DENR HONORS PARTNERS IN ENVIRONMENTAL CARE

LEGAZPI CITY – One governor, one province, a town, one city, a commercial firm, and an individual were recipients of this year’s Saringaya Award of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) Bicol.

Saringaya Award has different categories and is given in the form of plaque and certificate to individuals, groups, industries and non-government organization recognizing their active involvement in the program and projects of the DENR.

Saringaya is a Bicol term which means having abundant growth.

This year’s Saringaya awardees include Albay Governor Joey Sarte Salceda, Sorsogon province, Sorsogon City, Prieto Diaz town in Sorsogon, Pacific Mall Corporation, and Emmanuel de Luna, a tree farmer in Daet, Camarines Norte.

The individual citation reads as follows:

Governor Salceda (for Institutional Support) for “his leadership that led to the country’s Declaration on Climate Change Adaptation in October 2007 in support to the United Nation Framework Convention on Climate Change. The Declaration embodies a collective stance against the imminent threat and uncertainties posed by the change in climate. The Albay in Action on Climate Change (A2C2) spawned the Center for Initiatives and Research on Climate Change Adaptation and subsequent paradigm shift in disaster risk management as its development cornerstone. The result was a massive change in the Albayano consciousness from a responsive to a more pro-active approach to disaster abatement. From such altered consciousness, vigilance in disasters has permeated in the educational system, in the arts and in the many different ways the Bicolano’s trait of resiliency have been expressed.”

Sorsogon province (for LGU provincial category) “for leading dynamic municipalities in Sorsogon that are supportive to the Social Transformation through Environmental Program (STEP) that the Provincial Government of Sorsogon initiated. STEP as an enabling mechanism, trained multi stakeholders and had them commit fully to the Environmental Solid Waste Management (ESWM) program. The Oplan Linig and Atamanon an Kapalibutan kan Kapitolyo (AKAP) helped transform the values of environmental awareness into practice. Through the installation of the state of the art Automated Weather Monitoring System (AWMS) the result was a growing awareness on the dynamics of local weather as it is affected by changing climate patterns. Moreover, the conduct of research on the persistence of red algal bloom in Sorsogon Bay together with UPMSI and DOST have brought forth wider public participation to the plight of the displaced fishers and improved research results from other entities.”

Sorsogon City (for LGU city category) “for its commendable line of accomplishments in social welfare, made possible through the strong bond and cooperation with the United Nations Human Settlements Program; economic growth, by the full realization of a 60-cubic meter Decentralized Wastewater Treatment System, established for a newly refurbished and expanded Sorsogon City Public Market; livelihood development, through Urban Agricultural and Agro-Forestry Development works as well as fruitful educational efforts on Community Livelihood Development; and environmental nourishment and protection, through an effectively integrated Solid Waste Management, designed to localize the ESWM Act, and to establish a solid, common awareness in the significance of protecting the environment; by making possible the flourishing of a City Forest Nursery and Management and a Fish Sanctuary as well as its obliged Management, by enforcing the Sorsogon City Anti-Littering Drive, the Green Sorsogon City Program, Urban Greening and Beautification and City Clean-up Drive to encourage involvement and union in environmental nourishment among the city’s multitude of communities.”

Prieto Diaz town in Sorsogon (for LGU municipal level) “for having served as a sound base in developing and promoting viable livelihood by combining agricultural and fishery production innovations while maintaining the integrity of marine sanctuaries and mangrove forests. Moreover, it led the ecological and social transformation through its compliance to existing laws particularly, the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act and its reforestation initiatives. It also linked with various agencies and entities in its resolve to abate negative impact of climate change to its populace.”

Pacific Mall Corporation (for large industry category) “for having attained an exemplary performance in large Industry in support to DENR mandates that provide a clean and healthy environment exemplified by its contribution in promoting Waste Segregation and the Waste to Cash Program.”

