NSO) provincial office here will conduct the 2011 Household Energy Consumption Survey (2011 HECS) this month
NSO Catanduanes stated that the 2011 HECS is a special survey that gathers information on households’ utilization of fuels, supply systems and the pattern of energy use and other variables that may be useful to assess the current energy profiles of different households and communities in the country.
The data collected from this survey, according to the office, shall provide the Department of Energy (DOE) with updated and reliable bases for an effective household energy strategy for the Philippines.
The primary goal of the 2011 HECS is to generate comprehensive and reliable data/information on household energy consumption, and analyze end-use energy consumption and preferences in the residential sector. The survey results will be used for formulating and implementing policies and programs that aim to improve the quality of life of the Filipinos.
Like all censuses and surveys undertaken by NSO, the conduct of these two surveys is authorized by various legislative acts and presidential directives including Commonwealth Act No. 591, Presidential Decree No. 418, Executive Order No. 121, Executive Order No. 352, Executive Order No. 5.
Furthermore, the survey aims to provide detailed information about the changing energy consumption patterns in Filipino households, as well as socio-economic conditions affecting energy use; establish the fuel/energy mix of the residential sector based on tis energy consumption; determine the most energy consuming appliances, devices and equipment for household activities;
assess the current energy efficiency and conservation techniques in the residential sector vis-à-vis government programs for implementation of energy consumption regulation for household appliances and equipment; measure and analyze the incidence of inter-fuel substitution in the households and; determine awareness and/or perception of the household on major energy issues (i.e. nuclear energy) and developments (energy labeling program, renewable energy, natural gas) in the energy sector.
The reporting unit is the household. Pursuant to the provision of Section 4 of Act 591, information obtained from the respondents shall be held strictly confidential and shall not be divulged to any person except authorized NSO personnel acting in the performance of their duties and Section 3 of the same law provides the penalty clause for non-compliance of the survey.
In the province, five (5) sample barangays, will be ivisited in the municipalities of Baras- 2 barangays, Caramoran- 1 barangay, Pandan-1 barangay and San Andres-2 barangays. (MAL/EAB/NSO Catanduanes)
3 towns in Camarines Norte identified for expansion of KALAHI-CIDSS next year
by Rosalita Base-Manlangit
DAET, Camarines Norte, September 14 (PIA) -- Three towns of this province were identified for the expansion of the Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan – Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS) of the Department of Social Welfare and Development Office (DSWD) next year.
Arwin O. Razo, Regional Project Coordinator, during the meeting of the Provincial Inter-Agency Committee (PIAC) of the KALAHI-CIDSS yesterday, said that of the 20 identified towns in Bicol region, the towns of Basud, Labo and San Vicente were included.
The other 17 towns include 10 towns in Camarines Sur, 3 in Sorsogon, 2 each in Catanduanes and Masbate.
He said the program will be part of the Millenium Challenge wherein the funds will be given as grant to the country by the United States government for the program and projects of the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR), Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) for road and the DSWD-KALAHI-CIDSS.
Each municipality under the KALAHI-CIDSS will be allocated a grant of P450,000 x the number of barangays. The barangay will then identify programs and projects for social services or infrastructure to be implemented within 3 years.
Razo clarified that the amount to receive by a barangay will depend on their identified programs and projects and the funds will go directly to the project.
This year, the town of Sta. Elena has received an incentive of a one year project of P8.5 million for the KALAHI-CIDSS while the town of Capalonga needs to enroll for extension this year.
Meanwhile, Paracale and Sta. Elena will end the project this year under the Poder Y Prosperidad dela Comunidad (PYPC), with same concept as KALAHI-CIDSS funded by Agencia Espanola Cooperacion International para el Desarollo (AECID) being a supply side of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) implemented by the DSWD. (MAL/RBM/PIA Camarines Norte)
Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Monday, September 12, 2011
Pilar, Korean firm team up to establish sanitary land fill and material recovery facility
by Irma A. Guhit
SORSOGON CITY , September 12 (PIA) -- A memorandum of agreement (MOA) is now on the process of review and consultation, submitted by the Local Government of Pilar to the Department of Environment and Natural Resource (DENR) V for the proposed integrated sanitary landfill (ISL) and material recovery facility (MRF) with a Korean firm, the Pilar Jeong Sol Green Technology Limited (PJSGTL).
In a dialogue with Mayor Dennis Reyes of Pilar town, during the 3rd quarterly meeting of the Provincial Solid Waste Management Board last week, along with Vice Mayor Celso Lao Jr. and several members of the Sanggunian Bayan, the desire to push through this project , according to them is borne out of the requirement of the DENR that each local government unit must have a sanitary landfill and material recovery facility under the RA 9003 of 2000 otherwise known as Philippine Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.
“For a local government like Pilar, whose internal revenue allotment is not enough to finance the establishment of a sanitary landfill since it is very expensive and like us with our budget so meager, it will be very difficult to comply with this RA 9003,” Reyes said.
“In consultation with the members of the Sanggunian Bayan we have to look for alternative source on who can assist us finance this kind of requirement and at the same time generate jobs and add on income for Pilar,” he said.
The proponent, PJSGTL will undertake the design, finance construction and management of the ISL and MRF according to Mayor Reyes.
According to Reyes, a 30 ha lot will be purchased by the proponent for the establishment of the ISL. In the MOA all stipulated agreements between PILAR LGU and the proponent will be reviewed by DENR.
The ISL and MRF as Pilar LGU intends to pursue will also provide the proponent shipment of scrap materials that can be processed within the MRF and will again be shipped for export to other countries.
Some issues on the agreement where already raised to the several persons concerned during the meeting with Mayor Reyes.
A very clear provision on the MOA is that no prohibited wastes as stated in article 5 of the MOA be allowed especially pathological wastes, wastes and by products from clinics, laboratories, hospital and other similar sources.
It was also stipulated in the MOA that industrial waste especially those that are toxic and containing hazardous substances will not be allowed and there will be strict inspection on what kind of wastes will be brought to the ISL.
The materials to be processed in the MRF were well identified in Article 4 of the MOA and according to Mayor Dennis all provisions of the DENR will be strictly followed.
In the Moa the MRF will only be operating on the following: as paper bailing press that will serve as the scraps paper bonding press, pelletizer of the recyclables plastics, injection molding machines, can compactor for beer, soft drink cans and other similar items, food waste composting facility, enactor and sanitary landfill.
According to Mayor Reyes the agreement will be valid within 25 years and the economic benefit will have a 15% of the gross income for the LGU and the continuous development within the area including employment and infrastructure development that will ensure environmental protection. (MAL/IAG, PIA Sorsogon)
Albay coastal villages identified for Agri-Biodiversity System
LEGAZPI CITY, Sept.12 (PIA) -- The Provincial government of Albay has identified 10 coastal villages in the municipalities of Bacacay and island Rapu-rapu for the implementation of Coastal Resource Agri-Biodiversity System (CRABS) program strategy.
Albay governor Joey Salceda said that starting September 19 to December this year the Albay Millennium Development Goals Office (AMDGO) will deploy 12 community development workers to start the community preparation.
He explained that CRABS program is a development approach of the provincial government of Albay for the reduction of poverty in the coastal and island communities in the eastern and western seaboards of Albay.
Albay ha adopted the Millennium Development Goals as its roadmap in the alleviation of poverty in accordance with the United nations Declaration 2000.
Governor Salceda also said that CRABS program vision is to transform the identified areas (for development ) in a vibrant investment, and eco-medical tourism destinations by bringing into play cutting edge technologies, environment conscious management leadership and progressive corporate culture.
CRABS component projects are sustainable agriculture; coastal resource management fishery development; eco- tourism and marine development; human capital development ; and research development.
