ALBAY BEEFS UP MEASURES TO PREVENT SPREAD OF STI, HIV

LEGAZPI CITY— With the increasing number of Sexually Transmitted Infections (STI) and HIV cases, the Provincial Government of Albay has crafted the comprehensive medium term program for the period of 2010 to 2015 to prevent and control the spread of the diseases.

In the recently concluded strategic planning workshop organized by the Philippines National AIDS Council (PNAC), the Albay Provincial AIDS Council (APAC) now pursues a unified program to address STI and HIV, underlining intensive information campaigns provision of necessary health and medical services.

Albay Governor Joey Salceda has earlier instructed the Albay Provincial Millennium Development Goal Office (PMDGO), the Provincial AIDS Council and the Provincial Health Office to formulate strategies including activities to curtail the spread of STI and HIV in the province.

Starting next year, the province will implement the Provincial Response to Accelerated STI, HIV and AIDS prevention and control response through intensified information and delivery of services to the most at risk population (MARPs), vulnerable groups (VPs), and People Living with HIV (PLHIV).

Salceda was prompted to implement information, education and health services for STI and HIV upon learning that Albay ranks second among the provinces on Bicol region with an increasing number of STI and HIV cases.

PNAC report as of November this year showed that there are 88 Bicolanos infected with HIV.

Camarines Sur records the most number of positive cases of HIV, with a total of 27 persons; Albay, 25; Sorsogon, 17; Catanduanes, 9; Camarines Norte, 7; and, Masbate, 3.

In Albay, six PLHIV are identified in Legazpi City, 6 in Ligao City, 3 in Tabaco City, two each in Bacacay and Oas, a case each in Camalig, Daraga, Guinobatan, and Polangui, while 2 others from unknown origin in Albay.

Based on the projected population (age bracket 14 to 49) of the National Statistics and Coordinating Board (NSCB) regional office in Bicol, the estimated number of establishments with sex workers in five sites (Polangui, Ligao City, Daraga, Legazpi City and Tabaco City) will be 871 in 2010,

While the estimated free lance sex workers (next year) in Albay is 670; male clients of sex workers – 5,788; persons injecting drugs – 56; men having sex with men – 2,893; and overseas Filipino workers 3,065, all considered MARPs.

Meanwhile, PNAC executive director Dr. Ferchito Avelino and health workers' recommendation to Governor Salceda is to support the provision of STI drugs, HIV Test Kits as well as availability of condom in five sites (Ligao City, Polangui, Daraga, Tabaco City and Legazpi City).

Dr. Avelino explained that for 2010 alone, the five sites will need some Php24 million for the provision of drugs/medicines and condoms, adding that the said amount can be out source, but what is important is for the local government units concerned will also give their own share,” he said. (MALoterte, PIA V)


SSC SETS 4-YEAR POLICY DIRECTIONS

SORSOGON CITY — Looking forward for the next four years as Sorsogon State College (SSC) president, Dr. Antonio E. Fuentes has laid down the directional policies he will pursue in his term commencing Tuesday (November 24) this year.

Fuentes averred that his proposed policies will feature among others the strengthening of faculty development guidelines for fellowship and faculty exchange program, search for outstanding faculty and employee of the year award system, acquisition of at least 10 hectares additional site for the Sorsogon campus, design of incentive package for faculty extensionists, and simplification of procurement process.

“My administration also looks forward to seeing the revision of Omnibus Rules in Rentals and of the SSC Code,” he said.

Still according to Fuentes, he will also further stress quality and specialization as he takes into account the recent years’ exponential growth in the number of scholars and research incentives in school.

“The growing number of board passers realized during his term is seen as an indication of the high morale by both students and teachers,” he added.

These new policy directions were proposed side by side with the directives by the SSC president to the school officials as per Memorandum No. 49, series of 2009 to submit monthly accomplishment updates and all fund balances in order to keep track of and get a holistic view of the school’s trajectory.

The President has also expressed his vision of further incentivizing student winners in contests through a package. This is in recognition of the significant students’ contribution to the institution as shown during accreditation and in the past years. (SSC/PIA Sorsogon)


PYAP IN PAMPLONA CITED AS TAYO 2009 AWARDEE

PAMPLONA, Camarines Sur — The Pag-asa Youth Association of the Philippines (PYAP) municipal federation here was chosen as one of the outstanding youth organizations in the country who were cited for the 2009 Ten Accomplished Youth Organization (TAYO).

PYAP Pamplona winning entry is the “Dunong Kwarta sa Bio-Sand Fiber Project” showcasing a fabrication of water filter device made from crashed sand and other indigenous materials, introduced by a US Peace Corp Volunteer, that seeks to address health and sanitation problems in the countryside, particularly those who have no access to a safe drinking water.

