BU HOSTS 3RD INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE ON KUROSHIO SCIENCE

LEGAZPI CITY — Bicol University Tabaco Campus (BUTC) hosted December 2-4 the 3rd International Conference on Kuroshio Science at the Alicia Hotel, Legazpi City, with the theme:”Investigating Benefits and Balance along Kuroshio: Challenges to Marine Biodiversity and Resource Management”.

The 1st and 2nd conferences were held in Japan and Taiwan respectively.

The conference brought together scientists, researchers and experts who presented the results of the joint studies on Kuroshio Triangle conducted by the participating universities and agencies in Japan, Taiwan and Philippines.

It has also provided a venue for each paper presented a better understanding of Kuroshio through the exchange of information and discussion of issues and challenges encountered contributing to the increase public awareness on the Kuroshio-related studies.

Resource speakers from Japan headed by Dr. Shimpei Inoue, Vice-President of Kochi University, Japan; Taiwan headed by Dr. Tse-Min Lee, a professor of National Sun Yat-Sen University, Kaoshiung, Taiwan; and representatives from the different higher education institutions and government agencies in the Philippines participated to the interfacing.

Two dynamic chief executives, Legazpi City Mayor Noel E. Rosal and Tabaco City Mayor Krisel Lagman-Luistro also graced the occasion.

Resource speakers dealt on the benefits generated through the collaborative research and development (R&D) undertakings being done on the Kuroshio Current.

The event was also highlighted by the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) on Exchange Students between Bicol University in the Philippines, represented by Dr. Fay Lea Patria M. Lauraya, and National Sun Yat-sen University in Taiwan, represented by Dr. Tse-Min Lee, Taiwan.

A total of 25 papers were presented in the conference, categorized under the following fields: (a) Coastal Resource Management – 9 papers; (b) Fishery Resources – 8 papers; (c) Biological Sciences and Oceanography – 4 papers; and (d) Resources and Habitat – 4 papers. Queries from the audience were entertained by the speaker after each paper presentation. Certificates of Commendation were then awarded to the presenters and facilitators for each field.

BUTC treated the delegation with an array of dances and songs during the Cultural Night on December 2 at the Carolyna Hotel and Restaurant in Tabaco City and A Night of Music at the Alicia Hotel on December 3, 2009.

The night sessions served as a breather for the group, who had worked hard during the day. Even the Japanese and the Taiwanese delegations eagerly showed their artistic side by rendering not only their songs but also their native dances. For most of the guests, these were indeed nights to cherish.

Participants have high hopes that through the conference, meaningful solutions to common problems, and further collaboration/cooperation will be forged for a better future, particularly in the aspects of marine protection, management and conservation. (OBrugada, BURDC/PIA)


DEPED HOLDS 2ND REGIONAL LEADERSHIP TRAINING

SORSOGON CITY — The Department of Education (DepED) division office here has successfully conducted on December 2-4 the 2nd Regional Training for Student Government Officers (SGO) highlighting disaster preparedness and management and emergency response for SGOs in Bicol region.

Divina Diaz of DepEd Sorsogon City, regional training coordinator, said that the three-day training held was in line P.D. 1566 which provides for the capability enhancement and establishment of a community disaster preparedness plan, and in addition to the organization of a division/school-based emergency response team where students can be active members,”

At least 400 participants, composed of student leaders and teacher-advisers from the secondary schools division of the six provinces of Bicol region, attended the affair.

During the plenary session on the first day, PIA Information Center Manager Irma Guhit presented the state of Bicol environment while Sorsogon City Fire Marshal Chief Inspector Renato B. Marcial refreshed the participants on Basic Safety Fire Tips.

The succeeding days were highlighted by massive trainings on Basic First Aid, Basic Mountaineering Skills, Team Building and Water Safety Survival Skills spearheaded by the City Division School Nurse in partnership with the City Disaster Coordinating Council and the Composite Response and Rescue Team (CCRT), a private local organization here.

“We enjoyed the training because it has increased our awareness on common emergencies and equipped us with the latest skills and strategies towards emergency care,” said most of the participants.

The students also added that the demonstration on proper handling of emergency cases provided to them were both fun and worth learning.

Diaz said that soon after the training they will organize and mobilize division/school-based volunteers and response teams that would assist in the disaster preparedness, mitigation, response and rehabilitation. Eventually, this will become the disaster coordinating council auxiliary of their respective divisions.

Diaz also averred that Sorsogon City is playing host to this year’s training since the current Regional Supreme Student Government Federation President, Sailyn Guarin, is from Sorsogon National High School.