The local government of Albay released the initial P1 million fund for the social preparation alone. (MAL/MDR/LGU Albay)
Crime situation in Bagamnoc town remains manageable
by Edna A. Bagadiong
VIRAC, Catanduanes, September 12 (PIA) -- The municipal police station of Bagamnoc in Catanduanes bared recently that crime situation in the municipality remains manageable due to the continuous conduct and implementation of police integrated patrol system at all crime prone areas such as government and private vital installations, business establishments, school and church premises.
Likewise, internal security operations as well as dialogue/pulong-pulong in both upper and coastal barangays are being conducted to preempt presence of rebels within the office's area of responsibility.
The current peace and order situation in the locality remains manageable and under control.
For the period covered, no cases have been filed regarding peace and order as simple cases and other light offenses are endorsed to the Barangay Justice for mediation, conciliation and settlement at the barangay Level.
As part of its community relations activities, the town’s police station conducts school visitations, organizes ‘Cops in the School, Pulis Ko Titser Ko,’ project and sit-in dialogues with the different school administrators, student government and security guards.
The Bagamanoc police station plans to continue its previously implemented programs and projects and contribute to the development and welfare of the town. (MAL/EAB, PIA Catanduanes)
2011 Kasanggayahan Festival activities bared
by Irma A. Guhit
SORSOGON CITY, Sept. 12 (PIA) -- A press conference was held here September 9 at the Sorsogon City Muti-Purpose Hall for the presentation of activities lined-up for the Kasanggayahan Festival 2011 spearheaded by Sorsoganon Kita Inc.
Attended by both the national and local media, among those present were Msgr. Francisco P. Monje, president, Kasanggayahan Foundation Inc(KFI) , Maria Nini O. Ravanilla, regional director RO V, Department of Tourism, Michael Sulit, president of Sorsoganon Kita Inc. Sorsogon City Mayor Leovic R. Dioneda and Atty Antonio Huab, representing governor Raul R. Lee.
Sorsoganon Kita Inc. president Michael Sulit presented all the activities for this month long celebration of the 117th founding anniversary of the province of Sorsogon and what to expect from a public-private partnership undertaking.
Msgr. Francisco P. Monje, president of the Kasanggayahan Foundation Inc.(KFI) stated that it was really an answered call for the KFI's long desire that private organization should run the activities of the festival while the KFI still remains as the organic body overseeing that the activities are alined to what the festival intends to portray, that of popularizing the history, culture and aspirations of the province of Sorsogon in a festive celebration.
Sulit bared that the events are classified include sports, culture and arts, music and dance, socials, special interest, conventions/ congress and the economic side which is trade and industry.
Sulit explained that the festival this year is more of a public -private partnership, all officials from the national and local and private individuals contributing their share in terms of logistics and sponsored activities to show unity of action and to ensure the success of the festival.
The cultural dance, Pantomina sa Tinampo reflective of the Bicolano's culture for merriment expressed in a dance will be done in the evening. It will be the original Sorsoganon pantomina called "Sinakiki" popularized in Gubat town and will be adapted in the festival.
One big highlights of this year's festival is giving recognition to outstanding Sorsoganons who have made the province proud in terms of their different contribution not only in the local scene but more on the national scope like the four Sorsoganons and only Bicolanos conferred the Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) of the Philippines.
The award to be conferred dubbed "Oragon Award" will show the mettle and exemplary traits and achievements of certain Sorsoganons in the fields of education, public service, governance, education, media, cinema and one special award is highlighting a family's endeavor and success.
Sulit also disclosed that there will be the competition of the singing councilors, tree planting activity, the regional competition for bands and majorette and an inter- municipal drum and lyre competition.
Questions during the presscon how the festival will advertise and promote tourism were answered by Sulit and director Ravanilla while Msgr. Monje also explained that the working budget for this year for the festival is P more than 3 M.
Sulit also disclosed that there were several activities sponsored by Senator Chiz Escudero like the shootfest, the basketball game to be played by Adamson vs All Sorsoganon Star Cast.
A first time Mardi Gras will also be seen participated in and performed by the Bukawel Cultural Dancers on the evening of the last day of October to end the event.
Sulit said that this year's Kasanggayahan Festival 2011 will usher in a more participative endeavor and expect activities that are of unusual interesting flavor. (IAG, PIA Sorsogon)
by Irma A. Guhit
SORSOGON CITY , September 12 (PIA) -- A memorandum of agreement (MOA) is now on the process of review and consultation, submitted by the Local Government of Pilar to the Department of Environment and Natural Resource (DENR) V for the proposed integrated sanitary landfill (ISL) and material recovery facility (MRF) with a Korean firm, the Pilar Jeong Sol Green Technology Limited (PJSGTL).
In a dialogue with Mayor Dennis Reyes of Pilar town, during the 3rd quarterly meeting of the Provincial Solid Waste Management Board last week, along with Vice Mayor Celso Lao Jr. and several members of the Sanggunian Bayan, the desire to push through this project , according to them is borne out of the requirement of the DENR that each local government unit must have a sanitary landfill and material recovery facility under the RA 9003 of 2000 otherwise known as Philippine Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000.
“For a local government like Pilar, whose internal revenue allotment is not enough to finance the establishment of a sanitary landfill since it is very expensive and like us with our budget so meager, it will be very difficult to comply with this RA 9003,” Reyes said.
“In consultation with the members of the Sanggunian Bayan we have to look for alternative source on who can assist us finance this kind of requirement and at the same time generate jobs and add on income for Pilar,” he said.
The proponent, PJSGTL will undertake the design, finance construction and management of the ISL and MRF according to Mayor Reyes.
According to Reyes, a 30 ha lot will be purchased by the proponent for the establishment of the ISL. In the MOA all stipulated agreements between PILAR LGU and the proponent will be reviewed by DENR.
The ISL and MRF as Pilar LGU intends to pursue will also provide the proponent shipment of scrap materials that can be processed within the MRF and will again be shipped for export to other countries.
Some issues on the agreement where already raised to the several persons concerned during the meeting with Mayor Reyes.
A very clear provision on the MOA is that no prohibited wastes as stated in article 5 of the MOA be allowed especially pathological wastes, wastes and by products from clinics, laboratories, hospital and other similar sources.
It was also stipulated in the MOA that industrial waste especially those that are toxic and containing hazardous substances will not be allowed and there will be strict inspection on what kind of wastes will be brought to the ISL.
The materials to be processed in the MRF were well identified in Article 4 of the MOA and according to Mayor Dennis all provisions of the DENR will be strictly followed.
In the Moa the MRF will only be operating on the following: as paper bailing press that will serve as the scraps paper bonding press, pelletizer of the recyclables plastics, injection molding machines, can compactor for beer, soft drink cans and other similar items, food waste composting facility, enactor and sanitary landfill.
According to Mayor Reyes the agreement will be valid within 25 years and the economic benefit will have a 15% of the gross income for the LGU and the continuous development within the area including employment and infrastructure development that will ensure environmental protection. (MAL/IAG, PIA Sorsogon)
Albay coastal villages identified for Agri-Biodiversity System
LEGAZPI CITY, Sept.12 (PIA) -- The Provincial government of Albay has identified 10 coastal villages in the municipalities of Bacacay and island Rapu-rapu for the implementation of Coastal Resource Agri-Biodiversity System (CRABS) program strategy.
Albay governor Joey Salceda said that starting September 19 to December this year the Albay Millennium Development Goals Office (AMDGO) will deploy 12 community development workers to start the community preparation.
He explained that CRABS program is a development approach of the provincial government of Albay for the reduction of poverty in the coastal and island communities in the eastern and western seaboards of Albay.
Albay ha adopted the Millennium Development Goals as its roadmap in the alleviation of poverty in accordance with the United nations Declaration 2000.
Governor Salceda also said that CRABS program vision is to transform the identified areas (for development ) in a vibrant investment, and eco-medical tourism destinations by bringing into play cutting edge technologies, environment conscious management leadership and progressive corporate culture.
