CLIMATE CHANGE SUBJECT A MUST IN SCHOOL CURRICULUM IN BICOL

LEGAZPI CITY— The Department of Education (DepEd) central office has finally issued a directive to all public and private elementary and secondary schools in Bicol to integrate climate change adaptation (CCA) measures in the school curriculum starting next year, according to Center on Initiatives and Research on Climate Change Adaptation (CIRCA).

Manuel Rangaza, CIRCA executive director, said Monday that Education Sec. Jesli Lapus has already directed DepEd technical personnel to fine tune the guidelines on the new curriculum and immediately implement the curriculum next year.

Rangaza said that once the guidelines are out the inclusion of climate change adaptation and mitigation subjects would be pilot tested in Albay.

“This makes the province a mainstream of CCA in the country’s educational system,” he said.

As this developed Dominador Peralta Jr., Commission on Higher Education (CHED) Bicol regional director, has issued a directive to all state colleges and universities, including private universities and colleges across the region, to also integrate CCA in various social science subjects.

He also directed various higher education institutions here to coordinate with concerned agencies in propagating global warming awareness in schools and adopt strategies on advocacy on CCA and mitigation.

Peralta said “Bicol has been exposed to various climate change risks such as tropical cyclones, storm surges, flooding, and landslides, hence it is our civic duty to take action against climate change through collaboration with scientist, academe policy makers, media and the community.”

Albay Gov. Joey Salceda initiated two years ago the National Conference on Climate Change Adaptation (NCCA), the conference came out with the Albay Declaration on Climate Change Adaptation.

Salceda said the Albay declaration called for the mapping out of local and national policies to arrest the imminent threats posed by global warming and other environmental issues.

He said the initiative led to the passage of the Philippine Climate Change Act focusing on CCA and mitigation. (MALoterte, PIA V)


NAVFORSOL HOLDS “EXERCISE PAGSASAMA”
…training program on disaster response and mitigation cum humanitarian mission

LEGAZPI CITY — A total of 150 naval reservists have completed the just concluded training program on disaster response and mitigation cum humanitarian mission, sponsored by the Philippine Navy (PN) Naval Forces Southern Luzon.

The training program, dubbed as “Exercise Pagsasama ”, commenced Monday until Oct. 5, this year at the PN-NAVFORSOL headquarters in barangay Rawis, this city.

Lt. Darwin Nieva, PN Southern Luzon spokesman, said the program intends to educate and equipped college students on disaster emergency assistance and rescue training.

Nieva added that last October 3 some 699 residents of barangay Bigaa, this city, were provided free medical and dental services, while a total of 211 patients benefited from ophthalmology services and each received a pair of eyeglasses.

The next day, the same contingents also conducted a humanitarian mission in barangay Arimbay, also in this city, offering free medical and dental services and medicines to the residents.

Legazpi City Mayor Noel Rosal, in his keynote address during the opening of the training program, lauded the Philippine Navy in initiating the program designed to train the youth in disaster response and rendering humanitarian works in times of disasters.

Commodore Joel Babas, PN-NAVFORSOL commanding officer, for his part said the training exercise would be a start of a regular program of the naval forces in educating the youth concerning the role of the youth in times of disaster.

Babas said that aside from the training program, the participants who completed the training program will be recruited as a member of the Naval Network in Disaster Operation.

Nieva, meanwhile, said the “Exercise Pagsasama ”, also earlier involved humanitarian mission and rehabilitation of two barangay halls and a daycare center here and in the neighboring Daraga town.

Repair and rehabilitation works were done at the Market site barangay hall in and the Maroroy Daycare Center all in Daraga, and the Barangay Bigaa Multi Purpose Hall, in this city.

Nieva said the repaired village facilities were turned over to the concerned local government unit at the program's closing ceremonies. (MALoterte, PIA/DFNieva, PN)


PHILHEALTH BICOL LAUNCHES ON-LINE SERVICE DESK

LEGAZPI CITY — With the increasing membership of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) in the Bicol region, the agency has recently launched the On-line Service Desk (OSD) in Sta. Elena town, Camarines Norte providing easy access among members in availing its services.

