ALBAY’S DISASTER RISK REDUCTION PRACTICE
IDEAL MODEL IN DISASTER MANAGEMENT - BU STUDY SAYS

LEGAZPI CITY— Albay’s Disaster Risk Reduction Management (DRRM) is an ideal model in building a resilient, safe community during times of disaster events, a research study said.

In a research study by Oxfam, Bicol University and Albay province showed that Albay’s DRRM model played a significant role in protecting lives of people and at the same time making communities strong and safe from and catastrophic event that may take place.

The research paper titled: Innovative Humanitarian Response within a Disaster Risk Reduction Approach: “Learning from the 2009 Mayon volcano Eruption, presented how Albay province attained a “Zero Casualty” target for one and half decade.

The research paper was presented on Wednesday by the BU research team in cooperation with Oxfam, Albay province, APSEMO.

Donna Mitzi Lagdameo, Oxfam, Programme Manager for DRR, said the research paper would be out of the press next month while it is in the process of fine tuning, editing the document for publication in book form.

The study reveal that with the institutionalization of the Albay Public Safety, Emergency and Management Office (APSEMO) the province has achieved the “Zero Casualty” goal during Mt. Mayon eruptions in 2001, 2006 and 2009.

The province DRRM had an effective and efficient system in monitoring and evaluation in implementing disaster operation, back up with adequate logistical and legislative policy support.

The study also credited the APSEMO’s DRM model for making the province become a landmark of and a voice in the international discourse of DRM.

With the DRRM the province was able to institutionalize disaster responses within the risk management framework designed to build a resilient and safe community towards sustainable development.

Albay Gov. Joey Salceda said DRR model institutionalized by the province is an innovation where in stakeholders where put together working for a common cause.

Salceda likened the DRRM as an orchestra playing different tones that blends into one beautiful music.

Snehal Soneji, Oxfam Country Director, has commended the BU research paper, in putting together the lessons learned, the good practices by various stakeholders during last years Mt. Mayon eruption.

Soneji was impressed of Albay’s DRRM model saying “this is a unique model where you can see how partnership played a great role in disaster operation.”

“I have seen other models but the uniqueness of Albay’s DRRM is the partnership and innovation made in performing its respective task,” Soneji said.

Cedric Daep, APSEMO director said the research study was a follow up of the first DRR study made and subsequently published last year entitled “Building a resilient DRR.”

The BU research study would reinforce and enhance the first document which would highlight the lessons learned and documentation process. (PNA Bicol)

DOH DECLARES EPIDEMIC OF MALARIA IN CAMARINES NORTE

LEGAZPI CITY—The Department of Health (DOH) in Bicol has declared a malaria epidemic in Camarines Norte after 182 residents of one town in the province were stricken by the mosquito-borne disease.

Camilo Aquino, DOH Bicol Malaria Prevention and Control Program coordinator, bared Malaria cases were recorded in Jose Panganiban town, though the agency has declared an epidemic in the entire province to alert all local officials on the need to take immediate steps to prevent the spread of the disease.

Aquino said that the DOH team dispatched to Jose Panganiban has found out that most victims were children, elderly, and at least 20 percent were members of a tribal community.

Health officials lamented more victims barely recovered or treated totally as health workers had difficulty in administering treatment because patients would refuse to follow procedures, like the schedule of taking medicines.

Aquino explained that Malaria is caused by a parasite called plasmodium, usually transmitted by infected mosquitoes. The parasites multiply in the liver and infect red blood cells. Symptoms include fever, headache and vomiting. They usually appear 10 to 15 days after infection.

DOH Bicol is now closely monitoring Malaria cases in areas near the boarder of Camarines Norte and the neighboring province of Camarines Sur, specifically in the towns of Sipocot and Lupi, to prevent further spread of the disease.

It can be noted DOH and World Health Organization (WHO) have already declared the provinces of Albay, Sorsogon, Catanduanes and Masbate as Malaria-free areas, while further assessment and validation in Camarines Sur to also declare the province free from the dreaded disease. (MALoterte, PIA V/NIMediavillo, RNB)

PPA IN NAGA CITY CELEBRATES 34TH ANNIVERSARY

NAGA CITY — The Parole and Probation Administration (PPA) field office here, under the headship of Nelia Rivero, spearheaded various activities held in this city in line with the celebration of the agency’s 34 years of existence.

