PGMA, SALCEDA TO INK P977.3 M FOR 4Ps IN ALBAY

LEGAZPI CITY — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo and Governor Joey Salceda of Albay will sign the Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) for the implementation of the Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program (4Ps) tomorrow (November 24) in Malacañang.

Salceda disclosed that President Arroyo has approved some P977.3 million to fund the implementation of 4Ps for Albay, which will be carried out through the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

Salceda said that from Libon town as the sole beneficiary since the inception of the program, 4ps will expand its coverage to other 11 municipalities including Polangui, Daraga, Libon, Jovellar, Pioduran, Rapurapu, Manito, Sto. Domingo, Malilipot, Bacacay, Malinao and three cities namely Tabaco, Legazpi and Ligao.

He added that every identified family-beneficiary will receive P1,400 monthly financial subsidy for five years.

The provincial government of Albay targets 180,370 households, however, some 69,803 of which have been identified and qualified based from the criteria set by DSWD.

4Ps is a poverty reduction strategy of the government providing cash grants to extremely poor households to improve health, nutrition, and education in the family, particularly of children aged 0-14 years old.

Salceda noted that a total of P977.3 million is the annual budgetary requirement of 4Ps in the province per year, adding that the amount is much higher than the annual budget of the provincial government.

Cash grants will only be released to the most responsible adult member of every household, usually the mother, through electronic card banking system of the Land Bank of the Philippines (LBP).

Program beneficiaries will be identified based on a scoring system, utilizing the socio-economic characteristics of the household, such as non-ownership of assets/appliances, type of housing unit, level of educational attainment of household head and non-access to water and sanitation facilities.

Salceda stressed that parents or heads of the family must see to it that their children will go to school regularly, avail of the necessary health services and come up with a livelihood in order for them to receive regular cash grant

“Failure to comply with these conditions means the grant will be automatically suspended,” he said.

4Ps aims to pursue the country’s commitment to achieve the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), such as eradication of extreme poverty and hunger, achievement of universal primary education, promotion of gender equality, reduction of child mortality and improvement of maternal health.

The program also intends to provide social assistance, providing cash grants to poorest families for their immediate needs (short term poverty alleviation); and pursues social development, breaking the intergenerational poverty cycle through investments in human capital.

4Ps has since been carried out in the provinces of Sorsogon, Masbate and in Libon town in Albay.

Salceda is optimistic that the expanded 4Ps will be implemented by June 2010.
(MALoterte, PIA V/NIMediavillo, RnB)


SALCEDA TURNS-OVER 50 PAS TO DIOCESE OF LEGAZPI

LEGAZPI CITY— Albay Gov. Joey Salceda turned over to the Diocese of Legazpi some 50 units of portable public address systems (PAS) for distribution to and use of the different parish churches across the province in times of calamities.

During the turn-over at the St. Gregory the Great Cathedral here, Salceda said the PAS could be used by parishes in times of calamities such as typhoons, earthquakes, and volcanic eruptions and other disasters that might occur in their respective areas.

He said the distribution of said equipment was part of the disaster preparedness and risk reduction program of the province where in Albay was noted for attaining a “Zero Casualty” goal every time disaster strikes the province.

Salceda turned over the PAS units to Auxiliary Bishop Lucilo Quiambao, acting administrator of the Diocese of Legazpi, during a general assembly meeting with parish priests of parishes and quasi parishes across the province.

“Parishes, by experience are inevitable partners of local government units during calamities because both sectors have the capability to mobilize the people and are equally capable of providing emergency shelters aside from the school buildings and the institutionalized evacuation camps donated by the government of Spain,” he said.

Quiambao was elated and thanked Salceda for his gesture of involving the parishes in disaster preparedness program and equipping the same with the necessary PAS for use in times of emergencies, including religious events.

Diocese of Legazpi is composed of 44 parishes and quasi parishes in 15 towns and three cities of the province with over a million parishioners.

