DOTC FASTRACKS CONSTRUCTION OF SLIA IN ALBAY

DARAGA, Albay— The implementation of the Southern Luzon International Airport (SLIA) is in full swing as the construction of road components has already commenced following the acquisition of some 200 hectares of land, according to the Department of Transportation and Communications (DOTC) in Bicol.

SLIA is a major project of the DOTC under President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo’s super region program with a total of P3.4 billion funding to finance the construction of the international airport in the Bicol peninsula expected to be completed by 2012.

DOTC said it has already processed payment claims of over 200 landowners whose properties were affected by the construction of the international airport at barangay Alobo, this municipality.

The construction of the SLIA will cover 200 hectares, which 187 hectares cover airport terminal and runway, 1.5 kilometers will be used for access roads and another 10 hectares are being negotiated for resettlement area for residents who lost their property and have no other home to live.

Albay Gov. Joey Salceda said the project has already spent some P800-million for land acquisition component of the project, and the pre-construction and other structural requirements including the feasibility study.

Salceda expressed optimism that as soon as the land acquisition is completed the airport construction at the 200-hectare plateau in barangay Alobo would push through as scheduled.

He said that the present site is the most ideal and strategic because the location is accessible to other provinces of Bicol such as, Sorsogon, Masbate, and Catanduanes including the Visayan provinces through Matnog port in Sorsogon.

At the same time, investors from other countries who visited Albay province expressed their willingness to set up businesses following the construction of international airport, Salceda said.

SLIA is just one of the big infrastructure projects in the region now being fast track under the super region concept designed by the Macapagal-Arroyo administration.

Bicol is now under the Central Philippines cluster, composed of the three Visayan regions, which focuses on tourism development.

Currently, Legazpi Airport served as the airline's hub in Bicol, serving not only local clients in Albay but also transient passengers from southern Camarines Sur and the province of Sorsogon. (MSArguelles, PNA Bicol/PIA)


SORSOGON OIL PLAYERS ASSURE ENOUGH FUEL SUPPLY

SORSOGON Province — Supply of fuel and petroleum products remain stable in this province unlike in other areas in Luzon claiming shortage following the implementation of Executive Order No. 839 freezing oil prices to October 15 level and other basic commodities in badly devastated by typhoon.

Engr. Nelson Doloiras, one of the major petroleum products distributors here has assured the public that enough supply of fuel and petroleum products is available in the province, adding that there is sufficient reserves which can sustain the consumers’ needs for couple of months.

Doloiras has cautioned, however, consumers to purchase these commodities only according to their needs and not to hoard, otherwise, “We may encounter shortage and some consumers may not be given product allocations.”

“With situation in other areas, we are very careful here distributing the commodities, noting that if motorist requests for full tank, we grant them, however, we do not allow to fill up extra containers for them,” he said.

“On the other hand, buyers are from the agricultural sector are allowed to purchase up to 20 liters per day. Non-regular customers, however, are required to secure certification from their village official certifying them legitimate farmers or fisher folks.

Doloiras stressed that they do not prevent consumers to purchase petroleum products from our stations, “What we are doing is plainly carrying out a distribution system we will not suffer from supply shortage, but rather sustain the needs of all stakeholders.”

Further, he also appealed to all local government units (LGUs) and concerned government agencies to carefully study the allocation scheme and proper use of disaster/calamity funds.

“Shortage of petroleum supply is also part of the economic risk that must be considered by the government particularly in crafting its disaster risk reduction plan. (BARecebido, PIA Sorsogon)

UNICEF-CPC EXTENDED ANEW

DAET, Camarines Norte — The Country Programme for Children (CPC) in Camarines Norte will be extended anew for another two years, according to official of United Nations Children’s Fund.

Angela Travis, UNICEF communication officer, told the Provincial Technical Working Group (PTWG) in a meeting held last November 9 that the next phase of the CPC in the province will focus mainly on programs, projects and policies in pursuit of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs).

Travis said that UNICEF will be coming out with the assessment results of the implementation of the CPC 5 and 6 to benchmark the start of the next phase of the program.

She noted that the 7th phase of CPC will now cover only 8 provinces and 2 cities from the 18 provinces and 4 cities across the country that the UNICEF has identified and assisted.

She explained that those will not be included in CPC 7 will still continue the programs but will focus on sectoral needs, that is, health and nutrition will focus on breastfeeding and malnutrition; child protection on child trafficking, education (targeting zero school drop out) and Early Childhood Care and Development (ECCD).

