SALCEDA VOWS TO MAKE ALBAY THE MOST LIVEABLE PROVINCE IN THE COUNTRY

POLANGUI, Albay — Albay Gov. Joey Salceda will launch a more aggressive and advanced socio-economic programs that would make Albay the most livable province in the country.

He vowed to make the province known for having good schools, hospitals and environment.

The new socio-economic platform under the program Albay Rising would firmly position the province in the map of the country economic road map for investment and tourism.

Salceda said Albay Rising has 5 Es which stand for Economy, Education, Environment, Equity and Health. This would place Albay in the map of the country as trade, investment and tourist center.

“This should carry us into the next sequel of the Albay Saga to be called Albay Boom which should commence once the international airport is completed," he said.

Salceda, in his inaugural speech during Monday’s oath taking ceremonies here, has committed to "attain development through low-carb, low-energy intensity, low-rise strategies compatible with the regeneration capacity of our environment so that future Albayanos will benefit not pay for the current entitlements."

He said in his first term, the provincial strategy was Albay Mabuhay, Maybuhay, May Hanapbuhay and this was designed as a recovery from the severe impacts of disasters.

After three years of unified effort, the province is now ready to launch a more advancing, forward-moving socioeconomic development strategy designed to build the foundations for its pole vaulting into a California in 30 years -in terms of per capita incomes sustained by a modern agriculture, competitive services sector, advanced institutions of learning, green energy, adequate infrastructure and a modest industrial base.

“We are launching a new, more advanced and forward-moving socio-economic projects designed to catapult Albay into one of the country’s progressive provinces and to become a California in 30 years,” Salceda said.

This strategy will make Albay grow under the 5 Es, a new program under his economic battle cry “Albay Rising”, an agenda that would place the province in the map of the country as trade, investment and tourist center.

5 Es notable projects include among others: the Southern Luzon International Airport (SLIA), Guicadale Business Platform, National Renewable Energy Program, Barangay Capacity enhancement, 4Pcs, Higher Education Contribution Scheme, Education Quality for Albayano (EQUAL), Albay Higher Education Contribution Scheme (AHECS), Bicol University and the Bicol Regional Training and Teaching Hospital modernization and the Universal PhilHealth coverage.

And the implementation of the Disaster Risk Reduction where in Albay was a UNDP Galing Pook and NDCC Gawad Kalasag Awardees for institutionalizing the Albay Public Safety Emergency and Management Office (APSEMO) and the pre-emptive evacuation scheme that attained a “Zero Casualty” target in times of calamities.

Under the EQUITY program the provincial government has three flagship programs and an institutional initiative to ensure that economic growth will be spread among the greater majority-this are: CSF Credit Surety Fund, 4Ps or Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program relocation and the establishment of the Albay Millenium Development Goals Office or AMDGO to manage the entire effort.

Salceda highlighting his major accomplishments during his first term as Governor outlined at least four projects: the Southern Luzon International Airport in Daraga town with a budget of P3.4 billion.

Reming reconstruction and relocation program, with 10,076 lots and almost 5,000 shelter units built worth P1.25 billion, repair of 5,600 classrooms at P47 million, and repair of public infrastructure costing P776 million.

The implementation of the "Pantawid Pamilyang Pilipino Program" (4Ps) for all three cities and 11 towns that would benefit some 70,000 poor families at P1,400 per month for five years with an annual expenditures of P977.3 million which is larger than the provincial budget and that would total P5 billion in five years. (LGU Albay/PIA)

NIA BICOL EXEC NOTABLE FEAT CITED

NAGA CITY — The top management of the National Irrigation Administration (NIA) has cited the leadership of NIA Bicol Regional Director William P. Ragodon for the unprecedented feat that led to a P22.8 million net income for the agency’s regional operation in 2009.

The NIA Bicol regional office here led by Ragodon was honored with the Most Improved Group Performance award during the awarding ceremonies of the NIA 47th anniversary held on June 18 in Quezon City.

The award was based on the unparalleled performance of NIA Bicol in 2009 when it posted a total income of P67.8 million from irrigation service fee’s (ISF) current and back accounts, amortization of communal irrigation system (CIS), equipment rentals and other revenues.

Less operational expenses for personnel salaries and benefits and maintenance and other operating expenses (MOOE) amounting to P45 million, Ragodon’s office earned a net income of P22.8 million based on the audited financial statement last year.

In 2008, NIA Bicol incurred a net loss of P18.5 million, while in 2007, it had a deficit of P20 million. The last time NIA Bicol as whole posted a surplus from its operation was in the early 1990s.