Albay Public Safety Emergency and Management Office (ASEMO) has procured 1,000 portable Public Address Systems at P6,000 each for distribution and use of some 720 barangays, 50 parishes, NGOs and CSOS, colleges and universities and other critical institutions for mass mobilization during disasters.

Disaster authorities said Bicol, specifically Albay, is geographically situated in a location constantly vulnerable to typhoons, heavy rains and volcanic eruptions since it is located at the Pacific Ring of Fire where cyclones, extreme weather conditions prevail. (MALoterte, PIA V)


ALBAY SETS “GAWAD SA EDUKASYON” NEXT MONTH

LEGAZPI CITY — The Provincial Government of Albay, through the office of education coordinator, is set to recognize and award exemplary performance of students, teachers, principals and local government units on December 22, 2009.

The “Gawad sa Edukasyon” is a province-wide search for principals, teachers and students who exceed the average standards and soar high in the chosen field.

Categories for Gawad sa Edukasyon are:

1. Students Excellence Award for Leadership (SEAL) to student achievers in academics and leadership in both public and private elementary and secondary schools in the province;

2. Search for Outstanding Teachers of Albay (TOTAL) – a continuing search for outstanding teachers in elementary and secondary;

3. Three Outstanding Principals in the Countryside of Albay (TROPICAL) – a similar search as the TOTAL to identify and reward three principals in the province whose leadership resulted to academic excellence, social relevance, organizational efficiency and recognition of their school; and,

4. LGUs (local government units) Best practices in Education (Kadunong) – this category will encourage other LGUs to infuse education as the finest program that produces a lifetime return of investment in the locality.

The successful 10 outstanding teachers as well as three outstanding principals will receive plaque and P100,000 cash each. While an LGU with best practices in education will receive P200,000 and P20,000 each for 10 students with excellent leadership.

Governor Joel Salceda has allocated an amount of P5 million for the Gawad sa Edukasyon which was introduced in 2008 as an effective motivating factor to better performance.

The provincial government of Albay awards cash certificates, trophies, plaques, medals to achievers and high performers.

These extrinsic rewards are reinforcing motivation that clearly recognizes outstanding achievements.

During the same occasion the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Albay is also set to give the highest provincial honor and P250,000 cash gift to Efren Penaflorida. He bested nine other nominees from different countries for the Hero of the Year award initiated by CNN.

The nominees were initially selected by a panel of 14 "Blue Panel" luminaries but the Hero of the Year award is given to the one with the most number of online votes in the CNN Heroes website.
For his innovative "Kariton Klasrum" (pushcart classroom) Filipino educator Peñaflorida has been awarded by CNN as "2009 Hero of the Year."

Governor Salceda said Albay will make Penaflorida an honorary son of the province. “Regional Development Council chairman we will make similar commendation.”

“His sense of civic duty should inspire citizens, reignite hope for our nation but remind public servants to bring service closer to the people and more importantly employ political will and local leadership,” Salceda said. (MDRama, PNA Bicol/PIA)


CSC STUDE TOPS BICOL ROTC SPEECH CONTEST

VIRAC, Catanduanes — Joanna N. Sarmiento, a second year student of Bachelor in Secondary Education (BSE) English major of the Catanduanes State Colleges (CSC), was declared champion in the Bicol Regional ROTC Speech Contest held November 9 at the Bicol College Gymnasium in Daraga, Albay.

Sarmiento’s piece centered on competition’s theme ROTC: Preparing the Youth to become Better Citizens and Future Leaders.

She was coached by Dr. Yolanda M. Tariman, chairperson of the CSC English Department.
Six higher education institutions representing six provinces in the Bicol region joined in the speech tilt.

Garnering the second and third places were the students from Masbate Colleges and Partido State University (Camarines Sur). Other participating schools were Bicol College (Albay), Camarines Norte State College and Sorsogon State College.

Mrs. Aida Alcazar-Naz, chief of the Philippine Information Agency (PIA) Bicol Planning Services Division chaired the speech tilt’s panel of judges.