The communication sector will now be integrated in sectoral concern she said.

Travis also noted that UNICEF will also include in the program climate change adaptation and mitigation, disaster risk reduction, preparedness and mitigation, in the wake of the devastations brought by typhoons.

Travis and her team have recently visited the province conducting interfacing with local officials and residents on the impacts of CPC implementation in schools and day care centers, including measures to address malnutrition and ensure child protection welfare.

Areas visited were Jose Panganiban National High School, pilot area for child-friendly school system; barangays Parang and Osmeña, both in Jose Panganiban town; Batobalani in Paracale; Sto. Domingo Elementary School on Breastfeeding Support Group program; and, water sanitation project in Calangkawan Norte, all in Vinzons town.

They also visited ECCD covered barangays in the municipalities of Mercedes and Daet and the Halfway Home for abused women and children in Bagasbas, Daet; and, observed and provided inputs during the training of day care workers and pre-school teachers in Daet;. (RBManlangit, PIA CamNorte)


NEW AGRI TECHNOLOGY EYED FOR FARMERS TO IMPROVE PRODUCTION

PILI, Camarines Sur – A new dawn opens up for vegetable growers in the Bicol region devastated by the recent super typhoons Pepeng as the provincial government of Camarines Sur, Department of Agriculture Regional Field Office (DA-RFU) in Bicol and the Agricultural Training Institute (ATI) are jointly spearheading a seminar training for local growers across the province on production of high value vegetable and other quality crops.

The Provincial Agriculture Office here said this initiative will encourage growers to increase vegetable production to meet the shortfall in the domestic market.

With the scarce supply not able to meet the demand, the tendency is for the prices of the vegetable crops to go up. Hence, challenges and opportunities abound for local growers to produce more to increase their income.

PAO said the primary objective of the activitiy is for the vegetable growers to learn the right techniques of growing different vegetables varieties and root crops, eradication of pests and proper utilization of organic fertilizers.

The activity is fully supported by Governor LRay Villafuerte firmly who believes on the importance of the need to equip local vegetable growers with new skills and learn new technologies to improve production and earn more.

Schedule of the series of seminar trainings is as follow: Sagnay (Nov. 11), Del Gallego (Nov. 12), Magarao (Nov. 17), Siruma (Nov. 19), Garchitorena (Nov. 24), Presentacion (Nov. 26), and Caramoan (Nov. 27).

Municipalities that have already underwent the same training include San Jose, Gainza, Pamplona, Cabusao, Balatan, Bato, Minalabac, Bula, Baao, Lupi, Bombon, Ocampo, , San Fernando, Camaligan, and Canaman. (LAGavino/SNieves, MMEC/PIA)

PHILHEALTH INCREASES BENEFITS FOR NSD
AND MCP EFFECTIVE NOVEMBER 1, 2009

LEGAZPI CITY — Members of the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) and their dependents can now avail of higher benefits for normal deliveries in accredited facilities which has been increased to P6,500 effective November 1, this year, by virtue of the agency’s Circular No. 39, s. 2009.

The circular provides that members or dependents who will give birth at PhilHealth accredited hospitals could avail of the Normal Spontaneous Delivery (NSD) package, applicable to normal deliveries of the first four births, amounting to P6,500.

The amount covers the facility fee, physician fee and prenatal care components:

a. P2,500 to cover hospital charges for: room and board, drugs and medicines, laboratory, supplies and other ancillary procedure s; labor room, delivery room and recovery room; and other medically necessary charges for delivery and post-partum care;

b. P2,500 to cover payment of professional fee of accredited professionals for delivery services, immediate post-partum care and counseling for reproductive health, breastfeeding and newborn care; and

c. P1,500 for reimbursement of members’ prenatal expenses prior to confinement. This may cover any of the following prenatal expenses: drugs and medicines, laboratory tests and ancillary procedures; tetanus immunization; and, prenatal consultations as supported by official receipts.

The circular further cited that members or dependents who will give birth at accredited lying-in clinics, birthing houses or midwife-managed clinics, could avail of the Maternity Care Package (MCP), also applicable to normal deliveries of the first four births, amounting to P6,500, that is:

a. P5,000 to cover charges for: professional fee (delivery, postpartum care, and counseling for reproductive health, breastfeeding and newborn screening); room and board; drugs and medicines; laboratory, supplies and other medically necessary charges for delivery and postpartum care.

b. P1,500 for reimbursement of members’ prenatal expenses prior to
confinement. This may cover any of the following prenatal expenses:
essential drugs and medicines; laboratory tests and ancillary
procedures; tetanus immunization; and professional fee for
consultations as supported by official receipts.