CRABS component projects are sustainable agriculture; coastal resource management fishery development; eco- tourism and marine development; human capital development ; and research development.
The local government of Albay released the initial P1 million fund for the social preparation alone. (MAL/MDR/LGU Albay)
Crime situation in Bagamnoc town remains manageable
by Edna A. Bagadiong
VIRAC, Catanduanes, September 12 (PIA) -- The municipal police station of Bagamnoc in Catanduanes bared recently that crime situation in the municipality remains manageable due to the continuous conduct and implementation of police integrated patrol system at all crime prone areas such as government and private vital installations, business establishments, school and church premises.
Likewise, internal security operations as well as dialogue/pulong-pulong in both upper and coastal barangays are being conducted to preempt presence of rebels within the office's area of responsibility.
The current peace and order situation in the locality remains manageable and under control.
For the period covered, no cases have been filed regarding peace and order as simple cases and other light offenses are endorsed to the Barangay Justice for mediation, conciliation and settlement at the barangay Level.
As part of its community relations activities, the town’s police station conducts school visitations, organizes ‘Cops in the School, Pulis Ko Titser Ko,’ project and sit-in dialogues with the different school administrators, student government and security guards.
The Bagamanoc police station plans to continue its previously implemented programs and projects and contribute to the development and welfare of the town. (MAL/EAB, PIA Catanduanes)
2011 Kasanggayahan Festival activities bared
by Irma A. Guhit
SORSOGON CITY, Sept. 12 (PIA) -- A press conference was held here September 9 at the Sorsogon City Muti-Purpose Hall for the presentation of activities lined-up for the Kasanggayahan Festival 2011 spearheaded by Sorsoganon Kita Inc.
Attended by both the national and local media, among those present were Msgr. Francisco P. Monje, president, Kasanggayahan Foundation Inc(KFI) , Maria Nini O. Ravanilla, regional director RO V, Department of Tourism, Michael Sulit, president of Sorsoganon Kita Inc. Sorsogon City Mayor Leovic R. Dioneda and Atty Antonio Huab, representing governor Raul R. Lee.
Sorsoganon Kita Inc. president Michael Sulit presented all the activities for this month long celebration of the 117th founding anniversary of the province of Sorsogon and what to expect from a public-private partnership undertaking.
Msgr. Francisco P. Monje, president of the Kasanggayahan Foundation Inc.(KFI) stated that it was really an answered call for the KFI's long desire that private organization should run the activities of the festival while the KFI still remains as the organic body overseeing that the activities are alined to what the festival intends to portray, that of popularizing the history, culture and aspirations of the province of Sorsogon in a festive celebration.
Sulit bared that the events are classified include sports, culture and arts, music and dance, socials, special interest, conventions/ congress and the economic side which is trade and industry.
Sulit explained that the festival this year is more of a public -private partnership, all officials from the national and local and private individuals contributing their share in terms of logistics and sponsored activities to show unity of action and to ensure the success of the festival.
The cultural dance, Pantomina sa Tinampo reflective of the Bicolano's culture for merriment expressed in a dance will be done in the evening. It will be the original Sorsoganon pantomina called "Sinakiki" popularized in Gubat town and will be adapted in the festival.
One big highlights of this year's festival is giving recognition to outstanding Sorsoganons who have made the province proud in terms of their different contribution not only in the local scene but more on the national scope like the four Sorsoganons and only Bicolanos conferred the Ten Outstanding Young Men (TOYM) of the Philippines.
The award to be conferred dubbed "Oragon Award" will show the mettle and exemplary traits and achievements of certain Sorsoganons in the fields of education, public service, governance, education, media, cinema and one special award is highlighting a family's endeavor and success.
Sulit also disclosed that there will be the competition of the singing councilors, tree planting activity, the regional competition for bands and majorette and an inter- municipal drum and lyre competition.
Questions during the presscon how the festival will advertise and promote tourism were answered by Sulit and director Ravanilla while Msgr. Monje also explained that the working budget for this year for the festival is P more than 3 M.
Sulit also disclosed that there were several activities sponsored by Senator Chiz Escudero like the shootfest, the basketball game to be played by Adamson vs All Sorsoganon Star Cast.
A first time Mardi Gras will also be seen participated in and performed by the Bukawel Cultural Dancers on the evening of the last day of October to end the event.
Sulit said that this year's Kasanggayahan Festival 2011 will usher in a more participative endeavor and expect activities that are of unusual interesting flavor. (IAG, PIA Sorsogon)
Friday, September 9, 2011
Chiz to DA: Craft viable insurance schemes for farmers in typhoon-stricken areas
LEGAZPI CITY, Sept. 9 (PIA) -- Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero has called on the Department of Agriculture (DA) to step up its efforts in encouraging farmers to insure their lands and crops to protect them against losses brought about by typhoons and natural calamities.
Several typhoons in the past weeks have destroyed large swaths of agricultural lands in the country, and Escudero saw the need to insure more farmlands and products in areas battered by severe tropical storms.
Escudero put to task the DA to encourage more farmers to insure their lands and farm products with the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC), a government-owned and -controlled corporation tasked to provide insurance protection against loss of crops, livestock and agricultural assets due to natural calamities, plants pests and disease, among others.
According to the senator, while new insurance schemes are being adapted by PCIC in some areas in the country, many farmers, particularly self-financed farmers, are not keen on availing insurance coverage.
This is the reason, he added, why the DA should craft viable insurance schemes for all farmers, especially for those in provinces usually hit by typhoons like Eastern Visayas, the Bicol region and some areas in Southern Luzon.
Escudero cited a recent agreement among the local government unit in Negros Occidental, a farmer’s group and PCIC where in a certain percentage of the insurance premium is shouldered by the local government, which can be replicated in other areas.
“Pwedeng maghati-hati (sa pagitan) ng local government at may counterpart rin ang farmers. Ang rough computation namin sa mga palayan at sugarcane farms ay humigit kumulang P800 to P840 per year ang premium para ma-cover more or less P20,000 per hectare para sa magsasaka,” Escudero said.
Escudero also mentioned the insurance scheme he proposed to the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Government Service Insurance System, which placed under insurance coverage school buildings in Eastern Visayas and Bicol frequently visited by typhoons, to make sure there is enough funds for immediate repair after the onslaught of typhoon or other calamities.
“Bilang estimate sa insurance, noong pina-insure ko dati ang Regions 5, 8, Quirino, Aurora, Quezon, Isabela, Cagayan na nasa eastern seaboard ng bansa, noong na-cover namin ng insurance lahat ng school buildings diyan, P100 million lamang ang ginastos namin. Ang school building repair fund ng DepEd ay P3 billion. So wala pang 4 percent iyon ng school building fund. Mako-cover na ng insurance ang madalas na tinatamaan ng bagyo,” Escudero explained.
He said that with more farmers getting insurance coverage, many would be protected. “Pag may crop insurance, tamaan man ng kalamidad, peste, o baha, makababawi sila at makababangon muli at hindi mababaon sa utang ng mahabang panahon.” (MAL, PIA V/Office of Sen. Escudero)
Sorsogon City mainstreams disaster risk reduction mechanisms in local planning and urban management
by Irma A. Guhit
SORSOGON CITY, Sept. 9 (PIA) -- Utilizing the strategy of bottoms up approach, the city government of Sorsogon has conducted a series of inter-sectoral consultation to mainstream the interventions for climate change adaptation and mitigation, and institute disaster risk reduction initiatives.
“Inputs of the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO), the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) and the Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (BDRRMC), together with other members of the community have provided the office on the current situations, conditions and identifying problem areas , provide necessary actions steps and harmonizing it with development plans were the mechanism initiated already by the city government to mainstream climate change adaptation and mitigation, and institute disaster risk reduction, Mayor Leovic R. Dioneda usually expressed whenever he is invited to share the best practices of the city” Tito D. Fortes said in an interview done by the Philippine Information Agency Office here last Monday.