CSC ROTC coordinator Jose F. Tabligan, Staff Sergeant Agapito E. Llanes and Dr. Tariman accompanied Sarmiento in the said regional competition.

Sarmiento will represent the region in the national competition on December 5, 2009 at University of Sto. Tomas. (PIA Catanduanes/CSC)


NATIONAL CONFAB FOR FOREIGN-BASED FILIPINO JOURNALISTS SET

MANILA — Filipino journalist, including publishers, broadcasters, writers, authors, editors, columnists, reporters, who are currently working abroad are invited to attend the 14th National Press Congress on Dec. 10-12, this year, in Subic Freeport Zone.

The Filipino journalists who have been residing abroad for many years now particularly in the United States, Canada, Europe, Middle East, and some parts of Asia, Are working as publisher, editors, authors, writers and photographers.

Johnny C. Nuñez, executive director of the Publishers Association of the Philippines, Inc. (PAPI), the organizer of the biggest annual media gathering, said: “Hundreds of Filipino journalists are operating their craft in almost all states in the U.S. and Canada .

“They are especially serving the Filipino communities in Guam , Hawaii , California , Alaska , New York and other states. In Canada, the Filipino newspapers are quite strong in Vancouver and Toronto”The Filipino craftsmen are also seen in Taiwan, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Thailand and other parts of Asia.

The press congress will have “The Challenges of the Information-Driven Age” for its theme, around which the various topics of discussion will revolve.

Among the topics are 1) Media Freedom and Responsibility; 2) The Responsibility of Media in the 2010 Elections; 3) Culture and Media; 4) A Critical Look into the Philippine Political Culture; 5) Career Options for the Youth and students in Cross Media; 6) Media and the Moral Force Movement; 7) Global Trends in Media; 8)Future of the Publishing Industry; 9) The Gravity and Threats of Global Warming and Climate Change; and, 10)Good Governance and Sustainable Economic Development, among others.

Aside from its regular participants that usually include publishers, editors, reporters, broadcasters, corporate public affairs officer and executives, government information officers, campus writers, mass communication instructors and students, are also expected to attend the event which has some foreign experts invited as resource speakers.

Parties interested to participate in this year’s strategic convergence in Subic may contact the PAPI Secretariat at Unit 206 Cityland Condominium8, No.98, Sen. Gil Puyat Ave., Makati City, telephones (02) 892-9278; (02) 501-3118; Cellphone Numbers 0920-9094379 and 0917-8498730 or e-mail inquiries to papi_secretariat@yahoo.com. (PAPI/PIA)


Remonde bares agenda of Cabinet meeting in Boracay

MANILA — Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said Monday (November 23) the Cabinet meeting this Tuesday in Boracay will discuss the status of her State of the Nation projects, the report on the global resiliency impact news (GRIN), and an update from Secretary Ricardo Saludo, executive director of the Philippine Private Public Reconstruction Commission. PPPCC is the clearinghouse for all international assistance to rebuild Luzon after four consecutive destructive typhoons.

In a radio interview from Dumaguete, where the President launched the road link between Cebu and Northern Mindanao via the RORO (roll on-roll off) project, Remonde said the President has been “busying herself in her last few months in office attending to the completion of her vital infrastructure projects and those projects falling under her 3E priorities (education, economy and environment).

On why Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Lorelei Fajardo rejected the offer to replace Anthony Golez as Press Undersecretary, Remonde said “she is a candidate as replacement in another department.”

Fajardo earlier thanked Remonde for the offer and for giving his full trust and confidence in her.

“We can’t deny the vital contribution that Reli has given us,” Remonde said. (PIAV Release)


Palace sees deeper US-RP relations with new American ambassador

MANILA — Malacañang said Monday (November 23) it sees a further strengthening of American-Philippine relations with the appointment of US Ambassador to the Philippines Harry Thomas Jr.