“Hosting the regional training, at the same time, would give the city and the province as well, a better opportunity to showcase and promote its tourism products and services,” she added.

The first regional training for SGOs was conducted last year in the town of Guinobatan in Albay province. (BARecebido, PIA Sorsogon)


COMPREHENSIVE TREATMENT PLAN FOR FILIPINOS WITH HIV SOUGHT

LEGAZPI CITY— Amidst the specter of being categorized as a “low prevalence” country, the Philippines continues to experience an increase in the number of human-immuno deficiency virus (HIV) cases diagnosed on a monthly basis.

The Positive Action Foundation of the Philippines Inc., (PAFPI), a non government organization working on people living with HIV and AIDS, has sought the creation of a comprehensive treatment plan for Filipinos HIV positive to ensure the sustainability of treatment, care and support.

From January to October of 2009, a total of 629 cases have been recorded in the HIV registry of the National Epidemiology Center of the Department of Health (DOH). In the same period last year, a total of 454 cases were recorded.

Joshua Formentera, PAFPI president, said that the growing number of cases, especially among young people and men who have sex with men (MSM), has become a cause for concern among HIV and AIDS organizations and activists.

This has also prompted concerns about sustained provision of treatment, care and support, especially for those already in the AIDS stage.

In a recent 3rd National consultative and Consensus Meeting held in Manila, Formentera noted that the main challenge they are facing with regards to HIV treatment is its limited availability. “The current provision of free Anti-retroviral (ARV) treatment is only until 2012. “

On the other hand Eddy Razon, president of Pinoy Plus Association, an organization of Filipinos living with HIV, said, "we need a sustainable, long-term and comprehensive treatment plan.”

He also challenged local government units (LGUs) to do their part. “Most of the local chief executives are not aware that there are HIV positive in their localities.”

“Local response is important in preventing, controlling and provision of treatment,” he said.

Aside from treatment issues, the participants stressed the importance of involving people living with HIV (PLHIV) in the response, especially women. Lorna Garcia, president of Babae Plus, a support group of women living with HIV, also stressed “the need to address specific issues of HIV positive women, which include access to sexual and reproductive health services, prevention of mother-to-child transmission, and gender-based violence”.

A proposed comprehensive treatment plan has been prepared by non government organizations working on people living with HIV and will be submitted to the Philippines National AIDS Council (PNAC). (MDRama, PNA Bicol/PIA)


BFP ENJOINS STUDENT LEADERS TO SUPPORT FIRE SAFETY PROGRAMS

SORSOGON CITY — In their effort to strengthen their fire safety advocacy to the community, the Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) office here has appealed to students for support to fire safety programs during the recently concluded 2nd Regional Leadership Training on Disaster Management and Emergency Response held at Bacia Auditorium in Bacon District, this city.

Chief Inspector Renato Marcial, city fire marshal, has urged the participants to help the BFP in its efforts to minimize or if not eliminate the occurrence of fire by actively participating in their fire safety programs, adherence to the newly amended Fire Code of the Philippines and other related public safety programs of the government.

The training, hosted by the city for the first time, was participated in by some 434 student-leaders from the different provinces across the Bicol region.

According to Marcial, the event provides big opportunities to share as well as explain the nature of the job of a fire fighter, appreciate BFP’s action in performing their mandated tasks and more importantly remind them of their role in the community in promoting fire safety.

Fire Officer 1 (FO1) Angelo Nuelan also conducted lecture and training on Basic First Aid Application to increase the participants’ awareness and skills on life saving techniques.
(LGFuntanares, BFP Sorsogon/PIA)

Feature:

TEACHERS, GRATEFUL TO 4Ps’ HELPING CHILDREN IN MASBATE

By MZVillagomez, 4Ps Information Officer

LEGAZPI CITY — The silent unsung heroes who constantly mold the bases of the future of each child are the teachers, helping the young acquire the knowledge they need to survive life.

Teachers also serve as our second parents, who care and adore us.

Sherlita Intig is a Grade I teacher in Malhaw Elementary School, Cawayan, Masbate. For many years she has been teaching children who cannot provide their needed educational materials.

“Meron akong mga estudyante na may mga lapis ngunit napakaliliit na, mas maikli pa sa lollipop” (I have students who have pencils shorter than a lollipop), teacher Sherlita sadly shared.

Other students can also be seen wearing slippers that already have overused soles.

“Makikita no talaga kung gaano sila kahikahos sa buhay” (You can really see how poor they are), she added.

For this, teacher Sherlita would lend her pupils with pencils and coloring materials.

