DPWH ENGINEERS ORDERED TO FAST TRACK THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE P2.9 BILLION PUMP-PRIMING PROJECTS IN BICOL

LEGAZPI CITY – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Bicol regional director ordered the other day the 13 district engineers of Bicol and the construction division chief to fast track the implementation of the P2.923 billion pump-priming projects in the region.

Eng’r. Orlando Roces, DPWH Bicol regional director, issued the directive after the completion of the bidding and award of all the 87 projects last month as ordered by DPWH secretary Hermogenes Ebdane.

Roces said that he has directed all the district engineers and the construction division chief Eng’r. Godofredo Beltran to take advantage of the good weather condition during the summer months to prod the contractors to complete the projects on time.

He disclosed that of the 87 projects, 31 is being implemented under the supervision of the construction division with a total cost of P2 billion while 56 projects worth P836 million are under the supervision of the 13 district engineers and one task force.

Roces said that two of the big ticket projects to be implemented starting this month is the P200 million rehabilitation of the 60-kilometer Andaya Highway and the P100 million access road to the new P5 billion Southern Luzon International Airport in Daraga, Albay.

He added that because of the implementation of the new Department of Budget and Management (DBM) disbursement policy of “Use it of Lose” infrastructure agencies are mandated to complete their projects on time in line with the implementation of Economic Resiliency Program of the government or lose the use of the fund. (EAdeLeon, PIA)

REDCOP STEPS UP ADVOCACY AND AWARENESS ON KIDNEY CARE AND DISEASE PREVENTION

ALBAY Province – The Renal Disease Control Program of the National Kidney and Transplant Institute (REDCOP-NKTI) continuous to expand the awareness campaign on kidney care and prevention of kidney diseases in the country.

In the Trainor’s Training on the REDCOP held in Manila recently, Dr. Remedios de Belen-Uriarte, program manager of the REDCOP-NKTI, emphasized that kidney diseases are preventable if diagnosed early avoiding the need for expensive treatment, such as dialysis and transplantation.

The training program was participated in by REDCOP-NKTI implementers, personnel from Center for Health and Development (CHD), LGU health officers, DEPED physicians, PIA information officers, and REDCOP advocates fro all over Luzon.

“The most important step is early recognition and prevention of the causes, through regular check ups and at least a yearly urine examination or urinalysis,” she said.

She noted that kidney diseases rank as the number 10 killer in the Philippines, causing death to about 7,000 Filipinos every year.

Mortality Regional Reports in 2007 of the Department of Health (DOH) show that 120 out of every 1 million population of the Philippines have end-stage renal disease (ESRD), a condition where both kidneys are completely and irreversibly damaged, commonly caused by diabetic Nephropathy, chronic Glomerulonephritis and hypertensive Nephrosclerosis.

Studies of the World Health Organization (WHO) revealed that about 10-20 percent of diabetics will develop kidney diseases or diabetic nephropathy for one, and with the increasing incidence of diabetes itself, a corresponding increase in the magnitude of diabetic nephropathy can be expected.

Chronic glomerulonephritis (nephritis, nephritic syndrome and nephrosis), meanwhile, is now considered the 10th leading cause of mortality in the Philippines. On the other hand, hypertension, commonly known as ‘high blood pressure’ is highly prevalent but generally underdiagnosed and undertreated that can also lead to kidney diseases, according to the DOH studies.

Uriarte also noted out of the 88.57 million population of the country in 2007 at least 10,644 individuals are diagnosed with the ESRD who need dialysis treatment or kidney transplant.

“Patients undergoing dialysis treatment spend some P2,500-3,000 every session in Metro Manila, and prices in provinces could be higher, wherein they have two or three sessions peer week which can cost them and their families beyond their income,” she said.

In the annual report of the Philippine Renal Disease Registry (PRDR), some 7,109 new patients with ESRD have been identified who need to undergo dialysis treatment the soonest possible time and on regular basis twice or thrice every week.