PYAP Pamplona received a cash prize of P50,000, one computer unit and a trophy for the feat.

TAYO awards program, sponsored by the TAYO Foundation, recognizes youth organizations for their exemplary performance in the implementation of programs or projects that respond to the needs or address issues and concerns in a locality, promote positive changes or employ innovative solutions which the community will benefit.

TAYO Foundation, organized by Sen. Francis Pangilinan, has now emerged to be the country’s foremost award winning body for youth organizations.

Alvin Regidor, PYAP municipal federation president, related that the project also provides skills development for and employment to the out-of-school youth.

“We continuously conduct training on bio-sand filter fabrication to meet the number of manpower needed, especially that the demand for the device is increasing,” Regidor enthused.

He further averred that with the initial funding support from Mayor Generoso Imperial, the organization was able to fabricate 18 filtering device, distributed to 18 depressed barangays which have no access to potable water in Pamplona

“Now the organization are able to fabricate at least two to five devices a day and sell it for P1,000 a piece,” he said.

Imperial believes that the knowledge, skills, abilities and the creativity of the young generation considered worth emulating for other youth organizations in the country.

All the undertakings of PYAP Pamplona have the full backing of the chief executive, who has given the organization an incentive of P30,000 which could be used as an additional capital for their project.

Luz Doblon, social worker and focal person for the youth program in the municipality, said PYAP has sine received additional orders from other neighboring towns.

“Additional funding support is very much needed with the increasing demands, thus PYAP Pamplona has now forged partnership with the Rotary Club International,” Dublon noted.

PYAP is a duly constituted barangay-based organization of out-of-school youth between 15 to 24 years old, under the auspices of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

PYAP pursues a strategy that provides forum to discuss ideas and concerns related to their project and come-up with solutions/recommendations addressed to both the youth and the system involved in program planning and implementation. (EEJerusalem, DSWD V/PIA)


RDC ACCREDITATION OF PSO FOR PSR ON

LEGAZPI CITY — The Regional Development Council (RDC) invites private sector organizations (PSOs) in Bicol to apply for RDC accreditation, in preparation for the election of private sector representatives (PSRs) to the RDC for 2010 to 2013.

RDC accredited organizations nominate PSRs to the RDC and participate in the election of PSRs to the RDC.

PSOs must have the following qualifications to be able to participate in the nomination and selection of PSRs:

a. Legal Personality. The PSO must be registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) or any government agency which registers organizations and associations for the purpose of bestowing legal personality.

b. Track Record. The PSO must have conducted socio-economic activities for at least three years from date of registration in the region. The scope of activities must be at least province or citywide.

c. Nationality. The PSO must be a Filipino organization. Organizations managed by foreigners, whose officers and members are primarily composed of foreign nations, or are considered branches or affiliates of foreign organizations are disqualified.

d. Non-Government. Organizations which have government officials and employees as ex-officio members or whose operations are funded by the government are disqualified. (Funding support by the government to PSO projects is not considered as funding support to operations).

e. Deadline for submission of application for accreditation is on March 31, 2010.

f. Applications forms are available at the National Economic Development Authority (NEDA) Region 5, Arimbay, Legazpi City. They can also be downloaded at www.neda5.net.

For more details please contact Cha Berces at telephone 482-0498. (NEDA V/PIA)


DENR-EMB BICOL, SIS STAGE ENVIRO EXHIBIT

DARAGA, Albay — In observance of the National Clean Air and Environmental Awareness Month last November, the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) in Bicol and Sunshine International School (SIS) staged an environmental exhibit with a read-along session held at SIS campus here.

DENR-EMB, through its Environmental Education and Information Section (EEIS), showcased the bureau’s programs and initiatives on awareness on climate change and global warming phenomenon, solid waste management and other timely environmental issues that would shape the students knowledge and views on ecosystem conservation.

The two-day activity, held November 12-13, was participated in by representatives from local government units, government agencies, students and faculty members of the different academic institutions in Albay province.

Dr. Eva S. Ocfemia, DENR-EMB Bicol Pollution Control Division chief, has consistently acknowledged the collaborative efforts of the different stakeholders to utilize information education strategy to the academe, especially to the young students, in stressing the responsibility of every individual in caring for the environment. (DENR-EMB V/PIA)


NAGA CITY UNVEILS AIRSHED IEC PROGRAM

NAGA CITY — Alongside the operationalization of the Naga City Airshed Governing Board (NCAGB), the Department of Environment and Natural Resources Environmental Management Bureau (DENR-EMB) in Bicol and the Naga City Government launched November 20 the Airshed Information Education Campaign (IEC) program held at Plaza Quezon here.

