ARROYO LEADS PGMA SERBISYO MUNA CARAVAN IN CAMSUR

CAMARINEES SUR Province — Some 6,000 locals benefited from the 3-day Caravan under the People’s Government Mobile Action (PGMA) program of President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo held in the towns of Minalabac, Pasacao and Libmanan here last May 21-23.

Representative Diosdado “Dato” Arroyo of the 1st congressional district of this province said the People’s Caravan manifests the government’s desire in bringing the government closer to the people through delivery of basic social services.

Services offered during the caravan were medical and dental services, free medicines, on-site renewal of NBI clearance; NTC’s Libreng Tawag for long distance and overseas; distribution of tilapia fingerlings from BFAR; and distribution of seeds and seedling from DENR and DA

Residents were also able to apply to and/or query on matters concerning the, Pag-Ibig, PhilHealth, PNP, PA, NHA, NSO, SSS, TESDA, DTI, DA, DOLE, DepEd, CDA and LGUs

Arroyo said the People’s Caravan, in partnership with the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. (PAGCOR), is very timely in providing medial services and medicines to the residents amidst the escalating fees and prices in the private clinics or hospitals.

Minalabac Mayor Gil Basmayor expressed his gratitude for the chance to have his constituents availed of the free medical check-up and free medications.

“The People’s Caravan really gave our constituents a big relief in the wake of the present global economic crisis,” he stated.

Arroyo expressed elation and thanked the chief executives of the three beneficiary-towns for their all out support and cooperation in staging the series of caravans that evidently has liven up the day of the residents

The solon also distributed 25 units of personal computers to all barangays of Minalabac town, uniforms to barangay police personnel. (MALoterte/DCAbad, PIA Bikol)


RDCC BICOL INTENSIFIES INFO CAMPAIGN ON AH1N1

LEGAZPI CITY — With a second confirmed case in the country on Influenza A (H1N1), the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD) Bicol here convened Tuesday (May 26) members of the Regional Disaster Coordinating Council (RDCC) and the media to intensify information campaign and preparedness efforts to prevent the spread of the dreaded disease.

OCD Bicol regional director Raffy Alejandro said part of the plan is staging an Awareness Caravan on June 1, in time for the opening of classes, to commence the massive awareness campaign in Albay province which in no time is also expected to be replicated in five other provinces of Bicol through the different local government units (LGUs).

Among other activities the OCD intends to adopt include distribution of information materials, conduct of information campaign through radio and school hopping, putting up of streamers, staging concert and radio/TV advisory placement.

Daniel Garcia, chair of the Kapisanan ng mga Brodkaster ng Pilipinas (KBP), said the simultaneous airing of a 15-minute advocacy campaign in all local radio stations at a particular time of the day would also be most helpful and effective to reach even the remotest areas.

“This will enhance the impact of the information among the people and correct misconceptions and start to alert all the people down the barangay (village) levels to take the necessary precautionary measures before the virus reaches Bicol, in case it would,” Lieutenant Darwin Nieva of the Philippine Navy here also stressed during the meeting.
Member agencies, including the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Bicol, were given flyers on Influenza A (H1N1) that includes information about the signs and symptoms, mode of transmission, prevention and referral centers in case of suspected cases.
The Department of Health (DOH) Bicol, the designated crisis manager for this concern, has identified the Bicol Regional Teaching and Training Hospital (BRTTH) here (Hotline: 52 4830014 or 4830017) and the Bicol Medical Center in Naga City (Hotline: 54 4734367) as referral centers for emerging AH1N1 cases. Hotlines for these centers

Influenza A is a new virus causing illness in people which is fatal if not treated promptly. The virus spreads from person-to-person much in the same way that regular seasonal influenza viruses are spread while the virus was first detected last month in Mexico, the epicenter of the illness.

Health officials are asking the public to immediately consult a doctor in case symptoms like fever, headache, fatigue, muscle or joint pains, lack of appetite, runny nose, sore throat, cough, vomiting or nausea and diarrhea persist as these are the same manifestations of Influenza A.

People do not get the virus by eating thoroughly cooked pork, according to the DOH.
Susceptible to getting the virus is through exposure to droplets form the cough and sneeze of an infected person, this is, learned.

