ALBAY INVESTS P67.4M TO BOOST EDUCATION

LEGAZPI CITY — The investment of the Provincial Government of Albay for this year’s education sector has reached P67.4 million, the highest budgetary allocation of the provincial government next to health, which it has properly divided among different projects.

Albay Governor Joey Salceda’s thrust in education is to ensure that there is a college graduate in every family and to give recognition to outstanding teachers, principals, and students as well as providing cash incentives to local government units implementing new innovation in education projects.

“Education is the only investment that guarantees a return, the moment a child is born, parents are thinking about education. When employees come to work, a vast majority is working to pay for education in one form or another, this is why the provincial government is investing more to education sector,” Salceda said.

Every year, the provincial government through the Provincial Education Department (PED) is appropriating P6 million for Gawad Albay sa Edukasyon. This program aims to give recognition to the Outstanding Principal in the province; Ten Outstanding Teachers in Albay (TOTAL), Student Excellence in Academic Leadership (SEAL) and Kadunong Award for Best Practices in Education program being implemented by the local government unit.

The awarding ceremony for all categories of Gawad Sa Edukasyon is set every 17th of December.

As of October 18, 2010, there are 16 finalists for SEAL; 15 finalists for TOTAL; eight qualifiers for outstanding principals; and four LGU finalists for Kadunong Award.

Governor Salceda said that winners for TOTAL and Outstanding Principals will receive P100,000 each plus a plaque of recognition while SEAL winners will receive P20,000 each, a plaque of recognition and a Lakbay Aral Program sponsored by private partner.

The best local government unit with best education practices will receive P200,000 and a plaque or medal of recognition.

Aside from giving recognition to individuals with excellence performance in the sector of education, the provincial government has maintained its Education Assistance for the past four to five years with a total amount of P38.8 million fund for calendar year 2009 to 2010.

“This amount is being utilized as financial assistance to some 7,000 college students enrolled in 12 indentified educational institutions in the province including 3 Bicol University Local Campuses,” Salceda said.

Since last year the province is implementing the Graduate Study Subsidy Program (GRASSP) for teachers taking master's degree. This program has a total budget allocation amounting to P2 million.

Governor Salceda emphasized that GASSP’s main objective is to promote highly competitive, intellectual standards and teaching competencies through quality research and this program is available to all graduate students.

For thesis writing, each student will receive a minimum of P30,000 and a maximum of P60,000 subsidy while for dissertation writing, a student is entitled to a minimum of P50,000 and maximum of P100,000.00 subsidy.

Meanwhile, the Albay Higher Education Contribution Scheme (AHECS) is now is now on the 2nd semester of implementation. This is a newly introduced education program in the province with a total budget appropriation amounting to P16 million to cover at least 1,600 target student beneficiaries for school year 2009-2010.”

AHECS is a study now pay later scheme for poor but deserving students in the province. “Because of the increasing number of scholars and high school graduates every year, the provincial government has decided to provide a new program to help students decide what course they wish to enroll to in college,” Salceda said.

AHECS beneficiaries are given free hand to choose their courses and schools. (MDRama, PNA Bicol/PIA/mal)

FAMILIES IN POVERTY THRESHOLD, MORE VUILNERABLE TO MAN-MADE, NATURAL RISKS

NAGA CITY — Among the sectors of the government, families living beyond the poverty threshold are more vulnerable to risks such as illness, death of a family member and catastrophic disasters, whether it is man-made or a natural calamity, disclosed by Joel Campipi, Department of Finance –National Credit Council (DOF-NCC) Technical Staff during a consultation meeting held at Starview Hotel here over the week end.

The event, spearheaded by DOF-NCC in cooperation with the Insurance Commission (IC), was attended by various stakeholders coming from different parts of the region. Most of the attendees are either head of their cooperatives or officers or members of lending institutions.

During the said interfacing, a run through of the road map to literacy on micro insurance was conducted. The result presented was taken from various regional consultations on financial literacy conducted by the aforementioned agencies.

The study revealed that while insurance seems like a good option to prepare oneself from any calamity, it is most often than not neglected either due to lack of awareness and understanding of its nature; low financial literacy level especially among the low-income sector and the negative perception of insurance due to bad experience with other companies or tales of dismay regarding its services.