Ragodon attributed last year’s extraordinary performance from several factors, including the release of the P100-million labor intensive projects where farmers who were hired as laborers contributed a portion of their wages as payment for their irrigation fee back accounts; and the hard work exerted by NIA field personnel in collecting ISF current accounts and CIS amortization.

NIA, created by Republic Act 3601 on June 22, 1963, is a government-owned and controlled corporation (GOCC).

As a government corporation, it does not receive funds from the national government for its operation. It solely relies on its collection of income to pay the salaries and other benefits of its more than 4,800 employees nationwide including MOOE.

Ragodon, who was promoted as full-fledged NIA regional manager in 2007, urged the agency’s officials and employees in the Bicol region to continue working hard to provide good irrigation service to Bicolano farmers.

He also called on NIA engineers to ensure that irrigation projects implemented in the six Bicol provinces are strictly in accordance with their standard designs and specifications.(EGYu, NIA V/PIA)

DTI BICOL LAUNCHES “TEXT REKLAMO” PROJECT

LEGAZPI CITY — Bicolano consumers can now easily send their complaints and other consumer concerns to the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Bicol via text messaging.

DTI Regional Director Jocelyn L.B. Blanco has disclosed that the project aims to provide consumers a venue to air their complaints and empower them in enhancing the quality of products and services manufactured and distributed in the region.

Blanco stressed that the project will serve as feedback mechanism for DTI to determine how effectively it renders its services and the impact of its consumer advocacy program in the region.

The DTI regional and provincial offices have one cellular phone each solely for this project. A consumer in any part of the region may text his complaint to a specific mobile number, depending on his location or preference.

The following are the cell numbers assigned for the DTI regional and provincial offices: Regional Office – 0927.694.3430; Albay – 0927.694.3432; Camarines Norte – 0927.694.3433; Camarines Sur – 0926.668. 7905; Catanduanes – 0929.399.8387; Masbate – 0999.484.6813 and Sorsogon – 0927.857.7077. Consumers may also visit or call the nearest DTI provincial office in their area to lodge their complaints. (JRBerango, DTI V/PIA)

GOV. LRAY ATTENDS GK SINGAPORE SUMMIT

PILI, Camarines Sur — Camarines Sur Governor LRay Villafuerte was among the prominent personalities who joined the country’s delegation to the 2nd Gawad Kalinga (GK) Summit held in Singapore Friday (June 25).

The event was spearheaded by GK founder Antonio Meloto and sponsored by the Singaporean government in partnership with schools like Ngee Ann Polytechnic and National University of Singapore for Social Entrepreneurship and Philanthropy.

Joining vice president Noli De Castro, who was the guest of honor during the occasion, the young governor was part of the various delegations from countries such as Singapore, Cambodia, Indonesia, United States and Australia who came to hear different speakers from the academe, the business sector and government share their involvement in nation building and community development.

Gawad Kalinga was founded in 1995 as a non-profit organization engaged in building houses for the poor communities in the Philippines and other developing countries. Moreover, it helps develop livelihood programs for the poor to support their daily needs. To date, there are about 2,000 GK communities in countries such as the Philippines, Cambodia, Indonesia and Papua New Guinea.

Meanwhile, Villafuerte is extending an all out support to Gawad Kalinga as he gives high regards to its advocacy and shares its vision to uplift the lives of the poor especially the homeless, including those affected by the calamities that recently hit the province.

Thus, through the concerted efforts of Gov. Villafuerte and Gawad Kalinga, there is at present a GK Village in almost every town in CamSur and hence was named the “First Designer Province” in the country.

Gawad Kalinga is among the beneficiaries of the Summit Water CamSur Marathon the provincial government is sponsoring to take off at CamSur Watersports Complex (CWC) come September 26 this year. (Fernandez, MMEC/PIA)

BUSINESS LEADERS GRACE BICOL BUSINESS WEEK OPENING

NAGA CITY— Fifty-eight Manila and local investors attended the formal opening of the 6th Bicol Business Week (BBW), in this city over the weekend.

Along with other business leaders led by Regional Governor Henry Buban of the Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry-Bicol, the investors vowed to support the event’s future expositions which seek to put the region in the country’s business map.

BBW is an investments promotion initiative which has been institutionalized as an annual event by the Metro Naga Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the city government of Naga.

Bringing in state-of-the-art devices and technology innovations, the Manila-based and local investors occupied at least 74 display booths showcasing their products and services.

Carla V. Kim, sales manager of Hotel Venezia and Misibis Bay in Albay’s Cagraray Island, hailed the event as a “significant undertaking wherein modern services and products are unfolded before the eyes of consumers.”