The DOH flyer stated prevention tips such as covering one’s nose and mouth when coughing and sneezing; frequent hand washing; using alcohol-based sanitizers; avoiding close contact with sick people; and increasing body resistance including getting at least eight hours of sleep, drinking plenty of fluids and eating nutritious foods. (MALoterte, PIA V Release)


DA, PAO DISTRIBUTE FLATBED DRYERS TO 16 COOPS

SORSOGON Province — The Department of Agriculture (DA), through the Provincial Agriculture Office (PAO), here has distributed 16 units of flatbed dryers to irrigators associations and cooperatives under President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s Fertilizer, Irrigation, Extension, Loans, Dryers, Seeds (FIELDS) Program.

Governor Sally A. Lee has earlier made arrangements for the province to be a recipient of the post harvest equipment.

Lee said her move is in recognition of the pressing needs of farmers for dryers, especially when the weather has become so unpredictable and rains have become more frequent, preventing farmers from drying their crops through natural methods. The program is also aimed at improving the quality of palay throughout the province.

She bared that five units have already been installed for farmers’ cooperatives in Baribag, Sorsogon City; Bancal, Bacon District; Juban; Gubat; and Irosin while another is being installed in Barcelona.

“Ten more units will be installed for farmer cooperatives in other parts of the province,” she added.

Recipients were chosen from a list submitted by municipal agricultural offices, irrigators associations and cooperatives. Qualified beneficiaries must have passed the requirements of the DA.

Farmers’ cooperative must cover at least 100 hectares of rice land among its members, certification from the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) and the Cooperative Development Authority (CDA) and a minimum lot of 300 square meters on which the dryer is to be installed.

Each flatbed dryer has the capacity to dry 120 cavans of palay for a period of eight hours.
It is also economical as it uses rice hull as fuel for the furnace and a 12.5 horse power diesel engine for the blower.

Recipients are also trained on proper operation of the flatbed dryer and given a meter for gauging palay moisture content. The flatbed dryers are also equipped with a shed. Each unit is estimated at over P600,000. (MFDeniega, MAIB Sorsogon/PIA)


PHILHEALTH REVISES CASE TYPE CLASSIFICATION OF ILLNESS

LEGAZPI CITY — PhilHealth Bicol director Orlando Iñigo noted that in availing PhilHealth benefits, one of the conditions that affect the amount of benefit that a member or his/her dependent is entitled to is the classification of illness or more commonly referred to as Case Type.

Iñigo announced that with the corporation’s goal to make benefits more responsive to the members’ needs, PhilHealth Circular No. 18, s. 2009 was issued pursuant to the approved PhilHealth Board Resolution No. 1208, s. 2009 that aimed to update and rationalize the current case type classification.

Hence, the following clarification and guidelines on the revised case type classification are issued:

• Case type is an assessment of complexity of illness assigned to a case after discharge. It is measured on a four scale system, from A to D, with case type A being the least complex and case type D as the most severe.

Case Type Severity Example

A Simple Upper respiratory tract infection (J06.9)
B Moderate Status asthmaticus (J46)
C Severe End stage renal disease (N18.0)
D Extremely Severe Deep intracerebral haemorrhage (I61.0)

• All ICD-10 (International Coding of Diseases ver. 10) codes are assigned with corresponding fixed case types. Hence, all claims submitted to PhilHealth, except those paid through case payment shall be paid based on the case type of primary illness.

• For coding and reimbursement of medical claims, case type will be based on the ICD-10 of the primary illness or main condition. The primary illness or main condition is the condition identified at the time of discharge as being the main reason for the patient’s confinement, whether it is for receiving care or for investigation of a current illness or injury.

• In cases wherein the hospital claimed for a lower reimbursement, PhilHealth shall reimburse to the member within the amount of the remaining benefit, provided the claim is supported by an Official Receipt (OR) and Statement of Account (SoA) issued by the hospital.

• For claims with surgical procedure/s and other services, the case type shall be based on the corresponding Relative Value Unit (RVU) assigned to the procedure.

