23rd BSP MERIT BADGE ON ANTI-SMOKING IN THE OFFING
…lunching at 1ST ASEAN Neighborhood Invitational Jamboree in Albay
By Aida A. Naz

LEGAZPI CITY, (PIA) – Alongside the efforts of Albay province to arrest the worsening climate change, the Smoke-Free Albay Network (SFAN) launched the scouts’ smoke-free commitment as one of the highlights of the 1st ASEAN Neighborhood Invitational Jamboree at Kawa-Kawa, Tuburan, Ligao City held January 17-22.

More than two-thirds or 77 per cent equivalent to 4,094 participating boy scouts with ages ranging from 12-15 opted to attend the launching of the scouts’ smoke-free commitment held at the grand arena of the camp. The rest joined the hiking activity.

The activity signals the start of the process by which as merit badge may be earned by a scouter. At the moment, 22 merit badges may be earned by a boy scout for community service to meritorious deeds. When approved by the national Boys Scouts of the Philippines (BSP), the smoke-free merit badge will be the 23rd.

Rep. Fernando V. Gonzales, third district of Albay exhorted the young scouts to never try smoking or those who do to stop.

In his inspirational message, Gonzalez who confessed that he has quitted smoking, said that the young generation are very fortunate that advocacies on anti-smoking are conducted unlike during his childhood where they were never informed of the harmful effects of smoking not only to smokers but non-smokers as well.

Similarly, the welcome message of BSP Albay (Mayon Council) executive Bienvenido T. Canlapan urged the scouters not to try smoking as such affects the health of an individual.

Canlapan who at age 67 is robust and strong, informed that his then youth ‘gang’ of 14 has only 4 surviving members, all are non-smokers.

Other discussions during the activity were the presentation of the SFAN advocacy imparted by Herbert S. Borja, provincial board member and SFAN and a health talk focusing on the The Power of Smoke-Free Kids.

The highlight of the affair was the pledge of commitment that enunciated the whole hearted vow by choosing to live and promote smoke-free environment at home, school, and community. This was followed by the signing of commitment by each scouter present.

An SFAN booth was put up at the camp site to distribute anti-smoking IEC materials.

SFAN was created through executive order No. 13-201 signed in October last year by Governor Joey Salceda, also the honorary chair. The network aims to monitor and encourage the enforcement of laws, circulars, ordinances and resolutions on anti-smoking. It, too, promotes healthy lifestyle.

SFAN is an aggrupation of national government agencies, local government offices and non-government organizations including religious groups. (PIA V/Albay/mal)

NPC CONDUCTS EXPOSITORY HEARING ON ENVIRON CHARGE
By Lizel S. Macatangay

PILI, Camarines Sur , (PIA) — The National Power Corporation (NPC) conducted an expository hearing on “Rules and Procedures governing the utilization and disbursement of Universal Charge-Environmental Charge(UC-EC)” held at the Central Bicol State University of Agriculture (CBSUA), attended by various stakeholders, particularly electric cooperative here.

Pursuant to Republic Act 9136 otherwise known as the Electric Power Industry Reform Act (EPIRA), the National Power Corporation (NPC) is mandated to manage an environmental charge (UC-UE) equivalent to one-fourth of one centavo per kilowatt hour (P0.0025/ kWh)

Mr. Emmanuel A. Umali, Watershed Management Department Manager of NPC, gave an overview of the project, citing among others, the legal basis why a specific amount should be collected from the stakeholders.

“As our EPIRA law directs, NPC shall manage and continue to be responsible for watershed rehabilitation and management and that fixed amount, amounting to P0.0025, will be solely devoted for the rehabilitation of our existing watersheds.”

The same authority given to NPC was also supported by Republic Act 6395 allowing it “to exercise complete jurisdiction and control over watersheds surrounding the reservoirs of power plants and power projects; and EO 224, which also vested upon NPC “the complete jurisdiction, control and regulation of seven watershed areas around its power plants.”

