LANDBANK AWARDS P2M CREDIT LINE TO FEDBAHC IN SORSOGON AND ALBAY

SORSOGON CITY — Communities hosting the operations of geothermal energy firm Energy Development Corporation (EDC) in Sorsogon and Albay can look forward to a steadier income stream after their umbrella organization secured a credit line from state-owned Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP) recently.

The Federation of Bacman Host Communities (FEDBAHC) comprised of the nine community associations representing the barangays which host EDC’s Bacman Geothermal Production Field (BGPF), received Land Bank’s nod for a P2 million credit line through the latter’s Development Advocacy Program.

EDC’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and Community Partnerships departments negotiated the loan for FEDBAHC.

In a cheque awarding ceremony held recently at the BGPF Base Camp in Sorsogon City, FEDBAHC president Reynaldo Sesbreno thanked Land Bank and EDC officials for the loan which, he said, will boost the Federation’s cash position to finance their various livelihood projects.

FEDBAHC has been a recipient of more than a hundred small-scale projects from EDC—which include civil works, slope stabilization, and plantation establishment—since it was formed two years ago.

“With your guidance, you can be assured that we will continue to provide quality service to EDC and to our communities,” Sesbreno said.

He added that the borrowed amount will be earmarked for labor and materials for the rehabilitation of Bacman infrastructure and facilities that had been damaged by Typhoon Dante.

Mauricio Feliciano, Land Bank vice president and Bicol regional head, acknowledged both EDC and FEDBAHC for being the “channels” of the Bank’s mandate of strengthening the cooperative sector and promoting development in the countryside.

“This means a lot to the project (Bacman), the environment and the host communities,” he said.

EDC President and CEO Paul Aquino pointed out that the fresh capital infusion will not only result to a steadier inflow of projects and income for FEDBAHC members, but will also teach the Federation valuable lessons in financial management.

“Since this is your first venture into loan acquisition and management, these lessons will be crucial for the sustainability of your organization and the success of your every entrepreneurial endeavor,” Aquino explained.

Registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission, FEDBAHC was incorporated on October 2, 2007. The Federation has a total membership of 1,991 households. (EDC/PIA)


DISASTER CONSCIOUSNESS MONTH KICKS OFF

LEGAZPI CITY — The observance of the National Disaster Consciousness Month 2009 kicked off Wednesday (July 1) here in Bicol organized by the Regional Disaster Coordinating Council (RDCC) and the Office of the Civil Defense (OCD).

The observance is in consonance with Presidential Executive Order No. 137 designating the month of July as NDCM in order to heighten public awareness on the importance of disaster prevention, mitigation and preparedness.

The launching activities commenced with a parade along the main streets of the city, mobile display of the newly acquired search and rescue (SAR) equipment, emergency response teams from the government and volunteer groups, and members of the RDCC.

A short program followed at the Freedom Park in Albay District here, and a static display of state-of-the-art SAR equipment and weather communication equipment that will enhance emergency response capability of quick response team in time of natural disasters and other catastrophic events.

Albay province is the first local government unit in the country to acquire the high-tech equipment through the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) with support from the University Corporation of Atmospheric Research, a non-profit organization supporting science missions of the U.S. government.

In his message, Director Raffy Alejandro of OCD Bicol underscored every citizen can contribute in disaster preparedness.

“Year in and year out, several lives and hundreds or millions of pesos are lost due to natural and man made calamities like fires, earthquakes and typhoons which visit the country at an average of 20 occurrences a year,” he noted.

“Now that we are observing disaster consciousness month, let us not only be vigilant within our homes but also in our communities by finding out where we can contribute our small efforts and resources. As we prepare for the worst, let us hope for the best,” he said

Meanwhile, the OCD Bicol chief stressed that although disasters could not be prevented, they can be mitigated.

Alejandro also recognized various sectors that contributed in raising public awareness about disaster mitigation and prevention.

The OCD and the RDCC also lined up a series of activities for the whole month to include earthquake and hospital drill, tree planting activity, blood letting, maritime disaster response demonstration, and other emergency response demonstrations, to be highlighted by the Regional Gawad Kalasag for the best local disaster councils in Bicol on July 30.

Also included in the month-long activities are series of radio programs, interviews and guestings, awareness caravans, distribution of posters and other promotional materials to the general public.

“An informed public during disasters can really save lives,” Alejandro stressed.

The theme for this year’s observance is “Pag-alerto, Malayo sa Peligro.” (MALoterte, PIAV)


DENR HIRES 574 IN MASBATE TO COMBAT GLOBAL WARMING

MASBATE CITY—The provincial office here of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) has started to hire locals as the Arroyo administration’s reforestation project shifts to high gear to mitigate global warming.