“We were tasked to share the best practices of the city government here on DRR in Baguio City only two weeks ago since Mayor Dioneda was in another commitment sharing again the best practices in Solid Waste Management implementation” Fortes said.
Fortes, as the newly installed officer in charge of programs and projects under the CCMA provided several persons visiting the city, a tour of the office where emboldened hazard maps were posted showing their areas of vulnerabilities and vulnerabilities of neighboring municipalities that also poses a bearing on certain climatic conditions in the city.
Fortes said that the maps generated through the assistance of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) provided personnel working in the DRR a very comprehensive presentation of certain types of vulnerabilities of the city.
“This office has created awareness within the basic sectors in the community to look at disasters with preparedness and with a committed responsibility of what should be done collectively in addressing the concerns,” Fortes said.
”The Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO) together with the Sorsogon City Development Planning Office (CPDO) have harmonized their Physical Framework Development Plan,” he said.
Reformulation and the enhancement of the city PFDP in compliance with the CCMA and DRR will now serve as the basic operating guidelines and legal policies to be followed for the expedient implementation of programs and projects under the infrastructure development landscape of the city,” Fortes further explained. (MAL/IAG, PIA Sorsogon)
Rice supply to last up to 7 months, distribution of certified seeds until Sept 15
by Aida Alcazar-Naz
LEGAZPI CITY, September 9 (PIA) -- There is enough supply of rice in the region estimated to last for seven months.
The National Food Authority Bicol disclosed to PIA Tuesday this week through its radio program Aramon Ta Daw that rice supply is good up to 214 days or more than seven months.
Nelsie E. Alcantara, the agency’s regional public information officer, said there is a total of 666,593 bags of rice available at present of which 644,769 are imported rice; 162 sacks of local rice and 21,662 bags of iron fortified rice. On top of these there are 1,670,596 bags of procured palay ready for milling anytime equivalent to 1,085,887 or 65 per cent recovery rate. The current buffer stock totals 1,752,480.
A couple of weeks back, Edwin Atayza, NFA Bicol Operations officer reported of the existing bags of rice in NFA provincial offices across the region. He said Albay has a supply of 647,373 bags; Camarines Norte 129,997; Camarines Sur 725,265; Catanduanes 70,552; Masbate 79,691 and Sorsogon 245,196 or a total of 1,898,074.
The total number of bags then is higher by 145,594 against the present inventory.
Atayza also stated that there is an average of 8,000 bags daily sales of NFA rice.
Meantime, Yolanda R. Navarro, Ph.D., manager of Albay NFA reported that the region has reached 95 per cent of the distribution of certified seeds to qualified farmers as the rapid seed supply financing project distribution is only up to September 15.
Farmers are encouraged to avail of the remaining stocks especially those who suffered losses in past typhoons. (MAL/AAN, PIA V)
Sanggunian to conduct forum on power system reliability and sustainability
by Edna A Bagadiong
VIRAC, Catanduanes, September 9 (PIA) -- The Provincial Government through the SP Committee on energy chaired by Hon. PBM Roger F. Pereyra will be holding a "Forum on Catanduanes Power System Reliability and Sustainability" on Tuesday, September 20, 2011, 8:00 in the morning at the Provincial Capitol Dome.
The forum aims to clarify issues regarding the power and electricity supply in the province.
A program will be held in connection with the activity. Governor Joseph C. Cua is expected to deliver his message during the opening program. A Bird's Eye View of Catanduanes Power Outlook will be given by Hon. Roger Pereyra.
Engr. Rodolfo G. Mendoza, OIC-General Manager (FICELCO) will give a talk regarding FICELCO then and Now Gaps and Current Concerns.
Moreover, First Catanduanes Electric Cooeprative, Inc. (FICELCO), Catanduanes Power Generation, Inc. (CPGI), Sunwest Water and Electric Power Co. Inc. (SUWECO)and National Power Corporation (NPC) will present solutions to power problems- short and long term action plans.
After the Presentation of Proposed Compromise Undertaking Agreement by Engr. Serafin Marcaida, SPUG-Catanduanes, an open forum will be held.
A Memorandum of Joint Undertaking will takaplace after with NEA, FICELCO, CPGI, SUWECO, NPC, LGU and LCE as signatories to be witnessed by Business Sector, Church Academe, PNP, UKAG, PWEE PMA, Catanduanes Chapter Hotel and Rest. Ass., NGOs and POs. (MAL/EAB, PIA Catanduanes)
Two Bicolano OFWs awarded livelihood loans, five others receive grants
LEGASPI CITY, Sept. 9 (PIA/OWWA) -- Labor Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz personally led the awarding of livelihood loans to two Bicolano OFWs Wednesday (Sept. 7) held at the regional office of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) here.
The loan awards were given under the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration’s (OWWA) OFW Reintegration Program (ORP) in compliance with President Benigno Aquino’s directive of providing OFWs and their families with viable and sustainable sources of income within the Philippines.
Baldoz was accompanied by Undersecretary Hans Leo Cacdac to oversee the launching of DOLE Bicol’s Community Enterprise Development (CED) Program.
Antonio Rico Jr. of Baranggay Pawa here, an engineer who worked in Libya, was awarded P500,000 loan. He intends to use the loan to purchase a van for use as a public utility vehicle that caters to travelers from Legaspi bound for Sorsogon and vice versa.
Freddie Siruma of Naga City was awarded a loan worth P300,000 which he plans to use to put up a general merchandise business. He worked as a mechanic in Libya before he was repatriated due to the Libyan political crisis.
OWWA Bicol Regional Director Jocelyn O. Hapal said that the main aim of the ORP is to make OFWs think less of working abroad as the only way out of poverty. “We hope that with ORP OFWs will consider overseas employment just as an option as opposed to being the ‘only’ option,” Director Hapal said.
“Though overseas employment generates a lot of income not only for the OFWs’ families but also for our country, it eventually takes its toll on our migrant workers in the form of social cost. With this livelihood loan, OFWs can generate income that is enough to live a decent and comfortable life here in the country,” she said.
“Although the income they may generate from their businesses here may not even be close to what they are used to earning abroad, OFWs will not be paying the high price of social cost should they choose to avail of the ORP,” Director Hapal added.
Five female OFWs were also awarded livelihood grants under the Balik Pinay, Balik Hanap Buhay program, a joint undertaking of DOLE and OWWA.
All five awardees were distressed workers who either ran away from their employers due to maltreatment or were repatriated. Under this program, distressed female OFWs will be trained in hair cutting, manicure and pedicure, massage and reflexology, making of fashion accessories, or cooking. They will also be given starter kits so they can put up their own small businesses.
The five awardees were trained in the cooking of siomai, que-kiam and puto-pao and they were given the necessary startup kits. (MAL, PIA V/OWWA V)
LEGAZPI CITY, Sept. 9 (PIA) -- Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero has called on the Department of Agriculture (DA) to step up its efforts in encouraging farmers to insure their lands and crops to protect them against losses brought about by typhoons and natural calamities.
Several typhoons in the past weeks have destroyed large swaths of agricultural lands in the country, and Escudero saw the need to insure more farmlands and products in areas battered by severe tropical storms.
Escudero put to task the DA to encourage more farmers to insure their lands and farm products with the Philippine Crop Insurance Corporation (PCIC), a government-owned and -controlled corporation tasked to provide insurance protection against loss of crops, livestock and agricultural assets due to natural calamities, plants pests and disease, among others.
According to the senator, while new insurance schemes are being adapted by PCIC in some areas in the country, many farmers, particularly self-financed farmers, are not keen on availing insurance coverage.