DOF records show that only 13.92% of the Philippine population has life insurance while insurance penetration of the proportion of the premiums to GDP was only 1.05% in 2008. The result of the study further showed that of the 27.6m poor Filipinos, only about 2.9 have some kind of risk protection, almost half of which is normally provided by various entities.

Campipi said that with the effort that the government is doing, particularly with the national strategy for micro-finance , more and more people will change their opinion on insurance and eventually see its importance in protecting their lives and properties.

“We would like to enhance the awareness and at the same time increase access of the low-income sector to insurance and this is strongly manifested in our vision to have an adequate risk protection for them through a strong insurance culture among the Filipinos.”

Some of the stakeholders that the National Strategy for Microfinance have identified are the legislators, for the formulation of laws; government regulatory agencies who shall issue rules, regulations, and guidelines for the mainstreaming of micro-insurance; the national agencies who shall effectively link micro-insurance providers and clients; local government units who shall take the lead in promoting financial literacy and insurance providers who shall take the lead in directly providing micro insurance products and services to the low-income sectors.

The agency is also encouraging private entities such as the brokers and agents or intermediaries who shall facilitate the provision of micro insurance products and services to clients, support institutions, donors and other developmental partners and existing and potential clients or consumers. (LSMacatangay, PIA CamSur/mal)

TWO COPS KILLED IN MASBATE AMBUSH

CAMP ELIAS ANGELES, Pili, Camarines Sur -- Two policemen were ambushed and killed on Monday (October 18) by unidentified gunmen in a village in Pio V. Corpuz town in Masbate, a police official said.

Police Senior Superintendent Thomas Seminiano, Masbate Provincial Director identified the fatalities as PO3 Nonilon Agbones and SPO1 Nilo Abejuela, both members of the Pio V Corpuz town police force.

Semeniano said the fatalities were on board a motorcycle to report for duty at the town police station around about 8:30 am when they were waylaid by 10 heavily-armed men at Sitio Cabintay, Barangay Buenasuerte in Pio V.Corpuz.

The volley of fire instantly killed the victims that suffered multiple gunshot wounds in various parts of their body.

The victims’ bodies were immediately brought to the local police station for autopsy.

Joint police and military operatives of Task Force Masbate (TFM) that responded to the ambush cite recovered spent casings for M 16 and M14 rifles.

Seminiano said that the police are still determining the identities of the attackers who may be either members of a private armed group or New People’s Army (NPA) rebels operating in the area.

TFM operatives, led by 1st Lieutenant Ronnie Garchitorena, and elements from the Masbate PNP led by Police Inspector Moratala are on hot pursuit against the attackers.

“The crime scene was an ambush site where in 2003 a town police chief was slain that same area when ambushed by NPA rebels,” Semeniano said.

Investigators said the attackers seemed to have stayed for a while to spot for the victims as indicated by the food traces in their position,” said Seminiano .

The ambush killing of two policemen was the first election related incident to occurred in said town Semeniiano said.

Earlier operatives of Special Task Force Masbate recently arrested at least 6 suspected PAGs members and the confiscation of 8 highpowered firearms last month in Masbate. (HMCabunoc, DPAO 9ID PA/PIA/mal)

70,000 TILAPIA FINGERLINGS, SUPPORT SERVICES
GIVEN TO FISHERFOLKS ON FISHCON WEEK

DAET, Camarines Norte — Some 70,000 tilapia fingerlings were distributed to the fish farmers and local government units (LGUs) of coastal towns during the opening of the 47th Nationwide Fish Congress Week Celebration last week.

The activity was sponsored by the Provincial Government of Camarines Norte Fisher folks Council of Leaders, Provincial Agricultural and Fishery Council and Socio- Pastoral Action Center Foundation.

Provincial Agriculturist Dr. Helen Abordo said that the distribution of tilapia fingerlings to fisherman-beneficiaries and LGUs is part of the livelihood support program of the provincial government.

An opening of ‘tiangge’ sa FishCon and ribbon cutting marked the opening day led by Governor Edgardo Tallado at the Inner Court Yard of the Provincial Capitol.

