ALBAY EVACUEES TOLD TO REMAIN IN HOLDING CENTERS AMIDST FLOOD, LANDSLIDE THREATS

LEGAZPI CITY, Jan. 12 (PIA) — With intermittent to continuous rains still prevailing in Albay and threats of floods and landslides linger, local disaster managers in the province on Wednesday,January 12, told evacuees to remain in their holding camps.

Albay Governor Joey Salceda, also chair of the Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Disaster Management Council (PDRRMC), has reminded the evacuees to remain in evacuation centers as the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said that flash floods and landslides continue to threaten Bicol and Eastern Visayas.

PAGASA said that the northeast monsoon prevailing over Northern and Central Luzon and the diffused tail-end of a cold front affecting Southern Luzon and Visayas, could bring rains that could trigger flash floods and landslides.

Albay has recorded 73 landslides during past 22-day torrential rains that sent more than a hundred thousand of residents at the temporary shelters during the peak of pre-emptive evacuation for lahar, flash floods and landslides victims.

Salceda has reminded landslide evacuees in the towns of Manito, Malilipot, Bacacay, Sto. Domingo, Camalig and Daraga to remain in the evacuation centers, and the local government units (LGUs) should remain on alert as well.

According to the governor, classes in schools not being used as evacuation centers will continue. Work in government offices will also continue to allow the better provision of services to the people.

Salceda also advised the residents to bring protective gears like umbrellas and raincoats, and avoid crossing rivers during heavy rains or wade in floodwaters, particularly the children.

“After 22-days of continuous rains, drinking water could start to be problematic," he said, adding that “the province will utilize the water purifying machine from a Manila water utility firm in addition to its own 30-liter per hour water purifying machine. This will assure the availability of potable water for the residents.”

Despite three reported casualties, the governor said officials and the Albayanos will continue to work harder to achieve “zero-casualty”amidst the erratic weather in the province.(MALoterte, PIA V/Albay)

JUBAN TOWN IN SORSOGON PLACED UNDER STATE OF CALAMITY

JUBAN, Sorsogon, Jan. 12 (PIA) -– The Provincial Disaster Risk Reduction Management Office (PDRRMO) of Sorsogon has just received this morning the copy of Resolution passed by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan of Juban declaring the town under the state of calamity.

Report to PDRRMO bared that on December 30 last year, the Sangguniang Bayan of Juban met and came to a consensus of giving the local government the authority to use its calamity fund to help internally displaced persons due to never-ending rains that resulted to flooding, lahar flows from the recent Mt. Bulusan’s activities and the evacuation of thousands of individuals there.

“It was on Monday, January 10, that Resolution No. 51 (Series of 2010) was approved placing the town of Juban under the state of calamity,” Sorsogon PDRMO head Jose Lopez said.

Lopez also said that in a report forwarded to them by Binanuahan barangay captain Alberto Cayetano, the flood river control project of the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) in their barangay in Juban collapsed on Monday night as the rains continue for past three weeks now.

“The river control project that should protect the rice fields in the said barangay was washed out and resulted to complete destruction of the source of livelihood of many residents there,” he added.

Meanwhile, Juban Mayor Jimmy Fragata on Tuesday also met and ordered all the barangay captains to review their contingency plan and recommend possible strategies that would help in the immediate implementation of Disaster Risk Reduction (DRR) plan in their respective areas.

He also commended the Barangay Disaster Risk Reduction Management Councils (BDRRMC) for its immediate and systematic disaster management consequential to a safe and damaged-free series of evacuation activities.

Other towns heavily affected by incessant rains are Magallanes, Bulan and Matnog with some 1,500 families evacuated. (BARecebido, PIA Recebido)

CSC JOINS HISTORIC 1.11.11, PLANTS THOUSAND TREES

VIRAC, Catanduanes, Jan. 11 (PIA) — In solidarity with the greening project of Congressman Cesar V. Sarmiento, the Catanduanes State Colleges planted more than 1,000 seedlings of mahogany, pili and other fruit bearing trees on January 11, 2011.