PhilHealth noted that members or dependents who will avail of the prenatal care component of the MCP should have at least four prenatal visits done prior to delivery.

In availing the benefit, the guidelines stipulated, payment of the prenatal care component of the MCP and NSD package is payable to PhilHealth members upon presentation of valid Official Receipts. Official receipts should be attached in the PhilHealth Claim Forms submitted by accredited providers to PhilHealth which will be subjected to the usual processing of claims.

While in availing the expanded NSD package and Maternity Care Package, members under the Individually Paying Program (IPMs), including the IPMs under the Group Enrolment Scheme, are required nine months of contribution within the immediate 12 months prior to the month of benefit claims.

However, those who are employed members and IPMs enrolled by Organized Groups through the KASAPI must have paid at least three months of contribution within the immediate six months prior.

Members under the Sponsored Program and the Overseas Workers Program are entitled to the package if the date of claims falls within the validity period of their membership as stated in their ID card/enhanced Member Data Record.

On the other hand, lifetime members and/or dependents shall be entitled to avail of the package upon presentation of their PhilHealth ID and Member Data Record.
(PhilHealth V/PIA)

CSC SUPPORTS CAMPAIGN TO END VAW

LEGAZPI CITY — The Civil Service Commission (CSC) in Bicol, as a member-agency of the Inter-Agency Council on Violence Against Women and Children (IACVAWC), has expressed support and enjoined all government agencies to participate in the marathon campaign to end violence against women from November 25 to December 12, 2009.

The 18-day information and advocacy drive will evolve on the theme: Commit-Act-Demand: We Can End Violence Against Women!

CSC Bicol has already lined up activities that are attuned and relevant to this year’s theme to ensure a more focused and progressive campaign including:

• Launching of the Gawad Kawayan Awards (GKA), the Gender and Development Awards on November 25at 8:00 am;
• Gender Sensitivity Seminar (GSS) for Men and/or Brown Bag Discussion on Sexual Harassment in the Public Sector;
• Information Dissemination of GAD-related policies and programs through the tri-media

Meanwhile, the CSC central office will also spearhead activities which can be replicated by other government agencies nationwide as follow:

• Gender and Development (GAD) Deepening Session for CO and CSCRO GANG/GAD Focal points on December 3-4, to be led by OPMD.
• Programs on ‘Gender perspective on Public Service’ and ‘Information Education session on the Magna Carta of Women’ for CSC officials of CO, NCR, RO3, and RO4 on November 26-27, to be led by HRDO.
• Forum on Mainstreaming Gender Equality and Anti-Sexual Harassment Advocacy into the PSU Agenda on December 10, 2009 to be led byPRO.

For more information, queries and/or clarification on the campaign activities, you may contact Director Noreen Botts Gocon-Gragasin, CSC’s Internal GAD concerns chairperson and Alternative Representative to the IACVAWC and Ms. Cynthia D. Mangosing of OPMD with telephone numbers 02-951-2639 and 02-951-2637 or emal at nbf_gocon@hotmail.com or elcy331@yahoo.com. (CSC V/PIA)


Palace lifts oil price cap in Luzon

MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has signed Executive Order 845 that immediately lifts the oil price freeze in Luzon.

The President took into consideration the study taken by the National Disaster Coordinating Council (NDCC) and the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) which suggested that while the state of the calamity subsists, the extreme emergency situation which served as the underlying reason for the issuance of Executive Order 839 last October no longer exists.

She, however cited in her new EO that rehabilitation efforts will continue to be undertaken to assist the victims of the calamity.

The Department of Energy-Department of Justice Taskforce has also “favorably recommended the lifting of the oil price freeze and the adoption of the proposal submitted by oil industry players led by Petron Corporation and Seaoil for a more targeted and focused calamity assistance program in selected areas in Benguet, Baguio City, Pangasinan, Eastern Laguna, Rizal, Ilocos Norte, Ilocos Sur, Mountain Province, Isabela, Cainta, Marikina City, Malabon and Pasig City.”

The President signed EO 839 last month due to the state of calamity brought about by a succession of typhoons that resulted in widespread devastation.