Echoing the sentiments of the majority of the investors, Kim said having Naga City as the venue for the traditional exposition places the event in proper posturing since Naga is Bicol’s recognized center for business, education, and culture.

The Philippine Chamber of Commerce and Industry (PCCI) elevated Naga City to the Hall of Fame as the Most Business Friendly City in the country.

In his opening rites message, Mayor Jesse M. Robredo said the annual event next year will find more appropriate venue to accommodate a bigger number of participants and exhibitors with the completion of the Naga City Coliseum.

The multimillion-peso facility is now 90 percent completed and will be inaugurated in September.

This year’s BBW exhibits and shows, which were formally opened to the public Sunday, include the information technology on agriculture and aquaculture, tourism and wellness, renewable energy, consumer goods, car and motor show.

A job fair also commenced today (July 2) until tomorrow, from 9-5 p.m. at the Activity Center of the SM City Naga.

Franchising seminars were to be held from June 28 to July 4, from 6 to 8 p.m. at the CBD 2’s Activity Center.

Regional tourism assembly catalyzing Bicol’s tourism growth through sectoral initiatives and coordinated leadership is also one of the complementing activities of this year’s BBW.

Seminars and trainings on mari-culture and seaweeds farming, food safety & quality, small enterprise, food safety and awareness, regional farmers’ forum are to start today until July. (PNA Bicol/PIA)

TRAINING ON RICE PRODUCTION TECHNOLOGY HELD IN CAMARINES NORTE

DAET, Camarines Norte — A two-day Training on Rice Technology Updates for Farmer Leaders was conducted at the Audio Visual Production Center of the Provincial Capitol Building here, July 1-2, 2010.

Dr. Helen Abordo, Camarines Norte provincial agriculturist, said that the training was spearheaded by the Agricultural Training Institute-Regional Training Center (ATI-RTC 5), in cooperation with the Office of the Provincial Agriculturist (OPAg).

The event was attended by some 40 farmer leaders, including the agricultural technologist of the province.

Dr. Abordo explained that the training will help farmer leaders gain additional information in latest technology in farming for them to have more yields during harvest season.

The training was conducted by ATI-RTC V Training Director Efren Sabularce of Guinobatan, Albay. Other topics discussed during the training were the state of rice industry in the province, integrated nutrient management, control irrigation and management of major pest. (RBManlangit, PIA CamNorte)

UNITY CARAVAN HIGHLIGHTS OBSERVANCE OF DISASTER CONSCIOUSNESS MONTH

LEGAZPI CITY — The Regional Disaster Risk Reduction Management Council (RDRRMC) in Bicol, formerly known the Regional Disaster Coordinating Council (RDCC), has slated Monday (July 5) A Unity Caravan along Albay’s major highways to popularize the observance of the National Disaster Consciousness Month this July.

In a conference held today at Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Bicol regional office here, Albay Public Safety and Emergency Management Office (APSEMO) chief Cedric Daep, relaying the proposal of Albay Governor and Provincial DRRMC Chair Joey Salceda, averred the Unity Caravan will showcase manpower and resources of the different government agencies to manifest the government and its partner private organizations’ preparedness and ability to respond in time of emergencies, disasters, and the likes.

Daep said that every individual should be well-informed, empowered and must involved himself or herself efforts to prepare oneself and the community in times of calamities, stressing measures to carry out preemptive evacuation to achieve a “zero casualty” and mitigate the negative implications of disasters to properties, among others.

Regional Director Bernardo Alejandro of the Office of Civil Defense (OCD) Bicol has announced the caravan will traverse the province’s towns and cities along major highways from the first, second, and third districts of Albay.

Alejandro said the Unity Caravan will commence around 9:00 am at the Bicol University grounds, and then proceed to Tabaco City, then through Sabluyon road to Ligao City, and going back to BU grounds.

The caravan will leave BU grounds here with contingents of regional and provincial disaster managers, converge with local disaster managers upon reaching Tabaco City as well as Ligao City and the same will join the group going back to the university grounds for a brief launching program.

OCD Bicol, along with contingents from the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) including the Philippine Air Force, Philippine Army, Philippine Navy, , Philippine Coast Guard, Philippine National Police, Bureau of Fire Protection, and other member-agencies of the RDRRMC will take the lead on the caravan.

Local government units from different towns and cities, through their respective local disaster preparedness and response teams, are also expected to join the event.

This year’s National Disaster Consciousness Month evolves on the theme “Pag Alerto, Malayo sa Peligro”.