Orlando Iñigo, Jr., PhilHealth Bicol regional director, the on-line services which commenced on the 3rd quarter of this year forms part of the agency’s commitment to serve its members with ease and convenience, especially those who are residing in remote areas of the region.

These services include generation of PhilHealth Number Cards (PNCs), PhilHealth IDs, Member Data Records (MDRs), and PhilHealth Contributions Print-Out.

Iñigo noted that with the establishment of the OSD in Sta. Elena, locals can now access the agency’s services without traveling to Daet Service Office, some 86 kilometers away.

He added that some residents from the nearby Quezon province could also avail the same services from the same OSD as it is just few kilometers away from the municipalities of Tagkawayan and Calauag, both in Quezon.

Considering the geographical boundaries in the region, PhilHealth Bicol maintains its presence for its members through the creation of service desks, wherein five desks have been set up in Labo, Capalonga, Jose Panganiban, Paracale and Sta. Elena towns in Camarines Norte

He said that collection of premium payments is also done in these sub-offices on a scheduled basis by Daet Service Office head, Mr. Ireneo A. Dacillo.

“Except for Sta. Elena town, the rest of the service desks are still on the process of eventually having the capability to process online transactions,” he noted.

The director, meanwhile, stated that negotiations are underway for the replication the project in other provinces of Bicol to further reach out to PhilHealth members “bringing forth our value on people and partnership as we put our members at the core of our operations and as we ensure the delivery of our services with effectiveness and efficiency.” (MALoterte, PIA V))


SORSOGON CELEBRATES 115TH FOUNDATION ANNIVERSARY
…Kasanggayahan Festival opens October 17

SORSOGON Province — It’s all system go for the Kasanggayahan Festival 2009, this province's premier festival, which will formally open on October 17, in time for the 115th foundation anniversary of the Sorsogon province.

In a press conference held Tuesday (October 6), Msgr. Francisco P. Monje, Kasanggayahan Foundation, Inc. president, has assured that the activities are already in place and committee preparations are all set for the opening ceremonies on October 17 as well as for the smooth staging of the festival.

According to Monje, this year's theme "Pangangalaga sa Kalikasan, Buhay ng Susunod na Salinlahi Tungo sa Tunay na Kasanggayahan” (Care for Environment, Life of the Next Generation Way to the True Kasanggayahan) will serve as an awakening for the present generation that the best legacy we can leave for the future generation is but a healthy and rich environment.

Monje also stressed out that “our time now needs nurturing hands from the humanities of the world and it is indeed fitting to start our unified dedication and commitment towards care for the planet where we live in.”

“Kasanggayahan Foundation, Inc., the Provincial Government of Sorsogon, LGUs, government line offices, non-government organizations, private institutions and individuals have pledged to chip in their time, talents and resources to ensure a simple yet meaningful and successful celebration of this year’s festivities,” Monje accounted.

Credit for coining the word Kasanggayahan is given to the late Rev. Fr. Jose O. Ofracio, then the parish priest of the Sts. Peter and Paul Cathedral in the then capital town of Sorsogon.

Fr. Ofracio, also an author in Bicol, made an explanation of Kasanggayahan in the following verses “…when the fields are green and the grains are golden; when the machines work well and business prosper; When the birds in the sky chirp freely and men on earth are peacefully happy; In Bicol, it is Kasanggayahan, meaning a land of peace and a life of prosperity...”

The first Kasanggayahan celebration of the province was held in 1974 under the administration of the late Juan G. Frivaldo, then governor of Sorsogon.

Meanwhile, Gov. Sally A. Lee last week issued Executive Order No. 010 S-2009 declaring October 17 as a special local non-working holiday and enjoining all government officials and employees, as well as the private sector, to actively participate in all the events of the Kasanggayahan festivities.

The declaration is also based from RA 7380 which was passed by Congress and signed into law by then President Corazon Cojuanco – Aquino last April 10, 1991 declaring Oct. 17 of every year as a Special Holiday in the whole province of Sorsogon in celebration, commemoration and founding anniversary of Sorsogon as a separate province from Albay. (BARecebido, PIA Sorsogon)


MASS WEDDING FOR THE IPs HIGHLIGHTs FAMILY WEEK

BUHI, Camarines Sur— Residents of barangay Ibayugan, this municipality witnessed the first ever mass wedding for the 30 couples all members of the “Agta-Tabangueños” tribe to highlight the Family Week celebrations.