A radio program entitled “FARMC on Air” will be held October 20 at the DWCN-FM Radyo ng Bayan.

On October 21-23 will be the Proficiency Training on the Use of GPS, reading and plotting on Nautical Chart, distribution of certificates/token and closing program.

This year’s theme of the nationwide 47th FishCon Week Celebration is “ Asenso sa Pangisdaan, makakamit sa sama-samang pagtutulungan” (RBManlangit, PIA CamNorte/mal)

OWWA BICOL, HOSPITALS FORGE PARTNERSHIP FOR OFW MEDICAL PROGRAMS

LEGAZPI CITY — The Overseas Workers Welfare Administration (OWWA) in Bicol has tied-up with major hospitals in the region for its newly introduced medical programs for OFWs, according to the agency’s top regional official.

OWWA Bicol Director Jocelyn Hapal disclosed that the agency has recently entered into a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) with Our Lady of Lourdes Hospital (OLLH) and Santissima Trinidad Hospital of Daet (STHD), both in Camarines Norte, and with Sta. Maria Josefa Hospital Foundation (SMJHF) in Iriga City, Camarines Sur for the initial implementation of the program

Hapal explained that OWWA’s new medical programs consist of HEALTHPRO and REHABPRO, established in response to the medical and rehabilitation assistance needs of OFWs. HEATHPRO covers hospitalization of OFWs whose illnesses are either classified intensive, dreaded and catastrophic cases; while REHABPRO consists of rehabilitation services to OFWs with physical disability and/or mental illness contracted overseas.

She furthered that a maximum of 100,000 pesos financial assistance will cover hospital bills, medicines, laboratory tests and similar expenses for active-OWWA member OFWs.

“Meanwhile, rehabilitation services may include physical therapy and assistive devices for OFWs with physically disability, and for mentally ill OFWs, institutional care and special medicines. Other special diagnostic procedures shall also be extended to cover CT-scan guided thoracentesis, angiography and others,” she said.

Hapal noted that with these tie-ups with hospitals, qualified OFWs will be assured medical treatment. Payments will be made directly by OWWA to the hospital to ease the problem of the OFWs particularly in deposit requirements and further treatment.

OWWA Bicol will soon reach other hospitals in Masbate, Catanduanes, Camarines Sur, Sorsogon and Albay, to reach the entire OFW population in the region needing medical assistance. (KTVillamor, OWWA V/PIA/mal)

DOST–TAPI SETS INVENTION CONTEST AND EXHIBITS ON NOV. 25-27 IN CEBU CITY

LEGAZPI CITY— the Department of Science and Technology (DOST), thru the Technology Application and Promotion Institute (TAPI), will conduct this year’s National Invention Contest and Exhibits (NICE) on 25–27 November 2010 at SM Cebu Trade Hall, SM City, Cebu City.

DOST Bicol Director Tomas Briñas said that pursuant to Article II of RA No.7459, NICE aims to select and grant cash rewards to Outstanding Inventions (TUKLAS AWARD), Outstanding Utility Models, Outstanding Industrial Designs, Outstanding Creative Researches (LIKHA AWARD) and Outstanding Student Creative Research (SIBOL AWARD) for high school and college students.

This year’s entries comprise the qualifiers/finalists from three hundred seventy six (376) competing entries during the Regional Cluster Invention Contests in Mindanao, Visayas, Northern Luzon, Southern Luzon, Central Luzon, and the National Capital Region.

With the theme, “Filipino Inventions and Innovations: The Way Forward”, this S&T event underscores the invaluable contributions of Filipino inventions and innovations in helping the country move forward by coping with diverse challenges brought about by global economic uncertainties.

NICE 2010 provides support to Filipino Inventors by bringing their inventions to public and potential investors and commercialization partners. It is also a venue to stimulate and encourage inventiveness and ingenuity of Filipino youth and the technically-oriented sectors in the country.

2010 NICE will also feature Non-Contest Invention Exhibits and Inventors’ Fair and Seminars/Fora. The Opening Ceremonies will be held on Thursday, 25 November 2010 (Thursday), 10:00 a.m. Viewing of Exhibits is scheduled from 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. ADMISSION IS FREE!!!