To alleviate the plight of the affected typhoon victims, EO 839 directed oil industry players to maintain the prices of petroleum products prevailing on October 15 this year for the duration of the state of calamity in the entire Luzon.

In a press briefing, Deputy Spokesperson and Press Undersecretary Anthony Golez said the oil firms should keep their promises including the staggered increase in the prices of oil products in Luzon and discounts in affected areas. (PIA V Release)


Remonde asks NPO to ensure integrity of next year's polls

MANILA — Press Secretary Cerge Remonde called on officials and employees of the National Printing Office (NPO) Monday (November 16) to help ensure the integrity of the national and local elections next year.

Keynoting the celebration of the 108th founding anniversary of the NPO at the agency’s headquarters in Quezon City this morning, Remonde underscored the important role the NPO plays to ensure an honest, orderly, peaceful and credible elections.

“The holding of the 2010 presidential elections, as you know, is a very important crossroad in our country’s history because (the outcome) will not only determine our future as a country and as a people but also determine whether we continue our march to progress or we go back to square one,” he said.

“You play a very important role in the attainment of this objective because by law, the NPO is mandated to print the ballots that will be used in the elections,” he added.

Remonde said that the NPO and the Commission on Elections are in the thick of negotiations to ensure that all this will be addressed properly.

NPO and Comelec officials are currently negotiating to determine the proper costing of ballots to be used in next year’s elections.

“And so, do your job well and I assure you that (NPO Acting) Director (Servando) Hizon will compensate you well and that you will have a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year,” Remonde said. (PIA V Release)


Malacañang to give Pacquiao a hero's welcome

MANILA — Malacanang announced Monday (November 16) it will give Filipino boxing champion Manny Pacquiao a hero’s welcome upon his return from the United States.

Pacquiao stripped Puerto Rican boxer Miguel Cotto off his WBO welterweight title yesterday and achieved what no other boxer has done in boxing history –winning seven crowns in as many different weight classes.

In a press briefing, Deputy Spokesperson and Press Undersecretary Anthony Golez said the administration is joining the entire nation in celebration of Pacquiao’s victory.

Golez describes Pacquiao as a “legend” in the boxing world that brings honor to the country.

“His victory symbolizes that there is nothing a Filipino cannot do,” he noted.

President Arroyo who was in the APEC Leaders Summit in Singapore yesterday rejoiced with the entire Filipino nation over the triumph of Pacquiao.

The President said that Pacquiao’s win over Cotto would show the Filipino youths that there is no limit to their capacity to succeed as long as they work hard and put their hearts and minds to achieve their goals.

Pacquiao previously won the world championships in the flyweight (112 pounds), super bantamweight (122 lb), featherweight (126 lb), super featherweight (130 lb), lightweight (135 lb), and light welterweight (140 lb) divisions.

No boxer has ever won seven world titles in seven weight divisions, and only four boxers have won six: Oscar de la Hoya, Thomas Hearns, Hector Camacho, and James Toney. (PIA V Release)


PGMA back from Singapore APEC meet

MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo arrived Monday (November 16) at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2 Sunday night after attending the annual Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) Summit in Singapore over the weekend.

She was accompanied by Foreign Secretary Alberto Romulo, Finance Secretary Margarito Teves, Trade Secretary Peter Favila, and Press Secretary Cerge Remonde.

Also joining the President was a delegation from the House of Representatives led by Deputy Speaker Amelita Villarosa, Anna York Bondoc of Pampanga, Rachel Arenas of Pangasinan, Zenaida Angping of Manila, and Maria Cosculluela of Buhay Partylist.

The President and her delegation were accorded foyer honors led by Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita.

In an interview, Remonde hailed this year’s APEC Summit which produced two very important results: the agreement between the 21 APEC member countries to expand their economic community and the ASEAN-US Summit, a historic first between the regional bloc and US President Barack Obama.

“President Obama committed to bring ASEAN and US relationships into a higher level than the high level that it is already in now,” Remonde said.

Remonde added that the US is also supportive of the ASEAN vision to create an economic community by 2015 and the ASEAN consensus on climate change, disaster risk management, global warming, the lifting of trade barriers and protectionism and the promotion of migrant workers.

He pointed out that because of this commitment, the Philippines can expect greater access to US markets. (PIA V Release)


APEC vows to work for sustainable growth

SINGAPORE – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and the 20 other leaders of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) on Sunday vowed to work together for a balanced, inclusive, and sustainable growth to bring prosperity in the region in the light of the global slowdown and in preparation for the anticipated world economic rebound.

