P920-M WEST COAST ROAD NETWORK EYED IN ALBAY

LEGAZPI CITY— A P920-million road project will soon be implemented linking the coastal towns of Libon and Pioduran in the west coast side of Albay, a top provincial official said on Monday.

Albay Governor Joey Salceda said he has secured the funding for the Albay West Coast Road project for the construction of a 46-kilometer road network from the municipalities of Pantao to Pioduran.

He said the supposed funds came from the Millenium Challenge Account Compact Project which was shifted to the Albay West Coast after the Albay Donsol access road project was deemed not quite viable due to technical and civil works difficulties.

He said that through quick action and constant follow-up, he was able to transfer the funds intended for the Albay-Donsol access road project.

He explained that the shift in the project plan was necessary because the Albay-Donsol project was deemed difficult to complete within the five year contract due to design requirement arising from the 50-year flood data in Jovellar town.

Salceda said "rather than lose the funds to other provinces, I successfully lobbied for the transfer."

Salceda said Albay West Coast is equally important and he funded the preparation of the feasibility study when he was then the province's 3rd District House representative.

As for the Albay-Donsol access road which will link the towns of Guinobatan and Jovellar with Donsol in Sorsogon, Salceda said he is working out for a possible funding with the Korean Exim Bank using his international connection. (MSArguelles, PNA/PIA)


BFP SORSOGON CITY INTENSIFIES STRICT FIRE CODE COMPLIANCE

SORSOGON CITY — The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) Sorsogon City is undaunted by some resistance particularly the business owners as they intensify their strict implementation of the safety rules and regulations of the Fire Code of the Philippines, thus stated city fire marshal Chief Inspector Renato Marcial.

Marcial said that those applying for the safety inspection certificates (FSICs) should strictly observe the recommendation made by their fire safety inspectors.

“It should be made clear that these fire safety inspectors are merely doing their jobs based on their mandated functions in order to ensure the safety of the public,” he stressed, while reminding those applying for fire safety inspection certificate to comply with their recommendation instead of risking their lives by being unmindful of their safety.

Fire safety inspection certificate is being issued by the BFP as a pre-requisite for the issuance of business or mayor’s permit, permit to operate, occupancy permit, PhilHealth accreditation for hospitals, DOH license to operate and other permits or license being issued by other government agencies.

Under the Fire Code of the Philippines no FSIC shall be issued to any applicant if their buildings do not conform to the safety standards and regulations of the BFP.

However it was found out that some building owners are blatantly violating the law even disregarding the safety of the occupants.

“Those found to have violated the Fire Code of the Philippines were given notice to correct violation at a given grace period, if however they failed to correct said deficiency them they will be penalized by a fine to be paid at the city treasurer’s office,” Marcial said.

Marcial further reminded the public that the BFP will continue to strictly implement the fire code which is also being done for the safety of the occupants or building operators.

Records show that from January up to present, the BFP Sorsogon City were able to issue 1,117 FSICs to different establishments while 30 were given notice to correct violations, however 10 of them already complied before the grace period lapsed and an institutional type of establishment was fined amounting to P9,000 for not strictly observing the fire code, even after the BFP has issued several notices to correct said violations.

The BFP under Presidential Decree 1185 otherwise known as the Fire Code of the Philippines is authorized to recommend the cancellation of permit to operate up to the extent of closing a certain establishment once found to be a fire hazard much more if the fire safety rules and regulations are violated. (FO1CBanico, BFP/PIA)


CSC BICOL HOLDS SOCIO-MED MISSION IN BGY. PIGKALE

LEGAZPI CITY — The Civil Service Commission (CSC) regional office here has slated today (September 23) a socio-medical support for indigent residents of barangay Pigcale, this city.

The activity coincides with the 109th anniversary celebration of the Philippine Civil Service offering free medical and dental services and medicines to the barangay residents

The Department of Health (DOH), Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital (BRTTH), and the Aquinas University Hospital dispatched their medical doctors and personnel, provided medicines and food supplement for the medical and dental mission.

The Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office (PCSO), Bayer Philippines, Zuellig, Pfizer and Pharma also shelled out free medicines.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) and the National Food Authority (NFA) also distributed rice and other relief goods to some 100 families and senior citizens.