“Out of this 7,109 patients, only 1,046 can avail of a kidney transplant which can cost around P500,000 up to P1 million, adding up the other laboratory procedures and post-operation medical expenses which can also cost several hundreds of thousand pesos,” related Uriarte.

Dr. Antonio Paraiso, nephrology consultant of the NKTI, meanwhile explained most kidney diseases manifest no overt or outward clinical signs or symptoms, hence the patient tend not to seek medical consultation

“One simple, doable and cheap way to check on your kidneys is to submit yourself to a urinalysis once a year to determine any symptoms of kidney ailment,” he said.

“Through laboratory examination or urinalysis, we can determine the presence or amount of protein, glucose, blood and fuss in the urine, consequently if there is any, submit for the necessary tests and referral to a specialist,” he added.

Paraiso also underscored that one should be watchful of symptoms of kidney stones made up mainly of uric acid and calcium, occurrences of urinary tract infection (UTI) which may lead to infection stones, and other warning signs of kidney disease like puffiness in the eyes, back pain, change in urination and new onset of hypertension.

On organ donation and transplant program, REDCOP-NKTI consistently asserts that organ donation, kidney as such, saves lives; organ transplant is cost effective on the long term compared to other forms of medical treatment; and, for people who depend upon dialysis machines, it means the return to a normal and productive lifestyle.

“Giving kidney to a family member can be one of life’s most rewarding experiences, restoring health to the recipient and closer family ties,” Uriarte remarked.

Pope John Paul II, in his address to the “Society for Organ Sharing”, actually applauded the development of transplant surgery and acknowledged science, the professional training and commitment of doctors and health care workers for setting organ donation within the context of the Christian command to love and the Church’s social teaching on charity and exercise of obligations towards others. (MALoterte, PIA RO V)

Pre-Empting Disaster:
THE VINZONS EVACUATION CENTER PROJECT
By: Lt. Col. Lyndon J. Sollesta, CE (GSC) PA

Disasters and calamities, either man-made or of natural occurrence cause severe devastation to crops,
properties, and worst, loss of human lives. It is in this premise that preparedness is emphasized to reduce their effect and prevent death and countless injuries.

Regardless of origin – from typhoons to earthquakes – disasters can seem overwhelming. Yet their impact need not be crippling. The Office of Civil Defense (OCD), the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC), National Government Agencies (NGAs) and Local Government Executives (LGEs) are joined in a coordinated effort to understand disasters, learn their dangers and find ways to anticipate and counter them or at least minimize their effects.

Calaguas Island is part of the Municipality of Vinzons, about 55 nautical miles north of Daet, the capital town of Camarines Norte and could be reached by a 2 ½ hour-ride in a motorized banca under normal sea conditions. It has 3 barangays with almost 3,000 upward inhabitants mostly living in makeshift shelters that could not even withstand a Signal No. 1 typhoon.

The Total Government Response

Through the initiative of Vice Governor Roy A. Padilla, Jr. of Camarines Norte and with the immediate response of Defense Secretary Gilberto O. Teodoro, Jr., the amount of P1 million was released for the construction of one unit evacuation center at Sitio Biday in Barangay Banocboc of Calaguas, chargeable against the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Calamity Assistance and Rehabilitation Effort (CARE) with the Army’s 51st Engineer Brigade under BGen. Felizardo A. Simoy, AFP, as the project administrator.

Wasting no time, 5!EBDE mobilized the 565th Engineer Construction Battalion for its implementation. The 128 sq. m. concrete and steel structure was sited in a reverse-slope located below a hill with the building eaves facing the shoreline. In this manner, minimum building area is exposed from the raging northeasterly winds, thus giving the structure maximum strength and protection from being torn-away by typhoons.

It was implemented on November 28, 2008 and completed on February 14, 2009, as a modest valentine’s gift and authentic government action on the safety of its residents.

The arduous task of hauling construction materials over a vast body of water disturbed by strong winds, utilization of available small commercial sea crafts, lack of electricity for welding works and relentless battering of monsoon rains constitute as the critical factors in project undertakings.