In an interview, Community Environment and Natural Resources Office (CENRO) Chief Tito R. Migo said the reforestation of more than 200 hectares in Masbate would also bring in income for at least 574 residents who are reeling from the economic crunch.

“The three-year project kicked off last June 19 with the hiring of 154 persons who will be paid for planting and taking care of trees in 110 hectares of watershed in Mobo, Masbate,” Migo said, adding that the remaining contractual workforce will be assigned in the municipalities of Aroroy, Mandaon and Uson.

The employment opportunities for the locals here is part of the Comprehensive Livelihood and Emergency Employment Program (CLEEP) of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo

He said the employment of 574 people, which will be bankrolled under the Upland Development Project (UDP) of the President, would tide them over until 2011, when job prospects are expected to be on the road to recovery.

As the UDP in Masbate requires the growing of at least 1,100 trees per hectare of a total land area of 246.9 hectares, he said “about 272,000 new trees in Masbate are expected at the end of the project.” (EADelgado, PIA Masbate)


SANITARY LANDFILL, A BIG DEAL TO LCEs

SORSOGON Province — RA 9003 (The Solid Management Act of 2000) mandates all local government units to establish a sanitary landfill for the dumping of household wastes that cannot be recycled nor composted (residuals).

”However, all LGUs here and even in most areas of the country have yet to comply with the said law,” Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Office Chief Maribeth Fruto said.

In a consultation-forum conducted here recently, local chief executives observed that sanitary landfill is very expensive for LGUs to construct or put up, adding the unavailability of ideal site for the waste disposal.

Fruto stressed further LGUs are also required to craft and implement a Comprehensive Land Use Plan (CLUP).

“In Sorsogon, Donsol and Juban are the only remaining towns without CLUP. However, existing CLUPs of most LGUs here need to be updated and they also need to ascertain identification of where to use the land,” she said.

”Updating of CLUPs is deemed necessary since land movements have already affected the identity of our soil now and that geo-hazard areas identified by Mines and Geosciences Bureau in the province are increasing,” she added.

Under the law, local officials who failed to comply with and enforce rules and regulations as provided by RA 9003 may be charged administratively by the DENR Green Court.

”So far, our office has not penalized any local government for not complying with the law, besides there is a moratorium which will expire by 2010. What we do, instead, is encourage municipalities to have Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) supported by an ordinance, where recyclable materials are taken and have compost pits where biodegradable wastes are converted into organic fertilizers,” Fruto noted.

She is also thankful that Sorsogon province was chosen as venue for the review of policies, consequently, come up with proposed amendments for RA 9003 because we can bring into the open major issues and concerns related to the full implementation of the waste management law.

The consultation-forum is part of the activities for the Omnibus Revision of the Ecological Solid Waste Management Act of 2000 which is a project of Southeast Asia Urban Environment Management Application (SEA-UEMA) funded by the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA) being implemented by the Local Government Academy (LGA), provincial government of Sorsogon and La Salle Institute of Governance (LISG).

CIDA has donated this year two ideal MRF for the province, particularly in Bulan town and Sorsogon City. (BARecebido, PIA Sorsogon)


CAMSUR PROMOTES HEALTHY LIFESTYLE ON NUTRITION MONTH

PILI, Camarines Sur - The provincial government of Camarines Sur marks the celebration of the Nutrition Month this July with an array of activities that include an intensified awareness campaign geared towards proper nutrition and healthy lifestyle.

With “Wastong Nutrisyon Kailangan, Lifestyle Diseases Iwasan” as this year’s theme, the celebration kicked off July 1 with a Fun Walk from the Freedom Sports Complex to the Capitol Complex participated in by provincial government employees.

Governor LRay Villafuerte firmly believes in the significance of the celebration because health and nutrition as well as sports development continue to be high in his agenda.

Employees of the province, led by Provincial Health Office (PHO) personnel, converged following the brisk walk at the capitol grounds for the “Hataw” highlighting the importance of physical exercise to a healthy living.

Within the month-long celebration, Dr. Gerry Villafuerte, the newly-appointed OIC of the PHO, will lead a series of tri-media campaign which intends to instill public awareness on the importance of maintaining a healthy lifestyle.

The province’s celebration of the Nutrition Month will be highlighted by a series of medical check ups and consultation on July 30, including activities such as blood pressure checking, FBS, cholesterol and bone screening, anthropometric assessment to the employees of the provincial capitol.

