SEEING A NEW LIGHT THROUGH KALAHI-CIDSS

MASBATE CITY — Residents of Pinanaan village deep in the mountains of Aroroy, Masbate no longer had to shout themselves during assemblies. Thanks to a microphone that was hooked up to a sound system, they were able to voice their concerns and profuse thanks and endless testimonies for KALAHI-CIDSS (Kapit Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan- Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services) project.

After years of using foul-smelling kerosene lamps (gasera) to light homes after dark, residents of the remote barangay of Pinanaan now face the future with renewed hope.

Hope comes in the form of electricity generated by a power generator and mainline electric cable wires. The generator can produce up to 50 watts of electricity a day, is enough to produce for light bulbs, a small radio and even a television.

Never did the people of this barangay think that their community would be reached by electricity, or did they expect rural electrification project to ever unfold in the community.

Fulfilling a dream

KALAHI-CIDSS: KKB has responded by providing Pinanaan a power generator and mainline electric cable wires. The people on the other hand organized themselves to undertake the most commendable project embarked by the community.

During the construction, many volunteers committed their full support towards the project, cutting poles for electric posts; other dug holes and cleared the way for mainline cables.

Every family has committed full involvement in project implementation. The people chartered a collective strategy to actualize their dream project of a sustainable power supply.

The community formed the Barangay Pinanaan Electric Consumers Association (BAPECA), chaired by Ely Saut, along with two operators and treasurer. Each household who uses 120 watts bulb pays a monthly rate of 120 pesos. A membership fee is also collected which is used for maintenance and basic services.

Seeing the light

Today, more than 100 households are being served with electricity.

“Most of our kids can now help in the household chores,” relates Punong Barangay Jose Bajar, adding that “when we didn’t have electricity, they either had to stop doing their homework or plod on under the flickering light of a kerosene lamp. Now, they can study or plays as long as they want.”

“Both kids and adults were up almost all night during the first few days after the lights were turned on,” Bajar said.

The situation has also benefited teachers like Josephine Capinig who can now do lesson plans and other school-related work in relative comfort at night. “We are now able to experience improvements in our lives, no matter how small. I’m so happy, especially for my students,” said Capinig.

It wasn’t their first time to see lighted fluorescent bulbs. Still, the experience of seeing one in town was totally different, if not life-changing, from having one and turning it on with a flick of a switch right in the comforts of their own homes.

As the people enjoy the benefits of locally generated power supply, they realized that there is no better way to attain what they long dreamt of than by working hard for it.

“We are very thankful that the KALAHI-CIDSS program chose our barangay. Though we are still deprived of other basic social services, the electrification project is unequaled by anything else that we can think of,” exclaimed Bajar.

To the people of barangay Pinanaan the project is more than just the amenity they can commonly share. It is the realization of an ardent aspiration, a long-cherished dream. (CLMartinez, KCRSMO-DSWD/PIA)


MAYON VOLCANO PUFFS ASH TUESDAY

LEGAZPI CITY— Three minor ash explosions occurred at the summit crater of Mayon Volcano around 5:37 AM Tuesday, according to the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (Phivolcs).

Alex Baloloy, Phivolcs science research analyst, said the explosion was the first one since Alert Level 2 has been hoisted over the volcano in July this year.

Phivolcs recorded the ash explosions lasted for about three minutes producing a brownish ash column that rose to a maximum height of about 700 meters above the crater and drifted to the southwest direction.

“The explosion is a minor one and Alert Level 2 remains in effect over the volcano,” Baloloy noted.

He added that ash falls were observed at the southwest portion of the volcano.
According to its latest bulletin issued 8:00 AM today, Phivolcs said that its seismic instruments recorded eleven (11) volcanic earthquakes during the past 24 hours.

Steam emission varied from weak to moderate that drifted north-northwest and east-northeast. Sulfur Dioxide (SO2) emission rate decreased to 50 tonnes/day compared to the previous reading of 818 tonnes/day on September 12, 2009). Faint crater glow (Intensity I) was observed last night.