In a radio interview today from Dumaguete City, Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said since the incoming ambassador is the personal choice of US President Barack Obama that “could only mean that this could augur well for a friendlier, warmer and better US-Philippine relations.”

He cited the very warm relations between the two presidents, citing that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo was the first Asian leader to be invited to the White House by Obama and the very warm personal rapport between the two.

The Philippine government also thanked outgoing Ambassador Kristie Kenney, one of the most popular ambassadors to the Philippines. ”We are sad and will miss her departure.”

Remonde said the newly appointed US envoys to Singapore and the Philippines shows that President Obama is walking the talk about giving new importance to the Association of South East Asian Nations (ASEAN).

In an earlier TV interview, Kenney said she and Thomas had worked together for 15 years and that Obama is tapping someone with a very broad background to carry out US foreign policy goals in the Philippines.

“The Philippines is such a global nation. He (Obama) wants someone here to deal with issues that go around the world,” she said.

In a statement, Obama said Thomas and other White House nominees to various US diplomatic posts abroad “will represent our nation well and work to fulfill the important goal of strengthening our relationships abroad.” (PIAV Release)


Calls to extend Ibrado’s term a good sign—Palace

MANILA — Malacañang said Monday (November 23) it was happy that three presidential aspirants have asked for the extension of Chief of Staff, Lt. Gen. Victor Ibrado since “they are agreeing to the choice of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.”

In a radio interview from Dumaguete City, Press Secretary Cerge Remonde said the Palace is also happy “with the level of confidence they are giving to our Chief of Staff, which means that our armed forces have become independent, apolitical and professional.”

Three senators-turned-presidential aspirants have asked for the extension of Ibrado until after the 2010 elections. These are Senators Manuel Villar, Benigno Aquino III and Francis Escudero who have signed a manifesto urging the President to extend Ibrado’s term to ensure stability and continuity in the leadership of the Armed Forces during the crucial May 2010 elections, which will determine her successor.

Ibrado earlier said the matter of his extension rests on his Commander in Chief, Mrs. Arroyo.

Ibrado is the 39th chief of staff of the 120,000-strong Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP). He is a member of the Philippine Military Academy (PMA) “Magilas” Class 1976. He replaced his classmate, Gen. Alexander Yano, who was named Ambassador to Brunei. (PIAV Release)


PGMA fetes Gusi Peace Prize awardees

MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo hosted Monday (November 23) a luncheon for the awardees and representatives of this year’s Gusi Peace Prize at the Aguinaldo State Dining Room of Malacañang.

Four Filipinos joined 20 other individuals from different countries as this year’s winners of the prestigious award known as the Asian equivalent of the Nobel Peace Prize.

The Filipinos are: boxing champ Manny Pacquiao for sports, Lea Salonga for performing arts, Preciosa Soliven for the academe, and Most Rev. Fr. Joseph Faller for divine healing and assistance to the sick and the needy.

The Gusi Peace Prize awards recognize distinguished individuals who promote peace and respect for human life and dignity.

The awards aim to promote human rights and good governance, democracy, equality, international peace and goodwill. It is also committed to working for people’s amelioration through medical missions, outreach programs and counseling, especially for the benefit of the deprived, the abused, the humiliated, and the sick.

The foreign awardees include US Rep. Bob Filner for legislation, Madam Timi Bakatselos (Greece) for philantrophy on children’s healthcare (cancer advocacy), Her Royal Highness Princess Fuziah Rajah Uda (Malaysia) for cultural heritage, Dr. Alice Chiu (Hong Kong) for social services and philanthropy,

Emil Silvio Cobota (Romania) for performing arts, Massimo Romagnoli (Italy) for international politics and human civil rights, Charalambos Lambrou (Cyprus) for philanthropy on adult cancer patients, Dr. Ho Son Fat (Macau) for medicine and scientific invention in the field of neurology,