“Pag hindi mo sila binigyan o pinahiram ng gamit, kawawa naman dahil tutunganga lang sila, kaya bilang guro” (It’s a pity if you won’t lend them what they need because they would just stare at their classmates who are doing the activity), said Inting.

One day, before starting the discussion, her pupils already have their new things brought out. “May mga bago silang lapis, krayola at papel, ang iba nga ma mga bagong tsinelas at bags pa” (They already have new pencils, crayons and papers. Others even have new flip flops and bags), explained the now happy teacher.

Inting asked her pupils why almost all of them have new educational materials, and one of her students answered “Binigyan si mama ng pera ng 4Ps” (4Ps gave mother money).

This happened after the pay out for the 4Ps beneficiaries of Cawayan, Masbate.

Not knowing what 4Ps is, Inting asked co-teachers what the program is. It was then she knew that it’s a poverty alleviation program of the government that targets to help the poorest people by providing conditional cash grants and to abide with its conditions about health and education.

According to the teachers of Malhaw Elementary School, a sudden change was brought by the program. The children would be seen doing their activity eagerly compared before where they seem to be awkward in borrowing things from their teacher or from their classmates.

“Makikita mo sa mata ng bata yung kasiyahan na may mga sarili na silang gamit” (You can see the happiness in their eyes having their own things), she said.

“Now that we already have the 4Ps, the pupils can how hope the needed supplies and focus on they want to do during activities,” she further said, thankful and teary-eyed on the blessings that her 2nd children received. (DSWD V/PIA)


PGMA’s attends installation of Legazpi’s 6th Bishop

LEGAZPI CITY— The arrival of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo at the Cathedral of St. Gregory the Great in the Old Albay District caused quite a stir.

The church was filled to the brim and the church grounds were also set up to accommodate the overflowing crowd that came to witness the canonical installation of Legazpi’s sixth bishop, the 55-year-old Rev. Joel Baylon.

Baylon succeeds Apostolic Administrator Bishop Lucilo Quaiambao. Prior to his appointment, Baylon was Bishop of Masbate since 1998.

The president arrived 15 minutes before the formal installation rites were to begin and she was flanked by political leaders, including former Senate President Franklin Drilon. Those who met her at the church’s entrance were Albay Gov. Joey Salceda; Legazpi Mayor Noel Rosal; Cong. Al Francis Bichara of Albay secong congressional district, Philippine National Police Regional Director C/Supt. Ruben Padua; and Bishops Jose Sorra and Lucito Quiambao.

A concelebrated high mass for his canonical installation lasted more than two hours with Papal Nuncio Edward Joseph Adams, Gaudencio Cardinal Rosales and Nueva Caceres Archbishop Leonardo Legaspi, 31 other bishops and 300 clergy in attendance.

The installation was done at the start of the mass with the presentation and reading of the Apostolic letter appointing Baylon as the new bishop of Legazpi. (PIA V Release)


Palace defends martial law, allays fears of stock brokers

MANILA— Malacańang said Thursday (December 10) there is no reason for stock brokers to fear the declaration of martial law in Maguindanao, stressing it is limited in scope and time.

In a press conference, Spokesperson for Economic Affairs Professor Gary Olivar reminded businessmen that the emergency measure was meant to arrest key suspects in the Maguindanao massacre, quell a possible rebellion and restore peace and order in the province.

“When we talk about martial law and whether or not it is to be feared or welcomed in the context of what has happened, I think these are facts that we should keep in mind. I think the stock brokers being the rational people that they are would take this into account,” he said.

Olivar debunked allegations that martial law will later cover the entire country, saying those claims are the handiwork of critics of President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo. They have no factual basis, he said

Analysts’ fears stemmed from the decline of the main composite index which dropped below the 3,000 benchmark for the first time in the last four weeks. (PIA V Release)


Peace key to ending warlordism’

MANILA — Malacañang said Thursday (December 10) a comprehensive peace process is the key to ending the conflict in Mindanao and preventing warlordism.

In a press conference, Presidential Economic Spokesperson Professor Gary Olivar noted that the resumption of peace talks between the government and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) is a significant development towards resolving the peace and security situation not only in Maguindanao but the rest of Mindanao.

“Unrest in Mindanao gives rise to warlords and private armies. It is hoped that a comprehensive peace agreement will end it. We really want to avert the possibility of similar massacres in the future. Peace is the only long-term solution to the problem,” he stressed.

The government peace panel and the MILF, with the Malaysian third-party facilitation, have opened formal peace negotiations and reaffirmed their shared commitment to building a just, enduring and comprehensive peace in Mindanao.

Both parties agreed to continue creating and enabling a secure environment for the negotiations by renewing the Terms of Reference for the International Monitoring Team (IMT).