Inventors, makers, designers, researchers, entrepreneurs and would-be entrepreneurs, students and S&T enthusiasts are enjoined to participate and celebrate in this year’s NICE.

It is an important gathering of Filipino inventors and innovators supported by the Federation of Filipino – Chinese Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FFCCCII), Chemrez Technologies, Inc., and Philippine Development Alternatives Foundation (PDAF). (TAPI/POLucena, DOST V/PIA/mal)

TWO BICOL TOWNS GET DILG “GOOD HOUSEKEEPING SEAL” AWARD

LEGAZPI CITY --- Two Bicol towns were among the 15 towns across the country that were awarded on Monday (October 18) the “good housekeeping seal” for their exemplary performance in governance, including promotion of transparency and accountability, the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) in Bicol said.

Blandino Maceda, DILG regional director, said the towns of Sto Domingo in Albay and Mobo in Masbate were among the top awardees of the good housekeeping seal among other 4th-5th class municipalities in the country.

The awarding rites held at Malacanang, Palace, highlighted the Launching of New Initiatives with President Benigno “Noynoy” Aquino III in celebration of the 20th year of Local Autonomy.

Albay Gov. Joey Salceda, who accompanied Sto Domingo Mayor Herbie Aguas in Malacanang, commended the political leadership of Aguas for being the recipient of the house keeping seal.

Salceda said “We congratulate the people of Sto. Domingo and its political leadership under Mayor Herbie Aguas.”

In the statement Salceda goes on to explain that in a recent comparative analysis on Human Development Index (HDI) of the Millennium Development Goal (MDG) performance, Sto. Domingo also came out on top followed by Polangui, Albay among our 18 LGUs.

The two Bicol towns that belong to the 4th and 5th class municipalities that were bestowed the seal received P2 million each.

Maceda said Sto Dominog and Mobo towns were picked based on their performance in governance particularly in the areas of planning, fiscal management, transparency and accountability.

The awardees would also be qualified to avail of the Performance Challenge Fund (PCF) where they can acquire necessary funds for the development of their respective municipalities.

The PCF is part of the DILG’s proposed P86.9 billion budget for 2011. (PNA Bicol/PIA/mal)

POWER COOP IN GEOTHERMAL-RICE SORSOGON IN SEARCH FOR ENERGY SUPPLIER
By Danny O. Calleja

SORSOGON CITY — Sorsogon Electric Cooperative (SORECO) II covering the first district of Sorsogon province that plays host to a giant geothermal energy production project is looking for a power supplier vice the Wholesale Electricity Spot Market (WESM).

WESM is a creation of the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA) of 2001 that opened a venue where electricity from power-producing companies are centrally coordinated and traded like any other commodity in a market of goods in a level playing field with prices driven by the law of supply and demand.

The WESM in its web site said its role in the country's overall energy reform is to create a fair, transparent and reliable trading environment that will attract investments and encourage healthy competition leading to the ultimate objective of cheaper electricity for all consumers.

SORECO II wants another supplier to dispel the exorbitant power rates of the WESM that trigger considerable amount of increases owing to its higher generation and system loss charges, among others, Isagani Mendoza, a member of the cooperative’s Board of Directors, on Tuesday said.

“We have been under the mercy of WESM since last month when the government-owned National Power Corporation and Power Sector Assets and Liabilities Management (PSALM) Corporation did not renew our supply contract,” Mendoza said.

No explanation could be had as to why the NPC/PSALM declined to renew its supply contract with the cooperative and Mendoza said they themselves at the Board do not have the exact idea to answer the question correctly.

A flier of notice being distributed by the cooperative to its member-consumers says that “since last August 26 and until a new supplier is found, SORECO II had no choice but derive its power supply from the WESM and pay whatever amount it would charge.”

Similar to the stock market, power rates of WESM are not permanent. They may increase or decrease based on the Time of Use (TOU) and prevailing cost, it explained.

Immediately affected, the flier said the generation charge and whatever the amount billed upon the cooperative will also be the amount it would collect from the end users.

The rise or fall of the generation charge will also affect the system loss charge being collected by the cooperative from its member-consumers and that explains why the same charge along with the generation charge also increased during the latest statements of account received by each of them, it said.

