MANILA- BICOL TRAIN SERVICE RESUMES OPERATION SOON

NAGA CITY – President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo announced here Monday (April 20) that the Philippine National Railways (PNR) is expected to resume train travel between Manila and Bicol region before the end of the year.

The President came to grace the formal opening of the Private Schools Athletic Association (PRISAA) National Games of 2009.

The President said she was informed by PNR General Manager Manuel Andal that the rehabilitation of the Manila-Bicol-PNR line would be completed before the end of 2009 paving the resumption of the train service between the two points.

She added that PNR has already started fast-tracking the repair and upgrading of stations of the southbound train in March while the rehabilitation of the railroad tracks would start by May.

Last month, Andal stated that some P500 million had already been released to the PNR out of the P1.8 billion budget for the repair works of the Tagkawayan-Bicol stretch.

He said that once the ongoing rehabilitation works of the rail tracks from Tagkawayan, Quezon to Guinobatan, Albay have been completed, a commuter train will start running to provide fast, convenient, and cheaper transport service to residents of the railroad towns in the provinces of Quezon, Camarines Sur and Albay.

PNR totally stopped its Manila-Bicol-Manila service for more than two years due to heavy damage wrought by super typhoons "Milenyo" and "Reming" to substantial portions of its tracks starting from Calamba City in Laguna up to Legazpi City in Albay.

The President further stressed that the Arroyo administration is committed to modernize infrastructure to spur economic development in the countryside.

The restoration, rehabilitation and modernization of the existing lines of the PNR is envisioned to be the key to the development of Central and Southern Luzon as it is expected to provide effective and efficient means of transportation to and from Metro Manila and the provinces in Northern and Southern Luzon.

When completed, the railway rehabilitation project will lead to the resumption of the long-distance train services between Metro Manila and the Bicol Region up to Matnog in Sorsogon. The line will eventually link Luzon to the Strong Republic Nautical Highway System.

She hinted reviving the Bicol train would help boost the economy as it would bring freight from Bicol to Manila and vice versa and the rehabilitation of the railway line would benefit some 20,000 passengers daily.

“The movement of more passengers and commodities by rail will further strengthen the economic ties of Manila to the production centers of the South. The economy and people of Bicol will surely benefit from this very positive development,” she added.

“By the time of the Peñafrancia fiesta on September, this year, commuter train travel between Iriga City, Camarines Sur and Tagkawayan, Quezon will already be in place,” the President said. (MALoterte, PIA V)


DPWH HIRES 3,120 WORKERS IN BICOL

LEGAZPI CITY – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) regional office here reported yesterday that it has initially hired a total of 3,120 new workers since the start of the implementation of the P2.9 billion pump-priming projects in the six provinces of Bicol and maintenance of national highways as part of the Comprehensive Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (CLEEP) in support of the Economic Resiliency Program (ERP) of the government.

Eng’r. Orlando Roces, DPWH Bicol regional director, said that as of April 17, 2009, some 1,769 were employed by contractors in the job site.

“As each project implementation progresses, more skilled and non-skilled workers will be hired,” he added.

He said that 1,287 of the total workers were employed in the maintenance of national roads while 64 youths, age ranging 18-25, were hired under the Youth In Infrastructure Development (YID) as part of the Kabataan 2000 program of the government.

Roces said that a total 87 projects are currently being implemented under the P2.9 billion pump-priming projects which include the construction of roads, bridges, flood control structures and farm to market roads.

He said that DPWH Secretary Hermogenes Ebdane has directed all regional and district offices of DPWH to fast track the implementation of these projects and take advantage of the summer months to complete the projects as scheduled. (EAdeLeon, PIA V)


35% INCREASE IN PHILHEALTH IN-PATIENT BENEFIT SCHEDULE EFFECTED

LEGAZPI CITY — PhilHealth regional office here announced that the revised in-patient benefit schedule has since in effect April 5, this year, pursuant to PhilHealth Board Resolution No. 1212s2009 as stated in the PhilHealth Circular No. 09 s-2009.