One of the highlights of the activity was the agency’s participation in the city’s clean up drive along the banks of the Naga River here, dubbed as “Salvar Salog”, aimed at rousing the community’s awareness as active partners in maintaining a clean environment.

Rivero has stated that the provision of these services is also in line with their agency’s thrust to rehabilitate probationers, paroles and pardonees.

“We see to it that even our parolees are also being integrated in our community as an essential part of our society. We also want to promote their development by involving them in various endeavors that would somehow uplift their morale and rebuild their personal confidence,” she said.

Aside from community services the officials and employees of PPA rendered, the agency also took part in various information drives inside the Naga City District Jail and in Barangay Tabuco, this time aimed at raising the community’s awareness on the programs and services being offered by PPA.

With this year’s theme “34 years of redeeming Valuable Human Material: An Affirmation for Non Custodial Measures,” PPA in Naga City seeks to realize its vision of being a model component of the country’s correctional system “that shall enhance the quality of life of its clients, thru multi disciplinary programs and resources.”

“We want to give credence to our mission of being an efficient organization with a highly professional workforce that will help our government in the promotion of social justice and development.” (LSMacatangay, PIA CamSur)

NAVY OFFICERS’ WIVES HOLD BREAST CANCER AWARENESS DRIVE IN BICOL

LEGAZPI CITY — The Philippine Navy Officers’ Wives Association Inc. (PNOWA) spearheads a Seminar on Breast Cancer Prevention cum Medical Mission in Barangay Rawis here starting today (Friday, July 23), announce the Public Affairs Office of the Naval Forces Southern Luzon (Navforsol).

Commodore Joel Babas, commander of the Navforsol told PIA News Service that the activity is a parallel endeavor of the PNOWA to complement the continuing programs of the Philippine Navy across the country to uplift the morale and enhance the well-being not only of the Navy officers and personnel but also their family, relatives and dependents, much as the community the Navy serves..

Babas added that similar activities will also be conducted at the Navforsol Fleet-Marine Quarterdeck in Julahasan Arasain Headquarters in Barangay Rawis to be manned by the naval station’s organic and Opcon units’ personnel the next day starting at 9:00 am .

PNOWA is an association of all wives of officers of the Navy, led by the wife of the Flag Officer in Command of the Philippine Navy.

PNOWA has tapped the Gift2Life (G2L), a non-government organization with health and medical fields of work, to provide for the doctors to hold lectures on breast cancer prevention, thereafter render clinical services to the community.

One breast cancer survivor, a member of the contingent, will share testimonials on coping up and pursuing one’s dreams and aspirations despite stricken by the disease.

Babas remarked that this initiative is indeed a great opportunity that should be taken advantage of every resident to learn as cancer is the third leading cause of death in the country following communicable diseases and cardiovascular diseases.

He shared that breast cancer is second to lung cancer among the six leading causing-death cancers. In spite of the stark reality, there is at present a low cancer prevention consciousness in the entire country. Most Filipino cancer patients seek medical advice only when symptomatic or at advanced stage. As a result, for every two new cancer cases diagnosed annually, one dies within a year.
(Ens. DPRamon, PAO NFSL/PIA)

NAGA CITY’S WAY OF SETTLING TRAFFIC VIOLATION… BLOOD DONATION

NAGA CITY — They shall be emulated for the good deed they extended, not for the traffic violation they have committed.

Thru City Ordinance 2007-021, traffic violators may settle their administrative fine for violation of traffic rules and regulations by donating blood and thus help in saving the lives of others.

Also dubbed as “Blood for Fine” ordinance, the measure has been on its third year of implementation now and is being cited as one of the city’s effective approaches to meet the objectives of the Naga City Blood Program and Republic Act 7719, otherwise known as the National Blood Services Act of 1994, while helping to bring order in the streets.

The city’s “Blood for Fine” ordinance, which was authored by City Councilor Nathan Sergio, seeks to facilitate voluntary blood donation as alternative mode of settlement of administrative fine for violation of traffic rules and regulations that range from P500 up to P1, 000.

Public Safety Office Executive Officer Joselito SA Del Rosario said an average of 15 traffic violators every month have been submitting for voluntary blood donation under said ordinance. He said the ordinance has been regarded by the local motorists and residents as a welcome development because “they are given the opportunity to save life by way of voluntary blood donation.”