The Philippine Information Agency (PIA) has since July 1 airing updates, advisories, discussions, plugs through the Ugnayan sa Bicol radio program on disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation measures in contribution to the consolidated efforts of the RDRRMC to inform and educate the people on the implications of disasters and how to respond to them.

For the month-long observance the NDCM, RDRRMC has lined-up several information and advocacy drive on disaster awareness, preparedness and response in hospitals, schools, business establishments, government offices, among others, across the region.

Local disaster managers in the provinces, cities and towns in Bicol are also expected to follow suit. (MALoterte, PIA V)


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MANILA — President Benigno “P-Noy” S. Aquino III, in his meeting Friday (July 2) with the country’s military top brass on his second day in office, said he will make sure that the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is modernized, increased in size and harmonized with civilians.

The new Chief Executive, who assumes right away the constitutional responsibility as Commander-in-Chief of the Armed Forces, said he wants the new military leadership to be decisive and innovative in driving the reforms in the armed forces to achieve effective and efficient realization of the country’s defense and security thrusts.

The President aired these early policy messages as he installed today Lt. Gen. Ricardo David as AFP Chief of Staff during the formal change-of-command ceremony in Camp Aguinaldo.

In his message to the military, Aquino said he will ensure that the AFP’s modernization is sustained and made an instrument of AFP stability and strength so that it could serve the people more.

He said he has issued instructions to the new Secretary of National Defense Voltaire Gazmin to focus on the modernization efforts.

But he gave the advise that allocating more resources to the military should be based on the principles of professionalism and utilitarianism.

“Tell us what you need and we will give it to you, as long as they are based on principles of professionalism and utilitarianism; as long as they will benefit the whole institution and not only the interests of a few. If we use and allocate our resources efficiently, we will not only be able to improve the well-being of our armed forces but also that of our citizenry. With a livelier and more responsive economy, we will be able to further address your needs,” the President said.

Along with the modernization, the President added that there will be efforts to expand the AFP, which has not grown in years, even if the country’s population has doubled. AFP is 120,000 strong, with three major services: army, navy and air force.

A P50 billion modernization law has been enacted in l995, but the lack of budgetary support and reported misuse of funds have distressed the program.

President Aquino added: “The things I expect of you, and which you can expect of your Commander in Chief, are things necessary to undertake the modernization of our armed forces. If all of us follow the rules, and insist on professionalism, integrity is enhanced. If we undertake our tasks with discipline, we can confront all challenges with the valor the history of our country has proven we all have. If we all work hard, we can find creative solutions to our problems, assured of strategic harmony within the armed forces, and between civilians and the military.

Early in his message, the President reiterated to the military his vow during his inaugural speech Wednesday that he will lead by example and provide the country the right leadership.

“I expect of you professionalism, integrity, discipline, valor, and hard work. You can expect the same of me,” he said, reminding the troops of the principle of civilian authority over the military. He made reference to his appointment of Gazmin, a long retired armed forces general but now a civilian, to the defense post which is a civilian post.

The President also said he believes civilian military cooperation should be in strategic context.

“I say strategic harmony because we must confront the reality that over the past years, strategy took a back seat to tactical considerations. I believe that the military functions best when the civilian and military leadership all share a clear understanding of the national security, and have crafted a clear plan which in turn can properly inform tactical decisions.

The President commended the military for the successful conduct of the first automated national elections last May.

He said he expects the entire Armed Forces to be the vanguard of the government’s quest to reform itself, to clean up its own backyard and serve as a model and inspiration for other government agencies.

“With your long tradition of sustaining the high military ideals of honor and discipline, sacrifice and dedication to serve the people and country, I am certain that the Armed Forces will once again take the lead in delivering our country and our people lasting peace and stability, development and social progress,” the President said. (PIA V Release)

P-NOY COOLS HEELS PRIOR TO INDUCTION RITES

MANILA — True to his promise that the people are his “bosses,” President Benigno S. Aquino III – even with his busy schedule -- had to wait for his new appointees to arrive at Malacanang’s Rizal Hall this afternoon (Friday, July 2) for their oath-taking.

Save for Senator Teofisto G. Guingona Jr., son of former Senator Teofisto Sr., the appointees came a bit late for the induction,

While waiting for the other inductees, the President took the opportunity to chat with the young Guingona, whose father served as executive secretary of former President Corazon Aquino.

Sen. Guingona said his proposed measures will involve improving the budget and making all items in the budgetary process more transparent, including insertions. “That is what President Noynoy promised to the people and that is what I will pursue,” Guingona said in an interview.