PhilHealth regional director Orlando Iñigo, Jr. said all accredited institutional and professional health care providers, members of the National Health Insurance Program (NHIP), PhilHealth regional offices and all others concerned were instructed to implement the revised benefit schedule subject to the following general rules for hospital reimbursement:

1) Primary (Level 1) hospitals shall be reimbursed for primary illness classified as case types A and B;

2) Dialysis, chemotherapy and radiotherapy done in primary hospitals shall not be compensated. However, procedures with RBU above 30 may only be reimbursed if considered as emergency;

3) Secondary (Level 2) hospitals shall be reimbursed for clinical conditions classified as case A, B and C;

4) Only Tertiary (Levels 3 & 4) hospitals shall be reimbursed the maximum amount specified in case type D;

5) All claims with primary conditions classified as case type D shall require submission of PhilHealth Claim Form 3 or Clinical Abstract for proper evaluation regardless of hospital category;

6) Benefits for drugs and medicines, supplies and laboratories shall be subject to the limits covered by the rule on single period of confinement for the same illness. Availment of benefits for the same illness or condition which is not separated from each other by more than 90 days will not be provided with a new benefit. Only the remaining benefits from the previous confinement/s may be availed for succeeding confinements due to the same illness;

7) all claims for drugs and medicines, supplies and necessary laboratory procedures supported by official receipts dated 30 days prior to admission may be reimbursed for hemodialysis, chemotherapy and other elective surgeries.

Iñigo further elaborated that the revised benefit packages include the increase in Room and Board benefit, Drugs and Medicines, Supplies and Radiology, Laboratory & Ancillary Procedures, Operating Room Fee, Professional Fee, which includes the Surgeons and Anesthesiologists Fee depending on the hospital category, type of illness and patient’s length of stay. (PhilHealth V/PIA)


AQUING BICOLNON’S INTRODUCES “MY TREE, MY LIFE” PROJECT

SORSOGON Province — Aquing Bicolnon, a multi-sectoral environment advocates here, is calling for greater efforts necessary in safeguarding incessantly our natural resources despite the collective efforts of the government and other stakeholders in preserving and protecting the environment.

Revor J. Lasay, president of the Aquing Bicolnon, stressed that the fight against environmental abuse and exploitation is still far from over, thus the “My Tree, My Life” project has been conceptualized as an innovative approach to sustain the environment and natural resources through reforestation by harnessing children and the youth while generating livelihood opportunities.

It can be recalled that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo conveyed her appreciation and commended the Aquing Bicolnon in its effort to help in mitigating the massive threats of global warming to the environment.

The President hinted that with Aquing Bicolnon spearheading a year-round environment advocacy and training programs that principally involve the youth, it would make a direct and immediate impact not only on the global environment but more so, on the lives of the Bicolanos and the rest of the Filipinos as well.

Part of the “My Tree, My Life: A Reforestation and Livelihood” Project, is a three-day training program on April 27-30, 2009 at the Sorsogon State College where participants will be given an orientation on the project, training related to understanding the environment as well as tree planting activities.

Topics for discussion include Forest/Upland/Urban Ecosystem; Coastal, Marines, Fresh and Water Ecosystem; Environment Leadership; Para-Legal on Apprehension and Prosecution of Violation of Environmental Laws; Community Organizing; Leadership Team Building; Filipinism/Nationalism/Patriotism; and Solid Waste Management.

Revor J. Lasay, President of Aquing Bicolnon bared that through this project, the people, especially the youths are encouraged to invest and care for the environment. “Entrusting them the responsibility as a proof is a “Certificate of Ownership” for every tree that they have planted, hence, it will surely restore their pride, patriotism, dignity and productivity as citizens.

The project has also gained overwhelming support from the Department of Environment and Natural Resources for according to Secretary Lito Atienza, this will not only promote the DENR-tested Community Based Forest Management (CBFM) module, but also it will give the Bicolanos an opportunity to showcase unity and civic spirit as tools for sustainable development and as an investment as well, in the region’s youths as future leaders.

The Aquing Bicolnon is a group of leaders and organizations of farmers, fishermen, urban poor, formal and informal workers, transport, women, senior citizens, youth and students including cooperatives in the Bicol region that has a primary goal of making every member of the society specifically the youth, a potent instrument towards sustainable development and a safe generation ahead. (BARecebido, PIA Sorsogon)


DENR BICOL LEADS EARTH DAY CELEBRATIONS

LEGAZPI CITY— The Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Bicol regional office here leads today the celebration of “Earth Day” aimed at raising awareness and improving efforts to heal our planet.

Regional executive director Joselin Marcus Fragada said that every one should become more conscious of his impact to the environment and what he or she can do to heal our planet Earth

This year’s national celebration is anchored on the theme “Tubig at Lupa Buhayin, Hangin Linisin, Batas Tuparin.”

Fragada said that the celebration of “Earth Day” this year focuses on informing and educating the people on the importance of fresh water and top soil and the urgency to conserve them; cleaning-up the air of greenhouse gases to mitigate global warming and climate change, and, the need for the public to strictly comply with environmental laws to contain environmental degradation.

Meanwhile, DENR Environment Management Bureau (EMB) regional director Gilbert Gonzales related that government entities, academic institutions, private companies and other sectors are encouraged to put up streamers highlighting the theme for this year’s Earth Day.