Section 3 of the ordinance provides that the apprehended traffic violator or blood donor, however, should be determined as medically qualified and physically fit by a physician at the City Health Office or the Naga City Hospital.

The flow of transaction for the voluntary blood donation under this ordinance:

Upon apprehension, the traffic violator shall be informed by the law enforcer of the option to donate blood voluntarily or to pay the corresponding fine.

If the traffic violator elects to pay in cash the stipulated fine, he has only three working days after the apprehension to do so. However, if the traffic violator opts to donate blood, he has seven days to do so. Otherwise, his traffic violation case shall be forwarded to a local court for appropriate judicial hearing and penal sanction.

If the traffic violator elects to donate blood, he shall be advised by the apprehending officer to proceed either to the City Health Office or to the Naga City Hospital, for purposes of determining whether he is medically qualified or physically fit.

There, the City Health Officer or the Chief of Hospital, acting in person or through authorized representatives, shall ask the violator to execute or sign a document, in duplicate, stating that he opted to donate blood in lieu of paying in cash the administrative fine for traffic violation and that he fully understands that this blood donation will not entitle him to claim blood in the future from the Blood Bank at the Naga City Hospital, unless separate voluntary blood donation not in consonance with this ordinance.

The blood donation shall not exceed 500 cc per person. Blood letting and blood examination under this Ordinances shall only be conducted every Friday morning at the Naga City Hospital.

After the blood donation, the violator shall be issued a Certification by the Naga City Hospital, stating among others that the blood donation is made in lieu of, or as a settlement of, an administrative fine for traffic violation.

The Certification is then presented by the apprehended violator to the PSO for purposes of offsetting the administrative fine.

The Naga City Hospital, according to the Ordinance, shall keep and maintain a Register of Blood Donors which must be held within three years after the last entry is made therein.

The Registry must contain the full name and address of the apprehended violator, his age, and blood type, the date/time of blood donation, the quantity of blood donated the result of his blood examination, and the signature of the traffic violator/blood donor. (JBNeola, PNA Bicol)

NPA REBELS MURDER ANEW A MILITIAMAN IN CAMARINES NORTE

CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur – As if competing with typhoon “Basyang’s” death toll, an off-duty militiaman was shot and killed by suspected Special Partisan Unit (SPARU) of the CPP-NPA-NDF in Camarines Norte at 2:00 am yesterday (July 22), a military report said.

Colonel Leoncio Cirunay, commander of the 22nd Infantry Battalion of the Philippine Army, has identified the fatality as CAA Jehn Villones, assigned with the 5th CAA Camarines Norte based in Labo town.

He said that many of his CAFGUS have reported about the death threats against them.

“I have received reports in the past that Villones complained about the death threats that he received from the CPP-NPA through text messages. The terrorist bandits have not stopped their practice of killing our people once they go home for vacations,” said Cirunay.

Cirunay said that the victim was on a 15-day off duty status in his residence in Jose Panganiban town when he was shot and killed by the NPA rebels at around 2:00am in a bushy area in Luklukan village.

“I really hope the Commission on Human Rights and other human rights groups will look into these series of extra-judicial killings against our personnel. While we busied ourselves in saving lives during the typhoon ‘Basyang’ here comes the NPA rebels who are continuously killing our people”.

Villones is the eighth victim of the extra-judicial killing among CAFGU personnel of the 9th Infantry Division in CY 2010. He is the second militiaman executed by the NPA rebels in Camarines Norte after the killing of CAA Pedro Beguiras last February 25.

One Floro Gata, 46 and a resident of Barangay Luklukan, Jose Panganiban town, said that he heard loud screams followed by burst of gunfire near his house at early dawn esterday, adding that “I roused from my sleep when I heard countless gunfire, I became scared because I know someone may have died in the incident.”.

Sgt. Ronnie Sustal, commander of the Army Detachment where the dead militiaman was assigned, said that the victim sustained multiple gun shot wounds which led to his instantaneous death.

“We found Cal 5.56 mm empty shells near the crime scene,” said Sustal.

Responding villagers immediately brought the victim to a funeral parlor as police investigators conducted autopsy.

Major General Ruperto Pabustan, commander of the 9th Infantry Division of the Philippine Army, has condemned the series of murders perpetrated by the communist terrorist rebels. He likewise said that he has already initiated a move to lodge formal complaint against the NPA rebels before the Commission of Human Rights.

