DENR RULES OUT OIL SPILL IN SORSOGON CITY

SORSOGON CITY — The Provincial Environmental Management Office (PEMO) here of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources - Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) has ruled out oil spill following investigations conducted in the wake of complaints of one barangay official and a resident of barangay Gimaloto, this city.

DENR-EMB has already released the results of the investigation arising from the complaint of reported oil spill in barangays Gimaloto, Barayong and Basud, all in this city, concluding that the incidence is isolated and limited in nature.

In a recent emergency meeting of the sectoral heads of the Bacon-Manito Multi-Partite Monitoring Team (BMGMMT), Leonisa Madeloso said that while it is true that there were traces of grease or used oil seen in the area, only a single farm area adjacent to the bank of Cawayan River in Gimaloto was affected.

The farm is owned by a one Iyoy Jazareno, who filed the complaints, along with Hon. Arles Caubang, punong barangay of Gimaloto.

Madeloso explained, “If the reported oil spill is massive in its scope, traces can be observed practically along the stretch of the river and surrounding areas, and not only on a single farm area.”

She also noted out that no traces were noted within nearby farm, houses or even on the river bank.

“Likewise, there is no hard evidence that would point responsibility to the Energy Development Corporation – Bacon Geothermal Production Field (EDC-BGPF) considering that the firm already stopped its operation in Cawayan area since 2005 after the National Power Corporation (NPC) shut down the power plant,” she added.

Investigating team attempted to meet Jazareno but he was nowhere to find that time. While interfacing some key officials of barangays Basud and Barayong revealed that no incidence of oil spill was even heard of.

Meanwhile, sectoral heads of the BMGMMT immediately conducted ocular monitoring and verification of EMB’s report noting that

The reported oil spill is not really oil spill in the truest sense of the word but an ordinary spill that may have been caused by improper storage of used oil from residential units adjacent to the farm area and flooding in recent days may have resulted to its spillage.

“The absence of traces during the ocular inspection showed that the affected area is limited only to some portions of Jazareno’s farm in Gimaloto downstream and not in Basud and Barayong upstream and therefore cannot be possibly caused by EDC-BGPF,” said Oscar Dominguez, BMGMMT leader and DENR- Provincial Environment and Natural Resources officer.

The team has further recommended that residents and local officials must follow proper channeling and coordination with concerned agencies, like the Sorsogon City Agriculture Office and National Irrigation Administration (NIA) office here once they observe changes or unfamiliar occurrences in their farmlands in order to identify possible causes and immediately employ appropriate action on them.

BMGMMT has also encouraged local residents to continuously keep an eye and be more analytical of whatever incidence that occurs in their community.

BMGMMT has recommended holding of community clean-ups and strict implementation of the Ecological Solid Waste Management program to prevent and control the spread of water-borne illnesses and diseases such as itching, allergies and athlete’s foot, among others.

The EMB investigating team was composed of two PEMO assistants and representatives from the PENRO-LGU and Provincial Agriculture Office while the BMGMMT were represented by the sectoral heads from DENR-PENRO, DENR-CENRO EDC, NPC, PIA and City ENRO. (BARecebido, PIA Sorsogon)


BICOL NUTRICOMNET SLATES REGIONAL NUTRI QUIZ

LEGAZPI CITY — The Nutrition Communication Network (NUTRICOMNET) of the Department of Science and Technology (DOST) has slated the Regional Nutri Quiz on
November 25, 2009, 3:00– 5:00 pm at the SM City Activity Center in Naga City.

The Nutri Quiz will highlight the 2nd Southern Luzon Cluster Science and Technology Fair (SLCSTF) in time for the Bicol Regional Science and Technology Week (RSTW) with the theme “Responding to Global Challenges thru Science and Technology”.

The competition will test the knowledge and proficiency of Barangay Nutrition Scholars (BNS), along with their Barangay Health Workers (BHWs) on basic nutrition as in line with the theme this year’s Nutrition Month celebration, that is, “Wastong Nutrisyon Kailangan, Lifestyle Diseases Iwasan”.

Every province will be represented by a contestant endorsed by the provincial or city nutrition council to the National Nutrition Council (NNC).

The regional quiz bee is comprised of two levels, including the elimination and championships. Elimination round will be consist of 15 questions which varies from easy to difficult. The top five contestants will qualify for the championship round, which will be consist of 10 questions, from easy to difficult.

Winners will be announced and prizes will be awarded during the closing/ awarding ceremonies on same date.

Among the cooperators for the Regional Nutri Quiz are the regional offices of NNC, Commission on Population (POPCOM) and the Department of Health (DOH).