Umali said that the fund that will be collected will be used for qualified projects under UC-EC which includes; watershed rehabilitation, watershed protection, acquisition and maintenance of tools, equipment, hardware and software relative to watershed database management , for research and development and for technical, legal, administrative and logistical support.

In the provinces of Albay and Camarines Sur , Umali cited that the NPC has already accomplished more than 70 per cent of their approved projects.

“We have already completed the vegetative rehabilitation project, which includes reforestation, agroforestry and vetiver plantation in both Albay and Camarines Sur, the same with the structural rehabilitation in both provinces, which includes riprap and check dam projects.”

The CBSUA discussion is NPC’s second leg of expository presentation. The same sortie will be conducted in Iligan City and Benguet until the final hearing of the petition set on March 21, 2011.(PIA CamSur)

NEW INCOME BASELINE FOR PHILHEALTH PREMIUMS NOW IMPLEMENTED IN BICOLBy Marlon A. Loterte

LEGAZPI CITY, (PIA) — Premium contribution of self-employed professionals or individuals to the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) will now have a baseline P25,000 monthly family income, according to the agency’s regional official here.

According to Dr. Veronica Mateum, PhilHealth Bicol regional director, professionals or individuals under the Individually Paying Program of PhilHealth will pay the new approved premium contribution as provided in the corporation’s Circular No. 24, series of 2010, which took effect Oct. 12 last year.

Mateum explained the income of the registered members will be determined upon registration, wherein new and existing members will be required to register anew using the PhilHelath Member Registration Form (PMRF), indicating their profession or occupation and the net monthly income of the preceding year.

“Professionals need to attach a copy of their Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) ID, along with birth certificate and other identification documents to establish primary data of the registrants,” she said.
“For self-employed, PhilHealth will require them to submit a photocopy of their business permit,” she added.

Mateum said, on the other hand, should the declared income is below P25,000 the members should attach a photocopy of the income tax returns (ITR) to the registration form. In the absence of ITR, members can present their community tax certificate or cedula.

Data submitted are still subject for verification, and members will be informed of applicable premium contribution based on the assessmnet of PhilHealth.

PhilHealth guidelines provide that should the indicated profession fall under the corporation’s List of Professionals and income is more that P25,000, the member will P200 per month, or P600 in a quarterly basis, or P2,400 annually for the first year.

For succeeding years, the member shall pay P300 monthly, or P900 per quarter, or P3,600 in a year.

On the other hand, should the monthly income after taxes deducted of the member is P25,000 or below for the past 12 months, only P100 premium is due each month, or P300/quarterly, or P1,200/year.

Mateum said the increase in contribution for the individually paying members took effect following the rationalization of premium payment scheme wherein contribution based on earning is more equitable and essential in achieving solidarity of social health insurance.

“PhilHealth believes this scheme will sustain the program and improve the benefits to the members and dependents. The corporation is primarily guided by community spirit, anchored on solidarity among income groups, persons of different health status, and residing in different parts of the country,” she concluded. (PIA V/Albay)

NEW INCOME BASELINE FOR PHILHEALTH PREMIUMS NOW IMPLEMENTED IN BICOL
By Marlon A. Loterte

LEGAZPI CITY, (PIA) — Premium contribution of self-employed professionals or individuals to the Philippine Health Insurance Corporation (PhilHealth) will now have a baseline P25,000 monthly family income, according to the agency’s regional official here.

According to Dr. Veronica Mateum, PhilHealth Bicol regional director, professionals or individuals under the Individually Paying Program of PhilHealth will pay the new approved premium contribution as provided in the corporation’s Circular No. 24, series of 2010, which took effect Oct. 12 last year.

Mateum explained the income of the registered members will be determined upon registration, wherein new and existing members will be required to register anew using the PhilHelath Member Registration Form (PMRF), indicating their profession or occupation and the net monthly income of the preceding year.

“Professionals need to attach a copy of their Professional Regulation Commission (PRC) ID, along with birth certificate and other identification documents to establish primary data of the registrants,” she said.
“For self-employed, PhilHealth will require them to submit a photocopy of their business permit,” she added.