“I have directed the Army’s legal officer to help the victims’ relatives file criminal cases as well as complaints of human rights violations against the members of the CPP-NPA-NDF who are behind the series of killings”, Pabustan said. (HMCabunoc, DPAO 9ID PA/PIA)

P100-B LEFT TO COVER GOV'T EXPENDITURES – P’NOY

MANILA — President Benigno Simeon "noynoy" Aquino III revealed Friday (July 23) there is about P100 billion left in the national coffers which is not enough to cover all government expenditures.
At a press briefing after the turnover ceremonies at the Armed Forces of the Philippines headquarters in Fort Bonifacio, President Aquino said the previous administration had used up a big chunk of the P1.5 trillion budget, with only about 33 percent left to spend.

"Magugulat talaga kayo dun sa natira. May thirty-three percent na iniwan pero yung iniwan na pangtustos, P300 billion mahigit yung automatic appropriations [It was surprising to find out that only 33 per cent was left, P300 billion of which is earmarked for automatic appropriations]," President Aquino said at a press briefing after the ceremonies.

With the depleted budget, he said it would also be difficult for authorities to respond to calamities.

"Hindi magiging madali ang ating trabaho sa mga susunod na panahon. Nilimas na ang pondo na magagamit sana natin sa mga susunod na buwan. Kung tatawagin kayo sa mga search and rescue efforts, puso at tapang ang inyong magiging kasangkapan [Our wherewithals for calamity and disaster management has been depleted to cover the next few months]," President Aquino told military and civilian personnel of the AFP in his speech.

Earlier, Budget Secretary Florencio "Butch" Abad said only P600 million is left of the calamity funds. The Arroyo administration has spent almost P1.5 million of the calamity fund in the first half of 2010.
President Aquino's necessary measures are in place to address the issue, with renewed efforts to go after tax evaders and usage of government savings. (PIA V Release)

P’NOY'S SONA WILL LAST 15-20 MINUTES - LACIERDA

MANILA — President Benigno Simeon Aquino III’s first State-of-the-Nation Address (SONA) at the opening of the 15th Congress on Monday will only last from 15 to 20 minutes, according to Presidential Spokesman Edwin Lacierda.

Secretary Lacierda said in a radio interview on Friday (July 23) that the President’s maiden SONA will focus on his legislative agenda for the next six years, including the government’s plan to combat corruption, campaign against poverty and the state of the economy.

Lacierda also said that 70 percent of President Aquino’s SONA will be in Filipino.

The last draft of the President's speech comprises 30 pages, the Presidential spokesman said, adding that the writers include himself (Lacierda), Mai Mislang, Presidential Management Staff chief Secretary Julia Abad, Ricky Carandang and Manolo Quezon III of the Communications Group.

According to Lacierda, the Chief Executive could rehearse the delivery of his maiden SONA either in Malacanang or in the House of Representatives.

Meanwhile, Lacierda said that the President will also include in his SONA the alleged anomalies committed during the previous administration.

The Presidential spokesman added that President Aquino will also mention in his speech the problems he has inherited as well as the budget left by the past administration and how much more will be needed.

Meanwhile, Department of Budget and Management Secretary Florencio Abad will discuss in a media briefing Friday afternoon at Malacanang the present budget deficit and other DBM-related concerns. (PIA V Release)

BIR TO STEP UP TAX COLLECTION, WILL GO AFTER TAX CHEATS

MANILA — In a bid to meet its target of Php860 billion, the Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) vowed to intensify its tax collection by running after tax cheats.

“We are strengthening our enforcement activities, and it is highlighted by filing tax evasion cases,” BIR Commissioner Kim Henares told reporters in a press briefing in Malacañang. “We started last Thursday and we intend to keep on filing every other week.”

“I have confidence in my people and confidence in the attitude of the Filipino people, that they want to help their government; and that we will able to reach the Php860-billion goal,” she said.

Henares clarified however that people who deliberately cheated on their tax payments may still make the necessary restitution by submitting amended income tax returns.

“It is the time for everyone to pay their right taxes. If they had not paid their right taxes before, what they can do is amend their return and put the right amount and pay these taxes before we even file a case against them, because once we file a case, it will be a no-compromise situation. It will continue until the case is resolved,” Henares said.

According to Henares, about 40 percent of the income earners belonged to the so-called “underground economy,” making it difficult for the BIR to go after them.