Other activities for the SLCSTF include the visual and interactive exhibits, stakeholders/scientific fora, S&T trivia, techno demo on nutritious snack foods, seminars for MSMEs on food safety, GMP, HACCP and packaging for MSMEs. (ROLucena, DOST V/PIA)


ISSUANCE OF ECC NOW REQUIRES GIS

LEGAZPI CITY — Local government units, non-government organizations, building contractors, housing and subdivisions developers applying for an Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC) are now required to secure a Geo-hazard Identification Survey (GIS) from the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB).

Engr. Renaldo Juan, MGB Bicol chief, said that the bureau has required applicants to submit documentary requirements whenever they are requesting for GIS, including a written letter request addressed to the regional director, site development plan, topographic map, lot plan and site grading plan—an optional requirement especially for projects located in sloping terrains.

Juan added that applicants are required a fee of P2,000.00 for every surveyor/day but not less than P6,000.00. They can avail of the GIS service from Monday to Friday, 8:00 am–12:00 noon and 1:00-5:00 pm.

The GIS can be completed or issued to the applicants 10 days after completion of the field survey.

“However, if further Engineering Geological and Geo-hazard Assessment (EGGA) is required, as recommended in the GIS report, the proponent needs to have a private practicing geologist to undertake the required EGGA,” he stressed.

Juan also said MGB may undertake an EGGA whenever a government project is involved subject to a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA). (MGB V/PIA)


LEGAZPI CITY STAGES ‘WALK AS ONE” AGAINST BREAST CANCER

LEGAZPI CITY — The city government here, in cooperation with Avon Cosmetic Inc. Legazpi and the Legazpi City Women’s Federation (LCWF), has launched November 8 a simultaneous 3-km “Walk as One” for breast cancer awareness and prevention program.

Geraldine “Gie” Rosal, wife of Legazpi City Mayor Noel E. Rosal and LCWF president, said the activity formed part of the various awareness program on breast cancer prevention and control as well as show and inspire of social concerns for patients with breast cancer.

Rosal, who also serves as honorary chair for the fun walk, cited the women of Legazpi City, as well as other participating sectors, for taking part in such initiative and concern for women inflicted with the disease, furthermore, on preventing the spread breast cancer.

Chris Fertejo, Avon Legazpi City branch manager, averred similar activities were also staged in the cities of Malolos and Vigan, and Metro Manila. While the cities of Cebu, Cgayan de Oro and Bacolod lauched similar fun walk on October 5, this year.

“The activity is a non-competitive event and aimed at raising awareness against breast cancer,” Festejo added.

She likewise noted that anyone can be a victim of breast cancer— women and recent cases were also noted even among men, regardless of age, race, social and economic status.

She said that through Kiss Goodbye to Breast Cancer (KGBC), launched in 2002, Avon helped establish the Breast Care Center (BCC) at the Philippine General Hospital (PGH) and has successfully funded the treatment of indigents, initiated support groups, conducted regular gatherings for sufferers and survivors and provide much needed equipment to selected provincial government hospitals.

Festejo also stated that Avon has available KGBC T-shirt limited edition sold for only P149 from Avon representative or any Avon branch, adding that P20 of the amount will proceed to various Lying-in Clinic in barangay Banquerohan and donated to breast cancer victims in the city.

Also present during the fun walk representative from Avon branches across Bicol, Philippine National Trainees, professionals, senior citizens, city government employees and Kabalikat Civicom. (MPSolis, LGU Legazpi City/PIA)


NFA DISTRIBUTES PALAY SEEDS TO CAMARINES NORTE FARMERS, ASSURES ENOUGH SUPPLY OF RICE

DAET, Camarines Norte — The National Food Authority (NFA) provincial office here will distribute a total of 5,600 bags of palay certified seeds to farmers in Camarines Norte starting this week.

Engr. Jose Danilo Nieves, NFA Camarines Norte provincial manager, said the agency will be distributing an initial of 1,000 bags of certified seeds this week to qualified farmers.

Nieves said that this is part of the Rapid Seeds Supply Financing Project (RSSFP) f the Department of Agriculture (DA), funded by the International Fund for Agriculture (IFA).

He explained that farmers who are recommended by the Municipal Agriculture Office (MAO) can avail of the farm input subsidy.

The farmers will only pay 50% of the total amount of the palay certified seeds.

Nieves also said that farmers will have to buy the certified seeds from the Camarines Norte Seed Growers Association (CNSGA).

Meanwhile, Nieves also assured the public that the province has enough supply of rice until the first quarter of next year.

“A buffer stock of 100,000 bags of rice and 100,000 bags of palay are available in their warehouses,” he said. (RBManlangit/PIA CamNorte)


Ermita says RP making headway in fight against corruption

MANILA — The Philippines is qualified for monetary grants under the Millennium Challenge Corp. (MCC), and that means the Arroyo administration has made some headway in the fight against graft and corruption.