The event commenced with the Naga City Airshed Governing Board meeting at Villa Caceres Hotel here, presided over by Engr. Gilbert C. Gonzales, DENR-EMB Bicol regional director, and participated in by stakeholders from people’s organizations, non-government organizations, transport groups and other concerned government agencies led by Land Transportation Office (LTO) Bicol regional director Ramon Roco

Naga City Mayor Jesse Robredo and members of the Sangguniang Bayan here graced the assembly.

NCAGB focused the dialogue on the status of programs implemented in 2009 and deliberation of the proposed 2010 programs and advocates, issues and updates in the campaign towards the protection and maintenance of clean air were also discussed.

Highlights of the launching of the NCAGB IEC program also include a motorcade along the city’s main thoroughfares from the city hall to Plaza Quezon, a short program and distribution of stickers to vehicles and to general public reminding them of their duties as responsible individuals in protecting and maintaining a clean air towards a healthy environment. (DENR-EMB V/PIA)


BPAT ORIENTATION AND CRIME PREVENTION SEMINAR HELD

DAET, Camarines Norte — The Philippine National Police (PNP) municipal police office here has recently conducted the Barangay Peacekeeping Action Teams (BPATs) Orientation and Crime Prevention Seminar.

P/Supt. Marlon C. Tejada, PNP Daet acting chief, said that the orientation seminar was participated in by Barangay Public Safety Officers and Non-Government Organizations or Kabayan Action Group.

Tejada said that the first of the series of seminar was held last November 18 and the second one was held November 27.

The activity was spearheaded by the PNP and the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG).

Topic discussed include duties and responsibilities of BPATs, citizens arrest, crime prevention and control, disaster preparedness and risk reduction, presidential decree 1908 or katarungang pambarangay, crime prevention tips, enforcement of special laws, basic report writing and traffic management and control.

Similar orientation seminar will also be conducted by the police in the different parts of the country.

The BPATs will help the police in the peace and order in the barangays. (RBManlangit/PIA CamNorte)


Remonde dares ASEAN youths to build peaceful, just society

MANILA — Press Secretary Cerge Remonde challenged the youths from the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to build a peaceful and just society.

In a welcome dinner for the 4th ASEAN Quiz Regional Competition held Tuesday (December 1) night at the Richmonde Hotel in Pasig City, Remonde said the massacre in Southern Philippines underscores the importance of an interfaith dialogue, especially among ASEAN members.

He expressed confidence that the dialogue will also lead to the improvement of the economic and social life in all member countries.

The 27 youth participants—and their coaches— in the bi-annual ASEAN Quiz Bee came from Brunei Darussalam, Cambodia, Indonesia, Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Myanmar, Singapore, Thailand, Viet Nam, and the Philippines. Malaysia did not send a delegation because this year’s event comes in conflict with its national examinations for students.

According to Remonde the participants help fulfill the vision of the region’s elders who founded ASEAN in Thailand 42 years ago.

“Your elders envisioned the promotion of regional cooperation in our region in the spirit of partnership and thus contribute towards peace, progress, and prosperity,” Remonde stressed.

He said the ASEAN Quiz Bee increases awareness among young people of the need to accelerate the establishment of the ASEAN community by 2015.

“This is a continuing task, and this friendly competition will serve to advance “knowledge of the ASEAN we want to build.”

“I see you, the youths of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, competing in a friendly manner with your counterparts from other participating countries.”

The Philippines hosts the 4th ASEAN Quiz Bee, with the sponsorship of the National Broadcasting Network (NBN-4), the Department of Education, Department of Foreign Affairs, Office of the Press Secretary, and the Philippine Information Agency.

The bi-annual ASEAN Quiz Bee is a project of the ASEAN Committee on Culture and Information. It aims to expose young people to ASEAN cultural, political, economic and social life through friendly competition. (PIA V Release)


Government reiterates support to organized labor

MANILA — The government today (December 2) has reiterated its commitment to the principles of freedom of association, trade union rights and civil liberties and assured it will not turn its back on organized labor.

In a keynote speech at the opening of the three-day National Tripartite Conference on Principles of Freedom of Association at the Sofitel Philippine Plaza Hotel, Executive Secretary Eduardo Ermita said the government is open to the establishment of a monitoring body to ensure that workers can exercise their rights in a climate free from fear.

“The government cannot be accused of ever turning its back on the labor sector, of selling them out to corporate interests, or of sacrificing labor and trade union rights at the altar of expediency,” said Ermita who was representing President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo in the tripartite conference.

The conference was held to improve the country’s compliance with the International Labor Organization Convention No. 87.