Buhi Mayor Rey Lacoste solemnized the wedding rites while other town officials stood as witnesses.

The Agta-Tabangueños are among the poorest families in this town.

“Grabe ang kaogmahan mi asin orgulyo na nabisita kami kan iba-ibang agencia kan gobierno. Primera ini sa estorya kan samuyang tribo na nagkaigua nin “mass wedding” (we are happy and elated with the visit of the different government agencies. This is the first time that a mass wedding was held in our tribe), exclaimed Nanang Berta, the tribe’s chieftain.

Following the mass wedding, agencies in attendance had shared some goods for the newly wed couples. The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) distributed family food packs, one lechon from the Philippine National Police (PNP), farm tools and vegetable seeds from the Department of Agriculture (DA), while the Christian Foundation for the Children and Aging (CFCA) distributed health kits and slippers and the Southern Luzon Mission had soya milk and bread for the children.

The mass wedding was the highlight of the Family Week Celebration which was initiated by the e-Regional Inter-Agency Committee (RIAC) on Family with the DSWD and the National Commission on Indigenous People (NCIP) as the lead.

Other activities were: foot parade joined by the different national and local government agencies, the Regional Parents Education Congress (RPEC) held in Legazpi City and the respective SPs municipalities had also the Municipal Parent Education Congress. (EEJerusalem, DSWD/PIA)


EMB-5 REITERATES OZONE LAYER PROTECTION CAMPAIGN IN MASBATE

MASBATE CITY — In observance of the Ozone Month celebration this September, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-MGB) Bicol re-echoed the need of human involvement in saving the continuous depletion of the ozone layer caused by the use of Ozone Depleting Substances (ODS).

In Masbate province, hundreds of participant- high school students and faculties from different towns and barangays in the province joined the Forum on Saving and Protecting the Ozone, simultaneously held with the Ozone exhibit held at Audio-Visual Bldg. of Osmeña Colleges here.

Topics discussed included Ozone Layer Protection; the National Chloro-Fluoro Carbon Phase-out Plan, its initiatives, clean development mechanism, global and national response.

Dr. Eva S. Ocfemia, Pollution Control Division and Regional Ozone Desk officer, explained to the students the need to understand thoroughly the issues on climate change which is a global concern.

Moreover, to further encourage student’s active involvement, the bureau conducted a mini ozone quiz and games which tested the knowledge and awareness of high school students on subjects that cover ozone layer protection and other factors that contribute to its depletion.

Each school received tokens and info materials from the bureau to use as references for further dissemination of information campaign to their school.

“We are happy that our college gained major participation in this noble undertaking and likewise we certainly share the aim of enhancing the awareness of younger generations in environmental protection and conservation,” Dr. Wilfredo Peliño, Osmeña Colleges president, said.

Ozone Month celebration in September is in line with Montreal Protocol, an agreement of developed and developing countries to combat the alarming rate of ozone depletion through phasing out of ODS.

This year’s theme states “Ozone Protection Unifies the World” encourages people throughout the world to get involved and take necessary actions to save human shield, the ozone layer. (EMB-5 release/PIA)


7th NATIONAL NUTRITION SURVEY RESULTS OUT

MANILA — The Food and Nutrition Research Institute (FNRI) released recently the initial results of the 7th National Nutrition Survey. The survey showed that the nutrition situation of Filipinos has not improved much from 2003/2005 levels.

There are more undernourished children and nutritionally at-risk pregnant and lactating women. The prevalence of adults with chronic energy deficiency, however, has declined.

Survey data revealed that in every 100 preschoolers aged 0-5 years, 26 were underweight, about 28 were under height and 6 were thin, meanwhile, 2 in every 100 preschoolers were overweight. From 2005 to 2008, a significant increase in the proportion of underweight (24.6% to 26.2%) and underheight (26.3% to 27.9%) among preschoolers was noted.