“Information and education activities will be conducted in several radio/TV programs all over the Bicol region to gain massive support and cooperation of the people towards this environmental advocacy,” Gonzales said.

On April 21-25, the Earth Day Recyclable Fair which showcases recycling processes and recyclable products is being held at the Landco Pacific Mall here to encourage the community to recycle wastes as part of environmental conservation and entrepreneurial venture

The Enviro-Warriors was launched last April 21, also at the Pacific Mall, wherein non-government organizations (NGOs) and people’s organizations (POs) committed to support and assist in the government’s campaign to conserve, rehabilitate and protect the local ecosystem.

In a related report, DENR Secretary Lito Atienza led this morning the celebration of “Earth Day” at SM Mall of Asia and delivered the State of the Philippine Environment Address.

“The annual celebration of Earth Day is a good opportunity to make a report to the people on current situation of our local environment, including the resources therein. At the same time, the report will serve as guide in improving our efforts to make the Philippines a more livable place for the next generation,” Atienza said.

Atienza noted the growing environmental activitism in the country, adding there is more room to make every one more conscious of his impact to the environment and what he or she can do to heal our planet Earth.

He asserted that one way to contribute to the healing of the environment is for the government to religiously enforce the laws, and for people to comply with the laws.

The celebration of the Earth Day started in the United States 39 years ago, when Senator Nelson Gaylor called on the people to protest the degradation of the environment. (ASAraya, DENR V/PIA)



SHELLFISH BAN REMAINS HOISTED IN SORSOGON BAY

SORSOGON Province — Shellfish ban remain hoisted in Sorsogon Bay with still high concentration of red tide organism, according the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR).

BFAR has recently issued Shellfish Bulletin No. 08, dated April 15, series of 2009, that included anew Sorsogon Bay and Juag Lagoon in Matnog town, this province, among the bodies of water where the shellfish ban is imposed.

BFAR Bicol regional director Dennis Del Socorro said the red tide, caused by increased concentration of microorganism known as dinoflagellates, continues to bloom and multiply in the waters of Sorsogon Bay.

“Pollutants from several water tributaries flowing through the bay and domestic wastes from the coastlines surrounding it are already piling up,” he noted.

He said that as long as the water in the bay is polluted, the red tide will continue to infest Sorsogon bay and we can not determine when it will stop.

Business for the shellfish growers and traders remain bleak as the shellfish ban in Sorsogon Bay has remained for more than two years now causing a big loss to the shellfish industry, the shellfish industry, particularly the production of ”tahong” (green mussels) that are cultured or naturally grown here.

Sorsogon City and five other towns, with 61 out of 82 are coastal barangays within the bay area, surround the bay.

With shellfish ban still imposed in Sorsogon Bay, the BFAR advised that all shellfish, including "alamang," (tiny shrimp) are banned and not safe for human consumption.

It further advised that fish, squid, shrimp and crab are safe for human consumption in the areas identified where the red tide reaches dangerous level, provided that they are fresh and washed thoroughly and internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed before cooking. (MALoterte, PIA V)


SPORT BODIES REAFFIRM SUPPORT FOR PGMA’S INTEGRATED SPORTS PROGRAM

MANILA — Sport bodies representing major stakeholders in Philippine sports reaffirmed Monday (April 20) their support for President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s directive for an integrated sports development program that would bolster the country’s chances to win an Olympic gold medal that has eluded the Philippines.

Gonzalo Duque, national chairman of the Private Schools Athletic Associations (PRISAA), affirmed the support of his group for the President’s directive during the opening of the PRISAA Games 2009 in Naga City.

The President was the guest of honor at opening ceremonies of the PRISAA Games at the University of Nueva Caceres (UNC) Sports Palace.

Last March, four leaders of major Philippine sports stakeholders, namely, Harry Angping, chairman of the Philippine Sports Commission (PSC); Emmanuel Angeles, chairman of the Commission on Higher Education (CHE); Lauro Tacbas, head of the State Colleges and Universities Athletic Association (SCUAA), and Duque signed a memorandum of agreement (MOA) binding their respective agencies to work together in an effort to “attain quality sports development through cooperation between stakeholders.”

“May I inform our Madam President…that through this MOA, next year or starting next year we will implement your directive to have an integrated national sports development program so that we can produce gold medalists in the Olympics,” Duque said.

Under the MOA, a technical working committee will be created to study the possibility of holding a combined PRISAA and SCUAA tournament as part of efforts to boost the competitiveness of Filipino athletes and their drive to win.

The MOA also aims to establish the Philippine Sports Academy, similar to Philippine Sports Institute launched by William "Butch" Ramirez during his term as PSC head.