Case Type Severity Example

A 80 and below Simple repair of wound (RVU 10)
B 81 up to 200 Appendectomy (RVU 100
C 201 up to 500 Whipple-type procedures (RVU 450)
D 501 and above Surgery intracranial aneurysm (RVU 600)

• It is reiterated that benefits for case type D can only be paid for patients admitted in Level 3 and 4 (tertiary) hospitals. Case type D in Level 1 (primary) and 2 (secondary) hospitals shall be paid as case type B and C, respectively.

The provisions on the above stated circular shall be applicable to all admissions effective July 1, 2009. (PhilHealth Release/PIA)


BFP INTENSIFIES SAFETY DRIVE IN SCHOOLS, DORMITORIES

SORSOGON CITY — The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) here has slated inspection of all boarding houses and schools in this city in preparation for the opening of classes on June 1.

C/Ins. Renato Marcial, Sorsogon City fire marshal said this is part of the BFP’s mandate to ensure the safety of our students especially that we are expecting a great number of them who will troop to the said place this school year 2009-2010.

Marcial has directed his fire safety inspectors to inspect all the schools and dormitories in order to abate hazards.

“There are at least four schools that were inspected and have been issued notice to correct violations, most of these have nor or insufficient firefighting apparatus, such as fire extinguisher, no evacuation plan, padlocked fire exits and no emergency lights,” he bared.

“Administrators or owners of these schools as well as boarding houses should comply with the fire safety standards being required to them, since this is for their own as well as for the students’ safety,” he added, as he appealed to those operators of dormitories to secure necessary permits before they should operate their own business.

Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) Sec. Ronaldo Puno earlier ordered all fire bureau offices in the country to intensify fire safety inspection of all schools and dormitories frequented by the students.

He also reminded the BFP officials to be serious in the implementation of the Fire Code of the Philippines.

Since fire safety can not be compromised, Puno issued an order directing all City and Municipal Fire Marshals to issue notice to correct violations to those who are negligent or blatantly violating the provisions of the law. (BFP Sorsogon/PIA)


SOLON JOINS ‘TOUR OF HOPE’ FOR CERVICAL CANCER AWARENESS

LEGAZPI CITY — Refusing to be confined to his own district, a solon has extended his time and effort in spreading the advocacy on cervical cancer prevention among women.

Muntinlupa lone district Representative Ruffy Biazon, in a breakfast conference at the Nipa Hut Resto here, said he is joining once again this year’s Tour of Hope, entitled “XXX-Dare to be Bold” to spread his advocacy of cervical cancer prevention to women in Southern Luzon.

The Tour of Hope kicked off in Muntinlupa on May 24, 2009 and will end in Camarines Sur on May 30, 2009. Scheduled stops will happen in Cavite, Tagaytay, Batangas and Quezon.

In Camarines Sur sorties, Biazon will be joined by his father, Sen. Rodolfo Biazon, in attending the Cervical Cancer Forum at the CWC in Pili town tomorrow (May 28).

A joint project of Bravehearts, CECAP for the Cancer Institute Foundation, GlaxoSmithLine Philippines, Creative Juice, Campaigns PR Inc., and strategic partnership with Team David’s Salon, the Philippine’s first all-women multisport team, this year’s tour will cover approximately 500 kilometers of the Southern Luzon and the Metro Manila area.

In each stop, doctors from the Cervical Cancer Prevention (CECAP) Network Program of the Philippines will be holding lay for a on cervical cancer and its prevention spreading the advocacy of cervical cancer prevention to women in these areas. The activity will also aid in promoting tourism and in providing much needed awareness that the Philippines has a lot of scenic biking destinations.

Biazon first partnered with CECAP to raise cervical cancer awareness in his own district. He allocated his Priority Development Assistance Fund (PDAF) for the purchase of a creyotherapy unit and the training of local health providers in the “Single Visit Approach” for the screening, detection and treatment of the disease.

Through his initiative, the City Health Office of Muntinlupa earned the “Best Practices Award” in the year 2008.

Earlier this year, Biazon was awarded the “Honorary Woman” by CECAP and SM Women’s Committee for his commitment to the anti-cervical cancer program, recognizing his efforts in consistency implementing health programs for the welfare of the women in his district. Aside from the program with CECAP he consistently conducts free medical missions with pre-natal check-up with ultrasound, CBC, blood typing and hepatitis B screening for expectant mothers.