In every 100 school children aged 6-10 years, 26 were underweight, 33 were underheight and 2 were overweight. From 2005 to 2008, a significant increase in the proportion of underweight (22.8% to 25.6%) and underheight (32.0% to 33.1%) school children was also noted.

In every 100 adolescents (aged 11 to 29 years old), 17 were underweight and about 5 were overweight. The prevalence point from 16.0% (2005) to 17.0% (2008). Meanwhile, overweight decreased significant by 0.2 percentage point fro 4.8% (2005) to 4.6% (2008).

On the other hand, in every 100 adults, aged 20 and above, 12 had chronic energy deficiency (CED) while 27 were overweight and obese. A significant decrease in the prevalence of CED from 12.3% (2003) to 11.6% (2008) among adults was noted in contrast, there was a 2.6 percentage point increase in the prevalence of overweight and obese adults.

From 2005 to 2008, the NNS also indicated a 1.9 percentage point rise in the proportion of nutritionally at-risk pregnant women; a reduction in the prevalence of underweight lactating women from 13.9% (2005) to 13.1% (2008); and, 3.8 percentage point decrease in the prevalence of overweight lactating women from 19.8% (2005) to 16.0% (2008).

Given the results of the 7th NNS, Nutrition, Health and Hunger-Mitigation measures will be directed on the highly at-risk groups such as the pregnant women, infants and young children. (DOH-NNC/PIA)


GOV’T, LGUS TO FAST TRACK INFRA REHAB

MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo Tuesday (October 6) said the national government will work closely with local government units on how best to speed up repair and reconstruction of infrastructures destroyed by typhoon “Ondoy”.

The President made the assurance in an impromptu speech at the evacuation center in the Sta. Lucia High School in Barangay Sta. Lucia, Pasig City, where she distributed relief goods, medicine kits, and Philippine Health Insurance Corp. (PhilHealth) cards to some 3,000 families from 30 barangays.

The President also told evacuees their PhilHealth cards can be used for free medical check-ups and hospitalization in any government hospital.

The President was accompanied by Pasig City Rep. Roman Romulo, Mayor Robert Eusebio, Health Secretary Francisco Duque III, Education Secretary Jesli Lapus, and Foreign Affairs Alberto Romulo.


From Pasig, the President motored to Alabang Elementary School in Barangay Alabang, Muntinlupa City and distributed relief goods to 681 families or 2,640 individuals.

Last Saturday (Oct. 3), the President also distributed relief goods to some 3,000 families in three barangays in Marilao, Bulacan as part of the national government’s efforts to help “Ondoy” victims. (PIA V Release)


FFCCCII DONATES P20-M TO OPLAN SAGIP BAYAN

MANILA — The Federation of Filipino-Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry, Inc. (FFCCCII), donated P20 million this morning to the Oplan Sagip Bayan, Malacañang’s relief and assistance project for the victims of tropical storms Ondoy and Pepeng.

The President received the check from FFCCCII president Alfonso Uy during simple turnover ceremonies at the Bahay Pangarap on Malacañang Park.

She then handed the check to Secretary Hermogenes Esperon Jr. of the Presidential Management Staff in the presence of Trade and Industry Secretary Peter Favila, Political Adviser Gabriel Claudio, and Deputy Executive Secretary Susana Vargas.

In an interview, Esperon thanked FFCCCII, saying the donation would go a long way in the efforts to ”assist our brothers and sisters who were affected by the two weather disturbances.”

Esperon said that the earlier donations of P40 million given to the Malacanang Operations Center was used to provide basic commodities such as rice, canned goods, and clean water to some 120,000 affected families.

“With the fresh infusion of capital from the FFCCCII, another 60,000 families will be able to receive the much needed basic commodities soon”, Esperon said.

He lauded the volunteers, especially the students who, despite the resumption of classes, have selflessly continued to give their time and efforts to help out in the relief efforts. (PIA V Release)


TREASURY GETS P43-MILLION ADB RELIEF FUND

MANILA — The Arroyo administration received Monday (October 5) a grant of $3 million from the Asian Development Bank (ADB).