Phivolcs strongly recommends that the 6-km radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) around the volcano and the 7-km Extended Danger Zone (EDZ) on the southeast flank of the volcano remain off-limits to human activities due to the threat from sudden explosions and rock falls from the upper slope.

Phivolcs also warned that active river channels and lahar prone areas in the southeast sector of the volcano should also be avoided as life-threatening mud flows because ash and other loose volcanic deposits may be washed out during bad weather conditions or when there is heavy and prolonged rainfall.

Meanwhile, Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office warned residents to take extra precautionary measures and be ready for evacuation in case the volcano’s state of unrest continues and worsens. (MALoterte, PIA V)


PATLEPAM’s VIDEO PRODUCTION CONTEST ON

LEGAZPI CITY— The Philippine Association of Tertiary Level Educational Institutions in Environmental Protection and Management (PATLEPAM) Bicol encourages its academic partner institutions across the region to join and participate in its Video Production Competition.

Dr. Ninfa R. Pelea, PATLEPAM Bicol coordinator, has urged more school participants to submit video production entries depicting certain facet of today’s environment situation of the country.

Pelea said the submission of entries already commenced August 27 during the launching rites of the first-ever Culture and Arts Fair for the Environment held at Divine Word College here.

Professor Ricardo E. Perez of the Universidad de Nueva Caceres in Naga City, resource speaker of the Video Clip Production and Digital Photograph seminar, also announced the mechanics and other guidelines of the competition.

Based on the contest mechanics, video entry must use and evolve on environmental context of the song “Masdan Mo ang Kapaligiran” by Asin. Schools that will join the contest are given of about 20 days to prepare and create their own output that will be submitted on the third week of September this year.

PATLEPAM plans to hold the awarding of the winning entries on the fourth week of September simultaneous with the awarding of the regional winners for the 2009 National Search for Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Schools at Pacific Mall Legazpi in observance for the Clean Up and Ozone Month celebration. (EMB5 release/PIA)


DSWD LEADS REVIEW OF DAY CARE SERVICES

LEGAZPIA CITY — The Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD) Council, in partnership with the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), is undertaking a survey research named as “State of the Art Review of Day Care Services in the Philippines”.

The survey of day care services focuses on: people of the day care workers, the day care supervisors and the day centers.

Evelyn Lontok, DSWD Bicol assistant regional director, explained that the result of the survey will be used in policy formulation, crafting of possible legislative agenda and develop a more focused and renewed government strategy in order to strengthen the implementation of the day care service.

Lontok added that the baseline data will also serve as inputs in crafting a 5-year ECCD Master Plan.

A joint memorandum between the ECCD Council and DSWD was issued to ensure the efficient and successful implementation of the research.

In close coordination with the local government units in Bicol, the State of the Art Survey is now on its full implementation. (EEJerusalem, DSWD/PIA)


SEN. MADRIGAL HOLDS PUBLIC HEARING ON COAL MINING CONTRACT

LEGAZPI CITY — Senator Jamby Madrigal, chair of the Committee on Environment and Natural Resources in the Senate, will hold a public hearing on Friday (September 18), 1:00 PM, at Pepperland Hotel, on Senate Resolution No. 1289 “A resolution directing the committees on environment and natural resources; and accountability of public officers and investigations to investigate, in aid of legislation, the awarding by the Department of Energy (DOE) to a coal mining contract without public consultation which will lead to enormous environmental destruction and degradation in the province of Catanduanes. (NDeuna, Office of Sen. Madrigal/PIA)


CAMARINES NORTE TO CRAFT PROVINCIAL PHYSICAL FRAMEWORK

DAET, CAMARINES NORTE – The Provincial Government of Camarines Norte has recently conducted a workshop among local government and community leaders discussing issues in formulating the physical framework for the province.