Emmanuel De Luna (for Individual Category) “for his unwavering pursuit of innovative endeavors to optimize land productivity, encouraging economic growth and enhancement of the environment in fully realizing the development of a seven-hectare tree plantation, a home to 17,000 mature mahogany, gmelina, narra, and dipterocarps (white and red lauan) species – an exemplary model of a man-made forest in an urban environment. For introducing dipterocarps as a reforestation species that can be raised in open areas with no need of nurse trees – proffering a new dimension in forestry research. Bestowed with a Private Tree Plantation Ownership Certificate (PTPOC), the De Luna family ensures the sustainable management of this 11-year old plantation that has now become the source of their successful furniture-making business.”
The Saringaya Awards were presented by DENR Regional Executive Director Joselin Marcus Fragada, Environmental Management Bureau Regional Director Gilbert Gonzales and Lands Regional Technical Director Pedro Noble during the culmination program of the Environment Month celebration last June 30 at the Casablanca Convention Center in Legazpi City. (ASAraya, DENR V/PIA)


NUTRITION MONTH OBSERVANCE ON

LEGAZPI CITY— Pursuant to Section 7 of Presidential Decree No. 491, the Nutrition Act of the Philippines, designating the month of July as Nutrition Month, the National Nutrition Council (NNC) Bicol regional office has already set activities which revolve around this year's theme "Wastong Nutrisyon kailangan, lifestyle diseases iwasan."

Arlene R. Reario, NNC Bicol program coordinator said this year's celebration highlights the important role of proper nutrition in the prevention and control of diet-related lifestyle diseases.

In the PIA Ugnayan sa Bicol radio program, she announced that the government has planned out various activities this month of July to encourage people to make positive decisions towards proper nutrition particularly along the consumption of healthy diets and the practice of healthy lifestyle.

She stressed that not only in July but also all year round Nutrition Month celebration serves as an eye opener for everyone to recognize proper nutrition in the prevention and control of diet-related lifestyle diseases or non-communicable diseases.

“Non-communicable diseases include cancer, diabetes, cardiovascular diseases or CVD and chronic obstructive pulmonary diseases or COPD,” she elaborated.

She further said that nutrition education still remains as the cornerstone in improving the nutritional status of an individual and the community as a whole.

“Through information dissemination of simple and practical nutrition messages like encouraging individuals to consume adequate and well-balanced diet, combined with a healthy lifestyle is therefore the most desirable objective,” she added.

Reario encouraged the various local government units (LGUs) and member agencies to organize special events like Nutrition Day with various activities such as lectures on proper diet and life-style related diseases, the hazards of smoking and drinking, and sports or workout activities in the various offices, cooking demonstrations, Nutri-Quiz Show, food fair and feature nutrition month concerns in newsletters or bulletin boards.

“We also are encouraged them to hang Nutrition Month 2009 streamers in the gates and other strategic areas near their respective offices,” she added.

She also suggested the recitation of the Nutrition Prayer every Monday during morning flag ceremony or in the staff meeting in July. (MALoterte, PIA V)

MAYON DWELLERS TOLD TO KEEP WATCH THOUGH ERUPTION IS UNLIKELY

LEGAZPI CITY – The Albay Provincial Public Safety and Emergency Management Office (APSEMO) is on guard for any events related to Mayon Volcano’s activity even as government scientists assured of unlikely eruption within the next few days.

Albay governor Joey Salceda said the APSEMO is keeping close coordination with the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs) which said the volcano is still under alert level 1.

Phivolcs, however, reminded the public that the southern flank’s 7-km extended danger zone and the 6-km radius permanent danger zones (PDZ) at other areas remain off-limits due to the continuing threat from sudden explosions and rockfalls from the upper slopes.

The Phivolcs warned that active river channels and those areas perennially identified as lahar-prone around the volcano should be avoided when there is heavy and prolonged rainfall.

Although still under alert level 1, the Phivolcs started issuing Mayon Bulletin Sunday which showed changes in its seismicity and inflationary level. Signs of possible abnormal condition aside from the crater glows that are visible to the naked eye during night time.

Out of four consecutive monitoring data release through the bulletin, Mayon had progressing number of volcanic quakes. Previous of which was 87 volcanic quakes for the period June 22 to 29 and a total of 110 volcanic quakes from June 29 to July 5, this year.