Haruhiko Kuroda, ADB president, pledged the amount in a letter of condolence and sympathy to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo after typhoon Ondoy struck and killed hundreds and laid to waste properties worth billions of pesos in the National Capital Region and surrounding provinces.

In that letter, Kuroda also said he was “deeply saddened by the tragic loss of lives, suffering and damage caused by floods as a result of heavy rains that suddenly and relentlessly hit Manila and nearby provinces over the past weekend.”

The ADB said the telegraphic transfer was sent directly to the Department of Finance International Finance Group, which in turn forwarded the cash to the Bureau of Treasury for disbursements to government agencies in charge of relief operations.

“We are closely monitoring the situation and stand ready to assist the government of the Philippines,” Kuroda said.

ADB’s emergency facility—the Asia Pacific Disaster Response Fund disburses grants to cover the cost of restoring life-saving services following a disaster in the region.
It coordinates its efforts assistance program with the United Nations to and the international community. (PIA V Release)


GOV’T MAY LIFT PRICE CONTROLS EARLY

MANILA — Government may lift price controls of basic goods and services even before the expiry of the 60-day implementation period if the prices stabilize. Initially covered by price controls are basic foodstuffs, petroleum products, auto repairs, and funeral services.

“It will not be difficult for us to recommend the lifting,” Trade Secretary Peter Favila said in a press briefing in Malacanang Tuesday (October 6). He explained that many business firms are claiming they are incurring losses as a result of the price controls.

Meanwhile, Favila said, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) is apprehending profiteers and price manipulators with the help of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).

President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has placed the whole country under a state of calamity due to the devastation wrought by tropical storm “Ondoy” on Sept. 26.

Under the Price Act or Republic Act 7581, the President may impose a price ceiling on any basic necessity or prime commodity for not more than two months under the following conditions: whenever an area is declared a disaster area or under a state of calamity; the privilege of the writ of habeas corpus is suspended in an area; an area is placed under martial law; an area is declared to be in a state of rebellion; or a state of war is declared in an area.

Favila stressed the Price Act generally covers basic necessities such as rice, corn, bread, fresh, dried and canned fish and other marine products, fresh pork, beef and poultry meat, fresh eggs, fresh and processed milk, fresh vegetables, root crops, coffee, sugar, cooking oil, salt, laundry soap, detergents, firewood, charcoal, candles, and drugs classified as essentials by the Department of Health (DoH).

Prime commodities covered by the Price Act are fresh fruits; flour; dried processed and canned pork; beef and poultry meat; dairy products not falling under basic necessities; noodles; onions; garlic; vinegar; patis; soy sauce; toilet soap; fertilizer; pesticides; herbicides; poultry; swine and cattle feeds; veterinary products for poultry, swine and cattle; paper; school supplies; nipa shingles; sawali; cement; clinker; GI sheets; hollow blocks; plywood; plyboard; construction nails; batteries; electrical supplies; light bulbs; steel wire; and all drugs not classified as essential drugs by the DoH. (PIA V Release)


‏THE POWER OF BREASTFEEDING IN TIMES OF EMERGENCIES AND DISASTERS

MANILA — Typhoon Ondoy has left a path of destruction and misery in the country after causing massive flooding in many parts of Metro Manila, Central Luzon and the CALABARZON regions.

Hundreds of thousands of families were affected and many Filipino infants and children have become vulnerable to diseases, premature deaths and malnutrition now that their families are homeless and their parents and caregivers are struggling to cope with this unfortunate crisis.

“Breastfeeding is the perfect shield that will protect our infants from deadly diseases in this time of calamity,” says Health Secretary Francisco T. Duque III. “During emergency situations, this is the lifeline for our infants as breast milk provides them the safest and
the most complete nutrition and an invaluable source of protection against many infections,“ he added.

Thus, with the threat faced by thousands of infants and young children who now stay with their families in evacuation centers, the Department of Health reiterated its policy to initiate breastfeeding within the first hour of birth, to breastfeed exclusively the infant 0-6 months old and to be initiated on safe adequate and appropriate complementary foods at 6 months of age while breastfeeding up to two years and beyond.