This is the reason, he added, why the DA should craft viable insurance schemes for all farmers, especially for those in provinces usually hit by typhoons like Eastern Visayas, the Bicol region and some areas in Southern Luzon.
Escudero cited a recent agreement among the local government unit in Negros Occidental, a farmer’s group and PCIC where in a certain percentage of the insurance premium is shouldered by the local government, which can be replicated in other areas.
“Pwedeng maghati-hati (sa pagitan) ng local government at may counterpart rin ang farmers. Ang rough computation namin sa mga palayan at sugarcane farms ay humigit kumulang P800 to P840 per year ang premium para ma-cover more or less P20,000 per hectare para sa magsasaka,” Escudero said.
Escudero also mentioned the insurance scheme he proposed to the Department of Education (DepEd) and the Government Service Insurance System, which placed under insurance coverage school buildings in Eastern Visayas and Bicol frequently visited by typhoons, to make sure there is enough funds for immediate repair after the onslaught of typhoon or other calamities.
“Bilang estimate sa insurance, noong pina-insure ko dati ang Regions 5, 8, Quirino, Aurora, Quezon, Isabela, Cagayan na nasa eastern seaboard ng bansa, noong na-cover namin ng insurance lahat ng school buildings diyan, P100 million lamang ang ginastos namin. Ang school building repair fund ng DepEd ay P3 billion. So wala pang 4 percent iyon ng school building fund. Mako-cover na ng insurance ang madalas na tinatamaan ng bagyo,” Escudero explained.
He said that with more farmers getting insurance coverage, many would be protected. “Pag may crop insurance, tamaan man ng kalamidad, peste, o baha, makababawi sila at makababangon muli at hindi mababaon sa utang ng mahabang panahon.” (MAL, PIA V/Office of Sen. Escudero)
Sorsogon City mainstreams disaster risk reduction mechanisms in local planning and urban management
by Irma A. Guhit
SORSOGON CITY, Sept. 9 (PIA) -- Utilizing the strategy of bottoms up approach, the city government of Sorsogon has conducted a series of inter-sectoral consultation to mainstream the interventions for climate change adaptation and mitigation, and institute disaster risk reduction initiatives.
“Inputs of the Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO), the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (PDRRMC) and the Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (BDRRMC), together with other members of the community have provided the office on the current situations, conditions and identifying problem areas , provide necessary actions steps and harmonizing it with development plans were the mechanism initiated already by the city government to mainstream climate change adaptation and mitigation, and institute disaster risk reduction, Mayor Leovic R. Dioneda usually expressed whenever he is invited to share the best practices of the city” Tito D. Fortes said in an interview done by the Philippine Information Agency Office here last Monday.
“We were tasked to share the best practices of the city government here on DRR in Baguio City only two weeks ago since Mayor Dioneda was in another commitment sharing again the best practices in Solid Waste Management implementation” Fortes said.
Fortes, as the newly installed officer in charge of programs and projects under the CCMA provided several persons visiting the city, a tour of the office where emboldened hazard maps were posted showing their areas of vulnerabilities and vulnerabilities of neighboring municipalities that also poses a bearing on certain climatic conditions in the city.
Fortes said that the maps generated through the assistance of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) provided personnel working in the DRR a very comprehensive presentation of certain types of vulnerabilities of the city.
“This office has created awareness within the basic sectors in the community to look at disasters with preparedness and with a committed responsibility of what should be done collectively in addressing the concerns,” Fortes said.
”The Provincial Planning and Development Office (PPDO) together with the Sorsogon City Development Planning Office (CPDO) have harmonized their Physical Framework Development Plan,” he said.
Reformulation and the enhancement of the city PFDP in compliance with the CCMA and DRR will now serve as the basic operating guidelines and legal policies to be followed for the expedient implementation of programs and projects under the infrastructure development landscape of the city,” Fortes further explained. (MAL/IAG, PIA Sorsogon)
Rice supply to last up to 7 months, distribution of certified seeds until Sept 15
by Aida Alcazar-Naz
LEGAZPI CITY, September 9 (PIA) -- There is enough supply of rice in the region estimated to last for seven months.
The National Food Authority Bicol disclosed to PIA Tuesday this week through its radio program Aramon Ta Daw that rice supply is good up to 214 days or more than seven months.
Nelsie E. Alcantara, the agency’s regional public information officer, said there is a total of 666,593 bags of rice available at present of which 644,769 are imported rice; 162 sacks of local rice and 21,662 bags of iron fortified rice. On top of these there are 1,670,596 bags of procured palay ready for milling anytime equivalent to 1,085,887 or 65 per cent recovery rate. The current buffer stock totals 1,752,480.
A couple of weeks back, Edwin Atayza, NFA Bicol Operations officer reported of the existing bags of rice in NFA provincial offices across the region. He said Albay has a supply of 647,373 bags; Camarines Norte 129,997; Camarines Sur 725,265; Catanduanes 70,552; Masbate 79,691 and Sorsogon 245,196 or a total of 1,898,074.
The total number of bags then is higher by 145,594 against the present inventory.
Atayza also stated that there is an average of 8,000 bags daily sales of NFA rice.
Meantime, Yolanda R. Navarro, Ph.D., manager of Albay NFA reported that the region has reached 95 per cent of the distribution of certified seeds to qualified farmers as the rapid seed supply financing project distribution is only up to September 15.
Farmers are encouraged to avail of the remaining stocks especially those who suffered losses in past typhoons. (MAL/AAN, PIA V)
Sanggunian to conduct forum on power system reliability and sustainability
by Edna A Bagadiong
VIRAC, Catanduanes, September 9 (PIA) -- The Provincial Government through the SP Committee on energy chaired by Hon. PBM Roger F. Pereyra will be holding a "Forum on Catanduanes Power System Reliability and Sustainability" on Tuesday, September 20, 2011, 8:00 in the morning at the Provincial Capitol Dome.
The forum aims to clarify issues regarding the power and electricity supply in the province.
A program will be held in connection with the activity. Governor Joseph C. Cua is expected to deliver his message during the opening program. A Bird's Eye View of Catanduanes Power Outlook will be given by Hon. Roger Pereyra.
Engr. Rodolfo G. Mendoza, OIC-General Manager (FICELCO) will give a talk regarding FICELCO then and Now Gaps and Current Concerns.
Moreover, First Catanduanes Electric Cooeprative, Inc. (FICELCO), Catanduanes Power Generation, Inc. (CPGI), Sunwest Water and Electric Power Co. Inc. (SUWECO)and National Power Corporation (NPC) will present solutions to power problems- short and long term action plans.
After the Presentation of Proposed Compromise Undertaking Agreement by Engr. Serafin Marcaida, SPUG-Catanduanes, an open forum will be held.
A Memorandum of Joint Undertaking will takaplace after with NEA, FICELCO, CPGI, SUWECO, NPC, LGU and LCE as signatories to be witnessed by Business Sector, Church Academe, PNP, UKAG, PWEE PMA, Catanduanes Chapter Hotel and Rest. Ass., NGOs and POs. (MAL/EAB, PIA Catanduanes)
Two Bicolano OFWs awarded livelihood loans, five others receive grants
LEGASPI CITY, Sept. 9 (PIA/OWWA) -- Labor Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz personally led the awarding of livelihood loans to two Bicolano OFWs Wednesday (Sept. 7) held at the regional office of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) here.
The loan awards were given under the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration’s (OWWA) OFW Reintegration Program (ORP) in compliance with President Benigno Aquino’s directive of providing OFWs and their families with viable and sustainable sources of income within the Philippines.
Baldoz was accompanied by Undersecretary Hans Leo Cacdac to oversee the launching of DOLE Bicol’s Community Enterprise Development (CED) Program.
Antonio Rico Jr. of Baranggay Pawa here, an engineer who worked in Libya, was awarded P500,000 loan. He intends to use the loan to purchase a van for use as a public utility vehicle that caters to travelers from Legaspi bound for Sorsogon and vice versa.