Minutes later, Cristino Naguiat, chairman/CEO of the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corp. came in. He was immediately administered the oath by Pres. Aquino who also obliged for some photo opportunities with Naguiat’s family.

On seeing that the next guests were not yet around, the President entered his office, leaving instruction he be called should Bureau of Internal Revenue (BIR) Commissioner Kim Jacinto-Henares comes in.

Henares’ father in law, newsman Larry Henares, said the BIR and the Bureau of Customs were tasked with improving the collection efficiency and broadening the tax base by running after tax evaders.

The last inductee was Philippine Charity Sweepstakes Office chairman Margarita P. Juico, who was accompanied by husband Phillip. Then, he Juico, former Agrarian Reform Secretary under President Corazon Aquino. Mrs. Juico also served as appointments secretary of President Corazon Aquino.

Mrs. Juico apologized for being a bit late as she was in a meeting. After the generous photo opportunity, she rushed away to continue her meeting and the President left her family and delegation at the Rizal Hall. (PIA V Release)

PALACE WORKING ON SHAPE OF TRUTH COMMISSION

MANILA — Malacanang is now drawing up the mandate and parameters of authority of the Truth Commission that will be set up to look into allegations of corruption and abuse of power during the Arroyo administration.

In a press briefing Thursda (July 1), Presidential Spokesperson Atty. Edwin Lacierda assured that the commission will not engage in any “witch hunting” activity, saying President Benigno Aquino III has ensured this by appointing “a person with integrity and with impartiality” to lead the agency.

In his inaugural speech, President Aquino said he will create a truth commission that will investigate anomalous transactions during the previous administration and named Supreme Court Chief Justice Hilario Davide Jr. to head the commission.

Lacierda said the commission will investigate and build a case against government officials concerned, not only against the former President, now Representative Gloria Macapagal Arroyo of Pampanga.

“They will collect the evidence, they will make a strong case, as what President Aquino said, enough to warrant conviction and submit it to the Ombudsman,” he said.

Lacierda stressed the Palace wants the commission to be thorough in their investigation so as not to give the Ombudsman a chance to say “kulang kayo sa ebidensya” (you don’t have enough evidence).

The Presidential Spokesperson allayed fears that the commission will suffer the same fate as that of other investigating bodies which had difficulty in getting hold of evidences, much less conviction against public officials allegedly involved in anomalous transactions.

“It’s a matter of political will. We will run after them and we will close all the scandals that happened during the previous administration. There is no closure and we need a closure to move on,” he said in the vernacular.

Once finalized, Lacierda said, a memorandum order will be issued to create the Truth Commission. (PIA V Release)

P-NOY TO US, CANADA-BASED PINOYS: HELP ME

MANNILA — On his first day in office Thursday (July 1), President Benigno “P-Noy” Simeon C. Aquino III welcomed to Malacanang some 200 Filipino immigrants from the United States, Guam, Saipan, Canada and Australia and called on them to “help me because there is a lot to be done for the motherland.”

Accompanied by officials of the Commission on Filipinos Overseas, the balikbayans assembled at the Heroes Hall, all showing excitement in meeting the President on his first day at the Palace and to congratulate him and express their support for his administration.

In Pilipino, President Aquino told his callers: “I want to thank you all for coming this far and at great expense to wish me well and congratulate me. But I would like to ask your support and to help us with our work for the motherland.”

He then had photo opportunity with the immigrants by batches but this took longer than he wanted it.

Later, he went to the Rizal Hall for the photo sessions with his Cabinet and their families namely: Secretaries Alberto Romulo of the Department of Foreign Affairs; Cesar Purisima of the Department of Finance; Leila de Lima of the Department of Justice; Rogelio Singson, of the Department of Public Works and Highways; Armin Luistro of the Department of Education; Rosalinda Baldoz, Department of Labor and Employment; Gregory Domingo of the Department of Trade and Industry; Paquito Ochoa, Executive Secretary; Dinky Soliman of the Department of Social Welfare; Proceso Alcala, Department of Agriculture; Virgilio de los Reyes of the Department of Agrarian Reform;

Alberto Lim of the Department of Tourism; Ramon Jesus, of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources; Enrique Ona, Department of Health; Jose de Jesus of the Department of Transportation and Communication; Mario Montejo, Department of Science and Technology; Florencio Abad, Department of Budget and Management; Rene Almendras, Department of Energy; Edwin Lacierda, Spokesperson; Eduardo de Mesa, Presidential Legal Counsel; Ging Deles, Peace Process and Julia Abad, Presidential Management Staff. (PIA V Release)