The Bicol Regional Council of Personnel Officers (BRCPO) earlier solicited used clothing from the other agencies and distributed the same to barangay residents. (CSC V/PIA)

2 FARMERS RESCUED FROM ABDUCTORS IN MOBO TOWN

MASBATE CITY—Government forces rescued two farmers following a brief firefight with their abductors in barangay Tabuc, Mobo town last Friday.

News of the rescue brought tears to the eyes of the families of one “Ilan” Balatucan and Rodel S. Carigue, 26, according to village officials.

The swift resolution to the standoff came in wooded area around 7:30 a.m., just minutes after the village head alarmed the police of the pair’s abduction by unidentified armed men, suspected to be New People’s Army members.

Inspector Antonio A. Diño, Mobo police chief, said his men were investigating the incident when the kidnappers waylaid them and a firefight ensued.

He said the abductors fled when they saw members of 506th Police Provincial Mobile Group and soldiers led by Army 1st Lieutenant Allan B. Matres quickly moving in and abandoned their captives.

Aside from the victims, police recovered bullet shells for M14 and M16 rifles, packed lunch, a pair of slippers, biscuits and wrappers of candies.

According to Chief Inspector Rodolfo Abella, Police Provincial Office community relations officer, the two men were snatched from their houses by the armed men while they were preparing for work.

Abella said that shortly after 7 a.m., Punong Barangay Renato Columna of Tabuc reported the abduction to the Mobo police. (EADelgado, PIA Masbate)


PCA DISTRIBUTES SALT TO COCONUT FARMERS IN CAMARINES NORTE

DAET, Camarines Norte — The Philippine Coconut Authority (PCA) provincial office here is distributing salt as fertilizer for the coconut tree to the local farmers.

Matias E. Clacio PCA provincial development manager, said that the agency is distributing some 4 sacks of salt for every municipality.

Clacio said that the 4 sacks of salt will be replaced with 150 coconut seedlings by the recipient for distribution to other farmers who do not have planting materials
.
He explained that salt is cheaper and easy to apply in coconut trees.

He also said that the use salt as fertilizer benefits the tree in producing quality fruits, bearing more fruits, preventing heat during summer season and against pest, and other diseases.

Clasio warned anew the public to refrain from cutting coconut trees without the necessary permit because they can be penalized under R.A. 8048 or “the Coconut Reservation Act of 1995”. (RBManlangit, PIA CamNorte)

SHELLFISH STILL DECLARED UNSAFE IN SOME WATERS

PILI, Camarines Sur — Laboratory results from the Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources (BFAR) and local government units (LGUs), revealed that shellfish collected at Dumanquillas Bay in Zamboanga del Sur; Sorsogon Bay in Sorsogon and Bislig Bay in Bislig City, Surigao del Sur are still positive for paralytic shellfish poison that is beyond the regulatory

Advisory from BFAR has warned that all types of shellfish and Acetes sp. or alamang gathered from the areas as shown above are not safe for human consumption.

The agency also stressed in the advisory that fish, squids, shrimps, and crabs are safe for human consumption provided that they are fresh and washed thoroughly, and internal organs such as gills and intestines are removed before cooking.

“The following areas continue to be free from toxic red tides: coastal waters of Cavite, Las Piñas, Parañaque, Navotas, Bulacan and Bataan in Manila Bay; coastal waters of Alaminos, Anda, Bolinao and Wawa, Bani in Pangasinan; Masinloc Bay in Zambales; coastal waters of Milagros and Mandaon in Masbate; Inner Malampaya Sound in Taytay and Honda Bay in Palawan; coastal waters of Pilar, President Roxas, Pontevedra, Panay, Roxas City, Ivisan and Sapian in Capiz; coastal waters of Pontevedra in Negros Occidental; Irong-Irong, Maqueda and Villareal Bays in Samar; Ormoc, San Pedro, Cancabato and Carigara Bays in Leyte; Biliran waters in Biliran province; Hinatuan and Lianga Bays in Surigao del Sur; Balite Bay in Mati, Davao Oriental; and coastal waters of Kabasalan in Sibuguey Bay, Zamboanga Sibugay; Juag Lagoon in Matnog, Sorsogon,” it said. (BFAR V/PIA)

PALACE DARES ‘PRESIDENTIABLES’ TO LAY DOWN GOVERNANCE PLATFORM

MANILA — Malacañang challenged the personalities running for president in next year’s national polls to come up with governance platforms that will further enhance the economy and uplift the lives of Filipinos.