Ground deformation survey also showed an increase from four millimeter inflation relative to January 2009 survey to 10 millimeters inflation relative to January 2009 survey at the Buang Leveling Line facing the town of Sto. Domingo town on the eastern sector.

Likewise, a moderate steaming activity with no specific tonnage of sulfur dioxide emissions was revealed in the Mayon Bulletin today.

Resident volcanologist Eduardo Laguerta maintained his warning against mountaineering activities within the recommended permanent danger zones as well as vigilance among farmers at the extended danger zone who are tilling their crops. (MALoterte, PIA V)


TECH-VOC PROGRAM GET P200T FROM JAS I CARE

VIRAC, Catanduanes — Students in the Ladderized Education Program (LEP) have been granted access to technical education program at the Cabugao School of Handicraft and Cottage Industries (CSHCI) through a scholarship program of Congressman Joseph A. Santiago.

The solon affirmed his full support to the program in finally approving the request of CSHCI Vocational school administrator Elpidio R. Tuburo for P 200,000 allocation under the Joseph A. Santiago Invigorating Constituents Assistance and Reinforcing Employment (JAS I CARE) last June 25.

Tuburo said beneficiaries of the assistance are recent high school graduates of 11 municipalities who have opted to enroll in technical courses, 93 of which have taken Building Wiring Installation and 14 in Dressmaking.

He explained the funds will be used for the procurement of training materials and the payment of their matriculation and other fees.

The assistance was realized after Tuburo presented the request to former Bato Mayor Lorenzo T. Templonuevo, Jr., chief of the staff at the Congressional District Office. This is so far the first convergence program between Santiago’s office and CSCHI.

“Hopefully, this would not be the first and last, and would rather be sustained as this would be a big help to Catanduanes especially for those whose inclination is to finish the one-year TVET program,” the school administrator said.

Officials of TESDA-CSCHI, along with the 117 recipients, expressed their profound gratitude to Rep. Santiago and Templonuevo for the educational grant received by the school through the office of Governor Joseph C. Cua. (EA Bagadiong, PIA Catanduanes)

ADVOCATES CELEBRATE WORLD POPULATION DAY, RENEW SUPPORT SUPPORT FOR RH

Armed with renewed confidence, groups pushing for the passage of the controversial reproductive health celebrate this year’s World Population Day with series of events to highlight urgency of investing in women’s reproductive health.

In a forum entitled “Reproductive Health: A Priority Agenda in 2010” held today at Club Filipino, leaders from donor agencies, business, academe, professional groups, non-government and civic organizations dared candidates in the 2010 election to make reproductive health part of their platform of governance.

Cong. Risa Hontiveros (Akbayan Partylist) author of the controversial House Bill 5043 or the “Reproductive Health and Population Development Act of 2009” said that reproductive health revolution is being waged in Congress and in many parts of the country.

“There is an overwhelming support for the passage of the reproductive health bill coming from various sectors, including government agencies, such as the Department of Social Welfare and Development, Department of Education, and the Department of Health,” she noted.

She added, “this support is backed up by various surveys which showed support for the passage of the bill. It is high time that we call on the political leaders to make reproductive health a critical electoral issue.”

Also present in the forum are supporters who championed reproductive health during their terms in Congress, such as Governor Bellaflor Angara of Aurora, who took the lead in passing the reproductive health ordinance in Aurora Province, former representatives Juan Romeo Nereus Acosta of Bukidnon and Gilbert Remulla of Cavite.

Organized by the Philippine Legislators’ Committee on Population and Development Foundation, the forum highlighted the importance of passing the reproductive health bill that will pave the way for comprehensive reproductive health education and services in the country. (VBLlorin, PLCPDF/PIA)


Office of the President launches Moral Renewal Program

MANILA — Officials and employees of the Office of the President (OP) led by Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita formally launched today the OP-Moral Renewal Action Plan (OP-MRAP) in simple ceremonies at Malacanang’s Kalayaan Hall.