Freddie Siruma of Naga City was awarded a loan worth P300,000 which he plans to use to put up a general merchandise business. He worked as a mechanic in Libya before he was repatriated due to the Libyan political crisis.
OWWA Bicol Regional Director Jocelyn O. Hapal said that the main aim of the ORP is to make OFWs think less of working abroad as the only way out of poverty. “We hope that with ORP OFWs will consider overseas employment just as an option as opposed to being the ‘only’ option,” Director Hapal said.
“Though overseas employment generates a lot of income not only for the OFWs’ families but also for our country, it eventually takes its toll on our migrant workers in the form of social cost. With this livelihood loan, OFWs can generate income that is enough to live a decent and comfortable life here in the country,” she said.
“Although the income they may generate from their businesses here may not even be close to what they are used to earning abroad, OFWs will not be paying the high price of social cost should they choose to avail of the ORP,” Director Hapal added.
Five female OFWs were also awarded livelihood grants under the Balik Pinay, Balik Hanap Buhay program, a joint undertaking of DOLE and OWWA.
All five awardees were distressed workers who either ran away from their employers due to maltreatment or were repatriated. Under this program, distressed female OFWs will be trained in hair cutting, manicure and pedicure, massage and reflexology, making of fashion accessories, or cooking. They will also be given starter kits so they can put up their own small businesses.
The five awardees were trained in the cooking of siomai, que-kiam and puto-pao and they were given the necessary startup kits. (MAL, PIA V/OWWA V)
Thursday, September 8, 2011
Maternal and child health care center in Albay now in full swing operation
LEGAZPI CITY, Sept. 8 (PNA) -- The provincial government of Albay has announced Wednesday that the P27.8 million project on Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (BMONC) centers are now in full operation.
Albay governor Joey Salceda said that BEmONC is a project of the Department of Health, supported by the Agencia Española de Cooperacion Internacional para Desarollo (AECID).
“Primarily,the facility with complete equipment will provide services to women and children specially for those pregnant as well as lactating mothers,” he said.
“The goal of the facility is to help reduce or eradicate maternal and child mortality rate,” Salceda said.
According to him, BEmONC is not limited for birthing home it will provide pregnant mothers with adequate and affordable basic emergency obstetric and newborn care, and encourage pregnant women deliver their babies in health centers and hospitals as birth delivery outside a health facility is commonly practiced especially in far-flung areas.
“In such settings, many newborns who might otherwise die can also be saved,” Salceda said.
He point out that all births should take place in appropriate health facilities, as is the case in all countries that have managed to significantly reduce their maternal mortality.
“In the interim, before such a long-term goal can be reached, universal access to emergency obstetric care requires that all women and newborns with complications should have rapid access to well-functioning facilities, whether that is a mobile health unit, a district hospital or an upgraded maternity centre.”
To manage obstetric complications — the life-saving component of maternity care — a facility must have at least two skilled attendants covering 24 hours a day and seven days a week, assisted by trained support staff.
According to the governor not providing appropriate and adequate maternal care is a human rights violation.
All pregnant women should have access to quality services before, during and after pregnancy and childbirth. At the same time, women must always be able to make free and informed decisions about their health.
Only the province of Albay has been given equipment and ambulances to be deployed in various BEMOnC.
The 9 areas covered by the P27.8 million BEMOnC facility are the municipalities of Tiwi, Oas, Jovellar, Bacacay, Libon, Manito, Sto Domingo, Polangui and Ligao City.
Another P17 million pesos has been allocated and approved by the AECID for the second batch BEMOnC construction five areas of Albay. (MAL/MDR/LGU Albay)
Solid waste board tackles issues on hospital wastes management in Sorsogon
by Irma A. Guhit
SORSOGON CITY , Sept. 8 (PIA) -- Issues and concerns on the proper treatment, management and disposal of hospital wastes here in the province have been the focused-issue tackled yesterday during the 3rd quarterly meeting of the Sorsogon Provincial Solid Waste Management Board (PSWMB) held at Uncle Tat's Function Hall, in Pilar town.
Engr. Leonisa Madeloso , representing the Environment Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources(DENR) RO5 tendered a report on the monitoring, evaluation and assessment conducted by EMB of the several hospitals here in the province following the guidelines provided in RA 6969 in the proper disposal of hospital and hazardous wastes.
According to Madeloso, here in the province of Sorsogon they have conducted an evaluation of one public and one private tertiary hospital ; four secondary private and 2 secondary public hospitals and how these hospitals managed their wastes.
In the findings, Madeloso said that all these hospitals use chlorine and lysol as the standard chemicals for disenfecting hospital wastes.
Most of these 8 hospitals are without waste water discharge permits, some are without solid waste management reports and most of the mercurial wastes from busted florescent lamps are not safely disposed together with sharps and other hospital wastes.
EMB has already issued notice of violations and that they have dialogued with the responsible personnel on how these wastes should be managed so as not to affect the environment and create another public health problems.
Madeloso also recommended that proper signage should be placed on what kind of waste are these especially on the sharps that were just placed on plastic containers and not properly provided description.
"Sharps and syringes used should always be properly managed and placed in plastic containers and these containers should again be placed in cans and with proper signage and should never be disposed together with other hospital wastes" Madeloso said.
She also reported that some hospitals do not have Pollution Control Officers (PCOs) or if there is, most are not properly trained and should still undergo training.
"We at the EMB would like to recommend to the local chief executives through the PSWMB to make proper representations to the provincial government to ventilate these findings so that we can work together to help and assist in the concerns raised " Madeloso expressed.
"Proper report on what wastes are generated, volume and how these are treated, and disposed should also be made to keep track of the implementation of RA6969 which hospitals are required to do", Madeloso explained
Local chief ececutives present during the meeting were Mayors Alejandro Gamos of Sta Magdalena, Roque Carranza of Magallanes and Dennis Reyes of Pilar.
A consensus to raise the issue during the meeting of the League of Municipalities was recommended so that LCEs will be informed on how to ventilate the issues raised during the PSWMB meeting and how these issues can be resolve to make the hospitals within their municipalities compliant to the provisions of RA6969.
Also tackled during the meeting was the need to organize a Provincial Monitoring Team specifically for the purpose of monitoring and evaluating the implementation of RA6969.
Through the PSWMB it was agreed that a letter will be sent to the hospitals identified in the report given by Madeloso.
The letter will reiterate the compliance of the hospitals on the provisions of RA 6969 according to the agreements made in the meeting of the PSWMB.(IAG, PIA Sorsogon)
UNEP Chorale in Ad Congress
by Lizel S. Macatangay
PILI, Camarines Sur, Sept. 8 (PIA) -- As the biggest assembly of entrepreneurs, business tycoons, advertisers and other stakeholders draws near, so is the anticipation of the members of the world-renowned University of Northeastern Philippines’ (UNEP) Chorale who was chosen by the Program’s Committee Chair as the official singing group of AdCongress22.
The group will be singing the Philippine National Anthem on November 17 signifying the official opening of the said confab.
Margot Torres, Programs Committee Chair of AdCongress22 formally informed the chorale thru the university’s Media Relations Director, Melody Ordonez of their significant role during the opening of the Congress. Ms. Deli Alfelor-Tibi, UNEP’s Executive Vice President and concurrently EVP for Finance, was also elated upon hearing the good news.
“Being given a chance to sing in front of attending business dignitaries, magnates and business moguls who came all the way from different parts of the country is indeed a great honor. The chorale, having been invited to similar events, and even in international functions always looks forward to such great occasions as part of their commitment of sharing their God-given talents,” Ms. Del said in an interview.