Mateum said, on the other hand, should the declared income is below P25,000 the members should attach a photocopy of the income tax returns (ITR) to the registration form. In the absence of ITR, members can present their community tax certificate or cedula.

Data submitted are still subject for verification, and members will be informed of applicable premium contribution based on the assessmnet of PhilHealth.

PhilHealth guidelines provide that should the indicated profession fall under the corporation’s List of Professionals and income is more that P25,000, the member will P200 per month, or P600 in a quarterly basis, or P2,400 annually for the first year.

For succeeding years, the member shall pay P300 monthly, or P900 per quarter, or P3,600 in a year.
On the other hand, should the monthly income after taxes deducted of the member is P25,000 or below for the past 12 months, only P100 premium is due each month, or P300/quarterly, or P1,200/year.

Mateum said the increase in contribution for the individually paying members took effect following the rationalization of premium payment scheme wherein contribution based on earning is more equitable and essential in achieving solidarity of social health insurance.

“PhilHealth believes this scheme will sustain the program and improve the benefits to the members and dependents. The corporation is primarily guided by community spirit, anchored on solidarity among income groups, persons of different health status, and residing in different parts of the country,” she concluded. (PIA V/Albay)

DENR OPENS 2011 NATIONAL COMPETITION
FOR SUSTAINABLE AND ECO-FRIENDLY SCHOOLS

LEGAZPI CITY, (PIA) — Interested schools that would like to participate in the 2011 National Search for Sustainable and Eco-friendly Schools may start submitting their school’s documentation of its eco-friendly program, according to the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR).

According to newly-installed DENR Secretary Ramon JP Paje, the eco-friendly schools program launched last 2009 generated positive responses from the schools and this paved the way for the next wave of the competition this year.

“We intended to have the search this year, to allow schools more time to prepare and enhance their existing eco-friendly programs. We are hoping to encourage more schools to participate and take part in heightening environmental awareness among our youth,” Paje said.

The nationwide contest dubbed, “National Search for Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Schools,” was organized to highlight achievement of schools that are committed in implementing various environmental programs. Open to all elementary, high school and tertiary school levels, the activity aims to encourage schools and academic institutions to become more actively involved in environmental issues at a practical and local level. It also aims to dev elop skills and understanding among students, faculty and school administrators to initiate active responses and increase community awareness and involvement on environmental concerns.

A total of nine schools were declared as national champs for the 2009 National Search for Sustainable and Eco-Friendly Schools. These are the following: (Elementary category) First prize – Peñablanca East Central School, Aggugaddan-Malibabag, Peñablanca, Cagayan; Second prize – North Central Elementary School, Bonuan Gueset, Dagupan City, Pangasinan; and Third prize – Badas Elementary School, Badas, Placer, Surigao del Norte.

For the high school category, the winners are: First place – La Castellana National High School, La Castellan, Negros Occidental; Second place – Camarines Sur National High School, Naga City, Camarines Sur; and Third place – Daniel R. Aguinaldo National High School, Matina, Davao City.

For the college category, the winners are: First place – Palawan State University, Puerto Princesa City, Palawan; Second place – Visayas State University, Baybay, Leyte; and Third place – Catanduanes State Colleges, Virac, Catanduanes.

The national search is a joint activity of the DENR through the Environmental Management Bureau (EMB), the Department of Education (DepEd), Commission o Higher Education (CHED) and Smart Communications.

Smart Communications joins the activity as part of its own environment advocacy for schools. “We are happy to partner with the DENR and other agencies for this nationwide search. This activity will encourage schools to promote environmental consciousness among the youth,” said Ramon Isberto, Smart Public Affairs Head.

Participating schools must submit entries in three hard copies to respective DepEd Division Offices for elementary and high school categories, and to EMB Regional Offices for the higher education category. The minimum requirement for judging will be the hard copies. Entries can likewise be submitted online in JPEG format with a resolution of 300 dots per inch (dpi), a minimum size of 1536 x 2048 pixels, and a maximum file size of 1MB. Entries may be emailed to ecofriendlyschools@gmail.com. The top entry per category for every region will be forwarded to the EMB Central Office for national judging.