The other items in the bill like the distribution, supply and meter reading charges remain at their original rates and will not be moved unless ordered by the Energy Regulatory Board (ERC), the flier added.

Percival Alvarez, the SORECO II general manager said “we are doing our best to find a new supplier that can be of help to the cooperative and could provide unwavering power service to all its nearly 500,000 member-consumers”.

“And until we find one, Alvarez said, “our situation will be similar to the fate of most of the cooperatives and power distribution utilities in the Bicol region or elsewhere in the country whose supply contracts were not renewed by the NPC/PSALM: enduring the higher cost of power supply from the WESM”.

Power bills covering consumption between August 26 and September 30 issued by SORECO II to its consumers over the weekend carries with it the additional burden: generation and system loss charges up by a total of over P2 per kilowatt-hour (kwh) of consumption compared to the July-August billing when the cooperative’s supply contract with the NPC was still in effect.

From P4.8514 per kwh in July-August, the generation charge rose to P5.9429 in August-September.

As a result, a household that consumed 100 kwh between August and September had to pay about P1,400, some P400 more that what was charged for the same amount of consumption in the previous months when the supply was still from the NPC. Rate of electricity in the province reaches over P10 per kwh.

Mendoza said, the situation is very unfortunate for the first district of Sorsogon that covers this city where the Bacon-Manito (BacMan) geothermal energy complex of the Energy Development Corporation (EDC) sits at an expansive reservation covering Mt. Inang Maharang at the boundaries of Bacon area and Manito, Albay.

BacMan, from where the Luzon Grid draws 110 megawatts of energy is also where the geothermal power plants of the NPC that converts the geothermal steam into electricity are situated.

Meanwhile, the SORECO II over the weekend announced that it is already accepting applications for the five percent discount in power consumption of senior citizens.

The privilege is in connection with the implementation of Republic Act 9994 or the Expanded Senior Citizens Act of 2010, according to Alvarez.

Qualified for the rebate, he said are senior citizens whose electricity consumptions do not exceed 100 kwh per month.

Under the new law, senior citizen centers or residential care institutions like group homes are also entitled to discounts in power bill payments as much as 50 percent, Alvarez added. (PNA Bicol/PIA/mal)


LA NIÑA UPDATE:

ONSET OF LA NIÑA 2010

Early stages of cold conditions in the equatorial Pacific Ocean that started in July 2010 continue to persist and further strengthened reaching the La Niña threshold level as shown by the recent oceanic and atmospheric indicators. The weak to moderate La Niña event is likely to continue at least until early 2011, as suggested by the dynamical and statistical model forecasts.

La Niña periods are usually associated with above normal rainfall across most areas of the country during the last quarter of the year and early months (Jan-Mar) of the following year. Climate pattern in the country during the months of August and September (Northern Hemisphere summer) was generally influenced by the moderate to strong easterlies, one of the key indicators of typical La Niña event. Impact of this was below normal rainfall in most areas of Luzon during August and most areas of the country during September indicated weak southwest monsoon activity.

With the persistent anomalous strengthen of the easterlies over the central and western tropical Pacific, enhanced rainfall during October-December season is likely, coinciding with the start of the northeast monsoon period. Near normal to above normal rainfall condition is expected over most areas of Luzon and generally, near normal over the rest of the country.

The present La Niña episode may adversely impact on domestic, water supply, agriculture and the health sector. This may also cause flood, flashflood and rain-induced landslides in hazard-prone areas.

PAGASA will continue to closely monitor these conditions and regular updates/advisories shall be issued as appropriate. Meanwhile, all government agencies and the public are advised to take precautionary measures to mitigate the potential impacts of this event. (PAGASA /PIA/mal)

LA NIÑA ADVISORY NO. 1

Persistent cooling of the sea surface temperature (SST) in the central and eastern equatorial Pacific Ocean reached the La Niña threshold level last July 2010 as shown by the key atmospheric and oceanic indicators. This further strengthened and is now a weak to moderate La Niña event and likely to continue at least until early 2011, as suggested by the dynamical and statistical model forecasts.