Pursuant to this, both Parties will invite as IMT members Malaysia, Japan, Brunei and Libya and non-governmental organizations, namely the International Committee on the Red Cross (ICRC), the Mindanao Peoples Caucus (MPC) and the Non-Violent Peace Force (NVPF).

They also renewed their commitment to continue efforts in coordinating the interdiction and isolation of criminal and lawless elements by reviving the Ad Hoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG).

Both parties have expressed their gratitude to President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo for her desire and commitment to peace and development in Mindanao. (PIA V Release)


PGMA honors outstanding volunteers

MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo led the recognition of the country’s outstanding volunteers and legislators in simple ceremonies held Thursday (December 10) at Malacanang’s Rizal Hall.

Assisted by National Volunteer Month 2009 honorary chairman Ricardo Reyes, the president presented the 2009 Outstanding Volunteer Award to 17 individuals and organizations.

Recipients under the individual-adult category were Marina Bumatay, a volunteer teacher at a Muslim community in Dasmarinas, Cavite; and Celestino Desamito,Jr., a retired military colonel who served as volunteer consultant for the regional development of the City of Koronadal.

Under the organization/corporate non-profit category, awardees were the Mag-Uugmad Foundation, Inc., composed of volunteer-farmers who help uplift marginalized farming communities in Cebu; and the Tuklas Katutubo, Inc., an organization which assists indigenous people.

For the organization-corporate category, the work of Philex (Mining Corp.’s) Rescue Team during emergencies and disasters was recognized.

The recipient for the Volunteer Lifetime Achievement Award was the founder of the University of the Philippines volunteer program called Ugnayan ng Pahinungod, Dr. Ledevina Carino (posthumous).

A special citation was conferred to the Voluntary Service Overseas-Philippines, which deployed foreign volunteers to assist in national and local development, including facilitating peace building process, for the last 40 years.

Also recognized today for their heroic acts during the recent typhoons was Muelmar Magallanes (posthumous), the 18-year old who saved 30 people but ended up sacrificing his own life while rescuing a baby girl swept away on a styrofoam box; and government personnel who died in the line of duty, namely, Pfc. Venancio Ancheta,Jr., Cpl. Adriano Regua , Sr. Fire Officer 2 Richard Balusdan, Sr., Sr. Fire Officer 2 Siegfred Ngolovan, and Brgy. Kagawad Rex Mang-oy.

ABS-CBN Foundation, Inc. Sagip Kapamilya, GMA Kapuso Foundation, Oplan Sagip Bayan Volunteers, and the Philippine National Red Cross were given special citations for their rescue and relief operations roles during and after typhoons Ondoy and Pepeng.

The President also honored The Gawad sa Kampeon ng Kabataang Pilipino 2009 winners: Pangil, Laguna Councilor Alberto Astoveza,Jr.; Naga City Mayor Jesse Robredo; Bulacan Gov. Joselito Mendoza; Laoag City Mayor Michael Farinas; Ilocos Norte Board Member Michel Kristian Ablan; Jagna, Bohol Councilor Senen Lloren; Aurora Province Board Member Shierwin Taay; Laguna Gov. Teresita Lazaro; and Aurora Rep. Bellaflor Castillo.

The program recognizes the outstanding contributions of local legislators on youth development in their respective Sanggunian.

The President also led the recognition of the 2nd National Service Training Program (NSTP) “Green Philippines” Awards 2009 – the Nationwide Search for the Best Environmental Program.

The winners were San Beda College, Filamer Christian College, Capalonga College, Visayas State University, West Negros University, University of Bohol, Cagayan Valley Computer and Information Technology College, University of St. La Salle, and the Nueva Vizcaya State University. (PIA V Release)


DBM announces P10,000.00 additional bonus for national government workers

MANILA — Christmas for government workers will be merrier with an additional cash bonus of up to P10,000 this December.

The good news was announced by Budget and Management (DBM) Secretary Rolando Andaya Jr. Thursday morning (December 10) at the Reception Hall of Malacanang.

Andaya earlier confirmed that President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo directed the provision of additional cash bonus for all government employees in time for the Christmas holidays.

He said the national government will provide a P7,000 additional bonus while the remaining P3,000 will come from the savings of the various respective offices or agencies under it.

“Ang mga empleyadong sakop po nito ay mga empleyado ng national government na sakop ng plantilla, casual at contractual. Ito ang mga sakop na mga empleyado ng national government,” Andaya said.

Andaya noted that the DBM has started the processing and coordination with different agencies to provide the extra cash gift for some 1.2 million state workers. (PIA V Release)