He joined last year’s Tour of Hope where more than 200 bikers covered 500 kilometers stretching from the province of Vigan down to Olongapo City. Lay lectures were conducted on cervical cancer prevention and it was attended by over a thousand people spreading the advocacy up north.

“Cervical cancer is a preventable disease. Still, records show that it is the second most common cancer afflicting Filipino women. My involvement in the Tour of Hope is a commitment to the mission of cervical cancer awareness and prevention through an information and education campaign,” he stressed. (MALoterte, PIA V Release)


THE PHILIPPINE FLAG: SYMBOL OF OUR NATIONHOOD
by: Carminda R. Arevalo, Supervising History Researcher, National Historical Institute

The Philippine Flag is the country’s most cherished symbol. It is the nation’s emblem for freedom. It symbolizes patriotism, love of country and sense of nationhood; it embodies the aspirations and sentiments of the Filipino people.

Prior to the outbreak of the Philippine Revolution of 1896, the Filipinos had no national flag of their own. When the Filipinos rose in revolt against Spain, each revolutionary group had its own banner. General Mariano Llanera’s troops, for instance, used the “skull flag” in Nueva Ecija. Bonifacio, himself, had a personal standard.

It was during the preparation of the second phase of the Philippine Revolution (1898-1902) that the idea of coming up with a Philippine Flag was conceived by General Emilio Aguinaldo and other revolutionary leaders, then exiled in Hong Kong. The flag was handsewn by Marcela Mariño Agoncillo, wife of Don Felipe Agoncillo, with the help of her daughter Lorenza and Delfina Herbosa Natividad, niece of Dr. Jose Rizal and wife of Gen. Salvador Natividad.

Made of silk, the flag had a white equilateral triangle at the left containing a sunburst of eight rays at the center, a five-pointed star at each angle of the triangle, an upper stripe of blue and a lower stripe of red. The sun stands for liberty; the sunburst of eight rays for the first eight provinces to take up arms against Spain (Manila, Bulacan, Pampanga, Tarlac, Nueva Ecija, Laguna, Cavite and Batangas); and the three stars for the three island groups of the Philippines – Luzon, Visayas and Mindanao. The white triangle signifies Filipino hope for equality; the upper blue stripe stands for peace, truth and justice; while the lower red stripe stands for patriotism and valor.

General Aguinaldo brought the flag with him when he returned to the Philippines from Hong Kong on May 19, 1898. On May 28, 1898, in Barrio Alapan, Imus, Cavite, Filipino revolutionaries, with newly acquired arms brought in by General Aguinaldo, engaged a Spanish infantry in a battle. In this encounter known as the Battle of Alapan, the Spaniards were defeated. This battle which resulted in the triumph of Filipino forces was taken as a glorious occasion for General Emilio Aguinaldo to display the Philippine flag for the first time. The event, which marked the baptism of fire and glory of the Philippine Flag, was the beginning of the successful struggle to overthrow Spanish rule and the establishment of the Philippine Republic.

On June 12, 1898, in Kawit, Cavite the Philippine Flag was officially hoisted during the proclamation of Philippine Independence by General Aguinaldo. During the unfurling, the music band of San Francisco de Malabon played for the first time the Marcha Nacional Filipina, composed by Julian Felipe, a Filipino music teacher and composer from Cavite. Later, the poem “Filipinas” by th young poet soldier Jose Palma became the lyrics of the anthem. The same flag was flown with dignity during the inauguration of the Malolos Congress on September 15, 1898.

At the onset of the American occupation, the display of the Philippine Flag was prohibited. Act No. 1696 of 1907 banned the display of the Philippine flag and other revolutionary flags. The ban was lifted in 1920. However, when the Japanese came in 1942, the use of the Philippine Flag was again forbidden.

On July 4, 1946, at the inauguration of the Third Philippine Republic at the Luneta, an historic drama unfolded before the eyes of about 300,000 people. The American flag was lowered and the Philippine Flag was raised, marking the official decolonization of the Philippines.

The Philippine Flag stood as witness to the glorious events of our history. It encountered the most significant events in the Filipinos’ struggle for freedom. Flying alone in the wind, it brings back the glory of our struggle, not only against invaders, but our quest for a just and free society.