But perhaps with the sheer determination, initiative and attitude of the engineer-soldiers, the project was completed once again proving that engineers could get the job done well.

Punong barangay Adolfo A. Pajarillo and his constituents expressed their profound gratitude to the joint endeavor. We are always preparing for the worst, as events beyond our control may trigger disasters, and careful preparation is our responsibility – and often within our means.

(Editor’s Note: The author is the Commanding Officer of the 565th Engineer Construction Battalion, 51EBDE, PA stationed at Camp Martillana in Pili, Camarines Sur)

YAP URGES NEW GRADUATES TO KEEP ALIVE ENTREPRENEURIAL SPIRIT

CALABANGA, Camarines Sur - Agriculture secretary Arthur C. Yap urged the over 220 graduates of the Camarines Sur State Agricultural College (CSSAC) here to keep alive the entrepreneurial spirit and to be job generators, engaging in any enterprise in line with their field. He urged the graduates never to stop learning, find their own niche, be always cheerful and to always keep faith in God.

Yap, who is con-currently Cabinet steward for the Comprehensive Livelihood Emergency Employment Program (CLEEP) in Bohol and Region 2, took time to attend the 35th Commencement Exercises of CSSAC upon the invitation of Dr. Alden S. Bonot, Dean, Institute of Industrial Technology and head of the Calabanga campus and CSSAC President Atty. Marito T. Bernales.

Officers and members of the Hinagyanan Integrated Farmers Association (Hi-Farm) and Federation of Irrigators Association of Bombon, Magarao and Canaman lead by Ernesto de los Reyes, president, met briefly with Secretary Yap to personally thank him and hand over their resolution of thanks for all assistance extended to their association. Among the package of assistance they have received so far are: 1 unit flatbed dryer; 2 units recirculating dryers; 1 unit rice drum seeder; 120 bags certified seeds;1 water pump and the fertilizers discount coupons. In addition, the association was chosen as site for the 50-hectare techno demo on modified rapid composting (MRC); the federation also received 7 units of flatbed dryers.

Yap led the ceremonial turn over of the P3.87 M check to CSSAC president Marito Bernales. The amount represents DA’s counterpart to the P5.4-M Improved Goat Production for Increased Chevon and Milk Supply in Camarines Sur under the Bicol Calamity Assistance Rehabilitation Efforts (BCARE).

When asked about the probable absorption capacity of the DA to utilize the 57% increase in its budget under the Economic Recovery Program, Yap replied that it is about 80 to 90 per cent.

Congressman Luis R. Villafuerte who came just to personally hand over to Yap his recently published book on Moringa or Malunggay, asked Yap’s support to his campaign for a massive planting of malunggay not only in his district but in the entire province.

Also present on said occasion were Calabanga mayor Evelyn S. Yu, BFAR-OIC regional director Denis del Socorro, DA asst regional for research Edgar Madrid, national fisherfolk leader Charlie Capricho and senior officials and faculty of CSSAC. (EBBordado, DA/PIA)

TRAININGS FOR COCO-COIR PROJECT STAKEHOLDERS HELD

CAMARINES NORTE Province – The Alay Lakad Foundation Inc. (CNALFI) Coco-Coir Production Project management team has spearheaded several trainings for coco twine making and weaving for their beneficiaries in this province.

In a meeting held here over the weekend, the board of directors has discussed those beneficiaries who had undergone trainings for coco twine and weaving.

The trainings which has started since from January this year include: coco twine making for the 30 parents workers association of barangay Dalas, Labo; coco twine making and weaving for the 27 Sulong Kababaihan of barangay Sta. Elena, 70 trainees from the Buklod ng Magkakaisang Magulang of barangay Luklukan Norte, and 30 from the Bigkis ng Magkakaisang Magulang of barangay Luklukan Sur, all in Jose Panganiban town.