In a media briefing Wednesday (November 18), Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said government agencies such as the Bureau of Customs. Philippine National Police, Bureau of Internal Revenue, among others, have shown improvements in their operating procedures.

The Corruption Perceptions Index (CPI), an annual publication ranking countries by the perceived corruption among public officials and politicians, ranks the Philippines 141st out of 180 countries last year.

The MCC is an independent US agency that seeks to reduce global poverty by prodding developing countries to commit themselves to good governance and economic freedom. It does so by offering monetary grants to fund projects focused on achieving sustainable economic growth.

The Department of Foreign Affairs earlier said that on the Control of Corruption indicator, the Philippines’ ranking has actually improved by six notches, from 39th to 33rd, above the 37th rank of the median country out of the 73 countries in the MCC list.

Comparing the results with last year’s MCC scorecard, the DFA pointed out that the country would have showed improved performances had it not been elevated to a higher income category. The failing marks, it stressed, resulted chiefly from the country’s transition from a low-income country (LIC) in 2008 to lower middle-income (LMIC) in 2009, based on its improved income per capita.

Higher income countries are measured using more stringent standards.

The improvement in the country’s income category is a clear reflection of the government’s sustained commitment to economic and governance reforms amidst the global financial crisis, the DFA added.

The DFA also said the World Bank increased the Philippines scores in governance report. In the 2009 World Governance Indicators (WGI) report published by the World Bank Institute, the Philippines demonstrated significant improvements in four out of six governance dimensions namely, government effectiveness, regulatory quality, rule of law and control of corruption. In fact, the biggest jump was recorded in the control of corruption where the country’s score increased from 22.2 percent to 26.1 percent.”

The WGI report, together with its third party sources of information, represents the largest publicly available data resource on governance in the world. It is also used by the MCC, in combination with other indicator reports, in making its allocation decisions.

The MCC scorecard showed the country received passing marks for Political Rights (53%), Civil Liberties (62%), Government Effectiveness (79%), and Voice and Accountability (59%), Regulatory Quality (74%), Land Rights and Access (58%), Trade Policy (65%), Inflation (48%), and Fiscal Policy (56%), but failed in Business Start-Up (34%).

Under the second broad category “Investing in People,” the country showed a passing mark for Natural Resource Management (84%) but failed under Immunization Rates (41%), Girls’ Primary Education Completion (44%), Health Expenditures (19%), and Primary Education Expenditures (32%).

Ermita expressed hope the World Bank report on the improved income status of the Philippines will not derail the bid for an MCC full Compact grant in 2010.

The country’s compact proposal for 2010-2014 is currently under technical review.

The Compact proposal, which is in the final stages of development, focuses on three high-impact projects: Secondary National Roads Development (SNRD); Kapit-Bisig Laban sa Kahirapan-Comprehensive and Integrated Delivery of Social Services (KALAHI-CIDSS), and Integrated Revenue Information System (IRIS).

The Philippines’ plan of action under MCC’s Policy Improvement Process (PIP) to strategically address policy performance issues such as Control of Corruption is also being reviewed by the MCC.

The MCC has recognized the high degree of political commitment the Philippine government has demonstrated to this process which is a product of a multi-stakeholder effort.

The Philippines’ PIP will monitor progress in preventive measures against corruption such as improving transparency in budget delivery, institutionalization of a balanced scorecard system on improved frontline public services in specific national agencies, and development of selected local government units (LGUs) as sparkplugs for economic development.

The MCC will provide $5.57 million to help the Philippines complete beneficiary analysis, engineering designs, and environmental and social impact assessments for the Compact proposal. (PIA V Release)


Peace process remains government’s top priority

MANILA — Malacañang reiterated Wednesday (November 18) that peace talks with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) remains a huge priority of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and that her administration will try to resolve the peace conflict before she steps down next year.

In a press briefing, Presidential Spokesperson and Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said that President Arroyo is genuinely concerned over the peace situation in Mindanao and wants a lasting solution by way of an accord with the MILF and the Communist Party of the Philippines-National People’s Army-National Democratic Front (CPP-NPA-NDF).

“The peace process is on top of the agenda of President Arroyo from day one. When she took the helm in January 21, 2001, we have a national security briefing and she made her initial guidance and reaction and that is to pursue peace process in all groups fighting the government,” Ermita said.

He added that development can only happen “if there’s peace and order and security in an area.”

“Call it whatever it is, but the successful agreement coming out of the negotiations definitely will be a legacy to any president as the 1996 GRP-MNLF (Government of the Republic of the Philippines-Moro National Liberation Front) agreement, you might say, was a legacy of Ramos administration. But of course, all presidents would like full efforts at maintaining peace and order especially in achieving an agreement where there is trouble is a legacy. Of course, not just for legacy, but that is what’s needed,” he explained.