The President and the other APEC leaders made the commitment in their joint declaration at the close of their two-day Leaders Summit at the Istana government palace here.

“In line with new trends and emerging challenges, our agenda has grown in breadth, depth, and complexity. But our common goal remains the same – to support growth and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region, through free and open trade and investment, as embedded in the Bogor Goals,” the APEC leaders say in the declaration.

The APEC leaders vows “to reject protectionism, keep markets open and free and maintain economic stimulus policies until a durable economic recovery has clearly taken hold.

“We will work together to strengthen the momentum towards strong, sustainable and balanced global economic growth, as set out at the recent G-20 Summit in Pittsburgh,” the declaration reads.

Looking beyond supporting the recovery, the APEC leaders say there is a need to develop a new growth paradigm for the changed post-crisis landscape, and an expanded trade and investment agenda that will strengthen regional economic integration (REI) in the Asia-Pacific region.

“We will put in place next year a comprehensive long-term growth strategy that supports more balanced growth within and across economies, achieves greater inclusiveness in our societies, sustains our environment, and which seeks to raise our growth potential through innovation and a knowledge-based economy,” the declaration also says.

For a more balanced growth, APEC leaders are committed: to promote current account sustainability and open trade and investment to advance global prosperity and growth sustainability; undertake macro prudential and regulatory policies to help prevent credit and asset price cycles from becoming forces of destabilization; and promote development and poverty reduction as part of the rebalancing of global growth.

To be implemented are necessary reforms in infrastructure development, agriculture/food management, social security, education and workforce training, and regulatory frameworks through the support of International Financial Institutions and Multilateral Development Banks.

To foster inclusive growth, the Leaders committed to undertake structural reforms and develop and provide better access for small and medium enterprises (SMEs), which account for more than 90 percent of all businesses in the APEC region and employ between 50 and 80 percent of the workforce.

“We instruct our Ministers and officials to further advance APEC’s inclusive growth agenda in 2010, and develop a multi-year programme to build capacity for structural reforms and SME development, employment creation, and the development of social safety nets,” they said.

To promote sustainable growth, the APEC Leaders reaffirmed their commitment to tackle the threat of climate change and work towards an ambitious outcome in Copenhagen, within the objective, provisions and principles of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC).

“Global action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions will need to be accompanied by measures, including financial assistance and technology transfer to developing economies for their adaptation to the adverse impact of climate change,” the declaration concludes.

With the global economic rebound in sight, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected that world GDP will rise by nearly 3 percent in 2010, and that all APEC economies will shift to positive GDP growth next year. (PIA V Release)


ASEAN names PGMA head of Nuclear Arms Treaty Review

SINGAPORE – President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will assume the presidency of the review of the Nuclear Non-proliferation Treaty (NPT) in New York next year, during which the international community will search for ways to stop the manufacture and use of nuclear weapons.

The choice of Mrs. Arroyo to head the review was announced by the nine other leaders of South East Asian Nations, with the concurrence of President Barrack Obama, in a joint statement issued Sunday at the Shangrila Hotel, where the ASEAN-US was held.

All ten ASEAN leaders, supported Obama in his efforts to put nuclear disarmament on the global agenda.

“We reaffirmed our commitment to nuclear non-proliferation and disarmament. The leaders of ASEAN also welcome the efforts of the President of the United States in promoting international peace and security including the vision of a nuclear weapons-free world through efforts such as the agreement between the United States and Russia to reduce their respective nuclear arsenals, the joint statement reads.

The ASEAN leaders also encourage nuclear weapon states and other parties to the South-East Asia Nuclear Weapons Free Zone (SEANWFZ) to conduct consultations, to resolve issues and ensure commitment to the treaty.

“We also declare our support to the Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty and welcomed the declared intention of the United States to ratify the treaty. We urge all states to ratify the treaty and facilitate its early entry into force,” the statement also says.

The group welcomed the establishment in the ASEAN Regional Forum (ARF) of an Inter-sessional Meeting on Non-proliferation and Disarmament as a venue to further explore dialogue and cooperation on these issues.

The ASEAN leaders and Obama also urged North Korea to return to the Six-Party Talks process and to fully implement its commitment made in September 2005 Joint Statement of the Six-party Talks to abandon its nuclear weapons program including its nuclear tests which have been creating tension in the region. (PIA V Release)