ARMY ACTIVATES A SPECIAL DISASTER UNIT IN BICOL; GEARS FOR LA NIÑA

PILI, Camarines Sur — Bracing for the on set of the wet spell, the Philippine Army (PA) in Bicol has activated a special unit tasked to conduct disaster response operations (DRO) in times of natural calamities and other forms of disasters, a ranking military official said.

Army Major General Ruperto Pabustan, commanding general of the 9th Infantry Division, said the activation of the Army’s disaster unit would be a response strategy against possible negative impacts of La Niña, a climate phenomenon that brings heavy rains, storms and other weather disturbances in the community.

Pabustan, said various natural calamities that had stricken the country last year prompted the activation of the disaster unit

“Last year, we had shown the bravery of our soldiers who crossed raging floodwaters to save hapless victims, despite of the lack of rescue equipment. This time, I have ensured that they are issued the necessary equipment and the proper training as well,” said Pabustan.

Major Harold Cabunoc, 9th ID Spokesperson, said that the newly activated 35-man strong DRO unit will undergo two weeks rigid training in the field of disaster response operations.

Cabunoc said that the unit has started various skills development training such as Rope Technician’s Course (RTC), Mountain Operations Search and Rescue (MOSAR), Water Search and Rescue (WASAR) and spine board training.

First Lieutenant Ronnie Sicad, the DRO leader, said that the special unit is still undergoing a series of sustainment training activities to further develop their confidence and abilities.

“We are conducting daily practices on combat life saving and rope courses which are among the most important skills that we need to help the victims of heavy flooding and the typhoons,” Sicad said, during the strenuous rappelling activity Monday..

Aside from the skills training, the new DRO unit is equipped with rubber boats, sophisticated ropes, flares and floating devices.

4x4 medium built KM 450 trucks are also among the fleet of vehicles that are issued to this unit.

The highly-trained soldiers of this unit are also responsible for the training of the selected soldiers who are assigned in different provinces in the region. Mobile training teams will be sent to re-echo the skills and knowledge needed by the Army rescue operators.

As this developed, 49 towns in Bicol have been identified as landslide prone areas by the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) in Bicol.

On the onset of the wet spell environment authorities warn residents in these areas to prepare and evacuate to safer grounds, once heavy rains and typhoons occur.

Reynaldo A. Juan, MGB Bicol regional director, reiterated his warning to residents of the dangers pose to lives and properties once floods and landslide hits these places.

Juan said places at high risk to landslide are eight towns and a city in Albay, 8 towns in Camarines Norte, 12 in Camarines Sur, 8 in Catanduanes, five in Masbate and seven in Sorsogon.

Juan said the residents of the following municipalities should be prepared and evacuate to safer grounds when continuous rain in their localities occurs: Bacacay, Libon, Malilipot, Malinao, Manito, Rapu-Rapu, Sto. Domingo, Tiwi and Ligao in Albay; Basud, Capalonga, Labo, Mercedes, Paracale, San Lorenzo Ruiz, San Vicente, and Sta. Elena in Camarines Norte;

Buhi, Caramoan, Garchitorena, Goa, Lagonoy, Libmanan, Lupi, Pasacao, Presentacion, Sagnay, Sipocot and Tinambac in Camarines Sur; Bagamanoc, Baras, Bato, Caramoran, Gigmoto, Pandan, Panganiban, and San Andres in Catanduanes; Aroroy, Baleno, Mandaon, Milagros, and Mobo in Masbate; and Bulan, Irosin, Juban, Magallanes, Matnog, Sta. Magdalena and Sorsogon City in Sorsogon.

He, however, clarified that residents of other municipalities not named are encouraged to observe the necessary precaution and preparation to evacuate to safer grounds when in their area signs of an impending landslide may occur or have history of landslide in the past. (MSArgeulles, PNA Bicol with reports from Maj. HMCabunoc, 9ID PA-DPAO)

DENR TO DEVELOP GEO-HAZARD MAPS IN BICOL

LEGAZPI CITY — The Department of Environment and natural Resources (DENR) in Bicol was recently commissioned to develop a detailed geo-hazard maps to assist government planners and policy makers in identifying areas prone to natural hazards.

The Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has contracted the DENR to produce a geo-hazard maps detailing hazard areas prone to flooding, landslides, sea level rising, storm surge, volcanic eruptions, lahars and mud flows and other disaster events.

Social Welfare Secretary Celia Capadocia Yangco in her recent visit here said her agency has released to the DENR some P1.9 million funding for the production of geo-hazard maps covering the six province of Bicol.

The funding is intended for the production and reproduction of geo-hazard maps with scales of 1:50,000 and 1:10,000 for distribution to local government units in selected provinces and towns in Bicol, Yangco said.

The agreement between the two departments was in line with DSWD’s “Bicol Recovery Project” supported by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

Yangco and UNDP country director Renaud Meyer recently visited Albay to inspect the core shelter, water and electric facilities projects in the resettlement sites of the province.

According to Yangco, the DENR, through its Mines and Geo-sciences Bureau (MGB), has provided some P1.6 million as counterpart fund for the project.

MGB is the lead agency for the nationwide Geo-hazard Mapping and Assessment Program, which covers the production of geo-hazard maps for 840 priority municipalities.

Yangco said the technical expertise of the DENR on geo-hazard mapping and assessment, including the production of more-detailed maps, would serve as a database for planners once distributed to towns and barangays.

“The geo-hazard maps will be distributed to the lowest level of governance, the barangays, so that the communities living in these vulnerable areas will be able to manage and cope with the impacts of natural disasters,” according to Yangco.

Under the agreement, the DENR, through the MGB, will produce geo-hazard maps for Bicol’s three key cities, namely, Legazpi, Iriga and Sorsogon.

Geohazard maps will likewise be distributed to nine municipalities in the provinces of Sorsogon, Albay and Catanduanes.

Towns to be given geo-hazard maps include Pilar and Donsol in Sorsogon; Camalig and Guinobatan in Albay; and Pandan, Caramoran, San Andres, Virac, and Bato in Catanduanes. Said areas have earlier been mapped by the DENR.

The production and distribution of the large-scale maps are expected to be completed within twelve months.

Yangco explained the importance of the geo-hazard maps, saying that the capacities of barangay and municipal officers to understand and use geo-hazard maps for disaster preparedness are greatly enhanced with a geo-hazard map that show with relative accuracy ground area, rivers, lakes, roads and distances between features.

Aside from map production, the agreement also calls for the DENR to conduct trainings and information, education and communication (IEC) campaign for municipal and barangay officials, including other members of disaster coordinating councils of concerned local government units, on disaster preparedness and risk reduction. (MSArguelles, PNA Bicol)

UNDP NPAC MEETING HELD IN BICOL
… pushes for inter-agency collaboration, fast track Bicol Recovery Project

LEGAZPI CITY — The 5th National Project Advisory Council meeting of the United Nations Development Programme Fund (UNDP) Bicol Recovery Project (BRP) was held last May 26-27, 2010 at Pepperland Hotel, Legazpi City.

Social Welfare and Development Secretary Celia C. Yangco and UNDP Country Director Renaud Meyer graced the activity.

NPAC members composed of the National Economic and Development Authority (NEDA), Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) and Office of Civil Defense (OCD) were also represented.

The National Project Advisory Committee meeting aimed to: a) finalize and approve the Annual Work Plan for Calendar Year 2010, b) present the status of the project; and, c) discuss results of the audit observations in the UNDP National Implementation Modality.

DSWD Secretary Celia Capadocia-Yangco said that DSWD, as lead partner in the implementation of the Bicol Recovery Program, will ensure that the project will be implemented in equitable balance throughout the region. Yang co is the National Project Director of the BRP.

Meanwhile, UNDP Country Director Renaud Meyer urged the members of the NPAC to strengthen its inter-agency collaboration.

The BRP, with funding support from UNDP and the DSWD, is a two-year project which seeks to respond to the on-going recovery needs of the Bicolanos and designed to assist families and communities in Bicol who were severely affected by the series of strong typhoons in 2006 particularly Super Typhoon Reming.