For elementary and high school categories, entries should be submitted directly to their respective DepEd Division Offices. On the other hand, for the college category, entries should be submitted to the nearest EMB Regional Office. The deadline for submission of entries is on April 29, 2011.

School entries should revolve around the theme “Sustainable and Eco-friendly Initiatives.” Participating schools should include a brief description of the Project.

Entries will be rated according to the following: Environment-related Aspects of the School’s Policy (20 pts); Environment-friendly School Operations and Presence of Environmental Programs (30 pts); Environment-related Features of the School Curriculum (30 pts); Presence of Vibrant Eco Organizations in Campus (10 pts); and Presence of Partners and Linkages in Environment Programs/Projects (10 pts). Only one entry per school will be accepted.

For the national level, prizes include, College, High School and Elementary: P50,000 – 1st prize; P40,000 – 2nd Prize; P30,000 – 3rd Prize and plaques of recognition. For the regional level, a certificate of recognition and a prize of in cheque of P10,000 will be given to regional finalists for each category.

All winning entries for each of the three categories, together with selected entries will be displayed during the national awarding ceremonies in November 2011, coinciding with the National Environmental Awareness Month celebration.

For further details, please contact the Environmental Education and Information Divison of the Environmental Management Bureau-DENR. Telefax: (02) 9284674 or Tel. No. 9202251 Website: www.emb.gov.ph. (DENR V/PIA Albay/mal)

VIRAC SOCIAL ACTION AND DIOS MABALOS FOUNDATION IN MEDICAL MISSION
by Edna A Bagadiong

VIRAC, (PIA) — Nearly 1,200 patients from the towns of Gigmoto and Virac were beneficiaries of a medical mission conducted by the Dios Mabalos Foundation, Inc. (DMFI) last Jan.9-10 with the assistance of the Diocese of Virac Social Action Foundation, Inc. (DVSAFI).

The team, composed of 14 nurse volunteers and 10 DMFI staff members, arrived Jan.9 in Virac, with DVSAFI arranging for their accommodation and transportation aside from providing support staff for the mission. The female members of the team were billeted at the Fiat House in Cavinitan were the males were housed at the Risen Christ Dormitory.

Five nurse-volunteers assisted the Catanduanes International Association (CIA) medical mission at the Eastern Bicol Medical Center the following day while the rest proceeded to Gigmoto for the mission, including the feeding of the beneficiaries.

With the support of the municipal government and the active participation of Rev. Fr. Nestor Buena, parish priest of St. Isidore the Farmer Church, the mission benefited 581 patients, broken down as follows: 22- linis kuko; 22-fungal removal; 216- ear screening; 174- Eye Screening for adults; and, 147- eye glasses distribution. The beneficiaries came from the poblacion barangays and from rural barangays in the town.

The second day of the mission was on January 11 at the Our Lady of Salvation Parish in Palta Big, Virac, where the same services were provided by the team to 614 patients from barangay covered by the Palta Parish, namely: Palta Big, Palta Salvacion, Palta Small, Cabihian, Hawan Ilaya, and Palawig.

These were 37 linis kuko patients, 37 for fungal removal, 309 for eye screening for adults, and 121 for eye glasses distribution, and feeding. The efficient and well-organized intervention of DVSAFI contributed greatly to the success of the mission. (PIA Catanduanes)

DENR declares zero forest damage amid flooding, landslide in Albay

LEGAZPI CITY, (PIA) — No damage was wrought on Albay’s forestland after three weeks of continuous heavy rains that bombarded the province which caused flooding and landslide in several disaster susceptible areas.

“Technical staff from the field reported zero forest damage in spite of the torrential rains that poured and caused massive flooding and landslide in high risk areas” said Forester Rodolfo Matusalem, Provincial Environment and Natural Resources Officer of Albay.