“There is more than P4 million that we are collecting from the fixed earners, but for sole proprietors, for individuals doing business and professionals, there is only less than a million from 800,000 people,” Henares said.

To encourage more income earners to pay their taxes, Henares hinted that the BIR would simplify and streamline the tax payment system.

The BIR chief also said that the reforms are meant to ensure “that our people will realize the new way of doing business is to make sure that every single centavo collected goes to the national treasury.”

She stressed that the BIR’s intensified tax collection campaign would cover all sectors, adding that no sector is 100-percent compliant.

Henares urged the public to pay their correct taxes while they still have the chance to do so. Furthermore, she advised consumers to demand a receipt for every commodity or service rendered to them to aid the agency’s campaign against tax evaders. (PIA V Release)

PRESIDENT AQUINO RECEIVES COURTESY CALL FROM UK FOREIGN MINISTER

MANILA — President Benigno S. Aquino III received a courtesy call Wednesday morning (July 21) from the new Minister of State of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) of the United Kingdom, Jeremy Browne.

The meeting was held at the Music Room of Malacañan Palace, and increased trade and investment between the Philippines and the UK topped the agenda. They likewise discussed ways to improve the capability of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, as well as possible assistance from the British government in Mindanao peace efforts.

Browne also took the opportunity to extend Britain’s appreciation of the role of Filipino workers, especially nurses and caregivers, in British society. In the past six years, more than 20,000 Filipinos were recruited into the UK health service.

“We recognize the massive contribution of the Filipino workers to our society,” Browne said. “They are hardworking and caring.”

Browne, who was appointed Minister of State of the FCO on 14 May this year, will be in the Philippines from July 20 to 22 as part of his South East Asian trip aimed at actively promoting the business relationship between the Philippines and the rest of South East Asia. This is his first trip to Asia since the assumption of his post.

The courtesy call was an opportune meeting between representatives of two newly installed governments. While the Aquino administration was installed on June 30, the new British coalition government was formed on 12 May 2010, with Tory leader David Cameron as Prime Minister and Liberal Democrat leader Nick Clegg as his Deputy Prime Minister.

The last UK Foreign Secretary to visit the Philippines was Robin Cook in August 1997.

The UK has always been a major European bilateral partner of the Philippines, which is currently attracting serious interest throughout Europe due to what are deemed to be positive developments brought about by the Aquino administration’s policies in fostering political stability, economic growth, and social security. The total bilateral trade between the Philippines and the UK in 2008 was recorded at US$791 million, in favor of the Philippines.

The UK is cumulatively the biggest European investor in the country, with British investment amounting to US$18 billion in the past decade. There are around 200 British companies active in the Philippines, ranging from multi-national to small and medium enterprises. (PIA V Release)

RP TO REDUCE RICE IMPORTS BY 50% IN 2011

MANILA — The Department of Agriculture (DA) on Thursday said it plans to reduce by 50 percent the rice importations for next year.

"We're trying to wrap up discussions on rice production and importation. It will surely be lesser than what we have imported this year. We'll have more solid figures next week," said Agriculture Secretary Proceso Alcala.

If the need arises, Alcala said the government is willing to import as much as 50 percent less than this year's rice importation "as long as we have the capability to support this technically and financially."
For 2010, the Philippines has bought as much as 2.47 million metric tons (MT) of the commodity to fill in its requirements for the year.

According to the DA-Bureau of Agricultural Statistics (BAS), the January-June 2010 palay production may decrease by 10.5 percent -- from 7.38 million MT in 2009, production may drop to 6.60 million MT.

This was largely attributed to the production losses resulting from the El Nino phenomenon in the first and second quarters of the year.

BAS said the January-March palay output was recorded at 3.49 million MT, which is 11.4 percent lower than last year’s 3.94 million MT.

The major sources of the decline were attributed to the production losses incurred in Cagayan Valley, Western Visayas, SOCCSKSARGEN and Northern Mindanao.

BAS said the volume of losses in these regions summed up to 421,000 MT or 93.6 percent of the total production loss in the country during the quarter.

Heavily affected by the El Nino was Cagayan Valley province where some 182,000 MT of palay were lost during the first quarter of 2010. This was 40.6 percent of the country’s total production loss.

The administration of President Benigno Simeon "Noynoy" Aquino III has vowed to cut rice imports with a view of attaining sufficiency status by 2013. (PIA V Release)