Because of the lack of adequate safe water and sanitation facilities in destroyed communities and in evacuation centers, the DOH advised all mothers that it is all the more crucial for them to breastfeed and for government, health professionals, communities and breastfeeding advocates to ensure that there is a supportive, healthy and conducive environment fit for mothers and infants.

“The use of prepared powdered formulas in a situation where there is a lack of safe water & sanitation will only increase the vulnerability of infants to acquire infections,” warned Secretary Duque.

Aside from this, Duque added that only breast milk contains immunological factors and probiotics that protect against diarrheas and pneumonias – the most common causes of deaths in young children. These protective factors are not present in infant milk formula.

Duque shared on-the-ground efforts in the Philippines which provide evidence that breastfeeding can be done during emergencies to counter misconceptions that mothers are unable to breastfeed, produce enough milk or restart breastfeeding because of the stressful situation during crises among other factors.

Health officials of the DOH have been going around evacuation centers since the Tragedy struck to monitor the health of the typhoon victims especially that of mothers, young children and vulnerable infants.

In the evacuation center of Barangay Panghulo in Malabon City, babies are being breastfed by their mothers and have remained safe and free from illnesses.

“This is an excellent model that we want all mothers to practice in all our evacuation centers so that we reduce the risk of diseases and deaths among very young children (0-3 years), “ Duque said.

The DOH together with the affected local government units in Metro Manila is now mobilizing Breastfeeding Support Groups or Peer Counselors to counsel and provide the necessary care to pregnant women and mothers that will encourage and coach them to initiate and sustain breastfeeding. Other affected regions in the country where there are also evacuation centers are urged to do the same.

The breastfeeding support groups will correct misconceptions, provide coaching and counseling to mothers as well as respond to their health and nutritional needs

“First, we should make it clear that all women, even those who are malnourished, can breastfeed. We should put all efforts to keep infants and young children with their mothers and support mothers to breastfeed,” Secretary Duque said.

“In rare circumstances where breastfeeding cannot be implemented, there are other options such as wet nursing, accessing the milk bank and doing cup feeding,” added
Duque.

The DOH is encouraging all partner government and non-government agencies, local government units, private organizations and health professional societies to help promote, protect and support breastfeeding especially during emergency situations.

The DOH through the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has reiterated its policy not to allow donations of breast milk substitutes such as infant formula or other such products covered by the National Milk Code.

“In these challenging times, we must act to save and protect our babies and children and the most excellent way to do it is through breastfeeding,” Duque concluded. (PIA V Release)


DBP PARTNERS WITH USAID FOR CLEAN ENERGY INVESTMENTS

MANILA — State-owned Development Bank of the Philippines (DBP) is partnering
with the United States Agency for International Development’s ECO-Asia Clean Development and Climate Program (ECO-Asia) to promote clean energy investments in the country through a memorandum of understanding signed last October 1, 2009.

ECO-Asia is a regional program funded by USAID that aims to bridge the gap between
investments and clean energy business by building partnerships in several of Asia’s fastest-growing economies.

DBP president and chief executive officer Reynaldo G. David said ECO-Asia’s expertise in providing pro bono technical assistance to clean energy project developers, as well as its ability to harness a global pool of investors for a project, makes it a key partner in promoting new and renewable energy initiatives in the
country.

He added that DBP’s reputation as a progressive government development financial institution, and its local knowledge, will allow it to effectively channel ECO-Asia’s resources to areas that have the most significant impact to the local population.

“Once the fruits of this partnership are realized and green electricity flows to rural communities, business opportunities, local employment, and genuine sustainable development will inevitably follow,” David stressed.

The partnership will help stimulate more clean energy investments in the country, particularly in the Visayas and Mindanao regions, which hold the highest potential for clean energy projects due to abundant natural resources and a progressive agricultural industry.

ECO-Asia is the regional coordinator of the Private Financing Advisory Network (PFAN), a multilateral, public-private partnership initiated by the Climate Technology Initiative in cooperation with the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

In addition to the Philippine, PFAN is active in other Asian countries including China, India, and Indonesia. (PIA V Release)