Director Meyer and Secretary Yangco had visited in Sto. Domingo,Tiwi and Guinobatan towns where the construction of the core shelter units has funding support from the UNDP.
(AMayor/EEJerusalem, DSWD/PIA)

ALBAY EXTENDS P1.065M FOR TRANSPORT ORGANIZATIONS' DEVELOPMENT ASSISTANCE

LEGAZPI CITY — For less than a year of its implementation, the Provincial Government of Albay, through the Albay Millennium Development Goal Office (AMDGO), has released the total amount of P1.065 million to nine transport cooperatives and associations for the Expanded Transport Organizations’ Development Assistance or E-TODA program.

As of May, this year, 213 members of various transport organizations in the province have already availed of the benefits of micro financing program for transport service providers.

“E-TODA is a government program with Philippine Postal Savings Bank, Department of Transportation and Communication (DOTC) and its attached agencies in partnership with the provincial government of Albay,” Governor Joey Salceda told local media here.

He explained that the program started last year to provide safety net to public transport cooperatives, association or groups as a result of unpredictable oil price movements as well as the adverse effects of the global financial crisis through the establishment of financial facility easily accessible to eligible beneficiaries through self-managed micro enterprises to augment their family income.

“This is a no interest, no collateral capital assistance to beneficiaries,” Salceda said.

Raymund Salire, AMDO project development officer, said as of this month, there are five more transport groups with pending applications to the PPSB Manila office.

“The application and requirement of remaining five transport groups are now on process and expected to be approved before end of June,” he said.

For Albay alone, Salire said, the PPSB has established a P50-million loan line for E-TODA.

“The P1.065 million released to approve loan to various transport groups is part of the P50-million fund granted to the province,” he said. (MDRama, PNA Bicol)

BFP BEEFS UP INSPECTION, COMPLIANCE OF SCHOOLS ON SAFETY

DAET, Camarines Norte — The Bureau of Fire Protection (BFP) headquarters here is conducting series of inspections of the different public and private schools in this town in line with the agency’s “Oplan Balik-Eskwela”.

Municipal Fire Marshal Inspector Adonis D. Osea said that the agency is conducting inspections to check safety measures implemented by schools, including the availability of fire extinguishers.

He said that in their initial inspections in some schools they have noticed that some schools in public have no safety measures compared to private schools.

Inspector Osea urged said schools to have containers with water as an alternative in case of fire incident.

He also reminded schools with laboratory to have their LPG tanks outside the room and to have 2 doors available as safety measure in case fire occurs.

BFP inspectors added that as of January to May they have recorded four fire incidents in this town.

Meanwhile, the Camarines Norte Police Provincial Office (CNPPO) has assigned policemen in the schools vicinity in connection with the school opening in private and some public schools yesterday.

PNP Provincial Director PSSupt. Pierre Bucsit said that this is to ensure the security of students especially in the start of school day.

He added that he also assigned policemen in roads nearby schools to attend to the traffic in order to avoid problems for the students and motorists. (RBManlangit, PIA CamNorte)

SSC STUDES FIND DIODE EFFECTIVE POWER SAVING DEVICE

SORSOGON CITY — In the light of crafting ways to minimize electric power consumption, the fifth year electrical engineering students of the Sorsogon State College here, have finished a research study on Light Emitting Diode (LED) as an alternative electronic component in designing a lighting device.

The design proposed by Zendy Dematera, Dyronne P. Ajas, Gissell C. Dogillo and Rusan James Freo was adjudged best among the six competing groups and was given credit by the SSC in its recognition ceremony last March.

Engr. Joselito S. Orticio, who handles the students, said that the study was one of the requisites in their subject as well seminars and field trips where the students were exposed to.

“The research is only limited to the utilization of white LED which can possibly be an efficient source to replace the usual lighting system for domestic use,” said Orticio.

The four researchers, after conducting the study, found out that it is possible to create a LED light bulb which can be directly connected to a 230V/.AC.

It was also proven to be energy-saving due to its low power consumption, producing a light output of 120.6 lumens and a power of 1.2 watts.