The 22nd Philippine Advertising Congress which is set to take place from November 16 to 19 at the world-class Camarines Sur Water Sports Complex (CWC) is expected to draw thousands of delegates who would either update themselves with the latest trends in the business world, or promote their own wares and services. The event will also serve as a venue where industrialists can look for potential business interests or even clienteles who would enhance their respective businesses.
Dubbed as the event of the year, the Ad Congress will also enhance the business industry with its potential to soar under its “the Game-Changing Generation” theme which is also aptly pertinent to the new genre of the chorale’s members.
“Majority of our members are new aspirants who want to make a difference in the realm of singing and those who want to enhance their performance thru various song interpretations. I think it perfectly rhymes with this year’s Ad Congress theme – it’s really a game changing generation of which UNEP is ready to venture on,” Ms Deli quips.
UNEP Chorale need not prove their expertise when it comes to quality presentation. They have won the the Highest Silver Diploma Award in the 4th World Choir Games held in Xiamen, China in 2006 and bagged another victorious feat in the 2008 HONGKONG INTERNATIONAL YOUTH AND CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL competition held at the former Crown Colony’s Cultural Center in Hongkong
In 2009, it was cited by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) as one of the recipients of Ani ng Sining Awards in line with the celebration of this year’s Philippine International Arts Festival (PIAF). It was also named as Sumagang Awardee for its outstanding achievement in music and culture during Iriga City ’s 41st Charter Anniversary Celebration in 2010. (LSM, PIA Camarines Sur)
Rep. Sarmiento allocates P1.5M for TESDA Scholarship
by Edna A Bagadiong
VIRAC, Catanduanes, September 8 (PIA) -- Congressman Cesar V. Sarmiento of the lone district of Catanduanes announced last week an additional P1.5 million allocation for scholarships in technical and vocational courses for the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
The allocation is for scholarship slots at the newly-started training centers in Viga and Pandan, while some will be given to the TESDA-operated Cabugao School of Handicraft and Cottage Industries in Bato.
According to Sarmiento, the additional funding will make the scholarship program more proportionate and balance with those from the northern towns requiring less expense in studying closer to their home.
He likewise urged scholars to be diligent and creative in learning and using their skills in preparation for the job opportunities that will come their way from considerable number of vital infrastructure projects set to be implemented in Catanduanes.
Of the P1 million charged to Sarmiento's Priority Development Fund (PDAF) and the P1.5 million released from he Private Education Student Fund Assistance which is allocated to congressional districts nationwide, a total of 349 scholarships slots have been opened for Catanduanes Youths.
The scholarship slots are divided in the following courses: Massage Therapy (37), Bartending (54), Computer Hardware Servicing (70), Commercial Cooking (70), Food and Beverage Services (30), Housekeeping (52) and Front Office Services (36). (MAL/IAG, PIA Catanduanes)
4 drug pushers arrested in separate raids in Vinzons and Labo towns
by Rosalita Base-Manlangit
DAET, Camarines Norte, September 8 (PIA) -- Four (4) drug pushers were arrested in separate buy bust operations conducted by the joint elements of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Provincial Anti-Crime Task Force (PACTF) on Illegal Drugs.
PACTF Chairman Governor Edgardo Tallado during the press conference this morning lauded the PNP and the PDEA for the job well done in the apprehensions of the four suspected drug pushers in the province.
The Governor said that he has already directed the PNP to be aggressive in the fight against illegal drugs with his vision to become a drug free province.
PDEA Security Officer II Cristopher P. Viaña said that some P200,000 worth of suspected illegal drugs were confiscated during the buy bust operations conducted yesterday afternoon and early this morning in the towns of Vinzons and Labo.
He said that suspects arrested during the buy bust operations included Marlon Glory Aloc nabbed at Purok 3 Barangay Sto. Domingo, Vinzons with 13 sachet of heat sealed transparent plastic of suspected shabu; Eduardo Morales Labeste and Venus Tabarina Guisadio in CM Apartelle, Purok 2 Barangay Kalamanding, Labo with 2 big heat sealed transparent plastic sachet and 7 small heat sealed plastic sachet of suspected shabu; and Cristopher Palomado Peña in Purok 3 Barangay Talobatib, Labo with 1 big heat sealed transparent plastic sachet of suspected shabu. All are members of the Calauag Drug Group.
He added that the success of the operations was due to the close coordinations and collaborations of agencies concerned in the province.
PNP Deputy Provincial Director for Administration Police Supt. Jesus C. Martirez assures that cases will be filed immediately against the 4 suspects and ensure that proper process will be undergone to avoid loopholes. (MAL/RBM/PIA Camarines Norte).
LEGAZPI CITY, Sept. 8 (PNA) -- The provincial government of Albay has announced Wednesday that the P27.8 million project on Basic Emergency Obstetric and Newborn Care (BMONC) centers are now in full operation.
Albay governor Joey Salceda said that BEmONC is a project of the Department of Health, supported by the Agencia Española de Cooperacion Internacional para Desarollo (AECID).
“Primarily,the facility with complete equipment will provide services to women and children specially for those pregnant as well as lactating mothers,” he said.
“The goal of the facility is to help reduce or eradicate maternal and child mortality rate,” Salceda said.
According to him, BEmONC is not limited for birthing home it will provide pregnant mothers with adequate and affordable basic emergency obstetric and newborn care, and encourage pregnant women deliver their babies in health centers and hospitals as birth delivery outside a health facility is commonly practiced especially in far-flung areas.
“In such settings, many newborns who might otherwise die can also be saved,” Salceda said.
He point out that all births should take place in appropriate health facilities, as is the case in all countries that have managed to significantly reduce their maternal mortality.
“In the interim, before such a long-term goal can be reached, universal access to emergency obstetric care requires that all women and newborns with complications should have rapid access to well-functioning facilities, whether that is a mobile health unit, a district hospital or an upgraded maternity centre.”
To manage obstetric complications — the life-saving component of maternity care — a facility must have at least two skilled attendants covering 24 hours a day and seven days a week, assisted by trained support staff.
According to the governor not providing appropriate and adequate maternal care is a human rights violation.
All pregnant women should have access to quality services before, during and after pregnancy and childbirth. At the same time, women must always be able to make free and informed decisions about their health.
Only the province of Albay has been given equipment and ambulances to be deployed in various BEMOnC.
The 9 areas covered by the P27.8 million BEMOnC facility are the municipalities of Tiwi, Oas, Jovellar, Bacacay, Libon, Manito, Sto Domingo, Polangui and Ligao City.
Another P17 million pesos has been allocated and approved by the AECID for the second batch BEMOnC construction five areas of Albay. (MAL/MDR/LGU Albay)
Solid waste board tackles issues on hospital wastes management in Sorsogon
by Irma A. Guhit
SORSOGON CITY , Sept. 8 (PIA) -- Issues and concerns on the proper treatment, management and disposal of hospital wastes here in the province have been the focused-issue tackled yesterday during the 3rd quarterly meeting of the Sorsogon Provincial Solid Waste Management Board (PSWMB) held at Uncle Tat's Function Hall, in Pilar town.
Engr. Leonisa Madeloso , representing the Environment Management Bureau (EMB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources(DENR) RO5 tendered a report on the monitoring, evaluation and assessment conducted by EMB of the several hospitals here in the province following the guidelines provided in RA 6969 in the proper disposal of hospital and hazardous wastes.
According to Madeloso, here in the province of Sorsogon they have conducted an evaluation of one public and one private tertiary hospital ; four secondary private and 2 secondary public hospitals and how these hospitals managed their wastes.
In the findings, Madeloso said that all these hospitals use chlorine and lysol as the standard chemicals for disenfecting hospital wastes.
Most of these 8 hospitals are without waste water discharge permits, some are without solid waste management reports and most of the mercurial wastes from busted florescent lamps are not safely disposed together with sharps and other hospital wastes.
EMB has already issued notice of violations and that they have dialogued with the responsible personnel on how these wastes should be managed so as not to affect the environment and create another public health problems.