The climatic condition in the country during the least two months was generally influenced by the moderate to strong easterlies, one of the key indicators of typical La Niña event impact of this was below
normal rainfall in most areas of Luzon during August and most areas of the country during September, which indicate a weak southwest monsoon activity. The other weather systems that affected the country during September were the ridge of high pressure area (HPA), intertropical convergence zone (ITCZ), low pressure area (LPA) and two tropical cyclones namely: Tropical Storm “Henry” (September 3-4) and Typhoon ‘Inday’ (September 18-19). These tropical cyclones have no significant effect on the rainfall distribution of the country during the month.

Rainfall assessment for September was below normal in most parts of Luzon, Leyte province and Eastern Mindanao. Near to above normal rainfall was observed over most areas of the Bicol region, Central Visayas, Western and Central Mindanao.

Average air temperature observed during September were slightly warmer than normal in most parts of the country. The actual ranges were as follows: 23 degrees C to 34 degrees C over the lowlands of Luzon, 16 degrees C to 24 degrees C for the mountainous areas of Luzon, 24 degrees C to 33 degrees C for Visayas, 22 degrees C to 34 degrees C over the lowlands of Mindanao, and 17 degrees C to 31 degrees C over the mountainous areas of Mindanao.

Gradual shift of the wind from the southwest to the northeast flow is generally experienced during the later part of September up to October. However, due to the present La Niña event, prevalence of the NE wind flow was already observed.

The northeast (NE) monsoon, ITCZ, the tail end of the cold front, ridge of HPA and three or four tropical cyclones are the weather systems likely to affect the country in October. There is a probability of above normal rainfall condition to be experienced over some areas of Central Luzon, Bicol region, Mindoro provinces and the northern portion of Panay Island and generally near normal over the rest of the country. Predicted ranges or temperature for October are: for Luzon, 22 degrees C to 32 degrees C, the mountainous areas of Luzon from 16 degrees C to 24 degrees C, the Visayas from 23 degrees C to 32 degrees C, Mindanao from 22 degrees C to 32 degrees C, and the mountainous areas of Mindanao from 18 degrees C to 25 degrees C.

PAGASA will continue to monitor the day-to-day weather condition and the large scale climatic patterns that will affect the country. Updates/advisories on the on-going La Niña shall be issued as appropriate. (PAGASA/PIA/mal)

Aquino welcomes UAE Foreign Minister

MANILA — President Benigno S. Aquino III welcomed the United Arab Emirates Foreign Minister, His Highness Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan who called on the Chief Executive in Malacañang on Wednesday (October 20).

His Highness Sheikh Abdullah Bin Zayed Al Nahyan was accompanied to Malacanang by His Excellency Assistant Minister Khalid Al Ghaith and UAE Ambassador to the Philippines Moosa Al Khajah.

Joining the President in welcoming Sheikh Abdullah at Malacañang’s Music Room were Foreign Affairs Secretary Alberto Romulo, Office of Middle East and African Affairs (OMEAA) Assistant Secretary Virgilio Reyes, Jr and Chief of Presidential Protocol and Presidential Assistant on Foreign Affairs Miguel Perez-Rubio.

In a statement, the Department of Foreign Affairs said the one-day visit of Sheikh marks the 30th year of the establishment of diplomatic relations between the Philippines and the UAE.

Because of this, the DFA said, “the Philippines will take the visit as an opportunity to reaffirm the importance of ties between the two countries, advance the well-being and welfare of Filipino workers in the UAE, invite the UAE to do business in the Philippines, and seek development assistance for the southern Philippines.”

The DFA added that aside from a government delegation, Sheikh Abdullah was accompanied by “business leaders, including officials of the Abu Dhabi Investment Authority, the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, and the Abu Dhabi Petroleum Investment Corporation, among others.”

“The UAE business delegation will be meeting and networking with Philippine businessmen and government officials from the energy, trade, development and investments sectors at the sidelines of Sheikh Abdullah's meetings,” the DFA said.

Upon his arrival at the palace grounds, Sheikh Abdullah was accorded military honors by members of the Presidential Security Group Honor Guards.

He was then ushered to the second floor of Malacañang where he signed the Palace Guest Book before a closed-door meeting with the President in the Music Room.