“It is also advantageous because its materials are more durable compared to the typical compact fluorescent lamps and bulbs which have fragile components. Furthermore, though costly, it has a longer lifespan and contains no mercury unlike other usual bulb designs,” said the researchers.

Since it has poor illumination, they recommended the use of an efficient reflector that will suit the design of the bulb. “It is also imperative to utilized high-powered LED to make it a more effective lighting device,” they also said. (MMoraleda/DDeri, SSC/PIA Sorsogon)

112TH INDEPENDENCE DAY TO BE MORE MEANINGFUL - PALACE

MANILA — Observance of the 112th Philippine Independence Day on Saturday (June 12) will be more meaningful and symbolic of the gains made by the people in key fronts like the economy, environment, education, and national security.

The center stage for the national celebration will still be Luneta at the sprawling Rizal Park in Manila.

President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo will lead the nationwide flag-raising rites at 7a.m. in front of the Rizal Monument, then come back at 4 p.m. at the Luneta to deliver her Independence Day message and view from the Quirino Grandstand, along with the thousands of Independence Day revelers, the traditional civic-military parade.

The whole-day affair, which has the theme, “KALAYAAN: Tagumpay ng Bayan,” will showcase the country’s major accomplishments over the past nine years under the leadership of President Arroyo.

“Without losing sight of our rich history and cultural heritage, we are celebrating individual and collective achievement,” said Dr. Ambeth R. Ocampo, National Historical Commission (NHC) chair.

Ocampo, who also chairs the National Organizing Committee for the Independence Day celebration, said the first 10 floats put together for the parade will dramatize these achievements, also referred to as legacy of the Arroyo administration under the President’s Ten-Point Agenda, while the last will be a virtual montage of modern-day Filipino heroes.

Dubbed as “Beat the Odds,” the ten-point program covers the following themes: education for all, automated elections, transportation and infrastructure, terminating hostilities in all fronts, healing the wounds of EDSA, electricity and water for all, opportunities for livelihood, decongestion of Metro Manila, and developing Subic and Clark.

The National Historical Institute (NHI) which was designated as lead agency to handle preparations for the Independence Day rites, said the floats would have particular themes, “so named after the people’s triumphs over pressing concerns such as poverty alleviation, education, environment protection and preservation, peace and order, and infrastructure development.”

“This is not to say we are completely setting aside history, to be highlighted by a poetry-dance-drama presentation encompassing the pre-Spanish colonization era, up to the time we attained full independence in 1898,” Ocampo added.

An original song composition by Ato Del Rosario, to be rendered by Bituin Escalante, is one of the Program highlights. (PIA V Release)

PGMA OFF TO CHINA FOR JOINT RITES MARKING 35TH YEAR OF RP-CHINA TIES

MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo leaves today (June 7) for a two-day trip to China in a special visit to jointly observe with Chinese leaders the 35th anniversary of the bilateral relations between the two countries.

She will also be in Shanghai to open to the world the Philippine pavilion at the Shanghai 2010 World Expo, China’s latest showcase of economic strength.

It will be the first time that a Filipino head of state will be in China to reminisce the event in June 9, 1975 that opened official ties between two countries and ushered in the strong relations between them.

With the theme “Philippines + China @ 35: More than Friends,” the two countries have lined up year-long activities highlighting three aspects of Philippines-China relations which link the past with the future: the centuries-old people-to-people relations, the growing twinning arrangements, and youth and the future.

The President’s Shanghai visit highlights Philippine participation in the 2010 World Expo where the Philippines is among 42 Asian countries participating. The Department of Tourism has reserved a 1,880 square-meter space in the Expo dedicated to Philippine culture. (PIA V Release)

PGMA RECEIVES INTERNATIONAL HONORS FOR PRO-POOR AND WELFARE PROGRAMS

MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo was conferred today (June 7) the Shining World Leadership Award, an international award institutionalized by the famed spiritual, charity and humanitarian leader Ching Hai, in recognition of her tireless dedication to public service specifically her efforts in mitigating hunger and poverty in the Philippines.