The same trainings will be conducted on April 16 to the inmates of the Bureau of Jail and Management and Penology (BJMP) in the province, and to some resident-beneficiaries of barangay Sta. Rosa Sur in Jose Panganiban these coming months.

The Coco Coir Production Center is located at barangay Alawihao and has started its full operation last January 2009.

The center is presently on collecting coconut husks from some barangays in San Lorenzo Ruiz, San Vicente and Labo towns, and then processed into fiber which beneficiaries would do the weaving for a fee.

The buyers of the coco twine will further developed the semi-finished products into doormats, brushes, ropes, upholstery materials and coconets and other by products.

It can be recalled that the coco coir project was funded by US Department of Labor (USDOL) thru the World Vision Development Foundation and the proponent is the CNALFO and Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA) as collaborating agency.

The primary beneficiaries are the organized parents’ association in areas covered by ABK initiative and the secondary beneficiaries are the coconut farmers Agrarian Reform beneficiaries and organized women associations in the province.

The CNALFI was headed now by Angustia V. Villagracia of DAR as President and members coming from the different national government agencies, local government units and non government organizations in the province. (RBManlangit, PIA Cam. Norte)

Advisory:

GUIDELINE ON THE REIMBURSEMENT OF PROFESSIONAL FEES

Pursuant to PhilHealth Circular 14, s. 2008, PhilHealth reimburses professional fees of Accredited Professionals based on the declaration on Claim Form 2 and other submitted documents like the Official Receipts, Statement of Account and Waiver.

To ensure appropriate reimbursement of professional fees, accredited professionals should properly accomplish Claim Form 2, completing the relevant data on the admission diagnosis and other facts and figures on the confinement details. Incomplete details on the form would suggest non-reimbursement of claim for professional fees.

Relative to this, the Corporation would like to reiterate that accredited doctors are also required to issue PhilHealth invoice or official receipts on professional fees paid by members as prerequisite for processing professional fees. Moreover, if PhilHealth benefit was deducted from the actual charge, total charges with the exact amount deducted must be specified in the invoice or official receipt. If no PhilHealth deduction was applied, the invoice/official receipt should clearly indicate full payment, and a Professional fee waiver must be issued to the member by the doctor/s to facilitate reimbursement of members.

It is also recommended that the Official Receipt must be properly signed by the member or his/her representative conforming to the PhilHealth deductions applied. In case the original Official Receipt of PF issued by the doctor cannot be submitted, a certified true copy thereof with the original signature of certifying/issuing agent may be attached to the Claim application. Claim documents that lack the necessary Official Receipt for the PF would result to non-reimbursement of the said professional fees. (PhilHealth release/PIA)

OVERSEAS EMPLOYMENT, A CAREER OPTION AND NOT A MATTER OF NECESSITY

MANILA — It remains a policy objective of government to build a strong domestic economy so that working overseas will just be a career option for Filipinos and not a matter of necessity.

Deputy Presidential spokesperson Lorelei Fajardo said President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has repeatedly stated this policy objective which explains why she is working very hard to create more jobs and employment opportunities even before the onset of the prevailing global economic crisis.
Fajardo stressed this point in her press briefing Monday (March 30) afternoon partly in answer to questions on how the government is dealing with the insulting comments by writer Chip Tsao who called the Philippines a “nation of servants” in his column item in the recent issue of the HK Magazine.

This policy goal, the palace official said deserves to be recognized and appreciated so that later Filipinos don’t need to be domestic helpers anymore in another country,Fajardo emphasized, however, that service, even domestic service is a noble task and if Tsao says service is a Filipino trait, “then we are proud to claim such because to serve even in the humblest capacity, I think, is a noble task.

And we are proud of our Filipino workers . . .”Fajardo said the government does not want to dignify Tsao by giving importance to his racist statements but said Filipinos in general, including herself, feel insulted by his comments for which he should apologize.