The OP-MRAP is a priority program of the Macapagal-Arroyo administration which aims to achieve zero tolerance from graft and corruption, and help improve the government’s public perception.

During the launching, Ermita read the Panata sa Pagsasakatuparan ng OP-MRAP. He later affixed his signature at the document signifying the OP officials and employees’ sincere campaign for the full and strict implementation of the program.

“This is just the beginning as we comply with implementation of the objective of Administrative Order 255 signed by President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo” Assistant Executive Secretary Lynn Danao-Moreno said.

Moreno pointed out that the program aims to show the Arroyo government’s sincerity in the fight against corruption in public office, it’s effort in the enhancement of quality standards of public service, as well as transparency, with all government officials and employees serving as role models.

The President signed AO 255 on January 30 this year. It directed all Cabinet officials and head of agencies to adopt and implement a Moral Renewal Program in their respective departments and agencies.

The President issued AO 255 in line with the administration’s Medium-Term Philippine Development Plan (MTPDP) for 2004-2010 with the “urgent need for societal reform through moral renewal and values formation in the Executive Department.”

The AO cited Section 1 of Article XI of the 1987 Philippine Constitution which provides that “public office is a public trust and that public officers and employees must, at all times, be accountable to the people, serve them with utmost responsibility, integrity, loyalty, and efficiency, act with patriotism and justice, and lead modest lives”

It also mentioned Section 2 of Republic Act No. 6713, otherwise known as the “Code of Conduct and Ethical Standards for Public Officials and Employees” which provides that it is the policy of the State to promote high standard of ethics in public service.

Moral renewal refers to values formation and ethical behaviour for the government officers and employees, as well as the strengthening of the people’s values to achieve zero tolerance for corruption. (PIA V Release)

PGMA inaugurates Makansutra Asian Food Villages

MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Monday night formally led the grand opening of the Makansutra Asian Food Village, a P1-billion investment of China Oceanis Philippines at the Manila Ocean Park in Luneta, Manila

Upon her arrival, the President cut the ceremonial ribbon at the main entrance of the food restaurant to signal its formal operation. She was assisted by Tourism Secretary Joseph Ace Durano, Manila City Mayor Alfredo Lim, Vice Mayor Isko Moreno, and Bulacan Representative Arthur Robes. Also present were MOP president Lim Chee Yong, Chief operating Officer Van Kam Weng, Director Gene Go and Makansutra Brand Founder K.F. Seetoh.

The President then toured the facilities, interacted with the Filipino chefs and staff, and personally ordered her meals. She later joined the Makansutra Food Village officials and invited guests at the dinner.

Makansutra Asian Food Village is the first branch in the country of China Oceanis which specializes in the investment, building, and operation of public aquaria/oceanarium attractions. It is expected to generate employment opportunities for Metro Manila residents.

The Makansutra Asian Food Village, a food museum and restaurant, aims to introduce "edutainment" through a multisensory dining experience and interaction.

It has a 500-seating capacity that will showcase the different food types in "hawker" style selling that is very popular in Asian countries such as Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and China. In the Philippines, they are popularly known as "carinderias." (PIA V Release)

PGMA congratulates new batch of DOST scholars

MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo expressed hope today that the 5th batch of Accelerated Science and Technology Human Resource Development Program (ASTHRDP) scholars will become the country’s champions in research and development (R&D).and human resource (HR).

“We are counting on you to be our mighty names for R&D, and HR, “ the President said as she congratulated 250 new scholars who presented her a copy of the contract they signed with the Department of Science and Technology (DOST).

The scholars, who come from all over the country, passed the rigid screening conducted by the DOST and, thus qualified for a scholarship for masteral or doctoral degrees in priority science and technology fields of study.

These included the engineering, health, agriculture and science education, and aquatic science sectors.

The masteral degree scholars will each receive a P15,000 monthly allowance while the doctoral degree scholars will get P23,000 monthly. They will also receive an additional P7,500 book allowance for every semester, on top of the free tuition fees.