The President received the honor from Lin Shan-Kuo, chairman of the Supreme Master Ching Hai International Association, during a testimonial cultural show “Puso sa Puso” at the St. Paul University auditorium in Quezon City by beneficiaries of her pro-poor projects and programs for the underprivileged sectors.

The Chief Executive watched the show which also depicted her efforts and achievements in infrastructure, food for education and environmental protection programs as well as the promotion on the welfare of the urban poor, indigenous peoples (IPs), senior citizens, out-of-school-youths, overseas workers, and persons with disabilities (PWDs).

Also mentioned in the testimonial event were the President’s role in the enactment of landmark bills in support of Indigenous People’s rights that led to the acknowledgement of Muslim holidays and distribution of Certificates of Ancestral Domain Titles (CADTs) and the Senior Citizens Act of 2010 which gave expanded benefits for the elderly.

After the show, the President was requested up the stage to receive the leadership award from Lin Shan-Kuo who represented Supreme Master Ching Hai.

Accounts said the Vietnam-born social leader Ching Hai founded the Shining World Leadership Award in March 2006. She also established other prestigious awards, such as Shining World Compassion Award, Shining World Hero and Heroine Awards, Shining World Honesty Award, Shining World Protection Award, Shining World Intelligence Award, and Shining World Invention Award.

The honors are bestowed on individuals, nations, and organizations – such as the 2nd President of the Republic of Slovenia, Dr. Janez Drnovšek, Dr. Jane Goodall, and Save the Children – whose exemplary works have significantly contributed to the harmony, beauty, and sustainability of our Earth.

The Award underscored President Arroyo’s “tireless dedication to public service and loving commitment to the well-being of the Filipino people.”

On the other hand, the cultural tribute at the St. Paul University further recognized the President’s unprecedented programs in the relocation and provision of housing for urban poor dwellers including her 15 visits to attend to the welfare of occupants in the Smokey Mountain; her personal appeal to other heads of state that led to the repatriation and commutation of even the death sentences of thousands of OFWs; and her concern for disaster victims including the opening of Malacanang as temporary shelter for the victims of Typhoon Ondoy.

Among those present during the event were Education Secretary Mona Valisno and Presidential Assistant on Culture Cecille Guidote-Alvarez. (PIA V Release)

PALACE WELCOMES NOYNOY STATEMENTS ON AFP CHIEF'S ISSUE

MANILA — Malacanang welcomed word from President apparent Sen. Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III that he respects the current stay in office of General Delfin Bangit as chief of staff of those armed forces of the Philippines.

“We are happy to take Senator Aquino’s most recent statement at face value that he would respect the Chief of Staff’s stay in office because its is an appointment made by the President” according to deputy presidential spokesperson Gary Olivar in a pres conference today.

Earlier on Sunday, Executive Secretary Leandro Mendoza announced that President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo has approved a recommendation by the Department of National Defense (DND) to allow senior officers by-passed by the Commission on Appointments to hold their present respective posts “to preclude a hiatus in the service and gap in their appointments, and to avoid prejudice to public service or endanger public safety.”

Defense Secretary Norberto Gonzales made the recommendation following last Friday’s adjournment sine die of the 14th Congress without confirming the promotions of the senior officers of the AFP.

Olivar said that the recent statement of the senator during a TV interview indicates much positive and constructive position. He added that Aquino assured that he will not do anything to upset the chain of command or the morale of the officer core.

At the same time, Olivar squelched speculations that the Palace is “destabilizing” the relationship of the incoming government and the AFP, saying that “the issue of the 300 officers being bypassed is not something that should be laid at the door of Senator Aquino. This is obviously the responsibility of the commission on appointments” Olivar said.

Affected by the by-pass were Gen. Delfin N. Bangit and 301 others who hold the ranks of General, Lt. General, Major General/Rear Admiral, Brigadier General/Commodore and Colonel/Captain (Philippine Navy) as of June 5, 2010.

Sec. Mendoza, himself a former chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) the other half of the national uniformed service, stressed that the military should be insulated from partisan politics, hence appointments to sensitive military positions should be left to the discretion and sound judgment of the command hierarchy.

Promotions in the military are determined by the various boards that screen applicants for their seniority, merit and performance. Officers with the rank of full Colonel up, however, are still subject to CA confirmation.