In a press briefing, Deputy Spokesperson Lorelie Fajardo said the administration is eager to showcase the achievements of Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro Jr. and what his plans are for the country.

Teodoro is the standard bearer of the ruling administration coalition party Lakas-Kabalikat ng Malayang Pilipino-Christian Muslim Democrats (Lakas-Kampi- CMD).
Fajardo added Teodoro’s achievements and governance platform are superior to that of opposition rival and Liberal Party’s standard bearer Senator Benigno Aquino III.

Fajardo stressed the economic accomplishments of the Arroyo administration and the favorable reviews of international financial institutions cannot be invented because they are based on hard data and statistics.

It only shows, she said, that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and her Cabinet are working very hard to generate more jobs for Filipinos and to improve the country’s economy.

These government programs that benefit the poor and the marginalized, she added, will be continued by Teodoro if he is elected as president. Despite the criticisms of the opposition, the Philippine economy under President Arroyo has grown for 34 consecutive quarters and is one of the few in Asia which has avoided recession. (PIA V Release)


10 SAUDI FIRMS EYE RP AS FOOD PRODUCTION HUB IN THE FAR EAST

AL-KHOBAR, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia — Ten Saudi Arabian agricultural companies want to make the Philippines their food production hub and distribution center in the Far East.

Agriculture Secretary Arthur Yap, who accompanied President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in her two-day visit to this Saudi Arabia’s eastern province, made the disclosure in an interview with media Monday.

Yap said the 10 companies formed the Far East Agricultural Co. (FEAC) as their investment platform for agri-business projects in the Philippines after a visit to the Philippines in May.

“We are determined to invest in the Philippines, which offers a bright business potential in agriculture,” said Sheik Mohammaed Al-Rajhi, FEAC head.

“We are especially interested in Mindanao. We want to be part of its social and economic development,” he said.

According to Yap, FEAC representatives will visit the Philippines in November to firm up the trading and production of agricultural commodities with prospective trading and venture partners.

The Saudi Arabian firms preferred the Philippines because of special bonds of friendship that exists between the two countries, Yap said.

“Culturally, the Saudi’s are used to us. We have more than a million Filipinos here so they’re not alien to our culture, and definitely we are not alien to theirs,” Yap said.

“They are also very much aware that we are an agricultural country. And with a coastline longer than that of the United States, we are strong in agri-fisheries. We are Saudi Arabia’s number one supplier of bananas, number four in pineapples, number two in sardines, and number three in tuna. They’re very much conversant with our products as well,” Yap said. (PIA V Release)


DUQUE ADDRESSES WHO REGIONAL COMMITTEE FOR THE WESTERN PACIFIC

HONGKONG — Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III addressed the Western Pacific Regional Office during the Opening Ceremonies of the 60th Session of the World Health Organization Regional Committee for the Western Pacific as the Retiring Chairperson of the 59th RCM which was co-hosted by the Philippine Department of Health in Manila last
year.

The 60th session formally opened on Monday with WHO Director General Dr. Margaret Chan and newly elected Regional Director Dr. Shin Young-Soo providing words of inspiration, guidance and leadership to the 37 member states of the Western Pacific Region, in light of unprecedented global events which have far reaching implications on
health.

In his address, Duque thanked and lauded the government of Hong Kong for its successful hosting of the 60th WHO Regional Committee Meeting.

“I consider it providential that in its history and tradition of excellence in the finance and health sectors, Hong Kong is hosting the 60th Session...where two topics of urgency & import will be deliberated on its depth --- the global financial crisis and its impact on health and the 2009 A (H1N1) pandemic, “ Duque said.

The 60th Session is set to engage the 37 member states of the Western Pacific Region in a crucial & meaningful dialogue on key health and non-health issues with impact on health such as the ongoing spread of the H1N1 pandemic, the global economic crisis and climate change.

During the meeting, chief representatives of member states are also expected to discuss progress on the implementation of several key Regional Action Plans such as the Asia Pacific Strategy for Emerging Diseases and the International Health Regulations, the Regional Action Plan for the Tobacco Free Initiative, the Regional Action Plan for Malaria Control & Elimination and the Asia Pacific Strategy for Strengthening Health Laboratory Services.