He also noted the MILF’s sincerity in the ongoing peace talks as demonstrated in their cooperation to rescue and free the abducted Irish priest Michael Sinnott.

Ermita, however, added that MILF as a group cannot control all their people on the ground due to the presence of its rogue elements.

The government would continue with its peace paradigm of using both soft and hard power, interfaith dialogue, authentic consultations with communities, and the principles of disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration for all armed rebel groups.

Malacanang has earlier reiterated that terrorism and criminality could not be solved by force alone but by development as well.

Aside from pursuing a final peace pact with the MILF, the government is also hopeful that peace talks between the government peace panel and the CPP-NPA-NDF would soon resume as back channel negotiations continue.

Last August, both the government and the MILF peace panels expressed a desire to resume the stalled negotiations, following the July 29 meeting between government peace panel chairman Ambassador Rafael Seguis and MILF Chairman Mohagher Iqbal.

Both panels are now working on the terms of references.
The government, upon the President’s instruction, issued a Suspension of Military Operation (SOMO) on July 23. The MILF reciprocated with its own Suspension of Military Activities (SOMA) two days later. (PIA V Release)


PGMA inducts 67 government employees, 27 NGO members

MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo led Wednesday (November 18) the mass oath taking of 67 government employees and 27 members of non-government organizations at the Rizal Hall of Malacañang.

President Arroyo administered the oath of office of Supreme Court Associate Justice Martin Villarama, Jr. He is the 166th magistrate to be appointed to the High Court.

The 63-year old SC Associate Justice was a perennial nominee by the Judicial and Bar Council (JBC) having nominated for nine times. He previously received recognition as one of the justices with zero or least pending cases during the 71st Anniversary of the Court of Appeals in 2007.

The nine Court of Appeals Associate Justices who took their oath of office include Justices Socorro Inting, Angelita Gacutan, Edwin Sorongon, Ramon Cruz, Agnes Carpio, Amy Lazaro Javier, Franchito Diamante, Rodil Zalameda and Edgardo Delos Santos.

The Philippine Ambassador to the Kingdom of Belgium Enrique Manalo also took his oath of office. He previously served as the Foreign Affairs Undersecretary and the Philippines Permanent Representative to the United Nations in Geneva.

The other envoys inducted were Philippine Ambassador to the Islamic Republic of Pakistan Jesus Yabes, Philippine Ambassador to the Republic of South Africa Mario De Leon, Jr., and Philippine Ambassador to the Socialist Republic of Vietnam Jerril Santos.

The other oath-takers were from the Armed Forces of the Philippines, Office of the President, Presidential Management Staff, National Labor Relations, Legal Education Board, Federation of Aviation Organizations of the Philippines, Inc., and Lopez (Quezon) Greater Manila Residents Asociation Inc. (PIA V Release)


Japanese firm donates rice to Oplan Sagip Bayan

MANILA — Asahi Glass Company (AGC) of Japan donated 300 sacks of rice to Malacanang’s Oplan Sagip Bayan, in support of government efforts to provide relief to victims of tropical storms “Ondoy “and “Pepeng.”

Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita received the letter of donation this Wednesday (November 18) afternoon from Naoki Arai, general manager of AGC Ltd., in simple rites held at the Oplan Sagip Bayan headquarters in Malacanang.

Witnessing the turnover of the two truckloads of Sinandomeng and Angelica rice were AGC Flat Glass Philippines Inc. chairman Renato Ermita, and AGC Phils. President Emmanuel Go.

Also present were Presidential Management Staff director general Hermogenes Esperon Jr. and Social Welfare Undersecretary for operations and capacity building group Cecilia Capadocia-Yangco.

Secretary Ermita AGC officials that the donation will be brought to the task force headquarters for repacking and after that the volunteers of Oplan Sagip Bayan will deliver the goods to the victims of calamities.

Records from the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) showed that as of Nov. 2, the donations (both in cash and in kind) have reached P75.5 million. (PIA V Release)


PGMA to attend Lakas-Kampi CMD national convention

MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will attend tomorrow the Lakas-Kampi CMD national convention at the Philippine International Convention Center (PICC).

The convention will formally ratify the nominations of former Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro and showbiz personality Edu Manzano for president and vice president, respectively.

In the same convention, the President is expected to hand over the party leadership to former Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro before some 1,000 delegates from all over the country.

The President and six top party officials, namely House Speaker Prospero Nograles, Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita, the President’s Political Adviser Gabriel Claudio, and the incoming president and secretary general of the party will be asked to go up the stage.

The President will call the session to order. She is expected to continue serving the party as president emeritus. (PIA V Release)