On the other hand, Convention 87 refers to Freedom of Association and Protection of the Right to Organize that was adopted by the International Labor Organization in 1948 and ratified by the Philippines on Dec. 29, 1953.

The tripartite conference was an offshoot of an ILO mission last September, which sought to explore areas for technical cooperation for the purpose of improving the country’s application of Convention 87 in law and practice.

In hosting the mission, Ermita said, the government proves its willingness to address the concerns of militant labor groups, including allegations of widespread and systematic suppression of trade union activities.

The government, according to Ermita, will ensure expeditious investigation, prosecution and resolution of pending cases at the ILO supervisory bodies.

In response to proposals for the creation of a high-level tripartite monitoring body, Ermita said, the government is inclined to place it under the ambit of the Tripartite Industrial Peace Council chaired by the Labor secretary.

“With such a body in place, there can be no fear of whitewash or of archiving cases involving the persecution of labor leaders and trade union activists,” he explained.

The government, he also said, will work closely with the ILO to establish a technical cooperation program “that will help breathe more life to the freedom of association.”

In closing, he added, the government will always protect labor, pointing out that labor, along with industry, is the backbone of the economy. (PIA V Release)


PGMA to hold command conference in Maguindanao

MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo will hold the next command conference of the Armed Forces and the Philippine National Police in Maguindanao within the week.

Press Secretary Cerge Remonde made the announcement Tuesday (December 1) at the church grounds of St. Augustine Parish Church in Lubao, Pampanga, but he did not say the exact date.

The president had given Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno a free hand to relieve and suspend all government officials, police and military men in Maguindanao, who may have been involved in the massacre of 57 people, 30 of them journalists.

The journalists, along with the wife and supporters of Buluan Vice Mayor Toto Mangudadatu, were waylaid, herded to a pre-dug common grave, and executed.

Presidential Adviser for Maguindanao Jesus Dureza called the massacre unequalled in recent history.

“Even women and working mediamen were not spared,” he said. “I grieve for my friends in the media and all those who were killed while doing their job.” (PIA V Release)


PGMA keynotes 2009 Government Employees Week

MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo keynotes today (December 2) the celebration of the 2009 Government Employees Association Week at Heroes Hall in Malacanang.

The president was presented with the Public Sector Workers Appreciation after which she delivered her speech.

The Philippine Government Employees Association (PGEA) is made up of officials and employees in all departments, bureaus and agencies of the national government, including government-owned and controlled corporations, state universities and colleges, and local government units and government employees’ organizations.

The PGEA week, which began last Nov. 30, coincides with the 64th anniversary of PGEA and the 13th anniversary of the National Convention of Government Employees Working Council (NCGEWC).

The celebration recognizes the invaluable services rendered by deserving government employees and underscores their contributions to nation-building.

This year’s theme “Paglingap sa Kalikasan Tungkulin ng Bawat Kawani ng Pamahalaan” is adopted to impress on employees the need to protect the environment.

The PGEA is headed by its national president, Esperanza Ocampo. (PIA V Release)


PGMA inaugurates Toyota Cultural Center at U.P. Diliman

MANNILA — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has inaugurated Wednesday (December 2) the GT-Toyota Asian Cultural Center, a one-hectare complex inside the Diliman campus of the University of the Philippines.

Toyota Motors Phils. Corp. (TMPC) chairman George TY delivered the welcome remarks while the overview was given by TMPC vice chairman Katsuake Watanabe.

The center is home to the GT-Toyota Hall of Wisdom and the GT-Toyota Asian Center Auditorium, which were built through a P100-million donation by the country’s leading car manufacturer to the UP Asian Center. The new building and auditorium was designed by architect Jose Pedro Recio.

The president received the deed of donation of these structures from Ty.

The donation was announced by Ty during TMPC’s 20th anniversary celebration in August 2008. Construction of the two buildings commenced last March.

Ty said the facilities will showcase the rich heritage of Asia and provide perspective on the global role that it plays in the 21st Century. “These structures will become landmarks in the university and, more importantly, a melting pot of cultures,” he added.

The GT-Toyota Hall of Wisdom will house a museum and library. The museum will showcase four major halls and provide exhibit space for the Asian Center’s collection of Philippine ethnographic materials. The Hall of Wisdom will also provide offices and meeting rooms for research and conference activities.

The GT-Toyota Asian Center Auditorium will be a 500-seat hall for international conferences and other similar events.

UP President Emerlinda Roman said the university is in the process of establishing a research institute for the study of relevant national and regional issues to enable it to attain its vision of a cultural and policy hub of intellectual and cultural exchanges in the Philippines and Asia. (PIA V Release)