Congressman Sarmiento, Governor Joseph C. Cua and CSC President Dr. Asuncion V. Asetre, led the historic massive tree planting drive, dubbed 1.11.11 Catanduanes Synchronized Tree Planting Project, along with CSC employees and students in various designated sites at the campus.

Congressman Sarmiento also made rounds at the planting sites in CSC, thanked the participants for their support and encouraged them to be one with the greening of the province.

CSC received around 1,400 assorted seedlings comprised of mahogany, narra, pili, guava, guyabano, jackfruit and santol from the congressional district office. As its counterpart, CSC also beefed up the delivered tree seedling stock by providing additional pili tree seedlings taken from the CSC nursery project.

The CSC employees and students planted the assorted fruit bearing trees along the sides of perimeter fence fronting Laboratory school, HRD building and within the CSC Bio Park; the narra along the perimeter fence and around the athletic oval and the mahogany down the road network passing the length of the piggery and native chicken projects of the College of Agriculture.

The CSC President has directed to name the almost one kilometer stretch of road network from the CSC Laboratory Schools to the Livestock Project of the Colleges as ‘Pili Avenue.’ Other road networks around the campus will also be named after each type of trees lining its byways.

Hence, the CSC President urged the students and employees to nurture the planted trees to ensure its growth.

In the report of Philippine News Agency (PNA) Bicol, 11,000 trees were planted in 11 selected school grounds across the province. It reported that Congressman Sarmiento conceptualized the tree planting project after having seen during the recent poll campaign the effect of declining forest cover on the province’s environment as evidenced by massive landslides, floods and decreasing water supply during summer. (EABagadiong, PIA Catanduanes/CSC)

CAM SUR GOV RECEIVES SEAL OF EXCELLENCE AWARD

PILI, Camarines Sur (PIA) --- The Civil Service Commission (CSC) formally awarded the Citizen’s Satisfaction Center Seal of Excellence to Camarines Sur Governor Luis Raymund F. Villafuerte for his zealous adherence to follow the mandate of Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007 in a simple awarding rites held at the Provincial Convention Center at the Provincial Complex, here on Monday(Jan. 10).

Hon. Cezar D. Beunaflor, CSC Sr. Commissioner and also the event’s distinguished Guest of Honor, cited Villafuerte’s effort in creating a competent government workforce that made the efficient delivery of government service to its constituents possible.

“Governor Villafuerte has contributed a lot in the positive transformation of Camarines Sur. It was reflected in the result of the Report Card Survey (RCS) that the commission has conducted in the province of Camarines Sur. These efforts consequently resulted to the reduction of the bureaucratic red tape and prevented graft and corruption.”

Republic Act 9485, otherwise known as the Anti-Red Tape Act of 2007 specifically mandates the state to promote integrity, accountability, proper management of public affairs and public property. They are also mandated to “establish effective practices aimed at the prevention of graft and corruption in government.”

Villafuerte received a cash award amounting to Php50,000.00 and the Glass of the Seal of Excellence Award.

Camarines Sur was the only recipient of the prestigious Seal of Excellence Award in the Bicol Region and the entire Luzon, and one of the 6th awardees chosen from key cities and local government units in the Philippines.

Atty. Daisy P. Bragais, CSC Regional Office V Acting Assistant Regional Director said that the Seal of Excellence Awards validated the kind of quality service that Camarines Sur has given its constituents thru the effective delivery of its frontline services.

Villafuerte in his acceptance speech also lauded his fellow public servants, specifically the provincial capitol personnel and employees, for their cooperation in realizing his vision.
After the simple awarding rites, the mounting and installation of the Seal of Excellence at the Provincial Capitol Building followed. (LSMacatangay, PIA CamSur)

MGB-V WARNS AGAINST GEOHAZARDS

LEGAZPI CITY, Jan 10 (PIA) — Following the recent order of Environment and Natural Resources Secretary Ramon J.P. Paje, Regional Director Reynulfo A. Juan today renewed his call on local executives in Bicol to take heed of the warnings on geological hazards issued by the Bicol Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB-V).