PHO personnel will also conduct nutrition and healthy lifestyle counseling (DCAbad,PIA CamSur)


CLIMATE CHANGE MITIGATION IS EVERYBODY’S BUSINESS -- DENR

LEGAZPI CITY— Director Joselin Marcus Fragada of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) regional office here has enjoined al Bicolanos to actively support government efforts to mitigate the effects of climate change, citing the Philippines as one of the countries considered highly vulnerable to the changing climate.

Fragada, reiterating DENR Sec. Lito Atienza’s call for vigilance and cooperation among Filipinos, said that every individual must involve oneself in various activities on environmental concerns in congruence with this year’s environmental rallying call: “Your Planet Needs You – Unite to Combat Climate Change.”

“In his statement, Sec. Atienza contended that we have passed the point of debating whether climate change is real or a mere pigment of the imagination. Environment scientists have already proven that the changing climate is real, and our task as government is, first and foremost, is to limit the extent of its adverse impacts,” he averred.

“The administration of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, with the DENR taking the lead in the campaign, is very much committed to address this issue, so let us all work together to mitigate the implications of climate change, the biggest and most threatening environmental event facing mankind today,” he said quoting from the statement.

“Every individual’s efforts, no matter how small, can contribute to the sustainable development of our economies and communities around the world, by taking part in waste segregation and recycling, clean-up campaigns, as well as tree planting and reforestation activities,” he added.

Fragada also noted that said efforts to reverse the impact of climate change should begin by enabling the people to have a clear understanding of what climate change is all about and how global warming will affect them and their communities.

He said a massive and effective information campaign will work wonders, wherein it will prompt people to take action to protect mankind and other life forms.”

Meanwhile, DENR Bicol has since been spearheaded in concerted information dissemination on climate change, through production and distribution of information materials on this subject, press and broadcast releases on the causes and effects of global warming, and practical measures to mitigate climate change, and as source of resource persons in public forum and symposiums on this issue.

During the observance of Environment Month last June, DENR, in partnership with LGUs, led various tree planting activities in the region and intensified its anti-smoke belching campaign,.

Other activities undertaken were Enviro Fun Run, mural painting contest, the Eagle Quiz Contest, and Saringaya Awards recognizing individuals, LGUs and institutions that have significantly assisted DENR in carrying out environmental programs and projects in the region.

“All these measures were meant to increase public awareness on climate change and other environmental concern and to encourage the public to take part in environment protection measures,” Fragada concluded. (AMContreras, DENR V)


EDUCATION IS TICKET TO BETTER LIFE, SAYS PGMA

MANILA — For President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo, investing in human resource, particularly in education, is tantamount to giving the future generation a ticket to a better life.

This, in gist was the message read for her by Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita during the recognition rites for the 2009 Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP) yesterday morning at the Rizal Hall of Malacañang.

“My administration gives premium to education because investment in human resource is one of the best investments for any country,” Ermita quoted the President in her message.

Through the Department of Education (DepEd), the President said various scholarship programs and jobs expo have been providing employment and other opportunities to thousands of youth every year in the state colleges and universities (SUCs) and through the Technical Education and Skills Development Authority (TESDA).

The President said her “One Town, One Scholar” program has ensured that the best public high school graduate from each of the country’s 1,500 municipalities, especially those who have no financial means, will get a college education starting June this year.

The Commission on Higher Education (CHED) allocated some P46 million from its existing budget for the program that started June this year, while succeeding funding requirement for the town scholars would be incorporated under CHED’s annual proposed budget.

As a signatory to the “One Town, One Scholar” program, the League of Municipalities of the Philippines (LMP) has expressed support to the CHED’s plan to double or even triple the number of town scholars depending on the capacity of member municipalities.

The President said these programs will provide enough opportunities and a ticket to a better life for the country’s youth.

Before reading the President’s message, Ermita led the awarding rites for the 2009 TOSP winners who were selected from among the 33 finalists.

The 2009 TSOP were Roger Flores of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA); Miguel Antonio Garcia (University of San Carlos, Cebu City); Aidel Paul Belamide (UP Los Banos); Ann Crusit (University of Bohol); Paul John Gesta (Univesity of Cebu); Adrian Clarc Mundin (Ateneo de Manila University); Stacy Danika Alcantara (Silliman University); Stephen Alexeus Baltazar (University of San Carlos); Nicole Marie Villarojo (De La Salle University); and Carlos Gerogalin Jr. (West Negros University).

Assisting Ermita were CHED Chairman Emmanuel Angeles, RFM Foundation chairman Jose Ma. Concepcion III, Jose “JoeCon” Concepcion Jr. and National Book Store president Alfredo Ramos.