Issues and problems that need to be taken care of include the spill-over of settlements in urban areas; low production of soil; lack of job opportunities in industry and service sectors; encroachment; unregulated mining; environmental hazards like flood, soil erosion, and fault lines; and lack of infrastructure for development.

The workshop focused on the implementing mechanism of the Comprehensive Land Use Plan, Comprehensive Development Plan and the Provincial Development Investment Program regulatory measures.

It was agreed that the implementing mechanism will include the change in the social and economic well-being of the people, improve the quality and physical situation of the environment and to enhance the capability of the local institutions.

The workshop was headed by Architect Madonna A. Abular, Provincial Planning and Development Coordinator and representatives from the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg), Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG), and Ecosystem Environmental Resource Management Division (EERMD). (RBManlangit, PIA Cam Norte).


PGMA off on a 3-nation swing

MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo left early dawn today (Wednesday, Sept. 16) for a two-day official visit to Turkey aimed at further strengthening 60 years of diplomatic relations as well to look into the conditions of sons 5,000 overseas Filipino Workers (OFWs) there.

The President’s visit to the Turkish capital city of Ankara and Istanbul is the first leg of a three-nation swing that will take her to London and the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.

The Department of Foreign Affairs said the President was invited by Turkish President Abdullah Gul. The celebrations of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Turkey this year will be the visit’s highlight.

The Philippines- Turkish diplomatic relations began with a Treaty of Friendship on June 30, 1949. It was further strengthened with their exchange of resident ambassadors in 1990 and 1991.

Diplomatic ties between the two countries gained dramatic boosts with the State Visits of President Fidel Ramos in March 1995 and President Suleyman Demirel to the Philippines in February 1999.

It is the 16th largest economy in the world and the sixth in Europe. Turkey is an emerging market for Philippine exports, alongside India, South Africa, Russia and Ukraine.

Last year, trade between the Philippines and Turkey amounted to more than 114 million US dollars, with Philippine exports to Turkey reaching 63 million US dollars, and Philippine imports from Turkey at 51 million US dollars.

Turkey was the Philippines’ 43rd trading partner in 2008; 33rd as export market and 46th as import source.

Philippine products being promoted in Turkey include costume/precious jewelry (especially pearls, other precious stones), fresh/processed fruits (especially bananas, mangoes), garments/furniture, organic chemicals, and coconut products.

While in Turkey, the President is expected to invite Turkish businessmen to invest in the Philippines particularly in food processing (halal), garments and textile, establishment of oil depots and banking.

Presidential Spokesperson on Economic Affairs Gary Olivar, in a press briefing, said President Arroyo will also take the opportunity to thank President Gul for Turkey’s support for the Philippines’ bid for an observer status with the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC).

Olivar said the Philippines’ bid for an observer status with the OIC is a “major step to the success of the peace process in Mindanao.”

The President is also scheduled to meet with OIC Secretary General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu to solidify the Philippines’ bid and update the latter on the progress in the Mindanao peace process.

The President is also scheduled to meet in Istanbul some of the 5,000 Filipino overseas workers in Turkey.

Olivar said the Filipinos in Turkey are treated well. Most of them, he said, work for households of diplomatic and expatriate community or rich Turkish families. Ten percent or approximately 500 Filipinos in Turkey are professionals and skilled workers such as engineers, architects, doctors and teachers.

From Turkey, the President will proceed to the United Kingdom then Saudi Arabia to promote the Philippines as an attractive investment destination; to look after the welfare of Filipino overseas workers and strengthen bilateral relations with said countries. (PIA V Release)


PGMA’s visit in Turkey will solidify RP’s bid to OIC

MANILA — One of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo’s main agenda in her Turkey visit on Wednesday is to solidify the country’s bid for an observer status with the Organization of Islamic Conference (OIC) as she is expected to meet and update the OIC Secretary General Ekmeleddin Ihsanoglu on the progress in the Mindanao peace process.