“With the incessant rains being experienced in Bicol in the past weeks, we expect the soil to have been fully saturated. With the forecast from the weather bureau of more rains coming in until February, it is a matter of time that more landslides and flashfloods would be expected in identified disaster-prone areas in Albay, Catanduanes, Camarines Sur, Sorsogon and Camarines Norte.

Juan said that the MGB-V has already completed the geohazard mapping and assessment of the Bicol Region last year. It has distributed geohazard maps to most local government units to integrate preparedness and mitigating measures, including possible relocation or evacuation into their local disaster management plan.

All 113 municipalities and cities regionwide were covered in the MGB-V’s geohazard mapping program. (MGB V/PIA)

FEATURE: HEARTWARMING STORIES FROM DOLE BICOL

LEGAZPI CITY, Jan. 8 (DOLE/PIA) -- The regional office of the Department of Labor and Employment (DOLE) here recently released accounts of ordinary citizens whose lives were changed by DOLE programs.

Story 1: The Tools Of Hope. His excitement grew by the minute. This was the day he had been waiting for. A new chance in life, a new hope, a new dream... He had been praying for this all his life – and finally it came true.

In just a matter of minutes, Henry Felizardo, 36 years old, from the flood torn area of Quirangay, Camalig, Albay, will be receiving, probably, as he said "the best gift" he would have on a Christmas. "Labis po ang aking pasasalamat sa DOLE. Ngayon po magtutuluy-tuloy na ang aking kita para pantawid gutom ng aking pamilya. Pahahalagahan ko po ang regalong ito mula sa inyo" (Im so thankful to DOLE, I could have more income now to sustain my family. This gift you gave me I will truly value.)

He was drifting into euphoria. His dream of giving his family a better-sustainable life is slowly becoming a reality. He could now picture himself with his kids eating out in the park and finally tasting the foods that were, before, just an imagination to them. "Hindi po ninyo alam kung gaano mababago ang buhay namin dahil dito."

"Henry Felizardo. Henry Felizardo, dito po sa unahan. Pa-picture kay Dir. Alvin" the voice of Spvg. LEO and event's MC Ms. Rosemarie Cleofe roared on the 5,000 watts sound woofer. Everything seemed to stop. He could even hear his heart beat. It was his name that was called. This is it.

He stood up excitedly. His hands were trembling from joyous hope when DOLE-Bicol Reg. Dir. Atty. Alvin M. Villamor, ARD Irma S. Valiente and some other personas, from what they call RCC whom he only saw and heard on TV or radio, personally handed to him the box of cell phone repair kit. "Pagbutihin mo ha. Sabi po saken mismo ni Dir. Alvin. Ang bait nya pala at gwapo sa personal. Sa TV ko lang kase siya nakikita eh."

He hugged the box of the cell phone repair kit as if it was his beloved wife.

Before this December 6 "Singko Sa Singko" DOLE Livelihood Awarding & Anniversary Celebration, Henry's life had been tough. Job was elusive. A penny was a luxury and a bill is but a strange dream. His family could barely make it out on a day. If not for DOLE Albay Chief Engr. Arturo P. Corbe and his'angels' Ma. Ella E. Verano and Olga R. Loduvice, who introduced the Livelihood Starter Kit (DK-SK) or'Trabaho Sa Bag" Program at Henry's barangay, Henry would have quit on life. "Hirap na hirap po talaga kame. Parang gusto ko ng sumuko nun." Henry told LEO II Renalyn Enriquez of Cam. Norte PFO. Rena was tasked to interview the beneficiaries that fateful day.

Upon learning about the programs and services of the DOLE Henry's life's battle were being won day-by-day. He was given technical competency training by TESDA on cell phone repair and a short-financial management course by DOLE as part of the package of the DK-SK program. After taking the TESDA Competency Exam, which he passed, he worked as a cellphone repair and maintenance technician in the city. In a short time, his skills were honed and he became an expert on the field of cp repair. He then decided to go SOLO and do some'home service' stuff. But with a limited income he could only afford to buy cheap tools that wore out easily from the tough repairs his doing. "Syempre po konti lang yung kita kaya po yun mumurahin lang na tools nabibili ko. Eh Isang ikot lang po kung minsan sira na agad. Ito pong bigay ng DOLE siguro habambuhay na to!"