The UAE is the Philippines' second largest trading partner in the Middle East and the second top destination of overseas Filipino workers in the region. (PIA V/mal)

Aquino wants comprehensive plan for poverty reduction

MANILA — President Benigno Aquino III on Tuesday (October 19) urged the Poverty Reduction Cluster to come up with a comprehensive plan that will help alleviate poverty in the country.

In a press briefing in Malacanang, Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda said President Aquino convened the anti-poverty group on Monday to discuss the ongoing plans and measures towards poverty alleviation.

Secretary Lacierda said the President directed the multi-agency cluster to formulate a master plan that will be implemented in the next five years.

He added that the Chief Executive wanted to have a speedier benchmark system that will gauge the success of the program.

Poverty reduction is one of the centerpiece programs of the government which aims to uplift the living standard of the people.

The cabinet secretaries involved presented their framework for poverty reduction based on the previous discussions amongst themselves.

Present during the meeting are representatives from member-agencies including the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), National Anti-Poverty Commission (NAPC), Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC), Department of Trade and Industry (DTI), Department of Agriculture (DA), Department of Agrarian Reform (DAR), Department of Budget and Management and the Department of Health (DOH), among others.

Also present is Presidential Adviser on Peace Process Secretary Teresita “Ging” Deles who discussed issues on the peace process affecting poverty reduction.

Recently, the United Nations observed the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty, which aims to promote awareness of the necessity to eradicate poverty and destitution in all countries, particularly in developing countries. It has become a development priority among nations. (PIA V/mal)

Aquino satisfied over efficient handling of super-typhoon “Juan”

MANILA — President Benigno S. Aquino III expressed satisfaction over the excellent handling by the national government and local government units (LGUs) of the super-typhoon “Juan” (international codename Megi).

“I am very happy to report to the public that everyone has delivered. The thorough preparations of all concerned agencies are in marked contrast to the official helplessness of the past, and at present, we haven’t had to ask the public to contribute outside resources,” the Chief Executive said in a statement read by Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda on Tuesday (October 19) at the Briefing Room in Malacanang.

According to the President, the excellent handling of the storm allowed him to focus on other equally important matters such as presiding over the Anti-Poverty Cabinet Cluster Meeting and meeting with the Mindanao governors on Monday.

The President noted that Typhoon Juan, the strongest typhoon the world experienced this year with gustly winds of 260 kilometers per hour, left significant damages but minimal loss of life.

He cited the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) through the leadership of Science and Technology Secretary Mario Montejo and Undersecretary Graciano Yumul, for its accurate and timely weather forecasts that prompted other agencies to prepare for Typhoon “Juan.”

The President also commended Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin, Social Welfare and Development Secretary Corazon “Dinky” Soliman, and National Disaster Risk and Reduction Management Council Executive Director Benito Ramos “for their effective management of their respective mandates” and that the needs of affected communities were promptly delivered.

At the same time, the President extended his deepest sympathies and condolences to the families of those who have lost their loved ones.

Initial reports said Typhoon Juan killed at least 10 people as it generated waves as big as houses and destroyed thousands of hectares of crops.

As the super typhoon is moving away from the Philippines area of responsibility, the President said that work of bringing life back to normal in the soonest possible time is underway.

The President likewise said authorities are now geared up to restore power in areas where power supply was shut down as a precautionary measure while the DSWD is attending to the needs of 8,042 evacuees (as of 6:00AM, October 19, 2010).

He added that affected LGUs were advised to inform concerned agencies if they need any additional assistance.
The President also issued today Memorandum Circular No. 4 suspending office work in Regions I and II and the Cordillera Administrative Region for all non-essential personnel, to allow affected communities to attend to clean up and do rehabilitation work.

He said that the minimal damage and loss of life due to Typhoon Juan can be credited to the cooperation of both the government and the people.

“This should serve as a timely reminder to all to depart ourselves from the notion that government resides or depends on one person. It is the sum of all parts, the product of group effort and individual initiative and responsiveness…we proved that, together, we can mitigate risk; and that Filipinos working together, minimized of the costs of natural disasters,” the President stressed.

He also asked every Filipino to remain vigilant and be prepared for any eventuality until the weather condition improves. (PIA V/mal)