Judge Natividad Meza (Paraguay) for social justice and humanitarian law, Alexey Steele (Russia) for visual arts, Dr. Liu Chi Chun (Taiwan) for international humanitarianism, Sylvia Scherer (Switzerland) for biotechnology industry, Dr. Rudiger Losch (Germany) for medicine, Ali Nasuh Mahruki (Turkey) for sports and humanitarianism, Madam Surapee Rojanavongse (Thailand) for economics and cultural heritage and Christine Warnke, Ph.D. (USA) for economics and humanitarianism. (PIA V Release)


PGMA to confer Order of Lakandula on Peñaflorida

MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will confer the Order of Lakandula on Efren Peñaflorida, known for his “pushcart education,” upon his return to the country after he was hailed Hero of the Year by international news network CNN.

The Order of Lakandula is one of the highest honors given by the Philippine government. It is awarded to an individual who displayed leadership, prudence, fortitude, courage and resolve in the service of his people.

"Efren has indeed proven that any individual can help make a difference in the world. He has also shown the world the best in the Filipino. Let each one of us unleash the hero within us by helping the next person as Efren said," the president said in a statement Sunday night.

Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Lorelei Fajardo, in a press briefing in Malacanang today, said arrangements are now underway for a hero’s welcome for Penaflorida.

Fajardo said Penaflorida is a valued partner of the Arroyo administration in education especially for the poor.

Peñaflorida won over nine other "CNN heroes" seven of whom were American, for his innovative mobile education called “Kariton Klassrum” or “Pushcart Classroom” for the poor.

Peñaflorida conducts weekly visits to poor and underserved areas in Cavite, north of Luzon, to teach young people basic lessons in mathematics, English, and science using only a pushcart.

He was chosen to receive the award during the CNN Heroes: An All-Star Tribute at the Kodak Theater in Hollywood. He received his award from American actress Eva Mendes.

The nominees were initially selected by a panel of 14 “Blue Panel” luminaries. The Hero of the Year award was given to the one with the most number of online votes on the CNN Heroes’ website.

Peñaflorida received $100,000, an amount he will use to fund his work in the Dynamic Teen Company (DTC), a volunteer organization that he put up to conduct his “Kariton Klassrum” program. (PIAV Release)


PGMA orders Philhealth to expand program for poor

MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo lauded Monday (November 23) the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (Philhealth) for reaching an expanded membership coverage of 80 million, among other milestones.

In her visit to the Rizal Medical Center (RMC) on Shaw Boulevard, Pasig City this afternoon, the President directed Philhealth president Dr. Rey Aquino to continue expanding its program particularly for the less privileged Filipinos to attain her administration’s goal of achieving universal coverage next year.

One of the Philhealth program beneficiaries, 53-year-old widow Lilia Tunac, one of the 12 patients at the fourth floor of the hospital, thanked the President for the Philhealth medical insurance program.

The President told Tunac and the other patients that the government will shoulder their P100 monthly premium payments for at least a year. She urged them however to shoulder the succeeding year’s premium so that other needy Filipinos can be insured under the Philhealth program.

Tunac, along with eight other patients at the hospital’s non-infectious ward in Room 2 are insured under the Philhealth program.

The President then directed Aquino to include the four other patients, who were not yet insured, under the Philhealth insurance coverage.

Aquino assured the President that it will be immediately implemented. He announced Philhealth’s income in the first three quarters this year reached P20 billion, P3 billion more than last year.

The President was welcomed at the Rizal Medical Center by more than 200 staff and employees led by hospital director Dr. Relito Saguilayan.

Aside from achieving wider insurance coverage, Philhealth’s extension work that saw mobile officers serve the various needs of member overseas Filipino workers in Hong Kong will be replicated in other OFW-dense countries such as Macau, Malaysia, Singapore, and Saudi Arabia.

Aside from its dramatic improvement in benefits, Philhealth has presently provided insurance coverage to some 80 million Filipinos from a membership count of only 37.4 million in 2001. . (PIAV Release)