In the earlier 1950’s and 1960’s, former Katipuneros and revolutionaries would march in front of the Luneta grandstand carrying the Philippine flag every Independence Day. During the parade, they marched proudly with tears welling up in their eyes, vowing to fight again if there be a need to protect our country’s freedom. Let us rekindle the same idealism and patriotism. Let us rally to the flag – the symbol of our continued struggle, of our ideals and sentiments as a nation. Therefore, reverence and respect should at all times be accorded to the flag. It deserves to be treated with solemnity and dignity.

On March 6, 1965, President Diosdado Macapagal issued Proclamation No. 374 “Declaring the Twenty-Eighth Day of May Each Year as Flag Day.” The display of the Philippine Flag from May 28 to June 12 of each year was done by virtue of Executive Order No. 179 signed by President Fidel V. Ramos on May 24, 1994, for Filipinos “to collectively reflect on the significance of the National Flag.

On February 12, 1998, Republic Act 8491, otherwise known as Flag and Heraldic Code of the Philippines was signed into law. (NHI/PIA)

PALACE PLEASED OVER THE RELEASE OF ABDUCTED TEACHERS IN BASILAN

MANILA — Malacañang on Tuesday (May 26) expressed happiness over the release of three teachers who were kidnapped by suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits in Basilan.

Based on a Philippine News Agency report, Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Lorelei Fajardo conveyed President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s gratitude to all those who participated and worked hard for the freedom of Freirez Quizon, Raphael Mayonado and Janet delos Reyes.

Through the efforts by Senior Supt. Manuel Barcena and former mayor Hajarun Jamiri, the teachers were released in Sitio Birahin, Barangay Candiis, Ajul town.

Last January 23, the teachers were on their way home from school in Barangay Landang Gua on Sacol Island when the abduction took place.

Meanwhile, authorities are still working for the recovery of Sri Lankan volunteer Umar Jaleel and microfinance collector Leah Patriz who were also kidnapped by suspected bandits in the province. (PIA V Release)


TRAVEL ADVISORIES VS RP ARE BASELESS SAYS DOH

MANILA — There are no compelling reasons for foreigners to skip the Philippines, the Department of Health said Tuesday (May 26).

Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III was surprised over the travel advisories issued by Australia, Canada and the United Kingdom which he said have no bases.

As far as A/H1N1 is concerned, Duque said the Philippines has lower number of cases than other countries.

“Why will they do that when they have more cases (of AH1N1) than us? It defies logic,” said Duque who promised to take up the matter with the Department of Foreign Affairs.

Although the Philippines has two confirmed cases of A/H1N1, the DOH reported that the patients have recovered.

“They are asymptomatic. They are not manifesting any fever, headache, body weakness, cough, nor runny nose—none of the influenza-like symptoms,” Duque assured.

He said all those who have been in contact with the two patients have been identified.

In the case of those who came in contact with the mother and daughter who both exhibited flu symptoms after returning to Taiwan, at least eight of them have been traced and advised by DOH to go on self quarantine.

The Taiwanese mother and daughter have attended a wedding Zambales last May 17.

Duque said three of those identified have been tested negative for A/H1N1.

As part of the country’s over-all preparation for A/H1N1, Duque said they have identified referral centers for suspected AH1N1 cases such as the Research Institute for Tropical Medicine (RITM), the Lung Center of the Philippines, the Vicente Sotto Memorial Hospital in Cebu City, and the Davao Medical Center.

He said DOH is now reinforcing the abilities of state hospitals all over the country in dealing the new virus. (PIA V Release)


DEPED ASSURES SCHOOLS WILL OPEN NEXT MONDAY

MANILA — The country’s A/H1N1 cases will not cause the Department of Education to postpone the opening of classes on June 1.

Apart from the absence of other compelling reasons, Education Secretary Jesli Lapus said preventive measures have been in place in 43,000 schools nationwide for some time now.

“The Anti-Influenza campaign in schools has been issued since May 14. Principals, doctors and nurses were given specific guidelines on their roles in this campaign,” said Lapus who said DepEd will take the cue from the Department of Health as far as suspension of classes due to A/H1N1.