TOSP is an annual nationwide search that started in 1961 which honors outstanding Filipino students who have excelled not only in their studies but also in fulfilling their social responsibilities. The TOSP is organized by the RFM Foundation in cooperation with CHED and National Book Store. (PIA V Release)


PALACE OFFERS PRAYERS FOR AILING FORMER PRES. AQUINO

MANILA — Malacañang joined the nation in praying for the speedy recovery of former President Corazon Aquino from her colon cancer and for the family members to have strength in their trying times.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson, Dr. Anthony Golez told reporters over lunch that when the Palace heard about the condition of the former president, a minute of silent prayers were offered for her recovery.

Golez, however, said he is not aware of any plans to hold special masses for the former President or if there have been masses scheduled in her honor.

On whether President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has any message for the former president, Golez said “aside from the prayers for the former president, we are also praying for the family members for strength while they are in their trying times.”

Mrs. Aquino, who led the country after the ouster of former President Ferdinand Marcos in 1986, is credited with restoring freedom and democracy for the people. She led the revolutionary government and formed a panel to draft the 1987 Constitution.

This same constitution is now the subject of proposed changes, with President Arroyo stressing in previous State of the Nation Addresses the need for amending some of the economic provisions in view of current realities. (PIA V Release)


POLL AUTOMATION IS PGMA’s PET PROJECT; SHOULD PUSH THROUGH -- ERMITA

MANILA — Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said on Thursday the poll automation is a pet project of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and it must be implemented in the national and local elections next year.

”It’s her pet project for an honest and clean election. But we are not pressuring the Commission on Elections (Comelec) to go on with it because they are independent body,” Ermita told reporters at Malacañang’s Rizal Hall where he represented the President at the awarding ceremonies for the Ten Outstanding Students of the Philippines (TOSP). “I hope no one would give a bad impression on what’s happening at the Comelec. The Palace has nothing to do with it,” Golez said.

”Malacañang will exhaust all legal means to push for the automated elections next year,” he added.

Meanwhile, Golez appealed to the Total Information Management Corp. (TIM) and winning bidder Smartmatic International to reconcile their differences in the interest of the successful implementation of the poll automation.

Golez is hoping the issue can still be resolved by the Comelec, an independent Constitutional body, trusting that whatever decision it may take will be good for the country’s electoral system.

In a last-ditch effort to automate the 2010 national and local elections, the Comelec scheduled a meeting with top officials of Smartmatic and TIM on Tuesday afternoon and discussed matters and issues surrounding what they described as a “forestalled” partnership. (PIA V Release)


RP ADVANCES IN 4 OF 6 DIMENSIONS OF WB REPORT

MANILA — The Philippine government, under President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, has advanced in four of six critical dimensions taken up in the World Bank 2008 governance report.

This was disclosed by Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita and Deputy Director General Rolando Tungpalan of the National Economic and Development Authority during the regular press briefing at the New Executive Building.

“We are pleased to note that in the six dimensions, we have improved in four, namely: on rule of law we improved by 6 percentage points (from 34 to 40); regulatory quality or the ability of government to provide sound policies to promote and enable private sector investments we improved by 2 percentile points (from 50 to 52); we managed to grow by 4 percentile points (from 22 to 26 percent) on government effectiveness; we are up by 1 percentile point on political stability and on accountability we had a slight decline from 43 to 41 percentile,” Tungpalan explained.

“Overall, we have had improvements in many sectors and we have been succeeding in our reform programs,” he added.

Ermita, who heads the Task Force on Millennium Challenge Account (MCA), said these criteria are crucial for developed economies like the United States, the European Community and others in determining their financial assistance to countries like the Philippines.

“The MCA has a lot of significance. At least you will better understand me when I tell you that we should watch the ratings given us by MCA, a program of the US government and for which the Philippine government can very well benefit from a new form of fund coming from the United States,” Ermita said.

He noted that because the Philippines’ 2008 rating on controlling corruption fell by only .01 percent, “we have not been announced as beneficiary of a grant from the US government.

This year, Tanzania got $700 million grant from the United States along with another country, which Ermita failed to mention.

“In case we pass that (MCA ratings) based on the World Bank ratings that Undersecretary Tungpalan just said we can very well pass the threshold and before the end of the year we might qualify for such grant from the US government, which is usually anywhere from $300 to $500 million,” Ermita said.

This (amount), he said, can go a long way in boosting our economic status. “And that’s why we should be able to tell the world, the United Nations and the US that we are handling our human rights cases very well , our cases against corruption and extra judicial killings.” (PIA V Release)