DOLE-Bicol gave Henry a set of sturdy, top-of-the-line cell phone repair kit amounting to 9,830.00. "Ito na ang simula ng pagtupad ng inyong mga pangarap…" Atty. Alvin M. VIllamor said during his speech that day.

*****

Story 2: The Needle Which Sew Life

Mrs. Corazon Madrideo, 67-years old of Brgy. 1 Camalig, Albay, has been a sewer for about 14 years. Her calloused hands and jagged fingers tells the tale of her hardships in life with sewing as her partner in enduring the pains of living. To Corazon, sewing is living…

A widow with two kids, her everyday routine is a struggle. Doing everything she can to let both ends meet. "Maganda naman po sana ang kita sa pagtatahi kaso lang po kulang sa aming tatlo." Sewing alone could not sustain their daily needs. To augment expenses, she needed to do laundry in the morning, sell fish in the afternoon and at night go back to sewing using her old-rusted sewing machine. She endured all this for her two children "Magagawa ko ang lahat para sa aking mga anak." (I Can do everything for my children!)

For a while, this endless routine seemed to work. But, fate sometimes plays unfairly. The worst calamity "Typhoon Reming" struck Albay in 2006. Heavy rains caused the highest ever recorded flood in the province, drenching the huge ash and boulder deposits atop Mayon Volcano causing it to race downhill enveloping Legazpi City and nearby Municipalities with tons of mud, rock and water. Thousands of lives were claimed. Many houses were demolished. Corazon's family was one of the unlucky...

"Ubos po lahat. Nawala lahat ng konting ari-arian naming. Inanod ng baha" (Nothing was left. All vanished. The flood took everything from us)

However, in-spite of this tragedy, upon seeing her two kids, Corazon garnered her strength, stood up and told herself'Life must go on'. For two years, from 2006, she tried to reclaim what was lost hopping from one job to another to survive but never could she forget her sewing skills and her old sewing machine. She knelt every night and prayed for hours for a chance of having a new sewing machine. Dreaming - to start over again. "Sabi ko noon kung magkakaroon lang sana ulet ako ng makina, maigagapang kong muli ang buhay naming tatlo." (If only i were given a chance to have a new sewing machine, our life would be much better).

DOLE Albay Chief Engr. Arturo P. Corbe and her'angels' Sr. LEO Ma. Ella E. Verano and LEO III Olga R. Ludovice upon hearing the heart pinching story of Corazon decided to include Corazon's family in the DK-SK list of beneficiaries. Corazon was given a sewer's kit consisting of a brand new Singer Sewing Machine, a set of needles, dozens of multi-color threads, a tape measure and other sewing paraphernalia which totaled to about P9,100.00. She was also enrolled on a short-term training course in TESDA and was trained in small business management.

"This is the kind of life story and the kind of people that we must help. Self propelled individuals wanting a chance to change their lives." DOLE-Bicol Reg. Dir. Atty. Alvin M. Villamor said during the'Singko Sa Singko" December 6 awarding.

"Ito na ang kasagutan ng Panginoon sa aking matagal na panalangin. Maraming maraming salamat sa DOLE kayo ang ginawang niyang instrumento upang ipagkaloob ang kanyang biyaya. Kayo ang mga Anghel ngayong pasko " Corazon murmured with tears flowing down her cheeks.

*****

Story 3: The Calming Touch of the Blind

The side streets of DOLE-ROV was held in a traffic. About 25-blind persons were slowly walking, hands patted on the back of the guide and the rest lining like a caterpillar. From the vision of a normal eyed person, they resembled a group of children playing the game cho-cho train. Crossing the street, their line held every jeepney and every person to a halt. Inch by inch they walked like a caterpillar calmly and peacefully with smiles drawn on their lips. Their peacefulness, calmness and patience were contagious. Not anyone hurried. Nobody got annoyed. Everyone waited for the blind to pass.