The participants of the WHO Regional Committee Meeting will also give updates on major issues which bear significance in the Region such as malaria, TB, HIV/AIDS including STIs, vaccine preventable diseases, non-communicable diseases and other emerging diseases.

The 60th session of the WHO Regional Committee Meeting for the Western Pacific officially opened on Monday, September 20 and will end this Friday, September 25. Other participants include health-related non-government organizations (NGOs), development and aid partners and other representatives and officials of the WHO Western Pacific member states. (PIA V Release)


WHO PLEDGES TO MAKE (A)H1N1 VACCINES AVAILABLE FOR POOR & VULNERABLE POPULATIONS

HONGKONG — Outgoing Director-General Margaret Chan of the World Health Organization (WHO) has pledged the commitment of WHO to make sure that developing countries are not left empty-handed in dealing with the A (H1N1) pandemic. “A virus that causes manageable disruption in wealthy countries is very likely to cause devastation elsewhere,“ she warned.

Thus, WHO will make sure that there will be equitable distribution of pandemic vaccines once they become available.

Presently, WHO projects that it will be able to obtain donations and funding for procurement of at least 300 million doses of vaccine against the A (H1N1) virus which will be enough to cover 15% of the population of the developing world.

WHO Regional Director Dr. Shin Young Soo during his talk with the ministers of health further strengthened WHO’s support by strengthening coordination and collaboration with the member states of the Western Pacific Region in implementing the revised IHR 2005 and the Asia Pacific Strategy for Emerging Diseases (APSED).

Asked on the policy of the Philippine government on distributing the vaccines, Secretary Duque said,”We will give the highest priority to vulnerable groups such as frontline health workers, pregnant women, people with co-morbid conditions as well as the very young and the very old with immuno compromised health status.
We will discuss this in the Task Force --- our vaccination strategy --- beginning next week,” Duque said.

Duque also revealed that at present the DOH has already placed an order worth Php 100million of pandemic vaccines that will be enough to immunize health workers.

Duque hopes to augment the supply of vaccines through donations coming from WHO and wealthy countries such as the United States, Australia, Japan and European Union member countries. (PIA V Release)


DOH, UNFPA, UNICEF, & WHO JOIN HANDS TO REDUCE MATERNAL & NEONATAL DEATHS IN RP

MANILA — The Department of Health (DOH) today announced that the three United Nations (UN) agencies – the United Nations Population Fund, United Nations Children’s Fund, and the World Health Organization have joined forces and resources to undertake a joint program on rapidly reducing maternal and neonatal deaths in the country and meet the Millennium Development Goals.

“This is a very welcome development and I am very glad that the Philippines will benefit from this multi-UN agencies collaborative effort”, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III said.

The Philippines is among the countries which contribute to the high percentage of maternal and neonatal deaths worldwide. According to the 2006 Family Planning Survey, the maternal mortality ratio was pegged at 162 maternal deaths per 100,000 live births.

“This joint undertaking focuses on accelerating our efforts to attain the targets of MDG #5, which is the reduction of maternal mortality ratio by 75% and the universal access to reproductive health services by 2015, and MDG #4 which is the reduction of the neonatal mortality rate”, Duque declared adding that this initiative will also attain the results desired by the National Maternal, Neonatal, Child Health & Nutrition strategy.

The health chief also said that, with the new project, people can expect better health services as each UN agency will be able to assist the government by pooling procurement, sharing costs in service delivery, common equipment, training of health workers, and monitoring and evaluation.

The new project, with the support of the Australian Agency for International Development (AusAID) is divided into two significant phases: the Transition period (2009-2011) which will cover the provinces of Eastern Samar, Ifugao, Lanao del Sur, Maguindanao, North Cotabato, and Saranggani, and the urban poor areas in Tacloban, General Santos, Taguig, Navotas, Parañaque and Makati; and the Full Operationalization Period covering the years 2011-2016.

To seal the partnerships of the three UN agencies, the DOH, and AusAID, a document was signed by the heads of the respective agencies.

“Through this Joint Programme, we will ensure that a coordinated technical and management support from the three UN agencies will be available to operationalize the government-led strategy of averting maternal & newborn deaths in agreed priority sites where UN assistance is needed”, Duque concluded. (PIA V Release)