Matusalem said the only affected timbers were those situated within the alienable and disposable (A&D) areas. He said the damaged vegetation during the mudslide that struck Oas and Manito were found nearby A&D areas.

He maintained that PENRO Albay is continuously monitoring forestry hot spots which include zones in Mayon Volcano Natural Park.

PENRO Matusalem assured that programs are underway to revitalize the forest cover of Albay. “Local governments and non-governmental organizations are coordinating with the PENRO/CENRO on future tree planting activities” he added.

The DENR urges private individuals or organizations to venture into community based forest management as part of the department’s policy on granting forest tenurial instruments to stakeholders.

Meanwhile, Matusalem said his office, alongside the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) plan to conduct a series of information dissemination campaign for local governments concerning geohazards to further bolster the disaster risk reduction program of the DENR. Identified critical areas in Albay include Bacacay, Libon, Malilipot, Malinao, Manito, Rapu-Rapu, Sto. Domingo, Tiwi and Ligao. (ASAraya, DENR V/PIA Albay/mal)

PNP now accepting applicants for police officers

VIRAC, Catanduanes, (PIA) — The Catanduanes Police Provincial Command based at Camp Francisco Camacho is now accepting applicants for Police Officer I for the first semester of CY 2011 under the PO1 Attrition Recruitment Program.

Interested applicants must have the following qualifications: at least 21 years old but not more than 30 years old; at least a Baccalaureate degree holder; must possess any of the following eligibilities – Napolcom PNP entrance, CSC professional passers or board passers; at least 5’2” in height for female and 5’4” for male; and, must be physically and mentally fit.

For more information, please visit the Catanduanes PNP office c/o Administrative Section, Camp Francisco Camacho, Virac. (EABagadiong, PIA Catanduanes)

Chiz dares police, DILG to name execs cuddling kidnap gangs

LEGAZPI CITY, (PIA) — “Come out with names and file cases if you have the evidence.”

This was the challenge of Senator Chiz Escudero to the police chief of Cotobato City and the Department of the Interior and Local Government after it was reported that they had arrested the suspects responsible for the spate of kidnappings in the area.

Police Senior Superintendent Willie Dangane said the other day the kidnap suspects had admitted in their sworn statements that their group was being run and protected by men in government. Dangane, however, declined to identify the officials.

Escudero, chairman of the Senate national defense and security committee, said such announcement was useless unless the police would take the appropriate action and intervention amid the unabated incidents of kidnapping in the city and nearby towns.

“They should name names and not simply pass the buck to a nameless and faceless category of people usually used as a ‘whipping boy’ even in movies. I challenge the PNP and the DILG to file cases against those that they have evidence against,” Escudero said.

Last week, Escudero sought the relief of the Cotabato police and Army chiefs for their failure to stop kidnappings in the city. He also urged them to look into allegations that some of its personnel were involved in kidnapping activities.

“Now that they claim to have the names of these officials, the security force has to present it in full package. Unmask these hooligans who hide under the cloak of government and let the arms of the law reach them. There should be no sacred cow in this arena as everyone's security is at stake,” Escudero said. “It’s time to show that we indeed have a force there that these criminals have to reckon with.” (Office of Sen, Escudero/PIA Albay/mal)

CCT expands to four other towns in Albay

LEGAZPI CITY, (PIA) — The conditional cash transfer (CCT) scheme of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) has expanded the coverage of in four towns in the province of Albay.

President Benigno Aquino lll has recently approved the inclusion of four towns (Camalig, Tiwi, Guinobatan and Oas) in the CCT program to help poor families specially those economically displaced due to the heavy rains for the past weeks.

Albay Governor Joey Salceda said the inclusion of the four other towns actually constitutes the biggest and the more socio-economically beneficial relief to our province in this period of economic stress,”

Salceda personally thank President Aquino and DSWD Secretary Dinky Soliman for the immediate response to address the needs of displaced families specially farmers and fisher folks in the province.