Madeloso also recommended that proper signage should be placed on what kind of waste are these especially on the sharps that were just placed on plastic containers and not properly provided description.
"Sharps and syringes used should always be properly managed and placed in plastic containers and these containers should again be placed in cans and with proper signage and should never be disposed together with other hospital wastes" Madeloso said.
She also reported that some hospitals do not have Pollution Control Officers (PCOs) or if there is, most are not properly trained and should still undergo training.
"We at the EMB would like to recommend to the local chief executives through the PSWMB to make proper representations to the provincial government to ventilate these findings so that we can work together to help and assist in the concerns raised " Madeloso expressed.
"Proper report on what wastes are generated, volume and how these are treated, and disposed should also be made to keep track of the implementation of RA6969 which hospitals are required to do", Madeloso explained
Local chief ececutives present during the meeting were Mayors Alejandro Gamos of Sta Magdalena, Roque Carranza of Magallanes and Dennis Reyes of Pilar.
A consensus to raise the issue during the meeting of the League of Municipalities was recommended so that LCEs will be informed on how to ventilate the issues raised during the PSWMB meeting and how these issues can be resolve to make the hospitals within their municipalities compliant to the provisions of RA6969.
Also tackled during the meeting was the need to organize a Provincial Monitoring Team specifically for the purpose of monitoring and evaluating the implementation of RA6969.
Through the PSWMB it was agreed that a letter will be sent to the hospitals identified in the report given by Madeloso.
The letter will reiterate the compliance of the hospitals on the provisions of RA 6969 according to the agreements made in the meeting of the PSWMB.(IAG, PIA Sorsogon)
UNEP Chorale in Ad Congress
by Lizel S. Macatangay
PILI, Camarines Sur, Sept. 8 (PIA) -- As the biggest assembly of entrepreneurs, business tycoons, advertisers and other stakeholders draws near, so is the anticipation of the members of the world-renowned University of Northeastern Philippines’ (UNEP) Chorale who was chosen by the Program’s Committee Chair as the official singing group of AdCongress22.
The group will be singing the Philippine National Anthem on November 17 signifying the official opening of the said confab.
Margot Torres, Programs Committee Chair of AdCongress22 formally informed the chorale thru the university’s Media Relations Director, Melody Ordonez of their significant role during the opening of the Congress. Ms. Deli Alfelor-Tibi, UNEP’s Executive Vice President and concurrently EVP for Finance, was also elated upon hearing the good news.
“Being given a chance to sing in front of attending business dignitaries, magnates and business moguls who came all the way from different parts of the country is indeed a great honor. The chorale, having been invited to similar events, and even in international functions always looks forward to such great occasions as part of their commitment of sharing their God-given talents,” Ms. Del said in an interview.
The 22nd Philippine Advertising Congress which is set to take place from November 16 to 19 at the world-class Camarines Sur Water Sports Complex (CWC) is expected to draw thousands of delegates who would either update themselves with the latest trends in the business world, or promote their own wares and services. The event will also serve as a venue where industrialists can look for potential business interests or even clienteles who would enhance their respective businesses.
Dubbed as the event of the year, the Ad Congress will also enhance the business industry with its potential to soar under its “the Game-Changing Generation” theme which is also aptly pertinent to the new genre of the chorale’s members.
“Majority of our members are new aspirants who want to make a difference in the realm of singing and those who want to enhance their performance thru various song interpretations. I think it perfectly rhymes with this year’s Ad Congress theme – it’s really a game changing generation of which UNEP is ready to venture on,” Ms Deli quips.
UNEP Chorale need not prove their expertise when it comes to quality presentation. They have won the the Highest Silver Diploma Award in the 4th World Choir Games held in Xiamen, China in 2006 and bagged another victorious feat in the 2008 HONGKONG INTERNATIONAL YOUTH AND CHILDREN’S FESTIVAL competition held at the former Crown Colony’s Cultural Center in Hongkong
In 2009, it was cited by the National Commission for Culture and the Arts (NCCA) as one of the recipients of Ani ng Sining Awards in line with the celebration of this year’s Philippine International Arts Festival (PIAF). It was also named as Sumagang Awardee for its outstanding achievement in music and culture during Iriga City ’s 41st Charter Anniversary Celebration in 2010. (LSM, PIA Camarines Sur)
Rep. Sarmiento allocates P1.5M for TESDA Scholarship
by Edna A Bagadiong
VIRAC, Catanduanes, September 8 (PIA) -- Congressman Cesar V. Sarmiento of the lone district of Catanduanes announced last week an additional P1.5 million allocation for scholarships in technical and vocational courses for the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).
The allocation is for scholarship slots at the newly-started training centers in Viga and Pandan, while some will be given to the TESDA-operated Cabugao School of Handicraft and Cottage Industries in Bato.
According to Sarmiento, the additional funding will make the scholarship program more proportionate and balance with those from the northern towns requiring less expense in studying closer to their home.
He likewise urged scholars to be diligent and creative in learning and using their skills in preparation for the job opportunities that will come their way from considerable number of vital infrastructure projects set to be implemented in Catanduanes.
Of the P1 million charged to Sarmiento's Priority Development Fund (PDAF) and the P1.5 million released from he Private Education Student Fund Assistance which is allocated to congressional districts nationwide, a total of 349 scholarships slots have been opened for Catanduanes Youths.
The scholarship slots are divided in the following courses: Massage Therapy (37), Bartending (54), Computer Hardware Servicing (70), Commercial Cooking (70), Food and Beverage Services (30), Housekeeping (52) and Front Office Services (36). (MAL/IAG, PIA Catanduanes)
4 drug pushers arrested in separate raids in Vinzons and Labo towns
by Rosalita Base-Manlangit
DAET, Camarines Norte, September 8 (PIA) -- Four (4) drug pushers were arrested in separate buy bust operations conducted by the joint elements of the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA), Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Provincial Anti-Crime Task Force (PACTF) on Illegal Drugs.
PACTF Chairman Governor Edgardo Tallado during the press conference this morning lauded the PNP and the PDEA for the job well done in the apprehensions of the four suspected drug pushers in the province.
The Governor said that he has already directed the PNP to be aggressive in the fight against illegal drugs with his vision to become a drug free province.
PDEA Security Officer II Cristopher P. Viaña said that some P200,000 worth of suspected illegal drugs were confiscated during the buy bust operations conducted yesterday afternoon and early this morning in the towns of Vinzons and Labo.
He said that suspects arrested during the buy bust operations included Marlon Glory Aloc nabbed at Purok 3 Barangay Sto. Domingo, Vinzons with 13 sachet of heat sealed transparent plastic of suspected shabu; Eduardo Morales Labeste and Venus Tabarina Guisadio in CM Apartelle, Purok 2 Barangay Kalamanding, Labo with 2 big heat sealed transparent plastic sachet and 7 small heat sealed plastic sachet of suspected shabu; and Cristopher Palomado Peña in Purok 3 Barangay Talobatib, Labo with 1 big heat sealed transparent plastic sachet of suspected shabu. All are members of the Calauag Drug Group.
He added that the success of the operations was due to the close coordinations and collaborations of agencies concerned in the province.
PNP Deputy Provincial Director for Administration Police Supt. Jesus C. Martirez assures that cases will be filed immediately against the 4 suspects and ensure that proper process will be undergone to avoid loopholes. (MAL/RBM/PIA Camarines Norte).
Labor and Employment Secretary Rosalinda Dimapilis-Baldoz delivers her message during the Regional Community Enterprise Development (CED) project launching and witness the MOA signing of the Albay Provincial Anti-Child Labor Committee-Sagip Batang Manggagawa Quick Action Team held at DOLE Regional Office 5, Legazpi City last September 7, 2011. (Alex Cal/PIA)
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)