The sports leaders are also hoping to forge cooperation and eventually enter into agreements with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Department of Education (DepEd) on sports development programs.

The Philippines has yet to win a gold medal in the Olympics since it joined the prestigious world games in 1924.

The Olympic medals that the country has won so far were two silvers, courtesy of boxers Anthony Villanueva in the 1964 Tokyo Games, and Mansueto "Onyok" Velasco in the 1996 Atlanta Games. (PIA V Release)


FILIPINOS BETTER OFF NOW DESPITE GLOBAL MELTDOWN

MANILA — More Filipinos feel they are better off now than they were three months ago despite the global economic meltdown as shown by the latest results of a Social Weather Stations (SWS) survey on self-rated poverty.

In a media briefing this afternoon in Malacanang, Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said the SWS survey conducted in February showed a decline in self-rated poverty from 52 percent in December 2008 to 47 percent in February this year.

The SWS survey also showed that self-rated food poverty went down from 42 percent in the December 2008 survey to 36 percent in February 2009.

Remonde said the survey results clearly showed that the Arroyo administration’s anti-poverty programs to soften the impact of the global crisis, particularly on the poor, are working and right on target.

The survey was conducted last February involving 1,200 adult respondents nationwide. The respondents were asked to rate if their families were poor, “on the line,” or not poor.

Remonde congratulated the government agencies primarily responsible for the implementation of the government’s anti-poverty programs that include the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE), National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) and the Department of Health (DOH). (PIA V Release)


PGMA ORDERS CLOSE MONITORING OF CLEEP

MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has directed Cabinet officials to strictly monitor the implementation of the government’s emergency employment program particularly in Region IV and Bicol to immediately provide employment to Filipino workers affected by the global economic slump.

In a media briefing in Malacanang, Press Secretary Cerge Remonde and Cabinet Secretary Silvestre Bello III said the job monitoring was focused particularly on Regions IV-A and IV-B and the Bicol region which have been affected by a high rate of job displacements amid the global economic crisis.

Economic zones in Laguna and Cavite employ thousands of Filipino workers.

“In two weeks time, the Cabinet officials will be monitoring the implementation of all pending projects especially the CLEEP or the Comprehensive Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program of government,” Bello said.

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has instructed all government departments to set aside 1.5 percent of their monthly operating expenses (MOE) to fund livelihood and employment projects under CLEEP.

Remonde said the 1.5 percent savings to be generated would reach a total of P7 billion a year, enough to finance 180,000 emergency employment for local workers.

Bello said National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC) Secretary Domingo Panganiban has reported that the implementation of CLEEP has generated emergency employment for 75,000 workers.

Bello added that job prospects are getting brighter, citing a report of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) that more than 12,000 of the 30,000 workers displaced as a result of the global financial meltdown have already been rehired.

Bello said more workers will find employment as the Department of Public Worlks and Highways (DPWH) has been directed to create an additional 500,000 jobs to help the poor and spur the economy in light of the persisting global economic crisis. (PIA V Release)


GOV’T. CLEEP GENERATES 300 JOBS DAILY

MANILA — Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said the employment picture is now improving throughout the country with the 300 jobs being generated daily by the government’s Comprehensive Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (CLEEP).

The National Anti-Poverty Commission alone has brought emergency employment to 75,000 people during the first three months of 2009, added Remonde in a press conference in Malacanang today (April 21).

This is augmented by the mandatory 500,000 jobs to be generated by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) from its roads and infrastructure projects, and the government-wide mandatory 1.5-percent budgetary savings on operations and maintenance expenditures to raise P7 billion to fund 180,000 jobs in the next six months, Remonde said.

Remonde added that Labor and Employment Secretary Marianito Roque had reported that of the 30,000-plus displaced workers in the export-oriented industries affected by the global financial crisis, some 12,000 workers have already been re-hired by their employers locally.

Meanwhile, the Arroyo administration is focusing its job creation activities in Regions 4-A, 4-B and the Bicol region where the number of unemployed has risen as a result of lay-offs from export-dependent industries that had to close shop earlier because of the global economic crisis.

This was reported in the same presscon by Cabinet Secretary Silvestre Bello III who said “the primary consideration is that unemployment worsened (because of layoffs from export-oriented industries) in Cavite, Laguna and the Bicol region."

Bello added that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo had instructed the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA) to gather fresher updates on the GRIM (or global recession improvement monitoring) report.

In lieu of the regular weekly Cabinet meeting, Vice President Noli de Castro and Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita met with senior officials of government to get an update on their implementation of the economic resiliency program (ERP) and the CLEEP, said Bello. (PIA V Release)