“Conditional cash transfers build disaster resilience of poor families and the experience of Albay is a prime example,” he noted.

Manito is one major CCT area of the government, with almost 1,000 beneficiary-families indicating 1 out of 3 poor families in this geographically isolated area of Albay.

According to Salceda, unlike all other local government units in Albay, Manito is most unique and an exemplar in disaster risk reduction wherein barangay residents do not wait for the province to order evacuation.

“Once their rain gauges reach threshold, residents evacuate on their initiative and just notify the province of their need for food assistance to replenish what they initially expended and that ability is significantly aided by conditional cash transfers,” Salceda added.

Salceda meanwhile said cash is the most flexible form of relief enabling the poor to make choices, whether to eat sardines or eggs for viand. Unless, of course, there are supply rigidities when relief goods are needed to expand available supply.

In the current Tail End of Cold Front (TECF) disaster episode, expanding this safety net was a priority request of Albay for assistance from the national government made during the President Aquino’s visit here on Jan 14, this year.

“This actually constitutes the biggest and the more socio economically beneficial relief to our province in this period of economic stress,” he said

The next imperative is to expand the current coverage of 11,869 to target the poor families of 42,500 school age kids not in school to enable us to achieve full participation in basic education Millennium Development Goals (MDG2) by 2015.

The optimal long term target would be the 92,880 total number of Albay families living below the poverty threshold. (MALoterte, PIA V/Albay)


Aquino orders PNP to arrest all behind carnappings/killings in Metro Manila

MANILA — Quite pleased by the results of police operations that led to the arrest of two people behind the spate of carnappings and gruesome killings of car dealers in Metro Manila, President Benigno S. Aquino III ordered the police not to stop until they have arrested and charged all the suspects.

This was reported by Presidential Communications Secretary Sonny Coloma in an interview over dzRH on Saturday morning (Jan. 22) when he said that the President is truly happy with the successful operations of the Philippine National Police in recent days.

“Nagagalak naman po ang ating Pangulo at patuloy po iyong kaniyang tagubilin na dapat na pag-igtingin pa nga nila iyong kanilang mga operations at pagsikapang mahuli lahat itong mga tiwaling carjacking syndicate members,” Coloma said.

Coloma said the President is determined about not just having them arrested but brought to justice.

He said the President continues to monitor developments daily but that statistics showed that the frequency of carnapping in 2011 is lower than those of previous years and authorities are working hard to achieve a higher rate of solution of such cases. “We are not contented yet because these crimes must not really be taking place,” Coloma said.

He admitted that compared to last year, the carjacking incidents this year involved more killings of car owners, which is why the President is making sure the situation does not worsen.

He said Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo is “hands on” in this situation and is monitoring the police actions very closely, as part of his functions. (PIA V Release)

Aquino wants to soften the impact of oil price hikes on people

MANILA — President Benigno S. Aquino III has asked the Department of Energy (DOE) to look for ways to soften the impact of the continuing oil price hikes in the world market on the Filipino consumers and motorists.

Presidential Communications Secretary Sonny Coloma said in an interview with dzRH that the President is bothered about the continuing price escalations in the world market which is why he asked the DOE to look for ways to minimize its effect on the people.

“We are constantly monitoring the price movements and I assure you that we have not yet been seeing any price manipulation taking place locally since we can calculate accurately the petroleum price increases on commodity prices,” Coloma stressed.

The retail price of diesel, commonly used in public transport systems, has shot up to P40.25 per liter.

Coloma said the supply-demand law will eventually dictate the buying habits of Filipinos and petroleum companies will realize that they can not price their products too high or no one will buy them.

Coloma said Energy Secretary Jose Rene Almendras is now persuading the executives of the major oil companies if they could give special rates to the public transport industry, particularly jeepneys and buses, to help these sectors that directly affect the riding public.

He added that the Land Transportation Franchising and Regulatory Board is also studying ways to soften the impact of oil prices on commuter fares by asking the public transport drivers to continue granting discounts for students, as well as senior citizens. (PIA V Release)