Many Filipinos, including Chinese Filipinos, have taken issue with, and are strongly demanding a public apology from Tsao who is now under pressure to do so after his HK Magazine editors made their own apology. (PIA V Release)

PGMA LEADS JOINT GOVERNMENT-YOUTH PROJECT TO PROTECT ECOSYSTEM

MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has launched today (April 1) the “Sama-sama Para sa Kalikasan,” a joint government-youth environmental project to focus national attention on the urgent need to protect the world’s ecosystem from the catastrophic consequences of global warming.

An undertaking of the Sangguniang Kabataan (SK) under the President’s Green Philippines agenda, the “Sama-sama Para sa Kalikasan” will be launched at the Bohol Wisdom School gym in Tagbiliran City, Bohol.

Some 4,500 SK members and local officials led by Bohol Gov. Erico Aumentado, Tagbilaran City Mayor Dan Lim, Bohol 1st District Rep. Edgardo Chatto, 2nd District Rep. Roberto Cajes, 3rd District Rep. Adam Relson Jala, SK National Federation President Jane Cajes, SK Secretary General Patrick Bench Marco, and SK VP for Visayas Karl Giuseppe Gumban welcome the President upon her arrival in the city.

Accompanying the President are Labor Secretary Marianito Roque and Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Chairman Emmanuel Angeles.

The launch of the “Sama-sama Para sa Kalikasan” project will highlight the three-day SK national directorate meeting (March 31-April 2) in the said city.

The SK is scheduled to present to the President their support for the Green Philippines project by way of planting trees, coastal cleanup and information campaign to promote public involvement in various environmental activities nationwide.

The President has issued Executive Order (EO) 774 last December calling for the drastic reduction of the country’s greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 50 percent within the next two years through massive tree-planting, coastal cleanup and marine protection, garbage segregation, composting and the establishment of sufficient materials recovery facilities (MRF) across the country.

In launching the Green Philippines project in La Mesa Dam in July 2007, the President encouraged the public, schools and organizations to carry out tree-planting and other environmental activities in critical watersheds, mangrove and coastal areas, parks, highways and campuses including housing subdivisions nationwide.

During the SK national convention in Cebu in October last year, the President urged the youth to involve themselves in worthwhile activities such as environmental protection projects. She also turned over a P10-million check as the government’s equity in the projects of the youth organization.

In signing EO 774, the President pointed out that climate change is already impacting adversely on the world and will have catastrophic effects if no immediate action is taken to curb industrial emissions and forest loss.

The President then launched the government’s solid waste management program and directed government agencies and local government units (LGUs) in reducing the country’s greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 50 percent within the next two years through garbage segregation, composting and the establishment of sufficient materials recovery facilities (MRF) across the country.

Two weeks ago, the President also directed Secretary Heherson Alvarez to call on the international community to reduce global greenhouse gas emissions by as much as 30 percent in the next 20 years to save Mother Earth from the dire consequences of climate change.

Alvarez, the Presidential Adviser on Global Warming and Climate Change, is currently leading the Philippine delegation in the ongoing March 29-April 28 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Bonn, Germany.

Because the Philippines is an archipelago, the President said the country would be among the first to be affected by climate change.Scientists have warned of a seven-meter rise in seawater level if the planet’s temperature reached its tipping point arising from 150 years of industrial activity. (PIA V Release)


PALACE URGES NPA COMBATANTS TO RETURN TO NORMAL FAMILY LIFE

MANILA — Malacanang has urged combatants of the communist New People’s Army (NPA) to take stock of the cause and ideology they are fighting and consider returning back to mainstream society and normal family life.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Lorelei Fajardo, in a press briefing Monday (March 30) afternoon, said the reported yearly decline in the strength of the NPA ranks should make the rebels rethink about their stake in the ideology they are fighting for and opt for a positive change.

Fajardo made the statement in response to a question about how the government has reacted to the vow made by the rebels to intensify their attacks against government targets in connection with the observance of their 40th founding anniversary recently.

In answer to the question, Fajardo assured the military is prepared for anything the NPA may initiate, noting that the military, in fact, is determined to liquidate the local communist insurgency by end of next year.