The scholars must complete their studies within two years for masteral degree, and three years for doctoral degrees.

Aside from academic excellence, the scholars must qualify for admission for graduate studies at any University of the Philippines campus, University of Santo Tomas, University of the East–Ramon Magsaysay Medical Center, De La Salle University and Ateneo de Manila University.

DOST Secretary Estrella Alabastro said the scholarship program that started in 2007, and has so far 30 graduates, was made possible through the funding support of the President.

The ASTHRDP aims to improve the country’s global competitiveness and capability to innovate through alternative approaches on HRD and S&T and to accelerate the production of high-level human resources needed for S&T activities particularly in the area of R&D. (PIA V Release)


PGMA honors outstanding MSMEs

MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo conferred today the first-ever Presidential Awards for Outstanding Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) to nine successful enterprises for their contribution as engines of economic growth.

Named outstanding enterprises from Luzon were the Roger and Beth Pilinut Candy (micro), J. Emmanuel Pastries (small), and the Lighthouse Cooperative (medium).

In the Visayas, the recipients were the Doods Enterprises (micro), Filbake Food Corporation (small), and the Vicmik Enterprises (medium).

Conferred for Mindanao were the Lao Integrated Farm (micro), Manolette Bakeshop (small), and the AMS Employees Fresh Fruits Producer Cooperative (medium).

The awarding took place at the Megatrade Hall 3 of SM Megamall in Madaluyong City.

In support of the President’s program for MSMEs, Globe Telecommunications provided P30,000 cash and cellphone kits for each of the winners.

The President also awarded 26 Presidential Citations for best practices in MSME promotion and development to various entities nationwide majority of them local government units (LGUs) which have streamlined their respective business licensing units.

The awarding is part of the week-long activities of the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise Development (MSMED) Week celebrated every second week of July in pursuance of Republic Act No. 9501, the Magna Carta for MSMEs, which the President signed in May last year.

The President also struck a gong signalling the launching of the 4th One Town, One Product (OTOP) Luzon Island Fair.

This year's MSMED Week celebration is spearheaded by the MSMED Council through the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in cooperation with the Philippine Center for Entrepreneurship' s “Go Negosyo” program.

In 2003, the President launched in Malacanang the SME Unified Lending Opportunities for National Growth (SULONG) Program which provided MSMEs with simplified and standardized access to short- and long-term financing.

As MSMEs comprise 99.6 percent of all registered firms in the country, the President said focusing on their development is a major part of her overall national development plan.

Since 2004, some P305.57 billion has been lent to some 5.6 million beneficiaries under the MSME program. (PIA V Release)


GRP-NDF talks resumption likely as gov’t lifts JASIG suspension

MANILA — Prospects are bright that the stalled peace talks between the government and the National Democratic Front -Communist party of the Philippines- New People’s Army (NDF-CPP-NPA) may resume soon after Malacanang lifted the suspension of the Joint Agreement on Safety and Immunity Guarantee (JASIG) effective July 17.

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Avelino Razon, in a statement read by Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, said that the government and the NDF may soon return to the negotiating table after the successful conduct of informal talks between the two panels.

The informal consultations were facilitated by the Norwegian government.

“After the consultations with the NDF negotiating panel organized with the Norwegian government as facilitator, the Philippine government panel for talks with the CPP-NPA-NDF is pleased to announce that the prospects for a return to the peace negotiating table are very good,” Razon said.

“In light of this, the Philippine government is lifting the suspension of the JASIG effective July 17 this year to allow the members of the CPP-NPA-NDF to prepare for the resumption of the formal peace negotiations,” Razon’s statement further said.

Formal negotiations between the government and the NDF were suspended in 2004 following demands from the rebel group to have their armed organization delisted from the organizations identified by the United States and some European countries as a terrorist group.

The President ordered the suspension of the JASIG after the NDF unilaterally withdrew from the negotiating table in August 2005.

The JASIG suspension, which took effect Sept.2, 2005, will have the effect of lifting the safe conduct passes of 97 NDF peace negotiators. (PIA V Release)