As early as 8am the 16-blind masseurs and 9-blind members of the Visuallly Impaired Voice of Albay (VIVA) Band– beneficiaries of DOLE Bicol's "Singko Sa Sinko" 5-in1 Awarding Ceremony and Anniversary Celebration were inside the DOLE building sitting patiently. They were the very first to come for the event. Their enthusiasm were unparalleled.

"They are among the best masseurs and masseuses from selected municipalities and cities of Albay. Despite their handicap they don't fail to be a productive citizens of this country. Although all of them were masseurs, some (9) choose to concentrate more on music" DOLE-Bicol Reg. Dir. Atty. Alvin M. Villamor said.

Massaging had been the source of living of the Llona's. They long-stretched, powerful hands were gifted with what they call the'The Blind's Touch'. The Blind's Touch is rumored to be a supernatural gift from God to sense and pin-point the aches and sickness of the human body by a sheer touch of the blind's palm. Husband and wife tandem Abelardo Llona, 61 yrs. old and Ligaya Llona, 45 yrs. old, from Taysan, Legazpi City, both born blind, were said to have this gift.
"Pagmamasahe po talaga ang trabaho namen. Noong marinig po namen sa Radyo Veritas yung programa ng DOLE nagbakasakali po kame na matulungan. Mahirap po maging bulag pero hindi ito hadlang para hindi magsumikap" (Massaging is our job. When we heard the program of DOLE at Radyo Veritas we thought we could ask for some help. It is really difficult to be blind but it is not a reason not to try make a living).

Being both blind, the husband and wife tandem, have had enough share of difficulties but they survived life's most insurmountable circumstances with God as their ultimate strength and their children as their 'light'. As a source of living, they both do home service massage earning enough to support the family's basic needs and send their children to a modest school.

Their handicapped trained them to have a positive outlook in life and to never give up. "Basta po magtulungan kame, magkasama makakaraos" (As long as we are together and holding on to each other we can make it) But the responsibilities of being parents are almost taking its toll. Their income, compared to the expenses of schooling and the rising prices of massage oils and paraphernalia, is fast becoming short.

DOLE Albay Chief Engr. Arturo P. Corbe and TULAY Focal Person Ms. Nelly A. Prieto have seen the determination of blind masseurs stationed at Pacific Mall, Legazpi. This determination moved the DOLE to list them as beneficiaries.

As beneficiaries, Abelardo and Ligaya Llona received, literally, a backpack bag, composed of massage kits, special oils, hand towels and other assortments needed for their home massage service amounting to some P10,000.00. "Before they were stationed at the mall here in Legazpi. But now that they have their own tools they said that they will venture more on home service wherein a larger pay awaits them." Engr. Art Corbe stated explained.

"Napakalaking tulong po ang magagawa nito sa aming pamilya. Pagpapalain po kayo ng Diyos at patuloy na palawakin ang ganitong mga uri ng programa para sa mga katulad namin." (this is a great help not only to us but to our families. May God Bless DOLE. We hope that you will have more programs such as this.)

*****

Blind David - Stricken by a serious disease when he was only two (2), David Bueno, 24 yrs old, single, of Baranghawon, Purok 2, tabaco City, was destined to be blind.

Now, after twenty (22) years he was asked if there any grudges or hatred in his heart for this blinded fate? He smiled, "No more, all had been swept away by love and understanding showed by my family and friends even by the people around me Like what DOLE is doing right now for us. You are changing the perception of many among us, that we are worthless. You are encouraging us to be self-reliant. Thank you so much for this gift you are giving us. We will never forget this. Merry Christmas in advance!"

David learned massaging form TESDA and now plans to do more on home service where he earns more than just staying in the confines of the mall and focus on the Visually Impaired Voice of Albay (VIVA) Band wherein he is the conducctor. The DK-SK Massage Kit given by DOLE is enough to start his own business to support his family. (DOLE V/PIA)