She urged the active NPA combatants to take a look at the circumstances of their former comrades who have opted to surrender and how the government has supported them with various livelihood packages to help them rebuild their livelihood and return to normal family life.

Fajardo said President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has included the rebel returnees among her priority concerns with whom she now devotes a significant portion of her time and efforts.

The President’s personal attention to the rebel returnees, she added, may also help account for the progressive reduction in the ranks and weapons of the rebels. (PIA V Release)

PGMA HAILS CONTINUED CONFIDENCE OF LEADING SOFTWARE COMPANY IN RP

MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo yesterday (March 31) visited one of the country’s leading software companies in the country as part of her initiatives to attract more investments and generate more job opportunities for Filipinos.

During her visit to the Oracle Global Development and Delivery Center at the Bonifacio Global City in Taguig, the President also held an executive session with top officials of the company and discussed ways to further boost the country’s position as an information and software industry investment haven in the region.

The Chief Executive commended Oracle Global Development and Delivery Center for its continued confidence in the capability of the Philippines to host foreign investors despite the global economic crisis.

After the closed-door executive session, the President toured the center while being briefed on the company’s operations by Ryan C. Guadalquiver, managing director of Oracle Philippines.“Congratulations to all of you, “ the President said, as she moved around to greet the company’s employees.

For the employees of Oracle Global Development and Delivery Center, the presidential visit it was a rare opportunity to see the President up close.

Bernadette Cuason, a 20-year-old B.S. Computer Science graduate from Dela Salle University who now works as associate software developer, said the President’s visit gave Oracle a leverage in the software industry. “We are happy that the President visited our company.

It is a great honor to be our guest knowing her full support for the industry,” Cuason said.

Likewise, Grayson Tan, a 35-year-old portfolio manager for Asia-Pacific, echoed Cuason’s sentiments, saying it was a great privilege for the company to be part of the President’s hectic activities.

Oracle is the world’s largest business software company with more 320,000 customers, including 100 of the Fortune 100 which represents a variety of industries in more than 145 countries around the world.

Founded in 1990, Oracle Philippines is a 100 percent subsidiary of Oracle Corporation. It sells its products and services either directly and indirectly through bona fide business partners.

Oracle Philippines has a fast-growing list of more than 600 companies across industries. In the United States, Oracle Philippines is slowly being recognized as the leader in e-business solutions, cutting across key economic sectors, including telecommunications, banking and finance, government, manufacturing, retail and distribution and consumer products. (PIA V Release)

DFA LOOKS CLOSELY AT CYBER-HACKING

MANILA — President Arroyo has ordered the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) to look closely into reports of cyber-hacking or spying into the Philippine information technology (IT) system.

“We should not comment yet until we have verified the extent of this cyber-hacking. I’m not very familiar with IT, to be honest. But we must undertake measures to maintain the integrity of the Philippine IT system,” Deputy Spokesperson Lorelei Fajardo said during a media briefing this afternoon in Malacanang.

She said she was trying to get a reaction and verification of the cyber-hacking report from Secretary Rey Anthony Roxas- Chua III of the Commission on Information Communication Technology (CICT)..

Reports said the computer networks of the DFA have been infiltrated by a cyber spy network based mainly in China, according to Canadian researchers.

The Philippines is said to be one of 103 countries where classified documents from government and private organizations, including the computers of Dalai Lama and Tibetan exiles, have been hacked into, the reports said citing the Information Warfare Monitor, Ottawa-based think tank of Toronto’s Munk Center for International Studies.

The cyber espionage network involves 1,295 compromised computers from the ministries of foreign affairs of the Philippines, Iran, Bangladesh, Latvia, Indonesia, Brunei, Barbados and Bhutan.

The reports added that the researchers also discovered hacked systems in the embassies of India, South Korea, Indonesia, Romania, Cyprus, Malta, Thailand, Taiwan, Portugal, Germany and Pakistan.The DFA earlier said it was looking into the cyber espionage expose and will do all it can to protect its IT software and networks. (PIA V Release)