Mendoza said, shielding the military establishment from political influence “would ensure stability of the command, and instill discipline and high morale among the men and women in uniform.”

Among the 302 by-passed by the CA, were one (1) General, three (3) Lt. Generals, ten (10) Major Generals, one (1) Rear Admiral, thirty five (35) Brigadier Generals, five (5) Commodores, with the rest being Colonels and Captains.

At the Malacanang press conference, AFP spokesman Lt. Col. Arnulfo Burgos, disclosed that Bangit had a dialogue with the 301 bypassed officers last Friday to clarify issues with them.

According to Burgos, Bangit told the officers “to respect the democratic institutions and always uphold the rule of law”

Burgos quoted Bangit as assuring the officers that there is no reason to be bothered by the by-pass as it is part of the process.

The AFP spokesman said that the most important thing is that the officer’s morale is high and that they will remain professional and solid behind the chief of staff. (PIA V Release)

PGMA APPROVES TEMPORARY STAY OF BANGIT, 301 OTHER AFP OFFICERS ON THEIR POSTS – MENDOZA

MANILA, — President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo has approved the recommendation of Defense Secretary Norberto Gonzales to allow 302 senior officers of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), including chief of staff Gen. Delfin Bangit, to stay on their respective posts after their confirmation was technically bypassed by the Commission on Appointments (CA) when the 14th Congress adjourned sine die last Friday.

Executive Secretary Leandro Mendoza said on Monday (June 7) the President approved Gonzales’ recommendation "to avoid prejudice to public service or endanger the public safety."

”Failure to act decisively on the matter could have led to serious demoralization in the AFP Officer Corps, and undermine the integrity of the military’s command structure,” Mendoza added.

Affected by the CA bypass were General Bangit and 301 other senior officers of the AFP who hold the ranks of general, lieutenant general, major general/rear admiral, brigadier general/commodore and colonel/captain (Philippine Navy) as of June 5.

Mendoza, who himself is a former chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP) -- the other half of the national uniformed service -- stressed that the military should be insulated from partisan politics, hence appointments to sensitive military positions should be left to the discretion and sound judgment of the command hierarchy.

Promotions in the military are determined by the various boards that screen applicants for their seniority, merit and performance.

Officers with the rank of full colonel and up, however, are still subject to CA confirmation.

As one of the pillars of democracy, Mendoza said, shielding the military establishment from political influence “would ensure stability of the command, and instill discipline and high morale among the men and women in uniform."

Among the 302 senior officers bypassed by the CA were one general, three lieutenant generals, 10 major generals, one rear admiral, 35 brigadier generals, five commodores, with the rest being colonels and captains.

On Sunday, Senate President Juan Ponce Enrile, who is also the chairman of the Appointments Commission, said that President Arroyo could extend the term of Bangit and those who would question it should go to the Supreme Court.

Enrile also said apparent President-elect Senator Benigno Simeon “Noynoy” Aquino III could retain General Bangit as the AFP chief until his retirement by the end of this year. (PIA V Release)

PGMA WELCOME SIX NEW ENVOYS TO RP

MANILA — President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo welcomed today (June 7) six new ambassadors from foreign countries who presented their credentials to Malacañang.

First to be welcomed by the President at Malacañang’s Rizal Hall was Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Wadee Batti Hanna Al- Batti of the Republic of Iraq.

He was followed by Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Samir Arrour of the Kingdom of Morocco, Republic of Guatemala Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Byron Rene Escobedo Menendez, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Daniel Kwasi Abodakpi of the Republic of Ghana, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Elma Campbell of the Commonwealth of the Bahamas and Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary Szilveszeter Bus of the Republic of Hungary.

All the new envoys were accorded foyer honors by members of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) who also performed the traditional snappy salute to welcome them..

The new envoys were then ushered to the second floor for the signing of the Malacañang Guest Book that contains the names and signatures of all foreign and local dignitaries who come to visit the President’s official home.

After the guest book signing, the ambassadors and their respective parties were led to the Rizal Hall where they personally handed their respective credentials to the President. (PIA V Release)