“Those who have gone abroad must impose on themselves self-quarantine,” said Lapus

What’s more important, Lapus said, is that school authorities will act immediately when suspected infections would occur.

Last Monday, President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo instructed DepEd and the Department of Health to ensure that school administrators, teachers and students will get their hands on the guidelines on the prevention and control of A/H1N1 in schools.

Citing the guidelines, Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III said “closing schools would be an option to be considered particularly if students and faculty at a given time reaches levels of which schools could not function.”

“If big numbers of students are not coming to schools or big numbers of faculty members not coming to schools, (due to confirmed A/H1N1 infections) then there is no point. We might as well close it,” Duque explained.

Simultaneous or series absences, clustering of reported flu-like symptoms and manifestation of severe or unusual illness are among the indicators that schools should look for when dealing with cases of possible A/H1N1 infections.

On another vein, Duque said, closing schools (where there are A/H1N1 infections) has merits because it’s one way of containing the virus.

But as Lapus have said earlier, there are no reasons for delaying the opening of classes. (PIA V Release)


BSP SEES INFLATION TO EASE TO 3.3 PERCENT IN MAY

MANILA — Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas sees inflation to slow down between 3.3 percent and 4.2 percent in May from 4.8 percent in April due to lower electricity rates and stronger peso.

BSP Governor Amando Tetangco Jr., in a text message to reporters Tuesday, said the two factors “bodes well for the inflation outlook.”

The central bank said inflation outlook and expectations in the country remained positive and would continued improve due to decelerating rate of price increases nationwide.

Inflation peaked in August 2008, reaching 12.5 percent due to the uncertainties in the global economy that resulted to high prices of oil and food products.

The high inflation prompted the central bank to tighten its policy rates in line with its inflation-targeting framework.

Inflation started to ease at 11.9 percent in September last year.

BSP started cutting its policy rates since last December, reaching 150 basis points off to date.

Its overnight borrowing or reverse repurchase (RRP) facility rate is now at 4.5 percent while its overnight lending or repurchase (RP) facility rate is 6.5 percent.

The Monetary Board, the central bank's policy making body, is expected to implement another cut during its scheduled rate-setting meet on Thursday.

Tetangco, however, said that “even as we continue to witness well-anchored inflation expectations, we will monitor developments in global demand to see if any of the recent positive releases will finally move global economies to recovery.”

“We will be watchful of the impact of such on inflation going forward to ensure that our policy stance remains appropriate,” he also said. (PIA V Release)


RECTO SAYS PETROLEUM PRODUCTS STILL MAHAL; DARES OIL FIRMS ANEW TO SHOW BOOKS

MANILA — The chief of the National Economic and Development Authority once again dared oil firms to justify their prices by opening their books to scrutiny.

“We have shown our computations; it’s their turn to show theirs,” said Socioeconomic Planning Secretary Ralph Recto on Tuesday.

Since petroleum products are still overpriced as high as Php 8 per liter; Recto thinks that “oil companies are not transparent in their pricing,”

Furthermore, he said the prices are still based in Metro Manila pricing and the average of prices of petroleum products nationwide has not been properly recorded.

“Now all the formula that I have seen, based on what the papers have reported, based on our methodology in NEDA, based on the certain articles written, the difference is one peso from our Php 32 – 33 (per liter). I think we’re closer to the truth. If the average price in Manila is Php 40, then you can do the math,” Recto said, “what’s taken me by surprise is that in Cebu it is much, much higher. That’s why the governor was complaining. It is higher in Cebu than it is in Metro Manila. It is not even considered in our computations.”

Recto said the oil firms should allow their books be seen by the Commission on Audit, the Bureau of Customs and the Bureau of Internal Revenue as ordered by a Manila court to settle the issue of price manipulations and other allegations of Oil Deregulation Law violations.

Another way of determining oil prices, Recto said, is through examining the oil firms’ sales receipts.

Despite the absence of a common formula in pricing petroleum products between NEDA and the Department of Energy, Recto said technical staffs from both departments are continuously working together to resolve the issue.

NEDA and DOE are scheduling a meeting with major oil players this coming Friday. (PIA V Release)