President Arroyo will also take the opportunity to thank Turkey President Abdullah Gul for his nation’s support of the Philippines’ bid for an observer status in OIC, which is aimed at ending the separatist movement in Southern Philippines.

In a press briefing, Presidential Spokesperson for Economic Affairs Professor Gary Olivar said the Chief Executive’s visit to Turkey will be the highlight of the 60th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and Turkey this year.

The President’s visit is expected to strengthen economic ties with Turkey, which is the 16th largest economy in the world and the 6th in Europe. Turkey is an emerging market for Philippine exports, alongside India, South Africa, Russia, and Ukraine.

The Turkey visit, Olivar added, is also a chance for President Arroyo to forward the welfare of an estimated 5,000 overseas Filipino workers (OFWs).

From Turkey, the President will proceed to the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia.

The Chief Executive will deliver a keynote address before delegates attending “The Emerging Markets Summit” hosted by London-based news magazine “The Economist” slated to be held from September 17-18.

After London, Olivar noted President Arroyo will proceed to Saudi Arabia to meet with Filipino communities in Jeddah, Al Kobbar, and Dammam. She may also ask Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz Al Saud to pardon Filipinos languishing in Saudi jails.

From Saudi Arabia, President Arroyo and her lean delegation will fly back to Manila. (PIA V Release)


DOLE: RP job quality has improved

MANILA — Department of Labor and Employment Marianito Roque on Wednesday maintained that the administration' s job generation program has provided sound employment to numbers of Filipinos and lifted them off from the quagmire of poverty.

“The National Statistics Office labor force survey shows that the quality of employment continues to improve,” Secretary Marianito D. Roque said, highlighting the fact that wage and salary employment increased by 7.3 percent over last year’s, as the survey showed.

“The number of persons in full time employment also increased by 500,000, or 2.2%, while self-employed workers and unpaid family workers fell by 335,000 and 174,000, respectively,” Roque said.

The DOLE chief explained that the dip in the number of self-employed and unpaid workers mean either of two things: the self-employed and unpaid family workers could have dropped out of the labor force or found full-time employment.

On the unemployed, Roque said the number of workers that entered the labor force – 1.089 million – higher by 0.3 percent than last year’s, could have contributed to the spike in the number of unemployed persons – 173,000 – which is generally at the same level as that of July 2008.

Roque also said that the survey also shows that total employed persons grew by nearly a million – 916,000 – albeit lesser than last year’s growth of 3.8 percent, or 1.275 million. The survey says the employment level increased by 2.6 percent to 35.509 million from 34.593 million a year ago.

He attributed the modest hike in employment to the government’s economic stimulus program, adding that the DOLE itself has embarked on several emergency employment projects nationwide.

“This is how we see the NSO’s labor force survey. We are concerned with the unemployment rate, but we are also hopeful about the quality of employment that continues to improve and for which we continue to focus our work on,” Roque said. (PIA V Release)


One million more Pinoys employed in July

MANILA – The number of employed persons nationwide rose to 35.51 million in July this year, or about a million more than the 34.59 million posted a year ago.

Data released today by the National Statistics Office (NSO) show the services sector boosted the employment rate as it accounts for about 52 percent of employed persons in July this year, from 50.2 percent a year ago.

The sector includes workers in wholesale and retail trade; hotels and restaurants; transport, storage and communication; financial intermediation; real estate, renting and business activities; public administration; education; health and social work; community activities; private households and extra-territorial bodies.

The agriculture and industrial sectors correspondingly accounted for 33.6 percent and 14.8 percent of the country’s employed persons.

Agriculture’s employment share this year is lower than the 35 percent it posted a year ago.
The industrial sector’s employment share remained unchanged from last year, however.
Industrial workers are found in mining and quarrying; manufacturing; electricity, gas and water as well as construction. (PIA V Release)